Not every milspouse journey includes having kids—and that’s okay. Being a childfree milspouse often means navigating stigma, side comments, and the assumption that community is only built around kids. In this episode, we’re talking honestly about the barriers childfree spouses face—and why their choice doesn’t make them “less” in this lifestyle. We’ll also challenge you to rethink your own assumptions and start creating space where every milspouse can belong kids or not.

Salty Sites

Salty Milspouse Site: https://saltymilspouse.com

Shop Salty: https://saltymilspouse.myshopify.com/ 

Salty Milspouse Guest Application: https://forms.gle/Q9YLbYGajVU7u9z48 

Dear Salty Submission Form: https://forms.gle/fPdPaPTeCH6Ptp9n8 

Thank you so much for listening!

Stay salty, 

Amanda & Bethel

Surprise change in orders? Check.

Sudden schedule changes? Check.

Two mildly (okay, majorly) stressed co-hosts? DOUBLE CHECK.

In this real-talk episode, we are riding the wave of the ever dreaded and unexpected "I've got news" calls from our spouses—and bringing you along for the emotional loop-de-loop. Our Google calendars are weeping, but we are making the most of it and glad you're coming along this ride with us!

Salty Sites

Salty Milspouse Site: https://saltymilspouse.com

Shop Salty: https://saltymilspouse.myshopify.com/

Salty Milspouse Guest Application: https://forms.gle/Q9YLbYGajVU7u9z48

Dear Salty Submission Form: https://forms.gle/fPdPaPTeCH6Ptp9n8

Stay salty,

Amanda & Bethel

We are unpacking our raw, unfiltered gut reactions to the 2024 election, recorded just one week after the results. This episode dives into what we’re about as a podcast and a community, while staying true to our mission of amplifying the voices of military spouses—especially those who feel unseen or unheard.

This will always be a safe space for military spouses on the fringes: minorities, those who identify as LGBTQ+, and anyone who doesn’t fit the cookie-cutter image of the "perfect" Stars and Stripes American family. This community was created intentionally for those who need a space to vent, connect, and feel empowered to take action.

We are committed to holding every administration accountable for supporting, caring for, and truly valuing military families. Feeling helpless in these power dynamics is valid—but you have options. Our hope is that this episode inspires you to stand in your truth, demand better, and fight for what you believe in.

Show links:

https://www.moaa.org/

https://securefamiliesinitiative.org/

https://insighttimer.com/TheMindfulMilspouse/guided-meditations/finding-peace-and-purpose-in-uncertainty

Salty Sites

+Salty Milspouse Site: https://saltymilspouse.com

+Shop Salty: https://saltymilspouse.myshopify.com/

+Salty Milspouse Guest Application: https://forms.gle/Q9YLbYGajVU7u9z48

+Dear Salty Submission Form: https://forms.gle/fPdPaPTeCH6Ptp9n8

XOXO,

Amanda & Bethel

Note: The comments and opinions of Amanda Wagner and Bethel Trask are their own. They do not reflect the official position or endorsement of any U.S. Government entity.

In this episode, we sit down with Patricia Sandoval with Project Sanctuary, to explore the incredible work the nonprofit is dedicated to in helping military families heal, reconnect, and thrive.

Patty will explain how Project Sanctuary combines therapeutic retreats, supportive community connections, and ongoing resources to address the unique challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their loved ones. From combating isolation to fostering resilience, Project Sanctuary is transforming lives one family at a time.

Visit projectsanctuary.us to learn more about their retreats, volunteer opportunities, and how you can support their mission. If you have specific questions regarding the application process, you can email, [email protected].

Salty Sites

+Salty Milspouse Site: https://saltymilspouse.com

+Shop Salty: https://saltymilspouse.myshopify.com/

+Salty Milspouse Guest Application: https://forms.gle/Q9YLbYGajVU7u9z48

+Dear Salty Submission Form: https://forms.gle/fPdPaPTeCH6Ptp9n8

XOXO,

Amanda & Bethel

In this episode, we’re honored to have Kayla Corbitt, the founder and CEO of Operation Child Care Project™. Kayla shares how being a salty milspouse turned into a movement that supports our military families and their children. Join us as we deep dive into the data, the impact, and solutions related to childcare for the military. You won’t want to miss this episode where you’ll learn how to use OCC Project™, how to get involved, and how to push for better childcare initiatives!

+Operation Child Care Project™: https://www.occproject.org/

Salty Sites

+Salty Milspouse Site: https://saltymilspouse.com

+Shop Salty: https://saltymilspouse.myshopify.com/

+Salty Milspouse Guest Application: https://forms.gle/Q9YLbYGajVU7u9z48

+Dear Salty Submission Form: https://forms.gle/fPdPaPTeCH6Ptp9n8

Thank you so much for listening!

Stay salty,

Amanda & Bethel

This week, Amanda and Bethel are back with life updates and real talk about navigating military spouse life—because sometimes, life is just lifeing. From unexpected curveballs to the everyday hustle, they’re sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between. And hang tight for a (literal) surprise (more like interrupting) guest in the middle of the show.

Grab a snack and join us for some laughs, relatable moments, and a whole lot of "you’re not alone" vibes.

Nicole Longmire, MPH, MAEd, IBCLC, and Air Force spouse, joins us on today's episode to discuss her milspouse story and how it led to her involvement with Global Military Lactation Community.

Nicole sheds light on the barriers that lactating military spouses and service members face and how Global MilCom aims to reduce those barriers through providing evidence-based information, individual and group support, and training military lactation counselors. We hope you feel inspired with the good work that Nicole and Global MilCom does in the lactation world for our military families. Please see the following websites to see how you can get involved!

How to find Nicole and Global MilCom:

https://www.mothernurturelactationservices.com/

https://globalmilcom.org/

Salty Sites:

Salty Milspouse Site: https://saltymilspouse.com

Shop Salty: https://saltymilspouse.myshopify.com/

Salty Milspouse Guest Application: https://forms.gle/Q9YLbYGajVU7u9z48

Dear Salty Submission Form: https://forms.gle/fPdPaPTeCH6Ptp9n8

Thank you so much for listening!

Stay salty,

Amanda & Bethel

We're diving into a juicy Dear Salty Submission: "How do I unfriend people in real life? Context: I have a shitty friend and I don't know how to break up with them. HELP!"

Salty Sites: Salty Milspouse Site: https://saltymilspouse.com Shop Salty: https://saltymilspouse.myshopify.com/ Salty Milspouse Guest Application: https://forms.gle/Q9YLbYGajVU7u9z48 Dear Salty Submission Form: https://forms.gle/fPdPaPTeCH6Ptp9n8

Thank you so much for listening and stay tuned for the next episode!

XOXO, Amanda & Bethel

We are honored to have Sam Sliney join us on this episode to talk about the Air Force Women’s Initiatives Team and NDAA season. If you want to feel inspired, this is a great episode to listen to on what it means to be salty about something and finding your way to yes!

As a heads up, we did have some technical difficulties and lost Amanda mid-show, but the episode was still able to highlight some great initiatives, tips for advocacy, and how to make the military world a better place!

Show Note Links

+WIT Portal: https://www.my.af.mil/gcssaf/USAF/ep/globalTab.do?channelPageId=sC9710F91735E613101735E85027F0040

+LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/department-of-the-air-force-women-s-initiatives-team

+Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/groups/AFWIT

+WIT Swag Shop: https://womeninthemilitary.etsy.com

+Link to purchase children’s book inspired by the work of the DAF WIT written by Megan Biles and Samantha Arrington Sliney: All The Things Our Mommy Can Do https://a.co/d/7fjG80h

+Joint Travel Regulations: https://www.travel.dod.mil/Policy-Regulations/Joint-Travel-Regulations/

Salty Sites

+Salty Milspouse Site: https://saltymilspouse.com

+Shop Salty: https://saltymilspouse.myshopify.com/

+Salty Milspouse Guest Application: https://forms.gle/Q9YLbYGajVU7u9z48

+Dear Salty Submission Form: https://forms.gle/fPdPaPTeCH6Ptp9n8

XOXO,

Amanda & Bethel

Note: The comments and opinions of Samantha Sliney are her own. They do not reflect the official position or endorsement by the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, National Guard Bureau, Department of the Air Force or Department of Defense.

Amanda and Bethel are back! And we are diving deep into the tea with our first episode of the Dear Salty series:

"I'm having a hard time talking to my husband's girl colleagues in the unit. I'm very friendly and whenever I say hi, they don't acknowledge me or say hi back. They just give me the cold shoulder and never get the chance to talk to me. Have you guys ever experienced this?"

Salty Sites:

Salty Milspouse Site: https://saltymilspouse.com

Shop Salty: https://saltymilspouse.myshopify.com/

Salty Milspouse Guest Application: https://forms.gle/Q9YLbYGajVU7u9z48

Dear Salty Submission Form: https://forms.gle/fPdPaPTeCH6Ptp9n8

Thank you so much for listening and stay tuned for the next episode!

XOXO,

Amanda & Bethel