The conversation with Karin Tramm explores her experiences of teaching and living overseas, raising a family in different countries, and the challenges of virtual learning during the pandemic. Karin's journey reflects the theme of adapting to constant change and navigating upheaval with openness and grace. The discussion also delves into the unique experiences of teaching in Department of Defense schools and the challenges of transitioning from virtual to in-person teaching. The conversation covers the importance of loving school, the origin of the book title '100 Days Smart', journaling through the pandemic, reflecting on the pandemic experience, life changes and new beginnings, writing memoirs and stories, and embracing change and growth. The key takeaways include the importance of fostering a love for school and navigating change with grace and resilience.

Takeaways

• Adapting to constant change
• Navigating upheaval with openness and grace Love for School
• Navigating Change

Chapters

• 00:00 Challenges of Virtual Learning and Return to In-Person Teaching
• 25:53 The Importance of Loving School
• 32:13 Reflecting on the Pandemic Experience
• 41:06 Embracing Change and Growth

The conversation delves into the significance of storytelling and the sense of community and connection at the Military Influencer Conference. It explores the purpose of W Brand Publishing in amplifying military voices and the importance of writing through The Other Side Project. The heart of humanity in publishing and the power of storytelling and connection are also highlighted.

Takeaways

• Importance of storytelling
• Community and connection

Chapters

• 00:00 Military Influencer Conference
• 07:22 The Power of Storytelling and Connection

Links

• WBrand Publishing
• MilSpace Books
• JuLee Brand

Alexa Bigwarfe shares her journey from being an intelligence officer in the Air Force to becoming a published author and entrepreneur. She discusses her experiences with grief, loss, and the inspiration behind her projects, including the Women in Publishing Summit and The Other Side Project. Alexa also reveals her upcoming book 'Death Proof Your Business' and the importance of planning for the unexpected.

Takeaways

• Grief and Loss: Alexa's personal experiences with grief and loss have inspired her to create projects that support others going through similar challenges.
• Entrepreneurship: Alexa's journey from author to accidental entrepreneur highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the publishing industry.

Chapters

• 00:00 Upcoming Project: 'Death Proof Your Business'

The conversation delves into the early life of Rich in Greenville, South Carolina, his experiences with Christian schooling, the harmful effects of legalism and religious persecution, and the recognition of fundamentalism as a cult. It also explores the challenges of coming out, transitioning from the Marine Corps to law school, struggles with perfectionism and authenticity, recovery and self-discovery, understanding sexuality, and navigating Don't Ask, Don't Tell in the Marine Corps. The conversation concludes with an appreciation for journalistic storytelling. Rich Merritt shares his journey from the military to the adult film industry, struggles with substance abuse, and the path to recovery. He discusses spirituality, faith, and the freedom of writing. Rich reflects on his advice to his younger self and shares his current reading, watching, and listening preferences. The conversation concludes with a discussion on breaking the mold and parting words of wisdom.

Takeaways

• The harmful effects of legalism and religious persecution
• Struggles with authenticity and loneliness
• Navigating Don't Ask, Don't Tell in the Marine Corps Journey from military to adult film industry
• Struggles with substance abuse and recovery
• Reflections on spirituality and faith
• Advice to younger self
• Current reading, watching, and listening preferences

Chapters

• 00:00 Early Life in Greenville, South Carolina
• 24:21 Recognizing Fundamentalism as a Cult
• 34:21 Struggles with Perfectionism and Legalism
• 40:45 Struggles with Authenticity and Loneliness
• 49:19 Coming Out to Family and Coping with Reactions
• 56:13 The Advocate's Attention
• 01:10:13 Writing and Freedom
• 01:18:00 Advice to Younger Self
• 01:27:55 Reading, Watching, Listening
• 01:33:56 Parting Words

The conversation with Tauni Crefeld covers her background in the military and corporate world, the challenges faced by women in corporate careers, and the themes of leadership and team-building. Tauni shares insights from her books 'The Fixer' and 'Own Your Path', and discusses her upcoming book 'Ride the Camel', which focuses on travel experiences and life lessons.

Takeaways

• Leadership experience in the military informed corporate leadership style
• Challenges faced by women in corporate careers

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Tauni Crefeld and Her Books
• 06:22 Challenges Faced by Women in Corporate Careers
• 12:44 Uncovering Hidden Biases and Challenges
• 18:19 Upcoming Book: 'Ride the Camel'

The conversation with Kim Orendor covers her journey as a writer, the challenges of criticism, the inspiration behind her book 'To Whom It May Concern', and her experiences teaching in China. It also delves into the impact of adoption on identity and the power of positive feedback in the creative process. The conversation covers the cultural adjustment experienced in China and the process of creative writing, including the inspiration behind the new book.

Takeaways

• Overcoming criticism
• The journey of writing and publishing Cultural Adjustment
• Creative Writing Process

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Kim Orendor
• 06:08 Dealing with Criticism
• 13:14 The Power of Positive Feedback
• 19:39 The Story of 'To Whom It May Concern'
• 25:14 Writing Journey and Unbound Feet
• 33:22 Cultural Adjustment in China
• 40:57 Discussion on New Book and Inspiration

The conversation with Chris Krueger covers his memoir 'Walking Away from the Ledge' and delves into topics of identity, resilience, struggles with alcohol, and recovery. Chris shares his journey as a US Army Ranger veteran, his coping mechanisms, and the challenges he faced. The discussion also highlights the importance of resilience and the process of recovery from alcohol addiction. The conversation delves into moments of weakness, coping with challenges, and seeking help and support. It also explores the dynamics of communication during deployments, the significance of sharing stories with children, and the concept of untested valor. Additionally, it covers favorite books, podcasts, and music preferences, as well as upcoming events and conferences.

Takeaways

• Resilience
• Identity Overcoming struggles
• Seeking help

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Chris Krueger
• 07:52 Memoir: Walking Away from the Ledge
• 21:20 Identity and Coping Mechanisms
• 35:42 Struggles with Alcohol and Recovery
• 42:55 Navigating Moments of Weakness
• 55:33 Walking Away From the Ledge
• 01:10:21 Reading, Listening, and Watching

Julie Tully, author of 'Dispatches from the Cowgirl', shares insights on empathy, self-discovery, and personal growth. From her experiences as a military spouse to her reflections on perfectionism and people-pleasing, Julie's journey is a captivating exploration of life's complexities and the pursuit of authenticity. Julie Tully discusses her departure from her previous work, the adventure of writing, unpublished stories, the privacy of a memoirist, the impact of sharing personal stories, the universality of stories, the worthiness of personal stories, empathy and understanding, connecting through stories, the power of empathy, stepping into another's shoes, the impact of cowboy boots, and her current reading, watching, and listening preferences.

Takeaways

• Empathy and self-discovery
• Navigating perfectionism and people-pleasing The power of empathy in connecting with others through personal stories
• The universality and worthiness of personal stories, and the impact of sharing them

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Julie Tully
• 06:01 Dispatches from the Cowgirl
• 11:12 Rediscovering Home
• 18:39 Perfectionism and People Pleasing
• 26:54 Writing and Future Projects
• 32:12 The Adventure of Writing
• 39:04 Connecting Through Stories
• 48:15 Reading, Watching, and Listening

n this insightful episode of "In the Margins," Laura Lyn Donahue sits down with Karin Tramm, an accomplished educator, writer, and military spouse. Karin shares her journey from teaching in Guam to living in diverse cultures across the globe, including Germany, the Philippines, Spain, and Italy. Her experiences have shaped her into a resilient and adaptable individual, offering a unique perspective on navigating change with grace.

Karin is the author of "100 Days Smart," a memoir born from her experiences during the pandemic while teaching overseas. Her book is available for purchase at Military Family Books.

Connect with Karin on her website and follow her on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Discover more about her work and support military families by purchasing her book.

Join Laura Lyn as she delves into the inspiring journey of Simona Pappalardo, a cross-cultural expert and coach.

Originally from Milan, Simona shares her transformative experiences from her expatriation in Malaysia to her permanent move to the United States.

Discover how her early exposure to the English language opened doors to global opportunities and how she transitioned from a successful engineering career to coaching. Simona discusses her book, "Authentically Yours," a blend of memoir and self-help, offering insights into embracing authenticity.

Tune in to explore Simona's unique perspective on cultural adaptation and leadership.

Visit her website at www.coachingwithsimona.com

Follow her on social media: @coachingwithsimona

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