Change. The word everyone avoids… until it shows up on your doorstep, your desk, or your deployment roster.

In this second installment of our Coffee & Camouflage series, Kelly and Terra sit back down with Chief Courtney Strickler for a raw, real, and unexpectedly funny conversation about leading through change — the messy kind, the personal kind, and the kind that hits before your coffee even cools.

Together, we explore:
 • Why the brain resists change (hello, amygdala 👋)
 • How leaders can create calm in chaos
 • What healthy change looks like at work and at home
 • Our biggest personal transformations
 • And a hilarious detour into smartphones, AI, and “how did we survive dial-up?”

This episode blends neuroscience, leadership wisdom, and misfit humor for a grounded, relatable take on navigating the C-word.

Whether you’re leading Airmen, leading a team, or just leading yourself through a new season of life, this one will leave you laughing, reflecting, and remembering that change doesn’t have to break you — it can build you.

Grab your mug and hit play. ☕

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War, Department of the Air Force, or any other agency of the U.S. government.

Grab your mug and pull up a chair — this episode kicks off our Coffee & Camouflage series, where leaders get honest about what it means to serve, lead, and grow through the chaos.

In Part I, Kelly and Terra sit down with Courtney Strickler for a candid conversation about authenticity in leadership, vulnerability behind the rank, and the lessons learned from both life and service. Between the laughter, the stories, and a few spilled coffees, they unpack how staying human is the key to leading with strength.

Whether you’re in uniform, leading a team, or just trying to lead yourself through change, this episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and reminded that leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.

🎧 Tune in for:
• Real talk on leadership and life in uniform
• Why authenticity still wins — even in tough environments
• Lessons from the “mother of misfits” "catwoman" and the “powerhouse Chief”
• A few laughs, a few truths, and plenty of caffeine

What if the biggest ghost in your life isn’t from your past — but from your own mind?
In this Halloween-inspired episode, Kelly and Terra dive into how limiting beliefs are formed and what they sound like. They unpack how our senses and memories shape the stories we tell ourselves — and how to rewrite them.

You’ll learn:
 ✨ Why our safety sometimes depends on order — and how that becomes a belief
 ✨ How indulgent emotions keep us stuck in inaction
 ✨ Tools to spot, catch, and change your thought patterns
 ✨ Insights from The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
✨ A self-coaching exercise to reframe fear into freedom

If you’ve ever felt haunted by your past or trapped by old patterns, this one’s for you.

🩶 Trail Talks is where personal growth meets real conversation — with humor, honesty, and a few detours along the way.

Trailblazing Growth Through Self-Awareness with Kelly Kruger and Terra Stinnett.

In the inaugural episode of Trail Talks, host Kelly Kruger, founder of Kelly Michelle Coaching, is joined by her friend and leadership trainer Terra Stinnett, the founder of Leading People, LLC. The episode delves into their personal journeys of self-improvement, emphasizing pivotal 'mirror moments' that inspired their purpose-driven coaching careers. They discuss key influences like Mel Robbins, Jim Kwik, and Brooke Castillo and share practical tools for self-awareness, such as self-assessments, vision boards, and personality assessments. The episode also includes detours into topics like Taylor Swift’s new album, Diane Keaton’s legacy, and favorite sports teams. The discussion highlights the importance of overcoming fears and embracing discomfort for personal growth.

00:00 Welcome to Trail Talks: Meet Your Hosts

01:22 Dedication to Fellow Misfits

02:02 Kelly's Journey to Coaching

03:12 Influential Figures and Inspirations

06:42 The Turning Point: Overcoming Adversity

12:02 Tara's Story: Finding Purpose During COVID

14:06 Personality Assessments and Self-Discovery

14:46 A Fun Detour: Taylor Swift's New Album

15:41 Introduction to Sport and Taylor Swift's NFL Parallels

16:13 Taylor Swift Songs and NFL Teams

17:18 Kansas City Chiefs and Travis Kelsey Connection

19:11 Diane Keaton Tribute

21:50 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth Tools

25:18 Personality Assessments and Their Impact

28:24 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics