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Elisabeth and Missy caught up this month and chatted about the holidays and what's happening with our families. In this episode we also drop in a clip from last month's episode with Robin where we explain who we are and why we podcast (in case you are a new fan!). We also listened to the first few minutes of our very first episode we recorded with Jennifer Judd. We are grateful for the many people who have come along on this adventure, both guests and the many who support us in the background. Look forward for fresh new episodes in the early spring! Enjoy! 

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Here is your special December gift – a second episode!

In this episode, we meet Robin Johnson, a 20 year plus Army veteran, who after retiring from active duty and a couple of transitional jobs, discovered that her passion lies in the intersection of workplace culture, comedy, and supporting the veteran community. So she started her own consulting firm focused on helping organizations to improve culture and humor and build stronger veteran and military spouse talent pipelines.

Robin has toured worldwide as a standup comedian with Armed Forces Entertainment, and was voted Charleston, South Carolina's best comedian, and she is a certified humor professional. She has a new corporate gig that we chat about, and she also answers the question: were you always funny, or did the Army and military life make you funny?

This is the second episode this season where we discuss grief and how to respond to it. Robin and Missy would say, “always with humor.” We know you will love this episode!

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Heidi is an infectious person to talk to. She still finds humor and laughter while honoring her son Alex. You will be inspired by her.

In this episode, we talk to our friend Heidi. She is the creator and host of Alley Kat Chat, with segments such as Crime in the Valley, Tunesday Tuesday, Down the Rabbit Hole, and Minute with the Mayor (Show currently in hiatus but expecting new content soon!) Heidi owns Pink Power Printing. She is also a certified Family Wellness Instructor, a Grief Coach, an Equine Therapy Advocate, and Practitioner. Finally, Heidi has created a vlog titled Perfectly Imperfect where she shares daily videos discussing an array of topics, but most notably about grief and loss. In Heidi's words, she is "Sharing my compass to help others find light in the darkest moments."

*While we do touch on suicide and navigating loss, we also laugh and discuss a plethora of other things

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Welcome to Season 4!

For our first episode we chatted with Missy's friend Roxanne. October is Down Syndrome Awareness month so we particularly wanted to highlight her advocacy work in honor of her son Seth.

Roxanne found her community with the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) where she moderates parent groups and helps to fundraise to support their mission. DSDN works to ensure that families receiving a down syndrome diagnosis have unbiased and supportive information from the start. The "Rockin' Mom Retreat," where Roxanne recently spoke, is one of many ways the organization fosters community and connection.

Roxanne also shouted out her friend Amy, author of "Still Rockin' It!: A Coloring Book Celebrating Individuals with Down Syndrome" in which her son Seth appears.

Roxanne is a font of positivity--we are so excited for you to meet her! 

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In our fifth OWLS collab, we talked with change makers! It's often over used, but these individuals saw a need, and did something about it! We talked about how tapping into your unique talents can spark innovation and ways to navigate transformative change. Hear from trailblazing leaders who have used their skills in unconventional ways to overcome obstacles and inspire progress regardless of the circumstances. This session focuses on leveraging strategic connections while fostering a mindset of creative problem-solving and continuous growth to amplify your influence and create lasting impact.

Speakers:
Brooke Jackson Kahn, PA-C: U.S. Army Combat Veteran and Founder, She’s the Veteran
LT Michaela “Mic” Long:Instructor Pilot, US Navy
Major Christina Mattison:USAF Reserves and Heart-Centered Leadership Coach and Retreat Leader
Tiffany Taylor:CliftonStrengths Coach and Owner, Hello Strengths
Major Teri Weber: Senior Pilot, USAF and Children’s Book Author

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In our fourth collab with OWLS, we talked about passions -- the things that keep you going as you navigate work and life. When you are either in uniform or supporting a military member as a spouse, and life is super busy, you often put some of your personal passions into the “when we retire bucket.” But I have actually found that when my immediate responsibilities were the busiest, that’s when I most needed to step into a different world to regain balance and perspective. Our plan for today is to show you some of the ways to do that, through either personal growth or helping others or both.

Speakers:
Meredith McCall: Certified Travel Advisor, Military Spouse
Carol Northrup: Ultra-runner & outdoor adventurer, retired AF Colonel
Sarah Olson: N. Virginia Program Manager and Service Dog Training Instructor at Warrior Canine Connection, Military Spouse
Andrea Reichwald: Program Coordinator DC Chapter - Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), Military Spouse
Tammy Trychon: Yoga Instructor, retired AF Lt Col
Vimbo Watson: Speaker and education expert, Military Spouse

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In our third collab with The OWLS Podcast, join our panel of experts discussing the power of stories and why we should keep and share them.

Stories shape history and sharing your own story can inspire others. This discussion from OWLS from June 5th, 2025 will explore the power of storytelling to connect with others, motivate change, and create impact. Learn about valuable resources that will enable you to craft and share your narrative in a way that resonates with others, empowering both yourself and those who hear your story.

Panelists:

Travis Bickford: Head of Programs and Communications for Veterans History Project at Library of Congress
Marilla J. Cushman: Senior Advisor to the President, Military Women's Memorial
Capt Riley Tejcek: USMC Captain, Speaker, Team USA Bobsled Pilot, and Author
Dr. Crystal Tramack: Speaker, Coach, Program Manager and Storyteller

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In the second episode in our OWLS collab, we took a dive into using humor as a leadership tool with Robin Phoenix Johnson!

Our webinar was entitled: CONNECT WITH SELF: LEVERAGING HUMOR AS A TOOL FOR HEALING AND GROWTH

In today’s world, leaders must adapt and build resilience in order to thrive. This session explores how to harness humor to enhance your mindset, boost emotional resilience, and foster personal growth. Today we’ll learn how to use humor as a powerful tool for healing, navigating obstacles, and maintaining balance in high-pressure situations.

Robin Phoenix Johnson served 26 years as an Army Logistician including 5 deployments to Afghanistan & Iraq.  She is now a stand-up comedian touring world-wide with Armed Forces Entertainment.  Robin is a Hoover Institution Fellow at Stanford University where she is a subject matter expert on the applied & therapeutic use of humor for improved performance.  She serves as faculty for both Thayer Leadership at West Point and the Institute for Defense & Business.  She guest lectures at the College of Charleston and Stanford Medical School. 

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Over the spring and summer, Elisabeth has been organizing monthly virtual sessions for the Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS). We thought our YSMMF community would enjoy these sessions also. From April 3rd, 2025, the first OWLS session was about how to handle conflict. Skills that are becoming even more important! Enjoy!

CONNECT TO MASTER CONFLICT: DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO OVERCOME WORKPLACE CHALLENGES

Conflict is a natural part of any team dynamic, but how you handle it as a leader makes all the difference. This discussion will provide tools to help you proactively address challenges and resolve conflicts before they escalate. Learn how to manage difficult relationships, maintain team cohesion, and create a positive work environment, all while ensuring mission success and fostering collaboration.

Panelists:

Megan Allison: an AF veteran who is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and driving long-term success
Robin Fortner: USMC veteran who founded RC Fortner Enterprises, whose mission is to assist individuals or businesses to reach their highest goals through Coaching, Training, and Personal and Professional Development
Michelle Still Mehta, PhD:An experienced consultant, coach, and researcher specializing in the dynamics of organizations and working life.
Jessica Ruttenber:USAF veteran and Director, Level Up Aviation a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth and young adults find equity in aviation, combining her passion for flying with her commitment to breaking barriers in the field.
Eleanor Vuono:Attorney who began her career as an Army JAG, and is a founding member and past President of the Military Spouse JD Network, advocate for licensing accommodations for military spouses.

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Elisabeth made an ever-so-brief visit to Missy's farm in Utah. The hospitality, scenery, and sunsets were amazing. We spent some time over Aebleskivers (shout out to the charming Ruca's in Bear Lake) discussing new Season 4 questions and who we'd love to have on the podcast. What a joy to sit on the same couch and have a conversation, luckily with a microphone near by.

We would love to hear who YOU would LOVE to see on our podcast! Drop us a line at [email protected].

We hope you are enjoying your summer - hug your loved ones, enjoy some porch sitting and join us for SEASON FOUR in the lat fall.