Brat Chat

Amber Bittner
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On Brat Chat we sit down and discuss the highs and lows of life during accompanied tours for active duty military. We take in all perspectives from active duty to spouses and dependents and even Department of Defense civilian personnel. There's a real impact from the sacrifice of service that is far reaching and touches the lives of all involved. This podcast is a safe space for all of us to discuss our experiences and how they shape who we are today.

  1. 12/28/2025

    Tell a Veteran’s Story — 1–2 Minute Challenge - Holiday Live Episode

    Join the live episode where hosts launch a veteran storytelling challenge (record a 1–2 minute video about what you learned), outline prizes, and preview community plans: Twitch streams, retro gaming sessions, Kickstarter goals, website building services and the BetterBitner Bootcamp. The show also covers mental health resources (988/Veterans Crisis Line), fundraising projects (world cookbook, scholarships) and practical help for small businesses and veterans.

    1h 5m

  2. 12/23/2025

    Why Alex is Big Head: Laughs and Lessons from Military Family Life

    On this episode of the Better Bittner Brat Chat podcast, the Bagwell family and friends share candid stories about military service, life overseas, and the close bonds that form in deployment communities. Guests discuss careers in the military and as a contractor, the challenges of moves and deployments, and the humor that keeps them going. Through personal anecdotes—from Y2K nights in Paris to nicknames, dogs, and shared meals—the conversation highlights family, camaraderie, and the ways service shapes daily life.

    27 min

  3. 12/20/2025

    Boots, Books & Basset Hounds: Life Lessons from an Air Force Vet

    Hosts chat with veteran author and mentor Jim McDermott about how military service shapes individuals and families before, during, and after duty. Jim shares stories from his Air Force career, life in Alaska, and his work teaching veterans business skills. The episode highlights the resilience of military brats, community support, practical advice on small-business finances, and Jim's children’s books inspired by real experiences.

    1h 19m

  4. 12/13/2025

    Our Buddy, Buddy!

    Today we sit down to discuss military life with Buddy Bagwell, Alex Bagwell's father. We talk about all the fun we've had but also our difficulties adapting to life overseas and learning to live the civilian life after the end of a tour of duty. This is a fun episode, and we kept it light and semi-hilarious.

    1h 26m

  5. 12/06/2025

    From Bases to Biker Santa: A Military Brat’s Wild Ride

    On this laid-back episode of BetterBitnerBratChat / MilitaryBratChat, hosts talk with Alex Bagwell about growing up a military dependent, the hard transition back to civilian life, struggles with addiction and depression, and the healing power of community. Alex shares stories about life overseas, his passion for cooking and plans for a food truck, reconnecting with old friends, and the podcast’s mission to build resources and support for military brats navigating benefits, identity, and reintegration.

    1h 32m

  6. 11/29/2025

    Baking, Brats & Boots: Ashley’s Military Journey and Sweet New Start

    Hosts Amber and Jesse welcome Ashley Drye, a military brat who grew up in the Navy community and lived in places like Germany and East Coast USA. Ashley shares how constant moves shaped her relationships, social anxiety, and love of food, and explains how she turned baking into a small business making quick breads, cookies, and breads. The conversation covers military family life, holiday traditions from overseas, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, mental-health impacts on military children, and the importance of community and mentorship for veteran and dependent entrepreneurs.

    1h 15m

  7. 11/23/2025

    When the Military Won’t Come: A Daughter’s Story of Loss and Bureaucracy

    Coleen recounts growing up as a military brat in Germany, building a life in Korea, and the painful experience after her retired father’s death when expected military support and benefits did not materialize. The episode explores gaps in veteran and retiree services, the emotional aftermath for families, cultural shocks of living abroad, and the importance of community support when institutions fall short.

    1h 2m

  8. 11/22/2025

    Time-Traveling Brats: From Germany to Korea and Beyond

    Two longtime friends reconnect after 20 years to talk life as military dependents — growing up overseas, culture shock, language struggles, school memories, and the lasting bonds that travel with you. They share stories from Germany to South Korea, discuss teaching, mental health, travel, and the value of community for military brats. Guests reflect on 9/11 memories, family traditions, gaming, music, and practical tips for making friends abroad, while exploring how technology and creative projects help keep the Bratosphere connected.

    1h 27m
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About

On Brat Chat we sit down and discuss the highs and lows of life during accompanied tours for active duty military. We take in all perspectives from active duty to spouses and dependents and even Department of Defense civilian personnel. There's a real impact from the sacrifice of service that is far reaching and touches the lives of all involved. This podcast is a safe space for all of us to discuss our experiences and how they shape who we are today.

Information

  • Creator
    Amber Bittner
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Brat Chat