Ruck Up Buttercup

Ruck Up Buttercup
  • 5.0 (4)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Ruck Up Buttercup is a podcast for military spouses, service members, and military families, brought to you by the nonprofit Deployed Love. Join hosts who are military spouses as we share real stories, practical advice, and expert insights to help you navigate deployments, PCS moves, military family life, and daily challenges. Each episode highlights resources, tips, and guidance to help military families thrive. Whether you’re a new spouse or a seasoned veteran family, our mission is to inform, inspire, and empower—you’re not alone. Nonprofit site: www.deployedlove.org

  1. Ruck Up Buttercup S6E11 Courageous Kids: Supporting Military Families Through Activity & Resilience

    5D AGO

    Ruck Up Buttercup S6E11 Courageous Kids: Supporting Military Families Through Activity & Resilience

    Our Military Kids: Activity Grants and Courageous Kids Recognition for Guard/Reserve Families During Month of the Military Child, the host of Ruck Up Buttercup interviews Kara, a retired Navy veteran, longtime military spouse, and executive director of Our Military Kids, about supporting children in deployed National Guard/Reserve families and families of combat-injured service members. Kara shares her own Reserve mobilization after 9/11 with young children and explains how Guard/Reserve kids are often dispersed and overlooked compared to installation-based active-duty communities. The organization provides year-round extracurricular activity awards (from sports and music to driver’s ed and unique options like Japanese sword fighting), sending a “top secret package” that includes payment to the provider and a thank-you loop to donors. Kara cites survey data showing high stress during deployment and highlights benefits like stress relief, routine, friendships, mentors, family wellbeing, and boosted service member morale. She also describes the annual Courageous Kids contest (550+ nominations; 26 winners) spotlighted on social media in April. 00:00 Welcome And Guest Intro 02:03 Kara Military Journey 03:44 Why Guard Reserve Need Support 06:18 Mission Roots And Impact 09:39 Activities As Lifelines 13:27 Stress Data And Success Stories 15:13 Host Military Kid Story 18:26 Connection And Family Morale 23:54 What Grants Cover 25:22 How To Apply And Package 27:43 Thank You Card Loop 28:24 Impact on Families 30:21 Unique Activity Requests 31:46 Guard and Reserve Support Gap 33:41 Courageous Kids Contest 38:46 How Winners Stand Out 42:14 Sharing Stories in April 45:12 What People Overlook 48:04 Advice and Resources 53:08 Final Wrap and Thanks Reach us at ashleybrown@deployedlove.org Reach Our Military Kids at Facebook.com/ourmilitarykids Instagram.com/ourmilitarykids Linkedin.com/ourmilitarykids

    55 min
  2. Ruck Up Buttercup S6E10 Finding Community Through Spouse Associations

    APR 12

    Ruck Up Buttercup S6E10 Finding Community Through Spouse Associations

    Finding Community Through Spouse Associations at Fort Bragg In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, the host talks with Renata, a military spouse and president of the Association of Bragg Spouses, about why building community is essential in military life and how spouse associations can help. Renata shares her late-in-life transition into military spouse life, joining the club soon after arriving at Fort Bragg, and how volunteering helped her find identity and support. They explain the club’s two main functions: philanthropy (raising funds for scholarships, continuing education, and welfare grants for local nonprofits) and social connection (coffee meetups, book club, nights out, luncheons, and other events). They discuss misconceptions that spouse clubs are only for officers, stress the importance of participation and volunteering to keep programs running, highlight newsletters and upcoming resource fairs, and encourage spouses to take initiative, ask for accommodations like childcare when possible, and ignore negativity in online groups. 00:00 Welcome Back Update 02:22 Meet Renata 03:23 Her Spouse Journey 05:56 Finding Purpose Volunteering 08:26 Building Local Community 11:45 Breaking Club Stigmas 14:36 Club Culture Matters 16:47 Programs Scholarships Grants 20:01 Social Events Internal Clubs 23:00 Kids Childcare Inclusion 27:14 Just Show Up 37:13 Funding Fundraisers Pivoting 41:05 Fundraisers That Give Back 42:31 Flexible Volunteering For Parents 44:16 Solo Parenting Reality Check 46:02 Stop Comparing Journeys 47:01 Join Spouse Associations 51:49 Resource Fairs And Scholarships 53:42 Deployment Support All Seasons 56:48 Podcast And Positive Community 01:00:15 Resilience And Survival Mode 01:02:29 Finding Your Tribe After PCS 01:09:56 Volunteer For Purpose And Resume 01:23:17 Closing Encouragement And Next Steps

    1h 24m
  3. Ruck Up Buttercup S6E9 Spouse Chat from Service to Military Spouse

    MAR 24

    Ruck Up Buttercup S6E9 Spouse Chat from Service to Military Spouse

    Spouse Chat: Veterans on Becoming Military Spouses, Deployments, and the Comparison Trap In this “Ruck Up Buttercup” spouse chat, Ashley hosts Lara and Grant, both veterans now military spouses, to discuss the shock of switching from service member to spouse, especially the loss of control during deployments, constant changes and extensions, and the value of understanding military language and realities. They compare deployment life for service members versus spouses managing home responsibilities, careers, finances, and reintegration challenges, noting that reunions can feel unexpectedly awkward and require relearning routines. The conversation covers career disruption, PCS barriers, stereotypes and drama in spouse Facebook groups, and how social media fuels negativity and comparison. Key guidance includes planning with flexibility, not overplanning, communicating needs during separation and reintegration, seeking supportive community and resources, avoiding assumptions, and not measuring one’s experience against others because every military journey is different. 00:00 Meet The Spouse Chat 02:28 From Service To Spouse 05:08 Deployment Extensions Reality 09:33 Losing Control At Home 14:13 PCS Careers And Money 16:41 Grant Love Story 20:58 Reintegration And Resentment 27:50 Spouse Groups Culture Shock 34:27 Prior Service Pros And Cons 38:40 Stereotypes And Spouse Views 41:26 Purpose Beyond Background 43:31 Every Sailor Has A Story 46:58 Spouse Groups With Empathy 49:42 Stereotypes And Reality Check 53:43 Finding The Right Community 56:49 Creating Content To Help 01:01:15 Parting Advice On Flexibility 01:05:55 Reintegration And No Comparison 01:14:39 Resources Plugs And Farewell Find us or reach out here: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DeployedLove Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: ashleybrown@deployedlove.org

    1h 19m
  4. Ruck Up Buttercup S6E8-Across Borders: Belonging in the Military Community

    MAR 16

    Ruck Up Buttercup S6E8-Across Borders: Belonging in the Military Community

    In this episode, we talk with **Lydia Owiti-Otienoh** — a Kenyan immigrant, attorney, military spouse, and founder of the **Foreign Born Military Spouse Network (FMSN)**. Lydia shares her journey of moving to the United States while her husband was deployed and the challenges, she faced adjusting to military life as a foreign-born spouse. From culture shock and isolation to career disruption and immigration stress, Lydia opens up about the realities many immigrant military spouses experience but rarely talk about. After struggling with depression, career loss, and navigating immigration restrictions, Lydia founded the **Foreign Born Military Spouse Network** to help other spouses overcome barriers through community, education, and support. In this conversation, we discuss: • The challenges of arriving in the U.S. alone while your spouse is deployed • Career setbacks and credential recognition for immigrant spouses • Immigration uncertainty and its mental health impact • The isolation many foreign-born military spouses experience • Why Lydia created the Foreign-Born Military Spouse Network • The importance of community and support systems This episode highlights the invisible stressors many military families face and offers resources and hope for immigrant spouses navigating military life abroad. ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:00 Podcast Update 02:31 Meet Lydia 03:21 Solo Arrival Shock 05:12 Learning Military Life 08:25 Career Loss Depression 14:06 Immigration Anxiety 17:54 Invisible Stressors 19:14 Culture Money Driving 26:53 Founding FMSN 29:11 Discovering Resources 33:34 Finding Foreign Spouses 35:56 Isolation and Culture Shock 39:23 Why This Network Exists 42:57 Urgent Needs Right Now 43:54 Programs and Policy Gaps 47:38 From Online to Local Chapters 52:03 Reach Out to New Neighbors 58:55 Advice for Rebuilding Abroad 01:02:47 How to Join and Connect 01:05:26 Final Resources and Wrap If you found this conversation helpful, share it with someone who might need it. #podcast #militaryspouse #immigrantexperience #militaryfamily Find us or reach out here: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DeployedLove Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: ashleybrown@deployedlove.org Find Lydiah or FMSN here: Website: http://fbmnetwork.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fbmsnetwork LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foreign-born-military-spouse-network Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fbmilspouse/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foreignbornmilspouses?lang=en Threads: https://www.threads.com/@fbmilspouse YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefmsnplug X:https: //x.com/fmsnetwork Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fbmilspousenetwork Email: lootienoh@fbmnetwork.org

    1h 7m
  5. Ruck Up Buttercup S6E7 Confidence in Every Season: Style, Identity & Military Life

    MAR 11

    Ruck Up Buttercup S6E7 Confidence in Every Season: Style, Identity & Military Life

    Style, Confidence, and Community: Practical Fashion Tips for Military Spouses with Laura The host of “Ruck Up Buttercup” rerecords an episode with Laura, a military spouse of 24.5 years nearing retirement, to discuss helping military spouses build confidence through personal style and community. Laura shares her story, her family’s Air Force spouse legacy, and how a difficult season in 2012 led her into personal styling focused on military spouses facing frequent moves, varying climates, cultural expectations, and unclear dress codes for military events. They discuss etiquette, dressing appropriately without drawing attention away from service members, and how clothing affects performance and self-perception. Laura recommends core capsule pieces (versatile dress, nice shoes, sneakers, well-fitting pants, blouse, blazer), advises trying items in-store, being mindful of fabrics and fit, using accessories for color, and finding mentors and supportive resources while avoiding negative online spaces. 00:00 Welcome Back Rerecord 03:22 Laura Military Journey 07:59 Why Style Matters 09:57 Event Dress Etiquette 18:09 Moves Change Wardrobes 21:41 Enclothed Cognition 28:36 Find Your Style Words 30:26 Try It In Store 35:26 Confidence Self Care 40:42 Capsule Wardrobe Basics 42:29 Must Have Pieces 45:18 Thrifting Next Steps 45:25 Thrifting Without Regret 46:16 Guilt on a Hanger 46:57 Fabric and Wrinkle Reality 49:16 Try On and Texture Test 50:20 Find Your Go To Stores 53:09 Custom Color Analysis 54:47 Wear Your Colors Anywhere 56:32 Third Piece Style Hack 58:06 Mentors and Spouse Networks 01:11:40 Resources and New Normals 01:13:28 Choose Yourself and Grow 01:18:51 Encouraging Voices Only 01:22:54 Final Wrap and Thanks Find Laura here: Email: laura@wherelifemeetsstyle.co Website: https://www.wherelifemeetsstyle.co/ Insta: www.instagram.com/wherelifemeetsstyle.co FB: www.facebook.com/wherelifemeetsstyle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralongmire Find us or reach out here: Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: ashleybrown@deployedlove.org

    1h 24m
  6. Ruck Up Buttercup S6E6 How to Use Space-A Flights: A Military Spouse Guide with Allison Beverly

    FEB 22

    Ruck Up Buttercup S6E6 How to Use Space-A Flights: A Military Spouse Guide with Allison Beverly

    How to Use Space-A Flights: A Military Spouse Guide with Allison Beverly In this episode of the Ruck Up Buttercup podcast, hosts Sabrina and Ashley explore Space-A (Space Available) military flights as an affordable travel option for military families. They interview Alyson Beverly, a military spouse and homeschooling mom of six, who shares her family’s experience using Space-A flights to Europe three times in the past two years. The discussion covers flight types (Patriot Express vs. cargo), how to research schedules, terminal locations, and the priority system (Categories 1 to 6), as well as timing considerations and planning tips. They highlight the importance of flexibility, avoiding peak travel periods, building buffer days and emergency funds, and OPSEC awareness. Required paperwork including passports and visas, DD Form 1172, military IDs, leave forms, and sponsorship letters is reviewed, along with practical tips like arriving early, packing light, carrying snacks, dressing in layers, and preparing for cargo flight conditions. Helpful resources include the Pop Smoke blog and the Ebie Travels tool. Alyson shares a cost-saving example. Her family traveled to Barcelona via Space-A for about 400 Euros instead of roughly 16,000 dollars in commercial airfare. The episode ends with information on Allison’s free monthly Space-A 101 class at the USO in Fort Belvoir, DC, with slides and links available in the show notes. 00:00 Welcome to Ruck Up Buttercup: Real Talk for Military Spouses 01:14 Meet Today’s Guest: Allison Beverly & Why Space-A Matters 03:42 Space-A 101: What “Space Available” Flights Really Are 05:24 Getting Started: Research, Schedules & What to Expect Onboard 06:17 Patriot Express vs Cargo Flights: Comfort, Seats, and Survival Tips 08:30 Where to Fly From: Best Terminals, Coasts vs Middle of the Country 10:13 Priority Categories Explained (Cat 1–6) & Who Gets Seats First 13:00 Sign-Up Timing, 60-Day Window & Return-Trip Strategy 16:47 Flexibility Wins: PCS Season, Off-Peak Travel & Backup Plans 21:45 How to Sign Up & Day-Of Terminal Process (AMC Site, Emails, Roll Call) 25:26 Arrive Early: Roll Call, Waiting, and Terminal Reality Check 27:06 Mindset & Logistics: Don’t Leave the Terminal + OPSEC Reminders 28:25 Must-Have Paperwork: DD1172, Leave Forms, Passports & Signatures 30:40 Money Matters Overseas: Cash vs Card in Europe/Asia + ATM Fee Hacks 32:38 Best Planning Resources: Popping Smoke, Eby Travels, and Flight History Data 37:58 Facebook Groups & Gatekeeping: Finding Real Trip Reports That Help 41:08 Packing & Kid-Proofing Space-A: Baggage Limits, Snacks, Shoes, Sensory Prep 50:29 High Risk, High Reward: Real Savings Stories + “Test Flight” to Germany 59:15 Local Help & Wrap-Up: Space-A 101 Class, Slides, and Final Thanks Find Alyson here: http://www.beverlyfamily.com AMC site (https://www.amc.af.mil/Home/AMC-Travel-Site/) Space A 101: https://space-a-101.my.canva.site/ Space A simplified website: https://ebietravels.com/ Poppin Smoke Blog: https://www.poppinsmoke.com/ Military Travel Discounts: https://www.americanforcestravel.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/115017935197262 Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

    1h 2m
  7. Ruck Up Buttercup S6E5 Navigating the Silent Ranks

    FEB 15

    Ruck Up Buttercup S6E5 Navigating the Silent Ranks

    Navigating the Silent Ranks: A Military Spouse's Journey In this episode featuring a heartfelt chat between two military spouses, the discussion delves into the often overlooked challenges faced by military spouses, referred to as the 'silent ranks.' They cover the pressures of upholding a strong exterior, the struggles of balancing personal and family responsibilities, and the importance of self-care and community. Sharing personal anecdotes, they stress the significance of supporting each other, setting boundaries, and advocating for mental health. They also highlight the importance of sharing stories and resources to build a resilient military spouse community. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:34 The Unspoken Rule of Strength 01:19 Perception vs. Reality 03:36 The Struggles of Solo Parenting 05:15 The Importance of Community Support 07:55 Balancing Responsibilities and Self-Care 17:20 The Need for Personal Time 21:24 Balancing Personal Needs and Family Responsibilities 22:13 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care 23:50 The Importance of Community and Support 26:09 Navigating the Challenges of Military Life 29:38 The Power of Sharing Stories and Seeking Help 35:46 Embracing Limitations and Self-Compassion 41:16 Conclusion and Encouragement Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

    45 min

  8. FEB 8

    Ruck Up Buttercup S6E4: Building Military Families

    Ruck Up Buttercup: Building Military Families with Julie Eshelman In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, Sabrina, and Ashley, dive deep into the challenges and victories of military family building with Julie Eshelman, a resilient military spouse and the creator of the Building Military Families Network. Julie shares her personal story of infertility, loss, and eventual triumph, offering practical advice and heartfelt encouragement for military families navigating the complexities of starting or expanding their families. They discuss various avenues of family building, including IVF, adoption, fostering, and surrogacy, highlighting the unique obstacles military families face. The conversation also explores the importance of advocacy, support networks, and maintaining hope throughout the journey. 00:00 Welcome to Ruck Buttercup: Real Talk for Military Families 01:09 Introducing Our Special Guest: Julie Eshelman 01:35 Julie’s Journey: From Infertility Struggles to Building Military Families Network 03:01 Understanding Family Building: Beyond Traditional Family Planning 05:19 The Importance of Support in the Family Building Process 15:01 Challenges and Advocacy in Military Family Building 26:33 Common Feelings of Unworthiness 27:06 Navigating Social Media and Seeking Support 29:06 Exploring Family Building Options 31:29 Challenges of Fostering in Military Families 34:23 Adoption Journeys and Their Complexities 39:49 Support Networks and Resources 47:06 Finding Hope and Positivity 51:30 Final Thoughts and Advice Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

    54 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Ruck Up Buttercup is a podcast for military spouses, service members, and military families, brought to you by the nonprofit Deployed Love. Join hosts who are military spouses as we share real stories, practical advice, and expert insights to help you navigate deployments, PCS moves, military family life, and daily challenges. Each episode highlights resources, tips, and guidance to help military families thrive. Whether you’re a new spouse or a seasoned veteran family, our mission is to inform, inspire, and empower—you’re not alone. Nonprofit site: www.deployedlove.org

Information

  • Creator
    Ruck Up Buttercup
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Ruck Up Buttercup