Unapologetically Strong

Jamie Holloway, Tim Holloway

We’re Tim and Jamie Holloway, and Unapologetically Strong is a little look into our life, the conversations we have, the things we’re learning, and the experiences that have shaped us. We’ve been married, raised a family, navigated some big life changes, and learned a few things along the way. We don’t always see things the same way, and that’s part of what makes our conversations interesting. As Army parents, military life has become a huge part of our story. It’s taught us a lot about sacrifice, pride, worry, resilience, and what it means to love someone through seasons you can’t control. Along the way, we meet people with stories worth hearing, people who have served, people raising kids who serve, and people who have lived through experiences that have shaped who they are. Some conversations will make you laugh. Some will hit you right in the gut. And some might make you look at your own life a little differently. This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up, having the conversations, telling the truth, and living life Unapologetically Strong.

  1. 6d ago

    Parenting Adult Kids: Learning to Let Go and Find Yourself Again

    What happens when your kids grow up and don't need you the same way anymore? That's the conversation we got into this week. Our kids are getting older. Our oldest is almost 29, our youngest is about to turn 20, one moved a couple hours away, one joined the Army, and suddenly we're finding ourselves in a completely different stage of parenting. And honestly... it makes you start asking yourself some questions. Who am I now? What do I actually enjoy? What does my relationship with my kids look like now that they're adults? And how do you let go without feeling like you're losing a part of yourself? In this episode, we talk about parenting adult children, letting go of control, learning how to transition into new stages of life, and why your kids becoming independent is actually what you were preparing them for all along. We also talk about something that I think a lot of parents struggle with: attaching your entire identity to your kids. Because if your whole world revolves around your children, what happens when they grow up, move away, get married, join the military, start their own families, and build lives that don't revolve around you anymore? That transition can be hard. But maybe the answer isn't to hold on tighter. Maybe it's learning how to let go, trust that you raised them to make their own decisions, and figure out who YOU are in this next stage of life. We also get into parenting mistakes, giving yourself grace, why you can't judge your success as a parent solely by how your kids turn out, and why every single one of your kids can grow up in the same house and still become completely different people. And of course, because it's us, we somehow managed to talk about cruises, the Army, raising five kids, codependency, identity, the glory days, entrepreneurship, and why being "done" with life might be one of the worst mindsets you can have. The truth is, life keeps changing. Your kids grow up. Your role changes. Your identity shifts. And fighting those changes only makes the transition harder. So if you're a parent with teenagers or adult kids and you're trying to figure out who you are now that they don't need you the same way anymore, this episode is for you. Because parenting doesn't end. It just changes. Want to learn more about Jamie Holloway? Check out the links below. ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ Want to keep up with Tim and Jamie and Unapologetically Strong beyond the podcast? Come hang out with us here: TikTok YouTube Website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Parenting Adult Kids: Learning to Let Go and Find Yourself Again
  2. Sep 3

    We’re Not Done: How We’ve Changed After 10 Years Together

    We had absolutely no plan for this episode. Jamie forgot to come up with a topic, Tim suggested talking about one of his weird documentaries that Jamie has officially named the "Trans Izzies," and somehow we ended up having one of our favorite conversations yet. We started talking about how different we are and why being opposites has actually been one of the best things for our marriage. We have completely different interests, backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives, but over the last 10 years, we've helped each other grow in ways we probably couldn't have done alone. We're coming up on 10 years together and 8 years married, and honestly, we're completely different people than when we first met. In this episode, we're talking about marriage, personal growth, evolving together, finding purpose, changing goals, and why we think one of the worst places you can get in life is believing you're "done." Because we're not done. Our marriage isn't done. Parenting isn't done just because your kids grow up. Your weight loss journey isn't done when you hit a number on the scale. Life keeps changing, and if we're paying attention, we're supposed to change too. We also talk about what happens when people become stagnant, why couples can grow apart, how marriage can become stale, and why continuing to grow together may be one of the biggest keys to a strong, healthy, long-term marriage. And somewhere in the middle of all that, we talk about bees, Hawaii, sleeping on the edge of the bed, barbed wire around our hearts, getting softer with age, weight loss, and apparently... quantum physics. So yeah, this episode is a little all over the place. But honestly, that's pretty much us. If there's one thing we hope you take away from this conversation, it's this: Don't be done. Keep growing. Keep changing. Keep learning. Keep finding new things to love about your spouse, yourself, and your life. Because maybe the best version of your life isn't behind you. Maybe you're still becoming it. Want to learn more about Jamie Holloway? Check out the links below. TikTok YouTube Want to keep up with Tim and Jamie and Unapologetically Strong beyond the podcast? Come hang out with us here: TikTok YouTube Website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    We’re Not Done: How We’ve Changed After 10 Years Together
  3. Aug 27

    Watching Our Son Become a Man Was Harder Than We Expected

    What happens when your child leaves for Army basic training, and comes back looking, thinking, and carrying himself like a different person? After 14 weeks without seeing our son Jordin, we traveled to Fort Jackson for Family Day and Army basic training graduation. What we experienced was far bigger than a military ceremony. We watched our son step out with a new level of confidence, discipline, strength, and pride, and realized that his transformation was changing us as parents too. In this episode, we talk openly about becoming Army parents, surviving the limited communication during basic training, attending Fort Jackson graduation, and learning how to support an adult child when you can no longer protect them from everything life may bring. We also share what surprised us about Family Day, what we'd do differently at graduation, the emotional moment Grandpa tapped him out, and how military life has changed our relationship with our son. If you're a military mom, military dad, Army parent, or have a son or daughter preparing for Army basic training, this conversation offers an honest look at the pride, fear, uncertainty, excitement, and surrender that can come with watching someone you love begin their military journey. Want to learn more about Jamie Holloway? Check out the links below. TikTok Want to keep up with Tim and Jamie and Unapologetically Strong beyond the podcast? Come hang out with us here: TikTok YouTube Website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Watching Our Son Become a Man Was Harder Than We Expected
  4. Aug 20

    The Everyday Choices That Can Change Your Marriage

    Most marriages don’t lose connection in one dramatic moment. They drift apart through small daily choices, choosing work over conversation, kids over your relationship, your phone over your spouse, family opinions over your marriage, or even being right over staying connected. The question is simple but uncomfortable: Are you still choosing your spouse every day? In this episode of the Unapologetically Strong podcast, Tim and Jamie break down what it actually means to prioritize your spouse and build a healthy, connected marriage. They explore marriage communication, emotional intimacy, relationship priorities, parenting, work-life balance, family boundaries, physical affection, phones, faith, and the everyday habits that can either strengthen your marriage or slowly create distance. If you want a stronger marriage, better communication, deeper emotional connection, and a relationship that continues growing long after the honeymoon phase ends, this conversation will challenge you to examine your daily decisions. Because saying you chose your spouse on your wedding day is one thing. Building a lasting marriage means continuing to choose them in the ordinary moments, again and again. This discussion focuses on normal relationship struggles and marital drift, not abusive relationships. Want to learn more about Jamie Holloway? Check out the links below. TikTok Want to keep up with Tim and Jamie and Unapologetically Strong beyond the podcast? Come hang out with us here: TikTok YouTube Website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Everyday Choices That Can Change Your Marriage
  5. Aug 13

    13 Years in the Army: The Leadership Lessons That Last

    What does 13 years in the Army really teach you about discipline, leadership, responsibility, and life after military service? In this episode of the Unapologetically Strong Army Edition podcast, Army veteran Josh Price shares his journey from joining the infantry after September 11 to serving in the Old Guard, conducting military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, deploying with the National Guard, and eventually leading a platoon in Iraq. He explains what basic training is actually like, why the mental challenge can be harder than the physical training, and how the Army’s structure helped him manage ADD while developing confidence and discipline. Josh also reveals the differences between Army life and military movies, what infantry soldiers really do, how military leadership differs from civilian management, and why empathy became one of his most important lessons after leaving the service. This conversation is especially valuable for new Army recruits, military parents, veterans transitioning into civilian careers, and anyone who wants to become a stronger leader. His biggest advice may surprise you: volunteer for everything. The unpleasant assignments can build the trust that eventually leads to extraordinary opportunities, greater responsibility, and experiences you never imagined possible. What You’ll Learn: → Josh explains why being away from home was harder than the physical demands of basic training, how structure helped his ADD, and why having a clear mission made Army life easier for him to navigate. → Learn what an Army infantry soldier actually does, how real military service compares with Hollywood, and what it was like conducting hundreds of funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. → Josh breaks down the Army’s leadership model of providing purpose, motivation, and direction, and explains how responsibility for other soldiers transformed him from a struggling young soldier into a respected platoon leader. → Discover why Josh recommends volunteering for every opportunity, how small assignments build trust, and why the people who do more than the minimum often receive the most valuable military experiences. Want to learn more about Jamie Holloway? Check out the links below. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamie.holloway45?_r=1&_t=ZT-98TbrQ7ru3i Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:47 Why Josh joined the Army after September 11 04:02 Why he chose the Army over other branches 07:36 The hardest part of basic training 09:24 Finding adventure and purpose in the Army 11:20 Why basic training is more mental than physical 12:06 How Army structure helped his ADD 13:10 The camaraderie and discipline he still misses 15:53 What Army infantry soldiers actually do 18:12 Army life versus military movies 19:51 Serving in the Old Guard 20:57 Conducting funerals at Arlington National Cemetery 24:18 The emotional weight of hundreds of military funerals 25:15 Carrying the flag at presidential funerals 27:12 Moving from active duty to the National Guard 27:45 The surprising deployment pace of the National Guard 30:35 Why Josh left the military after 13 years 32:09 Adjusting to civilian workplaces 35:40 Why military leadership requires empathy 38:07 Are today’s Army recruits really softer? 43:06 The Army lesson that shaped Josh’s life 45:31 The promotion that changed his leadership 47:24 Moving from directing soldiers to mentoring leaders 49:17 Purpose, motivation, and direction 50:59 Leading a platoon during deployment to Iraq 53:44 Josh’s advice for every new recruit 54:12 Why you should volunteer for everything 56:30 Where to connect with Josh Price Want to keep up with Tim and Jamie and Unapologetically Strong beyond the podcast? Come hang out with us here: TikTok YouTube Website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    13 Years in the Army: The Leadership Lessons That Last
  6. Aug 6

    Why Veterans Feel Calm in Chaos, but Lost in Peace

    Marine veteran Steve McHale learned how to remain calm when everything around him was chaotic, but after leaving the military, learning to feel at peace when life became quiet presented an entirely different challenge. In this episode of the Unapologetically Strong military edition podcast, Steve McHale shares his journey from Marine Corps boot camp and rifle qualification to serving in Iraq as a nuclear, biological, and chemical defense specialist. He explains how military training develops discipline, immediate action, situational awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to enter a flow state under extreme pressure. But what happens when the mission ends and the noise disappears? Steve reveals why some veterans become so accustomed to performing in chaos that ordinary peace can feel uncomfortable. He also shares how meditation, breath awareness, fire gazing, and familiar military experiences can help veterans reconnect with mindfulness without abandoning their strength or identity. This conversation explores military sacrifice, Memorial Day, grief, survivor’s guilt, emotional awareness, veteran mental health, family legacy, Marine Corps culture, and finding purpose after service. It is for veterans, military families, first responders, and anyone learning how to process difficult emotions, remain grounded under pressure, and transform painful experiences into personal growth. What You’ll Learn: → The psychology of boot camp: Discover why recruits repeat simple tasks under pressure and how Marine Corps training creates discipline, attention to detail, and immediate obedience. → Why peace can feel uncomfortable: Learn why veterans may operate naturally during emergencies but struggle when there is no chaos to manage. → How military skills connect to meditation: Hear how rifle training, breath control, situational awareness, bonfires, and even eating or drinking can become mindfulness practices. → How to process grief without forgetting: Steve explains why healing does not dishonor fallen service members and how veterans can celebrate a person’s life while continuing to live fully. Want to learn more about Jamie Holloway? Check out the links below. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamie.holloway45?_r=1&_t=ZT-98TbrQ7ru3i Want to keep up with Tim and Jamie and Unapologetically Strong beyond the podcast? Come hang out with us here: TikTok YouTube Website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why Veterans Feel Calm in Chaos, but Lost in Peace
  7. May 25

    He Survived War, But Coming Home Was Harder

    Alexander shares what it was like to join the Army from Puerto Rico while facing a language barrier, and how basic training became both challenging and unexpectedly funny. You’ll hear how combat, adrenaline, mission purpose, and military brotherhood shaped his identity over 28 years of service. This episode explores why some veterans struggle with anger, emotional shutdown, civilian life, relationships, fireworks, and feeling misunderstood after deployment. Alexander also shares how faith, men’s ministry, emotional intelligence, and the “ministry of silence” are helping him heal and support other men who are carrying hidden pain. 00:00 Intro 02:41 Welcome to Unapologetically Strong Army Edition 03:33 Why Alexander Joined the Army 04:37 Serving Nearly 28 Years 05:02 Basic Training With a Language Barrier 06:44 The Hardest Part of Basic Training 08:41 Learning English Through Sesame Street 09:56 Army Parent Stories and Field Training 12:22 Learning Self-Control After Military Life 13:52 First Mission and Losing Innocence 15:14 Pain Pills, Sleeping Pills, and Pushing Through 16:38 Coming Home and Feeling Unseen 18:23 Why Civilian Life Felt So Hard 20:46 Men, Emotions, and Shutting Down 22:20 Aggression, Adrenaline, and Military Purpose 23:53 Volunteering for Mission After Mission 27:19 Alexander’s Military Jobs and Special Skills 30:38 Becoming Addicted to the Mission 34:03 Leadership, Pressure, and Protecting Soldiers 35:07 Field Artillery and Building Relationships 39:12 Making Deposits Into Relationships 41:25 First Combat Encounter and Decompression 43:03 Breaking Down in Basic Training 47:26 What Civilians Need to Understand 49:41 Fireworks, Triggers, and Hidden Pain 52:24 The Ministry of Silence 54:08 How to Connect With Alexander 55:38 Emotional Intelligence and Healing 59:11 Military Families and Staying Connected 01:01:17 Closing Thoughts #VeteranStories #ArmyLife #MilitaryFamily #MensMentalHealth #ChristianMen Want to keep up with Tim and Jamie and Unapologetically Strong beyond the podcast? Come hang out with us here: TikTok YouTube Website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    He Survived War, But Coming Home Was Harder
  8. May 11

    The Surprising Emotional & Physical Growth of a Son in Army Boot Camp

    Most moms struggle with letting go — but what if stepping back could unlock your child's true strength and independence? Jamie and Tim Holloway reveal how military boot camp transforms young men into resilient, mature adults, and share powerful lessons for parents navigating their own journeys of growth.In this candid, heartfelt episode, they explore the emotional rollercoaster of sending a loved one into the military — from the initial skepticism to witnessing remarkable character development. You'll discover how boot camp instills discipline, perseverance, and a sense of brotherhood that lasts a lifetime, and learn why emotional sacrifice is the ultimate act of love.Jamie shares her journey of shifting from overprotective mom to proud supporter, emphasizing the importance of allowing your children to face challenges on their path to manhood. Tim reflects on the honor and respect that come with a commitment to service, and how this experience creates leaders, not quitters.You'll hear practical insights on how military culture fosters accountability and resilience, and why moms around the world can benefit from embracing a "let go to grow" mindset. This episode is perfect for parents of teens, military families, or anyone looking to understand the profound power of stepping back so others can step up.Gain clarity on how emotional and cultural initiation shape character, and why the hardest sacrifices often lead to the most extraordinary growth. If you're ready to celebrate strength in all its forms — physical, mental, and emotional — this inspiring conversation will change how you see your loved ones' journey. Connect with Jamie on TikTok at "Jamie Holloway" as she shares her ongoing story — because true strength begins with surrendering control and trusting the process. Want to keep up with Tim and Jamie and Unapologetically Strong beyond the podcast? Come hang out with us here: TikTok YouTube Website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Surprising Emotional & Physical Growth of a Son in Army Boot Camp

About

We’re Tim and Jamie Holloway, and Unapologetically Strong is a little look into our life, the conversations we have, the things we’re learning, and the experiences that have shaped us. We’ve been married, raised a family, navigated some big life changes, and learned a few things along the way. We don’t always see things the same way, and that’s part of what makes our conversations interesting. As Army parents, military life has become a huge part of our story. It’s taught us a lot about sacrifice, pride, worry, resilience, and what it means to love someone through seasons you can’t control. Along the way, we meet people with stories worth hearing, people who have served, people raising kids who serve, and people who have lived through experiences that have shaped who they are. Some conversations will make you laugh. Some will hit you right in the gut. And some might make you look at your own life a little differently. This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up, having the conversations, telling the truth, and living life Unapologetically Strong.