Samantha-Becoming a Gold Star Spouse

Meghan Santiago-A Fort Campbell Tragedy

This episode is about Meghan Santiago, a wife, a mother, and a member of the military community whose life was taken by her husband, Joseph Santiago.We talk about what it means when violence happens inside a community that prides itself on strength, resilience, and looking out for one another, and why telling these stories matters. This tragedy took place while both our families were stationed at Fort Campbell, KY and it's a story that I've never been able to stop thinking about. Please listen with care.

LISTENER EMAILS

Today's episode is the first of (hopefully many!) listener emails. If you want your story read on the pod, you can send your stories to: areyouevenamilspo@gmail.com. I need everyone's help spreading the word! Please, if you can... rate, review, and share the podcast to help it grow. Thanks for your support so far!

Samantha-Becoming a Gold Star Spouse

In episode 3, I sit down with Samantha — a Gold Star Spouse whose honesty, warmth, and strength will stay with you long after the episode ends. Samantha opens up about the moments after losing her husband, the support she received from her squadron, and the painful shift that happened when new leadership arrived. She shares what it felt like to lose her husband… and then lose her place in the military community too. We talk about what it really means to “show up” for someone who is grieving. At one point, Samantha turns the tables and asks me how I show up for Memorial Day. It caught me completely off guard and you’ll hear my very real, very human struggle to answer honestly while sitting across from someone who has lived the ultimate sacrifice. This episode is raw, eye-opening, and deeply important. Whether you’re a military spouse, military-connected, or someone who wants to better understand the meaning of service and loss, Samantha’s story will change the way you move through Memorial Day… and the way you show up for others.

Devin-Male MILSPO POV

In this episode, I sit down with Devin — a calm, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest male military spouse. His perspective is one we don’t hear nearly enough. We talk about what it was like becoming a MILSPO, following his wife overseas, and the unique challenges of building a community as a male spouse in a world largely shaped by women. From identity shifts to friendship struggles, Devin shares a side of military life that’s rarely talked about but deeply relatable for so many of us. This conversation expands the MILSPO story in all the best ways.

Jordan-The Strongest MILSPO in the Room

In this powerful first episode, I sit down with Jordan, a military spouse and the mother of Caleb, a vibrant two-year-old boy whose life was tragically cut short by meningitis. Jordan opens up about the days leading up to Caleb’s illness, the moment everything changed, and how she’s navigated life, grief, and healing since his passing. Jordan shares what she wishes more parents knew and what it means to keep Caleb’s light present in the world. To learn more about Caleb’s story and the advocacy work being done in his honor, visit Caleb’s Brave Legacy on Facebook. There will also be a benefit held in his name this December 2025. Please consider attending or donating.