R. Riveter at 15: Building a Business That Moves With Military Spouses

Staying Connected Through Storytime: How United Through Reading Brings Military Families Closer

For military families, separation is part of the lifestyle. Deployments. Underways. TDYs. Long workdays. Months spent apart while trying to keep family life moving forward. And while military families have become experts at adapting, staying connected across the distance isn't always easy—especially for young children who may not fully understand why Mom or Dad is gone. In this episode of MilSpouse in the House, host Christie Nix sits down with Navy spouse and United Through Reading Area Manager Bessie Ostrander to talk about one simple but powerful way military families can stay connected during separations: sharing stories. A military spouse of more than 16 years and mom of three boys, Bessie has seen firsthand how reading aloud can help bridge the distance between service members and the families they love. Through United Through Reading, military parents can record themselves reading books to their children, creating meaningful moments of connection that families can revisit again and again. Together, Christie and Bessie explore the mission behind United Through Reading, how the organization has grown from a small San Diego nonprofit into a global resource serving all six military branches, and why something as simple as storytime can have such a lasting impact on military families. They also discuss the developmental benefits of reading aloud, how the United Through Reading app works, the organization's free book program, and the heartwarming stories that continue to remind military families they are never truly alone—even when they're miles apart. Whether you're preparing for a deployment, navigating a long separation, or simply looking for ways to strengthen family connections, this conversation offers practical resources and an important reminder: sometimes the smallest moments create the strongest bonds. Key Takeaways Connection Matters During Separation United Through Reading helps military families stay connected through recorded storytime, allowing children to hear and see their parent even when they're far from home. Reading Aloud Benefits More Than Literacy Shared reading supports language development, strengthens emotional bonds, encourages empathy, and creates lasting family memories. The United Through Reading App Makes Participation Easy Service members can record stories directly from their phone using books from home or ebooks available through the app, then send those recordings directly to loved ones. Build a Free Family Library Families can create a digital library of recorded stories and receive free books at home, helping build a love of reading that grows alongside their children. Distance Doesn't Have to Mean Disconnection For many families, recorded storytime provides comfort during difficult moments, eases transitions during deployments, and even helps young children reconnect more easily during homecomings. Episode Links Learn More About United Through Reading Website: unitedthroughreading.org Download the United Through Reading App Book for the Military Child Campaign: Home Moves With Me Follow United Through Reading Facebook: United Through Reading Instagram: @unitedthroughreading Stay Connected Follow: @ThisIsMilSpouses on Instagram Read: The latest military spouse news, resources, and real-life stories at MilSpouses.com Subscribe: MilSpouse in the House on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Know a military family preparing for a deployment or long separation? Share this episode with them—because sometimes hearing a familiar voice at bedtime can make all the difference. Sponsored by Talkspace Military life is rewarding—but it can also feel overwhelming, especially during seasons of separation, transition, and uncertainty. Talkspace makes it easier to prioritize your mental health by connecting you with a licensed therapist anytime, anywhere. Now covered by TRICARE for eligible servicemembers, spouses, and dependents, Talkspace offers flexible, secure support that moves with you. Visit Talkspace.com to learn more.

PCS Like a Pro: How to Take Control of Your Move (and Your Sanity) with Megan Harless

For military spouses, PCS season doesn’t just mean moving—it means carrying the mental load of an entire life transition. Orders drop, timelines tighten, and suddenly you’re managing logistics, finances, and emotions all at once… often while your service member is focused elsewhere. In this episode of MilSpouse in the House, host Christie Nix—an Army spouse of more than two decades—sits down with Megan Harless, founder of PCS Like a Pro, military spouse of 20 years, and one of the leading voices pushing for real change in the PCS process. From an “accidental” advocacy moment in 2018 that turned into a national movement, to helping thousands of families better understand their entitlements, Megan shares how frustration with the system became a mission to make PCS life more manageable—and more transparent—for everyone. Together, they break down what’s actually broken in the PCS process, the biggest mistakes families make, and how small shifts—like planning early, understanding your benefits, and getting organized—can make a major difference. They also dive into the emotional side of moving, the hidden financial strain many families face, and why PCS stress builds long before moving day. And even though Megan’s family has transitioned into retirement, she shares why this work still matters—both for the next generation of military families and for her own son, who is now preparing to serve. This conversation is equal parts practical guidance and real-life perspective—perfect for any military spouse staring down orders and wondering how to make it all work. Key Takeaways * Start Early—Even Before Orders Drop Waiting too long to schedule your move can create unnecessary stress. The earlier you plan, the more control you have. * Know Your Entitlements (and What They Don’t Cover) Not everything is reimbursed—and that gap can add up quickly. Understanding your benefits upfront helps avoid financial surprises. * Organization Is Everything A PCS binder or system keeps critical documents accessible when you need them most—especially when things don’t go as planned. * PCS Is Expensive—Plan for It Many families underestimate out-of-pocket costs. Creating a PCS budget is one of the most important steps you can take. * Focus on What You Can Control There are parts of the process you can’t fix—but staying grounded in what you can manage makes the experience more manageable. Episode Links Follow Megan Harless / PCS Like a Pro Website: pcslikeapro.org Instagram: @pcs_like_a_pro Facebook: PCS Like a Pro TikTok: @thepcslikeapro Stay Connected Follow: @ThisIsMilSpouses on Instagram Read: The latest military spouse news, resources, and real-life stories at MilSpouses.com Subscribe: MilSpouse in the House on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen! Share this episode with a military spouse heading into PCS season—because no one should have to figure this out alone. Sponsored by Talkspace Military life is rewarding—but it can also feel overwhelming, especially during PCS season. Talkspace makes it easier to prioritize your mental health by connecting you with a licensed therapist anytime, anywhere. Now covered by TRICARE for eligible servicemembers, spouses, and dependents, Talkspace offers flexible, secure support that moves with you. Visit Talkspace.com to learn more.

Making Anywhere Feel Like Home: Decluttering, PCS Life, and What Actually Matters with Shannon Leyko

For military spouses, “home” is rarely permanent—it’s something we rebuild over and over again. One set of orders can turn your entire life upside down, leaving you surrounded by boxes, memories, and the pressure to make it all feel normal again. In this episode of MilSpouse in the House, host Christie Nix—an Army spouse of more than two decades—sits down with Shannon Leyko, Coast Guard spouse, mom of three, author, and host of the Paring Down podcast. From her early days in musical theater and as Miss New York to navigating life in Alaska (with a move to Finland on the horizon), Shannon brings a fresh, real-life perspective on what it actually means to create a home in a constantly changing life.  Together, they dive into the emotional and practical sides of decluttering—why it’s not just about “stuff,” but about identity, overwhelm, and making space for what truly matters. Shannon shares how simplifying your home can bring stability to your family, especially for kids navigating frequent moves, and why “paring down” your schedule can be just as important as clearing out your closets. This conversation is equal parts practical advice and mindset shift—perfect for any military spouse who has ever stood in the middle of a PCS and thought, how did we end up with all of this? Key Takeaways Home Is a Feeling, Not a Place You don’t have to wait for your “forever home” to feel settled—small, intentional choices can make any space feel like yours. Decluttering Is Emotional, Not Just Physical What we keep often represents memories, identity, or comfort. The goal isn’t to get rid of everything—it’s to keep what actually adds value. Less Stuff = More Stability (Especially for Kids) Simplifying your home creates a calmer environment and gives kids a sense of control in a life where so much is out of their hands. Start Small—Seriously Don’t overcomplicate it. Put a bag next to the clutter and start there. Progress beats perfection every time. You Don’t Have to Do “All the Things” From spouse groups to kids’ activities, it’s okay to choose what actually fits your family—and let go of the rest. Episode Links Follow Shannon Leyko  Instagram: @shannonleyko  Website: shannonleyko.com  Podcast: Paring Down (available on all major platforms) Sign up for her newsletter: The Less Express Get updates on her upcoming book Don’t Save the Good Stuff (launching next year) Stay Connected Follow: @ThisIsMilSpouses on Instagram  Read: The latest military spouse news, resources, and real-life stories at MilSpouses.com  Subscribe: MilSpouse in the House on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen Share this episode with a military spouse who could use a little less clutter—and a lot more clarity. Sponsored by Talkspace Military life is rewarding—but it can also feel overwhelming. Talkspace makes it easier to prioritize your mental health by connecting you with a licensed therapist anytime, anywhere. Now covered by TRICARE for eligible service members, spouses, and dependents, Talkspace offers flexible, secure support that moves with you. Visit Talkspace.com to learn more.

R. Riveter at 15: Building a Business That Moves With Military Spouses

For many military spouses, the "irrevocable waiver" isn't just a legal term—it’s a lived experience. Every PCS move often feels like a forced resignation, leaving talented professionals to choose between their family’s service and their own career identity. In this episode of MilSpouse in the House, host Christie Nix — an Army spouse of 22 years — sits down with Lisa Bradley, co-founder of R. Riveter, and Laura Vien, the brand’s Creative Director. What began in 2011 as two spouses sewing in a garage attic with a $2,100 credit card has blossomed into a "Shark Tank" success story and a national symbol of military spouse resilience. Together, they discuss the evolution of a brand that doesn't just sell handbags—it provides "portable" purpose. Lisa shares the raw reality of building a complex manufacturing model from scratch, while Laura explores the deep emotional connections forged within their flagship store, where military history and modern employment intersect. From their iconic "Heirloom Line" that transforms old uniforms into keepsakes to their upcoming 15th-anniversary celebrations, this conversation is a masterclass in mission-driven entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever felt like your resume is a series of "starting overs," this episode will remind you that your skills are not just transferable—they are essential. Key Takeaways * Progress Over Perfection: Don't wait for the "perfect" moment to launch your dream; the grit is found in the adjustments you make along the way. * The "Why" Sustains the "How": In a complex economy, a business grounded in a personal mission (like spouse employment) is what survives the hard seasons. * Identity Beyond the ID Card: Meaningful work provides more than a paycheck; it provides a sense of belonging and professional continuity in a life of constant change. Episode Links * Shop the Collection: rriveter.com [https://www.rriveter.com] * Follow R. Riveter * Instagram: @rriveterbags [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/rriveterbags] * Facebook: R. Riveter [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.facebook.com/rriveterbags] Stay Connected * Follow: @ThisIsMilSpouses [https://instagram.com/thisismilspouses] on Instagram * Read: You’ll find the latest in military family news and uplifting lifestyle features on milspouses.com [http://milspouses.com/]. * Subscribe: MilSpouse In the House on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7z5JkLlTBxGybjYCqpBdRd] Sponsored by TalkSpace Military life is rewarding — but it’s not without stress. With TalkSpace, you can connect with a licensed therapist anytime, anywhere. This holiday season, take care of your mental health while caring for others. Visit talkspace.com [http://talkspace.com/] to learn more.

Listening to Military Teens: How Bloom and NMFA Are Turning Teen Voices Into Action

Military teens grow up navigating PCS moves, deployments, new schools, and changing communities — often without much choice in the matter. Yet their voices are some of the most overlooked in the military family conversation. In this episode of MilSpouse in the House, host Christie Nix — a longtime Army spouse and mom of three teens — sits down with Raleigh Smith Duttweiler of the National Military Family Association and Kait Hsu from Bloom, a program created by military teens, for military teens. Together, they explore what happens when teens aren’t just supported — they’re truly listened to. From Bloom’s teen-led origins to the Military Teen Experience Survey, this conversation dives into how real data, real stories, and real connection are shaping better programs and policies for military youth. Raleigh shares powerful insights from six years of survey data, including mental wellbeing trends, food insecurity, and why military teens self-harm at more than twice the rate of their civilian peers. Kait explains how Bloom builds peer connection through blogs, art, TikToks, podcasts, and online community spaces that teens actually want to use. They also break down how parents can support teens after a PCS, normalize mental health check-ins, and connect kids to resources without making them feel singled out. If you’re raising a military teen — or working with one — this episode is a must-listen. Military Spouse News & Benefits Update Brought to you by MilSpouses.com — built by military spouses, for military spouses. * Scholarships for Military Kids: Scholarship season is here, with deadlines through March. Find timelines, tips, and curated opportunities for military-connected students at MilSpouses.com. * PCS Moving Reform: The Pentagon announced a new Personal Property Activity aimed at improving accountability and claims during PCS moves. Key Takeaways * Military teens don’t need adults to speak for them — they need adults to listen. * Resilience isn’t automatic; it’s built through connection and support. * Nearly 40% of military teens report low mental wellbeing. Episode Links Take the Military Teen Experience Survey: militaryfamily.org [http://militaryfamily.org] (Open until February 15) Read & Share The Field Guide to the Military Teen [https://www.militaryfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Field-Guide-to-the-Military-Teen.pdf]Authored by Bloom teens to help families, schools, coaches, and communities understand the real military teen experience. Follow the National Military Family Association Website: https://www.militaryfamily.org/ [https://www.militaryfamily.org/] Instagram: @militaryfamilyorg [https://www.instagram.com/militaryfamilyorg/?hl=en] Follow Bloom Military Teens Website: https://www.bloommilitaryteens.org/ [https://www.bloommilitaryteens.org/] Instagram: @bloommilitaryteens [https://www.instagram.com/bloommilitaryteens/?hl=en] Stay Connected * Follow: @ThisIsMilSpouses [https://instagram.com/thisismilspouses] on Instagram * Read: You’ll find the latest in military family news and uplifting lifestyle features on milspouses.com [http://milspouses.com]. * Subscribe: MilSpouse In the House on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7z5JkLlTBxGybjYCqpBdRd], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/milspouse-in-the-house/id1801308848], or wherever you listen. * Join the Community: Leave a review, share this episode, and tag a spouse who deserves to be recognized.