Side Quest w/ a Guest: James Kuykendall

OOTB #8 On the road again + No Kings

In this episode Maggie and Nick are back in the car. Join them as they catch up on all things out the the Boxeys and for a deep dive on their experience with No Kings 3 in rural south GA. Get full access to Out of the Boxeys at outoftheboxeys.substack.com/subscribe [https://outoftheboxeys.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Boxeys, Unfiltered

Boxeys Unfiltered: Impromptu car conversation on veterans’ benefits, constitutional values, media literacy, and staying human in polarized times Episode Summary This episode was recorded spontaneously in the car on the way to a medical appointment. Maggie and Nick discuss concerns about proposed VA procedural changes. The conversation expands into reflections on constitutional rights, media distrust, political polarization, generational dynamics, and the challenge of having meaningful conversations across ideological divides. ⚠️ Content Note This episode includes discussion of: • disability and medical trauma• government policy and political conflict• violence and systemic harm• sexual abuse and exploitation (brief mention) And lots of cussing. Please listen with care and pause if needed. We talk about proposed VA procedural changes and the fear many disabled veterans have about their ratings being revisited or reduced. For many veterans including us, benefits are not about comfort. They are about stability, dignity, and survival. If you want to follow ongoing discussion and advocacy around VA policy and disability protections, here are a few places to start: VFW statement [https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/2/vfw-demands-va-rescind-disability-rating-rule-change] DAV statement [https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2026/dav-statement-on-va-interim-final-rule-concerning-disability-ratings-and-medication/] Make public comment here [https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/VA-2026-VBA-0067-0001] before April 20, 2026 The oath and what it means We talk about our oath of enlistment. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Armed_Forces_oath_of_enlistment] “I, (state name of enlistee), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_United_States] against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officer_(armed_forces)] appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniform_Code_of_Military_Justice]. (So help me God [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/So_help_me_God]).” Nick took this Oath as an officer [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Uniformed_Services_Oath_of_Office] in the USMC as do all Military Officers and those who hold office. I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.[1] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Uniformed_Services_Oath_of_Office#cite_note-USC10.3331-1]\ Many veterans are struggling with the tension between constitutional ideals and what they are witnessing in real time. That tension does not belong to one political identity. It belongs to anyone who took that oath seriously. Nick played part of Malcolm X’s speech, By Any Means Necessary, watch the speech here [https://youtu.be/FFe58KX4MHA?si=7OMqGgMXpjxFjQZc] ( starting at 2:30). Media literacy and choosing curiosity over certainty We mention a few independent journalists and commentators whose work we have found helpful for context, history, or analysis: • Heather Cox Richardson (historical context and daily analysis)- Letters from An American [https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/]• Allison Gill of The Breakdown Mueller [https://www.muellershewrote.com/?r=2gkqh7&utm_campaign=subscribe-page-share-screen&utm_medium=web], She Wrote / Daily Beans• Joyce Vance – Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance [https://joycevance.substack.com/] Maggie stated that “studies show left leaning media is more in line with facts than right wing media”, and here is a study [https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/right-and-left-partisanship-predicts-asymmetric-vulnerability-to-misinformation/]that digs in a bit to what she was referring to. There is bias all over the internet left and right, media literacy is crucial. Maggie mentioned DHS buying a property for 100 million dollars over the appraised value for an ICE facility, here [https://news.monroelocal.org/feds-paid-over-128-5-million-for-new-ice-facility-deed-shows-2/#:~:text=The%20sale%20comes%20nearly%20three,the%20sale%20had%20been%20completed.] is the local news link about that sale. Thank you To everyone listening, sharing episodes.To the paid subscribers helping keep this work sustainable.To the people who disagree with us but stay curious anyway. Thank you Keep asking questions.Keep living out of the box. We’ll see y’all next time. Love, Nick and Maggie Announcements: Come see us in person We will be at the Wild Chicken Festival on March 21 in Fitzgerald GA with our first Out of the Boxeys bookstore pop-up. Books. Stickers. Mugs. Conversations. A little chaos. A lot of gratitude. If you are local, please stop by and say hello and grab your copy of The 3 Things and get it signed. Meeting listeners face-to-face is one of the most grounding parts of this whole journey. Merch & ways to support If you have been asking how to support the podcast and our work, here are a few options: • We have merch! Get your Out of the Boxeys mug here [https://outoftheboxeys.etsy.com/listing/4461352609/out-of-the-boxeys-podcast-mug] (hoodies and stickers to come)• Share the episode with someone who values thoughtful conversation• Leave a rating or review• Join the Substack community by subscribing Every small act of support helps sustain creative work that moves at the pace of real life. Get full access to Out of the Boxeys at outoftheboxeys.substack.com/subscribe [https://outoftheboxeys.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Side Quest w/ a Guest: Nada Yousif

In this episode we’re talking with Nada Yousif, astrologer, screenwriter, and the author of The Astrology of Healing: Unlocking Our Sacred Wounds with the Wisdom of the Stars. Nada joins us to read our composite chart and explore what astrology can teach us about our shared purpose and that third thing that’s created when charts are combined. Nada walks us through what a composite chart is, how it differs from individual birth charts, and what it can reveal about connection and healing over time. Whether you are deeply familiar with astrology or just beginning to explore it, this conversation is grounded and deeply affirming. We loved this conversation and hope it leaves you with the warm fuzzies as it did us. Resources and Links Nada’s book, The Astrology of Healing: Unlocking Our Sacred Wounds with the Wisdom of the Stars [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9781959524113] out on February 3, 2026!! Book a session with Nada at thesoulsastrology.com [http://thesoulsastrology.com]Use discount code OOTB for 20 percent off. Listener Support Out of the Boxeys is listener-supported. Subscribing helps support our work and ensures you never miss an episode. Huge shout-out to John L., Gina, Laura, Lydia, and Deg. Thank you so much for your support. Music by Alex Gordon HiFi Thank you for listening. Take care of each other out there. Get full access to Out of the Boxeys at outoftheboxeys.substack.com/subscribe [https://outoftheboxeys.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

OOTB #6 The Horrors Persist, but so do we

Just a heads-up: our language is extra spicy this episode, and the sound is wonky because I (Maggie) record from my beloved adjustable bed every episode, and in this one, I am reclined and the mic is too close to my mouth- lesson learned for next time I record during a crash. (See my TEDxOjai talk I Am One of the Millions Missing [https://youtu.be/JzKfi8LOMQU?si=Wl3XWOEcFz3ilY1I] for more info on my illness and why I record from bed). For those who deal with brain fog, notice the number of times I ask Nick for names of things- editing was a trip. Here’s a more in-depth explanation of the Spoon Theory [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoon_theory] that is mentioned at the beginning of the show. Check out Spoonie Sister Shop [https://linktr.ee/SpoonieSisterShop?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5b8f82eb-b441-4f84-8976-9446383de9f6] for your spoonie merch needs. 🎬 Movies We Loved in 2025 * Wicked for Good * Sinners * Superman * Zootopia 2 * Flow (animated film) * Doctor Sleep — Great to watch after Welcome to Derry 📺 TV Shows we loved this year * Welcome to Derry on HBOmax * Invincible (Season 3) * Shrinking on Apple TV (and an eternal shout out to Ted Lasso as well) * The Bear on Hulu * The Pitt on HBOmax 📚 Books we loved (and a plug for Out of the Boxeys Books [https://bookshop.org/shop/OOTBbooks]) * Free Thinkers [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9780805077766] https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9780805077766by Sarah Jacoby * White Poverty [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9781324096757] https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9781324096757by Rev William Barber III * Where Do We Go From Here [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9780807000670] https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9780807000670: Chaos or Community by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr * Remarkably Bright Creatures [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9780063204164] https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9780063204164by Shelby Van Pelt * Ring Shout [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9781250393814] by P. Djèlí Clark * Horror Store, The Final Girl Support Group, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls all by Grady Hendrix [https://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=Grady+Hendrix] * The Devil and Mrs. Davenport [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9781662514883] by Paulette Kennedy * A House with Good Bones [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9781250829818] by T. Kingfisher * You Like It Darker [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9781668037720] by Stephen King 🎮 Video Games * Stray — available on PlayStation / Steam * Disney Dreamlight Valley — Disney Dreamlight Valley Official Site [https://disneydreamlightvalley.com] 🎧 Podcasts * The Daily Beans The Daily Beans Official Site [https://www.dailybeanspod.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * The Dollop * The Rewatchables * The Flop House * How Did This Get Made? * Armchair Expert [https://armchairexpertpod.com/] * My Favorite Murder * In The Red Clay [https://open.spotify.com/show/4NJQ9Osr5x6OIiz1qqyME9] (Maggie couldn’t remember the name of this one, but it led down a rabbit hole of pods about The Dixie Mafia) 🎵 Music & Artists (Links typically go to artist profiles or streaming pages) * Prof [https://www.profgampo.com/music] * Snarky Puppy [https://snarkypuppy.com/about] * Norman Sann [https://www.normansann.com/] * CORRECTION- The song we were referring to is Up and Down by Chris Housman [https://open.spotify.com/track/2ynKLKl1Jlj7KAC2j7spqY?si=514fba4206af44be], I misattributed it to Morgan Wallen (Morgan Wallen has a song called Up Down but it is not what we were referring to, Nick was right when he said “Chris something”) * Pussy Riot - Make America Great Again [https://open.spotify.com/track/0d858Q4cbhALzhzvljHC8k?si=4bf4489386a8419d] * Kirby , Miss Black America [https://open.spotify.com/album/5lSpRx7o1F60p2ZFuTmgIg?si=Z12ST05LSieaIJn5zUfjHg] album [https://open.spotify.com/album/5lSpRx7o1F60p2ZFuTmgIg?si=Z12ST05LSieaIJn5zUfjHg], Na$ty is my favorite, watch the video-so well done! * Kendrick Lamar’s amazing performance, how was the 2025 superbowl only 11 months ago??? * Taylor Swift- Life of a Showgirl * Indigo Girls & Melissa Etheridge, Yes We Are tour 🛠 Favorite Tools & Apps * Spoonie Sister Shop * Procreate * Passion Planner * StoryGraph * Libro.fm * Bookshop.org ebook reader app (I said Kobo on the recording) Visible Health app & Visible Band - Here’s Maggie’s referral link for $20 off https://join.makevisible.com/6828449dc6df35 Happy 2026 yall! We’re so glad you’re here! Shout out to our OOTB subscribers, especially Lydia, John, and Gina! Episode produced by Maggie Boxey. Music by AlexGordonhifi.com. Keep Asking Questions, keep living outside of the box, and we’ll see yall next time! Get full access to Out of the Boxeys at outoftheboxeys.substack.com/subscribe [https://outoftheboxeys.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Side Quest w/ a Guest: James Kuykendall

Summary For our very first Side Quest, we sit down with our oldest son, James Kuykendall, a 23-year-old accountant in Charlotte, to talk about all things parenting. We dig into early memories, blended-family life, discipline, mischief, perfectionism, nervous systems, and what it’s like to grow up together as a family across distance, duty stations, and seasons. There’s laughter and a whole lot of honesty about what we got wrong, what we learned, and how we try to do better now. We also get into the joy of raising adult kids, social battery shutdowns, and why Christmas felt like pure magic when James was little. Toward the end, James shares a beautiful definition of sonder—and we wrap with what we’re all watching, reading, and loving- links below. Nick and I shared a mic on this one (thank you for your patience with the audio), and thank y’all for giving us grace as we pace energy and post when we can. The case that Maggie couldn’t remember was the story of Phineas Cage [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phineas_Gage]. What We’re Watching & Reading James * Avatar: The Last Airbender [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender] * The Godfather [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9780451205766] https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9780451205766 by Mario Puzo Maggie * Remarkably Bright Creatures [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9780063204164] https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9780063204164 by Shelby Van Pelt * George Orwell’s Shooting an Elephant [https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwell/essays-and-other-works/shooting-an-elephant/] https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwell/essays-and-other-works/shooting-an-elephant/ Nick * Freethinkers [https://bookshop.org/a/117758/9780805077766] by Susan Jacoby * “Robert Ingersoll’s Eulogy for Walt Whitman” [https://andrewhidas.com/robert-ingersolls-eulogy-of-walt-whitman/] Shared * Welcome to Derry [https://www.hbomax.com/shows/it-welcome-to-derry/6c39354a-c52d-46d7-982c-b5d196988189?utm_source=universal_search] https://www.hbomax.com/shows/it-welcome-to-derry/6c39354a-c52d-46d7-982c-b5d196988189?utm_source=universal_search Nugget of Wisdom James’s closing wisdom:Sonder — the realization that every person you pass is living a life as vivid, complex, and important as your own. Credits * Produced by: Maggie Boxey * Music by: Alex Gordon HiFi * Listener supporters: Gina, John & Lydia, we love y’all. * Support our dream of a mobile bookstore on Substack → [link] * Follow us behind the scenes on IG: @outoftheboxeys If you want to go deeper into our story: * TEDx Talk: I Am One of the Millions Missing [https://youtu.be/JzKfi8LOMQU?si=2JtBk4tp8mNhpIZt] https://youtu.be/JzKfi8LOMQU?si=2JtBk4tp8mNhpIZt * The 3 Things [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-3-things-a-practical-path-to-collective-recovery-maggie-boxey/5ea53bee1b7ac371?ean=9781959524021&next=t]: A Practical Path to Collective Recovery by Maggie Boxey Get full access to Out of the Boxeys at outoftheboxeys.substack.com/subscribe [https://outoftheboxeys.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]