Episodes

Monday Oct 23, 2023
EP144 Season 6 Wrap Up
Monday Oct 23, 2023
Monday Oct 23, 2023
Thank you for joining us for Season 6 on the Hearts & Stripes Podcast. 2023 was a crazy year of highs and challenges. Tune in as Bree shares insights on the huge wins and challenges that came with Military Marriage Day 2023. She is also vulnerable about her own relationship shifts that paralleled MMD 2023.
As always, we appreciate your support! Please feel free to rate, review, subscribe/follow and share. Until next season, continue to be #milmarriagestrong
If there is a topic you'd like to hear more on Hearts & Stripes Podcast, reach out on social @militarymarriageday or email militarymarriageday@gmail.com.
Today’s Heart Track is by:
Kem - I Can't Stop Loving You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVBmBR7kL-w
Bonus: Jadakiss - We Gonna Make It
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6TrQzNTrRA
Let's Connect:
To get even more on Hearts & Stripes podcast, resources, community and more head to https://www.militarymarriageday.com
Connect with Military Marriage Day on IG & Facebook @militarymarriageday and check us out on YouTube
Connects with Bree on IG https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll

Monday Oct 16, 2023
EP143 BUILD with Coaching with LeCo Hanson
Monday Oct 16, 2023
Monday Oct 16, 2023
Welcome to Season 6 of the Hearts & Stripes podcast with encouragement from host, Bree Carroll. Today we are chatting with a phenomenal active duty service member who is not just living #milmarriagestrong, she is encouraging others to go it too. Let’s lean into how coaching can be the answer you didn’t know you needed to build your marriage.
About LeCo
My Name is LeCo (La’Co) Hanson, I am a wife, mom, Marine turned Military Marriage Coach. I am from Kankakee, IL born and raised. I am currently an active duty Marine, I joined the Marine Corps when I was 18 years old. I have a passion to help bring the military divorce rate down and to help build strong resilient marriages that last beyond the military.
You can connect with her at https://forthemarriage.com
If there is a topic you'd like to hear more on Hearts & Stripes Podcast, reach out on social @militarymarriageday or email militarymarriageday@gmail.com.
Today’s Heart Track is Work by Kane Brown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bm_o_dohX8
Let's Connect:
To get even more on Hearts & Stripes podcast, resources, community and more head to https://www.militarymarriageday.com
Connect with Military Marriage Day on IG & Facebook @militarymarriageday and check us out on YouTube
Connects with Bree on IG https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll

Monday Oct 09, 2023
EP142 Foreign Spouse Perspective with Lydiah Owiti
Monday Oct 09, 2023
Monday Oct 09, 2023
Welcome to Season 6 of the Hearts & Stripes podcast with encouragement from host, Bree Carroll. Today we are chatting with Lydiah Owiti and dive into a different take on military life. Let’s lean into the unique challenges our foreign born military spouses experience and how it can impact their milmarriage.
About Kimberly
Lydiah Owiti is a foreign born military spouse of 11 years, a mum of three, fierce advocate, humanitarian, builder, connector and champion for diversity, equity inclusion, and social impact. She embodies her favorite quote from MLK "Life's most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others."
You can connect with her on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiahowiti/
https://www.facebook.com/lydia.owiti/
https://www.instagram.com/lydiah_owiti/
https://www.tiktok.com/@lydiahowiti
If there is a topic you'd like to hear more on Hearts & Stripes Podcast, reach out on social @militarymarriageday or email militarymarriageday@gmail.com.
Today’s Heart Track is by:
Katy Perry - Firework
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw
Let's Connect:
To get even more on Hearts & Stripes podcast, resources, community and more head to https://www.militarymarriageday.com
Connect with Military Marriage Day on IG & Facebook @militarymarriageday and check us out on YouTube
Connects with Bree on IG https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll

Monday Oct 02, 2023
EP141 BUILD Through Trauma Support with Sultana Karim
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Welcome to Season 6 of the Hearts & Stripes podcast with encouragement from host, Bree Carroll. Today we are chatting with Sultana Karim and dive into how she supports service families as a therapist in private practice. Learn how you can receive support through private support in the areas of trauma or around the birthing experience so that you can stay #milmarriagestrong
About Sultana
Hi, my name is Sultana Karim and I am a licensed counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Maryland. I’ve worked with people who have struggled with mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum, and had traumatic experiences.
You can connect with Sultana www.karimcounseling.org
If there is a topic you'd like to hear more on Hearts & Stripes Podcast, reach out on social @militarymarriageday or email militarymarriageday@gmail.com.
Today’s Heart Track is by:
All Of Me by John Legend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=450p7goxZqg
Let's Connect:
To get even more on Hearts & Stripes podcast, resources, community and more head to https://www.militarymarriageday.com
Connect with Military Marriage Day on IG & Facebook @militarymarriageday and check us out on YouTube
Connects with Bree on IG https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll

Monday Sep 04, 2023
EP140 BUILD Your Mental Health with Kimberly Gold
Monday Sep 04, 2023
Monday Sep 04, 2023
Welcome to Season 6 of the Hearts & Stripes podcast with encouragement from host, Bree Carroll. Today we are chatting with Kimberly Gold and dive into what caring for yourself looks like within your marriage and for yourself. Sometimes BUILDing your marriage starts with you first BUILDing Your Mental Health. Here are our highlights from this episode:
- Kimberly shares her milmarriage story that starts with sliding into DMs and a shift to work on physical health.
- She shares her journey of resentering, healing and recovering from a toxic work environment.
- “You can’t be a good partner when you’re not being good to yourself.”
- Stop using positive distractions. Be brave enough to acknowledge that you need help. Let’s stop normalizing or silencing your trauma, hurt or feelings.
- Know your options. Look into different health care providers like Steven A Cohen’s - Cohen Veterans Network at https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org & providers highlighted on the Military Marriage Day app
About Kimberly
Born to a Korean woman who would become the first Korean female Chief Warrant Officer Five in the US Army, Kimberly prides herself on learning directly from her mother who taught her how to turn obstacles into opportunities.
As a military kid, Kimberly has been assigned to seven military bases and can recall attending at least five schools. In elementary school, Kimberly stayed with a babysitter when both her parents deployed for the Gulf War. Kimberly recalls a time where she deeply disappointed her patriot mother by not accepting an appointment to the Air Force Academy. In the words of Kimberly, she was “DONE” with military life. To show her mother exactly how done she was, she went on to spend the next two decades serving military communities, even deploying to Kuwait, as a humanitarian and is happily married to a foreign born spouse who serves in the Army.
You can connect with Kimberly on social media @kimberlyisgold on all platforms.
If there is a topic you'd like to hear more on Hearts & Stripes Podcast, reach out on social @militarymarriageday or email militarymarriageday@gmail.com.
Today’s Heart Track is by:
Lift Me Up by Rhianna
Let's Connect:
To get even more on Hearts & Stripes podcast, resources, community and more head to https://www.militarymarriageday.com
Connect with Military Marriage Day on IG & Facebook @militarymarriageday and check us out on YouTube
Connects with Bree on IG https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll

Monday Aug 28, 2023
EP139 50th Anniversary Reflections
Monday Aug 28, 2023
Monday Aug 28, 2023
Welcome to Season 6 of the Hearts & Stripes podcast with encouragement from host, Bree Carroll. Today Bree is reflecting on three big takeaways from her in-laws 50th wedding anniversary and vow renewal. A huge thank you to Edna & Stanley Carroll for your example and support. Happy 50th! Here are our highlights from this episode:
- Focus on Family - Everything blooms from a focus on marriage and family. Making sacrificial decisions to put the family in a better position was a big part of what made them successful. This takes selflessness and a big picture perspective as opposed to a short term gain.
- Focus on Faith - The Carrolls don’t just say what they believe but also model it. They practice their beliefs and follow the order that the Bible outlines for families. It takes submission, surrender, trust, and intentionality.
- Focus on Selflessness - I love watching my inlaws love one another. They model showing up for one another when it matters most. This looks like taking vows seriously, especially the “for better or for worst” portion. This is something that isn’t always easy but is necessarily for a sustainable relationship.
If there is a topic you'd like to hear more on Hearts & Stripes Podcast, reach out on social @militarymarriageday or email militarymarriageday@gmail.com.
Today’s Heart Track is by:
Forever by Jason Nelson
Let's Connect:
To get even more on Hearts & Stripes podcast, resources, community and more head to https://www.militarymarriageday.com
Connect with Military Marriage Day on IG & Facebook @militarymarriageday and check us out on YouTube
Connects with Bree on IG https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll

Monday Aug 21, 2023
EP138 Moms In The Military
Monday Aug 21, 2023
Monday Aug 21, 2023
Welcome to Season 6 of the Hearts & Stripes podcast with encouragement from host, Bree Carroll. Today we are chatting with Air Force veteran and author Patricia Q. Throughout our talk we go back to the basics of what is needed to thrive in your family and marriage relationship. Here are our highlights from this episode:
- Marriage First - Make time for you to connect with your spouse. Consider scheduling a day to yourselves during TDY or deployment reintegrations before spending time with the entire family.
- Individual Relationships - As parents try to foster individual relationships with your kids. Take them on one on one outings or join activities that they enjoy so you each have a special connection collectively and individually.
- Resources - I love that we went back to basics as Patricia shared the following resources: Family Readiness, Spouse Club, Chapel, First Sergeants and fellow service families.
- Remember When You Were New - If you see someone new, take the first step towards them to assist.
More About Patricia:
Patricia became a mom early in her military career and spent most of her career tackling both service and motherhood. Her husband was also a member of the United States Air Force.
After retirement, Patricia worked as a contractor with the Air Force before deciding to professionally pursue her passion for writing. She published her first book in December 2022. She is currently working on a book of poetry and a companion book to her first book.
Website
http://www.patriciaqaiyyim.com
Social Media Handles
https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaQaiyyimAuthor/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-qaiyyim-veteran-author/
If there is a topic you'd like to hear more on Hearts & Stripes Podcast, reach out on social @militarymarriageday or email militarymarriageday@gmail.com.
Today’s Heart Track is by:
We Are Family
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyGY2NfYpeE
Let's Connect:
To get even more on Hearts & Stripes podcast, resources, community and more head to https://www.militarymarriageday.com
Connect with Military Marriage Day on IG & Facebook @militarymarriageday and check us out on YouTube
Connects with Bree on IG https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll

Monday Mar 27, 2023
EP135 Love Rollercoaster
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Monday Mar 27, 2023
We are closing out this Roller Coaster Season on Hearts & Stripes podcast with encouragement from host, Bree Carroll. Throughout Season 5 we are discussing what Roller Coaster Season is as we look at the highs and lows of service marriages. We’ve unpacked what thriving can look like through communication, highlighted new resources and today we are giving practical steps to enjoy the roller coaster ride.
- Strap In - We as a couple need to be committed to the ride and also safe along the way.
- Build Up - There is tons of anticipation as you build up to moments in your relationship. Communicate what these expectations are and how you are feeling along the way.
- Hands Up. Sometimes it's better to throw your hands up in surrender and excitement as opposed to white knuckling it the entire ride
- Smile. Take metal or physical pictures of the moments along the way so you can look back at the moments.
- Finish Together. Stay MilMarriage Strong!
If there is a topic you'd like to hear more on Hearts & Stripes Podcast, reach out on social @militarymarriageday or email militarymarriageday@gmail.com.
Today’s Heart Track is by:
Ohio Players- Love Rollercoaster
AND
Bon Jovi - Roller Coaster
Let's Connect:
To get even more on Hearts & Stripes podcast, resources, community and more head to https://www.militarymarriageday.com
Connect with Military Marriage Day on IG & Facebook @militarymarriageday and check us out on YouTube
Connects with Bree on IG https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll

Monday Mar 20, 2023
EP133 Thrive Together with Martin and Juvilyn Garcia
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Welcome back to the Hearts & Stripes podcast. We are thrilled to have our MMD Ambassadors, Martin and Juvilyn Garcia joining us. Throughout Season 5 we are discussing what Roller Coaster Season is as we look at the highs and lows of service marriages. The Garcia’s share how Valentine's Day critics spark a conversation on the need to continue dating your spouse, communicate using their love language and how they went from contemplating divorce to thriving together in their milmarriage.
About Martin & Juvilyn:
Dynamic duo, Juvilyn and Martin. Marine Corps Couple, married for almost 10 years and strong advocates for strong military marriages! We believe you have to thrive TOGETHER to make it.
The Game Plan To Thrive Together:
- You have to show up for yourself before showing up for your spouse. Practice self-care, get a vision for yourself and your goals, and love yourself.
- Come together to support one another. Through partnership and teamwork we can build stronger relationships through encouraging one another within the marriage relationship.
- Acknowledge the ripple effect. The result of thriving together will impact those around you to engage in healthier relationships and collaborate with one another in the ways that you’ve modeled.
If there is a topic you'd like to hear more on Hearts & Stripes Podcast, reach out on social @militarymarriageday or email militarymarriageday@gmail.com.
Today’s Heart Track is Homie by YX
Stay tuned for a vibrant and vulnerable season as we encourage you to thrive and stay #milmarriagestrong
Let's Connect:
To get even more on Hearts & Stripes podcast, resources, community and more head to https://www.militarymarriageday.com
Connect with Military Marriage Day on IG & Facebook @militarymarriageday and check us out on YouTube
Connects with Bree on IG https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll

Monday Mar 06, 2023
EP131 Military Marriage Day App
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Welcome back to an exciting new season of Hearts & Stripes podcast. Season 5 is our Roller Coaster Season where we are looking at the highs and lows of service marriages. In this episode Military Marriage Day Founder, Bree Carroll is showcasing the new MMD App. The app was released just in time for Valentine’s Day and is now available in the Apple & Google Play App Stores. With it, we are excited to house the MMD Hub and opportunities for donor to give towards our new MiMarriage Grants.
Here is how you can help spread the word & make the app even better:
- Download the Military Marriage Day app, click around & let us know what you think HERE
- Recommend resources to be added to the app HERE
- Share the app with a friend or in your stories with #MMDapp
If there is a topic you'd like to hear more on Hearts & Stripes Podcast, reach out on social @militarymarriageday or email militarymarriageday@gmail.com.
Today’s Heart Track is Jackson 5-I'll Be There
Stay tuned for a vibrant and vulnerable season as we encourage you to thrive and stay #milmarriagestrong
Let's Connect:
To get even more on Hearts & Stripes podcast, resources, community and more head to https://www.militarymarriageday.com
Connect with Military Marriage Day on IG & Facebook @militarymarriageday and check us out on YouTube
Connects with Bree on IG https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll