Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth

Latest Episodes:

117: "It's not okay to feel burned out." Maximizing your high-performance potential with an efficient, sustainable and scientifically sound approach with Louise Valentine Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

Hey there, listener! Thank you for checking out our older seasons! As of September 2025, we have revamped our website! So if any episodes or links seem to be missing, don't hesitate to contact Jen at jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

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117: "It's not okay to feel burned out." Maximizing your high-performance potential with an efficient, sustainable and scientifically sound approach with Louise Valentine

Louise Valentine from episode 88 returns to update us on her and her family's health conditions, her new health and wellness strategies, and how high performance is not just limited to athletes. She shares how military spouses can benefit from the Badass Breakthrough Academy, what is the "strategic hustle" game plan, common myths and misconceptions that were told by the wellness industry, and much more.

Louise Valentine is an award-winning health and performance coach, best-selling author, competitive athlete, fierce military spouse, and leader within the wellness industry. She was the 2020 Outstanding Health Education Specialist of the Year and in Disrupt Magazine’s Top 10 Performance Coaches to Watch in 2021.

Connect with Louise Valentine

https://www.instagram.com/breakingthroughwellness/
https://www.facebook.com/BreakingThroughWellness
https://www.facebook.com/louise.valentine.779
https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-valentine-mph
Louise’s FREE health education blog: https://www.teamvalentineproject.com

Resources

Badass Breakthrough Academy, a virtual health and performance academy that helps everyday athletes and wellness warriors master the game-changing ability to maximize their mind-body performance when it matters most! http://badassbreakthroughacademy.com/
Gain access to Louise’s FREE ADVANCED TRAINING “Maximize Your High-Performance Potential with an Efficient, Sustainable & Scientifically Sound Approach” https://www.breakingthroughwellness.com/
Ep. 088: Simple steps to take on any challenge and tackle self-doubt with Louise Valentine https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/088
The Art of Breaking Through: Five Simple Steps to Take on Any Challenge & Tackle Self-Doubt - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KJK2M3K/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

For the latest updates on our show: https://mailchi.mp/1b82b843e41a/holdingdownthefort

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

116: "It's hard to feel like you're taking care of the family when you are not the breadwinner." Exploring post-military life as a male military spouse with Keith Hayden Oct 25, 2021

Show notes

115: "Transition is a mindset." Providing free comprehensive educational resources and opportunities with Jai Salters Oct 20, 2021

Show notes

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115: "Transition is a mindset." Providing free comprehensive educational resources and opportunities with Jai Salters

Naval Officer, Founder of ACT NOW Education and Spirit of Bob Hope recipient Jai Salters has been mentally retired for the last 10 years, despite still being on active duty. He reflects on how and why he attained 14-15 certifications within a year and a half, the catalyst to starting ACT NOW Education, the importance of doing your due diligence for transition, and resources that military spouses can take advantage of today.

Connect with Jai Salters

Resources

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ACTNOWEDUCATION/ (inquire about their private Facebook Group)
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/actnoweducation/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/act-now-education/
American Corporate Partners (ACP) https://www.acp-usa.org/
LinkedIn Free 1-year Premium subscription https://socialimpact.linkedin.com/programs/veterans/premiumform
Onward to Opportunity (O2O) - Career Training - Institute for Veterans and Military Families https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/about-o2o/
Vets2Industry - https://vets2industry.org/
#LinkedInMilCity - https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkedinmilcity/

Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

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Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

Sponsored by US VetWealth: Get FREE access to the Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

114: "Answering the question, 'What is my purpose?' is key to agile employment." Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment with Jen Amos and Scott R. Tucker Oct 18, 2021

Show notes

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114: "Answering the question, 'What is my purpose?' is key to agile employment." Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment with Jen Amos and Scott R. Tucker

In partnership with the Hampton Roads Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone (MSEEZ) by Hiring Our Heroes, The City of Norfolk and South University, Jen Amos and Scott R. Tucker present, "Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment." In this workshop, they offer knowledge, education and resources to spouses seeking a fulfilling and purposeful career that is flexible and mobile to their lifestyle. They also share their company, US VetWealth, as an example to their secret formula.

Listen to the replay now or watch the video replay while getting FREE access to the toolkit at https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/

Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government & Organizations category. November 2020, Jen Amos and Holding Down the Fort Podcast was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! We've also been featured in multiple media outlets including Legacy Magazine, U.S. Veterans Magazine, The American MilSpouse, VeteranCrowd Network, It's a Military Life, VirtForce, Military Veteran Dad Podcast, and much more.

Enjoy our show? Kindly leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/30SJ7NW, Podchaser
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

113: “Seeking out help brought a lot of change, not only in my professional life, but in my emotional well-being.” Local networking and professional volunteerism with Kyra Seeley Oct 13, 2021

Show notes

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113: “Seeking out help brought a lot of change, not only in my professional life, but in my emotional well-being.” Local networking and professional volunteerism with Kyra Seeley

Like many new military spouses, Kyra Seeley struggled with employment and making new connections while living in a new area. Fortunately, Kyra was able to quickly gain some volunteer experience thanks to It’s A Military Life, inevitably helping her get hired at a highly recognized non-profit organization. She shares the latest happenings with It’s a Military Life, the anticipation of her wedding celebration, and how to make sure that you feel loved and connected within your community.

For It’s a Military Life’s latest programs, visit https://itsamilitarylife.org/

Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

Sponsored by US VetWealth: Get FREE access to the Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/

September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government & Organizations category. November 2020, Jen Amos and Holding Down the Fort Podcast was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! We've also been featured in multiple...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

112: "Spouses transitioning needs to be a conversation. Military transition is a two-person event." A space to discuss the cumulative effect of military life with Jen Pasquale Oct 11, 2021

Show notes

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112: "Spouses transitioning needs to be a conversation. Military transition is a two-person event." A space to discuss the cumulative effect of military life with Jen Pasquale

Seasoned Spouse, Founder of Pride & Grit and the Evolve Retreat Jen Pasquale returns to reflect on her ninth move, the "cumulative effect" of military life, and the value of community building through conversation. She shares her experience running Evolve Retreat for its first year, how we can lessen the weight of military life, her primary focus to serve seasoned spouses, and much more.

Connect with Jen Pasquale

Resources

Episode 064: Creating connection and conversation amongst seasoned military spouses with Jennifer Pasquale https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/064

Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

Sponsored by US VetWealth: Get FREE access to the Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/

September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government & Organizations category. November 2020, Jen Amos and Holding Down the Fort Podcast was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! We've also been featured in multiple media outlets including Legacy Magazine, U.S....
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

111: "Healing comes from finding meaning and purpose in the loss." Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month with Dr. Nikki Watkins and Heather Wilson Oct 06, 2021

Show notes

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111: "Healing comes from finding meaning and purpose in the loss." Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month with Dr. Nikki Watkins and Heather Wilson

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. Dr. Nikki Watkins and Heather Wilson vulnerably share their personal experiences, their advocacy work in honor of their losses, and encouraging advice to military family members on grieving and healing.

Dr. Nikki Watkins is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the Clinic Director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, and author of You Are Not Alone: Rediscovering Faith in God After Infant Loss. Heather Wilson is the Outreach Manager at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at The Up Center and the Founder of Kennedy’s Angel Gowns.

Resources:

Kennedy’s Angel Gowns https://kennedysangelgowns.org/
5K Angel Run event October 16th, 2021 https://kennedysangelgowns.org/5k-angel-run/
Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD https://vvsd.net/cohenclinicsandiego/
Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at The Up Center https://www.theupcenter.org/cohenclinic/
You Are Not Alone: Rediscovering Faith in God After Infant Loss by Dr. Nikki Watkins LMFT https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0785NY7XF&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_77G5MB1Q093N19M302ZM
The Silent Grief of Infant Loss by Dr. Nikki Watkins https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Oz-2pLnygW1RI_W_tQZsFqLCAXMzjNIf/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116343172479719843331&rtpof=true&sd=true
Empty Cradle https://www.emptycradle.org/
GriefShare https://www.griefshare.org/

For our latest updates: https://mailchi.mp/a3b25a1f4964/holdingdownthefort

Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

110: "Conflict is the way to peace." Emotional elasticity, inner work, and the enneagram with Jenn Whitmer Oct 04, 2021

Show notes

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110: "Conflict is the way to peace." Emotional elasticity, inner work, and the enneagram with Jenn Whitmer

Jenn Whitmer is a former military child, top keynote speaker and professional development consultant, writer, and enneagram coach. Jenn shares her family connection with Jenny Lynne, her experience growing up as a military child, how to create a shared life with your partner, how to identify what motivates you, and much more.

Connect with Jenn Whitmer:

Resources:

For the Free Enneagram Booklet, Why Do I Keep Doing This?, visit: https://jennwhitmer.com/freebies
Jenn's last conversation with us: https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/bonus-afghanistan-thoughts-amos-stroup-whitmer

For our latest updates: https://mailchi.mp/a3b25a1f4964/holdingdownthefort

Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

Sponsored by US VetWealth: Get FREE access to the Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/

November 2020, Jen Amos and Holding Down the Fort Podcast was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! We've also been featured in multiple media outlets including Legacy Magazine, U.S. Veterans Magazine,
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

109: "You can support someone, but ultimately, they have to want to get that help themselves." Gold Star Families and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with Leslie McCaddon Sep 26, 2021

Show notes

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109: "You can support someone, but ultimately, they have to want to get that help themselves." Gold Star Families and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with Leslie McCaddon

Note: If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or are concerned for someone who may be in crisis, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 at the prompt.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Leslie McCaddon joins us to share her story as a Gold Star wife, how suicide can be a symptom of an untreated mental illness, how we can strengthen military families as a whole, and much more.

Leslie McCaddon is the widow of Army CPT Michael McCaddon, MD. She is a mental health advocate for military and Gold Star families and writes at Scary Mommy, Her View From Home, and other major publications. She lives in Southern California with a husband, 4 teenagers, and 3 dogs. If she’s not at home, she’s probably at Disneyland.

Resources Mentioned On the Show

Dispelling Suicide Myths by Cohen Veterans Network https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CVN-Suicide-Prevention-Infographic-SHORT.png
America’s Mental Health Suicide Prevention Pulse Survey https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/amhpulse/
Suicide Prevention Month: YOU Matter Article by Leslie McCaddon https://homelandmagazine.com/suicide-prevention-month-you-matter/
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by Jenny Lynne Stroup https://homelandmagazine.com/suicide-prevention-awareness-month/
I struggled with thoughts of suicide. Vulnerability and connection kept me alive Article by Matthew Stroup https://taskandpurpose.com/opinion/suicide-vulnerability-connection-navy-oped/
Leslie McCaddon as TIME contributor: https://nation.time.com/contributor/leslie-mccaddon/
The Happiest Mom Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/19Z0vEjZkklCMlw45FErsv
The Happiest Moms Hangout Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehappiestmomshangout
Coaching with Leslie: https://www.thehappiestmomcoach.com
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD: https://vvsd.net/cohenclinicsandiego/
Cohen Veteran Network: https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/

For the latest updates on our show:
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

BONUS: "The families of our fallen deserve to have their loved one's story told and preserved for future generations." Gold Star Family's Day with Dennis Schroader Sep 24, 2021

Show notes

BONUS: "The families of our fallen deserve to have their loved one's story told and preserved for future generations." Gold Star Family's Day with Dennis Schroader

The last Sunday of September is recognized as Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day. Jen invites Founder of the Price of Freedom Foundation Dennis Schroader to share the work he's been doing in collaboration with her family to document the life of her father. Dennis shares his experience growing up during the Vietnam Era, serving during the Cold War, to now contributing to the 'good press' of the military community in the post-9/11 era. They define what is a Gold Star family member, how it's the title no one hopes to wear or think about while on active duty, what we can do today for families of our fallen to not feel forgotten, and much more.

Learn how you can help tell the Life Stories of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom at https://priceoffreedomfoundation.org/ You can also contact the non-profit at 615-389-1867 or info@priceoffreedomfoundation.org connect on social media:

For the latest updates on our show: https://mailchi.mp/a3b25a1f4964/holdingdownthefort

Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

Sponsored by US VetWealth: Get FREE access to the Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/

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