We're finally going to wrap season ONE and take a short sabbatical. Here's a quick check in and thoughts on that, and some suggestions on how to not miss us too hard while we're away from the mic. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Join us as we gear up for the approaching holidays. They look quite a bit different than last year, but we're going do our best to heed our own advice here. How are you planning to celebrate all of the upcoming holidays (safely)? Fresh Market Thanksgiving meals - for real, y'all. The Accusation Audit - Chris Voss EJ's video on talking about issues instead of the candidates if the election comes up Liturgies for Parents Every Moment Holy The Sarcastic Lutheran Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

This week we're decompressing from the Election on our latest monthly State of the Union episode. First up we're tackling local news (our own personal "happies"), State (what's new with Milspo Gurus), and Federal (election, duh..). Never Split the Difference Jenny Colgan Books https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/books/review/let-the-people-pick-the-president-jesse-wegman.html https://fairfight.com/about-stacey-abrams/ https://securefamiliesinitiative.org/ Parler https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/08/us/arkansas-police-chief-violence-parler-invs/ https://www.instagram.com/mosheh/ https://news3lv.com/news/local/military-spouse-accused-in-gop-claim-of-voter-fraud-speaks-out https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/after-the-voting-ends-the-steps-to-complete-an-election.aspx Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Ew, David! We have been waiting a long time for this: we are talking all about the Rose family and Schitt's Creek. More specifically, we are putting our own spin on how the story arc of Schitt's Creek has a lot of similarities to what military life is like. We dive deep into being a fish out of water, new in town, roles different family members take on, self-discovery and awareness, personal growth, and for good measure we give a rundown on all of the characters' Enneagram types. Mentions: Schitt's Creek on Netflix Best Wishes, Warmest Regards Reddit thread of SC Enneagram types Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Are you considering jumping into a job search? Recently PCS'd and settled and ready to begin looking? About to PCS and wondering what the job market may look like at your next duty station? Or has a global pandemic caused you to consider rejoining the workforce until economic times are more steady? Join us this week as we unpack Deloitte's Insights findings on "Military Spouse Unemployment," where they explore solutions to a local problem of national importance. Mentions: ANG EP 007: Paychecks ANG EP 011: Knowing When to Lay Low, and When to Shine ANG EP 013: Generalists and Specialists Want to hear more about our Enneagram Webinar November 12 at 2:00 EST? Sign up here. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Levity? Yes, please! Let's debate PSL (pumpkin spice lattes) instead of two other "P-words" we're purposefully avoiding this week. We want to know what your This or That votes are for our three categories: Fall Feels Warm and Fuzzies Halloween Traditions So, listen in and then head over to our Instagram account for your own This or That story tile to share your pair of pennies. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Join us for our monthly State of the Union address. We are tackling the Local, State and Federal levels of updates we think you'll love. Local: Kellie and her daughter Hannah have had a HUGE week with Dr. Jill Biden, including a social media shoutout Claire gives an update on reactivating her Tennessee Teaching License, the process of working with a workplace initiative grant, and facing rejection throughout the employment process State: Milspo Gurus update Milspo Gurus Patreon community Federal: Deep dive discussion of the nuance of social media influencers, their #thisiswhy2020 posts, what we think about their boundaries and motivations for sharing political views, how and why we choose to trust them, and how their monetization of their online communities impacts what they share "Dirty Delete" Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson The Social Dilemma on Netflix Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Happy Six Month Pandemi-versary! Join us as we share our insights on some of the commentary and observations of real experts at this half-year mark of pandemic life. We offer some of our tips and tricks for making sure your resilience bank account is full as well as some practical things we are doing to care for ourselves physically and emotionally as the shorter days of fall and winter approach. Mentions: Shoutout to Patron-only live "Group Therapy" video call we had with our pals. Join us as a Podcast Pal for the next one here. Brene' Brown's podcast Medium article ANG episode "Undone in Ennui" Pauline Boss, Ambiguous Loss Michael Maddaus, Resilience Bank Account ANG episode "Mindset and Mindfulness" Life Kit NPR: Making a Pandemic Winter Easier Claire's End-the-Year-Strong List Michael Hyatt Full Focus Planner Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Hey! We are NOT throwing away our shot! We decided to do a Hamilton deep dive and break the first rule of Enneagram typing. Listen in to see if you agree or disagree with what numbers we've assigned to Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Eliza Schuyler, Aaron Burr, and more! Mentions: ANG episode 28: Enneagram and relationships Sweet Tea Shakespeare and the Enneagram Personality types of the Founding Fathers Relevant Mag: "The Enneagram Type of Every Hamilton Character" My Dear Hamilton Leann + Michelle: "Enneagram Types + Hamilton" The Bible Binge, Faith Adjacent: Hamilton (Erin Moon) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Today's main conversation and its tangents stem from a listener who tagged us in an article on MarieClaire.com titled, "Your Spouse is Your Glass Ceiling." It's a thought provoking interview with author Caitlin Moran (More Than a Woman) that tackles the idea that you are only as successful as your spouse is supportive. We think there are several more layers to peel back - especially in military marriages - so tune in to hear our take. Fortune: COVID-19 is causing a backslide in workplace gender equality. Here’s how to stop it Marie Claire: Warning Working Moms: Your Partner Is Your Glass Ceiling New Mommy Juice Memes ANG Episode 21: Drink Less Huge Thanks to Hana R. (@ semperagblog) for tagging us in her IG stories and prompting this convo! We love hearing what you want to talk about, so don't be shy. Tag, DM, (@milspogurus) or email us (kellie or claire@milspogurus.com) with show topic ideas and contribute to the conversation! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Welcome to our new monthly series: The State of the Union! We are kicking around some of the topics that you are writing in about AND the state of many current affairs. Today’s topics include Paige’s email question about the Payroll Tax Deferral’s impact on military families, the increasing need (and how) to be more aware of social media use during an election year, Kellie’s call to action to military spouses to volunteer to work at the polls, and finally a look at the physical symptoms of longterm pandemic life. Mentions: 2020 Payroll Tax Deferral This Is Not Free Cash Military Personnel Can’t Opt Out Tables based on rank, how much you need to set aside Episode 42: Actual Advice with Lacey Langford Lacey Langford, The Military Money Expert Episode 06: Social Media Secure Families Initiative Sign on Letter for Poll Working Other ways to volunteer: party liaison, work for the voter protection team, a poll observer, voter hotline, legal boiler room volunteer, phone banking, observe a board of elections meeting, and chase calls. “A Dentist Sees More Cracked Teeth. What’s Going On?” The New York Times Tricare Open Enrollment Find an MTF (Military Treatment Facility) Tricare Retirement Coverage and Enrollment FACT CHECK: A PCS IS a “Qualifying Event” for a Tricare Change By the Numbers Update: We are up to 10,000 downloads for the Advice Not Given Podcast! THANK YOU!!! Another huge milestone: We are at 12/20 Patrons for our 2020 goal. We appreciate the financial support more than you know! Have an idea or topic for a future episode? Email us at claire@milspogurus.com or kellie@milspogurus.com Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Apparently, MLMs are a hot topic with listeners and we felt it prudent to release a follow up episode to reveal what feedback we received from EP 55: Triangle of Opportunity. We've heard from many of you how you've been burned, and how you've prospered under this business model. We've also learned a thing or two about what goes on behind the scenes. We also brought in a guest who is a successful distributor/brand rep for a MLM to add her perspective to the conversation - and you might be surprised by what she has to say. Meet our Guest Suzy Goodwin is a military spouse, triplet Mom + 1, and former Guinness World Record Holder. As Host of Run Lift Mom podcast, she explores running, lifting, and motherhood topics with guest interviews and the occasional solo rant. MLM skeptic turned ZYIA Active rep, she prides herself on “breaking the direct sales mold” and encourages those in the industry to serve, then sell. Suzy lives in Fayetteville NC while her Husband wraps up 20 years of service at Fort Bragg. Though she’s done things like marathons in 47 of the 50 states and a 100 mile race, she’s most challenged by homeschooling 4 kids under age 6 and is currently on a caffeine IV. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

You're in for a treat today, listeners! Tune in for a sneak peek at a brand new bonus podcast series, The Teacher's Lounge. Our own resident education guru, Claire Wood, is going to be encouraging us twice a month with insights, tips, best practices, and support for those of us with students still in the home. No matter what your school situation is right now, we're all now faced with taking on at least some teacher-like duties - so why not create our own Teacher's Lounge for support? For more information on how to subscribe to these bonus episodes, head over to patreon.com/milspogurus. We have lots of exciting new initiatives planned to build community and provide resources for our people, so join us in making that happen! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Yep. We're going there. You ask - we answer! This week we're responding to a Patreon supporter's topic request and tackling MLMs. Multi-level marketing, network marketing, direct sales, etc..., are a few names for a hugely popular business "opportunity" amidst the military spouse community. You know the drill (and may even be involved with some/several) of these companies. Start your morning with Herbalife supplements or Shakeology smoothies, work out with P90X (is that still a thing?) wearing your Zyia, get ready with a your Monat/Rodan + Fields/Beauty Counter/Younique, clean up with Norwex, pull leftover pizza out for lunch from a Tupperware (maybe an old reference, lol), reheat it with your Pampered Chef stone, melt some Scentsy for ambiance, and drop some oils in the diffuser to relax... I could go on and on. Many of these products Claire and I actually own from supporting other folks on their entrepreneur journey, but we have thoughts on the corporate structures. Tune in to see what those thoughts are and if you agree or disagree! "The fundamental flaw in MLM is the endless chain of recruitment of participants as primary customers. MLM pay plans assume infinite markets and virgin markets – neither of which exists in the real world." - Jon M. Taylor, The Case (for and) against Multi-level Marketing LINKS: Schitt's Creek Clip: Allez Voux and You The Office: Michael's Pyramid Scheme Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (fun fact: he's a milspo!): Multilevel Marketing Pros and Cons of Network Marketing: https://brandongaille.com/12-pros-and-cons-of-network-marketing/ Advice and Guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission How MLMs are Hurting Female Friendships (Jan. 2019): https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/01/21/how-mlms-are-hurting-female-friendships/ And we didn't even talk about the Netflix docu-series (Un)Well or the HBO series out now about NXIVM... So, what'd we miss? Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Change is the one constant, but in this season does it feel to you that we're being bombarded with change? How can we flex that resiliency muscle to roll with the tumultuous world we're experiencing? How important is it to find perspective? How do the stories we tell ourselves about how we handle change affect our ability to navigate changes in your life? And what about our memories... how reliable are they? Join us for a discussion about accepting change and moving forward through tough times. Because goodness knows we're likely all in the same boat here. Links: Laura Tremaine's 10 Things to Tell You podcast https://www.10thingstotellyou.com/ Fun rabbit hole on Cognitive Offloading - ie. taking pictures to preserve memories and relying on them actually hinders your ability to recall details and store memories other than the photos themselves. Fascinating. Episode title inspo: Claire's latest mantra and the amazing Michelle Obama's speech during the DNC. Check out our revamped enneagram ecourse: Becoming Your Own Guru And please consider joining us for some Group "Therapy" ;) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Listen in to hear what Kellie and Claire have been up to over the summer (while you were hard at work uncovering your Enneagram type with our Summer of Self-Awareness!), and what the plans look like going forward! Oh, and we low-key relaunched our ECOURSE - Becoming Your Own Guru. It's got a fresh new look, some added content, and a cool new price tag... If you enjoyed our enneagram episodes, you'll LOVE this deeper dive into how the enneagram can be used as a tool for navigating the complexities of the military spouse lifestyle, interpersonal relationships, parenting, marriage, and more! https://milspogurus.thinkific.com/courses/becoming-your-own-guru Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Finally! The Enneagram Nine. We've reached the end of our Summer of Self Awareness series uncovering the nine Enneagram types, and we finally arrive at the Type 9, Peacemaker. The Peacemaker needs to avoid conflict. Nines are laid back, accommodating, and generally unaffected by life. A deep desire to keep the peace can cause Nines to lose themselves and merge into the opinions and feelings of others. They can struggle to make decisions and can be frustratingly ambivalent, often feeling torn by even the simplest of choices. Nines in health are highly empathic, diplomatic, and flexible. Just in case you may have missed some of our other discussions or want to refresh your memory, check out this list of episodes: The Enneagram (overview) Enneagram and Relationships (w/ Sarajane Case) Becoming Your Own Guru e-course audio files (Patreon) Prefer to read? Here are a few places to get started: Recommended Reading (all the books we love) "What is the Enneagram" (Legacy Vol. II, article) Milspo Snapshots (Nine Types-free download) Becoming Your Own Guru e-course workbook (digital download) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Brace yourself for a powerful discussion about the Type Eight - Challenger. Jk, we know they're big teddy bears deep down. Often stereotyped as bullies or "too much", let's work through why they're perceived as such and explore how to embrace them for exactly what they are! The Challenger, or Asserter, needs to avoid feeling weak or vulnerable. Eights are intense, reliable, and mighty. Sometimes confrontational, they don’t necessarily have an urge to lead but will jump in if a vacuum presents itself. Dualistic and absolute in their thinking, grey areas are unacceptable and defied. Relationships can be challenging because of their preoccupation with betrayal, but when healthy, Eights are empowering, passionate, and dedicated. Just in case you may have missed some of our other discussions or want to refresh your memory, check out this list of episodes: The Enneagram (overview) Enneagram and Relationships (w/ Sarajane Case) Becoming Your Own Guru e-course audio files (Patreon) Prefer to read? Here are a few places to get started: Recommended Reading (all the books we love) "What is the Enneagram" (Legacy Vol. II, article) Milspo Snapshots (Nine Types-free download) Becoming Your Own Guru e-course workbook (digital download) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

Where's the party?? HERE's the party, right here! 🎉Today we're talking all about our fun-loving Enneagram Sevens - The Enthusiasts! They're the life of the party and an absolute joy to be around, but they too have their burdens to carry. Listen to Claire and Kellie break down the type structure of this type and hear from Erika Tebbens (type 7 - with purple hair, I must add 😜) about what it's like to be a 7. The Enthusiast needs to be happy and avoid pain. Sevens define FOMO (fear of missing out). They radiate joy and optimism, mainly because they refuse to sit with uncomfortable emotions. Enthusiasts are spontaneous and always seeking out the next thrill. If their reality is the least bit disappointing, they’re consumed with anticipating the next exciting adventure. They can be flaky and find commitment challenging, especially in relationships. Healthy Sevens appreciate and seek out the joy in life because they’re at ease with their full emotional range. Just in case you may have missed some of our other discussions or want to refresh your memory, check out this list of episodes: The Enneagram (overview) Enneagram and Relationships (w/ Sarajane Case - a SEVEN) Becoming Your Own Guru e-course audio files (Patreon) Prefer to read? Here are a few places to get started: Recommended Reading (all the books we love) "What is the Enneagram" (Legacy Vol. II, article) Milspo Snapshots (Nine Types-free download) Becoming Your Own Guru e-course workbook (digital download) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)

"What's the worst that could happen?"... said no Enneagram 6, EVER. They already know. And have already prepared for it! Join us for a candid discussion on what's it's like to be a Loyalist on the Enneagram from our resident six, Claire, and our guest contributor, Jen McDonald. The Loyalist needs to feel secure. Sixes are likely the most common Enneagram type and are devoted, cooperative, and warmhearted. Their thoughts are often dominated with planning for worst-case scenarios, and they can exhibit anxiety and even paranoia when in the lower levels of health. Doubt and suspicion can pose an obstacle to relationships for Sixes, but once trust is established they can be loyal to a fault. Community is of utmost importance -- there’s safety in numbers. Healthy Sixes are committed to the common good, and are steadfast, reliable, and honest. Just in case you may have missed some of our other discussions or want to refresh your memory, check out this list of episodes: The Enneagram (overview) Enneagram and Relationships Becoming Your Own Guru e-course audio files (Patreon) Prefer to read? Here are a few places to get started: Recommended Reading (all the books we love) "What is the Enneagram" (Legacy Vol. II, article) Milspo Snapshots (Nine Types-free download) Becoming Your Own Guru e-course workbook (digital download) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/milspogurus)