Mixed Dandelions

Athens is a military spouse, mother of 3, author of the children's book series "The Military Child Chronicles", professional, and 2023 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. How does she do it all? https://www.athenspellegrino.com/

Katherine grew up a Marine Corps brat until her dad retired when she was about 12 years old. This traveler attributes a lot of her desire and need to travel and move around to her military upbringing. Don't stay in one place too long, adjust, try new things, get out of your comfort zone.  She is also very proud of her Black/Filipina identity, and tries her best to connect with the two parts of herself.

Corey and I first met at Scott AFB, IL, and later reconnected in Okinawa, Japan after he joined the Marine Corps. Tune is as we talk about his experience growing up off-base as an Air Force brat and why he joined the Marines. 

I had to take a short break, but Mixed Dandelions Podcast is back for a season 2! I just wanted to hop on quickly to introduce season 2.

This episode is a little different. My husband, Manny, and I sit down and chat about some differences in my military brat upbringing, and his city life. We discuss when we met, when I moved to Chicago, and raising our Puerto Rican/Okinawan/French/Irish children.

Lexy is biracial and served 5 years in the U.S. Navy.  It was so interesting to hear about her 2 multiple month deployments on aircraft carriers at sea, colourism, diversity, and leaving the Navy. 

James was a Kadena Panther, but this Kubasaki Dragon won't hold that against him.  An Air Force brat and Army vet who has lived in the U.S., Germany, and Okinawa, Japan, James and I reminisce about Okinawa and Scott A.F.B., IL, and discuss the changes, good and bad, that he experienced when moving back to the U.S. and switching from an overseas DoDD School to a public school.

Fellow Dragon, Stephanie, joins me to chat about living on Okinawa, being mixed race/ethnic, and transitioning from an island to the mainland. *note: Mihama American Village is still up; however, the ferris wheel is scheduled to be demolished soon.

Ko joins me today to talk about his experience moving from Okinawa, Japan to North Carolina. The differences in how he was treated due to his race, ethnicity, religion, and even sports. We also chat a little about joining the Army and being a combat veteran in the Army Reserves. 

It was so much fun catching up with Dr. Terrence Duncan! Listen as we chat about differences between our experiences in overseas DoDDS and stateside public schools, experiences with diverse friends, and so much more!

This is the conclusion of my discussion with Karen, Ko, and Laisa. They share how their friendship has lasted the past 30 years, maintaining that relationship, and the mutual love and respect they have for each other. There might be a tear or two, and of course lots of laughs. 

Karen, Ko, and Laisa have been best friends since their days in junior high. That's almost 30 years! Tune in to hear how they met, first impressions, becoming friends, and much more. 

Shermaine Perry Knights joins me today to discuss her children's book, "I Move A Lot and That's Okay!", her future plans for the story and characters, as well as her own experiences growing up a military brat. 

Maurice is joining the podcast to share his story of changing high schools a few times in one year, and how being a military child and mixed race helped him through the culture shock.

For my first episode, my sister, Karen, and I talk about being stationed in Okinawa, Japan. We share some experiences, and how living in Okinawa helped to shape our own Okinawan identity.

Mixed Dandelions: Mixed, Military, and Moving On Season 1 Trailer