Boots 2 Books (B2B) is a podcast dedicated to exploring the experiences of veteran and military-connected students. Hosted by Rebecca Allen and Dustin Abrego, B2B delves into the diverse paths and careers of those who have served their country and how they have got to where they are today. Covering topics such as transitioning to civilian life, physical and mental health, and the impact of veterans in our communities, B2B offers valuable insights for both veterans and civilians alike into the world's most diverse workforce.
Latest episodes
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27 min
Redlegging With Larissa Lauer, Pt. 2
On this episode, Larissa Lauer returns to talk about her experiences as a woman serving in the military, while raising a young child and pursuing her education. Larissa shares the…
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29 min
Redlegging With Larissa Lauer, Pt. 1
On this episode, Larissa Lauer is in studio to share her journey of graduating from Lansing Community College, to continuing her education at Michigan State University, all while s…
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27 min
Plan of Attack: Surviving Contact with the Semester
On his episode, the B2B team discuss the challenges veterans and military-connected students may face when using VA education benefits, especially during the first weeks of a semes…
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33 min
Mission Possible: Finding Success in Authenticity
On this episode, psychology professor and Marine Corps veteran Dr. Mark Kelland is in studio to discuss the unique challenges veterans may encounter when transitioning into higher…
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30 min
Allies in Academics: Civilian Acceptable Peer Review
On this episode, the B2B team discuss their recent Vet Net Ally seminar, a training program that helps faculty and staff better support veteran and military-connected students, as…
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31 min
Be Mindful of Your Mission
On this episode, the B2B team sits down with Jim Owens, a mental health counselor at Lansing Community College and host of Headroom, to discuss the importance of community, connect…
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28 min
Failing With Courage, Succeeding With Persistence
The B2B team is joined in studio by guest Travis Clark, to explore his transition from military service to college. He discusses the value of persistence, learning from setbacks, a…
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29 min
Scouting Your Career Path, Pt. 2
On this episode, the B2B team returns to the topic of choosing an educational or career path, while still following your passions. They discuss the unique experiences of veterans a…
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27 min
Scouting Your Career Path, Pt. 1
The B2B team discusses the challenges of choosing a college major, especially for veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life. They share personal experiences abo…
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30 min
Pacing Your Stride: University vs Community College
This episode highlights the important role community colleges play in supporting veterans and military-affiliated students as they transition into higher education. The B2B team si…
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28 min
Deploying Financial Awareness
On this episode, the B2B team explore money management for military members in a clear and helpful way. Covering key topics like pay schedules, travel cards, and the Servicemembers…
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28 min
Almost Everything's an Acronym: Jargon, Pt. 2
The B2B team dives into military jargon, exploring terms and concepts they encounter that may perplex civilians. This episode aims to bridge the gap between military and civilian p…
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29 min
Be Bold and Envision Green with Erika Espinoza
On this episode, the B2B team are joined in studio by Erika Espinza, Transfer Advisor Coordinator for Envision Green, a program that supports students transitioning from Lansing Co…
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26 min
Change Your Socks, Hydrate, & Drive On: Reintegration, Pt. 2
On this episode, the B2B team return to finish their conversation about the often difficult transition from military to civilian life. Through heartfelt stories from guests Roy Fer…
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26 min
Pathways to Possibility: Reintegration, Pt. 1
On this episode, the B2B team are joined in the studio by Roy Fernandez and Dillon Bowling, both veterans and students navigating their academic paths at LCC. They share their uniq…
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27 min
The ABCs of Academics: Jargon, Pt. 1
On this episode, the B2B team dive into higher education terminology, particularly focusing on jargon that may be confusing or clouded by the institutional "fog of war." They disse…
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27 min
Duty, Dice, & Dragons: The Veterans Adventure League With Justin Coates
The B2B team welcome Justin Coates into the studio to talk about the Veterans Adventure League, an initiative that fosters camaraderie among veterans through Dungeons & Dragons. Ex…
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34 min
Unlocking Education With the Keys of Military Service
This podcast episode features Andrew Cosgrove, the director of the Center for Veteran Family Support at Lansing Community College (LCC). He shares his insights on the vital role of…
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28 min
Finding the Veteran's Voice With Bill Krieger
Join hosts, Dustin Abrego and Rebecca Allen, as they welcome Bill Krieger into the studio to discuss the Veterans Archives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recording and arch…
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28 min
From Service to Success: Transitioning Into Academia
On this episode of B2B, Dustin welcomes new co-host Rebecca Allen to the show for a conversation exploring the barriers veterans may encounter when considering higher education. As…