Brat Chat
On Brat Chat we sit down and discuss the highs and lows of life during accompanied tours for active duty military. We take in all perspectives from active duty to spouses and dependents and even Department of Defense civilian personnel. There's a real impact from the sacrifice of service that is far reaching and touches the lives of all involved. This podcast is a safe space for all of us to discuss our experiences and how they shape who we are today.
On Brat Chat we sit down and discuss the highs and lows of life during accompanied tours for active duty military. We take in all perspectives from active duty to spouses and dependents and even Department of Defense civilian personnel. There's a real impact from the sacrifice of service that is far reaching and touches the lives of all involved. This podcast is a safe space for all of us to discuss our experiences and how they shape who we are today.
Episodes

Dec 28, 2025
Dec 28, 2025
1 hr 4 min
Join the live episode where hosts launch a veteran storytelling challenge (record a 1–2 minute video about what you learned), outline prizes, and preview community plans: Twitch streams, retro gaming sessions, Kickstarter goals, website building services and the BetterBitner Bootcamp. The show also covers mental health resources (988/Veterans Crisis Line), fundraising projects (world cookbook, scholarships) and practical help for small businesses and veterans.
Dec 28, 2025
1 hr 4 min

Dec 22, 2025
Dec 22, 2025
27 min
On this episode of the Better Bittner Brat Chat podcast, the Bagwell family and friends share candid stories about military service, life overseas, and the close bonds that form in deployment communities. Guests discuss careers in the military and as a contractor, the challenges of moves and deployments, and the humor that keeps them going.
Through personal anecdotes—from Y2K nights in Paris to nicknames, dogs, and shared meals—the conversation highlights family, camaraderie, and the ways service shapes daily life.
Dec 22, 2025
27 min

Dec 20, 2025
Dec 20, 2025
1 hr 19 min
Hosts chat with veteran author and mentor Jim McDermott about how military service shapes individuals and families before, during, and after duty. Jim shares stories from his Air Force career, life in Alaska, and his work teaching veterans business skills.The episode highlights the resilience of military brats, community support, practical advice on small-business finances, and Jim's children’s books inspired by real experiences.
Dec 20, 2025
1 hr 19 min

Dec 13, 2025
Our Buddy, Buddy!
Dec 13, 2025
Dec 13, 2025
1 hr 26 min
Today we sit down to discuss military life with Buddy Bagwell, Alex Bagwell's father. We talk about all the fun we've had but also our difficulties adapting to life overseas and learning to live the civilian life after the end of a tour of duty. This is a fun episode, and we kept it light and semi-hilarious.
Dec 13, 2025
1 hr 26 min

Dec 6, 2025
Dec 6, 2025
1 hr 32 min
On this laid-back episode of BetterBitnerBratChat / MilitaryBratChat, hosts talk with Alex Bagwell about growing up a military dependent, the hard transition back to civilian life, struggles with addiction and depression, and the healing power of community.Alex shares stories about life overseas, his passion for cooking and plans for a food truck, reconnecting with old friends, and the podcast’s mission to build resources and support for military brats navigating benefits, identity, and reintegration.
Dec 6, 2025
1 hr 32 min

Nov 28, 2025
Nov 28, 2025
1 hr 15 min
Hosts Amber and Jesse welcome Ashley Drye, a military brat who grew up in the Navy community and lived in places like Germany and East Coast USA. Ashley shares how constant moves shaped her relationships, social anxiety, and love of food, and explains how she turned baking into a small business making quick breads, cookies, and breads.
The conversation covers military family life, holiday traditions from overseas, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, mental-health impacts on military children, and the importance of community and mentorship for veteran and dependent entrepreneurs.
Nov 28, 2025
1 hr 15 min

Nov 22, 2025
Nov 22, 2025
1 hr 2 min
Coleen recounts growing up as a military brat in Germany, building a life in Korea, and the painful experience after her retired father’s death when expected military support and benefits did not materialize.
The episode explores gaps in veteran and retiree services, the emotional aftermath for families, cultural shocks of living abroad, and the importance of community support when institutions fall short.
Nov 22, 2025
1 hr 2 min

Nov 22, 2025
Nov 22, 2025
1 hr 26 min
Two longtime friends reconnect after 20 years to talk life as military dependents — growing up overseas, culture shock, language struggles, school memories, and the lasting bonds that travel with you. They share stories from Germany to South Korea, discuss teaching, mental health, travel, and the value of community for military brats.
Guests reflect on 9/11 memories, family traditions, gaming, music, and practical tips for making friends abroad, while exploring how technology and creative projects help keep the Bratosphere connected.
Nov 22, 2025
1 hr 26 min

Nov 14, 2025
Nov 14, 2025
1 hr 7 min
We sat down and caught up with high school friend Shermaine Perry-Knights. A brilliant professor, and scholar who moved on to publishing and parenthood. We discuss the past, and our dreams for the future as well as the importance for a healthy obsession for other cultures and perspectives. Being a military brat had it's ups and downs but us brats are better for it because we have a more worldly perspective, and some of the most excellent teachers and role models a child could ask for. Shermaine is currently in the middle of a virtual visit tour of any DoDEA schools that would like to see her and have her talk about her life with their kids. Just because the government is shut down doesn't mean that kids should have to suffer by missing school, and educational experiences.
Nov 14, 2025
1 hr 7 min

Nov 11, 2025
Nov 11, 2025
40 min
In this Veterans Day episode the Military Brat Chat hosts interview Dr. J.R. McIntyre, a three‑time combat veteran, author and motivational speaker. He shares his journey through combat, mental health struggles, medical retirement, entrepreneurship, and community service.
The conversation covers the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the impact on military families and brats, and practical steps toward healing and resilience, including faith, work, therapy and creative approaches to recovery.
Listeners will hear honest stories, resources and encouragement for veterans, military families and anyone supporting a loved one through trauma.
Make sure to check out Jay's Podcast and socials!
https://www.instagram.com/thahoodmotiv8tor/
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https://www.skool.com/tha-hood-motiv8tors-circle-3816/about?ref=9611f978a2374882861dd0171628a96a/
https://www.tiktok.com/@thahoodmotiv8tor/
Nov 11, 2025
40 min








