Boots 2 Books

LCC Connect

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.

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20 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 28 min
English

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S2 · E31
Tuesday · 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 serving in the Army National Guard. After 10 years in field artillery, she is now exploring ROTC and the possibility of becoming an officer, drawing on her experience as an enlisted soldier to better understand leadership. She discusses the challenges of balancing military service, college, and family while learning what it means to lead from a different perspective. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E30
September 22 · 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 semester. The hosts explore how dropping or changing classes, missing important deadlines, and general misunderstanding the VA process can lead to delays, reduced housing payments, or unexpected debts. Their conversation highlights the importance to communicate early and often, ask questions, and reach out to the veterans’ services office as soon as an issue arises, so students can avoid unnecessary stress and financial problems. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E29
September 8 · 32 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 education. He emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships, accessible support, and creating classroom environments where veterans feel comfortable seeking help and connecting with others. The conversation also encourages students to stay engaged, to communicate with their professors, establish realistic goals, and develop healthy outlets beyond academics. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E28
July 28 · 29 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 they transition to college. The episode explores how the training builds awareness of veterans’ unique experiences, communication styles, and challenges while providing practical strategies for creating a welcoming, supportive campus environment. It also highlights the importance of connecting students with the right resources and meeting their needs through research-based, student-centered approaches. Mentioned This Episode: Website: Vet Net Ally ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E27
July 14 · 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, connection, and support for students. Together, they explore common misconceptions about mental health and highlight how reaching out for help can build resilience and improve well-being. Related Podcast: Headroom with Jim Owens ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E26
June 30 · 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, and making the most of the college experience both inside and outside the classroom. The B2B team also highlights the importance of academic advising and encourages veterans and military-connected students to pursue their educational goals with purpose. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E25
June 16 · 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 and military-connected students, as they transition to college, emphasizing the value of purpose when seeking fulfillment. It's a thoughtful conversation about finding purpose, avoiding burnout, and building a future that feels both rewarding and meaningful. Website: What's the Point? - Tom Rath ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E24
June 2 · 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 about dealing with uncertainty and finding a path that feels meaningful. The conversation encourages self-reflection, reminds listeners that it's okay to change directions, and highlights the importance of patience while discovering what brings fulfillment. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E23
May 5 · 29 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 sits down with Patrick Forystek, Director of the Michigan State University Center for Veterans and Military Affiliated Students, to discuss how community colleges create a strong sense of belonging and offer personalized support. Together, they explore the cultural differences between community colleges and universities, emphasizing the need for institutions to meet the diverse experiences of veteran students. Mentioned This Episode Website: MSU Center for Veterans and Military Affiliated Students ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E22
April 21 · 27 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 Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the conversation highlights the unique challenges of managing finances under military regulations, while also addressing the potential pitfalls of predatory lending practices targeting service members. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E21
April 7 · 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 perspectives, and foster understanding through communication. Host Rebecca Allen draws from her experience with the Army, to explain essential terminology and get her co-host Dustin Abrego briefed, ready for duty, and Oscar Mike. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E20
March 24 · 28 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 Community College to Michigan State University. With an emphasis on early engagement, the program aims to clarify common misconceptions about transfer eligibility, and spotlight how students can connect with advisors even before applying to ensure a smooth, informed transition to MSU. Mentioned This Episode: Website: Envision Green Website: MSU Center for Veterans and Military Affiliated Students ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E19
March 10 · 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 Fernandez and Dillon Bowling, both reflect on the psychological challenges they faced as veterans of reintegration. After having been tuned to a rigid military structure and mindset, many veterans struggle to adapt to the machinations of civilian life, so it becomes doubly important to help them rediscover purpose and belonging, and see them as having a vital role in the community. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E18
February 24 · 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 unique experiences as veterans, who have not only transitioned back to civilian life, but also transitioned into higher education. As they attest to, many veterans feel unprepared for life after service, highlighting the importance of support systems like the Veteran Center. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E17
February 10 · 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 dissect key differences in terms such as 'president', 'dean', and 'provost', providing context for their origin in use, as well as clarity on their everyday purpose within academic institutions. The discussion aims to demystify the language used across the landscape of higher education, enabling students to traverse their academic journeys effectively and with confidence. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E16
Dec 30, 2025 · 26 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. Exploring the importance of mental health support and community engagement, they discuss how shared experiences can alleviate social isolation. The episode highlights the benefits of connecting veterans with one another, helping to maintain a supportive network while engaging in fun, fellowship, and a few saving throws to dodge that fireball! Mentioned This Episode: Veteran's Adventure League ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E15
Dec 16, 2025 · 33 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 education in facilitating the transition from military service to civilian life. Andrew emphasizes that while military experience is valuable, it is often insufficient on its own for securing desirable employment; a relevant educational credential is equally essential. He discusses the various pathways for veterans to obtain the necessary qualifications and highlights the importance of aligning one's career aspirations with educational pursuits. Ultimately, this conversation serves as a reminder of the myriad opportunities available to veterans seeking to navigate their educational and professional journeys effectively. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E14
Dec 2, 2025 · 27 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 archiving the histories of veterans. Every veteran has a unique story that deserves to be told, regardless of the nature of their service, and sharing one’s story is not merely an act of remembrance but a vital process of healing for both the storyteller and the audience. Veterans Archives strives to amplify the voice of veterans, as there is profound impact in hearing these stories, stressing the vital importance of how storytelling can bridge the gap between isolation and connection. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E13
Nov 11, 2025 · 27 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 the VA Coordinator and School Certifying Official for LCC, Rebecca aids students in navigating the various educational benefits and support afforded to veterans and their families. Additionally, they discuss the critical importance of tailored support systems designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterans, including the complexities of understanding VA benefits and the emotional hurdles of reintegrating into academic life. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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S2 · E12
May 13, 2025 · 26 min
Courtney Kemp: Insights From a Veteran's Experience
This podcast episode explores the transformative journey from military service to academic pursuits, emphasizing the experiences of veterans and military-connected students. Our guest, Courtney Kemp, shares his personal narrative of transitioning from a 21-year military career to higher education, highlighting the challenges and triumphs inherent in this significant life change. He discusses the nuances of balancing academic responsibilities with family obligations, particularly as his son embarks on his own collegiate journey. ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support
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