Lauren Cecora: Faith, Family, and the Postpartum Journey

Michelle Penczak • September 30, 2025

Source:

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yp2fn-197d435

In this episode of Beyond Orders, I sit down with Lauren Cecora - a 16-year Air Force spouse, devoted mom of two daughters, homeschool parent, and author of Past-Partum. Lauren opens up about the challenges and triumphs of military family life, from navigating deployments to preparing for her husband’s upcoming retirement after nearly two decades of service.

We dive into her journey through postpartum struggles and how sharing her story in Past-Partum became a lifeline of hope for other mothers. Lauren also shares how faith has grounded her family, why homeschooling has been such a powerful choice for her daughters, and how embracing the 1000 Hours Outside movement has transformed the way her family connects with nature, each other, and themselves.

Lauren’s story is one of reinvention, courage, and intentional living and it’s a reminder that even in seasons of uncertainty, we can choose resilience and purpose.

< Older Post Newer Post >

How to Support Military Families During a Government Shutdown

By Michelle Penczak • October 8, 2025

When the government shuts down, the headlines talk about politics. What they don’t talk about are the families sitting at kitchen tables across military housing neighborhoods, doing math that doesn’t add up.

Why AI Will Never Replace Virtual Assistants: The Human Nuances That Tech Can’t Touch

By Michelle Penczak • September 12, 2025

AI can make us faster. It can give us shortcuts. But it will never replace the value of human nuance; the conversations, the relationship-building, and the deal-making that keep businesses moving forward.

Kerissa Frigo: Veteran Strength Meets Military Spouse Resilience

September 5, 2025

In this episode of Beyond Orders, we sit down with Kerissa Frigo. Veteran, military spouse, mom of two energetic boys, and now an Executive Assistant with Squared Away.

Danielle Hillebrand: Piercing Through Challenges and Building Identity Beyond Orders

August 25, 2025

In this episode of Beyond Orders, we sit down with Danielle Hillebrand, a professional body piercer with 17 years of experience and a proud military spouse of 8 years. Danielle’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of identity in the face of constant transition.

August 10, 2015 — The Day Everything Fell Apart

By Michelle Penczak • August 16, 2025

August 10, 2015, is etched into my memory. Not as a gentle turning point, but as a gut punch that knocked the wind out of me.

Taylor Lingerfelt: Leading with Heart as a Military Spouse and Team Lead

August 9, 2025

In this episode of Beyond Orders, Taylor shares how she built a fulfilling career from home, the challenges and rewards of managing a remote team, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, delegation, and staying grounded while life moves at military speed.

Beyond the Bar: Libby Jamison’s Fight for Military Families and Policy Reform

August 4, 2025

In this episode, Libby shares the behind-the-scenes truth about policymaking, the personal toll and triumph of advocacy, and why military spouses are more than just resilient. We are revolutionary!

Meagan Eskew’s Inspiring Story – Single Mom, Breast Cancer Survivor, Leader

July 27, 2025

A single mom who battled, and beat, breast cancer, Meagan didn’t just climb the ladder, she built her own. Now, she’s stepping into a full-time role with a client buyout, proving what happens when grit meets opportunity.

Military Spouses Make Great Leaders & Jessica Ryan Proves It

July 21, 2025

In this episode of Beyond Orders, Michelle Penczak, CEO of Squared Away, interviews Jessica Ryan, the company’s Chief People Officer. Jessica started in 2020 as a virtual assistant and steadily rose through the ranks, from Team Lead to the executive team, by leading with empathy, consistency, and quiet strength.

From Virtual Assistant to COO: Sara Brooks-Glover on Leadership, Growth & Reinvention

July 14, 2025

In this episode of Beyond Orders, host Michelle Penczak, CEO of Squared Away and military spouse, sits down with Sara Brooks-Glover, Chief Operations Officer at Squared Away, to talk about career growth, remote leadership, and scaling systems in a mission-driven company.