This was such a good episode. During the lead up to the 2024 election my grandfather talked about his frustration with our military being used for various humanitarian and police functions across the globe - he said that military is for war, and anything else is inefficient use of resources. Given that he was a child in Warsaw during WWII and immigrated to the US as a teenager, joined the army with his brother, and they retired as a Colonel and a four-star General respectively, his opinion holds a lot of weight to me. But I have so many questions about what “the military is for war” MEANS in 2026 with all the lessons learned from the past 25 years and all the unknown of new technology.
On shoes - BETH you are not too tall to wear heels! All the more reason to wear them, really! I’m nearly 6’2” and loveeee to wear a 3” heel to work on days that I want to feel strong and a little scary.
Book recommendation related to a girl and her heels - “someone else’s shoes” by Joyo Moyes - A cute book, good vacay read about very different women brought together by very different shoes.
As an “old” in the group, I am here for comfort shoes. I am short and heels would help, but I have suffered with plantar fasciitis and other foot pain so comfort and support are my top goals in footwear! Brands that have worked well for me include Vionic, Aetrex, and Alegria, and they have great options in dressy shoes as well as sandals. For hiking, Oboz have worked well, but I don’t imagine they have heels in those🤔 I feel that my TED Talk will revolve around comfort shoes that look nice for old feet, so thanks for coming to my preview talk today😂
Had to come for the shoe convo! I used to wear heels (nothing obscenely high, but as Sarah said, sometimes heels make the outfit) for dress-up occasions. About 6 or 7 years ago, when I was 14 weeks pregnant with my daughter, I broke my left foot wearing wedges—in front of my entire church, stepping down off the altar after serving communion). I spent my entire second trimester in a boot (while also chasing around a toddler), and after that, I swore off heels 😂.
Now in my late 30s, I do *occasionally* pull out my one pair of very cute nude-colored, leather heels my MIL bought me my first or second married Christmas. But only in a situation, like y'all described, where I'm walking in, sitting down, and walking back to my car. My dress shoes of choice are some Børn flats that have delightful arch support.
This episode talked about very important things and was much appreciated, but I'm now just scouring the comments researching all of these heel recs. :)
On the shoe front, I’m a big fan of Sezane’s block heels and boots — super comfy even when 2-3” high and always chic and well-made.
On the broader conversation, I found this conversation between Palmer Lucky (of Anduril) and Bari Weiss about the future of war really helpful — I’m a pacifist so no apologist for the war industrial complex, but some of the way Lucky thinks about the problem space get at the challenges Sarah and Beth were discussing: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/honestly-with-bari-weiss/id1570872415?i=1000733844533
I'm seeking heel recommendations! I'm getting married this summer, so I'm looking for a comfortable heel that also feels fun & fancy enough for a very special occasion.
On military recruitment - anyone consider the shitty economy as a reason? That's why I joined. I was trapped in a crappy job with no good prospects available, couldn't afford college. Patriotism came later.
There were a lot of non-traditional trainees that came in with me, already in their 30's with kids, married people trying to get a steady paycheck.
Just saying... there are a lot of reasons people join the military, many of them are financial.
Beth, I appreciate what you shared at the beginning so much. I often feel silly that my life is continuing while so many are falling apart. But on Saturday night, my girlfriend and I hosted our Saudi friend for Iftar to break her Ramadan fast. This friend is a past roommate and was one of the most supportive people when I started dating my girlfriend, which was a gift to me. It felt so sacred to sit on the floor and share a meal. It was healing for all of us. I know it won't change the world, but it is making more of a difference than doom-scrolling ever will. And I hope maybe the little bit of peace we had is something we can share beyond ourselves.
2. Recruitment with the military gives me the nihilism. Of course I prefer a volunteer armed forces to a drafted ones. My son join the army and is out. A short stint. However, my concern is how the volunteers are found. The high schools in lower income areas are targeted. Kids without much support or hopes of academic success are offered heroism, camaraderie, adventure, interesting toys, a steady income, and veteran benefits. But the reality of so many veterans is nowhere near close to the brochures. Why are certain communities more targeted? Is it pure patriotism or a desperate choice for survival? Anyway, this is extremely complicated.
It's a great start in life when everything else around seems to be hell bent on forcing you into debt or remaining dependent on your parents for forever. Free healthcare, housing, clothing, food, training, education... they'll even pay back student debt which attracts a lot of medical students. The free insurance attracts families who have special needs.
It's a really attractive option for people in areas with few options (or just not great options). Plus there's big sign on bonuses for high need jobs.
I don't think it's necessarily one extreme or another (patriotism or desperation). It's a lot of benefits to consider. It's easier to recruit from poorer neighborhoods but not for all the jobs. They target all high schools. Some HS are friendlier to recruiters than others.
My nephew, who previously worked as an engineer, just finished his second stint in the army. Thank goodness he decided a few months ago not to do another tour. But it was a hard decision because he has three young kids, and the health insurance is so much better than the job he has now.
I worry about this too. My cynical side says we will never have better healthcare or higher education options in the U.S. because it could negatively impact military recruitment.
As a stay at home mom who wears comfy shoes all day, I LOVE an opportunity to put on a nice pair of heels. And it helps that my husband, who is the same height as me, is not intimidated by me towering over him.
Read the Outside of Politics transcript in a coffee shop as I was so curious! Amen to this whole conversation. I’m 51 and sent my best friend a Polo just last week and said “I feel like I don’t know what shoes to wear anymore. What do you wear?”
Flats are too flat for all the reasons mentioned and it strains my Achilles sometimes to the point of swelling due to lack of support. I’m not in a super dressy workplace but not jeans so sometimes I can wear a cute sneaker (I love Kiziks), especially if I’m out at events recruiting volunteers and standing a lot and needing to lug in all my stuff to set up a table at an info fair or something similar.
But winter shoes that aren’t boots that don’t look like old lady shoes? I’m at a loss. Maybe I just need to suck it up and wear old lady shoes but I’d like some cute fashion with my comfort.
Also, having had my colors done, I’m a vibrant Autumn and have moved away from black as much as possible. Brown slacks, olive, tan, etc. I find it so hard to find brown comfy dressy adjacent shoes that aren’t flats or high high heels. It feels like there are a zillion choices of black shoes.
My best friend said Clark’s, Dr. Scholl’s, Naturalizer, Keds, and White Mountain (I do have a flatter boot that’s White Mountain that’s served me pretty well). I know Keds are too flat and narrow for me.
Can’t wait to hear more suggestions! And it’s so nice to know I’m not the only one with so many thoughts on footwear and the necessity to leave some shoes behind.
Sarah, do you remember Oprah talking about “sitting shoes”? Like Beth described, the ones you wear when you know mostly you’ll be sitting!!
This is a great conversation but for me as a 70 plus person sneaker types and boots are good for me. There is a woman in my town who is 85 who still wears high (5 inch) heels. She is tiny and was an elementary school principal but wow . . . A nice summer wedge sandal is fine for church or events where I don’t need to stand. I am a college professor (still) so need comfy shoes that allow me to stand or walk around a great deal. Blessings on those who still wear heels.
I really like my Duckfeet shoes! They are wide, which is a gift for my poor toes. And since they are leather, I feel like the Mary Janes works great for wet weather (as long as you don't have to trek through snow banks). And, I have gotten cork insoles for one of my pairs and the support is great.
Rockport has a line called Total Motion which is similar to the old Cole Haans with Nike technology. Rockport has Adidas technology and every pair I have gotten from that line has been fantastic. They have a basic pump style that looks pretty boring when you look at it, but it is really beautiful on. They are cut like Manolo Blahniks with a little bit of toe cleavage that makes them look better than a basic heel. Cannot recommend enough.
This was such a good episode. During the lead up to the 2024 election my grandfather talked about his frustration with our military being used for various humanitarian and police functions across the globe - he said that military is for war, and anything else is inefficient use of resources. Given that he was a child in Warsaw during WWII and immigrated to the US as a teenager, joined the army with his brother, and they retired as a Colonel and a four-star General respectively, his opinion holds a lot of weight to me. But I have so many questions about what “the military is for war” MEANS in 2026 with all the lessons learned from the past 25 years and all the unknown of new technology.
On shoes - BETH you are not too tall to wear heels! All the more reason to wear them, really! I’m nearly 6’2” and loveeee to wear a 3” heel to work on days that I want to feel strong and a little scary.
Book recommendation related to a girl and her heels - “someone else’s shoes” by Joyo Moyes - A cute book, good vacay read about very different women brought together by very different shoes.
As an “old” in the group, I am here for comfort shoes. I am short and heels would help, but I have suffered with plantar fasciitis and other foot pain so comfort and support are my top goals in footwear! Brands that have worked well for me include Vionic, Aetrex, and Alegria, and they have great options in dressy shoes as well as sandals. For hiking, Oboz have worked well, but I don’t imagine they have heels in those🤔 I feel that my TED Talk will revolve around comfort shoes that look nice for old feet, so thanks for coming to my preview talk today😂
Had to come for the shoe convo! I used to wear heels (nothing obscenely high, but as Sarah said, sometimes heels make the outfit) for dress-up occasions. About 6 or 7 years ago, when I was 14 weeks pregnant with my daughter, I broke my left foot wearing wedges—in front of my entire church, stepping down off the altar after serving communion). I spent my entire second trimester in a boot (while also chasing around a toddler), and after that, I swore off heels 😂.
Now in my late 30s, I do *occasionally* pull out my one pair of very cute nude-colored, leather heels my MIL bought me my first or second married Christmas. But only in a situation, like y'all described, where I'm walking in, sitting down, and walking back to my car. My dress shoes of choice are some Børn flats that have delightful arch support.
I will also add—I'm a former teacher who lived in Dansko clogs, so there was never much occasion for heels in a professional setting. 😜
This episode talked about very important things and was much appreciated, but I'm now just scouring the comments researching all of these heel recs. :)
On the shoe front, I’m a big fan of Sezane’s block heels and boots — super comfy even when 2-3” high and always chic and well-made.
On the broader conversation, I found this conversation between Palmer Lucky (of Anduril) and Bari Weiss about the future of war really helpful — I’m a pacifist so no apologist for the war industrial complex, but some of the way Lucky thinks about the problem space get at the challenges Sarah and Beth were discussing: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/honestly-with-bari-weiss/id1570872415?i=1000733844533
I'm seeking heel recommendations! I'm getting married this summer, so I'm looking for a comfortable heel that also feels fun & fancy enough for a very special occasion.
I blinged out a pair of Keds for my wedding - just another option
Is this where I annoyingly evangelize barefoot shoes?? 😆
On military recruitment - anyone consider the shitty economy as a reason? That's why I joined. I was trapped in a crappy job with no good prospects available, couldn't afford college. Patriotism came later.
There were a lot of non-traditional trainees that came in with me, already in their 30's with kids, married people trying to get a steady paycheck.
Just saying... there are a lot of reasons people join the military, many of them are financial.
I had this same thought, Allison! Stability, insurance, benefits... I can definitely see this as a strong pull in *this economy*.
Beth, I appreciate what you shared at the beginning so much. I often feel silly that my life is continuing while so many are falling apart. But on Saturday night, my girlfriend and I hosted our Saudi friend for Iftar to break her Ramadan fast. This friend is a past roommate and was one of the most supportive people when I started dating my girlfriend, which was a gift to me. It felt so sacred to sit on the floor and share a meal. It was healing for all of us. I know it won't change the world, but it is making more of a difference than doom-scrolling ever will. And I hope maybe the little bit of peace we had is something we can share beyond ourselves.
Two things:
1. I am a espadrille wedges kinda guy
2. Recruitment with the military gives me the nihilism. Of course I prefer a volunteer armed forces to a drafted ones. My son join the army and is out. A short stint. However, my concern is how the volunteers are found. The high schools in lower income areas are targeted. Kids without much support or hopes of academic success are offered heroism, camaraderie, adventure, interesting toys, a steady income, and veteran benefits. But the reality of so many veterans is nowhere near close to the brochures. Why are certain communities more targeted? Is it pure patriotism or a desperate choice for survival? Anyway, this is extremely complicated.
As expected, you have great taste in heels.
It's a great start in life when everything else around seems to be hell bent on forcing you into debt or remaining dependent on your parents for forever. Free healthcare, housing, clothing, food, training, education... they'll even pay back student debt which attracts a lot of medical students. The free insurance attracts families who have special needs.
It's a really attractive option for people in areas with few options (or just not great options). Plus there's big sign on bonuses for high need jobs.
I don't think it's necessarily one extreme or another (patriotism or desperation). It's a lot of benefits to consider. It's easier to recruit from poorer neighborhoods but not for all the jobs. They target all high schools. Some HS are friendlier to recruiters than others.
My nephew, who previously worked as an engineer, just finished his second stint in the army. Thank goodness he decided a few months ago not to do another tour. But it was a hard decision because he has three young kids, and the health insurance is so much better than the job he has now.
Yeah I really miss the health insurance 😕
I worry about this too. My cynical side says we will never have better healthcare or higher education options in the U.S. because it could negatively impact military recruitment.
I'm always afraid that we'll go the Starship Troopers route: You must serve to become a citizen.
I am shocked that service doesn't automatically make you a citizen.
As a stay at home mom who wears comfy shoes all day, I LOVE an opportunity to put on a nice pair of heels. And it helps that my husband, who is the same height as me, is not intimidated by me towering over him.
Love this for you, Mary!
Oh! REEF has some great comfy platform and wedge sandals for summer options.
Read the Outside of Politics transcript in a coffee shop as I was so curious! Amen to this whole conversation. I’m 51 and sent my best friend a Polo just last week and said “I feel like I don’t know what shoes to wear anymore. What do you wear?”
Flats are too flat for all the reasons mentioned and it strains my Achilles sometimes to the point of swelling due to lack of support. I’m not in a super dressy workplace but not jeans so sometimes I can wear a cute sneaker (I love Kiziks), especially if I’m out at events recruiting volunteers and standing a lot and needing to lug in all my stuff to set up a table at an info fair or something similar.
But winter shoes that aren’t boots that don’t look like old lady shoes? I’m at a loss. Maybe I just need to suck it up and wear old lady shoes but I’d like some cute fashion with my comfort.
Also, having had my colors done, I’m a vibrant Autumn and have moved away from black as much as possible. Brown slacks, olive, tan, etc. I find it so hard to find brown comfy dressy adjacent shoes that aren’t flats or high high heels. It feels like there are a zillion choices of black shoes.
My best friend said Clark’s, Dr. Scholl’s, Naturalizer, Keds, and White Mountain (I do have a flatter boot that’s White Mountain that’s served me pretty well). I know Keds are too flat and narrow for me.
Can’t wait to hear more suggestions! And it’s so nice to know I’m not the only one with so many thoughts on footwear and the necessity to leave some shoes behind.
Sarah, do you remember Oprah talking about “sitting shoes”? Like Beth described, the ones you wear when you know mostly you’ll be sitting!!
This is a great conversation but for me as a 70 plus person sneaker types and boots are good for me. There is a woman in my town who is 85 who still wears high (5 inch) heels. She is tiny and was an elementary school principal but wow . . . A nice summer wedge sandal is fine for church or events where I don’t need to stand. I am a college professor (still) so need comfy shoes that allow me to stand or walk around a great deal. Blessings on those who still wear heels.
I really like my Duckfeet shoes! They are wide, which is a gift for my poor toes. And since they are leather, I feel like the Mary Janes works great for wet weather (as long as you don't have to trek through snow banks). And, I have gotten cork insoles for one of my pairs and the support is great.
I am not a fan of heels and haven't been for many years. I wear sambas with basically every outfit and do not feel one ounce of shame.
Rockport has a line called Total Motion which is similar to the old Cole Haans with Nike technology. Rockport has Adidas technology and every pair I have gotten from that line has been fantastic. They have a basic pump style that looks pretty boring when you look at it, but it is really beautiful on. They are cut like Manolo Blahniks with a little bit of toe cleavage that makes them look better than a basic heel. Cannot recommend enough.
This is very helpful!