Ingrid Dutton and Jessica Maerz are two sisters who love telling and listening to stories. Join us as we dive in and retell our stories, historical stories, and listener stories in a straight forward and interactive way. Our goal is to use these situations not only to educate, but to also provide a platform for others to share their struggles and/or accomplishments. We want to create an atmosphere where listeners feel like they’re surrounded by friends while they identify with and support others. You may find yourself laughing, crying, cheering, and struggling along with us each step of the way.
Our Story
About the Hosts
Ingrid Dutton
Hi friends!
I was born to a first generation Filipina immigrant. My mom moved to the United States toting her nursing degree, where she met my dad in Athens, Georgia who was stationed as a sailor at the time. I was born not long after.
Leaving the south a few years later, we moved to small-town Wisconsin where I spent the rest of my childhood.
Following in my mom’s footsteps, I pursued a career in nursing and my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winona State University in Minnesota.
After graduation, I immediately moved from the frozen tundra to sunny Orlando, Florida where I spent the next 17 years of my life. While there I obtained my Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida. After working as a Nurse Practitioner in cardiology and transplant for several years, I headed north to beautiful Tennessee igniting my southern roots once again.
I remain in Tennessee and have three lovely children along with two adorable pyredoodles and a newly added cavapoo!
I was blessed with the gift of gab and I'm a sucker for a good (and even not so good) story. Some say I may talk too much…which makes podcasting the perfect hobby for me! Of course, being a bossy older sister, I had to drag my little sis along for the ride.
We are far from professionals, but absolutely love what we are doing. The opportunity we have had meeting, connecting and speaking with people has been amazing. We have educated ourselves and each other on a variety of topics and have already listened to and discussed s… Read More
Jessica Maerz
Hey everyone! I was born in Athens, GA and moved with my family to Wisconsin when I was a toddler. I grew up in WI and attempted college at Winona State in MN that led into building life long friendships, but no college degree. Lol. When I was 21, I moved to Orlando, FL and began working as a patient registration rep with Florida Hospital. A couple months after moving there, 9/11 happened. Coming from a long line of Veterans in my family (dad, grandfather, several uncles, aunt, and great uncles - apparently we have had a family member in every war/conflict since the American Revolution), I knew I wanted to make a difference so I decided to join the military. In January 2003 (it took that long for a female spot to open up!), I left to go to boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. I spent five and a half years as an avionics technician with EA-6Bs and P-3Cs up at NAS Whidbey Island, WA. I got out and moved back to Orlando to finish up my B.A. and eventually my masters in social work from UCF. After graduating with my masters, my first job was earning $13/hour as a case manager for a non-profit organization for people who were homeless, at risk of becoming homeless and/or disabled. Interesting side fact, I ran a food pantry and also qualified to receive items from the food pantry because of my low income status. Smh. Anyway….. after a year there, I started working as a social worker at the Orlando VA with homeless Veterans. I loved it. Shortly after, I fell in love with my husband, who is still active duty and who I met when I was in the Navy, and he got orders from FL bac… Read More