Breaking the Ice

Today on the Breaking the Ice, I am joined by Caitlin and Chelsea, the women behind the Instagram page @themamapsychologists  ! We chat about the unique challenges of motherhood in hockey life. From postpartum anxiety and depression to solo parenting during road trips, this episode will help you navigate life away from your support systems. We dive into:  The Importance of Community in Postpartum How isolation, especially living overseas, impacts new mothers NICU Experience and Trauma Differentiating Baby Blues from Postpartum Mental Health Issues Partner Preparation and Support Social Media Boundaries and Mental Health Managing info overload and algorithm driven anxiety content Solo Parenting and Self Care Practical strategies for managing alone time during hockey season This is a MUST listen for moms everywhere!   Follow my page on Instagram Get 20% off your first Little Bipsy Order with the code BREAKINGTHEICE20

This week on Breaking the Ice, I chat with Lauren Rodych-Eberle, wife to Jordan Eberle, captain of the Seattle Kraken. Lauren and I dive into what life looks like in the hockey world as a captain’s family, raising three kids, and building a life that changes every season! We talk about: The difference between in season and off season rhythms What it means to be “the captain’s wife” (and the role that comes with it) Navigating trades and the constant possibility of moving Conscious parenting and how to ground your kids in the chaos Having real conversations with older kids about leaving and getting settled for the hockey season Finding balance and identity outside of hockey while raising three little ones Lauren also shares about their family foundation, Sticks and Strings, which supports music and hockey programming for kids. From helping provide instruments to funding hockey camps and clinics, it’s all about creating opportunities for kids to find confidence and connection through both sports and the arts. This is one of my faves, enjoy! Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram Shop Little Bipsy and Get 20% Off Your First Order with the code BREAKINGTHEICE20 Get 40% off at Cozy Earth with the code ICE40   Follow Lauren on Instagram  Follow Sticks and Strings Foundation Contribute to their Foundation

Today on the podcast, Erin Forsberg joins with me! Erin is the wife to, Filip Forsberg of the Nashville Predators. We talk about how she’s built a life in a city she loves, the balance between two demanding careers, and what it’s like to step into the hockey world. We chat about her music career, navigating motherhood with a toddler while her husband is on the road, and the friendships that make the hockey community feel like family!   Follow my podcast on Instagram Follow Erin on Instagram Get 40% off your Cozy Earth Order with the code ICE40 $15 off ANY Zoe Stroller

Today on Breaking the Ice, I’m joined by Katherine (Kat) Ellis, girlfriend of Jake Wise, who finished last season for the Colorado Eagles in the AHL, freelance sports media creator, on camera host, and the mind behind Out of Her League, a series that highlights women and their unique perspectives in the world of sports. Kat and I dive into what it’s really like to build a media career while living the ever changing life of a hockey girlfriend. From producing and editing her own show to navigating the shift from college hockey to pro life in Colorado, Kat opens up about the behind the scenes reality of creating something meaningful in a world that doesn’t always know where to place you. We talk about: How Out of Her League started as a passion project and evolved into a space that gives visibility to overlooked women in sports The reality of moving through different seasons of hockey even when you’re in the same place Balancing ambition with a relationship that’s constantly on the move Why staying true to yourself is the most important thing you can do and so so much more!   LINKS: This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth makers of premium bamboo bedding and loungewear designed to keep you cool, comfortable, and well rested. I’ve personally been loving their pajamas and sheets, they truly live up to the hype. Use code ICE40 for 40% off your order at cozyearth.com Breaking the Ice on IGKatherine Ellis on IG Watch Out of Her League on Youtube

Today on Breaking the Ice, I’m joined by Chloe Skinner, wife to Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, just days before the Stanley Cup Finals kick off. And yes… it’s the exact same matchup as last year! We talk about what it’s really like being a goalie wife during one of the most high-pressure moments in hockey, how playoff life impacts family rhythms, and what motherhood looks like when everything is constantly moving. From game day superstitions to raising kids in the chaos, Chloe shares it all real, grounded, and in the thick of it. You’re going to love this one. Connect with me: 📲 Instagram: @breakingtheicepod Follow Chloe on Instagram  SPONSORS: 🍼 Rents4Baby – Baby gear rentals delivered straight to your destination in 32+ states. No more packing cribs or borrowing strollers. Use code ICE for 10% off rents4baby.com 💛 Nemah – Clean, intentional skincare for postpartum moms. I use their scar treatment on my C-section scar and truly love it. Use code ICE for 10% off nemah.com

This week on Breaking the Ice, I’m joined by Marissa Lomberg, wife of Calgary Flames forward Ryan Lomberg and mom of three under 2.5. Before life as a hockey wife and full time mom, Marissa was a Boston based flight attendant, and met Ryan through a mutual college connection. In this episode, we talk about their whirlwind dating days, her transition out of work and into motherhood, and what it’s been like relocating to Calgary with three very small kids. She opens up about everything from Stanley Cup celebrations while pregnant to finding her rhythm in this chaotic but rewarding season of life. We also chat about the realities of being a hockey family, like adjusting to new cities, asking for help, and navigating toddlers in fire filled arenas.   Follow the Podcast on Instagram Follow Marissa on Instagram  Get $10 off your Freshly Picked Bag  $50 off Manly Bands  

Today on Breaking the Ice, I’m joined by Madison Provorov, wife Ivan Provorov, who finished last season playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the face behind the Instagram account for their Golden Retriever, Drake. In this episode, Madison opens up about their elopement, navigating IVF while married to a pro athlete and being a dog momager to Drake!   IN THIS EPISODE WE CHAT ABOUT: How Madison and Ivan met and their elopement this past fall Life as a hockey wife and what it’s really like behind the scenes The challenges of IVF and how she managed treatments and stayed positive throughout the process during the season Living in Columbus as free agents and finding community in unexpected places Learning Russian and being married to someone from a different country Growing Drake’s Instagram to over a million followers and turning it into a career Tips for anyone going through IVF or managing long-distance relationships Why embracing the present matters when your lifestyle is always changing   SPONSORS: Olive & June makes clean, salon-quality nail care that brings the mani magic home because who has time to sit in a nail salon during season? Use code ICE20 for 20% off your first Olive & June system at oliveandjune.com/ICE20 BinkyBro makes cool, beach-to-streetwear for your little ones—perfect for travel days, park hangs, or just being the best-dressed kid in the room. Check them out at binkybro.com Zoe makes lightweight, travel-friendly strollers that actually fit in overhead bins. If you’re juggling hockey gear and kids, this is the stroller for you. →  $15 off any stroller here     If you're listening today, share to your story and tag @breakingtheicepod Follow Madison on Instagram and her dog Drake The Pup Star on Instagram Drake the Pupstar on TikTok  

Today on Breaking the Ice, I’m chatting with Whitney Kaskisuo, wife of Kasmir Kaskisuo, who is a goalie for the Bloomington Bison in the ECHL. She's a mom and someone who has built such a strong and honest presence online. We covered so much in this episode — from navigating the constant relocations that come with the hockey lifestyle, to how her family is handling their first season doing long distance. Whitney opens up about the emotional toll this life can have, especially on kids, and how she’s stayed grounded through it all! She also shared how their social media journey started and how it has become a major part of her and her husbands life. We chat about everything from supporting your partner through career uncertainty, to planning for life after hockey, to dealing with public perception. We also chat about how crucial it is for organizations to recognize and support the families behind the players. Because these women, these families, give up so much to be there. Whitney was such an open book, and this is one of those conversations that will really hit home for anyone navigating this lifestyle!   Follow me on Instagram Get 40% off of THRIVE MARKET Get $15 off ZOE STROLLERS Follow Whitney Kaskisuo on Instagram Follow Whitney on TikTok  

In this episode, I sit down with Kris Mueller, who moved with her husband, Mirco Mueller, from the NHL to Switzerland, where they built a home and started their family. We talk about what it was like for her to have kids abroad, the challenges of adapting to life in a different country, and the reality of making friends when you’re constantly moving. Whether you’ve ever felt like an outsider, struggled to find your place in a new group, or just wondered what life looks like after the NHL, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear us chat about: The transition from the NHL to playing in Europe  Building a home and raising kids in Switzerland The cultural differences in parenting abroad Navigating friendships and social circles in a new country How to find your people when life is always changing This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to find their footing in this lifestyle.   Follow me on Instagram: Follow Kris on Instagram

Cheryl Rosa, wife of Marco Rosa, who finished his career in the AlpsHL in Asiago, joins me on the podcast today! Moving abroad comes with its own set of challenges, but finding a sense of belonging makes all the difference. In this episode, we chat about navigating life in Italy after her husband’s career-ending injury. From adjusting to a new culture to launching a career in sleep training, she shares her journey of resilience, reinvention, and creating a support system in a small town! Life in Italy after a career-ending hockey injury  The challenges of adjusting to a new country and culture Transitioning into a career in sleep training and finding her purpose The slower pace of life in a small Italian town Managing routines, jet lag, and sleep schedules for kids while traveling  Finding community and support outside of hockey Follow me on Instagram Follow Cheryl on Instagram

In this episode, Maggie Kestner, wife of Josh Kestner, who plays in Slovakia joins me for the SECOND time! (I will link the first episode down below). Together, we share authentic insights into the highs and lows of living abroad, balancing relationships, and navigating this lifestyle overall. We chat about: January Blues--why this month is hard for most hockey families Battling loneliness, OCD + Mental Health Struggles, and the desire for independence The challenges of feeling like you don't have much control of your life What can impact your experiences + happiness during the season We chat about how we were both interviewed for a Netflix Docuseries on Hockey Wives + what our thoughts are on how it went down + what we think about it all! + more! This is a MUST listen.    Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram  Follow Maggie on Instagram Listen to our first episode together (The Mental Toll of Hockey) Listen to my Solo Minisode on Postpartum OCD  Want to collaborate with Breaking the Ice? Click here!

In this episode of Breaking the Ice, Noureen DeWulf shares her evolution as both an individual and a partner in the world of pro hockey. Married to retired NHL player Ryan Miller, who finished is career playing for the Anaheim Ducks, Noureen shares the realities of navigating change, supporting a partner’s high-pressure career while maintaining her own. Noureen is also a hilarious actress and you may recognize her from Anger Management, Good Girls and many other shows and movies!  We chat about: Hockey Wife Realities: Balancing moves, long-distance dynamics, and a thriving career. Retirement Challenges: How their family found new purpose and stability after Ryan’s NHL retirement. Parenting: Noureen’s reflections on supporting each other and embracing family life. + so much more! <3    Follow BTI on Instagram  Follow Noureen on Instagram  Support The Steadfast Foundation

Courtlyn Fazakas, girlfriend of Brett Ferguson, who plays for the Guildford Flames in the EIHL, joins me on Breaking the Ice today! In this episode, she reflects on her journey from small-town life to navigating the perks and challenges of moving abroad with her partner and building a career and sense of purpose in a new country. In this episode we chat about:  Shifting from corporate life to fitness and finding her passion. Adjusting to life as a hockey spouse, handling shared spaces, and making new friends.  Her experience with mental health and medication  Advice for starting your own business  and so much more! Plug your headphones in and enjoy this episode!   Follow along on Instagram with BTI Want to be a Guest? Follow Courtlyn on Instagram  Follow Life on the Court   

In this episode of Breaking the Ice, Rachel Novak, girlfriend of Michael Cichy, who plays for the Fife Flyers in the EIHL, joins me! Rachel and Michael have been in a long-distance relationship for over eight years. We dive into the challenges, lessons, and strategies of maintaining a strong relationship while apart, focusing on the unique struggles that come with the hockey lifestyle.   In this episode we talk about: The emotional rollercoaster of long-distance relationships. Managing communication with time zone differences and hockey’s unpredictable schedule. The impact of long-distance on mental health and anxiety. Practical strategies for maintaining trust and staying busy while apart.   Follow me on Instagram Follow Rachel on Instagram  Order Custom Hockey Swag from Daisy May Designs  

Emmeli Rakell, wife of Rickard Rakell, who plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins, joins me this week on Breaking the Ice! Emmeli and her husband are Swedish and have spent a portion of their lives living in the US, while Rickard plays in the NHL.   In this episode we talk about:   What it was like for Emmeli moving to the US, while hardly speaking English   How isolating it can be to not have other people around who speak the same language as you   What it has been like for her experiencing a new culture + new friends   How she has changed her mindset in regards to this lifestyle   Having a baby in the USA, as a Swede, and how things changed for her once she had kids in this lifestyle    Driving differences between USA + Europe and other hilarious culture differences between Europeans and Americans and so much more!   Follow the podcast on Instagram!  Follow Emmeli on Instagram! Be a guest on Breaking the Ice Get $15 off your Zoe Stroller!  Get 15% off your Nemah Order!

Join me in this episode of real, authentic conversation with Laura Caggiula, wife of Drake Caggiula, who plays in the AHL for the Bakersfield Condors. If you're a mom or just curious about the challenges of motherhood in the hockey lifestyle with two children under two, this episode is just for you! Laura and I share our experiences of raising two children under two in an open and honest dialogue. Here are some highlights from our conversation The realities of motherhood and how to balance responsibilities Strategies for managing stress and self-care Our experiences with raising children in a fast-paced lifestyle The importance of community support and building a network  Nervous System Dysregulation Latching onto Schedules because it's the one thing we have control over Resentment  Hockey culture + how it shifts after having kids Game Day Routines with Two Under Two    Follow me on Instagram!  Be a Guest on BTI!  Support my Online Children's Shop! Shop my MUST HAVE baby items! Follow Laura on Instagram

Megan McIlvane, wife of Matt McIlvane, who is the head coach for the San Diego Gulls, joins me on the pod today for a much anticipated coach's wife episode!   In this episode we talk about SO much but to name a few:  Leaving her passion and career to move to Europe with her now husband Her take on whether coach's wives and player's wives should be friends The time commitment of a coach's wife A positive perspective on schedule of a hockey player The grey area of what the code is for including coach's wives How she would handle an iffy situation if one came about AND BEYOND MORE! This conversation was so much fun to have and I hope you all enjoy!   Megan sits on the board of directors for a non-profit called Megan's Mission, named after an unbelievable girl who fought childhood cancer fearlessly. They are 100% volunteer based and have raised over 2 million for more up to date treatments and cures for childhood cancers. The hockey community is so great and any support would be greatly appreciated! Click here! www.instagram.com/megansmission

Dana Oleksuk, wife of Travis Oleksuk, who finished last season in Rosenheim in the Del3, joins me on the podcast for the third time! Our husbands played together in Austria for two hockey seasons and in this episode we caught up and updated each other on our lives. In this episode we talk about:  Not having a contract this late in the year and what that looks like for each of us The possibility of retirement and how we each feel about it The day to day challenges of this position (living with family, lack of stability or not being able to plan anything) How we each would get our stuff back from overseas if we didn't go over Mental energy and how it takes so much out of you to have these same conversations every year with your significant other Regardless of whether you have a contract or not, you will definitely be able to relate to this episode and I hope it brings some light into your week that you are not alone!   EPISODES WILL BE OUT TWICE A MONTH! Follow my page on Instagram! Shop my kids boutique and get 15% off with the code ice Private FB Group for Coach's Wives/Staff Here   Follow Dana on Instagram! Use the code ICE15 for 15% off their first month or if you sign up for the 6-month/annual subscription payment you can get 15% off the whole plan!   Dana's Website:   www.dofitnessco.com www.dofitnessco.com/membership     

Maggie Kestner, wife of Josh Kestner, who plays for Rauma Lukko in Finland, joins me on Breaking the Ice today. In this episode we chat about: Losing your identity in this lifestyle The challenges emotionally when isolated so far away from home The common misconceptions that people have about hockey Missing big life moments back home during the season Visa Issues Trying to get out of Russia right before the war started and so much more! Follow me on Instagram Follow Maggie on Instagram

Buckle up, I’m ready to share my birth story! For those of you that have followed my pregnancy journey, my daughter was breech and I chose to have a scheduled c-section here in France. I share the highs and lows of my hospital experience, as always, UNFILTERED.   In this episode I talked about:   -The surgery + what it was like having a c-section   -My childcare falling through a few days before my scheduled c-section   -Being in the hospital alone and struggling with a major language barrier   -The differences between having a baby in Austria and France   -What I’ve learned and done differently as a second time mom: Advocating for myself in the hospital   -The last night with your toddler before the baby comes   -C-Section recovery + (with a toddler)   -The transition from 1-2 kids   & more!   Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram! Want to be a Guest? Fill out the Guest Submission Form here! My last SOLO Episode leading up to my birth  My European Birth Story in Austria