The American MilSpouse

I enjoyed talking with my friend Courtney so much this week. Courtney is an Air Force spouse and mom of two. We talk about the challenges of motherhood and how that changed her military spouse perspective. We also talk about the incredibly trying year her family had as her mother experienced a life threatening health crisis. Challenges back home can be so tough as a military family when you can't be as constantly present as you'd like. Courtney speaks with such wisdom and grace about this traumatic experience and the way her family has grown through the process.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

This week Jen and I talk about growing her beautiful family through the process of embryo adoption. As an adoptive mom, there was still SO much for me to learn about Jen's story and the differences and similarities between our experiences. This conversation is honest, emotional, and extremely enlightening. Jen also recently chatted with the amazing ladies over at @thewomanamidst so if you'd like to hear more of her story, check out her episode there too! You can keep up with Jen as they get ready to welcome their second kiddo @_jensjourneys_. This is also the SEASON FINALE of The American MilSpoues! What an amazing year! Thank you all for your support. There is already so much great stuff in the works for next season and I can't wait to share it! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

Danielle is an Air Force officer married to a fellow Air Force officer. Part of Danielle's current job involves the decision making process involved with personnel assignments. In other words, she can explain how we end up moving where we do! The insight she shares about this is so interesting and even though it doesn't give us any more of a say in where we life, it does help clarify what goes into the process. Danielle also did ROTC while getting her master's degree which is extremely uncommon and we talk about what that was like as well as how policies are implemented in the Air Force and how people tend to respond to them. Lots of great info this week! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

So excited for this Mother's Day episode with MY amazing mom! Debbie is a veteran Marine spouse and I loved hearing more about my parents 8 year adventure in the military. My dad enlisted at 19 and married my mom (who was 20) the same year. Off they went! We talk about my mom's experience learning what was important to her, accepting what wasn't right for her even if it meant disappointing people she loved, and navigating military life without a strong spouse community. I know I am biased but this woman is so incredible and I love having the chance to share her with you! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

Sarah works in higher education research and has a master's degree in public policy. It was really interesting to learn more about how she pursued her degree and the choices she and her husband made to make it happen as well as getting a better understanding of the world of public policy. We also talk about something that isn't necessarily addressed head-on especially often in the military community and that's homesickness. While the military community can become your family, it doesn't preclude us from missing our families of origin and Sarah does a great job talking about this.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

This week's conversation is with Tansy. She is an air force spouse, full time activist, and entrepreneur running an organization called 1 Million Madly Motivated Moms or 1m4 for short. We talk about Tansy's tireless work to end police brutality in our country and it's obviously not a lighthearted topic but it is incredibly important. Just as we do with every conversation on this podcast, I ask that you listen with an open mind and heart. There are many of us saying "What can I do? How can I help? What has to change?" and Tansy's first answer is listening and learning. She also gives actionable steps and concrete opportunities to be a part of this work. ⁠ Tansy and @weare1m4 are also working very specifically on two cases @justiceforjamarion and @notguiltyservinglife that I encourage you to learn more about. ⁠ https://www.1m4.org/ https://www.mother.ly/life/sometimes-the-officer-is-the-bad-guy Tansy also mentioned a number of great people to follow and learn from including @allyhenny, @kimberlecrenshaw, and @tamikadmallory --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

Courtney is a pediatric nurse and navy spouse currently living in Washington with her husband and pup. What I loved so much about my conversation with Courtney is that we didn't necessarily have a specific topic in mind to discuss beyond diving into MilSpouse life and what that has looked like for her. We ended up finding common ground in the fact we have both been married before. It was such a great reminder that there are always new people to share things with and you never know what you'll have in common with someone. The reality is that this is a heavy subject. Neither of us walk through the entire emotional process that comes with something like this so I hope it's clear that, while we are shedding light on a bit of what this is like, we certainly both have larger stories full of a lot of nuance. Courtney also runs an awesome online book club and I'm including the details below! https://www.facebook.com/groups/StrongerSpine https://bookshop.org/books/the-sound-of-gravel-a-memoir/9781250077707 Courtney's nursing school: https://www.gcu.edu/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

Poppy is an Australian-born American MilSpouse currently living in England. She is a flight Paramedic/Rescue Specialist as well as a technical writer. We got the chance to talk about her experience as a foreign spouse and some of the surprising challenges that come with it. We also discuss getting married a little bit later than most of the MilSpouses she has met and how, as an extremely independent person, she has adjusted to this lifestyle. We have a really insightful discussion about bumping up against the glass ceiling in Australia as well. So much new and fascinating info in this episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

Margaret is a navy spouse (and daughter) currently serving as a Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society visiting nurse in Rota, Spain. She is passionate about supporting military families, especially women navigating motherhood. She has a virtual private lactation practice and also hosts perinatal and infertility grief support groups and breast feeding support groups in every duty station. Margaret hosts a podcast called The Mobile Milk Maid where she shares women's stories. We had a fantastic conversation about the support needed for new mothers, following your passion, and the resources she hopes to see for new MilSpouse moms in the future. Check her out on social media @themobilemilkmaid! https://open.spotify.com/show/3wUDYmaqVFHgPdPzN5lJyj?si=XR21R5QGSYSyJ6NfA6Qw8A --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

Bianca is a Navy spouse, dog mom, and fellow podcaster. She hosts a podcast called @pleasedontkickmeout where she chats with her guests about imposter syndrome, which we touch on in this episode as well. Bianca is such a fun and energetic person and I loved learning about her preconceived notions about the military and milspouses as well as what she's learned since joining our crew. Show her podcast some love and enjoy the episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

Erica is a Gold Star spouse and the founder of Gold Star Family Resources. I am incredibly thankful to Erica for sharing her story with us. It is heartbreaking, powerful, and truly inspiring. Erica has walked through so many moments we all know are possible but hope to never face. After losing her husband, USMC Major James Brophy in a training mishap in late 2018 Erica has gone on to serve as an invaluable resource to other Gold Star families.⁠ Please take a moment to support Erica by following @goldstarfamilyresources on social media.⁠  www.goldstarfamilyresources.com Full service financial firm American Tax and Financial Planners, LLC exclusively serves Military Survivors in all fifty states for no cost via VA sponsored Financial Point program. Eric Jackson can be reached at eric@americantfp.com or eric@militarysurvivor.com Sarah Nannen, Trauma-informed life coach, transformation teacher, and author offering grief support Follow Sarah on Instagram: @beyond.surviving.sarah or Facebook: sarah.nannen or check out her website: www.sarahnannen.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

This week we get to hear from Paige. She is an Air Force spouses and mom of two. Paige and her family are in the final years of their military career and she shares some awesome insight into the mindset she has chosen to take as well as how to make the best out of the craziness-- like moving 5 times in 5 years! ⁠ I also had the pleasure of a co-host this week! If you remember Sam from her episodes, you know what a delight she is and I'm thankful she was willing to be my guinea pig and try something new! ⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

I loved talking to Jen this week. She is a Gold Star Daughter and Veteran spouse currently supporting the military through US Vet Wealth and the Holding Down the Fort podcast. Hearing about her journey toward closure surrounding the troubling loss of her father at a young age as well as how she's learned to appreciate the woman she is now was truly fascinating. Be sure to give her a follow to keep up on all the cool things she's doing!⁠ I would like to give a gentle warning that we do discuss mental health, depression and suicide in the event any of this may be triggering for you.⁠ Learn more about US Vet Wealth here: https://usvetwealth.com/ Check out Jen's podcast here: https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

This week I got to talk to Erin, an Air Force spouse and mom currently living and working in England. Erin's been doing the MilSpouse thing for over 15 years and that is definitely reflected in her perspective. This conversation is great for anyone who has been living MilSpouse life for awhile, those of us right in the middle wondering where to go from here, as well as those who are just getting started and figuring out how they should be approaching this new phase of life. Enjoy Erin! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

Shermaine is a "military brat" and published author who shares her experiences growing up military. Her books are so great for anyone with a kid in the military. Reading her book and talking with her helped me feel truly thankful for the amazing things my own kids get to experience while they're growing up as military kids. @amazinglyshermaine has a lot of great advice for helping kids transition bases and thrive in an unconventional environment. Be sure to check out all of her books and download a free adult coloring book at her website below! www.booksformilitaryfamilies.com  https://bookshop.org/books/i-move-a-lot-and-that-s-okay-9781953518064/9781953518064 https://www.amazon.com/I-Move-Lot-Thats-Okay/dp/1953518052/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28UQTX3UUJPEX&dchild=1&keywords=i+move+a+lot+and+that%27s+okay&qid=1612197018&sprefix=i+move+a+lot+and+tha%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

Jen and Kirst are Air Force spouses, working moms, and the faces of @wivesoftheairforce, or WAFs as they're affectionately known. WAFs started as a blog meant to serve as a resource for new Air Force spouses. While the blog continues to grow, Jen and Kirst also work on a Facebook page with over 4000 members as well as an instagram account where they share their daily lives as spouses with us. These women are so much fun and I loved getting to know more about them, what inspired them to start WAFs and where they want to see it go. We also talk about some of the realities of internet culture and THE sweater.  https://www.wivesoftheairforce.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

This week I got to meet Courtney and hear about her work as a speech pathologist as well as her experiences as a person with moderate to severe hearing loss herself. Courtney is an Army spouse currently living in Kansas and she's getting ready to launch her own podcast aiming to provide resources to military families related to speech and language and you can keep up with her on social media @HoHSpeechie. I learned a lot from Courtney in this episode and I hope you do too! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

Demi is an Air Force spouse and masseuse in training. She and her husband are in the middle of a 14-month stretch apart and you'll loving hearing what she's learned through this process. She's absolutely making lemonade and even starting a new career. Demi is a ray of sunshine and I'm thrilled for you to get to know her.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

The tables have been turned for this episode. I'm flattered you all wanted to hear from me but as evidenced by the months between when that was requested and my actual recording and publishing this episode, I was a little hesitant. I'm thankful to my wonderful husband for doing such a great job playing host and I hope you enjoy this final episode of 2020. This podcast has truly been a highlight for me during this absolutely wild year and I can't thank you all enough for your support. While I take a little time off to settle into a new full time job and work out the balance of things, I would love if you would drop me a line to let me know who else you'd like to see me talk with. You can send me a message on facebook or instagram @theamericanmilspouse or email me at elizabeth@theamericanmilspouse. Have a happy and safe holiday season and good riddance 2020.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support

When Page came to me and offered to share her story, I was both honored and, quite honestly, nervous. Page is going through a divorce and there's just nothing light and breezy about that. This isn't necessarily a topic we want to think about but it is a difficult reality for some and unfortunately I think many of us know someone who has been in a similar situation. Page does a beautiful job of shedding light on her experience and I believe she can really help all of us understand more about what this looks like and how to love people going through similar trials. It is natural to hear about a story like this and feel sympathy for Page but I think after hearing from her, more than anything, you'll feel admiration for her strength, her composure and her resilience.  Her perspective is pretty mind-blowing to me and I am honored that she came to me to share her story.  Check her out on Instagram @the_chardonnay_madre --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theamericanmilspouse/support