In this heartfelt conclusion to the It’s a Mother series, host Hannah O’Brien invites listeners into her deeply personal journey through the postpartum experience after welcoming her second child. Hannah shares the raw realities of recovery, sleep deprivation, and navigating the emotional and financial toll of early motherhood. From breastfeeding challenges and body image struggles to balancing career and childcare, she offers an honest reflection on the joys and hardships of raising two young children. This episode shines a light on the importance of support systems, self-compassion, and community for mothers everywhere, especially those in military and veteran families. Resources & Call to Action Learn more about the Veteran Spouse Network and find resources for military and veteran families.Catch up on earlier episodes in the It’s a Mother series for insights into pregnancy and early motherhood.If today’s episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and join us next month for more stories and resources designed for military and veteran families.
In this heartfelt continuation of her “It’s a Mother” series, Hannah opens up about the deeply transformative experience of giving birth. Episode Highlights Hannah shares her birth stories with honesty and vulnerability, offering a real look at the fears, challenges, and surprises of labor and delivery.A candid discussion of the emotional and physical journey of childbirth—from the anxiety of not being in control, to induction, to making decisions around pain management.Reflections on the societal pressure and judgment surrounding birth choices—hospital vs. home, epidural vs. natural—and why it’s essential to do what’s right for you.Postpartum realities: the ups and downs of hospital stays, breastfeeding struggles, and the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a new mother.Practical advice for expectant moms and their support systems on boundary-setting, self-advocacy, and tuning out outside opinions. Key Takeaways Every birth story is unique—there is no single “right” way to welcome a child into the world.Support, compassion, and non-judgment are vital for mothers navigating childbirth and postpartum.Hannah’s goal is to remind every listener that no woman should feel alone in her journey. Next Episode Preview Part 3 of It’s a Mother will explore the joys and challenges of postpartum life—don’t miss it! Resources Learn more about the Veteran Spouse Network and find support for military and veteran families: veteranspousenetwork.org Thank you for listening and holding space for these important stories.
Welcome back to the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast! In this heartfelt solo episode, host Hannah O’Brien, veteran spouse and program manager for the Veteran Spouse Network, opens up about her deeply personal journey through fertility, pregnancy, and the decision to grow a family while navigating life in a military and veteran household. 🔍 In This Episode: Hannah’s return from maternity leave and becoming a mom of twoThe emotional, physical, and societal realities of pregnancy and motherhoodHow military life and her husband’s PTSD impacted their family planning decisionsHonest reflections on fertility struggles and the emotional toll of trying to conceiveNavigating morning sickness, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy's emotional ups and downsThe power of communication, self-advocacy, and having a strong support systemUnique challenges faced by military and veteran families during pregnancyA call to break the silence around fertility, women’s health, and postpartum experiences 💡 Key Takeaways: Every path to motherhood is different — and it’s okay to talk about the hard partsMilitary life adds unique layers to family planning decisionsSupport, communication, and self-advocacy are essentialListening and showing up for the women in our lives matters 📌 Resources & Links: Learn more and access support: VeteranSpouseNetwork.orgStay tuned for Part 2, where Hannah dives into her childbirth and postpartum journey 🎧 Thank you for tuning in! This episode is brought to you by the Veteran Spouse Network, in collaboration with Coming Home Well. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help other veteran and military-connected families feel seen, heard, and supported.
Hannah O’Brien sits down with Tanya Galvez and Rose Wilson from Operation Homefront to explore the financial challenges faced by military families. From frequent relocations to unpredictable deployments, military life comes with unique stressors that can quickly lead to financial strain. Together, they discuss: The root causes of financial hardship for military familiesHow inflation has deepened existing economic pressuresThe role of open communication about finances within relationshipsKey resources available to military families through Operation HomefrontThe power of community support in overcoming financial obstacles Whether you’re part of a military family, work with veterans, or simply want to better understand the realities they face, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways. Resources & Links: Learn more about Operation HomefrontFinancial assistance programs for military familiesTips for improving financial wellness and communication #MilitaryFamilies #FinancialHealth #PodcastShowNotes #OperationHomefront #SupportOurTroops #MoneyMatters #MilitarySupport #FamilyWellness
In this episode, host Hannah O'Brien sits down with Mary Beth Goodman, Clinic Director at the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health, to talk about the critical role mental health plays in the lives of military and veteran families. Together, they dive into why mental wellness matters, not just for service members, but also for their spouses and children. Mary Beth opens up about her personal journey as a veteran spouse and what led her to dedicate her career to supporting military families through accessible, compassionate mental health care. Tune in to hear: Why mental health support is essential for the entire military family unitCommon challenges faced by military spouses and childrenSigns that it may be time to seek professional supportHow clinics like the Cohen Military Family Clinic are bridging gaps in careMary Beth’s inspiring story of advocacy and service within the military community Whether you're a military family member, veteran, or mental health advocate, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for navigating the unique emotional challenges of military life. Resources Mentioned: Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health
Hannah O'Brien sits down with Chantel Dooley, Director of Research and Impact at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), to explore the profound experience of grief and loss within the military and veteran community. Chantel opens up about her personal journey as a surviving fiancé and how that experience informs her work supporting others through the aftermath of military loss. Together, Hannah and Chantel talk about the unique challenges faced by survivors, the essential role of community, and the critical resources TAPS offers to those grieving a loved one who served. As Memorial Day approaches, they reflect on the deeper meaning behind the holiday and how it can be both a time of remembrance and emotional complexity for many. This episode is a poignant reminder of the strength found in shared stories and the healing power of compassion and connection. What You’ll Learn: The personal impact of military loss and the journey through griefHow TAPS supports survivors through programs, peer connections, and moreThe emotional landscape of Memorial Day for those grievingInsights on resilience, remembrance, and healing Resources: Learn more about TAPS: www.taps.orgMemorial Day resources and support for survivors Tune in to find hope, healing, and a deeper understanding of what it means to honor our fallen and support the living.
Hannah welcomes veterans and spouses Rosa Kline and Laurianne Rodriguez for a crucial discussion on military sexual trauma (MST). They share their personal experiences, shedding light on the stigma surrounding MST and the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors to tell their stories. This conversation highlights the resources available for military and veteran families and underscores the need for understanding, patience, and unwavering support from loved ones. Join us as we break the silence and foster healing in this eye-opening discussion.
In this episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast, host Hannah welcomes Leslie Coffey, Vice President of Military Engagement at American Corporate Partners (ACP). Leslie shares her transformative journey as a veteran spouse and how ACP's mentorship program has empowered military spouses to achieve fulfilling careers. Listeners will learn about the program's structure, the diverse backgrounds of mentors, and the significant impact mentorship can have on personal and professional growth. Tune in to discover how support and guidance can change the trajectory of your career! https://www.acp-usa.org/
Hannah is joined by peer leader Gretchen Davis to explore the complexities of relationship health within military and veteran families. Drawing from her extensive experience as a licensed marriage and family therapy associate, Gretchen shares insights on common challenges faced by couples, including emotional dysregulation, compassion fatigue, and rigid thinking. Tune in for practical tips and strategies that can help enhance relationship satisfaction and foster deeper connections.
Join us on this episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast as host Hannah O'Brien sits down with Wendy Hively, veteran spouse and founder of Charlie Madison Originals. Discover how Wendy transformed her passion for jewelry into a thriving business with a strong community focus, supporting military families through meaningful designs and charitable contributions. Learn about the challenges and rewards of starting a business, the importance of family involvement, and creative ways to give back to the veteran community. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or simply looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode has something for everyone! https://charliemadisonoriginals.com/
Join us in this insightful episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast as we delve into the critical conversations surrounding veteran mental health and firearm safety. Hosted by Hannah O'Brien, this episode features Dr. Kristen Becerra and Dr. Emily Knitter from the Worried About a Veteran (WAVE) initiative. Together, they explore the unique challenges faced by military families during the holiday season, including the impact of anniversaries and the importance of proactive communication. Discover valuable resources and tools for supporting veterans and their families through stressful times, and learn how to create a safe environment by discussing firearm storage and safety. https://worriedaboutaveteran.org/
Join Hannah O'Brien for a heartfelt solo episode dedicated to celebrating Military and Veteran Families Month. Discover the importance of honoring unique differences while fostering inclusivity and commonality within the military community. Hannah shares insights from her personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the power of peer support and community connection. Tune in to explore how the Veteran Spouse Network is creating a supportive environment for military and veteran families, ensuring no one feels alone in their journey.
Your host Hannah O'Brien sits down with Veteran spouse and author, Pamela Kyel. Pamela shares her journey of navigating multiple moves, raising children, and finding her passion as a writer. She discusses the difficulties of maintaining a career as a military spouse, the impact of constant relocations on her family, and the rewarding connections made along the way. Tune in to hear Pamela's inspiring story and learn about her debut book, "Charm City Crab Puff," and its upcoming sequel. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation! Visit Pamela's webpage at https://pamelakyel.com/
In this episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast, we delve into the critical topic of safety planning, particularly during Suicide Prevention Month. Host Hannah O’Brien is joined by her husband Cody, a Marine Corps veteran, as they walk through the steps of creating a safety plan. They discuss the importance of safety planning, how to involve family members, and focus on lethal means safety. As first-time parents, they emphasize the significance of having a safety plan in place for both crisis situations and the everyday safe storage of firearms and medication. Listen in as they share personal insights, practical tips, and engage in a live safety planning exercise to help you understand how simple and valuable this process can be for your family.
In today’s episode, Hannah discusses the profound and emotional journey of coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide with her guest Ashley Craig. Ashley shares her personal story, the challenges she faced, and how she turned her pain into a mission to educate and support others. Join Hannah and Ashley for an intimate and heartfelt discussion on grief, guilt, and the path to healing. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com Download on Apple Play and Google Play Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month. Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!
Welcome to this month's episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast, where we are talking about the unique challenges and experiences of military and Veteran kids. Host Hannah O'Brien is joined by teammates Laurianne Rodriguez and Ashley Craig to discuss their personal stories and insights on raising children in military families. They explore topics such as mental health, the impact of frequent relocations, and the importance of open communication. Whether you're a parent, a Veteran, or someone interested in understanding the military family lifestyle, this episode offers valuable perspectives and advice. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com Download on Apple Play and Google Play Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month. Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!
Welcome to this month's episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast! Host Hannah O'Brien is joined by her husband Cody to discuss PTSD in honor of PTSD Awareness Month. Dive into Cody's military background, his journey with PTSD, and how it has impacted their relationship. From the stigma around PTSD in the early 2000s to Cody's path to seeking help, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the struggles and triumphs of managing PTSD as a couple. Learn about the importance of self-care, communication, and peer support in navigating the complexities of PTSD. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com Download on Apple Play and Google Play Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month. Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!
Join host Hannah O'Brien on an exploration of the unique challenges and transformative experiences of military and Veteran caregivers. She dives into the complexities of caregiving, identity preservation, and personal growth with Dr. Roxanna Delgado. As a former caregiver to her army Veteran husband and co-founder of the TBI Warrior Foundation, Roxanna shares her personal journey and professional insights into the importance of safeguarding one's sense of self amidst the demands of caregiving. With May marking the Month of the Military Caregiver, this conversation is a timely tribute to those who support our heroes behind the scenes. Whether you're a caregiver seeking camaraderie or someone looking to understand this vital role better, this episode offers a beacon of hope and guidance. Visit veteranspousenetwork.org for more resources and support. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com Download on Apple Play and Google Play Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month. Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!
On this episode Hannah is joined by Victoria Kelly, a seasoned author and veteran spouse who masterfully intertwines her personal military life experiences with the art of storytelling . Victoria's journey from a Navy fighter pilot's spouse to a remarried Veteran spouse and mother of five, encapsulates the myriad of emotions and challenges faced by military families. Her latest work, "Home Front," a compelling collection of short stories, offers a poignant reflection of her decade-long immersion in the military community. Victoria's conversation sheds light on the themes of loneliness, identity, and the quest for connection that many military spouses encounter. One standout story, "The Strangers of Dubai," encapsulates a moment of profound realization about the complex nature of human relationships, set against the backdrop of a deployment port call in Dubai. Victoria's experiences underscore the importance of creativity as a means of expression and healing, a sentiment echoed in her support of the Armed Services Arts Partnership. Listeners will understanding in Victoria's narrative, and may even be inspired to explore their own creative outlets. A portion of the royalties from "Home Front" will be donated to the Armed Services Arts Partnership, making each purchase an act of support for this incredible organization. Whether you're a military spouse, service member, veteran, or simply a lover of evocative stories, "Home Front" promises to resonate deeply. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and directly through the University of Nevada Press with a special discount for podcast listeners using the code MCS2024. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com Download on Apple Play and Google Play Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month. Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!
Send us a Text Message. Hannah is joined by her husband Cody, a Marine Corps Veteran to talk about his struggles with moral injury and how they work together as a unit to manage his symptoms. Moral injury can manifest into feelings of guilt, shame, betrayal and/or anger. To learn more about moral injury visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/moral-injury Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com Download on Apple Play and Google Play Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month. Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!