 This episode of the Milspouse Matters podcast is sponsored by SpouseLink, which was created in 2012 by AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association. The goal of Spouselink is to support, inform, and inspire military spouses. Learn more at Spouselink.org. The guest for this episode is the amazing and insightful Trevor Romain, who you may remember from episode 63 when we talked about his work with military kids.  While we were speaking on that episode, we briefly touched on the topic of grief and his work with children, including terminally ill children, over the past decades. We're so blessed to have him back to discuss this important topic. Even though grief is an uncomfortable subject, it’s also universal. We will all face it someday. But as Trevor says, we don’t have to forget those we love. We continue to carry them with us and live in a way that honors their memory. And, “The pain doesn’t really go away...you just learn to make friends with it. “ Learn more: See the complete show notes for this episode. The Trevor Romain Company: What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies?  **Use my code MILSPOUSEMATTERS for 15% off any purchase at the Trevor Romain Company! Connect with the Trevor Romain Company:  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube  Get my book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram 

Milspouse Matters

Coping with Grief and Loss - Ep. 70

It’s so important to feel connected as a military spouse! We’re talking about that today with Lizann Lightfoot and hearing about her brand new book, Open When: Letters of Encouragement for Military Spouses, a collection of letters for military spouses straight from her heart and experience. You don’t want to miss this! On this episode, we talk about the process and her vision behind this book, as well as many other military life topics. I am certain you will be encouraged by the wisdom and warmth Lizann shares, no matter where you are on the journey of military life. Connect with Lizann Find the complete show notes for this episode here. Get my book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group Find the complete Milspouse Matters show archive and listen to every episode! 

A Seasoned Military Spouse Perspective - Ep. 69

This episode of the Milspouse Matters podcast is sponsored by SpouseLink, which was created in 2012 by AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association. The goal of Spouselink is to support, inform, and inspire military spouses. Learn more at Spouselink.org. Someone wise once told me many years ago, What kind of marriage do you want in 30 years? What you do now determines what it will be then. I’m so glad I took that advice to heart.  Any military spouse who’s been in military life for a minute or two realizes that military marriage comes with a lot of stress points. During one particularly tough time in our marriage, I knew something had to change. But darnit, the only thing I had control over was…me. I had to begin looking at life differently and not try to change my spouse. It wasn’t working, anyway! (As a control freak, this is still an ongoing lesson!) On this episode, I’m sharing a few tips from over 30 years of marriage. Marriage takes work, but it should also be fun! If you’re not laughing together regularly, something is off. Yes, even in the hard times, humor is so necessary! See the “scorpion story” I reference here: Strengthening Your Military Marriage. For big marriage issues, of course there are no easy answers. Do you need some support? I have a lot of podcast episodes and blog posts about military marriage that I hope will be some help to you. If you need counseling and support, contact your military chaplain or connect with Military OneSource for free, confidential counseling.  Domestic Abuse Hotline—call 800.799.SAFE (7233) or visit their website. Get my book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group Find the complete Milspouse Matters show archive and listen to every episode! Click here for the complete show notes for this episode. 

Make Your Military Marriage Stronger - Ep. 68

 This episode of the Milspouse Matters podcast is sponsored by SpouseLink, which supports, informs, and inspires military spouses. Learn more at Spouselink.org. I’m so excited to be talking about Milkid Mailkit™, a pen pal program for military children, with one of the program’s co-founders, Brunella Costagliola. Brunella and her husband Michael Gosselin created Milkid Mailkit™ to encourage and foster international friendship for military children through the art of letter writing.  The season of COVID and her own children being in front of screens more than ever with schooling going online made Brunella realize her kids' need for more connection. With beautiful stationery created by world-renowned creator and longtime Disney theme park designer and illustrator, Valerio Mazzoli, and their own inspiration of connecting military kids as penpals, Milkid Mailkit™  was born. You may recognize the symbol of military kids—the dandelion. Every illustration captures the adventurous spirit, inspiring diversity, and barrier-breaking horizons of military life. See the show notes for this episode. Learn more about Milkid Mailkit™. Get my book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram

Milkid Mailkit Connects Military Children- Ep. 67

Welcome to the latest Listener Q & A episode! Just a reminder, you can send questions to me on the Milspouse Matters Instagram or email me for possible inclusion in the next round! Today, we’re covering questions like:  What are your thoughts on planning weddings in the military? Or just trying to plan anything as a milspouse with this unpredictable lifestyle? (or is it not really as unpredictable as it seems) How and when should you apply for military base housing?  Sometimes the areas of OPSEC and security measures seem to be approached differently by a lot of military spouse influencers. I guess I’m just wondering what good practices would be. Also, any suggestions for a wife who can’t really talk to her husband about work because he’s Intel? Finding military spouse connections in Washington, D.C.  Advice for making friends in big cities when you don’t live on base and aren’t established yet. Tips on helping your marriage during a tough deployment.  Homeschooling military kids.  And more! Click here for the show notes and resources mentioned. Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram

Listener Q & A - Ep. 66

In light of what’s going on in Afghanistan, I thought it was important to address it. We’re a proud military family, and our son is now also serving on active duty. While most of us agree that it was time to be done in Afghanistan, we deserved a better ending. You know who else deserved a better ending? The people of Afghanistan and our allies.  I’m hearing from a lot of military spouses. A common theme is “We’re angry.” They feel that their sacrifices mean nothing right now. They feel betrayed by their own country. On this episode, I talk about our own family's experiences with Afghanistan and we honor those who were wounded or died there. I'm also sharing some ways you can help right now and resources to take care of yourself as a veteran, military member, or military family member. Thanks to Scott Deluzio of The DriveOn Podcast for allowing me to share the tribute to his brother who was killed in Afghanistan.  Connect with those on the ground helping right now:  No One Left Behind Save Our Allies The USO Keeping Our Promise International Institute of St. Louis LIRS Connect Women for Women Save the Children Resources for military families and veterans:  Yellow Ribbon Box Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Confidential help from Military OneSource: chat or call toll-free 1-800-342-9647 Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program Be Safe, Love Mom Deployment resources:  The Milspouse Matters podcast You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse 5 Promises of God to Hold on to When Your Spouse Deploys 15 Bible Verses for Military Spouses Facing Deployment or Separation Free 5-day deployment devotional Click here for show transcript and complete show notes.  Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram

Afghanistan: One Military Spouse's Perspective - Ep. 65

I'm taking a little break this summer! On this episode, I’m sharing what’s been happening the past weeks, where I’ve been, and what’s ahead for the podcast. Thank you so much for listening for the past few years! I couldn’t do this without you amazing listeners. Interested in being a guest? Have an idea for a show topic? Keep listening! CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES AND ALL RESOURCES MENTIONED Click here to get my book - You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Get your free 5-day Deployment Devotional  Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram Want to be a guest? Apply here.

Summer Hiatus & What's Ahead! - Ep. 64

 When their dad was deployed, my kids were encouraged and impacted for the better by Trevor Romain and his work with the Comfort Crew for Military Kids, a non-profit organization that has a mission of supporting military children through all the stresses and challenges they face. (Maybe you’re familiar with their work too, and the Comfort Crew’s mascot, CUZZIE! “CUZZIE cares!”) You are in for a treat! On today’s episode, I am so honored and thrilled to have Trevor here to share with us what he does through his work with the Comfort Crew and also the Trevor Romain Company, the motivation behind it, along with some great tips for parents of military kids that he’s gleaned from decades of working with kids. He talks about some of the stories which have affected him during his travels all around the world and how he copes with the deep issues he often encounters. He is a storyteller at heart, and I think you’ll be so encouraged and strengthened by what he shares. CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Connect with the Trevor Romain Company: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube  Connect with the Comfort Crew: Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube Connect with Trevor: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram  Get my book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram

Trevor Romain Brings Hope to Military Kids- Ep. 63

If you know a military child, you know how incredible they are, as well as the many challenges they face. They make me want to be a better person! April is the Month of the Military Child, so let's talk about resources for our amazing military kids! But first, a little history behind it, as well as the 10 ways my military kids have inspired me. Click here for the blog post/show notes for this episode.  Click here for the list of all military kid resources mentioned! Get my book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group

Resources for Your Military Kids - Ep. 62

Are you a new military spouse or know one? This episode is for you! OR maybe you want a refresher yourself.  I’m reaching back into the vault of my own experiences from nearly 3 decades of life as a military spouse as well of years of writing. I’m also sharing some great tips from friends and listeners (thank you to all who contributed!).  We’re discussing some hot topics and common questions, such as:  How can I make my military marriage work?  What about relationships between officer and enlisted spouses?  Finding friends and community as a military spouse. Making time for yourself.  I’m talking about my top tips for thriving in your military spouse life, and I reference quite a few resources and past episodes. Click here for the list of all resources mentioned. Get my book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group

Tips for New Military Spouses - Ep. 61

Today I’m talking to Natalie Gross and Andrea Scott from the Spouse Angle podcast, which is just an amazing resource for military spouses, bringing you all the latest news. In fact, I was on the Spouse Angle Episode 26: When Your Kid Goes to War, where I talked about being a military spouse and then a military mom as our oldest went on active duty.  We recorded this episode last fall, which you’ll realize as we mention the upcoming election and the Spouse Angle’s one year anniversary. Since I talked to them, they’ve launched a good news show, a monthly YouTube video series. They are encouraging people to send in story ideas! They also launched season 2 of the Spouse Angle in February.   Natalie and Andrea share what motivated them to begin The Spouse Angle, some of their favorite stories so far, and what’s ahead. They both came from military families and are professional journalists by trade. If you’re wanting to keep up with the latest news that affects you as a military spouse, you’ll want to subscribe to The Spouse Angle. Connect with the Spouse Angle: Spouse Angle Podcast Website Spouse Angle on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram Get my book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group Click here for complete show notes/resources mentioned.

The Spouse Angle: Breaking Down the News for Military Spouses - Ep. 60

On this episode, I’m talking to Stephanie Montague about how to make the best use of your military travel benefits, including Space-A flights (Space Available) and military recreation facilities.  She also shares how she and her husband did not do the typical ‘life after military retirement’ and how they’ve instead traveled and lived overseas since his retirement from the Army in 2015. Be warned: you may get a serious case of wanderlust after listening to this episode! Of course, COVID has changed all things travel related, so if you’re hoping to travel Space-A, keep up with the latest official guidance from Air Mobility Command.  Connect with Stephanie!  Poppin Smoke: www.poppinsmoke.com Poppin Smoke on Facebook and Instagram  Resources mentioned in this episode:  Jen’s “My Favorite Things”: I Miss You Most book by Cassie Hoyt Veteran’s Spouse Project Virtual Military Ball Fundraiser Soldiers’ Angels Virtual Volunteer Opportunities Resources mentioned by Stephanie Montague/Poppin’ Smoke:   Quickstart Guide to Military Space-A Flights Military Recreational Lodging What to Wear and Bring on a Space-A Flight Using TRICARE and Seeking Medical Care While Traveling Overseas The Expat Military Retiree Interview Series Interview with the AF Retiree Spouse Who Moved to Portugal Retired Navy Family Sailing Full-Time Click here for complete show notes. 

Make the Most of Your Military Travel Benefits - Ep. 59

On this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Keller of GlowBodyPT. She’s a veteran, a professional triathlete, a military spouse, mom of 3 young children, and a prenatal/postnatal exercise specialist and certified personal trainer. I first connected with Ashley on Instagram and just love her posts and her positive attitude, as well as her realistic and practical take on military life.  We’re discussing a range of topics—including tips on getting through deployment (her husband recently returned from his 9th deployment!), letting go of “Mom guilt” and the importance of making time to take care of yourself, becoming a stay-at-home mom when that’s not what you’d planned, balancing work and kids, and so much more! Ashley has so much good to share with you. Her tips on keeping your focus vs. worrying about a ‘schedule’ is worth pure gold. ** Special offer for listeners: Get 10% off of her 10 Minute Plan or 10% off the 12 Week Post Pregnancy Plan with the code MILSPOUSE10 at GlowBodyPT CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Get Jen's book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group

Facing Military Life with Focus and Strength - Ep. 58

On this episode, I’m giving you an update of what’s been going on (fun things like a site relaunch, not so fun things like having COVID--ugh). During this past hard year that was 2020, we’ve all become more familiar with waiting. I hear from so many of you--you’re waiting for your loved one at boot camp, you’re counting down the days to the end of deployment, you’re waiting for PCS orders that are on hold, or you just arrived somewhere and you’re the new person...and you’re longing for normalcy so you can connect with others and form a community again. Wait, wait, wait… Waiting can seem like a waste of time or that we’re doing nothing, but I want to remind you there is strength in the waiting. Join me as I discuss some lessons learned in the waiting.  CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Get Jen's book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group 

There Is Strength in the Waiting - Ep. 57

For whatever reason, you and your spouse have delayed having children or won’t ever have any. As far as the military goes, are you still a family? Do you often feel left out of military family oriented activities? Do the little jokes and comments about ‘when are you going to have a baby’ sting? Today, I’m being joined by Jennifer Brantley, who you may remember from Episode 44 and the great discussion we had: “Where Do We Go From Here? A Military Spouse Discussion on Racism and Resources.” One topic I've been asked to cover several times is from military couples without children who wonder if there is a place for them and who often feel left out of unit or base activities. So today we’re talking about it--how leadership and those planning base activities can better reach out to childless military couples, how friends can help--or hurt--and how we can all be a little more sensitive and inclusive to everyone. Whether or not this is your situation, I think this discussion will help you better relate to other military families! LEARN MORE ABOUT JENNIFER BRANTLEY AND GET ALL SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED. Get Jen's book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group 

Military Couples Without Kids - Ep. 56

Encouragement for military spouses. Military families make up less than 1% of the U.S. population, and the challenges they face are unique. Whether you're looking for military family support or simply want to learn more, join host Jen McDonald as we discuss it all: getting through the separations that go along with training and deployments, moving around the world, seeing the one you love leave for war, raising kids in the military, finding your own place as a military spouse, and strengthening your military marriage. A military spouse of nearly three decades herself and the author of the book You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse, Jen doesn't shy away from the hard topics, while providing a practical, humorous look at military life. Military life can be hard, but it’s also amazing in so many ways. We're only stronger together. Tune in each week to hear a new personal journey.

hubhopper

Milspouse Matters

hubhopper