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The American MilSpouse

The American MilSpouse

By Elizabeth Smith

Listen to uniquely personal stories from the spouses supporting our nation’s military.
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Meet Margaret

The American MilSpouseApr 05, 2021

00:00
53:25
Meet Cindy

Meet Cindy

I'm so excited and honored to bring you this episode! Cindy has been an Air Force spouse for 37 years and she is a passionate advocate for service members and their families. She managed a presidential service award program at the White House and also worked as a senior writer for proclamations and messages in the Office of Presidential Correspondence. She has developed innovative support programs for military families and is an incredible mentor for spouses. Having been through multiple deployments and countless TDY's, she shares with us her lessons and tips.

Cindy is married to General Ken Wilsbach who currently serves as commander of Pacific Air Forces. They reside at Hickam Air Force in Hawaii; it's their 23rd move in their nomadic military life. 

What do you do when your partner is deployed for a year? What do you do if you do not like the city you moved into or feel powerless in front of the unknown?Cindy answers these questions with brilliance and brings up so much wisdom! I can't wait for you to hear her!

I'm also joined by the wonderful Jen and Kirst from Wives of the Air Force who helped make this interview happen. Keep up with them on instagram @wivesoftheairforce and keep up with Cindy @altogetherlovely.blog. 

Highlights of the episode include:

● Introducing Jen (2:39)

● Introducing Kirst (4:14)

● Introducing Elizabeth (5:20)

● Meet Cindy (6:41)

● The challenges of moving as an airforce wife (8:23)

● cindy's advice for this lifestyle (11:34)

● Ways to cope with difficult situations (16:01)

● The power of a spouse group (21:05)

● Don't be afraid to reach out to other spouses (27:32)

● Be open to the unexpected of what your life could be in a location (32:54)

● How did Cindy discuss crossroads in her relationship (36:21)

● How to accept the volunteer role as a military spouse (40:01)

● How did Cindy make it through her partner's several deployments? (48:45)

● Cindy's regrets (60:15)

● conclusions (63:00)

Did I not tell you that Cindy's insights would have a lot of wisdom? If you loved this episode as much as I did, if it helped you shift your perspective on difficult situations that being a milspouse brings, let me know on social media!

Oct 09, 202201:07:39
Meet Elizabeth Amidst the Chaos

Meet Elizabeth Amidst the Chaos

Breaking the mold this month! ⁠

Join me for a quick one-take, 20 minute solo episode amidst the chaos of our current PCS. I was stressing about getting the next episode out and ready for you in it's typically neat bow but the reality that it just wasn't going to happen became quite clear. Initially I planned to just take the month off but on a whim decided to hop on and dump my thoughts out for you. ⁠

I hope sharing our current state of things brings anyone else in the midst of PCS chaos some comfort that you aren't alone. ⁠

Cheers to embracing what we can and being real about the parts that, frankly, kind of suck. :-) This was a leap for me and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Jul 04, 202222:10
Meet Ashley G

Meet Ashley G

Ashley Gutermuth is a stand-up comedian and actor who gives excellent advice to military spouses on the internet. Ashley is a fellow spouse. She is also the winner of the Tonight Show's Seinfeld challenge, which is, we think, just super cool. She does such a great job of offering hilarious advice for military spouses and helps you remember to take it all in stride.

Do you embrace the craziness of life through comedy? Don't miss this episode as we chat with Ashley Gutermuth about how she uses many online platforms to encourage, educate and influence through humor. Ashley shares her insight about embracing the lifestyle of being a milspouse and setting boundaries, and combatting negative feedback.

If you have ever felt like you need to laugh at the chaos of being a milspouse, this episode is for you. I can't wait to hear what you think!

"You have to be upfront about everything. Being upfront about it and addressing it is how you move forward. Hiding it and pretending like things don't exist doesn't get us anywhere." - Ashley Gutermuth.

Highlights from this episode include:

  • Introducing Ashley G (0:21)
  • Connecting with Ashley (1:27)
  • Creating good, fun comedy (2:53)
  • Embracing the lifestyle of being a milspouse (6:27)
  • Combatting comments online (12:30)
  • Respecting privacy while still creating content (18:30)
  • Keeping content with Public Affairs (23:44)
  • Influencing through humor (28:06)
  • Avoiding being a hoarder and the wardrobe inventory (31:16)
  • Ashley's boundaries in her comedy (36:15)
  • Ashley's advice to other milspouses (40:09)
  • The significance of being a milspouse (44:31)
  • The reservist lifestyle (47:49)
  • Using the platforms of today to serve (51:14)

Before you slide over to binge-watch Ashley's content, I would love to know if you loved this episode and if Ashley's insight has helped you find community in those who can find humor in the day-to-day of being a milspouse! Join me on social!


Connect with Ashley

Website

TikTok

Connect with Jen & Kirst

Wives of the Air Force Group on Facebook

Instagram

Website

Connect with Elizabeth

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Thanks for joining me on this episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed this episode, please give me a 5-star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website or continue the conversation with me on Instagram to stay connected with others in the community.

Jun 06, 202255:59
Meet Stacey M

Meet Stacey M

Stacy Morgan is an army spouse, mom, and author. She's also an astronaut spouse and knows all about feeling out of place in her community. She has recently written a book called The Astronaut's Wife, where she shares how launching her husband into outer space changed the way she lives on Earth. Stacey and her husband were both cadets at West Point, where they first met.

Does filling out emergency contact paperwork make you realize how alone you are in your community? Don't miss this episode as Stacey and I talk about her experience in the military community and the astronaut spouse community. Stacey shares her incredible insight with us about what she calls the loneliness epidemic affecting women in America.

This episode is for you if you have ever felt like a victim of loneliness in your community, and I can't wait to hear what you think!

Highlights from this episode include:

  • Introducing Stacey (0:09)
  • Applying for NASA (2:58)
  • Being all in during the application process (6:28)
  • Being a stranger in a strange land (9:49)
  • Inspiration to write a book (13:19)
  • Finding support and community from other astronaut spouses (18:58)
  • Feeling alone in a new community dynamic (25:04)
  • Unearthing the epidemic of loneliness among women (28:36)
  • Choosing to connect (34:16)
  • Forming friendships through the vulnerability of not wanting to be alone (38:38)
  • Advice for new military spouses (44:06)
  • Prioritizing people and not the place (46:35)
  • Stacey's Fast Five (48:10)

Are you ready to get out there and start inviting people over for coffee? Before you rush out to buy more mugs and meet new friends, I would love to know if you loved this episode and if Stacey's insight has helped you as much as it helped me! Join me on social!


Connect with Stacey

The Astronaut's Wife

Instagram 


Connect with Elizabeth

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Thanks for joining me on this episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed this episode, please give me a 5-star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website or continue the conversation with me on Instagram to stay connected with others in the community.

May 09, 202256:57
Meet Emily P.

Meet Emily P.

Emily Probst is an Air Force spouse, mother, former teacher, and rockstar realtor. Emily is the one who helped us find our house in Florida, and she is such a pro! Emily and her family's journey has been unique, and I can't wait for you to hear all about it.

Don't miss this episode as Emily and I talk about how life is crazy and ever-changing, what it's like being a working mom and wife, balancing the MILSpouse community, and balancing that shift in roles, especially as you go back into the workforce.

This episode is for you if you are ready to feel more aligned with your schedule and roles or want more information on VA loans!

Highlights from today include:

  • About Emily (3:02)
  • Transitioning into Real Estate (9:26)
  • Serving military families (10:55)
  • Sanity and identities of a MILSpouse (12:23)
  • Finding outlets during downtime (16:26)
  • Identifying and balancing your capacities (17:38)
  • Buying a house with Emily during uncertain times (22:18)
  • Helping first time home buyers (24:32)
  • Takeaways for buying a house right now (26:11)
  • Conventional loan vs. VA loan (29:23)
  • VA appraisals (31:27)
  • The limits and eligibility for a VA loan (36:04)
  • The balance between real estate and being a MILSpouse (43:14)
  • Transforming our roles and schedules (46:14)
  • Getting everything done as a MILSpouse (50:57)
  • Communicating to work together (56:24)
  • Carving out alone time (1:00:39)
  • Setting expectations to align schedules (1:01:48)
  • Rapid-fire questions (1:03:26)

I told you Emily is a rockstar! How do you feel your schedule and relationship are aligning? I hope that you loved this episode as much as I do. I would love to know! Join me on social!

Connect with Emily

Facebook

Instagram

Work with Emily

Connect with Elizabeth

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to Apple PodcastsSpotify, or wherever you listen, give me a 5-star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website or hang out with me on Instagram to stay connected with others in the community.

Apr 18, 202201:08:23
WAFs on Current Events

WAFs on Current Events

Today's episode is the first of a new collaboration journey that the American MilSpouse podcast is taking with Wives of the Air Force, or WAFs as they're affectionately known. If you think their voices sound familiar, you're right! They were on the podcast early last year. We will dive into how we have managed our mental health and some feedback that we've gotten from you.

Jen and Kirst are Air Force spouses, working moms, and the faces of @wivesoftheairforce. WAFs started as a blog meant to serve as a resource for Air Force spouses. Check out their first episode on The American MilSpouse linked below.

Be sure to tune in to this episode as Jen, Kirst, and I sit down and discuss current events, things going on in Ukraine, and what that's looked and felt like for us. You don't want to miss this special episode.

Highlights from today include:

  • About Jen & Kirst (3:02)
  • Collaborating and finding a community (5:53)
  • Trying to live normally even with insight (8:02)
  • Obligation to stay informed of current events (10:00)
  • Being grateful and spreading positivity (12:03)
  • Being a trusted person to give digestible information (16:52)
  • Social media and monitoring mental and emotional health (21:31)
  • Face to face conversations are an opportunity for learning and growth (27:40)
  • Navigating how accessible military families are to other people (30:08)
  • Communicating with your partner and being a team (33:25)
  • What can you control? (34:56)
  • Connecting in a community where the struggles are so different (38:54)
  • Making sense of the hard (42:27)
  • The impact on different levels of being a military spouse (44:36)
  • Being sensitive about what information you're sharing on social media (47:14)
  • Understanding what they need not understand it as a helper (49:40)
  • Friends who understand to hold space for you when you're ready (53:18)
  • One takeaway that's helping Jen and Kirst walk through this time (58:08)

What did you think about today's episode? I hope that you love it as much as we do! We would love to know! Join us on social and let us know!


Resources mentioned 

Meet Jen & Kirst

Connect with Jen & Kirst

Wives of the Air Force Group on Facebook

Instagram

Website

Connect with me

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website or hang out with me on Instagram to stay connected with others in the community.

Mar 21, 202201:15:22
Meet Sarah L

Meet Sarah L

Sarah Lenox is an active duty Army spouse, a mom, and an advocate with the armed forces housing advocates organization. Her husband, a paratrooper and almost three-year-old son, is stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Today Sarah will share her quite harrowing experience with MHPI housing. She shares some major struggles with MHPI and her involvement with AHFA.

Be sure to tune in to this episode as it's incredibly insightful as Sarah shares all that AHFA is doing to help make this better for our military community.

Highlights from today's episode:

  • About Sarah (1:14)
  • Moving in, chronic respiratory issues, and unanswered questions (2:26)
  • Trying to find answers, displacement, and reaching out to AHFA (11:28)
  • Suspicions were never confirmed, and problems affecting readiness (15:05)
  • Emotionally exhausted and feeling helpless (19:07)
  • AHFA advocate and how this nonprofit helps the military community (21:15)
  • AHFA advocates for more than environmental hazards (24:52)
  • Military housing being exempt from Evans Law (27:00)
  • PCS homelessness (28:52)
  • The end goal of AHFA (32:06)
  • The military community isn't siloed anymore with technology (35:21)
  • How can the military community help (36:53)
  • Rapid Fire (40:55)

Did you know about AHFA before today's episode? Have you had an experience like Sarah's? I would love to know! Join me on social and chat about it over the next four weeks.

Resources Mentioned

AFHA

Instagram

Facebook

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website or hang out with me on Instagram to stay connected with others in the community.

Feb 07, 202248:03
Meet Elizabeth S Part 2

Meet Elizabeth S Part 2

Today's episode is special as my husband takes the role of host, and I am the guest for this month.

Elizabeth Smith is an Air Force spouse, an account manager for a digital marketing company, a podcaster, and last but not least, a mother. Kyle and I have been married for eight years and have two amazing daughters. Today, we will talk about this past year, where we are now compared to where we were a year ago, the pandemic, and the loss of Kyle's dad.

Be sure to tune in to this episode as we give you a little peek into us and maybe learn something new about me.

Highlights from today with Kyle and I include:

  • Recap of this past year (1:24)
  • The transition back into full-time work (3:45)
  • Different generational pressures (8:24)
  • Big decisions and staying in the Air Force (13:04)
  • Hummingbird of passions (18:24)
  • Do the ads popping up on your phone come from listening to you? (24:59)
  • Self-care, work-life balance and challenges at home (27:36)
  • Losing Kyle's dad and the perspective from being a military spouse (33:38)
  • Rapid Fire (41:57)

This episode is truly a special one, such a fun opportunity to sit with Kyle for an hour uninterrupted and just chat. I loved it so much. Did you learn anything new? Did you enjoy having Kyle on as the host? I would love to know! Join me on social and chat about it over the next four weeks.

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website or hang out with me on Instagram to stay connected with others in the community. 

Jan 10, 202253:54
Meet Monica M

Meet Monica M

Monica McCool is an Air Force spouse, nurse, and mother. Monica and I met when our husbands were both in grad school in Boston, and fun fact, she and I had probably one of the lowest water bills for our unit. From investment baking on Wall Street to nursing - she's not just any nurse; she is a pediatric cardiac ICU nurse and helps the littlest patients. Monica's one of my best friends in the world, and I'm excited to jump into the conversation with her today.

Be sure to tune in to this episode as Monica shares how she balances everything, what sometimes doesn't make the cut, and why that happens.

Highlights from today with Monica include:

  • A story about Monica (:04)
  • Where military life has taken her and her family (2:42)
  • Biggest surprises for Monica about military life (4:34)
  • Career pivots and moves (12:10)
  • How she balances it all (23:39)
  • The effects of the pandemic on being social (31:45)
  • How has this impacted her feeling of community and her support system (33:41)
  • Rapid Fire (39:42)

Isn't Monica fun? I loved catching up with her and hearing about her transition from Wall Street to nurse. Do you relate to Monica and Chris? Do you love hosting game nights, and your spouse doesn't? I would love to know! Join me on social and chat about it over the next four weeks.

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to iTunes or wherever you listen, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website or hang out with me on Instagram to stay connected with others in the community.

Dec 13, 202147:58
Meet Angelina S

Meet Angelina S

Angelina is a Lieutenant Colonel graduated Commander, a mom of two, and a spouse. Her husband is an F-15E pilot and weapons officer. They have been in the Air Force for 18 years.

Be sure to tune in to this episode as Angelina shares with us her experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. A heavy episode, but one that is so valuable. Angelina discusses parts of what she walked through that she didn't necessarily know how to put a name to until she heard someone else talk about it. Maybe you will relate to her story or know someone going through any of these experiences.

In today's episode, Angelina and I discuss

  • How she and her husband met (1:59)
  • Where military life has taken them (2:25)
  • Trying to have kids, going to school, and living on a boat (3:39)
  • Writing about her severe postpartum depression (7:47)
  • The difficulty in saying it out loud (14:45)
  • Normalizing sharing the challenging and scary (19:01)
  • Be persistent and be patient (21:33)
  • What led Angelina to write about her experience (27:23)
  • The response when she shared (35:15)
  • What Angelina wants you to know if you are struggling or know someone who is (38:49)
  • Changing what strength looks like (43:30)
  • Rapid Fire (44:51)

I hope you found today's episode with Angelina and hearing her story and experience with postpartum depression and anxiety helpful. Maybe you will relate to her story or know someone going through any of these experiences.

Resource mentioned

Run toward the fire: My journey through mental illness 

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to iTunes or wherever you listen, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website or hang out with me on Instagram to stay connected with others in the community.

Nov 16, 202147:46
Meet Tristin W

Meet Tristin W

Tristin is an Air Force spouse, a mom of two, and is from the Midwest. She comes from a family of nine kids, where she is the second oldest. Tristin married her high school sweetheart, and they've been together for 20 years. She's a dear friend currently stationed in Florida, and we were able to do this interview in person!

Be sure to tune in to this episode as Tristin shares with us what it was like to return to the workforce after eight years of being a stay-at-home mom. We'll also dive into some critical issues our education system faces, and the challenges teachers face.

In today's episode, Tristin shares

  • Tristin's military life adventure (2:08)
  • Teaching English to high school students (3:06)
  • From feeling obligated to work to follow her passion (7:21)
  • Teaching life at an inner-city school (9:05)
  • Education vs. cultural expectation (10:58)
  • Education as a ticket to somewhere else or a finish line (12:21)
  • Learning and not teaching the way Tristin was taught (14:20)
  • Trials of having a baby and military life (17:53)
  • Baby blues (22:37)
  • The guilt of not playing with your children (26:49)
  • Medical issues and going back to school (28:29)
  • Every classroom and generation is different (31:53)
  • Going back to work after being at home (33:00)
  • Being emotionally invested in the students you teach (35:38)
  • Having a strong leader in your child's education (37:56)
  • Stay at home mom to work transition (39:36)
  • Learning and teaching herself dramatically changed from pre to post kids (40:49)
  • Measurable progress (44:23)
  • How different life is now vs. her upbringing (47:28)
  • Learning to parent all over again (51:04)
  • Advice for military spouses (52:32)
  • You might be the person someone else needs (55:58)
  • Rapid-fire section (57:06)

I hope you enjoyed today's episode with Tristin learning what it was like to return to the workforce after eight years of being a stay-at-home mom and about some critical issues our education system faces and the challenges teachers face.

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to iTunes or wherever you listen, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website or hang out with me on Instagram to stay connected with others in the community.

Nov 01, 202101:05:04
Meet Jasmine P

Meet Jasmine P

Jasmine is the wife of a veteran, mom, educator, and Co-CEO of Serenity Nail Polish. She's been an educator for eight years and a mother to a four-year-old.

Be sure to tune in to this episode as Jasmine shares with us what it was like to be a military spouse and not lose herself while supporting her husband. We'll also dive into the inspiration for serenity nail polish and the fantastic story about her and her daughter Serenity.

In today's episode, Jasmine shares

  • Being a social justice educator (1:40)
  • Disparity examples in education (3:12)
  • What is Serenity Nail Polish (5:21)
  • Nail polish providing sacred time (9:51)
  • Serenity Nail Polish's growth (11:44)
  • Motherhood, teaching, the business - Managing it all (14:03)
  • Her military spouse journey (22:13)
  • Adjustments and wanting more (30:17)
  • The rest of Jasmine's military spouse career (35:26)
  • Transitioning through Covid (38:40)
  • Advice to military spouses (40:33)
  • One thing about military spouse life to civilians (40:53)
  • Rapid-fire section (41:43)

I hope that you enjoyed today's episode with Jasmine. What an inspiring story of not losing sight of who you are and what you want to do.

Connect with Jasmine

Instagram

Website

Connect with Elizabeth 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Website 

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to iTunes or wherever you listen, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website or hang out with me on Instagram to stay connected with others in the community.

Oct 18, 202143:37
Meet Lindsay C

Meet Lindsay C

Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh is a Navy spouse, mom, clinical psychologist, and military marriage coach stationed in Lisbon, Portugal. She and her husband have been together for thirteen years, married for eight, and have a three-year-old daughter.

Be sure to tune in to this episode as Dr. Cavanagh shares tips for working through military marriages and why she thinks military spouses are unlike any other group of people.

In today's episode, Dr. Cavanagh shares

  • Arriving in Portugal as Covid lockdown happened (2:41)
  • Dr. Cavanagh talks about working (4:17)
  • Her time as a military psychologist (6:05)
  • Military spouses unlike any other group of people (9:11)
  • Perseverance of a military spouse (12:31)
  • Showing emotions, feeling resentful, and changing jobs (15:54)
  • Social media and the highlight reels of life (20:28)
  • Why she created Married to Military podcast (22:21)
  • Creating spaces for military spouses to know they aren't the only ones (24:01)
  • Feeling different emotions but being productive (25:31)
  • Tips for working through military marriages (27:59)
  • How to fight well (31:50)
  • Applying the guidelines even when her spouse is deployed (36:46)
  • Making new friends is like dating (41:45)
  • Rapid-fire section

Isn't Dr. Cavanagh amazing? This episode was fantastic, and I loved the tips she shared for working through military marriages and how we can feel our emotions but be productive. What was your biggest takeaway? I'd love to know; share it with me on social media.

Connect with Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh

FREE 5 Day Challenge - 5 Ways to create a happier marriage now 

Facebook Community 

Instagram 

Married to Military Podcast 

Connect with Elizabeth

Instagram 

Facebook 

Website 

Have a suggestion for a show or want to reach out? Be sure to send a DM or email!

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to iTunes or wherever you listen, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website, visit me on Facebook, or hang out with me on Instagram to stay up-to-date.

Oct 04, 202153:32
Meet Esther I

Meet Esther I

Esther is a Marine spouse, mom, and CEO who has helped thousands of military spouses launch their work from home and PCF-proof careers as a virtual assistant.

Be sure to tune in to this episode and hear what it was like living in Bali and how Esther took her passion and turned it into her purpose.

In today's episode, Esther shares

  • Defining a virtual assistant and what that career looks like (2:45)
  • Advocating for military spouses lifestyle needs (7:28)
  • The versatility that Virtual Assistance offers based on your background or expertise (10:02)
  • Her passion led to her purpose (12:09)
  • Inspiration to keep going (13:43)
  • What is the 90 day VA (18:02)
  • Training to hired (20:07)
  • Not just another agency model, but a community (21:45)
  • Dig deep into your passion and not be stuck in your career (22:42)
  • Husband, son, another child on the way, and running a business - how to manage it all (24:02)
  • Finding YOUR metric of success and what you want your lifestyle to be (28:47)
  • There are seasons of grind and hustle (33:35)
  • Multiple traumatic brain injuries and moving to Bali (35:08)
  • Rapid-fire section (38:43)

I hope that you enjoyed today's episode with Esther. What a fantastic story of how you can turn your passion into your purpose.

Connect with Esther

Instagram 

_90dayva 

Website 

Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, The American MILSpouse! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to iTunes or wherever you listen, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more military spouses. Also, don't forget to check out my website or hang out with me on Instagram to stay connected with others in the community.

Sep 20, 202142:36
Meet Anna L

Meet Anna L

Anna is an Army Guard spouse living in Alaska with her family. After going through a trying year that included welcoming her daughter while her husband was deployed during a pandemic, Anna realized anxiety was becoming a major part of her life and impacting her overall well being. As a counselor herself, she shares about her own experiences taking care of her mental health. Anna chose not to let fear rule her life anymore and the results are pretty amazing. In the last year she has sky dived, scuba dived, and gotten a tattoo. She is in the process of writing a book for military spouses too! 

Sep 06, 202144:08
Meet Chelsea

Meet Chelsea

Chelsea is so much fun! I loved getting to know her bright and shining self. Chelsea and her husband are stationed in Italy where they are living together for the first time. Chelsea shares how she handled her then-boyfriend telling her he wanted to join the military and what the decision making process was like when it came to leaving her dream job at MTV to be near him. She also gives us a glimpse of what it's been like to plan a wedding while overseas, mid-pandemic. We recorded before the wedding so be sure to check out her instagram @chelseaabenahayes for all the gorgeous photos!


I also mention at the end of the episode that there are a few accounts I've been keeping up with who are doing some great work sharing ways to help both military and civilians in Afghanistan. Check out @wivesoftheairforce and @realhousewivesoffighterpilots for info

Aug 23, 202146:15
Meet Courtney M

Meet Courtney M

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. 

Aug 05, 202150:07
Meet Tasha

Meet Tasha

Tasha is a PhD candidate who is finally getting the chance to live in the same place as her husband. We talk about her passion for education equality. I learned so much and was so inspired by the role she is playing in making our schools better for every child. Tasha also talks about the logistics of making her relationship work and some of the realities of both spouses pursuing their career dreams.

Jul 05, 202152:11
Meet Anne

Meet Anne

WE'RE BACK!! I couldn't be more honored to kick this season off with Anne. We discuss Anne's perpetual journey of healing, growing, processing and living with chronic mental health symptoms as well as what that looks like within her roles as a wife, mother, and professional. Anne is also working to bring creative mental health therapies to the military community in SUCH a neat way that I can't wait for you to hear about. This interview is incredibly honest and touching and you don't want to miss Anne's story. You'll fall in love with her just like I did! Season Two here we go!!⁠

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You can keep up with Anne @milartmom on Instagram and on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/MilArtMom/⁠

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Check out her amazing art at https://www.annevillanoart.com/⁠

Jun 21, 202150:30
Meet Jen L

Meet Jen L

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!

May 24, 202157:35
Meet Danielle

Meet Danielle

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!

May 17, 202156:37
Meet Debbie

Meet Debbie

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!

May 10, 202155:16
Meet Sarah

Meet Sarah

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. 

May 03, 202154:50
Meet Tansy
Apr 26, 202101:02:10
Meet Courtney T
Apr 19, 202150:58
Meet Poppy

Meet Poppy

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!

Apr 12, 202154:24
Meet Margaret

Meet Margaret

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



Apr 05, 202153:25
Meet Bianca

Meet Bianca

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!

Mar 29, 202101:05:20
Meet Erica
Mar 15, 202141:46
Meet Paige

Meet Paige

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! ⁠
Mar 08, 202150:17
Meet Jen A

Meet Jen A

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/

Mar 01, 202156:50
Meet Erin

Meet Erin

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!

Feb 22, 202149:27
Meet Shermaine
Feb 15, 202147:14
Meet Jen and Kirst
Feb 07, 202157:43
Meet Courtney

Meet Courtney

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!
Jan 30, 202147:31
Meet Demi

Meet Demi

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. 

Jan 23, 202152:44
Meet Elizabeth

Meet Elizabeth

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. 

Dec 02, 202001:01:13
Meet Page

Meet Page

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

Nov 10, 202051:27
Meet Natalie and Andrea

Meet Natalie and Andrea

Natalie and Andrea host a podcast called The Spouse Angle which shares news and expertise from and for military spouses. They're both journalists and self proclaimed retired military brats who have a heart for the spouse community and I really enjoyed getting to know them and learning more about their experience. Be sure to keep up with them on instagram @ spouseanglepodcast and listen to them wherever you're listening to this! 

https://thespouseangle.com/

https://theamericanmilspouse.com/


Oct 27, 202049:38
Meet Diana

Meet Diana

Diana is an influencer, certified holistic health coach and best-selling author of To Kale and Back.  Diana has a heart for holistic wellness and talks with us about overcoming her own struggles with disordered eating as well as her passion for advocating to others dealing with similar experiences. She shares tips with us about sustainable health and also tells us a bit about what it's been like living in Italy in the midst of 2020 craziness. 

You can follow Diana on instagram @to.kale.and.back

Her book, To Kale and Back, is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Kale-Back-Ditch-Thrive-Fitness-ebook/dp/B07VGMP5CM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=to+kale+and+back&qid=1601921049&s=books&sr=1-1

And you can check out her website here:
https://www.dianamatuszak.com/


Oct 05, 202055:47
Meet Anna

Meet Anna

Anna supports her Staff Sgt husband while also rocking the working mom life. Her career path is familiar to many of us in the sense that it's never where she thought she would end up but she still thrives along the way. Anna currently works for the USDA and shares some really cool insights about what she's learned there. We also talk about growing up in Australia, enlisted vs officer life, and the joys of trash TV. Enjoy!

Find a local CSA: https://www.ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/csas

Sep 27, 202052:45
Meet Jessica S
Sep 21, 202047:47
Meet Aubrey

Meet Aubrey

On this week's episode we hear from Doctor Aubrey Bethel. She is on the front lines of the COVID19 pandemic and she talks to us about what that has been like, what she wishes people understood about this pandemic, as well as how she and her partner balance their demanding jobs while making time for each other. Be sure to check out her instagram @drb_emergency for some laughs!
Sep 13, 202042:18
Meet Mary: Part 2

Meet Mary: Part 2

(Part 2) Mary is a wonderful wife to her fighter pilot husband Ryan and mom to her amazing daughter Addison. Mary was kind enough to share a bit about their infertility and adoption journeys and shed light on what the adoption process looked like for them. Mary has handled many years of infertility with grace and she shares some insight into pieces of that world that don't always cross the minds of those who haven't been there.
Sep 08, 202033:51
Meet Mary: Part 1

Meet Mary: Part 1

(Part 1) Mary is a wonderful wife to her fighter pilot husband Ryan and mom to her amazing daughter Addison.  Mary was kind enough to share a bit about their infertility and adoption journeys and shed light on what the adoption process looked like for them. Mary has handled many years of infertility with grace and she shares some insight into pieces of that world that don't always cross the minds of those who haven't been there. 


Sep 01, 202050:35
Meet Jenna

Meet Jenna

Jenna is a navy spouse currently living with her husband and two sons in Florida. This week we discussed her family's experiences with infertility and IVF. Jenna was diagnosed with endometriosis at a young age and her family also navigated the challenges of male-factor infertility on the path to growing their family. Jenna does such an amazing job of shedding light on a common but not always well-understood aspect of infertility and offers some great advice for those supporting a friend working through the process as well.
Aug 24, 202001:11:16
Meet Shea
Aug 17, 202001:12:03
Meet Cynthia

Meet Cynthia

Cynthia is an Air Force veteran, military spouse, and mama to two adorable kiddos. She is also a fantastic writer. You can read more of her work at www.afaithfulstep.com and you can follow her on instagram at cynthia_cline. It was a pleasure to talk with her about everything from dual MilSpouse life to what it means to be a Christian today. I'm thankful for her voice!

Aug 10, 202001:04:20
Meet Laura and Sarah

Meet Laura and Sarah

Laura and Sarah are two of the OG RHFP's. If you aren't already familiar with realhousewivesoffighterpilots on instagram-- you'll want to be! Their account is hilarious and relevant to anyone married to the military. We had a lot of fun talking about the background of RHFP as well as where they'd like to see the account go in the future.
Aug 03, 202001:04:53
Meet Jessica
Jul 28, 202001:10:06