Breaking the Ice

Clarity Engel, engaged to Mason Geertsen, forward for the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL, joins me today on the podcast. Clarity & I recorded this episode back in November and I am excited to finally release it! Clarity is American & her fiancé is Canadian so of course, we chat about what that has been like for them from last season up until recently, where they had to spend several months apart (Can anyone relate?)

We also chat about working in this lifestyle (why it's hard to find jobs in cities where you don't have connections) mental health, how to deal with negativity, habits to start your day off right, social media struggles and more!

I've been reading so much about what is happening in Canada right now and I hope this episode is a little escape for you in your week. Xoxo

Blaire Broda, wife of Joel Broda and Dana Oleksuk, wife of Travis Olekusk, join me on the pod today. The three of us are currently living in Graz, Austria this hockey season and we had an unfiltered episode about everything going on right now.

We talk about quarantine, COVID, lockdown, going stir crazy and some of the struggles we are feeling. We chat about what it's like going through this weird time with kids (everything being closed down and cooped up in the apartment) and how this hockey season is just plain bizarre. It is really challenging when you don't have anything to look forward to, including season breaks and having family come out to visit.

I hope this episode brings you a sense of collectiveness that you ARE NOT alone going through these hard times. 

Welcome back to the podcast & Happy 2021! Today is an episode by yours truly, me! I had nothing planned or written down for this episode because I wanted to give an authentic version and take you back in time with me. I start off by going back six weeks before my due date and talk about what happened with my husband, the team and covid. Fast forward to how my labor started and the signs I was feeling before it did.

I share with you the great TMI about how my water was leaking and how I had to be induced immediately. Fun Fact: My husband was driving around with a turkey in the front seat when I got admitted to the hospital....to say we were not prepared is an understatement #thanksgivingbaby

I also share what happened with my epideral, how I dilated from a 2 to a 10 in 2 1/2 hours and answer ALL your burning questions. I talk about postpartum essentials and what it has been like having a baby during a pandemic. All in all, it has been an absolutely insane time but I couldn't be more blessed to have by beautiful baby, Crosby, earthside. It has been worth all the hard moments. Buckle up and don't mind my F bombs. 

Jillian Cannata, wife of Joe Cannata, who plays in Oskarshamn, Sweden in the SHL, joins me on the podcast today. This conversation to me felt like we were hanging out in a coffee shop and sharing stories. Jill & I are able to relate on so many levels, and a big one being...pregnancy!

We actually recorded this episode on election day and the weight of the world was feeling heavy. We talked about some of the struggles that come with this lifestyle (which is important to talk about so you know you aren't feeling this alone!), including how it's sometimes not so easy to find things for yourself and how it's normal to struggle to find balance in your relationship.

We talk about dogs (and how fun it is being woken up in the middle of the night by your large husband and your dog most likely waking up the entire apartment complex.) It's crazy to think how much of an impact these animals will make on our hearts, going through this hockey life with us.

We also talk about how Jill & Joe's niece got diagnosed & beat stage 4 cancer, while they were away from family. She talks about how it has shaped their perspective and changed their outlook on life.

Grab your coffee & enjoy! 

Alannah Liem, wife of Jordan Liem, who played the last three years in China in the VHL, joins me on the podcast!

This was such a fun & interesting episode for me because I have never sat down and chatted with a fellow hockey wife about life in China! Given what is happening in the world with COVID, Alannah was in the middle of it in China and talks about what her experience was like getting home and hearing about it for the first time. 

She also tells me some hilarious stories about life in China including hotel living, shopping in back alleys, doing laundry in the tub and not having a kitchen!

Life in china has meant years of tremendous personal growth for Alannah and she handles the set backs with humor. I loved this conversation and I hope you do too! :) 

Natasha Bell, wife to Mark Bell, who spent years in the NHL & AHL but spent the last few years of his career in Germany, joins me on the podcast today! I knew I wanted to have Natasha on my podcast after following her on Instagram for quite awhile. She is so inspiring and has such a positive aura around her.

Natasha is a wife, a mom, health coach and an entrepreneur! In this episode we cover so much ground but to name a few we chat about trusting the process, identifying what you need in whatever season of life you're in, learning to say no, her favorite things to bring on her carry on and some healthy habits to bring with you into the holiday season.

This is an amazing episode for women everywhere, whether you are in the hockey lifestyle or not! 

Haley Ferguson, girlfriend of Oula Palve, who plays in the SHL in Linköping, Sweden, joins me on the podcast today! If you follow the bachelor franchise, you may recognize her and her identical twin sister from a few of the shows.

Haley and her boyfriend started dating a few months before COVID hit and they wound up quarantining together in Las Vegas. She talks about what that time was like for her and how it benefited their relationship in the long run. 

After living in Vegas most of her life and being separated for four months due to the US travel ban, Haley finally made the move to Linköping, Sweden! (Their first time living together & her first time living in Europe) Of course, we had to talk about the nerves, excitement, a couple of essentials to bring & what to expects!

She has such a positive attitude and an open mind going into this new adventure and I absolutely loved talking to her! 

Today I am joined on the podcast by Lauren Melkus! Lauren is the owner and designer of the brand "The Denim Blonde." The Denim Blonde began as a brand for bridal wear but within the past year expanded to sports wives and girlfriends. Lauren is so creative and is so passionate about what she does! 

Lauren and her boyfriend, Tim Boyle, did several years of long distance but he is now retired and the wait is over! In this episode, we talk about her time in the hockey world, we chat & laugh about how the guys never know anything that is going on, including team parties, and of course all things THE DENIM BLONDE! 

Make sure to check out Lauren on instagram www.instagram.com/thedenimblonde

www.thedenimblonde.com 

Brittany English joins me today on the podcast! Brittany and her husband (she revealed on the podcast THEY GOT MARRIED, so happy for her!) have been the “new kids” on the teams several times. Even though she is super social and outgoing, she admits it is still nerve racking going somewhere new and she shares some great advice on what works for her.

Her husband, Scott Wedgewood, is also a goalie and she tells us what it is like being married to a goalie and how it is different than the other positions. (She may low key wish he was a different position but is so proud of him and his hard work ethic). 

Lastly, we chat ALL about WINNING THE STANLEY CUP! She shares all the deets about what actually went on with families being allowed in the bubble and why the girls all stuck by each other and chose to watch the finals back in Tampa. We talk about all of the post season festivities and what it was like being apart of this once in a lifetime experience

Amy Johner, creator of our private Facebook group joins me on the podcast today! Amy created this group years and years ago because she felt that it was so needed for our community. She talks about the importance of connecting with other girls in our lifestyle because they really do become your family for the season. What would we do without our hockey girls?!

Amy and her husband started dating before there were cell phones! We talk about the 90's and early 2000's and how far technology has come since then (thank god for us living away from friends & family!) They did long distance for so many years before making the move to Europe. We chat about culture shock, some of the traditions North Americans bring over, her experiences overseas and her family navigating their new journey of retirement.

Amy recently started her own photography business and I can't wait to see it grow! 

Side bar: Our private Facebook group is not searchable. It is for significant others of professional hockey players and you have to be added into it by another member in the group. Please reach out to another girlfriend or wife on the team if you would like to be added!