In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with the brilliant author and military spouse-turned-memoirist, Heather Sweeney. Her new book Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military Marriage takes us inside the complex emotional terrain of identity loss, divorce, resilience, and ultimately, self-discovery. Heather's story is not just one of heartbreak, but of reclaiming voice, power, and purpose—especially for women navigating life after a long-term partnership.

We talk about everything from the layered reality of military marriage to the quiet courage it takes to start over. Heather shares what it's like to lose yourself inside someone else’s story—and how she found her way back. If you’re feeling stuck, alone, or like your identity has been swallowed by your roles, this episode is your permission slip to rediscover who you are.

 

Episode Highlights:

 [0:00] – Introducing Heather Sweeney: Writer, military spouse, and memoirist
 [1:35] – From blogging to bylines: Heather’s journey to becoming a published author
 [3:42] – Riding the roller coaster of military life and finding connection online
 [5:38] – Heather’s national writing credits and how she landed in The New York Times
 [8:38] – The invisible load of military marriage and emotional isolation
 [10:41] – Losing identity in someone else’s career—and the silent toll it takes
 [15:00] – Why divorce was always “in the air” and how it evolved over years
 [19:43] – The emotional aftermath of a partner’s divorce request
 [23:25] – Financial freedom as the catalyst for leaving
 [26:03] – Navigating in-house separation and the complicated new normal
 [28:20] – Military custody realities: long-distance parenting and letting go
 [31:31] – The bridge from loss to liberation: reclaiming your voice
 [33:56] – Building a new relationship from a place of strength and clarity
 [36:52] – Advice for women at the edge of leaving: where to begin
 [39:34] – Heather’s reflections on rediscovering herself through writing and therapy
 [40:13] – Where to find Heather’s book and follow her journey

Links and Resources:

·         Order Camouflage: http://posthill.to/B0F316HJTD 

·         Website: https://www.heatherlsweeney.com/ 

·         Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writersweeney 

·         Substack: https://heathersweeney.substack.com/ 

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more peopl

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day. https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 [Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/?rdid=QDc8ryzocgFpBrbm#]

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day.