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Navigating Transitions in First Responder Life

In the season finale of Just a Girl and Her Firefighter, host Kristi Hilmer reflects on the journey of creating a supportive community for firewives and first responders. She discusses the challenges and strategies for managing department transitions, sharing her personal experiences and offering advice on mental preparation, schedule adjustments, effective communication, and the importance of community. This episode aims to normalize and provide insights into the often isolating experiences of first responder families, emphasizing integrity, honesty, and support through change.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:12 Reflecting on Season One

02:47 Navigating Department Transitions

04:59 Preparing Mentally for Changes

07:22 Managing Schedules and Communication

10:58 The Importance of Community

14:01 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
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Navigating First Responder Life: Holiday Traditions and Communication

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' host Kristi Hilmer welcomes fellow firewife and guest Alli Bankston. Allie shares insights into her life as a firefighter's wife, her family's unique holiday traditions, and her new children's book designed to normalize first responder schedules for kids. The discussion covers the challenges of communication, reintegration after shifts, and maintaining family routines. Listeners will find valuable advice on building communication within relationships and strategies for helping children adapt to the first responder lifestyle. Join Kristi and Alli as they offer heartfelt stories, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the first responder family dynamic.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:00 Special Guest: Firewife Alli

01:53 Alli's Journey and Book Inspiration

05:35 Challenges and Traditions in First Responder Families

08:35 Balancing Family Life and First Responder Duties

16:18 Living on Acreage and Homesteading

18:28 Communication and Relationship Tips

22:36 Navigating Reintegration and Mental Space

29:23 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

Find the book on Amazon here https://a.co/d/ghYgPkh

Follow Alli on IG @mytherapyjournals 

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/

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Just a Girl and Her Firefighter: Navigating Love, Challenges, and Community

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' host Kristi Hilmer, together with guest Rachael and other speakers, explores the multifaceted experiences of being married to a firefighter. Topics include managing unpredictable schedules, coping with 'mom rage,' and the importance of accepting help from family and the community. The discussion offers practical strategies for balancing family life, addressing the emotional complexities of default parenting, and highlighting the necessity of self-care and mental health awareness. The episode also underscores the power of positive thought work, forming a supportive fire family, and the joys and sorrows of this unique lifestyle. Personal anecdotes reveal the resilience required and emphasize connecting with a broader community through social media. The hosts ultimately reflect on the enriching experiences made possible through online interactions and invite listeners to join their FireWife community, subscribe, share, and stay engaged in their journey.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

00:59 Meet Rachel: Life Coach and Firefighter's Wife

02:09 Rachel's Family and Firefighter Journey

04:24 Challenges of Firefighter Schedules

05:34 Managing Emotions and Seeking Support

06:42 The Importance of Thought Work

07:59 Balancing Family Life and Firefighter Duties

09:09 The Role of Community and Support Systems

16:08 The Default Parent Debate

20:56 Surprises and Joys of Firefighter Life

25:06 Understanding Mom Rage

25:55 Personal Stories of Struggle

26:51 The Importance of Seeking Help

28:35 Managing Thoughts and Emotions

29:40 Firehouse Pranks and Family Life

31:22 Murphy's Law and Parenting Challenges

36:42 Reflections on the Firefighter Lifestyle

39:25 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

You can find Rachael at https://www.instagram.com/rachaelchoate_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/

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Empowering Journeys and Building Community: Insights from Everyday Heroes

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' host Kristi Hilmer is joined by Mitch Gourley, a firefighter and the founder of the Instagram community 'Everyday Heroes,' and his wife Markee. Together, they delve into their personal and professional lives, focusing on Mitch's aim to empower first responders and Markee's experience managing their demanding lifestyle. The couple discusses the pivotal role of communication and resilience in relationships, offering insights into navigating the stresses of firefighting and emotional hurdles. They share their growth stories and efforts in community-building while encouraging listeners to engage with the FireWife network. The episode also emphasizes the impact of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok in fostering supportive communities.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:00 Meet Our First Couple: Mitch and Markee

01:29 Life as a Firefighter: Mitch's Journey

03:50 Navigating the Firefighter Schedule

05:30 Living in Canada: Weather and Wildfires

09:16 The Birth of Everyday Heroes

18:50 Balancing Personal Growth and Relationships

26:21 Maintaining Connection in a Busy Life

32:36 Handling the Hard Calls

37:12 The Impact of a Firefighter's Job on Family Life

38:29 Navigating Communication and Emotional Support

39:33 Personal Growth and Relationship Dynamics

43:53 Balancing High Achievements and Relationship Expectations

46:33 Advice for Those Facing Hard Times

55:25 Humorous Anecdotes and Pranks

01:03:34 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Follow Everyday Hero here  https://www.instagram.com/everydayheroes.fitness?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/

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https://www.instagram.com/our.firstresponder.life/

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Surviving and Thriving: A Firefighter Wife's Journey through Life's Challenges

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' Kristi Hilmer interviews her friend Heather, who shares her remarkable journey of integration into the first responder lifestyle. Heather talks about meeting her husband during EMT training, going through nursing school, and the challenges of blending families with eight children, including twins. They discuss their separation, subsequent divorce, and eventual reconciliation after deep self-reflection and coaching. Together, they now run 'Relationship CPR,' offering coaching to couples in high-stress jobs, emphasizing communication, self-understanding, and the importance of community support. The episode highlights the difficulties, triumphs, and transformations in first responder relationships, advocating the need for creating positive environments both at home and in the workplace.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:01 Meet Heather: A Journey into Healthcare and Family

02:07 Blending Families and Career Challenges

03:52 Navigating Parenthood and Career Transitions

06:38 Struggles and Separation

10:27 Reconciliation and Personal Growth

14:40 Balancing Independence and Partnership

19:31 Creating a Safe Space at Home

22:36 Personal Coaching Journey

24:32 Creating Relationship CPR

25:55 Challenges and Insights

27:09 Community and Support

28:49 Addressing Fire Service Issues

33:50 Resources and Outreach

34:49 Rapid Fire Questions

39:14 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Interested in chatting with Heather at Relationship CPR? Email [email protected] and follow them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/relationshipcprstat

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/

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Balancing Firefighting and Law: Kerri's Family Story

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter', host Kristi Hilmer chats with Kerri, a Massachusetts-based attorney, about her unique life balancing a full-time law practice, raising kids, and being married to a fourth-generation firefighter. Kerri shares insights into their family dynamics, the challenges of step-family life, dealing with the anxieties of a first responder's dangerous job, and the importance of maintaining a personal identity outside the fire service. The conversation also explores Kerri's personal experiences during significant incidents like the Boston Marathon bombing and the practical routines they've developed over the years to manage stress and ensure family stability.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:00 Meet Carrie: Balancing Law, Family, and Firefighting

02:02 Family Dynamics and Busy Schedules

03:17 Online Dating and Becoming a Firefighter's Wife

04:38 Surprises and Challenges of Firefighter Life

06:39 The Boston Marathon Bombing Experience

09:45 Handling Anxiety and Communication

19:03 Starting a Law Practice and Managing Worst-Case Scenarios

21:45 Balancing Personal Identity with Firefighter Spouse Life

22:32 Maintaining Individuality in a Firefighter Family

24:31 The Impact of Firefighting on Family Dynamics

25:20 Encouraging Diverse Interests in Children

26:38 Firehouse Pranks and Family Humor

29:05 Understanding the Emotional Toll on Firefighters

32:40 Rapid Fire Questions: Fun and Favorites

35:07 Best Advice for Family Harmony

38:22 Connecting with the Speaker

39:54 Conclusion and Community Invitation

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
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Navigating Firefighter Life: Conversations with Firewives

Join Kristi Hilmer on 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter' as she interviews fellow firewife Ashley. They share personal stories, discuss the challenges and surprises of life in the fire service, and emphasize the importance of community and support. Together, they explore how to maintain a strong relationship and a positive outlook while navigating the unique lifestyle of being married to a firefighter. Enjoy insights into practical strategies, mentorship, and the lighter side of firehouse gossip.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:02 Meet Ashley: A Firewife's Journey

01:48 High School Sweethearts

02:41 The Car Accident That Changed Everything

04:41 From Banking to Firefighting

07:28 Fire Academy and Family Life

11:22 Surprises and Challenges in Fire Service Life

18:16 Balancing Family and Firefighter Life

19:02 The 'Who's More Tired' Game

19:34 Advice for New Firefighter Families

21:18 Understanding Love Languages

23:32 Firefighter Pranks and Surprises

26:16 The Cost of Firefighter Friendships

27:39 Navigating Firefighter Family Dynamics

30:58 Rapid Fire Questions

33:37 Conclusion and Community Invitation

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/

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Navigating First Responder Life and Postpartum Challenges with Yasmina

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' host Kristi Hilmer chats with Yasmina, a fellow firewife married to the creator of the Williams Key. The conversation covers their personal stories, from meeting in high school to balancing family life with their husbands' demanding firefighter schedules. Yasmina shares her experience with postpartum challenges, the importance of community amongst firewives, and offers practical advice for managing the unique aspects of living with a first responder. The episode also touches on the significance of mental health, the power of faith, and maintaining personal identity while supporting their spouses.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:00 Meet Yasmina: The Firewife with a Celebrity Husband

01:58 A Decade of Love and Two Little Ones

03:38 Navigating the Fire Service Together

05:20 Supporting Each Other Through Bootcamp

07:20 The Importance of Communication and Debriefing

10:39 The Wild World of Hollywood Firefighting

14:15 The Power of Community Among Firewives

17:50 The Power of Social Media Connections

18:04 Struggles with Postpartum and Fire Life

21:40 Finding Support and Overcoming Challenges

24:12 Balancing Family and Firefighter Life

26:47 Funniest Pranks and Firehouse Stories

30:39 Rapid Fire Questions and Best Advice

33:56 Conclusion and Where to Connect

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/

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Navigating First Responder Life: An Interview with Firewife Joelle

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' host Kristi Hilmer chats with Joelle, a fellow Firewife from Marblehead, Massachusetts. Joelle shares her experience of raising children while married to a firefighter, the struggles and joys of their unique family dynamics, and the importance of communication and support. They discuss topics such as the challenges of coordinating schedules, finding time for personal growth, and the emotional aspects of first responder life. Joelle also shares practical advice on finding community support, balancing independence with teamwork, and the significance of being true to oneself.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

00:59 Meet Joelle: A Firewife's Journey

02:10 Balancing Daycare and Firefighter Life

03:13 The Challenges of Firefighter Schedules

05:09 How Joelle Met Her Firefighter Husband

07:14 Choosing the Fire Service Path

08:40 Reflecting on 9/11 and Its Impact

13:15 The Emotional Toll of Being a Firewife

16:10 The Importance of Communication in Marriage

19:04 Learning to Communicate in Relationships

20:16 Challenges of Parenting and Communication

20:48 Emotional Support for First Responders

22:42 The Importance of Community and Social Media

24:12 Advice for New Firefighter Spouses

24:52 Finding Personal Fulfillment

26:27 The Role of Babysitters and Support Systems

31:40 The Dynamic Life of a Fire Family

34:55 Rapid Fire Questions

37:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/

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Building a Community for First Responder Partners

In the inaugural episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' host Kristi Hilmer introduces herself and shares her journey as the partner of a first responder. Kristi recounts their early years, the challenges they faced, including a devastating fire in their town, and the life lessons they learned. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork within a marriage, especially in first responder families, and her passion for creating a supportive community. Kristi invites listeners to join her in sharing stories, tackling challenges, and building a tight-knit, supportive network for partners of first responders.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter
00:59 Meet Your Host: Kristi Hilmer
01:35 A Love Story: From High School to Marriage
03:16 Navigating Early Marriage and Careers
05:51 Facing Unexpected Challenges
06:49 The Devastating Wildfire Experience
07:39 Lessons Learned and New Beginnings
13:46 Building a Community for First Responder Families
15:15 Creating a Supportive Network
17:33 Conclusion and Community Invitation

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/

Find me on IG
https://www.instagram.com/our.firstresponder.life/

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