Life in the Military- Spouse Edition

By Life in the Military- Spouse Edition

Hey there! We are Ashley & Stephanie! Together, we have teamed up to open up about our experiences being military spouses. We will be chatting weekly about all things military; the good, the bad, ... more

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FAQs about Life in the Military- Spouse Edition:

How many episodes does Life in the Military- Spouse Edition have?

The podcast currently has 37 episodes available.

Life in the Military- Spouse Edition episodes:

May 29, 202437- Soldier, Spouse, Single Mom: Checking all the Military Boxes
Today, We talk with our friend Danie about the experiences of a military spouse and active duty member, including deployments, sacrifices, and the challenges of being a single parent. It also delves into the support and camaraderie within the military community, as well as the impact of injuries sustained during service. Danie shares her journey as a female veteran, discussing her experiences with mental health, the challenges of being a female in the military, and the importance of finding purpose and perseverance. She emphasizes the healing power of talking about her experiences and the support of her tribe. Danie's transformation and resilience are evident in her journey from dark moments to finding her calling in mental health. She encourages listeners to reach out for help and support, emphasizing the importance of mental health.
Takeaways:
The challenges and experiences of being a military spouse and active duty member.

The impact of deployments and sacrifices on family life.

The importance of support and camaraderie within the military community.

The long-term effects of injuries sustained during military service.

The transition from active duty to civilian life and the challenges it presents. The healing power of talking about experiences and the support of a tribe are crucial for mental health.

Danie's journey from dark moments to finding her calling in mental health is a testament to resilience and perseverance.

Encouragement for listeners to reach out for help and support, emphasizing the importance of mental health advocacy and finding purpose.

The challenges of being a female in the military and the need for better support and understanding for female veterans.

The importance of finding peace, removing chaos, and embracing the quiet for self-care and mental well-being.
...more
54min
May 22, 2024Episode 36- Breaking the Stigma: Military Spouse Unicorn
In this episode, Stephanie and Ashley interview Marty, a military spouse without children. They discuss the unique perspective of not conforming to the traditional military spouse stereotypes and the pressures that come with it. Marty shares her experiences of maintaining her identity and pursuing her passions alongside the military lifestyle. They also talk about the importance of setting boundaries, avoiding drama, and building strong friendships based on mutual connection rather than obligation.
Takeaways
Not conforming to traditional military spouse stereotypes can bring its own set of pressures and judgments.

It is important to maintain your own identity and pursue your passions alongside the military lifestyle.

Setting boundaries and avoiding drama can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling military spouse experience.

Building strong friendships based on mutual connection rather than obligation can create a supportive community.

Having a partner who supports and understands your need for personal space and time can strengthen the relationship.
...more
41min
May 15, 202435- A Mother's Love
In this episode, We discuss the importance of our moms in supporting us as military spouses. We reflect on the sacrifices our moms have made and the challenges they have faced in navigating the military lifestyle. We express gratitude for our moms' wisdom, support, and unconditional love. The conversation highlights the unique perspective of moms who have to watch their children go through the hardships of military life. We encourage our listeners to appreciate and thank their own moms for their unwavering support.

Takeaways
Moms play a crucial role in supporting military spouses and providing emotional strength.

Moms have to navigate their own feelings while supporting their children through the challenges of military life.

Expressing gratitude and appreciation to moms for their support is important.

Moms offer wisdom and guidance that helps military spouses navigate the difficulties of the military lifestyle.
...more
27min
May 08, 202434-Life in the Military- Dual Military Spouse Edition
Today, we interview Sam, a military spouse who is also in the military herself. We discuss the unique challenges and experiences of being in a dual military relationship. We talk about the difficulties of deployments and the shift in roles when one person is away. We also discuss the importance of communication and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy relationship. Sam shares her perspective on the pride and selflessness that comes with serving in the military. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and rewards of being in a dual military relationship.
Takeaways:
Being in a dual military relationship comes with unique challenges and experiences.

Deployments can be difficult for both the person leaving and the one staying at home.

Communication and setting boundaries are crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship.
...more
43min
April 25, 202433 | Different Perspective: Life of a Military Child
Today, we interview our daughters again about their experiences as military children. The daughters share their perspectives on growing up in a military family and how it has shaped their lives. We also reflect on our parenting decisions and wonder if we provided enough love and support. The conversation includes funny and memorable moments from their travels and moves, highlighting the unique experiences of military children. Being a military kid has its ups and downs, but it offers unique experiences and opportunities to see the world. Military kids learn to be respectful and adaptable, and they hold themselves to a higher standard. They may face challenges like deployments and frequent moves, but they also develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Military kids appreciate the privilege of traveling and experiencing different cultures. They have a different perspective on life compared to civilian kids and often have a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by service members. Overall, military kids are strong, courageous, and adaptable.

Takeaways:
Parents may question their parenting decisions and wonder if they provided enough love and support to their children.

Military children have unique and memorable experiences from their travels and moves.

Creating fun and positive experiences during moves can help children adjust to new environments.

The hosts and their daughters share funny and heartwarming memories from their time as a military family. Being a military kid offers unique experiences and opportunities to see the world.

Military kids learn to be respectful and adaptable.

They hold themselves to a higher standard and have a different perspective on life.

Military kids develop resilience and problem-solving skills.

They appreciate the privilege of traveling and experiencing different cultures.

Military kids have a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by service members.
...more
1h 1min
April 17, 2024Episode 32- resiliency: egg or golf ball
In this episode, Stephanie and Ashley discuss the concept of resiliency, using the analogy of an egg and a golf ball. They explore how military kids and spouses navigate the challenges of military life and how they can maintain their resilience. They emphasize the importance of communication, listening, and providing support to each other. The conversation highlights the unique experiences and strengths of military families and offers insights on how to help children and spouses bounce back from difficult situations
Takeaways
Resiliency is a key trait for military kids and spouses to navigate the challenges of military life.

Communication and listening are crucial in providing support to each other.

Physical touch, such as hugs, can make a significant difference in maintaining resilience.

Military families have unique experiences and strengths that help them bounce back from difficult situations.

Understanding and validating children's emotions can help them develop resilience.

Being a team and working together as parents is essential in supporting children's emotional needs.
...more
31min
April 11, 2024episode 31- how to support our military kids
In this episode, Stephanie Polcyn and Ash discuss how to support children during military transitions, deployments, and changes. They emphasize the importance of understanding children's emotions and conveying support as parents. They share their own experiences and offer advice on flexibility, communication, and managing expectations. They highlight the significance of allowing children to express their emotions and providing them with a sense of belonging in the family unit. The hosts also discuss the challenges of deployments and the resilience that can be developed through these experiences.
Takeaways
Understanding children's emotions and providing support is crucial during military transitions and deployments.

Flexibility and managing expectations are key in helping children navigate these challenging times.

Open and honest communication with children about the situation can help them process their emotions and feel a sense of belonging.

Allowing children to express their emotions and validating their feelings is important for their emotional well-being.

Deployments can be difficult, but they can also foster resilience and growth in both children and parents.
...more
34min
April 03, 2024episode 30- our reactions to our kids
In this episode, Stephanie and Ashley discuss the reactions they received from their children after last week's episode. They talk about how their kids have big feelings, thoughts, and ideas about the military lifestyle, and how it affects them. Stephanie shares her observations of her daughter's stoic but agreeable reaction, while Ashley talks about her daughter's verbal expressions. They discuss the importance of creating a space for kids to feel understood and not alone. They also touch on the topic of secondary trauma and the challenges of communication within military families.
Takeaways
Children of military families have big feelings, thoughts, and ideas about the military lifestyle, and it's important to create a space for them to express themselves.

Observing children's reactions during conversations can provide valuable insights into their emotions and experiences.

Secondary trauma can affect children in military families, and it's important to be aware of their struggles and provide support.

Open and honest communication within military families can help build stronger relationships and understanding.

The episode sparked conversations among parents and children, opening up dialogue and creating a sense of community.
...more
23min
March 28, 2024episode 29-PTSD ft the kids
SummaryIn this episode, military spouses Stephanie and Ashley have a conversation with their children about the impact of the military lifestyle and their father's PTSD on their mental health. The kids share their perspectives on living with a service member with PTSD, the challenges they face, and the changes they have noticed in their dad's behavior. They discuss the anxiety and fear they experience when their dad is not around and how his presence provides them with a sense of security. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and supporting children in military families who are affected by their parent's mental health issues. In this conversation, the participants discuss the impact of military life on children, particularly in relation to anxiety, hyperawareness, and the challenges of making friends. They also highlight the positive changes they have observed in their fathers and express appreciation for military children. The conversation provides insights into the unique experiences and perspectives of military children and emphasizes the resilience and adaptability they demonstrate.Takeaways
Living with a parent with PTSD can have a significant impact on children's mental health and well-being.

Children in military families often experience anxiety and fear when their parent is not around, and their parent's presence provides them with a sense of security.

Understanding and supporting children in military families who are affected by their parent's mental health issues is crucial.

Teaching children safety and awareness skills can help alleviate their anxiety and empower them to navigate challenging situations. Military children often experience anxiety and hyperawareness due to their upbringing and the need to be vigilant in unfamiliar environments.

The frequent moves associated with military life can make it challenging for children to establish and maintain friendships.

Military children develop a heightened sense of awareness and are often more in tune with people's emotions and boundaries.

Positive changes in parents, such as increased calmness and improved communication, can have a significant impact on children's well-being.

Military children have the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures, which can be a positive aspect of their upbringing.

Month of the Military Child is an important time to recognize and appreciate the unique experiences and contributions of military children.
...more
1h 7min
March 20, 2024episode 28- spousal suicide
SummaryIn this episode, Stephanie and Ash discuss the topic of suicide prevention and mental health from the perspective of military spouses. They highlight the lack of awareness and support for spouses who may be struggling with mental health issues. The conversation explores the stigma and fear that prevent spouses from seeking help and the pressure they feel to prioritize their families over their own well-being. The hosts share their personal experiences and coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking support. They encourage spouses to acknowledge their own needs and reach out for help when necessary.Takeaways
Military spouses often face mental health challenges and may be at risk of suicide, but this issue is not widely acknowledged or discussed.

Spouses may feel stigmatized and fear the consequences of seeking help, such as negative impacts on their spouse's career.

It is important for spouses to prioritize their own mental health and seek support, even if it means challenging societal expectations.

Building a support network of other military spouses and finding coping strategies can help spouses navigate the unique challenges they face.
...more
40min

FAQs about Life in the Military- Spouse Edition:

How many episodes does Life in the Military- Spouse Edition have?

The podcast currently has 37 episodes available.