Milspouse Matters

Life as a military spouse is an intricate dance of challenges and uncertainties, along with so many adventures. On this "best of" episode, we revisit one of my favorite interviews. I'm talking to author Lisa Molinari about her military spouse journey, and how she's found solace and strength through humor and processing life through writing.

Lisa refers to herself as a "garden variety military spouse" (which you might disagree with after you listen to her story!). She's never been nominated for Military Spouse of the Year, but her journey is a story of resilience that will resonate with you. Throughout her decades of military life, Lisa learned to find humor in hard and even absurd circumstances. Rather than succumbing to the challenges that come with this lifestyle, she's chosen to seek out the silver lining and share her experiences through laughter.

In my conversation with Lisa, she recounted instances where humor became a lifeline during her military spouse journey. With stories from "Pork Chop Envy" to unforeseen deployment hiccups, Lisa reminds us that these crazy things we go through will become the best stories one day!

• Connect with Lisa: Facebook I Instagram I Twitter I Pinterest
• Get Lisa's book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com
• Lisa's website: The Meat and Potatoes of Life

This episode's sponsors:

Please consider supporting our sponsors, which in turn supports the production of this podcast!

Pink Stork, The Wellness Brand for Women®, was born out of military spouse Amy's desire to help others. Pink Stork offers clean, effective supplements supporting fertility, morning sickness, pregnancy, postpartum, nursing, and more.

• Prenatal Vitamins: https://amzn.to/451psuq
• Labor Prep Tea: https://amzn.to/3DPQAk4
• Morning sickness help: https://amzn.to/3QKLgG7

Unbox Me Sunshine Gift for Women

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Connect:

This episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMep105

Jen's site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS

Jen's blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

*some affiliate links

It's PCS move season and it's the perfect time to share some helpful resources for your military family. Military life usually comes with a guarantee of change, and one of the most inevitable changes is moving. Whether you're a seasoned military family or embarking on your first Permanent Change of Station (PCS), my goal is to provide you with a wealth of information and actionable advice! With personal experience from living in 24 houses, going through 13 PCS moves, with 4 overseas tours in there, all while towing along 4 kids and a dog, I share some of my own tips along with insights gathered from fellow military spouses and listeners on this Best Of episode. Here's to making your moving journey a little smoother and perhaps even injecting some laughter along the way!

***Find all resources mentioned (and more!) in this exhaustive PCS resource page: https://bit.ly/MMPCS

See this episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMep104

This episode's sponsors: Extended Stay America for PCS Lodging Needs: https://extendedstayamerica.3qag.net/YMJWr

Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs

Calling all pet owners! Are you looking for a natural solution to help calm your furry friend? Look no further than Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs. With all-natural and holistic ingredients, their customers rave about the hours of calming relief these delicious soft chews provide for their dogs. Made in the USA and veterinarian approved, you can trust the quality and effectiveness of Well Loved Calming Chews.

Whether it's a long flight with your pet or a visit to the vet, these chews can help ease anxiety and stress in most dogs within 30-60 minutes. Say goodbye to restless nights and nervous behavior—it's time for a calmer and happier pup!

What sets Well Loved Calming Chews apart is not only their calming effects but also their irresistible taste. Dogs love the delicious soft chews, making it a breeze to give them the relief they deserve.

These chews have been a game-changer for our nervous puppers!

Order your Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs today. Give your pet the relaxation they deserve with this veterinarian-approved and trusted product. https://amzn.to/3NMpSyE

HyperGo Wipes for Your Life

Full-Body Rinse-Free Hypoallergenic Biodegradable Bathing Wipes—the ultimate solution for staying refreshed and clean anytime, anywhere. Perfect for post-workout, camping adventures, travel, and your daily life. They're designed to be gentle and safe for all skin types while being environmentally-friendly.

HyperGo Wipes are 12" x 12" unscented wipes that offer you a square foot of cleanliness and comfort. Their unique embossing technique ensures an ultra-soft and durable feel, making every clean-up a breeze.

Subscribe and save and save 10% now and up to 15% on future deliveries.

Learn more about HyperGo Wipes: https://amzn.to/44ePv0z

ThisWorx Car Vacuum

Are you tired of dealing with messy cars, crumbs everywhere, and those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies?

This compact, lightweight, and oh-so-powerful car vacuum is here to save the day. Equipped with a HEPA filter, it's ready to tackle everything from pesky crumbs to those unexpected food spills that happen on-the-go. Say goodbye to messes in your car or truck!

Learn more about ThisWorx Car Vacuum: https://amzn.to/43p55FJ

Connect:

Jen's site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS

Jen's blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

On this Best Of episode, we're bringing back some tips for making a move with a baby, all from experienced military spouses!

Whether you're relocating stateside or embarking on an overseas adventure, moving with a baby as a military family can be quite a challenge. The logistics of travel, the emotional adjustments, and the added responsibilities of caring for a little one can make the process overwhelming.

To help you navigate this exciting yet demanding journey, we've gathered tips from military spouses who've been through it! From flying with a baby to preparing mentally, my hope is that these insights will help you approach your move with confidence and grace.

See this episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMEp103

Sponsors:

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HyperGo Wipes for Your Life

Full-Body Rinse-Free Hypoallergenic Biodegradable Bathing Wipes—the ultimate solution for staying refreshed and clean anytime, anywhere. Perfect for post-workout, camping adventures, travel, and your daily life. They're designed to be gentle and safe for all skin types while being environmentally-friendly.

HyperGo Wipes are 12" x 12" unscented wipes that offer you a square foot of cleanliness and comfort. Their unique embossing technique ensures an ultra-soft and durable feel, making every clean-up a breeze.

Subscribe and save and save 10% now and up to 15% on future deliveries.

Learn more about HyperGo Wipes here---> https://amzn.to/44ePv0z

Mentioned in this episode:

Military Kids' Resources: https://jen-mcdonald.com/resources/military-kids-resources/

Cares Airplane Harness for Kids: https://amzn.to/448LCdE

Connect:

Jen's site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS

Jen's blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

On this "Best of" episode, join me and guest Elaine Brye as we delve into the unique challenges faced by parents with children serving in the military. We explore strategies, resources, and personal stories that provide support and guidance to parents on this extraordinary journey. Discover a community that understands what it's like to have a child in the armed forces.

Elaine Brye, author of the book Be Safe, Love Mom, shares her hard won wisdom and experience with other military families. She's an "Army brat" turned military wife and the mom of four active duty members—one each in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. She's been through more than 15 deployments with her children and understands the pride, worry, and fear that are the life of a military parent.

Elaine talks about what's helped her get through the hard times as a military mom, tips for better communication between in-laws, as well as encouragement and practical ideas for parents whose child is deployed.

Get Elaine's book, Be Safe, Love Mom: https://amzn.to/3CQiKuM

Connect with Elaine: Be Safe Love Mom- The Sisterhood of Military Moms, Facebook

This episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMEp102

Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs

Calling all pet owners! Are you looking for a natural solution to help calm your furry friend? Look no further than Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs. With all-natural and holistic ingredients, their customers rave about the hours of calming relief these delicious soft chews provide for their dogs. Made in the USA and veterinarian approved, you can trust the quality and effectiveness of Well Loved Calming Chews.

If your pet is affected by 4th of July fireworks or summer thunderstorms, prepare now! Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs are the solution you've been searching for. And don't miss out on upcoming Prime Day deals on July 11-12. You can also save with their subscribe and save options on Amazon, or by buying 2 or more of selected items. https://amzn.to/3NMpSyE

Do You Really Know Your Family? A Fun Family Game Filled with Conversation Starters and Challenges - Great for Kids, Teens and Adults!

Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to bond with your family during those long trips or military moves? Look no further than "Do You Really Know Your Family?" The Ultimate Family Card Game! Find it here: https://amzn.to/3CKSlhT

Connect:

Jen's site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS

Jen's blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

Have you moved with pets? There's always something new to learn when it comes to our furry family members. On this Quick Tips episode, I'm sharing a few resources to help make your military move with pets easier.

Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs

Calling all pet owners! Are you looking for a natural solution to help calm your furry friend? Look no further than Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs. With all-natural and holistic ingredients, their customers rave about the hours of calming relief these delicious soft chews provide for their dogs. Made in the USA and veterinarian approved, you can trust the quality and effectiveness of Well Loved Calming Chews.

If your pet is affected by 4th of July fireworks or summer thunderstorms, prepare now! Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs are the solution you've been searching for. And don't miss out on upcoming Prime Day deals on July 11-12. You can also save with their subscribe and save options on Amazon, or by buying 2 or more of selected items.

Order your Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs today. Give your pet the relaxation they deserve with this veterinarian-approved and trusted product. https://amzn.to/3NMpSyE

The "Patriot Express" - see AMC Pet Travel page

International Pet and Travel Association (IPATA)

Dogs on Deployment Rich Setzer Memorial Grant Fund offers financial assistance for certain pet expenses for military members (generally E-6 or below.

Operation Military Pets from the SPCA, now known as "Apollo's Aid" - helping military families stay united with their pets.

Operation We Are Here - an extensive list of pet relocation grants and help for military families.

Operation Roger - volunteer truckers helping transport animals.

Pet Relocation reimbursements from the DOD - see the latest guidance here (Currently is $550 for CONUS move, up to $2K for OCONUS): "

American Humane Society

Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet

PACT for Animals

State Humane Societies (check with your state)

Delta Airlines' guidance for year-round shipment of animals and American Airlines PetEmbark program

Amtrak pet transport

Find even more help with your PCS move with my extensive list of PCS resources. Click on the "moving with pets" tab for more!

Connect:

This episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMmovingwithpets

Jen's site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS

Jen's blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

We've hit the 100 episodes milestone of the Milspouse Matters podcast! I can't thank you enough for the continued support throughout this podcast's journey so far. And don't miss the BIG GIVEAWAY I'm throwing to celebrate, including some gifts provided by my amazing publisher, W. Brand Publishing. Find it on my Instagram and Facebook (links below). Note: this giveaway expires June 25, 2023.

Sponsored ad: Check out Avocado Huggers, an eco-friendly solution for saving your avocados. Avocado Huggers not only keeps your avocados fresh, but they also care about the environment. These adorable, easy-to-use alternatives to plastic wrap for preserving avocados were created by a woman and inventor owned company. Thousands of 5-star reviews, a lifetime warranty, and dishwasher safe! Celebrate National Avocado Day on July 31st by investing in an Avocado Hugger! Get yours here with my affiliate link (this link does not cost you more, but helps to support my podcast and other work): https://amzn.to/3Cu0ZkT

On this episode, I reminisce about my podcast journey and the amazing guests and support we've had over nearly 5 years and 100 episodes, along with the global reach of the Milspouse Matters podcast. During this time, I've also juggled family life, run multiple podcasts, and kept a full-time job from home.

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

• We discuss the challenges and breaks necessary due to COVID-19, family tragedies, and other life events.
• I've received so much amazing help from friends and podcast pros Lana and Tara, and now my daughter Anna who is working on some behind-the-scenes projects.
• I encourage potential podcasters to take the leap, despite the work it takes to keep a podcast running.
• Future plans: Introducing more guests, changing the format, and always focusing on encouraging and supporting military spouses.

As always, I invite your feedback and topic suggestions, and I would be so grateful if you left a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app to help support the show.

I couldn't do this without you, dear listeners, and I am forever grateful for YOU.

And remember….you are brave, you are strong, and you've got this.

Happy 100 episodes!

Connect:

This episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMEp100

Jen's site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources

Jen's blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

After dealing with anxiety and panic attacks as a young adult, things came to a head for Marine Corps spouse Erin after some big military life changes. She was physically ill, having daily panic attacks, and struggling to leave her house when she realized she needed to do something more than what she'd always done: try to cope alone. On this episode, you'll hear from Erin, a.k.a. "The Short Wife," about her journey to finding the help and resources she needed.

Erin says: "I didn't know what was going on with me. I didn't feel like myself…but I wanted to believe it wasn't real. And I didn't know how to ask for help."

Erin has documented her journey on her website and Instagram, talking honestly about anxiety and other mental health issues. She's known for being open, authentic, and warm and also brings humor to tough issues.

She shares some of her favorite mental health resources and books, but most of all wants you to know that, if you're dealing with anxiety too, you're not alone. She says,

"You are not alone in your struggles. There's always someone who can relate to you, and there's a whole community to support you."

Connect with Erin:

• Erin's site, The Short Wife www.theshortwife.com
• Find her on social media as @theshortwife

See this episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MM99anxiety

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Online Therapy Covered by TRICARE:

Telemind https://telemind.com/

Accounts that specialize in anxiety help on Instagram:

@anxiety_wellbeing https://www.instagram.com/anxiety_wellbeing/

@therapywithmaggielpc https://www.instagram.com/therapywithmaggielpc/

@theanxietydoctor https://www.instagram.com/theanxietydoctor/

Find more resources on Erin's Instagram account!

Books

The Upward Spiral by Alex Korb https://amzn.to/3HzAFsn

Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer https://amzn.to/3AN3w8K

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Jen's site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources

Jen's blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

On this Quick Tips episode, we're talking about helping teens navigate a parent's deployment.

So often, deployment resources are geared towards younger children, and while that's of course important, and I've also covered it before on several episodes, today we are focusing on our teenagers.

This info is from part of a talk I gave during the amazing and supportive PILLAR deployment retreat in fall 2022 about helping your teens—and yourself!—through a parent's deployment.

Teens are so amazing, challenging, and wonderful, all at the same time. Helping our teens get through the deployment of a parent is a privilege, but it's a time that we can use all the help we can get. Our military family went through multiple deployments, and one of my claims to fame is getting through a year-long deployment of my husband when all four of my kids were teenagers at the same time. If I can do it, you can do it, too! We'll talk about some practical tips for helping teens navigate this tough time, as well as finding support for YOU.

This episode is sponsored by my new book study guide, You Are Not Alone Book Study Guide and Discussion Questions. Use code STUDY15 for 15% off this guide! Visit Jen's shop here: https://bit.ly/MMPodshop

See this episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMPteensdeployment

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Grab your free PDF download about deployment and teens: https://bit.ly/teensdeployment

Milspouse Matters Episode 24 - Walking with Young Children Through a Parent's Deployment: https://bit.ly/41m9ZmC

Military Kids Resources: https://bit.ly/MMPmilkids

Military OneSource call 800-342-9647 or live chat on their site: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

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Jen's site:

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources

Jen's blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

Wendy Hively shares a behind the scenes look at how she started her successful business, Charliemadison Originals, while also working full-time as a scientist. As a longtime Navy spouse who's now the wife of a retiree, Wendy has a lot of wisdom about work/life balance, how she pivoted when the military took her family to Japan, avoiding burnout, the ways that entrepreneurship can be a great path for military spouses and the lessons she learned, while also being realistic about the hard work it requires. As Wendy reminds us, you don't get a prize for working all the time! I so enjoyed talking with Wendy, and I think you'll be inspired to take a look at your own work/life balance, whether you're an entrepreneur or not.

Connect with Wendy and Charliemadison Originals at https://charliemadisonoriginals.com/ and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/charliemadisonoriginals/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charliemadisonoriginals

See this episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMEpisode97

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This episode is sponsored by my new book study guide, You Are Not Alone Book Study Guide and Discussion Questions. Use code STUDY15 for 15% off this guide! See Jen's shop here: https://bit.ly/MMPodshop

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Jen's site:

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources

Jen's blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

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Your opinion matters! What do you want to hear on the podcast? What do you love? What would you like to see changed? Sound off here with my listener survey: https://bit.ly/MMlistenersurvey

On this Quick Tips episode, I'm answering a question a listener submitted for advice about getting established at a new duty station, even if it's not a place you would have chosen to live or you don't think it's the greatest location.

On Episode 93 I talked about how to cope when you hate your duty station, so be sure to go check out that longer episode!

I'm sharing some of my experience as well as some input from my Christian Military Spouses Facebook group.

Mentioned in this episode:

• When the PCS Dust Settles: How Do You Start Over Again?
• Military Wild: Find Your Community in the Great Outdoors Episode 50
• 3 Things I Need to Feel Settled After Every PCS

See this episode's complete show notes.

This episode is sponsored by my new book study guide, You Are Not Alone Book Study Guide and Discussion Questions. **Use code STUDY15** for 15% off this guide! See Jen's shop here.

• Get Jen's book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse
• Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram
• Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group
• Find the complete Milspouse Matters show archive and listen to every episode!

Your opinion matters! What do you want to hear on the podcast? What do you love? What would you like to see changed? Sound off here with my listener survey: https://bit.ly/MMlistenersurvey