The Spouse Angle

For decades, surviving military spouses haven't been receiving all the money they're owed after their service member dies. But 65,000 surviving spouses will be benefiting from a new law passed to fix the "widow's tax." On this episode, two survivors join Natalie to talk about their heroes and the law's impacts.

As tension continues to mount between the U.S. and Iran, tightened security and rapid deployments have put the military community — and country — on edge. Two experienced military spouses join Natalie to discuss their fears, faith and advice for getting support in uncertain times.

Natalie brings on fellow podcast host Amanda Huffman for a lighthearted Q&A to celebrate The Spouse Angle's 10th episode, answering listener questions about military family life, women in combat, podcasting for a military audience and more. Plus, some tips for supporting your spouse — even when it may be hard to support the mission.

Changes to base access rules on Jan. 1 mean 4.1 million more people can now shop at commissaries and Exchanges on military installations across the country. Who’s allowed? Why the change? And how does this impact active-duty families already shopping on base? A DoD expert answers these questions and more.

Nearly 50% of military spouses and service members depend on the gig economy to supplement their military income. A team of experts explain why, and a husband and wife pair of artists share tips for running a side hustle.

Think the Post-9/11 GI Bill is just for veterans? Some recent changes to the education benefit have everything to do with active-duty families. Natalie brings on a GI Bill expert to explain what's new and why the updates are so controversial.

Three military spouses are on a mission to make the world a better place through 1 million acts of kindness.

Mold. Lead. Rats. These are just a few of the issues some military families have faced while living in base housing. A Navy wife and a former Army spouse join Natalie to share their nightmare experiences, and a housing expert offers a look at proposed legislation that could bring change.

Russian trolls are old news, but just how much they've been plaguing the military community has only recently come to light. On this episode, a conversation with a veteran who's been researching the problem and a military spouse who shares her story of being targeted. Both offer tips for staying safe online.