How can reading help military families stay connected during deployments? 📚

In this episode of the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast, host Hannah O’Brien talks with Penney Samons from United Through Reading about the power of Storytime for military and veteran families. From free books and a secure storytelling app to a mobile recording studio bringing Storytime to installations worldwide, this conversation highlights meaningful ways families can bond—anytime, anywhere.

🎧 Free for all military-connected families

📖 Ages 0–18

🌍 Active duty, veteran, reserve, and all branches welcome

Learn more at unitedthroughreading.org

💙 Help us support military and veteran families—share this episode and subscribe so you never miss an inspiring conversation.

This episode of the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast explores the emotional challenges that can arise during the holidays from grief and loneliness to the pressures of keeping up appearances. Guest Jasmine Lott, an Air Force veteran and mental health nurse, joins host Hannah O’Brien to discuss suicide prevention, coping with loss, and how to support loved ones who may be struggling.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Holidays can be joyful and emotionally heavy — it’s okay to feel both.
• Talking about suicide saves lives; silence increases stigma.
• Support others by simply being present — avoid clichés like “it’ll be okay.”
• Grief looks different for everyone; honor your own process.
• Remember: help is always available through 988, NAMI, the VA, and the Veteran Spouse Network.

💡 Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
• Veteran Spouse Network: veteranspousenetwork.org
• NAMI: nami.org
• AFSP: afsp.org

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, host Hannah O’Brien sits down with long-time Veteran Spouse Network peer leader Tanya Mac to explore the difficult but important topic of domestic violence within military and veteran families. Tanya opens up about her personal journey—how she came to recognize the signs of an unhealthy relationship, the struggle of breaking cycles of abuse, and the profound impact these experiences can have on partners and children.

Tanya reflects on the role of community, creativity, and self-empowerment throughout her healing process, offering insight and encouragement for anyone navigating similar challenges.

Resources Mentioned

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://thehotline.org
• Veteran Spouse Network: https://veteranspousenetwork.org
• Additional local and national resources for domestic violence and mental health support

In this heartfelt conclusion to the It’s a Mother series, host Hannah O’Brien invites listeners into her deeply personal journey through the postpartum experience after welcoming her second child. Hannah shares the raw realities of recovery, sleep deprivation, and navigating the emotional and financial toll of early motherhood. From breastfeeding challenges and body image struggles to balancing career and childcare, she offers an honest reflection on the joys and hardships of raising two young children.

This episode shines a light on the importance of support systems, self-compassion, and community for mothers everywhere, especially those in military and veteran families.

Resources & Call to Action

• Learn more about the Veteran Spouse Network and find resources for military and veteran families.
• Catch up on earlier episodes in the It’s a Mother series for insights into pregnancy and early motherhood.
• If today’s episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and join us next month for more stories and resources designed for military and veteran families.

In this heartfelt continuation of her “It’s a Mother” series, Hannah opens up about the deeply transformative experience of giving birth.

Episode Highlights

• Hannah shares her birth stories with honesty and vulnerability, offering a real look at the fears, challenges, and surprises of labor and delivery.
• A candid discussion of the emotional and physical journey of childbirth—from the anxiety of not being in control, to induction, to making decisions around pain management.
• Reflections on the societal pressure and judgment surrounding birth choices—hospital vs. home, epidural vs. natural—and why it’s essential to do what’s right for you.
• Postpartum realities: the ups and downs of hospital stays, breastfeeding struggles, and the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a new mother.
• Practical advice for expectant moms and their support systems on boundary-setting, self-advocacy, and tuning out outside opinions.

Key Takeaways

• Every birth story is unique—there is no single “right” way to welcome a child into the world.
• Support, compassion, and non-judgment are vital for mothers navigating childbirth and postpartum.
• Hannah’s goal is to remind every listener that no woman should feel alone in her journey.

Next Episode Preview

Part 3 of It’s a Mother will explore the joys and challenges of postpartum life—don’t miss it!

Resources

Learn more about the Veteran Spouse Network and find support for military and veteran families: veteranspousenetwork.org

Thank you for listening and holding space for these important stories.

Welcome back to the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast! In this heartfelt solo episode, host Hannah O’Brien, veteran spouse and program manager for the Veteran Spouse Network, opens up about her deeply personal journey through fertility, pregnancy, and the decision to grow a family while navigating life in a military and veteran household.

🔍 In This Episode:

• Hannah’s return from maternity leave and becoming a mom of two
• The emotional, physical, and societal realities of pregnancy and motherhood
• How military life and her husband’s PTSD impacted their family planning decisions
• Honest reflections on fertility struggles and the emotional toll of trying to conceive
• Navigating morning sickness, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy's emotional ups and downs
• The power of communication, self-advocacy, and having a strong support system
• Unique challenges faced by military and veteran families during pregnancy
• A call to break the silence around fertility, women’s health, and postpartum experiences

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Every path to motherhood is different — and it’s okay to talk about the hard parts
• Military life adds unique layers to family planning decisions
• Support, communication, and self-advocacy are essential
• Listening and showing up for the women in our lives matters

📌 Resources & Links:

• Learn more and access support: VeteranSpouseNetwork.org
• Stay tuned for Part 2, where Hannah dives into her childbirth and postpartum journey

🎧 Thank you for tuning in!

This episode is brought to you by the Veteran Spouse Network, in collaboration with Coming Home Well.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help other veteran and military-connected families feel seen, heard, and supported.

Welcome back to the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast! In this heartfelt solo episode, host Hannah O’Brien, veteran spouse and program manager for the Veteran Spouse Network, opens up about her deeply personal journey through fertility, pregnancy, and the decision to grow a family while navigating life in a military and veteran household.

🔍 In This Episode:

• Hannah’s return from maternity leave and becoming a mom of two
• The emotional, physical, and societal realities of pregnancy and motherhood
• How military life and her husband’s PTSD impacted their family planning decisions
• Honest reflections on fertility struggles and the emotional toll of trying to conceive
• Navigating morning sickness, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy's emotional ups and downs
• The power of communication, self-advocacy, and having a strong support system
• Unique challenges faced by military and veteran families during pregnancy
• A call to break the silence around fertility, women’s health, and postpartum experiences

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Every path to motherhood is different — and it’s okay to talk about the hard parts
• Military life adds unique layers to family planning decisions
• Support, communication, and self-advocacy are essential
• Listening and showing up for the women in our lives matters

📌 Resources & Links:

• Learn more and access support: VeteranSpouseNetwork.org
• Stay tuned for Part 2, where Hannah dives into her childbirth and postpartum journey

🎧 Thank you for tuning in!

This episode is brought to you by the Veteran Spouse Network, in collaboration with Coming Home Well.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help other veteran and military-connected families feel seen, heard, and supported.

Hannah O’Brien sits down with Tanya Galvez and Rose Wilson from Operation Homefront to explore the financial challenges faced by military families. From frequent relocations to unpredictable deployments, military life comes with unique stressors that can quickly lead to financial strain.

Together, they discuss:

• The root causes of financial hardship for military families
• How inflation has deepened existing economic pressures
• The role of open communication about finances within relationships
• Key resources available to military families through Operation Homefront
• The power of community support in overcoming financial obstacles

Whether you’re part of a military family, work with veterans, or simply want to better understand the realities they face, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Operation Homefront
• Financial assistance programs for military families
• Tips for improving financial wellness and communication

#MilitaryFamilies #FinancialHealth #PodcastShowNotes #OperationHomefront #SupportOurTroops #MoneyMatters #MilitarySupport #FamilyWellness

In this episode, host Hannah O'Brien sits down with Mary Beth Goodman, Clinic Director at the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health, to talk about the critical role mental health plays in the lives of military and veteran families.

Together, they dive into why mental wellness matters, not just for service members, but also for their spouses and children. Mary Beth opens up about her personal journey as a veteran spouse and what led her to dedicate her career to supporting military families through accessible, compassionate mental health care.

Tune in to hear:

• Why mental health support is essential for the entire military family unit
• Common challenges faced by military spouses and children
• Signs that it may be time to seek professional support
• How clinics like the Cohen Military Family Clinic are bridging gaps in care
• Mary Beth’s inspiring story of advocacy and service within the military community

Whether you're a military family member, veteran, or mental health advocate, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for navigating the unique emotional challenges of military life.

Resources Mentioned:

• Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health

Hannah O'Brien sits down with Chantel Dooley, Director of Research and Impact at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), to explore the profound experience of grief and loss within the military and veteran community.

Chantel opens up about her personal journey as a surviving fiancé and how that experience informs her work supporting others through the aftermath of military loss. Together, Hannah and Chantel talk about the unique challenges faced by survivors, the essential role of community, and the critical resources TAPS offers to those grieving a loved one who served.

As Memorial Day approaches, they reflect on the deeper meaning behind the holiday and how it can be both a time of remembrance and emotional complexity for many. This episode is a poignant reminder of the strength found in shared stories and the healing power of compassion and connection.

What You’ll Learn:

• The personal impact of military loss and the journey through grief
• How TAPS supports survivors through programs, peer connections, and more
• The emotional landscape of Memorial Day for those grieving
• Insights on resilience, remembrance, and healing

Resources:

• Learn more about TAPS: www.taps.org
• Memorial Day resources and support for survivors

Tune in to find hope, healing, and a deeper understanding of what it means to honor our fallen and support the living.