MWL Podcast

LATEST EPISODE

Military Wife Life- Episode 99

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Racheal Cosgrove who is a Defence Member and the Events Director for DEFGLIS the Defence LGBTI Information Service.

Racheal and I talk about;

• How and why DEFGLIS started
• Who DEFGLIS support and represent
• How DEFGLIS has changed and evolved over the years
• The impact DEFGLIS has had on the lives of LGBTI defence members and their families
• Why it is important to have a group like DEFGLIS
• The safe and secure space DEFGLIS offers for LGBTI members and their families
• Why DEFGLIS are working to stamp out discrimination in the workplace
• Some of the ways DEFGLIS have helped changed Defence policy & practices
• Why it is so important DEFGLIS continue to advocate for policy change
• The annual events DEFGLIS run to help connect the LGBTI defence community
• The success of this years first DEFGLIS Day Out and the hope for it to be an annual event for DEFGLIS families & the wider defence community
• The impact not feeling as though you can come to work as your whole self creates
• Why feeling misunderstood or unsupported at work leads to a 30% reduction in output and how that impacts capability
• How to be an ally for fellow defence families who are part of the LGBTI community
• How those who are part of the LGBTI Defence community can reach out for help and support

If you would like to find out more information about DEFGLIS or pass on the links to someone who might be interested there are a few ways to do so;

Website- https://www.defglis.com.au/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/DEFGLIS

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/defglis/

Military Wife Life- Episode 98

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to new Navy Spouse Jeni about navigating defence life, the first posting and everything in-between.

Jeni and I also talk about;

• Being together 13 years before Defence came into the picture

• How looking for a career change led her Husband to the Navy

• Researching the impact Defence life would have on their family

• How hearing the experiences of other defence families was invaluable

• Why joining the Navy took months of paperwork and interview’s

• How Jeni felt once her Husband was finally accepted & given 1-month notice

• The disconnect Jeni felt when she wasn’t included in the process by Defence

• Having to figure out solo parenting and living without her husband

• Coming to terms with taking on the mental and physical load of the household

• Figuring out her capacity and pulling back where she could to prevent burnout

• Learning about and dealing with Toll and DHA ahead of their first move

• Going from a full-time wage to living on an Officer training wage

• How Jeni plans on securing meaningful employment in their new location

• Going with the flow when it comes to Defence Life and future postings

Military Wife Life- Episode 97

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Executive Officer Leanne Kyle from the Defence Bank Foundation about the life-changing impact the Defence Community Dogs Program is having for the dogs, inmates, veterans and their families.

Leanne and I also talk about;

• The Defence Bank Foundation and why they decided to support the DCD program
• What the DCD program is and how it supports dogs, inmates and Veterans
• Why the program decided to only use rescue dogs and give them a second chance at life
• The benefits inmates at correctional facilities gain from helping train the dogs
• The time, effort and money it takes to train a dog ready for a Veteran
• Why the dogs have just as much impact on the lives of the Veterans family members as they do on the Veterans lives
• How the support of the Defence Bank Foundation has resulted in over 50 dogs being trained and homed with Veterans
• The extensive process to match a dog with a Veteran and their individual needs
• Why so many Veterans leave getting an assistance dog as a last resort
• How Defence Bank is further supporting the program by donating even more
• Why any Veteran living with mental health challenges or PTSD should consider getting an assistance dog

To find out more about the Defence Bank Foundation or the Defence Community Dogs program follow below;

https://www.defencebank.com.au/foundation

http://www.dcdogs.com.au

And to find out more about how you can support the Defence Community Dogs Program through a Defence Bank low rate credit card visit the website here

https://www.defencebank.com.au/creditcard

Military Wife Life- Episode 96

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Veteran Matt and spouse Mel about their whirlwind romance, doing long distance, transitioning out of defence and future plans.

Matt and Mel also talk about;

• Meeting 1 week before Matt was due to post interstate
• Having big conversations and committing to long-distance 1 week in
• Making sacrifices, leaving family and moving to be with Matt 
• How Mel established herself in a new location through social groups
• The reality of future postings and the strain on their relationship
• Thinking about leaving defence and focusing on family
• Mel supporting Matt with his decision to leave defence
• Why Matt started preparing for transition years before it came time
• Finding an opportunity and the quick 3 week turn around to transition
• What actually happens when you decide to discharge
• Navigating the help and support available when transitioning
• Why Matt decided to help others transitioning by starting a podcast
• The importance of hearing others transition stories
• Why every defence member should plan for transition ahead of time
• What the future holds, planning for a family and building a forever home

To find out how to listen or more info about Matt’s podcast Service and Beyond follow along below

https://www.facebook.com/serviceandbeyond

https://www.instagram.com/serviceandbeyondpodcast/

Military Wife Life- Episode 95 

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to RAAF Spouse Meagan about balancing her medical career with defence life, being values driven and changing direction.

Meagan and I also talk about;

• Being high school sweethearts and both going their separate ways
• Reuniting years later while both visiting family
• Deciding to be together while living on opposite sides of the country
• Long distance dating and trying to plan to atleast live in the same state
• The push and pull of Meagan’s medical career and her husband’s defence career
• Starting a family, being a junior Doctor and posting in and out
• Changing and coming to terms with new longterm plans
• Getting clear on her values and what she really wanted for her life
• How a change in direction resulted in Meagan starting her own business
• Why it is important to focus on your values to avoid harboring resentment
• How Meagan is helping Defence Partners through her business The Life Doctor

To find out more about Meagan’s business The Life Doctor or to follow along visit;

https://www.meagankruger.com/

https://www.facebook.com/drmeagankruger

https://www.instagram.com/dr.meagan.kruger/

Military Wife Life- Episode 94   PART 2

In PART 2 of episode 94, I talk to Army spouse Kaz about her husband’s shocking injury that led to his discharge, finding and receiving the right support and moving on.

TRIGGER WARNING- There is some discussion of suicide in this episode. If this episode brings anything up for you please contact FREE ADF mental health service Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or in case of emergency call 000.

Kaz and I also talk about;

• A chance meeting that triggered one of her husband’s worst episodes
• What happened when he went missing and was out of communication
• Fearing the worst and the devastating phone call Kaz received
• How her husband’s diagnosis and treatment settled things down
• Dealing with being on high alert all the time while living normal life
• Not knowing where to turn for help and support
• Her Husband fighting against the help and being retriggered
• Finally coming to an understanding of what triggers her husband
• Getting on the same page and working as a team
• Opening up conversation for others through her book Broken Soldier
• What the future holds for Kaz and her family

Click on the link below if you would like to follow Kaz and Matt’s journey.

https://www.facebook.com/mybrokensoldier

Or to find out more about Kaz’s book (mentioned in this ep) My Broken Soldier- The untold story of life beyond the front line click through to her website

http://www.kazpage.com.au/

Military Wife Life- Episode 93   PART 1

In PART 1 of episode 93, I talk to spouse Kaz about defence life, back to back deployments and her husband’s shocking injury that led to his discharge.

TRIGGER WARNING- There is some discussion of suicide in this episode. If this episode brings anything up for you please contact FREE ADF mental health service Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or in case of emergency call 000.

Kaz and I also talk about;

• Her husband joining reserves to ease them into defence life
• How a few weekends of reserve time turned into so much more
• Back to back deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan
• Her husband’s intent to transfer to full-time Army and join the SAS
• How an accident while on a 10-day training exercise changed everything
• What happened when Kaz received the call to say her husband had been injured
• Why her husband ended up going back out field and what happened when he returned home
• The injuries he sustained and being misdiagnosed for months and months
• Her husband reaching breaking point with his pain and not knowing where to turn
• The long fight to get the help and support her husband needed
• The impact his injury had on him and their family
• Finally receiving a diagnosis and why that caused her husband to spiral
• Her husband wishing he had died on deployment and what Kaz did next
• How Kaz stepped up for her husband to demand the help he needed

Click on the link below if you would like to follow Kaz and Matt’s journey.

https://www.facebook.com/mybrokensoldier

Or to find out more about Kaz’s book (mentioned in this ep) My Broken Soldier- The untold story of life beyond the front line click through to her website

http://www.kazpage.com.au/

Military Wife Life- Episode 92

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Reserve Army spouse Kim about how Reserve life actually works.

Kim and I also talk about;

• Meeting her husband while he was a Navy recruit
• Living in the same posting location back to back
• Having the support and understanding of her military family
• The stress of her husband being medically discharged & finding a civilian job
• Why her husband decided to get back in after being medically discharged
• Going from full-time Navy to Army Reserve
• How Kim juggles having a foot in civvy world and defence world
• The lack of support or understanding for Reserve families
• Struggling with her identity as a defence partner
• The amazing bonds and friendships formed thanks to defence life

Military Wife Life- Episode 91

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Navy spouse Cheree about what it’s like when your husband joins defence a little later in life.

Cheree and I also talk about;

• The first posting experience and her military member deploying within a few months.
• Building a support network and the lifelong friends she made on the first posting.
• The challenges she has faced while searching and securing employment.
• An international posting to Hawaii and the amazing experiences they had.
• The difference in spouse and family support overseas and in Australia.
• The pre-planning that goes into posting and resettling when you have kids with special needs.
• Taking defence life as it comes and making the best of it.
• Reaching out for support even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.
• Why Cheree gets involved in events and catchups in an effort to help others.
• Their next posting and preparing for sea time and separation after back to back shore postings.

Military Wife Life- Episode 90

When the nominations for the MWL Lots of Love boxes land in my inbox it’s hard for me not to get attached to the stories.

Just reading about the connections and the amazing things spouses are doing that are prompting their friends and family to nominate them, is truly a privilege.

This weeks podcast episode is about the stories behind the Lots of Love Box nominations.

I talk to spouse Chantelle, a Lots of Love box recipient. Chantelle details the connection and deep friendship she formed with the spouse who went out of their way to nominate her despite, at the time, facing their own loss and tragedy.

I also talk to Defence Banks Michael O’Reilly about the importance of acknowledging all that spouses do and why Defence Bank wanted to support the Lots of Love Boxes.

And spouse Julia, also a Lots of Love box recipient talks about the fast friendship she formed with the spouse who nominated her and the amazing feeling of knowing someone just “gets it” and has your back through the challenges and celebrations of Defence life.

To find out how to nominate a spouse for a Lots of Love Box click through to the Military Wife Life website here

To find out more about Defence Bank and the great work they’re doing in the Defence community click through to the website here

Military Wife Life- Episode 89

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to RAAF spouse Nicole about why a mindset shift has totally changed the way she experiences defence life. 

Nicole and I also talk about;

• Meeting her now Husband while he was studying at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
• Realising that the member doesn’t just sign up for a job but a lifestyle
• Moving to Newcastle for her husbands first posting and not being formally recognised as a couple
• Trying to find housing, work and friends while not yet being entitled to any support
• Feeling like she didn’t fit and questioning whether the defence lifestyle was for her
• Deciding to go forward with a different mindset to help her see the positives
• Why having regular check-ins on her mental health is so important 
• What it’s like to live on base in Richmond NSW and why it is a tick on her defence bucket list
• Why signing up for spouse related activities, even if they aren’t your thing, can lead to great friendships

Military Wife Life- Episode 88

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to NSW Legacy President Nikki Hollis about how Legacy started, what they’re about and who they support.

Nikki and I also talk about;

• How a dependant of an ADF member or Veteran can access support
• Why a dependant can put their hand up for support at anytime
• What you can access support through Legacy for and the process
• Breaking down the misconception that Legacy is only for older widows
• The help they offer for ADF families experiencing hardship due to the member or veteran having a physical disability or mental illness
• Why Legacy need our support through donations now more than ever
• Their major yearly fundraising efforts- Badge Week and Anzac Day
• How to volunteer as a Legatee and the difference you can make

To find out more information about Legacy and the specific support services they offer click through to the Legacy website here or call 1800 LEGACY.

Military Wife Life- Episode 87

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to spouse Amanda about why she doesn’t allow her Army Husbands job to control her life.

Amanda and I also talk about;

• Not really knowing, in the beginning, what it meant to be an Army spouse
• Why she was hesitant to even acknowledge she was a spouse 
• Moving in together and experiencing a deployment 6 months into the relationship
• A horrible experience with another Army wife and how it impacted her forming a support network
• Being MWDU for the majority of their relationship and why it works for their family
• 3 kids and 6 deployments and how she juggles being solo, working and family life alone
• Why going back to work fulltime after her 3rd baby just wasn’t going to work
• The physical toll juggling it all had on her and the positive changes she made 
• Starting her own online business to allow her to slow down while continuing her career

Military Wife Life- Episode 86

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to RAAF spouse Katie about being posted to Tindal, the location at the bottom of her preference sheet. 

Katie and I also talk about;

• Having no knowledge of defence life and going into the relationship blind
• Moving out of home in NSW to relocating to WA on her first posting with her military member
• Finding her feet in WA and why it is where Katie and her Husband would love to end up
• Why Katie embraces being able to move around the country and live in different locations
• Getting the news they would be posting to Tindal and why Katie cried
• Deciding to make the most out of their remote posting to Tindal despite all they had heard
• Why the Tindal defence community and all it has to offer has been a highlight of the posting
• Living in the married patch and the advantages of having other defence families so close
• How embracing her love of writing led Katie to self publish a book and has given her a new focus
• Why Katie wants to highlight the positives of a posting to Tindal so others don’t fear it like she did

If you would like to follow Katie’s blog click here or to purchase her book Ember the Dragon click here

Military Wife Life- Episode 85

Today’s podcast episode is on a topic that isn’t often spoken about, Miscarriage.

1 in 4 women will experience a miscarriage. The vast majority of miscarriages will happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, often at a time when the exciting and happy news has only been shared with a few friends and family members if any.

It can be a lonely time. There is often no answers as to why you experience a miscarriage or anything you can do to prevent one.

Today seven brave spouses are sharing their journey to becoming pregnant, the extra complexities defence life adds to starting or expanding a family, their heartbreaking miscarriage experiences and coping with the isolation and grief that follows.

Experiencing the loss of a baby brings with it an indescribable ache that is always there. With time, you might learn to live with that ache but it never goes away. You never get over the baby you so very much wanted and imagined and planned a future for.

Morgan, Toni, Rose, Emily, Jess, Brooke and Sam all hope that this podcast episode will allow others who have also experienced a miscarriage to feel that little bit less alone or that it may help someone who experience’s a miscarriage in years to come, to understand that there are others out there who walk beside you in your grief.

These are their stories.

TRIGGER WARNING- Today’s episode contains discussion of miscarriage. If anything comes up for you and you would like to access support you can call SANDS on 1300 072 637 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046 24 hours/7 days a week.

Some other useful support services are linked below;

https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/

https://www.pregnancylossaustralia.org.au/

https://rednosegriefandloss.org.au/support/section/C378

Military Wife Life- Episode 84

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Belinda Wilson, CEO of Veteran and Family financial support organisation Bravery Trust. 

Belinda and I talk about;

• The support Bravery Trust offer Veterans who have a physical injury or mental illness as a result of their service
• Why Bravery Trust offers financial support to Veterans and their families during and after their service
• When a Veteran or Spouse should put their hand up for financial assistance
• Why financial problems often hinder a Veterans recovery from a physical or mental illness
• The immediate support Bravery Trust offers and why long term financial education is key
• Types of financial support they offer, from helping get your car back on the road to putting food on the table
• Why seeking support before reaching crisis point is encouraged by Bravery Trust
• The investment Bravery Trust has made in a pilot financial counselling program
• Why Bravery Trust hope their financial counselling program will continue  
• The importance of providing a collaborative approach with key Veteran organisations
• How ADF families access support and the simple process of receiving financial help

To access financial support through Bravery Trust you can call 1800 272 837 or visit their website https://www.braverytrust.org.au/

Military Wife Life- Episode 83

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Army couple Julia and Jai about why good communication is key.

We also talk about;

• what happened when they met each other just 10 days before Jai was due to deploy
• some of the things a defence member thinks about before getting into a relationship
• how they used email to build a strong foundation before Jai returned from deployment 
• an unexpected injury for Jai, the 9 month rehab and why there was a silver lining
• another deployment, planning a wedding, and returning to a new house
• good communication and how it made Jai’s transition back home easier
• MWDU, COVID and the significant impact border closures have had on their lives 
• accepting the COVID situation and trying to stay flexible with plans
• focusing on long term goals to stay connected and moving forward

Military Wife Life- Episode 82

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to spouse Kim about being adaptable and being ok with “going with the flow.”

Kim and I also talk about;

• what happens when defence suddenly becomes part of your plan
• a not-so-great first move and why Kim didn’t let it set the tone for spouse life
• her husband deploying a month into their first posting
• how Kim used that first deployment to establish a friend network
• navigating finding work as a spouse in an area where jobs are scarce
• how their family cope with sea postings every 2 years
• communicating your needs with the military member when they’re home
• being able to hand some of the mental load over to her husband when he is home
• connecting with the defence community and the importance of spouse support
• taking the time to acknowledge your feelings when plans change and moving forward

Military Wife Life- Episode 81

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to spouse Ash about buying a business and the isolation of working from home.

Ash and I also talk about;

• why having a friendship before dating her now-husband created a great foundation
• how working on base gave Ash an understanding of how military works
• going from working on base with her husband to being a stay at home mum and business owner
• why Ash decided to buy a business and the huge changes working for yourself brings
• their next posting and looking forward to having family and friend support
• being a defence spouse with a physical disability, finding suitable housing and doctors in location

To check out and support Ash’s business, pop over to her website Defence Gifts

Military Wife Life- Episode 80

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to spouse Bianca about infertility and defence life.

Bianca and I also talk about;

• coping with all that comes with IVF when your Husband is away
• why it took multiple rounds of IVF, surgeries and 3 doctors to try something out of the box
• the conversation with a long lost friend that would be the reason she would finally fall pregnant
• how she kept faith for 12 years before eventually becoming a Mum
• why she feels being a defence kid herself will give her a deeper understanding of her daughter’s experience
• the positives and negatives of being a defence kid and what she plans on doing differently

Military Wife Life- Episode 79

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to spouse Sarah about being a blended family and the military lifestyle.

Sarah and I also talk about;

• the injuries that have kept her Husband home for the majority of their relationship
• why having support from her husband’s rehab unit made all the difference
• waiting on their next posting and what it means for their blended family
• why choosing to live separated may be their only and best option in the future
• the positive impact Open Arms has had on their relationship and their family
• why support from the spouse community has been invaluable for Sarah
• the unknown and looking at her Husband discharging to keep their family together

Military Wife Life- Episode 78

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Army spouse Mel about a service dog called Maxx and how he saved her husband.

Mel and I also talk about;

• What it’s like when your Husband deploys every two years
• Her Husband’s decision to be proactive in seeking mental health support
• Why a service dog was the right fit for her Husband and their family
• The Defence Community Dog program and the support the Defence Bank Foundation gives the program
• The impact Maxx has had on her Husband’s everyday life and their family life
• The type of support Maxx provides and why Mel being the third wheel is a good thing

Maxx was matched with Damien through the Defence Community Dog Program, a program that is funded by the Defence Bank Foundation

The DCD program provides highly trained service dogs to serving and ex-serving ADF members who need support to deal with injuries and illnesses including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

Every dog in the program is rescued from a pound or shelter and trained at the Bathurst Correctional Centre with the assistance of professional dog trainers and inmates at the centre.

Military Wife Life- Episode 77

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Air Force spouse Renee about what it’s like when your Husband is a Military Police Officer, her struggles when it comes to finding employment and why following your passion is so important.

Renee and I also talk about;

• How she and her husband met, by chance, at a swing dance class
• Why her husband wanting to apply for the Air Force was a joint decision
• The stability defence offered their family at a time of uncertainty
• Why her husband joined as a reservist and then went full time and why she wouldn’t recommend that path
• What is required, day to day, of a Military Police Officer, time away and deployments
• Posting around the country and reinventing herself a little at each new location
• Her passion for swing dance and writing and how they have both helped her at various points

To find out how you can purchase one of Renee’s books click here for details.

Military Wife Life- Episode 76

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to National Music Director of the Australian Military Wives Choir Cath Parsons about her journey as a spouse and where the idea for the AMWChoir came from.

Cath and I also talk about;

• How the Choir went from being a handful of people in Canberra to 12 locations around Australia
• Why the Choir is about what we do as spouses rather than what our military partners do at work
• How the Choir creates a safe space for spouses and why all singing abilities are welcome
• Why the Choir isn’t about rank or service and the main focus is about connection and social inclusion
• How COVID restrictions resulted in zoom rehearsals and even greater access for those wanting to join
• Where to get involved and the types of songs they sing *hint, hint the Choir is far from boring when it comes to song choice, think Tay Tay and Bruno Mars).

To find out how you can join your local AMWChoir or to find out more about the AMWChoir click through to the website for details https://www.amwchoir.com/

Military Wife Life- Episode 75

In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Zoe about the first few years of being an Army spouse and the ups and downs of spending 8 out of the last 12 months apart from her military husband.

Zoe and I also talk about;

• Why keeping busy was key while her Husband was away doing his initial training
• Her first posting experience only a few hours from home
• Being flexible with her work options & open to posting around Australia
• Finding out about support & DCO years into her spouse journey
• A deployment, bushfire assist & COVID tasking all in 12 months
• The toll frequent separations have had on her, her husband and their son
• Why the unpredictable nature of defence life has meant she has been unable to return to work
• Her husbands transition home after being gone 8 out of 12 months
• The struggle of living together again and her surprise at how hard that can be
• Her positive outlook on posting, work-life and future separations

Military Wife Life- Episode 74

This week’s podcast episode is all about money! Some useful tips on how to spend it, save it and invest it.

Defence Bank‘s Stuart Payne, Celia Cannavan and Emma Dalglish talk us through;

• Budgeting and how to work out our money goals
• How to make use of free helpful resources like https://moneysmart.gov.au/
• How to come up with an achievable savings plan
• Credit Cards and why you should pay more than the minimum
• Credit scores explained and how using facilities like afterpay can impact it
• Simple steps you can take to help your credit score
• Investing and how to work out which type is right for you
• Your super and the ways you can boost it even when self-employed or unemployed

PLEASE NOTE: Any information and advice offered in this episode is not intended to replace more in-depth consultation with your chosen bank or financial advisor but it is to set you on the path to researching more about budgeting, money goals, credit cards and credit scores, investing and super contributions. You and your military member need to consider all options and do what’s right for you and your family.

Military Wife Life- Episode 73

This week on the podcast, I talk to spouse Lauren about what it’s like to go from being a full time defence family to a reserves family and then back to full time defence.

Lauren and I also talk about;

• What changes when you’re no longer full time defence
• How it works when your partner is now a reservist
• The freedom and opportunities reserve time brings for the whole family
• Why they decided to go back to being a full time defence family
• How COVID played into their decision
• Why Lauren decided against going MWDU
• What that now means for the future plans they had made
• Why making the decision to post interstate was the hardest one yet

Military Wife Life- Episode 72

This week’s podcast episode is all about the Kookaburra Kids Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation supporting children aged 8-18 years, living in families affected by mental illness.

I talk to Community Engagement Manager, Sarah Hartley about;

• Why they introduced a program just for defence kids
• What the Kookaburra Kids Defence Kids Program is all about
• Why age-appropriate prevention and early intervention mental health services are important
• Why support for kids living in families affected by mental illness makes a difference
• How Kookaburra Kids make use of a peer-based social and activity-based format to help kids
• Why you DON’T need a formal mental health diagnosis to access support for your kids
• What other programs Kookaburra Kids offers and the online option defence kids can access

To find out more info about the Kookaburra Kids Foundation or to access their programs visit their website www.kookaburrakids.org.au

Military Wife Life- Episode 71

This week on the podcast, I talk to Morgan about the ups and downs of her first few years as a Military spouse.

Morgan and I talk about;

• The 18 month wait for her partner to leave for initial training
• The transition from civilian couple to a military couple
• Her partner leaving for Cerberus and having no contact
• Morgan’s last-minute decision to move with her partner while he completed IET’s
• Not being able to find work and the impact that had on their relationship
• Their first posting to Sydney and first deployment experience
• What happened when Morgan found out she was pregnant just weeks into the deployment
• Making plans to move back to be with family while she was pregnant
• Experiencing a miscarriage with no close friends or family in location
• How her miscarriage created a fast friendship with another spouse
• The support Morgan received from her partner’s ship, chaplain and defence
• Her partner’s emergency trip home to support her through the miscarriage
• Posting back to their home state and how friendships changed
• What now and what Morgan has learnt along the way

TRIGGER WARNING- This podcast episode talks about miscarriage. If this episode brings anything up for you or you feel you need to reach out for support please call the FREE counselling service OPEN ARMS. This service is available to spouses, ADF members and Veterans 24/7 on 1800 011 046.

Military Wife Life- Episode 70

This week’s podcast episode is all about Open Arms, a FREE counselling service available to spouses, current ADF members, veterans and their families.

I talk to National Manager of Open Arms, Dr Stephanie Hodson about;

• Who can access support and services through Open Arms
• Why the service changed its name from VVCS to Open Arms
• What type of support you can access in-person and over the phone
• When you should reach out for support & some signs to look out for 
• How to access Open Arms support and services and the process
• Why accessing Open Arms, before you reach breaking point, is encouraged
• The resources and programs available to the military community via Open Arms

Open Arms is a 24-hour, 7 day a week service. For further information or to access support and services, you can call 1800 011 046.

Please note: Anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, their spouses and families can access support via Open Arms. Even if you are new to military life and haven’t completed your paperwork (to be recognised as a couple) you can still reach out for support and Open Arms will talk you through whatever you are struggling with and also, if needed, refer you onto other services.

Military Wife Life- Episode 69

This week on the podcast I talk to British spouse Cheryl about her Australian posting experience.

• Her military member being sent to Iraq in the first year of their relationship
• Some of the differences between the British and Australian military
• Why a lot of military families choose MWDU in the UK
• What it was like to move to Australia and find her feet in Oz
• How COVID and living in Victoria during lockdown has impacted their Australian Posting experience
• Her positive review of living on base at Puckapunyal
• The uncertainty surrounding when they will be allowed to post out
• Why Cheryl isn’t rushing to return home and is happy to stay in Australia longer

Military Wife Life- Episode 68

After realising studies about Australian defence kids were rare, this week’s podcast guest, Dr Marg Rogers from the University of New England, decided to change that.

Dr Rogers focused her PhD studies on giving 2-5 year old defence kids a voice by centring her research around deployment, separation, how kids in the 2-5 year old age bracket are affected and how they can be best supported.

• Collecting the data from the defence kids using the mosaic approach which allowed them to engage in art-based activities and prompt talk about what was going on at home.
• Why her research looked at the problem’s families had rather than the ways families coped and got support.
• How her research led her to discover there are very few Australian resources to help 2-5 year old’s from defence families.
• Why focusing research on the 2-5 year old age bracket will lead to better outcomes for those kids in the future
• Her surprise at finding out that there are no known early childhood programs for educators and parents of defence kids.
• Her key research findings and her hope that her recommendations will have a real impact on improving the experience of 2-5 year old defence kids
• How she is using those findings to build resources and programs to help defence kids & families and how you can access those for FREE
• Future plans and how you and your child can get involved in Dr Rogers research and help shape future help and support

To access Dr Rogers research findings, free resources and programs visit the Early Childhood Defence Programs page here https://ecdefenceprograms.com/

Military Wife Life- Episode 67

This week on the podcast I talk to RAAF spouse Jess about her first posting experience and coming to terms with being a defence spouse.

Jess and I also talk about;

• How she went from having no connection to defence to being engaged, married with two kids and on a first posting in under 4 years
• Being naive to the reality of what being a defence spouse would mean because of the “love bubble” effect
• Still trying to come to terms with the idea of being a defence family even after moving to their first posting location
• Feeling like they aren’t a real defence family because they haven’t experienced separation or deployment yet
• COVID and the impact it has had on making connections and finding supports in her new location
• Coming to terms with accessing help and accepting that she is entitled to support no matter what her situation
• Acknowledging her feelings are valid even if it seems like someone else has it harder than her
• Excitement at being able to get out into the community and make friends and supports when COVID restrictions ease

Military Wife Life- Episode 66

This week on the podcast I talk to current Patron of the Defence Community Organisation Belinda Johnston about the ups and downs of being a spouse and her role as DCO Patron.

Belinda and I also talk about;

• How she juggles career, family and separation alongside her husband David’s role as Vice Chief of the Defence Force
• What being Patron of the Defence Community Organisation involves and why she looks forward to connecting with more spouses and families
• Acknowledging the various types of ADF families and why they should access supports and services via DCO
• The balance of being a spouse and also adapting to now being the parent of an ADF member
• Taking on different roles at different times and seeing the good in each posting location
• The importance of making connections and getting out into the community

Military Wife Life- Episode 65

This week on the podcast I talk to Army spouse Kelly about her Husband’s PTSD and the impact it has had on their relationship.

Military Wife Life- Episode 64

So you’ve decided that now is the right time to look at buying a house….yay, go you!

But if you’re like me, you have so many questions (so many) and a military member who isn’t really down for providing ALL of the answers!

Sometime’s you just need it explained in plain old non-military speak which is why Defence Bank’s Kym Bowles and I talk you through all of the potential grants and ADF schemes you (aka your military member) may be able to apply for when it comes to buying a house.

Military Wife Life- Episode 63

This week I talk to new spouse Jade about the transition from civilian couple to a Defence couple at a young age.

Military Wife Life- Episode 62

Today’s podcast guest is someone who has undoubtedly had an impact on all of our lives. Spouses and Defence members. Past and present.

She isn’t a spouse. She, at the time, had no prior connection to Defence but what she would go on to do in the Defence space, back in the 1980’s, would result in so many of the services and conditions provided for all of us today.

Her name is Sue Hamilton and she is the author of what would go on to be known as the Hamilton Report. A report that was the first of its kind. A report that identified all of the issues that service in the Australian Defence Force creates for the spouses and families of its members.

There was nothing like it before and dare I say there has been nothing like it since.

In this episode I talk to Sue about;

* Her journey around the country to talk to spouses

* The key issues that were identified back then and still (to a certain extent) exist today

* How a number of serendipitous events and key people resulted in her report recommendations being implemented

* Why she is still so passionate about advocating for Defence families

* How Defence can and should adapt to meet the needs of the 2020 spouse and defence family

* Why the Government’s announcement of an increase in the ADF’s capability should signal a shift in the way and type of support offered to spouses and families

Military Wife Life- Episode 61

This week I talk with Jasmine Cooper Sutton, Director of charity Prince’s Trust Australia.

Military Wife Life- Episode 60

This week I talk with RAAF spouse Annabel about what it’s like to do an overseas posting to the UK and experiencing lock down while being so far from home.

Military Wife Life- Episode 59

This week on the Podcast I talk to General Manager of the Defence Special Needs Support Group Kim Collins.

Military Wife Life- Episode 58

Military Wife Life- Episode 57

Military Wife Life- Episode 56

Military Wife Life- Episode 55

Military Wife Life- Episode 54

Military Wife Life- Episode 53

Partner employment, if it was a relationship on socials it would be listed as “its complicated.”

It’s an area that almost all ADF partners will face challenges in at one point or another whether it be because of relocation, unconscious employer bias, the extra responsibilities we take on that may restrict us and our capacity and the list goes on.

The last ADF families survey showed 14% of partners are unemployed (double the unemployment average), 12% are underemployed and 81% say they have made employment sacrifices because of their partner’s ADF career and those stats were collected in 2017 pre COVID.

But behind the scenes there are people working to break down employment barriers for partners. People like the team at Defence Families Australia who advocate for more initiatives to assist partners to gain and maintain meaningful employment and are working to educate Australian businesses on what they can do to recruit, hire and retain partners as valuable employees.

People like national employer Defence Bank who, in 2019 received the PM’S Excellence in Supporting Spouse Employment award and have also made it their mission to go above and beyond not just ticking the boxes of being a partner friendly employer but providing partners with next level career support, benefits and workplace policy.

And people like Career Practitioner, Churchill fellow and Partner Amanda McCue who is leading the way in this space with her research into partner employment overseas in the hope of improving employment outcomes for Australian partners.

Military Wife Life- Episode 52 (Part 2)

This week on the Podcast Part 2 of Sarah’s story.

Last week, in Part 1 of episode 52, Sarah talked about how her last minute decision to join her Husband in a regional location ended up resulting in a diagnosis for her son and uncovering his “mysterious” medical condition. Sarah walked us through the process of becoming recognised as a family with special needs and what happens when they post. We also talked about Sarah’s determination to continue her teaching career in various locations across the country despite the many curve balls her family have been thrown.

This week Sarah will talk us through her husband’s sudden breakdown and admission to hospital, how she supported him throughout that time and his PTSD diagnosis. We talk about what happens when you’re suddenly looking at discharge from Defence. How she is able to see the silver lining no matter what situation her family is in and what she’s looking forward to when they post back to their forever home and support network in Queensland.

Today’s episode contains discussion of PTSD and Mental Health. If anything comes up for you and you would like to access support there are various options available;

Counselling- Call Open Arms day or night (7 days) on 1800 011 046

The Defence Family Helpline day or night (7 days) on 1800 624 608

Chaplains, All services- To contact a Chaplain please call the Defence Service Centre on 1800 333 362 and ask for the Duty Chaplain in your area.

Military Wife Life- Episode 52 (Part 1)

This week on the Podcast I talk to spouse Sarah about how her last minute decision to join her Husband in a regional location ended up resulting in a diagnosis for her son and uncovering his “mysterious” medical condition. Sarah walks us through the process of becoming recognised as a family with special needs and what happens when you post. We also talk about Sarah’s determination to continue her teaching career in various locations across the country despite the many curve balls her family have been thrown.

Next week, Part 2 of this episode- Sarah will talk us through her husbands admission to hospital and how she supported him throughout that time. His PTSD diagnosis. What happens when you’re suddenly looking at discharge from Defence. How she is able to see the silver lining no matter what situation her family is in and what she’s looking forward to when they post back to their home and support network in Queensland.

Military Wife Life- Episode 51

In this weeks episode, as part of Domestic Violence Prevention month, I talk to Domestic Violence Case Manager and Military spouse Jess about the cycle of violence DV victims experience and how military life sometimes adds to the isolation they go through. We also talk about how a spouse can safely leave a DV relationship, what supports they can access and why DV victims can’t “just leave” an abusive relationship.

I also talk with former spouse Sarah who has recently left a 15 year abusive relationship. Sarah walks us through her DV experience. She talks about the red flags she didn’t recognise, how alone she sometimes felt, how and why she finally left, the support she accessed and her life now.

Please note: Sarah’s name and voice have been changed to protect her families identity.

*TRIGGER WARNING*
Todays episode contains discussion of domestic violence. If anything comes up for you and you would like to access support there are various options available to Australian Military Spouses.

Sexual assault, domestic/family violence and abuse support- Call 1800 RESPECT day or night (7 days)

Counselling- Call Open Arms day or night (7 days) on 1800 011 046

To access emergency accommodation via SAFE (Special Accommodation for Emergencies scheme)- Call the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608

– Defence Families of Australia can also offer support. To find your area’s DFA rep visit www.dfa.org.au or you can access a useful information here https://dfa.org.au/2018/12/22/domestic-violence/

Chaplains, All services- To contact a Chaplain please call the Defence Service Centre on 1800 333 362 and ask for the Duty Chaplain in your area.

Mensline– A telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns Call 1300 78 99 78.

Military Wife Life- Episode 50

Welcome to something a little different!

Today’s episode is made up of some of the best moments from past episodes in celebration of the podcasts 50th episode. This week we also hit 20k downloads and this month marks ONE year since the MWL podcast started.

So, so, so much to celebrate but what those milestones actually mean is that for one year the MWL community has been supporting me and has been supporting you. That we have all listened to 50 episodes of spouses telling their stories and allowing them to be seen and heard. That for over 50 episodes we have shared in the ups and downs of military life, felt that little bit less alone, listened to the advice and wisdom of other spouses and most importantly connected.

So get comfy and enjoy listening to episode 50 of the podcast!

Military Wife Life- Episode 49

This week on the Podcast I talk to spouse Clare about the red tape and cost that comes with posting to different states when you’re a Lawyer. Clare also talks about how she manages a chronic illness and the importance of having a support network and interests outside of defence and her career.

Military Wife Life- Episode 48

This week on the Podcast I talk to Lisa about what it’s like to be a spouse with 30 years of Military life under your belt. Lisa talks about how she is navigating having to post away from her adult children, the transition back to spending time with her Husband and being a couple again and how she found it going back to work without a defined career path and now that she is older.

Military Wife Life- Episode 47

This week on the Podcast I talk to spouse Courtney about first postings, moving and managing chronic illness. We also talk about how she navigates knowing her Military member will be at sea a lot and her decision to move to be closer to family and friend supports while her Husband is deployed.

Military Wife Life- Episode 46

This week on the Podcast I talk to spouse Suze about how she moved past a bad first deployment and decided to learn the skills and coping mechanisms needed to not just survive but thrive future separations and deployments. Suze talks about how some bad advice from others to not tell her partner that she wasn’t OK, affected her mental health. We also talk about finding employment, accessing Open Arms and everything inbetween.

Military Wife Life- PART 3 Current Info & Support for ADF families during COVID19

This week’s podcast episode is the third in a series dedicated to bringing you current information relevant to you, as a spouse and as part of an ADF family, during COVID19. 

Military Wife Life- PART 2 Current Info & Support for ADF families during COVID19

This week’s podcast episode is the second in a series dedicated to bringing you current information relevant to you, as a spouse and as part of an ADF family, during COVID19. 

Military Wife Life- PART 1 Current Info & Support for ADF families during COVID19

This weeks podcast episode is the first in a series dedicated to bringing you current information relevant to you, as a spouse and as part of an ADF family, during COVID19. 

https://www.defencebank.com.au/financialhardship

Military Wife Life- Episode 45

This week on the Podcast I talk to Clinical Psychologist Dr Jodie Lowinger about how we can thrive as Military spouses. Whether we are just entering the role of a spouse or have been doing it for years and years, Jodie talks about how being kind to ourselves, understanding that our best is good enough and focusing on the certainty within the uncertainty can help us cope with the ups and downs of spouse life. We also talk about getting on the same page as the military member, helping them understand the challenges (we as spouses face) and working through problems and resentment to live the life we want.

PLEASE NOTE: This episode was recorded before the COVID 19 crisis but a lot of the advice and information can also be applied to what us, as spouses, may be going through and feeling at the moment.

If you would like to connect with Dr Lowinger you can do so via her website www.sydneyanxietyclinic.com/

Military Wife Life- Episode 44

This week on the Podcast I talk to Army spouse Bec about a service dog called Gus and how he saved her husband, her marriage and her family. Gus was matched to her Husband through the Defence Community Dog Program, a program that is funded by the Defence Bank Foundation.

The DCD program provides highly trained service dogs to serving and ex-serving ADF members who need support to deal with injuries and illnesses including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Every dog in the program is rescued from a pound or shelter and trained at the Bathurst Correctional Centre with the assistance of professional dog trainers and inmates at the centre.

Military Wife Life- Episode 43

This week on the Podcast I talk to spouse Hannah about her first posting, the isolation you can feel even though you might be living in a City, accessing couples counselling through Open Arms and the plan for her Husband to possibly transition out of Defence.

Military Wife Life- Episode 42

This week on the Podcast I talk to Claire, a Navy partner who is using her personal and business experience to make a difference for all of us. Claire has a passion for supporting woman achieve their goals through coworking spaces (her coworking program is currently underway in Canberra). Think a space and place you can go to and work alongside other’s with onsite childcare. For many of us spouses who have recently posted, work or study from home and are without childcare or even just those of us who want to be able to interact with other adults (it gets pretty lonely at home or working solo) coworking spaces are a no brainer.

You can find out more about what Claire is doing via CoworkCoplay.space or CoworkCoplay on Facebook.

Military Wife Life- Episode 41

This week on the Podcast I talk to Army spouse Bec about what it’s like to post in and out of the same few locations while juggling mum and work life, separation and deployments. Bec also talks about the day she was told her Husband, who was just a few weeks into a deployment overseas, had been diagnosed with Cancer and the years that followed that diagnosis. But the one constant Bec talks about is that the Military community went above and beyond rallying around her and her family and that she will forever be grateful for the love and support their family was shown.

Military Wife Life- Episode 40

This week on the Podcast I talk to Shayne Vining, Deputy Director of National Operations at the Defence Community Organisation to get the low down on what DCO do and when and why we should access information and support from them. We touch on the broad range of programs and services focusing on the 24 hour Defence Family Hotline, the SMART programs, PEAP (Partner employment assistance program) and the Welcome Days, Coffee meetups and Walk and Talk mornings.

To find out more information about DCO and what they offer visit www.defence.gov.au/dco or to make use of the 24 hour Defence Family Hotline call 1800 624 608. Families don’t have to wait until they are facing difficulties to contact the helpline. The helpline can provide information and advice 24-7, everyday of the year.

Military Wife Life- Episode 39

This week on the Podcast I talk to spouse Anastasia about how she brushed off a bad first deployment. Anastasia talks about how she started to resent her military person and felt she didn’t cope with the 6 month separation very well. She became depressed and really felt like she was in a holding pattern while her partner was away. But Anastasia was determined to go into a second 6 month deployment prepared and with a positive mindset and she says it made all the difference.

Military Wife Life- Episode 38

This week on the Podcast I talk to Jess about the pros and cons of working for yourself when you’re a Military spouse. Setting up your own business is often an appealing option to a lot of us due to the nature of the Defence lifestyle and needing to be able to take your work with you from state to state. Jess lets us in on just what goes into moving your family and your business across country.

To learn more about Jess’s business look her up on Instagram @jaylee_photography or visit her website www.jaylee-photography.com.au

Military Wife Life- Episode 37

This week on the Podcast I talk to Kat John, speaker, coach and someone who’s mission is to help us master our minds so our souls can come back to life! This episode is about us focusing on sparking that connection with what WE really want out of life. We talk about how we can follow through with the vision for our life despite the brick walls we come up against and the lack of control we might feel we have because of the Military lifestyle. We also talk about what it means to shift the plan to align with Military life while holding the vision and not giving up on YOU and what you want for YOUR life.

To learn more about what Kat John does look her up on Instagram @kat.john or visit her website www.katjohn.com.au

Military Wife Life- Episode 36

This week on the Podcast I talk to Shari about what it’s like to be the spouse of a Submariner. We talk no communication for months on end, the tight knit community that Shari calls the Navy within the Navy and how that community and Defence rallied around their family when their 16 year old son was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Military Wife Life- Episode 35

This week on the Podcast I talk to Madeline about juggling being an Army spouse alongside being a young Uni student who lives at home with her parents. Madeline and her boyfriend live in the same town and have been together for over 4 years. They have been through separations and a deployment but she says she feels like she hasn’t found her spouse tribe yet and doesn’t really fit into a box when it comes to support. Madeline also talks about the worry she feels about finishing her double degree and posting with her partner (for the first time) soon after, with no experience or contacts in a field she has studied hard in and will be ready and excited to get started working in, but may not be able to due to the location they get posted.

Military Wife Life- Episode 34

The Military Wife Life Podcast returns for 2020 with Clinical Psychologist Dr Jodie Lowinger who is talking us through coping with traumatic events and natural disasters, like the Australian bush fires. We talk about how significant unfolding events like these can have an impact on our mental health and well being, even if we haven’t been directly affected but have just watched on, or our Military member has been recalled and deployed to those affected areas or maybe we have a family member who is a volunteer firefighter or first responder. This episode is for anyone who is feeling the weight of this devastating time and wants to learn a little more about how to work through their own emotions or the emotions of their kids, affected loved ones or those who are on the front line in the response to these events. Your feelings are valid. Let’s work through them together.

If you would like to connect with Dr Lowinger you can do so via her website www.sydneyanxietyclinic.com/

Military Wife Life- Episode 33

This week on the Podcast I talk to Navy spouse Sal about how living apart from her Husband (MWDU) for, so far, 8 years and two kids has become the norm for their family and actually really suits them. Sal talks about how staying in location was important for her in order to pursue her career goals, stay close to family support and is all about their families long term goals. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing but Sal and her Husband are committed to making it work for as long as it works and reassessing the situation if and when that time comes.

Military Wife Life- Episode 32

This week on the Podcast I talk to Army spouse Steph about making the hard and emotional decision to move away from her seriously sick Mum in New South Wales and join her Fiance on his first posting all the way over in the Northern Territory.

Steph talks about finding her spouse tribe in her new location and the support they have shown her despite not knowing each other very long.

Steph also talks about an issue that isn’t often highlighted and that is the struggle to get back to visit family, especially her sick Mum, when you have only been in a job a short time and haven’t built up enough leave. The struggle is real for so many of us, being so far from family and friends and not having the leave or the finances to be able to get back home as much as we need or would like to.

Military Wife Life- Episode 31 Part 2

On Part 2 of episode 31 of the podcast, Tara and I talk about just in case items and how they hold us down. When excess and clutter prevent us from living the way we want to live. Setting aside time to declutter and organise and starting small in order to avoid overwhelm. Taking time to find or create homes for our belongings when we post into a new location and how that can allow us, mentally, to feel more settled. How deciding to let go of stuff is just the first step in the process and how having a plan and committing to the whole process is key. Tara has offered MWL podcast listeners an awesome discount off any of her decluttering plans but you will have to listen to this episode for the details.

If you would like to find out more about Tara’s virtual decluttering plans and Life Coaching you can get in contact via www.basklifecoaching.com.au or you can listen in to Tara’s podcast called Be Uncluttered . Tara, along with her co-host Rebecca Mezzino, discuss all things decluttering and how you can live a simplified life.

Military Wife Life- Episode 31 Part 1

Military Wife Life- Episode 30

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 29

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 28

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 27

This week I talk to Air Force spouse Stella about coming to terms with an unexpected deployment, what happened when her Husband came back and the long road to getting to know each other again. Stella also talks about how a mountain biking accident just weeks after her Husbands return turned into nearly a year off work and the impact that had on her and their marriage. 

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 26

This week I talk to former Air Force Officer and now Army spouse Laura about her transition from military member to spouse and finding her feet in the civilian world. Laura talks about the road to finding employment, long distance dating after only a few weeks of being official, finally moving to be with her partner and supporting him while coming to terms with the end of her military career.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 25

This week I talk to Navy spouse and University Lecturer Amy Johnson about what she found when she undertook her recent research into the ADF, Military families and our use of social media.

Amy’s research led her to come up with the notion of a  ‘perfect partner’– the expectation that a military spouse is someone who is happily keeping the family fires burning, looking after 2.5 kids, not working and following the military member from post to post.

While that may be the case at certain points in our spouse experience, in 2019 it isn’t always the typical experience and a majority of spouses don’t want that to be their experience. 

Amy talks about how the outdated image and idea of a ‘perfect partner’ place’s unreasonable demands on spouses and sometimes deters them from reaching out and accessing support.

Amy hopes her research will have an impact on dispelling this outdated ‘perfect partner’ image not just within the ADF community but also the wider community.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 24

This week I talk to Navy spouse Sera about coping with her husband being posted to a ship, going MWDU and deploying all while she juggled running a business, teenage kids and supporting her in laws during her Father in laws terminal illness. We talk about how Sera kept her Husband across his Dad’s condition during times of no contact and what happened when her Husband had to be pulled off the ship to make the harrowing journey home to say goodbye.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 23

This week I talk to Army spouse Arusha about the juggle that is MWDU, kids, working and how taking on a side hustle (when she was already stretched) ended up being the best decision she could make for herself, her health and everyone around her.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 22

This week I talk to US Air Force spouse and Life Coach Becca Brown about her experience as a spouse and how that led her to wanting something more. Fast forward to now and Becca is helping other spouses handle life better, finding purpose, drive, and passion in our lives and facing deployments and separation with confidence . We go deep and talk about how stepping into emotional adulthood (don’t worry it is explained in the episode) can help us lead the life we want to live through acknowledgement, allowing our emotions, getting intentional and taking responsibility for our thoughts and feelings!

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 21

This week I talk to Army spouse Lisa about the heart break of infertility and how she and her husband Nathan went from thinking maybe they wouldn’t ever have children to having 6! Lisa talks us through the process of becoming a Foster Carer and their long journey to adopt.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 20

This week I talk to truly inspirational Air Force spouse Kerrie about the day her husband Nathan had a freak workplace accident that would completely change their lives. Kerrie talks about the moment she was told Nathan would probably never walk again and the months and months of rehab that followed and continues. Kerrie is all that a military spouse HAS to be and so much more and with her support Nathan is literally kicking goals!

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 19

This week I talk to Elle about what it’s like to be in a long distance relationship from the very start after she and her Army partner met at a wedding late last year. Elle and Andrew stayed in contact and decided to give interstate love a go. 7 months on and they are navigating separation for months on end, applying to go Defacto and Elle has made the decision to move (with her dogs, cats and horses in tow) from Victoria to be with Andrew in NSW when he posts from QLD at the end of the year. It sounds complicated but they are making it work by making sure they support each other’s long term goals and by keeping communication open.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 18

This week I talk to Anika who recaps 5 years of being an Army family. Anika definitely takes everything in her stride, including posting across country at 38 weeks pregnant with their first baby! We also talk about how important securing work in each posting locality is for her relationship and her mental health and how Darwin went from being at the bottom of their posting list to one of their favorite experiences.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 17

This week I talk to Bec who has been with her Army partner for 3 years. Both came into the relationship with children from previous partners and just a few months after being together they fell pregnant and went on to have a baby together. Bec talks about their decision to go MWDU at the start of this year, how they came to the decision that MWDU just wasn’t working for them and what now needs to happen custody wise for her children and her partner’s children now that she is moving to be with him.

Bec also spoke about the harsh reality that leaving her children with their Dad may just end up being the best decision she can make for them for their stability and their schooling. I thank Bec for being so open, honest and brave in this episode and really letting us all know about some of the complex, tough, unspoken decisions that so many spouses with blended families face.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 16

This week I talk to my Husband Scott who has, just days ago, returned from a 6 month deployment. We talk about deployment from the Military member’s perspective. What happens when that ship pulls away from the wharf and sets off on its journey. How it feels for the Military member to be away from their family for long stretches and all those little questions you might have but never get the chance to ask.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 15

This week I talk to Susan who has just hit the one year mark of being a Navy spouse. Susan talks us through the huge changes she and her Husband have gone through during the past 12 months and what she expected Military life to be like versus the reality. From months and months of separation, giving birth to their second child without her Husband by her side, a few tears and a couple of hospital trips she has risen to the challenge and tackled everything that has been thrown at her like a true Military spouse does.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 14

This week’s podcast episode is a compilation of some of the words of wisdom offered by the beautiful military spouses I have already had on the podcast. What they do to make life easier. How they juggle all they have to juggle while living this military life. What self care means to them and how they look after themselves so they can continue to look after everyone else.

We are all in this together!

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 13

This week I talk to Taryn, an Air Force spouse, who embarked on what was supposed to be a one year MWDU stint that eventually turned into three years with a deployment thrown into the mix. Taryn talks about how she cope’s with MWDU and two young kids, a new business that is helping other defence partners on their re-employment journey, PEAP funding and how she still finds small but important ways to make sure she is looking after herself and her mental health.

PLEASE NOTE- Soon after recording this episode the PEAP funding was changed a little. You now have 24 months (from when you get your posting orders) to make use of it instead of 12 months.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 12 PART 2

Following on from last week’s Podcast Episode I talk to Kiri about her Husband Luke’s medical discharge from the Army, his decision to admit himself into hospital to get the help he needed and what happened when he told her he was walking away from their marriage. Kiri stood by her Husband for nearly two years while he got the help that he needed for his PTSD and got himself well enough to be able to participate in life again. There was no guarantee he was going to come back home but Kiri just knew that she needed to wait. This is Part 2 of their story.

To hear more about Luke’s charity Heroes on the Homefront click on this link www.hearts4heros.com.au/

If you are interested in finding out more information about assistance dogs through the Royal Society for the Blind’s program Operation K9 you can do so by clicking on this link www.rsb.org.au/operation-k9

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 12 PART 1

A re-connection via Facebook sparked a romance between Kiri and Luke and before she knew it she was moving from Adelaide to Darwin to be with her Army guy, only for him to get word that he would be deploying to Afghanistan just 6 weeks after she moved to be with him! That deployment would change Kiri’s now Husband forever after two of his mate’s were killed in action. He would also go onto have a medical emergency out in the field, face medical discharge and so much more.

Luke put his hand up for help and Kiri says she will forever be grateful and proud of him for that. It has been a long road to healing but Kiri stood strong beside Luke even when he wanted to walk away. This is Part 1 of their story.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 11

This week I’m on the podcast talking about a medical emergency involving my 4 and a half year old and how it could have been the total unraveling of me. I talk about how laying some strong foundations over the last year and a half and consistently saying YES to me allowed me to pull myself out of a spiral of self pity and get back on track straight away.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 10

This week I talk to Kate about meeting her now Army Husband Byron online, dating for a few short months, getting engaged, moving to be with Byron and getting married. This time last year Kate was still single and now she is in the thick of Army Wife life and loving it.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 9

Mel met her Military guy online and after a few months they went on their first date. The next day he left town with the Army to take part in the clean-up following the Brisbane floods and Mel didn’t know when she would see him again. Once he returned they knew they wanted to be together and within a year were pregnant, engaged, married and her Husband was deployed to Afghanistan. In this episode I talk to Mel about what happened when he got back from deployment, the breakdown of their marriage and how they both had to go away and work on their mental health before coming back together 2 years after splitting.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 8

In this Episode I talk to Michelle, Communications Manager from Advocacy organisation Defence Families of Australia. Michelle talks about the role DFA plays as the advisory body FOR US, what that means for us and how it helps us and the major topics they are bringing to the fore on our behalf.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 7

In this Episode I talk to Ashley about starting out long distance, leaving her family, friends and job to be with her Military person, working from home, isolation and remembering to look after yourself. 

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 6

In this Episode I talk to Joanna, a Navy spouse for a little under 5 years, about her and her Fiance’s scandalous start, a brief breakup, navigating custody arrangements, deployments and so much more.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 5

In this Episode it is all about how making a tough and scary decision in my life would ultimately lead me to really being my TRUE self and has now allowed me to shift my mindset and make Military spouse life work FOR me.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 4

In this Episode I talk with Navy Wife and Navy member Kasey about dealing with a mental health diagnosis and the juggle of being a Spouse and a Navy member.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 3

In this episode I talk to Katrina, a family focussed, coffee catchup lover and book worm who admits she hardly gets time to read! Well duh her Husband is deployed, she works full time, has two kids and is juggling all the Navy wife balls. Katrina has experienced a lot in her 15+ years of being a military spouse- an interstate move within the first 2 years of meeting her Navy guy, supported her Husband through a changeover, lived through MWDU, some major health scares and is currently half way through a deployment which has seen her Husband posted to Afghanistan.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 2

In this episode I talk to Teagan, a Marketing Manager, self confessed fitness addict who loves animals and describes herself as a wine enthusiast, feminist and an IVF and fertility advocate. Canadian born Teagan has experienced a lot in her 3 and a bit years of being a Navy spouse. From meeting her Navy guy, 8 international trips back and forth, getting engagement, married, an international move, sorting out immigration details for not only herself but her dogs, deployment, trying for a baby and IVF.

Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 1

In Episode 1 I talk to trained art teacher, beach lover, plant obsessed, chai latte addict Natalie about the highs and lows of military life. Natalie has experienced separation, multiple deployments, surprise pregnancies, mental health struggles and so much more in the 15+ years she has been a Navy Spouse.

If anything we touched on in this episode has prompted you to want to seek help or support please keep the following contacts in mind.

24 hour support via the Defence Family Helpline 1800 624 608

Your local GP and your local DCO office

You can also access 24 hour support via Open Arms helpline 1800 011 046

Military Wife Life- The Podcast INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Military Wife Life Podcast- a podcast telling the stories of everyday Military wives and partners. Listen to hear from others who are living this military life, juggling all the things on the daily, just like you and I. Let’s connect and support each other by telling our stories, celebrating our strength, focusing on self care & lifting each other up.