Veteran Spouse Network

When we think of military service, the spotlight is often on the service members themselves. But what about the spouses, children, and families whose lives are shaped by deployments, frequent moves, separations, and loss? In this episode, host Hannah O'Brien is joined by author Gail Hosking to discuss her forthcoming memoir, No Glory . As the daughter of a career soldier killed in Vietnam and the...

In this episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast host Hannah O'Brien welcomes Lydiah Owiti-Otienoh, founder of the Foreign Born Military Spouse Network (FBMSN) . Lydiah shares her powerful story as a Kenyan-born immigrant, detailing the unique intersections of military/veteran life and the complex immigrant experience. FBMSN's Four Pillars: Immigration Guidance: Helping spouses track fluid le...

Hannah O'Brien sits down with military spouse and advocate Sarah Roder to break down the realities of military life, career disruption, and financial empowerment. Drawing from her unique journey through active duty, a 10-year transition and divorce, and remarrying into a 23-year military retirement, Sarah shares actionable strategies for military spouses facing the unknowns of service life. Action...

In this episode, host Hannah O'Brien welcomes Cathy Turner and Jacki Wojyack, the co-founders of the Restored Heart Collective. Born from their own personal journeys and a transformative experience at the Heroes and Horses program in Montana, Cathy and Jacki have created a unique space for military and veteran spouses to reconnect with themselves and each other. Through a blend of peer support, ne...

In this incredibly special and deeply personal episode, Hannah sits down with her husband, Cody—a Marine Corps veteran living with PTSD—to answer questions directly from the Veteran Spouse Network community. Together, they pull back the curtain on the daily realities of navigating PTSD within a marriage and family. From tackling common misconceptions and managing unexpected triggers to understandi...

Life doesn’t always change slowly—sometimes it changes in an instant. In this episode, host Hannah O'Brien sits down with Pavel Ythjall , a veteran spouse, caregiver, Amazon bestselling author, and filmmaker. Pavel’s life was forever transformed by a devastating accident on the 405 freeway that left both him and his wife Kat—an Air Force officer—with broken necks. While Pavel recovered, Kat was pa...

In this solo episode, host Hannah O’Brien tackles a topic that affects nearly everyone but rarely gets the recognition it deserves: the mental load . Whether you are a military spouse, a veteran, a parent, or simply a human navigating the complexities of modern life, you are likely carrying a heavy cognitive burden. It’s time to name it, share it, and change it. What Exactly Is the Mental Load? Th...

When military families receive PCS orders, the "yes" is often just the beginning of a bureaucratic battle. In this episode, Air Force spouse and registered nurse Marissa Muntain shares her grueling nine-month fight to overturn an EFMP denial that threatened her family's move to England. We pull back the curtain on the gaps between EFMP policy and reality, exploring how mental health stigma, incons...

Military and veteran spouses face unique career challenges, but meaningful career growth is possible. In this episode, Hannah is joined by Rachelle Chapman , Senior Director of the Adecco Group US Foundation , to talk about military spouse employment, career confidence, and the power of self-discovery. Rachelle shares her own 20-year career journey through eight military moves and introduces the I...

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 con...

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 Takeaway...

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 pro...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 o...

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. Toget...

Hannah welcomes veterans and spouses Rosa Kline and Laurianne Rodriguez for a crucial discussion on military sexual trauma (MST). They share their personal experiences, shedding light on the stigma surrounding MST and the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors to tell their stories. This conversation highlights the resources available for military and veteran families and underscores the...

In this episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast, host Hannah welcomes Leslie Coffey, Vice President of Military Engagement at American Corporate Partners (ACP). Leslie shares her transformative journey as a veteran spouse and how ACP's mentorship program has empowered military spouses to achieve fulfilling careers. Listeners will learn about the program's structure, the diverse backgrounds o...

Hannah is joined by peer leader Gretchen Davis to explore the complexities of relationship health within military and veteran families. Drawing from her extensive experience as a licensed marriage and family therapy associate, Gretchen shares insights on common challenges faced by couples, including emotional dysregulation, compassion fatigue, and rigid thinking. Tune in for practical tips and str...

Join us on this episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast as host Hannah O'Brien sits down with Wendy Hively, veteran spouse and founder of Charlie Madison Originals. Discover how Wendy transformed her passion for jewelry into a thriving business with a strong community focus, supporting military families through meaningful designs and charitable contributions. Learn about the challenges and r...

Join us in this insightful episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast as we delve into the critical conversations surrounding veteran mental health and firearm safety. Hosted by Hannah O'Brien, this episode features Dr. Kristen Becerra and Dr. Emily Knitter from the Worried About a Veteran (WAVE) initiative. Together, they explore the unique challenges faced by military families during the holi...

Join Hannah O'Brien for a heartfelt solo episode dedicated to celebrating Military and Veteran Families Month. Discover the importance of honoring unique differences while fostering inclusivity and commonality within the military community. Hannah shares insights from her personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the power of peer support and community connection. Tune in to explore how t...