Libsyn Directory

Celebrating 100 episodes! - Ep. 100

Release Date: 06/15/2023

It's Not Goodbye - It's See You Later, Ep. 115

Milspouse Matters

Tune into this special episode to hear what's going on with Jen, some reflections on the past five years and what's coming for the podcast, and how to stay connected. Mentioned in this episode: Get Jen's new book here! Get Jen's first book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse here: See Jen at the Tucson Book Festival, March 9-10, 2024! Come say hi to me at the W. Brand Publishing booth. Get more info here: All Milspouse Matters episodes and military spouse content is here: milspousematters.com Jen's writing, updates on book, and her...

Learn How to PCS Proof Your Fitness - Ep. 114

Milspouse Matters

Some of the most listened-to episodes for this podcast are on the topics of self-care and fitness, and so I’m delighted to bring you today's guest Grace Barnick-Damazo. We're talking all about how to “PCS proof” your fitness routine, along with some practical tips you can start using today. Grace is the Head Coach and Owner of FitPath Coaching, LLC. She’s spent years learning from the best in the fitness industry, so that she can get you the results that you deserve. Grace is a Navy spouse, and she understands the unique challenges that military life plays in reaching your health and...

A Talk with the Authors of Unwavering: Taylor Kiland and Judy Gray- Ep. 113

Milspouse Matters

On this episode, I'm honored to be speaking to Judy Gray and Taylor Kiland, the authors of the newly released book, Unwavering: The Wives Who Fought to Ensure No Man is Left Behind. About the book: In a time when women faced countless challenges and societal limitations, these military wives dared to defy the status quo. They transformed from bystanders to frontline activists, passionately advocating for the return of their missing and captive husbands during the Vietnam War. Their unwavering determination made the fate of their men—and the others who were POWs and MIA— a national...

Military Moves and Deployments During the Holidays - Ep. 112

Milspouse Matters

Are you dealing with a military move or deployment right smack dab in the middle of the “most wonderful time of the year”? Let's talk about ways to cope and giving yourself permission to do what works for you and your family. Mentioned in this episode: Jen's new book, Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories: https://books2read.com/MilspouseMatters Get 20% off the 5-Day Deployment Devotional during December with code December23: https://jen-mcdonald.com/product/deployment-devotional/ Surviving a Military Move During the Holidays from...

Coming Back from Rock Bottom with Charlynda Scales - Ep. 111

Milspouse Matters

I'm so happy to bring you my talk with Charlynda Scales, author of the brand new book, Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline, which has already ranked as a best new release in its category! She’s a veteran, now a reservist, a former military spouse, and an entrepreneur. Charlynda is not only impressive, but she's a kind-hearted person who is wise beyond her years. But that wisdom has been hard-won. We discuss the stories behind her book, her journey to becoming an entrepreneur, aligning yourself with others who are like-hearted vs. like-minded, advice for entrepreneurs or anyone starting...

PACT for Animals: Fostering Pets for Military and Veterans - Ep. 110

Milspouse Matters

It's no secret that military families love their pets! But what do you do if you're facing a deployment and have no one to care for your pet? Or if you get an overseas assignment to a location your pet can't go? Enter PACT for Animals! PACT for Animals is dedicated to fostering pets for active duty U.S. military members on deployment or an assignment where they cannot bring their pet and veterans in medical crisis. On this episode, I’m speaking with Julie Zantopoulos from PACT for Animals. Julie shares the mission of PACT for Animals, which functions in all 50 states,...

A Home for Surviving Spouses and Veterans: A Chat with Brooke McLean, CEO of the Air Force Enlisted Village - Ep. 109

Milspouse Matters

In this episode of Milspouse Matters, Jen talks with Brooke McLean, retired CMSgt and President/CEO of the Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV), a one-of-a-kind-community which has a mission of providing safe, secure homes for surviving spouses of military retirees and retired military couples. They discuss Brooke's military background, the mission of AFEV, and some of the wonderful stories of the residents, several of whom are featured in Jen’s new book! Hear about a day in the life of a resident, eligibility criteria for residents, some heartwarming stories, and future plans for...

After the Boxes Are Unpacked with Susan Miller- Ep. 108

Milspouse Matters

Have you ever felt lost after a military move? Are you trying to figure out how to get connected? Do you feel "stuck"? Susan Miller from Just Moved Ministry is here to talk about settling in, plugging in, and finding your new normal after a move...after the boxes are unpacked! As she says, "Don't isolate yourself. Join up, and join in!" She not only understands and validates the feelings of being alone and rootless after a move (she was both a military brat and military wife), but gives practical tips on getting involved and connected. She reminds us, "God will not take you anywhere that He...

Best of: Preparing for Deployment and Reintegration - Ep. 107

Milspouse Matters

On this episode, I'm discussing the issues that spring up with deployment and reintegration with guest Terri Laurent, a seasoned military spouse who’s sharing a ton of wisdom. This episode is a "best of" from waaaay back on Episode 34. Have you dealt with the emotional build up leading up to deployment? Have you wondered why the service member’s homecoming isn’t like what you see on TV or the movies? Maybe you’re struggling, and you think you’re the only one. We talk about preparing your heart and marriage for deployment and reintegration, that time period after the service...

Help Your Marriage Thrive During Deployment and Military Separations - Ep. 106

Milspouse Matters

Can you actually strengthen your marriage through a military deployment or separation? I believe, yes, you can! With mindfulness and intention. First, I'm sharing some tips from my experiences, then we’ll be hearing from other military spouses who’ve weathered deployments and separations. Mentioned in this episode: Jen's book launch team - Podcast episodes on deployment - Blog posts about deployment - This episode's ads: Please consider supporting, which in turn supports the production of this podcast! SpaLife: Pamper yourself or get a gift...

More Episodes

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

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

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

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

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

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

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

Happy 100 episodes!

Connect:

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

Jen’s site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

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

Jen’s blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog

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

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks

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