Milspouse Matters

Milspouse Matters is the podcast dedicated to encouraging military spouses! I'm your host, Jen McDonald, and I was a military spouse for 30 years until my husband’s retirement. We lived all around the world, raised four kids, and dealt with all the challenges and adventures of military life, just like you! I’m also the author of two books for military spouses. Over the years, I came to believe that we military spouses are tough, but we're only stronger together. Whether you’re a new or more seasoned spouse…Whatever life is throwing your way? Let’s talk about it!

It's Not Goodbye - It's See You Later, Ep. 115 02/22/2024

Learn How to PCS Proof Your Fitness - Ep. 114 01/17/2024

A Talk with the Authors of Unwavering: Taylor Kiland and Judy Gray- Ep. 113 12/13/2023

Military Moves and Deployments During the Holidays - Ep. 112 12/07/2023

Coming Back from Rock Bottom with Charlynda Scales - Ep. 111 11/09/2023

Coming Back from Rock Bottom with Charlynda Scales - Ep. 111 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 over, and how to come back when life has brought you to rock bottom. As Charlynda says about the idea of "rock bottom has a trampoline," "I've heard the saying, 'rock bottom has a basement.' How freaking depressing is that statement? There's no faith in that. There's no light at the end of the tunnel in that quote. If you believe in something bigger than yourself, you'll never truly be at rock bottom. Rock bottom is not a place you go and stay. Rock bottom is a moment." Here’s more about Charlynda: Charlynda Scales is a serial entrepreneur: She serves as founder and CEO of Mutt's Sauce LLC and OH Taste LLC; Director of the OH Taste Foundation (501c3), and creator of The Empower Collection. She is the author of the business empowerment book, Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline. Charlynda is a sought-after speaker and mentor for women's empowerment and small businesses. Her military career spans over 15 years; she's currently an Air Force Reservist stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Her son, David, is, in her opinion, her finest achievement. I'm certain you're going to be so inspired by Charlynda, just as I was. Get Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline Here: Get Jen's new book, Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories: https://books2read.com/MilspouseMatters 5-day Deployment Devotional, half off in the month of November with code November23: https://jen-mcdonald.com/product/deployment-devotional/ PILLAR online FREE deployment retreat, Nov. 17-19, 2023 - sign up here! Connect: Jen’s site: Military spouse resources: PCS move resources: Jen’s blog: Digital downloads: Books: ---- Socials: Follow on Instagram: Follow on Facebook: Follow on TikTok: Follow on Twitter: Subscribe on YouTube: Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: /episode/index/show/milspousematters/id/28563326

PACT for Animals: Fostering Pets for Military and Veterans - Ep. 110 11/01/2023

A Home for Surviving Spouses and Veterans: A Chat with Brooke McLean, CEO of the Air Force Enlisted Village - Ep. 109 10/26/2023

A Home for Surviving Spouses and Veterans: A Chat with Brooke McLean, CEO of the Air Force Enlisted Village - Ep. 109 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 AFEV—including future developments like Victory Village and help for caregivers of our nation’s Wounded Warriors—along with encouraging words for current military families. Brooke also talks about his YouTube series, "Cook with Brooke," and ways listeners can help support AFEV, a 501c3 nonprofit. As Brooke says, if you’re having a bad day, just get out and visit with one of the residents. Find out how to plan a visit to AFEV and tune in for an inspiring conversation about supporting military widows and retired couples. Mentioned in this episode: Get Jen's new book, Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories: https://books2read.com/MilspouseMatters 5-day Deployment Devotional, FREE through Oct. 31 with code deployment23: PILLAR online FREE deployment retreat, Nov. 17-19, 2023 - sign up here! See this episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MM109AFEV Connect with the Air Force Enlisted Village: Connect with Brooke McLean: Connect with Jen and Milspouse Matters: Jen’s site: Military spouse resources: PCS move resources: Jen’s blog: Digital downloads: Books: ---- Socials: Follow on Instagram: Follow on Facebook: Follow on TikTok: Follow on Twitter: Subscribe on YouTube: Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: /episode/index/show/milspousematters/id/28429493

After the Boxes Are Unpacked with Susan Miller- Ep. 108 10/06/2023

Best of: Preparing for Deployment and Reintegration - Ep. 107 09/22/2023

Help Your Marriage Thrive During Deployment and Military Separations - Ep. 106 09/15/2023

Navigating Military Life with Humor - Ep. 105 08/18/2023

Navigating Military Life with Humor - Ep. 105 Life as a military spouse is an intricate dance of challenges and uncertainties, along with so many adventures. On this “best of” episode, we revisit one of my favorite interviews. I’m talking to author Lisa Molinari about her military spouse journey, and how she’s found solace and strength through humor and processing life through writing. Lisa refers to herself as a “garden variety military spouse” (which you might disagree with after you listen to her story!). She's never been nominated for Military Spouse of the Year, but her journey is a story of resilience that will resonate with you. Throughout her decades of military life, Lisa learned to find humor in hard and even absurd circumstances. Rather than succumbing to the challenges that come with this lifestyle, she's chosen to seek out the silver lining and share her experiences through laughter. In my conversation with Lisa, she recounted instances where humor became a lifeline during her military spouse journey. With stories from “Pork Chop Envy” to unforeseen deployment hiccups, Lisa reminds us that these crazy things we go through will become the best stories one day! Connect with Lisa: I I I Get Lisa's book, Lisa's website: This episode's sponsors: Please consider supporting our sponsors, which in turn supports the production of this podcast! Pink Stork, The Wellness Brand for Women®, was born out of military spouse Amy's desire to help others. Pink Stork offers clean, effective supplements supporting fertility, morning sickness, pregnancy, postpartum, nursing, and more. Prenatal Vitamins: https://amzn.to/451psuq Labor Prep Tea: https://amzn.to/3DPQAk4 Morning sickness help: Unbox Me Sunshine Gift for Women Send a box of sunshine to someone who could use a pick-me-up. Maybe it’s yourself! Unboxme self-care gifts for women are carefully curated with high-quality, artisan products sourced from small, family-owned U.S. businesses. Box includes organic herbal tea, fluffy cloud socks, ceramic mug, honey sheet mask, hand-poured candle, beeswax lip balm, a fun floral scrunchie, and a “sending sunshine” card. Connect: This episode's complete show notes: Jen’s site: Military spouse resources: PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS Jen’s blog: Digital downloads: Books: ---- Socials: Follow on Instagram: Follow on Facebook: Follow on TikTok: Follow on Twitter: Subscribe on YouTube: Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: *some affiliate links /episode/index/show/milspousematters/id/27790641

Best of: Pro Tips for Your PCS Move - Ep. 104 07/13/2023

Best of: Pro Tips for Your PCS Move - Ep. 104 It's PCS move season and it's the perfect time to share some helpful resources for your military family. Military life usually comes with a guarantee of change, and one of the most inevitable changes is moving. Whether you're a seasoned military family or embarking on your first (PCS), my goal is to provide you with a wealth of information and actionable advice! With personal experience from living in 24 houses, going through 13 PCS moves, with 4 overseas tours in there, all while towing along 4 kids and a dog, I share some of my own tips along with insights gathered from fellow military spouses and listeners on this Best Of episode. Here's to making your moving journey a little smoother and perhaps even injecting some laughter along the way! ***Find all resources mentioned (and more!) in this exhaustive PCS resource page: https://bit.ly/MMPCS See this episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMep104 This episode's sponsors: Extended Stay America for PCS Lodging Needs: Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs Calling all pet owners! Are you looking for a natural solution to help calm your furry friend? Look no further than Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs. With all-natural and holistic ingredients, their customers rave about the hours of calming relief these delicious soft chews provide for their dogs. Made in the USA and veterinarian approved, you can trust the quality and effectiveness of Well Loved Calming Chews. Whether it’s a long flight with your pet or a visit to the vet, these chews can help ease anxiety and stress in most dogs within 30-60 minutes. Say goodbye to restless nights and nervous behavior—it’s time for a calmer and happier pup! What sets Well Loved Calming Chews apart is not only their calming effects but also their irresistible taste. Dogs love the delicious soft chews, making it a breeze to give them the relief they deserve. These chews have been a game-changer for our nervous puppers! Order your Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs today. Give your pet the relaxation they deserve with this veterinarian-approved and trusted product. https://amzn.to/3NMpSyE HyperGo Wipes for Your Life Full-Body Rinse-Free Hypoallergenic Biodegradable Bathing Wipes—the ultimate solution for staying refreshed and clean anytime, anywhere. Perfect for post-workout, camping adventures, travel, and your daily life. They're designed to be gentle and safe for all skin types while being environmentally-friendly. HyperGo Wipes are 12" x 12" unscented wipes that offer you a square foot of cleanliness and comfort. Their unique embossing technique ensures an ultra-soft and durable feel, making every clean-up a breeze. Subscribe and save and save 10% now and up to 15% on future deliveries. Learn more about HyperGo Wipes: ThisWorx Car Vacuum Are you tired of dealing with messy cars, crumbs everywhere, and those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies? This compact, lightweight, and oh-so-powerful car vacuum is here to save the day. Equipped with a HEPA filter, it’s ready to tackle everything from pesky crumbs to those unexpected food spills that happen on-the-go. Say goodbye to messes in your car or truck! Learn more about ThisWorx Car Vacuum: https://amzn.to/43p55FJ Connect: Jen’s site: Military spouse resources: PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS Jen’s blog: Digital downloads: Books: ---- Socials: Follow on Instagram: Follow on Facebook: Follow on TikTok: Follow on Twitter: Subscribe on YouTube: Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: /episode/index/show/milspousematters/id/27443187

Moving with a Baby: Tips from Experienced Military Spouses - Ep. 103 07/06/2023

Moving with a Baby: Tips from Experienced Military Spouses - Ep. 103 On this Best Of episode, we're bringing back some tips for making a move with a baby, all from experienced military spouses! Whether you're relocating stateside or embarking on an overseas adventure, moving with a baby as a military family can be quite a challenge. The logistics of travel, the emotional adjustments, and the added responsibilities of caring for a little one can make the process overwhelming. To help you navigate this exciting yet demanding journey, we've gathered tips from military spouses who've been through it! From flying with a baby to preparing mentally, my hope is that these insights will help you approach your move with confidence and grace. See this episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMEp103 Sponsors: Huggies 99% Pure Water Baby Wipes Introducing Huggies Wipes with 99% Pure Water! These wipes are specially designed to provide the utmost care for your baby's delicate skin. With 99% purified water and gentle cleansers, they're safe for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested. No harsh ingredients, just pure goodness. No parabens, alcohol, dyes, or elemental chlorine, AND they’re accepted by the National Eczema Association. Visit the link for more info and to get an extra 15% off your first subscribe and save order! Discover the convenience, safety, and quality of Huggies Wipes with 99% Pure Water. Give your baby the gentle care they deserve. Get Huggies wipes and the discount here---> HyperGo Wipes for Your Life Full-Body Rinse-Free Hypoallergenic Biodegradable Bathing Wipes—the ultimate solution for staying refreshed and clean anytime, anywhere. Perfect for post-workout, camping adventures, travel, and your daily life. They're designed to be gentle and safe for all skin types while being environmentally-friendly. HyperGo Wipes are 12" x 12" unscented wipes that offer you a square foot of cleanliness and comfort. Their unique embossing technique ensures an ultra-soft and durable feel, making every clean-up a breeze. Subscribe and save and save 10% now and up to 15% on future deliveries. Learn more about HyperGo Wipes here---> https://amzn.to/44ePv0z Mentioned in this episode: Military Kids' Resources: Cares Airplane Harness for Kids: Connect: Jen’s site: Military spouse resources: PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS Jen’s blog: Digital downloads: Books: ---- Socials: Follow on Instagram: Follow on Facebook: Follow on TikTok: Follow on Twitter: Subscribe on YouTube: Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: /episode/index/show/milspousematters/id/27391755

Best of: When Your Child Joins the Military - Ep. 102 06/28/2023

Best of: When Your Child Joins the Military - Ep. 102 On this "Best of" episode, join me and guest Elaine Brye as we delve into the unique challenges faced by parents with children serving in the military. We explore strategies, resources, and personal stories that provide support and guidance to parents on this extraordinary journey. Discover a community that understands what it's like to have a child in the armed forces. Elaine Brye, author of the book Be Safe, Love Mom, shares her hard won wisdom and experience with other military families. She’s an “Army brat” turned military wife and the mom of four active duty members—one each in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. She’s been through more than 15 deployments with her children and understands the pride, worry, and fear that are the life of a military parent. Elaine talks about what’s helped her get through the hard times as a military mom, tips for better communication between in-laws, as well as encouragement and practical ideas for parents whose child is deployed. Get Elaine's book, Be Safe, Love Mom: https://amzn.to/3CQiKuM Connect with Elaine: , This episode's complete show notes: Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs Calling all pet owners! Are you looking for a natural solution to help calm your furry friend? Look no further than Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs. With all-natural and holistic ingredients, their customers rave about the hours of calming relief these delicious soft chews provide for their dogs. Made in the USA and veterinarian approved, you can trust the quality and effectiveness of Well Loved Calming Chews. If your pet is affected by 4th of July fireworks or summer thunderstorms, prepare now! Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs are the solution you've been searching for. And don’t miss out on upcoming Prime Day deals on July 11-12. You can also save with their subscribe and save options on Amazon, or by buying 2 or more of selected items. Do You Really Know Your Family? A Fun Family Game Filled with Conversation Starters and Challenges - Great for Kids, Teens and Adults! Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to bond with your family during those long trips or military moves? Look no further than "Do You Really Know Your Family?" The Ultimate Family Card Game! Find it here: Connect: Jen’s site: Military spouse resources: PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS Jen’s blog: Digital downloads: Books: ---- Socials: Follow on Instagram: Follow on Facebook: Follow on TikTok: Follow on Twitter: Subscribe on YouTube: Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: /episode/index/show/milspousematters/id/27297639

Moving with Pets: Essential Resources and Expert Advice - Ep. 101 06/24/2023

Moving with Pets: Essential Resources and Expert Advice - Ep. 101 Have you moved with pets? There's always something new to learn when it comes to our furry family members. On this Quick Tips episode, I'm sharing a few resources to help make your military move with pets easier. Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs Calling all pet owners! Are you looking for a natural solution to help calm your furry friend? Look no further than Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs. With all-natural and holistic ingredients, their customers rave about the hours of calming relief these delicious soft chews provide for their dogs. Made in the USA and veterinarian approved, you can trust the quality and effectiveness of Well Loved Calming Chews. If your pet is affected by 4th of July fireworks or summer thunderstorms, prepare now! Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs are the solution you've been searching for. And don’t miss out on upcoming Prime Day deals on July 11-12. You can also save with their subscribe and save options on Amazon, or by buying 2 or more of selected items. Order your Well Loved Calming Chews for Dogs today. Give your pet the relaxation they deserve with this veterinarian-approved and trusted product. https://amzn.to/3NMpSyE Resources mentioned for moving with pets: The “Patriot Express” - see offers financial assistance for certain pet expenses for military members (generally E-6 or below. , now known as “Apollo’s Aid” - helping military families stay united with their pets. - an extensive list of pet relocation grants and help for military families. - volunteer truckers helping transport animals. Pet Relocation reimbursements from the DOD - (Currently is $550 for CONUS move, up to $2K for OCONUS): “ State Humane Societies (check with your state) for year-round shipment of animals and Find even more help with your PCS move with my . Click on the "moving with pets" tab for more! Connect: This episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMmovingwithpets Jen’s site: Military spouse resources: PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS Jen’s blog: Digital downloads: Books: ---- Socials: Follow on Instagram: Follow on Facebook: Follow on TikTok: Follow on Twitter: Subscribe on YouTube: Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: /episode/index/show/milspousematters/id/27230238

Celebrating 100 episodes! - Ep. 100 06/15/2023

Celebrating 100 episodes! - Ep. 100 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. Sponsored ad: Check out Avocado Huggers, an eco-friendly solution for saving your avocados. Avocado Huggers not only keeps your avocados fresh, but they also care about the environment. These adorable, easy-to-use alternatives to plastic wrap for preserving avocados were created by a woman and inventor owned company. Thousands of 5-star reviews, a lifetime warranty, and dishwasher safe! Celebrate National Avocado Day on July 31st by investing in an Avocado Hugger! Get yours here with my affiliate link (this link does not cost you more, but helps to support my podcast and other work): 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: Jen’s site: Military spouse resources: Jen’s blog: Digital downloads: Books: ---- Socials: Follow on Instagram: Follow on Facebook: Follow on TikTok: Follow on Twitter: Subscribe on YouTube: Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: /episode/index/show/milspousematters/id/27161013

Dealing with Anxiety as a Military Spouse - Ep. 99 05/03/2023

Dealing with Anxiety as a Military Spouse - Ep. 99 After dealing with anxiety and panic attacks as a young adult, things came to a head for Marine Corps spouse Erin after some big military life changes. She was physically ill, having daily panic attacks, and struggling to leave her house when she realized she needed to do something more than what she'd always done: try to cope alone. On this episode, you'll hear from Erin, a.k.a. “The Short Wife,” about her journey to finding the help and resources she needed. Erin says: “I didn’t know what was going on with me. I didn’t feel like myself…but I wanted to believe it wasn’t real. And I didn’t know how to ask for help.” Erin has documented her journey on her website and Instagram, talking honestly about anxiety and other mental health issues. She’s known for being open, authentic, and warm and also brings humor to tough issues. She shares some of her favorite mental health resources and books, but most of all wants you to know that, if you’re dealing with anxiety too, you’re not alone. She says, “You are not alone in your struggles. There’s always someone who can relate to you, and there’s a whole community to support you.” Connect with Erin: Erin’s site, The Short Wife Find her on social media as @theshortwife See this episode’s complete show notes: Resources mentioned in this episode: Online Therapy Covered by TRICARE: Telemind Accounts that specialize in anxiety help on Instagram: @anxiety_wellbeing @therapywithmaggielpc @theanxietydoctor Find more resources on Erin’s Instagram account! Books The Upward Spiral by Alex Korb Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer ----- Jen’s site: Military spouse resources: Jen’s blog: Digital downloads: Books: ---- Socials: Follow on Instagram: Follow on Facebook: Follow on TikTok: Follow on Twitter: Subscribe on YouTube: Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: /episode/index/show/milspousematters/id/26734149