Leave me a note-I'd love to hear from you!

In this special episode of Hidden Chapters, I step on stage for the very first time at the Military Influencer Conference and share my story as a retired military spouse, navigating grief, identity, loss, and the journey of figuring out who I am along the way. I talk about how Hidden Chapters came to be, the healing power of storytelling, and why sharing our hidden stories matters.

During the talk, I invited the audience to share one word that describes their own hidden chapter, which later became a word cloud you can check out on my social media pages. This live, real, and honest talk reached both military and civilian listeners, and it reminded me why telling our stories and connecting with others is so important.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your story matters, this episode is a little nudge that it absolutely does and sometimes, sharing it on a stage (or even a podcast) can be more powerful than we imagine.

Takeaways from my talk:

• Hidden chapters are the parts of our lives that shape us the most.
• The podcast was born from a desire to share personal stories.
• Navigating life changes can lead to feelings of loss and identity.
• Sharing stories can be a therapeutic process for both the storyteller and the audience.
• Engaging with the audience helps to create a sense of community.
• The impact of personal stories can resonate with many, fostering connection.
• The journey of podcasting began as a way to find one's voice.
• Hidden chapters often reveal struggles that are not visible on the surface.
• Stories of resilience and strength can inspire others to share their own.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Hidden Chapters!

If today's episode moved you, please consider
✅ Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

❤️I would love to hear from you!

📫 Join me on Substack for deeper connection or to continue the conversation on each episode and receive the weekly newsletter "The Next Chapter Notes"

💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters

☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters

Let's stay connected: 🔗

📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast

📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters

Got a story to share or want to be a guest?

💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com
🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here

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What do you do when the life you thought you knew is turned upside down?

In this deeply personal conversation, Jennifer Blankenship shares her journey through betrayal, discovering her husband’s long-term affair and hidden family, and navigating the emotional aftermath as a retired, divorced military spouse. She opens up about the complexities of narcissistic abuse, the trauma bonds that kept her tied to a painful situation, and the challenge of reclaiming her identity while protecting her family.

Faith became her anchor during this season of life, guiding her healing, helping her process grief, and giving her strength to step into her next chapter. Jennifer also talks about the courage it took to self-publish her memoir, the transformative power of sharing her story, and her desire to support others facing similar struggles.

If you’ve ever faced betrayal, loss, or the challenge of rediscovering yourself, Jennifer’s story will meet you where you are and show how her own journey of pain has become a ministry of hope, resilience, and faith for others.

Takeaways from our conversation:

• Faith played a crucial role in Jennifer's healing journey.
• Jennifer's journey emphasizes the power of resilience and hope. Jennifer discovered a DFAS form that revealed her entitlement to her ex-husband's military retirement.
• The Ex-Military Spouse Protection Act was crucial in securing her financial rights post-divorce.
• Jennifer's faith remained strong throughout her struggles, providing her with comfort and guidance.
• Jennifer aims to help others who have experienced betrayal by sharing her story.
• She believes that sharing her story can lead others to find hope and healing.

📖 You can purchase Jennifer's book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7KWQQmB

🔗 Reflecting His Heart Ministries: https://reflectinghisheartministries.com/
📬 You can send Jennifer a message at: reflectinghisheartministries@gmail.com

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Hidden Chapters!

If today's episode moved you, please consider
✅ Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

❤️I would love to hear from you!

📫 Join me on Substack for deeper connection or to continue the conversation on each episode and receive the weekly newsletter "The Next Chapter Notes"

💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters

☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters

Let's stay connected: 🔗

📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast

📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters

Got a story to share or want to be a guest?

💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com
🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here

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Leave me a note-I'd love to hear from you!

From arriving in the U.S. without knowing a word of English to rising through the ranks to become a Sergeant Major, Jose Raymundo’s story is one of struggles, triumphs and deep resilience.

In this conversation, Jose opens up about the hidden chapters behind his military career, the emotional weight of service, the quiet battles few ever saw, and the courage it took to share his story in his new memoir.

We talk about what it really means to transition from military to civilian life, the lessons that come from counseling and self-reflection, and the healing power of reconnecting with family. Jose reminds us that behind every uniform is a human story and that sharing those stories can bring light, hope, and healing to others walking the same road.

So many hidden chapters in his story, I can't wait to share.

Takeaways from our conversation:

• Jose's journey highlights the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life.
• Writing a book can be a therapeutic process, but it also brings up painful memories.
• Transparency in storytelling fosters connection and relatability with the audience.
• Language barriers can complicate the military experience for non-native speakers.
• The importance of mentorship and support in achieving personal goals.
• Family connections play a crucial role in personal development and healing.
• Reactions from family members can lead to unexpected insights and healing.
• Future aspirations include writing more about the hidden struggles of veterans.

📖 You can purchase Jose's book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/j7El8lb

You can also reach out to Jose on Facebook:
FB author page: Jose F Raymundo- Author-

Email José:

📧 raymundoandassociatesllc@gmail.com

📧 jfraymundo@hotmail.com

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Hidden Chapters!

If today's episode moved you, please consider
✅ Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

❤️I would love to hear from you!

📫 Join me on Substack for deeper connection or to continue the conversation on each episode and receive the weekly newsletter "The Next Chapter Notes"

💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters

☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters

Let's stay connected: 🔗

📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast

📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters

Got a story to share or want to be a guest?

💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com
🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here

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Leave me a note-I'd love to hear from you!

What do you do when everything that once defined you begins to shift?

In this heartfelt conversation, Lindsay Swoboda joins me to talk about navigating life after her husband’s military retirement, launching her first book, and learning to balance who she is as a writer, wife, and woman in transition.

Together, we talk about the tension between holding on and letting go, how dreams evolve, how relationships change, and how creativity can feel both healing and heavy at the same time. Lindsay opens up about the hidden struggles behind creating something deeply personal, the emotional weight of identity shifts, and the courage it takes to keep showing up through uncertainty.

If you’ve ever felt caught between where you’ve been and where you’re headed, this conversation will remind you that change doesn’t erase you, it reveals who you’re becoming.

Lindsay's Book and Author recommendations: 📚

Nicole Gulotta "Wild Words": https://www.nicolemgulotta.com/

Stephanie Duncan Smith Substack Slant Letter "What Publishing Can and Cannot Do For You"

Anne Lamott "Bird by Bird" quotes

Barbara Brown Taylor: https://barbarabrowntaylor.com/

All the links to connect with Lindsay:

IG: @lindsay.swo www.instagram.com/lindsay.swo/

Substack: The Eleven O'Clock Number | Lindsay Swoboda | Substack

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayswo

Email: hello@upliftinganchor.com

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Hidden Chapters!

If today's episode moved you, please consider
✅ Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

❤️I would love to hear from you!

📫 Join me on Substack for deeper connection or to continue the conversation on each episode and receive the weekly newsletter "The Next Chapter Notes"

💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters

☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters

Let's stay connected: 🔗

📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast

📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters

Got a story to share or want to be a guest?

💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com
🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here

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Leave me a note-I'd love to hear from you!

Who we are isn’t something we figure out once, it’s something we keep discovering.

In this episode, Laura Lyn Donahue joins me to talk about identity, growth, and what it really means to evolve through life’s changing seasons. Drawing from her book, Who Do You Think You Are?, Laura Lyn shares how our sense of self shifts with experience, how to embrace uncertainty instead of fearing it, and why change can be one of our greatest teachers.

Takeaways from our conversation:

• Every moment offers an opportunity for growth.
• The role of an author requires embracing one's authentic self.
• Conversations with loved ones can reveal hidden truths.
• People-pleasing can hinder personal identity and self-worth.
• Recognizing disordered eating is crucial for self-acceptance.
• Self-care goes beyond superficial activities; it's about inner peace.
• Writing can be a therapeutic process, revealing deeper emotions.
• Family dynamics play a significant role in personal narratives.
• The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and evolving.
• It's important to advocate for oneself in personal and professional settings.

All the links and ways to connect with Laura Lyn:

📧 Email: author@itslauralyn.com

🔗 IG: @itslauralyn_author

🔗 FB: itslauralyn_author

📬 Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/lauralyndonahue

🔗 LinkedIn: Laura Lyn Donahue

📚 Purchase Laura Lyn's book (non-Amazon): https://books.by/w-brand-publishing#who-do-you-think-you-are

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Hidden Chapters!

If today's episode moved you, please consider
✅ Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

❤️I would love to hear from you!

📫 Join me on Substack for deeper connection or to continue the conversation on each episode and receive the weekly newsletter "The Next Chapter Notes"

💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters

☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters

Let's stay connected: 🔗

📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast

📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters

Got a story to share or want to be a guest?

💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com
🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here

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Leave me a note-I'd love to hear from you!

Kicking off Season 2 🎉

In this first episode of Hidden Chapters Season 2, my husband,Chris joins me to share his journey from Army life to author, exploring the highs and lows of deployments, the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life, and the emotional impact of the Afghanistan withdrawal on veterans.

We dig into the hidden struggles that service members face: mental health challenges, identity shifts, and the search for purpose beyond the uniform. Chris opens up about the lessons he’s learned, the power of sharing personal stories, and how storytelling can build connection and understanding for both veterans and the people who love them.

This conversation kicks off Season 2 with a reminder that the stories behind the uniform matter and that every chapter, even the hardest, can offer insight, growth, and hope.

Takeaways with our conversation:

• The podcast has reached over a thousand downloads in three months.
• Chris's writing journey began as a way to preserve memories for his daughters.
• Military training can be both physically and mentally challenging.
• Deployment experiences often differ from training expectations.
• The withdrawal from Afghanistan left many veterans feeling invalidated.
• Mental health struggles are common among veterans after service.
• Reintegration into civilian life can be a difficult transition.
• Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone.
• Perseverance is key in overcoming life's challenges.

All the links to connect with Chris:

📚 Purchase "Walking Away From the Ledge" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/aIIhZxm

🔗 FB: Chris Kruger

🗒️ Substack: https://substack.com/@theaccidentalauthor

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Hidden Chapters!

If today's episode moved you, please consider
✅ Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

❤️I would love to hear from you!

📫 Join me on Substack for deeper connection or to continue the conversation on each episode and receive the weekly newsletter "The Next Chapter Notes"

💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters

☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters

Let's stay connected: 🔗

📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast

📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters

Got a story to share or want to be a guest?

💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com
🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here

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Leave me a note-I'd love to hear from you!

🎉 YOU all did it!! 1,000 downloads worldwide! 🌍

In this special behind-the-mic update, I’m celebrating this milestone and sharing a heartfelt thank you to listeners from the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, Nigeria, Germany, and beyond. 💛 I’ll also give you a quick update at what’s coming next for Hidden Chapters Season 2 and introducing new ways for listeners to connect and support the podcast!

Whether you’ve been here since the very beginning or just discovered the podcast, this moment is for you. Every download, every share, every moment of connection, you’re the reason this community is growing, and I’m so grateful.❤️

Takeaways

• Celebrating over a thousand downloads in three months is a significant milestone.
• Each download represents a listener's choice to connect and reflect.
• The podcast reaches a global audience, resonating with people from various countries.
• Season Two will feature interviews with newly published authors.
• Genevieve will share personal stories and insights behind her husband's book.
• Listeners can engage through voice messages and Substack.
• Genevieve expresses deep gratitude for her listeners' support.
• The podcast is a platform for sharing diverse cultural experiences.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration
05:33 Sneak Peek into Season Two
08:51 Ways to Connect and Support the Podcast

✨ Want to connect further? Here’s how:
🎤 Leave me a message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters

☕ Support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters

📖 Check out Chris’s book Walking Away from the Ledge: Purchase on Amazon

Until the next chapter, thank you for being here.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Hidden Chapters!

If today's episode moved you, please consider
✅ Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

❤️I would love to hear from you!

📫 Join me on Substack for deeper connection or to continue the conversation on each episode and receive the weekly newsletter "The Next Chapter Notes"

💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters

☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters

Let's stay connected: 🔗

📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast

📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters

Got a story to share or want to be a guest?

💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com
🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here

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🎉Chris's book: "Walking Away from the Ledge" is now available for preorder!
⭐️Grab your copy here!⭐️
https://books.by/w-brand-publishing/walking-away-from-the-ledge


🎉Season 1 Finale: The Why, the Lessons, and What’s Next

In this Season 1 recap of Hidden Chapters, I’m taking you behind the mic to share what I’ve learned, what surprised me, and what’s next for Season 2!

Stick around 'til the end, theres one more hidden moment you won't want to miss. (And who knows? This may become a regular occurrence)

Genevieve's takeaways: 🎙️

• Being a new podcaster takes a lot of behind the scenes effort.
• Season breaks give us both the chance to recharge creatively.
• Hidden Chapters came from the tension between perception and reality.
• We all have hidden layers that shape our experiences.
• Sharing our stories helps us connect and heal.
• Podcasting allows for deeper conversations than social media.
• Every brave choice moves us toward healing.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hidden Chapters
02:39 The Journey of Podcasting
06:01 The Essence of Hidden Chapters
09:34 Lessons from Guests
11:07 Reflections and Future Plans
12:14 Behind the Scenes Blooper Moments

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Hidden Chapters!

If today's episode moved you, please consider
✅ Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

❤️I would love to hear from you!

📫 Join me on Substack for deeper connection or to continue the conversation on each episode and receive the weekly newsletter "The Next Chapter Notes"

💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters

☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters

Let's stay connected: 🔗

📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast

📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters

Got a story to share or want to be a guest?

💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com
🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here

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