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 becoming a mom of two
• The emotional, physical, and societal realities of pregnancy and motherhood
• How military life and her husband’s PTSD impacted their family planning decisions
• Honest reflections on fertility struggles and the emotional toll of trying to conceive
• Navigating morning sickness, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy's emotional ups and downs
• The power of communication, self-advocacy, and having a strong support system
• Unique challenges faced by military and veteran families during pregnancy
• A call to break the silence around fertility, women’s health, and postpartum experiences

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Every path to motherhood is different — and it’s okay to talk about the hard parts
• Military life adds unique layers to family planning decisions
• Support, communication, and self-advocacy are essential
• Listening and showing up for the women in our lives matters

📌 Resources & Links:

• Learn more and access support: VeteranSpouseNetwork.org
• Stay tuned for Part 2, where Hannah dives into her childbirth and postpartum journey

🎧 Thank you for tuning in!

This episode is brought to you by the Veteran Spouse Network, in collaboration with Coming Home Well.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help other veteran and military-connected families feel seen, heard, and supported.

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 existing economic pressures
• The role of open communication about finances within relationships
• Key resources available to military families through Operation Homefront
• The power of community support in overcoming financial obstacles

Whether you’re part of a military family, work with veterans, or simply want to better understand the realities they face, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Operation Homefront
• Financial assistance programs for military families
• Tips for improving financial wellness and communication

#MilitaryFamilies #FinancialHealth #PodcastShowNotes #OperationHomefront #SupportOurTroops #MoneyMatters #MilitarySupport #FamilyWellness

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 opens up about her personal journey as a veteran spouse and what led her to dedicate her career to supporting military families through accessible, compassionate mental health care.

Tune in to hear:

• Why mental health support is essential for the entire military family unit
• Common challenges faced by military spouses and children
• Signs that it may be time to seek professional support
• How clinics like the Cohen Military Family Clinic are bridging gaps in care
• Mary Beth’s inspiring story of advocacy and service within the military community

Whether you're a military family member, veteran, or mental health advocate, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for navigating the unique emotional challenges of military life.

Resources Mentioned:

• Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health