ML Podcast
LATEST EPISODE
Military Life- Episode 163
Defence Partners Answer the Question- What was it like accessing Defence Family-related Support and making Spouse Friends?
On this week’s Military Life Podcast Episode, enjoy listening to some real talk from a handful of Defence Partners who have previously detailed their spouse journey with us on past episodes.
Episode 163 is all about accessing Defence-related Support and making Spouse Friends.
As you will hear from listening to the stories of Defence Partners Hana, Emma, Jeni, Catherine, Chaia, Cheree, and Chantelle, our journeys are unique yet have many common threads that connect us.
So, get comfy and enjoy listening to this compilation episode that sheds light on the question…
What was it like accessing Defence Family-related Support and Making Spouse Friends?
To listen to the full episode, scroll to Ep121 (24/3/22) for Hana’s story, Ep103 (2/9/21) for Emma’s story, Ep155 (27/7/23) for Jeni’s story, Ep111 (26/11/21) for Catherine’s story, Ep136 (15/9/22) for Chaia’s story, Ep91 (6/5/21) for Cheree’s story or Ep107 (710/21) for Chantelle’s story.
Did you know that you can access various Defence-related services and support? Check my online Defence Partner INFO Hub for all the contact details Defence Partner INFO Hub – Military Life or download the Defence Member and Family Information Guide (thanks to DMFS) Click HERE to read
Military Life- Episode 162
Defence Partners Answer the Question- How do you Support your Mental Health?
On this week’s Military Life Podcast Episode, enjoy listening to some real talk from a handful of Defence Partners who have previously detailed their spouse journey with us on past episodes.
Episode 162 is all about how Defence Partners support their Mental Health while living Defence Life.
As you will hear from listening to the stories of Defence Partners Chaia, Catherine, Rachael, Nicole, Kim, and Amanda, our journeys are unique yet have many common threads that connect us.
So, get comfy and enjoy listening to this compilation episode that sheds light on the question…
How do Defence Partners Support their Mental Health while living Defence Life?
To listen to the full episode, scroll to Ep136 (15/9/22) for Chaia’s story, Ep111 (26/11/21) for Catherine’s story, Ep131 (11/8/22) for Rachael’s story, Ep89 (15/4/21) for Nicole’s story, Ep82 (11/2/21) for Kim’s story or Ep87 (25/3/21) for Amanda’s story.
Military Life- Episode 161
Defence Partners Answer the Question- How do Defence Partners focus on and further their Careers while living Defence Life?
On this week’s Military Life Podcast Episode, enjoy listening to some real talk from a handful of Defence Partners who have previously detailed their spouse journey with us on past episodes.
As you will hear from listening to the stories of Defence Partners Amelia, Brooke, Jade, Freya, Elle, and Bec, our Career journeys are unique yet have many common threads that connect us.
So, get comfy and enjoy listening to this compilation episode that sheds light on the question…
How do Defence Partners envision their careers actually working alongside Defence Life?
To listen to the full episode’s scroll to Ep54 (25/6/20) for Amelia’s story, Ep56 (16/7/20) for Brooke’s story, Ep63 (3/9/20) for Jade’s story, Ep146 (2/3/23) for Freya’s story, Ep19 (4/9/19) for Elle’s story or Ep41 (27/2/20) for Bec’s story.
Military Life- Episode 160
Defence Partners Answer the Question- How to plan for a family while living Defence Life and supporting Defence kids through the challenges and celebrations that come with it.
On this week’s Military Life *Parents Edition* podcast episode, enjoy listening to some real talk from a handful of Defence Partners who are already Parents or are planning for a family in the future.
Arusha, Bianca, Ashley, Anika and Bec have all previously detailed their spouse journey on past episodes, and as you will hear from listening to their stories, our experiences are unique yet have many common threads that connect us.
So, get comfy and enjoy listening to this compilation episode that sheds light on the question…
How do you even plan for a family while living defence life, let alone support defence kids through the challenges and celebrations that come with it?
To listen to the full episode’s scroll to Ep23 (2/10/19) for Arusha’s story, Ep80 (28/1/21) for Bianca’s story, Ep7 (16/5/19) for Ashley’s story, Ep18 (28/8/19) for Anika’s story or Ep17 (21/8/19) for Bec’s story.
Military Life- Episode 159
Defence Partners Answer the Question- What was your Introduction to Defence Life really like?
This week on the podcast, enjoy listening to some real talk from a handful of Defence Partners who have previously detailed their spouse journey with us on past episodes.
Episode 159 of the Military Life Podcast is all about what it’s really like to become a Defence Partner and live Defence Life.
As you will hear from listening to the stories of Defence Partners Nicole, Rae, Katie, and Amanda, our experiences are unique yet have many common threads that run so deep and connect us.
So, get comfy and enjoy listening to this compilation episode that sheds light on the question…
What was your introduction to Defence Life really like?
To listen to the full episodes, scroll to Ep89 (15/4/21) for Nicole’s story, Ep125 (28/4/22) for Rae’s story, Ep86 (18/3/21) for Katie’s story or Ep87 (25/3/21) for Amanda’s story.
Military Life- Episode 157 PART 1
Mental & Physical Clutter and Defence Life
On this week’s Military Life Podcast episode and as the Defence Community start to receive news of postings and possible moves, I re-release my chat with Defence Partner and Declutter Expert Tara Tuttle.
Tara knows the challenges of Defence Life and moving and packing and unpacking and all the things!
Tara also knows the challenges Defence Families can face when it comes to organisation, clutter, holding onto things, feeling overwhelmed and how physical and mental clutter are often connected.
Tara and I talk about;
-The two types of people when it comes to decluttering
-How Defence Life can lead us to be less critical about our belongings
-How saying yes to having LESS physical possessions or mental clutter allows us to make space for what is really important
-All things decluttering and letting go
Military Life- Episode 158 PART 2
Mental & Physical Clutter and Defence Life
In PART TWO, Tara and I talk about;
-Just in case items and how they hold us down
-When excess and clutter prevent us from living the way we want to live
-Setting aside time to declutter and organise and starting small in order to avoid overwhelm
-Taking time to find or create homes for our belongings when we post into a new location
-How that can allow us, mentally, to feel more settled
-How deciding to let go of stuff is just the first step in the process and how having a plan and committing to the whole process is key
PLEASE NOTE: This podcast episode was recorded a couple of years ago, and while the content is still so relevant, it should be noted that Tara does not currently operate the Life Coach/Decluttering business she mentions in this podcast episode and is no longer recording new episodes of her BeUncluttered Podcast. To listen to past episodes, check it out here
Military Life- Episode 156
No Choice but to Live Apart-Supporting a Child with Additional Needs Vs Defence Life
On this week’s Military Life *Parents Edition* podcast episode, I speak with Defence Partner Chrissy who went on a blind date with an ADF member 13 years ago and never looked back.
Chrissy and I also talk about;
- Why, after backpacking solo for five years, the Defence lifestyle really suited her
- Being open to moving every few years, new experiences and exploring Australia
- How her attitude to the unknown of defence life changed once children came into the picture
- Balancing Defence life with career & the needs of her son, who is autistic with a mild intellectual disability
- Why their family is now living apart after her RAAF husband received a posting to Richmond
- The reasons that forced her hand when it came time to decide whether to post with her husband
- The lack of support and services available for Defence families with a child with additional needs
- How living apart has been going and being faced with living apart for another 7+ years
- Questioning whether choosing stability and support for their kids over living together was the right decision
- Stepping back into the workforce after an eight-year gap and balancing all the things
- Staying connected thanks to Facetime and spending quality time together on weekends
Did you know that Defence Partners, defence children and those considered to be a recognised other person, who have additional needs, can apply to get those additional needs recognised?
Defence may provide special needs benefits for resident family members with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, sensory impairments, learning or behavioural difficulties, speech disorders and other medical illnesses or impairments.
To apply, your ADF member will need to download a copy of the Application for Recognition of member with dependant with special needs (AC832) form from the Web Forms portal on the Defence Protected Network (DPN).
To find out more info visit the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) website here https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/register-resident-family-members-special-needs
You can also access support online or in your area via the Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) here http://dsnsg.org.au/
Military Life- Episode 155
On this week’s Military Life Podcast episode, I speak with Defence Partner Jeni from ep98 about the First Few Years of Defence Life.
Back in 2021, Jeni and I spoke about her upcoming move across the country for her husband’s first posting, the transition from civilian to defence family life after being together for 13 years, leaving friends and family and helping their kids start fresh in WA.
We also spoke about acknowledging your capacity when taking on the mental and physical load of the household while also figuring out Defence Life.
In this episode, Jeni updates us on how the move went and what the first few years of Defence Life have been like for their family.
We cover it all. Settling kids, experiencing their first deployment, finding employment, living in DHA housing for the first time, being on the other side of the country from friends and family and everything familiar.
Have a listen to ep98 below if you would like to refresh your memory on Jeni’s story but be sure to come back and listen to this ep (155) because it has such great insight regarding the first few years of Defence Life!
Military Life- Episode 154
Military Life *Parents Edition* podcast episode- The first 5 years of Defence Life. The First Posting, First Deployment and Everything in between!
On this week’s Military Life *Parents Edition* podcast episode, I speak with spouse Simone about the first 5 years of Defence Life and supporting her two kids through huge changes.
Simone and I also talk about;
- Her husband’s connection to Defence & how that played into his decision to join
- Why Defence Force Recruiting told her Husband to come back in a year or two
- The importance of making the decision to become a Defence Family together
- Why no amount of research or advice could prepare them for living Defence life
- The true toll separation takes on the spouse, the kids and the ADF member
- Expectation of what Defence life would be like vs the reality
- First Posting, First Deployment and Everything in between
- Supporting kids who had to get used to Dad not being home every night
- The balance of looking after her needs, the kids needs & the ADF members
- The pros and cons of posting to the same location they lived in before joining Defence
- The first deployment and why it helped connect Simone to the bigger Defence picture
- Possible future postings and why Defence might not be a ‘for life’ option
NEW to Defence Life? Pop over to the Defence Partner Info Hub. I’ve translated all that ‘defence speak’, untangled information and laid it all out in one easy-to-navigate space in easy-to-understand language https://militarylife.com.au/defence-partner-info-hub/
Ready to join the ML community? Click through the link to get connected xx www.militarylife.com.au
Military Life- Episode 153
DEFGLIS- Supporting and Representing Defence Force LGBTI People & their Families
In this week’s podcast episode and as part of Pride month, I re-release my chat with Racheal Cosgrove, President of DEFGLIS, the Defence LGBTI Information Service.
Racheal and I spoke about;
- How and why DEFGLIS started
- Who DEFGLIS support and represent
- How DEFGLIS has changed and evolved over the years
- The impact DEFGLIS has had on the lives of LGBTI Defence members and their families
- Why it is important to have a group like DEFGLIS
- The safe and secure space DEFGLIS offers for LGBTI members and their families
- Why DEFGLIS are working to stamp out discrimination in the workplace
- Some of the ways DEFGLIS have helped change Defence policy & practices
- Why it is so important DEFGLIS continue to advocate for policy change
- How DEFGLIS help connect the LGBTI defence community
- The impact of not feeling as though you can come to work as your whole self creates
- Why feeling misunderstood or unsupported at work leads to a reduction in output and how that impacts capability
- How to be an ally for fellow defence families who are part of the LGBTI community
- How those who are part of the LGBTI Defence community can reach out for help and support
If you would like to find out more information about DEFGLIS or pass on the links to someone who might be interested, there are a few ways to do so;
Website- https://www.defglis.com.au/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/DEFGLIS
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/defglis/
Military Life- Episode 152
Support & Resources for 2-8 year old Defence Kids
On this week’s Military Life *PARENTS EDITION* podcast episode, I check in with the University of New England’s Dr Marg Rogers to find out how the Children’s Family Resilience Programs have been going.
The programs and related resources were developed following Dr Rogers’ PhD studies and research that found there was a huge gap in the understanding and support of 2- 8-year-old defence kids.
Marg and I also talk about;
- Why giving 2- 8-year-old defence kids a voice was important.
- The lack of age and culturally-appropriate resources for defence kids.
- Figuring out why support and resources were only available for school-age defence kids.
- The importance of supporting defence kids to build a sense of belonging in their formative years.
- Focusing on deployment, separation, the impact and how to best support 2-8-year-olds.
- Launching the pilot program and developing co-designed research-backed resources.
- Listening to feedback from defence parents and kids so the programs & resources were on point.
- Why it was important defence parents, and kids helped shape the final products.
- The 12 downloadable research-based story books (8 interactive) and related resources.
- Staying focused on the overall goal, which is for defence kids to be well.
- Being recognised and named the 2022 joint award winner for the Council of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences ‘Distinctive Work’.
- Acknowledging the team effort with specialist consultants, a web team, Steering Committee, program authors, contributors and those with lived experience involved.
- Why military support organisations in Canada are now looking to adapt the programs & resources for Canadian military educators, parents and kids.
- What next and the need for more resources around the topics of relocation, moral injury and for veteran families who have transitioned out of the ADF.
Please note that since recording this episode, the EC Defence Programs has changed its name to the Children’s Family Resilience Programs.
To access the research findings, FREE books, resources, and programs, visit https://ecdefenceprograms.com/
To listen to the previous episode with Dr Rogers where we discuss her research in-depth, search for ep68 of the Military Life Podcast or listen below.
Military Life- Episode 151
BIG decisions after ONE month of dating an ADF member!
On this week’s podcast episode, I speak with new spouse Emily about deciding to move with her ADF member after dating for just ONE month and how they are ensuring Defence life works for both of them.
Emily and I also talk about;
- Meeting on a dating app and finding out about his ADF career
- Having open and honest conversations one month into dating
- Deciding to move from Newcastle to South Australia
- Telling family and friends and the varied reactions
- What happens when you post, and you are not in a recognised relationship
- Finding a private rental property and living together for the first time
- The benefit of studying an Online University Degree
- Moving to a new location, starting fresh and feeling alone
- Open communication and staying connected even while separated
- The process of becoming a recognised couple in the eyes of Defence
- The decision to move from a private rental to a DHA property
- Figuring out how to make Defence Life work for both of them
- Finding out together about the Defence entitlements they can access
- Helping other Defence Partners to connect and build a support network
- Future postings, career goals and plans to start a family
Military Life- Episode 150
Welcome to the 150th episode of the Military Life podcast! What a huge milestone for ALL of us to celebrate.
4 years of the podcast, 150 episodes and 80,000 downloads!!!
I want to say thank you to all of you for sharing your stories, listening, supporting, for getting it! YOU. JUST. GET. IT.
Thank you for this community we have all built and for this amazing space of connection and belonging we have all created.
It has been 4 years, 150 episodes and 80,000 downloads of Defence Partners and Families being seen and heard, allowing us to share in the ups and downs of military life, to share experiences, advice, information and insight. SO MUCH VALUABLE INSIGHT!
It has been 4 years, 150 episodes and 80,000 downloads of Defence Partners and Families feeling acknowledged for all that we do and sacrifice and juggle and most importantly- for 4 years, 150 episodes and 80,000 downloads the Military Life Community has been a place where all Defence Partners and Families, Navy, Army and Air Force, can connect and belong.
So get comfy and enjoy listening to some of the best advice, words of wisdom, tips and tricks, insider info… real talk from Defence Partners who have previously shared their spouse journey with us on episode 150 of the Military Life Podcast.
If you would like further information about any of the topics touched on in this episode like defence housing, Open Arms and connecting with other Defence Partners and Families check out the Defence Partner INFO Hub over on the Military Life Website. The INFO Hub has all the essential need-to-know-basics about Defence Life.
Military Life- Episode 149
On this week’s podcast episode, I caught up with Defence Partner Leah who was a guest on the Military Life podcast a few years ago on episode 29.
Back in 2019 Leah and I spoke about her quest to find meaningful employment, a long IVF journey and what happened to their remaining and only frozen embryo when they posted out of their location.
On this episode, Leah updates us on the last few years, where have they posted to, what was the result of their final round of IVF with that one last frozen embryo, returning to work and pursuing her passion and a surprise decision.
Ep29 is below if you would like to refresh your memory by having a listen to Leah’s original episode but be sure to come back and listen to ep149 because it truly is such an amazing update!
Military Life- Episode 148
Together 4 years, Two kids, Deployments & the First Posting
On this week’s podcast episode, I speak with spouse Chantel about how COVID lockdowns gave her and her ADF partner the time and space to establish their relationship and start a family.
Chantel and I also speak about;
- How they met and why after only knowing each other for three weeks, Chantel kinda moved in
- Her ADF partners fears starting a relationship, and the toll deployments take on a couple
- Why Chantel used time apart as a chance to focus on herself and her own busy life
- The pressure of being separated while trying to get to know each other
- Seeing the positives when it came to COVID lockdowns and cancelled away time
- Moving in together and starting a family early on in their relationship
- When reality hit and Chantel’s partner went away for an extended time post lockdowns
- Learning to put her hand up for help and accessing the support that is out there
- News of her defence members first posting away from the location they met
- Why Chantel made the decision to move to their posting location ahead of her partner
- The challenge of finding a DHA property, childcare and employment in Canberra
- Looking after her own well-being and deciding to start a business
Military Life- Episode 147 (PART 1 & 2)
This week on the Military Life Podcast, in celebration of the launch of my collaborative ‘YOUR VOICE’ campaign with Julia from The Home Post, a re-released episode- WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
TRIGGER WARNING- There is some discussion of suicide in these episodes. If these episodes bring anything up for you, please get in touch with FREE ADF mental health service Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or, in case of emergency, call 000.
Not Sure why ‘YOUR VOICE’ is so important? Have a listen to this two-part discussion between myself, Defence Partners Marcelle and Julia, Veteran Partner Jo-anna, Veteran Widow and also the parent of a past serving member Madonna and Defence Partner and Psychologist Brooke.
We discuss why YOUR VOICE MATTERS and NEEDS TO BE HEARD and also;
- Where we, as Defence and Veteran Partners and Families, fit when it comes to being included in conversations and decisions related to and that impact us
- How our voices are currently heard and considered via which avenues and opportunities
- The comparison between how American Military and Veteran Partners and Families are included and considered vs Defence and Veteran Partners in Australia
- The freedom and clarity that comes with being able to have more of a voice once your ADF member has transitioned out of Defence and the reflection that comes with transition
- How to work through feeling disconnected from the “cause” (the ADF) and living defence life
- Why Defence and Veteran Partners need to be given the tools and confidence to self-advocate more frequently and via various avenues
- We discuss how we, as Defence and Veteran Partners and Families, are being properly represented if a broad range of us aren’t being engaged and very few of us are being heard
- Dealing with feeling let down and unsupported and how to channel those feelings to impact change
- The disconnect between research and our qualified needs versus the actual available support and services
- Do Defence and Veteran Partners and Families have survey and research fatigue, and why clear, real and swift action needs to come from survey and research findings
- The trauma Defence and Veteran Partners and Families can experience as a consequence of the challenges experienced throughout defence and veteran life and its impact
- Why frequent and inclusive Defence and Veteran Partner and Family engagement needs to start at base level and filter UP
- Will there always be hesitation from Defence and Veteran Partners and Families to have a voice for fear of the repercussions when it comes to the ADF members’ careers?
- We discuss whether it is time for a completely independent organisation that is separate from Defence, Government, and Command to be created and also provide a voice
- What is the Defence and Veteran Partner and Family identity, and what are our needs?
- How can there be a true and complete understanding of that identity when there is a lack of meaningful engagement?
- Dealing with feeling unheard and as if we are being “swept along” by Defence and what that does to our core sense of safety
- We discuss the wide-ranging positive impact an engaged community can experience when they feel seen and heard and part of the conversation
- Why the existing avenues of support and services all need to have feedback avenues that are connected to positive improvement teams to ensure necessary changes are made
Be sure to listen to PART 1 and PART 2 and to learn more about the ‘YOUR VOICE’ Campaign (resources to make it easier *SO. MUCH. EASIER* for you to add your support to current, ongoing, and future Defence Partner and Family advocacy efforts) check out this page https://militarylife.com.au/yourvoice/
Military Life- Episode 146
From a Tinder date to moving across the country three months later!
On this week’s podcast episode, I speak with spouse Freya about her quick introduction to defence life after meeting her RAAF guy through Tinder and three months later posting across the country with him.
Freya and I also talk about;
- Why she decided to follow her heart and jump in feet first
- Making the hard decision to leave her cats behind in WA
- Why they could not move into a DHA property and finding a rental
- Going into defence life with no expectations or information
- The first year together and huge milestones- a new relationship, a new location
- The realisation that her defence member was going to be away a lot
- Her decision to get out into the community and connect
- Why it took Freya around 12 months to start finding friends & supports
- Freya’s nursing career and why nursing is and isn’t a great fit for defence life
- The decision to start her own photography business and the reality of that
- Posting back to Perth WA, and what that means for her business
- The comfort she feels after learning defence friends are also posting to WA
- Future plans, a possible transition out and where Freya would like to end up
To check out Freya’s Photography business, Freya Elise Photography, follow the below links.
www.freyaelisephotography.com.au or www.instagram.com/freya_elise_photography
Military Life- Episode 145
Buying a House- ADF Schemes & Home Buyer Grants Explained
So you’ve decided that now is the right time to look at buying a house….yay, go you!
If you’re like me, you have so many questions (so many) and need answers STAT about the potential home buyer grants and ADF schemes and entitlements you and your military member may be able to apply for.
But…. those answers need to be explained in plain old non-military speak which is why Defence Bank’s Kym Bowles and I talk you through ALL.THE.THINGS when it comes to buying a house.
In this episode Kym and I talk about;
-First steps once you decide to save for a house
-Personal debts and how they can impact your borrowing power
-Which Home Buyer Grants and ADF schemes and entitlements you may be able to apply for
– The First Home Owner Grant scheme explained
-The First Home Loan Deposit scheme (now called the Guarantee scheme) explained which is now
-The First Home Super Saver scheme explained
-What is stamp duty and the available duty concessions
-The Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (aka DHOAS) explained
-Recent changes to the DHOAS eligibility criteria
-When to apply and how the DHOAS payments actually work
-The Home Purchase Assistance Scheme (aka HPAS) explained
-When an ADF member can apply for HPAS and some things to be aware of
-Home Purchase or Sale Expenses Allowance (aka HPSEA) explained
-How to factor in Interest rates and understanding what you can borrow
-Do you need to get preapproval before searching for a potential property
For links to even more information and to check your eligibility for any of the grants, schemes and entitlements discussed in this podcast episode, click through to this BLOG article.
Buying a House-ADF Schemes & Home Buyer Grants Explained – Military Life
The BLOG article also details any available exemptions for each grant and scheme, for ADF members, by state and territory.
To get in contact with Defence Bank to talk about all of the above in more detail call 1800 033 139 or visit the website for more information or to make use of the Defence Bank Home Loan Borrowing Power Calculator, Stamp Duty Calculator, Home Loan Repayments Calculator and so much more.
https://www.defencebank.com.au/calculators
*Any advice contained in this podcast is general advice only and doesn’t take into account your personal circumstances. All applications for credit at Defence Bank are subject to approval under credit criteria.
Military Life- Episode 144 PART 1 and PART 2
Innovative program with Career, Community & Childcare focus
This week on the Military Life Podcast, I speak with Veteran Partner and Founder of Cowork Coplay Claire Harris about the importance of supporting the career goals of Defence Partners through innovative programs.
Claire and I also talk about;
-The concept behind Cowork Coplay and how lived experience guided how Claire created the initiative and built the social enterprise
-Why Cowork Coplay was developed for defence partners with young children
-The many (and complex) career and well-being challenges defence partners are navigating
-How Cowork Coplay connects defence partners to career, community and childcare
-The importance of collaboration; how existing support organisations and groups can benefit from partnering with others in the wider defence/veteran community
-The evolution of Cowork Coplay (from before COVID hit) to now and why being able to offer the program around the country via a done-with-you service model was the next step
-Why Claire has teamed up with Veterans SA to offer Cowork Coplay in South Australia in 2023
-The benefits of working with heart-centred organisations, like Veterans SA, who understand the needs of the defence community
-Potential benefits for defence partners, for example, to have focused, self-directed time and space to pursue goals, build confidence and build connections with others
-Claire’s big vision: all Defence families can pursue the kind of work they want (contributing their talents to local communities) and build the connections they need to live a fulfilled life.
-Future plans to run the Cowork Coplay program in more locations as one small piece of the puzzle of modern, meaningful programs and initiatives for defence partners.
In the second part of episode 144 of the Podcast, Chantelle Bohan, Director of Veterans SA, speaks about why supporting Defence Partners with innovative solutions like Cowork Coplay is a WIN WIN.
Chantelle and I also talk about;
-Who Veterans SA is, why their focus has shifted to include defence spouses and families more, and the steps they are taking to support defence partners and families
-The importance of listening to, engaging and consulting with people in both the defence and veteran community and drawing from their lived experience
-How recent community forums, surveys and an increased effort to hear community feedback lead to Veterans SA collaborating with Cowork Coplay
-Why understanding defence spouses and the challenges they face when it comes to career, community and childcare is important
-The decision to pilot the Cowork Coplay program in Adelaide in 2023 and why the program is a great fit for Veterans SA
-Why Veterans SA is committed to undertaking community consultation to find out how they can help and support the community
-The key themes that emerged from the recent Veteran and Defence Families Forum hosted by Veterans SA
-How those key themes and feedback will help determine the strategic aims and outcomes for Veterans SA in the coming years
-The importance of defence partners and families having opportunities to have input and give feedback on the available supports and programs on offer
-Why the individual goals of the people participating in the Cowork Coplay program are more important to Veterans SA than traditional KPI’s
-Why Veterans SA hope to advocate for other states and territories to also consider supporting innovative programs like Cowork Coplay
You can find out more information about the Cowork Coplay pilot program that is set to get underway in February 2023 in South Australia via www.coworkcoplay.com.au/program
To find out more information about Veterans SA check out their website via www.veteranssa.sa.gov.au
Military Life- Episode 143 PART 2
Why YOUR VOICE matters!
TRIGGER WARNING- There is some discussion of suicide in this episode. If this episode brings anything up for you, please contact FREE ADF mental health service Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or, in case of emergency, call 000.
Have a listen to Ep142 and PART 1 of this Military Life Podcast episode before listening to this ep
This week on the Military Life Podcast- Let’s Discuss WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
In Episode 143 (PART 2) Myself, Defence Partners Marcelle and Julia, Veteran Partner Jo-anna, Veteran Widow and also the parent of a past serving member Madonna and Defence Partner and Psychologist Brooke, discuss why YOUR VOICE MATTERS and NEEDS TO BE HEARD.
We also discuss;
-Where, we as Defence and Veteran Partners and Families, fit when it comes to being included in conversations and decisions related to, and that impact us
-How our voices are currently heard and considered via which avenues and opportunities
-The comparison between how American Military and Veteran Partners and Families are included and considered vs Defence and Veteran Partners in Australia
-The freedom and clarity that comes with being able to have more of a voice once your ADF member has transitioned out of Defence and the reflection that comes with transition
-How to work through feeling disconnected from the “cause” (the ADF) and living defence life
-Why Defence and Veteran Partners need to be given the tools and confidence to self-advocate more frequently and via various avenues
-We discuss how we, as Defence and Veteran Partners and Families, are being properly represented if a broad range of us aren’t being engaged and very few of us are being heard
-Dealing with feeling let down and unsupported and how to channel those feelings to impact change
-The disconnect between research and our qualified needs versus the actual available support and services
-Do Defence and Veteran Partners and Families have survey and research fatigue and why clear, real and swift action needs to come from survey and research findings
-The trauma Defence and Veteran Partners and Families can experience as a consequence of the challenges experienced throughout defence and veteran life and its impact
-Why frequent and inclusive Defence and Veteran Partner and Family engagement needs to start at base level and filter UP
-Will there always be hesitation from Defence and Veteran Partners and Families to have a voice for fear of the repercussions when it comes to the ADF members career?
-We discuss whether it is time for a completely independent organisation that is separate from Defence, Government and Command to be created and also provide a voice
-What is the Defence and Veteran Partner and Family identity, and what are our needs?
-How can there be a true and complete understanding of that identity when there is a lack of meaningful engagement?
-Dealing with feeling unheard and as if we are being “swept along” by Defence and what that does to our core sense of safety
-We discuss the wide-ranging positive impact an engaged community can experience when they feel seen and heard and part of the conversation
-Why the existing avenues of support and services all need to have feedback avenues that are connected to positive improvement teams to ensure necessary changes are made
Military Life- Episode 142 PART 1
Why YOUR VOICE matters!
TRIGGER WARNING- There is some discussion of suicide in this episode. If this episode brings anything up for you, please contact FREE ADF mental health service Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or, in case of emergency, call 000.
This week on the Military Life Podcast- Let’s Discuss WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
In Episode 142 (PART 1) Myself, Defence Partners Marcelle and Julia, Veteran Partner Jo-anna, Veteran Widow and also the parent of a past serving member Madonna and Defence Partner and Psychologist Brooke, discuss why YOUR VOICE MATTERS and NEEDS TO BE HEARD.
We also discuss;
-Where, we as Defence and Veteran Partners and Families, fit when it comes to being included in conversations and decisions related to, and that impact us
-How our voices are currently heard and considered via which avenues and opportunities
-The comparison between how American Military and Veteran Partners and Families are included and considered vs Defence and Veteran Partners in Australia
-The freedom and clarity that comes with being able to have more of a voice once your ADF member has transitioned out of Defence and the reflection that comes with transition
-How to work through feeling disconnected from the “cause” (the ADF) and living defence life
-Why Defence and Veteran Partners need to be given the tools and confidence to self-advocate more frequently and via various avenues
-We discuss how we, as Defence and Veteran Partners and Families, are being properly represented if a broad range of us aren’t being engaged and very few of us are being heard
-Dealing with feeling let down and unsupported and how to channel those feelings to impact change
-The disconnect between research and our qualified needs versus the actual available support and services
-Do Defence and Veteran Partners and Families have survey and research fatigue and why clear, real and swift action needs to come from survey and research findings
-The trauma Defence and Veteran Partners and Families can experience as a consequence of the challenges experienced throughout defence and veteran life and its impact
-Why frequent and inclusive Defence and Veteran Partner and Family engagement needs to start at base level and filter UP
-Will there always be hesitation from Defence and Veteran Partners and Families to have a voice for fear of the repercussions when it comes to the ADF members career?
-We discuss whether it is time for a completely independent organisation that is separate from Defence, Government and Command to be created and also provide a voice
-What is the Defence and Veteran Partner and Family identity, and what are our needs?
-How can there be a true and complete understanding of that identity when there is a lack of meaningful engagement?
-Dealing with feeling unheard and as if we are being “swept along” by Defence and what that does to our core sense of safety
-We discuss the wide-ranging positive impact an engaged community can experience when they feel seen and heard and part of the conversation
-Why the existing avenues of support and services all need to have feedback avenues that are connected to positive improvement teams to ensure necessary changes are made
Be sure to continue listening to this discussion via Ep143 PART 2.
Military Life- Episode 141
I was GASLIT.
Trigger Warning: The topic of Gaslighting is discussed in this episode. Gaslighting is a very sensitive topic to discuss for many and for some it can trigger intense emotions and thoughts. If you or anyone you know need mental health support, call FREE Veterans and Families counselling service Open Arms on 1800 011 046, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or in an emergency 000.
*What is Gaslighting? Behaviours that can be used to undermine someone’s sense of self, sense of reality, and sense of confidence in their own perceptions of a situation and of a relationship, can cause a person to question their judgment, memory, self-worth, and overall mental health.
I’ve been trying to record this episode for a while now but to be honest, I’ve just felt so let down for myself and this community that I just couldn’t find the right words, which, for me, isn’t usual.
So here goes….
Six months ago, I asked questions following an announcement of the “Enhancement and Expansion” of the Defence School Mentor Program and this is what happened.
I was told I was focusing too much on the details.
I was told there were bigger issues.
I was told that maybe I should seek mental health support if I had been triggered.
I was GASLIT.
On this episode of the Military Life Podcast;
- The story of what happened when I asked questions.
- The deeper problems that, I feel, exist within the defence and veteran community when it comes to accessing information, openly voicing concerns or giving feedback.
- What I learnt.
For all the details about the DSM program or to read the full blog pop over to the ML Blog here https://militarylife.com.au/iwasgaslit/
Military Life- Episode 140
Protecting our Data & Identity- What we can all do TODAY!
By now, most of us would have heard about the Optus data breach, which compromised the sensitive information of up to 10 million customers.
The Optus data breach highlights and reminds us that we live in a world where scammers exist and where there is a real need for all of us to increase our vigilance.
On this week’s Military Life Podcast Episode, Head of Fraud at Defence Bank Mike Smith and Michael O’Reilly, Chief Marketing & Product Officer talk us through;
-What happens when there is a data breach, who notifies us and which information to trust?
-Why we should all be monitoring our credit history and scores and how it can provide an early warning sign of identity theft. You can also check out Defence Banks Intel Blog ‘How to use your credit score to uncover identity theft’
-How to check our credit history and scores via platforms like Equifax, RateCity, Credit Savvy or Finder and how regularly we should be doing it. You can also check out Defence Bank’s Intel Blog article ‘How often should I be checking my credit score?’
-Why someone would want to steal our identity and what our identity can be used for.
-Phishing scams- What are they and the popular ones circulating at the moment like the Netflix Scam, the Toll Road Scam and the Hi Mom Scam. You can also check out Defence Banks Intel Blog ‘Five Major Phishing Scams you need to avoid’
-Available information and resources to help you stay ahead of scammers and protect your personal information.
-ScamWatch, the Australian Security Centre, MoneySmart and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and IDCare, a not-for-profit that provides free support to Australians who have been impacted by fraud or scams.
-How we can determine if someone is trying to scam us and the steps we can take if the unfortunate happens and we fall victim to a data breach, scam or identity theft. You can also check out Defence Banks’ Intel Blog ‘What can you do if you’ve been scammed?’
-Free and safe Government resources we can access if we have been impacted by fraud or scams and the ways we can prevent further impact through things like requesting a ban on our credit report.
-What can be learnt from the OPTUS data breach for consumers, and going forward, what should be front of mind for all of us?
Your best defence is to stay one step ahead of scammers by reading up on the latest information and scams in circulation. Defence Bank has a series of blog articles about scams, fraud and security. Read more by visiting their website here.
You can find out more information about Credit History/Score platforms Equifax, RateCity, Credit Savvy, or Finder.
Military Life- Episode 139
Military Life Community Connectors EXPLAINED- PART 2
Maybe you have heard about Military Life Community Connectors or maybe you want to know more about them. This episode is all about who they are and what they do, and why I felt there was a need for the Military Life Community Connector Program.
No one quite gets you like a fellow Defence Partner but finding and connecting with other partners can be both tricky and nerve-wracking!
It took me 10 years to find a Defence Partner friend. Partly because I didn’t realise what I was missing out on. Partly because I was downright scared to step forward to connect. Partly because I was reluctant to put my hand up for support. Partly because I wasn’t given the opportunity to connect and belong in my community.
So, when I finally found what I didn’t even know I was missing, that connection and support only fellow Defence Partners can give, I felt a weight lift off of me. I caught my breath. I felt like I belonged, and I wanted every Defence Partner to have what I had found.
That’s why I created the ML Community Connector Program and where Community Connectors come in! I wanted to give every Defence Partner the opportunity to CONNECT and BELONG in their community just like I had because I knew in my heart what a huge difference it made having Defence Partner friends in your corner who just got you and defence life.
ML Community Connectors play a vital role for Defence Partners by bringing them together to create meaningful connections with each other, offering support and information, and by acknowledging the importance of belonging.
Community Connectors are amazing Defence Partners around the country who have stepped forward and put their hand up to volunteer to help connect defence partners in their community- the defence community by providing consistent and welcoming monthly spouse-focused events (on weekends and child-free) that ALL Defence Partners can attend.
We currently have ML Community Connectors in Amberley and Enoggera QLD, HMAS Cerberus VIC and Richmond NSW, with the role expanding to Rockingham WA, Adelaide SA, Canberra ACT, and Sutherland NSW. Community Connection events will take place on October 15th at those locations and every month after that. It will be an amazing night of connection with Defence Partners coming together around the country.
Have a listen to Episode 138 (PART 1) and 139 (PART 2) to find out more, and if you feel like you might like to put your hand up to be a Community Connector in your location, get in contact with Beck via hello@militarylife.com.au
If you would like to find out more about a Community Connection Event happening in your area, click through to your ML Closed State/Territory Facebook group for details.
TAS- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongtas/
VIC- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongvic/
NT- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongnt/
SA- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongsa/
NSW/ACT- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongnswact/
Military Life- Episode 138
Military Life Community Connectors EXPLAINED- PART 1
Maybe you have heard about Military Life Community Connectors or maybe you want to know more about them. This episode is all about who they are and what they do, and why I felt there was a need for the Military Life Community Connector Program.
No one quite gets you like a fellow Defence Partner but finding and connecting with other partners can be both tricky and nerve-wracking!
It took me 10 years to find a Defence Partner friend. Partly because I didn’t realise what I was missing out on. Partly because I was downright scared to step forward to connect. Partly because I was reluctant to put my hand up for support. Partly because I wasn’t given the opportunity to connect and belong in my community.
So, when I finally found what I didn’t even know I was missing, that connection and support only fellow Defence Partners can give, I felt a weight lift off of me. I caught my breath. I felt like I belonged, and I wanted every Defence Partner to have what I had found.
That’s why I created the ML Community Connector Program and where Community Connectors come in! I wanted to give every Defence Partner the opportunity to CONNECT and BELONG in their community just like I had because I knew in my heart what a huge difference it made having Defence Partner friends in your corner who just got you and defence life.
ML Community Connectors play a vital role for Defence Partners by bringing them together to create meaningful connections with each other, offering support and information, and by acknowledging the importance of belonging.
Community Connectors are amazing Defence Partners around the country who have stepped forward and put their hand up to volunteer to help connect defence partners in their community- the defence community by providing consistent and welcoming monthly spouse-focused events (on weekends and child-free) that ALL Defence Partners can attend.
We currently have ML Community Connectors in Amberley and Enoggera QLD, HMAS Cerberus VIC and Richmond NSW, with the role expanding to Rockingham WA, Adelaide SA, Canberra ACT, and Sutherland NSW. Community Connection events will take place on October 15th at those locations and every month after that. It will be an amazing night of connection with Defence Partners coming together around the country.
Have a listen to Episode 138 (PART 1) and 139 (PART 2) to find out more, and if you feel like you might like to put your hand up to be a Community Connector in your location, get in contact with Beck via hello@militarylife.com.au
If you would like to find out more about a Community Connection Event happening in your area, click through to your ML Closed State/Territory Facebook group for details.
TAS- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongtas/
VIC- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongvic/
NT- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongnt/
SA- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongsa/
NSW/ACT- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongnswact/
Military Life- Episode 137
Highschool Sweethearts with Big Plans
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to new Spouse Lara about what it’s like to still be in Highschool while navigating Defence Life.
Lara and I also talk about;
- The purpose and direction the ADF has given her boyfriend
- Why a troubled childhood led her partner to consider the Army
- Being under 18 and why their relationship isn’t yet recognised
- The shift from living together to long-distance with minimal communication
- The bond her partner has with her parents and the impact of separation
- Having a brother in the Army and the invaluable info & advice he has offered
- Thoughts on moving from her home town of 2000 people
- The opportunities the ADF will provide for Lara & her partner
- Her plans to join the Army Reserves while hopefully studying law
- Managing the judgement and opinions of others when it comes to age
- What it was like when her partner was away at training at Kapooka vs Singleton
- Finding support online and her reservations about connecting in person
- Waiting on news of their first posting location and where they hope to move
- The excitement to be back with her partner & start a life together
- Being open to change and preparing for what their relationship might now be like
Military Life- Episode 136
Feeling your way through Defence Partner Life
In this week’s podcast episode, I speak with defence partner Chaia about finding support and comfort in spouse friends, accessing Open Arms & Future plans.
Chaia and I also speak about;
- starting off as friends and what it meant once they started dating
- why nothing prepares you for the transition into defence life
- the difference between being posted to a reserve vs full-time battalion
- experiencing her first posting and deciding to live apart (MWDU)
- why leaving her employment, her long service and maternity leave wasn’t an option
- finally feeling like she had defence life figured out only for it to change again
- deciding to stay busy while her partner was away which led to burnout
- putting her hand up for mental health support via Open Arms
- expectations and accepting the reality of everyday defence life
- figuring out when they will finally live together and future plans
- family planning, possible postings and how Chaia envisions it all working
- having a partner who is proactive in seeking out the info a spouse needs
Military Life- Episode 135
Spouse Entrepreneurs-THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
This week on the podcast, I speak with Chris North Co-Founder of Innoclub a not-for-profit organisation on a mission to help Defence Partner & Veteran Entrepreneurs thrive.
Chris and I also speak about;
- Where the idea for Innoclub came from and why the focus on Spouses and Veterans?
- The importance of supporting Defence Partner and Veteran Entrepreneurs
- When and Who should sign up for the FREE Innoclub courses and workshops
- Using education and resources to help Defence Partner and Veteran Entrepreneurs
- Why you don’t need to have a clear business idea or a way forward to take part
- How Innoclub can help you map out your idea or work on expanding your existing biz
- Why Innoclub want Clubs and Government to help them give a hand-up not a hand-out
- The seed funding you can pitch for at the end of the Innoclub Entrepreneur course
- How seed funding can help you progress your idea or expand your existing biz
- Innoclub’s mission to create communities and networks for Spouses and Veterans
- The importance of engaging younger spouses and veterans with modern solutions
- Future plans for Innoclub and how to signup to take part in a course or workshop
To find out more information or sign up for one of the FREE in-person or online Innoclub courses and workshops check out the Innoclub website here https://www.innoclub.com.au/
Military Life- Episode 134
Living Apart- A Defence Couple’s MWDU Experience PART TWO
This week on the podcast my Husband Scott and I talk about our current and past experiences with living apart and being MWDU (Member with Dependants Unaccompanied).
In PART TWO Scott and I talk about;
- Comparing MWDU experience one, two, three, four and now five
- Open communication and why some conversations are better had in-person
- Making sure we make living MWDU a positive experience for our children
- Drawing on our networks to ensure we make use of the support available
- Comparing the challenges of a 6-month deployment and living MWDU
- Feeling disconnected from our in-location base and the defence community
- The hardest part about living apart and second-guessing being MWDU
- How we navigate the loneliness, MWDU fatigue and living out of a duffle bag
- The hidden costs of living MWDU and how we juggle two households
- Investing in my well-being and mental health support as a priority
Military Life- Episode 133
Living Apart- A Defence Couple’s MWDU Experience PART ONE
This week on the podcast my Husband Scott and I talk about our current and past experiences with living apart and being MWDU (Member with Dependants Unaccompanied).
In PART ONE Scott and I talk about;
- Why we choose to live MWDU and how our 5th MWDU experience is going
- How we prepare to live MWDU and the unexpected challenges
- Flex work and why this posting is a perfect fit for living MWDU
- Finding ways to stay connected and why communication is so important
- Getting the Family time Vs Couple time Vs Alone time right
- Submitting the MWDU paperwork and second-guessing our decision
- How different life stages impact how you approach and experience MWDU
- Balancing Scott’s commitment to his family and the Navy and the push and pull
- Forward planning and how living MWDU impacts future posting preferences
- What we would do differently if we experienced MWDU for the first time again
Military Life- Episode 132
A Crash Posting, Balancing Family & Career
This week on the Military Life Podcast, I speak with Defence Partner Kristy about a crash posting and balancing family and career alongside Defence life.
Kristy and I also talk about;
- Focusing on her career and why, early on, the Army had little impact on her everyday life
- The huge changes that came with a crash interstate posting (the 2-week notice type)
- Living out of a motel to finish out her notice period at work and moving to Brisbane
- Going from having a successful career to being unemployed and starting fresh
- Choosing to focus on the bigger picture and the positives in her new location
- Finding meaningful employment she can take with her when they post
- Taking part in a new Spouse and Veteran program called the Career Evolution Program
- The importance of balance and the role a supportive and flexible employer plays
- Why Kristy would like her kids to see that both Mum and Dad can do amazing things
- Connecting in with the Defence Community and accessing support
In the second part of episode 132 of the Podcast, I speak with Amanda McIntyre from PwC to get all the details about the Career Evolution Program Kristy is currently taking part in.
Amanda and I talk about;
- Why PwC is passionate about helping defence partners find meaningful employment
- What makes the program a perfect fit for defence partners and how the 12month program works
- The importance of providing flexible and remote work options as a standard business practice
- Understanding defence life and how that understanding translates in the workplace at PwC
- The skills you gain from the program and the ongoing employment options available with PwC
- How to find out more about the Career Evolution Program and the easy process of applying
Applications are open NOW until Mid-September 2022. To find out more information about the PwC Career Evolution Program or to apply visit https://www.pwc.com.au/careers/career-evolution-program.html
Military Life- Episode 131
The Defence Life Balance & Growing through Gratitude
On episode 131 of the Military Life Podcast, I speak with RAAF spouse Rachael about finding the defence life balance, having her husband home and growing thanks to gratitude.
Rachael and I also speak about;
- the first posting shock and finding your feet away from family and friends
- the realisation that when her husband was away she was all alone
- being independent but still being able to be dependent on each other
- figuring out their communication style and how they adapted it when apart
- making sure they communicated properly with each other to avoid disconnect
- being a whole & complete person away from her partner
- why a 3rd posting back to Richmond has been one of the best yet
- how a varied career helped her decide which field she wanted to explore
- finding community after posting while also experiencing post-natal depression
- the positive impact yoga, mindfulness and gratitude journaling play in her life
- being the CEO of Frontline Yoga and why all defence partners should get involved
*To hear more about Frontline Yoga and how you can access FREE yoga sessions check out episode 104 of the Military Life podcast. Rachael talks about what Frontline Yoga offers and the impact they are having within the Defence community. You can also check out the website here www.frontlineyoga.com.au
Military Life- Episode 130
Rejoining-ARMY to RAAF, Why now and Future Plans
On this week’s podcast episode, I speak with new spouse Kristen about her fiancé’s decision to re-join the ADF and why defence life is a good fit for their family.
Kristen and I also talk about;
- Meeting just 3 weeks after her now fiancé had discharged from the Army
- Why her partner discharged and how hard it was to find meaningful employment
- Not having any transferrable skills and how it impacted his career prospects
- Finally finding work but feeling stuck in a job he couldn’t progress in
- Her fiancé’s decision to re-join and why he chose the RAAF instead of the Army
- The considerations that went into the decision to re-join and the long process
- Training and RAAF life for a Loadmaster and the spark it reignited in her partner
- Focusing on the short-term loss for the long-term gains the ADF will provide them
- Having the hard conversations about what defence life will mean for both of them
- Why the RAAF was a better option for their family this time around
- The adjustment from seeing each other every day to being apart for months
- Keeping busy with work and trying to plan for the future with so many unknowns
- How recent world events have caused concern and working through the worry
- The information she wished she had when he re-joined and how she got informed
- The importance of connecting with support and other defence spouses early on
Military Life- Episode 129
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and why we need YOU!
TRIGGER WARNING– There is some discussion of suicide in this episode. If this episode brings anything up for you please contact FREE ADF mental health service Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or in case of emergency call 000.
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Solicitor Jacinta Harris from the Defence and Veterans Legal Service about the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and the important role defence partners and families can play in the proceedings.
Jacinta and I also talk about;
- What a Royal Commission is and why it was established in July of 2021
- What terms of reference mean and how defence partners and families are included
- Why your experience with systemic issues in family support services needs to be told
- How the Defence and Veterans Legal Service can help you with a submission for FREE
- Why the Royal Commission wants to hear the experiences of ALL defence partners
- The importance of hearing about the challenges of everyday defence life
- Why you don’t need to have been personally impacted by suicide to take part
- The information and lived experience the Royal Commission wants & needs to hear
- How you can control whether your submission is public, private or anonymous
- The legal protections in place that allow you to tell your story openly and honestly
- How we can encourage our current or former ADF members to make a submission
- What the Royal Commission will do with all of the information it gathers
- The interim report due to be released in August 2022 and why it could create change
- Why it is a positive sign the Royal Commission has been extended until June 2024
- The overwhelming number of people who have already put forward submissions
- Why the more people who put forward submissions with varied experiences the better
- How long YOU still have to take part and what will happen when the Royal Commission ends
- The final recommendations and how you can help create real outcomes.
The Defence and Veterans Legal Service can connect you with trauma-informed staff in every state and territory. You can choose to connect via phone, email, video chat or in-person and you can also remain anonymous and have as many sessions as you need to be able to put your submission together in whatever form you would like it to take whether that be a written, video, audio or even dot point submission.
To get in contact with the Defence and Veterans Legal Service or to find out more information check out their website https://defenceveteranslegalservice.org.au/Home or email defencevetslegal@legalaid.qld.gov.au or write to Defence and Veterans Legal Service, PO Box K847, Haymarket NSW 1238 or call 1800 33 1800
Military Life- Episode 128
Just as a warning-There is some discussion of eating disorders, relapse, disordered eating and the management of an eating disorder in this episode of the Military Life podcast. If anything comes up for you or you know of someone in need of support call the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 334 673 or access free support via ADF Veteran and Family Mental Health service Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Defence Partner Trish about fast-tracking relationship milestones, an unexpected career crisis and managing an eating disorder.
Trish and I also talk about;
- Not having any expectations when it came to Defence Life
- Going into Defence Life with the understanding there would be challenges
- Her decision to stay in location and do long-distance or move in together
- Moving from a city to a regional location and the positives and negatives
- Trying to figure out how to make friends in a new place while working from home
- The interesting career opportunities she was able to pursue in her new location
- Why she focused on her values and figuring out what type of life she wanted to live
- Making sure she and her partner have interests outside of Defence and their relationship
- Being diagnosed with an eating disorder and the support team that helps her manage it
- How uncertainty and change that comes with Defence life impact the management of her eating disorder
- The shame she felt when she had a relapse and needed to call on her support network
- How hard it is to move frequently and connect with face-to-face health support
- The pressure she feels to overcome her eating disorder so that it is “under control”
- Advice for others wanting to take the step to seek help and support
Military Life- Episode 127
This week’s podcast episode is all about Soldier On, a not-for-profit support organisation offering services for Defence Partners, Veterans and their families.
I speak with Soldier On Service Ambassador Dr Rebecca Jackson about;
- Who and how to access support, services and resources through Soldier On
- What type of support you can access in-person and over the phone
- The Soldier On mission to enable veterans, defence partners and their families to thrive
- Soldier On Employment Support for defence partners and veterans
- Soldier On Learning via Education officers who offer learning and education support
- Soldier On Participation through a range of free social connection activities and programs
- How Soldier On encourages reconnection and links with the wider community
To find out more about Soldier On or to access support, services and resources click through to the website here or call 1300 620 380
Military Life- Episode 126
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Army Spouse Julia who is the Founder of the Home Post a community and website dedicated to helping us with the DETAILS of defence life!
Julia has created a space and resources every Defence Partner has, at some point, tried to wish into existence with her first resource the Defence Family In Case of Emergency card (DFICE) launching this weekend.
I’m talking practical and needed stuff like checklists, guides and organising systems for ALL the things like posting in and posting out, DHA, medical downgrade entitlements, understanding PACMAN and the list goes on.
And the best part is that everything Julia does and will be launching in the coming months is in real speak, explained by a defence partner for defence partners to give us clarity and confidence.
All of those little details we didn’t even know we needed to know. The questions we should be and are allowed to ask. The defence life tips, tricks and hacks you will wonder how you lived without.
Listen to episode 126 of the Military Life Podcast to find out how Julia is using her initial spouse journey and feeling uninformed and unsupported to help others and why a medical emergency was what prompted her to start the Home Post.
Stay across all that Julia is doing over at the Home Post by following along via her Instagram thehomepostau or her Facebook page The Home Post and don’t forget to get on her e-newsletter list here A-SAP because the FREE Defence Family In Case of Emergency card is not a resource you are going to want to miss out on!
Military Life- Episode 125
In this week’s podcast episode, I speak with Navy spouse Rae about future plans with her Defence member, Open Communication and deciding whether Defence life will be a long-term plan.
Rae and I also talk about;
- Meeting each other through an online dating app
- Finding out three weeks in that he was planning on joining the Navy
- Being naive to what becoming a defence couple would mean
- Her partners 2.5 year wait to be accepted into the Navy
- The shift from being a civilian couple to a defence couple
- The impact of COVID, separation due to training and uncertainty
- Being solo and using it as a chance to focus on herself
- Coming back together after training and moving in together
- The importance of communicating with each other
- Figuring out whether defence life is a long-term plan
- The sacrifices and compromises both were willing to make
- Planning a wedding and thinking about starting a family
- Coping with anxiety and the uncertainty of defence life
- The first experience with DHA and how draining the process was
- Feeling supported by other defence partners and online communities
- Looking after her mental health and accessing professional help
Military Life- Episode 124
There is so much to celebrate this week- 3 years of the Military Life Podcast and hitting the 65,000 download mark but what those two milestones actually mean is that for 3 years and a whopping 65,000 times this Podcast has been supporting me and has been supporting you.
It means that we have all listened to over 120 Episodes of Defence Partners telling their stories, being seen and heard, allowing us to share in the ups and downs of Military Life, allowing us to feel that little bit less alone.
It means that for 3 years the Military Life Podcast has been providing all of us with advice, information and insight and that this Podcast has been acknowledging all that we do and sacrifice and juggle and most importantly for 3 years the Podcast has been CONNECTING us.
So get comfy and enjoy listening to some real talk from a handful of Defence Partners who have previously shared their spouse journey with us. Episode 124 features unheard audio asking Defence Partners Catherine, Emily, Fiona, Rae, Elise and Mika an important question…..
NEW to Defence Life? Pop over to the Defence Partner INFO Hub. I’ve translated all that ‘defence speak’, untangled information and laid it all out in one easy-to-navigate space in easy-to-understand language. Defence Partner INFO Hub
Military Life- Episode 123
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to spouse Emily about being new to Defence Life and when I say NEW I mean really new. Emily took the time to chat with me on the day of her partner’s enlistment. DAY 1!
Emily and I also talk about;
- Making the decision, as a family, to join the defence force
- Patiently waiting for an enlistment date, injury delays and the anticipation
- Preparing for her partner’s departure and building a support network
- The enlistment day drop off and the disconnect she felt
- Being too busy to really process the huge changes taking place
- What made her partner want to join the RAAF over the Army and Navy
- The challenges she has faced accessing defence specific information
- Being upset her partner is going away but equally as excited for his new career
- Why she views an 8-month separation as a short-term sacrifice for long term gain
- The impact being apart might have on her partner and their daughter
- Having realistic expectations of what defence life might be like
- Working in healthcare and being able to find employment where ever they go
- Her small business and worrying about starting fresh and building a client base
NEW to Defence Life? Pop over to the Defence Partner Info Hub. I’ve translated all that ‘defence speak’, untangled information and laid it all out in one easy-to-navigate space in easy-to-understand language https://militarylife.com.au/defence-partner-info-hub/
Military Life- Episode 122
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to RAAF spouse Hana about the long road to becoming a defence family, mental health challenges and focusing on the good.
Hana and I also talk about;
- Their chance meeting while they were both working overseas
- How Hana helped uncover her partner’s passion for aircraft
- Arriving back in Australia and the decision to pursue a career in the RAAF
- The long 3-year journey just to get into defence and delays due to injury
- Getting the news her partner finally had a place at Officer Training School
- Welcoming their first baby and what happened when he left just 3 months later
- The stress of solo parenting, coping with anxiety and a postpartum depression diagnosis
- Why Hana put up a good front so her husband didn’t feel bad about being away
- What happened when her husband came home and realised things weren’t ok
- Accessing the medical help, the DMFS Helpline and the support of a Chaplain
- Being an outsider and feeling disconnected from the defence community
- Realising her plan to become a registered builder wasn’t going to fit with defence life
- Figuring out how important work is for her and her mental health
- How Defence Life gave Hana the push she needed to start her own business
- The importance of connecting with the defence community even before posting
- Making friends fast and the importance of building a support network
- Seeing the positive in every situation, surrendering and trusting in the universe
- Posting to Brisbane, everything falling into place and settling into the new location
To find out more about Hana’s biz Suburban Witchery check it out on Instagram here or on Facebook here or via her website here or listen to Hana’s Witch Talks Podcast here.
Military Life- Episode 121
This week on the Military Life Podcast- Let’s Discuss PART ONE and PART TWO!
Defence Partners Hayley Boswell from Defence Kidz, Julia Michel from The Home Post and Tania Attley from the Raw Psychologist come on the podcast to discuss the Past Weeks Events, a Damaging and Hurtful Narrative & How to Move Forward Constructively.
We also talk about;
- Dealing with emotions and not repressing our feelings by avoiding them
- How we often go into planning mode when an unexpected operation occurs
- Why the brain hates the unknown and is constantly seeking balance
- Uncertainty, danger and the worry when your defence member gets the call
- How planning mode distracts us from our core emotions
- Why 24/7 media coverage of world events isn’t always a good thing
- Why building a support network with people you know will have empathy is key
- Standby mode and coping with the unknown through disconnection
- Why shutting off is a way of mentally preparing for the defence member to leave
- Wanting the separation to start so that they can come home already
- How the ADF community is feeling after what happened in the media last week
- Setting boundaries with news media and limiting contact
- When the sentiment out in the community quickly turns to blame
- Why we tend to experience the stress response flight, fight or freeze
- Understanding that the brain can tolerate a particular level of stress
- What happens when you push past that stress level into shutdown
- Why disconnecting from your partner too many times can have an impact
- Communication and verbalising what your needs are
- Setting boundaries with friends and family and being assertive
- Community outrage and how to process the misdirected anger
- How the defence spouse community is feeling right now
- Confirmation bias and how that plays into some of the narratives in the media
- Being mentally prepared to engage in discussion or advocate in your own way
- The long-lasting impact the past week could have on the ADF community
- Why it is important to help the community to make new connections
- The importance of continuing the conversation and continuing to change the narrative
- Educating the community about who the ADF are, what they do and the sacrifices defence members and families make
To follow Hayley from Defence Kidz click here
To follow Julia from The Home Post click here
To follow Tania from The Raw Psychologist click here
Military Life- Episode 120
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to new spouse Mika about the first year of defence life and making long-distance work.
Mika and I also talk about;
- Starting off as friends and building strong foundations
- Making the decision to start dating while Alex was away at training
- Having big discussions about future plans early on
- Not seeing each other for 7 months due to COVID and border closures
- How being separated helped with their communication
- Staying flexible with plans and accepting what you can’t control
- Making the decision to stay separated until Alex is posted to one location
- What being a Submariners partner is likely to be like
- Looking forward to being part of the tight-knit Submariner community in WA
- Plans to build strong support networks once they do post to WA
- Why their relationship is yet to be recognised by defence
- Making sure they both have their own interests to focus on
- Their excitement to be together and start living defence life
Military Life- Episode 119
We discuss;
- Why it was important their research focused on Partners and Families of Veterans
- What ‘Moral Injury’ means and how it relates to Partners and Families
- The main findings of their research including families feeling unsupported & invisible
- Why Partners and Families are the first to notice a significant change in a Veteran
- The second-hand trauma and mental health impacts often experienced by Partners & Families
- Why its important Partners and Families also receive support and services
- What their research found when it comes to Veterans actually seeking support
- The role Partners and Families play in seeking support for or encouraging Veterans
- The majority of research participants experiencing a tipping point
- The barriers in seeking support once Partners, Families & Veterans reach a tipping point
- How organisations fail to recognise the significant role Partners & Families play
- What Partners and Families need from related support organisations
- The importance of acknowledging the critical role Partners & Families play
- Why they choose not to use the word disorder when talking about PTSD
- Where to from here and a way forward that considers Partners & Families
To read the ‘Supporting your veteran or emergency services first responder in help-seeking for mental health concerns: a guide for families’ click here
To find out more about Lived Experience Australia visit the website here
To find out more about Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA) visit the website here
Military Life- Episode 118
Fiona and I also talk about;
- Moving in together and their first posting to Toowoomba
- Getting engaged after living together for 3 months
- The reality of defence life setting in during their second posting in Wagga
- Finding meaningful employment and the varied experience gained
- Feeling unable to progress professionally due to frequent moves
- The ups and downs of moving 12 times in 15 years
- The signs that led Fiona down the home school path despite hesitation
- Why defence life compliments home schooling and works for them
- How home schooling allows their family to get the most out of a location
- Career goals with kids, home schooling and the balance
- The emotional and mental toll so many moves took on Fiona
- Feeling isolated and alone and deciding to ask for help
- The help Fiona accessed and focusing on her needs
- Recognising her value and acknowledging her sacrifices
Military Life- Episode 117
Jenny and I also talk about;
- The type of support Chaplains provide to not only the Defence member but also Spouses
- Why you should think of Chaplains as friends who offer a confidential listening ear
- Defence members or spouses not needing to be in crisis to be supported by Chaplains
- Why you don’t need to be religious to receive support from Chaplains
- Some of the main reasons Defence couples reach out for support and guidance
- The ways Chaplains can connect Defence Families with other supports like DMFS
- Confidentiality and why anything discussed is off the record (except if someone poses a danger to themselves or others)
- How Chaplains support Defence members and their wellbeing while on deployment
- Why communication is 90% of a relationship and how to use owned language in a positive way
- How Defence couples can build solid foundations and connect before and during separation
- Expectations and getting on the same page to help with the challenges of Defence life
- The ways Chaplains can help Defence families connect to their faith in their posting location
- The Triple P Positive Parenting program and why it is well suited to Defence families
- The importance of community and connection for Defence partners
Chaplains, All services- To contact a Chaplain please call the Defence Service Centre on 1800 333 362 and ask for the Duty Chaplain in your area.
*Jenny is a Navy Chaplain and while she doesn’t speak for Chaplains connected with Army and Air Force the support Chaplains offer and the role they play across the services is similar.
Military Life- Episode 116
Vicki, Jarod and I also talk about;
- How being a dual serving couple works when you both deploy regularly
- Feeling like ships in the night and working on good communication
- The juggle of both being defence members and starting a family
- Jarod stepping into the role of the solo parent when Vicki deployed
- What it was like for Vicki to deploy when their son was 18 months old
- The bond that Jarod and their son formed while Vicki was away
- How Vicki stepped out of the Mum role and into deployed ADF member
- Creating boundaries when it came to Vicki contacting home & unreliable comms
- Coping with the transition home, a now 3 year old child and finding her place
- How both Vicki and Jarod now have a good understanding of what both experience
- The juggle of trying to get posted to the same location when you are both serving
- Vicki’s decision to discharge and the transition from ADF member to civilian
- Finding her feet, reserve time and figuring out her future career moves
- Learning to be a family, living together and good communication
- MWDU and how hard it was for Jarod to leave his family every Sunday
- Posting to Sydney and feeling grateful to finally be together
Military Wife Life- Episode 115
PART 2 of Defence Partners Navigating the Pandemic
They all had varied experiences. Some had a surprisingly positive story to tell while others were understandably pushed to the absolute brink, for various reasons, including long separations, uncertainty, isolation and support and services that found it hard to move with the ever-changing situation and needs of Defence Families.
Lessons were learnt and some hard decisions, going forward, may have to be made about how Defence life will work for us in the future but overwhelmingly it is clear that we all just did our best when faced with some impossible situations.
These are the stories of Defence Partners Dani, Sally, Kim, Emma and Catherine.
Military Wife Life- Episode 114
PART 1 of Defence Partners Navigating the Pandemic
They all had varied experiences. Some had a surprisingly positive story to tell while others were understandably pushed to the absolute brink, for various reasons, including long separations, uncertainty, isolation and support and services that found it hard to move with the ever-changing situation and needs of Defence Families.
Lessons were learnt and some hard decisions, going forward, may have to be made about how Defence life will work for us in the future but overwhelmingly it is clear that we all just did our best when faced with some impossible situations.
These are the stories of Defence Partners Chantelle, Stephanie, Julia (along with her Army husband Jai) and Lauren.
Next Week- Part 2 of podcast episode Defence Partners Navigating the Pandemic, the last MWL ep for 2021, will be available to listen to.
Military Wife Life- Episode 113
Minister Gee and I also have an open and real conversation about:
- His thoughts on partners and families being key contributors to defence capability
- The impact partners and families have on the well-being of the defence member
- The value he sees defence partners and families providing the community & defence
- How current policy and programs fit with the value partners and families provide
- His take on the key issues and challenges defence partners and families currently face
- The opportunities the Minister sees when it comes to solving those issues & challenges
- The invaluable insight he got from the recent National Defence Partner Roundtable
- Why we need a more comprehensive understanding of the partner and family experience
- The steps the Minister is taking to introduce a possible Ministerial Advisory Council to help inform policy
- How to gather the right data on defence partners and families to shape effective policy
- Partnering with the Australian Institute of Family Studies to redesign the ADF Family Survey
- Why it’s time for more innovation in the way that programs are designed & delivered
- Looking at trialling Coworking hubs on defence bases to support and connect defence partners
- The role the Veteran Wellbeing Centres will play for current defence partners and families
- How partner employment contributes to ADF workforce development & why supporting career portability is key
- How the Minister thinks defence partners and families have fared during COVID
- A commitment to seriously push for the introduction of a National Defence Families day
- Whether it might be time to review defence partner and family policy in a major way
Military Wife Life- Episode 112
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to two amazing women in positions of leadership about why it’s up to all of us, especially employers, to challenge gender bias and inequality.
Chair of the Defence Bank Board Fran Raymond and Defence Bank Chief People Officer Kristen Bugeja talk about;
– Why it’s important employers talk about gender equality
– This year’s International Women’s Day theme ‘Choose to Challenge’
– Supporting defence partners into meaningful employment
– Studies that show organisations with women in positions of leadership outperform others
– What other organisations can learn from Defence Bank when it comes to supporting defence partners in the workplace
– Why girls and women need equal access to good education and good jobs, including leadership roles
– The importance of constantly reviewing and challenging policies, training initiatives and an organisations culture
– The steps Defence Bank have taken to support and understand the needs of their defence partner employees
– How COVID has changed the way Defence Bank operates and has opened up even more opportunities for their defence partner employees
To find out about career opportunities at Defence Bank click through the below link.
Military Wife Life- Episode 111
Catherine and I also talk about;
- Meeting her now-husband in an unusual way in an unexpected place
- Becoming friends and learning that they had so much in common
- Being upfront and honest about the extra challenges they may face as a defence couple
- Dating, becoming engaged soon after and just months later getting married
- Spending more time apart than together during their first year of marriage
- An overseas posting with 3 weeks notice and how she made it work
- Coming to terms with leaving her job and not working while overseas
- Making the most of their time overseas and the challenge of making friends
- A possible promotion on the horizon and what that will mean for their family
- What is best for their family and whether that includes defence
- Her teaching career and being upfront with employers about long term commitments
- The challenge of making friends and nurturing relationships when posting in and out
- Not knowing what support you need until you need it and figuring out how to find it
Military Wife Life- Episode 110
Sandi and I talk about;
- What her vision is when it comes to stepping into the role of Defence Family Advocate of Australia for DFA (Defence Families of Australia)
- Why it’s important that there is an advocacy group for defence partners and families
- How DFA remains independent of defence and provides frank advice to the Minister
- DFA’s advocacy pillars and what DFA will be pushing hardest on in the immediate future
- How DFA know what to advocate for on behalf of defence partners and families
- Why you don’t need to have personal experience to contact DFA about a defence partner or family issue you would like to bring attention to
- How defence partners and families can have their say on particular topics or issues of concern
- What the next 12 months look like for DFA and advocating for defence partners and families
- DFA’s short term and long-term goals for defence partners and families
- How DFA ensures they are representative of the defence partner and family community
- Why DFA is working on new opportunities to make it easier for defence partners and families to have a voice
- The work DFA have been doing to create an Advocacy Map due to be released in late November 2021
- How the advocacy map will be used as a tool by DFA to empower defence partners and families to get involved
- Some of the key area’s DFA has had an impact on in recent times thanks to their advocacy
- DFA’s involvement when it comes to the Royal Commission into Veteran suicide and why it is important to provide a voice for defence families and veterans
- Her thoughts on whether it’s time family policy, support & services undergo a review
- Why DFA’s employment program ended and what is happening next when it comes to DFA and partner employment
- How Defence partners and families stay informed about all that DFA is currently advocating for
To find out more about DFA and the work that they do or to talk to them about an issue or concern you would like DFA to advocate for you or the wider defence community on, get in contact with your State/Territory rep by visiting the DFA website. Or to stay across any DFA updates and the release of their Advocacy Map sign up for their newsletter here or jump across to their socials and follow along.
Military Wife Life- Episode 109
Elise and I also talk about;
- How she met her Defence Member by chance at the races
- Forming a great friendship and both getting busy with their careers
- Losing touch and then eventually reconnecting and deciding to be together
- Getting engaged, married and having a baby all in a few years
- The reality of Defence life and getting comfortable with being solo a lot
- Deployment challenges and refusing to accept surface-level communication
- The isolation of working from home, solo parenting and the impact on her mental health
- Deciding not to miss out on life just because her Husband wasn’t home
- How connecting with the Defence community had an unexpected and positive impact
- Finding support and friendship with people who GOT IT
- The frustration she felt knowing her career would always come second
- The importance of finding a way for her career to work with defence life
- Deciding to start a business to help defence couples better communicate
- Why her online program Partners Elsewhere is about prevention to avoid crisis
- Partnering with a Psychologist to help defence couples build strong foundations
- How her program helps defence couples to understand what each other is feeling
- Why the program aims to make the defence members transition home after separation easier and the flow on
- How to get your defence member on board with giving the program a go
To find out more about Elise’s business PE Health and her specific online program for Defence Couples called Partners Elsewhere Military Relationship Program click on the link below.
https://www.pehealth.org/military-couples
For those interested in signing up for the program Elise is offering the MWL Community a 50% off discount code for the first 100 couples to sign up to the Partners Elsewhere Military Relationship Program. Use code MWL50
Military Wife Life- Episode 108
So after meeting at a function earlier this year and bonding over our defence partner experiences I took a chance and asked this week’s Podcast Guest Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley if she might consider coming on the MWL podcast to tell her story.
Who better to have on the MWL podcast? After being a Defence Partner for over 40 years Mrs Hurley has experienced it all. More than 25 moves, DHA housing, deployments, juggling kids solo, finding meaningful employment, making friends, homecomings. All of it.
Later on, Mrs Hurley would continue to navigate defence life and work as a teacher while her husband climbed the ranks culminating in being appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Force and then Chief of the Defence Force before retiring from the Army in 2014 and going on to be appointed Governor of NSW and most recently Governor-General of Australia.
When we met at the function in person, Mrs Hurley and I chatted and laughed and took comfort in that sense of shared knowing. That knowing that doesn’t even need to be explained between defence partners. We know the excitement and adventure that is often balanced with so much unknown and the feeling of new. We know the challenges faced and the celebrations experienced. The leaving and the coming home. The tears. The amazing community. The moving and the starting over. It is that sense that we know even without explanation that brings so many of us, defence partners, instant deep connection. We just know.
Mrs Hurley may now live a very public life alongside His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley but I wanted to ask her about the life that came before the fancy titles. The life that included a defence house in Wagga, posting adventures overseas, emotional reunions and welcome home dinners at Pizza Hut. I wanted to hear about her life and her defence partner journey. I was over the moon that when asked to come on the MWL Podcast, without pause, Mrs Hurley’s answer was “of course, anything I can do to help spouses.”
I’m honoured to welcome Mrs Hurley onto the MWL Podcast. This is her Defence Partner Story.
Military Wife Life- Episode 107
Chantelle and I also talk about;
- How a chance meeting would lead to a whirlwind romance that Chantelle tried her best to avoid
- Why it took her Defence member 6 months to tell her he wasn’t just a “government” employee and was in the Navy
- Coming to terms with now being in love with a defence member and someone who will go away for months on end
- How an overseas trip for work and being away from each other helped Chantelle make her mind up about her feelings
- Being together 6 months, going defacto, moving in together and deciding to move states together
- The isolation Chantelle felt after moving to a location where she knew no one
- Realising what being a defence partner really meant and making the transition
- Coming to terms with the amount of time spent apart and finding out separations aren’t just deployments but are also workups, courses and more
- Getting on the same page and managing differing expectations
- The positive impact a trainer from Cerberus had on her defence member and their relationship
- Finding out she was 5 months pregnant with her second child a short time after moving away from family and friends
- Her family having a hard time coming to terms with her changed goals and priorities
- Working up the courage to go along to a Defence community house and the positive impact it had on her mental health and life
- Finding her community after struggling with the isolation of defence life
- The difference having support makes during deployments, separations and on hard days
- The importance of being your own person, doing your own thing, focusing on what you can control and realising you have a choice
Military Wife Life- Episode 106
Damien and I also talk about;
- How his experience as a military kid and the death of a mate led him to start the Younger Heroes
- Why starting an organisation that brought parents and children together for a 3 day/2 night experience in nature was the answer
- The time, research and tears that went into developing the Younger Heroes program
- How the Younger Heroes program allows current and former ADF members the space to reconnect with their children in a technology-free environment
- The change the program has undergone along the way and why it went from being a Father/Son program to including all ADF members and their children
- How the program works on creating and strengthening the bonds with your children
- The household trauma some children experience watching a parent face mental health struggles and why this program helps
- The lack of support and programs that exist for Veteran parents and their children
- Teaching parents and children how to communicate and talk about their problems
- Why the program isn’t just for those Veterans who have PTSD but also for those who have had deployments, separations and periods of disconnect from their children
- The importance of having a positive impact on a child’s wellbeing early on to prevent future mental health challenges or trauma
- Future plans for Younger Heroes and why Damien would love to offer a program for Defence Partners and Defence Families.
- Who can signup for the Younger Heroes program and how
To find out more about the Younger Heroes program or to signup for a future program visit the website by clicking this link
Military Wife Life- Episode 105
Donna and I also talk about;
- Meeting each other, buying a house within 6 months and moving in together
- Being legally blind and recognised as a dependent with special needs
- The extra challenges Donna needs to consider when it comes to being legally blind and moving
- How Donna learnt to enjoy her own company early on in their relationship
- Why having an understanding employer when it comes to defence life and having a disability has made all the difference
- Deciding MWDU and not posting with the defence member will work best for their family
- Why being able to continue her career and have a family support network close is just as important as her defence member’s career
- The sacrifices Donna would have to make if she did post with her defence member and why MWDU is the best choice at the moment
- Why having the ability to change her mind about being MWDU gives Donna comfort
- The difficulty and overwhelm in accessing support and services via defence organisations and the happy balance Donna has now found
- How COVID restrictions and lockdowns have had a positive impact on her family with regards to postings and staying together as a family
- Why going with the flow as a spouse is a good thing but not necessarily easy when you are a planner
Military Wife Life- Episode 104
Rachael and I also talk about;
- How Frontline Yoga started and why they offer FREE classes for Veterans, their families and spouses
- The range of physical and mental health benefits practising Yoga can have especially for the defence community
- Why practising Yoga alongside other support therapies can reduce your baseline of stress and have so many flow-on effects
- Seeing Yoga as good for your body and your mind and not something that is only for a certain type of person
- Research that shows 10 minutes of Yoga a day has similar scientific studied effects as medication
- How attending a Yoga class can connect, create community and a support network with those facing similar challenges
- How Yoga can have an unexpected positive impact on a better night’s sleep
- Some of the barriers people have that stops them from seeing Yoga as an option
- The introduction of Zoom Yoga classes during COVID
- Future plans to keep providing a range of classes in various locations & online
- The hope to take Frontline Yoga classes to defence personnel at bases around the country
To find out how you can take part in a Frontline Yoga class in person or online click through to the website here
Military Wife Life- Episode 103
Emma and I also talk about;
- Why she was the one to suggest an Army career to her partner
- Going from being a civilian couple to a defence couple
- Focusing on her studies and how Emma and her partner made it work
- Going from living together to living apart during training
- The plan to reunite, moving and finding her feet in a new location
- What happened when her partner changed direction
- How COVID had a positive impact on Emma’s plans and fast-tracked her partner’s training
- Finding work, setting up her own business and making connections
- Falling pregnant and posting into a new location
- Feeling her way through their first posting
- Why the time Emma had put into online connections made finding friends in her new location so much easier
- Re-establishing her business in a new location and why she decided to set up a Biz Network to help others
- The reason Emma set up her Biz Network in partnership with another spouse and future plans
- The Support the Biz Network provides for Spouses and Veterans Business owners
- Juggling Mum life, being a biz owner, defence life and her partner being away
If you would like to find out more or connect in with the Townsville Defence Biz Network pop over to their Facebook page here
Ready to join the MWL community? Click through the link to get connected xx www.militarylife.com.au
Military Wife Life- Episode 102
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to Army Spouse Anne about the unfolding and uncertain situation in Afghanistan.
Anne and I also talk about;
- Supporting her husband through two deployments in Afghanistan
- Why each mission was different but both had the same intent
- The immense pride she feels knowing her husband improved the living conditions of the Afghan people
- Why strengthening the education system, improving the rights of women, developing their infrastructure and broadening the Afghan people’s freedoms was priority
- How she navigated overseas postings knowing the danger her husband was in
- The lack of understanding among the civilian community of what defence life is and entails
- The emotional toll the stigma of war itself carries and the varied opinions
- Why her husband would go into “soldier mode” ahead of a deployment
- What happened when her husband was involved in an incident during his first deployment
- Not knowing if her husband was ok and finding out another soldier had been killed
- Why surrounding herself with defence spouses was the best support she could ask for
- Her husband’s commitment to the cause and why the current situation in Afghanistan is devastating
- How the defence and veteran community is coming together to support each other in light of what is happening in Afghanistan
- Why the work and sacrifices made by the defence members who served in Afghanistan was NOT a waste
- Coming to terms with all that is happening in Afghanistan and finding a way forward
- The importance of talking with your mates, checking in on your fellow defence friends and reaching out for support when needed
Please note: Anne’s name and voice have been changed to protect her identity.
Support Services
FREE Counselling for ADF Members, Veterans and Defence Partners- Call Open Arms day or night (7 days) on 1800 011 046
FREE anonymous counselling line- Call Safe Zone Support day or night (7 days) on 1800 142 072
Lifeline– Call day or night (7 days) on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline– Call day or night (7 days) on 1800 551 800
The Defence Family Helpline (DMFS) call day or night (7 days) on 1800 624 608
Chaplains, All services- To contact a Chaplain please call the Defence Service Centre on 1800 333 362 and ask for the Duty Chaplain in your area.
Military Wife Life- Episode 101
Kirsty and I also talk about;
-How being a former Defence Partner herself allows her to understand the extra complexity that comes with breakdown of marriage when you are a Defence couple.
-The difference between Mediation, Collaborative law and Litigation
-Why Kirsty encourages her clients to stay out of court to not only save time and money but also their mental health
– Relocating, Consent, Child Support, Custody arrangements and Defence Life
– How a parenting agreement works with the changing nature of defence life and the unknown
-Moving past hurt, frustration and anger to make the best decisions for you and your family
–Legal Aid, Relationships Australia and the other options available to Defence Partners who don’t have access to funds
-The lack of control going through the Family Law system creates and how to avoid court and costly litigation
-Splitting assets (including super) and why being a stay at home parent or care giver is seen as a huge contribution and does not disadvantage you
-Why Kirsty wants to show people another way of proceeding with separation and divorce through her Calm and Kind method
-Kirsty’s online course The Peaceful Pathway, One on One Coaching Program and her book ‘What are We Fighting For’ and how they are helping couples take control of their separation and divorce
To connect with Kirsty and find out more about her services and available resources head over to her website here
To purchase Kirsty’s Book click here
Military Wife Life- Episode 100 PART 2
What a journey this podcast has taken me and all of you on.
There is so much to celebrate this week- 2 years of the Podcast, 100 Episodes and 50,000 Downloads but what this week’s milestones actually mean is that for 2 years this Podcast has been supporting me and has been supporting you.
It means that we have all listened to 100 Episodes of Defence Partners telling their stories, being seen and heard, allowing us to share in the ups and downs of Military Life, allowing us to feel that little bit less alone.
It means that for 2 years the Military Wife Life Podcast has been providing all of us with advice, information and insight.
It means that for 2 years the Podcast has been acknowledging all that we do and sacrifice and juggle and most importantly for 2 years and 100 episodes the Podcast has been connecting us.
So get comfy and enjoy listening to some of the best advice, words of wisdom, tips and tricks, insider info, real talk from a handful of Defence Partners who have previously shared their spouse journey with us.
Here is Military Wife Life the Podcast Episode 100 Part 2!
Military Wife Life- Episode 100 PART 1
What a journey this podcast has taken me and all of you on.
There is so much to celebrate this week- 2 years of the Podcast, 100 Episodes and 50,000 Downloads but what this week’s milestones actually mean is that for 2 years this Podcast has been supporting me and has been supporting you.
It means that we have all listened to 100 Episodes of Defence Partners telling their stories, being seen and heard, allowing us to share in the ups and downs of Military Life, allowing us to feel that little bit less alone.
It means that for 2 years the Military Wife Life Podcast has been providing all of us with advice, information and insight.
It means that for 2 years the Podcast has been acknowledging all that we do and sacrifice and juggle and most importantly for 2 years and 100 episodes the Podcast has been connecting us.
So get comfy and enjoy listening to some of the best advice, words of wisdom, tips and tricks, insider info, real talk from a handful of Defence Partners who have previously shared their spouse journey with us.
Here is Military Wife Life the Podcast Episode 100!
Military Wife Life- Episode 99
Racheal and I talk about;
- How and why DEFGLIS started
- Who DEFGLIS support and represent
- How DEFGLIS has changed and evolved over the years
- The impact DEFGLIS has had on the lives of LGBTI defence members and their families
- Why it is important to have a group like DEFGLIS
- The safe and secure space DEFGLIS offers for LGBTI members and their families
- Why DEFGLIS are working to stamp out discrimination in the workplace
- Some of the ways DEFGLIS have helped changed Defence policy & practices
- Why it is so important DEFGLIS continue to advocate for policy change
- The annual events DEFGLIS run to help connect the LGBTI defence community
- The success of this years first DEFGLIS Day Out and the hope for it to be an annual event for DEFGLIS families & the wider defence community
- The impact not feeling as though you can come to work as your whole self creates
- Why feeling misunderstood or unsupported at work leads to a 30% reduction in output and how that impacts capability
- How to be an ally for fellow defence families who are part of the LGBTI community
- How those who are part of the LGBTI Defence community can reach out for help and support
If you would like to find out more information about DEFGLIS or pass on the links to someone who might be interested there are a few ways to do so;
Website- https://www.defglis.com.au/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/DEFGLIS
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/defglis/
Military Wife Life- Episode 98
Jeni and I also talk about;
• Being together 13 years before Defence came into the picture
• How looking for a career change led her Husband to the Navy
• Researching the impact Defence life would have on their family
• How hearing the experiences of other defence families was invaluable
• Why joining the Navy took months of paperwork and interview’s
• How Jeni felt once her Husband was finally accepted & given 1-month notice
• The disconnect Jeni felt when she wasn’t included in the process by Defence
• Having to figure out solo parenting and living without her husband
• Coming to terms with taking on the mental and physical load of the household
• Figuring out her capacity and pulling back where she could to prevent burnout
• Learning about and dealing with Toll and DHA ahead of their first move
• Going from a full-time wage to living on an Officer training wage
• How Jeni plans on securing meaningful employment in their new location
• Going with the flow when it comes to Defence Life and future postings
Military Wife Life- Episode 97
Leanne and I also talk about;
- The Defence Bank Foundation and why they decided to support the DCD program
- What the DCD program is and how it supports dogs, inmates and Veterans
- Why the program decided to only use rescue dogs and give them a second chance at life
- The benefits inmates at correctional facilities gain from helping train the dogs
- The time, effort and money it takes to train a dog ready for a Veteran
- Why the dogs have just as much impact on the lives of the Veterans family members as they do on the Veterans lives
- How the support of the Defence Bank Foundation has resulted in over 50 dogs being trained and homed with Veterans
- The extensive process to match a dog with a Veteran and their individual needs
- Why so many Veterans leave getting an assistance dog as a last resort
- How Defence Bank is further supporting the program by donating even more
- Why any Veteran living with mental health challenges or PTSD should consider getting an assistance dog
To find out more about the Defence Bank Foundation or the Defence Community Dogs program follow below;
https://www.defencebank.com.au/foundation
And to find out more about how you can support the Defence Community Dogs Program through a Defence Bank low rate credit card visit the website here
Military Wife Life- Episode 96
Matt and Mel also talk about;
- Meeting 1 week before Matt was due to post interstate
- Having big conversations and committing to long-distance 1 week in
- Making sacrifices, leaving family and moving to be with Matt
- How Mel established herself in a new location through social groups
- The reality of future postings and the strain on their relationship
- Thinking about leaving defence and focusing on family
- Mel supporting Matt with his decision to leave defence
- Why Matt started preparing for transition years before it came time
- Finding an opportunity and the quick 3 week turn around to transition
- What actually happens when you decide to discharge
- Navigating the help and support available when transitioning
- Why Matt decided to help others transitioning by starting a podcast
- The importance of hearing others transition stories
- Why every defence member should plan for transition ahead of time
- What the future holds, planning for a family and building a forever home
To find out how to listen or more info about Matt’s podcast Service and Beyond follow along below
https://www.facebook.com/serviceandbeyond
https://www.instagram.com/serviceandbeyondpodcast/
Military Wife Life- Episode 95
Meagan and I also talk about;
- Being high school sweethearts and both going their separate ways
- Reuniting years later while both visiting family
- Deciding to be together while living on opposite sides of the country
- Long distance dating and trying to plan to atleast live in the same state
- The push and pull of Meagan’s medical career and her husband’s defence career
- Starting a family, being a junior Doctor and posting in and out
- Changing and coming to terms with new longterm plans
- Getting clear on her values and what she really wanted for her life
- How a change in direction resulted in Meagan starting her own business
- Why it is important to focus on your values to avoid harboring resentment
- How Meagan is helping Defence Partners through her business The Life Doctor
To find out more about Meagan’s business The Life Doctor or to follow along visit;
Military Wife Life- Episode 94 PART 2
TRIGGER WARNING- There is some discussion of suicide in this episode. If this episode brings anything up for you please contact FREE ADF mental health service Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or in case of emergency call 000.
Kaz and I also talk about;
- A chance meeting that triggered one of her husband’s worst episodes
- What happened when he went missing and was out of communication
- Fearing the worst and the devastating phone call Kaz received
- How her husband’s diagnosis and treatment settled things down
- Dealing with being on high alert all the time while living normal life
- Not knowing where to turn for help and support
- Her Husband fighting against the help and being retriggered
- Finally coming to an understanding of what triggers her husband
- Getting on the same page and working as a team
- Opening up conversation for others through her book Broken Soldier
- What the future holds for Kaz and her family
Click on the link below if you would like to follow Kaz and Matt’s journey.
https://www.facebook.com/mybrokensoldier
Or to find out more about Kaz’s book (mentioned in this ep) My Broken Soldier- The untold story of life beyond the front line click through to her website
Military Wife Life- Episode 93 PART 1
TRIGGER WARNING- There is some discussion of suicide in this episode. If this episode brings anything up for you please contact FREE ADF mental health service Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or in case of emergency call 000.
Kaz and I also talk about;
- Her husband joining reserves to ease them into defence life
- How a few weekends of reserve time turned into so much more
- Back to back deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan
- Her husband’s intent to transfer to full-time Army and join the SAS
- How an accident while on a 10-day training exercise changed everything
- What happened when Kaz received the call to say her husband had been injured
- Why her husband ended up going back out field and what happened when he returned home
- The injuries he sustained and being misdiagnosed for months and months
- Her husband reaching breaking point with his pain and not knowing where to turn
- The long fight to get the help and support her husband needed
- The impact his injury had on him and their family
- Finally receiving a diagnosis and why that caused her husband to spiral
- Her husband wishing he had died on deployment and what Kaz did next
- How Kaz stepped up for her husband to demand the help he needed
Click on the link below if you would like to follow Kaz and Matt’s journey.
https://www.facebook.com/mybrokensoldier
Or to find out more about Kaz’s book (mentioned in this ep) My Broken Soldier- The untold story of life beyond the front line click through to her website
Military Wife Life- Episode 92
Kim and I also talk about;
- Meeting her husband while he was a Navy recruit
- Living in the same posting location back to back
- Having the support and understanding of her military family
- The stress of her husband being medically discharged & finding a civilian job
- Why her husband decided to get back in after being medically discharged
- Going from full-time Navy to Army Reserve
- How Kim juggles having a foot in civvy world and defence world
- The lack of support or understanding for Reserve families
- Struggling with her identity as a defence partner
- The amazing bonds and friendships formed thanks to defence life
Military Wife Life- Episode 91
Cheree and I also talk about;
- The first posting experience and her military member deploying within a few months.
- Building a support network and the lifelong friends she made on the first posting.
- The challenges she has faced while searching and securing employment.
- An international posting to Hawaii and the amazing experiences they had.
- The difference in spouse and family support overseas and in Australia.
- The pre-planning that goes into posting and resettling when you have kids with special needs.
- Taking defence life as it comes and making the best of it.
- Reaching out for support even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.
- Why Cheree gets involved in events and catchups in an effort to help others.
- Their next posting and preparing for sea time and separation after back to back shore postings.
Military Wife Life- Episode 90
Just reading about the connections and the amazing things spouses are doing that are prompting their friends and family to nominate them, is truly a privilege.
This weeks podcast episode is about the stories behind the Lots of Love Box nominations.
I talk to spouse Chantelle, a Lots of Love box recipient. Chantelle details the connection and deep friendship she formed with the spouse who went out of their way to nominate her despite, at the time, facing their own loss and tragedy.
I also talk to Defence Banks Michael O’Reilly about the importance of acknowledging all that spouses do and why Defence Bank wanted to support the Lots of Love Boxes.
And spouse Julia, also a Lots of Love box recipient talks about the fast friendship she formed with the spouse who nominated her and the amazing feeling of knowing someone just “gets it” and has your back through the challenges and celebrations of Defence life.
To find out how to nominate a spouse for a Lots of Love Box click through to the Military Wife Life website here
To find out more about Defence Bank and the great work they’re doing in the Defence community click through to the website here
Military Wife Life- Episode 89
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to RAAF spouse Nicole about why a mindset shift has totally changed the way she experiences defence life.
Nicole and I also talk about;
- Meeting her now Husband while he was studying at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
- Realising that the member doesn’t just sign up for a job but a lifestyle
- Moving to Newcastle for her husbands first posting and not being formally recognised as a couple
- Trying to find housing, work and friends while not yet being entitled to any support
- Feeling like she didn’t fit and questioning whether the defence lifestyle was for her
- Deciding to go forward with a different mindset to help her see the positives
- Why having regular check-ins on her mental health is so important
- What it’s like to live on base in Richmond NSW and why it is a tick on her defence bucket list
- Why signing up for spouse related activities, even if they aren’t your thing, can lead to great friendships
Military Wife Life- Episode 88
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to NSW Legacy President Nikki Hollis about how Legacy started, what they’re about and who they support.
Nikki and I also talk about;
- How a dependant of an ADF member or Veteran can access support
- Why a dependant can put their hand up for support at anytime
- What you can access support through Legacy for and the process
- Breaking down the misconception that Legacy is only for older widows
- The help they offer for ADF families experiencing hardship due to the member or veteran having a physical disability or mental illness
- Why Legacy need our support through donations now more than ever
- Their major yearly fundraising efforts- Badge Week and Anzac Day
- How to volunteer as a Legatee and the difference you can make
To find out more information about Legacy and the specific support services they offer click through to the Legacy website here or call 1800 LEGACY.
Military Wife Life- Episode 87
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to spouse Amanda about why she doesn’t allow her Army Husbands job to control her life.
Amanda and I also talk about;
- Not really knowing, in the beginning, what it meant to be an Army spouse
- Why she was hesitant to even acknowledge she was a spouse
- Moving in together and experiencing a deployment 6 months into the relationship
- A horrible experience with another Army wife and how it impacted her forming a support network
- Being MWDU for the majority of their relationship and why it works for their family
- 3 kids and 6 deployments and how she juggles being solo, working and family life alone
- Why going back to work fulltime after her 3rd baby just wasn’t going to work
- The physical toll juggling it all had on her and the positive changes she made
- Starting her own online business to allow her to slow down while continuing her career
Military Wife Life- Episode 86
In this week’s podcast episode, I talk to RAAF spouse Katie about being posted to Tindal, the location at the bottom of her preference sheet.
Katie and I also talk about;
- Having no knowledge of defence life and going into the relationship blind
- Moving out of home in NSW to relocating to WA on her first posting with her military member
- Finding her feet in WA and why it is where Katie and her Husband would love to end up
- Why Katie embraces being able to move around the country and live in different locations
- Getting the news they would be posting to Tindal and why Katie cried
- Deciding to make the most out of their remote posting to Tindal despite all they had heard
- Why the Tindal defence community and all it has to offer has been a highlight of the posting
- Living in the married patch and the advantages of having other defence families so close
- How embracing her love of writing led Katie to self publish a book and has given her a new focus
- Why Katie wants to highlight the positives of a posting to Tindal so others don’t fear it like she did
If you would like to follow Katie’s blog click here or to purchase her book Ember the Dragon click here
Military Wife Life- Episode 85
1 in 4 women will experience a miscarriage. The vast majority of miscarriages will happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, often at a time when the exciting and happy news has only been shared with a few friends and family members if any.
It can be a lonely time. There is often no answers as to why you experience a miscarriage or anything you can do to prevent one.
Today seven brave spouses are sharing their journey to becoming pregnant, the extra complexities defence life adds to starting or expanding a family, their heartbreaking miscarriage experiences and coping with the isolation and grief that follows.
Experiencing the loss of a baby brings with it an indescribable ache that is always there. With time, you might learn to live with that ache but it never goes away. You never get over the baby you so very much wanted and imagined and planned a future for.
Morgan, Toni, Rose, Emily, Jess, Brooke and Sam all hope that this podcast episode will allow others who have also experienced a miscarriage to feel that little bit less alone or that it may help someone who experience’s a miscarriage in years to come, to understand that there are others out there who walk beside you in your grief.
These are their stories.
TRIGGER WARNING- Today’s episode contains discussion of miscarriage. If anything comes up for you and you would like to access support you can call SANDS on 1300 072 637 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046 24 hours/7 days a week.
Some other useful support services are linked below;
https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/
https://www.pregnancylossaustralia.org.au/
https://rednosegriefandloss.org.au/support/section/C378
Military Wife Life- Episode 84
Belinda and I talk about;
- The support Bravery Trust offer Veterans who have a physical injury or mental illness as a result of their service
- Why Bravery Trust offers financial support to Veterans and their families during and after their service
- When a Veteran or Spouse should put their hand up for financial assistance
- Why financial problems often hinder a Veterans recovery from a physical or mental illness
- The immediate support Bravery Trust offers and why long term financial education is key
- Types of financial support they offer, from helping get your car back on the road to putting food on the table
- Why seeking support before reaching crisis point is encouraged by Bravery Trust
- The investment Bravery Trust has made in a pilot financial counselling program
- Why Bravery Trust hope their financial counselling program will continue
- The importance of providing a collaborative approach with key Veteran organisations
- How ADF families access support and the simple process of receiving financial help
To access financial support through Bravery Trust you can call 1800 272 837 or visit their website https://www.braverytrust.org.au/
Military Wife Life- Episode 83
We also talk about;
- what happened when they met each other just 10 days before Jai was due to deploy
- some of the things a defence member thinks about before getting into a relationship
- how they used email to build a strong foundation before Jai returned from deployment
- an unexpected injury for Jai, the 9 month rehab and why there was a silver lining
- another deployment, planning a wedding, and returning to a new house
- good communication and how it made Jai’s transition back home easier
- MWDU, COVID and the significant impact border closures have had on their lives
- accepting the COVID situation and trying to stay flexible with plans
- focusing on long term goals to stay connected and moving forward
Military Wife Life- Episode 82
Kim and I also talk about;
- what happens when defence suddenly becomes part of your plan
- a not-so-great first move and why Kim didn’t let it set the tone for spouse life
- her husband deploying a month into their first posting
- how Kim used that first deployment to establish a friend network
- navigating finding work as a spouse in an area where jobs are scarce
- how their family cope with sea postings every 2 years
- communicating your needs with the military member when they’re home
- being able to hand some of the mental load over to her husband when he is home
- connecting with the defence community and the importance of spouse support
- taking the time to acknowledge your feelings when plans change and moving forward
Military Wife Life- Episode 81
Ash and I also talk about;
- why having a friendship before dating her now-husband created a great foundation
- how working on base gave Ash an understanding of how military works
- going from working on base with her husband to being a stay at home mum and business owner
- why Ash decided to buy a business and the huge changes working for yourself brings
- their next posting and looking forward to having family and friend support
- being a defence spouse with a physical disability, finding suitable housing and doctors in location
To check out and support Ash’s business, pop over to her website Defence Gifts
Military Wife Life- Episode 80
Bianca and I also talk about;
- coping with all that comes with IVF when your Husband is away
- why it took multiple rounds of IVF, surgeries and 3 doctors to try something out of the box
- the conversation with a long lost friend that would be the reason she would finally fall pregnant
- how she kept faith for 12 years before eventually becoming a Mum
- why she feels being a defence kid herself will give her a deeper understanding of her daughter’s experience
- the positives and negatives of being a defence kid and what she plans on doing differently
Military Wife Life- Episode 79
Sarah and I also talk about;
- the injuries that have kept her Husband home for the majority of their relationship
- why having support from her husband’s rehab unit made all the difference
- waiting on their next posting and what it means for their blended family
- why choosing to live separated may be their only and best option in the future
- the positive impact Open Arms has had on their relationship and their family
- why support from the spouse community has been invaluable for Sarah
- the unknown and looking at her Husband discharging to keep their family together
Military Wife Life- Episode 78
Mel and I also talk about;
- What it’s like when your Husband deploys every two years
- Her Husband’s decision to be proactive in seeking mental health support
- Why a service dog was the right fit for her Husband and their family
- The Defence Community Dog program and the support the Defence Bank Foundation gives the program
- The impact Maxx has had on her Husband’s everyday life and their family life
- The type of support Maxx provides and why Mel being the third wheel is a good thing
Maxx was matched with Damien through the Defence Community Dog Program, a program that is funded by the Defence Bank Foundation
The DCD program provides highly trained service dogs to serving and ex-serving ADF members who need support to deal with injuries and illnesses including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Every dog in the program is rescued from a pound or shelter and trained at the Bathurst Correctional Centre with the assistance of professional dog trainers and inmates at the centre.
Military Wife Life- Episode 77
Renee and I also talk about;
- How she and her husband met, by chance, at a swing dance class
- Why her husband wanting to apply for the Air Force was a joint decision
- The stability defence offered their family at a time of uncertainty
- Why her husband joined as a reservist and then went full time and why she wouldn’t recommend that path
- What is required, day to day, of a Military Police Officer, time away and deployments
- Posting around the country and reinventing herself a little at each new location
- Her passion for swing dance and writing and how they have both helped her at various points
To find out how you can purchase one of Renee’s books click here for details.
Military Wife Life- Episode 76
Cath and I also talk about;
- How the Choir went from being a handful of people in Canberra to 12 locations around Australia
- Why the Choir is about what we do as spouses rather than what our military partners do at work
- How the Choir creates a safe space for spouses and why all singing abilities are welcome
- Why the Choir isn’t about rank or service and the main focus is about connection and social inclusion
- How COVID restrictions resulted in zoom rehearsals and even greater access for those wanting to join
- Where to get involved and the types of songs they sing *hint, hint the Choir is far from boring when it comes to song choice, think Tay Tay and Bruno Mars).
To find out how you can join your local AMWChoir or to find out more about the AMWChoir click through to the website for details https://www.amwchoir.com/
Military Wife Life- Episode 75
Zoe and I also talk about;
- Why keeping busy was key while her Husband was away doing his initial training
- Her first posting experience only a few hours from home
- Being flexible with her work options & open to posting around Australia
- Finding out about support & DCO years into her spouse journey
- A deployment, bushfire assist & COVID tasking all in 12 months
- The toll frequent separations have had on her, her husband and their son
- Why the unpredictable nature of defence life has meant she has been unable to return to work
- Her husbands transition home after being gone 8 out of 12 months
- The struggle of living together again and her surprise at how hard that can be
- Her positive outlook on posting, work-life and future separations
Military Wife Life- Episode 74
Defence Bank‘s Stuart Payne, Celia Cannavan and Emma Dalglish talk us through;
- Budgeting and how to work out our money goals
- How to make use of free helpful resources like https://moneysmart.gov.au/
- How to come up with an achievable savings plan
- Credit Cards and why you should pay more than the minimum
- Credit scores explained and how using facilities like afterpay can impact it
- Simple steps you can take to help your credit score
- Investing and how to work out which type is right for you
- Your super and the ways you can boost it even when self-employed or unemployed
PLEASE NOTE: Any information and advice offered in this episode is not intended to replace more in-depth consultation with your chosen bank or financial advisor but it is to set you on the path to researching more about budgeting, money goals, credit cards and credit scores, investing and super contributions. You and your military member need to consider all options and do what’s right for you and your family.
Military Wife Life- Episode 73
Lauren and I also talk about;
- What changes when you’re no longer full time defence
- How it works when your partner is now a reservist
- The freedom and opportunities reserve time brings for the whole family
- Why they decided to go back to being a full time defence family
- How COVID played into their decision
- Why Lauren decided against going MWDU
- What that now means for the future plans they had made
- Why making the decision to post interstate was the hardest one yet
Military Wife Life- Episode 72
I talk to Community Engagement Manager, Sarah Hartley about;
- Why they introduced a program just for defence kids
- What the Kookaburra Kids Defence Kids Program is all about
- Why age-appropriate prevention and early intervention mental health services are important
- Why support for kids living in families affected by mental illness makes a difference
- How Kookaburra Kids make use of a peer-based social and activity-based format to help kids
- Why you DON’T need a formal mental health diagnosis to access support for your kids
- What other programs Kookaburra Kids offers and the online option defence kids can access
To find out more info about the Kookaburra Kids Foundation or to access their programs visit their website www.kookaburrakids.org.au
Military Wife Life- Episode 71
Morgan and I talk about;
- The 18 month wait for her partner to leave for initial training
- The transition from civilian couple to a military couple
- Her partner leaving for Cerberus and having no contact
- Morgan’s last-minute decision to move with her partner while he completed IET’s
- Not being able to find work and the impact that had on their relationship
- Their first posting to Sydney and first deployment experience
- What happened when Morgan found out she was pregnant just weeks into the deployment
- Making plans to move back to be with family while she was pregnant
- Experiencing a miscarriage with no close friends or family in location
- How her miscarriage created a fast friendship with another spouse
- The support Morgan received from her partner’s ship, chaplain and defence
- Her partner’s emergency trip home to support her through the miscarriage
- Posting back to their home state and how friendships changed
- What now and what Morgan has learnt along the way
TRIGGER WARNING- This podcast episode talks about miscarriage. If this episode brings anything up for you or you feel you need to reach out for support please call the FREE counselling service OPEN ARMS. This service is available to spouses, ADF members and Veterans 24/7 on 1800 011 046.
Military Wife Life- Episode 70
I talk to National Manager of Open Arms, Dr Stephanie Hodson about;
- Who can access support and services through Open Arms
- Why the service changed its name from VVCS to Open Arms
- What type of support you can access in-person and over the phone
- When you should reach out for support & some signs to look out for
- How to access Open Arms support and services and the process
- Why accessing Open Arms, before you reach breaking point, is encouraged
- The resources and programs available to the military community via Open Arms
Open Arms is a 24-hour, 7 day a week service. For further information or to access support and services, you can call 1800 011 046.
Please note: Anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, their spouses and families can access support via Open Arms. Even if you are new to military life and haven’t completed your paperwork (to be recognised as a couple) you can still reach out for support and Open Arms will talk you through whatever you are struggling with and also, if needed, refer you onto other services.
Military Wife Life- Episode 69
- Her military member being sent to Iraq in the first year of their relationship
- Some of the differences between the British and Australian military
- Why a lot of military families choose MWDU in the UK
- What it was like to move to Australia and find her feet in Oz
- How COVID and living in Victoria during lockdown has impacted their Australian Posting experience
- Her positive review of living on base at Puckapunyal
- The uncertainty surrounding when they will be allowed to post out
- Why Cheryl isn’t rushing to return home and is happy to stay in Australia longer
Military Wife Life- Episode 68
Dr Rogers focused her PhD studies on giving 2-5 year old defence kids a voice by centring her research around deployment, separation, how kids in the 2-5 year old age bracket are affected and how they can be best supported.
- Collecting the data from the defence kids using the mosaic approach which allowed them to engage in art-based activities and prompt talk about what was going on at home.
- Why her research looked at the problem’s families had rather than the ways families coped and got support.
- How her research led her to discover there are very few Australian resources to help 2-5 year old’s from defence families.
- Why focusing research on the 2-5 year old age bracket will lead to better outcomes for those kids in the future
- Her surprise at finding out that there are no known early childhood programs for educators and parents of defence kids.
- Her key research findings and her hope that her recommendations will have a real impact on improving the experience of 2-5 year old defence kids
- How she is using those findings to build resources and programs to help defence kids & families and how you can access those for FREE
- Future plans and how you and your child can get involved in Dr Rogers research and help shape future help and support
To access Dr Rogers research findings, free resources and programs visit the Early Childhood Defence Programs page here https://ecdefenceprograms.com/
Military Wife Life- Episode 67
Jess and I also talk about;
- How she went from having no connection to defence to being engaged, married with two kids and on a first posting in under 4 years
- Being naive to the reality of what being a defence spouse would mean because of the “love bubble” effect
- Still trying to come to terms with the idea of being a defence family even after moving to their first posting location
- Feeling like they aren’t a real defence family because they haven’t experienced separation or deployment yet
- COVID and the impact it has had on making connections and finding supports in her new location
- Coming to terms with accessing help and accepting that she is entitled to support no matter what her situation
- Acknowledging her feelings are valid even if it seems like someone else has it harder than her
- Excitement at being able to get out into the community and make friends and supports when COVID restrictions ease
Military Wife Life- Episode 66
Belinda and I also talk about;
- How she juggles career, family and separation alongside her husband David’s role as Vice Chief of the Defence Force
- What being Patron of the Defence Community Organisation involves and why she looks forward to connecting with more spouses and families
- Acknowledging the various types of ADF families and why they should access supports and services via DCO
- The balance of being a spouse and also adapting to now being the parent of an ADF member
- Taking on different roles at different times and seeing the good in each posting location
- The importance of making connections and getting out into the community
Military Wife Life- Episode 65
- Going from being a child of a military member to a military spouse and the huge difference
- Bringing four kids into the relationship and how they all coped
- Working out how to communicate with each other and work as a family unit
- Being a spouse, finding the information you need and building a support network
- PTSD, her Husband’s first symptoms and the help he and she received
- How PTSD has affected their sex life and the work they’re now doing to improve it
- Why being open about her sex life and its challenges is so important
- Accessing Open Arms to work on herself and the flow-on effect
Military Wife Life- Episode 64
But if you’re like me, you have so many questions (so many) and a military member who isn’t really down for providing ALL of the answers!
Sometime’s you just need it explained in plain old non-military speak which is why Defence Bank’s Kym Bowles and I talk you through all of the potential grants and ADF schemes you (aka your military member) may be able to apply for when it comes to buying a house.
- First steps once you decide to save for a house
- Which Grants and ADF schemes you may be able to apply for
- The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (aka FHLDS) explained
- Who can apply for the FHLDS and are there exemptions for ADF members
- The Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (aka DHOAS) explained
- When to apply and how the DHOAS payments actually work
- The Home Purchase Assistance Scheme (aka HPAS) explained
- When an ADF member can apply for HPAS and some things to be aware of
- Home Purchase or Sale Expenses Allowance (aka HPSEA) explained
For links to even more information and to check your eligibility for any of the grants or schemes discussed in this week’s podcast episode, click through to this BLOG post.
The BLOG post also details any available exemptions for each grant and scheme, for ADF members, by state and territory.
To get in contact with Defence Bank to talk about the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme or a DHOAS loan visit their website or call 1800 033 139
Military Wife Life- Episode 63
- What the lead up to your partner joining Defence is like
- What happens when they leave for recruits
- How to cope with feeling like “just” the girlfriend
- Where to find information and access support services
- The strength she found while her partner was away
- How to, as a couple, stay on the same page
- What happens when your partner graduates recruits
- Coming back together as a couple & communicating
- Finding your feet as a Defence couple & the new norm
- First posting, living together and growing up overnight
- Finding work and wanting to share the financial load
- Making friends and settling into your posting location
Military Wife Life- Episode 62
She isn’t a spouse. She, at the time, had no prior connection to Defence but what she would go on to do in the Defence space, back in the 1980’s, would result in so many of the services and conditions provided for all of us today.
Her name is Sue Hamilton and she is the author of what would go on to be known as the Hamilton Report. A report that was the first of its kind. A report that identified all of the issues that service in the Australian Defence Force creates for the spouses and families of its members.
There was nothing like it before and dare I say there has been nothing like it since.
In this episode I talk to Sue about;
* Her journey around the country to talk to spouses
* The key issues that were identified back then and still (to a certain extent) exist today
* How a number of serendipitous events and key people resulted in her report recommendations being implemented
* Why she is still so passionate about advocating for Defence families
* How Defence can and should adapt to meet the needs of the 2020 spouse and defence family
* Why the Government’s announcement of an increase in the ADF’s capability should signal a shift in the way and type of support offered to spouses and families
Military Wife Life- Episode 61
- Why providing ADF spouses with access to their programs is important
- How connecting with like-minded people can help you overcome business blocks
- How the Prince’s Trust programs can help you find a way forward with your business or idea
- Help understanding the small business landscape and opportunities
- Why sometimes the answer isn’t always to start your own business
Click through to the Prince’s Trust website to find out more information or to register your interest in one of their programs.
Military Wife Life- Episode 60
- The process of posting overseas
- The importance of open communication
- Acknowledging the lived experience of the military member and the spouse will always be different
- How to stay on the same page as a couple
- Making looking after your mental health a priority
- The uncertainty of moving back to Victoria during COVID & lockdown
Military Wife Life- Episode 59
Kim talks about what support and programs are available for defence families with a dependent or spouse with special needs and how to access it.
Kim also talks about some of the challenges defence families with special needs face and what area’s DSNSG are pushing for change and improvements in.
Military Wife Life- Episode 58
This week on the podcast I talk to Navy couple Courtney and Jay about defence life, how they nurture their relationship and Jay’s recent 6 month deployment.
Spouse Courtney came on the podcast a few months back (on episode 47) to talk about first postings, moving and managing her chronic illness. Courtney also talked about navigating defence life knowing her husbands job will take him away a lot and her decision to move to be closer to family and friend supports while he was deployed.
TRIGGER WARNING- Today’s episode contains discussion of miscarriage. If anything comes up for you and you would like to access support you can call SANDS on 1300 072 637 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046 24 hours/7 days a week.
To find out more about the Cheese Therapy subscription box check them out here https://www.cheesetherapy.com.au/
Military Wife Life- Episode 57
This week I talk with Minister For Defence Personnel & Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester about the important role partners and families play for ADF members, veterans and the defence force overall.
We also have an open and real conversation about:
- Why ADF members, on average, only stay in defence for 8 years
- Minister Chester’s take on the typical 2020 defence partner & family
- The key issues ADF partners & families face and areas in need of improvement
- Access to flexible work arrangements & the culture that often prevents members from making use of it
- The inconsistent support and programs offered across Australia
- Minister Chester’s priorities going forward & his appreciation for all that partners and families do
Military Wife Life- Episode 56
- Her husband’s decision to join the military and why it was important it was a joint decision
- The pull her husband felt between his young family and training whilst they all lived on base
- Making use of any and all available support services as soon as possible
- The isolation Brooke has felt due to working from home & now COVID restrictions
- The importance of having a positive mindset and focusing on how military life CAN work for you
- Their commitment to staying on the same page with what is and isn’t working for their family
Military Wife Life- Episode 55
Military Wife Life- Episode 54
Military Wife Life- Episode 53
It’s an area that almost all ADF partners will face challenges in at one point or another whether it be because of relocation, unconscious employer bias, the extra responsibilities we take on that may restrict us and our capacity and the list goes on.
The last ADF families survey showed 14% of partners are unemployed (double the unemployment average), 12% are underemployed and 81% say they have made employment sacrifices because of their partner’s ADF career and those stats were collected in 2017 pre COVID.
But behind the scenes there are people working to break down employment barriers for partners. People like the team at Defence Families Australia who advocate for more initiatives to assist partners to gain and maintain meaningful employment and are working to educate Australian businesses on what they can do to recruit, hire and retain partners as valuable employees.
People like national employer Defence Bank who, in 2019 received the PM’S Excellence in Supporting Spouse Employment award and have also made it their mission to go above and beyond not just ticking the boxes of being a partner friendly employer but providing partners with next level career support, benefits and workplace policy.
And people like Career Practitioner, Churchill fellow and Partner Amanda McCue who is leading the way in this space with her research into partner employment overseas in the hope of improving employment outcomes for Australian partners.
Military Wife Life- Episode 52 (Part 2)
Last week, in Part 1 of episode 52, Sarah talked about how her last minute decision to join her Husband in a regional location ended up resulting in a diagnosis for her son and uncovering his “mysterious” medical condition. Sarah walked us through the process of becoming recognised as a family with special needs and what happens when they post. We also talked about Sarah’s determination to continue her teaching career in various locations across the country despite the many curve balls her family have been thrown.
This week Sarah will talk us through her husband’s sudden breakdown and admission to hospital, how she supported him throughout that time and his PTSD diagnosis. We talk about what happens when you’re suddenly looking at discharge from Defence. How she is able to see the silver lining no matter what situation her family is in and what she’s looking forward to when they post back to their forever home and support network in Queensland.
Today’s episode contains discussion of PTSD and Mental Health. If anything comes up for you and you would like to access support there are various options available;
Counselling- Call Open Arms day or night (7 days) on 1800 011 046
The Defence Family Helpline day or night (7 days) on 1800 624 608
Chaplains, All services- To contact a Chaplain please call the Defence Service Centre on 1800 333 362 and ask for the Duty Chaplain in your area.
Military Wife Life- Episode 52 (Part 1)
Next week, Part 2 of this episode- Sarah will talk us through her husbands admission to hospital and how she supported him throughout that time. His PTSD diagnosis. What happens when you’re suddenly looking at discharge from Defence. How she is able to see the silver lining no matter what situation her family is in and what she’s looking forward to when they post back to their home and support network in Queensland.
Military Wife Life- Episode 51
In this weeks episode, as part of Domestic Violence Prevention month, I talk to Domestic Violence Case Manager and Military spouse Jess about the cycle of violence DV victims experience and how military life sometimes adds to the isolation they go through. We also talk about how a spouse can safely leave a DV relationship, what supports they can access and why DV victims can’t “just leave” an abusive relationship.
I also talk with former spouse Sarah who has recently left a 15 year abusive relationship. Sarah walks us through her DV experience. She talks about the red flags she didn’t recognise, how alone she sometimes felt, how and why she finally left, the support she accessed and her life now.
Please note: Sarah’s name and voice have been changed to protect her families identity.
*TRIGGER WARNING*
Todays episode contains discussion of domestic violence. If anything comes up for you and you would like to access support there are various options available to Australian Military Spouses.
Sexual assault, domestic/family violence and abuse support- Call 1800 RESPECT day or night (7 days)
Counselling- Call Open Arms day or night (7 days) on 1800 011 046
To access emergency accommodation via SAFE (Special Accommodation for Emergencies scheme)- Call the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608
– Defence Families of Australia can also offer support. To find your area’s DFA rep visit www.dfa.org.au or you can access a useful information here https://dfa.org.au/2018/12/22/domestic-violence/
Chaplains, All services- To contact a Chaplain please call the Defence Service Centre on 1800 333 362 and ask for the Duty Chaplain in your area.
Mensline– A telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns Call 1300 78 99 78.
Military Wife Life- Episode 50
Today’s episode is made up of some of the best moments from past episodes in celebration of the podcasts 50th episode. This week we also hit 20k downloads and this month marks ONE year since the MWL podcast started.
So, so, so much to celebrate but what those milestones actually mean is that for one year the MWL community has been supporting me and has been supporting you. That we have all listened to 50 episodes of spouses telling their stories and allowing them to be seen and heard. That for over 50 episodes we have shared in the ups and downs of military life, felt that little bit less alone, listened to the advice and wisdom of other spouses and most importantly connected.
So get comfy and enjoy listening to episode 50 of the podcast!
Military Wife Life- Episode 49
Military Wife Life- Episode 48
Military Wife Life- Episode 47
Military Wife Life- Episode 46
Military Wife Life- PART 3 Current Info & Support for ADF families during COVID19
Military Wife Life- PART 2 Current Info & Support for ADF families during COVID19
Military Wife Life- PART 1 Current Info & Support for ADF families during COVID19
https://www.defencebank.com.au/financialhardship
Military Wife Life- Episode 45
PLEASE NOTE: This episode was recorded before the COVID 19 crisis but a lot of the advice and information can also be applied to what us, as spouses, may be going through and feeling at the moment.
If you would like to connect with Dr Lowinger you can do so via her website www.sydneyanxietyclinic.com/
Military Wife Life- Episode 44
The DCD program provides highly trained service dogs to serving and ex-serving ADF members who need support to deal with injuries and illnesses including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Every dog in the program is rescued from a pound or shelter and trained at the Bathurst Correctional Centre with the assistance of professional dog trainers and inmates at the centre.
Military Wife Life- Episode 43
Military Wife Life- Episode 42
You can find out more about what Claire is doing via CoworkCoplay.space or CoworkCoplay on Facebook.
Military Wife Life- Episode 41
Military Wife Life- Episode 40
To find out more information about DCO and what they offer visit www.defence.gov.au/dco or to make use of the 24 hour Defence Family Hotline call 1800 624 608. Families don’t have to wait until they are facing difficulties to contact the helpline. The helpline can provide information and advice 24-7, everyday of the year.
Military Wife Life- Episode 39
Military Wife Life- Episode 38
To learn more about Jess’s business look her up on Instagram @jaylee_photography or visit her website www.jaylee-photography.com.au
Military Wife Life- Episode 37
To learn more about what Kat John does look her up on Instagram @kat.john or visit her website www.katjohn.com.au
Military Wife Life- Episode 36
Military Wife Life- Episode 35
Military Wife Life- Episode 34
If you would like to connect with Dr Lowinger you can do so via her website www.sydneyanxietyclinic.com/
Military Wife Life- Episode 33
Military Wife Life- Episode 32
Steph talks about finding her spouse tribe in her new location and the support they have shown her despite not knowing each other very long.
Steph also talks about an issue that isn’t often highlighted and that is the struggle to get back to visit family, especially her sick Mum, when you have only been in a job a short time and haven’t built up enough leave. The struggle is real for so many of us, being so far from family and friends and not having the leave or the finances to be able to get back home as much as we need or would like to.
Military Wife Life- Episode 31 Part 2
If you would like to find out more about Tara’s virtual decluttering plans and Life Coaching you can get in contact via www.basklifecoaching.com.au or you can listen in to Tara’s podcast called Be Uncluttered . Tara, along with her co-host Rebecca Mezzino, discuss all things decluttering and how you can live a simplified life.
Military Wife Life- Episode 31 Part 1
This week on Part 1 of Episode 31 I talk to Air Force spouse Tara Tuttle about decluttering and letting go! Tara is a Declutter expert and Life Coach and know’s the challenges living the military lifestyle can bring concerning organisation, clutter, holding onto things, feeling overwhelmed and how physical and mental clutter are often connected. We talk about the two types of people when it comes to decluttering, how Military life can allow us to not think critically about our belongings and how saying yes to less physical possessions or mental clutter allows us to make space for what is really important.
On Part 2 of this podcast episode, Tara and I talk about just in case items and how they hold us down. When excess and clutter prevent us from living the way we want to live. Setting aside time to declutter and organise and starting small in order to avoid overwhelm. Taking time to find or create homes for our belongings when we post into a new location and how that can allow us, mentally, to feel more settled. How deciding to let go of stuff is just the first step in the process and how having a plan and committing to the whole process is key. Tara has offered MWL podcast listeners an awesome discount off any of her decluttering plans but you will have to listen to part two for the details.
If you would like to find out more about Tara’s decluttering plans and Life Coaching you can get in contact via http://www.basklifecoaching.com.au
Military Wife Life- Episode 30
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 29
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 28
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 27
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 26
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 25
Amy’s research led her to come up with the notion of a ‘perfect partner’– the expectation that a military spouse is someone who is happily keeping the family fires burning, looking after 2.5 kids, not working and following the military member from post to post.
While that may be the case at certain points in our spouse experience, in 2019 it isn’t always the typical experience and a majority of spouses don’t want that to be their experience.
Amy talks about how the outdated image and idea of a ‘perfect partner’ place’s unreasonable demands on spouses and sometimes deters them from reaching out and accessing support.
Amy hopes her research will have an impact on dispelling this outdated ‘perfect partner’ image not just within the ADF community but also the wider community.
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 24
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 23
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 22
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 21
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 20
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 19
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 18
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 17
Bec also spoke about the harsh reality that leaving her children with their Dad may just end up being the best decision she can make for them for their stability and their schooling. I thank Bec for being so open, honest and brave in this episode and really letting us all know about some of the complex, tough, unspoken decisions that so many spouses with blended families face.
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 16
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 15
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 14
We are all in this together!
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 13
PLEASE NOTE- Soon after recording this episode the PEAP funding was changed a little. You now have 24 months (from when you get your posting orders) to make use of it instead of 12 months.
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 12 PART 2
To hear more about Luke’s charity Heroes on the Homefront click on this link www.hearts4heros.com.au/
If you are interested in finding out more information about assistance dogs through the Royal Society for the Blind’s program Operation K9 you can do so by clicking on this link www.rsb.org.au/operation-k9
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 12 PART 1
Luke put his hand up for help and Kiri says she will forever be grateful and proud of him for that. It has been a long road to healing but Kiri stood strong beside Luke even when he wanted to walk away. This is Part 1 of their story.
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 11
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 10
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 9
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 8
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 7
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 6
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 5
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 4
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 3
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 2
Military Wife Life- The Podcast Episode 1
In Episode 1 I talk to trained art teacher, beach lover, plant obsessed, chai latte addict Natalie about the highs and lows of military life. Natalie has experienced separation, multiple deployments, surprise pregnancies, mental health struggles and so much more in the 15+ years she has been a Navy Spouse.
If anything we touched on in this episode has prompted you to want to seek help or support please keep the following contacts in mind.
24 hour support via the Defence Family Helpline 1800 624 608
Your local GP and your local DCO office
You can also access 24 hour support via Open Arms helpline 1800 011 046
Military Wife Life- The Podcast INTRODUCTION
