Long Distance Friends

Anna Casey
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

I'm so grateful you're here! I'm Anna Casey, a mom of 2, military spouse, and lover of deep conversations. I started this podcast because I know what its like to finish a long day of solo parenting to pop in your headphones and feel immediately less alone and more anchored. I also know the feeling of being completely overwhelmed at the thought of "holding down the ship" while your spouse leaves again. But I also know when we come together and learn from each other and share our stories, we are better for it. On Long Distance Friends, you'll hear from a range of experts and friends on all the things that build us up to handle the hardships of life - from motherhood, mental health, community-building, resilience, faith/spirituality, and more. Every conversation is laced with honesty, curiosity, open-mindedness, and grace. I hope you find yourself feeling at home, like you're sitting right here on the couch with us. Even if you're thousands of miles away. We can do this, together, even if at a distance. Anna Casey IG, FB, Tiktok: @ldf.pod Fun fact - this show is produced entirely during my kids nap time! If you love these conversations, please consider writing a review and actually pressing "subscribe/follow"! This is the #1 way to help this show gain momentum and help these conversations and get them into more women's hands.

  1. Jun 11

    What You Need to be Resilient + Handling Resentment as a Military Spouse - with Dr. Michelle Kirk

    26.Resilience may look different than you think. And what fuels resilience? We discuss it all in today's episode with doctorate-level performance psychology professional Michelle Kirk. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and guest background 01:00 - Resilience, recovery, and team sport of military life 02:20 - Understanding resentment and unmet expectations 03:00 - Michelle’s journey into performance and resilience psychology 04:00 - Motivation rooted in athletic experience and studying behavior 05:30 - How resilience differs across domains and the importance of rest 06:50 - Resilience versus grit: definitions and misconceptions 08:36 - Parallels between sports and military family resilience 10:00 - Rest, recovery, burnout, and capacity for resilience 12:12 - Building resilience to handle stress, adversity, and pressure 13:45 - Domains of resilience and areas for self-awareness 15:39 - Unique challenges of military spouse resilience and recovery strategies 17:30 - The importance of community and shared language 18:57 - Recognizing energy depletion and capacity limits 20:12 - Domains of well-being and intentional self-care 22:36 - Practicing intuitive and effective self-care 24:44 - Reframing sacrifice and cultivating gratitude 32:27 - Personal experiences with resentment in military life 33:53 - Expectations, unmet needs, and communication 34:36 - Reflection, self-awareness, and responsibility in resilience 37:03 - Supporting children through deployments and challenges 55:00 - Building community and leveraging local resources 66:50 - Connecting with Michelle for support and follow-up Connect with Michelle Kirk:Michelle Kirk - LinkedInEmail: mkirk356@gmail.com (or via direct message on Facebook) Michelle Kirk is a doctorate-level performance psychology professional who has spent more than a decade helping military leaders, soldiers, and families build resilience and perform under pressure.  She’s worked with the U.S. Army in roles ranging from leadership coaching and resilience training to developing suicide prevention and deployment support programs.  In addition to her experience working with military populations, she’s coached sports from youth to the college level, worked at several universities across the country teaching sport psychology, principles of behavior change, and coaching courses.  She continues to coach athletes and consult with parents and coaches to help enhance resilience and performance in sport and life. Michelle has earned a Ph.D. in Performance Psychology, a Master's degree in exercise science and is a certified master resilience trainer and mindfulness sport performance enhancement instructor.  Michelle is a military spouse of 10+ years. In those 10 years, Michelle and her husband have logged six cross country moves along with having and raising four children. Through this lived experience, Michelle has developed a passion for supporting military spouses as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of military life to include deployment (and heavy TDY) seasons, relocation, finding community and maintaining connections, and meeting one's own needs (self-care) while always in the service of others.

    1h 8m

  2. May 21

    Guiding Your Kids Through Medical Situations + Deployments, Unpredictability - with Child Life Specialist Mary Frances

    25. From handling doctor visits and tough conversations to creating routines that help kids feel safe and secure, this episode is full of practical encouragement for parents in every stage. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your kids cope with change, uncertainty, or big emotions, this conversation with child life specialist Mary Frances will leave you feeling supported and empowered. You'll Learn: How Medical Play Helps Kids Cope with Fear & StressPreparing Kids for Doctor Visits Without TraumaPractical Ways to Use Medical Play at HomeAdvocating for Your Child in Healthcare SettingsHandling the Unpredictability of Military SchedulesHow to Talk to Kids About Deployments & Hard SeasonsRaising Resilient Kids Through Truth, Trust & Connection Resources Mentioned: "Curious George Goes to the Dentist" video and book Ms Rachel Visits the Doctor for a Checkup youtube video

    51 min

  3. May 14

    My SIL Interviews Me - Our Military Fam Journey + Creating Community Everywhere You Go

    24. I'm in the guest seat today! We reflect on: An Iceland trip that was the catalyst for Nate joining the militaryBehind the scenes of our dating and early marriage daysFun and meaningful ways to build community through constant change (and building a life that holds people)A trip down memory lane remembering the good and the bad of the army bases we've lived at The shift from one to two kids—logistics, overwhelm, emotional regulation"Build a life that holds people. And choose people that hold you"

    43 min

  4. Apr 30

    How to Lead Your Team with Courage and Care - with Doreen C. Kelly

    23. Board Certified Executive Coach and Head of School (Functional CEO) of 25 years, Doreen C. Kelly, shares several leadership lessons including: Common Issues Executives Face Today (and How It's Parallel to What We Face as Parents)Solving Problems vs. Managing TensionHandling Your Anger and Disappointment With Your TeamHow to Frame Courageous Conversations + Constructive Criticism (The SBI framework)The Importance of Supportive and Honest Friendships That Will Act as a Mirror for YouA Wholistic Approach to Self-Care & Showing Up As Your Best SelfReflections of a Working MomThis episode is faith-filled, encouraging, warm, and inspiring.  You can reach out to Doreen C. Kelly on Linkedin or at The Creds Group.

    1h 2m

  5. Apr 23

    Why Your Mom Rage Hacks Aren't Working - with Erin Randol, LCSW

    22. If you've ever felt debilitating anger with your kids, this episode is for you. Erin Randol, mental health therapist, walks us through PRACTICAL tools that actually move the needle for our body when we feel anger rising and our logical brain has left the building. Why self-talk and deep breaths aren't cutting itWhat our body actually needs when we feel anger risingThe surprising influence of OCD in mom rageResources Mentioned:  Postpartum Support InternationalSNAPPY MOM SURVIVAL GUIDE (scroll down) - Use code "RAGE" to get for free.You can find Erin Randol on TikTok @momragetherapy and on her website Sunrise Therapy Services LLC.

    46 min

  6. Apr 16

    THIS is How to Talk to Your Kids About Online Safety, Consent, and Abuse - With Jessica Carlisle

    21. Jessica Carlisle, Child Abuse Expert, shares everything parents need to know about teaching (and protecting!) their kids from child abuse: Teaching how to spot red flags in adultsChild-friendly ways to model consentHow to talk body safety & private partsTools for parents monitoring cell phonesEmpowerment for parents educating kidsResources Mentioned: A Parent's Guide to the App Store Use parental controls to manage your child's iPhone or iPad Other Resources: NCMEC.org Common Sense Media NCOSE (national center on sexual exploitation) Family Dinner Project

    1 hr

  7. Apr 9

    How to Prioritize Family and Health as a Business Executive - with Megan Beaver

    20. If you've ever felt that tug between crushing it at work and being present in your home-life, this episode is for you. Megan Beaver, Vice President and Integrator of Spotlight Branding and Marketing shares: How to pivot your career for a more family-friendly jobThe importance of Staying Centered over Staying BalancedHow to stand strong in your Non-Negotiables and BoundariesHow to handle allll the games and practices as a sports (hint: find your village!)Why staying disciplined in your health can make your day 1000x betterCreating a vision board like a proYou can reach out to Megan Beaver at Megan@spotlightbranding.com

    43 min

  8. Apr 2

    Remembering God's Faithfulness in Our Lives - with Michelle Bevan

    19. Michelle Bevan shares 3 pivotal moments God has provided for her in her life. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and most importantly you'll be reminded of the importance of remembering God's faithfulness in your life too.

    45 min
See All (26)

5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

I'm so grateful you're here! I'm Anna Casey, a mom of 2, military spouse, and lover of deep conversations. I started this podcast because I know what its like to finish a long day of solo parenting to pop in your headphones and feel immediately less alone and more anchored. I also know the feeling of being completely overwhelmed at the thought of "holding down the ship" while your spouse leaves again. But I also know when we come together and learn from each other and share our stories, we are better for it. On Long Distance Friends, you'll hear from a range of experts and friends on all the things that build us up to handle the hardships of life - from motherhood, mental health, community-building, resilience, faith/spirituality, and more. Every conversation is laced with honesty, curiosity, open-mindedness, and grace. I hope you find yourself feeling at home, like you're sitting right here on the couch with us. Even if you're thousands of miles away. We can do this, together, even if at a distance. Anna Casey IG, FB, Tiktok: @ldf.pod Fun fact - this show is produced entirely during my kids nap time! If you love these conversations, please consider writing a review and actually pressing "subscribe/follow"! This is the #1 way to help this show gain momentum and help these conversations and get them into more women's hands.

Information

  • Creator
    Anna Casey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Anna Casey
  • Show Website
    Long Distance Friends

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