Veteran Spouse Network

Hannah O'Brien
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

A podcast of real stories that will resonate with the Veteran spouse community. Hosted by Hannah O'Brien of the Veteran Spouse Network and in collaboration with Coming Home Well.  A community of peer support for military and veteran spouses and committed partners, providing opportunities to engage and connect to helpful resources and a community of support.

  1. 6D AGO

    It’s My Turn — Career Development for Veteran Spouses

    Military and veteran spouses face unique career challenges, but meaningful career growth is possible. In this episode, Hannah is joined by Rachelle Chapman, Senior Director of the Adecco Group US Foundation, to talk about military spouse employment, career confidence, and the power of self-discovery. Rachelle shares her own 20-year career journey through eight military moves and introduces the It’s My Turn program; a free career development program designed specifically for veteran spouses. We discuss why traditional job-search advice often falls short, how confidence is built through community, and why it’s never too late to invest in yourself. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why military spouse unemployment and underemployment remain so highHow career gaps and relocations impact long-term earning potentialRachelle’s biggest career lesson: “Ask for what you want”What makes the It’s My Turn veteran spouse career program differentWhy self-discovery is the foundation of sustainable career growth 🎧 Whether you’re job searching, considering a career pivot, or simply trying to reconnect with your professional identity, this episode is for you. Links & Resources: It’s My Turn Program Connect with Rachelle Chapman on LinkedInAdditional programs: Service Scholarship (launching in March)

    1h 7m

  2. JAN 4

    Stories that Connect with Penney Samons

    How can reading help military families stay connected during deployments? 📚 In this episode of the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast, host Hannah O’Brien talks with Penney Samons from United Through Reading about the power of Storytime for military and veteran families. From free books and a secure storytelling app to a mobile recording studio bringing Storytime to installations worldwide, this conversation highlights meaningful ways families can bond—anytime, anywhere. 🎧 Free for all military-connected families 📖 Ages 0–18 🌍 Active duty, veteran, reserve, and all branches welcome Learn more at unitedthroughreading.org 💙 Help us support military and veteran families—share this episode and subscribe so you never miss an inspiring conversation.

    39 min

  3. 12/08/2025

    Navigating Grief, Stress, and Support During the Holiday

    This episode of the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast explores the emotional challenges that can arise during the holidays from grief and loneliness to the pressures of keeping up appearances. Guest Jasmine Lott, an Air Force veteran and mental health nurse, joins host Hannah O’Brien to discuss suicide prevention, coping with loss, and how to support loved ones who may be struggling. 🧠 Key Takeaways Holidays can be joyful and emotionally heavy — it’s okay to feel both.Talking about suicide saves lives; silence increases stigma.Support others by simply being present — avoid clichés like “it’ll be okay.”Grief looks different for everyone; honor your own process.Remember: help is always available through 988, NAMI, the VA, and the Veteran Spouse Network. 💡 Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988Veteran Spouse Network: veteranspousenetwork.orgNAMI: nami.orgAFSP: afsp.org

    50 min

  4. 11/11/2025

    Healing from Domestic Violence

    In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, host Hannah O’Brien sits down with long-time Veteran Spouse Network peer leader Tanya Mac to explore the difficult but important topic of domestic violence within military and veteran families. Tanya opens up about her personal journey—how she came to recognize the signs of an unhealthy relationship, the struggle of breaking cycles of abuse, and the profound impact these experiences can have on partners and children. Tanya reflects on the role of community, creativity, and self-empowerment throughout her healing process, offering insight and encouragement for anyone navigating similar challenges. Resources Mentioned National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://thehotline.orgVeteran Spouse Network: https://veteranspousenetwork.orgAdditional local and national resources for domestic violence and mental health support

    43 min

  5. 10/10/2025

    It's a Mother Part 3_ Postpartum

    In this heartfelt conclusion to the It’s a Mother series, host Hannah O’Brien invites listeners into her deeply personal journey through the postpartum experience after welcoming her second child. Hannah shares the raw realities of recovery, sleep deprivation, and navigating the emotional and financial toll of early motherhood. From breastfeeding challenges and body image struggles to balancing career and childcare, she offers an honest reflection on the joys and hardships of raising two young children. This episode shines a light on the importance of support systems, self-compassion, and community for mothers everywhere, especially those in military and veteran families. Resources & Call to Action Learn more about the Veteran Spouse Network and find resources for military and veteran families.Catch up on earlier episodes in the It’s a Mother series for insights into pregnancy and early motherhood.If today’s episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and join us next month for more stories and resources designed for military and veteran families.

    1h 25m

  6. 09/08/2025

    It's a Mother Part 2 - Birth

    In this heartfelt continuation of her “It’s a Mother” series, Hannah opens up about the deeply transformative experience of giving birth. Episode Highlights Hannah shares her birth stories with honesty and vulnerability, offering a real look at the fears, challenges, and surprises of labor and delivery.A candid discussion of the emotional and physical journey of childbirth—from the anxiety of not being in control, to induction, to making decisions around pain management.Reflections on the societal pressure and judgment surrounding birth choices—hospital vs. home, epidural vs. natural—and why it’s essential to do what’s right for you.Postpartum realities: the ups and downs of hospital stays, breastfeeding struggles, and the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a new mother.Practical advice for expectant moms and their support systems on boundary-setting, self-advocacy, and tuning out outside opinions. Key Takeaways Every birth story is unique—there is no single “right” way to welcome a child into the world.Support, compassion, and non-judgment are vital for mothers navigating childbirth and postpartum.Hannah’s goal is to remind every listener that no woman should feel alone in her journey. Next Episode Preview Part 3 of It’s a Mother will explore the joys and challenges of postpartum life—don’t miss it! Resources Learn more about the Veteran Spouse Network and find support for military and veteran families: veteranspousenetwork.org Thank you for listening and holding space for these important stories.

    1h 17m

  7. 08/05/2025

    It's a Mother - Fertility & Pregnancy

    Welcome back to the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast! In this heartfelt solo episode, host Hannah O’Brien, veteran spouse and program manager for the Veteran Spouse Network, opens up about her deeply personal journey through fertility, pregnancy, and the decision to grow a family while navigating life in a military and veteran household. 🔍 In This Episode: Hannah’s return from maternity leave and becoming a mom of twoThe emotional, physical, and societal realities of pregnancy and motherhoodHow military life and her husband’s PTSD impacted their family planning decisionsHonest reflections on fertility struggles and the emotional toll of trying to conceiveNavigating morning sickness, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy's emotional ups and downsThe power of communication, self-advocacy, and having a strong support systemUnique challenges faced by military and veteran families during pregnancyA call to break the silence around fertility, women’s health, and postpartum experiences 💡 Key Takeaways: Every path to motherhood is different — and it’s okay to talk about the hard partsMilitary life adds unique layers to family planning decisionsSupport, communication, and self-advocacy are essentialListening and showing up for the women in our lives matters 📌 Resources & Links: Learn more and access support: VeteranSpouseNetwork.orgStay tuned for Part 2, where Hannah dives into her childbirth and postpartum journey 🎧 Thank you for tuning in! This episode is brought to you by the Veteran Spouse Network, in collaboration with Coming Home Well. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help other veteran and military-connected families feel seen, heard, and supported.

    1h 14m

  8. 08/05/2025

    It's a Mother - Fertility & Pregnancy

    Welcome back to the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast! In this heartfelt solo episode, host Hannah O’Brien, veteran spouse and program manager for the Veteran Spouse Network, opens up about her deeply personal journey through fertility, pregnancy, and the decision to grow a family while navigating life in a military and veteran household. 🔍 In This Episode: Hannah’s return from maternity leave and becoming a mom of twoThe emotional, physical, and societal realities of pregnancy and motherhoodHow military life and her husband’s PTSD impacted their family planning decisionsHonest reflections on fertility struggles and the emotional toll of trying to conceiveNavigating morning sickness, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy's emotional ups and downsThe power of communication, self-advocacy, and having a strong support systemUnique challenges faced by military and veteran families during pregnancyA call to break the silence around fertility, women’s health, and postpartum experiences 💡 Key Takeaways: Every path to motherhood is different — and it’s okay to talk about the hard partsMilitary life adds unique layers to family planning decisionsSupport, communication, and self-advocacy are essentialListening and showing up for the women in our lives matters 📌 Resources & Links: Learn more and access support: VeteranSpouseNetwork.orgStay tuned for Part 2, where Hannah dives into her childbirth and postpartum journey 🎧 Thank you for tuning in! This episode is brought to you by the Veteran Spouse Network, in collaboration with Coming Home Well. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help other veteran and military-connected families feel seen, heard, and supported.

    1h 14m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A podcast of real stories that will resonate with the Veteran spouse community. Hosted by Hannah O'Brien of the Veteran Spouse Network and in collaboration with Coming Home Well.  A community of peer support for military and veteran spouses and committed partners, providing opportunities to engage and connect to helpful resources and a community of support.

Information

  • Creator
    Hannah O'Brien
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Veteran Spouse Network
  • Show Website
    Veteran Spouse Network