Episode 41: A New Holiday Celebrating Military Marriages
Air Force spouse and wedding planner Bree Carroll offers a behind-the-scenes look at starting the new Military Marriage Day and her passion for helping other couples strengthen their relationships. Plus, a look at what the Broadway sensation "Hamilton" can teach us about military marriages.
Episode 40: Military Parents Prep for an Unusual School Year
With many schools starting virtually this fall, military parents are having to make major life changes to accommodate remote learning. An Army spouse and an active-duty Coast Guard mom share their plans for the upcoming school year and what it has already been like juggling work schedules with their children’s schooling during the pandemic.
Episode 37: Why Covering Military News Is Personal for CNN Anchor Brianna Keilar
In this episode, CNN anchor Brianna Keilar offers a look inside her journalism career and her work as an ambassador for Blue Star Families. She also talks about various struggles her military family has faced, including trying to plan a pregnancy around a war.
Episode 35: Domestic Violence in the Military, Part 1
Reports of domestic violence and abuse have gone up globally since the start of coronavirus lockdown measures. In this episode, an advocate and an attorney join Natalie for a discussion on the prevalence of domestic violence in the military community and why it's now getting increased national attention.
Episode 34: What You Missed in Military News Last Month
The managing editor of Military.com helps Natalie break down today's most pressing military news stories, including COVID-19 updates, pivotal Supreme Court cases and how the military is addressing racial bias and discrimination within the ranks.
Episode 33: Medical Care Could Soon Look Different for Many Military Families
From hospital closures to medical billet cuts, there are some major changes coming to military health care that will impact many military families who get their medical care on base. In this episode, a military health care advocate breaks down the changes and why her organization is pushing back.
See a full list of military treatment facilities slated for downsizing or closure here. Read about the military’s decision to delay implementation because of the coronavirus pandemic here.
Episode 30: What to Know As the Military Travel Ban Eases
As the U.S. starts to reopen after months in quarantine, a DoD official explains how the military is gradually lifting its travel restrictions and what it means for military families.
Read the latest version of the military’s stop movement order here, find more coronavirus updates from Military OneSource here, and explore the DoD’s “Rumor Control” website discussed in this episode here.
Episode 29: How Record-High Unemployment Is Impacting the Military Community
An Army spouse opens up about losing her job and the headache of filing for unemployment. The CEO of Blue Star Families shares how military families are faring financially during the pandemic — and some resources to help.
Take the Blue Star Families “Pain Points Poll” here.
Episode 26: When Your Kid Goes to War
Jen McDonald never dreamed her son would grow up to serve in the same war that her husband did. In this Mother's Day-themed episode, the prolific author shares what it was like to transition from active-duty spouse to active-duty mom and offers some encouragement for mothers at every stage.
Learn more about Jen and her “MilSpouse Matters” podcast at jen-mcdonald.com. The Spouse Angle on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Episode 25: 'Some Good News': Military Edition
Inspired by the viral “Some Good News” videos by John Krasinski, this week's episode features uplifting stories from across the military community — from a COVID-19 survivor paying it forward, to a family hosting a private half marathon for a military mom. Plus, some "Frozen" magic with a special appearance by ice princess Elsa.
Episode 24: The Latest Updates to the Military's Stop Movement Order
The stop movement order that halted military moves and extended deployments will go into summer. In this episode, two military spouses caught mid-move share their hardships. And, we explore what the order’s extension means for other military families — including some exceptions that may affect you.
Episode 23: Tips for Running a Thriving Business — Even During a Pandemic
Coronavirus precautions may be flattening the curve, but they're taking a big toll on U.S. small businesses. In this episode, two military spouse entrepreneurs offer timely advice for keeping your company going. Plus, a Small Business Administration official breaks down the recent CARES Act and the government aid that may be available to you.