In this solo episode, host Hannah O’Brien tackles a topic that affects nearly everyone but rarely gets the recognition it deserves: the mental load. Whether you are a military spouse, a veteran, a parent, or simply a human navigating the complexities of modern life, you are likely carrying a heavy cognitive burden. It’s time to name it, share it, and change it.

What Exactly Is the Mental Load?

The mental load is the ongoing, invisible cognitive effort required to manage, plan, anticipate, and coordinate the tasks of daily life. It isn't just "the doing"—it is the constant thinking about what needs to be done next.

Crisis Support: If you are a veteran or family member in need of immediate support, please dial 988 and press 1.

When military families receive PCS orders, the "yes" is often just the beginning of a bureaucratic battle.

In this episode, Air Force spouse and registered nurse Marissa Muntain shares her grueling nine-month fight to overturn an EFMP denial that threatened her family's move to England. We pull back the curtain on the gaps between EFMP policy and reality, exploring how mental health stigma, inconsistent base-level implementation, and systemic hurdles impact military families.

Key Takeaways:

• EFMP Reality: Why your experience varies wildly depending on your base and coordinator.
• Know Your Rights: How to use AFI regulations to advocate for yourself during medical screenings.
• Escalation: When and how to bypass local denials and utilize the congressional appeal process.
• Practical Advocacy: Why you must document everything and how to build a winning case file.

Resources:

• Military OneSource & Chaplain services (for confidential care).
• AFI regulations and Congressional representative support.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses mental health, system barriers, and medical clearance processes.

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 high
• How career gaps and relocations impact long-term earning potential
• Rachelle’s biggest career lesson: “Ask for what you want”
• What makes the It’s My Turn veteran spouse career program different
• Why 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 LinkedIn
• Additional programs: Service Scholarship (launching in March)

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.

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 988
• Veteran Spouse Network: veteranspousenetwork.org
• NAMI: nami.org
• AFSP: afsp.org

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.org
• Veteran Spouse Network: https://veteranspousenetwork.org
• Additional local and national resources for domestic violence and mental health support

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.

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.