Life of a Military Wife
Society & Culture
About
Life of a Military Wife is more than a podcast—it's a living archive of the voices that shape military life. Through heartfelt interviews and lively conversations, we share real stories of veterans and military spouses—stories of sacrifice, resilience, adventure, and joy. From deployments and PCS moves to life overseas, each episode offers practical insight, relatable moments, and lasting inspiration. While rooted in the military experience, these stories are for everyone—because strength, connection, and perseverance are universal. This podcast exists to honor service and preserve history. If you’d like to support that work with a small, voluntary contribution, you can find us on Ko-fi. https://ko-fi.com/samwoolf Podcast Links Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7aFdm7HxNbXqpJkVPiWmsO iHeartRadio https://iheart.com/podcast/80684075 Audible https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/65c12395-9840-441a-8093-27bd74c289cf X (Twitter) https://x.com/SamWoolf247 YouTube https://youtube.com/@samwoolflifeofamilitarywife?si=cYUiXtr3gzs9r4mw Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-of-a-military-wife/id1808308811 Facebook https://facebook.com/Sam.Woolf247 lifeofamilitarywifepodcast@gmail.com
Episodes
- Episode 260 Celebrating Military Spouses
This episode features a conversation with a military spouse about her family's experience with military life, including their reasons for choosing it, the challenges of constant relocation, and the importance of a strong support system. Sh…
- Episode 259 Pentagon 9/11 Duty
This episode features U.S. Army veteran Sherry, who discusses her career from the 1980s to the early 2000s, including pre-internet Army service, trips into East Germany, and her duties at the Pentagon on 9/11. She also shares her mission t…
- Episode 258 Surviving Convoy Attacks in Iraq
This episode features an Iraq War veteran who recounts his experiences, including convoy attacks, and reflects on the life lessons and gratitude he gained from his military service. He details his journey from an artilleryman to a Special…
- Episode 257 How to Find Military Service Records with Alec Ferretti
Alec Ferretti, a professional genealogist, explains how to find military service records for deceased veterans. He details the contents of VA XC files, discusses current access challenges, and provides practical tips for requesting these r…
- Episode 256 Air Force Cold War Vet Turned Sci-Fi Author
U.S. Air Force Cold War veteran Raymond Feliciano shares stories from his military service. He also discusses his career as a sci-fi author, including his Dolphin Wars trilogy, and his YouTube channel, King Dolphin TV.
- Episode 245 Best Parts of Being a Military Wife
This episode features a panel discussion with Erika, Maria, and the host about the positive aspects of military life. They share what they appreciate, such as strong friendships, travel opportunities, personal development, and the pride in…
- Episode 244 Unlock Affordable Family Getaways with Ret. Brigadier General Michael Meese
This episode features retired Brigadier General Michael Meese, who provides practical advice on planning affordable family getaways and managing personal finance for military families. Topics include budgeting, travel rewards, and saving s…
- Episode 243 The Forgotten Wham Bam Boy Part 2
This episode of Life of a Military Wife, titled "The Forgotten Wham Bam Boy Part 2", continues the story of Forrest Brininstool, a WWII hero. It covers his experiences of being shot down, his injuries, survival and evasion in enemy territo…
- Episode 242 The Forgotten Wham Bam Boy Part 1
This episode, "The Forgotten Wham Bam Boy Part 1," shares the WWII experiences of Forrest Brininstool, a B-24 Liberator gunner and flight engineer. It covers his enlistment, training, and missions in Europe, including D-Day and Operation C…
- Episode 241 Keeping Love Alive
This episode of Life of a Military Wife features Maria, Erika, and the host discussing how to maintain a strong military marriage. They share practical tips and honest stories about navigating deployments, PCS moves, and the daily grind to…
- Episode 240 90-Year-Old Female Veteran: Service, Family, and Strength
This episode features a 90-year-old female veteran who shares her life experiences, including growing up during WWII, serving in the military, and being a military spouse. The conversation covers her journey through wartime memories, milit…
- Episode 239 US Army Olympians in Milan Olympics
This episode discusses the US Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) and spotlights six Army athletes preparing for the Milan Winter Olympics 2026. The episode covers their sports and their training journeys.
- Episode 238 The Restored Heart Collective Retreats for Veteran Spouses
This episode features Jackie and Cathy, co-founders of The Restored Heart Collective. They discuss their organization, which provides retreats for veteran spouses to connect, rebuild community, and receive support for challenges related to…
- Episode 237 Motivation & Organization for 2026 Military Spouse Panel
This episode features a panel discussion with military spouses Erika and Maria, who share tips for planning, organization, and motivation. They discuss setting realistic goals and productivity hacks to manage life effectively.
- Episode 236 Faith, Service, and Content Creation: George's New Channel Catholic Veterans Talk
George, a former U.S. Army veteran, is featured on this episode of Life of a Military Wife. He discusses his military service, his educational pursuits, and the launch of his new YouTube channel, Catholic Veterans Talk.
- Episode 235 Navigating Infertility & Adoption in the Military
This episode explores the unique challenges military spouses face with infertility and adoption, including personal stories, insights, and practical steps for finding hope and healing. The discussion covers building support networks, advoc…
- Epispde 234 Persuasion Book Club
This episode features a book club discussion of Jane Austen’s "Persuasion," highlighting connections between the novel’s themes and the experiences of military spouses. The conversation explores how the classic work reflects emotions, sepa…
- Episode 233 My Annual Book Recap 2025
This episode features a 2025 book recap, categorized into themes such as military life memoirs, faith and personal growth, cozy mysteries, and romance. The host discusses books that were enjoyed and those that will be recommended for 2026.
- Episode 231 Military Coast-to-Coast Move Survival Guide for Families
This episode of Life of a Military Wife provides a survival guide for military families undergoing coast-to-coast moves with children. It offers practical advice and real-life hacks for managing DITY moves, cross-country PCS, and maintaini…
- Episode 230- 70 Years of Keeping Santa Safe
This episode discusses the 70-year tradition of the NORAD Santa Tracker. It also offers advice on how military spouses can create holiday traditions and make any duty station feel like home for the holidays.
- Episode 229 Best Christmas Movies Ever
This episode features a countdown of favorite Christmas movies, discussing why they are loved and how some subtly connect to military family experiences. The hosts share their personal top 5 picks, offering a fresh watch-list for listeners.
- Episode 228 Tips for Moving Overseas Mil Spouse Panel
This episode features a panel of military spouses discussing the process of moving overseas with children. They share insights and mindset shifts for families anticipating international relocation to countries such as Italy, Japan, Germany…
- Episode 227 Financial Readiness Throughout A Military Career
This episode features retired Brigadier General Mike and his wife Ramona. They share their experiences from 32 years in the Army, discussing how they navigated deployments, PCS moves, family life, and made financial decisions.
- Episode 226 Veterans Day Hits Different: Army Vets Open Up
This episode features two Army veterans discussing their perspectives on Veterans Day and military service. They share insights into what makes veterans feel seen and appreciated.
- Episode 225 Bronze Star And A Big Heart
This episode features Korean War veteran Lon Que Adams, who recounts his experiences during the war. He shares stories about his service and the bonds he formed with his comrades.
- Episode 224 Passport to Adventure: Military Spouse Travel Guide
This episode of Life of a Military Wife discusses military family travel. The panel shares tips, tricks, and stories about traveling, including Space-A flights, commercial airlines, and road trips.
- Episode 223 Holiday Card Challenge: Get Involved!
This episode features Laura from the Holiday Card Challenge, a non-profit that sends cards to service members and veterans. The discussion covers the organization's beginnings, its expansion, and various methods for community involvement.
- Episode 222 Holidays Abroad: Military Hacks and Resources
In this episode, Navy spouse Amanda shares insights on celebrating holidays while abroad or deployed. She offers practical tips, resources, and stories to help military families create cherished memories and new traditions.
- Episode 221 Skills to Paychecks Unlocking Veteran Careers
Utah Senator Heidi Balderree joins the podcast to discuss her efforts in supporting veterans and military families. She highlights legislation and credentialing initiatives aimed at transitioning military experience to civilian careers.
- Episode 220 Coming Home
This episode of Life of a Military Wife details the challenges of welcoming a spouse home after deployment. It covers topics like PTSD, adapting to new family schedules, and reintegration, featuring discussions with seasoned military spous…
- Episode 219 Free College with Military Perks
This episode explores how military benefits can provide free college education and career skills for service members and their families. It covers topics such as the GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and tuition assistance, offering guidance on…
- Episode 218 Infantry in Afghanistan
This episode features an interview with an infantryman who deployed to Afghanistan. He shares his experiences working with the Afghan military and police and discusses his insights into Afghan culture.
- Episode 217 Deployment Survival Secrets
This episode features a discussion with Erika and Maria about the challenges of military deployments and separations. They discuss how these experiences differ by military branch, duration, and family stage, offering practical tips and sup…
- Episode 216 WWII Tales from the Family of La Reina Creole
This episode features YouTube content creator La Reina Creole, who discusses her grandfather's World War II military journey. She also shares insights into researching family military records and offers tips for tracing veteran legacies.
- Episode 215 Cuban Blockade and 9/11 Survivor
This episode features an interview with a Navy veteran. He shares his experiences from the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962 and his perspective as a delivery driver in Lower Manhattan during 9/11.
- Episode 214 Educating Through Chaos
This episode features military spouse Beth Runckle, who shares her experiences and insights on educating military children, including homeschooling, amidst the challenges of military life such as PCS moves and deployments. She provides pra…
- Episode 213 Before They Leave
This episode features a discussion with Erika and Maria on preparing for military deployments. They share practical advice for managing household tasks and family schedules, along with strategies for coping with the emotional aspects of se…
- Episode 212 Life in Korea
Ann, a military spouse, discusses her life in Korea with her family, including daily life, homeschooling, and living abroad. She also shares information about her veteran-owned soap-making business.
- Episode 211 VA Loan Tips and Tricks
This episode discusses VA loan tips and tricks. VeteranPCS, a real estate referral network, is highlighted for its services to military families, connecting them with real estate agents and lenders experienced in military life challenges.
- Episode 210 Immigrant to Citizen
This episode features a military spouse discussing her journey from immigrant to U.S. citizen. She shares her experiences with military life and discusses cultural diversity and community.
- Episode 209 Light, Camera, Military: Spouses Rate Military Movies and More
This episode features a military spouse panel discussing military portrayals in entertainment, including movies, books, and TV shows. They share what they liked, what missed the mark, and what felt authentic or fake, offering recommendatio…
- Episode 208 Spilling the Tea About the Army's 250th
This episode of Life of a Military Wife celebrates the Army's 250th birthday. The hosts discuss the festivities, including parades and ceremonies, and their perspectives on the Army's legacy.
- Episode 207 A Veteran F-14 RIO's Life In The Skies
This episode features a veteran F-14 Radar Intercept Officer discussing his experiences in the Navy, including Cold War patrols and combat missions. He also shares a story about a mid-air collision and ejection.
- Episode 206 Holding On and Letting Go
This episode features military spouse Lindsay Swoboda discussing her memoir, "Holding On and Letting Go: A Life in Motion." She shares experiences from her family's overseas military life, including challenges and joys from various locatio…
- Episode 205 Social Media Saviors, Military Spouses Panel
This episode features a panel of four military spouses discussing the role of social media groups and forums in navigating military life. They share insights and advice on various topics, such as PCS moves, Space-A travel, and support for…
- Episode 204 Roots & Resilience, Finding Her Place
Elaine, a military spouse, shares her experiences using WikiTree to connect with her family history and build friendships amidst the challenges of military life and frequent moves.
- Episode 203 Ballerina to Pilot
This episode features a military spouse who shares her journey from being a ballerina to pursuing a pilot's license. She discusses managing homeschooling, military life, and community volunteering while training to become a pilot.
- Episode 202 From Service to Civilian, A Spouse's Journey
This episode features a military spouse discussing her family's transition from military to civilian life. She shares insights on adapting to civilian life, developing a career, and supporting veterans and the VA through community resource…
- Episode 201 Our Secrets For Survival
This episode of "Life of a Military Wife" features a panel of military spouses who share organizations and resources that have helped them navigate various challenges. Topics discussed include PCS, identity theft, and financial assistance,…
- Episode 200 Time To Celebrate
This episode celebrates the 200th episode of "Life of a Military Wife" podcast. The host discusses the journey of podcasting as a military spouse, sharing experiences and future dreams for the podcast.