Off Stage and On Duty

What does it take to build a healthy marriage and family in an industry that never really slows down?In this episode of Offstage and On Duty, we sit down with Kristy Zacharias for an honest conversation about marriage, motherhood, re-entry, communication, and raising a family in the middle of tour life. After moving from Canada to the U.S., Kristy has now spent 26 years navigating the rhythms and realities of life behind the scenes of the music industry.From the early challenges of isolation to the intentional habits that helped protect their marriage and family over decades on the road, Kristy shares practical wisdom and encouragement for anyone living this unconventional lifestyle.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

What does school look like when your life doesn’t follow a traditional schedule?In this episode of Offstage and On Duty, we sit down with Lori Phelps—an experienced stage wife and educator who has truly done it all. From homeschooling to public and private education, Lori brings both professional insight and real-life perspective to one of the most frequently asked questions in our Stage Wives community.Together, we dive into honest, sometimes difficult questions submitted directly by you—our Stage Wives. We talk through the realities of each schooling option, the flexibility (and challenges) that come with life on the road, and how to make decisions that serve your family in every season.Whether you’re considering a change, feeling overwhelmed by your options, or simply curious about what’s possible, this episode offers grounded wisdom, practical encouragement, and the reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—just the right fit for your family.If education has been on your mind lately, this is one you won’t want to miss.His Needs Her NeedsBarn & BaleConnect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

In this episode of Offstage and On Duty, we’re answering your questions straight from the Stage Wives community—and nothing is off the table. From homeschooling vs. public school decisions to navigating family dynamics in the middle of tour life, we’re diving into the real, everyday challenges that come with loving someone on the road. We also share a very exciting announcement you won’t want to miss. If you’ve ever felt curious or conflicted trying to figure it all out, this episode is for you.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

Let’s be honest—when your spouse hits the road, it’s not all lonely nights and missed calls. In this episode, Rhyan and Ray flip the script on the narrative and talk about the good parts of tour life at home. From cereal-for-dinner nights and skipping the dishes, to embracing makeup-free days, rediscovering hobbies, and finally having space to focus on personal growth—this is your permission slip to enjoy the season you’re in.We’re not talking about ignoring the hard stuff or slapping a smile on real pain—that’s not what this is. This is about finding genuine gratitude without guilt. Because two things can be true at once: you can miss your person deeply and appreciate the rhythm of life while they’re gone.If you’ve ever felt a little guilty for enjoying the quiet OR need to focus on the positives while he's gone… this episode is for you.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

Distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection. In this episode, we explore how couples in the music industry nurture intimacy while navigating long tours, time zones, and unpredictable schedules. We share honest conversations about staying emotionally close, staying spicy, and keeping your relationship healthy when life on the road pulls you in different directions.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

What happens when you’ve lived life both on the road and waiting at home?In this episode of Offstage & On Duty, we sit down with Nikki Malloy—a Stage Wife who brings a rare and deeply insightful perspective to the conversation. Nikki hasn’t just supported road life from the home front; she’s witnessed it firsthand from inside the touring world. Having experienced both Stage Wife life and road life, she understands the tension, the sacrifice, the beauty, and the unseen emotional weight from both sides of the curtain.Nikki shares honest stories about the trials and tribulations of touring—the long nights, the distance, the pressure, the re-entry challenges—and what it feels like to navigate marriage and identity in an industry that constantly pulls you in two directions. She speaks candidly about communication, empathy, loneliness, resilience, and the spiritual growth that can come from living in the tension between calling and commitment.If you’ve ever wondered:What your spouse might be experiencing on the roadWhy re-entry feels so complicatedHow to build deeper empathy instead of silent resentmentOr how to hold onto connection when schedules don’t cooperateThis episode will feel like a bridge.Listeners can expect wisdom, vulnerability, practical encouragement, and the comforting reminder that you are not alone in this unique life. Nikki offers not just stories—but perspective. And sometimes, perspective is exactly what heals the gap.Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and join us for a conversation that just might change the way you see both sides of the stage.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

Every January carries a quiet pressure to become someone new. New habits, new goals, new identity. But for women living the touring life — holding families together, adapting to constant change, and carrying emotional weight behind the scenes — the New Year can feel less like a fresh start and more like another expectation to hold.In this episode of Offstage and On Duty, we sit down with licensed therapist Sam Beretta to gently unpack the emotional weight of “New Year, New Me.” Why does January feel so loud? Why does reinvention feel so tempting? And why do so many women end up feeling behind before the year even begins?Together, we explore identity in the touring lifestyle — how months of flexibility, caregiving, and emotional transition can leave your own desires feeling blurry. We talk about quiet exhaustion and why real growth doesn’t come from self-rejection, but from compassion and reconnection.If this year brings anything new, we hope it brings you back to yourself — not as a project to fix, but as a person worthy of care, softness, and support.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

In this episode of Offstage and On Duty, we’re having a bold, honest conversation about leadership, authority, and why so many women hesitate to step into what they’re capable of. We explore why women often don’t volunteer for promotions, struggle to advocate for their worth, and feel uncomfortable owning their voice—even when they are already doing the work of leaders every single day.Together, we unpack the cultural, emotional, and spiritual reasons women are held back, and we speak directly to the unique tension stage wives carry—supporting their families, managing life at home, and quietly holding everything together while often minimizing their own power.This episode is about self-empowerment. It’s about clarity. It’s about ownership. It’s about understanding that you don’t need permission to lead the life you’re already stewarding.And yes… it’s about learning how to be a grounded, confident, purpose-driven baddie as a stage wife.If you’ve ever felt small, unsure, overlooked, or hesitant to take up space—this one is for you.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

In this episode of Offstage and On Duty, we sit down with Shea Smith—business coach, business owner, stage wife, and mom—for an honest and hope-filled conversation about vision, identity, and building a life that actually fits who you are.Together, we talk about what it really looks like to get to the root of the vision for your life—not just what you do, but why you do it. Shea shares her journey of entrepreneurship alongside stage life, and we explore the questions so many women silently carry:Is it possible to be a business owner and a stage wife? Is it possible to be an entrepreneur and support a touring husband? Is it possible to deeply love your kids, show up for your family, and still chase the dreams in your heart?Our answer, again and again, is yes.This conversation is an invitation to step out of either/or thinking and into a fuller picture of what’s possible. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin, afraid to dream, or unsure how all the pieces of your life can coexist, this episode will remind you that clarity creates capacity—and vision changes everything.If you’ve been longing for permission to build intentionally, dream boldly, and live aligned, this one is for you.Want to stay connected with Shea?Here are a few ways to explore her work and continue the conversation:    •    Free Chapter of Beyond High PerformanceA look at performance beyond pressure and hustle.https://lp.novus.global/sheasmith    •    Free QuizIdentify what truly motivates you and how to leverage it in daily life.https://lp.novus.global/sheasmith-5i    •    Follow Shea on InstagramReal conversations about leadership, identity, and life in high-pressure worlds.https://www.instagram.com/thesheasmithConnect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re slowing down to look back—and gently lift our eyes toward what’s ahead.In this final episode of the year, we’re reflecting on the highs, the hard moments, the lessons learned, and the quiet growth that happened behind the scenes this past year. Life as a Stage Wife often unfolds offstage—in the waiting, the holding down the fort, the late nights, the early mornings, and the unseen faithfulness. And this year held plenty of all of it.We talk honestly about what worked, what stretched us, and what we’re carrying forward into 2026. We also share what next year will look like for Offstage and On Duty, our hopes for this community, and the rhythms we’re choosing as we step into a new season.Most of all, this episode is an encouragement—to remind you that you are not forgotten, not alone, and not behind. Wherever you’re ending this year—tired, hopeful, grateful, or unsure—there is grace here for you.From our hearts to yours, thank you for walking this road with us. We’ll see you in the new year.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

It’s a cozy little holiday hang on Offstage and On Duty! In this lighthearted mini-episode, Rhyan and Rachel are hitting pause on the deep dives and heavy topics to bring you something fun, simple, and joy-filled: a quick “Get to Know Your Hosts — Holiday Edition.”Grab your cocoa and come laugh with us as we share our favorite Christmas movies, the snacks we cannot resist, the traditions that make our hearts melt, and the tiny things that make this season feel magical. It’s sweet, silly, and the perfect breather in the midst of December.Whether you’re wrapping gifts, driving to pick up the kids, or sneaking a moment to yourself, we hope this episode brings you a little warmth and a whole lot of cheer.Wishing you peace, joy, and just the right amount of Christmas chaos. 🎁✨Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

In this special interview, Ray and Rhy sit down with licensed therapist — and fellow Stage Wife — Sam Beretta to talk about something we all feel this time of year: holiday triggers. From family dynamics to shifting expectations to the whirlwind of tour schedules, Sam helps us understand what’s actually happening in our nervous system when stress hits, and how to regulate it with simple, practical tools.With honesty, humor, and the wisdom of someone who lives this life too, Sam breaks down why the holidays can feel overwhelming and how to find peace in the middle of the chaos. Together, we explore grounding practices, emotional safety, healthy boundaries, and how to care for yourself while caring for everyone else.✨ If the holidays bring up “a lot,” this conversation brings clarity, comfort, and the calm you’ve been craving.To learn more about Sam Beretta or connect with her directly, please visit her website www.samanthaberetta.com Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

Ever wondered why community feels like medicine, especially when life on the road feels lonely? In this episode, Rhy and Ray dive deep into the science and spirit of sisterhood for women in the touring world.With a sprinkle of anthropology, a dash of psychology, and plenty of real-life stories, they explore why we’re literally wired for connection and how sisterhood can protect your heart, health, and peace.You’ll hear about:🧠 The anthropology of connection (and why we need our people)💬 The psychology behind the “loneliness epidemic”🤝 The sociology of sisterhood (and rebuilding our village)💡 Practical, science-backed ways to stay connected even during tour seasonWhether you’re new to the Stage Wives community or you’ve been with us from the start, this episode is your reminder that you were never meant to do this alone.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

In this inspiring episode of Offstage and On Duty, Rhyan and Ray sit down with powerhouse couple Rhonda and Jason Halbert, who have spent over three decades navigating marriage, family, and the fast-paced world of touring.From raising and homeschooling kids on the road to finding balance between personal calling and shared purpose, the Halberts open up about what it takes to make love—and life—thrive through the chaos of road life. With wisdom, humor, and heart, they share the habits, boundaries, and faith that have kept them grounded through 32 years (and counting) of adventure.If you’ve ever wondered how to build something that lasts—onstage, offstage, and everywhere in between—this conversation is a masterclass in commitment, creativity, and grace.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

This week on Offstage & On Duty, Rhy and Ray sit down with licensed therapist Sam Beretta—a woman who not only understands the world of mental health but lives the life of a Stage Wife herself. Sam brings both her clinical expertise and personal experience to the table, unpacking the unique emotional challenges of holding down the fort while your spouse is on the road. From boundaries and burnout to connection and community, this conversation is as real as it gets.It’s rich, relatable, and truly one you don’t want to miss.Sam BerettaBacklineConnect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

Rhy and Ray get real about the trap of victim thinking — from the excuses that hold us back to the messy re-entry moments when husbands return from the road. They share how building habits, owning responsibility, and stepping into your authority as an independent woman can transform not just your own life, but your marriage too.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

Ever feel like you’re constantly measuring yourself against someone else’s life? In this episode, Rhyan and Ray dig into the sneaky trap of comparison—and how it robs us of joy, peace, and perspective. Through honest stories and plenty of laughs, they explore why comparison is never a good teacher, what we miss when we’re busy looking sideways, and how to shift back into gratitude and confidence in your own lane.You’ll walk away with practical ways to quiet the “not enough” voice, celebrate your wins (even if it’s just remembering trash day), and embrace the beauty of your unique story.Takeaway: You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re living a life that was never meant to look like anyone else’s—and that’s worth celebrating.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

Feeling invisible? You’re not the only one. In this episode of Offstage and On Duty, Ray and Rhy get real about loneliness — the kind that sneaks in when the house is loud with kids but quiet with connection. We’ll talk about the difference between solitude and isolation, how to recognize when you’ve slipped into that isolating headspace, and practical ways to reclaim your peace and build connection, even when your spouse is on the road. We couldn’t hold this one back until September — trust us, you’ll understand once you listen.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

When your husband’s on the road and the house is quiet, your thoughts can get loud—and not in a good way. In this episode, Ray and Rhy unpack how to stop the mental free-fall we call the “thought spiral.” Through Scripture, relatable tour-wife stories, and tools from Dr. David Burns’ The Feeling Good Handbook, they share practical ways to take your thoughts captive, reframe anxiety, and speak truth to yourself when worry takes over. You’ll laugh (because you’ve been there), maybe tear up (because it’s real), and walk away with a toolkit of simple techniques to reset your mind and reclaim your peace.Whether you share our faith or just need a safe space to feel seen, this conversation is for you.Connect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok

In this very first episode, meet your hosts Rhyan Shirley and Rachel Smith — co-founders of STAGE Wives, a support group for women whose husbands travel in the music industry. Together, they share the heart behind this new community, and what you can expect from the podcast going forward.Whether you’re raising little ones solo, navigating the emotional highs and lows of tour life, or simply craving connection with women who get it — this episode is your invitation to the sisterhood.Expect real talk, laughs, spiritual encouragement, practical tools, and a whole lot of grace as we walk this unique road together.💛 You are seen. You are strong. And even offstage, you’re never off duty.✨ Connect with STAGE Wives:Instagram: @stagewives (https://www.instagram.com/stagewives)Website: www.stagewives.comSubscribe, share, and leave a review to help more women find this spaceConnect with Stage Wives:WebsiteFollow us on InstagramJoin the Private Facebook groupFollow us on TikTok