Long Distance Friends

24. I'm in the guest seat today! We reflect on:An Iceland trip that was the catalyst for Nate joining the militaryBehind the scenes of our dating and early marriage daysFun and meaningful ways to build community through constant change (and building a life that holds people)A trip down memory lane remembering the good and the bad of the army bases we've lived at The shift from one to two kids—logistics, overwhelm, emotional regulation"Build a life that holds people. And choose people that hold you"

23. Board Certified Executive Coach and Head of School (Functional CEO) of 25 years, Doreen C. Kelly, shares several leadership lessons including:Common Issues Executives Face Today (and How It's Parallel to What We Face as Parents)Solving Problems vs. Managing TensionHandling Your Anger and Disappointment With Your TeamHow to Frame Courageous Conversations + Constructive Criticism (The SBI framework)The Importance of Supportive and Honest Friendships That Will Act as a Mirror for YouA Wholistic Approach to Self-Care & Showing Up As Your Best SelfReflections of a Working MomThis episode is faith-filled, encouraging, warm, and inspiring. You can reach out to Doreen C. Kelly on Linkedin or at The Creds Group.

22. If you've ever felt debilitating anger with your kids, this episode is for you. Erin Randol, mental health therapist, walks us through PRACTICAL tools that actually move the needle for our body when we feel anger rising and our logical brain has left the building.Why self-talk and deep breaths aren't cutting itWhat our body actually needs when we feel anger risingThe surprising influence of OCD in mom rageResources Mentioned: Postpartum Support InternationalSNAPPY MOM SURVIVAL GUIDE (scroll down) - Use code "RAGE" to get for free.You can find Erin Randol on TikTok @momragetherapy and on her website Sunrise Therapy Services LLC.

21. Jessica Carlisle, Child Abuse Expert, shares everything parents need to know about teaching (and protecting!) their kids from child abuse:Teaching how to spot red flags in adultsChild-friendly ways to model consentHow to talk body safety & private partsTools for parents monitoring cell phonesEmpowerment for parents educating kidsResources Mentioned:A Parent's Guide to the App StoreUse parental controls to manage your child's iPhone or iPadOther Resources:NCMEC.orgCommon Sense MediaNCOSE (national center on sexual exploitation)Family Dinner Project

20. If you've ever felt that tug between crushing it at work and being present in your home-life, this episode is for you. Megan Beaver, Vice President and Integrator of Spotlight Branding and Marketing shares:How to pivot your career for a more family-friendly jobThe importance of Staying Centered over Staying BalancedHow to stand strong in your Non-Negotiables and BoundariesHow to handle allll the games and practices as a sports (hint: find your village!)Why staying disciplined in your health can make your day 1000x betterCreating a vision board like a proYou can reach out to Megan Beaver at [email protected]

19. Michelle Bevan shares 3 pivotal moments God has provided for her in her life. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and most importantly you'll be reminded of the importance of remembering God's faithfulness in your life too. 

18. Personal ramblings + reflections of 2025. How obedience leads to intimacy in your relationship with GodA personal journal entry mid marriage-fightPermission to pause & gain clarityA benediction for 2026Thank you for listening friends. See you in Season 3 in a few weeks!

17. Real, honest advice from a HR professional of 10+years. Including:Is it a bad look to ask about a company’s parental leave or maternity leave in the job interview process?How to systematize your job application processes if you need a job ASAPLinkedin tips like training the algorithm, DM’ing guidelines, and turning on job notifications to be an early applicantHow detrimental is the SAHM resume gap?Handling grief as an employee after a 16 week miscarriageWhat women need after a miscarriage in the workplace from their team leadsYou can follow or message Mel @SweatingAtNaptime on Instagram or TikTok

16. Here are my 9 FAVORITE products of the year!1) Souper Cubes2) Sorel Waterproof Caribou Clogs3) CityMouse classic crossbody4) Extra Large Utility Tote (Example)5) Sharpie Wet Erase White Chalk Marker6) Skims Fit Everybody Underwear 7) Chicco Fit360 Car Seat  (⚠️Get it with the LeverLock door cover for rear facing toddlers, as there have been complaints of toddlers unlocking and releasing the base with their feet⚠️)8) Apple Watch 9) EASE MOOSE Modular Waterproof Faux Leather Sectional 

15. Selena Schorken, Social Media Editor for Entertainment Weekly shares the story of her career path from:Having Beth Moore as her mentor in her early career at Living Proof MinistriesHer time pivoting and learning as a social media coordinator for Elle MagazineNow interviewing stars at red carpet events as the Social Media Editor for Entertainment WeeklySpending the month on set at Dancing with the Stars interviewing the castKey Takeaways:Why depth isn’t always cringey and can lead to incredible moments of connectionThe importance of trying, creating your own opportunities, and being a life-long learnerHow seasons of rejection can be used to create opportunities for your dream jobYou can find Selena on Instagram @SelenaSchorken

14. Stop restricting and start honing in on your body’s satisfaction cues!Megan Koistinen, lead registered dietitian and gastrointestinal (GI) nutrition expert breaks down the importance of the satisfaction factor in meals.Key Takeaways:Why yoyo dieting and restricting doesn’t work long-termWhy Gestational Diabetes is not your faultHow to incorporating balanced meals with your entire lifestyle in mindThe importance of enjoying food during the holidaysResources mentioned:Myplate tool for balancing meals.Eatright.orgIntuitive Eating by Elyse Resch and Evelyn TriboleContact Megan by emailing her at [email protected]

13. Want more intention and less chaos during the holidays?In this episode you'll get ideas for:Meaningful decor that doesn't waste your moneyTraditions for gratitude, advent, gift givingHow to serve your community authentically and relationallyConversation topics with your kids that point to JesusKim Muhich is an active member of her community - serving within the church, local government, and on board with local organizations. Links mentioned:Bats halloween decor ideaThankfulness tree example from TargetThe Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

12. Esther Casey, mom of 12 (My MIL!), answers all of my burning parents questions like:What did you worry about that turned out to not matter?What is was like changing so many cloth (!!!) diapers??How do I honor unique giftings and personalities?How do I prevent my daughters from comparing themselves to each other?What was your lowest point (ages of kids) as a mom? What got you through?This episode will feel like a big hug and such an encouragement.

11. Kaitlyn Thibodeaux, Licensed Professional Counselor, shares her personal journey with infertility and post-adoption depression. This conversation is honest and hope-filled. (and fun!)We also discuss:What mental toughness really is The illusion of control as it relates to fertilityUnique struggles moms face post-adoptionHow to support friends in the adoption processHope, purpose, and identity in God.You can follow Kaitlyn on Instagram @kaitlyn.moreau or at @counselorkaitlynt.SNAP Assistance:If you are a teacher feeling the strain of SNAP benefits ending, please message me @ldf.pod and Long Distance Friends will sponsor snacks for your classroom until snap benefits are restored. 

10. Mom of 4 littles and military spouse, Laurel Clark, opens up about the hard and the good of being a stay-at-home mom. Key Takeaways: • Home systems for getting out of the house faster with kids, prioritizing alone time, handling snacks, and more.• How to communicate the mental load with your spouse and stay on the same team• a renewed appreciation for the autonomy in our days• Small (yet impactful) ideas to disciple your kids as a Christian momResources:Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters Erica KomisarA Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex by Morgan CutlipHabits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms Justin Whitmel EarleyA Blessing for the Body of a Child While Lying in Bed Justin Whitmel Earley@busytoddler on Instagram@thelazygenius on Instagram and the Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra AdachiSNAP Assistance:If you are a teacher feeling the strain of SNAP benefits ending, please message me @ldf.pod and Long Distance Friends will sponsor snacks for your classroom until snap benefits are restored. 

9. Retired U.S. Navy Commodore, Seismic Engineer, and Keynote Speaker Dr. Jennifer Donahue, teaches us how to use military tactics to engage and defeat the enemy in our minds.In this episode you’ll take away:An action plan to overcome the negative voices in your mindBig-sister advice about leading in male-dominated fieldsJenn's leadership experience in high-stress environments as a combat veteran and female leader in male-dominated fields sets her up as the perfect person to inspire the next generation of leaders.Resources:Pre-order Jenn’s book Becoming the Warrior: Harnessing Your Inner Strength to Silence Self-Doubt starting October 23rd 2025.Book Jenn for a speaking engagementFollow Jenn on Social Media

8. What I learned about my body, how to slow down, and my humanness. (I learned many lessons in my 20's.... but these are the ones I feel compelled to share!)I discuss:The importance of being on a team to support mental healthStaying disciplined in a pace of presence (take the slow lane! put your phone down when you wait in line!)Embrace your human limitations. Lean into the intimacy of limits.Having a relationship with your body motivated by love and not fearBooks Mentioned:To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson BethkeThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerBreaking Free from Body Shame by Jess ConnollyIntuitive Eating by Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole

7. Owner of Marrow Design, Grace Casey, shares an honest and open-hearted reflection of her life and business. We discuss everything from her brain surgeries, to growing her family through adoption, to her recent sabbatical. A few highlights include:customizing your life and business to work for YOUThe importance of listening to your bodyrejecting rest as laziness You can learn more about Grace at marrowdesign.com & on Instagram @marrow.design

6. WE'RE BACK, BABY! I'm talking all things summer recap -- from:• Living in a camper for 32 days with a toddler and baby• Moving across the country & house hunting in Washington state• Showing up whole + healthy• Season 2 topic sneak peekThanks for being here!

5. I share EVERYTHING we spend per month - down to the dollar! Our family of 4 lives off my husband's O-3 army income (Captain) - which is a base pay of $85,348, with a total of $109,612 including BAH, or housing.What we pay for each bill and subscriptionTips for categorizing your budget into giving, bills, saving, and spendingHow FUN MONEY can save your marriageIdeas for savings "buckets" (we use Ally bank's bucket feature)The importance of givingHaving grace for yourself and owning your prioritiesResources mentioned:Youtube Video VersionMY BUDGET spreadsheet on Google Sheets (feel free to make a copy!)My budgeting/expense tracking app - Rocket Money!

4. Do you have a toddler at home and are about to give birth? I share:Tips for introducing your toddler to your baby in the hospitalPrioritizing self-care and getting through the nightsHack for pooling your milk (without pumping!)Ideas for late-night snacksHow to delegate taking care of your pets Practicing getting out of the house for the first time with two kidsThis episode ends with a prayer from my friend, Susanna, for those last few weeks of pregnancy (that time is so so hard!)Resources mentioned:Perfect Bar Dupe Protein Balls: (this is my recipe!)1 heaping cup of oats (80 g)1 cup peanut butter (225 g)1 scoop vanilla protein powder (25 g)1 tablespoon chia or flax seeds (optional) (11 g)1/4 cup honey (85 g)Cinnamon - measure with your heart (I usually do 1/2 TB)Mix all together, form into balls (or bars), put in fridge.

3. Birth trauma therapist Victoria Edgington answers honest and approachable questions about mom life and perinatal mental health including:What is EMDR therapy and how can it help moms?Can we truly prevent birth trauma?How can we reprocess our births and discover empowerment?How to find support during the perinatal periodRelatable birth stories, funny "lose it" moments as moms, and moreFor women navigating Postpartum Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Birth Trauma, Medical Trauma, and Childhood Trauma, you can find Victoria at https://www.humansthathelp.com/ and on Instagram @birthtraumatherapistResources mentioned: Postpartum Support International

2. Liz Brand reflects on her time as a military spouse. We discuss:How to make the most of lonely times when your husband is working long hoursHer epic time traveling in Europe when they were stationed in GermanyFunny SFRG moments, PWOC, and Spouse sports leaguesSurviving while our husbands complete Ranger School and DeploymentsGathering strength as you go and building resilienceFinding Project-Based work vs. Time-Based workLinks Mentioned:Veteran Ventures Podcast on Spotify and AppleOur Morning Walk book by Griffin Brand

1. My quick introduction to the show. Thanks for listening!Follow along for show highlights and teasers at @ldf.pod on Instagram and TikTok.Instagram: @ldf.podTikTok: @ldf.pod