In this episode we are speaking with Carley Robb-Jackson and Amy Carpenter from Canadian Forces Morale and Wellness Services about some of the research that is being done by CFMWS as part of the Gender-based Violence and Family Violence portfolio.

We also talk about:

• the challenges of Military family life that may put an additional strain on relationships
• resources that are available for those in unhealthy relationships, and
• the Healthy Relationships campaign presented each year by CFMWS.

Content Warning: We understand that discussions about family violence and gender-based violence can be difficult for some. Please listen with care.

About our Guests:

Carley Robb-Jackson is the Senior Manager, Gender-based Violence and Family Violence portfolio with Military Family Services. She has an extensive background working in gender equality, women's rights and family violence. Prior to working with MFS, Carley worked in the international development sector as a gender equality specialist. She holds a MA in Sociology, and has conducted research on family violence and breakdown, and women's access to justice.

Amy Carpenter is a Policy Development and Research Manager working at Military Family Services as part of the Gender-Based Violence team. Amy has worked in the military community for about 6 years and lives the military lifestyle with her partner. Prior to working at Military Family Services, Amy worked at the MFRC in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and the North of 60 MFRC in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

Learn More:

• CFMWS.ca website with access information and resources from the Healthy Relationships campaign: https://cfmws.ca/support-services/health-wellness/healthyrelationships
• The Healthy Relationships Continuum: https://cfmws.ca/support-services/health-wellness/healthyrelationships/tip-sheets/intimate-relationships-continuum-and-chart
• Revised DAOD 5044-4, Family Violence: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/defence-administrative-orders-directives/5000-series/5044/5044-4-family-violence.html
• Supports available for building healthy relationships and addressing family stress, breakdown and violence. : https://cfmws.ca/support-services/health-wellness/healthyrelationships/supports-available-to-you
• Stories from other CAF families about their strategies for overcoming military lifestyle challenges: https://cfmws.ca/support-services/health-wellness/healthyrelationships/stories-of-military-members-and-their-families
• Online course on how to support a friend or family member who may be experiencing intimate partner violence:https://cfmws.ca/support-services/health-wellness/healthyrelationships/online-learning-and-webinars

We want to hear from you!

Do you want to tell your story? Send us an email to find out more about being a guest: Podcast.Feedback@PetawawaMFRC.com

April is Month of the Military Child. For this episode we are speaking with Chris Quigley and her friend Bella about the work they do with Military Children. They tell us about some of the challenges they hear about and what we all do to support Military Children this month - and year round.

About our Guests:

An East coast chance meeting and marriage to a CAF Member - now veteran - was the catalyst for Chris’s now 26 year career supporting military members and their families at MFRC's and with Military Family Services.

Chris has a background in childhood education and MH. These pursuits allow her to engage with children to help them cope and learn resiliency skills. Using the art of puppetry, Chris is able to meet children where they are at and help them overcome their struggles. Some parents have described it as a true blessing.

Chris and Bella – her 6 year old ostrich puppet -- develop relationships with children – and in doing so they help children discover ways to cope with missing loved ones , overcome the fear of speaking to new friends and many other challenges that face Military children.

When Chris is not supporting military families in some capacity, you can find her volunteering at the local MFRC, gardening and planning her winter greenery and Christmas displays for friends in the neighborhood.

We want to hear from you!

Do you want to tell your story? Send us an email to find out more about being a guest: Podcast.Feedback@PetawawaMFRC.com

It has been three years since the first episode of Military Family Life!

This month, Claudia and Julie are looking back at our first 20 episodes. Here are some of our favourite stories, best pieces of advice and lessons learned along the way.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to join us on the podcast. We have enjoyed getting to know each one of you, and we look forward to hearing more stories from Military family members in the new year.

Here are the guests you will hear from in this episode:

Clip 1 – Willie VanLankvelt, Joan Harvey and Marg Reid

Clip 2 – Kayla Lamrock

Clip 3 – Tamara Kleinschmidt

Clip 4 – Ariel from PMQ for Two and Dr Heidi Cramm

Clip 5 – Tammy Barclay and Kim Mills

Clip 6 – Sandra Pinard and Laura Frey

Clip 7 –Melissa and Heath Bott and Norma and Tom Cartwright

Clip 8 – Christina McFadden, Ariel from PMQ, Denver Hilland, Catherine Grant, Andrea Nauta

Clip 9 – Trisha MacLeod

Clip 10- Kimberly Glandon and Melissa Perry-Biezing (Canadian Military Wives Choir episode)

Clip 11 – Ainsley Christensen

Clip 12 – Ivy and Jonas Mills, Claudia and Ariel, Tammy Barclay and Crystal Donak

Do you want to tell your story? Send us an email to find out more about being a guest: Podcast.Feedback@PetawawaMFRC.com