Shows
Coffee and Crime with a Military WifeEPISODE 11 (Interview 8) with KristinaOn this episode, I had the lovely opportunity to speak with Kristina. She is originally from Iowa, USA. Kristina is a mom of 4 children, has been a military spouse for almost 15 years, and admin of The CFB Esquimalt Military Group. We covered a variety of topics from the culture of toxic positivity, lack of support from the MFRC, the importance of trust and vulnerability, and support within the military community, the importance of local military spouse groups, the lack of Canadian armed forced member pride, the military and foster care, the Stockholm syndrome effect of the military. It was a...2023-08-192h 42
Military Family LifeOur Conversation with Sandra PinardIn this episode we talk about all things deployment with our guest Sandra Pinard. Topics include: what are the things families can do to prepare for a deployment, some suggestions for items to include in a morale mail package and tips for re-integration.We also have an interesting discussion about the differences between Army and Navy deployments. About our guest:Sandra Pinard has been associated with the Military for her entire life so the answer to the question “So where are you from?” is mor...2023-07-261h 00
The Music Bingo PodcastHosting Music Bingo with the Military - The Music Bingo Podcast - Ep 5 – Sandra PinardWe went live with our fourth awesome music bingo host, and we interviewed Sandra Pinard who is based in Victoria, BC, Canada. Sandra hosts music bingo with the military as part of Esquimalt MFRC -- an independent resource for the military community. Providing information, connection and peace of mind.Sandra plays music bingo with families who are looking for some fun music trivia in the format of music bingo. Find out how Sandra uses Rockstar Bingo to create a fun, family event! This is military music bingo in Victoria, BC.With hosts Sean Wallbridge and Gem...2021-10-2146 min
The Military LifestyleA Mental Health JourneyYou never know where life will take you. For Bruno Guevremont, it took him into the Canadian Armed Forces for 15 years, including two tours in Afghanistan. It also took him on a battle with his own mental health, one where he got help, and is now helping others. Special Guest Bruno Guevremont was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for 15 years including time in the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Navy. In addition to being a mental health advocate, Bruno does high performance coaching with organizations and individuals. Highlights Bruno's backstory...2020-11-0428 min
The Military LifestyleHealthy NutritionFood can do many things, it fuels us up, keeps us going, brings friends and family together. A healthy diet, so many positive effects on our lives. But during times of stress, it can be hard to keep the motivation. Special Guest Alli Jones is a health promotion specialist at CFB Esquimalt. Highlights Canada's new food guide looks way different. Micro and macro nutrients. 7:13 MUFAs and PUFAs. Eat a variety of foods. A few good habits. 15:21 Having a plan is setting yourself up for success. Staying motivated by you're cooking solo, or cooking s...2020-10-2826 min
The Military LifestyleTechniques for Relaxation, Productivity and HappinessNow, some believe if you work harder, you'll be more successful. If you're more successful, then you'll be happier. Maybe not that simple. Living in the military lifestyle can be a handful, but wouldn't it be great to feel more productive living the life. Special Guest Sarah Francescutti is mindset coach with Exhale and Thrive Coaching. A former military member, she also works at CFB Esquimalt's Transition Centre. Highlights Prioritizing the things that are important in life. 4:09 Filling yourself up. Writing out what you should focus on. 8:34 Using your schedule as an intention s...2020-10-2120 min
The Military LifestyleEpisode 20 Healthy RelationshipsRelationships are great, but they're not always easy. Got to make time for each other, got to communicate. If you're in a relationship with a military member, in the context of the lifestyle, it's just more complex. This episode explores what you need for a healthy relationship and some things to watch out for. Special Guest Holly Flower is a social worker and counsellor with the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre. Highlights Characteristics of a healthy relationship Financial issues can be massive. 10:44 The importance of trust 11:58 Anger gets a bad rap. Red flags 16:36 C...2020-10-1425 min
The Military LifestyleTrauma ResilienceTrauma. Postal Traumatic Stress Disorder. Those words might spark a reaction in you. Imagine being able to change the culture around trauma and PTSD. Imagine when people seek treatment, it feels the same way as recovering from any other injury. Special Guest Dr. Tim Black is an Associate Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria. He has been working with the Canadian military and Veteran community for over 20 years and has delivered programs to help people with trauma. Highlights What causes trauma in a military setting 5:28 The effects of a traumatic inj...2020-10-0731 min
The Military LifestyleABC’s of Military PostingsMilitary postings can be as easy as ABC, but there's still a lot to think about a lot of fine details. So let's explore what to do before you get your posting message, after you receive it, then after your move. Special Guest A former military member, Carole Lajoie is the Director of Education and Collaboration with the Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman's office in Ottawa, Ontario. Highlights Updating your budget 2:54 Important questions to ask before you get your posting message Post Living Differential 8:27 After you get your posting message Things to consider during...2020-09-3000 min
The Military LifestyleMindfulness and the MilitaryMindfulness is everywhere nowadays. Schools, companies, smartphone apps, even the military. Mindfulness has gone mainstream. For some it's a buzzword, big business, a product. If you strip away all the packaging, what exactly is it? And how can you apply it to military life? Special Guest Patricia Galaczy is the Founder and Director of The Art of Dialogue, Associate Faculty with Royal Roads University, and Associate Faculty with the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s Centre for Leadership. As a Leadership Educator specializing in Mindfulness and Organizational Effectiveness, and Associate Faculty with Royal Roads University, Patricia has...2020-09-2300 min
The Military LifestylePreparing Couples for ReunionFor couples experiencing a military deployment, a homecoming isn't always like the movies. Reintegration can be a challenge. Let's take a look at what people are feeling and a few tips to have a smooth reunion. Special Guest Sandra Pinard is the Deployment Coordinator at the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre. She previously appeared on a previous episode to talk about preparing couples for deployment. Highlights What people are feeling leading up to reunion Is reunion stressful? 5:38 Homecoming is not what you see in the movies Communication tips 8:38 Give yourself the same amount of ti...2020-09-1600 min
The Military LifestylePreparing Couples for ReunionFor couples experiencing a military deployment, a homecoming isn't always like the movies. Reintegration can be a challenge. Let's take a look at what people are feeling and a few tips to have a smooth reunion. Special Guest Sandra Pinard is the Deployment Coordinator at the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre. She previously appeared on a previous episode to talk about preparing couples for deployment. Highlights What people are feeling leading up to reunion Is reunion stressful? 5:38 Homecoming is not what you see in the movies Communication tips 8:38 Give yourself the same amount of time as the length of the deplo...2020-09-1629 min
The Military LifestyleThe Military Lifestyle - Returning SoonBack with more episodes starting Wednesday September 16th, 2020. The military is not just a job, it's a lifestyle. Join Jon Chabun from the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre as he explores the world of deployments, postings and transitions. Each episode will feature interviews with MFRC staff, experts in the community, military members, veterans or military-connected family members. The lifestyle can be dynamic and all encompassing but it can be learned. In this second season, we examine the journey further -- resilience, health, and relationships within the military community. Get ready to dive back into military life with season two...2020-08-2600 minThe Military LifestyleThe Military Lifestyle - Returning SoonBack with more episodes starting Wednesday September 16th, 2020. The military is not just a job, it's a lifestyle. Join Jon Chabun from the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre as he explores the world of deployments, postings and transitions. Each episode will feature interviews with MFRC staff, experts in the community, military members, veterans or military-connected family members. The lifestyle can be dynamic and all encompassing but it can be learned. In this second season, we examine the journey further -- resilience, health, and relationships within the military community. Get ready to dive back into military life with season two of "...2020-08-2601 min
The Military LifestyleResilience Through Challenging TimesMilitary Families learn to be resilient through living the military lifestyle. A pandemic might be the perfect time to lean in on those skills. Let's examine how life has changed and what can help military families through this experience. Special Guest Pauline Sibbald is a social worker with the Transition Centre at CFB Esquimalt. Highlights 2:28 Lives have been turned upside down and Covid-19 as a significant life altering event. Grieving the loss of our lives. 12:22 Talking to kids about the pandemic. 20:14 Military families might have the skills to handle the pandemic. R2MR Th...2020-05-1100 min
The Military LifestylePromoting Health with KidsThe military lifestyle can be hard on kids, especially when part of their support system is away. Maintaining good physical and mental health is so important. Let’s examine the factors for good health and some things for you to do to set your military-connected child up for life. Special Guest Maryse Neilson is Health Promotion Manager at CFB Esquimalt and a member of the MARPAC Health and Wellness Strategy. Highlights The different kinds of health to consider. 5:11 The factors for good health. Easier to establish good behaviours when a child is young. Re...2020-02-2600 min
The Military LifestyleDiversity and the Canadian Military: Part TwoThe Canadian Armed Forces says it must reflect the diversity of the country that we defend, and that we need a military that looks like Canada. Dr. Lisa Gunderson is back for the second part of the discussion on things that military families can do to help embrace diversity and ways to reduce bias. Special Guest Dr. Lisa Gunderson is an award-winning educator and frequent guest speaker on racial issues. Highlights The need to see yourself represented. 7:09 What military families can do to embrace diversity. Ways to reduce bias. 15:39 Important to realize a...2020-02-1900 min
The Military LifestyleDiversity and the Canadian Military: Part OneIn Canada's Defence Policy (“Strong, Secure, Engaged”), it says the Canadian Armed Forces must reflect the diversity of the country that we defend, and that we need a military that looks like Canada. You often hear the phrase “stronger together” here in the military family community. If the military wants to reach its goal, families will be a big part of the process. Dr. Lisa Gunderson discusses privilege, bias, and a few things for the military community to consider. Special Guest Dr. Lisa Gunderson is an award-winning educator and frequent guest speaker on racial issues. Hi...2020-02-1200 min
The Military LifestyleLooking for Child Care in Greater VictoriaIt can be a challenge to find child care in Greater Victoria. If you're a military family, you also have to find care that matches the lifestyle requirements. Lisa Yates and Erin Holler from the Child Care Resource and Referral talk about where to start and their perspective on this challenging issue. Special Guests Lisa Yates and Erin Holler work with the Child Care Resource and Referral. They have two office included one in Victoria and one serving Sooke and the West Shore. Highlights Licensed group, licensed family and registered licensed not r...2020-02-0500 min
The Military LifestyleKim Mills from She is FierceKim Mills is a writer that has been living the military lifestyle for close to 20 years. Through her writing or storytelling and sharing her personal experiences, military families everywhere have connected to her work at She is Fierce. In this episode of The Military Lifestyle, she speaks about deployments, anxiety and what she has learned from living the lifestyle. Special Guest Kim Mills is a writer and military family member living in Edmonton, Alberta. She is well known in the Canadian military community for her storytelling and is a frequent guest speaker at events hosted...2020-01-2900 min
The Military LifestyleThe Canadian Armed Forces OmbudsmanThe military is a complex system. There are a lot of policies that govern the way it operates and that system can be complex for even the most experienced person. If you ever feel like the system's failed you, that you've got a complaint and think you've been treated unfairly, there's a formal way to move forward with help from the office of the Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman. Special Guest Greg Lick has been the Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman since 2018. His previous work experience includes the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves. 2019-12-0400 min
The Military LifestylePreparing Single Military Members for DeploymentIf you're a single military member and getting ready to deploy, you might be excited without a care in the world. But there are things for you to think about before you leave. So if you're single, single-ish, a parent of a single military member, or in a position of influence over one, let’s dig into everything you need to take care of before a deployment. Special Guest Sandra Pinard has been the deployment coordinator at the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre for over 15 years. Highlights Financial matters to have in or...2019-11-2700 min
The Military LifestyleLooking for Work in a New CommunityMilitary families have to recreate community with every posting. For some military spouses or partners that can mean looking for work in a new place and rebuilding from scratch. So, let’s break down how military families can address resumes, references, informational interviews plus a few skills that you can highlight. Special Guest Kim Dillon is the Community Relations Coordinator at WorkLink, an employment centre with locations in Langford and Sooke here in Greater Victoria. Highlights How to address having lots of shorter-term jobs or gaps in resumes. 3:25 You can put it in yo...2019-11-2000 min
The Military LifestyleHelping Children with StressStress can impact anyone, including kids of all ages, but it can be managed and you can help your child through the process. Let’s talk about what stress is for a military-connected child, what it might look like and a few strategies to deal with it. Special Guest Dr. Linda Scott is the former Program Manager at the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre and a trainer with the Psychology Foundation of Canada. She's currently retired, but she has a years of experience working with families. Highlights Children also experience stress. 3:27 Stress is a...2019-11-1300 min
The Military LifestyleMilitary Family Financial PlanningMilitary life is different and so are your finances. There are deployments, postings, you might not have family close by and you might have businesses willing to give you a “great” deal. Let’s examine financial planning from a military perspective. Special Guest Suzie Fines is a financial planner with SISIP at CFB Esquimalt. She has over 15 years experience in the financial services industry. She works exclusively with serving and released Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. Highlights How postings and deployments factor into financial planning. 7:31 Military provides some terrific financial benefits. 13...2019-11-0600 min
The Military LifestyleParenting From AfarIf you have a child and work takes you halfway across the world, you are parenting from afar. So what can you do before, during and after a deployment to make this whole experience better? Special Guest Tracy Beck has been facilitating workshops for children for over 20 years. These popular workshops for kids ages three to 12 are a great way to keep kids connected to the deployed parent. Highlights 3:41 Every child goes through it differently Every family is different. There’s no right way, no wrong way. Every situation is different. 4:57 Know how y...2019-10-3000 min
The Military LifestyleThe Transition Out of the MilitaryThe transition from the military to the civilian world represents a huge cultural shift. Let’s explore why it is such a big adjustment, the different kinds of transition, loss of identity, what the challenges are, and what helps during the process. Special Guests Dr. Anne Irwin served in the Canadian Forces Reserve for 15 years, retiring as a Military Police officer with the rank of Major. Her PhD thesis (“The Social Organization of Soldiering”) was based on extensive field research with a Canadian Regular Force infantry unit. Anne has taught courses in military anthropology both at the...2019-10-2300 min
The Military LifestyleSelf-Advocacy and Navigating SystemsIf you have a special needs child, a family member with extra needs, or an elderly parent needing care, you might be overwhelmed with information, processes, and where to go first. Navigating Systems looks at the big hurdles that military families face, how to plan and self-advocate, and how to tackle this daunting challenge. Special Guest Colleen Cahoon is currently the Manager, Regional Services Vancouver Island for the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia. Before that, she spent over 10 years helping families with complex and special needs navigate systems as the Family Navigator Coordinator at the Es...2019-10-1600 min
The Military LifestylePreparing Couples for DeploymentHelping Couples Prepare for Deployment looks at the challenges of a military deployment, a few tools for managing it, coping strategies, goal setting, common errors and the importance of good communication. Special Guest Sandra Pinard has been the deployment coordinator at the CFB Esquimalt's Military Family Resource Centre for over 15 years. Highlights 3:07 Learning what are the expectations for yourself as a couple. Learn as much as they can about what life is going to be like for that person during deployment. 6:13 May detach from each other or argue with each other leading...2019-10-0900 min
The Military LifestyleThe Military Lifestyle - Coming SoonThe military is not just a job, it's a lifestyle. Join Jon Chabun from the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre as he explores the world of deployments, postings and transitions. Each episode will feature interviews with MFRC staff, experts in the community, military members or military-connected family members. The lifestyle can be dynamic and all encompassing but it can be learned. Get ready to dive into military life with season one of "The Military Lifestyle." 2019-09-1700 min