Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

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Just a Girl and Her Firefighter: Navigating Love, Challenges, and Community

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' host Kristi Hilmer, together with guest Rachael and other speakers, explores the multifaceted experiences of being married to a firefighter. Topics include managing unpredictable schedules, coping with 'mom rage,' and the importance of accepting help from family and the community. The discussion offers practical strategies for balancing family life, addressing the emotional complexities of default parenting, and highlighting the necessity of self-care and mental health awareness. The episode also underscores the power of positive thought work, forming a supportive fire family, and the joys and sorrows of this unique lifestyle. Personal anecdotes reveal the resilience required and emphasize connecting with a broader community through social media. The hosts ultimately reflect on the enriching experiences made possible through online interactions and invite listeners to join their FireWife community, subscribe, share, and stay engaged in their journey.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

00:59 Meet Rachel: Life Coach and Firefighter's Wife

02:09 Rachel's Family and Firefighter Journey

04:24 Challenges of Firefighter Schedules

05:34 Managing Emotions and Seeking Support

06:42 The Importance of Thought Work

07:59 Balancing Family Life and Firefighter Duties

09:09 The Role of Community and Support Systems

16:08 The Default Parent Debate

20:56 Surprises and Joys of Firefighter Life

25:06 Understanding Mom Rage

25:55 Personal Stories of Struggle

26:51 The Importance of Seeking Help

28:35 Managing Thoughts and Emotions

29:40 Firehouse Pranks and Family Life

31:22 Murphy's Law and Parenting Challenges

36:42 Reflections on the Firefighter Lifestyle

39:25 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
You can find Rachael at https://www.instagram.com/rachaelchoate_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/
Find me on IG
https://www.instagram.com/our.firstresponder.life/
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And of course, subscribe and share with all your friends!

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Surviving and Thriving: A Firefighter Wife's Journey through Life's Challenges

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' Kristi Hilmer interviews her friend Heather, who shares her remarkable journey of integration into the first responder lifestyle. Heather talks about meeting her husband during EMT training, going through nursing school, and the challenges of blending families with eight children, including twins. They discuss their separation, subsequent divorce, and eventual reconciliation after deep self-reflection and coaching. Together, they now run 'Relationship CPR,' offering coaching to couples in high-stress jobs, emphasizing communication, self-understanding, and the importance of community support. The episode highlights the difficulties, triumphs, and transformations in first responder relationships, advocating the need for creating positive environments both at home and in the workplace.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:01 Meet Heather: A Journey into Healthcare and Family

02:07 Blending Families and Career Challenges

03:52 Navigating Parenthood and Career Transitions

06:38 Struggles and Separation

10:27 Reconciliation and Personal Growth

14:40 Balancing Independence and Partnership

19:31 Creating a Safe Space at Home

22:36 Personal Coaching Journey

24:32 Creating Relationship CPR

25:55 Challenges and Insights

27:09 Community and Support

28:49 Addressing Fire Service Issues

33:50 Resources and Outreach

34:49 Rapid Fire Questions

39:14 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Interested in chatting with Heather at Relationship CPR? Email [email protected] and follow them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/relationshipcprstat

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/
Find me on IG
https://www.instagram.com/our.firstresponder.life/
Snap a screenshot when you listen and tag us!!!!
And of course, subscribe and share with all your friends!

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Navigating First Responder Life: Firefighting, Family, and Community

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' host Kristy Hilmer interviews Kaci Walden, a mother and wife living in the Texas Panhandle. Kaci shares her experiences of being married to a firefighter while raising two boys and working full-time. The episode delves into the impact of a devastating wildfire on their community, the emotional challenges of firefighter life, and the importance of communication and mental health. Kaci also talks about the support system within the fire service and the small-town community's unity during tough times. Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a discussion on balancing family life with the demands of a first responder career.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

00:59 Meet Casey Walden: Life in Texas

02:36 The Devastating Wildfire Experience

04:41 Impact on Family and Community

17:49 Balancing Firefighter Life and Family

34:49 Fire Trivia and Fun Questions

39:38 Closing Remarks and Community Invitation

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/
Find me on IG
https://www.instagram.com/our.firstresponder.life/
Snap a screenshot when you listen and tag us!!!!
And of course, subscribe and share with all your friends!

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Building a Community for First Responder Partners
In the inaugural episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' host Kristi Hilmer introduces herself and shares her journey as the partner of a first responder. Kristi recounts their early years, the challenges they faced, including a devastating fire in their town, and the life lessons they learned. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork within a marriage, especially in first responder families, and her passion for creating a supportive community. Kristi invites listeners to join her in sharing stories, tackling challenges, and building a tight-knit, supportive network for partners of first responders.
00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter
00:59 Meet Your Host: Kristi Hilmer
01:35 A Love Story: From High School to Marriage
03:16 Navigating Early Marriage and Careers
05:51 Facing Unexpected Challenges
06:49 The Devastating Wildfire Experience
07:39 Lessons Learned and New Beginnings
13:46 Building a Community for First Responder Families
15:15 Creating a Supportive Network
17:33 Conclusion and Community Invitation

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/
Find me on IG
https://www.instagram.com/our.firstresponder.life/
Snap a screenshot when you listen and tag us!!!!
And of course, subscribe and share with all your friends!

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In this episode of Just a Girl and Her Firefighter, host Kristi Hilmer continues her conversation with Firefighter Fenton and his wife, Stephanie. They discuss the challenges of managing a demanding job while maintaining a healthy family life. Fenton shares personal experiences of realizing the importance of family over work, the pressures of overtime, and the turning points that led to prioritizing home life. The episode delves into the impact of the firefighter job on personal relationships and offers advice for new firefighters and their families. The couple also touches on the importance of self-care, community, and the invaluable lessons they've learned along the way. The episode concludes with some light-hearted anecdotes and rapid-fire questions, adding a touch of humor to their insightful discussion.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

00:59 Recap of Last Week's Episode

02:08 The Struggles of Balancing Work and Family

03:42 A Turning Point: Prioritizing Family

04:08 Personal Stories of Sacrifice and Realization

05:04 The Impact of Overworking on Family Life

07:02 Making the Tough Decision to Step Back

12:54 Advice for New Firefighters and Their Families

20:35 Finding Community and Self-Care

25:04 Flipping the Script

25:11 Funny Stories from the Shift

26:11 Parenting Mishaps

31:18 Rapid Fire Questions

36:46 Best Life Advice

40:50 Conclusion and Farewell

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/
Find me on IG
https://www.instagram.com/our.firstresponder.life/
Snap a screenshot when you listen and tag us!!!!
And of course, subscribe and share with all your friends!