Alli Bankston: Creating Holiday Magic for First Responder Families

10/31/24 • 33 min

Navigating First Responder Life: Holiday Traditions and Communication

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' host Kristi Hilmer welcomes fellow firewife and guest Alli Bankston. Allie shares insights into her life as a firefighter's wife, her family's unique holiday traditions, and her new children's book designed to normalize first responder schedules for kids. The discussion covers the challenges of communication, reintegration after shifts, and maintaining family routines. Listeners will find valuable advice on building communication within relationships and strategies for helping children adapt to the first responder lifestyle. Join Kristi and Alli as they offer heartfelt stories, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the first responder family dynamic.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:00 Special Guest: Firewife Alli

01:53 Alli's Journey and Book Inspiration

05:35 Challenges and Traditions in First Responder Families

08:35 Balancing Family Life and First Responder Duties

16:18 Living on Acreage and Homesteading

18:28 Communication and Relationship Tips

22:36 Navigating Reintegration and Mental Space

29:23 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks
Find the book on Amazon here https://a.co/d/ghYgPkh
Follow Alli on IG @mytherapyjournals

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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Navigating First Responder Life: Holiday Traditions and Communication

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:00 Special Guest: Firewife Alli

01:53 Alli's Journey and Book Inspiration

05:35 Challenges and Traditions in First Responder Families

08:35 Balancing Family Life and First Responder Duties

16:18 Living on Acreage and Homesteading

18:28 Communication and Relationship Tips

22:36 Navigating Reintegration and Mental Space

29:23 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks
Find the book on Amazon here https://a.co/d/ghYgPkh
Follow Alli on IG @mytherapyjournals

Previous Episode

Mom Rage Unplugged: Real Talk with Firefighter Wife Rachael

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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==

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That's a wrap on Season 1

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Navigating Transitions in First Responder Life

In the season finale of Just a Girl and Her Firefighter, host Kristi Hilmer reflects on the journey of creating a supportive community for firewives and first responders. She discusses the challenges and strategies for managing department transitions, sharing her personal experiences and offering advice on mental preparation, schedule adjustments, effective communication, and the importance of community. This episode aims to normalize and provide insights into the often isolating experiences of first responder families, emphasizing integrity, honesty, and support through change.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:12 Reflecting on Season One

02:47 Navigating Department Transitions

04:59 Preparing Mentally for Changes

07:22 Managing Schedules and Communication

10:58 The Importance of Community

14:01 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Just a Girl and Her Firefighter - Alli Bankston: Creating Holiday Magic for First Responder Families

Transcript

00:00:23.679

Hello and welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter. I'm Christy Homer, your host. Grab your favorite drink, whether it's coffee, fizz, or maybe something else, and let's dive into the wild, wonderful world of First Responder Life. We are here to swap stories, share laughs, and tackle those, did that change you?

00:00:46.429

Moments. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just figuring this all out, this is the place for you. So kick back, get comfy, and