Community and Courage with Kaci Walden

02/13/25 • 39 min

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

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Navigating First Responder Life: Firefighting, Family, and Community

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

Previous Episode

The Life Behind the Mustache: Firefighter Fenton Unplugged Part 2

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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

Next Episode

From Missions to Community: A Firefighter Wife's Perspective

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Building Community and Impact: Kristi Hilmer's Journey with Mission of Hope

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' host Kristi Hilmer returns after a brief hiatus, sharing stories from her transformative missions trip to the Dominican Republic. She reflects on her experiences serving Haitian refugees with Mission of Hope and discusses the importance of community, connection, and giving back. Joined by her friend Miranda Burcham, they recount their journey in network marketing, the impact of Vision 90, and the race to provide 11 million meals for Haitians in need. Together, they highlight the power of collective effort in making a difference and the personal growth that comes from serving others.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:02 Recent Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic

01:54 Fire Wife Collective and Community Building

04:34 Introducing Miranda and Mission of Hope

06:16 Miranda's Journey with Mission of Hope

10:57 Race to 11 Million Meals

15:08 Experiencing the Impact of Aid in Haiti

16:17 The Importance of Helping Beyond Our Own Walls

17:02 Mission of Hope and Fire Families

17:28 Personal Stories and Lasting Impressions

18:40 The Power of Giving and Personal Growth

21:27 A Heartfelt Story of Loss and Hope

24:06 The Urgency of Aid and the Role of Mission of Hope

25:54 Encouraging Participation and Support

29:11 Conclusion and Call to Action

Learn about Mission of Hope Here: https://missionofhope.com

Just a Girl and Her Firefighter - Community and Courage with Kaci Walden

Transcript

00:00:23.670

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 just happen? Just really happen 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 let's have s