Finding Home Wherever You Go: Building Community + Thriving in Military Spouse Life | Jen + Kirst x Wives of the Armed Forces
In this heartfelt conversation, Reyna sits down with Jen + Kirst, the women behind WAF (Wives of the Armed Forces), to talk about the real side of military spouse life—loneliness, community, and finding yourself in the in-between. They share what it’s really like navigating early marriage decisions, “dating” new friends at every duty station, and learning how to thrive (not just survive) through deployments and time apart. Together, they unpack how to lovingly manage outside expectations, embrace change, and build a support system that feels like family—no matter where military life takes you.
Read more about Jen + Kirst below:
Kirst:
Kirst, a born-and-raised Iowan turned Air Force wife, met her husband during pilot training in 2014 and quickly found herself navigating the ups and downs of military life. A loyal friend and lover of good food and wine, she’s now mom to two little ones and passionate about building the kind of community she once prayed for on lonely nights as a new military girlfriend.
Jen:
Jen never imagined becoming a military spouse—her plans once revolved around a corporate career in her Arkansas hometown. But after marrying young and learning to embrace the adventure, she’s now devoted to helping other spouses find purpose and joy right where they’re planted. Living in Washington with her husband, three kids, and their sheepdog Wallace, she’s a self-described extrovert and “girls’ girl” learning to balance motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship with grace.
Episode Highlights:
Welcome back + life updates
Navigating early military spouse life decisions
Military life as a big game of “would you rather?”
Lovingly managing outside relationships + expectations
“You can teach people how to be helpful in a really gracious and kind way”
Building community and support
Coping with loneliness + identity
“Dating” new friends at new duty stations
Power of long distance friendships
21:15
Thriving over surviving during deployments + long TDYs
Handling time apart with kids
Reintegration with ease
“24hr rule” for handling uncertainty in military life
Leaning into community support
Chosen family in military life
Overcoming anxiety + negativity
