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Pad Wives Assemble - Unfiltered
38.Santa, Can You Send Help?!
In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite Christmas stories and traditions - the sweet, the strange, and the ones that make you wonder how your family still gets invited to holiday parties.
It’s festive, funny, and just the right amount of mildly embarrassing. Grab a mug of something warm, cozy up, and enjoy some holiday cheer that reminds you: no matter how weird your family is, they’re probably not the weirdest.
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5. 37. Billions thrown at Military Housing from the UK Government, is it too little too late?!
41:12||Season 5, Ep. 5So the UK Government have announced yet another upgrade/change to Military housing but is this just another empty promise?!This week Kirsha and Sophs delve into the new 90 billion pound announcement from the UK Government to better the housing standards for Military families but is it actually going to happen?Military families aren't asking for much but the basic needs of working heating, and preferably no black mould.. what happens when they run out of money... which has happened before?! Not to mention the half finished jobs, what happens if those who serve just think - nope, not today...Kirsha & Sophs share your housing stories, from having to bathe you young family in a laundry basket in porta potties, to duct tape floor boards - when are we going to do better for our serving families?! The hosts share the new colour palette and discuss why not everyone is over the moon about Magnolia's marching orders and everything in between.Buckle up as this one is heated, important and something needs to change.
4. 36. Hurry and wait.. for a house - Military Housing decoded
35:14||Season 5, Ep. 4Our most requested topic is finally here — military housing!In this episode, we break down everything you’ve been asking about: the new housing standards, what they actually look like in real life, and how they’re being implemented across branches. We talk about what service members and partners can realistically expect when it comes to on-base living, timelines, inspections, and the ever-confusing waitlist process.And yes — we get into the big one: Can you get military housing before you’re married?We explain the rules, the exceptions, the frustrations, and the loopholes people think exist (but don’t). Whether you’re engaged, planning a future together, or just trying to figure out your next move, we’ve got you covered with the honest details.From privatized housing companies to mold horror stories to the new standards, this episode is the guide we wish we had when we started military life.If you’re trying to understand how housing works — or why it feels like it doesn’t — this is the episode for you.
3. 35. Permission to feel - speaking up without tearing down
24:18||Season 5, Ep. 3In this episode, we open up an honest conversation about what it really means to stand up for yourself and your feelings — even when the world tells you to just “get on with it.” Within military life, there’s a constant expectation to be strong, resilient, and unshakable. But where does that leave space for vulnerability, frustration, or just saying, “I’m struggling”?We dig deep into the stigma that often surrounds speaking out in military communities — especially for partners and spouses who are too often labelled as “moaning” or “pad wives” when they voice their thoughts. It’s a powerful reminder that sharing your feelings doesn’t make you negative, dramatic, or weak — it makes you human.Through open and relatable discussion, we explore how to validate your own emotions without tearing others down, and how to create space for honesty and empathy in a culture that sometimes prioritises silence over truth. Whether you’re serving, supporting someone who is, or simply navigating life in a community built on resilience, this episode encourages you to find your voice and use it without guilt.Because strength isn’t about suppressing your feelings — it’s about standing tall and staying real.🎙️ Join us as we break the stereotypes, challenge outdated expectations, and remind each other that it’s okay to speak up, to feel deeply, and to take up space — even in a world that often tells us not to.military life podcast, military spouse, pad wife stigma, emotional resilience, mental health, women in the military community, vulnerability, authenticity, mental wellbeing, military family support
2. 34. Back under one roof - The Post Deployment Adjustment
32:29||Season 5, Ep. 2Back Under One Roof | Pad Wives Assemble PodcastAfter months apart, the homecoming is finally here — but living together again isn’t always as seamless as it looks on social media. In this episode, we’re getting real about the post-deployment adjustment: the excitement, the awkward moments, and the emotional recalibration that comes with sharing a space (and a life) again.We’re also celebrating an exciting update that every Pad Wife will appreciate — the end of the Magnolia paint rule! Yep, it’s finally time to make your house feel like your home, without having to paint it all back when you move. 🎉Join us as we talk about rebuilding routines, rediscovering connection, and embracing the new season — of both marriage and military housing.
1. 33. Season 5, We're back baby, and here to tell you it is NEVER too late.
26:54||Season 5, Ep. 1🎙️ Season 5, Episode 1: We’re Back, Baby! 🎉 We’re kicking off Season 5 with a bang! The gals are back — slightly chaotic, fully caffeinated, and ready to overshare.Sophs shocks us all by forgetting her ick for the first time ever .. or not (new era unlocked 👀), while Kirsha takes us through her wild adventure abseiling down a cliff right after vomiting — only to later find out she was actually really sick. Classic.We chat all things gala glam, rationed and ready, and dig deep into why it’s never too late to chase your dreams, no matter how messy the journey gets.Tune in, laugh with us, and let’s start this season off right 💫#Season5 #PodcastGirls #DreamBig #ChaoticEnergy
11. 32. Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girl Bye - Red Flags in Relationships and Friendships
33:10||Season 4, Ep. 11🎉 Season 4 Finale! 🎉 Before we take a break to film our ALL NEW reality TV series (premiering this fall 👀), we’re closing out the season with the ultimate girl talk — and trust us, this is the episode you NEED to hear. 💬💅In this no-holding-back finale, we're diving deep into: 🚩 How to spot red flags in relationships AND friendships 🙅♀️ Why it’s time to stop putting up with liars, love-bombers, and walking red flags 👀 The toxic traits that fly under the radar — like being overly controlling or always making you question your worth 💔 Friendship breakups & emotional manipulation Plus... 🔥 Fan-favorite segments: AITA (Am I The A💥hole?) and our weekly "Ick of the Week"✨ Whether you’re re-evaluating your circle or just need a little tough love, this episode is your sign.💥 We’ll be back in October with fresh episodes AND behind-the-scenes tea from our reality show — so make sure you’re subscribed and following!#GirlTalk #RedFlags #ToxicFriendships #Relationships #SeasonFinale #RealityTV #IckOfTheWeek #AITA #Podcast #SelfWorth #FemaleFriendship #BreakupRecovery #Boundaries #Season4Finale #MentalHealth #SpotifyPodcasts #YouTubePodcast
10. 31. Dear Deployment, It's not me it's you!
37:39||Season 4, Ep. 10Dear Deployment Diaries, It's not me, it's you! : The 7 Emotional Stages Every Military Spouse Knows📦 Missing them already? Or just missing your routine? In this week’s episode, we dive into the real talk behind military deployments — from teary goodbyes to solo parenting chaos, surprise strength, and the “don’t touch my system” re-entry phase.Whether you're a seasoned military spouse, new to forces life, or a supportive partner just trying to hold it together, we break down the stages of deployment we all go through — emotionally, mentally, and let’s be honest... logistically.🎧 In this episode:The 7 emotional stages of a deployment (yep, rage-cleaning is one)Listener stories that'll make you laugh-cry in solidarityOur weekly fan-faves: 👉 Ick of the Week – because someone had to say it 👉 AITA (Am I The Armywife-Hole?) – spicy debates included 👉 Listener Q&A – your stories, your questions, our brutally honest takes💬 Top search terms covered in this episode: military spouse podcast, deployment stages, military wife life, forces family podcast, coping with military deployment, solo parenting during deployment, emotional support for military partners❤️ Whether you're dealing with a fresh send-off, halfway through the madness, or adjusting to post-deployment life, this episode is your go-to deployment therapy — minus the awkward welfare calls.🫡 Pad Wives Assemble. You’re not alone. We’ve got you.🔔 Subscribe, rate, and share with your fellow forces fam! #MilitarySpouse #DeploymentLife #PadWivesAssemble #MilitaryWifePodcast #ForcesFamily #SoloParenting #MilitarySupport #ArmyWife #NavyWife #RAFSpouse #VeteranFamily #EmotionalStagesOfDeployment
9. 30. Parenthood Panic - The Pressure of first time Motherhood
39:54||Season 4, Ep. 9This week on Pad Wives Assemble, we’re getting real about the pressure of growing up and growing a family — especially when military life is in the mix. From being constantly asked “So, when are you having kids?” to wondering “Am I even ready?”, we open up about first time motherhood:👶 The fear of not coping with motherhood ⏳ The ticking timeline and “Have I done enough before becoming a parent?” 🎖️ The pain of partners missing scans, milestones, and firsts because of deploymentsWe talk about the emotional load of becoming a parent while holding everything else together, and how military life adds another complicated layer to already tough decisions.Plus, as always: 🧼 Ick of the Week 👀 Reddit of the Week