Breaking the Ice

breakingtheicepod

Breaking the Ice is the podcast sharing the real stories behind life in professional hockey!

Each week, you'll hear honest conversations with hockey wives, girlfriends, coaches' wives, and the women who navigate the unique realities of this lifestyle. From moving across the world and raising families to marriage, motherhood, identity, mental health, and everything in between, these are the conversations that happen beyond the rink.

Whether you're living the hockey life yourself or simply curious about the people behind the game, welcome to our community!

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139 episodes
Updated July 29

Episodes139

Newest first

Apr 19, 2023 · 31 min
100TH EPISODE + WE WON THE CUP! With Devyn Dodero
Cheers to ONE HUNDRED Episodes of Breaking the Ice! It has been my absolute honor to be the host of this podcast and communicate with the amazing women in this community daily. In this episode I talk about: 100th episode + how there has been EIGHTY THOUSAND downloads since I started! Winning the championship + what the experience was like witnessing it in person How the starts aligned on the day of Game Six Bridging the gap between coaches SO's + players SO's and how it leads to one word: Communication (and preferably at the beginning of the season!) Inclusion on Teams + Why this makes such a difference in your overall well being during the season + more! Please SUBSCRIBE, RATE + REVIEW if you LOVE Breaking the Ice! It's the best way to show your support for my show!
Apr 5, 2023 · 51 min
Focusing on the Positives with Jackie Gendron
Jackie Gendron, wife of Miles Gendron, who plays in the ECHL for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, joins me on Breaking the Ice today. In this episode we chat about: TikTok and how Jackie grew her following majorly once she moved to Norway for her husband's job and started sharing about their day to day there How Jackie met her husband in high school and has traveled with him for 11 years Remote jobs: How to find a remote job, what it's like working North American hours in Europe Focusing on the positives of this lifestyle + how it can benefit you overall to not dwell on the negatives Follow me on Instagram Follow Jackie on Instagram Follow Jackie on TikTok
Mar 22, 2023 · 1 hr 10 min
The Mental Toll of Hockey with Maggie Kestner
Maggie Kestner, wife of Josh Kestner, who plays for Rauma Lukko in Finland, joins me on Breaking the Ice today. In this episode we chat about: Losing your identity in this lifestyle The challenges emotionally when isolated so far away from home The common misconceptions that people have about hockey Missing big life moments back home during the season Visa Issues Trying to get out of Russia right before the war started and so much more! Follow me on Instagram Follow Maggie on Instagram
Mar 15, 2023 · 57 min
Bloom Where You’re Planted with Emilie Blum
Emilie Blum, wife of Jonathon Blum, who plays for Red Bull Munich in the DEL, joins me for a long overdue episode of Breaking the Ice! In this episode we talked about: The show, Hockey Wives, and how Emilie was cast for it One Year Contracts and the uncertainty of it Not having any control as a hockey wife Schooling for Kids Abroad How to make friends outside of hockey Transitioning from a house you love back home to a small apartment in Europe Mid-Season Burn Out Struggling with Mental Health during the hockey season and how going on anti depressants are okay Follow me on Instagram! Follow Emilie on Instagram
Mar 8, 2023 · 56 min
The Bachelor, Russia + Hockey Life with Tara Kampfer
Tara Kampfer, wife of Steven Kampfer, joins me on Breaking the Ice today. In this episode, we talk about: Her experience going on The Bachelor ABC and all the behind the scenes details How she felt watching herself back on tv How she met her husband and moving around in this hockey life Living in Russia and playing in the KHL during COVID The war in Russia + Brittney Griner Follow Tara on Instagram! Shop my Online Children's Boutique SALT
Mar 1, 2023 · 1 hr 6 min
Self Care for Moms, Pregnancy Loss Abroad + The Healing Power of Food with Alyssa Flynn
Alyssa Flynn, wife of Brian Flynn, who finished his last professional season in the AHL with the Utica Comets joins me for todays episode of Breaking the Ice. In this episode we talk about: Self Care for Moms How postpartum is not just the first three months after having a baby How to support a new mom postpartum in our lifestyle Pregnancy Loss Abroad The healing power of food Plant Based Nutrition Follow me on Instagram Follow Alyssa on Instagram Website for recipes, yoga, and motherhood: https://www.alyssakflynn.com/ YouTube Yoga & Meditation Videos: @alyssakflynn Other stuff: Yinova Center: Chinese medicine, acupuncture, women’s health & fertility specialists: https://www.yinovacenter.com/ Thrive by Arianna Huffington The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted https://www.amazon.com/China-Study-Comprehensive-Nutrition-Implications/dp/1941631568 Mind Over Medicine: Scientific Proof You Can Heal Yourself by Dr. Lissa Rankin (this book mentions the Roseto, PA community) https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Medicine-Scientific-Yourself/dp/1401939996 Postpartum Support International (including this just in case listeners don’t know about it!) https://www.postpartum.net/
Feb 22, 2023 · 54 min
THE ECHL: The Wild Wild West with Stefany Jenks
Stefany Jenks, wife of AJ Jenks, who finished his last professional season in the ECHL playing for Fort Wayne Komets, joins me on Breaking the Ice to share all about their experience in the wild wild west, aka the ECHL. In this episode, we chat about: The unpredictability in minor league hockey and what it has taught her about herself Being ghosted by a team when it comes to resigning with them Friendships outside of the hockey life Motherhood How your priorities shift depending on which season of life you're in Retirement and the phases you go through when you retire The fear of both being unemployed when it comes to retirement Networking for our S/O post hockey life Follow me on Instagram Follow Stefany on Instagram
Feb 15, 2023 · 55 min
Having a C-Section in France with Devyn Dodero
Buckle up, I’m ready to share my birth story! For those of you that have followed my pregnancy journey, my daughter was breech and I chose to have a scheduled c-section here in France. I share the highs and lows of my hospital experience, as always, UNFILTERED. In this episode I talked about: -The surgery + what it was like having a c-section -My childcare falling through a few days before my scheduled c-section -Being in the hospital alone and struggling with a major language barrier -The differences between having a baby in Austria and France -What I’ve learned and done differently as a second time mom: Advocating for myself in the hospital -The last night with your toddler before the baby comes -C-Section recovery + (with a toddler) -The transition from 1-2 kids & more! Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram! Want to be a Guest? Fill out the Guest Submission Form here! My last SOLO Episode leading up to my birth My European Birth Story in Austria
Feb 8, 2023 · 1 hr 13 min
Your Mid-Week Pick Me Up with Layne Gibbons
Layne Gibbons, wife of Kyle Gibbons, who plays in Val Gardena in the Alps Hockey League, joins me on BTI for the SECOND time. I felt we could all use a light hearted and funny conversation and I knew she was my go-to girl! In this episode, we talk about: Visa Issues and Flying Super Late in our Pregnancies Finding Dog Sitters + Baby Sitters Abroad Funny Situations with Teams ALL THINGS POP CULTURE. Bravo, RHW, Vanderpump Rules, Kardashians, Ultimatum + Love is Blind, F***, Marry, Kill. You name it, we went there. We hope this episode puts a smile on your face! Follow me on Instagram! Follow Layne on Instagram! Listen to our Episode on Friendships: A Reason, A Season or a Lifetime Get 15% off your order at my Online Boutique SALT. with the code ice.
Feb 1, 2023 · 56 min
Supporting Moms with Sleep with Danielle Nyquist
Danielle Nyquist, wife of Gustav Nyquist, who plays in the NHL for the Columbus Blue Jackets, joins me for a wonderful episode all about SLEEP. Danielle is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and owns her own business, Sov Gott Sleep (which means sleep tight in Swedish) In this episode we talk about ALL things baby + toddler sleep including: What drove her to create a career around sleep Healthy Sleep Habits and when we can begin to implement them What healthy sleep habits are and WHY they are so important Newborn Sleep, what you can expect and how to know when your baby is tired What sleep regressions are and what we can do to help support our kids through these developmental progressions Toddler Sleep Regressions How + WHEN to move your toddler from a crib into a toddler bed (Lord, help us) The Witching Hour(S)!!! + More! Follow me on Instagram Work with Danielle: Website: www.sovgottsleep.com Here you can find more information about booking a free consultation, booking a group experience (parenting group, school group), and shop my sleep packages. Email: sovgottsleep@gmail.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/sovgott_sleep Facebook: facebook.com/sovgottsleep
Nov 16, 2022 · 46 min
Catching Up With Your Host, me, Devyn Dodero
It's been a MINUTE. I recorded this solo episode because I felt it was about dang time to update you guys on what has been going on for the past month and a half. I wanted to share the real and true hardships of this lifestyle and some of the additional stressors we have been dealing with. Making a complete lifestyle shift (going from off-season to season and vice versa) can be really draining. In this episode, I share about prepping for the season, the travel day, my pregnancy and getting adjusted in a new country. I share what helps re-center me when I am going through a hard time and how there is always light at the end of the tunnel. LINKS: One of my favorite memories of this podcast + community was our retreat last year and in case you haven't heard, this year it is in CABO SAN LUCAS! May 17-21st, 2023. There are still rooms available so DM me if you have questions or want to sign up today! Have you made your list for Black Friday shopping? I have one more addition for you! My small business, SALT, is having a HUGE Black Friday sale. starting Thursday November 17th. You can take 30% off all regular priced items and 15% off all Markdown Items. Get some of your Christmas shopping out of the way!
Oct 5, 2022 · 1 hr 2 min
Retirement + Mental Health with Suz Lundeen
Suz Lundeen, girlfriend of Joe Howe, who is currently the assistant coach at Yale but played his last professional season with the Orlando Solar Bears in the ECHL, shares all about their journey through retirement. Suz + Joe were both hockey players, who retired at the same time, and faced all the challenges that came with this, together. In this episode we talk about: The frustration element that can lead a lot of players into retirement Struggling with high functioning depression Seeking help for the mental health issues and how they overcame this transition together as a couple Tangible tools they learned from therapy Leaning on community Retirement gifts and so much more! Follow me on Instagram Follow Suz on Instagram Other Episodes on Retirement: Knowing When It's Time to Hang Them Up with Sarah Whitmore Retirement and Life After Hockey with Stefanie Heid Having a Game Plan for Retirement with Andrea Hanson
Sep 28, 2022 · 58 min
The Connection Between All Sports with Sarita Francis
Sarita Francis, engaged to Jordan Scarlett, who plays professional football in the NFL, joined me for an episode of Breaking the Ice. One thing I have learned from this lifestyle is that regardless of which sport you are in, our lifestyles are so similar. We experience very unique life experiences, struggles, highs, lows and everything in between! In this episode, we chat about: -The NFL and what the schedule is like, the lifestyle + getting drafted for the first time -The similarities between pro football and pro hockey -Being Type A in this lifestyle -Finding balance in this lifestyle -Having 2020 babies -Raising kids in the professional sports world -Never being able to make plans in the lifestyle -How she created her brand based on a passion that she had -Creating boundaries within your business -Advice for those looking to start their own business Follow me on Instagram Get 15% off your order at my Online Children's Boutique, Salt with the code ice. Follow Sarita on Instagram Shop Pressed by Sarita Sarita would love to offer listeners 15% off their next custom PRESSED design! DM "ICE" to @PRESSED.BYSARITA to activate your savings TODAY!
Sep 21, 2022 · 1 hr 3 min
Friendship Therapy with Brittany Wedgewood and Emma Winnitoy
Brittany Wedgewood, wife of Scott Wedgewood who plays in the NHL for the Dallas Stars, and Emma Winnitoy, girlfriend of Mitchell Stephens, who plays in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens, join me for a friendship therapy sesh today! We had so much fun catching up and updating each other about the summer and upcoming plans for the year and season ahead. We chat about new teams, post wedding blues, renting houses, getting kicked out of the US, engagement stories, intentions for the 22/23 hockey season and more! Follow me on IG Follow Brittany on IG Follow Emma on IG Get 15% off your order at my new children's boutique called SALT. Use the code ice.
Sep 14, 2022 · 54 min
Leaning Into the Culture with Annessa Smith
Annessa Smith, wife of Jeff Smith, who plays for EHC Neuwied in the Del 4, joins me on Breaking the Ice today. Annessa has been living the hockey life for 13 years and in this episode we chat about: Her mom passing away during the hockey season Embracing the culture that you’re in and leaning into it How to find things going on in the city that you live in Her birth experience in Germany How it works when giving birth in another country and having no one to watch your first kid How team cars following players when wives are about to have a baby should be mandatory The adjustment from 1 to 2 kids How teams can tell you certain things that are false so you’ll sign and play there The struggle of not being able to get your kid into a daycare/school Kinder Krippe Having a home in Spokane in the Off-Season Social anxiety and how Annessa has coped with social anxiety while living abroad Follow me on Instagram: Follow Annessa on Instagram: Take 15% off your order at Salt Kids Boutique with the code “ice” I am scheduling out guests for Breaking the Ice! Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Fill out the Be a Guest Submission here.
Aug 31, 2022 · 1 hr 22 min
Inclusion, Debunking Stereotypes & People Pleasing with Madison Marshall
Madison Marshall, wife of Ben Marshall, who plays in Ingolstadt, Germany in the DEL, joins me on Breaking the Ice today and I could have talked to her for five more hours. Madison has been doing all of my brand management and has been such an asset, turned friend! If you want to listen to a relatable AF episode….this one is for you. We chat about: Madison having an identical twin and anything you’ve ever wanted to know about identical twins, I asked! The stereotypes and judgment that people have about the lifestyle and our husbands personal lives Different pay ranges within the sport and how everyone assumes each person makes millions of dollars Leaving a job that you love to move for your significant others job. It’s a choice, sacrifice and not an easy decision How Madison figured out what she wanted to do and how to start her own business while living abroad Learning your value and setting boundaries within your business and with your clients Being a people pleaser and cancel culture Inclusion in the hockey lifestyle, this was a long conversation. We each shared vulnerable stories of when we have been excluded by others and how it made us feel. What to take out of your vocabulary when extending invitations to other people to hang out Madison just got married so we chat about etiquette and guest expectations about all the things (plus ones) and people putting you in uncomfortable situations to accommodate them Advice for future brides How people project things onto you if you a choose a life path that's different than theirs BASICALLY ALL THE THINGS! Don’t miss this epi!!!! Follow me on Instagram Follow Madison on Instagram Work with Madison Check out Madison's Youtube Channel
Aug 24, 2022 · 50 min
Growing Old is a Privilege with Kaitlin Yakura
Kaitlin Yakura, wife of Dean Yakura, who finished last season in the ECHL for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, joins me on Breaking the Ice and shares with me her journey of finding out she has Stage 3 Melanoma at age 25. In this Episode we discuss: Getting Diagnosed with cancer and what this emotional process looked like for her What she had going on in her life and how it had to be put on hold What chemotherapy was like and how cancer affected her confidence and self-esteem How growing old is a privilege and the unknowns that cancer can cause in the big picture of life The ways in which she felt the most supported by friends and family How therapy was a huge part of her healing process The importance of being an advocate for yourself and your health Follow me on Instagram Follow Kaitlin on Instagram Resources for Cancer + Melanoma: AIM Melanoma Foundation: CancerCare American Cancer Society
Aug 17, 2022 · 57 min
Around the World with Camilla Emilie Jacobsen
Camilla Emilie Jacobsen, engaged to Emil Bejmo, who plays for the Manglerud Star in Oslo, Norway, joins me on the pod today. Camilla and I met when she flew from Norway to Nashville for the retreat and I was so excited to see her face via zoom and chat with her. In this episode we talk about: -How Camilla works as a customs officer in the largest airport in Norway -Her and her husband are from two different countries and she shares how they communicate -Living the Hockey Life as a European Import -How to put yourself out there when you are more shy + reserved going to a new country -We chat about English -Maternity + Paternity care in Europe -Babies being born while sports are going on -Biggest Fears as a First Time Mom -People commenting on pregnant bellies whether your bump is boppin or not so much aka STOP doing it Follow me on Instagram: Get the Retreat Details here Follow Camilla on Instagram
Aug 10, 2022 · 56 min
Planting Roots with Kecia Sheahan
Kecia Sheahan, wife of Riley Sheahan, who finished last season in the NHL playing for the Seattle Kraken, comes on Breaking the Ice today and we chat about all everything within our lifestyle. Kecia was an absolute pleasure to have on the podcast and I had the best time talking with her! In this episode we talk about: What it was like planning a wedding during a pandemic and how everything turned out the way it should be Kecia and Riley are from two different countries and we chat about how they dealt with it during the height of the pandemic Living far away from family and the challenges of not having help once you start having kids Meeting someone from different sides of the world, different countries or across the country and deciding where you should settle down and plant roots Going to Seattle and what it was like going to a brand new organization What a free agent is and what that has looked like for them Trying not to control the situation when you don’t know where you are going and trust the process Mental Health in the Hockey World The challenges and rewards of hockey and so much more! Follow Me on Instagram: Follow Kecia on Instagram: Check out Vitality with Kecia Listen to Kecia's husband, Riley, "Speak your Mind Podcast"
Aug 3, 2022 · 1 hr 16 min
It’s all Preference (Packing + Preparation for Moving Abroad) with Kayla Alber
Kayla Alber, wife of Patch Alber, who plays for the Fischtown Penguins (Germany) in the DEL, joins me for the first episode of Season 3. Kayla has been going to Europe for 5 hockey seasons and knows the ropes of packing and preparation for moving overseas! In this episode we talk about: How you can find the essentials in other countries and packing things from home is all about preference The current ongoing lost luggage situation going on in Europe Our must have items for the big move Items we forget + regret to bring each year The items you can leave behind + grab abroad Must have items for kids (we kept this short + sweet) How to mentally prepare for the adjustment, because let’s face it’s an adjustment Keep in mind, someone's year 10 abroad, is not someone’s year one and vice versa. Let’s remember to help support each other and make each other feel as comfortable as possible! Resources from the Episode Below: iHerb (You can order North American products from this website abroad) German Amazon (We use this all the time in Austria!) Free Packing List from my Website! Episode on Packing with Carine Bailey Apple AirTags for Keeping Track of your luggage! Postpartum + Hospital Bag Essentials for having a baby abroad First Few Months with Baby Essentials Follow me on Instagram: Join the Waitlist for the Retreat! Follow Kayla on Instagram!