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

May 11, 2022 · 30 min
Wrapping up Season 2 with a Minisode with Devyn Dodero
What an incredible season two it has been with you all. For the last episode of season two, I wanted to jump on and share some life updates, recap season two, talk about what's to come with season three and take you along for the ride. Even though the pod is taking a minor summer break, I will still be super active on the Instagram page and chatting with you all! Thank you for being a part of this community, it means the world. Follow me on Instagram!
May 4, 2022 · 1 hr 1 min
What I’ve Learned in this Hockey Life with Abby Grimaldi
Abby Grimaldi, wife of Rocco Grimaldi, who plays for the Nashville Predators in the NHL, is a hockey wife and Christian based musician from Grand Forks, North Dakota. Abby is an amazing human and this episode will inspire you all. In this episode, we chat about: Moving and starting over and Abby’s outlook on fresh starts Growing up in a traditional home and never moving around to transitioning to the lack of stability that hockey brings Going from being a super busy person to struggling with depression once that stopped and hockey life started. -The sense of fulfillment that’s affected once you stop working What Abby’s experience has been like living in different places away from her core people Taking hard times and turning them into life lessons Abby’s career as a musician and how she leaned into her passion And SO MUCH MORE! Follow me on Instagram: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D and 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/breakingtheice Follow Abby on Instagram Listen to Abby's music on Itunes
Apr 20, 2022 · 1 hr
Flying Internationally with Kids with Amanda Wick
Amanda Wick, wife of Jeremy Wick, who plays in Switzerland for the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers in the National League, and I sit down and have a conversation on all things traveling with kids. In this episode, we each share all the tips and advice to hopefully help you prepare as best as possible. In this episode we cover: Ages 0-5 years old. We break down what you need to bring with you and what you can leave behind Where you should be sitting on the plane according to your kids age What jet lag looks like and what you can do to stay sane Whether you should purchase an extra seat Whether you should bring a car seat on board Kids 2 and over having to wear a mask on the plane and more! Follow me on Instagram! Follow Amanda on Instagram! Get your FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase of Athletic Greens.
Apr 13, 2022 · 1 hr
Being Human with Erinn Hakstol
Erinn Hakstol, wife of Dave Hakstol, who is the head coach for the Seattle Kraken in the NHL, joins me on Breaking the Ice today! In this episode, we chat about: How her and her husband met being 8 years apart! What covid looked like for them as a family and how her and her kids were apart from Dave for over six months Home schooling older kids during a pandemic Long distance Growing through this lifestyle with kids who are older What community means to her and how the hockey life has changed her perspective on life Experiencing the Seattle Kraken and what it's been like being with a brand new team and organization Follow me on Instagram! Visit BTI Website Here! Claim your FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase of Athletic Greens Here.
Apr 6, 2022 · 48 min
Mental Health, Mindset and Women’s Hockey with Taylor Cook
Taylor Cook is a women’s professional hockey player and a mindset coach! Taylor’s boyfriend, Eeli Parviainen, is the strength and conditioning + assistant coach in Bremerhaven, Germany in the DEL. In this episode we chat about: The pay equity between mens and women's hockey The U18 World Championships getting canceled for women but mens continuing on How she got started in her career Men’s mental health: Why men feel like they can’t be vulnerable and why we think there needs to be more resources on hockey teams Mental health struggles that happen with the hockey lifestyle and how can we recognize when we are struggling with it Tangible things we can do to incorporate in our lives to take us out of the hockey bubble such as a lot of movement, travel, away from life long family and friends and feeling left out Follow me on Instagram! Check out Taylor's Website: https://www.elitehighperformance.com/ This is the group program that Taylor is running starting April 14: Take 25% off with the code BTI25 Valid until April 13 at 11:59PM EST** Inside the Athletic Mind Podcast: Book reference: Mind Gym by Gary Mack
Mar 30, 2022 · 46 min
Motherhood, Marriage and Me with Stacey Kasdorf
Stacey Kasdorf, wife of Jason Kasdorf, joins me on the podcast today. Stacey is a mom to three little girls, a business owner, influencer, blogger and wife. With this being a busy time of year, I thought this would be a great time to dive into the topics of motherhood, marriage + me time and how they all are intertwined. In this episode we chat about: One of Stacey's hardest times as a mom How once you have kids, it's harder to make time for your marriage and Stacey shares how and her husband work on this Love languages and how they change depending on what season of life you're in How to take time for yourself when being a mom Burn out- how to recognize this before it's too late Stacey's top 3 tips for flying with kids on an airplane + more! Follow me on Instagram: Want to be on the podcast? Fill out a submission here! Follow Stacey on Instagram: Read her Blog here! THANK YOU TO VUORI FOR SPONSORING THIS PODCAST. GET 20% OFF YOUR ORDER HERE!
Mar 23, 2022 · 51 min
Bridging the Gap Between Coaches Wives + Players Wives with Julie Johnson
Julie Johnson, engaged to Tim Branham, who is the assistant coach of the Colorado Eagles in the AHL, joins me on Breaking the Ice today! Tim was the head coach of the Utah Grizzles in the ECHL for 8 years and this is their first season making the big move to the AHL. In this episode, we discuss how it seems “against the rules” to co-mingle with coaches wives and players wives and how we can change this storyline. In this episode we chat about: Never being a players wife and stepping directly into this role The different mentality between being a head coach vs. assistant coach's wife Negativity on the internet about your significant other How the relationship varies depending on the team dynamics Covid limitations for players and their wives last hockey season in the ECHL We both give our honest opinions on these relationships If you haven't written a review yet on Apple Podcasts, leave one here Follow me on Instagram! Follow Julie on Instagram! Follow Alphalit! Other Reference's: Coach's Wife Life with Wendy Tippett
Mar 16, 2022 · 1 hr 1 min
Defying All Odds with Victoria Arlen
Victoria Arlen is a ESPN + MBC Host, Gold Medalist, Dancing with the Stars Contestant and Author, to name a few, joins me on the podcast today! When Victoria was 11 years old, she developed two very rare conditions and lost the ability to walk, talk, communicate but she heard everything that people were saying for FOUR years. She was completely locked in her body. In this episode we talk about: The beginning stages when Victoria and her family knew something was off How Victoria and her family got through these four years and the recovery to come The emotional ride of being able to hear everything going on but not able to respond Winning a gold medal at the paralympics Setting goals and never giving up Becoming one of the youngest people to become a reporter on ESPN (and female) The stereotypes from others being a female working for ESPN What it has been working in a male dominated industry The experience with Dancing with the Stars and performing while not being able to feel her legs and truly showing people what you are capable of Surrounding yourself with people who will lift you up/cheer you on It was such an honor to chat with Victoria and I know you will leave this episode feeling as inspired as I did! This Podcast is sponsored by Vuori. Use the code ICE for 20% off your order! www.vuori.com/ice Follow me on Instagram Be a Guest Follow Victoria on Instagram Project Walk Boston Victoria’s Book:
Mar 9, 2022 · 47 min
The Mental Load of Our Lifestyle with Devyn Dodero
Today is a solo episode with me, your host! I started to feel that roadtrip, middle of the season burn out creep in a couple of weeks ago and once I processed my emotions, I wanted to share this episode with you all. In this episode I talk about: The Mental Load of Responsibilities Stepping into the role as the primary caretaker of kids, pets, household responsibilities but also feeling the overwhelm of not being able to take a break if needed Long Roadtrips Alone Planning Life Around Hockey The Mental Load of Traveling Coordinating the Flights To/From the Season and sometimes having to travel by yourself (potentially internationally + potentially with children) The end of the season overwhelm: What do we leave behind, where do we leave our stuff, what do we bring home, needing to pack suitcases, boxes and keep everything organized with less than a weeks notice, usually Long Exhausting Travel Days, twice a year The Mental Load of Starting Over: Making New Friends every 8 months Learning a new city or country, with maybe a new language The stress of not knowing where you will live constantly What I have learned I needed in these tough moments Listen to the episode on Coping with Travel Anxiety Listen to the episode "The Unknowns Made us Stronger" Follow me on Instagram: Check out my website Join us in Nashville:
Feb 23, 2022 · 49 min
Learning to be Independent with Gretchen Geraghty
Gretchen Geraghty, girlfriend of Max Willman, who plays for the Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL, joins me today on Breaking the Ice. Gretchen currently resides in Allentown, PA and her boyfriend is 1.5 hours away in Philadelphia living the hotel life! In this episode we talk about: The uncertainties of the hockey life When they decided to move in together Long Distance Covid and how that affected her day to day Learning how to be independent in this lifestyle What it's like having a twin and living far away from them The comparison game of social media Making friends as an adult and how challenging this can be and more! Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram! www.instagram.com/breakingtheicepod Use the code "ice" for 20% off your Vuori purchase www.vuori.com/ice Link to the Slumberpod! Take $75 off your spot in Nashville! Click here! Follow Gretchen on Instagram: Subscribe to Gretchen's Youtube Channel Listen to the Happy Hour Podcast:
Feb 16, 2022 · 1 hr 15 min
Late Night Happy Hour with Danielle Fraser
Danielle Fraser, wife of Jamie Fraser, who plays in Villach, Austria in the ICEHL, joins me today for a late night happy hour! Danielle and I had an absolute blast chatting virtually. We have had so many mutual connections and she has also spent six hockey seasons in Vienna herself! (where my husband plays now). Her and Jamie have been together for 15 years and they now travel the globe with their two kids. In this episode we chat about everything and anything but a few topics in between all of the laughs are: -Playing in the US and making the decision to go over to Europe -Why she doesn’t live in Europe full time and goes back and forth from Canada to Austria -Giving birth in Austria -The challenges of living in a foreign country when your kids are older -How her family has navigated their sons Type 1 Diabetes -How we discovered we are hypochondriac soul sisters and SO much more. Follow me on Instagram: Sign up for the Nashville Retreat: www.breakingtheicepod.com/retreat Follow Danielle on Instagram:
Feb 9, 2022 · 55 min
The Unknowns Made Us Stronger with Jenn Army
Jenn Army, wife of Derek Army, who is the Head Coach of the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL, joins me on Breaking the Ice today! Even though she is a coach's wife now, she started off as a player's girlfriend/wife and they went through long distance for 9 years! Jenn is a teacher and she shares about how difficult it was to get time off to go visit and really having to plan her time off around what worked for the hockey schedule, which also led us to talking about maternity leave for teachers and how unfair it is (and even more stressful with covid times!) We also talk about: Being a Homebody and how this hockey life really pushes you outside of your comfort zone Long roadtrips in the ECHL as a mom and how it's basically survival mode We talk about how days off, aren't days off for moms (if ya know, ya know!) Call ups and send downs when you're long distance and dealing with the frustrations and uncertainties that come with this, especially when you are taking time off from work How long distance and the unknowns that hockey can bring can make your relationship stronger, if you're with the right person Transitioning into the coaching role Follow me on Instagram: Get details about the Retreat here! Follow Jenn on Instagram:
Feb 2, 2022 · 1 hr 1 min
January Lull, Hockey + Covid and Catching Up with Brittany Wedgewood
Brittany Wedgewood, wife of Scott Wedgewood, who plays for the Arizona Coyotes in the NHL, joins me on the podcast today for the seventh time?! Brit and I really needed a good catch up episode and I know you all love hearing her on the podcast so we had to make it happen! Some of the things we chit chat in this episode are: Brittany and Scott's new home in Arizona The January Lull and why it seems to affect us all What's been going on for us both: Moving, Sicknesses, Funny Dog Stories and Check your boobs Britney Spears and Jamie Lynn Spears drama Wedding Prep for Brittany The rules and regulations for hockey during a pandemic and why the constant confusion is exhausting AND MORE! Tune in for a good convo with your girls & enjoy! Join us at the retreat! Follow me on Instagram: Follow Brit on Instagram:
Jan 26, 2022 · 1 hr 39 min
Never Give Up, A Journey to Motherhood with Jamie Machacek
Jamie Machacek, wife of Spencer Machacek, who plays for Wolfsburg in the DEL, joins me over a virtual glass of wine on the podcast today. Jamie + I have been chatting for so long after we discover the same love for the show Nashville. (Naming her son and my dog after it!) We’ve talked about all the mom things over the past year and I was so excited to finally meet her virtually IRL on the podcast. Jamie and her husband knew they wanted children from the beginning. After trying for quite awhile and going through a few health issues, they realized they needed to look into their options. In this episode we talk about: The transition from babyhood to toddlerhood and how being a mom is always evolving and changing Jamie opens up about her health struggles and what she went through before her first round of IVF Male Factor Infertility and Endometriosis Navigating IVF in a foreign country and how hockey played a factor into their journey When you’re struggling with fertility and family and friends are getting pregnant around you Keeping this private and not sharing with anyone around them After undergoing IVF, they found out they were pregnant with twins and lost one of the twins. She talks about what this experience was like for her and her husband Never Giving up on your Motherhood Journey THANK YOU Jamie. You are amazing! Follow me on Instagram: Join in on our Nashville Retreat! Follow Jamie on Instagram:
Dec 29, 2021 · 58 min
An Episode on All Things Dental with Dr. Sarah Sweetnam
Dr. Sarah Sweetnam, wife of Erik Gudbranson, who plays for the Calgary Flames in the NHL, joins me on the podcast today. Before we talked about dentistry, we talked a bit about Sarah's hockey journey, thus far. She shares how her husband got traded six days after Sarah gave birth. She had to wait five weeks before finally joining him in Nashville (They are Canadian!) We also chat about what COVID has been like for her as a first time mom. She shares how her and her husband met her first week of dental school and how they managed both of their busy schedules and careers. Then, we talked about all things dental. I asked her about any dental myths she has heard that she can debunk for us She tells me whether or not sleeping with your mouth open can cause cavities She answers whether cavities are genetic and what you can do to prevent them We talk about fluoride and what she recommends Kids Dental- She tells me the real deal of when your kid actually needs to go to the dentist for the first time. She also shares some great tips on how we can prepare our children for their first dental appointment and change the dialogue so that we aren't implementing fear before their first appointment. Enjoy this episode, I learned so much! Follow me on Instagram: Follow Sarah on Instagram:
Dec 22, 2021 · 43 min
The Journey to Finding Herself
Ilyssa has lived her entire life in Florida and adventured to the other side of the pond for her first season overseas. In this episode we dive into: How you can lose yourself when you begin to date someone new or lose yourself in this lifestyle and how to identify this within yourself Darkness and how challenging it is when it becomes dark so early Finding what you love to do and learning about yourself in the process Youtube. Ilyssa started a Youtube channel this year to cope and communicate with this lifestyle. Follow BTI on Instagram:
Dec 15, 2021 · 1 hr 16 min
Lockdowns, Cheating and Female Friendships with Jeanie Prapavessis
Jeanie Prapavessis, wife of Matt Prapavessis, who plays in Vienna Austria for the Vienna Capitals, sat down with me over wine and we had a great conversation about all of the things. We dive into: Lockdowns- What it has been like as Americans living in Austria during yet another lockdown. We chat about the frustration, confusion on rules and of course, what we’re watching during lockdown. We talk about wine and how cheap it is in Europe High School- How we feel terrible about what we put our parents through in high school (lol sorry mom) and now we both think nothing will get past us as moms. Watch out kids, we're onto you. We talk about mom shaming on social media. We find that sometimes there can be useful tips but also we are not robots and there is no such thing as “perfect parenting” You have to do what’s best for you and your family. Cheating- that taboo topic that no one talks about but everyone wants to know about….what do you do when you know someone is cheating on their girlfriend from back home or who’s there in person…... You’ll have to listen to this completely unfiltered conversation we had about this. We give our opinions on how to address this situation and whether we think this should be a group approach or single approach. Female Friendships in the hockey world- How there is sometimes a pressure for everyone to be best friends and it’s not always practical with so many different personalties. However, you can also meet some of your closest friends. Same goes for the guys too! Follow me on Instagram: Follow Jeanie on Instagram:
Dec 8, 2021 · 1 hr 8 min
Solo Travel, Picking Your Battles and Life in Russia with Hilary Miele
Hilary Miele, wife of Andy Miele, who plays in Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL, joins me on the podcast today! In this episode we dive into: Long Distance: Hilary & Andy met in college and she had little to no idea where hockey would take them! She shares about her experience with long distance and how she wound up leaving her career to be with him We talk about Russia and she shares a few funny stories. Hilary and her daughter were apart from Andy for four months while they were waiting on their Russian visas. Language Barriers Solo Travel- Hilary loves to travel and she loves going on trips with her daughter to experience the adventures that this hockey life has to offer. Not losing your sense of self while following your partner We also talk about one year contracts and how it can be stressful when you are always waiting on the next opportunity. Before the pandemic hit, they signed a two year deal in Arizona in the NHL, but with the unknowns of COVID, they made a family decision to head overseas. This episode was so fun to record. We had a lot of laughs and I guarantee you will feel like you are sitting down with two friends. Follow me on Instagram: Follow Hilary on Instagram:
Dec 1, 2021 · 51 min
Moving Into the Holidays with a More Holistic Approach with Carley Patterson
Carley Patterson, girlfriend of Jesse Graham, who plays in Augsburg, Germany in the DEL, is a holistic nutritionist and this is the perfect day for this episode to come out as we head full force into the holiday season. In this episode, we dive into: -How she plans meals for the week and the simple basics you can have prepared in your fridge versus meal prepping for the entire week -Healthy snack ideas vs. crushing a bag of chips mid day ( @ me) and how this brings out the 3 p.m. energy lull -Staying on track with our nutrition around the holidays without limiting ourselves -How to avoid the binge and restrict cycle -We chat about how eating + working out is not a one size fits all because we are all so different -How your lifestyle can affect your nutrition -Why Eating Late is no bueno ( @ my husband) Lastly, we talk about the most random things we have accidentally brought home from the grocery store and how we find random foods in random sections. Enjoy this episode! Follow me on Instagram: Follow Carley! www.cpattersonnutrition.com Other Resources: https://www.amazon.com/Intuitive-Eating-4th-Anti-Diet-Revolutionary/dp/1250255198/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=intuitive+eating&qid=1638180086&qsid=143-7866670-0039564&sr=8-1&sres=1250255198%2C1626256225%2C1250004047%2C1797203983%2C1684037085%2C1684031443%2C1684038286%2C1612439330%2C1647398525%2C1509893911%2CB009LB5MFM%2C1954605099%2C1945586125%2C0312321236%2C1628604115%2C1090899424&srpt=ABIS_BOOK
Nov 24, 2021 · 2 hr 2 min
Our Fertility Journey: Miscarriages, IVF + Surrogacy with Terra O‘Reilly
Terra O'Reilly, wife of Cal O'Reilly, who is the Captain of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL, shares her fertility journey with me. Terra opens up about her Endometriosis, several miscarriages, IVF journey and surrogacy journey. Terra wants other women to know that they are not alone if they are struggling with their fertility. She speaks about how looking back, she really kept this private but as she has opened up more about it, so many women have reached out to her about their struggles. I also have a very special connection to the surrogacy world, which you will have to listen to hear about it. Terra and I have such a authentic and genuine conversation and connection about this topic and this long episode is worth every minute. Terra has such a beautiful heart and I am so honored she chose to share her story on Breaking the Ice. Follow me on Instagram: Follow Terra on Instagram: Other Resources: www.ancestry.com