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

Nov 17, 2021 · 1 hr 6 min
From Sweden to America with Sandra Boström Hoppa
Sandra Boström Hoppa, wife of Sebastian Aho, who plays in the NHL for the NY Islanders, joins me on the podcast today! This is the first time I've chatted with a European expat in North America and we had so much fun! In this episode we dive into: Her husband getting drafted and how she originally didn't want to go because she was nervous to leave her friends, family and job We chat about leaving your comfort zone to go out of your home country and how tough this can be in terms of planning your future What it was like getting into the United States with the pandemic Sandra is pregnant with her first child and giving birth in the US! We talk about healthcare in the US and we also tap into maternity leave in the US and how unfair it is. We chat about how much support there is for new moms in Europe. We exchange funny stories and talked about tipping in the US vs. Europe Enjoy! Follow our Instagram page: Follow Sandra on Instagram: Want to hear my European birth story? Listen here Check out my new website: www.breakingtheicepod.com
Nov 10, 2021 · 44 min
Alzheimers Changed My Perspective on Life with Alyssa Malette
Alyssa Malette, daughter of Vince Malette, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 52, joins me on the podcast today. Vince is a retired DEL + OHL coach. Alyssa is incredibly strong for sharing her vulnerable story on BTI and I was so inspired by her story + her strength. You can feel the bond that Alyssa and her dad have together. In this episode we talk about -Alzheimers and what this disease is -How she could see changes within her dad by watching him on the bench -The hardest part about the diagnosis for her and her family -She shares about how important it is to not take life for granted, tell your loved ones that you love them and enjoy every moment. Follow me on Instagram: Follow Alyssa on IG: Resources: www.instagram.com/alzassociation The Vince Malette face off to end Alzheimer’s will be held on July 9th, 2022. Here is a link to donate to the golf tournament: The 2019 Vince Malette Face off to End Alzheimer’s golf tournament raised over $32,000 and the money was given to the Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario to support younger onset programs. Unfortunately the past two summers we had to cancel the golf tournament in the best interest of public safety and out of respect for the businesses struggling due the COVID19 pandemic. http://alzheimersocietyblog.ca/fathers-day-why-alyssas-dad-is-her-hero/ https://www.google.ca/amp/s/ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/were-not-going-to-give-up-on-him-hockey-coach-56-facing-alzheimers-with-grit-love/wcm/45b1c06e-279b-4332-949c-490e84d06387/amp/ Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp
Nov 3, 2021 · 1 hr 6 min
Coach‘s Wife Life with Wendy Tippett
Wendy Tippett, wife of Dave Tippett, head coach of the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL, joins me on the podcast and shares all about her 37+ years in this hockey world! In this episode we dive into: -What this lifestyle as looked like for her over the years and the difference between being a player’s wife and a coach's wife -What it was like for her kids growing up in the hockey world -How she loves the role of a coaches wife because she is a mama bear by nature but respects the boundaries -We chat about what it was like for her during COVID when she went home for a quick real estate transaction and wound up doing long distance with her husband for 5 months (the longest they have ever been apart)! -We chat about funny wives room stories + fans in the stands -What advice she would give her younger self in this world Follow the podcast on Instagram! Follow Wendy on Instagram: Follow along with the Edmonton Oilers! https://www.nhl.com/oilers
Oct 27, 2021 · 55 min
Your Questions Answered with Dev + Brit
For our final hurrah together, we wanted to bring the community into the mix. Most of you know I host this podcast by myself but wanted to bring on Brittany for a bit to co-host with me! We collected all of your questions and answered them throughout the episode. In this episode we dive into: How to handle people not being supportive in the lifestyle Whether you should buy a house during hockey or after it's over Our superstitions as hockey wives Setting boundaries Break ideas with or without kids What we do to make extra cash When is the right time to start a family & more! SUBSCRIBE, RATE + REVIEW Breaking the Ice on Apple Podcasts! Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/breakingtheicepod Job ideas: www.poshmark.com www.mercari.com www.care.com Need social media management? www.instagram.com/saltandpinesocial
Oct 20, 2021 · 1 hr 2 min
Resentment, Acceptance & Making Space in Your Relationship with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish
Dr. Tracy Dalgleish is a clinical psychologist, a relationship expert, a speaker and an author. After hearing Dr. Tracy on another podcast, I became fascinated with her work and have continued to follow along with her on Instagram and Facebook! This is an episode that will be relatable for women EVERYWHERE, even if you are not in the hockey lifestyle. In this episode we dive into: Resentment: In this lifestyle, we are uprooting our lives and we carry a lot of the mental load. Resentment is a feeling that can unfortunately creep in. Dr. Tracy addresses what resentment is, ways it can show up and how we can move through it. Acceptance- Finding acceptance within this lifestyle when you feel you have little or no control Long Distance- Little things we can do to strengthen our relationship when we are in a long distance relationship Attachment Styles- We chat about the four attachment styles. I took Dr. Tracy’s attachment style quiz on her website and learned my attachment style and learned the attachment style of my husband. We talk about how to work through disagreements if your partner has a different attachment style than us. How your marriage shifts after having a baby & more! This episode is truly amazing. If you find yourself resonating with it, please share it to your story and tag the podcast! RESOURCES: Check out her website http://drtracyd.com/ Follow Tracy on Instagram: Check out her podcast! Subscribe Rate and Review Breaking the Ice on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-the-ice/id1514210846 Follow us on Instagram:
Oct 10, 2021 · 42 min
World Mental Health Day
Today is World Mental Health Day and I decided to record a spontaneous episode last night for this topic. I really started to notice that I had anxiety in high school and it has definitely continued into my adult life. Even though this is a pretty vulnerable topic, I feel it's important to share. I discuss how I have been feeling mentally the last few weeks. I also shared some past clips from episodes where my guests have spoken out about mental health. Please know that you are not alone if you suffer from depression or anxiety and to always reach out to someone if you are struggling. Your struggles do not define who you are. Thank you for being apart of this community. RESOURCES: www.instagram.com/breakingtheicepod
Sep 29, 2021 · 1 hr 16 min
Home Is Where the Heart Is with Jacqueline Chiarot
Jacqueline Chiarot, wife of Ben Chiarot, who plays for the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL, joins us on Breaking the Ice today! Jacqueline and Ben met when they were 17 years old, after being set up on a blind coffee double date and have been together ever since! Jacqueline is a successful designer so of course we had to pick her brain about design. We asked her how to make your off-season home feel more like you, how to nail down a design style + more. We also chat about how she was able to balance motherhood + launching a business in the middle of a pandemic. Enjoy! RESOURCES: www.instagram.com/breakingtheicepod CONNECT WITH JACQUELINE: https://www.jacquelinechiarotdesign.com/ www.instagram.com/thisprettylifexo www.instagram.com/jacquelinechiarotdesign https://www.facebook.com/jacquelinechiarotdesign/
Sep 22, 2021 · 1 hr 10 min
Following Her Dreams with Stephanie Jones
Stephanie Jones, wife of Connor Jones, who plays for the Fort Wayne Komets in the ECHL, joins us on the podcast today. Stephanie and her husband have been together since 2017 and she has never moved with him for the hockey season. He's been with the Islanders, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, HC Thurgau in Switzerland and Vasterviks, IK in Sweden. Stephanie is passionate to share with other women in our community about the possibilities of making long distance work and sharing her experience of having the power + drive to build her career in NYC. Stephanie is a producer for ABC on a show called Nightline. Her and Connor are expecting their first baby in February, while she is living in New York + he is in Fort Wayne. On top of it all, her husband has an identical twin and they have played together on almost every team. In this episode, we all agree that whichever path you take in this hockey life, whether you go with or hang back, trust yourself and your decisions! Follow me on Instagram! Follow Stephanie on Instagram! Other Resources: https://abcnews.go.com/Nightline
Sep 15, 2021 · 1 hr 35 min
Gretzky, Like the Hockey Player? with Sara Gretzky
Sara Gretzky, wife to Ty Gretzky + daughter in-law of Wayne Gretzky, joins us on Breaking the Ice today! I can't think of a better way to mark FIFTY episodes of the podcast than with this girl. She is absolutely hilarious. Her name is very recognizable within our hockey community, however, I wanted to have Sara on the podcast because I have followed her for awhile and feel like she is someone who we would just be friends with. Brittany and I talk with her about all the things including pop-culture + entertainment, her miscarriage, astrology, her pregnancy (she is due in two weeks!) and so much more. We finish + start the episode with a game. This is definitely an episode where you'll feel like you are sitting down with your girlfriends. Enjoy! Follow me on Instagram: Follow Sara on Instagram: Follow the NetChicks on Instagram: GET 10% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF BETTER HELP:
Sep 8, 2021 · 1 hr 25 min
Kind People Are My Kind of People with Emma Winnitoy
Emma Winnitoy, girlfriend of Mitchell Stephens, who plays for the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL, joins Brittany and I on the podcast today. Emma and Brittany go all the way back to to when they were kids because their brothers played hockey together. Being from the same city, they would occasionally chat but it became full circle when their significant others both signed in Tampa Bay and they won a Stanley Cup together. In this episode, we hear about how Emma + Mitchell met, long distance + the NHL bubble and their day with the Stanley Cup. However, the underlying theme was....friendships. One of our favorite topics to discuss. We have all experienced "being the new kid" and talk about how it has shaped how we approach newcomers now. Emma is such a sweetheart and the ideal friend you want in this hockey world. This is one of my fav epis, so enjoy! Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingtheice www.instagram.com/emmawinnitoy www.instagram.com/britttanyenglish Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp: www.betterhelp.com/breakingtheice
Sep 1, 2021 · 54 min
Meet My Co-Host with Brittany Wedgewood
LADIES! I am so excited to introduce to you my co-host, Brittany Wedgewood! Brittany and I will have about 5 episodes together and it will be so fun to have her with me + each guest. In the episode today, Brit and I catch up about what has been going on her life the last few months which is A LOT! Her and Scott recently brought home another Bernedoodle, they bought a house and they are planning their official wedding for next summer. I know you will love this girl as much as I do! Hope you enjoy this episode.
Aug 25, 2021 · 40 min
Coping with Travel Anxiety with Devyn Dodero
Travel Anxiety is a bi!ch. I will be the first to admit I am not a delight to travel with and my travel anxiety gets the best of me basically every single time. It takes me at least a week to decompress from the stress and anxiety when moving for the hockey season. I am always evaluating and looking for ways to improve myself, which results in a lot of self-reflection. I took a bit of a deeper dive into WHY these feelings arise for me every time I travel and came to the conclusion, that it isn't always the travel itself, but the overwhelming feeling of moving, packing, to-do list, getting the necessities AND THEN the travel on top of it. Add in the kids and dogs and we are done for. I identify my four triggers when traveling and look into ways I can learn to cope with these triggers because let me tell you, I am not an expert in coping with this anxiety. I also read off some of your triggers, which are the most relatable AF thing I've ever read. Enjoy this episode! Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingtheicepod Personal IG: www.instagram.com/devyndodero Thank you to Better Help for sponsoring this episode of Breaking the Ice. Take 10% off your first month of Better Help: www.betterhelp.com/breakingtheicepod
Aug 18, 2021 · 55 min
The Invisible Load of Motherhood with Dakota Cameron
Dakota Cameron, wife of Brett Cameron, who plays in Kassel Germany in the del2, joins me for an episode today! If you aren't a mom, don't let the episode title deter you! We chat about SO much more than the #momlife but it was definitely the focus of our episode. We chat about the off-season, what life was like last year overseas during the pandemic and how it affects our mindsets going into next hockey season, leaving clothes + items over in Europe during the off-season, and of course mom life. We each share a bit about postpartum and how at the time neither of us really felt like we had postpartum depression or anxiety but looking back we both felt we did. We share some of the symptoms we experienced with this. We talk about how during postpartum, you can experience signs of resentment at times because the guys get to leave and go to practice each day and have a less extreme life change. This is a great episode and I felt like I was catching up with an old friend! Follow Dakota on Instagram: Follow her kids clothing boutique! Follow me on Instagram!
Aug 11, 2021 · 56 min
My Conversation with a Pediatric Sleep Consultant with Autumn Dettmann
Autumn Dettmann, wife of Kevin Schmidt, is a pediatric sleep consultant who has been obsessed with sleep since her first daughter was born. After struggling with my son's sleep, I knew I needed some support so I hired Autumn to help our family navigate this. In this episode, we talk about baby jet lag, sleepy cues, following the 80/20 rule and so much more! As moms, there is a lot of judgment that goes around how your baby sleeps and how your baby eats. This podcast is a judgement free zone and this episode is an informative episode about several topics within the sleep realm and I also chat about our experience with our son's sleep. In no way shape or form is the episode sending the message that you should or should not sleep train! Every family should always choose what feels right and aligns with them. Autumn is very knowledgable and was very supportive to me throughout working together. Make sure to give her a follow and check out her website! Follow me on Instagram: Check out Autumn's Website! Follow her on Instagram! Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp: MIXHERS: Get 10% off any mixhers product
Aug 4, 2021 · 51 min
Knowing When It‘s Time to Hang Them Up with Sarah Whitmore
Sarah Whitmore, wife of Derek Whitmore, joins me for a new episode today. Sarah's husband, Derek, had played the majority of is North American career in the AHL + ECHL and also several years in Europe. In this episode, Sarah is open, honest and real about how she knew the hockey life was no longer for her and her family. At the time, she was unhappy and wanted to have a purpose and to feel that she was contributing in some way. She had conversations with her husband about this, which caused tension at times in their relationship. They wound up retiring before the upcoming season and she shares how that affected her mental health and the overall wellbeing of their family. Whether you're going through this, have gone through this or may experience this feeling one day, this is an important episode to listen to. Sarah wants other people to find comfort that it is okay if this hockey life isn't for you either. I truly enjoyed hearing her story! Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingtheicepod Follow Sarah on Instagram: www.instagram.com/swhitmore15 Get 10% off your first month of better help! www.betterhelp.com/breakingtheicepod
Jul 28, 2021 · 1 hr 13 min
A Living Breakthrough with Karly and Wade Macleod
SURPRISE! The podcast is officially back every Wednesday. Today, I have two very special guests joining me, Karly and Wade Macleod. Karly and Wade are some of the nicest people ever and their bond and love for each other is so strong. While Karly and Wade have been in this professional hockey world, Wade has suffered four reoccurring brain tumors, with the last one resulting in radiation and chemo. The first tumor was discovered after Wade hit his head in a hockey game and had a seizure on the ice. Their world was forever changed. Throughout their journey, Karly and Wade have had two children together and Wade has currently received several hockey offers for the upcoming season, continuing his dream of playing professional hockey. They will be heading to England for the upcoming hockey season. Make sure to check out their new podcast "A Living Breakthrough" on Podbean and Spotify SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tnaTEoALlCkKrlzQbbOZr?si=_Ntnd1UwQZWuCFFjNy_5Vg&dl_branch=1&nd=1 Read more here: https://news.northeastern.edu/2020/02/24/cancer-interrupted-his-hockey-career-now-hes-back-on-the-ice/ This Episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Better Help has come up several times by my guests and is a 100% virtual counseling service. Living these lives we do can be very lonely and I truly believe talking to a therapist can make a huge difference in the experience of this lifestyle. Get 10% off your first month betterhelp.com/breakingtheice Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingtheicepod Follow my guests on Instagram: www.instagram.com/karly.macleod www.instagram.com/wademacleod
Apr 21, 2021 · 57 min
Her Journey with IVF with Sandra Szczechura
Sandra Szczechura, wife of Paul Szczechura, joins me on the podcast and shares about her fertility journey, including IVF. She has had 2 IUIs, (2 of which were overseas), 1 miscarriage, 1 successful pregnancy and has one last embryo frozen for their final attempt for a second baby. Sandra was so open to sharing her journey, in hopes to help someone in our community who needs the support. I learned so much in this episode, including how to support someone who is going through this. She is so encouraging, optimistic and understanding. I hope that this is just the beginning of normalizing this conversation! Helpful Links: Instagram: www.instagram.com/breakingtheicepod Thrive Market is an online membership-based market on a mission to make healthy living easy and affordable for everyone. Enjoy this exclusive offer for our community. I love that you can choose your membership term. For me, I went with the 12 month membership because it comes down to $5 per month. But you can also give it a try for a shorter period of time! https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100386896-14461350 Modern Fertility At Home Hormone test is the most comprehensive fertility hormone test you can take at home. The test and online experience include physician-reviewed, personalized reports, access to a weekly "egginars," a free 1:1 consultation with a fertility nurse, and an invitation to a real-talk community for people with ovaries to share their stories and get support. Here is a link to get an exclusive discount if you are interested! http://modernfertility.me/breakingtheicepod Here are some facts that are good to know: 1 in 6 couples struggle with infertility Infertility is not a female problem! 1/3 of infertility cases are due to the woman, ⅓ due to the man, and 1/3 unexplained Common causes of infertility include: Low ovarian reserve (egg count - which we cover in our test) Irregular or absent ovulation, often due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - 1 in 10 people are affected and taking our test can help raise red flags here Tubal issues, including endometriosis (this can also cause low ovarian reserve) Uterine issues, such as fibroids, adenomyosis, or scarring Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Male factor infertility Unexplained infertility
Apr 14, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
Juggling Expat Wife Life, Motherhood and a Swimwear Line Back Home With Danielle Nowick
Danielle Nowick, wife of Darren Nowick who plays for Skelleftea AIK in the SHL, joins me on the podcast today. We recorded this podcast in person and hit it off immediately. Danielle shares the hilarious story of how she met her husband and how he noticed her, finally, after she got her braces off. Danielle shares what her experience has been like in this hockey world. From meeting in high school, to venturing to college together, from finding out she's pregnant to doing long distance overseas....they have been through it all and more! Now with a toddler and new one on the way middle of May, her husband's playoff run could potentially end the day before her due date (And yes, he is still in Sweden...) I mean this couldn't sound anymore like "I am married to a hockey player" if we tried! We had such a fun time together. RESOURCES: Use the code "BREAKINGTHEICE" for 25% off Oliva Swim www.olivaswimwear.com www.instagram.com/olivaswim www.instagram.com/breakingtheicepod
Apr 7, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
Everything You Want to Know From a Labor & Delivery Nurse with Nicole Quinn
Nicole Quinn, girlfriend of Andrew MacWilliam, of Redbull Munich in the DEL, joins me on the podcast today! Nicole is a labor & delivery nurse and we talk about all the things including: -Genetics and how it affects labor & delivery -Second baby truths and myths, as well as food myths -Early signs of labor and how you can induce labor naturally. We also chat about POOP during labor, water leaking vs. water breaking, back labor vs. front labor and so much more! Nicole is SO knowledgeable and has years of experience. I asked her questions about what happened with my birth experience and she answered several of your anticipated questions. I loved chatting with her and hope you enjoy this episode. There will be no intro from me this week due to technical difficulties. Follow Nicole on Instagram: www.instagram.com/nkquinn DISCLAIMER: We are not providing medical services, or attempting to diagnose or treat any condition. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific health. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice because of information you have heard on the podcast.
Mar 31, 2021 · 45 min
All Shapes and Sizes are Beautiful with Meghan Smith
Meg Smith, wife of Trevor Smith, who played several years between the NHL, AHL and one year in Switzerland, joins me on the podcast today. Meg has always been a career driven person and shared about how she occasionally felt torn between career life and hockey life. She also speaks about how she grew up small breasted and had several self confidence issues. Shortly after having her two daughters, one in Toronto and one in Switzerland, she made the decision to get breast implants. She began to experience debilitating health problems and could not figure out the underlying issue. Meg shares about her experience with breast implant illness and how it led her to create her brand, Love Lexxi, launching in 2021. I love what Meg has created for the community she is building! www.instagram.com/welovelexxi www.instagram.com/torchpro