What happens when the hockey "dream" is suddenly interrupted by a life-altering tragedy? How do you find the strength to heal when your world is moving cities every few months? My special guest today is the firecracker that is April McCallum, and her story is a masterclass in resilience.

From the heartbreaking moment her partner Jordan Cownie signed with her late father's favorite team to honor his legacy, to the "ringleader" energy she brings to every locker room, April isn't just along for the ride - she's driving the fun!

We're diving into the reality of pivoting from a thankless career to finding professional stability, the secret "sisterhood" of the UK hockey scene, and why she's making sure the women behind the players get their own trophies too. We even scheme about the ultimate post-season escape: an overdue girls' night in Budapest…

If you've ever felt lost in the shuffle of a partner's career or just need a reminder of the power of a supportive community, what are you waiting for? Hit play because this one with April is just what you've been waiting for!

Did something in this conversation I had with April resonate with you? I'd love to hear about it, so let us know over on Instagram, @wereinonepod, and we'll see you back soon for another hard-hitting episode!

Just some of the highlights you'll hear:

• April shares the surreal story of meeting Jordan online and discovering their bizarrely intertwined roots between Glasgow and Milton Keynes

• A look into the unique structure of the EIHL and NIHL through her partner's career path and the distinction between "import" and "local" player dynamics

• How the Guildford Flames organization and April's "hockey sisters" provided a vital support system during her healing journey after the sudden loss of her father

• The way April and Jordan honored her father by returning to the Glasgow Clan arena and sitting in his season ticket seat

• April's 10-year journey in property management and her strategic shift into the software industry to build professional stability, all while living the hockey lifestyle

• Why she took on the role of the team organizer in Milton Keynes and some of the cool things she did to foster inclusivity

• A humorous breakdown of the common misconceptions about the lifestyle and why most wives are actually social butterflies who rarely know the final score of the game

• The logistical (and expensive!) challenges of moving dogs across Europe and the UK
  
  

LINKS:

Jordan's Hockey Profile

What happens when the "dream life" of a pro-hockey partner hits the reality of needing your own identity? Can you actually build something for yourself when your entire life is at the mercy of the next trade or a contract in Europe?

Today's episode is a bit longer, but trust me, you need every minute of the 23 years of stories my guest Bianca is sharing. She's lived the ultimate pivot, from the quiet (and sometimes lonely) grind of raising a family in Germany to the sheer grit it takes to launch a business in a country where you don't even speak the language.

We're getting into the real stuff: the power of the "hockey wife" survival sisterhood, the struggle to keep your own professional fire burning, and how to stay grounded when you're living without a permanent map.

If you've ever felt like you were living in the shadow of someone else's career and you're ready for a serious shot of ambition and truth, then hit play because we're going deep in this one.

Did something in this conversation I had with Bianca resonate with you? I'd love to hear about it, so let us know over on Instagram, @wereinonepod, and we'll see you back soon for another hard-hitting episode!

Just some of the highlights you'll hear:

• Bianca's early transition into the hockey world and the unique perspective she gained while navigating her partner's career in Canada and abroad\

• The emotional (and logistical) reality of moving a young family across borders, including the specific challenges of settling into life in Germany

• A deep dive into Bianca's entrepreneurial journey and how she successfully balanced raising children while launching a business in a foreign country

• Some of the big ways that the "hockey wife" community serves as a vital support system for her

• The strategic ways Bianca pivoted her professional skills to adapt to the European market as she grows her own empire

• Her thoughts on navigating the language barrier and cultural shifts in local communities she's lived in with her family

• Bianca's insightful advice on managing the high-pressure "waiting game" of contract seasons and the uncertainty of professional sports life

• The evolution of her own personal brand and how she leveraged her unique experiences to inspire other women in similar transition periods

• A look at the long-term career planning required for life after hockey and the steps Bianca and her family are taking to prepare for the next chapter

• Reflections on the enduring strength of the "Canadian connection" and something that Bianca just can't live without when being away from Quebec
  
  

LINKS:

Bianca's Instagram

Brent's Hockey Profile

Ever wondered if it's possible to build a global empire when your home base changes with every trade? It sure is, and today's guest is living proof. My girl Chelsea Brown Pelech scaled a high-impact social enterprise while living out of a suitcase at the behest of a pro hockey contract. This powerhouse refused to let the "hockey wife" label define her, and today, you'll get to meet her and hear all about it!

In this episode, Chelsea reveals the raw, unscripted reality of founding Millie, a for-purpose business empowering women globally, while navigating 15-hour bus rides and the soul-crushing chaos of international visas. This isn't your typical "behind the scenes" fluff. We're talking about the grit required to maintain professional autonomy in a world that expects you to just sit and watch from the stands.

If you're tired of the filtered version of sports life and want the real story of ambition, impact, and survival, hit play. We're going deep, and we're not holding back.

Learn more at www.millie.ca and join the conversation on Instagram @wereinonepod. Let's get into it!

Just some of the highlights you'll hear:

• Mike's incredible achievement of reaching 1,000 professional games and the resilience required to maintain a career of that length

• The challenges and growth that came with navigating a long-distance relationship for 6 years while Chelsea established her own professional identity

• The inspiring origin story of Chelsea's social enterprise, Millie, which focuses on the economic empowerment of women and artisan communities

• Her strategic shift during the lockdowns, moving from impact travel to launching a podcast to continue amplifying the voices of women-led organizations

• Chelsea's heartwarming story of rescuing her dog from the streets and the logistical hurdles that were faced bringing a rescue pet into the nomadic life of a professional athlete

• A look at the often-hidden financial and legal hurdles of being a hockey partner, including the high costs and restrictions of UK and US work visas

• What happened with a high-stakes career pivot at the Canadian border and how it all worked out in the end for Chelsea and Mike

• How the unconventional nature of the hockey world ultimately served as a catalyst for Chelsea's career growth
  
  

LINKS:

The Millie Community Website, Instagram & Podcast

Young Epilepsy Website & Instagram

Zimbabwe Educational Trust Website & Instagram

Mike's Hockey Profile