We're In One

18: How Melissa Rach Built a Legacy of a Connected Family After the NHL

How do you react when the life you've spent years building is suddenly uprooted by a news bulletin on your car radio? For Melissa Rach, the ex-wife of former NHL goalie Pokey Reddick, it was finding out about a trade to Edmonton while driving home to her newborn baby was the moment she truly entered the hockey life. Today, Melissa gives a look back at an era long before the "WAG" label was popular, recalling a time of wives' rooms, superstitious rituals, and the silent strength required to move a family across the country at a moment's notice. We dive into the highs and lows of a professional career that stretched from the Winnipeg Jets to a historic Stanley Cup victory with the Edmonton Oilers. Melissa opens up about the isolation of being a 23-year-old mother in a new city, the exhausting "up and down" of the minor leagues, and the pivotal choice she made to leave the traveling lifestyle behind to give her children the stability they deserved. Beyond the highlights on the ice, this is a story about the intentional work of building a healthy family after the cheering stops. Melissa shares how she moved past the divorce to build a genuine friendship with her ex-husband's new wife, ensuring their children grew up in a supportive, unified environment. From watching her son, Bryce, chase his own professional dreams to the emotional 2024 reunion in Winnipeg, her perspective shows that while the career is temporary, the legacy of a connected family is permanent! Did something in this conversation I had with Melissa resonate with you? I'd love to hear about it, so let us know over on Instagram, @wereinonepod [https://www.instagram.com/wereinonepod], and we'll see you back soon for another hard-hitting episode! Just some of the highlights you'll hear: * The jarring moment Melissa learned of a life-altering trade via a sports broadcast while navigating life with a four-month-old baby * A rare look at the superstitions shared by the 1989-90 Oilers wives and the story of her son Bryce and the prestigious Stanley Cup * How Melissa chose to make Las Vegas a permanent home base to protect her children's friendships and education from the constant cycle of relocation * What the move from having the identity of a hockey wife to a dedicated hockey mom looked like for her and her children * How and why Melissa intentionally fostered a relationship with her ex-husband's second wife * A very emotional experience that occurred when she visited Glasgow, Scotland, and saw a fan wearing her son's jersey * A humorous memory she has watching Bryce as an 8-year-old playing hockey * How the unique challenges of the hockey world equipped her children with the kindness and resilience needed to thrive in any culture or country LINKS: Melissa's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mrach/] Pokey's Hockey Profile [https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=4499] Bryce's Hockey Profile [https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=102372] 15: Beyond the Spotlight: Brittany Lucic on Navigating NHL Life, Tragedy, and the Power of Reclaimed Grace [Part One] [https://traffic.libsyn.com/1e4cb00e-2e4f-4cfb-84c6-f0c344a8e818/15_Beyond_the_Spotlight_Brittany_Lucic_on_Navigating_NHL_Life_Tragedy_and_the_Power_of_Reclaimed_Grace_Part_One.mp3] 16: Beyond the Spotlight: Brittany Lucic on Navigating NHL Life, Tragedy, and the Power of Reclaimed Grace [Part Two] [https://traffic.libsyn.com/1e4cb00e-2e4f-4cfb-84c6-f0c344a8e818/16_Beyond_the_Spotlight_Brittany_Lucic_on_Navigating_NHL_Life_Tragedy_and_the_Power_of_Reclaimed_Grace_Part_Two.mp3]

17: How Tina Tuzzolino Navigated the Identity Shift from Player's Wife to Coach's Spouse

The move from the playing years to the coaching staff changes more than just a schedule, it changes the entire dynamic of a hockey household! My special guest Tina Tuzzolino has spent twenty years navigating this life alongside her husband, Nick, through two dozen cities and every level of the game, and I can't wait for you to hear her story. In this conversation, Tina talks about the logistical reality of the "Traveling Gong Show" and she breaks down the transition from the relatively carefree life of a player's wife to the high-pressure responsibility of being a coach's spouse. We discuss the unseen mental load of recruitment, the reality of solo-parenting three young athletes without a local support system, and a whole lot more. From their favorite chapters in Salt Lake and Savannah to the way the rink served as a sanctuary, this is a look at the grit and resilience required to build a life on the move! Did something in this conversation I had with Tina resonate with you? I'd love to hear about it, so let us know over on Instagram, @wereinonepod [https://www.instagram.com/wereinonepod], and we'll see you back soon for another hard-hitting episode! Just some of the highlights you'll hear: * Tina's identify shift of moving from the carefree player's wife to the responsibility of the coaching life * The "duct-tape" bond and why being isolated in new cities creates a family resilience you can't find by staying in one place * A look at the unseen mental load of coaching and why the game never truly stays at the rink, even on Christmas Day * Her insights on navigating the moment children are old enough to understand the stakes of a loss and question job security * How Nick's journey through 20 cities turned him into a mentor who prioritizes a player's mental health * Managing the logistical challenge of three kids in travel sports without a local village to lean on * Tina shares about the unique craving for the "wind to change" and why staying in one city for more than two years feels like a creative dead end * Her direct response to a common stigma about this lifestyle and why a pro-hockey career is a 50/50 venture that requires a full household commitment * She reflects on the specific chapters of life where the weather, the community, and the stage of motherhood aligned perfectly * How the structure of the game provided a healing space for the family during times of grief LINKS: Tina's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tinatuzz/] Nick's Hockey Profile [https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83957]

16: Beyond the Spotlight: Brittany Lucic on Navigating NHL Life, Tragedy, and the Power of Reclaimed Grace [Part Two]

What do you do when the life you've built for nearly two decades suddenly hits a dead end? Last week, my special guest Brittany Lucic and I started a conversation that was as real as it gets, and today, we're finishing it. We're diving into that "reckoning" moment: the kind of raw, seven-hour talk that happens when you're days away from a divorce and finally decide to lay everything on the table. Today, Brittany opens up about the side of this league that never makes the highlights. We're talking about the physical and mental toll of being the "villain," the secret injuries players carry just to keep their spot on the roster, and the terrifying reality of navigating a family crisis under a microscope. But more than the hockey of it all, this is a story about what happens when you stop waiting for someone else to change and start doing the work for yourself. From finding a sense of peace in the Scottish highlands to learning how to lead with grace instead of resentment, Brittany's perspective is the breath of fresh air we all need. Settle in, because this conclusion is one that's going to stay with you. I want to give a big thanks to Brittany for sharing such a personal story, and you can follow her journey further, @brittanylucic [https://www.instagram.com/brittanylucic/], on Instagram. If her story resonates or inspires you we'd love to hear about it, so let us know over on Instagram, @wereinonepod [https://www.instagram.com/wereinonepod] and we'll see you back soon for another hard-hitting episode of the podcast! Just some of the highlights you'll hear: * The raw reality of the 7-hour reckoning that occurred days before a finalized divorce and how it changed the trajectory of their family's future * How to navigate heavy conversations around rehab and addiction with children so they feel supported without carrying the weight of adult issues * A rare look at the invisible physical toll of the game and the story of Milan playing through a broken leg just to protect his career and trade value * Why Brittany chooses to lead with empathy instead of anger when facing public slander and the damaged humans behind digital harassment * Milan's evolution from denial to advocacy and how he now works behind the scenes to help other players navigate the stigma of mental health * Defining the mission of Reclaimed Grace and why Brittany believes a partnership can only survive if both people are committed to individual growth * Finding peace through the move to Scotland and the magic of seeing her children attend the same school as their great-grandparents * Understanding the gentle soul behind the grit and why you can't judge the human by the character they play on the ice LINKS: Brittany's Website/The Reclaimed Grace Journey [https://brittanylucic.com/] Her Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brittanylucic/] Milan's Hockey Profile [https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83957]

15: Beyond the Spotlight: Brittany Lucic on Navigating NHL Life, Tragedy, and the Power of Reclaimed Grace [Part One]

How do you navigate the most public, high-pressure seasons of your life when the private reality is falling apart behind the scenes? Today, I'm sitting down with Brittany Lucic for a conversation that, trust me, is as raw and unfiltered as it gets. We're pulling back the curtain on nearly two decades in the NHL. Brittany is refreshingly honest about the reality of marriage under the spotlight, the complex dynamics of family trauma, and the moment she realized that "playing the game" meant she had to stop performing for others and start showing up for herself. Whether you've struggled to find your footing in a new city or are navigating your own season of heavy transition, this conversation is the breath of fresh air every hockey group chat needs. Next time, you won't want to miss the conclusion of my chat with Brittany, where we pick up right where we left off to discuss the path toward healing, reconciliation, and what happens when you finally decide to walk your own way. Grab your drink, settle in, and get ready for a conversation that will stay with you long after it's over! Did something in this conversation I had with Brittany resonate with you? I'd love to hear about it, so let us know over on Instagram, @wereinonepod [https://www.instagram.com/wereinonepod], and we'll see you back soon for another hard-hitting episode! Just some of the highlights you'll hear: * The ruthless evolution of NHL WAG culture and why Brittany made it a non-negotiable mission to foster an inclusive community for new wives and girlfriends * An honest look at the "big bad" Bruins era in Boston and the intense, high-pressure reality of navigating the city as a young, college-aged partner * How Brittany and Milan managed the extreme public scrutiny and safety concerns during the 2011 Stanley Cup run in Vancouver * Brittany opens up about the devastating loss of Milan's father and the subsequent struggle to navigate grief while raising three children * Why she believes you cannot wait for a community to find you and the importance of being an active support for the other women in the league * A behind-the-scenes look at the invisible pressures of professional sports * How Brittany navigated the media bombardment during her most difficult season and the decision to prioritize her children's well-being above all else * Her powerful perspective on why she refused to adopt a victim mentality, choosing instead to focus on accountability, Al-Anon, and personal growth * What inspired the launch of Reclaimed Grace and why Brittany is so passionate about helping women find their identity beyond their partner's career * The vital importance of showing up for your own life and why Brittany believes the truth will always set you free LINKS: Brittany's Website/The Reclaimed Grace Journey [https://brittanylucic.com/] Her Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brittanylucic/] Milan's Hockey Profile [https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83957]

14: The Midlife Unraveling: Petra Boumedienne on Health, Hormones, and Finding Yourself Beyond the Rink

How do you handle the "midlife unraveling" when your body, your family, and your identity all seem to be shifting at the exact same time? Today, I'm sitting down with my long-time friend Petra Boumedienne for a conversation that is an absolute masterclass in resilience and self-discovery. Petra and I go back nearly 18 years, and in that time, she has navigated 19 different organizations across her husband Josef's 15-year pro career. But as she refreshingly shares today, her journey didn't end when the skates were hung up. We dig deep into her transition from "hockey wife" to functional medicine expert and author, exploring the often invisible side of health that most doctors completely miss. Whether you are navigating an empty nest, struggling to find your energy again, or just trying to remember who you are outside of the rink, this episode is the deep dive you've been waiting for. This isn't just a talk about hormones; it's a look at how we reclaim our power in a season of life that often tries to take it away. I'm so excited for you to hear Petra's perspective, so let's get into it! Did something in this conversation I had with Petra resonate with you? I'd love to hear about it, so let us know over on Instagram, @wereinonepod [https://www.instagram.com/wereinonepod], and we'll see you back soon for another hard-hitting episode! Just some of the highlights you'll hear: * Why Petra believes moving through seven countries by age seven built a unique sense of human closeness and adaptability in her boys * An inside look at why looking for the root cause is the key to navigating perimenopause and why conventional medicine often fails women in midlife * The reasons that stabilizing your blood sugar is the single most important action you can take to stop the afternoon crashes and midnight sweats * Petra reveals the hormonal shifts men experience (especially retiring athletes) and why we need to start talking about their loss of confidence and testosterone * Why she refuses to accept the idea that it's finally "her turn" now that Josef has retired, and her advice for finding your own lane in this lifestyle * What inspired Petra to write a novel where the transition of midlife is actually a character, making the science of our bodies finally feel relatable and human * The non-negotiable lifestyle habits she uses to maintain high performance while raising three elite athletes * A powerful perspective on why you should never perform for others' expectations and the importance of staying true to your own interests, no matter where the game takes you LINKS: Petra's Book, What I Didn't Know I Needed: A novel about perimenopause, change, and coming home to yourself [https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0GLJY9XHC?ref_=cb_interstitial_us_ca_desktop_unrec_location_unk_dp_dp] Petra's Website [https://hellotohealth.se/] & Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/p.boumedienne/] Josef's Player Profile [https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=37633]