The Making of Commander A
April 22, 2025
Meet Annie – aka Commander A
In this episode of The Chaos Commanders Podcast, we pull back the curtain on Annie—aka Commander A. From Des Moines to Rochester to deployments and peanut allergies, Annie shares the incredible journey that shaped her into the chaos-commanding mom, martial artist, and military wife she is today.
Episode Highlights
You’ll hear how she navigated single-parenting while her husband was deployed (including giving birth solo with a FaceTimed delivery!), what it’s like to build and rebuild community in multiple cities, and the heartbreaking yet empowering decision to live apart from her husband in order to save her son’s life.
If you’re a mom navigating life on your own terms—or trying to find peace in the mess—you’ll feel seen, inspired, and ready to take on whatever chaos comes next.
From Rochester’s famous garbage plates (trust us, you’ll want to Google it) to the first family photo with baby Raina, Annie’s story is layered with memory, laughter, and moments that hit you right in the heart.
These are the kind of snapshots that bring the story to life—and reflect the heart of The Chaos Commanders: real moms, real chaos, real connection.
Standout Quotes
“You are made to do hard things.” – Annie
“You don’t ever get used to living apart—but it’s what the kids know.” – Annie
“Martial arts helped me find space for myself, even when everything else was heavy.” – Annie
“We had to choose between being together as a family or keeping our son alive. That choice was clear—but it wasn’t easy.” – Annie
Takeaways
1️⃣ Choosing her son’s health over living with her husband meant years of solo parenting, but she would make that choice every time.
2️⃣ Martial arts, cozy reading, and real community have been essential parts of Annie’s self-care and survival strategies.
3️⃣ Annie’s motto, “You are made to do hard things,” became a lifeline—and a legacy she’s now passed on to her kids.
Mentioned in This Episode
Featured Chaos Anthem
“Calabria” by Enur ft. Natasja
A bold, club-era anthem full of energy and fire—perfectly matched to Annie’s no-BS, powerhouse vibe.
You can find it (and all our episode anthems) on The Chaos Commanders: Season One playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
Connect with Us
Want more behind-the-scenes moments, real-life parenting hilarity, and honest chats about navigating friendship and family?
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📸 Instagram: @thechaoscommanders
📘 Facebook: The Chaos Commanders Podcast
🌐 Website: thechaoscommanders.com
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