The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands

The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands

Empowering Military Spouses: The InDependent Spouse Podcast from the Armed Forces Family. Looking for inspiration and support as a military spouse? The InDependent Spouse podcast is your one-stop shop for stories, tips, and a thriving community! Host Jess Sands chats with incredible military spouses achieving amazing things, alongside building the Milspo® Community. This network of over 1,450 spouses, partners, and "other halves" is dedicated to helping military families build epic businesses that thrive, not just survive modern military life. Ready to take action? Milspo®: Supporting Military Families Milspo® is a network built by military spouses, for military spouses. We understand the unique challenges faced by those living a military life. Our resources and programmes are designed to empower spouses to thrive, both personally and professionally. Military Spouse Podcast, Military Spouse Business, Military Family Support, Milspo Community, Military Spouse Entrepreneurship, The InDependent Spouse Supporting the Milspo Network CIC The Milspo Network CIC is a volunteer-run social enterprise dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial endeavours of the entire UK military spouse community. We rely on the goodwill of our members and volunteers to continue our mission. Looking to make a difference? • Spread the Word: Share the Milspo Network with other military spouses! • Support Us: We are seeking sponsorship or financial help to ensure we can continue providing resources and support in 2025 and beyond https://milspo.co.uk/milspomovement/

Episodes

November 6, 2025 36 mins

Ahead of Remembrance Day, we are re-releasing one of the most poignant interviews ever recorded on The InDependent Spouse podcast. Host Jess Sands talks with the brilliant and inspirational founder, Nikki Scott, about the incr...

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Welcome to the final episode of Series 7! This week, I'm joined by Bekky, a Navy wife, mum of three, and a graduate from the Milspo Business Start-Up course.

Bekky shares her incredible journey from feeling lost and lonely as a new military partner to building her own thriving business, The Crafty Starfish. 

We discuss the unique challenges military spouses face, such as frequent moves, deploy...

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Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse Podcast! In this episode, your host Jess Sands dives into the inspirational world of Major Jo Vann – a true multi-hyphenate who redefines what it means to juggle military life, motherhood, and a thriving business.

Jo is not only working full-time in the British Army with a serving husband and two children, but she also runs a stunning boutique hotel in Amesbury called...

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Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse podcast! In this particularly exciting episode, Jess Sands sits down with the brilliant Felicity Mercer, wife to Johnny Mercer, who has navigated the unique challenges of armed forces life, the intense world of politics, and is now an award-winning business owner. 

We cover it all, from meeting Johnny Mercer (MP and former Minister for State for Veterans Affairs) as c...

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Join Jess Sands in this inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse as she welcomes the incredible duo behind the award-winning podcast, Pad Wives Assemble – Sophs and Kirsha! 

 

Tune in as they dive into the realities of modern military life, discussing everything from building a supportive tri-service community to challenging outdated stereotypes about military spouses. Sophs and Kirsha share their journ...

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse Podcast! In this episode, your host Jess Sands sits down with the phenomenal Ria Jackson, an RAF veteran, founder of "The V Word," and CEO of Inclusive Minds UK. Join us as Ria shares her extraordinary journey of self-discovery and resilience, and learn about her mission to champion neuro-inclusion.

 

Episode Highlights:

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In this inspiring episode, host Jess Sands welcomes Lulu from the Marama Alliance, a vibrant community dedicated to supporting Fijian women and their families in the UK armed forces.

Lulu shares her personal journey of moving from Fiji to the UK as a military spouse, facing challenges like adapting to a new climate and navigating unfamiliar systems like working in the UK, opening bank accounts, and that pe...

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Welcome to The InDependent Spouse podcast, your go-to place for inspiration and support in navigating modern military life. In this episode, host Jess Sands sits down with the incredible Camilla Howard: an RAF veteran, an Army spouse, a forces child, and a dedicated advocate for the military spouse community.

After 12 years in the RAF, Camilla transitioned to a civilian career with Compass Group UK and Ire...

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Join Jess Sands in this inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse Podcast as she chats with the incredible Alex Rickerby. Alex, a career coach for the Forces Employment Charity and a private coach in the tech sector, shares her remarkable story of balancing a high-powered career with the unique demands of military life, motherhood, and unexpected challenges.

 

In this episode, you'll hear about:

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This week on The InDependent Spouse, host Jess Sands welcomes the inspiring Dr. Kathrine McAleese for a deeply insightful conversation about navigating the demands of modern military life while striving for personal and professional fulfillment. This episode is a must-listen for any military spouse seeking to find success on their own terms and reclaim their joy amidst the beautiful chaos of armed forces life.

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Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse, and get ready for authentic stories and amazing inspiration from the military family! In this candid chat, Jess sits down with the incredible Lady Caitlin Knighton, wife of the Chief of the Air Staff and a brilliant family lawyer.

If you've ever felt the squeeze of balancing military life with family and work, this episode is for you. 

Lady Knighton shar...

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Discover how diplomatic spouse Nilma Dole-Williams balances her role as an ambassador's wife with her passion for cricket and women's empowerment.

Perfect for military spouses, armed forces wives, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses while navigating a mobile lifestyle.

Empowering Military Spouses: The InDependent Spouse Podcast

Looking for inspiration and support as a military spouse? Read more

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Author Amanda Prowse shares her journey from military life to home ownership, reflecting on the nostalgia and challenges faced during her husband's deployments.

After starting her writing career at 40, she uses her experiences to inspire her books, including her newest book, "Swimming to Lundy," which explores grief and community following her brother's death.

This is such a brilliant episode and I am so proud to be able to share A...

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Emma Gray hosts this very special episode blending business and military life, sharing Jess' journey as a business owner, military spouse, and new mum.

Jess Sands founded the Milspo Network CIC in 2018 to support military spouses in business, offering networking, training, and community - but, it's been far from a smooth ride.

Get to know Jess and why Milspo exists by listening to this unique episode of Th...

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https://www.scottishveteranscommissioner.org

Jess Sands hosts a podcast on business and military life, aiming to inspire military spouses to become entrepreneurs. In this episode, she interviews Susie, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, who emphasises support for women veterans and bereaved families.

The discussion highlights the gap between policymakers and ...

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Handleys Stitch - https://www.handleysstitch.co.uk 

Mia Harrington, a former Air Force Officer and current RAF wife, is the founder of Handly Stitched Soft Furnishings.

Mia's journey from the military to creating curtains, blinds, lampshades, and cushion covers is inspiring, and a must-listen if you're in year one or have an idea for your business.

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Jess Sands, a business owner and military spouse, hosts the InDependent Spouse Podcast, offering support to business-owning military spouses. In a recent episode, she interviewed Helen Williamson, a financial planner and ex-RAF veteran, emphasising the importance of financial planning for military spouses and self-employed individuals.

Helen shares her journey of retraining as a f...

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Lizzie York is an RAF wife and business owner who runs Cyclical Soul, an online yoga platform promoting women's well-being.

Cyclical Soul focuses on cyclical living and aligning with your hormonal cycle to enhance your overall health and self-care, and this episode is chock full of handy tips to achieve that, even if you feel you have limited time due to the juggle of military life.

Lizzie shares her journey from personal struggles...

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I am Jess Sands, and this podcast is where all things business and armed forces life combine to inspire you in your modern military life. Welcome to the InDependent Spouse Podcast.

Episode two of series six features Emily, a sustainable tourism consultant, discussing ways to make travel more eco-friendly. Emily is also the sustainability lead for Forces Wives Challenge and advocat...

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I am Jess Sands, and this podcast is where all things business and armed forces life combine to inspire you in your modern military life. Welcome to the InDependent Spouse Podcast.

Susan Bonner, a naval veteran and former military spouse, is a successful business owner of the British Craft House. Susan shares her own journey of starting her business and emphasises the importance of community, empowerment, ...

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