The InDependent Spouse Podcast
62 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago -The InDependent Spouse podcast by The Milspo Business Network is a series of fun, informative podcasts for all military spouses, partners and other-halves.
The InDependent Spouse podcast was born from a need to hear something new. A need to hear from the inspirational men and women who experience service life from the ‘home-front’ while creating successful businesses, running amazing charities and taking on their own challenges.
To give a voice to those who are already achieving astonishing things, and to inspire those who dream of doing the same.
As the traditional role of the ‘military spouse’ continues to evolve in line with the military itself, it seems only fitting to reflect these changes in a modern way.
What’s also clear is the importance of developing their own role; one that gives the spouse, partner or other-half their own voice while also complimenting that of the service member.
In this series, Jess explores military life by chatting with inspiring people in the community.
So, sit back and listen to their personal stories. Hopefully, one day, we’ll hear from you!
Download. Subscribe. Enjoy!
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Episodes
062: The podcast is back! Could you be a guest?
February 22, 2024 09:31 - 4 minutes - 6.21 MBI am Jess Sands, and this podcast is where all things business and armed forces life combine to inspire you in your modern military life. I'm a business owner, military wife, a new mum living in my Magnolia married quarter, running two successful businesses and creating the most impactful work of my life. But it wasn't always like this. When I first started my business, I was struggling to get started and wrestling with how to achieve my dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. I was d...
061: What Choice Will You Make as a Milspo?
August 23, 2023 11:28 - 15 minutes - 21 MBMilspos, entrepreneurs and dreamers, listeners old and new, welcome back to the InDependent Spouse podcast! I'm thrilled to announce, with a heart full of excitement, that I'm back in action! So, put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and get ready for an inspirational episode. Have you ever felt the surge of inspiration that comes with discovering a new book? Well, get ready to experience that and more. Our podcast is embarking on a captivating mini-series, one that's ignited by the ...
060 : Nicola Swann
December 10, 2021 11:59 - 34 minutes - 48 MBHello you lovely lot, today I am chatting to the fab Nicola from Made with Mud. Nicola has a fascinating story about her business and how social media has both helped and hindered her business in the most dramatic way. But first, a little mention of the sponsors of this series – the RBL. After 100 years of supporting the Armed Forces community, the Royal British Legion understands and recognises the challenges faced by serving people and their families. That’s why they’re still here to s...
059 : Carrie Moss
December 03, 2021 16:24 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MBHello, you wonderful lot, today’s podcast is all about the power of networking, and it’s great to be able to share with you the interview that I did with the fantastic Carrie Moss from the Military Matchmaker. But, before we get stuck in a little message from the RBL, who sponsor this series. The Royal British Legion offers all members of our Armed Forces community support. But we also understand that sometimes what’s needed is just a bit of advice. So whether it’s recommending specialis...
058 : Caroline Hocking
November 26, 2021 10:50 - 32 minutes - 44 MBWelcome back to The InDependent Spouse – and what an episode we have for you today! If you’re a business owner, you’ll know that as soon as we get past Halloween, there’s another scary event on the horizon – tax season! Luckily, I know the most fantastic accountant, who also happens to be a military spouse, and Milspo Ambassador – and that’s who I am talking to today. But first off, a note from the sponsors, the Royal British Legion. The Royal British Legion can offer you financial suppo...
057 : Group Captain Toria McPhaden
November 12, 2021 12:39 - 21 minutes - 30.1 MBHello you wonderful lot, I hope you are well, no matter where you find yourself in the world. It always astounds me when I check the stats on the podcast how many of you are listening, here in the UK and further afield. It’s great to see how these inspirational stories are being spread across the world and hopefully helping you feel a little bit more positive in your military life. Last week I felt especially honoured to talk at the International Military Spouse Virtual Employment Summit...
056 : Rachel Luke
October 29, 2021 11:21 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MBHello you wonderful lot, welcome back to The Independent Spouse. Today I am chatting to the fab Rachel Luke – Virtual Assistant, Social Media expert, and Milspo Ambassador. You are going to love this interview if you’re a business owner as it’s stuffed full with our best business tips associated with social media. Before we kick off with the interview, here’s a little note from the RBL, who sponsor this series. The Royal British Legion have been the national champions of Remembrance for ...
055 : Eleanor Tweddell
October 22, 2021 10:05 - 26 minutes - 36.7 MBHappy Friday you wonderful lot, I hope you’re keeping well and enjoying this new series of The InDependent Spouse. This entire series has been sponsored by the Royal British Legion, who are gearing up for their busiest time of year. The Royal British Legion have been the national champions of Remembrance for 100 years , but they are about much more than just poppies. They’re here 365 days a year to support us and our families. Whether it’s helping to ease the transition for your family i...
054 : Kelly Farr
October 15, 2021 11:00 - 17 minutes - 24.6 MBHello you wonderful lot, welcome to a new episode of the InDependent Spouse. This week I have been talking to founder of YourNorth, and RAF Veteran Kelly Farr. Before we get stuck in to the episode I should tell you about the wonderful sponsors of this series – the RBL. The Royal British Legion offer all members of our Armed Forces community support. But they also understand that sometimes what’s needed is just a bit of advice. Whether it’s recommending specialised services, advise on ho...
053 : Dr Jill Jackson
October 08, 2021 09:37 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBHello you lovely lot, welcome to episode 6 of this 5th series of The InDependent Spouse. Today is a great episode if you are a parent, or a parent to be. I’ve been chatting to Dr Jill. Maternity doctor and founder of The Birth Café. But, just before the interview I need to tell you about the amazing work from The Royal British Legion, who sponsor this series. The RBL know that families are the most important support structure within the serving community. But time spent apart during ex...
052 : Naomi Hurst
October 01, 2021 10:13 - 26 minutes - 36.4 MBHello you wonderful lot, I hope you’re keeping well and enjoying the podcast series so far. I’ve heard some amazing feedback and really appreciate all of your comments. It really is an inspiring series, and todays episode is no different. Before we chat to Naomi, I need to tell you about the wonderful Royal British Legion. The Royal British Legion offer all members of our Armed Forces community support. But they also understand that sometimes what’s needed is just a bit of advice. Whethe...
051 : Meredith Sneddon
September 24, 2021 10:27 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBHello you lovely lot, and welcome to a new episode of the InDependent Spouse podcast. Today I have been chatting to the lovely Meredith from the Royal British Legion. After 100 years supporting the Armed Forces community, the Royal British Legion understands and recognises the challenges faced by serving people and their families. That’s why they’re still here to support us in any way they can. From financial support to housing advise, or just someone to chat to outside of the chain of c...
050 : Nikki Scott
September 17, 2021 08:33 - 37 minutes - 51.4 MBHello you lovely lot, and welcome to todays episode with the wonderful Nikki from the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers. Its an emotional one today, but a very important episode that I think you will all gain a lot from, but first, a message from the RBL. The Royal British Legion have been the national champions of Remembrance for 100 years , but they are about much more than just poppies. They’re here 365 days a year to support us and our families. Whether it’s helping to ease the transi...
049 : Emma Henderson
September 10, 2021 07:30 - 31 minutes - 42.8 MBWelcome to the second episode in this series of the InDependent Spouse. Today I have been talking to a wonderful charity founder who flipped the adversity of the pandemic into a project that has helped thousands of front-line healthcare workers across the country. Project Wingman took flight at the start of the pandemic, providing specialist VIP lounges, run by grounded airline staff to provide first class service for front line NHS workers. What follows is a fascinating interview that l...
048 : Emma Gray
September 03, 2021 08:50 - 45 minutes - 62.1 MBToday I've been chatting to my wonderful friend Emma Gray from Rainbow Hunting Moments. Emma shares her very personal story about the death of her Royal Marine husband and the changes felt by her and her young family. We also discuss the kinds of legal set-up we should all consider when contemplating end of life care. A huge thank you to the wonderful Emma for sharing her story. I really hope you enjoy this first episode of the new series.
047 : Pre-Series 5 Special
March 17, 2021 17:15 - 52 minutes - 72.6 MBTime for something a little different. Jess, host of The InDependent Spouse was asked to be a guest on the Give Us Time podcast series and what follows is the complete episode. Give Us Time is a charity that offers free holidays to the military community, to help us connect with our serving partners and have quality time together as a family. Huge thanks to Give Us Time for allowing us to share this episode.
046 : Sarah Hulyer
November 20, 2020 15:16 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBToday I have been talking to the wonderful Sarah from Blooms from the base. This last episode of series four is a very positive episode that will have you dreaming of Spring! It's going to bring you an awful lot of happiness, especially at this time of year when the weather is looking a little bit miserable. It's another great example of when military life gets a bit much and if you are about to experience deployment it is defiantly a good one for you that might inspire you to get you...
045 : Helen Massy
November 13, 2020 12:07 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBToday I have been chatting to the lovely Helen, who created Career Pursuit, a guide especially for all military spouses all over the world. It helps you gain clarity on your career or in which way you might want to take your business. It is an amazing guide, chock full of information and you should definitely go and have a look. The following interview explains why she started it, and the sorts of information you can find in the guide. Thank you to Helen for all of your hard work cre...
044 : Chris Keen
November 06, 2020 15:46 - 21 minutes - 30 MBToday I have been talking to the very lovely Chris Keen from The Military Husband, BFBS and #SpouseHour. We talk all things 'military husband' and how that can impact on life, but also the positives around re-writing the way that military spouses and partners are represented. This is a great episode if you are a parent, or looking for a new perspective on Armed Forces life!
043 : Nadine Monks
October 28, 2020 12:04 - 23 minutes - 32.2 MBToday I have been talking to the lovely Nadine from Forces Family Finance! Nadine is one of those amazing business owners who has worked really hard to build one of those profitable businesses that can pay her a salary. It supports her family, it works really well with military life - but it's been tough, she's had to grow it with three tiny children around her ankles, but she has done so well! So this episode is chock full of tips if you are a mum starting in business, or you have your ow...
042 : Cat and Kirsty
October 23, 2020 10:15 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBToday I have been talking to Cat and Kirsty, over at the Dot Project. Cat and Kirsty are amazing business owners, mums and Army wives and this episode is full of positivity! A must listen if you are new to the military community. The Dot Project supports organisations across the social, public and education sector to be their digital best. I really hope you enjoy this new episode.
041 : Dr Rosie Gilderthorp
October 14, 2020 15:22 - 35 minutes - 48.7 MBToday I've been talking to my lovely pal Dr Rosie, better known as Dr Rosanna Gilderthorp - Clinical Psychologist who's leading a movement of innovators to change the conversation about mental health. We talk all things hypnobirthing, psychological therapy and how on earth we get through military life and a pandemic. You are going to love this episode!
040 : Sarah Walker
October 07, 2020 11:39 - 26 minutes - 36.5 MBToday I've been talking to the wonderful Sarah Walker from the free Supporting the Unsung Hero Business Start-Up course. The course is open to all members of the Armed Forces Community and gives easily digestible business advice to help you start your business.
039 : Jessica, Scuba Diver
September 30, 2020 08:14 - 28 minutes - 38.9 MBEver wondered what it's like to live through a Tsunami and under-water earthquake, well today's guest has done exactly that! Jessica is a Navy wife, mum and adventurer who's experienced some truly remarkable things whilst scuba-diving. I am very proud to be bringing you this episode as we re-start the series to highlight the huge range of stories from our community that should be shared.
038 : Mid-Series Break
July 22, 2020 08:56 - 1 minute - 2.71 MBI am moving house (again!) so sadly the podcast series is taking a little break. But, do not worry, there is still loads for you to get stuck into. Head to milspo.co.uk to find out about the weekly Milspo Meet-Ups, the monthly Virtual Networking, the online community and build a network you can take anywhere. Have the best summer and I'll speak to you soon!
037 : Hannah Shergold, Artist
July 15, 2020 08:23 - 52 minutes - 71.9 MBThis week's NEW podcast episode is with the wonderful Hannah Shergold. Winchester artist Hannah Shergold has a fascinating, albeit peculiar back story and is now one of the most successful self-representing artists in the UK. Since leaving the Armed Forces in April 2018 Hannah has hosted two solo exhibitions on London’s Pall Mall and within 15 months raised over £120,000 for charity through the sale of her artwork. She recently partnered with Prince William’s conservation charity Tusk ...
036 : Fiona Stanford, Author
July 08, 2020 08:18 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MBHello you lovely lot, it’s time for a new episode of the podcast series and this week it’s with author Fiona Stanford. I think it’s safe to say that many of us have found ourselves a little bit in the shadows of our partners from time to time – especially if like Fiona, you are married to a 2-star general. In fact, everyone I told about interviewing Fiona instantly asked what her husband did, rather than about her. So it gives me great pride to be able to focus on her story, which is just ...
035 : Sarah Stone, Founder
July 01, 2020 07:22 - 48 minutes - 67.2 MBHello you lovely lot, it’s back! Series 4 is here, and I am so pleased to be able to bring you the first episode with the fantastic Sarah Stone, founder of the Military Co-working Network. The Military Coworking Network is a community-run by and for military spouses. It is a place where we can share opportunities from the outside world with our community and connect, help and inspire each other. Starting in Leuchars, there are now 7 operational hubs (sadly closed due to COVID) with pl...
034 : The Podcast is Back for Series 4!
June 23, 2020 10:27 - 3 minutes - 4.73 MBHello you lovely lot, I just thought it was time to give you a little update about the podcast series and when it will be back. Obviously, there has been a world load of changes since I announced the new series back in February – something that has affected the release of the podcast – however, there have been some exciting updates happening whilst we’ve been locked down. New Episodes have been recorded with the lovely Sarah Stone from the co-working hubs, Artist Hannah Shergold, Author Fi...
033 : Georgie Muir, Chasing Lobsters
May 06, 2020 08:47 - 45 minutes - 62.4 MBHello you lovely lot, I hope you are well despite the very trying time we find ourselves in. I can’t quite believe that I am recording this during a national lock-down and a viral pandemic that is causing so much disruption. I hope that wherever you find yourself you and your loved ones are well. Series 4 wasn’t actually planned to start for a few more weeks but this episode has been recorded especially as a response to the world we find ourselves in and hopefully will offer you some supp...
032 : Dr Emma Egging, Jon Egging Trust
February 19, 2020 10:49 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MBHello you lovely lot, it’s the last episode of series 3 today, and this time I have been talking to the completely inspirational Dr. Emma Egging, from the Jon Egging Trust. On 20th August 2011, Flt Lt Jon Egging lost his life whilst completing a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival. He was coming to the end of his first year flying with the Red Arrows – his wife Emma was watching. Emma, along with Jons mum and friends launched the Jon Egging Trust, a charity that supports struggling c...
031 : Phoebe Hayes
February 12, 2020 17:53 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MBHello you lovely lot and welcome back to another inspirational episode, this week I have been talking to Phoebe from Off the Patch. We talk a lot about setting up a business and the challenges you can face doing that, how she managed to launch a start-up during a difficult pregnancy and her husband was deployed and the similarities between a new business and a new baby. This is a great episode if you are wondering how you might have a family and a business whilst living this military lif...
030 : Charlotte Harker
February 05, 2020 09:33 - 34 minutes - 48.1 MBHello you lovely lot, and welcome back to the InDependent Spouse – the voice of inspirational people doing amazing things, who also happen to be married to serving Armed Forces personnel. Today, in episode 30, I am talking to the completely lovely blogger and social media influencer Charlotte. Charlotte started her Instagram account back in 2018 depicting her daily life as a mum, illustrator and wife. It was in 2019, when going through deployment that Charlotte started to share even more...
029 : Louise Goldsmith
January 22, 2020 12:58 - 32 minutes - 44.3 MBHello you lovely lot, welcome back to the independent spouse podcast Today I have been talking to the wonderful Louise from Hidden Valley Bushcraft. Hidden Valley Bushcraft has gone from a small idea, and has grown organically to what it is today - an award-winning company. Louise and her husband Nick run the company out of passion and a little bit of necessity – Ex-marine Nick has complex PTSD and uses the woodland for his own mental health, as well as encouraging Veterans to join him w...
028 : Scott Johnson
January 15, 2020 13:56 - 44 minutes - 61.1 MBHello you lovely lot, welcome back to The InDependent Spouse podcast series. This week I am very proud to share with you my chat with the completely amazing Scott, from Veteran Owned UK. Veteran Owned UK is a massive online community - but don't be put off, it's not just for those Veterans, it's also for us! The military spouses and partners in business. This interview is perfect for January. It's full of loads of insights and a lot of inspiration so I really hope you enjoy the episode!
027 : Gems Collins
November 20, 2019 08:40 - 27 minutes - 37.8 MBToday I have been chatting to the wonderful Gems Collins! Gems has experienced military life in the UK growing up, and now, as the wife of a US serving member she is experiencing it all again - just stateside! This episode is a great look at the differences and similarities between our two countries and what we can learn from the US and how they're supporting their spouses. It's also packed full with business support that can help you in your own business, especially if you're just st...
026 : Gill Jones, Gillian Jones Designs
November 13, 2019 10:47 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBWelcome to episode 8, of series 3, this time with the wonderful Gill, from Gillian Jones Designs. This episode is such a refreshing look at how important running a business can be. Gill faces physical challenges most days, but works flexibly within her business and incests in having a team around her. This episode is so inspirational and so useful if you're running your own business so I really hope you enjoy it.
025 : Andrea Baker, B's Clothing & Gifts
November 06, 2019 08:55 - 23 minutes - 32.9 MBThis week I have been chatting to the wonderful Andrea, from B's Clothing & Gifts. B's Clothing & Gifts is one of those companies that is run with an awful lot of love. Andrea creates some fab merchandise that is on-trend, innovative, and most importantly won't get you in hot water with the IP officers! She's very switched on about business and giving back, so you'll learn a lot about year one and how to add a charitable arm to commercial sales - I really hope you enjoy this episode!
024 : Alison Skipper, The Cariad Project JO
October 30, 2019 09:27 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MB'If you have an idea, or see a need - address it! Anyone can help a cause if they are passionate enough'. The Cariad Project JO was given life in 2019 by Alison Skipper. Alison moved to Jordan in 2018 taking up employment as a music teacher and volunteering with Loving Humanity UK. Whilst talking with urban refugee women she discovered that many were putting their family’s needs before their own, any materials on hand were used as makeshift pads due to having no money left to buy suitable ...
023 : Claire Willsher, DR ME
October 07, 2019 08:58 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBClaire Willsher is the founder of DR ME, a qualified PE teacher, and wife of an RAF officer. Having worked in numerous schools throughout the UK and Europe she is passionate about educating people on the benefits of whole-body health. DR ME runs interactive workshops focusing on 4 key areas: Diet, Resilience, Mind, and Exercise (DR ME). People can become their own doctor with the implementation of small, yet significant changes using the knowledge gained at DR ME workshops to increase the...
022 : Jackie Rautenbach, #SMSpouses
September 30, 2019 08:02 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MBWelcome to Ep.4 of series 3, with the fabulous Jackie from #SMSpouses, a free, 12-week social media course for military spouses and partners. As we know, in this life, it can be difficult to find reliable work or build up professional skills between regular moves and deployments. Becoming a social media professional can help. This course is giving military spouses the tools to do just that. I really hope you enjoy this episode. It's a great introduction to the course and is full of handy...
021 : Wendy Faux, Not Just A Wife
September 23, 2019 07:15 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MBWendy Faux is the brains behind 'Not Just A Wife', a photography exhibition that aims to challenge the larger defence community in what they believe a military wife can achieve - and it's had some great reviews! Wendy comes from an experienced military background and the interview that she gave is packed full of passionate insight into her military world. We talk about her fantastic exhibition, the importance of the military patch and why the spouse is the glue that holds the Armed For...
020 : Jody Jones - Channel Swimmer
September 16, 2019 07:47 - 41 minutes - 57 MBI am back with Ep2 of S3, and this time, it's with the Wonder Woman that is Mrs Jody Jones! This is one of the most inspirational episodes I have ever recorded. Jody Jones, Channel Swimmer, mummy, proud member of Military Wives Choirs, living with stage 4 cancer and amazing friend... I really hope you enjoy this episode! Head over to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud or wherever you find your podcasts and search for 'The InDependent Spouse'.
019 : Suzy Olivier - Mothers of Enterprise
September 09, 2019 08:42 - 39 minutes - 53.8 MBI am back, for Series 3 with the wonderful Suzy Olivier from Mothers of Enterprise. Suzy is an RAF wife and multi-business owner, newly posted to Cyprus, whose mission is to change the mindset of mothers in business. Her company, Mothers of Enterprise, supports women to help implement lasting change and success in their businesses. This episode is chock full of inspirational mindset tips to help you build a successful business, and takes a look into her own military life. I really hope y...
018 - Series 3 Update
July 19, 2019 15:53 - 5 minutes - 7.48 MBI know how you are all eagerly awaiting the start of series 3 so I just wanted to give you a little update on the podcast. It’s my great pleasure to let you know Series 3 will be launching on the 9th September – and it’s going to be an amazing series! But while you’re waiting I thought I should tell you all about a very exciting online event that you can sign up to straight away. The first Virtual Networking event is happening on Wednesday the 11th of September and you can sign up by vis...
017 - Pollyanna Charnley from The BeGlad Movement
March 24, 2019 13:01 - 40 minutes - 56.1 MBToday I've been talking to the wonderful Pollyanna Charnley from The BeGlad Movement. In the BeGlad Movement Polly interviews inspiring people who have experienced terrible things but have found a way to move forward and she hopes that by sharing the stories of others it can help those who might still be struggling. I first met Polly when I was invited to be interviewed as part of the BeGlad Movement project. We spoke about my mums' Multiple Sclerosis and my own military life has affecte...
016 : Alecia
March 18, 2019 08:37 - 25 minutes - 35.3 MBToday I am talking to the completely amazing Alecia. If you've been watching Heist on Sky One you will probably recognise Alecia as the no-nonsense talking, highly skilled detective, but there's so much more to this military spouse than that. In this very open interview, Alecia shares her experiences of working as a police constable whilst her husband was deployed and how PTSD has affected their life since his return. We also get a behind the scenes look of the Heist, how she helps run...
015 : Strength Behind The Strong
March 11, 2019 08:59 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MBToday I’ve been chatting to some amazing women who have founded Strength Behind the Strong. Sharon, Emma and Vanessa are from the very first Military Wives Choirs in the BBC television show, The Choir with Gareth Malone. Together with a number of other military wives they volunteered their time and worked together to create the charity The Military Wives Choirs Foundation. A legacy of the success of the No.1 single ‘Wherever You Are’, the charity has gone on to support thousands of women i...
014 : Jo Milmine from Shiny Bees
March 03, 2019 16:01 - 36 minutes - 49.6 MBToday I have been talking to Jo Milmine from Shiny Bees. Jo is a former RAF Aerospace Battle Manager who turned her love of knitting into a multi-award-winning podcast series. Since August 2012 Jo has hosted the Shiny Bees podcast, a show about knitting and yarn mixed with snippets of Jo's life and a lot of comedy goodness Originally started as a hobby to fill her time during a posting to Africa Jo built a location independent business to move wherever she was posted. She now records pod...
013 : Mindy from Asali
February 10, 2019 18:03 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MBToday I have been talking to Mindy from Asali. Lincolnshire-based Asali create beautiful goods from genuine leather that are not only perfect for aviation fan, but are also helping out some well-loved charities. All of the Asali’s military product have an RAF aircraft on them - from the majestic Spitfire through to the Typhoon – and everyone single one is officially licensed by the Ministry Of Defence. But it’s not all about hitting margins. From the start, Mindy has intentionally buil...