076 : Building Community & Navigating Military Life with the Marama Alliance
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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 pesky married quarter heating. This episode highlights the incredible resilience and unity of the Fijian military community and the vital role Marama Alliance plays in helping these...
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075 : Advocating for Military Spouses with Camilla Howard
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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 Ireland. She details how her passion for supporting military families led her to co-chair Compass Group's Armed Forces network, a role that allows her to champion initiatives for spouses and...
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074 : Navigating Life's Roller Coaster with Alex Rickerby
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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: A Powerhouse Career Before Military Life: Discover Alex's impressive professional background, including her years at The Telegraph and her impactful role as a Senior Industry Head at Google,...
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073 : Military Spouse Success: Finding "Enough" & Thriving in Chaos with Dr. Kathrine McAleese
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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. Dr. Kathrine McAleese, a psychotherapist and sociologist by background, specializes in helping high-achievers find a "deliciously satisfying life" that prioritises what's actually...
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072 : Muddling Through Military Life with Lady Caitlin Knighton
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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 shares her journey of "muddling through" the rollercoaster of armed forces life, offering invaluable tips for navigating the unpredictability and finding your footing, even when you don't know where...
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071 : Nilma Dole-Williams - Ambassadors Wife
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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? 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,...
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070 : Amanda Prowse - International Bestselling Author
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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 Amandas story and her wonderful ideas for any aspiring Milspo author. Enjoy this one! It’s fab! Empowering Military Spouses: The InDependent Spouse...
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069 : Jess Sands - Building a Business Around the Juggle of Armed Forces Family Life
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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 The InDependent Spouse podcast. Emma Gray is a widow, mother and solicitor (non-practicing), now helping others as an adulting coach, trainee counsellor and grief expert. Find her here ...
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068 : Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Lieutenant Commander (retired) Susie Hamilton.
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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 the military community, stressing the importance of speaking up and providing feedback for improving support. Scotland demonstrates political will towards the armed forces, with Jess and Susie hopeful for positive changes and continued support. Empowering Military Spouses:...
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067 : Mia Harrington - Founder Handleys Stitch
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
Handleys Stitch - 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. Mia's story exemplifies the potential for post-military career success in entrepreneurship. Thanks to Mia for taking the time to share your story - Jess x Get your FREE business start-up guide HERE - The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give...
info_outlineHello 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 command or patch, they will continue to fight for us 365 days a year. Head to their website for more information or to get involved in their centenary celebrations www.britishlegion.org.uk
A huge thank you to the RBL for sponsoring this podcast series. Without them it just wouldn’t be possible.
This episode with Merry is a great one if you’re running your own business, and you are in need of some social media inspiration. It’s also chock full of useful information about the RBL, and I would definitely recommend heading to their website to see all of the amazing support they have on offer. I hope you enjoy this weeks episode.