070 : Amanda Prowse - International Bestselling Author
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
Release Date: 09/04/2024
081 : Sewing a New Path: How a Business Course Changed Everything with Bekky from The Crafty Starfish
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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, deployments, and the general chaos of service life, and how she overcame them to create a business that is uniquely her own.Join us to hear Bekky share her inspiring story of overcoming the loneliness...
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080 : Juggling it All with Major Jo Vann
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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 "A Little Place." Jess was lucky enough to visit this beautiful Georgian property, which she describes as something out of a Jane Austen novel. In this conversation, Jo shares how her...
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079 : Felicity Mercer – From Political Life to Award-Winning Business Owner
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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 children, reconnecting as adults when he was serving in Afghanistan, to supporting him through a whirlwind political career. Felicity shares candid insights into the realities of being a...
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078 : Uniting the Military Community and Shattering Stereotypes with PadWives Assemble
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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 journey of creating Pad Wives Assemble, born from a desire to provide a fun, safe, and inclusive space for armed forces families to connect and feel heard, with a few giggles along the...
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077 : From RAF Veteran to Neuro-Inclusion Advocate with Ria Jackson
The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands
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: A "Squiggly Career" in the RAF: Ria shares her 12-year journey in the military, starting as a mover and ultimately pivoting to become an avionic engineer on Typhoons. She discusses how her diverse...
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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...
info_outlineAuthor 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!
https://www.instagram.com/mrsamandaprowse/
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, alongside building the Milspo® Community. This network of over 1,400 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?
- Join the Milspo® Community: Connect with like-minded individuals and find support for your entrepreneurial journey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPO
- Get Inspired by Jess' Book: Read "Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world." https://amzn.eu/d/bt1odyI
- Level Up with Milspo Membership: Join the Inner Circle, the premier business incubator for military spouses. (link: https://milspo.co.uk/milspo-inner-circle-waiting-list/)
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 2024 and beyond https://milspo.co.uk/milspomovement/
Together, we can create a rising tide that lifts all boats in the military spouse community!