The InDependent Spouse Podcast: For Real Milspo Life
Let’s be honest: building a career in the UK armed forces community is tough. But at Milspo, we know you’re capable of so much more than just “getting by.”
Since 2018, the InDependent Spouse podcast has been the digital HQ for military spouses, partners, and other-halves (SPOs) who are building sustainable, location-independent businesses that flex around military life. Host Jess Sands brings you the unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship in this “topsy-turvy” military world, and brilliant expert guests to help you grow that business.
Discover:
- Real-life experiences from military families.
- Zero Fluff, High Impact: We skip the gossip and get straight into the tangible support you need—from HMRC and insurance to marketing strategy and scaling.
- Expert Insights: Hear from Milspos who have been there, done it, and built successful businesses through deployments and house moves.Business advice for building a successful career or side hustle.
Tired of the same old military spouse narrative? The InDependent Spouse® podcast is here to change that.
Born from a desire to hear inspiring stories from the hidden heroes of the military community, this podcast gives a voice to the accomplished men and women who support our service members from the home front.
As the role of the military spouse continues to evolve, so does the Milspo® community. This podcast is your platform to connect with others, share your experiences, and find your own voice.
Listen, Learn, and Be Inspired!
Why This Remembrance, We’re Re-Sharing the Powerful Story of Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Ahead of Remembrance Day, many of us pause to honour the incredible sacrifice made by our Armed Forces. For military families, however, this is also a time for reflection. That's why we've chosen to [...]
081 : Sewing a New Path: How a Business Course Changed Everything with Bekky from The Crafty Starfish
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 [...]
080 : Juggling it All with Major Jo Vann
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 [...]
079 : Felicity Mercer – From Political Life to Award-Winning Business Owner
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 [...]
078 : Uniting the Military Community and Shattering Stereotypes with PadWives Assemble
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 [...]
077 : From RAF Veteran to Neuro-Inclusion Advocate with Ria Jackson
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 [...]
076 : Building Community & Navigating Military Life with Marama Alliance
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 [...]
075 : Advocating for Military Spouses with Camilla Howard
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, [...]
074 : Navigating Life’s Roller Coaster with Alex Rickerby
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 [...]
073: Military Spouse Success: Finding “Enough” & Thriving in Chaos with Dr. Katharine McAleese
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 [...]
072 : Muddling Through Military Life with Lady Caitlin Knighton
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 [...]
071 : Nilma Dole-Williams – Ambassadors Wife
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 [...]
070 : Amanda Prowse – International Bestselling Author
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 [...]
069 : Jess Sands – Building a Business Around the Juggle of Armed Forces Family Life
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 [...]
068 : Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Lieutenant Commander (retired) Susie Hamilton.
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 [...]
067 : Mia Harrington – Founder Handleys Stitch
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 [...]
066: Helen Willamson – Financial Planner, Veteran & Milspo
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 [...]
065: Lizze York – Founder – Cyclical Soul
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 [...]
064: Emily Bailey – Founder – Just Tourism
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 [...]
063: Susan Bonnar – Founder – The British Craft House
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 [...]
Podcast S6, Episode 1 – What Choice Will You Make as a Milspo?
Milspos, 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 [...]
060 : Nicola Swann – Made With Mud
Hello 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 [...]
059 : Carrie Moss – Networking with the Military Matchmaker
Hello, 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 [...]
058 : Caroline Hocking, Mona Accountancy Services
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 [...]
057 : Group Captain Toria McPhaden, Station Commander RAF Northolt
Hello 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 [...]
055 : Eleanor Tweddell: Why Losing Your Job Could be the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You
Happy 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 [...]
054 : Kelly Farr – YourNorth
Hello 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 [...]
053 : Dr Jill Jackson, The Birth Café
Hello 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 [...]
052 : Naomi Hurst, Doda Yoga
Hello 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 [...]
051: Meredith Sneddon, The Royal British Legion
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 [...]
050 : Nikki Scott, Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Hello 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 [...]
049 : Emma Henderson – Project Wingman
Welcome to the second episode in this series of the InDependent Spouse. Today I have been talking to a wonderful charity founder, Emma Henderson, who flipped the adversity of the pandemic into a [...]
048 : Emma Gray – Rainbow Hunting Moments
Today 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 [...]
046 : Sarah Hulyer – Blooms from the Base
Today 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 [...]
045 : Helen Massy – Careers, Not Just Jobs
Today 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 [...]
044 : Chris Keen – The Military Husband
Today 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 [...]
043 : Nadine Monks – Forces Family Finance
Today 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 [...]
042 : Cat and Kirsty – The Dot Project
Today 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 [...]
041 : Dr Rosie Gilderthorp – Do More Than Therapy
Today 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 [...]
039 : Jessica, Scuba Diver – Tsunamis & Earthquakes
Ever 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 [...]
038 : Mid-Series Break
I 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 [...]
037 : Hannah Shergold, Artist – It’s Really Just Problem Solving!
This 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 [...]
036 : Fiona Stanford, Author – Our Heroes and the Families They leave Behind
Hello 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 [...]
035 : Sarah Stone, Founder – Military Co-Working Network
Hello 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 [...]
034 : Trailer – The Podcast is Back for Series 4!
Hello 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. There has been a world load of [...]
032 : Dr Emma Egging, Jon Egging Trust – ‘If you fly up high enough you’ll always find blue skies’
Hello 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 [...]
031 : Phoebe Hayes, Off the Patch
Hello 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 [...]
030 : Charlotte Harker, My Size is Mine
Hello 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 [...]
029 : Louise Goldsmith, Hidden Valley Bushcraft
Today I have been talking to the wonderful Louise from Hidden Valley Bushcraft. Hidden Valley Bushcraft has gone from a tiny idea, and has grown organically to what it is today - an [...]
028 : Scott Johnson, Veteran Owned UK
Hello 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. [...]
027 : Gems Collins, Military Spouse & Entrepreneur
Today 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 [...]
026 : Gill Jones, Gillian Jones Designs – The Importance of Flexible Business Practices
Welcome 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 [...]
025 : Andrea Baker, B’s Clothing & Gifts – Inspiration through adversity
This 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. [...]
024 : Alison Skipper, The Cariad Project JO – Ending Period Poverty
'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 [...]
023 : Claire Willsher, DR ME – Diet, Resilience, Mind & Exercise
Claire 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 [...]
022 : Jackie Rautenbach, #SMSpouses: Social Media Training
Welcome 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 [...]
Wendy Faux – Not Just A Wife – Vision Through Imagery
Wendy 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 [...]
020 : Jody Jones – Channel Swimmer – The Singing Swimmer
I 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 [...]
019 : Suzy Olivier – Mothers of Enterprise – Women Supporting Women
I 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 [...]
017 : Pollyanna Charnley from The BeGlad Movement – Playing the Glad Game
Today 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 [...]
016 : Alecia – Look for the Stars
Today 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 [...]
015 : Strength Behind the Strong – Stronger Together
Today 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 [...]
014 : Jo Milmine – Podcasting Yarns with Jo Milmine from Shiny Bees
Today 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 [...]
013: Mindy Asali – Genuine Giving
Today I have been talking to Mindy from ASALI. Lincolnshire-based ASALI create beautiful goods from genuine leather that are not only perfect for aviation fans, but are also helping out some well-loved charities. [...]
012 : Grace – The Rainbow Tree – Braver, Stronger, Smarter
Today I have been talking to Grace, founder of the Rainbow Tree, blogger and children’s author. Her cross curricular art book, ‘Potty About Pots; Arts & Crafts For Home And School’, is written [...]
011 : The Forces Wives Challenge – Dare to Dream
Today I’ve been chatting to Heather from the brilliant Forces Wives Challenge. Heather herself served in the regular army for 10 years and was deployed on operations, exercises and led expeditions throughout the [...]
010 : Amy Nolan – Ginger Rainbow – Follow Your Own Rainbow
Today I’m talking to the wonderful Amy Nolan from Ginger Rainbow. Amy is a creative business owner who produces her colouring in gifts, cards and illustrations from her married quarters in Gloucestershire. Inspired [...]
009 : Jo Lomax – Huggable Heroes. The best place in the world is inside a hug
Welcome to the Second Series of The InDependent Spouse. This week I have been talking to Jo Lomax, the inspirational founder of Huggable Heroes. Jo and her team produce personalised Huggable Heroes for [...]
008 : Series 2 Update
Happy New year you lovely lot. It’s Jess and I’m back and series two will be launching this Monday the 14th January. This series is filled with some wonderful business owners, and projects [...]
In Conversation with – Heledd Kendrick – Recruiting from the Home Front
When I first dreamt up the idea of a podcast just for military spouses, I knew that I wanted to showcase the voice of a variety of amazing women doing amazing things. I hoped the [...]
