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/
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081 : Sewing a New Path: How a Business Course Changed Everything with Bekky from The Crafty Starfish
Season 7 · Episode 10
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 • Duration 40:29
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 many new military partners experience to build her amazing business, The Crafty Starfish.
Discover how she navigated these obstacles to create something truly special!
Ready to start your own business? Are you a military spouse, partner or other-half with a brilliant idea, a hidden talent, or a burning desire for something of your own? Perhaps you’ve felt the loneliness of a new posting or the challenge of balancing your career with the demands of military life? Maybe you've put your dreams on hold, telling yourself there's "never a right time" to start?It's time to change that narrative.Our free Business Launch Accelerator course, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Ministry of Defence, is designed specifically for you. It’s the course Jess wished she had when she started. We will help you navigate the unique challenges of building a business around military life, from legal structures to managing deployments, to asking permissions, and sorting that mindset - giving you the best start to your business life!It’s a real opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded people who understand exactly just what military and business life entails. It's your chance to do something for you, to build a career that moves with you, and to show your family how truly epic you are.Don't miss this chance to save your seat. The next cohort starts in September, after the summer chaos is over. Applications are open now until September 10th. All you have to do is take that first step, just like Bekky did.Find out more and apply at www.milspo.co.uk/course. We can't wait to welcome you!
Episode Highlights:
The Struggle for Belonging: Bekky opens up about the isolation she felt as a military partner and her search for a community that understood her experiences beyond just the military.
The Genesis of an Idea: Discover how a personal love for sewing and a desire for a flexible career led Bekky to start her business, making beautiful, high-quality, and unique clothes for children.
Overcoming the Odds: Hear how Bekky navigated the complexities of launching a business while pregnant, during a global pandemic, and with her husband deployed. She shares how the Milspo business course provided the crucial support she needed to succeed.
Progress Over Perfection: Bekky reveals how she shifted her mindset from striving for perfection to embracing progress, a key lesson that helped her get her business off the ground.
Finding Your 'Why': Learn about the deeply personal reasons behind Bekky's entrepreneurial journey—creating something for herself, setting an example for her children, and proving that it's possible to build a career you love while navigating military life.
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 military training, sporting background (including playing netball for England!), and a passion for people has equipped her to build an amazing business and team.
Key Takeaways from Jo:
Build an Amazing Team: Jo emphasizes that her number one priority when starting her business was growing an incredible team, allowing her to minimise her day-to-day contribution because of the people running it.
Lessons from Military and Sport: The teamwork aspect, learned through both her army career and sport, has been crucial. She highlights how collaborating with others brings in broader skills and makes you stronger.
The Drive to Give Back: After her successful sporting career, Jo developed a passion for coaching, becoming the head coach of the UK Armed Forces netball team, driven by a desire to give back.
The Motivation Behind "A Little Place": Her love for people and bringing them together, combined with a desire for stability during a challenging period of army life with children, led her to open the hotel. She also aims to offer a safe and comfortable escape for the military community near Salisbury Plain.
The Power of the Reserves: Jo sheds light on how Armed Forces Reserves offer flexible commitment levels, complementary income, personal development, teamwork, and unique training opportunities for those balancing civilian careers or businesses.
071 : Nilma Dole-Williams - Ambassadors Wife
Season 6 · Episode 9
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 • Duration 47:34
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, 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
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.
070 : Amanda Prowse - International Bestselling Author
Season 6 · Episode 8
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 • Duration 40:28
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 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
069 : Jess Sands - Building a Business Around the Juggle of Armed Forces Family Life
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 • Duration 52:47
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 https://www.rainbowhunting.co.uk/
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: )
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: 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: )
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
The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a voice to those who are most often hidden in the shadows of their brave, serving military partner and who are achieving amazing things. Since 2018, Jess Sands has been sharing these stories, alongside building the Milspo® Community – a network of over 1,400 military spouses, partners and other halves who are building epic businesses that THRIVE, not just survive in a modern military world.
Read Jess’ latest Book – Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world – https://amzn.eu/d/3ASq6VT
066: Helen Willamson - Financial Planner, Veteran & Milspo
Season 6 · Episode 66
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 • Duration 33:42
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 financial planner after leaving the Air Force and advocates for more awareness of parental leave policies and flexibility in the military.
The episode highlights the impact of military background on career choices and encourages women to take control of their finances.
The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a voice to those who are most often hidden in the shadows of their brave, serving military partner and who are achieving amazing things. Since 2018, Jess Sands has been sharing these stories, alongside building the Milspo® Community – a network of over 1,400 military spouses, partners and other halves who are building epic businesses that THRIVE, not just survive in a modern military world.
Read Jess’ latest Book – Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world – https://amzn.eu/d/3ASq6VT
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 to a successful business rooted in self-care and serves as an inspiration for military spouses facing similar challenges.
Listen along to why importance of self-care, positivity, and community support can help you with navigating military life.
The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a voice to those who are most often hidden in the shadows of their brave, serving military partner and who are achieving amazing things. Since 2018, Jess Sands has been sharing these stories, alongside building the Milspo® Community – a network of over 1,400 military spouses, partners and other halves who are building epic businesses that THRIVE, not just survive in a modern military world.
Read Jess’ latest Book – Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world – https://amzn.eu/d/3ASq6VT
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 advocates for policymakers to support military spouses' careers and focus on sustainability.
The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a voice to those who are most often hidden in the shadows of their brave, serving military partner and who are achieving amazing things. Since 2018, Jess Sands has been sharing these stories, alongside building the Milspo® Community – a network of over 1,400 military spouses, partners and other halves who are building epic businesses that THRIVE, not just survive in a modern military world.
Read Jess’ latest Book – Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world – https://amzn.eu/d/3ASq6VT
Milspo®, The InDependent Spouse®, and are all part of the Milspo Network CIC - a volunteer organisation and social enterprise built by the serving spouses, partners and other halves of ALL UK military personnel to support the community's entrepreneurial endeavours. We get it because we live it every day, and we want everyone to find inspiration, support and a community that helps make military life a little bit better -
Embracing Bravery and Curiosity: Jo encourages listeners to test new ideas and not be afraid to try "brave things," even if they feel like too much on their plate. She reminds us that regret often comes from not taking opportunities.
This episode is a must-listen if you're feeling overwhelmed but need a powerful dose of inspiration to show you what's possible when you embrace challenges and build an incredible support system.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Milspo®, The InDependent Spouse®, findamilspo and The Milspo Inner Circle are all part of the Milspo Network CIC - a volunteer organisation and social enterprise built by the serving spouses, partners and other halves of ALL UK military personnel to support the community's entrepreneurial endeavours. We get it because we live it every day, and we want everyone to find inspiration, support and a community that helps make military life a little bit better - a rising tide lifts all boats.
Founded in 2018, the Milspo Network CIC has been built on the goodwill of its members and the support of its volunteers. After a series of failed funding bids and a struggle to change the narrative of why this community needs that extra bit of support, we are now looking for sponsorship or financial help so that Milspo can continue to provide into 2024.
Please do spread the word or connect us with those who would like to make a difference and directly support the military family, a community at the heart of the UK Armed Forces and all it does.
Milspo®, The InDependent Spouse®, findamilspo and The Milspo Inner Circle are all part of the Milspo Network CIC - a volunteer organisation and social enterprise built by the serving spouses, partners and other halves of ALL UK military personnel to support the community's entrepreneurial endeavours. We get it because we live it every day, and we want everyone to find inspiration, support and a community that helps make military life a little bit better - a rising tide lifts all boats.
Founded in 2018, the Milspo Network CIC has been built on the goodwill of its members and the support of its volunteers. After a series of failed funding bids and a struggle to change the narrative of why this community needs that extra bit of support, we are now looking for sponsorship or financial help so that Milspo can continue to provide into 2024.
Please do spread the word or connect us with those who would like to make a difference and directly support the military family, a community at the heart of the UK Armed Forces and all it does.
Milspo®, The InDependent Spouse®, findamilspo and The Milspo Inner Circle are all part of the Milspo Network CIC - a volunteer organisation and social enterprise built by the serving spouses, partners and other halves of ALL UK military personnel to support the community's entrepreneurial endeavours. We get it because we live it every day, and we want everyone to find inspiration, support and a community that helps make military life a little bit better - a rising tide lifts all boats.
Founded in 2018, the Milspo Network CIC has been built on the goodwill of its members and the support of its volunteers. After a series of failed funding bids and a struggle to change the narrative of why this community needs that extra bit of support, we are now looking for sponsorship or financial help so that Milspo can continue to provide into 2024.
Please do spread the word or connect us with those who would like to make a difference and directly support the military family, a community at the heart of the UK Armed Forces and all it does.
Founded in 2018, the Milspo Network CIC has been built on the goodwill of its members and the support of its volunteers. After a series of failed funding bids and a struggle to change the narrative of why this community needs that extra bit of support, we are now looking for sponsorship or financial help so that Milspo can continue to provide into 2024.
Please do spread the word or connect us with those who would like to make a difference and directly support the military family, a community at the heart of the UK Armed Forces and all it does.
