The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands

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 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 fel...

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 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 t...

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 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...

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 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 mos...

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 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 su...

Hello 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. Fr...

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 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...

Welcome 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 fi...

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 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...

Time 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 th...

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 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 e...

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 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...

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 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! Connect with the Milspo...

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 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...

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 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. Connect with the...

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 all things hypnobirthing, psychological therapy and how on earth we get through military life and a pandemic. You are going to love this episode! Connect with the Milspo Community: If you are...

Today 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. Connect with the Milspo Community: If you are a UK military spouse, partner, or "other half" running a business, join our thriving communi...

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 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. Connect w...

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 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! Connect with the Milspo Community: If yo...

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 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 sa...

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 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, rath...

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 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. S...

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. 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 re...

Hello 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 espe...

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 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 w...