The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands Podcast Por Jess Sands : Podcast Host Business Owner and military wife arte de portada

The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands

The InDependent Spouse Podcast with Jess Sands

De: Jess Sands : Podcast Host Business Owner and military wife
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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/2018-2025 Milspo Network CIC Ciencias Sociales Economía Gestión y Liderazgo Liderazgo Relaciones
Episodios
  • 078 : Uniting the Military Community and Shattering Stereotypes with PadWives Assemble
    Jul 15 2025

    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of modern military life, discussing everything from building a supportive tri-service community to challenging outdated stereotypes about military spouses.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 way.

    They open up about overcoming negative feedback, the power of positive messages from their listeners, and the daily ups and downs of military life. Discover the story behind their surprising UK Top Influencer Award win and why visibility for military families is so crucial in today's world.

    Plus, get ready to be inspired by their incredible charitable initiatives! Sophs and Kirsha reveal their ongoing efforts to support veterans' mental health through Combat Stress and tease their exciting "Rationed and Ready: The Pad Wife Trials" YouTube series – a three-day immersive military-style challenge created by veterans, all for a great cause.

    This episode is a testament to the resilience, strength, and incredible community spirit of military spouses. Whether you're navigating deployments, solo parenting, or simply looking for relatable stories and a good laugh, Sophs and Kirsha remind us that we are all in this together.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Building Community: The importance of creating inclusive spaces for all military spouses, regardless of service or rank, to share experiences and find support.

    • Challenging Stereotypes: How open and honest conversations can break down misconceptions about military spouses and partners.

    • The Power of Connection: The profound impact of shared stories and a friendly voice in combating loneliness and isolation in military life.

    • Resilience in Action: Inspiring examples of military spouses turning personal challenges into thriving platforms and charitable endeavors.

    • Giving Back: The dedication of Pad Wives Assemble to supporting veterans' mental health and other community initiatives.

    About Pad Wives Assemble:

    Pad Wives Assemble is an award-winning podcast created by Sophs and co-hosted by Kirsha, focusing on the realities of military life with a fun, honest, and inclusive approach for tri-service families. They are passionate about building community, challenging stigmas, and supporting charitable causes related to the armed forces.

    Connect with Pad Wives Assemble: www.padwivesemble.co.uk

    Events Mentioned:

    • "Rationed and Ready: The Pad Wife Trials" - A six-part YouTube series coming soon, documenting a three-day military-style challenge for charity..

    • Pad Wives Assemble Gala - An event featuring live performers, casino tables, raffles, and veterans sharing their stories, with voting proceeds going to Combat Stress. Tickets available on their website.

    • Battle of the Forces - A boxing charity night in collaboration with veterans, aiming to become its own charity entity.

    • Nuts Challenge Run - Fundraising for a veteran to open a jacket potato van that will employ other veterans.

    About The InDependent Spouse Podcast:

    Hosted by Jess Sands, The InDependent Spouse is your go-to podcast for inspiration and support in modern military life. Jess shares real stories of resilience and success from military partners, aiming to create a sense of belonging and remind listeners they are not alone.

    Connect with The InDependent Spouse: www.milspo.co.uk/podcast

    Free Business Startup Course: Available at www.milspo.co.uk/course

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    59 m
  • 077 : From RAF Veteran to Neuro-Inclusion Advocate with Ria Jackson
    Jul 7 2025

    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 experiences in the forces, including extensive travel, provided invaluable lessons and shaped her squiggly path.

    • The Transition and Unexpected Challenges: Discover the personal reasons behind Ria's decision to leave the RAF at the 12-year mark, including finding her life partner and facing medical downgrades due to knee injuries. She bravely opens up about the struggles of finding a job while pregnant and how this led her unexpectedly into education.

    • Unveiling Neurodivergence: Ria transparently shares her journey through mental health difficulties post-military and motherhood, which ultimately led to her diagnosis of ADHD and dyspraxia. This pivotal moment transformed her self-awareness into profound self-acceptance.

    • The Birth of The V Word and Inclusive Minds UK: Learn how Ria's personal need for community and an outlet for expression led to the accidental creation of "The V Word," an online community for women veterans. She recounts the viral success of her blog post "The Odd One Out," which gained 1.5 million views, and how this platform, though initially an escapism, became her "saviour" and laid the groundwork for Inclusive Minds UK.

    • The Power of Neuro-Inclusion: Ria passionately explains why neuro-inclusion matters to everyone, emphasizing the human need to belong and create spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves. She discusses the importance of meeting others with curiosity and kindness, fostering growth and understanding rather than conflict.

    • The IM Hub: An Accessible Resource: Get an exclusive insight into Ria's new venture, "The IM Hub," a purpose-built platform designed to make learning about neuro-inclusion affordable and accessible for all – from parents and partners to managers and individuals who are "neuro-curious." She highlights the hub's unique shared model of influence, offering insights from professionals with lived, medical, and academic experience.

    • Language, Identity, and Growth: Ria shares powerful anecdotes about the evolving landscape of language around neurodiversity and the importance of owning mistakes and continuously learning. She emphasizes that identity is personal and that true support comes from understanding the individual, not just their diagnosis.

    About Ria Jackson:

    Ria Jackson is an RAF veteran, the visionary founder of 'The V Word' (a women veterans online community), and the CEO of Inclusive Minds UK. Her work with Inclusive Minds UK is dedicated to normalising neuro-inclusion, creating safe and supportive environments where everyone can thrive.

    Connect with Ria & Inclusive Minds UK: www.inclusivemindsuk.com

    About The InDependent Spouse Podcast:

    The InDependent Spouse podcast, hosted by Jess Sands, is your essential guide to navigating modern military life. It's a place for inspiration and support, sharing real stories of resilience and success from the armed forces family to remind you that you're not alone. What started as a passion project in 2018 has grown into a thriving business network, helping military spouses build their own businesses and find success that thrives in military life.

    Connect with The InDependent Spouse: www.milspo.co.uk/podcast

    Explore free tools, resources, and upcoming courses like the business startup course in September!

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    55 m
  • 076 : Building Community & Navigating Military Life with the Marama Alliance
    Jun 30 2025

    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 families thrive while preserving their rich cultural heritage.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The Power of Community: Discover how the Fijian community in the UK armed forces provides essential support, from helping new arrivals with practical needs like setting up a home to celebrating cultural events and offering emotional connection.

    • Cultural Preservation & Integration: Learn about Marama Alliance's efforts to keep Fijian culture alive through initiatives like Fijian Language Week and community gatherings, while also encouraging integration into the wider UK society.

    • Navigating the Unknown: Lulu candidly discusses the unique challenges faced by Commonwealth military spouses, particularly concerning immigration status, housing, and resettlement when leaving the military, emphasizing the importance of early preparation.

    • The Importance of Expanding Your Network: Lulu encourages military spouses to connect beyond their immediate military or cultural communities to expand their networks, find job opportunities, and gain diverse perspectives.

    • Advice for New Spouses: Lulu shares invaluable advice for new military spouses moving to a new country: keep an open mind, be flexible, and don't hesitate to ask questions – there are no silly questions.

    About the Guest:

    Lulu is a driving force behind the Marama Alliance, a non-profit community organization dedicated to supporting Fijian women and their families in the UK. The alliance provides crucial information, creates community, and helps members navigate the complexities of military life and integration in a new country. They are working towards establishing themselves as a charity to further expand their vital programs and initiatives.

    Connect with Marama Alliance: https://www.maramaalliance.com/

    About The InDependent Spouse Podcast:

    The InDependent Spouse podcast, hosted by Jess Sands, is your essential guide to navigating modern military life. Jess shares inspirational stories of resilience and success from military partners, offering support and community for those juggling family, business, and finding their place in the military world.

    Connect with The InDependent Spouse: https://milspo.co.uk/podcast

    Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to The InDependent Spouse Podcast for more inspiring stories and support!

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    55 m
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