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 political wife – far from glamorous – including dealing with public scrutiny, death threats, and the toll it takes on family life.

She discusses the unexpected pivot from supporting her husband's public service to launching her own successful business, The Dress Barn, just six months ago. Discover how she's found pure joy in her new venture, applying years of experience to create a welcoming space for her clients, and even inspiring her own daughters to get involved.

Felicity offers powerful advice for anyone in the military community looking to transition and start something new: "Don't overthink it. Just go for it!"

This episode is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and finding your own path amidst the extraordinary demands of military and political life.

Key Takeaways:

• The Unseen Side of Public Life: Felicity offers a raw and honest look at the lack of glamour and the intense public hatred and threats that can come with being a political spouse.

• Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Despite the difficulties of military and political life, Felicity emphasizes the importance of laughter and finding humor in tough situations.

• Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship: Learn how Felicity channelled her experiences and a small investment into a thriving and joyful business that empowers other women.

• The Power of "Don't Overthink It": Felicity's core advice for military spouses considering a new venture is to overcome self-doubt, have a plan, and back yourself.

• Inspiring the Next Generation: Felicity shares how her business journey is influencing her daughters, teaching them about hard work, independence, and the joy of helping others.
  
  

The Dress Barn: Felicity Mercer's award-winning business, located near the Devon/Cornwall border - https://dress-barn.co.uk/

Join the Course!

Are you a military spouse looking to start your own business? Join The InDependent Spouse's

Business Launch Accelerator course! This fully funded, 8-week online course covers everything you need to know about entrepreneurship as a military spouse or partner. It's available for any partner or spouse of serving regular or reservist armed forces personnel and is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Ministry of Defence.

Learn more and sign up at milspo.co.uk/course. The course starts in September, and applications are open NOW!

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

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!