I'Mpossible Podcast

🎙 In this powerful episode, host Monica Fullerton sits down with longtime friend, communications powerhouse, and military spouse entrepreneur Lyndsey Akers. From her early days as a college softball champ and aspiring sports publicist to becoming the strategic force behind Spouse-ly's media success, Lyndsey's journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and rising into purpose.

As the storyteller behind countless Spouse-ly wins, Lyndsey steps into the spotlight to share her own I Am Possible journey—how motherhood transformed her values, how she walked away from corporate life to pursue a deeper calling, and how she built a business rooted in helping others amplify their voice. Candid, inspiring, and full of real talk, this episode is a celebration of sharing your story, owning your worth, and building a table big enough for everyone to sit at.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• How Lyndsey's early career dream of sports publicity led to a career in communications, storytelling, and strategic media

• Why motherhood and military life triggered a powerful pivot toward entrepreneurship

• The behind-the-scenes moments that shaped Spouse-ly's visibility and brand identity

• The emotional blocks that keep entrepreneurs from sharing their stories—and how to overcome them

• Building trust through authenticity, finding your voice, and choosing the right platform to show up

• Why sharing your journey isn't selfish—it's service

• Tips on surrounding yourself with a hype squad, finding momentum, and giving yourself grace through every season of business

👥 Featured Guest:

Lyndsey Akers

Storytelling strategist, communications consultant, proud military spouse, and your favorite new business bestie. Helping brands go from invisible to impactful by owning their story and shining their light.

📲 Connect with Lyndsey:

Instagram: @lyndseyakers

Newsletter, podcast, and other resources: Akers.co

✨ Shop on Spousely

📱 Connect with Lyndsey: LinkedIn

🙌 Special Thanks:

Huge thanks to our season sponsor, US Bank and Elavon, for their continued support of small business owners through the Small Business, Big Ambition initiative. Learn more and enter to win a $3,000 business grant at Small Business, Big Ambition.

Call to Action: 💬 Share this episode with three friends who could use a little inspiration! 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a story. 🛒 Support our incredible vendors and partners — links below.

You can connect with Elavon on:

• Elavon Website
• Find them on Elavon's Facebook
• Connect with them on Elavon's LinkedIn
• Find out more about the Elavon & Spouse-ly partnership here.

You can connect with Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

To learn how you can become a vendor or support our vendors, please visit Spouse-ly today!

We'd love to have you follow us on:

• Visit us on Spouse-ly Facebook
• Find us on Spouse-ly Instagram

All information provided is property of Spouse-ly.

In this powerful episode, host Monica Fullerton sits down with Nicole, founder of Wreaths by Nicole, former Marine and Air Force musician, and now a proud military spouse and entrepreneur. Nicole shares her one-of-a-kind journey from performing in military bands to creating handcrafted wreaths made from upcycled uniforms—wreaths that now adorn doors across the country and tell the stories of service, remembrance, and pride.

What started as a creative outlet during the pandemic quickly grew into a full-time business featured on People Magazine, Saks, CBS This Morning, and more. Nicole talks candidly about what it was like transitioning out of active duty, rediscovering herself through art, and building a business without a roadmap—all while raising her family and honoring the community she loves.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Nicole's journey from Marine musician to Air Force master resiliency trainer to creative entrepreneur
• How a single wreath made from an old uniform became a national story
• The emotional power of creating memorial and deployment wreaths for military families
• Navigating the transition from active duty to "just the spouse" and learning to embrace new seasons
• Authenticity in entrepreneurship, why "done" is better than "perfect," and learning as you go
• Tips for setting boundaries, embracing imperfection, and giving yourself permission to pause

🛍 Featured Brand:

Wreaths by Nicole

Meaningful wreaths crafted from uniforms and filled with story, service, and sentiment.

✨ Shop on Spousely

📱 Follow Nicole: @wreathsbynicole

🙌 Special Thanks:

Huge thanks to our season sponsor, US Bank and Elavon, for their continued support of small business owners through the Small Business, Big Ambition initiative. Learn more and enter to win a $3,000 business grant at Small Business, Big Ambition.

Call to Action: 💬 Share this episode with three friends who could use a little inspiration! 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a story. 🛒 Support our incredible vendors and partners — links below.

You can connect with Elavon on:

• Elavon Website
• Find them on Elavon's Facebook
• Connect with them on Elavon's LinkedIn
• Find out more about the Elavon & Spouse-ly partnership here.

You can connect with Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

To learn how you can become a vendor or support our vendors, please visit Spouse-ly today!

We'd love to have you follow us on:

• Visit us on Spouse-ly Facebook
• Find us on Spouse-ly Instagram

All information provided is property of Spouse-ly.

In this heartfelt episode, host Monica Fullerton sits down with Erin, Navy spouse and founder of The Dainty Forces, to talk about resilience, reinvention, and building a purpose-driven jewelry brand that inspires connection and strength.

After earning a degree in hospitality and moving to Hawaii just before the pandemic, Erin's career plans came to a sudden halt. But instead of giving up, she turned to creativity and community — and began handcrafting meaningful jewelry pieces that reflect the real-life emotions, transitions, and triumphs of military families.

Now a thriving business owner and Spouse-ly vendor, Erin shares her journey from job loss to empowerment, the heart behind her designs, and how she's curating a beautiful and intentional brand, one piece at a time.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How unexpected career pivots led Erin to entrepreneurship
• The origin of The Dainty Forces and the emotional connection behind each design
• Why building a product-based business around purpose makes a lasting impact
• Social media and branding tips for creative business owners
• How Erin overcame perfectionism and leaned into momentum
• Why community, collaboration, and courage are essential for growth

🛍 Featured Brand:

The Dainty Forces Jewelry that tells your story — from deployments to PCS seasons to everyday moments. ✨ Shop Erin's Collection at Dainty Forces on Spouse-ly 📱Follow on Instagram: @thedaintyforces

Special Thanks:

Thanks to US Bank and Elavon, sponsors of this season of the I'm Possible Podcast. Check out their Small Business, Big Ambition initiative for tools, tips, and a chance to win a $3,000 gift card for your business!

Call to Action: 💬 Share this episode with three friends who could use a little inspiration! 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a story. 🛒 Support our incredible vendors and partners — links below.

You can connect with Elavon on:

• Elavon Website
• Find them on Elavon's Facebook
• Connect with them on Elavon's LinkedIn
• Find out more about the Elavon & Spouse-ly partnership here.

You can connect with Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

To learn how you can become a vendor or support our vendors, please visit Spouse-ly today!

We'd love to have you follow us on:

• Visit us on Spouse-ly Facebook
• Find us on Spouse-ly Instagram

All information provided is property of Spouse-ly.

In this episode, Caroline sits down with retired Air Force veteran and serial inventor Matt Butler, the brilliant mind behind the outdoor game Rollors and the innovative scorekeeping Tally Tumbler. From flying reconnaissance missions in Italy to launching two successful products now sold in major retailers and Spousely, Matt shares how his military service shaped his mission to bring people together—off screens and into real connection.

Matt discusses his entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned, and why creating joy-filled moments through play has become his life's work. Tune in to hear how this veteran turned his ideas into reality, and how he continues to help others bring their own ideas to life.

• Matt's 20-year Air Force career and love of aviation

• The origin story of Rollors and how a garage hobby turned into 150,000+ games sold

• What Tally Tumbler is—and why it's perfect for golfers, tennis players, and backyard games

• How deployment and connection inspired Matt's business model

• Lessons in product development, mentorship, and staying focused as a multi-idea creator

• The power of the veteran and spouse-owned community—and why Spousely is his marketplace of choice

• 🛒 Find both on Spousely

• 📱Follow: @rollors | @tallytumbler

• 📌 Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

Special Thanks:

Thanks to US Bank and Elavon, sponsors of this season of the I'm Possible Podcast. Check out their Small Business, Big Ambition initiative for tools, tips, and a chance to win a $3,000 gift card for your business!

Call to Action: 💬 Share this episode with three friends who could use a little inspiration! 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a story. 🛒 Support our incredible vendors and partners — links below.

You can connect with Elavon on:

• Elavon Website

• Find them on Elavon's Facebook

• Connect with them on Elavon's LinkedIn

• Find out more about the Elavon & Spouse-ly partnership here.

You can connect with Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

To learn how you can become a vendor or support our vendors, please visit Spouse-ly today!

We'd love to have you follow us on:

• Visit us on Spouse-ly Facebook

• Find us on Spouse-ly Instagram

All information provided is property of Spouse-ly.

In this season kickoff episode, Spousely founder and CEO Monica Fullerton joins communications strategist Caroline Schafer to celebrate five incredible years of Spousely, reflect on the power of community, and kick off a new season of the I'm Possible Podcast. Monica shares her journey launching Spousely just before the pandemic, the driving mission behind the marketplace, and how their team helps military and first responder families grow and thrive through small business ownership. Together, they highlight how resilience, dreams, and community support can turn the "impossible" into "I'm possible."

You'll also hear about exciting updates: ✨ Spousely's partnership with US Bank and Elavon ✨ New small business tips and inspiration coming this season ✨ Why supporting vendors on Spousely makes such a big difference ✨ How Spousely is much more than a marketplace — it's a movement.

Special Thanks:

• Sponsor: US Bank & Elavon — learn more about their Small Business, Big Ambition initiative at Small Business Big Ambition - Elavon.

Call to Action: 💬 Share this episode with three friends who could use a little inspiration! 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a story. 🛒 Support our incredible vendors and partners — links below.

You can connect with Elavon on:

• Elavon Website

• Find them on Elavon's Facebook

• Connect with them on Elavon's LinkedIn

• Find out more about the Elavon & Spouse-ly partnership here.

You can connect with Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

To learn how you can become a vendor or support our vendors, please visit Spouse-ly today!

We'd love to have you follow us on:

• Visit us on Spouse-ly Facebook

• Find us on Spouse-ly Instagram

All information provided is property of Spouse-ly.

Welcome, listeners!

In this episode, Spouse-ly CEO and Founder Monica Fullerton chats with Scott Lippert, the Executive Vice President of Payment Services Operations at U.S. Bank. Scott Lippert is responsible for Customer Experience and Operations for Credit and Debit Cards, Elavon Merchant Acquisition, Corporate Payments, and Treasury Services. These operations include front, middle, and back-office functions in the U.S. and Europe.

Prior to joining U.S. Bank in 2020, Lippert worked at USAA for five years, serving as Chief Administration Officer and Head of Shared Services, as well as Chief Strategy Officer for USAA Bank. Lippert also worked as an Associate Partner for McKinsey & Company and as a Submarine Officer in the U.S. Navy.

Lippert holds a Master's in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and a business bachelor's from Virginia Tech. He also serves on the Board of Directors for McCormick Research Institute, whose mission is to serve veterans and individuals with special needs through equine-assisted therapy.

You can connect with Elavon on: 

• Elavon Website 

• Find them on Elavon’s Facebook

• Connect with them on Elavon’s LinkedIn

• Find out more about the Elavon & Spouse-ly partnership here. 

You can connect with Monica on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  

To learn how you can become a vendor or support our vendors, please visit Spouse-ly today! 

We'd love to have you follow us on: 

• Visit us on Spouse-ly Facebook

• Find us on Spouse-ly Instagram 

All information provided is property of Spouse-ly. 

Welcome, listeners!

In this episode, host and producer Caroline Schafer chats with military spouses Jen & Kirst of Wives of the Armed Forces.

Tune in to hear how Jen & Kirst took an unlikely friendship and formed a community of military spouses who have come together to support, inspire, and encourage one another on their military spouse journey.

Jen & Kirst would love for you to connect with them:

• Facebook - Wives of the Armed Forces

• Instagram - Wives of the Armed Forces

To learn how you can become a vendor or support our vendors, please visit Spouse-ly today!

We'd love to have you follow us on:

• Visit us on Spouse-ly Facebook

• Find us on Spouse-ly Instagram

All information provided is property of Spouse-ly.

Welcome, listeners!

In this episode, host and producer Caroline Schafer chats with veteran and military spouse Sarah Doran about how and why she became an author of children's books with military children in mind.

Tune in to hear how Sarah took an idea and a love for writing and turned the impossible into "I'm possible!" To order a copy of "The Peppered Sky" for a military child in your life, visit Sarah's Spouse-ly store. You can also help Sarah with her Kickstarter campaign for her next book, "Sleeping Giants," here. Sarah would love for you to connect with her:

• Facebook - Author Sarah Doran

• Instagram - Author Sarah Doran

To learn how you can become a vendor or support our vendors, please visit Spouse-ly today!

We'd love to have you follow us on:

• Visit us on Spouse-ly Facebook

• Find us on Spouse-ly Instagram

All information provided is property of Spouse-ly.

Welcome, listeners!

In this episode, host and producer Caroline Schafer chats with first responder spouse Michelle Johnson about why she started her graphic design marketing business.

Tune in to hear how Michelle took the daily stay-at-home mom life, tapped into her creative side, and turned the impossible into "I'm possible!" To order one of her stickers or a custom print, visit Michelle's Spouse-ly store, MJ Design, today!

You connect with Michelle on:

• MJ Design Instagram

• MJ Design Spouse-ly Store

• MJ Design Marketing Facebook

To learn how you can become a vendor or support our vendors, please visit Spouse-ly today!

We'd love to have you follow us on:

• Visit us on Spouse-ly Facebook

• Find us on Spouse-ly Instagram

All information provided is the property of Spouse-ly.

Welcome, listeners!

In this episode, host and producer Caroline Schafer chats with military spouse Selena Conmackie - CEO of Hauoli Socially Inspired - about why she started her business.

Tune in to hear why Selena wants to be your new techie best and how she turned the impossible into "I'm possible!" Selena is a WordPress website designer and also helps small and medium-sized businesses with digital strategy — including social media management, email marketing, and paid ads. Visit her Spouse-ly shop today to learn more! You connect with Selena on:

• Selena Conmackie's LinkedIn

• The Hauoli Instagram

• Selena Conmackie's Facebook

To learn how you can become a vendor or support our vendors, please visit Spouse-ly today!

We'd love to have you follow us on:

• Visit us on Spouse-ly Facebook

• Find us on Spouse-ly Instagram

All information provided is property of Spouse-ly.