Nurture your well-being
And cultivate connection through service spouse life
Summit Essentials
Click on each image to access.
Schedule of events, areas for note-taking, recipes, and more! This is a fillable PDF where you can type in your notes, or you can print it and write them in.
This is our gathering place for socializing, giveaways, and in-depth summit content.
The Instant Teams Community is a safe, 100% verified military spouse community. This milspouse community welcomes all verified active duty spouses, veteran spouses, & retiree spouses.
Help us make our event even better! Submit your feedback for a chance to win a year of eMeals! SURVEY IS OPEN!
Unwind and de-stress with this calming playlist.
Enjoy the new Charliemadison Originals Cultivate Connections mini diffuser bracelet and an All-Access Pass bundle.
Take this free Enneagram Personality Test to find your type!
Listen to the IWS25 Interviews on Soundcloud.
Listen to the IWS25 Interviews on Amazon.
Listen to the IWS23 Interviews on Spotify.
SUMMIT SHOP
SHOP
CHARLIEMADISON ORIGINALS
Cultivate Connections Mini Bracelet | As life gets increasingly more digital, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected. Wear this bracelet as a reminder to prioritize real-life connections. Whether it’s rekindling old friendships, forging new bonds, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the people already in your life, this bracelet encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and cultivate meaningful relationships.
The Cultivate Connections Bracelet is a celebration of the 2025 InDependent Wellness Summit and a reminder of your commitment to health and wellness. A portion of the proceeds from this bracelet will be donated to InDependent.
Gemstones: 6mm Red Jasper, Kambaba Jasper, Teal Jasper, and Silver Quartz
Diffuser beads: 6mm Sennawood beads
Metal accents: Silver-plated copper nuggets
Using the bracelet as an essential oil diffuser
If your everyday wellness routine includes essential oils, the Cultivate Connections bracelet doubles as a diffuser bracelet. Simply add a drop of your favorite oil or oil blend to the wood beads and rub gently until the oil absorbs. Re-apply as-needed throughout the day.
20% off a single purchase through 6/30/25 using the code CULTIVATE. Cannot be combined with other discounts or Jewelry Rewards.
Resources and Freebies
Discover connection, within and without. Explore this year’s freebies and resources below.
Click on the image to download or learn more.
InDependent Compass
The space for military spouse wellness education and support. Discover free online courses like Fuel the Homefront, Emergency Preparedness, and more, designed for military spouse life.
Legacy Magazine
Unlock tips and tools for cultivating meaningful connections and fostering a community rooted in support and strength.
As an IWS25 attendee, receive an exclusive discount of 100% off the Collaborate digital volume of legacy magazine. The Collaborate volume emphasizes the power of intentional connections with others as a lifeline back to a meaningful life.
Military Spouse Mentorship Hub
MSAN’s Military Spouse Mentorship-HUB helps to bridge military families from every branch & their surrounding communities worldwide through a Virtual Education and Resource Center, New Military Spouse Support Program, and Leadership Development Program.
USAA
When it comes to military life, USAA know’s what you’re going through because they’ve been there. Check out their tips, advice and information to support you throughout
your military journey.
Thrive Market
Your Online, Healthy Grocery Store. Thrive Market is proud to carry thousands of premium products—from 100% non-GMO food to cruelty-free beauty to plant-powered cleaning and more.
As an IWS25 attendee you will receive one year of free membership & $60 free gift!
Community Building
This e-Book by Charles Vogl is designed to support military leaders, volunteers, and civilian coordinators hosting
events that connect adults within the military culture.
The USAA Ed. Foundation
They offer free financial education resources from experts in finance and military life to fuel your financial freedom.
As an educational foundation, they provide trusted information and do not endorse or sell any products.
USO Emergency Contact Form
A reference sheet for you and your family to update with your emergency contact. Update after every move!
Free Money Tools
GoVA empowers military families by building financial strength and education on topics that help you manage your money. Their digital platform, The Edge, offers hundreds of interactive tools, courses, and videos on a variety of financial topics.
Get a free membership with the code: INDEPENDENT.
VIRTUAL SWAG BAG
Click on logo to learn more and redeem.
eMeals
eMeals is the #1 place to save and shop all of your weekly meal inspiration. With 15+ meal plans, customizable shopping lists, and various grocery partners for easy pickup and delivery, eMeals is the ultimate dinner solution for busy families.
Click the logo to save 40% off a yearly subscription to eMeals.
Valid 03/03/2025-11/03/2025.
Mission Identity
At Mission Identity™ we make the enneagram accessible, actionable, and sustainable. Our personal story approach allows you to find your purpose, understand who you truly are – underneath the roles and imposed identities, as well as to learn how to work with and embody their innate power.
Click on the logo to enjoy 50% off an Enneagram Typing Assessment.
Expires 03/31/2025.
NokBox
The Nokbox is a complete system that helps you organize all your accounts, possessions, social media presence, communities, kids, pets, personal history, and estate plans.
Click on the logo to redeem 16% off of your purchase. Cannot be combined with sales or discounts.
Valid until 03/31/2025
The Waiting Warriors
Transform Your Self, Marriage & Family as a Military Spouse.
Click on logo to save 20% off any purchase using code: ID20.
Never expires.
Carepod
The world’s simplest and cleanest humidifier, designed by a doctor. It is dishawasher-safe, 99.9% sterilizable, preventing germs, bacteria, and mold.
Click the logo to save 10% off premiem humidifers and up-to 20% off on bundles with code: WELLNESS10.
Valid 03/01/2025- 04/30/2025.
IWS25: Cultivate Connections
Charles Vogl, M. Div
#IWS25 | Day 1
Cultivate Belonging
Charles Vogl is the author of The Art of Community, an international bestseller and Nautilus Silver Award winner. He is also a founding member of the Google Vitality Lab, which works toward innovating healing strategies. His work is used to advise and develop leadership and programs worldwide within organizations including Airbnb, LinkedIn, Amazon, and the US Army.
During this interview you will learn:
- What is community and can it be built online?
- The role of a host and how to create “campfire moments” where people truly connect.
- The secrets to hosting gatherings: how to simplify invitations, the perfect number of guests, and why no one is showing up.
Kellie Artis, CNET
#IWS25 | Day 1
Cultivate Self-Discovery
Kellie Artis is a Certified Narrative Enneagram Teacher and founder of Mission Identity . She helps high-achieving women understand their core motivations, unlocking their potential and empowering them to lead with purpose. She is also a participant in the George W. Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, where she gained advanced leadership skills.
You can take a free Enneagram Test here.
In this interview, you will learn:
- How the Enneagram can help with self-discovery and personal growth.
- Why understanding core motivations improves relationships & communication.
- How to use the Enneagram as a tool for navigating through life.
Zach Watson
#IWS25 | Day 2
Cultivate Open Communication
Zach Watson is a coach, certified Fair Play facilitator, content creator, and advocate for equitable relationships, specializing in breaking down the invisible labor that underpins home and family life. Through his coaching programs and digital platforms, Zach has helped hundreds of couples and individuals transform their relationships by creating actionable strategies for dividing emotional, cognitive, and physical labor more equitably.
Zach aims at consistently showing his audience where he is still failing, getting better and learning with the specific goal of helping other men lean into being more equitable partners. Visit his website here.
During this interview you will learn:
- What the invisible mental load is and how it affects relationships.
- How to reduce mental load in your relationship.
- How to cultivate more open communication with your partner.
Louvenia Locklear, LCSW, CFSW
#IWS25 | Day 2
Cultivate Financial Wellness
Louvenia Locklear, LCSW, CFSW, is a financial empowerment advocate dedicated to helping families break free from financial stress. With over 13 years as a Housing Counselor, she has guided countless families through the complexities of budgeting, credit repair, debt reduction, saving, and the homebuying process. She shares actionable steps to improve money management, work as a team with your partner, and create a secure financial future. You can visit her website here.
During this interview you will learn:
- How to cultivate connections with financial wellness.
- Ways to start financial discussions with your spouse.
- Baby steps to get involved in your family’s financial health.
Laurel Smith
#IWS25 | Day 3
Cultivate Authentic Growth
Laurel Smith is a mom, a seasoned entrepreneur, and the founder of Laurel Denise, a line of patent pending planners designed to help you do it all by ensuring you see it all. She got her start making jewelry that featured her handwriting before she saw a need for a planning solution that didn’t exist — one that allowed her to see her monthly, weekly, and daily schedule at the same time. She founded Laurel Denise in 2020 as a way to support other busy women in their pursuit of living their best lives. You can visit the website here.
During this interview you will learn:
- Curiosity and resilience are essential for long-term success.
- Authenticity and passion inspire creativity and build strong communities.
- How to approach problem-solving with innovation and your unique perspective.
-
Cindy Sullivan, MS
#IWS25 | Day
Cultivate Genuine Connections
Cindy Sullivan is a dedicated wife, mother, and educator with 28 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, and has taught across six states, hopefully inspiring students in mathematics and service to others. For 30 years, she has been married to Michael Sullivan, a recently retired Army Special Forces officer. Their military life included living in 10 different homes, numerous training deployments, six deployments to Afghanistan, and one to Lebanon.
Together, they raised three accomplished children: Ryan, a Certified Personal Trainer and Meal Prep Chef; Jackson, a West Point graduate and U.S. Army Ranger Qualified, Infantry Captain; and Samantha (Sammy), also a West Point graduate and U.S. Army Engineer Captain, who recently earned a Bronze Medal with the USA Women’s 7s-Rugby Team at the Paris Olympics as a member of the Army’s World Class Athlete Program.
During this interview you will learn:
- How to cultivate and build strong, lasting connections.
- Overcoming generational barriers in military spouse friendships.
- Practical ways to create genuine community.
Toya Cheri
#IWS25 | Day 5
Cultivate Joy Through Change
Toya Cheri is a military veteran turned home renovation Do-It-Yourself (DIY) content creator, the driving force of ‘She Moves with Purpose’ social media channels, and founder and CEO of Haus of Treux (pronounced true), LLC home design company.
Having dedicated 22 years in the United States Air Force, Toya achieved the highest enlisted rank in the military and built an exceptional career focused on leading and developing people. Since that transformative challenge, Toya has renovated several spaces and discovered the profound therapeutic benefits of hands-on creativity for mental health.
During this interview you will learn:
- How grief, mental, and physical health challenges can lead to resilience and finding purpose after pain.
- How to simply transform your temporary space as a military family.
- How the power of supporting and lifting others up, makes not only a difference for them, but for you as well. “A Servant’s Heart.”
-
Kate Lyman, MPH, CHES
#IWS25 | Day 4
Cultivate Mindful Nourishment
Kate Lyman is a fitness industry veteran with over a decade of business success and is the founder of a thriving nutrition coaching practice. She specializes in helping busy professionals balance careers, families, and their health goals. With a BS in Exercise Science and a Master’s in Public Health (Behavioral Health and Nutrition Education), Kate holds certifications as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach, and Menopause Coaching Specialist. She is currently advancing her expertise in Neuronutrition.
Known for her evidence-led, behavior-focused coaching style, Kate is passionate about helping clients adopt sustainable eating habits and build a healthier relationship with food. Based in Oaxaca, Mexico, Kate leads a close-knit team of coaches with clients around the globe. You can visit her website to learn more here.
During this interview you will learn:
- How to give yourself grace on your wellness journey.
- How to nourish your body, even when you might be discouraged.
- Unique ways to build connection and community through fitness.
- Practical tips for habit-building.
Resources mentioned:
Joanne Lipman
#IWS25 | Day 5
Cultivate Strength During Transition
Joanne Lipman is a pioneering journalist and the bestselling author of NEXT! The Power of Reinvention in Life and Work and the No. 1 bestseller THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID: What Men and Women Need to Know About Working Together. She has served as Editor-in-Chief of USA Today, USA Today Network, Conde Nast Portfolio, and The Wall Street Journal’s Weekend Journal, leading those organizations to six Pulitzer Prizes. She is also an on-air CNBC contributor and Yale University journalism lecturer. Visit her website here.
During this interview you will learn:
- The Four Stages of Transition: Search, Struggle, Stop, Solution.
- How to Get Unstuck with Small, Intentional Steps.
- Why the Struggle Phase is Essential for Growth.
Maria Mendez Reed
#IWS25 | Day 5
Cultivate A Flourishing Life
Maria Reed is a Cuban immigrant, proud military spouse of 22 years, dedicated mom of two, filmmaker, interior designer, and passionate advocate for military families. She is the Executive Producer and creator of the award-winning series Moving With the Military and Co-Founder/CEO of the Inspire Up Foundation.
As the creative force behind Moving With the Military, Maria honors veteran and military families through surprise home makeovers, combining design with heartwarming stories. Her series reflects the real-life needs of military families and showcases her belief that “home is where the military sends us.” To date, Maria has completed over 80 transformative home makeovers, leaving a lasting impact on countless families. Learn more about Maria and Moving With the Military here.
During this interview you will learn:
- Her perspective on identity, rejection & starting dreams later in life.
- How waking up your creative side impacts your wellness.
- The one thing you can do in your home to impact your well-being.
- 5 things you can do to add beauty and wellness into your life.