Northern Power Women Podcast
How A Royal Navy Educator Built A Life Of Service
Published: 1 June 2026 at 06:00 Europe/London
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Episode notes
In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast Simone Roche MBE sits down with Ann Miller-McCaffrey to mark Armed Forces Day and trace almost four decades of Royal Navy life from the WRNS era to the reserves.
We talk honestly about change, belonging and how sport, service and family shape the person you become. Ann reflects on the personal highs and challenges that come with military life, from navigating major cultural shifts within the Armed Forces to finding purpose through leadership, teamwork and community. Her story offers an honest insight into resilience, identity and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation both within and beyond military service.
Main themes in the episode include:
• marking Armed Forces Day and why reflection matters
• joining the WRNS and how rules for women have shifted
• building a career in Education Training Support across bases and services
• using sport as a lifeline through tough periods
• creating a formal women’s Royal Navy football team
• living through the LGBTQ+ military ban and its lasting impact
• running HMS Eaglet operations as facility manager
• myth-busting what defence forces do for everyday life
• cadets, education, and the values young people can learn
• proposing at Liverpool Pride and building a family through adoption
Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫
