Tough Girl Podcast

By: Sarah Williams
  • Summary

  • The Tough Girl Podcast is all about inspiring and motivating YOU! I will be interviewing inspirational women from around the world, who’ve faced and overcome difficult challenges and situations, they will share their story, their knowledge and provide advice and essential tips for you to overcome your own personal challenges.
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Episodes
  • Frankie Forzoni: From Mental Health Struggles to Norseman Xtreme Triathlon Finisher.
    Nov 21 2024
    Frankie is a Women's Endurance Coach and Nutritionist, helping busy women achieve their endurance goals in the most holistic way possible. From severe mental health struggles in her early twenties, to being hit by a car in 2020, Frankie is now a Norseman Xtreme Triathlon finisher and 4 x Marathon runner. Founded in 2016, Pretty Strong Coaching was created to support and coach women struggling with their mental wellbeing. Having faced depression, chronic pain, and panic attacks, Frankie understands the struggles of mental health firsthand. After trying therapy, sleeping pills, and anti-depressants, she found healing through movement, nature, and nutrition. Frankie provides a space where women can reconnect with their bodies, achieve their running and triathlon goals, and embrace a balanced, healthy lifestyle within a supportive community. Through her coaching, Frankie empowers women to overcome mental barriers, conquer self-doubt, and tackle burnout, helping them become their strongest, healthiest selves. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking motivation, practical insights into holistic health, and a reminder that with the right support and determination, it's possible to transform adversity into triumph. Tune in and be inspired to embrace your own journey toward strength and wellness! *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is FrankieGrowing up with an active childhood in LondonDoing dance lessons and tennis with her sisterGoing into university in Leeds to study graphic designStopping fitness, focusing on a busy social lifeExperiencing poor mental health at 24Signing off work due to stressExploring ways to improve her wellbeingStudying happiness and healthRecovering through moving the body and nourishing itSigning up for the London Marathon despite not being a runnerTaking on the London Marathon after being told she couldn't do itFollowing a book to guide her trainingMeeting friends, seeing family, and enjoying the eventHow running has helped with her mental healthBelieving small victories help manage mental wellbeingThe importance of consistency, endorphins, and alone time during runs for mental clarity and self-discoveryMoving to Singapore for workObtaining personal training qualificationGrowth of Frankie's coaching careerHelping others achieve fitness goals and mental resilienceEnjoying living in Singapore, having access to pools and sunshineFacing the challenge of extreme heatHaving an air-conditioned indoor gym setup to handle the heatParticipating in the annual event, The Standard Chartered Singapore MarathonCoaching 30 clients through the 2018 Singapore MarathonDesigning the "Mind Over Marathon" programme to help women with mental health struggles prepare for the raceOffering a safe space for women dealing with various issuesHer challenging recovery process after being hit by a car in SingaporeHow cycling and swimming aid her healingRegaining her physical strength over a four-year periodApplying for The Norseman Xtreme TriathlonWeighing the challenge of competing in the extreme triathlon in Norway while living in SingaporePartnering with Performance Bike Fitter for altitude training equipmentWorking with Trapeze Recovery Centre, providing ice baths, to acclimate to cold temperaturesTravelling to Australia to train on actual hillsTraining on the Sunshine Coast with her support team and triathlete friendsGrowing anxiety and self-doubt as race day approachesThe importance of her support crew to her successFinding peace and determination, pushing forward despite fearsDriving the Norseman route backwards to familiarise themselves with the courseObserving other experienced athletes, feeling a mix of intimidation and inspirationWhat was her race day morning likeSwimming conservatively, following the coastlineSwelling and loss of dexterity due to coldTransition from swim to bike (T1)Frankie's climbing challengesFacing a gruelling 35-kilometre climb with steep gradientsMental and physical strain on the bikeAlone, battling wind, hail, and fatiguePushing through some of the darkest moments of her raceTransition from bike to run (T2)From flat to "Zombie Hill"Being joined by her support crew on the hill for safetyContinuing to walk despite torrential thunderstormsNutrition and hydration on the runFinal words of advice Social Media Website: www.prettystrongcoaching.com Instagram: @prettystrongcoaching Facebook: @...
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    53 mins
  • Jane Kanizay: Climbing Mt. Everest, Advocating for Consent, and Building Resilience in the Death Zone—A Mother’s Journey of Strength, Survival, and Purpose.
    Nov 19 2024
    Jane Kanizay is an adventurer, educator, activist, speaker, artist and mother of four who on 14 May 2022 successfully climbed Mt. Everest with her 19-year-old daughter. Jane enjoys sharing the highs and lows of her Everest experience and the journey of resilience required to take on such an immense challenge as a survivor. Jane climbed with the message of @teachusconsent to campaign for holistic consent education in school education curriculum and to advocate for the prevention of violence against women. To have a message to take to the summit provided additional strength on the days Jane had reached her physical or emotional limits. High altitude mountaineering is one of the deadliest sports in the world. Jane successfully summited mountains above 6000m plus an 8000m summit of Cho Oyu, Tibet, to prepare her for the extreme environment of Everest, considered to be in the ‘death zone’ above 8000m where oxygen content is only 34% compared with sea level. Listening to Jane on the Tough Girl Podcast offers a rare insight into the mental and physical fortitude it takes to summit Everest, but also the deeper purpose behind her journey. Through her incredible story, Jane not only inspires adventurers but also advocates for change, sharing how carrying a message of consent and empowerment gave her the strength to push through her limits. Her story will resonate with anyone looking to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find purpose in their own lives. Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! Show notes Who is JaneMother of four, living with one childMountain climbing with her eldest daughter, GabbyBeing motivated by Gabby's dream to climbCompleting several trips to the HimalayasReaching Everest's summit together on 14 May 2022Becoming the second mother-daughter pair to summit EverestGrowing up in an athletic familyHaving siblings achieving high levels in sportsDiscussing her childhood experiences with athleticsHer belief in ordinary people achieving extraordinary thingsThe importance of family support in sports and lifeStarting running marathons at 33 after having four childrenTransitioning from marathon running to trekking and climbing in her late 40sRemembering her 40s as an empowering period, winning races in her age groupWhen Gabby's interest in climbing startedThe mother-daughter duo's plans evolved into larger climbing goals over timeGabby reflecting on her experience, appreciating the timing of climbing at age 19Climbing experience which fostered a unique friendshipThey relate differently outside of typical family rolesMaintaining their bond while balancing parenting responsibilitiesInitially planned to finance their climbs through a mortgage and potential scholarshipsSelling their house and funding the majority of the tripAdapting to unexpected financial changesGabby's focus on balancing her love for climbing while pursuing an income in the industryJane's reflections on the dynamics among her children regarding climbing adventuresHow she has navigated potential feelings of jealousy among her childrenSharing her experience of climbing Everest with GabbyThe dynamic of being both mother and climbing partnerHow they communicated effectively at base campGabby often acted as a mentor, helping Jane to regain confidence during tough momentsA pivotal moment at Camp Four where she doubted her strength to continueGetting encouraged by Gabby to persevereReflecting on precious time spent with her childrenPrioritising family over personal ambitionsSocietal concerns about young climbers tackling high peaksJane's internal struggles regarding the ethics of taking Gabby on such a dangerous expeditionEngaging with other young adventurers and parentsThe meticulous preparation and strategy leading up to their summit attemptThe challenging conditions they encounteredThe summit push filled with historical significance and personal reflectionsJane leading the ascent, following in the footsteps of climbing legendsA heartwarming moment for Jane spotting Gabby approaching the summitThe "Teach Us Consent" campaignJane's desire for her sons to be good allies and her daughters to be safeThe pyramid of abuseAdvocating for calling out disrespectful behaviourCreating a safer environment for womenExperiencing vision problems while descendingHallucinating due to altitude sicknessDealing with laryngitis and media attention after her climbBuilding a supportive network ...
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    54 mins
  • Vicki Anstey: Overcoming Limitations, Conquering Fears, and Breaking Records—From SAS Challenges to Rowing the Pacific and Cycling 3,000 Miles Across America.
    Nov 14 2024

    After 20 years in a relationship that limited and stifled her, former advertising professional, turned fitness pioneer and award-winning entrepreneur, Vicki Anstey became (age 41) one of the first ever women to participate in Channel 4’s ‘SAS Who Dares Wins’, reaching the final stages after 11 days in extreme conditions at an altitude of 3,000ft in Chile.

    In 2021, she and 2 other women, the Girls Who Dare, set a new World Record for rowing unaided across the Pacific Ocean, confronting her fear of deep, open water to do so. It took 60 days, 17 hours and 6 minutes.

    Her latest endeavour (a second Guinness World Record) was to cycle 3,000 miles in the ‘World’s Toughest Bike Race’ as a team of four women from West to East coast America in just 6 days 19 hours and 38 minutes.

    Vicki has also completed ultra distance runs (covering 250kms and carrying everything she needed to survive) in some of the World’s most extreme environments – crossing the Arctic in temperatures of -35 degrees and the Savannnahs of Kenya in blistering 50 degree heat.

    ***

    Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

    By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.

    Thank you for your invaluable support!

    Show Notes:

    • Who is Vicki
    • Vicki’s diverse career journey
    • Emphasising her unique life experiences
    • Overcoming a coercive relationship
    • Leaving her long-term marriage
    • Encouraged by friends, she applied for SAS: Who Dares Wins
    • The beginning of her journey into adventure and self-discovery
    • Reflecting on the rigorous training during SAS: Who Dares Wins
    • Building self-belief and resilience
    • The experiences that revealed her capabilities
    • The importance of mental strength in overcoming obstacles
    • Rowing across the Pacific
    • Facing her fear of deep, open water by undertaking a rowing challenge
    • Her preparation for the task to confront her anxieties
    • Finding strength in vulnerability
    • Embracing fears and seeing the opportunities that lie beyond them
    • Developing resilience, managing self-doubt, and embracing challenges
    • Emphasising reflection and learning from past experiences
    • Transition from solo to team challenges
    • How her experiences with solo challenges influenced her approach to teamwork
    • The importance of clear communication and setting boundaries
    • Being initially intimidated by her rowing teammates
    • Learning to embrace tough conversations
    • Unravelling tensions in team dynamics
    • Vicki’s concept of “free speed”
    • Understanding each team member's emotional responses under stress
    • Advocating empathy and support in navigating team dynamics
    • Training for Race Across America
    • Her transition into cycling
    • A rigorous training regime of up to 25 hours per week
    • Having a supportive coaching network to enhance her skills
    • Vicki’s memorable moments from RAAM
    • The importance of supporting one another during challenging phases
    • Production of a documentary covering her rowing and RAAM experiences

    Social Media

    Website: vickianstey.co.uk

    Instagram: @vickianstey

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    46 mins

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