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
  • Tiffany Coates - Live from the Armchair Adventure Festival. Sharing more about her motorcycle adventures around the world.
    Nov 7 2024
    In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany at the Armchair Adventure Festival in Mount Edgcumbe. Join us as we explore the world through the eyes of Tiffany Coates, recognised as the world’s foremost female motorcycle adventurer. Tiffany has spent over twenty years exploring six continents on two wheels. With hundreds of thousands of miles under her belt, she continues her adventures both solo and as a sought-after motorcycle tour guide, captivating audiences at adventure travel events worldwide. Her journey began with a memorable trip alongside her best friend, Becky. With just two months of riding experience, they embarked on a quarter-tonne BMW named ‘Thelma,’ wobbling their way from the UK across Europe to India. What was initially planned as a nine-month journey transformed into two and a half years, crossing four continents and solidifying Tiffany's passion for motorcycle travel. Over the years, Tiffany has travelled through Asia, Australia, Africa, the Americas, and more, with notable rides to Timbuktu, Outer Mongolia, Madagascar, Borneo, and even Everest Base Camp in Tibet. Her website features the stories behind these incredible travels. As a freelance guide, Tiffany leads various adventurous motorcycling expeditions, providing safe and experienced guidance for those eager to explore new countries on two wheels. We first spoke with Tiffany on March 17th 2020 - The World's Foremost Female Motorcycle Adventurer! *** This episode was recorded live at the Armchair Adventure Festival 25th - 28th July 2024. Buy tickets now for #AAF25 - THE UK'S MOST ADVENTUROUS FESTIVAL. Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall, 24-27th July 2025, Use TG10 to get a 10% discount on tickets. www.armchairadventurefestival.com. *** *** 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 TiffanyBackground as a motorbike travellerExperience riding around the worldJoy of solitude in desert travelDangerous motorbike experiences in VietnamMental health benefits of motorbikingSense of freedom and independence in motorbike travelTiffany's journey to becoming a motorbike riderHaving no initial experience with motorbikesChallenges of maintaining the bike and learning basic maintenanceMechanical failures upon entering AsiaTime spent in a workshop learning about oil, filters, and maintenance tasksReliance on strangers for assistance and fixing the bikeImportance of feeling confident and self-reliantSelf-defence knowledge and preparednessCarrying safety tools while campingRiding through the Gobi Desert in MongoliaAdjusting travel plans based on weather conditionsHectic journey through Siberia to reach the Pacific OceanEnjoying the journey and making the most of each daySinging to herself and listening to music or podcastsLiving frugally to fund her travelsNot owning a car, saving money for travelGuiding groups through exotic countries, ensuring their safety and happinessUpcoming trip to Guyana, Suriname, and French GuianaImportance of exploring lesser-known placesCamping experience at the Bonneville Salt FlatsChallenges faced and the beauty of solitude in natureExperiences with altitude sickness and acclimatisationNatural sadness post-adventureTravel fatigue during long journeysKeeping journals and writing for publicationsPotential future projects, including writing a bookLeading an all-female motorbike tour in NepalBreaking stereotypes in motorcyclingSense of sisterhood among female motorcyclistsUnique experiences of hospitality while travelling soloShipping bikes by sea versus flyingInternational Vehicle Shipping, Moto FreightThe process of obtaining an international driving permit (IDP) and its importanceMaps and compasses over GPSGPS inaccuracies in desert navigationLimitations of relying solely on technologyThoughts on the common advice to “just do it”Final words of advice Social Media Website: tiffanystravels.co.uk Facebook: @tiffany.coates.12 Twitter/X: @tiffanystravels
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    58 mins
  • Candida Louis - An Indian girl riding around the World. 10 Years of full-time Travel. Sharing her story live at the Armchair Adventure Festival.
    Nov 7 2024
    Candida Louis, a 28-year-old adventurer from Hubli, South India, embodies the spirit of wanderlust and the pursuit of freedom through motorcycle riding. From a young age, she shared unforgettable rides with her father, sparking a passion that led her to become a motorcyclist herself. Over the past 12 years, she has transitioned from a pillion rider to the one in the front seat, fully embracing the thrill of the open road. A birthday gift of her first motorcycle marked the beginning of an incredible journey that fuelled her dreams of riding around the world. After spending five years working at Oracle and Infosys, she found herself disillusioned with the daily commute and long hours. Looking out of her office window, she envisioned a life on the open road, fuelling her determination to break free. In 2015, she took a three-month sabbatical to ride through North and South India, and the experience solidified her desire to pursue a life of adventure. Following her journey, she resigned from her desk job and spent four months travelling, embracing the confidence and freedom that riding provided. In this conversation, Candida emphasised the importance of following one’s passions, stating, “If you love something, if you’re very passionate about it, at least try to take that first step... Just take that risk, and it will prove to be the right thing.” This philosophy drives her as she continues to chase her dreams, having recently crossed multiple countries on her motorcycle in a remarkable eight-month journey from India to Australia. With each adventure, she inspires others to embrace their dreams, take risks, and discover the incredible experiences that life has to offer. Candida’s journey is not just about riding motorcycles; it’s about finding one’s true self and the freedom that comes with stepping outside one’s comfort zone. As she explores the world on her bike, she encourages others to do the same, reminding them that the journey begins with that first courageous step. *** This episode was recorded live at the Armchair Adventure Festival 25th - 28th July 2024. Buy tickets now for #AAF25 - THE UK'S MOST ADVENTUROUS FESTIVAL. Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall, 24-27th July 2025, Use TG10 to get a 10% discount on tickets. www.armchairadventurefestival.com. *** 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! Shownotes: Who is CandidaStarted riding motorcycles 16 years agoInitial career in finance before transitioning to travel and motorcycle ridingFirst motorcycle ride with her dadFamily support in pursuing her passionSocietal judgments and lack of support from some community membersInitial desire to travel but disbelief in achieving financial stability through itShift in perspective from chasing money to following passionExperience working at a strict IT company and the impact on her mental healthReceiving a call from a TV show inviting her to ride around IndiaOvercoming obstacles with her manager to pursue the opportunityUnexpected cancellation of the show and decision to continue the journey soloReflection on the adventure and challenges faced during the tripCreation of a Facebook page to update family and friends during travelsGrowth of the page to 10,000 followers during the seven-month tripTransition to Instagram and the rise to 246,000 followers over ten yearsOpportunities from brand collaborations that provide financial supportInvestment in real estate (building an Airbnb) to generate consistent incomeLeading motorcycle tours and the establishment of a tour businessThe emotional struggle of leaving a stable job for an uncertain pathExperience of living with very little money initiallyImportance of perseverance and believing in oneself despite challengesSocietal perceptions of women travelling alone in IndiaMedia interviews focused on negative aspects rather than positive experiencesGaining confidence through positive encounters and supportive individualsDelivering laptops and teaching children in CambodiaDesire to combine travel with making a positive impact on communitiesUpcoming plans for the next six monthsIncrease in female motorcycle riders over the past decadeCandida’s initiative to train 100 women monthly to ride motorcyclesRiding through 42 countries on a motorcyclePersonal challenges and medical issues (e.g., dislocated knee)Information on Candida’s motorcyclesNaming her motorcycles: "Sky" (Bajaj) and "Scarlet" (Triumph)Spending eight ...
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    46 mins
  • Jen Scotney - Running Through the Dark: The rise and fall of an ultrarunner. A story about resilience, about never giving up, and about battling through the night and always believing that there will be a new dawn.
    Nov 5 2024
    Jen Scotney boasts an impressive record as an ultrarunner with podium finishes in the 108-mile Montane Winter Spine Challenger South and the 190-mile Northern Traverse. She is host of the Resilience Rising Podcast, a running coach, writer, Mountain Leader and yoga teacher, which have followed her career as a human rights lawyer. Jen has appeared in magazine features for Runner’s World, Trail Running and Women’s Running. She has been a guest host on the Wild Ginger Running YouTube channel, and a previous guest on the Tough Girl Podcast. Jen crewed for John Kelly’s successful Pennine Way fastest known time as well as for his Wainwrights Round in the Lake District. She grew up in the Peak District and now lives in the Scottish mountains with her husband Marcus and Sherlock the beagle. Running Through the Dark is her first book. *** 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 Jen Scotney Intro from 2018 TGP episode So much has changed in 6 yearsA new introduction for nowBeing based in the Scottish HighlandsNot running anymore and what happenedChatting with Mimi Anderson No longer clinging onto the identity of being a runnerSelf worth in relation to challenges and big runsUsing writing as a tool to help processHer dream of wanting to run the Pennine WayGetting a book deal and starting to write stories of runnersGoing through a period of chronic illnessWanting to share her story and get it out of her head500 words a dayRelief and fear of finishing the bookGrief and lossHanding over control Recovering from chronic illnessResilience Starting the Resilience Rising PodcastsWhy messiness is part of resilience. Taking the time to process and accept what’s happenedNot signing up for the suffering Having a good time while runningWhy low points in a race are not comparable to real life challengesExternal validationWhat bring joy and happiness todayTeaching yoga and growing fruit and vegMaking changes in her life and doing a pivotGetting ok with uncertainty and changeChoosing the uncertainty and being open to what comes upAdvice for letting go of control Joining the local mountain rescue team in Scotland Working through a skill list and having monthly training Managing negative thoughts Dealing with 2 knee replacementsLooking for her limit and finding out what she can doStart where you arePlans for 2025 - goal setting or going with the flowPracticing yoga for 15+ yearsBeing a qualified Yin Yoga teacherYoga Nidra and permission to restPushing back again busyness and perfection Relax and do more yoga Stop trying to be productiveWhat needs to be let go offBeing in the momentKeep connected to Jen Final words of advice Social Media Website: www.jenscotney.com Instagram: @jenscotney X/Twitter: @jenscotney Vertebrate Publishing Books to inspire your next adventure. Based in Sheffield, the Outdoor City. Instagram @vertebrate_publishing X/Twitter: @VertebratePub Book: Running Through the Dark: The rise and fall of an ultrarunner. Ultrarunner Jen Scotney has achieved podium finishes in some of the UK’s toughest races and now has her sights firmly set on the Pennine Way. In Running Through the Dark, Jen talks about her ambitions, not just to run the 268-mile Pennine Way but to take the record as the fastest woman to do so. But that didn’t happen. Nothing went according to plan. The Jen the world knew was a successful lawyer and running coach – all photoshoots and finish-line smiles – but the truth was much darker. The real Jen Scotney, the one she hid from everybody, suffered with chronic fatigue, debilitating injuries, tragedy, grief and at times had a will so beaten down by setbacks that there just didn’t seem any point in going on. But she did go on. Running Through the Dark is Jen’s account of her ultra-journey. Playing out on the moors of the Pennines, the fells of the Lake District and the mountains of Wales and Scotland, this is much more than a running book, it is a story about resilience, about never giving up, and about battling through the night and always believing that there will be a new dawn.
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    1 hr and 5 mins

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I Relate To This Tough Girl!

Very few podcasts can get me to laugh out loud. This was one. Thanks! Great !

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