Episodes

  • Ann Whatmore: A Fearless Adventurer Who Proves Severe Asthma Doesn’t Set Limits – Cycling 3000km Across the UK on a Recumbent E-Trike

    Ann Whatmore: A Fearless Adventurer Who Proves Severe Asthma Doesn’t Set Limits – Cycling 3000km Across the UK on a Recumbent E-Trike
    Jun 5 2025
    In this episode, we’re joined by the fearless Ann Whatmore, an adventurer who proves that asthma doesn’t have to set limits on what you can achieve. Ann has faced numerous health challenges, but rather than letting them hold her back, she’s embraced adventure in a big way. In May 2024, she cycled over 3,000km across the UK on her recumbent e-trike, “Bob,” completing a solo journey from Land’s End to Orkney before speaking at Yestival. This was no easy feat – Ann had only a sixth of her lung function available and had to rely on determination, resourcefulness, and a supportive community to make the journey possible. In this episode, Ann shares how she turned her dream into reality, navigating the ups and downs of planning such a massive adventure. She talks about the emotional and physical struggles of living with asthma, how she managed her condition on the road, and the lessons she learned along the way. Whether you’re living with a chronic condition, longing for adventure, or simply looking for inspiration to push through your own barriers, Ann’s story is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in to hear how Ann turned her “limitations” into an opportunity for growth and exploration, proving that the only true limits are the ones we place on ourselves. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patron! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Ann Having numerous health issuesBeing based near the Jurassic Coast, UKLiving by the seaNot being able to explore the landscape as much as she would likeDeciding to get a 3 wheeled e-trike (called Bob)Wanting to say yes to adventure Getting asthma problems after the age of 18Being able to manage her condition at 19 Her early years growing up, being very sporty and outdoorsy Having horses and enjoying riding Getting covid on 21st march 2020 and how it impacted on her lung functionNot being able to walk up stairsBeing on high dose steroids and inhalersThe mental challenges of dealing with health issuesGrieving for the person she wasFinding out her lungs have been damaged and developing breathing pattern disorders Joining adventure book clubs and listening to podcastsBringing the adventures to her Finding positivity in other people adventures Looking for glimmers of hope Say Yes More TribeYestival - Dave Cornwaithe Losing her balance and co-ordination ability Finding out about trikesFree trike rehabilitation in Exeter Finding ways to fund her trikeThe price to have independence outsideBike to Work Scheme (UK) Having a bike fit check Going for short, local rides on flat groundFinding a little route and going out with her partner to gain confidence The plan for the adventure Taking a year to plan and how the journey changedBOOK: Britain Best Bike Ride: The ultimate thousand-mile cycling adventure from Land’s End to John o’ Groats - Hannah Reynolds & John Walsh Planning to cycle from Lands End to John O’GroatsWanting to see Skara Brae in the Orkneys Making herself accountability and standing up on stage at Yestival to announce her challengeDeciding to finish the challenge at Yestival Committing to the 2,000 mile adventure! Figuring out how to charge her bike batteryNot being able to wild camp and always needing to find a plug each dayThe reality of the challenge, compared to what she expectedHaving a supportive and encouraging partner Being able to enjoy it moreLoving the highlands How her perception changed of what she could do Dealing with the hills…The feelings of ‘awe’Focusing on the next goal, and breaking down the challengeThe kindness of strangers when you were at your lowestBig Sky Hideaway Adjusting back to normal life - after spending 50 days on the roadPacking up her e-trike to go home and heading back to workHaving 121 support The next challenge….Chase the Sun - 205 miles in 1 day The lessons learned from the experience Being vulnerable and asking for help when neededFundraising for Asthma + Lung UK Sea Swimming Ice mile swim…Social media…How to connect with AnnFind your community Figure out what you can do Learning how to ask for helpSaying yes to adventure and finding that supportFind your tribe, say yes more Social Media Website www.wanderingwhatmore.com
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    53 mins
  • Aisling Byrne: International Showjumper and Businesswoman on Surviving a Devastating Riding Accident and Defying the Odds to Walk and Compete Again

    Aisling Byrne: International Showjumper and Businesswoman on Surviving a Devastating Riding Accident and Defying the Odds to Walk and Compete Again
    Jun 3 2025

    In this powerful episode, we meet Aisling Byrne — an international showjumper, successful businesswoman, and an extraordinary example of resilience in the face of life-altering adversity. After a devastating horse riding accident left her with multiple broken bones, internal injuries, and the prognosis that she would never walk again, Aisling refused to accept defeat.

    Over the course of a gruelling three-year recovery, she not only walked again — she returned to the international showjumping circuit, proving that mindset, grit, and determination can overcome even the most impossible odds.

    In our conversation, Aisling shares her journey from a small-town Irish girl discovering horses for the first time to the elite competitive showjumping stage, and the mindset strategies that carried her through her darkest moments. We also dive into her life as a business owner, how she balances her entrepreneurial ventures with her sporting goals, and her advice for women navigating setbacks of any kind.

    Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, working toward a big goal, or simply in need of some serious inspiration, this episode will remind you of what’s possible when you choose to keep moving forward — no matter the obstacle.

    New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.

    Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

    Your support makes a difference. Thank you x

    Show notes

    • Who is Aisling
    • Born and raised in Ireland
    • Being passionate about showjumping
    • Running a funding company and a travel company
    • Growing up in Ireland
    • Having 1 brother and supportive parents
    • Not growing up around horses
    • Going to the local equestrian centre
    • Riding the neighbours ponies
    • Getting her own pony at 11
    • Transitioning from riding ponies to horses
    • Enjoying the partnership with the horse
    • How showjumping works
    • Competition time and doing a course walk
    • What does it take to make a great show jumper
    • Needing determination and tenacity
    • The ability to work hard and learning from different people
    • Building a partnership with a horse
    • Figuring out what makes your horse tick
    • Making your horses as happy as possible
    • Having a near death experience
    • Breaking multiple bones and damaging internal organs
    • Being in a Portuguese hospital and people not realising the severity of the injury
    • Bleeding internally
    • Being able to detach herself from the situation
    • Calmness during emergency situations
    • Being very practical and level headed
    • The recovery journey - 3 years
    • Taking a long time to get off crutches
    • Staying positive (even if you have to fake it)
    • How mindset can speed up your physical recovery
    • Practical tips to manage levels of positivity so not to go to a dark place
    • Walking for the first time
    • Going to a specialist sports physio
    • Being told she would never be able to ride a horse again
    • First time getting back on a pony after the accident in 2018
    • Being lifted onto the pony with a forklift truck
    • Getting back into showjumping and competing again
    • Not sweating the small stuff
    • Not looking for perfection and how everything goes a little bit smoother
    • How the travel company works
    • Lending money to law firms
    • Advice for women who want to get into the world of showjumping
    • Wanting to get back to world ranking jumping
    • No age limit on showjumping
    • How to connect on social media
    • Words of advice for women who are dealing with a setback
    • Staying positive for others
    • Not having to do things - but getting to do things

    Social Media

    Instagram: @aislingbyrne1

    TikTok: @asheyb1
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    45 mins
  • Pamela Lee: Irish Offshore Sailor, World Record Holder, Empowering Women Through Sailing, Training for Route du Rhum 2026.

    Pamela Lee: Irish Offshore Sailor, World Record Holder, Empowering Women Through Sailing, Training for Route du Rhum 2026.
    May 29 2025
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Pamela Lee, a professional offshore sailor from Ireland who’s breaking records and barriers in one of the most extreme, male-dominated sports on the planet. Now based in Brittany, France—the heart of short-handed offshore racing—Pamela has carved out her path with grit, determination, and a clear vision for empowering women through sailing. Pam shares her journey from growing up beside the sea in Ireland to becoming the first Irish woman to skipper the Transat Jacques Vabre Race, setting three world records sailing around Ireland, and now training for the 2026 Route du Rhum, one of the toughest solo ocean races in the world. We dive deep into her early influences, the realities of offshore racing, learning French to break into the French sailing scene, and the financial, emotional, and physical challenges of pursuing elite-level sailing. From boat borrowing to breaking glass ceilings, Pamela opens up about the power of visibility, representation, and believing in your own potential—no matter how big the dream. Whether you're interested in sailing, women in sport, or chasing bold goals, this is an empowering and eye-opening conversation not to miss. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is PamelaLiving and working in Brittany, FranceProfessional Off-shore Sailor Living in the mecca of off-shore sailing What short-handed sailing isSpeaking French and sailing in French Studying French at school and doing a French exchange The challenge of learning French The power of emersion when learning a language Growing up in Ireland (south of Dublin, on the South East Coast) beside the sea Having a dad who is a sailing fanatic Family holidays camping and sailing Opportunities to become a professional sailor?Adapting her mentality on how she wanted to live her lifeKnowing that a 9-5 job was not for herLiving in Sydney, Australia and wanting to sailSydney Hobart offshore sailing race Finding a boat to sail on Wanting to travel and to sail more Wanting to make a changeConsidering the possibility of becoming a professional sailor Getting her Yacht Master Qualification Getting the opportunity to move to FranceWanting to learn more skills and not getting to do those positions Reaching a glass ceiling and not seeing how to get to the next levelLooking for the next opportunity and heading back to Ireland to figure it outDiscussion around the Olympics and sailing (double handed offshore racing) Being part of a mixed sex duo Being invited to train for the Irish team for this potential eventHeading to France to trail for this type of racing Being exposed to the French offshore racing world Deciding to stay in France 2019 - 2020Setting 3 world records by sailing around Ireland and how the goal came about Fastest sailing around Ireland in a boat of 40ft or underSetting the record for double handed and the women’s record for racing around Ireland The covid years and going back and forth between France and Ireland Personal inner ambition and wanting to know what she could do Needing to get a boatBorrowing a boat and starting to train with it for racing around IrelandSpending several days at seas and racing 700 nautical miles in approx 3-4 daysFunding for sailingMaking a big media splash and getting your name out there with the record Getting women’s stories in main stream pressWomen’s voices and the progress being made in women’s sports and how they are represented The push towards progressThe Route du Rhum a transatlantic single-handed yacht race, which takes place every four years in November. Racing from France to the Caribbean solo - the longest and toughest trans-atlantic race Being the first Irish female to do the raceNeeding to qualify for the race (based on miles raced)Needed to race and train beforeStarting the project and finding their founding sponsor - DFDS Funding costs via sponsorship The dream budget and costs involved The stress of getting sponsorship and maintaining the relationship Filming a documentary with Musto (Sailing clothing brand) The importance of visibility and representation Being inspired by the sporting women in the Olympics The importance of PERSONAL challenges How to connect with Pam Words of advice for other women who want to go after their own goals Encouraging women to go after big goals and building a step by step progression planLisa - Life & Business Mindset CoachBuilding your ...
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    55 mins
  • Bianca Fernandez-Clark: 7x Ironman Finisher and Founder of Women in Tri UK, Making Triathlon More Inclusive for Women.

    Bianca Fernandez-Clark: 7x Ironman Finisher and Founder of Women in Tri UK, Making Triathlon More Inclusive for Women.
    May 27 2025
    Bianca Fernandez-Clark is a 7x Ironman finisher, Chair, and co-founder of Women in Tri UK, a charity on a mission to bring more women into triathlon and break down barriers in the sport. With no background in sport, Bianca laced up her trainers at age 29 to tackle a 10km as a way to manage her mental health. From there, she progressed to marathons and, in 2016, took on the challenge of learning to swim and cycle to complete her first triathlon. As a Black/mixed-race woman, Bianca has been vocal about the lack of diversity in triathlon, especially at long-distance events, and has worked to highlight the barriers faced by the Black community in accessing swimming. In 2022, she co-founded Women in Tri UK, and the organisation has been growing ever since, working hard to make triathlon more inclusive and accessible for women everywhere. By day, Bianca works full-time in the financial sector, but every spare moment is dedicated to continuing her own triathlon journey and supporting the work of Women in Tri UK. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is BiancaBeing based in LondonBeing serious about the sport of triathlonStaring running at 29 and then moving into triathlon in 2016 Working full time in the financial servicesFounding Women in Tri UK - which aims to break down barriers and make the sport more accessible for womenBeing at advocate for women, especially women of colour Building a community to support women in the sport Growing up in the Dominican Republic Not being encouraged in sports from a young ageDealing with curly, afro hair Having zero background in sportsNot being naturally good at sportsWhat changed at 29 Living in Spain to study for her MastersHow running gave her a life lineGoing from the couch to 5k Crossing the finish line of her first 10K raceFeeling alive againNot falling in love with running straight awayGoing on a journey of self discoveryDeciding to sign up for her fist Marathon Discovering the group - the running bug in the UKMeeting a guy who could give her advice…Being with her partner for 10 yearsBeing a part of the running community Not being very fast and being more suited for endurance Getting into triathlonSigning up for swim classes and learning to ride a bike for the first timeDoing her first triathlon which was a women only event. Wanting to take on an ironman The stress of cutoffs The time commitment involved in training Making training work for her lifestyle Doing the best training that she can with the time she hasHaving a goal of finishing the raceMaking training part of her lifestyle Hair advice and tipsAlice DearingHairstyles for women in triathlonBlack women role models in the triathlon space Sika Henry The lack of swimming lessons for children How Women in Tri UK came aboutHeading to Kona, Ironman World Championships Using lockdown for fitness and training more Women in Tri, First sponsored Athlete - Naomi Rumble Coaching programs and having realistic training plans for women Speaking with British Triathlon Advocacy work and partnering with SheRaces Barriers for women in triathlon and writing a detailed 63 page report Making sure the sport also changes The plans for Women in Tri over the next few years Partnering with Cycle Sisters The diversity of Women in Tri Wanting to remove financial barriersWorking with brandsWorking on her personal goals and wanting to go back to KonaRecovering from a broken footHow to connect with BiancaWomen in Tri US - being closedFinal words of advice for women who do want to take on a triathlon “Women in Tri, Made me do it!” Social Media Website www.womenintriuk.org Instagram @biancatriathlon @womenintriuk
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    54 mins
  • Harriet Frost: 2x Arc of Attrition 100 mile finisher, Race Director, Business Owner of Grit Culture, Co-parent of Sea+Flo supporting people to upgrade their periods.

    Harriet Frost: 2x Arc of Attrition 100 mile finisher, Race Director, Business Owner of Grit Culture, Co-parent of Sea+Flo supporting people to upgrade their periods.
    May 20 2025
    Harriet Frost is a force of energy, endurance, and entrepreneurial grit. From completing the notorious Arc of Attrition 100-mile ultra twice, to directing multiple trail races, to co-founding a menstrual cup company focused on sustainable period care for athletes — Harriet is redefining what it means to pursue hard things, in business and on the trail. In this episode, Harriet shares her journey from growing up in Cornwall to discovering a love of endurance sport later in life — despite hating running at first. With no formal coaching, she’s built her own training strategy based on experience, discipline, and gut instinct — and it’s taken her to the finish lines of some of the UK’s most brutal ultra events. We also dive into the founding of Sea+Flo, a period care company created by women, for women, aiming to empower people to better understand and manage their menstrual health during sport. Harriet speaks candidly about the mental strength required to train alone, run in the dark, and manage periods while racing, as well as her mission to bring more female voices to the forefront of adventure and endurance media. This is a conversation about grit, vulnerability, and showing up — again and again — even when the path ahead is long, muddy, and uncertain. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Harriet?Completing her 2nd Arc of Attrition 100 mile ultraRace Director to 2 current races and soon to be a 3rdRunning her own business called, Grit Culture - focused on business management Launching a menstrual cup company called Sea+Flo in 2024 with her best friendDog mum to NovemberBeing surrounded by an amazing network of friends and familyHow things connect togetherSpeaking with Harriet mum, Theresa Frost on the Tough Girl Podcast Having parents to everyone Childhood and growing up in CornwallLearning resilience and grit from a young ageBeing supported by her parentsLoving school and heading off to University in Southhampton to study fashion and journalismNot really knowing what she wanted to doTravelling and working on super yachts Heading off to London for 3 years Spending time in Australia for 2 years, and New Zealand for 2 years, before moving back to CornwallHating running…. And finding running really hard Living in London and doing her first triathlon in 2012/2013Doing her first marathon during her first 100kRace to the Stones 2017 Doing her next ultra in 2023 - Isle of Wight in April Arc of Attrition on the South West Coast Path. 100 miles. Entering the raceThe Plague 64 miles race (toughest races she’s ever done) Planning her own training and talking things through with her mumGoing on how her body feels and past experience Working backwards from the race start dateFocusing on back to back runsThe mental toughness of training and training soloOut and back runs and the mental challengeKnowing there is still more in herFitting running into her lifeTraining in winter and in the dark The stress of running in the dark as a female and the wasted energyWhy it’s discipline over motivationRecovery…. And what it looks likeHaving big toe strainWhy the Arc was different in 2025 after being taken over by UTMB Feet and blistersNutrition, food, fuelling The struggle of eating foodPracticing eating on 20 milers Training and periods Sea + Flo reusable menstrual cup companyWhich menstrual cup?How using a menstrual cup came aboutPutting herself out there a bit moreWomen doing amazing things and not getting enough airtimeNikki Love breaking the women’s record for running across Australia “It’s not about beating the men it’s about winning for the women” - Hannah Paradise Jasmine Harrison - swimming the length of Great Britain and not being able to to get a book deal - The lack of stories of women in the news The women who inspire Harriet Lucy Gossage - “It’s a privilege to choose to suffer” How to connect with Harriet onlineFinal words of advice for women who want to pursue endurance sportsBeing inspired by Sarah WilsonBuilding your resilience in sport or physical challenges and how it can help you in your everyday lives Social Media Website grit-culture.com seaandflo.com Instagram @harriet__frost @grit.culture @seaandflo
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    54 mins
  • Celebrating Junko Tabei and 50 Years of Women on Everest – with Tori James, Jo Bradshaw & Rosemary J Brown

    Celebrating Junko Tabei and 50 Years of Women on Everest – with Tori James, Jo Bradshaw & Rosemary J Brown
    May 16 2025
    This special episode of the Tough Girl Podcast brings together three incredible women—Tori James, Jo Bradshaw, and Rosemary J Brown—for an inspiring conversation about legacy, mountains, and the enduring spirit of women in adventure. We’re diving deep into the story of Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest in 1975, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of her historic climb. Despite her groundbreaking achievement, Junko’s name is still unfamiliar to many. Tori, Jo, and Rosemary are determined to change that. In this episode, we talk about how Junko inspired a life-changing all-female expedition to Yala Peak in Nepal, the launch of the First Females Podcast (May 16th 2025), and the wider mission to highlight the stories of women who were the first from their countries to stand on the roof of the world. You’ll hear about: Rosemary’s journey to the mountains in her 70s.Tori’s return to Nepal, 18 years after climbing Everest.Jo’s vision for a meaningful anniversary tribute.The power of visibility, representation, and saying yes to adventure—at any age. This episode is a beautiful tribute to Junko’s legacy, a reminder of the power of community, and a call to action for anyone ready to find their own summit. #MyJunkoJourney *** Past episodes with Jo, Tori & Rosemary: Tori James - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/2015/09/29/tough-girl-tori-james-first-welsh-women-to-climb-everest Rosemary J Brown - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/brown-1 Jo Bradshaw - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/2016/09/15/tough-girl-extra-catching-up-with-mountaineer-expedition-leader-jo-bradshaw-discussing-he Jo Bradshaw TGP Extra - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/jo-bradshawtge *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Speaking to 3 incredible tough girls! Rosemary Brown - Journalist & writer - drawing attention to women adventurers who have been forgotten. Working on her next book - women who have mountains named after them Tori James - 1st Welsh Woman to climb Mt. Everest, plus other record breaking expeditions over the years, mother of 2 children, living in Cardiff and working as a motivational speaker. Starting a new podcast - The First Females Podcast - launching 16th May 2025 Jo Bradshaw - Everest summiter in 2016 (2nd attempt) on Everest, camp 1 when the earthquake struck in 2015. Working as an expedition leader and motivational speaker. Yala Peak - a mountain that Junko Tabei climbed in 1977 - 2 years after climbing Mt Everest. Individual connectionsWomen’s Outdoor Expo Meeting Tori at the end of the the Wales Coast Path How Jo & Tori first connected at St. James Palace in 2016How Rosemary met Tori & JoThe History of Women in Exploration Conference in 2018Junko Tabei having mountains named after her on Pluto First Females - and celebrating the 1st female ascent of Mt. Everest Tori climbing Mt. Everest back in 2007 and not knowing about Junko and her achievement Why didn’t we know about Junko?Wouldn’t it be great to know who the other first females are from around the world who have summited Mt. Everest Junko passed away in 2016Putting the First Females Podcast together Speaking to Rebecca Stephens as the first British woman who climbed Mt. Everest. 800 women’s stories for the Tough Girl Podcast - 10 yearsThere are still so many women’s stories that I haven’t shared yetJo coming up with the idea to climb Yala Peak located in Langtang National Park in north Nepal. Making it at all female commercial expeditionConnecting a team of 13 awesome women Adventurous EweWhat Rosemary’s experience was like climbing Yala Peak Deciding to make the commitment and finally saying yes to go on the trek!Climbing Kilimanjaro 13 years ago, and now being in her 70sWhy each day was specialSetting off an hour earlier on summit dayThe joy and experience of climbing the mountain The universe is your friend Feeling very grateful for her belief in herselfWhy it was a life changing experience.Making the trek work for youTori heading back to Nepal after 18 years since climbing Everest Spending time at Yala Basecamp (2 days)Wanting to spend more time there!What Junko said on climbing Everest “here is the summit, and I don’t have to climb anymore”Junko’s story Book: Honouring High Places: The Mountain Life of Junko Tabei Her early years and being quite an ill child Her resilience shining through. ...
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    39 mins
  • Angela Maxwell: Walking 20,000 Miles Around the World — Choosing Courage Every Step of the Way

    Angela Maxwell: Walking 20,000 Miles Around the World — Choosing Courage Every Step of the Way
    May 13 2025
    Angela Maxwell spent nearly seven years walking around the world — solo. Covering over 20,000 miles across four continents and 16 countries, she braved the Australian outback, battled dengue fever in Vietnam, and faced the daily challenge of finding safe places to sleep, often in a tent. A self-described introvert and novice adventurer when she began, Angela’s journey was as much an inner transformation as a physical one — fuelled by fear, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to explore what it means to live with courage. Angela walked with purpose, raising funds to support girls rescued from human trafficking, and continues that mission through mentoring and women’s empowerment workshops. She’s been featured by Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, and Outside Magazine, and most recently became one of the first women to swim across the Caspian Sea — a feat that took 28 days and redefined her relationship with fear and endurance. Now based in Wales (for the moment), Angela is writing a book about her world walk and sharing her philosophy that “courage is a verb.” Whether she’s walking, swimming, or simply choosing the unknown, Angela lives by example — proving that adventure doesn’t require expertise, just the decision to begin. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Angela Spending 6.5 years walking west around the world Setting a world record by swimming across the Caspian Sea Being settled in Wales for the WinterHaving a mutual friend - Miriam Lancewood Her childhood and growing upGetting chicken pox at 30Not having any friends and being an introvert as a young kidHer love for nature coming later on in lifeLiking her own company Daydreaming about travelSpending time aloneBeing inspired from a young ageWHY?!Starting walking because she was terrifiedWhere does an idea come from?The route and what the journey looked likeStarting in Australia and walking North to South on the West CoastHeading over to Vietnam Heading to Europe and the UKFlying back and forth due to visa issuesWriting a book about the walkThe challenge of writing a bookNot wanting to share the journey on social mediaWanting to be totally present and have the journey for herselfRaising funds for women and girls Self funding the walkBeing inspired by Rosie Swale Pope who ran around the world Book: Just a Little Run Around the World: 5 Years, 3 Packs of Wolves and 53 Pairs of Shoes Living on a budget of $5 per dayWomen for Women International Adventuring with a purposeBad days while walking Thriving on the little daily adventures The joy of not knowing and what might be around the cornerStill enjoying walking nowThe classic thru-hikesWalking the Pennine Way in the UKWalking part of Te Araroa in New ZealandHer thoughts on courageDealing with self doubt, before and during the walkTed Talk - “Courage is a verb” Making the decision to continue The most dangerous place for a woman is in the home The fear at the end of the walk, what was going to be nextLittle feeling of depression at the endSwimming across the Caspian Sea Swimming V walking Having a fear of open water and not being a good swimmerFunding the challengeWhat it was like day to day on the waterTaking 28 days to do the crossing, swimming 6hrs per dayOther around the world challenges?!Not having a compulsion to share her stories Living on very little and funding her current lifestyleUsing Trusted HousesittersRunning workshops for womenGuilty pleasures….Injuries?Book: Wilder Journeys: True Stories of Nature, Adventure and Connection Future plans for 2026How to connect with AngelaFinal words of advice on courageChoosing courage on a day to day basis Social Media Website www.SheWalksTheEarth.com Instagram @AngelaMarieMaxwell
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    49 mins
  • Alexandra Garcia: Why Difficult Pursuits Matter — Resilience, Running & the Mountains

    Alexandra Garcia: Why Difficult Pursuits Matter — Resilience, Running & the Mountains
    May 8 2025
    Alexandra Garcia’s journey into the outdoors began in adulthood, after relocating from Puerto Rico to Virginia, USA. What started as a personal reconnection with nature quickly turned into a deep passion for endurance challenges that test both body and mind. Since climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2017 and completing the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in 2018, Alex has pursued adventures that push her limits — including backpacking rugged trails in Puerto Rico and continuously seeking what she calls “difficult pursuits.” Now based in Western North Carolina near Pisgah National Forest, Alex is not only an outdoor athlete and writer but also a changemaker. She co-founded the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation to increase accessibility and gender equity in mountain sports, helping women and girls around the world reach new heights — literally. In 2025, Alex will travel to France to climb Mt. Blanc, and she’s also training for a Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt on a challenging trail route. Whether she’s writing, running, or leading with purpose, Alexandra is passionate about personal growth, emotional resilience, and helping others find the courage to take on their own version of hard. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women. Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is AlexGrowing up in Porto Ricco - a small island in the Caribbean Her childhood and early years Spending time in nature from a young ageLiving in Western Northern Carolina, USASpending time around the ocean Swimming and respecting the waterHer parents farm Hiking with her family2017 and deciding to climb Mt KilimanjaroLooking for the next thing to work towardsPushing herself to achieveDifficult pursuits of the yearTraining physically and mentally for the challenge2018 and doing the Grand Canyon - Rim to Rim Challenge Keeping herself learning and engaged and wanting the challenges to be fun Running….Learning as she goesThe importance of trainingPlanning ApproachThinking of her own ideas for Difficult PursuitsFocusing on challenges in Porto Ricco 35 miles - Backpacking trail in Porto RiccoThe power of visualisationThe power of doing hard thingsGoing through hard timesManaging emotions while on challengesLetting emotions out and acknowledging them Journaling and writing for outdoor magazines in the USThe women who inspire AlexBeing inspired by Sunny Stroeer Co founding the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation Their mission to increase accessibility for women and girls and for gender equality in the mountainsOffering scholarships to 25 women to climb mountains around the world Her difficult pursuit in 2025Heading to France in July and wanting to climb Mt BlancWanting to set a Fastest Known Time (FKT) How to connect and support AlexFinal words of advice for other women who want to take on difficult pursuitsFind a community of people or women who can support your goals over a period of time. The advice of ‘just do it’ Choosing what is difficult for you Social Media Website www.trailrunningpuertorico.com Instagram @alexandramariagarcia_
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    59 mins
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