Tough Girl Podcast
800 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 94 ratingsThe 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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Alice Ford - Passionate advocate for solo female travel, eco-tourism, and adventure. Through her inspiring content and adventures, she encourages women to step out of their comfort zones and explore the world.
September 12, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 35.3 MBAlice is passionate about solo female travel, adventure and eco-tourism. A 7x telly award winning host, filmmaker, writer, and photographer, Alice has travelled to some of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. Alice has documented her solo adventures on her popular youtube channel “Alice Ford Adventures”. Alice creates videos on adventure travel, National Parks, hiking, outdoor exploration, sustainable living and wildlife. “I'm an adventure filmmaker, travel addict and ...
Sarah Williams - Solo Reflections: A Look Back at the End of 2022, Adventures and Challenges in 2023, and Plans for the Next 6 Months.
September 10, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 53.6 MBHey hey, it's Sarah Williams, your host from the Tough Girl Podcast, and today we're diving into something a bit different. In this special solo episode, I'll take you through my personal journey, looking back on the end of 2022 to the adventures and challenges of 2023, and my exciting plans ahead. I'll share highlights like my journey to the Outer Hebrides, health changes, and unexpected twists like catching COVID while in Australia. Plus, insights into projects like Project 7, and "...
Anna Stishova: aka Kayaking Hijabi - Completing the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race. Pushing Boundaries and Inspiring Others Along the Way.
September 05, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutes - 36.5 MBMeet Anna Stishova, an adventurous paddler hailing from Russia, whose paddling journey began in the UK in 2011. With a strong initial focus on white water kayaking, Anna's path took an unexpected turn towards flat water marathon racing due to various challenges she encountered along the way. As a dedicated paddler, Anna not only pursued her own goals but also became a staunch advocate for inclusivity in the sport. Let's delve into Anna's inspiring story of determination and community impact....
Emma Trenchard: Embarking on a Remarkable Vespa Journey from the UK to Mongolia and Back, Accompanied by Molly, a Rescued Mongolian Street Dog. Her Epic Two-and-a-Half-Year Expedition Crossed 32 Countries, Covering 30,000 Kilometers Along the Way
September 03, 2023 07:00 - 35 minutes - 28.7 MBEm will be coming along to this year's festival with Molly, her super cute Mongolian street dog, Grettle, her awesome, intrepid scooter AND Arty Bakes, her seriously tasty looking catering business! If you've not come across Em before then you're in for a treat - quite literally...Em's a baker by day, an artist by nature and an avid traveller at every other opportunity! Having bought her first and only bike in 2013; a mint green 125cc vespa, otherwise known as Grettle, she has driven ar...
Guliafshan Tariq: Pakistani Female Biker. Defying Boundaries, Embracing Adventure and Exploration. Inspiring People Around the World to Pursue Their Dreams, No Matter How Challenging They May Seem.
September 02, 2023 07:00 - 34 minutes - 27.5 MBGuliafshan Tariq is a trailblazer who has made history in the world of biking and adventure travel. Born and raised in Pakistan, Guliafshan has always been fascinated by the world beyond her doorstep. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, she has pursued her passion for exploration with unwavering determination and courage. Guliafshan became the first Pakistani female biker girl to break gender stereotypes and venture into areas that were previously considered off-limits due ...
Vanessa Ruck - AKA The Girl on a Bike: From Adversity to Adventure on Two Wheels.
September 01, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutes - 36.5 MBBorn and raised in England. Vanessa grew up in the great outdoors, getting muddy with escapism always being through sports. Whether that’s kite surfing, snowboarding or mountain biking, it’s always been about getting physical. However, life took a turn in 2014 when Vanessa was hit by a red-light-jumping car while cycling. Since that day she’s made it her goal to make the most out of life. With a 6.5 year recovery seeing 7 surgeries and two reconstructed body parts, it’s been a roller co...
Lisa Thompson - From Novice Climber and Breast Cancer Survivor to summiting Mt. Everest and K2. Inspiring others to reach new heights through her book "Finding Elevation: Fear and Courage on the World's Most Dangerous Mountain”.
August 29, 2023 07:00 - 54 minutes - 43.6 MBIn a world where mountain climbing is still considered a male-dominated activity, Lisa Thompson is a force to be reckoned with. The second American woman to summit K2, Lisa has overcome countless obstacles in her journey to become one of the world's top mountaineers. From her early days of hiking and climbing in the Pacific Northwest to leading all-women expeditions in Nepal, Lisa's determination and perseverance have been the keys to her success. Lisa's journey has not been without challe...
Paula Craig MBE - Embracing the Unknown - Transforming Challenges into Triumphs in Sports and Life, as she charts new paths, inspires resilience, and encourages others to fearlessly pursue their dreams.
August 22, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutes - 34.1 MBPaula Craig, a passionate runner and triathlete, achieved an impressive feat of completing the London Marathon for six consecutive years, from 1995 to 2000, achieving a personal best of 2 hours and 57 minutes in 2000. However, her life took a drastic turn in May 2001 when she was involved in a car accident during her cycle training for an upcoming qualifying race for the age group world championships, resulting in paralysis from the waist down. Undeterred by her life-altering injury, Pa...
Dr. Anjana Khatwa - The Award-Winning Earth Scientist Revealing the Secret Stories of Rocks and Inspiring a Love for Nature in All.
August 15, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutes - 36.1 MBAnjana is an Earth Scientist, a writer and an advocate for greater diversity in the natural heritage sector. She started running 8 years ago and her weekly fitness regime consists of 10k runs, HIIT, Iyenga yoga and swimming. She has completed four half marathons to date. Anjana is also a keen walker and has been an Ambassador for the Ramblers to encourage more people of colour into nature. Anjana describes herself as a time traveller using clues locked away in rocks, fossils and landscap...
Dr Catherine Bishop - Triple Olympian, Rowing World Champion and Olympic Silver medallist. Author of The Long Win: The search for a better way to succeed.
August 08, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes - 30.5 MBCath draws on her careers as an Olympic rower and conflict diplomat, combined with her experience of working with a wide range of organisations across sectors to raise performance, transform cultures and develop effective leadership and teams. As an Olympic rower, Cath competed at three Olympic Games. Highlights include winning the World Championships in 2003 and an Olympic silver medal in 2004. As a diplomat for over a decade, Cath specialised in conflict issues, with postings to Bosn...
Alexandra Allred - Former Professional Athlete, Author of When Women Stood - The Untold History of Females Who Changed Sports and the World.
August 04, 2023 19:00 - 47 minutes - 37.7 MBAlexandra Allred made sports (and medical) history through activism and determination. When she learned that women were not allowed in bobsled, she lobbied for equal status with a relentless letter-writing campaign. It had not yet occurred to her that she had no idea how to actually bobsled. As a former fighter in martial arts, she had only cared that women were banned from a sport deemed “too dangerous” and “too fast.” When told that the women’s program had no by-laws and was therefore un...
Rogeema Kenny - Ultrarunner and 2x Ironman finisher. 1st person in South Africa to finish a full Ironman in hijab. She believes that your life choices should never be a limiting factor in your goals and achievements. Don't change yourself, change the game
August 04, 2023 15:00 - 51 minutes - 41.5 MBRogeema shares her story of pushing her own limits and proving to people, especially other women, that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. Rogeema talks about her early years and not being sporty, never being picked for sports teams, and not knowing what to do at the gym. She shares her journey of starting as a runner and moving into triathlon, including learning how to swim at 35 years old and signing up for her first 5k race. Rogeema discusses the challenges of going fro...
Cory Maria Dack - Indigenous Latina, Canoe Guide, Thru-paddling the entire Mississippi River, 2,552 miles. Her mission and message to “Decolonize Thru-Paddling.”
August 04, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 54.3 MBCory Maria Dack is an Indigenous Latina who recently finished thru-paddling the entire Mississippi River - all 2,552 miles/4,108 km - source to sea, an incredible adventure that took over 134 days. Born in Ecuador and raised in the U.S. (in Duluth, Minnesota near the Canadian border), Cory has been an adventure guide and outdoor leader for nearly 20 years. She decided to thru-paddle the most famous waterway in the U.S. in part to increase representation of women of color, fat bodied peopl...
Nicki Bass - Host of The Everyday Adventure Podcast, Army Veteran turned Resilience Consultant. How to build resilience through adventure and thrive outside your comfort zone.
August 04, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes - 33.2 MBNicki Bass is a Business Psychologist, Army Veteran and host of The Everyday Adventure Podcast. Having always loved the thrill of adventure sports and having served around the world, she has first-hand experience of how being taken outside of your comfort zone can dramatically improve your ability to face life's challenges. Currently studying for a Doctorate in Occupational Psychology, this experience gives her a unique insight into how resilience theory and practice align. On leaving the...
Amanda Dudgeon - Australian Park Ranger, completing her self-funded 12-month expedition “Walking the Thin Green Line Oceania” in support of Oceania Rangers.
August 01, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 48.9 MBAmanda is an Australian park Ranger whose career has taken her from the turquoise blue coast of South Australia to the broad red deserts of Central Australia and now the subtropical rainforests of the East Coast. She loves having the best job in the world in which she gets the opportunity to fight fires, monitor threatened species, use chainsaws and heavy machinery (aka fun toys), audit and hike long distance trails, occasionally fly across the landscape in a helicopter, and (the greatest pr...
Anna Usselmann - Turning her passion into a job. From Engineer in London to Outdoor Instructor working for Land and Wave in Dorset.
July 27, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 26.6 MBAnna is an Outdoor Instructor working for Land and Wave in Dorset. She loves being on the water, or in the woods, every day sharing her love of adventure with everyone she instructs. Anna has always loved being outdoors and wanted to find a job that would allow her to enjoy that all year round. From school, she followed a conventional path to university, and became a Civil Engineer working in construction. Recently she decided to take the leap and turn her passion into a job. It was q...
Sian Sykes - From City Life to SUP Activist Tackling Plastic Pollution. Inspiring Women to Pursue Their Dreams and Create Change.
July 25, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutes - 34.1 MBSian Sykes was born on the edge of Snowdonia and enjoyed growing up in beautiful North Wales. During her adult life, she used to work in Creative Media in London as a Project Director. However after working 15 years and working 18 hour days in the industry, she wanted a better balance in life, to reconnect with nature and to be closer to the sea and mountains. That's when she re changed her focus in life and moved back home, to do what she loves doing. Now she guides people stand up paddl...
Tatty Pettigrew's Inspiring Journey from Corporate Life to Outdoor Adventure. Explore. Challenge. Transform.
July 20, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutes - 36.4 MBIn today's fast-paced world, many of us dream of breaking free from the shackles of the corporate world and embracing a life filled with adventure, purpose, and personal fulfilment. Meet Tatty Pettigrew, a courageous woman who made that dream a reality. With an unwavering spirit and a thirst for spending time outdoors, Tatty escaped the confines of her corporate career in London and embarked on a remarkable journey that combines people, education, adventure, and the great outdoors. Growing...
Patricia Boardman - From Textile Designer to Thriving Outdoor Instructor. Empowering Women Through Outdoor Exploration and Leadership
July 18, 2023 07:00 - 39 minutes - 31.3 MBPatricia Boardman, a former textile designer, has transformed her love for the outdoors into a thriving career as a freelance outdoor instructor. With a strong belief that anyone can pursue their passion for the outdoors, Tricia's journey showcases the power of perseverance and a deep connection with nature. From teaching young adults the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award to leading groups on mountain expeditions across the UK, Tricia's days are filled with diversity and adventure. For the pa...
Tori Taylor-Roberts - Climbing Coach and Outdoor Adventure Facilitator. Aiming to inspire and support women in their ambition to become independent rock climbers.
July 13, 2023 07:00 - 47 minutes - 37.9 MBTori is one half of West Country Adventures. She is a qualified teacher, and kayak coach turned climbing coach, aiming to inspire and support women in their ambition to become independent rock climbers. During our conversation, Tori candidly shares the challenges of working in the outdoors, particularly the wage disparities and financial challenges faced by women. She offers advice on how to gain experience, emphasising the importance of volunteering, shadowing, and observing others at wor...
Jennie Cardin - Embracing the Outdoors After Raising Children - Becoming an Outdoor Instructor at 48 and Living Her Passion
July 11, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 23.7 MBJennie has found her calling in the breathtaking landscapes of Dorset. As an outdoor instructor working for Land & Wave, she brings her passion for adventure to life, inspiring others to embrace the wild side of nature. Growing up on a farm in Cheshire, Jennie discovered her love for water and sailing at an early age. Spending time in North Wales and later working on sailing yachts in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, she developed a deep connection with the outdoors and a thirst for ex...
Rachael Crewesmith - One of only 46 female Winter Mountaineering Instructors (ever!), mountain bike, swim, run guide. Noisily taking up space in a male-dominated industry, bringing her peers along for the ride.
July 06, 2023 07:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBJoin us as we dive into the captivating story of Rachael Crewesmith, an extraordinary mountaineer, rock climber, hill walker, and mountain bike guide. Discover how Rachael fearlessly defies boundaries in a male-dominated industry, taking on epic challenges and inspiring others along the way. Rachael in her own words: “I’m a mountaineer, rock climber, hill walker, mountain biker and occasional paddler. I divide my time between the sprawling Scottish Highlands and the compact but wild mou...
Sophie Tanner - Outdoor Adventure Activity Instructor and Director of Land & Wave, a thriving outdoor company in Dorset, UK. Looking for ways to inspire more females to join the outdoor industry through training, employment and experiences.
July 04, 2023 07:00 - 40 minutes - 32 MBSophie Tanner is an Outdoor Adventure Activity Instructor and the Director of Land & Wave, a thriving outdoor company based in Dorset, UK. With a passion for inspiring more females to join the outdoor industry, Sophie is dedicated to providing training, employment, and incredible experiences to encourage women to embrace the great outdoors. As one of the four Directors of Land & Wave, Sophie plays a vital role in shaping the company's direction and success. She has a deep understanding of ...
Mardi Fuller - A lifelong backcountry adventurer, in January 2021 she became the first known Black person to hike all 48 of New Hampshire’s high peaks in winter!
June 27, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 35.6 MBMardi Fuller advocates for racial equity through writing, speaking and community building. A lifelong backcountry adventurer, in January 2021 she became the first known Black person to hike all 48 of New Hampshire’s high peaks in winter. She lives in Boston where she works as a nonprofit communications director and volunteers with the local Outdoor Afro network. She writes for Outside magazine, SKI magazine, Melanin Basecamp and more. Mardi is committed to personal and corporate...
Stephanie Quintrell - Forces Wives Challenge - Ride to Freedom across the Pyrenees mountains. A Disabled Mum's Journey to Empower Others.
June 20, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes - 31 MBSteph is a Mum to a her nearly 6 year old son, a soldiers wife, and Operations manager for Forces Wives Challenge (FWC). In July 2019 Steph and her families' world was turned upside down when she became suddenly very unwell, and was subsequently diagnosed with a neurological disorder. Going from an active, full time working Mum and a keen horse rider, to fully dependant on a wheelchair, with complex health issues and requiring 24/7 care to support with everyday tasks, was life changing. W...
Catherine Baker - Rethink Your Potential. Author - Staying the Distance: The lessons from sport that business leaders have been missing. How to improve, perform and achieve, in ways that are effective and sustainable.
June 15, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutes - 34.3 MBAn ex city-lawyer whose first qualification was as a tennis coach, and whose first love has always been sport, Catherine has spent the second half of her career combining her twin passions of sport and leadership through her business, Sport and Beyond Ltd. Catherine brings a unique perspective to the mindset and approaches that deliver exceptional and sustained performance. She has had the privilege of working with many of our elite athletes and coaches, as well as a large number of the l...
Genny Brown - Update on her preparation for her solo South Pole Adventure. Including; Cold Weather Training, Personal Health Challenges, and Facing her Fears
June 13, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutes - 39.6 MBGenny is aiming to be the first Aruban to ski to the North and South Poles to raise awareness on the devastating effects of Lyme Disease. Genny was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in the summer of 2016 after suffering from its debilitating effects and misdiagnosis for three harrowing years. She went from being a fit and active person to being so fatigued that she was bed bound for months. A few years on from diagnosis, Genny has recovered and become passionate about making diagnosis afforda...
Tegan Phillips - Adventure Cyclist and Cartoonist. Currently preparing for a second attempt at being the fastest woman to cycle from Cairo to Cape Town.
June 08, 2023 07:00 - 48 minutes - 39.1 MBTegan in her own words: “Once upon a time… I was studying to be a lawyer. Then I drew some comics in a competition to win a bicycle, which I rode across Spain, telling the story of my adventure through a comic blog. This kind of adventure storytelling was too fun to not wildly pursue, so I spent the next few years finding ways to go on more adventures (which included an 11,000km bike trip through Africa with my family, and a 10 Iron Man triathlon around New Zealand), while figuring ...
Seanna Fallon - Queer runner, hiker, and YouTuber trying to live a more intentional life. With a focus on mental health, overcoming adversity, trying, failing and failing better. Thru hiking the Israel National Trail.
June 06, 2023 07:00 - 47 minutes - 37.9 MBSeanna in her own words: “I am Seanna (pronounced like Shauna) and I am deep into my healing journey. I am a survivor of multiple severe traumas and some debilitating psychosis. I have been to some of the darkest places and led a very limited life for some time. As well as medication and therapy, I have found that carving out an intentional life and staying true to my values has helped me to not only survive, but truly thrive. After spending two months as an inpatient in a trauma clini...
Zahra Rose Alazaibi - Empowering Muslim Women in the Great Outdoors. Trekking to Everest, Broad Peak, and K2 Base camps, as well as summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro.
May 30, 2023 07:00 - 51 minutes - 41 MBZahra Rose, a brand ambassador for Sports Shoes and The North Face, and has achieved incredible feats such as trekking to Everest, Broad Peak, and K2 Base camps, as well as summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. In addition to her love for adventure, Zahra is an active member of the Muslim Hikers Community and uses her social media platform to promote representation of Muslim women in outdoor activities. Zahra is a strong advocate for breaking down stereotypes of th...
Allie Mason - Autistic and Adventurous, publishing her first book: The Autistic Guide to Adventure: Active Pursuits from Archery to Wild Swimming for Tweens and Teens.
May 23, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutes - 33.6 MBAllie Mason is an autistic children’s author and micro-adventurer who has just published her first book, The Autistic Guide to Adventure: Active Pursuits from Archery to Wild Swimming for Tweens and Teens. Allie lives in the English countryside with her partner and their beloved Labrador. The purpose of her writing is to give neurodivergent young people a place where they recognise themselves and feel that they belong. Allie in her own words: “When I was 23 years old, I was diagnosed ...
Julia Goodfellow-Smith is an ordinary woman doing something extraordinary. She has decided to live her life to the fullest by living her bucket list, one dream at a time.
May 16, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes - 33 MBA couple of years ago, Julia embarked on a solo hike along England's 630-mile South West Coast Path. Since then, she has cycled King Alfred's Way, a 217-mile mainly off-road cycle route in southern England, and walked the Camino Frances and Camino Portuguese! But Julia's adventures don't stop there. In between her travels, she's been busy writing about her experiences, hoping to inspire others to embrace their own bucket lists. During this process, she's discovered a love for hiking and...
India Pearson - New Mum, SUP/Yoga Teacher, and Outdoors Advocate. Sharing more about the importance of connecting with nature to enhance your mental and physical wellbeing.
May 11, 2023 07:00 - 40 minutes - 32.8 MBIndia Pearson, is an Outdoors Advocate, Presenter, and Yoga Teacher based on the Kent coast. India's passion for wellbeing and nature has lead her to produce and host the podcast 'Start a Ripple ...' which celebrates the power of moving in nature for the mind, body and environment. Guests have included TV adventurer Ben Fogle, Olympian Michelle Griffith Robinson, BBC Spring Watch Presenter Megan McCubbin and Emmy Award Winner Doon Mackichan. You can also find India presenting in front ...
Saanvi Sita Mylavarapu - Her Quest for Adventure and Conservation, From Half Dome to Everest Base Camp. Empowering Youth Through Outdoor Education and Exploration.
May 09, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 30.3 MBJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Saanvi Sita Mylavarapu, a seasoned hiker, backpacker, rock climber, and youth advocate for the great outdoors. Since the age of six, Saanvi has been exploring the stunning landscapes of the United States, and has completed some of the most challenging hikes in the country, including Kala Pathar, Half Dome, and Mt. Whitney. She recently accomplished the feat of reaching the Everest Base Camp, and is now gearing up for a 120-mile trek across the Tour ...
Jennifer Price - From Army Officer to Extreme Endurance Athlete. 12 challenges in 12 months. Including an Ironman, a multistage desert ultra-marathon, Mt. Aconcagua, and a 1000 mile self supported Lands’ End to John O’Groats cycle.
May 02, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 29.5 MBJen Price, is a former British Army Officer who spent the entirety of 2022 undertaking an extreme set of adventure and endurance challenges on behalf of the Veteran’s Foundation. The solo challenge she set herself was to complete 12 challenges in 12 months, in quick succession. The challenges were multi-discipline and included the Devizes to Westminster international canoe race, an ironman, a multistage desert ultra-marathon, summit of Aconcagua, and a 1000 mile self supported Lands’ End ...
Emily Pennington - Adventurer, solo traveler and Author of “Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America’s National Parks”
April 27, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes - 35.1 MBEmily is an adventurer, solo traveler, mountaineer, quote collector, and all around lover of things that get people out of their comfort zones. Put on her first international flight at 3 weeks old, she's been adventuring in one way or another ever since. From wandering the forests of Sweden alone at the age of nine, to solo trekking in the Himalayas of India, to joining the circus as a professional aerialist, Emily is a big fan of the "just get out there and do it" mentality. She consider...
Vivianette Ortiz - Outdoors & Disability Rights Advocate. Co-Founder of Latinos Aventureros. Completing the Inca Trail in Peru and her plans to section hike the Appalachian Trail.
April 25, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutes - 33.9 MBVivianette Ortiz is a Latina originally from Puerto Rico. She grew up in the beach and mountain town of Patillas, Puerto Rico. She grew up running the hills of her hometown, bodyboarding, loving the ocean, and playing hide-in-seek barefoot through the farmlands. Vivianette moved to North Carolina at the age of 17. She is a dedicated mother, daughter, and granddaughter. For a long time, she worked countless hours daily with 2 or 3 jobs at a time. Her adventurous soul went dormant for man...
Laura Massey-Pugh - Her Inspiring Journey Around the World - 180 days on the back of a tandem with her husband. Persevering in the face of challenges and setting a new Guinness World Record.
April 20, 2023 07:00 - 48 minutes - 39.1 MBOn 5th June 2022 Laura set off on the back of a tandem, with husband Stevie, from the Brandenberg Gate in Berlin... 180 days later she returned having circumnavigated the World and with a new Guinness World Record! But, the ride wasn't straightforward; with closed borders, sickness, monsoons, sub -10 degree temperatures and a motorcycle collision that nearly ended the trip it took everything to reach the finish line on target. Laura blogged and updated social media throughout the trip ...
Shandi Kano - From Running Highs to Breaking Points: Shandi's Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery after the Boston Marathon Bombing
April 18, 2023 07:00 - 48 minutes - 38.6 MBShandi’s love of running began when she was very young, and throughout her life, it was something that always helped her to cope with stress and anxiety. However, as she got older, she became consumed with the idea of proving something to others, and the pressure of the pursuit caused her to have a nervous breakdown during the 2013 Boston Marathon. During this episode Shandi shares more about how she got into running, how running the NYC Marathon changed her life, especially the second tim...
Nicky Button - #BlindGirlWalking - Walking from the Orkney Islands to the Scilly Isles. Solo and unsupported.
April 11, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutes - 39.9 MBNicky Button was born in Gloucester and grew up in Worcester. Having a very happy childhood. Nicky was always last to be picked for any teams at school and was the most uncoordinated and non sporty child being told to go and swim after a term of tennis when she still hadn’t hit a ball. Her teens and twenties removed around horses and children , whilst she ran a yard starting and schooling young horses and teaching people to ride alongside being a foster mother. In 2000 with an eight ye...
Sasha DiGiulian - Professional rock climber. Following her passions, pushing her limits, and completing first ascents around the world.
April 04, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes - 35.1 MBSasha DiGiulian began climbing in 1998 at 6 years old. She won the World Championships for Female Overall, a Silver in the Bouldering World Championships, as well as Bronze in the Duel. Sasha was also the undefeated pan-American Champion for over a decade. Outdoors, Sasha is the first North American woman to climb the grade 9a, 5.14d. Additionally, she has on-sighted multiple 8b+’s, 5.14a’s, ascended groundbreaking, multi-pitch routes of over 1500 feet of 8c climbing, and accomplished m...
India Cook - From Runner to Run Coach. Her journey of making running a more diverse, inclusive, and less intimidating place. Advocating for all paces and body types in the space of road racing.
March 30, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutes - 36.1 MBIndia in her own words: “I am India Cook, an avid Atlanta-based runner, marathoner, race announcer, YouTube vlogger, podcast host, and RRCA-certified run coach. I have a love for running and road racing, but I also have a passion for encouraging and guiding runners and those who aspire to become runners. I advocate for all paces and body types in the space of road racing. My running journey started in 2008 on the quest to lose weight and also engage in a healthy social activity. Since 20...
Maddy Collinge - Runner and running coach. Mother of 4 and Nana to 3. Trying to fight off ageing and prove that we can go on doing stuff long after we thought we couldn’t...
March 28, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes - 31.1 MBMaddy is a 72-year-old runner, cyclist, mother of four, and grandmother to three. Her goal is to fight aging and show that we can do things long after we thought we couldn't. Maddy has always enjoyed being outside since she was a child. At school, she enjoyed sports and spent a lot of time swimming with her brother. Maddy has been running for more than four decades. She began running in 1977 at the age of 26. She was working for the military in a child guidance clinic in Munster, Germany...
Amy Rusiecki - Elite ultra runner (Completed 82 ultras and has won 33 of them) sponsored by Inov-8, 3x member of the USA Trail team, providing top tips and advice.
March 23, 2023 07:00 - 48 minutes - 39.2 MBAmy Rusiecki is a full-time engineer with a passion for ultrarunning. Amy, who has been running her entire life, started out with orienteering when she was only six years old before moving onto cross country running and then transitioning to road racing (during which time she escaped to the trails to train). During her ultrarunning career (Amy has completed 82 ultras and has won 33 of them), she has found confidence, joy and her husband. She is the Race Director for the Vermont 100 a...
Ingrid Walters - Competitive swimmer turned marathon runner. PB of 2hr 48 mins. Breast Cancer Survivor. Inducted into The National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame.
March 21, 2023 07:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBIngrid has loved competitive sports since a young age. Originally swimming was her passion and she began swimming competitively at 6 years old, she swam throughout high school and attending UCLA (a division 1 school) where she swam competitively for 2 years, while studying Sociology. After leaving college, Ingrid made the transition from swimming to running and also decided to become an actress. Played lifeguard Sheryl Whelan, on Baywatch as well as having roles on Scandal, Grey's Anato...
Luzia Buehler - Trail Runner, Inov-8 Ambassador and 4th woman at the 2022 Western States 100 in a time of 18hrs 08 mins.
March 16, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 23.9 MBA Swiss-born ultrarunner, Luzia Buehler now lives in the mountains, trying to live a good life while protecting what is most important to her. Luzia has always been an athletic person since she was a child because of her great love for the outdoors and the mountains. Luzia discovered her passion for trail running when she was about 20 years old, and she has since competed in all of the most important international races. In 2016, Luzia competed in the Western States 100 race for the firs...
Allie Bailey - Ultra runner, Running 1,000+ miles from Lands End to John O’Groats in 35-days
March 14, 2023 07:00 - 46 minutes - 37.4 MBAllie spent a lot of her life seeking approval from people she thought were cool, believing that in order to be successful, you had to act a certain way. For her, success is seeing someone who doesn't believe they can do something transform into someone who does. After working for major record labels for 12 years, Allie realised that music, which she had once loved, was slowly killing her. Her dream career had turned her into a nightmare, and she was completely lost. Allie has struggled to...
Rav Billan - Passionate runner; running for fun, her mental health and to keep fit. Run streaking outside for the past 5 years, and completing the London Marathon in 2022!
March 09, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutes - 34 MBRav is a mum of 3 teenagers and works as a management consultant. Rav only found running later on in life when she was in her late 30’s. She started running to prove a point to someone who said she couldn’t run. Rav soon realised that fitness initiatives such as Park Run and races just weren’t for her. Her joy for running came from the solitude and peace she found while on an empty trail or a calm street. Rav now runs for fun, for her mental well being and to keep fit. In 2022 she...
Grace Natoli - 70+ marathons & ultras including: New York, Chicago, London, Paris, Berlin; Diversify the trails🖤
March 07, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 26.8 MBGrace in her own words: “I’m driven by the need to inspire other people of colour on to the trails. I want to increase diversity and participation in endurance running. I’m also tired of being the only Black person at endurance events and feeling like I don’t belong. I’ve run 70+ marathons including ultras, and I’m still going.” New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live in March every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so y...
Keri Wallace - Founder & Mountain Leader at Girls on Hills. Skyrunner, fellrunner and ultrarunner encouraging more women to hit the trails and venture into the mountains. Shouting about equity and inclusivity in trail running.
March 02, 2023 07:00 - 51 minutes - 40.9 MBKeri Wallace is the founder & guide at Girls on Hills, the UK’s only trail, fell and skyrunning company for women. After her second child, Keri decided to quit the desk-job and find a way to combine her passion for mountain running with flexible working, so that she could fulfil a life goal and be mum to two toddlers at the same time. Keri in her own words: “I started Girls on Hills with my colleague Nancy Kennedy in 2013, as a way to encourage more women to try trail and fell runni...