She Who Dares, Wins.

In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Anna, Arts Director at Sunny Bank Mills, to explore what it really means to dare in your career and life. From experimental theatre and large-scale cultural production at Leeds 2023, to community-focused curation in a former textile mill, Anna shares how she stepped off the traditional career ladder to build a lifestyle job that actually fits her values.They discuss the WoW Barn project – a 24‑hour build with 300 women and non-binary people – the realities of work in the arts, the tension between ambition and burnout, and the courage it takes to be radically honest about what you really want, including the prospect of starting a family.Key TakeawaysDaring can mean changing direction, not just climbing higherAnna talks about leaving a “successful” trajectory in large-scale cultural events when she realised the next logical steps (EP, Director of Programmes) didn’t align with the life she wanted.The WoW Barn: women, non-binary people and agency in constructionThe 24-hour timber build with 300 women and non-binary people challenged ideas about who construction is “for” and gave many participants their first experience of building and tools – with powerful confidence and identity shifts.Redefining what an art gallery can beAt Sunny Bank Mills, Anna focuses on accessibility and community:A gallery on a village high street, not just in a city centreA zine library and touchable pieces to break down shame and intimidationWelcoming honest feedback from locals who feel real ownership of the spaceCurating with integrity (not just what sells)As Arts Director of a commercial gallery, Anna balances:Work that’s easy to sell (e.g. Yorkshire landscapes)With pieces that expand horizons, communicate lived experience, and make people thinkShe wants to stand beside every work and confidently say why it’s on the wall.Lifestyle job vs endless growthMoving from freelancing and high-intensity projects to a family-run, community-rooted site has shifted Anna’s view of success:One “hat” instead of sixDaily connection with artists, locals, and a historic site of makingSpace to prioritise work–life balance over constant “more, bigger, faster”.Honesty about motherhood and identityAnna shares two “dares” for herself:Returning to horse riding as a hobbySeriously considering starting a familyShe talks openly about fears around losing identity, career impact, and inherited anxieties many career-driven women feel.A dare for other womenAnna’s challenge:Be radically honest with yourself.Don’t just follow the trajectory you think you should be on – ask if it’s really serving you and whether it’s genuinely what you want.Timestamps [0:00] – Intro: Anna’s background in theatre, experimental live art & producing[0:17]–[7:55] – Leeds, European Capital of Culture bid & the birth of Leeds 2023[7:55]–[13:47] – The WoW Barn: 24-hour build, women in construction, empowerment stories[13:47]–[20:12] – Leaving Leeds 2023 & landing the Arts Director role at Sunny Bank Mills[20:12]–[30:37] – Making art accessible: village gallery, community feedback, zine library, touching the art[30:37]–[43:19] – What it really means to curate: taste vs sales, contemporary craft, and the “she’s a keeper” piece[43:19]–[49:44] – Lifestyle careers, work–life balance, family-run business culture, unlearning toxic work patterns[49:44]–[58:35] – Daring to ride horses again, thinking about starting a family, and identity as a career-driven woman[58:35]–end – Anna’s dare to listeners: radical honesty about the paths you’re onJoin Dare Club now: https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsShop she who dares wins: www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s dare:Michelle invites you to step out of your comfort zone in the most human way possible: by really listening to someone else’s story. Not half-listening, not waiting for your turn to talk – but giving someone the space, time, and curiosity to share who they are beneath the surface.In this episode, Michelle talks about:Why we think we know people, but usually only know the surface version of their storyWhat working in construction taught her about asking one simple question and then just… leaving spaceHow her ADHD and love of telling her own story means she has to consciously practice listening as a skillA recent controversial USA Hockey / Trump story in the media and why she’s curious about the quiet voice in the back of the room whose perspective we never hearThe way podcast guests often come on to talk about something totally different to what they’re known for onlinePractical questions you can try this week:“What’s your guilty pleasure?”“If you had a weekend with zero responsibilities, what would you do?”“What kind of music are you into – and what was the last gig you went to?”These questions:Take conversation beyond small talkHelp you see people as multilayered humans, not just job titlesMake others feel seen, heard, and appreciatedKey takeaways:Listening is not passive – it’s intentional and courageousSilences and gaps are where the real story often appearsYou don’t need to turn every chat into therapy; just be curious and see where the conversation wants to goWhen you truly listen, both of you walk away feeling more connectedThis week’s dare:Go and intentionally listen to somebody’s story.Ask deeper questions, hold your tongue a little longer, and notice how it feels to really hear – and to really see – another person.Mentioned in this episode:Dare Club Newsletter & Waiting List sign up here: https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsFirst limited-edition drop of the She Dares Wins clothing range launching mid-March. www.shewhodareswins.comUse code POD10 for 10% off at shedareswins.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claudia joins Michelle to share how someone who is “really, really scared of heights” became a glider pilot, instructor, and member of the British gliding team. From panic on step ladders to flying at 12,000 feet in Australia, Claudia breaks down the reality of gliding: the tactics, the weather, the landouts in farmers’ fields, and the joy of silent flight. She also talks candidly about pressure in competition, being a woman in a male‑dominated aviation world, and how “just going to have fun” transformed her performance on the world stage.Key TakeawaysClaudia’s fear and how she flies anywayClaudia still has a genuine fear of heights and can have panic attacks on ladders and chairlifts.In a glider, however, she feels safe and in control—until a vintage open‑cockpit flight triggered a mid‑air panic attack that she had to talk herself through alone.How she fell into gliding and never looked backShe first tried gliding at a small German club while at university in Cologne, after being told, “We’re all scared of heights, don’t worry.”What competitive gliding really looks likeGlider racing is like “aerial chess” and often compared to sailing: pilots fly a set task around turning points and back to base; fastest wins.Field landings and safety in glidingLanding in farmers’ fields (“landing out”) is a normal and trained-for part of cross‑country gliding.Pilots are taught how to pick safe fields, plan a circuit, and land smoothly; most landouts are “non‑events.”Gliders have a single main wheel, can be disassembled on site, and trailered home. August stubble fields are ideal, as they minimise damage to crops and aircraft.Gliders, engines and why she feels safer without oneA glider is essentially a normal aircraft without an engine: same controls (rudder, ailerons, elevator), but designed to glide efficiently.Many modern gliders have small retractable engines for “limping home,” but Claudia’s 51‑year‑old glider doesn’t.She actually relaxes in the motor glider only once she’s in the landing circuit with the throttle closed—“Now I’m in a glider. Now I know what I’m doing.”Travel, childhood and a life of exploringClaudia was born in Afghanistan and grew up in countries like Nigeria, Bangladesh and Ivory Coast due to her father’s work in development projects.Returning to Germany at eight, she already knew she wanted to live abroad and travel—and still feels childlike excitement on big commercial aircraft.Dealing with pressure and rediscovering funAfter rapid progress—first comp in 2006, first Women’s Worlds in 2013—she began putting huge pressure on herself.One nationals with eight amazing flying days was “miserable” because of self‑imposed expectations.Her turning point: ignore yesterday’s scores, focus only on today’s flight, and prioritise fun. Once she did that, her flying improved and results followed (including a silver medal at the Women’s World Gliding Championship in the UK).Timestamps [00:01:34] – Claudia introduced on the “She Who Dares Wins” podcast[00:02:00] – “Really scared of heights… and a British gliding team member”[00:04:16] – First gliding lesson in Germany and signing up the same day[00:07:38] – What competition gliding is and why it’s like sailing[00:13:55] – Landing in farmers’ fields and how gliders are taken apart[00:19:18] – Why she feels safer in a glider than in a powered aircraft[00:28:06] – Winning a silver medal at the Women’s World Gliding Championship[00:33:43] – Women in gliding, “dinosaurs” and the power of alliesJoin Dare club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsShop Merch www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode: Dare Thursday – The Tapestry of Your CareerHost: Michelle (She Who Dares Wins Podcast)Guest Inspiration: Hattie, the flower farmer (from Monday’s episode)OverviewIn this Dare Thursday mini-episode, Michelle invites you to step back and look at the tapestry of your life and career. Inspired by flower farmer Hattie’s story—near‑death experiences, wild career twists, and ultimately landing her dream job—this episode challenges you to recognize how every experience has prepared you for where you are now (and where you’re going next).In this episode, you’ll hear about:Hattie’s journey from near‑death experiences and “crazy careers” to owning her dream flower farmWhy we underestimate the value of our past jobs and life chaptersMichelle’s own winding path:Geography degreeFilm school in LAA decade in construction across multiple rolesStarting a chemical business with her brother in their garageProject management, land surveying, and drone workBuilding a YouTube channel and speaking about constructionThe hidden skills these experiences built:Storytelling and listeningTalking to people from all walks of lifeBusiness skills like accounts, websites, and social mediaCreativity, resilience, and idea‑generation (including long hours on drilling sites with a notebook)This Week’s DareGrab a piece of paper and map out your career (or life) as a tapestry:List your jobs, roles, or key life chaptersNote what you learned in each season—skills, perspectives, resilienceLook for the thread that connects it all, and notice how much you’ve already done and grownAsk yourself: What have I discredited that actually makes me stronger today?This exercise is all about self-awareness and self-credit: shifting from “I’m not where I want to be yet” to “Look how far I’ve already come.”Join Dare Club: If you’re feeling ready for a career move, life pivot, or you’re just a bit burnt out, Dare Club is for you.Weekly emails with stories from podcast guestsMini dares to keep you moving forward and out of your comfort zoneA growing community with accountability and future digital products to support your next stepHow to sign up for Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsHead to Instagram @shewhodareswins  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Hattie shares the winding, courageous journey that led her to becoming a full-time flower farmer living on a smallholding in the countryside.She talks with Michelle about:Childhood upheaval and losing her family home at 11Surviving bacterial meningitis at 15 and a serious car crash at 19Working in waste management, landfill, and wildlife conservationCareer pivots into events, volunteering, and charity leadershipQuietly carrying a “one day” dream of a flower farm and wedding flowersFinally backing herself during the pandemic to rebuild life around natureWe explore how Hattie’s life “tapestry” was woven from life shocks, resilience, and micro joys, and why she believes purpose, not speed or status, is the truest measure of success.Key TakeawaysDreams can take a decade (or more) and still be worth itHattie spent over 10 years moving through different roles and industries before landing in the life she’d imagined—proof that slow progress is still progress.Life shocks can create deep resilience and clarityLosing her home, surviving meningitis, and a near-fatal car accident all became pivotal points that sharpened her sense of what really matters.Your career is a tapestry, not a straight lineEach “random” job—waste management, conservation, city of culture, leadership programs—gave her skills she now uses daily on the farm (from land management to events to people skills).Purpose beats prestigeA lecturer’s challenge—“Do you want low pay doing good, or big money defending harm?”—anchored her to roles with meaning and social/environmental impact.Nature is medicineTime outdoors has been central to Hattie’s healing from grief and burnout. Her farm is designed as much for wildlife and immersion as for flowers.Micro joys can rebuild a broken season of lifeInstead of chasing big highs, Hattie learned to collect tiny, daily joys—a robin in the garden, a bird sighting, a small moment of beauty—and use them to slowly climb out of difficult years.You’re allowed to change your mind—and your careerHattie repeatedly “started again” in new sectors. Each leap was scary, but reinforced the idea that confidence often comes after you jump, not before.Listening to your gut is a skill, not fluffFrom saying yes to the podcast invite to finally starting the flower farm, following her gut has been Hattie’s compass—even when fear and imposter syndrome show up later.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to the show & Hattie’s “She Dares Wins” intro02:30 – Tapestry vs chapters: how Hattie views her life story04:45 – Losing her home at 11 and joining a new school mid-year06:30 – Contracting meningitis at 15 and the “life is short” wake‑up09:00 – The near-fatal Land Rover crash and a new sense of spirituality18:30 – From landfill and waste to wildlife conservation and values26:40 – Pandemic reflections and the decision to finally start a flower farm34:50 – Nature, micro joys, and inviting others to heal on the farmJoin Dare Club Now: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode SummaryIn this bonus episode, helicopter pilot Adele returns to share deeper reflections on kindness, fear, emotional intelligence, and crisis management in aviation and life. She talks about why her ideal billboard would simply say “Be kind to each other,” opens up about her fear of public speaking despite a high‑risk job, and describes a pivotal in‑flight engine incident that she calls the day she “actually became a pilot.” The conversation explores expectations placed on pilots, the importance of crew resource management, and how self‑kindness and knowing your own reactions under pressure can transform both work and life.Key TakeawaysKindness matters more than we thinkAdele’s billboard message would be “Be kind to each other”, highlighting how many problems come from a lack of empathy and taking time to understand others.Kindness isn’t just outward-facing—being kind to yourself is crucial for growth and confidence.Public speaking can be scarier than extreme physical riskDespite being a helicopter pilot, Adele finds public speaking and situations where she might embarrass herself more terrifying than skydiving.Confidence in speaking is a muscle that needs practice, even for people who seem naturally comfortable on stage or on mic.Travel, beauty, and environmental realityAdele loves Indonesia for its culture, people, and nature, calling it a turning point in her life.She also notes the shocking plastic pollution, with “confetti beaches” where sand is largely plastic.Canada still pulls at her heart, especially the mountains—but brutal winters make her unsure about moving back full-time.Helicopter flying: range, routes, and fearsMost helicopters can fly 2–2.5 hours on one tank, continuing as long as there are fuel stops.Ocean crossings are possible via staged routes (e.g., via Iceland), but Adele is not a fan of flying over open water.Wildfire flying as a future goalAdele is interested in moving into wildfire fighting operations, including vertical reference and longline work, to help communities affected by fires.Misconceptions and expectations of pilotsPeople often don’t expect Adele to be the pilot, and treat her differently once they find out what she does.There’s a strong image of what a pilot “should” look and act like, which she doesn’t fit, and she’s always balancing authenticity with professional expectations.Emotional intelligence and crew dynamics save livesAdele explains crew resource management (CRM) and why “soft skills” like communication, feedback, and trust are actually critical safety skills.She discusses the danger of authority gradients where co‑pilots are too afraid to challenge captains, sometimes with fatal consequences.Good crews balance clear leadership with genuine openness, so everyone feels able to speak up.The day she “actually became a pilot”Adele shares a detailed story of an engine malfunction in a Sikorsky 76, flying single-pilot from remote fishing lodges.She had to manage power, monitor for fire, navigate terrain, communicate with ATC, and land safely on one engine, all while alone and out of radio range for part of the flight.That incident proved to her she could rely on her training under pressure and shaped her identity as a pilot.How helicopters land if the engine failsAdele breaks down autorotation: using rotor inertia and airflow so the helicopter can still be controlled and landed without power.With training, pilots can pick a spot, flare, and land with control, rather than “falling like a rock.”Crisis responses and self-awarenessBoth discuss how people react in crises—fight, flight, or freeze—and the importance of knowing your own default.Michelle reflects that she’s often very effective in real crises, even if she feels chaotic day to day.Self-kindness as a dareFor her personal “dare,” Adele commits to being kinder to herself, acknowledging she is her own worst critic.With constant negativity in the world, she wants to focus on positive actions and impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Be Kinder to Yourself (Why Self-Criticism Isn’t Helping You Win)This week, Michelle takes a break from guest interviews to speak directly to something that stopped her in her tracks.After sending out a listener survey, one result hit hard:80% of women said they struggle to be kind to themselves.Including Michelle.In this solo episode, Michelle unpacks how self-criticism sneaks in, why it feels productive (but isn’t), and how being relentlessly hard on yourself can quietly hold you back — even when you’re achieving on paper.This isn’t about fluffy self-care or letting yourself off the hook.It’s about awareness, honesty, and learning how to move forward without constantly tearing yourself down.Key Talking Points & Timestamps00:00 – Why this needed to be saidMichelle explains why she felt compelled to pause guest episodes and talk openly about kindness — and what triggered this realisation.01:08 – The survey result that changed everything80% of women said they struggle to be kind to themselves — and why that statistic is both comforting and alarming.02:41 – Catching the inner voice first thing in the morningHow negative self-talk was showing up before Michelle had even opened her eyes — and why that matters.03:25 – The ‘holy socks’ analogyWhy we treat other people with more respect than we treat ourselves — and what that says about self-worth.04:42 – When being “hard on yourself” backfiresMichelle reflects on imposter syndrome in construction and how self-criticism limited her confidence and progression.06:22 – Building the podcast without trusting herselfGrowing a podcast from scratch, hitting big milestones — and still being unable to acknowledge progress.07:41 – When your worth gets tied to achievementWhy high-achieving women never feel like they’ve “arrived” — and the cost of chasing constant validation.09:00 – Starting from ‘I am enough’ (without losing your drive)Insights inspired by Joe Hudson on separating self-worth from outcomes.09:35 – Fear, paralysis, and second-guessingHow being unkind to yourself fuels procrastination and decision fatigue.10:45 – The 9-day awareness exerciseA simple but powerful way to notice, track, and challenge self-critical thoughts.11:58 – Three ways to reframe unkind thoughts• Acknowledge without agreeing• Laugh at the ridiculous ones• Reframe with evidence and context13:43 – The real cost of self-criticismWhy it doesn’t make you better — just more disconnected, anxious, and distrustful of yourself.14:58 – Chasing relief instead of alignmentWhy achievement doesn’t bring peace if you’re running from fear instead of moving with intention.16:18 – “My story isn’t good enough”Why even the most impressive women downplay their journeys — and how common this mindset really is.17:54 – Living in fight-or-flight without realising itHow self-kindness helped Michelle regulate her nervous system and feel more grounded week to week.18:43 – A quiet invitation, not a challengeMichelle encourages listeners to start with one thing: not being unkind to themselves.19:22 – What’s next with Dare ClubHow this work around kindness, alignment, and self-trust is shaping the future of Dare Club.Key TakeawaysBeing hard on yourself isn’t discipline — it’s often fear in disguiseSelf-criticism doesn’t fuel progress; it creates paralysisHigh achievement without self-kindness leads to disconnectionYou can accept emotions without agreeing with themAwareness is the first step — not perfectionStarting from “I am enough” doesn’t kill ambition, it steadies itSign up to Dare club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Thursday Dare Day: The Song That Knew You Before You DidIt’s Thursday, which means one thing around here: Dare Day.This week’s dare is a simple one. No life overhaul. No journaling marathon. Just a few minutes, a song, and a moment of honest reflection.In this short episode, Michelle shares a story sparked by an unexpected song on a studio car park playlist — a track she hadn’t heard in years, but somehow knew word for word. What caught her off guard wasn’t the nostalgia… it was how relevant the lyrics still were decades later.That moment opens up a bigger question:Did the things we loved when we were younger know something about us before we did?In this episode, you’ll hear:A personal story from Michelle’s teenage years and early grafting daysWhy certain songs hit differently as we get olderHow lyrics we once screamed for fun can quietly reflect the life warnings we ignoredMichelle’s own lyric deep-dive into Warning by Incubus — and why it lands harder now than it ever didA no-pressure dare designed purely for enjoyment, curiosity, and maybe a little clarityThis week’s dare:Pick a song you used to love.The one you knew every lyric to.Listen to it. Sing it loudly if you want.Then ask yourself one question:Do the lyrics still resonate — or are they just fun noise?Either answer is valid.Two to three minutes of joy still counts as a win.If the lyrics hit you in the chest a bit? Michelle wants to hear about it.Head over to Instagram and drop her a message with the song and the line that stuck.Want more dares like this?Dare Club is where these weekly dares live — alongside behind-the-scenes podcast updates and early access to what’s coming next. Right now it’s a newsletter, but it won’t stay that way for long.If you want in early, the link’s here: https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsMichelle’s back on Monday with another guest story worth your time.Until then — enjoy the music, and don’t let life pass you by. 🎶 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Keeler’s version of “a rough start to the year” is… intense.After picking up a tropical illness in Thailand, Lucy went from fully independent to unable to walk, dress herself, type, or even hold a pen thanks to brutal joint inflammation that lingered for months. Doctors couldn’t confirm exactly what caused it (possible chikungunya or parvovirus), and recovery was slow, painful, and messy.But instead of waiting around for life to feel “normal” again, Lucy did what a lot of us do when we’re trapped in the house and losing our minds: she needed something to aim at.An Instagram ad, a half-delusional spark of hope, and a stubborn refusal to write herself off later… Lucy signs up to run 200 miles across Tajikistan in 7 days — despite not even being able to walk properly when she first saw it.This episode is about recovery, pushing yourself (without ignoring reality), the power of goals, and why most people quit right before the turning point. Also: periods in the mountains, zero running water, and the kind of camaraderie that makes you feel human again.Timestamps00:00 — Lucy’s “dare and win”: unable to walk… then 200 miles across Tajikistan01:50 — Thailand illness hits hard: fever, shaking, and “is this normal?” moments03:25 — Back home: arms seize up, can’t move, can’t breathe properly, A&E visit05:30 — The swelling gets serious: can’t stand, can’t dress herself, tropical disease hospital06:10 — Possible diagnoses + reality of recovery: months of pain, steroids, and work support08:45 — The pivot: “I need something to look forward to” (goal-setting in survival mode)10:00 — The Instagram ad that changed everything + what the Tajikistan run actually is22:30 — The hardest day: illness, no calories, endometriosis surprise, big climb, and not quittingKey TakeawaysJust because you look “fine” doesn’t mean you are. Lucy talks about that weird limbo where you’re functioning on the outside but in agony underneath.A goal can be a lifeline. Not a “new year, new me” goal — a give-me-a-reason-to-keep-going goal.Stubbornness is a double-edged sword. It got her through Thailand, through Gatwick, through A&E… and eventually into recovery (but she also admits she should’ve accepted help sooner).Fear gets loud right before you do something brave. Lucy’s body starts “hurting again” right before the trip — classic panic symptoms dressing up as logic.Community changes everything. This wasn’t a race — it was a shared experience built on support, breaks, check-ins, and people who refuse to let you quit alone.Hard days are part of the deal. The breakdown day wasn’t a sign to stop — it was the point most people would stop… and that’s why it mattered.Adventure doesn’t require a new identity. Lucy loves her job, loves London, and still makes space for big challenges — you don’t have to burn your life down to expand it.The dare is simple (and annoying): push the button on the thing you keep thinking about.Check out The Great Silk Run! https://bit.ly/4aoNRPwShop She Who Dares Wins: www.shewhodareswins.comJoin Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsYoutube Channel: youtube.com/channel/UCkCSa96nwEKh-aeAbhXI7PA/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We spend most of adult life trying to be competent, polished, and vaguely impressive.This dare asks you to do the opposite.In this short Dare Day episode, Michelle shares a moment at the kitchen table with her kid that sparked an uncomfortable realisation: kids don’t care if they’re bad at things they care if they’re enjoying them. Somewhere along the line, we lost that.From sketching terrible T-shirt designs (and loving it anyway) to memories of being absolutely useless at roller skating but showing up regardless, this episode is about reconnecting with joy without turning it into a performance.Michelle breaks down why doing something you’re “bad at” feels so uncomfortable as an adult, what’s actually happening in your brain when resistance kicks in, and why separating your self-worth from outcomes might be one of the most important skills you can rebuild.In this episode, we cover:Why adults avoid activities with no clear “point” or payoffHow kids naturally enjoy the process — and what we unlearnedThe brain’s resistance response and why it tells you to be “productive” insteadWhy purpose doesn’t need an endpointHow practising failure in small, harmless ways builds resilience for the big stuffThe link between shame, performance, and self-worthThis week’s dare: The Ugly 15Set a timer for 15 minutes and do something you used to love as a kid — something you stopped because you weren’t very good at it.Sketch. Dance. Write a poem. Roller skate like Bambi on ice.No improving. No posting for validation. No turning it into a side hustle.Just process. Just fun. Just showing yourself that the world doesn’t end when you’re bad at something.Go be rubbish on purpose.It might be the bravest thing you do all week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From PE Teacher to Property Investor: The Messy PivotHow saying yes before you’re ready can quietly change everythingIn this episode, Michelle sits down with Amy Seagraves, a former PE teacher who accidentally kick-started a property business after winning £50k on The Cube — and then actually backing herself instead of playing it safe.This is a proper behind-the-scenes look at the messy middle: imposter syndrome, trades chaos, analysis paralysis, and the identity shift that comes when you build something alongside a “safe” job.If you’ve been waiting to feel ready — this episode is your sign to stop.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Winning £50k on The Cube (and why it wasn’t the real turning point)Opportunity doesn’t change your life — what you do next does.04:30 – Quitting teaching to travel and reset perspectiveWhy stepping off the safe path changed everything.08:30 – Buying a first investment property with no experienceThe reality of starting before you feel qualified.13:00 – Renovation chaos, imposter syndrome & male-dominated roomsLearning fast or paying for it.18:30 – From winging it to building a real businessWhy investing in education mattered more than another property.24:30 – The power of building a team instead of going soloThree women, different strengths, one vision.31:00 – Going part-time before it felt sensibleThe uncomfortable move that unlocked growth.38:45 – The biggest lesson: action beats overthinkingWhy waiting costs more than mistakes.Key TakeawaysConfidence is built after action — not before.You don’t need to quit your job to start changing direction.Analysis paralysis is fear wearing a spreadsheet.Being a beginner again will mess with your identity — let it.The right people > knowing everything yourself.Messy progress beats perfect plans. Always.If you’re sitting on an idea and waiting for permission — this is it.Shop: www.shewhodaresswins.comJoin Dare club: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s January. Social media’s either screaming “new year, new you” or quietly rotting under beige motivation quotes. So this week’s Dare is simple, powerful, and wildly underused:Tell your story. And actually share it.In this short Dare Day episode, Michelle challenges you to stop assuming you’re “boring” and start recognising that your life has a plot — twists, turns, chaos, survival, growth. All of it counts.Because here’s the thing:Every woman who says “I don’t really have a story”… absolutely does.What This Episode CoversWhy so many capable, interesting women think they don’t have a story (spoiler: confidence lies to us)How to map your life like a film plot — setup, conflict, resolution (and the messy bits in between)A simple storytelling exercise using a blank sheet of paper and a rollercoaster lineWhy sharing your story creates real connection, not surface-level engagementHow journaling and reflection help your brain recognise progress (yes, science backs this up)Why vulnerability online isn’t about oversharing — it’s about being humanThis Week’s Dare👉 Write your story.👉 Choose a chapter — not your whole autobiography.👉 Share it somewhere public: Instagram, TikTok, a blog, or plain old words on a screen.Photos optional. Polish optional. Perfection absolutely not required.Why This MattersWhen you share your story:Other people feel less aloneYou see how much you’ve actually survived and achievedYou stop underestimating yourself (which is long overdue)And yes — people will say:“I didn’t know that.”“Same.”“That really hit home.”That’s the point.Get InvolvedShare your story on social and tag @SheWhoDaresWinsUse #SheWhoDaresWins and #DareClubWant in on Dare Club? Join the waitlist via the website or comment “Dare Club” on Instagram to get the link.Michelle will be back Monday with another cracking guest episode — because this podcast doesn’t do Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Becca Worgan is back on the pod — World’s Strongest Natural Woman (2023), now fully qualified physio, coach, business builder… and still the kind of woman who’ll casually admit she needs hypnotherapy to deadlift again. (Relatable. Terrifying. Iconic.)This episode is a proper catch-up: injury reality checks, the difference between “sending it” and being reckless, why strength training is basically adult life insurance, and how your brain can literally create pain before you even touch the bar.Timestamps (5–8)0:00 – Becca’s back: natural Worlds winner, and the 2024 comp chaos that nearly broke her 1:10 – Pulling out of Worlds: “I’m not enjoying this… so why am I here?” 4:10 – “Fun comps” vs “I’m here to win”: how the competitive fire comes back without self-destruction 6:10 – The sport is growing fast: bigger athlete pools, higher standards, harder pathway 8:05 – The weird culture around being natural (and why it shouldn’t be “uncool” to be clean) 15:10 – Strength training for normal women: mood, bones, confidence, daily-life strength (yes, even for picking up chunky babies) 22:35 – Fear in lifting: learning how to fail safely + Becca’s deadlift panic spiral 24:55 – Hypnotherapy: the brain pain loop, rewiring fear, and why it actually worked 41:20 – Boundaries + people pleasing: “If I don’t enjoy it, why am I doing it?” 46:05 – New priorities at 30: athlete identity takes a back seat to business, family, and sanity 58:10 – Becca’s message to women: it’s never too late to start — and you’re not going to get bulky (she’s tried)Key takeawaysQuitting isn’t weakness. Sometimes pulling out is the most elite decision you can make.“Not enjoying it” is data. If your body and brain are screaming, maybe stop calling it discipline and start calling it a warning light.Strength training isn’t a “gym girl” hobby — it’s basic life maintenance. Better mood, stronger bones, more confidence, more independence.Your brain can create pain before the lift even happens. Fear + previous injury = your nervous system pre-loading the panic.Learning to fail safely reduces fear fast. Confidence isn’t “I’ll never fail.” It’s “I know what to do if I do.”Boundaries are built through regret (unfortunately). Becca’s learning to say no before she burns herself into the ground.You’re not too late. The only “too late” is waiting until life forces you to start. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday Dare Day – January Reset EditionJanuary has a reputation problem.Cold. Dark. Everyone suddenly a productivity expert with a colour-coded planner and unrealistic goals.If you’re already feeling behind — this episode is your permission slip to stop flogging yourself.In this Dare Day episode of the She Who Dares Wins Podcast, Michelle shares a gentler, smarter way to move through January — without burning out by February (again).Drawing on lessons from her years working in construction, Michelle reframes January as a transition month, not a launch pad for pressure and perfection.In this episode, we cover:Why big goal-setting in January can actually backfireThe case for easing into the year instead of going “hell for leather”How nature, seasons, and construction sites all agree: slow is sensibleWhy focusing inward (not outward) sets you up better for the year aheadThe value of reflecting on last year — without turning it into a self-criticism exerciseHow walking, journaling, reading, and getting outside can genuinely shift your headspaceWhy stepping back from social media in January might save your sanityThis week’s Dare (pick one… or all three):Go for a walk every day — 2 minutes or 2 hours, no phone, no pressureWrite a few lines in a journal daily — no structure, no goals, just honestyRead one book that inspires you — self-help, story, or anything that feeds your brainAnd the big one Michelle wants you to hear:Be kinder to yourself. With your thoughts. With your expectations. With your pace.January doesn’t need fixing.You don’t need fixing either.Also mentioned:Dare Club — weekly dares delivered straight to your inbox https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsUpcoming guests, live events, short films, and community meetupsA January sale over on the SWDW shop www.shewhodareswins.com🎧 New episodes every Monday + Dare Day every Thursday📩 Join Dare Club via Instagram or the link in the description🛒 January Sale: www.shewodareswins.comNo pressure. Just progress — the sustainable kind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do when you don’t have a plan… You don’t see anyone who looks like you doing the job… And someone tells you outright that you’ll never make it?In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Adele, an air ambulance helicopter pilot flying lifesaving missions over London — and her path there was anything but neat.From growing up in a working-class Canadian town, to being told “girls don’t get hired”, to flying night missions in Kenya, landing helicopters in central London, and racing feral horses across Mongolia — Adele’s story isn’t about confidence or clarity.It’s about doing the next honest step, even when the bigger picture doesn’t exist yet.This conversation is a reminder that you don’t need permission, a perfect plan, or a straight line — just the courage to keep going.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & what it really means to “dare and win”06:45 – Feeling lost, drifting through jobs, and not seeing herself represented14:30 – “Girls won’t get hired” — the comment that nearly stopped her21:45 – Choosing to train anyway: loans, side jobs, and grit33:00 – Learning to say no under pressure as a young helicopter pilot46:00 – Extreme air ambulance work in Canada & Kenya56:00 – Moving to the UK (for a date… and a life pivot)1:01:30 – Flying with London’s Air Ambulance: what the job actually involves1:22:00 – The Mongol Derby & why she chooses hard things1:48:00 – Adele’s dare: listening to your own voice🔑 Key TakeawaysYou don’t need a clear plan — you need the next honest stepBeing told “no” often says more about other people’s limits than yoursVisibility matters — but belief in yourself matters moreSaying no under pressure is a skill that can save livesBurnout doesn’t mean you chose wrong — it means something needs adjustingDoing hard things builds trust with yourselfListening to your inner voice is a practice, not a personality trait🎧 Listen if you’re:Feeling restless but not “unhappy enough” to changeQuestioning your direction without wanting to burn everything downCurious about unconventional careers and real-life courageTired of motivational noise and ready for grounded truthIf this episode hit home, share it with someone who’s quietly sitting on a “what if”.And if you’re feeling that nudge?That’s usually where daring starts.Join Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsBecome a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/shewhodareswins/membershipShop the clothing: www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode isn’t about big launches, viral moments, or overnight success.It’s about the quiet work. The thinking. The testing. The pulling back. The sitting with doubt instead of bulldozing through it.In the first episode of 2026, Michelle reflects honestly on the year just gone — what worked, what didn’t, and what only made sense once she stopped pushing and actually paid attention.From stepping back over Christmas to avoid burnout, to questioning growth, sponsorship, social media, and the direction of the brand, this is a grounded look at what it really takes to build something that lasts.No reinvention narrative.No “new year, new me”.Just clarity earned the hard way.In this episode, Michelle talks about:Why not publishing over Christmas was a deliberate decision — not a failureHow being busy isn’t the same as being alignedWhat last year revealed about presence, attention, and nervous system burnoutThe difference between testing ideas and chasing validationWhy community and collaboration matter more than doing everything aloneLosing momentum — and why that doesn’t mean you’re lostThe realities of running an unfunded podcast and staying values-ledRethinking sponsorship, growth, and keeping the show independentThe thinking behind Dare Club and the Thursday daresWhy small, intentional challenges beat dramatic life overhaulsLiving in the “dip” without panicking or quittingBooks, ideas & references mentioned:Lessons inspired by Tim Ferriss and extracting meaning from lived experienceStoic thinking via Ryan Holiday and The Obstacle Is the WayReflections on ADHD from Scattered MindsThe Netflix documentary Stutz and practical mental toolsPurpose, alignment, and slowing the pace instead of forcing progressWhy this episode matters:If you’re heading into 2026 feeling:unsure but not brokentired of loud advicequietly questioning the direction you’re headingThis episode is for you.Because building a life isn’t about constant forward motion. Sometimes it’s about stopping long enough to hear yourself think.What’s next:Guest episodes return next weekDare Club and weekly dares resume shortlyMore intentional challenges, clearer direction, less noiseIf you want to support the show, leave a review, share the episode with someone who’s in the messy middle, or join Dare Club for the weekly challenges.And as always — thanks for listening.Join Dare club https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsShop: www.shewhodareswins.comSupport the show https://www.patreon.com/c/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Dare Day episode was inspired by an unexpected quiet moment.An early morning drive.No traffic. No radio. nd the sudden realisation that I could hear birds singing — from inside the car.That small moment led to a bigger question: when did we stop noticing what’s around us?In this bonus episode, Michelle shares a simple but grounding story about an early winter morning, a red sky, a cup of tea in the garden, and how listening — properly listening — shifted her entire day.The episode also connects to insights from Episode with Georgia, who described a chance visit to an RSPB hide that made her realise how much of the natural world she’d been missing simply because she’d never stopped to notice it.This isn’t sentimental fluff. There’s real science behind why moments like this feel so powerful.In this episode, we cover:Why natural sounds like birdsong calm the nervous systemHow most of us live in low-level fight-or-flight without realisingThe concept of “soft fascination” and why nature restores a tired brainHow listening grounds us in the present and eases anxietyWhy nothing has to change around you for something to shift internallyThis Week’s Dare:Take 5–10 minutes early in the morning.Before your phone. Before conversations. Before the world gets loud.No music. No podcasts. No scrolling. Make a tea or coffee if you like. Sit outside, on a doorstep, balcony, or by an open window.Close your eyes. And listen.Birds, wind, distance, silence — whatever is there.You’re not trying to relax. You’re not fixing anything. You’re simply reminding your nervous system that it’s safe.If you’ve stopped hearing the birds, there’s a good chance you’ve been carrying too much noise for too long.Want weekly dares like this?Dare Club is free to join and lands these weekly dares straight in your inbox, along with early access to live events and special announcements.You can sign up via the link in the episode description or through Instagram.Thanks for listening — and enjoy this week’s dare.Join Dare Club https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Becky was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 15 and thought her life was basically over. Spoiler: it wasn’t. In this episode we talk about what Crohn’s actually looks like day-to-day (fatigue, pain, planning your life around toilets…), the mindset shift that helped her stop shrinking her dreams, and why success sometimes looks like getting out of bed and having a shower — not “hustling” yourself into the ground.We also get into Becky’s Everest Base Camp trek attempt, the reality of doing big adventures with an unpredictable body, and the one comment from a stranger that perfectly sums up why invisible illness is such a minefield.Key takeawaysCrohn’s isn’t “a dodgy tummy” — it’s an autoimmune disease with physical and mental load.You can still build a full life, but you may need to do it differently (and that’s not failure).The fatigue is real even in remission — “slept 9 hours, feel like 3” levels of real.Invisible illness comes with invisible planning: toilets, timing, travel anxiety, the whole mental spreadsheet.You’re allowed to redefine success — especially when your body is fighting you.Turning back isn’t quitting. Sometimes it’s the bravest, smartest decision you can make.People will judge what they don’t understand (“you can’t be that sick…”) — don’t let that rewrite your reality.Kindness matters more than most people realise. “Be kind” isn’t cringe — it’s necessary.Timestamps00:00 Intro + “How have you dared and won?”00:14 Diagnosed at 15: believing life was “over”02:22 The pressure of school + the long road to diagnosis/remission04:24 Quitting A-levels, finding snowboarding, becoming an instructor (the pivot)05:43 The biggest misconception: “it’s just a tummy issue”06:32 The day-to-day reality: exhaustion, pain, urgency, immunosuppressants08:39 Everest Base Camp planning + how Crohn’s derailed it (and why she still went)28:00 Turning back at altitude + hospital in Kathmandu (ego vs survival)33:44 Fundraising wins + choosing your life anyway48:17 Misconception: “you can control it with diet” + the wider symptoms (arthritis, mouth ulcers)49:58 “You can’t be that sick…” — the invisible illness moment that stuckMentionedCrohn’s & Colitis UK (resources, support, info for patients + employers)Join Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswinswww.shewhodareswins.com - Code POD10 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Georgia didn’t just dare — she bolted. At 22 she booked a one-way ticket to Australia, spent seven years travelling the world, worked in one of Queensland’s roughest pubs, wandered through Africa, and accidentally built the resilience most people try to buy in paperback form.A decade later, one spontaneous visit to an RSPB reserve flipped a switch she didn’t know she had. In just one year, she’s become a standout wildlife photographer, built a community of new-age birders, and is now leading her first international birding trip — all while navigating the tension between passion and monetisation.This episode is all about daring to start something completely new, letting curiosity lead the way, and remembering that the wild isn’t “out there”… it’s been on your doorstep the whole damn time.Key Takeaways (Condensed)How a single meme and a toxic relationship pushed her to book that one-way ticket.The seven years of travel that shaped her grit, confidence, and worldview.The unexpected moment birding clicked — and why it hit so hard.Her rise in wildlife photography despite zero formal training.The ethics, chaos, and surprising humour inside the birding world.Why she’s not rushing to turn her passion into a full-time job.How community, nature, and curiosity helped her find her thing.Timestamps0:00 – Welcome + Georgia’s biggest dare 0:12 – Why she booked a one-way ticket to Australia at 22 3:20 – Seven years on the road: Africa, New Zealand, Canada & chaos 4:55 – Working in one of Queensland’s “roughest pubs” 7:30 – The accidental moment she discovered birding 12:50 – Why wildlife photography hooked her instantly 15:40 – The challenge of keeping passion and monetisation separate 18:45 – Building a new kind of birding community + UK wildlife loveShop www.shewhodareswins.comJoin Dare club Community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Dare Thursday is a little different — mostly because Michelle is recording while full of lurgy and zero illusions of having her life together. Instead of a neatly structured pep talk, you’re getting a raw brain dump on presence, pressure, and why your future goals are sometimes ruining your mood in the present.In this episode, Michelle unpacks:💥 Why your brain loves dragging you out of the momentFrom planning next year’s guests to imagining your finances in 12 months, the mental time travel never ends. And honestly? It’s exhausting. Especially when it stops you from appreciating the good stuff that’s already happening.💭 The trap of goal-setting that nobody warns you aboutYes, goals matter. But obsessing over them? That’s the fast lane to anxiety. Michelle reflects on how she hit goals she never planned for — and missed goals she thought mattered — and what that actually teaches you about focus and flexibility.🌱 The power of micro-presenceShe's been experimenting with catching herself mid-spiral and asking simple grounding questions:Am I okay right now?Do I have what I need today?Are the kids fine?Has anything genuinely gone wrong?Turns out, checking in with the present lowers anxiety much faster than a five-year plan ever has.🧠 ADHD, internal rebellion & why “You have to do this” never worksIf your inner child wants to flip a table every time you impose a strict goal on yourself… yeah, you’re not alone. Michelle breaks down why some brains reject pressure — and how reframing your “must do’s” into playful experiments might actually get you results.🎨 The story of the artist told to go get 50 rejectionsOne of the best mindset flips of the episode: failure as a game. Once the pressure disappeared, the success exploded.This Week’s DareCatch yourself every single time you start spiralling about the future or beating yourself up for not being “further along.” Pause. Ask: “Is today actually okay?” If the answer is yes — drop the panic. You’re still on the path, even if it’s wiggly. Dare Club Is OPENMichelle has officially launched Dare Club — the free online community for women who want:more connectionmore couragemore accountabilitymore ‘holy crap, I’m actually doing the thing’ momentsYou can join for free, with optional paid tiers coming packed with value. Connect over podcast guests, your own dares, and real-life meetups as the community grows.Join via Michelle’s Instagram bio or at shewhodareswins.com → Dare Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.