She Who Dares, Wins.

 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.

In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Becca Worgan — the current Natural World’s Strongest Woman under 82 kg and possibly the calmest, most grounded powerhouse you’ll ever meet.Becca didn’t grow up dreaming about lifting atlas stones or dragging cars for fun. She only started Strongman in 2019… and then decided to go and dominate it. Casual.We dig into how she built her strength, both the muscle and the mindset. She talks about juggling university, work, and training without losing her sanity, and why stepping into a Strongman gym as a woman can feel like walking into a secret society — but shouldn’t.Becca also shares how a tiny pivot from bodybuilding to Strongman changed everything, why the crew at Steel City Gym in Middlesbrough helped her level up fast, and how community can do what discipline alone can’t.There’s also plenty on injury setbacks, rebuilding confidence, stepping into commentating, and why she’s training to become a physio specifically for strength athletes — because she wants to give back to the sport that gave her direction.It’s an episode full of grit, straight talk, and reassurance for every woman who’s ever looked at a barbell and thought, “Not sure that’s for me.” Spoiler: it is.Key TakeawaysRelentless focus pays off. Becca’s success comes from showing up, even on the grim days when motivation left the chat.Your environment matters. A supportive gym isn’t a luxury — it’s rocket fuel. Steel City proved that.Strength isn’t a boys’ club. Women face real barriers entering strength sports, but Becca’s on a mission to tear those down.Make your passion your career. From competing to commentating to becoming a physio, Becca’s building a future rooted in the sport she loves.Setbacks don’t define you. Injuries happen — the comeback is where the real mental strength shows up.Notable Quotes“Once you know how to use everything and what you’re doing, that fear will go. You can get really confident really quickly in it.”“I just love being strong. It quickly became, I’m more interested in what my body can do than what it looks like.”“It’s not selfish. An hour at the gym three or four times a week isn’t selfish at all — you can definitely find that time.”“I’ve never been so pleased about something in my life. All that work was worth it when I won.”“If you're in the northeast, send me a message. I’m training all over the place and I’ll happily train with you.”ResourcesBecca Worgan on InstagramSteel City Gym, MiddlesbroughNatural World’s Strongest Woman CompetitionChaos PromotionsUK Natural Strength Federation (UKNS)Support the ShowShop hoodies and tees at👉 www.shewhodareswins.comUse code POD10 for 10% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this playful bonus episode, we're flipping beige routines on their head and spreading joy the rogue way — with anonymous sticky notes.I’m talking about The Chaos Note — a bold little dare to leave a kind, funny, or outrageously uplifting note in public this week.Inside this episode:The personal story behind how one mirror note hit me like a brick of unexpected kindnessThe science of how random acts of kindness boost happiness (for you and them)Why anonymous giving triggers the brain’s reward system harder than public praiseThe dopamine surprise effect, stress reduction, and the ripple effect of tiny kind gesturesThis week’s dare: Write a note. Leave it. Walk away like the legend you are.If you’re ready to shake up the world’s beige energy and remind someone they matter — this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now and leave your legacy in neon ink.📝 Dare 11: Leave one anonymous note this week. Tag @SheWhoDaresWins if you’re in. Or don’t. Chaos likes mystery.Clothing: www.shewhodareswins.comJoin Dare club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surviving SAS, Authenticity, and Self-Discovery with Lucy Spraggan This week, Lucy Spraggan sits down with me for one of the most honest, eye-opening conversations we’ve had on the show. If you think you know her from The X Factor or SAS: Who Dares Wins… you don’t. Not until you hear this.Lucy talks openly about the realities of fame, trauma, sobriety, neurodiversity, and what it actually takes to rebuild your life from the ground up. She doesn’t sugar-coat a thing and that’s exactly why this episode hits so hard.We get into the brutal behind-the-scenes of SAS, the mindset shift that changed everything, and why radical authenticity has become her non-negotiable. From learning to stop caring what people think, to finding joy in the smallest, most unexpected places… this episode is packed with truth.If you’re navigating change, dealing with your past, or trying to figure out who the hell you are now — this one will stay with you.Key TakeawaysAuthenticity isn’t a buzzword — it’s a daily decision Lucy had to fight for.SAS broke her physically, but rebuilt her mentally in ways she didn’t expect.Sobriety gave her clarity, confidence, and a deeper sense of purpose.Human connection — not individual grit — is what gets you through adversity.Neurodiversity is her superpower, especially in creative and high-pressure spaces.Radical honesty can change your entire relationship with yourself.You are not your thoughts — and learning that can completely shift your life.Joy comes from simple, grounded moments, not external validation.Timestamps0:00 — Welcome + Lucy’s definition of daring and winning0:11 — The cost (and power) of radical authenticity0:37 — Writing her book and telling the truth, even when it hurt1:20 — Learning to stop caring what people think3:45 — SAS: Why she pursued it and how she prepared5:00 — The physical aftermath and hidden realities of the show7:36 — Near-injuries, fear, and pushing through trauma9:40 — Why connection mattered more than strength on SAS11:19 — Behind the interrogation: sensory deprivation + mental testing14:04 — The mindset warrior moment that changed everything15:21 — What adversity taught her about herself16:32 — Mental health, intrusive thoughts, and radical self-awareness19:19 — Practicing “I am not my thoughts”20:44 — Intention, presence, and redefining performance23:20 — Music, community, and why connection is everything26:00 — Boundaries with fans and protecting her mental health29:06 — ADHD, learning patterns, and creativity31:21 — Would Lucy be where she is without X Factor?32:36 — Delusional capability: her secret weapon35:59 — Breaking free from expectations and rebuilding your life38:40 — Health challenges, long Covid, and mindset shifts39:51 — Metal detecting, joy, and finding a life that feels good42:15 — Martial arts, self-defence, and building physical confidence45:08 — Discipline vs motivation — the real difference46:00 — Misconceptions and learning not to care49:06 — Joy, gratitude, and what truly matters52:55 — Materialism, identity, and growth55:16 — Carrying the people we’ve lost56:45 — The dare: Lucy’s next challenge58:12 — Why every woman should try jiu jitsu1:00:00 — The vulva story, recovery, and ending with real talkShop: www.shewhodareswins.comJoin Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British national record–holding freediver Ruth Osborne is back — and let’s just say the last two years have been anything but smooth sailing. Ear infections, cancelled competition days, Caribbean chaos, burnout, and a couple of “is this my last dive ever?” moments… Ruth lays it all out with the kind of honesty most people avoid.This episode isn’t about glory dives or perfect outcomes. It’s about what happens when the thing you love keeps punching you in the gut — and why you still get back in the water anyway.We get into her training, mindset shifts, the ugly parts of high-level sport, and the surprising decision to coach herself. If you need a reminder that the path rarely looks pretty, this is it.Key TakeawaysProgress without outcome is still progress. Ruth’s technique, strength and awareness are on another level — even if the number on the dive line hasn’t moved yet.Setbacks don’t mean you're wrong for the path — sometimes they’re just annoying. Ear infections, heat, UTIs, and slanted dive lines aren’t “signs from the universe.” They’re life.You can love the process even when you hate the results. That’s the real test of commitment.Self-awareness beats brute force. From redefining nutrition to noticing burnout, Ruth shows what “listening to your body” actually looks like.Retiring wasn’t the answer — remembering her ‘why’ was.Coaching herself is the next evolution. She’s backing her own experience, instincts, and discipline.Rest isn’t optional. Especially when you're diving 80+ metres on one breath.Long-term mindset > short-term wins. She's building for depth, longevity, and a life lived well — not a single medal moment.Timestamps0:00 – Ruth is back: two years later, a lot deeper (mentally if not yet physically)2:00 – Competitions, ear infections and the brutal timing of setbacks4:15 – What “current” does to a dive and why it matters8:00 – Pressure, performance windows and keeping your head straight12:00 – Reacting vs choosing your reaction16:00 – When outcome and effort don’t match20:00 – Nutrition, protein and what changed for Ruth in her 40s33:00 – The Dominica chapter: volcanoes, heat exhaustion and angry afternoons39:00 – “Do I retire?” — Ruth hits her breaking point44:00 – Why she stays in the game: rebuilding her ‘why’52:00 – World Championships, coaching herself and designing a healthier training balance56:00 – What’s next: May competitions and a new chapter on her terms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Michelle sits down with writer, swimmer, and all-round adventurer Sara Barnes, whose story is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. After surviving major heart surgery and multiple health setbacks, Sara turned to the freezing lakes of Cumbria for healing — and found her purpose.From the icy calm of cold-water swimming to the realities of rejection, imposter syndrome, and late-life confidence, Sara’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start over or to finally back yourself.🗝️ Key TakeawaysLife’s curveballs are invitations, not endings. Sara’s health scares forced her to slow down and realign her priorities.Community saves us. Cold-water swimming connected her to a supportive world of women who push past comfort zones together.Rejection isn’t failure. Years of “no” built the tenacity that led to her first published book.Dreams lose their sparkle when they become reality — and that’s okay. The growth is in the pursuit, not the finish line.Boundaries build better relationships. Saying “no” turned Sara’s life from lonely to aligned.Confidence isn’t a switch. Even the boldest women still battle self-doubt — the trick is doing it anyway.Timestamps0:00 — Welcome & Sara’s story: surviving heart surgery and finding perspective0:03:40 — Grief, loss, and how writing helped her heal0:11:50 — The Instagram trap: learning to disconnect and reconnect with real life0:12:18 — The unexpected beginning: how cold-water swimming saved her0:19:48 — From ugly duckling to swan: the boss who underestimated her0:26:20 — [Mid-Roll Ad Slot] + Identity shift — becoming an author and imposter syndrome0:33:45 — The truth about chasing dreams and learning to enjoy the process0:43:30 — Skinny dipping, confidence, and helping women find freedom0:52:55 — Bonus Episode begins: Quick-fire dares and reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Episode 9: Gratitude — The Underrated Power MoveShow Notes:Most people roll their eyes at gratitude like it’s a Pinterest quote in disguise. But here’s the thing — the science says otherwise. Gratitude isn’t fluff. It’s a mental reset button that actually changes how your brain works.In this 11-minute episode, Michelle breaks down what really happens when you start practising gratitude — minus the sugar-coated affirmations. From rewiring your brain for resilience to improving mood and lowering stress, this episode explores how gratitude helps you stop chasing “more” and start seeing what’s already good.Michelle also shares her own experience with burnout, how gratitude helped her rebuild perspective, and why “having it all” isn’t about achieving more — it’s about realising you already do.🔍 In this episode:The science behind gratitude (and why it’s more than a trend)How practising gratitude literally rewires your brainThe “virtuous spiral” between gratitude and happinessSimple, no-BS ways to build gratitude into your routineWhy gratitude isn’t toxic positivity — it’s resilience in disguise🧠 Studies mentioned:Robert Emmons & Michael McCullough’s research on gratitude and happiness2023 Meta-analysis of 64 studies showing gratitude lowers anxiety and depressionUCLA findings on gratitude improving sleep and heart healthFrontiers in Psychology (2019) study on gratitude and life satisfaction💥 Your Dare:For one week, write down one thing that went wrong — and one thing about it you’re still grateful for. That’s how you build gratitude that sticks, not just gratitude that sounds good.sign up for dare club www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 28 years on air, Yorkshire radio legend JoJo Kelly swapped early mornings and microphones for the Welsh mountains — and a brand new chapter.In this laugh-out-loud and deeply relatable chat, JoJo opens up about her accidental start in radio (thanks to a guy in a dress and a nightclub), the confidence it took to survive male-dominated breakfast shows, and why she’s now embracing the unknown with open arms.From her days at Kiss 105 and Galaxy FM to her recent move to rural Wales, JoJo’s story is a masterclass in joy, resilience, and reinvention.You’ll hear:🎧 How a night out led to a 28-year radio career💪 What it was really like being a woman in radio through the 90s and 2000s🧠 How menopause and confidence shifts made her re-evaluate everything🔄 The courage it takes to start again after decades in one career🌄 Why she swapped city lights for mountain life (and how she’s adjusting!)🎭 Her dream to finally chase the acting career she put on holdWhether you’re standing at a crossroads or just craving proof that it’s never too late to pivot, this episode will leave you laughing, nodding, and maybe planning your own wild next chapter. Timestamps0:00 – Meet JoJo Kelly: 28 years on air and counting 2:00 – How a nightclub encounter launched her radio career 7:00 – Crashing the boys’ club: early lessons in confidence and ego 12:00 – The power of joy and surviving 4:30am starts 16:00 – Dealing with trolls before social media was a thing 18:00 – Losing anonymity as a radio host 25:00 – Moving to Wales & embracing the unknown 36:00 – Menopause, confidence, and finding your voice again 46:00 – Ageism, reinvention & why JoJo’s not done yet 52:00 – What’s next: hosting, acting, and making friends with goatswww.shewhodareswins.comSign up for dare club! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.