Tough Girl Podcast

Stephanie Ho is a 24-year-old adventurer, endurance athlete, and exercise physiologist based on the Gold Coast, Australia. From rock climbing and ocean swimming to triathlons and mountain expeditions, Stephanie has always chased the outdoors — but her biggest goals lie in the polar regions. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Stephanie shares her journey from discovering hiking and camping as a teenager to trekking Everest Base Camp, running 43km a day for a week, and skiing 540km across Greenland. She opens up about the mental and physical challenges of polar expeditions, the lessons she's learned in extreme environments, and what it takes to keep motivation alive when the goal seems impossible. Stephanie is now preparing for a solo 1,200km expedition to the South Pole in 2026 — hauling a 100kg sled through temperatures as low as -50°C — a feat that, if successful, will make her the first Australian woman to achieve it. Along the way, she talks logistics, training, nutrition, dealing with fears and unsolicited advice, and the importance of listening to your body while chasing what sets your soul on fire. This conversation is a masterclass in mental toughness, gratitude, and stepping beyond your comfort zone. Stephanie's story will inspire you to dream big, push limits, and embrace adventure — no matter your age or background.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time).  Support the Tough Girl mission via Patreon: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast *** Show notes Who is Steph Being based on the Gold Coast, Australia  24 years old Working as an exercise physiologist - both in the office and in a clinical setting  Her love for any activity that is outdoors from rock climbing to hiking, cycling, ocean swimming, skiing and doing triathlons  Her main goal is to train for big skiing expeditions and big mountain expeditions  Her early memories and not being encouraged to be that active  Growing up as an only child  Wanting to do more running How things changed at 14 and going camping for the first time in her life Finding friends who wanted to go hiking and camping  Heading over to Nepal to do the Everest base camp after graduating high school  Wanting to spend some time alone reflecting on the past 18 years  Having a good reset before starting university  Why her trip to Nepal was so formative  Trekking to Everest Base camp in Winter  Getting up to 5,500 metres Climbing Kala Patthar, Nepal  Enjoying being in the cold, remote environment Knowing that her next big adventure was going to be Antarctica  Starting to plan her training trips to Norway and Greenland  Having everything put on hold until 2023 Doing her Polar Training course in Norway Skiing across Greenland in 2023 Doing more solo expeditions in the polar regions Planning to head to the South Pole at the end of 2026 Polar training and the lessons learned  Being part of a team to do the Greenland crossing in May 2023 30 days on the ice - starting on the west coast and heading to the East coast  Learning how to cope in the cold and the wind Dealing with polar thigh Why the journey has been rewarding and feeling a lot of pride with what's been achieved. Thinking about what's next and struggling to be satisfied with the achievements  Running for 43k a day for 7 days… Learning how to suffer mentally while out on the ice Staying positive and the other lessons learned to help mentally  Practicing gratitude and being grateful for where she it  Keeping the motivation alive The logistics and finances to pay for the expedition  Working with ALE  Training and what that looks like Recovery and paying more attention to nutrition  Being vegetation, but eating some white meat, such as chicken and fish Having cold showers Concerns and fears to mange before the trip Managing unsolicited opinions and advice  How to connect with Stephanie  Advice to motivate and inspire other women to step outside their comfort zone Don't be afraid of what other people might think of you.  Listening to your body and what you want to do  Do something that sets your soul on fire    Social Media Website: solosouth.com.au   

Birgit Hermann is a global leadership coach, speaker, executive leader, ocean advocate, professional freediver, and extreme endurance athlete who translates lessons from the edge into meaningful impact for people and planet.  She supports purpose-driven leaders to turn bold challenges into grounded, values-led action. She has raced the Marathon des Sables, run a marathon in Antarctica, freedived beneath Arctic ice without a wetsuit, and cycled across the African continent — often as the only woman on the start line. Alongside these edge-tested experiences, Birgit brings over 20 years of leading and coaching teams across marine conservation, climate resilience, international development, and peace building in more than 20 countries. Based between Timor-Leste, Germany, New Zealand, and Egypt, she is the founder of Inspired by Nature and the author of B.O.L.D.E.R.™ — a leadership framework forged at the edge and built for real-world change. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Birgit Growing up in Germany Spending a lot of her life in Asia- Pacific, specifically New Zealand Considering herself a change maker  Working in management positions in relation to climate change adaptions, marine conservation, supporting livelihoods and communities to make changes for the better  Growing up sporty and active  Becoming an outdoor lover after moving to New Zealand  Being a competitive swimmer for many years Trying all sports from judo, to volleyball and cycling  Being interested in different cultures and travelling  Deciding to do her Masters Degree in New Zealand  Deciding to take on Tour d'Afrique Cycling 12,000km from north to south Africa Feeing unsettled and wanting more from life  Getting her courage together to sign up for the challenge  Planning and training for a 4 month challenge Changing her perspective on what's possible  The physical achievement and trusting herself Realising how all the small steps accumulate over time especially at the end of the journey and looking back on what's been achieved Knowing that there was more to what she believed she could achieve  Deciding to spend more time in Africa  Freeing herself up to be open to something new  Testing herself in a new environment  Making something close to impossible happen Starting to think and dream big  Why the physical experience can change your mindset  Knowing that the next step was the right step  Why it wasn't easy  Deciding to head back to New Zealand Being a pioneer and looking to find a role model  Continuing to take on big challenges Living in Timor-Leste in 2016  Wanting to share her experiences of traveling the world while doing endurance challenges  Her experience in Antarctica and wanting to raise awareness and funds for climate change Learning how to free-dive and the benefits experienced  The importance of relaxing - truly relaxing The journey over the last 3 years and putting all the lessons together Boosting her confidence and starting to work for herself Deciding to write her book Being a trail blazer, and shifting culture The lessons to be learned  Inspire change, shift culture and build sustainable impact - without burnout!  Who would benefit from reading from the book Wanting to make a positive change in the world Shout out for the Tough Girl Podcast! How to connect with Birgit Final words of advice for other women who want to live bolder  Talk about it!! Why it's the first step - talking about it out loud.  There will be people who will support you.  Social Media Website: www.birgithermann.com Instagram: @b_inspiredbynature Facebook: @b.inspiredbynature Youtube: @b.inspiredbynature  Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/birgithermann Direct link to the book: www.birgithermann.com/bolder.html  

Amanda Duling is an endurance athlete, writer, and founder of One Gear Short of Normal™.  A post-bariatric, perimenopausal gravel cyclist and Ironman 70.3 finisher, Amanda uses grit, science, and unapologetic humour to tell the stories no one else is telling about endurance sports, women's bodies, and doing hard things later in life. Through her writing and community work, she challenges the "suffer in silence" culture of endurance athletics and advocates for smarter fueling, better hygiene, realistic training, and radical honesty—especially for women navigating menopause, major weight loss, and endurance sport at the same time. When she's not riding gravel roads or lifting heavy things, Amanda writes research-backed, laugh-out-loud essays on endurance life, parenting, and why choosing your hard matters more than perfection. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Amanda Living in Kansas City, USA Working as an IT professional during the day Mum to a special needs son  Building a brand in relation to being a post-bariatric endurance athlete  Publishing an e-book in relation to saddle sores  Why reinvention is possible  Growing up in a small rural community  Being into reading, writing and art Having a lot of anxiety about her body and body image Enjoying being active  Not having the confidence when she was younger  Getting married and settling down Having gastric bypass surgery in her early 40s  Having an Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - having a large portion of her stomach removed along with a large portion of her small intestines  Having the surgery at the beginning of COVID and being stuck at home Her journey with food, health and fitness  Going for walks with her husband  Finding the motivation for the next step Feeling uncomfortable wearing shorts and form fitting clothes  Starting to walk a little quicker  Hiring a personal trainer at the gym to gain some of the lost muscle back Seeing her strength coming back  Thinking about doing a half marathon  Finding a couch to 5k program  Not making a lot of progress due to not being able to eat a lot Starting to work with a dietician  Having to re-learn eating  Passing out after exercise and having no energy  Dumping syndrome - when the body is not able to process sugar UCAN and Waxy Maize Finding support through community  Joining a run club and meeting new people  Being able to complete the half marathon  Confidence and having confidence around her body Building her self confidence When things started to change Showing up to different races Doing hard things  Wanting to encourage individuals starting out to volunteer at a couple of events Overcoming a challenge during a race Gravel cycling/racing, and why it's the hardest disciple in endurance sports Unbound Gravel Race  Breaking down the challenge into smaller and smaller steps and grinding it out Logistics of gravel racing in relation to hydration and fuelling  Electrolytes UCAN Fuel— ucan.co  Running on sheer grit  What training looks like and why she needed a lot of structure Training Peaks Learning about heart rate training  Training in the morning and making training work for her and her family The importance of social interactions during workouts Being surrounded by the right people and how it can help with motivation  How to connect with Amanda on social media Her love for writing and sharing her stories on Substack Final words of advice to motivate and inspire you The importance of showing up    Social Media Website: onegearshortofnormal.gumroad.com/l/prrdc thecookiewaitlist.com Instagram: @onegearshortofnormal Facebook:  Amanda McMahon  Substack: @onegearshortofnormal1 Youtube: One Gear Short of Normal  

Growing up near Boston, Sugar discovered hiking in her early twenties while exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire. After getting sober at 30, she found herself with the clarity, time and capacity to pursue the life she truly wanted. What followed was a decision to live authentically, prioritise long-distance hiking, and become what she proudly calls a professional dirtbag. In 2021, Sugar set out on the Appalachian Trail. While she knew she was a strong hiker, she also faced the uncertainty of what it would mean to walk the trail as a trans woman. Feeling the isolation of not seeing many stories like her own pushed her to begin writing, speaking openly, and becoming someone other queer and trans hikers could reach out to. Since then, she has become the first known trans woman to complete the Triple Crown of long-distance hiking, founded TrailQTs – a free mentoring programme supporting first-time queer and trans thru-hikers – and in 2024 pioneered the Divide to Crest Route, a 3,000-mile backcountry journey from the Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Washington. In 2025, Sugar set a new women's self-supported speed record on the Appalachian Trail southbound, breaking the previous record by more than a day and a half. In this episode, we dive into sobriety, transition, representation, burnout, post-trail blues, building community, and what it really takes to push the body day after day. Sugar also shares practical advice on training, fuelling on a budget, protecting your feet, and why big dreams are built through small, steady steps. This is a conversation about courage, visibility, and creating the path you wish had existed when you started. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time). Hit subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Lyla Using she/her programs  From the North East of the USA Living in New Hampshire Working with kids and doing bar tending and other odd jobs Growing up just north of Boston, on the North shore, about 3 hrs away from the Appalachian Trail Playing team sports  Getting into hiking in her early 20s, with the help of a friend  Hiking in the White Mountains in New Hampshire  Getting sober at 30 years old and being sober for over 8 years now How it changed her life, having more time and capacity to do more hiking Spending time exploring the local trails in the area  Starting her gender transition  Knowing she was trans in her late 20s but not having the capacity to do anything about it Getting sober and how it opened up lots of doors for herself  Living her authentic life  Deciding to leave her job, sell her car and go and hike the Appalachian Trail Hiking the Appalachian Trail in late March 2021 Spending the past 5 years making long distance hiking her priority Being a professional dirtbag Channeling all of her energy and resources into hiking  Managing fears and concerns before taking on the Appalachian Trail  Knowing she was a strong hiker Having concerns related to being a trans woman on trail and what unique challenges she would face Trying to learn more about other trans experiences on the Appalachian Trail Feeling a bit alone and not wanting others to feel the same way Deciding to write for an outdoor website called the trek Sharing more of her life online The power of seeing trans people in the outdoors  Speaking publicly and telling her authentic story Trying to be someone queer and trans folk can reach out to  Wanting to be accessible for other people  Documenting and sharing her story while hiking  Blog post - Trans competent on trail  Magical moments while being on the trail  Getting her trail name "Sugar" Suffering with burnout and adventure blues? Post trail depression and planning for it  Mental health and the importance of spending quality time in nature  Mental health habits and what's worked for her Having a rich community of people in her support network Having people who understand where you're coming from  Having good friends  Spending time along Self supported FKT SOBO on the Appalachian Trail  Pushing yourself hard while on the trail Day 1 of the project and why it was a year before starting on the trail The first couple of weeks and the challenging terrain  Why it's fun for her The physical challenge for her body and thinking more about millage  Wanting to know how much she could push her body The planning and preparation before the start of the hike  The Divide to Crest route  Trying to figure out how to make it financially viable  Looking for sponsorship from outdoor brands Physically training and breaking it down into 3 separate chapters The Arizona Trail  Why your feet are everything The New England Trail  Using her home as basecamp Dealing with a little tendonitis at the start Getting hiker legs Food and nutrition while on the trail Taking a B vitamin supplement every day to help with energy Taking electrolytes especially with the hot weather Maple syrup and salt  Doing the trail on a budget - salt, fat, carbs…. Eating foods that she can stomach while on the trail The importance of getting calories in  The idea behind the Divide to Crest Route Getting into route creation  The Great Basin Trail  Finding out more info about the Divide to Crest Route How to connect with Lyla on social media Finals words of advice for women who want to take on a new challenge and step outside their comfort zone Think about scaffolding  Why you don't need to do everything at once.  Build your skillsets over time What can you do this year to move you closer to your goal.    Social Media Instagram @seltzerskelter  

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Sara Eydmann — ultra-marathon runner, counsellor and therapist based in Edinburgh, Scotland. At 30 years old, Sara is no stranger to pushing her limits. From attempting to run 500 miles to taking on the North Coast 500, her journey into ultra-running has been anything but straightforward. But behind the miles is a powerful and deeply honest story about mental health, identity, resilience and learning to change the narrative. Growing up as an only child, Sara was always active — until an eating disorder at 14 forced her to stop exercising completely. Years later, she found her way back to running, initially using it as a way to control her weight. During lockdown, her running became increasingly intense, driven and compulsive. With the support of therapy and a coach, she began learning how to train with more structure, balance and self-awareness — eventually making it to the start line of her first marathon in 2023. Shortly after, she signed up for her first ultra. In this episode, Sara shares her experience of being late diagnosed with Autism at 27 and ADHD at 29 (AuADHD), and how that diagnosis helped her better understand herself, her anxiety, and the way her brain works — particularly in high-stress, high-performance environments. We dive into: Attempting to run 500 miles — and the reality of getting injured 256 miles in Managing anxiety at the start line Working with a crew and handling the overwhelming admin side of big challenges Dealing with a stress fracture and the emotional fallout of stopping The mental battle of ultra-distance running — self-talk, fear, surrender and staying rational The financial and logistical realities of funding endurance challenges Having her dad there for support Trusting the process instead of fearing the outcome Sara speaks candidly about what it feels like to "lose your head" mentally during a challenge, the lessons she's taken from injury, and how she's learning to run from a place of curiosity rather than compulsion. Now preparing to move to France for a year to focus on training, immerse herself in the culture and learn French, Sara is continuing to explore what's possible — on her own terms. This is an episode about endurance, identity, healing, and redefining success. Trust the process. Don't fear the outcome. *there is mention of eating disorders and running for weight loss - we do not go into specifics  ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Sara; 30 years old, Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Moving to France later on in the year Ultra runner and working as a counsellor and therapist as a day job  Mum to 2 cats  Late diagnosed with Autism (27 years old) and ADHD (29 years old)  (AuAHDH) Growing up as an only child and doing lots of sports at a young age  Needing to stop exercise at 14 due to an eating disorder Getting back into running over the past few years Training for her first marathon and managing the driven compulsion  Listening to her coach, not overtraining and being more structured in her training  Doing therapy throughout the years Only running to control her weight  How running got very intense over lock down  Making it to the start line of her first marathon in 2023 Signing up for an ultra distance on a loop course on the month after. Her journey with anxiety and getting to the start line of races Getting to a point of just wanting to do - wanting to try and see  Shifting her mindset by surrendering to what could happen Reflecting on her first marathon in Scotland Being diagnosed with AuADHD and how it changed things  Muddling through life and finding school really difficult  Building her confidence to voice her needs Learning to understand herself more Running the North Coast 500 Dealing with a stress fracture in her knee Wanting to take on this challenge Dealing with the admin side of the challenge and why it was so stressful  Making the best of the situation Road running and your bones… Getting injured 256 miles in…. The lessons from the experience Figuring out the financials to fund a challenge like this with AuADHD Wanting to focus on the running  Being in a high stress, high performance situation  Running strategy for the challenge  Working with a crew and how it would work  All of the issues and challenges that came along The mental side of the challenge and what's going on inside her head Self talk - you've got this - keep going Not hitting the wall, but mentally losing her head and not being rational anymore Having her dad there to support  Managing her fear and putting plans in place to manage them Making the decision to move to France for a year Spending time focusing on her training  Being introverted and wanting to immerse herself in the culture and learn french How can people follow along and connect with Sara Trust the process and don't fear the outcome    Social Media Website: mind-and-miles.com Instagram: @saraeydmann Youtube: @Saraeydmann Substack: @saraeydmann  

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Starre Vartan — science and environment writer, author, and lifelong question-asker whose work sits at the powerful intersection of the human body and the natural world. With a background in geology and biology, Starre began her career as an environmental geologist before pivoting into journalism to tell the stories behind the science. Over the past 15+ years, she's written for publications including National Geographic, Scientific American, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and New Scientist, becoming known for her ability to make science both rigorous and deeply human — especially when it comes to women's bodies. We dive into Starre's latest book, The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells Us About the Power of the Female Body, a myth-busting, research-driven celebration of women's endurance, longevity, adaptability, and strength. From the messages girls receive about their bodies at a young age, to puberty, bone density, menopause, and why women often excel in endurance sports, Starre unpacks the science that has been overlooked — and what it means for women's health, sport, and everyday life. We also talk about Starre's upbringing between Australia and the U.S., the influence of her formidable grandmother, growing up active and outdoors, and how reconnecting with strength training later in life has left her feeling more powerful than ever. This conversation is about listening to your body, trusting its wisdom, and reclaiming strength — physically, mentally, and scientifically. If you've ever been told women are the weaker sex, this episode will change how you think about the female body forever. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Starre Working as a scientist journalist focusing on women's health recently  Being based in a beach town south of Sydney, Australia  Growing up in NYC Being a dual citizen with Australia and America  Book: The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells us about the Power of the Female Body  The dedication to her grandmother -the strongest women's she's ever known  Growing up with her grandmother  Doing her age appropriate chores; stacking wood, working in the garden, being involved and active in the running of the house  The messages that young girls receive about their bodies from a young age Heading off into the woods to go on adventures  The lessons learned from her grandmother  Muscles and bone density for women and why puberty is such an important age for girls  Puberty in girls and athletics  The knowledge gap for women in sports Women, endurance and the longer races Differences between all human beings  The science and muscle and getting surprising results Women's body fat and location  Visiting Japan to research longevity  How women's body handle diseases The risks that men take  Finding purpose in life and figuring out your life goal  Making changes in her own life Starting to weigh lift 3 years ago Can you grown bone once you are at the stage where you have more extreme bone loss Bone loss in women during menopause Prof Belinda Beck  Feeling empowered by lifting heavy weights Becoming a stronger runner and dancer Starre's ultimate life goal and purpose  Using AI in scientific ways Wanting to be as strong as her grandmother How to connect with Starre online  Starting a new newsletter—Palimpsest of Flesh Vodcast Words of advice and wisdom for the stronger sex  Reflecting back on life in her 20s Listen to your body and the wisdom it holds   Social Media Website: starrevartan.com Instagram: @starrevartan Bluesky: @starrevartan.bsky.social Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/starrevartan/membership    

From ultra-light hotel bikepacking on a road bike to six-month expeditions in remote regions on a heavily laden hybrid, Emma has experienced nearly every form of bike travel, including ultra-endurance racing. She is a passionate advocate for slow travel as a means to reconnect with nature, embrace minimalism, and discover alternative ways of living. Her travels have shaped a deep commitment to sustainability, wild camping with minimal impact, and challenging the idea of nature as a park or playground, separate from our everyday lives. You can sign up to her newsletter for monthly updates and tips. She is particularly keen to empower others, especially women, to embrace solo adventures, and she shares both practical guidance and philosophical reflections through her writing and events.  ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Emma Working as a cycling journalist and tour guide Moving around a lot and not really having a home base Currently writing a guidebook on French Guiana  Having a normal childhood and not being particularly sporty  Growing up in France and starting running at 16  Running and rowing throughout university  Taking a gap year after university and heading to South America in 2016/2017 Fundraising for 6 months before starting from Ushuaia and heading to Lima in Peru. Having a very small/tight budget  Wild camping as much as possible  What it was like on the trip - starting in January and dealing with prevailing winds all the way Travelling in a group of 3 and what it was like Being totally tolerant for a month Doing a few more little trips, before heading with her partner on a European cycle trip Journaling on the trip and writing a little bit each evening  Her bike set up and how it's changed over the years Getting a vintage road bike, a carbon road bike, a gravel bike…. Dealing with saddle sores Brooks Leather Saddle Planning and logistics  Spreadsheets…. Route planning and starting with google, to find official routes, or to see if other people have created a route bikepacking.com komoot.com Thoughts on being brave Managing personal fears Encountering risk in everyday life Following gut instinct  Moving away from being a nice girl Travelling on your own Being allowed to change your mind Deciding to do more cycling competitions  Ultra races and why the winners are the ones who sleep the least Trying out new challenges How expensive ultra endurance races can be The joy of long trips and how it can change your perspective of time  The dream 6 month to a year trip Wanting to go back to South America or cycling from Europe to Asia Being content with taking her time on trips The cycling guidebook about French Guiana. How to connect with Emma online Final words of advice for other women who want to go on adventures and discover more of the world Do it in a simple and gradual way. The power of keeping it simple    Social Media Website: www.emmakarslake.com Newsletter: www.emmakarslake.com/newsletter Insta: @emma_up_cycles Linkedin: Emma Karslake

Lorraine Lewis is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Lewis Foundation, an award-winning cancer charity providing free gift packs and ongoing support to adult cancer patients across 17 hospitals in the Midlands. Founded from lived experience, the charity has become a lifeline for thousands of people diagnosed with cancer. Beyond her role as a charity leader, Lorraine is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring audiences ranging from school children to corporate professionals. She has delivered talks for organisations including The Eden Project, the European Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and AJ Bell, sharing powerful messages of resilience, purpose and hope. Lorraine's remarkable journey has captured national attention. She has been featured in publications such as The Sun and HELLO! Magazine, and has appeared on Channel 4 News, highlighting her work and personal story. Her dedication to community service has been recognised through numerous accolades, including the HELLO! Magazine Inspiration Award, Great British Entrepreneur Award, and the prestigious Prime Minister's Point of Light Award. In recognition of her services to cancer, Lorraine was recently invited to meet Their Majesties The King and Queen. In addition to her charitable work, Lorraine is an author, with her memoir Dare To Dream chronicling her journey from lawyer to charity founder. She also hosts the podcast "See Through The Big C", amplifying the voices of those living with cancer, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals. A passionate artist, Lorraine discovered her love for art in her forties and continues to explore creativity alongside her enthusiasm for fitness, including HYROX competitions, running, and ultra-distance challenges—living proof that it's never too late to dream, create, and push beyond perceived limits. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Lorraine Being based in Northampton Co-founder of The Lewis Foundation which supports cancer patients in hospital   Writing her book, 'Dare to Dream'  Her early years growing up  Not being sporty and always trying to get out of PE Being into reading and writing  Her dream of wanting to become a barrister Being supported and encouraged by her parents Her determination and resilience  Not knowing how she would achieve her goals  Doing old school research by heading to the library Creating her own opportunities to gain the experiences she needed  Doing the Bar Vocational Course  Not having time for sport or physical activity  £50k of student debt…. Being determined to make it happen Dealing with challenges and changes How it changed their life Starting to question everything and why there must be more to life What can be done? Wanting to make people feel better Dealing with cancer, death and grief Supporting people with cancer Bringing joy to peoples days Getting into fitness and ultra running to raise funds for the charity Deciding to sign up to do a Tough Mudder (Obstacle Run)  Wanting to push herself more physically and step outside her comfort zone  Running out of money for the charity How Mike supported the charity with a £50k donation  The kindness of strangers  Deciding to take on the 3 Peaks Challenge  Taking on more and more running challenges Being consumed by the Lewis Foundation and starting to neglect herself Rat Race  The Wall  Discovering Hyrox  Getting back on her feet and being more active and more healthy  Starting to feel stronger mentally and more resilient to handle challenges January 2025 - and doing her vision board and goals for the year Deciding to sign up for the 70 mile race Not training for the ultra in the best way… Being at the start of the race  The struggle during the race and crossing the finishing line Feeling physically broken but knowing it was her mental resilience that got her across the finish line The mental side of running 70 miles Setting a big challenge for 2026 Taking on a 100 mile ultra! The Rat Race Castle to Castle  The Lewis Foundation will be celebrating it's 10th Anniversary in 2026  Starting to follow a specific running program  Being pushed in her training Making sure to eat better  The challenges of fuelling while being coeliac  Feeling in a much better place physically  Needing to exercise at 6am Training about 35 hrs a week What is the race strategy…. Breaking down the training  Fuelling her training and needing to eat more  Not being afraid to consume food—especially carbs Taking supplements to help with iron levels  Creatine and omega-3 The benefits of hiking poles/sticks Rotating trainers The financial impact of taking on challenges/runs etc How to connect with Lorraine on social media Podcast: See through the big C  Final words of advice  The importance of living your life  Make the most of the time we have on this planet   Social Media Website: www.lorrainelewisbcah.co.uk  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-lewis-bcah  Youtube: @Seethroughthebigc  Instagram: @lorraine_lewisbca Book: Dare to Dream   

Alex is a qualified International Mountain Leader, Polar Guide, and a professional Photographer based in St. Moritz, Switzerland. From scaling the world's highest peaks to leading expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica, she thrives where the wild meets the extreme. Her passion for high-altitude exploration took her on a relentless quest; climbing the highest mountain on every continent, culminating on the summit of Mt. Everest in 2018. She became the first ever Hungarian to climb the Seven Summits. This journey ignited her mission to guide others through the raw beauty of the mountains and beyond. In the winter, she guides private snowshoe and fat bike around St. Moritz; in the summer, she leads exhilarating hiking and mountain biking adventures across the Alps. Between her Alps seasons, she's found working in the Polar regions (Antarctica: guide, zodiac driver, lecturer and lead crevasse rescue guide. Arctic: guide, zodiac driver, lecturer and polar bear guard) Her expertise extends far beyond Europe, guiding bespoke expeditions across the globe. An endurance athlete at heart, Alex is always chasing the next adventure—whether Polar ski crossing, racing mountain bikes, or pushing limits in the mountains. As a professional photographer and drone pilot, she uses her lens to capture the world's most remote landscapes, advocate for environmental conservation, and document the stories of the Polar regions. Her work is deeply inspired by mountains, polar history, pioneering female explorers, and the delicate balance of nature. In her recent book: Beyond the Seven Summits: Finding Strength Where the Air is Thin, Alex shares her experiences of climbing these mountains, and she also explores the journey that shaped who she is today: all the highs and lows. I hope to bring these peaks closer to readers by including short historical notes alongside each climb and sharing everything she learned along the way. The book is also rich in photographs, helping to bring both the stories and these beautiful mountains vividly to life. First TGP episode - August 25th 2020 - Alexandra Nemeth the first Hungarian to climb the 7 summits!  ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Alex Being born in Hungary, but spending most of her adult life in the UK Deciding to move to the Swiss Alps to work as an International Mountain Leader Climbing the 7 Summits and becoming the first Hungarian to do so Coming on the Tough Girl Podcast - August 25th 2020  What's been the biggest changes over the past few years  Making the decision to move from the UK to Switzerland  Having a plan to live in the mountains  Waiting for the right opportunity.  Packing up her car in 2020 What life has been like in Switzerland  Being a qualified Mountain Bike Guide  The Next chapter in her life Becoming an International Mountain Leader (IML) Working 2 part time jobs to make a living  Finding a community in Switzerland  Ending up doing things on her own  Needing to prioritise herself and gaining her qualifications  Focusing on navigation  The 4 stages of the IML  Becoming a polar guide  Getting a job on an expedition ship  What is ship life like? Documenting her journey in a book! Connecting with nature can be incredible powerful Dealing with her fears, most noticeably her fear of heights Choosing to heal in nature  Turning her passion into a job Putting together expeditions to Peru Keeping it fun and exciting  Planning for adventures and expeditions  How to start and why you need to build things up Being on a ship for the next 2 months International Women's Day 8th March 2025 Free Snowshoe Tour for Women! Doing a hut to hut tour! Teaching women winter survival skills How to connect with Alex on social media  Advice who want to follow their dreams and passions Don't let excuses stop you on your way. Stay on the path, even if you have to slow down.  Live your life without excuses!    Social Media Website alex7summits.com  Instagram @alex7summits  Email: alex7summits@gmail.com Book: Beyond the Seven Summits: Finding Strength Where the Air is Thin  

Bonita Norris became the youngest woman to reach both the summit of Mt Everest at just 22 and the North Pole at 23, and her story is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, she shares the journey that took her from school trips in North Wales to climbing some of the world's highest peaks, navigating extreme environments, and pushing the limits of what's possible. Bonita reflects on the early steps that built her career in mountaineering—starting with beginner climbing courses, funding her expeditions, and preparing for the Himalayan peaks. She opens up about the mental and physical challenges of summiting Everest, managing fear in remote and hostile environments, and how these experiences shaped her life and perspective. Now a mother of two, Bonita also discusses how she balances adventure with family life, inspiring her children to embrace courage and curiosity. From attempting K2 to climbing the Matterhorn after an eight-year hiatus, she emphasises the importance of showing up, trusting the process, and meeting opportunity with determination. Whether you're chasing literal mountains or metaphorical ones in your own life, Bonita's insights, lessons in bravery, and personal stories will motivate you to take the next bold step. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Bonita  The youngest person to have reached both the summit of Mt Everest (age 22) and the North Pole (age 23) Book: The Girl Who Climbed Everest (2022)  Mother of 2 children Growing up and her early years  Going on a school trip to North Wales and loving every moment of hiking in the mountains  Finishing her A'levels and going off to South America to climb to Machu Picchu at 18 Not realising she could make a career out of mountaineering Alison Hargreaves's dying on K2 in 1995  Mothers and taking risks Being in her 2nd year at university and going to a mountaineering talk at the Royal Geographical Society  Realising that she wanted to climb and wanting to climb Mt Everest  I don't know how, but I'm going to make it happen Being inspired and maintaining the inspiration/motivation Why it felt so meaningful  2 years - 24 months to gain the skills, knowledge and funding Starting with a beginners climbing course Working backwards from her goal Completing the smaller milestones and trusting in the process Funding and paying for everything Heading off on her first Himalayan Expedition - Manaslu (eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres (26,781 ft)) Getting a job, using her student loan and receiving a grant from her university Having 6 months to find £50k to join her team going to Everest. Getting out of bed bad making another call Speaking with Capital FM on the radio How everything turned around Getting the money, getting the sponsorship Why you don't need to be an Olympic Athlete to climb Everest  Why you need to work on the actual problem - don't work around the problem  Fitness before heading of to Nepal  Doing multi-days of training without rest If you want to get good at climbing mountains, climb mountains Reflecting back on the experience  Worrying about what may go wrong on the mountain Reaching the summit and how it's changed her life Understanding the risks at 22 Thoughts on letting her children climb Everest Climbing Everest with her daughter in the future Attempting to climb K2 and managing fear in remote, hostile environments Encouraging bravery and courage in her children  Climbing the Matterhorn in 2025 after 8 years off climbing  Not knowing if she would still enjoy it Taking the time to figure out what is next How you can connect with Bonita Final words of advice  Put yourself out there and luck will meet you half way  You have to show up   Social Media Website: www.bonita-norris.com  Linkedin: Bonita Norris     

Jacquetta Megarry didn't grow up in the outdoors, and she certainly didn't see herself as an adventurer—or a publisher. But turning 50 sparked a journey that would transform her life. From walking the West Highland Way with friends to summiting Mt Kilimanjaro, Jacquetta discovered the power of pacing yourself, listening to your body, and building unshakeable self-belief. Her adventures inspired her to found Rucksack Readers, a guidebook company that helps hikers navigate trails around the world. Over 25 years later, Jacquetta shares stories from her experiences—from hiking in the UK during Storm Amy, to trekking the Inca Trail, to exploring Antarctica—along with lessons on making mistakes, learning from them, and embracing challenges at any age. In this episode, Jacquetta shares how stepping outside your everyday life can open doors to new passions, transform confidence, and even create a career doing what you love. She offers practical tips for hikers, insights into publishing, and encouragement for women ready to explore the world on their own terms. This episode is for you if you: Want inspiration to start a new adventure at any age Dream of hiking, trekking, or exploring the outdoors Are curious about publishing guidebooks and sharing your knowledge Believe it's never too late to embrace challenges and grow Ready to be inspired? Hit play and let Jacquetta take you on a journey of mountains, maps, and life-changing adventures. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Jacquetta Growing up in London and going to school there Living all her adult life in Scotland  Living in Edinburgh Founding Rucksack Readers a guidebook company  Not being sporty or into the great outdoors at a young age Turning 50 and deciding to go and walk the West Highland Way with 4 female friends to celebrate 200 years of womanhood  Feeling dissatisfied with the official guidebook This frustration lay dormant for 18 months  Heading off to climb Mt Kilimanjaro for the first time and why the altitude was a great leveller How climbing Kilimanjaro gave her the self belief in order to make a career change  Going from working in IT to starting a guidebook company  The importance of pacing yourself and listening to your body Building self belief on the mountain  How only 9 out of the 16 made it to the summit Feeling health, taking photos and enjoying the experience  Doing something so far outside your normal everyday life and how it can make you think differently about life Becoming a publisher and having the confidence to think you can write a guidebook after one experience Deciding to do the Inca Trail in 2001 and the challenges involved in gathering the info for a guidebook  Why would you not want the paper to be rainproof? Hiking the Dales Way during Storm Amy Creating little map booklets for hikers (waterproof) Apps verses Guidebooks  Planning a walk with ChatGPT The structure of the guidebook Mapping and keeping route information updated Being a volunteer - on the Xtreme Everest Project   Dealing with altitude sickness - keeping well hydrated and monitoring her heart  Maintaining a base level of fitness… Celebrating 25 years of Rucksack Readers Writing about the mistakes made in publishing Talking about failure and mistakes and the lessons made  Visiting Antarctica and wanting to go sea kayaking and see the emperor penguins  Dealing with the cold and the conditions on the ship  How her hiking has changed now entering her 70s The joy of being a publisher and being able to follow her passions Future challenge and revisiting the Dales Way Succession planning for Rucksack Readers Having a year of consolidation and looking after the future How to connect with Jacquetta and Rucksack Readers Discount code for the listeners of the Tough Girl Podcast—use toughgirl for a 20% discount of all books  Final words of advice for other women who want to go on more adventures and challenges around the world Mistakes and being afraid of getting it wrong.  Get out there, make the mistakes, and be sure to learn from them.    Social Media Website: rucsacs.com use toughgirl for a 20% discount off books - valid until 20th January 2027 Instagram: @rucksack_readers Facebook: Rucksack Readers   

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys is back on the Tough Girl Podcast for her third appearance, sharing her incredible journey as a runner, coach, and advocate for representation in trail running. From being a mum of four and grandmother of three, to taking on some of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, Sabrina's story is one of resilience, community, and the relentless pursuit of goals. In this episode, Sabrina reflects on her time at the UTMB, the challenges of race preparation, and the lessons learned when things don't go to plan. She also shares updates on her work with Black Trail Runners, supporting women and runners of the global majority, and gives a sneak peek into her new book, Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5k Running Guide for Women. Whether you're chasing your first 5k, dreaming of ultra distances, or passionate about creating inclusive running communities, Sabrina's insights, advice, and personal stories will inspire you to lace up and claim your mantle as a runner. Listen to past episodes with Sabrina on the Tough Girl Podcast  July 7th 2020 - Sabrina Pace-Humpreys - Ultra runner, going from Anxiety to Accomplishment - Running the MDS August 30th - 2022 - Sabrina Pace-Humphreys - Co-founder of Black Trail Runners and running Britain's most brutal race  ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Sabrina Pace-Humphreys Run coach, personal trainer and community builder  Advocate for representation in running  Mum of 4, grandmother of 3 3rd time on the Tough Girl Podcast! Speaking with Sabrina on August 30th 2022 The final things we talked about - Back to the Trails, creating a vision board, wanting to participate in the UTMB race and wanting to write a 2nd book about running  What's happened over the past few years 2023 Survivor!  Not being able to hide being a hype woman!  Why you will either love it or hate it Being voted out in the 2nd week  Why it was such a bizarre experience seeing herself Having an episode of poor mental health after the show and feeling out of control Using her voice to motivate a team Coming out of the low moments and the connection to running, community and friendships  Her go to tools Update on Black Trail Runners Running social runs with students of the global majority Creating a sustainable charity and model HERE FOR THE WOMEN'S RACE Being involved in a steering committee to get more women in the trail running space  Creating the black and gold t-shirt - "Here for the women's race" Her journey to the UTMB Running stones and collecting them  UK race - Arc of Attrition and Ultra Trail Snowdonia Applying via the ballot  The planning and preparation for UTMB B and C races, planning weekends in Snowdonia and France Using an altitude chamber for training  Booking accommodation for the UTMB a year in advance Financial access to races  £15,000 for races, accommodations, travel costs, gear, supplements etc August on the start line of the UTMB Working on a film to be released next year Not wanting to let anyone down Not liking the pre-race faff Why it was different to what she thought it would be The brutal conditions and being timed out  Tweaking her calf the week before The weather challenges and the impact on the racers Not being able to get out of the slump How the race made her question everything  Being supported by her husband and friends Battling cutoffs  Not having it in her and the end of the race Working on her running book! New Book: Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5k Running Guide for Women How you can connect with Sabrina Final words of advice and wisdom You can do hard things  Claiming the mantle - I am a runner   Social Media Website: www.sabrinapacehumphreys.com Instagram: @sabrunsmiles  New book: Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5k Running Guide for Women 

Becky Wandell is a Teacher, Writer, Tour Guide, Volunteer, and Solo Traveler. At 47, while weathering a difficult divorce and the death of four close relatives, she clawed her way up from the depths of grief and, in her words, set out to "find her way back to Becky again".  To do this, she quit her job, sold all of her belongings and charted a plan to complete a series of adventures she had always dreamed of doing. Joining the US Peace Corps, learning to speak Spanish and gaining her confidence in solo travel and living abroad set the stage for several years of living her best life throughout South America; a life rich with opportunities to learn, grow, serve others through volunteering, integrate deeply into cultures, and make connections - especially with women. Then, in 2024 at the age of 55, she hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.  It was there, with thousands of footsteps across the desert, over the mountains and back home to the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, she was finally able to release the last of her regrets, coming away from the trek feeling lighter, freer, more confident and beautiful than ever before.  Turns out, living life to the fullest and fulfilling all your dreams brings joy. Now, Becky works as a seasonal Tour Guide in Alaska which allows her to spend the rest of the year living out of her backpack, always ready for the next adventure. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Becky  Teacher, writer, solo traveller, volunteer and tour guide  Starting her life in the Mid-West Knowing she always wanted to live by mountains  Starting to work for the forest service in environmental programs  Having a wonderful career and life Needing to make a pivot in her life and needing to figure out what she really wanted to do Joining the Peace Corps at 47  Wanting to travel more, learn a new language and experience more of the world Deciding to hike the Pacific Crest Trail at 55 from Mexico to Canada Gaining a huge amount of confidence  Wanting to slow travel more and working as a tour guide in Alaska Living her dream and being the best beaky she can be The pivot at 47 The love letters….. the origin story to her relationship  Giving up her dreams and "compromising"  Typing out all the things that she wanted to do back then Sacrificing her dreams  What the Peace Corps is Learning so much about herself, other people and cultures  Living in Ecuador with a family and leaning the language  Her new path and dealing with lonely moments Losing her parents  Slow travel and volunteering around South America  Workaway  Spending 2 years travelling around Patagonia  Her dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Feeling ready to take on the hike Not having fears or concerns before the hike Letting go of fear Getting her trail name Challenging sections on the PCT Why 700 miles in the desert was the real challenge  Being supported by her friends during the tough moments The mental game Doing hard things  Writing a letter to herself  Can she push her body that hard to make the hike happen Preparing for the trail really well Needing to hike her hike her way Learning about her last name Sharing a little video from the end of the PCT Finally identifying as a tough girl  How to connect with Becky  Final words of advice Give up the fear, your going to be ok  Start planning, take the step.   Social Media Blog: onthewingadventures.com Instagram: @beckysonthewingadventures  

What does it mean to challenge the limits of both body and mind—and to redefine what success looks like along the way? Denisa Krásná, scholar, author, and adventurer from the Czech Republic, takes us on a journey into the world of women in extreme sports. From her early days trekking with her parents to highlining hundreds of meters above the ground, Denisa has always been drawn to adventure, isolation, and pushing herself beyond comfort. She co-edited Flow: Women's Counternarratives from Rivers, Rock, and Sky, an inspiring anthology celebrating diverse women's voices in adventure sports—whitewater kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, and highlining—challenging stereotypes and redefining what it means to be successful in the outdoors. In this episode, we explore: Denisa's path from scholar to adventurer and author How fear, frustration, and failure can become tools for growth The mental game behind highlining and extreme sports Stories of resilience, creativity, and empowerment from women across the globe Why inclusivity, mentorship, and community are key to thriving in adventure sports Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a woman seeking inspiration, or simply curious about the stories behind extreme adventure, Denisa's insights will leave you reflecting on your own limits—and inspired to push past them. Tune in for a conversation about courage, flow, and the power of women redefining adventure on their own terms. *** 🎙️ New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. 💪 Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. 🙏 Your support makes a difference. 💖 Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Denisa Growing up and living in the Czech Republic  Working as a scholar at university  Loving research and writing about her adventure  Writing books and academic articles Her early years growing up  Travelling with her parents all the time Going on trekking adventures around the world from places like  lapland to Nepal  Her love for being outdoors and being isolated  Being introverted  Wanting to talk to adults and discuss ideas  Her passion for reading, researching and academics  Being active every single day New Book: Flow: Women's Counternarratives from Rivers, Rock, and Sky How the book came about with her friend Alena Rainsberry  Getting a grant to work on outdoor counternarratives  Being do-ers  and getting things done Reaching out to potential authors  The gap in the literature  What does counternarratives mean? What the typical story of success currently is in outdoor sports Wanting to show that success is something that should be defined by the individual - it should be fluid. Including stories from professional athletes who define success in the more conventional way  Representation of women in adventure stories  The stories that resonated and made her think in a different way Why every story can make you think  The unique view of Rae Raptor aka Cheryll Glotfelty  The advantages that her age gives her from money and time  Talking about fear and how fear manifests in so many different ways  Rocky Mountain Books Denisa view on fear and how she experiences it  Why her view on fear is very rational and being able to distinguish between the objective and subjective fear Highlining and slacklining  Her journey into highlining  Buying a slackline during covid Why the improvements were related to the frequency of training  Having quick initial progress Being introduced to the local slacklining community and getting a mentor The state of flow  Why flow is also a word game and why it has multiple meanings The photo on the cover of FLOW - with Brenda Gor  What free style highlining is and how it is different from walkers The mental side of highlining  - zoning out  The importance of preparing before you even get on the line  Using rituals to get mentally into the right state of mind  The number one cause of death in highlining  Human mistakes and how it can happen to experienced professionals  Why it's good to be slightly afraid  Always respect that you are doing an extreme sport  Why the mental game is different for everybody  Needing to take a few steps to get into the mental zone  Specific training needed for the sport  Frustration with slacking and not seeing progress  Why you should't give up when you first start Why the start can be very painful Why you need to trust the process  Focus on the positive things Don't lean into the frustration  Needing to work on the mental side of highlining  Walking 200m lines and falling once at the end on the seemingly easy part The struggle at the end  Fighting the doubts in her mind  Why these sports are like a mirror into our inner selves  Flow, Fear, Frustration, Falling - dealing with a sense of Failure  The lessons learned from failure - Dorothea Hamilton  Women being framed as too ambitious and that being seen as a negative  Climbing half dome with Alena Rainsberry Why it was amazing and traumatic!  How to connect with Denisa Final words of advice for other women who want to take on more adventure sports Why it's important to find people to do the activity with, people who support you and people who motivate you.  Reading memoirs written by other women    Social Media Website: www.riversrocksky.com Instagram: @vegi.deni.slacks Book: Flow: Women's Counternarratives from Rivers, Rock, and Sky   

Happy New Year! I'm taking a moment to look back at the last six months of 2025—what's worked, what hasn't, and what the numbers tell me about the year so far. I reflect on the journey I've been on, the adventures, the challenges, and the mindset shifts that have shaped my life. I talk about working in longer blocks, thinking in decades not years, and the balance between pushing hard and giving myself space to rest. I share what I'm learning about consistency, structure, and getting intentional with my time, energy, and goals. I also get real about needing magic, wanting change, and how to show up even when life throws curveballs. If you're looking for a little reflection, motivation, and some Tough Girl honesty, this episode is for you. Thank you for all your support! Love Sarah x  ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Happy New Year - Welcome to 2026 Reflection blog post  Looking at the numbers in 2025 - Because data sometimes tells the story better than feelings.  Looking ahead to 2026 Working in longer blocks  Thinking in decades, not years 2025 to 2035 - The purple decade  Level 2 Psychology Course The importance of structure Where it may lead Consistency Gym, Aim, Mone  New Tough Girl Buffs! Adventure Funds and Emergency Funds Editing the GR10 vlogs!! (2 left to be edited)  Booking in future guests for the Tough Girl Podcast Editing the SWCP Vlogs Consistency Digital clense - laptop and phone  Boring… Need some magic, needing a timeline shift Needing for something to be different The power of reframing situations Continuity or seasons Do I need more down time? 2 - Sarah's…. Wanting to be busy and productive Wanting to be in my soft girl era Why a lot can change over the next 6 weeks What is going to happen?1 Leaving it up to fate, the universe, to magic Drive it, make the decisions, you take the steps to make it happen, put in the work Getting intentional  Ebbing and flowing between the two The journey I've been on, from where I've started The journey that you're on Dealing with life curveballs  Words of comfort  The future is exciting Go in with our best foot forward Keep positive, keep showing up Thank you for your support  Thank you to the amazing women who have shared their story on the podcast  How can I live my life differently? Scrolling through the past episodes on the website  Evergreen episodes  Thank you!    *** Previous Reflections/Solo Episodes  Jan 2nd 2025 -  Sarah Williams: Reflections on the South West Coast Path, Health, Money & Future Plans for 2025 Aug 1, 2024 - Sarah Williams: Reflecting on the Past 6 Months and Future Plans for 2024 – Insights, Challenges, and Adventures. Mar 14, 2024 - Sarah Williams - Reflections & Learnings from the 3,000km Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand. Nov 2, 2023 - Sarah Williams - Planning and Preparation for thru hiking the 3,000 km Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand. #ChallengeWithZOLEO Sep 10, 2023 - Sarah Williams - Solo Reflections: A Look Back at the End of 2022, Adventures and Challenges in 2023 Aug 4th 2022 - Sarah Williams - Reflects on the end of 2021 and the start of 2022. Aug 4th 2021 - Sarah Williams - Reflects on the end of 2020 and the start of 2021. Aug 7th 2020 - Sarah Williams - Reflections on 2019 & and the start of 2020.  Aug 4th, 2019 - Sarah Williams - Reflections on 2018 and the start of 2019. Plus plans for Tough Girl Challenges. Dec 25, 2018 - Sarah Williams - Cycling the Pacific Coast Highway & Baja Divide    Sep 4, 2018 - Sarah Williams - Planning and Preparation for the Pacific Coast Highway & the Baja Divide! Sep 19, 2017 - Sarah Williams - Thru hiking the Appalachian Trail (2,190 miles) in 100 days!  Apr 26, 2016 - Sarah Williams - Shares her journey of getting to the start line of the Marathon des Sables (MDS) & running the toughest footrace on earth!   Social Media Instagram @toughgirlchallenges  Facebook @toughgirlchallenges  Youtube @toughgirlchallenges  Patrons www.patreon.com/c/ToughGirlPodcast  

From the jungles of India to the global stage of wildlife conservation, Dr Latika Nath has spent her life studying and protecting big cats, becoming the first woman in the world to study tigers in the wild. Known as Nat Geo's "Tiger Princess," she shares stories from deep in the forests where she observed tigers using tools, hunting porcupines, and navigating complex human-wildlife conflicts. In this episode, Latika takes us on her journey from a childhood spent exploring the outdoors to pursuing her dream in a male-dominated field, studying elephants and tigers in the wild. She shares the challenges of working in remote areas, the lessons learned from female tigers, and her tireless efforts to combat poaching. We also dive into her work as a conservation photographer, using images to tell stories that inspire action, and her advice for women and girls aiming to make their mark in conservation. Latika's story is one of courage, dedication, and the belief that one person's passion can make a world of difference. This episode is for you if: You love wildlife and big cats You're curious about conservation and sustainability You want inspiration from a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated field You're motivated by stories of courage, resilience, and following your passions ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Dr Latika Working as a Conservation Ecologist and conservation photographer  Being based out of Indian  Studying big cats all over the world  Using her photography to share stories about conservation  Working as an expert on Tourism and sustainability Working with the Indian Planning Commission as an in-house advisor  Being an only child and spending most of her time outdoors  Living close to a National Park Deciding at 6 years old that she wanted to be an ecologist  Being encouraged to pursue her dreams People in the 1970s not knowing what an ecologist was Not being able to study the subjects she wanted to Being a girl in a male dominated field Being the first woman in the world to study tigers Moving over to the UK to continue her education at Bangor University, Wales Doing her masters thesis on elephant and human conflict in Indian  How elephants follow the old memories Her passion and interest in tigers Wanting to study snow leopards initially Terrorism in Kashmir and how it changed the direction of her life Being inspired by Dr HS Pabla The tiger population in India currently  Project tiger - being responsible for the conservation of the tiger in the wild Being the only person in the park and being truly on her own in the wild with the animals  What it was like studying the tigers and the relationships that developed Discovering new knowledge about tigers Seeing tigers using tools How tigers eat porcupines  The expedition logistics Lessons learned from female tigers  The biggest danger to tigers going forward How to combat poaching  Getting the nickname - The Tiger Princess Being filmed by National Geographic for a 1hr documentary  Advice and tips for women and girls who want to enter the space of conservation  Advice for women around self belief and self confidence and why there work is important What's next for Dr Lakita Writing her next book Having a photography expedition in London in June 2026 How to connect with Dr Lakita Final words of advice around following your passions and interests Having good days and bad days - go one day, one step at a time and why it can make a big difference  Hang in there and take that one step everyday   Social Media Website: www.latikanath.com  Instagram: @latikanath Facebook: @nathlatika  

What does it take to return to the top of the ultra running world after major life changes and a "career-ending" surgery? Kaytlyn Gerbin knows. In this episode, Kaytlyn shares her journey from a scientist with a love for the outdoors to a world-class trail and ultra runner. Growing up active but without formal running experience, she discovered her talent in her mid-twenties and quickly fell in love with the 100-mile distance. Since then, she's set course records, tackled some of the most technical alpine trails in the Pacific Northwest, and stood on podiums at legendary races like UTMB, Western States 100, and Transgrancanaria. But Kaytlyn's story isn't just about running. It's about resilience, reinvention, and balance. After the birth of her daughter Era in 2024 and undergoing surgery to correct hip dysplasia—a procedure many thought would end her running career—Kaytlyn came back stronger than ever, winning the Cascade Crest 100 and taking on the epic 330km Tor des Geants race in Italy. In this episode, you'll hear about: How she discovered her running talent and found her passion for ultra distances Overcoming setbacks, starting over, and learning to meet herself where she is The mental strategies that help her tackle 100-mile races and multi-day alpine challenges Balancing motherhood with elite-level running Her plans and goals for 2026, including Hardrock 100 and UTMB Whether you're an aspiring ultra runner, a parent chasing big goals, or someone who loves stories of grit, perseverance, and adventure, Kaytlyn's story will inspire you to push your limits—on the trails and in life. Tune in to hear how Kaytlyn combines mountains, motherhood, and science-backed training to redefine what's possible, one long run at a time. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Kaytln Ultra runner and trail runner for the North Face Living in the foothills outside of Seattle, US Having a degree in Bioengineering and previously working as a scientist  Having her first daughter, 14 months ago Reflecting back on her childhood and early years Growing up in rural US Being the oldest of four and being very active as a kid How her running journey progressed Playing soccer in high school Being good at running on the field, but not enjoying the running for training Making friends with other students at college who ran Discovering her running talent in her mid-twenties Entering her first small, local race and finishing 2nd female Having fun and feeling strong while running  Finding her distance  Loving the 100 mile distance  Figuring out training for races The longer she ran, the stronger she felt  Feeling overwhelmed by the running distances  Having to start over with her running Remembering how hard it is to start running again after set backs Having a hard time with running  Never having a running coach and getting to make all the rules Tracking her training  Meeting yourself where your at ie being ok with walking  Bringing in science to her running? Lessons on failure and how it applies to running Staying humble with her running Why the hardest part of the race, is just before it starts The anxiety before a race, struggling to sleep and eat before Staying relaxed while running and settling into the run after 50k Running through the night Taking some time before doing the hard thing, and thinking about the mental challenges which may come up and how to handle it Running a 220 mile race over 4 days Dealing with the guilt of being away from her baby while running  Anticipate what some of the mental challenges might be during a race and how best to approach it Taking a step back from the running during pregnancy  Not feeling the pressure to go back to running Her 'A' race in 2025 Tor des Geants 330km race in Italy   Winning the Cascade Crest 100 mile race  Seeing the 2nd placed woman - starting to race Wanting to run hand and push herself Plans for 2026 Applying for Hardrock 100 mile race Wanting to go back and race at UTMB  Having a pregnancy deferral for UTMB   How to connect with Kaytlyn Advice for women wanting to take on a 100 mile race   Social Media Instagram @kaytlyn_g  

Sheryl Ramstad's story is nothing short of extraordinary. After surviving a catastrophic plane crash with less than a 1% chance of survival, Sheryl's life was forever changed. What began as her first solo flight at age 29 became a harrowing journey through life-threatening burns, multiple surgeries, overwhelming grief, and two years of excruciating rehabilitation. But this isn't just a survival story—it's a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the unbreakable human spirit. In this powerful conversation, Sheryl shares how she transformed unimaginable trauma into a life of purpose, service, and adventure. From shifting her mindset from "Why me?" to "What's next?" to supporting burn survivors in Peru, going back to school at 62, raising three children, becoming a grandmother, and even climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro—Sheryl embodies what it means to live fully, bravely, and without regrets. With her first book "Living Life Full Throttle: Surviving, Serving, and Summiting" published in January 2025, Sheryl reflects on a decades-long journey of healing, reinvention, and choosing courage over fear. Her story will inspire you to embrace challenges, pursue new beginnings at any age, and live life full throttle. If you're looking for a reminder of what's possible—even in your darkest moments—this episode will stay with you long after you've listened. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Sheryl  Being based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US Being retired and writing her first book  Surviving her first solo plane flight at 29 years old How this impacted how she lived the rest of her life Leaving work and no longer having an excuse not to write her story Having 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren  Having the book published in late January of 2025 The key moment when life changed Changed her focus from survival to service Being grateful for everyday and wanting to make her life meaningful for herself and for others Supporting burn survivors in Lima, Peru Being given a 1% chance of survival The importance of her faith, friends and family  Applying for nursing school at 62 Learning new skills  Instead of asking why me - I ask - what's next Looking towards the future Having a strong family support system Having her faith to fall back on Reflecting back on writing her book Why it's been a life long process Serving  Books for Africa  Deciding to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa Deciding what to do with life Following a few simple principles Living life with no regrets  Better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all  Do nothing in moderation - give your whole heart to everything that you want to try Going back to school at 62 and being a student again Don't be afraid to ask others for help Getting back on a plane  Mental health and support for people going through traumatic experiences  Raising her children  What's next Being a life long learner Maybe writing another book Wanting to encourage people to live their life full throttle Why it's a matter of perspective  How to connect with Sheryl How to buy her book Being happy to connect with people Final words of advice for women listening Don't be guided by your fear, be guided by the facts and the evidence - do what you feel led to do, so you don't go to your grave with any regrets.    Social Media Website: www.sherylramstadauthor.com  Book: Living Life Full Throttle: Surviving, Serving and Summiting A Memoir  

Hillary Allen, famously known as the "Hillygoat," is a world-class ultrarunner celebrated for her fearless climbs on steep, technical terrain. But in 2017, at the peak of her career as the #1 ultrarunner in the world, Hillary faced a life-changing setback: during a race in Norway, she fell 150 feet off a ridge, breaking 14 bones. Doctors told her she'd never run again. Yet Hillary didn't just defy the odds—she redefined them. Today, she's back competing at the elite level and inspiring others to rewrite their own stories of resilience.  With a background in neuroscience and a master's in physiology and structural biology, Hillary combines science, grit, and empathy in her work as an author, coach, and speaker.  Her book, Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds, chronicles her incredible comeback. In this episode, Hillary shares: How her lifelong love of running and science shaped her journey The mental and physical challenges of recovering from a life-threatening fall Practical tips on mindset, self-belief, and self-compassion Why she believes your best athletic days can be ahead of you Whether you're an athlete, adventurer, or someone looking to overcome setbacks in life, Hillary's story is a powerful reminder that resilience, courage, and persistence can take you farther than you ever imagined. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Hillary Growing up in Boulder Colorado, USA Being an athlete all her life Coming from an outdoorsy, academic family Describing herself as a science nerd Currently in a Masters Program for Applied Sports Psychology Having an older sister Growing up camping with her family Her parents both being professors  Studying chemistry and neuroscience Not finishing her Phd Getting her first running sponsorship  Her running journey to get to being a sponsored athlete Starting running in graduate school  Needing an outlet to reset  Starting to run with a running group  Discovering the trail running scene  When things clicked after running a road marathon  Wondering if she could do it… Being drawn to running and feeling satisfaction in the challenge Working hard on her weaknesses  Working on her ability to run on technical trails and push herself when feeling tired Getting into skyruning  Being named the Hilly Goat! Why its a skill you need to practice The challenges of 2017 Heading over to Europe to race Tromsø Skyrace  Thinking she was dying Falling 150ft, breaking 14 bones, damaging ligaments and being lucky to be alive Book: Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds  Being depressed  Starting to think about running again Believe that your best athletic days are ahead of you  Helping her mindset and the mental side of the challenge Working with a counsellor Working past fear Breaking her ankle and dealing with another injury Going back to do the race again Getting her nervous energy out  Closing the chapter off Practical tips around mindset The power of self compassion and self belief The next plan/goals Signing up for a road marathon in January  Working on building up some speed Podcast - Trail Society  How to connect with Hillary  Final words of advice for other women  The importance of daily practices  Journalling  Mantra - believe your best athletic days are ahead of you Affirmations - I am statements "I am a runner" Start small, and start with self belief     Social Media Website www.hillaryallen.com  Instagram @hillygoat_climbs  Facebook @hillaryallenrunner  Podcast - Trail Society  

Lani Woods is a passionate cyclist, adventurer, and creative force behind a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts. Known for blending her love of cycling with a flair for design, Lani leads initiatives like Triple Crown Adventures to inspire others to explore the world on two wheels. Whether organizing group adventures in Hawaii or crafting unique cycling gear, she's dedicated to building an inclusive, adventure-loving community. * Marked as explicit — just one F bomb! ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Lani Being based in Hawaii  Being a full time adventurer Loving to travel and explore Being a curious soul Growing up in Southern California Not being athletic when she was younger  Getting into athletics in her 30s What happened in her 30s  Having kids at a young age and being in a long term relationship  Deciding to leave an abusive relationship  Wanting to feel stronger and release the relationship stress Getting back into running and how it made her feel better  Getting back into the gym and how it helped her mental health  Deciding to try an obstacle course race  Dealing with injury and needing to rehab after 3 surgeries  Getting into bike riding Deciding to ride 20 miles to the beach and back Feeling the rewards after doing something hard Deciding to ride a 100 miles Being inspired by the Race Across America  The self confidence piece  Being attracted to challenge Gaining new knowledge about cycling Hosting 2 podcasts :-  Podcast - Unrelenting Humans  Podcast - Black with Endurance  Joining Major Taylor Cycling Club, Los Angles  Riding from San Francisco to Los Angles  Wanting to do more business with women  Tripe Crown Adventures - where the name came from (the California triple crown, riding 3 double centuries in a year) Adventure Femmes  Hosting her first event in Hawaii Honolulu Century Ride Lanikai Pillbox Hike  New event happening in 2026 Training…. Working with different mentors How many bikes… Making the decision to move to Hawaii Dealing with the heat in Hawaii Bucket list races Being in a place where she knows what she's capable of and want she can accomplish  Wanting to create her own challenges  Wanting to create more than be apart of other people races and challenges Her love for road cycling  Travelling in Europe Bike packing adventures? Lael Wilcox  Jenny Graham  Lael Rallies  How to connect with Lani Final words of advice for women who want to get into cycling and go on more adventures Stay curious, fail big and don't wait for anyone else Don't be afraid to make your own way—do what you feel is right for you.   Social Media Instagram @lanitheadventurer @triplecrownadventures @adventurefemmes