She Who Dares, Wins.

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.

What If You’re Closer Than You Think?🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle reflects on a recent moment that stopped her in her tracks — checking the podcast analytics and realising that, against all odds, the show is steadily growing. She looks back at those first, shaky recordings and realises: she could have quit before it ever got good. And almost did.This isn’t just a story about resilience — it’s about the messy, uncomfortable middle that most people run from. Backed by psychology and philosophy, this week’s episode explores why consistency is one of the hardest, most underrated skills — and why you’re probably closer than you think.🧠 Key Takeaways:Progress rarely feels like progress while you’re in it. Small wins compound over time — even if you can’t see it day-to-day.There’s a scientific reason the middle feels hard. Research shows motivation spikes when we start and finish something — and drops off halfway through (Heath & Heath, The Power of Moments).We need friction to grow. Author Brad Stulberg calls it “productive discomfort” — sticking with the hard thing is often what builds the muscle we need to succeed.Your brain craves novelty — and consistency can feel boring. But mastery only lives on the other side of that boredom (see James Clear, Atomic Habits).Don't trust the dip. Your emotions aren’t always a reliable metric of whether it’s working.🎯 This Week’s Dare:Stick with it — especially if it’s not working yet.Pick one thing you’ve been tempted to give up on… and recommit to it for one more week.Join Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two months after losing her baby Charlotte to SIDS, Clare opened a laptop, named a business on the back of a credit card bill, and started. In this raw, no-fluff conversation, she shares how grief, debt, and a surprise pregnancy became the backdrop to building Sunshine Digital, landing FirstGroup as her first client, and later clawing back from heart failure (8% function) to cold-water swim guide. It’s survival turned agency — and a blueprint for doing it afraid.Key TakeawaysYou don’t wait for confidence — you build it by moving.Grief doesn’t get lighter; you get stronger at carrying it.Starting small (one Facebook page, one pitch) can change your life.Community and purpose beat isolation — even in the darkest season.Cold water, journaling “glimmers,” and simple routines can reset your nervous system.It’s not about being a victim or a hero — it’s about choosing the next brave step.Timestamps00:00 — “She who dares wins”: Claire’s dare & why she started02:23 — The night everything changed & the aftermath03:55 — Debt, pregnancy, and naming Sunshine Digital on a bill05:31 — First client: landing FirstGroup by “winging it”07:51 — Purpose through work while grieving + parenting her eldest20:05 — What to say (and not say) about loss; why memories matter31:18 — Multiple organ failure at 39 → the fight back35:13 — Cold-water swimming, joy returns, and guiding othersAbout ClaireFounder of Sunshine Digital and the Shine Online Club, Clare Clifford helps small businesses level up content and strategy while championing community in Leeds and beyond. She’s also a volunteer swim guide with Mental Health Swims.Resources MentionedMental Health Swims (community cold-water sessions)Shine Online Club (Claire’s membership for small biz owners)ConnectFollow the podcast: @SheWhoDaresWinsShare this episode with someone who needs proof they can start again.Rate & review if this conversation helped you — it really does make a difference. 💛Trigger/Content Note: child loss (SIDS), grief, hospital/medical discussion.Join Dare Club Shop Merch www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s dare is all about swapping certainty for curiosity.Because the truth is — every bold move, every new chapter, every unexpected success… starts with one small “what if?”In this episode, Michelle talks about how following curiosity (instead of waiting for clarity) has shaped her own career — from leaving construction to building She Who Dares Wins, to now stepping into filmmaking with zero guarantees and a whole lot of faith.You’ll also hear stories from two incredible women who dared to follow the pull of curiosity and built something extraordinary:Kelsey Erickson, who went from having no plan at all to leading athlete welfare at USA Cycling — simply by saying yes to what sparked her interest.Lucy Thompson, a tattoo artist whose curiosity about scar tattoos led her to build a national charity offering free 3D nipple tattoos for breast cancer survivors.Together, these stories prove that curiosity isn’t about knowing — it’s about trusting.And it’s often the start of everything worth doing.This Week’s Key TakeawaysCuriosity beats clarity.Waiting until you “have it all figured out” kills momentum. Follow what feels alive — not what’s logical.The Stoic lesson:You can’t control the outcome, only how you show up for what’s in front of you. (Marcus Aurelius had it right.)Your brain is built for it.Research shows curiosity activates your dopamine system — the same one linked to motivation and learning. You’re wired to explore.Curiosity creates resilience.It’s the mental version of strength training. Every time you step toward something new, you’re rewiring your brain to handle more uncertainty.Small sparks lead to big shifts.Lucy’s entire career pivot started with one question: “Why is this happening?”Kelsey’s began with one “yes.”🌵 This Week’s DareDo one thing purely because you’re curious.Not because it’s productive, smart, or part of a plan.Because it excites you.DM someone doing work that interests you.Watch a documentary on something random.Take a class or try a skill you’ve secretly wanted to.It’s not about control — it’s about trust.Join the Dare Club to get weekly dares and mindset boosts straight to your inbox → https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsCheck out the Merch www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Nearly Crushed to Carving Cathedrals: Rachel’s Story of ReinventionAt 29, Rachel decided to become a stonemason — but that wasn’t where her story began.Before carving stone for Lincoln Cathedral, she was literally hit by a truck. The accident left her learning to walk again, questioning everything, and ultimately rebuilding her life from the ground up (quite literally).In this episode, Rachel joins Michelle for round two — a raw and funny catch-up on recovery, resilience, and rediscovering purpose. They talk about learning patience through craft, why boredom might actually be a skill, and what it’s like to leave your mark (literally) on a piece of history.They also dig into:Why you should never underestimate time spent “funemployed.”How trauma can reset your direction — without defining you.What stonemasonry teaches you about discipline, creativity, and slowing the hell down.Rachel’s love for vintage fashion, her 1940s Jeep “Dottie,” and why history still has her heart.The myth of failure when you start again later in life.It’s honest, unexpected, and proof that sometimes the slow path is the one that lasts the longest.00:00 – Intro & “How have you dared and won?” 01:18 – The accident: hit by a truck, rehab, learning to walk again 06:17 – Apprenticeship decision & career at Lincoln Cathedral 07:58 – Why boredom is a core skill in stonemasonry (training process) 14:49 – Mason’s marks explained + Rachel’s “witch’s hat” mark 23:53 – Rachel’s 1944 Willys Jeep “Dottie” 29:53 – Returning to university & Master’s in Historic Buildings 40:05 – Media features: Woman’s Hour, Look North & surprise BBC Breakfast segment🎧 Listen now to hear how Rachel turned being broken into building something timeless. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:This week, Michelle dares you to do something most people avoid — embrace the unknown.After 17 years in construction, Michelle opens up about what it’s really like to walk away from stability and step into filmmaking with no guarantees. She shares how reading about Stoicism helped her stop waiting for certainty and start trusting action instead.Backed by neuroscience, this episode breaks down why our brains panic when things feel uncertain — and how leaning into discomfort can literally rewire you for resilience.You’ll also hear from two past She Who Dares Wins guests who’ve lived this dare in their own lives:💥 Jenni, the former police detective who left her pensioned career to work in close protection — learning to rely on instincts instead of procedure.🌊 Zoe, the teacher-turned-cold-water-swim-retreat founder, who discovered that the same practice that chilled her body also strengthened her mind.And this week’s dare is a practical one — no “trust the universe” fluff. It’s about building your confidence through rejection and action.In This Episode:The truth about leaving stability for something unknownWhy your brain treats uncertainty like danger (and why that’s a good thing)The science behind cognitive flexibility and resilienceWhat Jenni and Zoe teach us about courage and starting freshHow to move forward even when there’s no clear planThis Week’s Dare:Do something that carries a real chance of rejection.Send the pitch. Ask for the opportunity. Share the idea you’ve been sitting on.The goal isn’t to get a yes — it’s to prove you won’t crumble if you get a no.Because rejection isn’t failure — it’s evidence you’re in the right arena.Key Takeaways:Uncertainty feels terrifying because your brain is wired to avoid unpredictability.But the same uncertainty also fuels curiosity, learning, and growth.Confidence isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about trusting yourself to handle what comes next.Rejection is a muscle — the more you work it, the stronger you get.Join the Dare ClubIf you’re ready to start acting on these dares — not just thinking about them — join the Dare Club.You’ll get the weekly dare straight to your inbox every Thursday, plus behind-the-scenes updates from the She Who Dares Wins journey.👉 Sign up via the link in Michelle’s Instagram bio or at shewhodareswins.com → Dare Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 30, most jockeys have been riding professionally for over a decade — but not Jo Mason. In this episode, Michelle sits down with Jo to talk about breaking into the world of horse racing later in life, the brutal realities of injury and recovery, and how she turned a pandemic setback into the moment she finally went pro.From breaking her back to breaking barriers for women in racing, Jo’s story is one of resilience, grit, and pure love for the sport.Key TakeawaysIt’s never too late to start again. Jo turned professional at 30 — proof that there’s no expiry date on your dream.Confidence isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you build through doing.Hard work beats luck. Behind every race is relentless training, travel, and self-discipline.Women belong at the top. Racing may have been male-dominated, but Jo’s generation is changing that.You can rebuild after burnout or injury. Jo’s comeback after breaking her back shows that recovery starts with mindset.Your journey doesn’t have to follow the rulebook. Education, pivots, and detours can all lead to purpose.Timestamps0:00 – 3:00 Introduction and Jo’s journey from sports nutrition to racing.3:00 – 7:00 Growing up in a racing family and the path from amateur to professional.7:00 – 13:00 The fall that broke her back and the long road to recovery.13:00 – 17:00 Turning professional during Covid and proving herself on the track.17:00 – 25:00 Racing against legends and breaking barriers for women in sport.25:00 – 37:00 Life behind the scenes: training, travel, pressure, and pay.37:00 – 54:00 The physical and mental toll — weight, nutrition, and injury resilience.54:00 – 1:03:00 Lessons learned, sacrifices made, and Jo’s message to women chasing their dreams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Michelle dives into one of the hardest — and most freeing — parts of growth: getting to know yourself.After diving into Stoicism and reflecting on the “tick-box” culture we’re all trapped in, she shares how she’s learning to tune out the noise of social media, stop chasing external validation, and focus on what actually brings her joyThrough powerful guest stories — from Zoe, the para-surfer who rebuilt her identity after losing her leg in a car accident, to Emma, the ethical beekeeper who turned a career of false starts into a business built on passion and purpose — this episode explores what happens when we stop performing for the world and start listening to ourselves again.Backed by neuroscience and psychology, Michelle breaks down how true self-knowledge reshapes your brain, boosts confidence, and helps you make decisions that feel right, not just look right.In This Episode:Why Stoic philosophy can help you cut through the noise and focus on what really mattersHow to stop chasing approval and start defining success on your own termsThe neuroscience of self-awareness — and how reflection literally rewires your brainWhat Zoe’s surfing story teaches us about starting fresh without comparisonHow Emma’s path from Mars sales to beekeeping proves you’re never really “starting over” — you’re collecting clues3 practical ways to get to know yourself againThis week’s DARE — one hour alone, no distractions, three powerful questions🧠 Key Takeaways:You can’t build confidence on borrowed values.True joy comes from alignment, not achievement.Self-awareness isn’t fluffy — it’s neurological training for better emotional regulation.Every version of you has something to teach the next one.This Week’s Dare:Spend one hour alone — no phone, no music, no podcast.Ask yourself:What actually gives me joy?What am I pretending not to know?Where am I living by someone else’s rules?Write it down. Sit with it. Your next chapter starts there.🐝 Guest Highlights:Zoe: From athlete to para-surfing world champion — rediscovering identity through courage and flow.Emma: From Mars Chocolate sales to ethical beekeeping — finding purpose in curiosity and slow progress📚 Referenced in the Episode:Meditations — Marcus AureliusHoneybee Democracy — Tom SeeleyThe Gifts of Imperfection — Brené BrownResearch on the Default Mode Network, interoception, and self-concept clarityJoin the Dare Club:If this episode hit home, come join our Dare Club a community for women who are brave enough to know themselves and dare anyway.👉 Drop “Dare Club” in the comments or DM @shewhodareswins on Instagram to get your invite or click the link belowJoin the Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cambridge to Cowboy Suits: Kellye’s Story of ReinventionAfter 20 years as a physicist, Kellye left her career in science to follow a completely different path — one guided by creativity, craftsmanship, and courage.From building cancer research sensors at Cambridge to hand-stitching rhinestone suits for country icons in Nashville, Kellye’s story is a masterclass in daring to start again when the life you built no longer fits.In this episode, we talk about identity, creativity, and the uncomfortable—but liberating—truth about change.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – 04:00 | From Texas Farm to Physics Prodigy Kellye shares her childhood on a working farm in Texas, where fixing things and understanding how machines worked first sparked her curiosity — the early signs of both a scientist and a maker.04:00 – 10:00 | Cambridge and the World of Academia How Kellye was recruited into university at just 16, worked her way to Cambridge, and built a 20-year career in physics researching cancer sensors — all while quietly craving something more creative.10:00 – 16:00 | When Success Doesn’t Feel Like Success The moment she realised academia’s version of “making it” wasn’t hers — and what happens when your dream job stops feeling like a dream.16:00 – 23:00 | The Pivot: From Labs to Leather & Lace Why Kellye and her husband quit their jobs to start a furniture business, and how that side-step opened the door to her lifelong love of sewing, tailoring, and Western wear.23:00 – 33:00 | Saving a Dying Craft Kellye dives into her obsession with vintage embroidery machines — how she tracked, restored, and mastered 100-year-old equipment to keep a lost art alive.33:00 – 41:00 | From Savile Row to Nashville How a leap of faith (and a lot of self-belief) led Kellye from a tailoring course in Macclesfield to Nashville, where her first project was sewing a suit for Johnny Cash’s son.41:00 – 50:00 | The Art of Storytelling Through Stitching How she now creates bespoke, hand-embroidered suits that carry her clients’ stories, and why every stitch is a piece of living history.50:00 – 59:00 | Reinvention, Ego Death & The Artist’s Way What it really feels like to walk away from an identity that once defined you — and how Kellye rebuilt her life and confidence through creative discipline, journaling, and community.59:00 – End | Finding Your People & Following the Pull The importance of surrounding yourself with people who “get it,” and the power of community when you choose the road less travelled.💡 Key TakeawaysSuccess means nothing if it’s misaligned. You can build the perfect life on paper and still feel empty — that’s your cue to pivot.Creativity and logic aren’t opposites. Whether in science or art, both start with curiosity and the courage to make something new.Leaving an identity behind is hard — but necessary. Growth often feels like loss before it feels like freedom.Old crafts deserve new hands. Reviving lost skills can connect us to something much bigger than ourselves.Find your people. Reinvention is lonely until you build a community that sees you for who you’re becoming, not who you were. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Title: Stop Doing It Alone – The Power of Community & CourageEver feel like you’ve got to prove yourself by doing everything solo? In this bonus episode, Michelle shares why that mindset is holding you back — and why true courage is built in connection.Drawing on her own story of launching She Who Dares Wins, plus the inspiring journeys of:Rachel Peru, silver-haired model and midlife body confidence activistSiobhan Daniels, author of Retirement Rebel who found purpose after 60Liz & Rebecca, founders of Redefine Gym, building a powerful women-only fitness communityMichelle unpacks how community changes everything — not just emotionally, but biologically. With insights from neuroscience and psychology, you’ll learn how connection fuels courage, lowers stress, and even rewires your brain for resilience.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why your brain is wired for support, not solo survivalHow mirror neurons and oxytocin make courage contagiousThe health cost of loneliness — and the power of belongingPractical ways to lean into community this week🔥 This Week’s Dare: Stop doing it alone. Pick one challenge you’ve been carrying solo and ask for support — from a friend, a mentor, or a community like The Dare Club.👉 Ready to step up? Share your dare and join the conversation inside The Dare Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎣 She Who Dares Wins – “Michelle’s First Day Fly Fishing with Aime”What happens when you throw a total beginner (Michelle) into the world of fly fishing with someone who knows what they’re doing (Aime)? A lot of laughs, a few surprises about what’s actually living under the water, and a whole lot of lessons about patience, presence, and letting go.This episode isn’t just about learning how to cast a line — it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone and seeing life through a completely different lens.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Breaking myths about fly fishing – it’s not all reels and rods; it’s motion, patience, and a bit of science.Michelle’s crash course in casting – from flicking the rod to understanding the mysterious “nymph” at the end of the line.The secret world under the river – larvae, minnows, crayfish and why trout are the “nasty bastards” of the fish world.The mental side of fishing – how it forces you to breathe, focus and get out of your head.Adrenaline and beginners’ luck – why learning a new skill can feel like a high-stakes dance between you and nature.Life lessons from the river – survival, patience, and why sometimes you have to let the fish run if you want to catch it.Funny (and very real) riverside stories – from dead dogs to accidental people-watching moments you can’t unsee.Why You Should ListenIf you’ve ever wondered what fly fishing is actually like or you’re curious about how trying something new can shift your mindset, this episode is part tutorial, part comedy, and part meditation. Aime shares her knowledge, Michelle shares her shock, and together they uncover why standing in a river with a rod can teach you more about yourself than you’d expect.Timestamps0:00 – Michelle’s first impressions: “Isn’t fly fishing just reeling in?”0:15 – Aime explains the basics of casting and why it’s simpler than you think.2:00 – The truth about flies, nymphs and the secret bug cities under the river.4:00 – Predatory trout, invasive crayfish, and the harsh reality of river life.5:30 – Learning to breathe: why fly fishing can feel like a meditation.6:50 – The mental reset: how fishing gets you out of your head.8:20 – Random memories and riverside thoughts.10:00 – Why beginners’ luck feels like adrenaline.11:00 – People-watching and unexpected river encounters.12:30 – Michelle reflects on city life vs. river life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s dare is all about resistance — that invisible wall that shows up the second you try something bold. Spoiler: it’s not laziness, it’s fear in disguise.In this episode, Michelle shares her own battle with resistance when starting the She Who Dares Wins podcast, plus powerful stories from past guests:Rebecca, who left medicine to build a flower farm 🌸Charlie, who swapped law school for music management 🎶We’ll dig into the science of why your brain resists change, how procrastination is just dopamine tricking you, and why resistance gets loudest right before your breakthrough.This week’s dare: Identify your resistance and give it 10 messy minutes a day. Write one page, record one voice note, plant one seed. Imperfect action beats perfect avoidance every time.🔗 Join the Dare Club: 📲 Connect on Instagram: @shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode: Making Our First Sea Film (and Surviving It) — with filmmaker Zoe East What it’s about: behind the scenes of our mini-documentary about Ash, a female fisherman. Two women, one working boat, the hottest day of the year, and a very real lesson in saying yes before you’re “ready.”You’ll hear about:The films Michelle & Zoe have already made together (rowers, stonemasons, adventurers) and why this one felt different.How the Ash film finally happened after five years of red tape.Filming on a live working boat: zero seating, tight wheelhouse, fuel fumes, safety zones, and why some shots were “off the cuff.”Sea-sickness roulette: ginger shots, mindset, the wheelhouse of doom, who threw up (and who didn’t), and how to keep shooting when your horizon won’t sit still.The drone saga: trees, no-fly zones, ND filter chaos, and missing “the one job” harbour shot.What actually gets kept vs thrown back (and why fishermen get an unfair rap).Doing the dares: banding lobsters and mackerel fishing while trying not to die.The long steam home, the graveyard camper stopover, and the infamous Co-op pants.What’s next: festivals, sponsors, and building She Who Dares Wins Productions — films about women, by women.Key takeaways:You don’t need perfect conditions to make a great film — you need respect, adaptability, and momentum.Boundaries keep you alive on a working boat; they also keep your story sharp.“Confidence” isn’t the absence of nausea — it’s doing the job while you feel it.Fishermen are far more regulated than most people think; sustainability was front and centre.Minimum crew, maximum story: say yes, keep it simple, solve one problem at a time.Gear & constraints (for the film nerds):Small crew, limited kit, prioritising safety & workflow over perfection.No flying at sea (signal risk), attempted harbour drone shot foiled by ND filter & timing.Interviews split: land day + light top-ups at sea.Timestamps (light, skimmable):0:00 — Why Zoe’s back + our past films1:25 — The Ash idea: 5 years of “maybe” to “let’s do it”2:53 — Planning vs reality: tourists, heat, off-the-cuff shooting4:08 — Ginger shots & mindset: the seasick strategy6:23 — Wheelhouse hell + safety on a working deck9:35 — Missing shots, saving the story12:01 — What gets thrown back: sustainability in action14:20 — The mackerel dare & keeping morale up18:30 — Harbour return, drone fail, tourist chaos21:10 — Camper van, graveyard, and the Co-op pants23:30 — What’s next: festivals, sponsors, more women-led films Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Never Too Late to Start OverEpisode Summary: In this week’s Thursday Dare Challenge, Michelle opens up about one of the most personal themes yet: starting over when the world tells you it’s too late. From her own experience of burnout and reinvention to the inspiring stories of past guests like Amanda, Rachel, and Jo, this episode proves that new chapters don’t come with an age limit.Michelle dives into the science of neuroplasticity, the power of transferable skills, and why fear and judgment often hold us back. She also shares practical dares to help you take the first steps towards your own fresh start—without burning your old life down overnight.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself—whether at 30, 40, 50, or 60.Michelle’s personal story of leaving a 17-year career in construction after hitting burnout.Amanda’s bold pivot after building a multi-million-pound business.Rachel’s transformation from insecure mum to international swimwear model at 46.Jo’s reinvention in her 50s and 60s, including paddleboarding across the UK.The science behind why our brains can adapt and grow at any age.Practical dares to push you past fear and into action.This Week’s Dare: Write down:If money and judgment weren’t an issue, what would you start tomorrow?What skills do you enjoy in your current role that could carry you forward? 👉 Then, reach out to one person working in a field you’re curious about and ask about their journey.Inspiring Late Bloomers Mentioned:James Dyson – launched his vacuum at 46.Vera Wang – entered fashion at 40.Colonel Sanders – franchised KFC at 62.Join the Dare Club: Want to go deeper? Sign up for the Dare Club waiting list at shewhodareswins.com/dareclub. You’ll get weekly dares straight to your inbox plus early access to the full Dare Club experience when it launches.Support the Podcast:Grab badass clothing with code POD10 at shewhodareswins.comJoin the Patreon community for exclusive guest bonus episodesWatch the Dare Challenges on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 29, Christina Theodonna decided she wasn’t done with fighting. She booked a flight to Thailand, trained through monsoon heat, ran 8k mornings, and stepped into the ring with zero notice. In this episode, we dig into her journey from childhood martial arts to becoming “Muay Panda”, and her mission to expand women’s weight classes so more fighters get the recognition they deserve.If you’ve ever thought it was “too late” to start or felt like you didn’t fit the mould, Christina’s story proves otherwise.What you’ll learn in this episode:The brutal but beautiful reality of training Muay Thai in ThailandWhy stepping into the ring is life-changing — even if you loseThe fight for women’s weight classes & fair recognition in Muay ThaiHow martial arts builds confidence, resilience, and mental healthWhy “If you can put gloves on, you can do anything” applies far beyond the ringChapters 00:00 Christina’s comeback: deciding to fight again at 29 02:15 From karate kid to Muay Thai fighter 07:00 Thailand training camp: runs, heat, and culture shock 12:10 Surprise fight in Hua Hin & lessons from losing 19:30 Motorbike crashes, Thai culture, and staying safe abroad 23:20 From bullying to confidence: why martial arts matters for girls 29:50 Muay Thai as moving meditation & mental health benefits 36:00 Fighting for change: women’s weight classes and rankings 44:50 The story behind “Muay Panda” & what’s next Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary In this engaging bonus episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle dares you to break a rule this week. Not for the sake of rebellion, but to challenge the invisible boundaries shaping your life. From her own unconventional start in construction to examples like Liquid Death’s rule-breaking approach to branding, Michelle shows how questioning norms can unlock innovation, identity, and freedom.She unpacks the psychology behind rule-following — from normative influence to the black sheep effect — and explores how mindful defiance can spark both personal growth and cultural change. This is your call to spot one invisible rule that feels heavy, break it, and discover what happens when you choose self-definition over conformity.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy we’re wired to follow rules (even the unwritten, nonsensical ones).How intentional rule-breaking leads to creativity and stronger self-identity.The role of defiance regulation in shaping growth and resilience.The critical mass effect: how small acts of defiance snowball into cultural change.Practical ways to identify and challenge hidden rules in your own life.Notable Quotes"This week's dare is for you to break a rule. Not all rules are worth following.""We kind of put these norms in our head and these rules, but they're not actually written anywhere.""Thoughtful, intentional rule breaking is not reckless, it's self-definition.""When just a handful of people start breaking an unhelpful norm consistently, something magical happens.""Pick one rule and break it. Spot an invisible rule and write down that feels particularly heavy." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to run into chaos when everyone else is running out?In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, I sit down with Molly, a former gymnastics coach who pivoted her career in a single conversation — and went on to become a firefighter. Six years in, she’s part of a technical rescue team dealing with rope rescues, large animal incidents, overturned vehicles, and more of the calls you’d never believe until you hear them.We dive into:What the firefighter application process really looks like (and why most people wash out)The physical and mental resilience it takes to stay in the jobThe truth about minority recruitment vs. finding the right women for the jobSeatbelts, drink/drug driving, and the everyday choices that literally save livesWhy confidence isn’t loud — it’s about taking the next hard step and pushing through doubtThis one is raw, funny, and packed with insights about resilience, grit, and finding your place in a job most people could never imagine doing.Key TakeawaysYou don’t have to plan a lifelong career to find the right path — sometimes one conversation can change everything.Resilience is both mental and physical — and it’s built through consistent challenge.The fire service isn’t just about fires: technical rescues cover everything from animals to high-risk trauma.Confidence grows one step at a time — and self-doubt doesn’t disappear, you just learn to carry it.The smallest everyday decisions (seatbelts, not drinking/drug driving) are literally life or death.Timestamps0:00 – 2:30 Molly’s leap from gymnastics coach to the fire service3:00 – 5:30 The brutal application process and training10:00 – 13:00 Women in firefighting: recruitment vs. reality13:30 – 16:30 Technical rescue explained — rope work, animals, vehicles17:00 – 20:00 Mental resilience and dealing with trauma22:30 – 25:30 The weirdest (and funniest) rescue calls29:30 – 33:30 Everyday dangers: seatbelts, drink driving, nitrous oxide36:40 – 41:40 The three attributes you need to be a firefighter52:00 – end Confidence, self-doubt, and compound wins.👉 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/shewhodareswins/membership (Bonus episodes for less than a coffee a month!)👉 Substack: https://shewhodareswins.substack.com (Full insights & key takeaways from every episode!)👉 She Who Dares Wins Newsletter: www.shewhodareswins.com🚨 10% OFF all SWDW clothing! Use code POD10 at www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s She Who Dares Wins Thursday Dare, Michelle flips the idea of confidence on its head. Instead of striving to look polished and flawless, she argues that true confidence comes from being willing to look like an idiot. Through her own story of stepping into a CrossFit gym for the first time, Michelle shows how embracing clumsy, awkward beginnings can lead to growth, self-compassion, and real confidence. You’ll also hear the science behind why we think everyone’s watching us (they’re not), and four practical dares to help you lean into imperfection and boost your confidence.Key Takeaways:Confidence isn’t about owning the room or being perfect—it’s about being comfortable looking like an idiot.The spotlight effect makes us think everyone is watching us, but in reality, people are too busy thinking about themselves.Exposure therapy: the more you step into scary or uncomfortable situations, the easier it gets.Self-compassion is key: everyone makes mistakes, and it doesn’t make you less worthy.Four dares to try:Do something badly on purpose.Share a failure story.Switch up negative self-talk.Call out your mistakes as learning moments.Timestamps:0:00 – Dare of the week: act like an idiot.0:46 – Why confidence is not what you think.1:11 – Michelle’s story: joining a CrossFit gym as a total beginner.2:33 – The choice: withdraw or lean into discomfort.3:25 – Redefining confidence as being okay with looking clumsy.3:59 – The science: the spotlight effect.4:23 – Exposure therapy: retraining your brain.4:46 – Self-compassion and calling out mistakes.5:40 – The four dares to build confidence.6:28 – Key takeaway: confidence = comfort in imperfection.7:07 – Newsletter & Patreon shout-out.👉 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/shewhodareswins/membership (Bonus episodes for less than a coffee a month!)👉 Substack: https://shewhodareswins.substack.com (Full insights & key takeaways from every episode!)👉 She Who Dares Wins Newsletter: www.shewhodareswins.com🚨 10% OFF all SWDW clothing! Use code POD10 at www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.