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  • Polly Murray - First Scottish woman to climb Everest

    Polly Murray - First Scottish woman to climb Everest
    2025/08/07
    In this episode I speak to Polly Murray, the first Scottish woman to summit Mount Everest at the age of 26. Polly is a qualified ski instructor and has represented the UK in Nordic skiing and completed a ski traverse of Bylot island in northern Canada. Polly also holds the record for the First joint Telemark Ski decent of McKinley via rescue gully (Denali, in Alaska which is the highest peak in north America).Polly describes her journey to becoming a mountaineer, her love of the outdoors, and her upbringing in Scotland that fueled her adventurous spirit. Reflecting on her expedition to Everest in the year 2000, she talks of ferocious storms and tents being completely shredded by the wind, followed by the exhilaration, and unique experience of standing atop the world’s highest peak. Beyond Everest, Polly talks about her Arctic traverse, presenting for the BBC’s Survival series, and life as a mother in Scotland.🎙️ About First FemalesIn 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Over the past 50 years, approximately 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the top of the world. Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei. The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest. This podcast explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 About Tori JamesTori James is the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest (8848m). She has also climbed the world’s sixth highest peak, Cho Oyu (8201m), skied to the Magnetic North Pole, cycled the length of New Zealand and completed a record-breaking kayak as part of the Beeline Britain team.In the 50th Anniversary Year of the first female ascent of Mount Everest, Tori returned to Nepal to climb Yala Peak (5555m), a mountain climbed by Junko Tabei in 1977.A film called ‘More Than a Mountain’ is being produced as a living tribute to Junko. Watch the trailer here.Tori is an accomplished motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the globe. In the First Females podcast Tori will share her enthusiasm for storytelling and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women in mountaineering. In her interviews with Everest summiteers from around the world, Tori will bring her unique perspective and firsthand experience to the conversation with the aim of inspiring future generations of women to dream big, climb higher, and break barriers in their own lives.🙏 Thank youThe technical production of the First Females podcast has been delivered by Huw James, a talented science presenter, adventurer, and content creator from Wales. As the host and producer of the Athlete Climate Academy podcast, Huw brings invaluable expertise, passion for quality, and meticulous attention to detail to every episode.Website: www.huwjames.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/ Bethan Lee is the incredible woman who supports the delivery of my projects, from talks and events, to festivals and now podcasts. She brings them to life visually and organisationally.🏔️ Sponsorship Opportunities AvailableIf you're interested in sponsoring the First Females podcast, we'd love to hear from you. 📲 Connect with ToriTo stay updated on future episodes and projects, be sure to follow Tori on social media & sign up for her newsletter. Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs Instagram: @torijameseverestFacebook: @torijameseverestX: @torijtweetsWebsite: www.torijames.com You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends.#FirstFemalesPodcast #MyJunkoJourney
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    1 時間 2 分
  • Saray Khumalo - First Black African Woman to Climb Everest and the 7 Summits

    Saray Khumalo - First Black African Woman to Climb Everest and the 7 Summits
    2025/07/25
    In this episode, Saray Khumalo shares her journey to the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first Black African woman to reach the highest point on Earth. Saray made four attempts on Everest before reaching the top in 2019, facing injury, survivor guilt and natural disaster along the way. Saray’s story goes well beyond the summit. It’s about persistence in the face of setbacks, broadening the definition of leadership, and showing what’s possible - ensuring others can see themselves on the mountains, in boardrooms, and in every space that has historically excluded them.Saray is an award-winning mountaineer, business executive, Mandela Libraries ambassador, and the founder of Summits With a Purpose, an initiative that uses mountaineering to raise funds for education in under-resourced communities. She has climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents, including Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, and Aconcagua.Her story is documented in her book "My Journey to the Top of the World."📲 You can continue follow her adventures on:Instagram: @saraykhumaloWebsite: www.saraykhumalo.netFacebook: @saraynkhumalo🎙️About First Females: In 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Over the past 50 years, approximately 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the top of the world. Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei. The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest. This podcast explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 About Tori James: Tori James is the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest (8848m). She has also climbed the world’s sixth highest peak, Cho Oyu (8201m), skied to the Magnetic North Pole, cycled the length of New Zealand and completed a record-breaking kayak as part of the Beeline Britain team.In the 50th Anniversary Year of the first female ascent of Mount Everest, Tori returned to Nepal to climb Yala Peak (5555m), a mountain climbed by Junko Tabei in 1977. A film called ‘More Than a Mountain’ is being produced as a living tribute to Junko. Watch the trailer here - https://youtu.be/7f7csxnAeac.Tori is an accomplished motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the globe. In the First Females podcast Tori will share her enthusiasm for storytelling and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women in mountaineering. 🙏 Thank you: The technical production of the First Females podcast has been delivered by Huw James, a talented science presenter, adventurer, and content creator from Wales. As the host and producer of the Athlete Climate Academy podcast, Huw brings invaluable expertise, passion for quality, and meticulous attention to detail to every episode.Website: https://www.huwjames.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/ Bethan Lee is the incredible woman who supports the delivery of my projects, from talks and events, to festivals and now podcasts. She brings them to life visually and organisationally.🏔️ Sponsorship Opportunities Available: If you're interested in sponsoring the First Females podcast, we'd love to hear from you. 📲 Connect with Tori: Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs Instagram: @torijameseverestFacebook: @torijameseverestX: @torijtweetsWebsite: www.torijames.com You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends.#FirstFemalesPodcast #MyJunkoJourney
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    57 分
  • Manal Rostom - First Egyptian Woman to Climb Everest

    Manal Rostom - First Egyptian Woman to Climb Everest
    2025/07/11

    Manal Rostom is the first Egyptian woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. She achieved this remarkable feat in 2022 at the age of 42. For Manal it was a 15 year journey from the initial idea to reaching the summit in which she had to navigate cultural barriers, family expectations and prejudice. Her story is one of perseverance, representation, and the courage to break boundaries - not only in adventure but in life.

    Manal is an Egyptian mountaineer, marathon runner, and advocate for representation in sports. In 2022, she became the first Egyptian woman to climb Everest, inspiring millions around the globe. As Nike’s first hijabi athlete and ambassador, Manal has reshaped the narrative around Muslim women in athletics, all while completing the prestigious six World Marathon Majors.

    She is the founder of Surviving Hijab, a global community dedicated to empowering women who wear the hijab, and was named one of Africa’s 50 most powerful women by Forbes Africa in 2020. Manal continues to break barriers and redefine possibilities through her adventures, advocacy, and outreach.

    📲 You can continue follow Manal’s adventures on:

    Instagram: @manirostom

    Website: www.manalrostom.com

    Facebook: @manirostom79

    YouTube: @manirostom

    TikTok: @mani.rostom


    🎙️About First Females:

    In 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Over the past 50 years, approximately 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the top of the world. Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei.

    The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest. This podcast explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind.


    🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 About Tori James:

    Tori James is the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest (8848m). She has also climbed the world’s sixth highest peak, Cho Oyu (8201m), skied to the Magnetic North Pole, cycled the length of New Zealand and completed a record-breaking kayak as part of the Beeline Britain team.

    In the 50th Anniversary Year of the first female ascent of Mount Everest, Tori returned to Nepal to climb Yala Peak (5555m), a mountain climbed by Junko Tabei in 1977.

    Tori is an accomplished motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the globe. In the First Females podcast Tori will share her enthusiasm for storytelling and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women in mountaineering.


    🙏 Thank you:

    The technical production of the First Females podcast has been delivered by Huw James, a talented science presenter, adventurer, and content creator from Wales. As the host and producer of the Athlete Climate Academy podcast, Huw brings invaluable expertise, passion for quality, and meticulous attention to detail to every episode.

    Website: https://www.huwjames.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/


    Bethan Lee is the incredible woman who supports the delivery of my projects, from talks and events, to festivals and now podcasts. She brings them to life visually and organisationally.


    🏔️ Sponsorship Opportunities Available:

    If you're interested in sponsoring the First Females podcast, we'd love to hear from you.


    📲 Connect with Tori:

    Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs

    Instagram: @torijameseverest

    Facebook: @torijameseverest

    X: @torijtweets

    Website: www.torijames.com


    You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast


    Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends.


    #FirstFemalesPodcast #MyJunkoJourney
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    1 時間 6 分
  • Lucia Janičová - First Slovakian woman to climb Everest

    Lucia Janičová - First Slovakian woman to climb Everest
    2025/06/27
    Lucia Janicova is the first Slovakian woman to climb Everest. Lucia’s journey to the top of the world is one of resilience and courage both on and off the mountain. She shares how mountaineering became her escape and method of recovery from traumatic personal experiences (see content information below). From overcoming personal struggles to navigating the extreme conditions of high-altitude climbing, Lucia’s story is an inspiring testament to perseverance and self-belief and she talks in detail about the mental preparation for Everest. Lucia Janicova is a mountaineer, scientist, and mother. On May 12, 2024, she became the first Slovakian woman to summit Everest at the age of 38. With a background in immunology and toxicology, Lucia balances her scientific career with a passion for exploration and adventure. She has dedicated her efforts to supporting gender equality through charity work, raising funds to help single parents access education. Lucia’s approach to mountaineering is deeply rooted in preparation, risk management, and mental resilience.📲 You can continue follow her adventures on:Instagram: @lucia.janicovaWebsite: www.luciajanicova.comFilm: 'Everest, A Mother's Peak' DUE OUT AUTUMN 2025 - www.hotaches.com⚠️ Content Information: Please be aware that this conversation makes reference to rape, controlling relationships and alcoholism.🎙️About First Females:In 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Over the past 50 years, approximately 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the top of the world. Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei. The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest. This podcast explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 About Tori James:Tori James is the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest (8848m). She has also climbed the world’s sixth highest peak, Cho Oyu (8201m), skied to the Magnetic North Pole, cycled the length of New Zealand and completed a record-breaking kayak as part of the Beeline Britain team.In the 50th Anniversary Year of the first female ascent of Mount Everest, Tori returned to Nepal to climb Yala Peak (5555m), a mountain climbed by Junko Tabei in 1977.Tori is an accomplished motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the globe. In the First Females podcast Tori will share her enthusiasm for storytelling and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women in mountaineering. 🙏 Thank you:The technical production of the First Females podcast has been delivered by Huw James, a talented science presenter, adventurer, and content creator from Wales. As the host and producer of the Athlete Climate Academy podcast, Huw brings invaluable expertise, passion for quality, and meticulous attention to detail to every episode.Website: https://www.huwjames.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/ Bethan Lee is the incredible woman who supports the delivery of my projects, from talks and events, to festivals and now podcasts. She brings them to life visually and organisationally.🏔️ Sponsorship Opportunities Available:If you're interested in sponsoring the First Females podcast, we'd love to hear from you. 📲 Connect with Tori:Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs Instagram: @torijameseverestFacebook: @torijameseverestX: @torijtweetsWebsite: www.torijames.com You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends.#FirstFemalesPodcast #MyJunkoJourney
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    55 分
  • Lydia Bradey - First woman to climb Everest without oxygen

    Lydia Bradey - First woman to climb Everest without oxygen
    2025/06/12

    In this episode, New Zealander Lydia Bradey shares her journey to the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first woman in the world to do so without supplemental oxygen. At just 27 years old, Lydia defied expectations and carved her place in mountaineering history, facing both physical challenges and intense scrutiny with courage and grace.

    Lydia is a mountaineer, an IFMGA International Mountain & Ski Guide, a registered Physiotherapist (BHSc Physio) and a Professional Speaker living near Wanaka, in New Zealand.

    To date, she has summited Everest six times and made a total of 10 ascents over 8000m. Lydia was awarded the title of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to mountaineering.

    Her story is documented in her book “Going Up Is Easy: The First Woman to Ascend Everest Without Oxygen” - Lydia Bradey.

    📲 You can continue follow her adventures on:

    Instagram: @lydiabradey

    Website: www.lydiabradey.com

    Facebook: @lydia.bradey

    🎙️About First Females:

    In 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Over the past 50 years, approximately 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the top of the world. Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei.

    The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest. This podcast explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind.

    🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 About Tori James:

    Tori James is the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest (8848m). She has also climbed the world’s sixth highest peak, Cho Oyu (8201m), skied to the Magnetic North Pole, cycled the length of New Zealand and completed a record-breaking kayak as part of the Beeline Britain team.

    In the 50th Anniversary Year of the first female ascent of Mount Everest, Tori returned to Nepal to climb Yala Peak (5555m), a mountain climbed by Junko Tabei in 1977.

    Tori is an accomplished motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the globe. In the First Females podcast Tori will share her enthusiasm for storytelling and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women in mountaineering.

    🙏 Thank you:

    The technical production of the First Females podcast has been delivered by Huw James, a talented science presenter, adventurer, and content creator from Wales. As the host and producer of the Athlete Climate Academy podcast, Huw brings invaluable expertise, passion for quality, and meticulous attention to detail to every episode.

    Website: https://www.huwjames.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/

    Bethan Lee is the incredible woman who supports the delivery of my projects, from talks and events, to festivals and now podcasts. She brings them to life visually and organisationally.

    🏔️ Sponsorship Opportunities Available:

    If you're interested in sponsoring the First Females podcast, we'd love to hear from you.

    📲 Connect with Tori:

    Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs

    Instagram: @torijameseverest

    Facebook: @torijameseverest

    X: @torijtweets

    Website: www.torijames.com

    You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast

    Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends.

    #FirstFemalesPodcast #MyJunkoJourney
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Hannah Shields - First Northern Irish Woman to climb Everest

    Hannah Shields - First Northern Irish Woman to climb Everest
    2025/05/30

    Hannah Shields is a mountaineer, endurance athlete, and the first Northern Irish woman to summit Mount Everest. Hannah shares her deeply personal journey - overcoming health struggles, finding inspiration through family, and initiating a rescue in the death zone on Everest. We discuss the mental resilience it takes to climb Everest, the importance of trust and teamwork in high-altitude expeditions, and what success really means when the odds are stacked against you.

    From Everest to the North Pole, Hannah has survived inhospitable conditions, unexpected setbacks, and experienced moments of triumph. She offers invaluable advice for anyone who wants to take on a challenge, reflecting on the lessons she’s learned about perseverance, adaptability, and pushing past limits.


    📲 Follow Hannah on Instagram: @hannahshields64


    🎙️About First Females:

    In 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Over the past 50 years, approximately 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the top of the world. Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei.

    The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest. This podcast explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind.


    🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 About Tori James:

    Tori James is the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest (8848m). She has also climbed the world’s sixth highest peak, Cho Oyu (8201m), skied to the Magnetic North Pole, cycled the length of New Zealand and completed a record-breaking kayak as part of the Beeline Britain team.

    In the 50th Anniversary Year of the first female ascent of Mount Everest, Tori returned to Nepal to climb Yala Peak (5555m), a mountain climbed by Junko Tabei in 1977.

    Tori is an accomplished motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the globe. In the First Females podcast Tori will share her enthusiasm for storytelling and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women in mountaineering.


    🙏 Thank you:

    The technical production of the First Females podcast has been delivered by Huw James, a talented science presenter, adventurer, and content creator from Wales. As the host and producer of the Athlete Climate Academy podcast, Huw brings invaluable expertise, passion for quality, and meticulous attention to detail to every episode. www.huwjames.com


    Bethan Lee is the incredible woman who supports the delivery of my projects, from talks and events, to festivals and now podcasts. She brings them to life visually and organisationally.


    🏔️ Sponsorship Opportunities Available:

    If you're interested in sponsoring the First Females podcast, we'd love to hear from you.


    📲 Connect with Tori:

    Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs

    Instagram: @torijameseverest

    Facebook: @torijameseverest

    X: @torijtweets

    Website: www.torijames.com

    You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast


    Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends.


    #FirstFemalesPodcast #MyJunkoJourney
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    57 分
  • Rebecca Stephens - First British woman to climb Everest

    Rebecca Stephens - First British woman to climb Everest
    2025/05/15
    Rebecca Stephens is the first British woman to climb Everest. In this episode of First Females, Rebecca shares her personal journey to the summit of Everest and we explore. Junko’s incredible determination, the challenges of high-altitude climbing, and the evolving landscape of mountaineering today.Rebecca Stephens is an acclaimed mountaineer, writer, and speaker. In 1993, she became the first British woman to climb Mount Everest, later completing the Seven Summits - climbing the highest peak on each continent. She has received an MBE for her contributions to mountaineering and currently serves as Chair of the Mount Everest Foundation and a trustee of theHimalayan Trust. Rebecca’s work extends beyond the mountains, offering insights on leadership, resilience, and teamwork through her books and consulting work.📲 Connect with Rebecca: Instagram: @rebeccastephensofficialWebsite: www.rebeccastephens.comX: @RStephens7S 🗻 Charity Work: Mount Everest Foundation: https://www.mef.org.uk/Himalayan Trust UK: https://himalayantrust.co.uk/ 🎙️About First Females: In 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Over the past 50 years, approximately 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the top of the world. Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei. The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest. This podcast explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 About Tori James: Tori James is the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest (8848m). She has also climbed the world’s sixth highest peak, Cho Oyu (8201m), skied to the Magnetic North Pole, cycled the length of New Zealand and completed a record-breaking kayak as part of the Beeline Britain team.In the 50th Anniversary Year of the first female ascent of Mount Everest, Tori returned to Nepal to climb Yala Peak (5555m), a mountain climbed by Junko Tabei in 1977.Tori is an accomplished motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the globe. In the First Females podcast Tori will share her enthusiasm for storytelling and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women in mountaineering. In her interviews with Everest summiteers from around the world, Tori will bring her unique perspective and firsthand experience to the conversation with the aim of inspiring future generations of women to dream big, climb higher, and break barriers in their own lives. 🙏 Thank you: The technical production of the First Females podcast has been delivered by Huw James, a talented science presenter, adventurer, and content creator from Wales. As the host and producer of the Athlete Climate Academy podcast, Huw brings invaluable expertise, passion for quality, and meticulous attention to detail to every episode.Website: https://www.huwjames.com/ Bethan Lee is the incredible woman who supports the delivery of my projects, from talks and events, to festivals and now podcasts. She brings them to life visually and organisationally.🏔️ Sponsorship Opportunities Available: If you're interested in sponsoring the First Females podcast, we'd love to hear from you. 📲 Connect with Tori: To stay updated on future episodes and projects, be sure to follow Tori on social media & sign up for her newsletter. Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs Instagram: @torijameseverestFacebook: @torijameseverestX: @torijtweetsWebsite: www.torijames.com YouTube: You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends.#FirstFemalesPodcast #MyJunkoJourney
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    54 分