エピソード

  • Natasha Sones – Wild Swimming, SUP Adventures and Writing Swimming Wild in London and South East England

    Natasha Sones – Wild Swimming, SUP Adventures and Writing Swimming Wild in London and South East England
    2026/09/15
    Natasha is a year-round wild swimmer, qualified Stand-Up Paddleboarding instructor, freelance travel writer, and outdoor adventurer with a deep love of water in all its forms. Based in Suffolk, she is also a volunteer for the Bluetits Chill Swimmers and an Ordnance Survey Champion. Natasha's journey into the outdoors began early, swimming in the sea as a child, but like many people, her connection to sport and adventure faded during her 20s and 30s. It wasn't until her 40s that she rediscovered the water, found her community, and stepped into a completely new chapter of adventure. In this episode, Natasha shares how she went from feeling like she wasn't "outdoorsy" to becoming immersed in wild swimming and paddle boarding, including getting involved with inclusive swimming communities, discovering cold water swimming, and building confidence in outdoor spaces. She opens up about being diagnosed as autistic in her 40s, and how understanding herself better helped her find her tribe and her confidence. We also talk about her progression into Stand-Up Paddleboarding, from early lockdown experiments to completing endurance challenges such as the Race to the Castle, and preparing for a 162-mile coast-to-coast SUP journey across England. Natasha shares what it's really like training around work and family life, the realities of cold water swimming, and why time on the water has become so important for her wellbeing. Alongside her adventures, Natasha is also the author of the upcoming guidebook Swimming Wild in London and South East England, featuring 100 incredible swimming spots across beaches, rivers, lakes, lidos, and hidden wild locations. Listen to this episode to hear how Natasha found confidence through cold water and community, why it's never too late to become an adventurer, and how simple steps—like saying yes and asking for help—can open the door to a whole new way of living. *** 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 Natasha46 year old adventurer and Mum of threePassionate year round wild swimmer, outdoor adventurer, and freelance travel writer with a deep love of all things waterLiving in Suffolk Swimming in the sea from a young ageMoving out to a small village into the countryside, which was 5 mins from the seasideNot being involved in sports or the outdoors in her 20s and 30sWhat changed in her 40s?Making new friends when your olderBeing shy when she was younger Discovering she was autistic about 5 years ago Finding the swimming and outdoorsy community Feeling like she has found her tribeGetting into paddle boarding during lockdownBeing introduced into wild swimming but not really enjoying it at firstSetting up a local group for The Bluetits Joining the Adventure Queens and attending a camp out Saying her adventure idea out loud for the first time Applying for the Adventure Queens GrantWanting to paddle board in Finland and experience the endless summerNot having any idea on how to plan her adventure Working with Gee Jackson as her mentor Feeling overwhelmed by all the advice out there in relation to multi-way adventures Struggling to find advice about doing a multi-day adventure on SUPPlanning to visit 4/5 islands and how plans changed over timeBeing worried about feeling lonely Not thinking she was an outdoorsy person The barriers for women to get into water sports Becoming an ambassador for This Girl Can, Suffolk Writing her first guide book about Wild Swimming - with Vertebrate Publishing Common misconceptions about swimming in London Why swimming in Canary Wharf is one of her favourite swim locations How it works with access rights for swimming in England The Outdoor Swimming SocietyThe do's and don'ts of getting into water Why you always swim with a buddyEntering into different eventsWinter Swimming World Championships What it feels like to swim in cold water Deciding what challenge to do nextFollowing adventurers and outdoorsy people on social media Doing the Race to the Castle - 25 mile paddleboarding race on the River Trent with a cut off time of 9 hours Winter training and fitting training into her life Working with an elite paddle board racer—Emily King Why it was about time on the water Using an ironing board instead of a standing desk The next adventure and paddle boarding coast to coast across England (162 miles over 9/10 days). Going from Liverpool to YorkshireBeing supported by RED Equipment Meeting up with Jo MoseleyFundraising for the Canal and ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    38 分
  • Sylvia Malan-Gonzalez: Why Hiking is for Every Body | Fat Positive Hiking, Confidence & Community

    Sylvia Malan-Gonzalez: Why Hiking is for Every Body | Fat Positive Hiking, Confidence & Community
    2026/09/08
    Sylvia Malan-Gonzalez is a Fat Positive Hiker from Portland, Oregon, on a mission to show that hiking really is for every body. Although she enjoys being active, Sylvia didn't fall in love with hiking straight away. Getting started wasn't easy. Finding affordable gear that fit, overcoming self-doubt, and navigating the outdoors in a body that isn't often represented in the hiking world all presented their own challenges. Instead of giving up, Sylvia set herself a simple goal: hike twice a month. One trail at a time, she built confidence, found supportive communities, discovered the gear that worked for her, and eventually climbed Mt. St. Helens—proving to herself that she was capable of far more than she ever imagined. In this episode, Sylvia shares what it means to be a Fat Positive Hiker, why she embraces body neutrality over chasing weight loss, and how learning to trust herself has transformed both her relationship with the outdoors and with her own body. We also talk about overcoming fear, dealing with judgement, finding hiking partners, using hiking poles, building strength in the gym, and why losing your hiking mojo doesn't mean your adventure is over. Whether you're completely new to hiking, returning after time away, or simply looking for encouragement to take that first step, Sylvia's story is a reminder that the outdoors belongs to everyone. *** 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 Growing up and living in Portland, Oregon, USA39 years oldEnglish teacherMarried for 29 yearsHalf white and half Latina Growing up in a very creative environment Her parents running - Miracle Theatre Group! Getting to go to Outdoor School and spending time in nature during Middle School and High School Working as a Youth Counsellor Not liking hiking at first Liking being active and going for walks Trying to get into hiking and struggling at firstNot being able to get the gearSetting a personal goal other hike twice a monthFiguring out what gear worked for her and her bothUsing athletic gear that she used for the gymStarting to read more about what clothes she would wearThe basic essentials you need to take with youFirst aid, electrolytes The lack of brands for plus size people How the market for making clothes for bigger people is no longer there anymoreThicket Wonder Outdoors Being a Fat Positive Hiker and what that means How the body positivity message has changed via influences over the yearsCentering herself in body neutrality Not wanting to focus on weight lossLoving yourself and losing weight are two separate entities Loving yourself no matter what stage you're atSeeing health at every stageSetting a personal hiking challenge52 Hike Challenge Founded by Karla AmadorUsing hiking poles and how they helped herFinding other people to go hiking with Using All Trails Oregon Hikers Sharing and tracking your hikesBuilding a hiking community Making friends through the hiking community Being held back by fearsOvercoming fears and the lessons learned along the wayClimbing Mt. St HelensBeing a fat person and being afraid of getting hurtJudgement from other peopleBeing encouraged by her friend to climb Mt. St HelensWhat is the real fearWhy it is more of a mental thingLosing hiking mojo and how to handle thatSetting hiking goals for 2026Leading group hikesGetting into strength goalsGoing backpacking and camping!Sharing on Instagram How to connect with Sylvia Final words of advice"You can do hard things and still have fun while you're doing it. Who cares what people think of you? This is your life. Don't be afraid." Social Media Instagram: @SilverMTNGoat
    続きを読む 一部表示
    30 分
  • Helen Watson – Author of Tea and Grit and Cycling 15,000km Along the Silk Road from Scotland to China with Her Husband

    Helen Watson – Author of Tea and Grit and Cycling 15,000km Along the Silk Road from Scotland to China with Her Husband
    2026/09/01
    Helen Watson is a traveller, writer, and conservationist based in the Scottish Highlands. Born in Scotland and raised in Switzerland, she has always been drawn to adventures that are both physically and culturally challenging. In 2009, shortly after completing her PhD, Helen and her husband Ed set off on an extraordinary bicycle journey from Scotland to China. Over the course of a year, they cycled 15,000 kilometres across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and China, following sections of the ancient Silk Road and relying on paper maps, curiosity, and the kindness of strangers. The journey took them through countries including Syria, Iran, and the Central Asian 'Stans', where they experienced incredible hospitality and forged meaningful connections with people from vastly different cultures and backgrounds. The trip would later inspire Helen's first book, Tea and Grit: A Bicycle Journey along the Silk Road, published in January 2026. In this episode, Helen shares the spark behind the adventure, the logistics of planning a long-distance cycle journey, and the realities of life on the road. We discuss what it means to become comfortable with discomfort, the privileges and challenges of travelling as a woman, and how her experiences in Syria took on a new significance in the years that followed during the refugee crisis. Helen also reflects on the importance of storytelling, why she felt compelled to write her book, and the lessons she has learned from a life shaped by travel, endurance, and human connection. Listen to this episode to hear about cycling 15,000km along the Silk Road, the generosity of people across cultures, and why stepping just outside your comfort zone can lead to the most transformative 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 Being based in the Scotland Highlands2009/2010 - cycling from Scotland to ChinaBeing born in Scotland and moving to Switzerland at 5 years oldGoing to St. Andrews for University Speaking; English, Swiss-German and German Growing up in Switzerland and spending time in the outdoorsGrowing up with a lot of cultures Wanting to take on this adventure and where the spark came fromBeing interested in long distance journeysBeing inspired by Ffyona Campbell Walking some long trails in New Zealand Meeting her husband Ed at University Wanting to do a longer trip after marriage Heading off after she fished her PhDStudying genetics of the red deer in Scotland Applying the lessons learned from studying for her PhD to planning the cycle rideLearning endurance from her PhDThe logistics of getting visa'sNot wanting to set a specific route in advance Using paper maps and making route decisions as they went Making some radical route decisions and deciding to go to Syria Why it was one of the best decisions she's made (apart from marrying Ed!)The route - Scotland - Newcastle - Holland - Germany - France - Switzerland, Austria, Hungry, Serbia, Croatia, Albania, Greece, Syria, Turkey, Iran, the Stans…to China Spending 2 months cycling around ChinaThe reality of what it was like being on the roadLoving the experience most of the time!Meeting different people and experiencing hospitality in different countriesGetting to the deeper levels of connection with people Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable in awkward social situations The privilege of being a woman while travelling with her male partner Getting to experience the best of both worldsWhat being a feminist means The amazing women who are fighting against oppression around the world Gender roles while travelling as a coupleHaving a love for writing Keeping a journal to document the journey Feeling depressed with what happened in SyriaDoing volunteer work related to refugees Wanting to tell the story of the people she metThe Arab Spring and the refugee crises Community Refugee SponsorshipThe book being released in January 2026 - Tea and Grit: A Bicycle Journey along the Silk RoadThe point she wanted to make with the bookWanting to go on the same trip again How to connect with Helen Final words of advice and wisdom for other women who want to take on an adventure or challenge Start with something that is a little bit outside your comfort zone and build up Break it down Social Media Website: www.helenwatsonwriting.com Instagram: @helenwatsonwriter The Book: Tea and Grit: A Bicycle Journey along the Silk Road
    続きを読む 一部表示
    37 分
  • Gaby Dijkstra – Outdoor Enthusiast and PhD Researcher Studying the Role of Gender in the Extreme Mountaineering Industry.

    Gaby Dijkstra – Outdoor Enthusiast and PhD Researcher Studying the Role of Gender in the Extreme Mountaineering Industry.
    2026/08/25
    Gaby Dijkstra is an outdoor enthusiast, solo traveller, and researcher with a passion for remote mountain environments. Whether climbing, skiing, or paragliding, she feels most at home in the mountains and has travelled to all seven continents, breaking barriers as a solo female adventurer. After years of working in education and girl empowerment projects, Gaby became increasingly curious about the construct of gender and how societal expectations shape our behaviours, opportunities, and experiences. This curiosity ultimately led her to pursue a PhD at Rotterdam School of Management, designing her own research project to investigate the role of gender in extreme environments. In 2024, Gaby spent 191 days in the Himalayas, including 132 days living on the mountains, conducting fieldwork during a full climbing season in Nepal. Her research explored the role of gender in the extreme mountaineering industry, particularly among the people who work and operate in these challenging environments. Along the way, she joined a commercial expedition to climb Ama Dablam, visited the Khumbu Icefall and the Manaslu region, and was invited to take part in an exclusive winter expedition to Annapurna I. Through interviews, observations, and lived experience, Gaby gathered what she describes as "a mountain of data" on how gender norms continue to shape the culture of mountaineering. In this episode, Gaby shares what she learned from her time in the Himalayas, why the traditional heroic narrative of mountaineering can be harmful to both men and women, and how understanding gender as a social construct can help us rethink leadership, decision-making, and belonging in extreme environments. Listen to this episode to learn about conducting a PhD in one of the world's most challenging landscapes, the hidden gender dynamics within the mountaineering industry, and why talking to other women and pursuing your curiosities can open doors to entirely new 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 Living in Amsterdam, Netherlands37, freelancer and researcher Having a background in sports management Using sports to help society tackle challengesPhD at Rotterdam School of Management Designing her own study project - the role of gender in extreme environments Gender as a social construct How social constructs can limit us in who we are and how we behaveWhat is appropriate behaviour for societies gender expectations Study something that is interesting for youLooking at gender and not understanding the construct Loving all types of outdoor sports. Being most happy when in the mountains Where are all the women - always being surrounded by menStarting to work in leadership project. Girl empowerment projects.Introducing girls to sports Getting frustrated and wanting to learn more about the construct of gender Wanting to know how this plays out in extreme environments If there are no obstacles - where would you like to go for your PhD?Wanting to go back to the Himalayas 191 days in the field, spending 132 days on a mountainConducting fieldwork in the mountains of Nepal for a full climbing season Looking at the role of gender in the climbing industry - especially for people working in the mountainsStudying only from the Nepal sideTaking part in a commercial climbing expedition - climbing Ama Dablam (6,812 metres (22,349 ft))Doing a participant observation study - What it means to be a client in the industry Being invited to join an exclusive winter expedition - visiting Annapurna IVisiting the Manaslu RegionVistiting Mt. Everest and the Khumbu icefalls Speaking with women climbing and working The lessons and learning from the research - having "a mountain of data!"Her PnD based on three articles The first article based on doing a discourse analysis based on 100 years of expedition reports - looking at gender norms and how they can be identified The 2nd and 3rd articles based on her experience Looking at the theory of sense making, decision making Not looking at the different between men and womenThe heroic sense of mountaineering - the summit above all else….The traditional norms and how it can harm both men and womenWomen being extra tough on other womenHow to connect with Gaby to find out more about her work Wanting to be outside rather than on social mediaWords of advice for other women who want to purse their interests Talk to other women Social Media Website: www.sportsleadership.nl Linkedin: www.linkedin.com...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    46 分
  • Holly Budge: From Extreme Adventure to Protecting Elephants and Empowering Women Rangers

    Holly Budge: From Extreme Adventure to Protecting Elephants and Empowering Women Rangers
    2026/08/18
    Holly Budge is a global keynote speaker on risk, innovation, and human potential, operating at the intersection of conservation, science, and bold ideas. As an Everest summiteer and the first woman to skydive Everest, she now focuses less on surviving extremes and more on solving the complex conservation challenges shaping our future. As founder of international NGO How Many Elephants and World Female Ranger Week, Holly explores how nature, technology, and innovation can work together to design smarter systems, from using bees as bio-engineers to reduce human-elephant conflict in Africa, to empowering women as front-line wildlife rangers. Her work has reached over 500 million people globally, been featured in Forbes, and praised by Sir David Attenborough. In this episode, Holly shares powerful insights from her journey between extreme adventure and global conservation work, including how her definition of risk and purpose has evolved over time. We dive into the real-world impact of wildlife conservation projects, from elephant corridors and bee-based deterrents to the rise of female ranger teams protecting some of the world's most vulnerable ecosystems. Listen to this episode to hear how adventure can become a force for global change, why women are reshaping the future of conservation, and what it takes to turn bold ideas into real-world impact at scale. *** 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 HollyBeing an adventurer and passionate conservationist Founder of How Many Elephants, Wildlife Positive Travel and World Female Ranger WeekFirst speaking to Holly March 26th 2019 on the Tough Girl Podcast Recap on what was discussed on that episode Deciding to move to New Zealand in 2019Training for the Coast to Coast Race Learning how to kayak especially for this race Getting over her fear of fast moving waterDoing a training course and getting to a Grade 2 whitewater certificationDoing the challenge solo and being supported by her mum at the checkpointsWorking on her charity - How Many Elephants How have things changed for the elephants over the years How poaching numbers have come down Human elephant conflict and how it has increased over the yearsPartnering with an NGO in Tanzania Elephants being scared off bees and creating elephant corridors Dr Lucy King Why it works differently in Asia How her definition of adventure has changed over the yearsHeading out with armed rangersCreating world female ranger week in 2021 and how it's gotten bigger and bigger every yearReaching over 500 million people!!The importance of women in these rolesWhy it matters that women are involved The Black Mambas - the all female anti -poaching team Women are proving to be way less corruptible than menJune 23rd - 30th - world female ranger week - same week - every yearHow it has evolved to - Women in conservative Amanda Dungeon - Ambassador - world female ranger weekListen to Amanda on the Tough Girl PodcastThe goal of getting the untold stories out thereConnecting donors and their money to the right projects Conservation without funding is just conversation Needing to be able to track and measure the money and the impactMaking her money via speaking events at corporates and conferences Looking at sustainable tourism - with Wildlife Positive Travel Why every year is differentMoving into a camper van and planning to drive to New ZealandHow does it work with her husband?Training for the Montane Arctic Spine Race (290 miles) Cold weather experience and training Training with Chat GBPHow to connect with Holly on social mediaPutting herself into more uncomfortable situationsFinal words of advice and wisdom for other women who want to get outside their comfort zoneThink Tall - Start SmallGet prepared Win or LearnSmile through the painA positive mindset is a resilient mindset Social Media Holly Budge Website: www.hollybudge.com Instagram: @hollybudge LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hollybudge Wildlife Positive Travel Website: www.wildlifepositivetravel.com Instagram: @wildlifepositivetravel How Many Elephants Website: howmanyelephants.org Instagram: @howmanyelephants World Female Ranger Week Website: www.worldfemalerangerweek.org Instagram: @worldfemalerangerweek
    続きを読む 一部表示
    51 分
  • Devin Brown - Learning to Endure on the Mississippi River and Reconnecting People to Water

    Devin Brown - Learning to Endure on the Mississippi River and Reconnecting People to Water
    2026/08/11
    Devin Brown is a Minneapolis-based paddler and founder of Sovereign Waters, an emerging organisation focused on connection, access, and purpose through time spent on the water. In 2024, Devin set out on an ambitious source-to-sea journey along the Mississippi River, paddling 1,025 miles before high water forced an early end to the expedition. What remained was not failure, but a powerful experience of resilience, learning, and deep connection to the river and herself. Her journey into paddling began long before that expedition, rooted in childhood summer camps, early experiences on the water, and a growing understanding of how time in nature supports her mental health. Over the years, she developed her skills step by step, eventually building the confidence to attempt one of North America's great river journeys. In this episode, Devin shares the realities of endurance paddling, from long days in the rain and logistical challenges on the Mississippi to moments of fear, uncertainty, and unexpected support from "river angels" along the way. She also opens up about feeling like one of the only women on the water, and why creating more inclusive access to paddling has become central to her mission. We explore the founding of Sovereign Waters, her vision for helping more people connect with rivers in ways that feel safe and empowering, and why building community around water is essential for both wellbeing and environmental connection. Listen to this episode to hear what it really takes to learn endurance one stroke at a time, why connection to rivers can be life-changing, and how one woman is working to bring more people—especially women—into the world of paddling and wild water. *** 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 DevinLiving in Minneapolis in Minnesota Being a passionate paddler and loving spending time on the waterSpending her early years going to summer camps Learning that kayaking was essential for her mental health Moving to the twin cities Sending out on her long term goal of paddling the Mississippi RiverThe freedom on being on the river and the river angels Learning to paddle at a young age Frost Valley YMCAHer love for nature and developing independence Being a counsellor in training and becoming a trip leader Making connections with local organisationsWanting to connect people to the Mississippi RiverFounding Sovereign Waters to get more people on the water in ways that feel comfortable for them The war on water in MinnesotaNeeding people to fall in love with the natural worldThe story of getting to the start line of paddling the Mississippi RiverThinking more and more about the Mississippi RiverSource to Sea and why it was going to be her one dayMaking a career change to a massage therapistBeing supported by her communityNot being able to afford to go paddlingGetting back to the river during covidMississippi River Paddle Share Feeling like the only women paddlerBuilding up her endurance with paddling Working with a personal trainerThe logistics of paddling the riverHaving 55 days for the paddleFeeling unsafe while on the riverRiver angelsBeing on the water day after day and why it was incredible, but also frightening and traumatising Planning to paddle again in 2028 - depending on the political climateThe film - Mother River Introducing paddling to her sonThe journey down the Mississippi RiverSpending the first 3 weeks paddling in the rainKnowing it was time to stop paddling Following her gut instinctNot having classic adventure bluesPlan for time after adventure to reflectHow people can connect online Final words of advice (apart from just do it!)Connect with other women who want to get dirty, grungy and empowered to do things outside Building sisterhoods around nature Get out there - make a plan and ask people to go with youMake your spirit happy Social Media Website: sovereignwaters.org Instagram: @afrodiskayak
    続きを読む 一部表示
    45 分
  • Gina Johansen – Endurance Athlete Preparing for a Solo Unsupported South Pole World Record

    Gina Johansen – Endurance Athlete Preparing for a Solo Unsupported South Pole World Record
    2026/08/04
    Gina Johansen is a Swedish-born endurance athlete, adventurer, and a track work rider based in Sydney and Norway. She is currently preparing for a world record attempt to become the fastest woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 2026. She grew up on a horse farm in Sweden, where her love for horses and the outdoors began early. Gina spent eight years riding trackwork for leading Thoroughbred racing stables in Australia and is now back riding racehorses in Sydney alongside her polar training. Her previous expeditions include becoming the first woman to cross Lake Baikal in Siberia solo by foot, skiing solo from North Cape to Jäckvik, crossing Svalbard on skis, cycling 2700km from Sydney to Cairns, and hiking the full length of Norway with her partner and their dog. She also spent eight years living near North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe, training in extreme Arctic conditions. Through her journey, Gina hopes to inspire others—especially women—to push beyond their limits, take on big challenges, and discover what they're truly capable of. *** 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 From Sweden originally Being based in Northern Norway (North Cape) for the past 8 years before moving to Sydney in December 2025Riding racehorse in the early morning and training for her South Pole Expedition in the afternoon Her goal - to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole, attempting to break the women's speed recordGina shared her story on the Tough Girl Podcast - April 28th 2020 - Walking 3,000km the length of Norway, plus a solo crossing of Lake Baikal in SiberiaYou can listen to that episode HERE What's been going on in the past 6 years Living in remote mountain areas doing a lot of skiing, hiking, hunting and dealing with a lot of injuries Trying to work on the financials to pay for the expedition Doing training expeditions and building up her skills After the Lake Baikal expedition in 2019 - starting to think about the next big challenge Always wanting to go to Antarctica and the challenges of doing a solo expedition Wanting a real test - both physically and mentally The last 4 years being focused on the expedition Dealing with injuries and set backs along the wayStruggling to get the financial support to make it possibleUS$95,000 plus costs for equipment and flights Needing to be ready fitness wise and mentally What the planning looks like to plan an expedition of this sizeTrying not to get overwhelmed with the size of the challengeTaking some time out - to reset Dealing with two stress fractures Wanting to understand why she was getting stress fractures Doing the rehab and keeping fit Having smaller projects to focus on and having things to look forward toWorking with a coachStarting at 5am and riding horse for 4.5 hrsTrying to eat a lot and not being afraid of eating fast carbsHandling set backs Working with a physio Focusing on staying positiveDoing a crossing of Svalbard from East to West with a team of womenBeing in an environment with polar bears - needing to take on night watch shifts to keep the camp safe from polar bears Mentally preparation before the challenge Knowing it will hard and lonely Also understanding it will be very tough Focusing on the goal and being so motivated to reach itDiscipline The pain of disciple is lighter than the pain of regretThe importance of socialising with friends - but organising this around training If you want to achieve anything, you've got to put in the workShowing up even when you don't feel like itNeeding to make the final payment by August, and send the equipment over in September Trying to get sponsorship from corporate and individuals Meeting the right people How to connect with GinaFinal words of advice for women who want to step outside their comfort zoneWhen things go wrong, that is when the best stories are created! Social Media Website: www.ginajohansen.com Instagram: @Ginajohansen91 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ginajohansen91
    続きを読む 一部表示
    39 分
  • Denise Leonard - The World's Toughest Row, 50 Days at Sea and Inspiring Women into Adventure

    Denise Leonard - The World's Toughest Row, 50 Days at Sea and Inspiring Women into Adventure
    2026/07/28
    Denise is part of a team of women who have just successfully rowed 3000 miles, unsupported, across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the 'World's Toughest Row'. Rowing 12 hours a day for over 50 days, Denise drew on decades of experience from white water and sea kayaking, alongside years spent as an outdoor instructor. Driven by a deep belief that adventure belongs to everyone, Denise champions the visibility of women in outdoor spaces. She's passionate about showing that ordinary women can achieve extraordinary things, and that authentic role models have the power to inspire the next generation of adventure-loving women. In this episode, Denise shares what it really takes to row across an ocean, from raising the funds and building the right team to coping with exhaustion, fear and the mental challenges of spending 50 days at sea. She opens up about the power of mindset, learning to be kinder to herself, and why focusing on what you can control can make all the difference in the toughest moments. Listen to this episode to discover how adventure can transform your perspective, why saying yes to opportunities can lead to extraordinary experiences, and why Denise believes that adventure truly is for everyone. *** 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 DeniseWorking as a Lecturer at the University of Wales, Trinity St Davids Being based in Pembrokeshire in West WalesGrowing up in the South of England in WiltshireHer early years and not coming from an outdoorsy familyGetting into slalom kayakingHer journey to becoming a lecturerStudying sports science at university Moving from kayaking into rowing After graduation and not knowing what she wanted to do Working at the National Water Sports CentreFinding her community of people Deciding to go traveling for the next few yearsHaving an innate desire for freedomBeing quite risk adverse Struggling with predictability Needing moments of real significant change in order to feel aliveSaying yes to opportunities Putting one foot in front of the other and seeing the positive in thingsRowing across the Atlantic Ocean and where the idea came fromBeing inspired by Jasmine Harrison Taking it from a dream/opportunity to making it happenSpending a year trying to get a crew together Not being able to get people to commitStarting to ask people again in January 2022Getting the crew together Raising the funds to pay for the row Why it was a 3.5 year processWorking as a team and all bringing their best to the tableKeeping motivated through the tough challenging momentsBeing able to rely on the team for supportThe start line and feeling a sense of reliefWhen the nerves started to kick in a few days before setting offJournallingAs the skipper feeling responsible for keeping the girls safeStarting the process of writing a bookNot sleeping for 2 nights before the rowHeading out in big conditions The simplicity of survivingWhen the nerves disappeared Why the row was the best form of CBD - Cognitive behavioural therapy Being forced to confront her thought processes Feeling so tired and physically exhausted Not having the space for anything that drains energySeeing the positives in the situation and asking for help Learning acceptance while on the row The challenges from week 6Focusing on what you can control during the row What is my attitude, how am I talking to myselfBeing kinder to myself The team dynamics and how the tough situations were handled Working with an emotional performance coach Stop talking to my friend/yourself like thatThe power of self talk Seeing land for the first time and getting to the end of the challenge The final push at the end Picturing the finish line in her mind Being the first all welsh, women team to complete the row Singing the national anthem on land after 50 days on sea Adapting back to reality and getting back to 'normal' life Wanting to leave a legacyHow to connect Merchedymor - Women/girls/sisters of the seaFinal words of advice for other women who want to step outside their comfort zoneWhy it's about mindset Social Media Website: www.merchedymor.wales Instagram: @Merchedymor2025 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-leonard-21b35638
    続きを読む 一部表示
    44 分