Tough Girl Podcast

Em will be coming along to this year's festival with Molly, her super cute Mongolian street dog, Grettle, her awesome, intrepid scooter AND Arty Bakes, her seriously tasty looking catering business! If you've not come across Em before then you're in for a treat - quite literally...Em's a baker by day, an artist by nature and an avid traveller at every other opportunity!  Having bought her first and only bike in 2013; a mint green 125cc vespa, otherwise known as Grettle, she has driven around Europe three times and tackled the Indian Himalayas on several occasions!  But even better than that, she has ridden her Vespa from the UK to Mongolia and back again, carrying with her a street dog named Molly, who she rescued in the far East of Mongolia and brought home as her pillion passenger! The journey took her two and a half years and she crossed 32 countries racking up 30,000 km en-route! ***This episode was recorded live at the Armchair Adventure Festival 27th - 30th July 2023. Buy tickets now for #AAF24 - THE UK'S MOST ADVENTUROUS FESTIVAL. Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall, 25-28th July 2024. Use TG10 to get a 10% discount on tickets.  www.armchairadventurefestival.com. ***   Show Notes Who is Emma What Emma does Starting on a journey at 24 from the UK to Mongolia Finding and adopting Molly Being an artist The dream of an overland trip Setting off as a learner with no tools and very little money Doing a TEFL course and teaching English to earn money Traveling the Silk Road Being warned by everyone she knows not to trust anyone Meeting amazing people despite the language barrier Molly the dog and the route she took to get to Mongolia Coming to a point where she doesn't know what to do with herself Starting to bake cookies for fun Advice for people who are going through a wobble Why did she stop doing what she loved Future journeys Emma would like to go on What was it like going to Afghanistan as a single woman How did she build up her knowledge of mechanics Having a bad crash in Istanbul The aftermath of the accident Her bike Gretel and the story behind the name Getting back on the bike What sort of food does Emma eat How does she keep her blog updated throughout her journey Where would she go back to and why Dealing with extreme cold Final words of advice   Social Media  Website www.emmatrenchard.com   

Guliafshan Tariq is a trailblazer who has made history in the world of biking and adventure travel. Born and raised in Pakistan, Guliafshan has always been fascinated by the world beyond her doorstep. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, she has pursued her passion for exploration with unwavering determination and courage. Guliafshan became the first Pakistani female biker girl to break gender stereotypes and venture into areas that were previously considered off-limits due to Taliban activity. With almost no support from her family or community, she taught herself how to ride a motorcycle and set out on a journey to discover her country. Despite facing many hurdles along the way, including dangerous river crossings and treacherous mountain paths, her passion for travel kept her focused and alive. In addition to exploring Pakistan, Guliafshan has also recorded her journey in the form of videos, which she shares with the world. Her efforts have earned her three consecutive national records, including cycling to Khunjerab, the highest border in the world, from Islamabad in 2015, a 20-day motorbike ride through the whole KPK Province in 2016, and a solo paragliding jump at a height of 7800 ft in Chitral in 2016. Guliafshan's achievements have not gone unnoticed, and she has been recognized by both the Pakistani government and the international community. In 2017, she received a gold medal from the Government of Pakistan and the Nazariya Pakistan Council for her lifetime achievements from AQ Khan. She has also hosted a travel show on BBC and appeared as a motivational speaker on TedX. By profession, Guliafshan is a computer engineer, but her passion for adventure travel and biking has taken her far beyond her chosen field. Her ultimate goal is to become the first Muslim Pakistani woman to cover the world on her motorbike. Through her daring exploits and unwavering determination, Guliafshan has broken down barriers and inspired countless people around the world to pursue their dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem. ***This episode was recorded live at the Armchair Adventure Festival 27th - 30th July 2023. Buy tickets now for #AAF24 - THE UK'S MOST ADVENTUROUS FESTIVAL. Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall, 25-28th July 2024. Use TG10 to get a 10% discount on tickets.  www.armchairadventurefestival.com. ***   Show notes Who is Gul Sharing her early childhood years What it was like growing up in Pakistan as a female Being told just to stay inside their house Getting more education than the rest of Pakistani girls How she was encouraged to pursue a career in computer engineering Failing her medical exam intentionally to get into computer engineering Losing his father in 2011 Her dream to spend one whole night outside the house with her friends Earning and saving money to leave home for her first trip Going on her first cycling adventure with one other friend How her family reacted to her adventure Her mum trying to stop her Becoming an inspiration to a lot of women from Pakistan who wants to follow her path Progressing from bike to motorbike Doing her first longest trip on a motorbike What was the journey like Meeting her future husband, a filmmaker Resigning from her job and focusing on a business with her husband Road to equality with McDonald's Meeting women on the road and one that touched her Visiting one of the most dangerous places in Pakistan - Balochistan The challenge of getting a good bike in Pakistan, and how she dealt with it Learning how to repair her bike and how to fix it Being invited to a motorbiking show in London and meeting a lot of women Moving to the UK in 2021 and being pregnant with her first baby Stopping riding her bike because of her health issues How her husband pushed her to come out of her home and ride her bike Her dream to explore India and other parts of Europe and America Advice for women to learn how to ride a bike Final words of wisdom   Social Media Instagram @guliafshan_tariq  Facebook @guliafshantariq 

Born and raised in England. Vanessa grew up in the great outdoors, getting muddy with escapism always being through sports. Whether that’s kite surfing, snowboarding or mountain biking, it’s always been about getting physical.  However, life took a turn in 2014 when Vanessa was hit by a red-light-jumping car while cycling. Since that day she’s made it her goal to make the most out of life. With a 6.5 year recovery seeing 7 surgeries and two reconstructed body parts, it’s been a roller coaster for Vanessa, but through this she discovered motorcycles. Starting with cruising but rapidly ramping up to trials, adv and now even full hard enduro as her body healed. Bikes have swiftly become Vanessa favourite form of adventure; the open road, the power, the ability to simply disappear into the unknown and travel the world. Vanessa is known for sharing her journey with the world, but not just the happy days you expect on social media. She’s real and honest, showing the rough and the tough days too Vanessa’s love for two wheels has seen her riding all over the world in recent years, including Bolivia, Ukraine, Sardinia, Iceland and many more. *** This episode was recorded live at the Armchair Adventure Festival 27th - 30th July 2023. Buy tickets now for #AAF24 - THE UK'S MOST ADVENTUROUS FESTIVAL. Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall, 25-28th July 2024, Use TG10 to get a 10% discount on tickets. www.armchairadventurefestival.com. ***   Show notes Who is Vanessa? Vanessa’s early sports memories Growing up in a very active childhood Living on a remote island in Bahamas in her early 20s Working as a marketing and PR for marine biology research Going out doing shark research Getting her first motorbike Getting hit by a car while cycling 7-year recovery from the accident Being diagnosed with multiple mental health disorders Having a hard time dealing with mental health recovery What Vanessa has learned from being in recovery and how it has given her a new perspective in life Starting to post pictures of herself from before the accident Wanting to be something real on social media Quitting her full-time job Why sharing her story helps her overcome the pain Talking about Tunisia desert challenge Getting stranded in dunes Mindfulness and how it helped her manage her pain Having the biggest panic attack of her life Being in 46-degree heat with no shade for the day The helicopter that saved her life Advice for women who want to get into the sport Nutrition and fitness; Fitness vs. Skill What is the hardest thing to go through The next big race, the Africa Eco Race Working with a charity, Tools for Life Doing free workshops in any school in the UK Vanessa's words of wisdom   Social Media Website www.thegirlonabike.com Instagram @thegirlonabike Facebook @thegirlonabike YouTube @TheGirlOnABike TikTok @thegirlonabike  

In a world where mountain climbing is still considered a male-dominated activity, Lisa Thompson is a force to be reckoned with. The second American woman to summit K2, Lisa has overcome countless obstacles in her journey to become one of the world's top mountaineers. From her early days of hiking and climbing in the Pacific Northwest to leading all-women expeditions in Nepal, Lisa's determination and perseverance have been the keys to her success. Lisa's journey has not been without challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis in 2015. However, she refused to let this setback define her, and instead used it as motivation to pursue her passion even more passionately. She founded Alpine Athletics, a training company that helps aspiring climbers reach their mountain goals, and has since led expeditions to some of the world's highest peaks. In her recently released book, Finding Elevation: Fear and Courage on the World's Most Dangerous Mountain, Lisa shares her personal journey of climbing K2 and the lessons she learned along the way. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and self-belief, and is sure to inspire anyone who is looking to take on their own personal challenges. As Lisa says, "The right path is always to be true to who you are." Whether you're a novice climber or an experienced mountaineer, Lisa's story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and a little bit of courage. So, if you're looking to push yourself to new heights, be sure to check out Lisa's book and connect with her through Alpine Athletics. Who knows? You just might find your own path to the summit. *** Don't miss out on new episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, airing every Tuesday at 7am UK time. By hitting the subscribe button, you'll get access to inspiring stories of women sharing stories of adventure and challenges. Additionally, you can support the mission to increase the number of female role models in the media by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your support! *** Show notes Who is Lisa Living in Seattle in the USA Starting climbing in 2008 Wanting to give back to the climbing communities  Her early years and growing up in a little farm town in Central Illinois  Being outdoorsy but not sporty Starting to push herself more in the outdoors and in the mountains  Wanting to be seen as capable by her peers Starting to get into hiking and climbing  Climbing Mt. Rainier (also known as Tahoma), 4,392 m, located in Washington State Having a desire to prove people wrong Often being the only female on the team Using spite as a motivator to start Starting to climb mountains for herself  Taking it to the next level Being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 at 42 years old Planning to climb in the Himalayas for the first time. Wanting to climb Mt. Manaslu (8th-highest mountain in the world, 8,163 metres above sea level) Making big changes in her life in 2016 Choosing to end her marriage and quit her corporate job Dedicating herself to her passions Selling everything she owned and going to climb Mt. Everest The process and method used for starting again Listening to her gut and knowing that she was doing the right thing for her “The right path is always to be true to who you are” Sharing big goals publicly or keeping it private? Deciding to climb K2  Tips for handing stress and pressure Focusing on breathing and using breath as a way to calm her nervous system Using mantra in the mountains Her experience of climbing Mt. Everest in 2016 Descending the Geneva Spur by using an arm wrapping technique Finding her voice in the mountains and starting to stand up for herself Dealing with the Adventure Blues after doing a big challenge Planning future climbs while on the current climb Enjoying the process of training and keeping fit Book: Finding Elevation: Fear and Courage on the World's Most Dangerous Mountain Making the decision to climb K2 in the Summer of 2018 Questioning whether or not she was doing the right thing Knowing that she was capable of climbing the mountain Making two promises to herself - that she would not climb above her ability and doing the best she could every single day.  Dealing with self doubt Working as a mountaineering coach  Starting her training company - Alpine Athletics Leading an all women’s climb in Nepal Planning future all women expeditions in the USA and Nepal How to connect with Lisa Final words of advice for women who want to take on their own personal challenges   Social Media Website: www.lisaclimbs.com www.alpineathletics.net Instagram: @lisaclimbs  Facebook: @lisatclimbs  Book: Finding Elevation: Fear and Courage on the World's Most Dangerous Mountain    About the book: An inspiring story of danger, daring, and triumph on the world's most dangerous mountain. Finding Elevation is the story of mountaineer and cancer survivor Lisa Thompson as she climbs through the "death zone" of K2. Defiance led Lisa Thompson to the male-dominated world of mountain climbing. But after battling breast cancer, she needed to understand the motivations behind the risks she took while climbing. Finding Elevation is more than her climbing memoir. It is an examination of the human spirit and motivation. Readers will be gripped by Lisa's path from amateur mountain climber to world-class mountaineer as she: Becomes the second American woman to summit K2 Conquers the world's most dangerous mountains Defines her own limits, and Discovers what she's truly capable of  In this inspirational book, readers will be moved by Lisa's story of heartbreak, resilience, and the discovery that we must define our own boundaries, find our own happiness, and face our fears head-on.  

Paula Craig, a passionate runner and triathlete, achieved an impressive feat of completing the London Marathon for six consecutive years, from 1995 to 2000, achieving a personal best of 2 hours and 57 minutes in 2000.  However, her life took a drastic turn in May 2001 when she was involved in a car accident during her cycle training for an upcoming qualifying race for the age group world championships, resulting in paralysis from the waist down. Undeterred by her life-altering injury, Paula underwent a rigorous five-month rehabilitation process and made a remarkable comeback as a wheelchair athlete. Just 11 months after her accident, she competed in her first post-injury London Marathon, marking the beginning of an inspiring journey. Paula continued to defy expectations by participating in numerous triathlons as a wheelchair athlete, including three world championships, where she achieved gold medals in each event. Recognising her indomitable spirit, Paula received the prestigious Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration in 2005. In the same year, she was also bestowed with an MBE for her exceptional services to the police.  Paula's unwavering determination and resilience continued to inspire others as she embarked on yet another extraordinary endeavour.  In 2022, she made history by swimming the English Channel as part of a six-member relay team, becoming the first person with a complete spinal cord injury to accomplish this feat according to Channel rules, which prohibited the use of a wetsuit. Her awe-inspiring swim raised over £24,000 for Aspire, a charity close to her heart that provides support for individuals affected by spinal cord injuries, enabling them to lead independent lives. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.  You can support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Thank you.   Show notes Who is Paula Turning 60 in July Working as a police office for 30 years and retiring in 2017 Her love for sport and swimming Being the youngest of 4 Moving to London and becoming a radiographer  Joining the police at 22 years old  What it was like being in the police and being the only woman on the team Her running journey and getting into marathons Running the London Marathon (3hrs 23 mins) in 1995 aged 31 Starting to run for St. Albans Striders Running the London marathon from the elite women’s start line Running a sub 3 hr marathon (2hrs 57 mins) in 2000 The mental challenge of running sub - 3hrs and doing specific treadmill training sessions Needing to average 6m 50s per mile  Moving into triathlon  Being hit by a car in March 2001 while on her bike and being left paralysed from the waist down Being in hospital for 5 months  Deciding to do the London Marathon as a wheelchair athlete in 2002 Getting back into the pool and how it helped her left arm/hand to recover Working with the Charity Aspire Needing to sell everything Moving into interim accommodation  Accepting what happened Focusing on the future  How our minds can work for us to help us avoid pain Back on the start line of the London Marathon Placing 3rd but not going on the podium due to the minus 1 rule Being the first woman to run and race in a wheel chair for the London Marathon What happens to her legs while swimming  Having control of her core  Deciding to swim the channel as part of a relay team Having a bone infection  Starting to swim more and enter swim races Deciding to swim the channel on the 20th anniversary of her accident Training weekends with Aspire  Follow the channel rules and swimming with no wetsuit Needing to do a qualifier in June - 90 mins in the water - (sub 16 degrees) out for 90 mins and then back in for a 60 min swim Not being able to swim due to bad weather Having a 7 day window to complete the swim and then going into a queue Getting the chance to go again on the 10th October 2021 Needing to turn the boat around due to bad weather Planning to swim the channel in 2022 Setting off on the 4th August 2022 Dealing with severe sea sickness for the whole crossing Getting back on to the boat using a spinal board The final hour of swimming Heading home and celebrating with pizza! How to connect with Paula Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain. Learning to embrace and focus on what she could do   Social Media Instagram: @paulacraig37 Aspire provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury, supporting them from injury to independence     

Anjana is an Earth Scientist, a writer and an advocate for greater diversity in the natural heritage sector. She started running 8 years ago and her weekly fitness regime consists of 10k runs, HIIT, Iyenga yoga and swimming. She has completed four half marathons to date. Anjana is also a keen walker and has been an Ambassador for the Ramblers to encourage more people of colour into nature.   Anjana describes herself as a time traveller using clues locked away in rocks, fossils and landscapes to reveal the hidden mysteries and stories about ancient life on earth.  She helps people to understand how our planet evolved, changed and survived over 4.6 billion years and how this knowledge can help us prepare for an uncertain future. As a South Asian woman, she proudly weaves this into her work, bringing an informed and intelligent richness to narratives about deep time, landscapes and natural history. Anjana has worked in protected landscapes for over 20 years helping audiences of all backgrounds learn about the amazing rocks and landscapes around us. She has been recognised for her work through multiple awards including The Geographical Award from the Royal Geographical Society, The RH Worth Award from the Geological Society of London and most recently The Halstead Medal from the Geologists Association.  But these accolades have not come easily. Challenge is something that Anjana has experienced her whole life. From becoming a lone parent to a young baby overnight through to racism and discrimination, Anjana has always fought back and sought to carve her own path in life. She is now writing a non-fiction popular science book, The Whispers of Rock, due to be published in the US and UK in September 2025 revealing the secret stories of rocks and how they connect us to each other and the world we live in.    *** Don't miss out on new episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, airing every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Subscribe now to be the first to hear from inspiring women as they share their adventures and physical challenges. If you want to support Tough Girl's mission of increasing the number of female role models in the media, especially in adventure and physical challenge, consider becoming a patron on Patreon. Your support can help us continue to showcase the strength and resilience of women around the world. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to learn more and thank you for your support!   Show Notes Who is Anjana and what she does Living in Dorset, close to the Jurassic Coast Her passion for rocks, fossils and landforms Her love for rocks and where it came from Growing up in Slough (a town on the outskirts of London) Not having access to green spaces Being interested in science Being inspired by the Shetani Lava Flow, Tsavo West National Park, Eastern part of Kenya Wanting to be an Earth Scientist Not being supported and encouraged to follow her dreams Expectations and pressures on South Asian Women Deciding to get her PhD - Staying the impact of climate change on ice and how ice had shaped and carved our landscapes Female Mentors and role models  Professor Jane Hart  Being ignored and talked over at conferences  Needing to prove herself over and over again Doing a post doctoral research fellowship in America.  The West Antarctic Ice Stream Initiative - A Multidisciplinary Study of Rapid Climate Change and Future Sea Level  Moving to live in Utah, America for 3 years  Not being able to go to Antarctica due to visa issues and time constraints  Spending time in the outdoors and what that looks like Walking and walking in the landscape Becoming an Ambassador for The Ramblers UK  Getting into running What is this rock?! Why chalk is her favourite rock What her work week looks like Working on her new book - The Whispers of Rock - to be published in 2025 A global story of rocks across the world Going travelling with her mother Visiting Australia and Malaysia  Wanting to understand the spiritual connection that communities have with rocks  Taking rocks and the link to bad luck The destruction of rock to make limestone for cement  Rocks being an infinite resource  The spiritual connection with rocks Mesa Verde National Park Ancestral Pueblo people Tips to encourage children to be passionate about the outdoors and to connect with nature  Using the outdoors to process trauma Walking with her daughter  Ted X Talk - How rocks connect communities  How rocks are connected to tea and coffee drinking  How to connect with Anjana Advice for following your passion  Dealing with self doubt and worry  Why your voice matters  Surrounding yourself with people who believe that you can do it     Social Media Website www.anjanakhatwa.com  Instagram @jurassicg1rl Twitter @jurassicg1rl Youtube - @dranjanakhatwa       

Cath draws on her careers as an Olympic rower and conflict diplomat, combined with her experience of working with a wide range of organisations across sectors to raise performance, transform cultures and develop effective leadership and teams. As an Olympic rower, Cath competed at three Olympic Games. Highlights include winning the World Championships in 2003 and an Olympic silver medal in 2004.   As a diplomat for over a decade, Cath specialised in conflict issues, with postings to Bosnia and Iraq, as well as leading in Whitehall on the UK civilian contribution to stabilising conflicts around the world. These experiences equipped her with leadership, negotiating skills, resilience, and the ability to deliver outstanding performance under extremely challenging circumstances. Cath has published, The Long Win: The search for a better way to succeed - that challenges the often narrow lens we have on what winning means, and sets out a new way of thinking and reframing success across business, sport and education. Cath continues to be active in supporting the next generation of sporting talent, including through support of the Youth Sport Trust, the True Athlete Project and as Chair of Love Rowing (British Rowing's Charitable Foundation).  Cath has commentated for Henley Royal Regatta and the BBC Boat Races and been invited to review the newspapers on Radio 4’s Broadcasting House. Cath is an Honorary Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge and the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.  You can support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Thank you.   Show notes Who is Cath Working in the world of leadership, development and culture Being an Olympian and working as a diplomat  Her new book - The Long Win: The search for a better way to succeed  Her early years growing up Not being sporty! Getting into a rowing boat for the first time Having fun on the water Being willing to try new things Having no pressure or expectations Being in the Olympics and dealing with the pressure and the stress Writing about long win thinking  Moving away from short narrow definitions of success Winning the silver media at the Olympics - success or failure? What does success look like? Framing success in your own terms Focusing on the journey The power of clarifying what matters The medal Resilience and how people can develop it Why progress is not always in a straight line Reframing and moving forward Working with a sports psychologist  Encouraging women to say yes to new challenges Confidence  Why doubts can be a good things Fitness and exercise and how it plays a part of her life now Dr. Stacey Sims  How to connect with Cath Keep exploring what’s possible, together with others  Future plans for 2023   Social Media Website: cathbishop.com  Instagram: @cath_bishop  Twitter: @thecathbishop Book: The Long Win: The search for a better way to succeed     

Alexandra Allred made sports (and medical) history through activism and determination. When she learned that women were not allowed in bobsled, she lobbied for equal status with a relentless letter-writing campaign. It had not yet occurred to her that she had no idea how to actually bobsled. As a former fighter in martial arts, she had only cared that women were banned from a sport deemed “too dangerous” and “too fast.” When told that the women’s program had no by-laws and was therefore unofficial, Allred co-authored the first U.S. women’s bylaws and helped secure a sponsor. She ultimately won the U.S. Nationals in September 1994, making sports history as she was named to the first-ever U.S. women’s bobsled team. When the United States Olympic Committee named her Athlete of the Year for her sport, it made international news that Allred was also pregnant. At the time, there was very little data on elite pregnant athletes who did powerlifting and plyometrics. While Allred became the “poster child” of the Case Western OB/GYN international study, Allred was squatting 375 lbs. and clocked at 20 MPH sprints into her second trimester.  The results of this study changed how to measure the safety of baby in utero for competitive athletes. Both the United States and International Olympic Committee used Allred’s training data as a safety guide for pregnant athletes and she served as a fitness/nutrition expert for two decades.  Today, Allred is an adjunct professor at Tarleton State University and continues to write/research and work with those living with special needs. Her most recent book: When Women Stood - The Untold History of Females Who Changed Sports and the World. Was published in February 2023.   About the book: When Women Stood - The Untold History of Females Who Changed Sports and the World.   An unapologetically candid and illuminating history of women and their fight for equality, told through the influential world of sports. From early Amazons to modern-day athletes, women have been fighting for their rightful place in the world. The history of these female athletes—whether warriors on the battlefield or competitors in the sports arena—has often been neglected, yet it is through sports that women have changed society, gaining entry into education, travel, politics, and more. When Women Stood is an eye-opening chronicle of the amazing women who refused to accept the status quo and fought for something better for themselves and for those who would follow. Featuring exclusive insight from athletes such as Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Kathrine Switzer, Nancy Lieberman, Briana Scurry, and Nancy Hogshead-Maker, this book includes the stories of female football players, Olympic athletes, powerlifters, and soccer stars, of historians, archeologists, crusaders, and scientists. Women’s sports history cannot be told without also telling the story of the fight for gender and racial equality, economics, medical biases, gay and transgender history, violence, religion, media, abuse, and activism. When Women Stood is the first to go beyond the record books and gold medal counts to truly dig into the vital role women and sports have played in instigating change in society as a whole. And it shows that, despite seemingly unsurmountable odds, the true spirit of the female athlete can never be restrained.   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.  Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Thank you.   Show notes Call her Alex Growing up and loving the non-traditional female sports  Having lived in 20 places by the time she was 18 Being born in Germany and spending her childhood moving from place to place Living in Russia and being followed by the KGB Getting into Martial Arts at 18 and being a professional fighter Seeing bobsled for the first time on TV and not seeing any women competing  Asking the question - why are there no women competing? 1940 US Champion - Katherine Dewey - Bobsleigh pilot won the open bobsled competition  Starting a campaign to change the rules to allow women to compete Winning the US Nationals in 1994 while being 4 month pregnant  British Boxer - Jane Couch making a difference for women in boxing  Getting push back for being a pregnant athlete Why she didn’t drop out  Being part of a medical study on pregnancy and athletics Mentors in sports  Misogyny at the highest levels in sport Figuring out fundraising and sponsorship for the bobsled team Keeping motivated after setback after setback.  The power of women The label of tomboy Writing the book New Book:  When Women Stood - The Untold History of Females Who Changed Sports and the World.  Planning a 2nd book Thoughts on World Athletics banning transgender women from competition. Lack of research for the cis-gender female body Why women aren’t studied Focusing on female hormones  Mary Cain  Dr. Stacey Sims  Creating a space for transgender athletes  The importance of education around transgender men and women Menstrual cycle and how it ties to performance  Heavy topics Media coverage for women and how’s it changed over the past 30 years How the worlds sees women  Why it’s less about what she looks like and more about what she can do  The power of strong, outspoken women Being you How to connect with Alex Advice for women who want to help drive change Practical steps to support and encourage other women Support your sisters and stand up for ourselves   Social Media Website: www.alexandraallred.com  Book: When Women Stood - The Untold History of Females Who Changed Sports and the World.    

Rogeema shares her story of pushing her own limits and proving to people, especially other women, that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. Rogeema talks about her early years and not being sporty, never being picked for sports teams, and not knowing what to do at the gym. She shares her journey of starting as a runner and moving into triathlon, including learning how to swim at 35 years old and signing up for her first 5k race.  Rogeema discusses the challenges of going from a half marathon to an ultra marathon, hitting "the wall" while running, and why you need time to recover when running the longer distances. Rogeema also talks about the mental preparation needed before race day, the importance of putting in the training, and working with a sports psychologist to reprogram her mind for success. Rogeema also discusses her mental health struggles after becoming an Ironman and the importance of having a tribe and community. Throughout the episode, Rogeema emphasizes the power of visibility and inspiring more Muslim women to enter the world of triathlon and running while wearing a hijab. She wants to show young girls that anything is possible and encourages listeners to not change themselves, but instead to change the game. To connect with Rogeema, listeners can visit her website at www.rogeemakenny.com and follow her on Instagram @rogeemakenny.    Don't miss out on new episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast released every Tuesday at 7am UK time, and consider supporting the podcast on Patreon to increase the representation of female role models in the media. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you    Show notes Who is Rogeema Growing up in Cape Town, South Africa Starting as a runner and moving into triathlon Woking as a freelance management consultant and project manager Her early years  Not being sporty and never being picked for the sports teams Learning how to swim at 35 years old Doing her first sprint triathlon Being into health and fitness Her running journey  Getting her black belt in karate Signing up for her first 5k race Building up the distance over time Not feeling like a real runner Not knowing what to do at the gym and feeling lost Having an accountability buddy Starting to run half marathons, marathons and ultra marathons Her love for running   How running helped with her mental health  Feeling a sense of achievement after doing something difficult Why endurance sports change you as a person Why you should do hard things Making progress in running and increasing the distances  Following a training plan for the ultra distances The challenge of going from a half marathon to a half marathon  Hitting “the wall” while running Why you need time to recover when running the longer distances Why you need to train hard and do the tough sessions Building up your resilience muscle Doing her last Ironman in tough conditions The challenges of race day and overcoming them and feeling even stronger at the finish Mental preparation before the race  The Power Pose - Amy Cuddy - Ted Talk   Why you need to put in the training Getting ‘switched on’, on race day Not being a naturally athlete and having to work for every little gain Working with a sports psychologist and re programming her mind for success  The power of professional help and why it’s invaluable Book: The Brave Athlete: Calm the F*ck Down and Rise to the Occasion by Simon Marshall Phd, & Lesley Paterson   Learning to control your emotions Blog: The Dark Side of becoming an Ironman - Mental Health Struggles Dealing with her mental state changing after the race  Trying to understand what was happening Needing a tribe and a community  Happy hormones and exercise  Rest and recovery after an Ironman Doing social races and social training  The women who inspired her to start triathlon Lucy Charles-Barclay - World Triathlon long distance champion @lucycharles93 Chrissie Wellington TGP episode  Khadijah Diggs @khadijahtriathlete  Inspiring more muslin women to enter the world of triathlon and running while wearing a hijab The power of visibility and seeing other women out there competing  How to connect with Rogeema Final words of advice  Wanting to show young girls that anything is possible   Social Media Website: www.rogeemakenny.com  Instagram: @rogeema     

Cory Maria Dack is an Indigenous Latina who recently finished thru-paddling the entire Mississippi River - all 2,552 miles/4,108 km - source to sea, an incredible adventure that took over 134 days.  Born in Ecuador and raised in the U.S. (in Duluth, Minnesota near the Canadian border), Cory has been an adventure guide and outdoor leader for nearly 20 years. She decided to thru-paddle the most famous waterway in the U.S. in part to increase representation of women of color, fat bodied people, immigrants, queer folks, and other demographics often left out of the narrative on the water and in the outdoor recreation world. Cory’s main mission and message on her Mississippi River Trip was to “Decolonize Thru-Paddling,” a play on words that highlighted how she and her paddle partners: 1. Decolonized the concept of a “thru-paddle” (paddling all the way through a waterway, source to sea) 2. Uplifed messages of decolonization “thru” the act of paddling. What does it mean to “decolonize” something?  Decolonization is the important practice of unpacking ways of life that support and are informed by systemic racism, colonization, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, fat phobia, misogyny, xenophobia, and any other form of systemic violence. Cory and her friends “Decolonized Thru Paddling” by:  * Bridging equity gaps through representation of Women, People of Color, fat bodied people, members of the LGBQT+ community, immigrants, economically disadvantaged people, and other demographics that are underrepresented on the water and in the outdoors * Honoring Native American/Indigenous Land by being in community and ceremony with Native communities, elders, and water protectors across the country * Being grounded in community-driven values: they prioritized meeting people who live on the River and delighted in making new friends and connections along the way   Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast every Tuesday at 7am UK time. Don't miss out, hit the subscribe button to stay up-to-date! You can also help us increase the representation of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges by supporting our mission. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to learn more. Thank you for your support!   Show notes Who is Cory Born in Ecuador, but being raised in Minnesota Currently being on a national tour called - Canoe Mobile  Being adopted at 3 months old Her early years and not being outdoorsy Getting into the outdoors in her early 20s Working at a summer camp and learning new skills Gaining new qualifications while at camp Becoming a canoe guide Feeling like an imposter Having empowering mentors who have supported and encouraged her Knowing that she belongs and that she deserves to be there Ignoring the other systems (gender, wealth, race, age)  that were telling her she didn’t belong  Decolonization and why we do the things we do Who is worthy to spend time in the outdoors Coming up with the idea to thru-paddle the Mississippi River Spending 100 days on the Mississippi River and wanting to do another long river trip Working for 3 seasons and using grassroots funding to pay for the journey  Recognising her privilige Wanting to empower others to go on adventures Wanting to take her time on the journey and meet communities along the way Fears and concerns before the journey  Dealing with the cold weather and winter while on the river Starting the journey at the end of August Mental health struggles while on the river Reaching out to community and asking for help River Angels Magical moments  134 days on the river Having Emily Ford come and join her for 200 miles on the river  Daily life while on the river and finding peace and a new rhythm to living Not feeling safe going solo Paddling with Sarah for the final 1000 miles Land Acknowledgements  Paddling through the twin cities  Connecting with many local community groups Black Lives Matter  Native Lives Matter  Minnesota Immigrants Rights Action Committee (MIRAC)  Bdóte ('meeting of waters' or 'where two rivers meet') considered to be a place of spiritual importance to the Dakota People. Brining communities together in a moment of celebration  The truth behind Fort Snelling and the land it stands on A time for medicine and a time for healing Making an offering to the water/river Reflecting back on the journey - success and lessons learned How do you define success on a journey  Adjusting back to normal life  Rolling straight into the canoe mobile tour  Celebrating the end of the journey Working with a therapist and being able to speak to them while on the river How to connect with Cory Final words of advice Wanting everyone to know that they belong in nature, outside, outdoors and it’s safe for them to be there. The power of starting small     Social Media Women on the Water Website: www.women-on-the-water22.com Instagram: @corymaria13