Tough Girl Podcast

Nicki Bass is a Business Psychologist, Army Veteran and host of The Everyday Adventure Podcast.  Having always loved the thrill of adventure sports and having served around the world, she has first-hand experience of how being taken outside of your comfort zone can dramatically improve your ability to face life's challenges. Currently studying for a Doctorate in Occupational Psychology, this experience gives her a unique insight into how resilience theory and practice align. On leaving the Army in 2017 she set up her own consultancy, Resilience at Work, using the principles of adventurous training to help professionals to build their resilience and leadership skills.   Knowing the challenges that many people (including herself!) face in trying to live adventurously amongst the many commitments in their lives, Nicki was motivated to launch The Everyday Adventure Podcast in May 2020. The aim was to share the stories of ordinary people who had managed to find time for their own adventures - both physical and psychological - and hopefully inspire others to do the same. Since then she has spoken to over 65 guests from a wide variety of backgrounds, exploring their motivations, challenges & the benefits they have experienced. Having given a TEDx talk on the subject in January 2022, She is passionate about everyday adventures and the power they have to bring joy, confidence and energy to our daily lives.   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 Who is Nicki Spending 17 years in the Army Re-training as a Business Psychologist Her love for adventure sports - especially surfing and skiing  Setting up Resilience at Work Her early years growing up Being active but not sporty Doing a ski season Joining the Army before the age of 25 Being taken outside your comfort zone and how that has developed resilience  What is resilience? Why resilience is different from grit Making the transition out of the army Wanting to work for herself  Starting out with a plan and how it evolves Balancing a new business, family life and adventure sports Adjusting her expectations  Adventuring with children and teaching them resilience Why everything can be an adventure for kids Putting yourself first  Dealing with the guilt of putting yourself first Figuring out her time 1 month of everyday adventures in 2021 Having something to look forward to Starting the Everyday Adventure Podcast Working with Fran Turauskis (Editor)  How to connect with Nicki Ted Talk -  Final words of advice  Why your adventure is valid - no matter the size Finding a way to start    Social Media Website: www.resiliencework.co.uk Instagram: @resilienceatwork Facebook: @resiliencework Podcast: The Everyday Adventure Podcast TEDx Moseley: The Life Changing Power of Everyday Adventures  

Amanda is an Australian park Ranger whose career has taken her from the turquoise blue coast of South Australia to the broad red deserts of Central Australia and now the subtropical rainforests of the East Coast. She loves having the best job in the world in which she gets the opportunity to fight fires, monitor threatened species, use chainsaws and heavy machinery (aka fun toys), audit and hike long distance trails, occasionally fly across the landscape in a helicopter, and (the greatest privilege of all) work with Traditional Owners looking after Country. Well, that and clean toilets of course, can’t leave that out. Inspired by the many Rangers she has worked with in her career, and with no film making or expedition experience, Amanda set off on a new mission on World Ranger Day (July 31) last year called Walking the Thin Green Line Oceania.  Over 366 days, through 8 nations and across 3 oceans, Amanda will travel over 80,000km meeting Rangers and recording their stories in a documentary.  She will also hike more than 1500km to honour the more than 1500 Rangers killed in the line of duty since official records began in 2009.  Amanda will be raising vital funds for the Thin Green Line Foundation’s Oceania Fund to support Ranger led projects around the Oceania region. Amanda will complete her epic self-funded journey on World Ranger Day this year on the southernmost point of mainland Australia at Wilson’s promontory National Park after more than 35,000km of driving, close to 200 Ranger interviews, more than 25 terabytes of footage, dozens of walking trails and peaks, over 30 flights, more than a dozen boats and ferries, 8 sim cards, 2 Garmin inReach’s and more illnesses than you can count on one hand. *** Don't miss out on new episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast that are released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Hit the subscribe button to stay updated. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can help increase the representation of female role models in the media especially in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to contribute. Thank you for your support! *** Show notes Who is Amanda Working as a Park Ranger on the East Coast of Australia  Being a passionate conservationist  Not being scared of doing her own things Her passion for the environment and getting people excited about it Wanting to encourage women and young girls to pursue their dreams Her early years and growing up wanting to be a geologist  Being sports and enjoying spending time outside  Her journey to becoming a Park Ranger  Starting work as a fine dining chef Learning about the slow food movement in Italy  Being involved in the ‘Youth Food Movement’ 2008  Wanting to do more to contribute to the world Going to The University of Queensland, Brisbane to study Natural Resource Management  Doing a course called - Protected Area Management  Being inspired by Rangers and the work they were doing  South Australian Graduate Ranger Program  What do Park Rangers do - in Western Australia  Walking the thin Green Line  Preparation and planning for the Expedition The Thin Green Line Foundation, Australia  How the idea came about Hiking 1,600km by the end of her journey to reflect on the 1,600 rangers who have lost their lives while serving  The goals for the expedition and what she wants to achieve Spending 366 days on the road  Starting on World Ranger Day - 31st July 2022 and finishing on World Ranger Day 31st July 2023  World Ranger Conference 2024, France  The Route Map  Planning, logistics and financing the expedition Connecting with people and getting tips and advice from film makers Starting with a map, crunching the numbers and figuring out what the weather was doing The challenges and obstacles with planning along the way Only being able to plan a few weeks in advance and dealing with the stress that brings Self funding the challenge and receiving financial support from her sister and other family members Losing sponsorship due to floods in Eastern Australia and needing to make alternative arrangements  Feeling comfortable taking calculated risks Being all in and knowing the financial risks Meeting incredible people on the journey Speaking to Rangers and filming them for the documentary  Visiting Papua New Guinea, Indonesia The connection between rangers What’s going to happen over the next 6 months Having a 3 year plan  Making a documentary about the journey and wanting to share the stories Going back to work full time work in August 2023 The lessons learned from the trip Becoming the first ‘Ranger Ambassador’ for the Thin Green Line Foundation The unique challenges faced by female rangers The importance of having women involved in conservation How to connect with Amanda Final words of advice  Why you should consider working in conservation especially in Protected Area Management   Social Media Website: www.walkingthethingreenline.com  Instagram: @walkingthethingreenline  Facebook: @walkingthethingreenline  The Thin Green Line - “A global not-for-profit organisation that provides support to rangers, because rangers are the frontline professionals protecting wildlife and the natural world. We do this by providing effective training, vital equipment, and emergency support to rangers and their families, and developing strong global networks for rangers and their communities.” Website: thingreenline.org.au     

Anna is an Outdoor Instructor working for Land and Wave in Dorset. She loves being on the water, or in the woods, every day sharing her love of adventure with everyone she instructs.  Anna has always loved being outdoors and wanted to find a job that would allow her to enjoy that all year round. From school, she followed a conventional path to university, and became a Civil Engineer working in construction. Recently she decided to take the leap and turn her passion into a job. It was quite a drastic shift from Engineer in London, to Outdoor Instructor in Dorset, but one she is loving.  She was able to change career so quickly following an intensive Outdoor Instructor Training Course in the winter, where she gained qualifications needed for the job, and is now gaining experience every day. *** Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences.  Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure! *** Show notes Anna working as a newly qualified Outdoor Instructor  Working for Land & Wave Living in an 8 person tent on site at Land & Wave (excuse the noise from the wind!) Growing up near Birmingham  Being a member of Scouts  Doing Duke of Edinburgh Award  Joining the University Royal Naval Units (URNU)  Taking a gap year after university and going travelling around South East Asia for 4 months  Moving to London to work in construction  Thinking about making a career change and wanting to work outdoors Not knowing what she wanted to do Making the decision to change careers and what that looked like Googling - Outdoor Instructor Training (OIT) Courses  Picking Land & Wave  The challenges of the course and the realities of spending 15 weeks training in winter Dealing with the cold weather  Enjoying spending time on the water and learning new skills (Canoeing, SUP & Kayaking) Loving the variety of the work What happened after the 15 week course Challenges of working in the outdoor industry Sharing her love of the outdoors with clients What it’s like being a woman in the industry Learning new skills and why it take time to build experience  Outdoor Instructor Apprenticeships  Having a long term career plan? Thinking through different options  Why age doesn’t matter Working towards her own personal goals training to become a Paddlesports Leader  Working towards her Mountain Leader (ML) Qualification  Doing her ML training with Louise Tully The struggle with getting Quality Mountain Days (QMD) in while living in Dorset Connecting with other women in the outdoors who are also doing their qualifications  Magical moments  Helping people to build self confidence Why the first step is always the hardest Remembering what it is you love about your job and why it’s important to enjoy the journey and appreciate each stage your at.    Social Media Website: www.landandwave.co.uk Instagram: @landandwave Facebook: @landandwave Youtube: www.youtube.com/@landwave9920

Sian Sykes was born on the edge of Snowdonia and enjoyed growing up in beautiful North Wales. During her adult life, she used to work in Creative Media in London as a Project Director. However after working 15 years and working 18 hour days in the industry, she wanted a better balance in life, to reconnect with nature and to be closer to the sea and mountains.  That's when she re changed her focus in life and moved back home, to do what she loves doing. Now she guides people stand up paddle boarding in beautiful places. Since working in the city, Sian has travelled the world, building up vast experience of leading expeditions to Nepal, Mongolia, India, China, Peru, Morocco and the Alps. Sian loves a SUP challenge! Sian has completed a number of record breaking SUP challenges. She was part of the first team to cross England on a paddle board, she was then the first person to ever SUP solo the 3 British lakes, Llyn Tegid, Windermere Lake and Loch Awe in 3 days, all unsupported. Sian was also the first person to circumnavigate Anglesey on a SUP which took her 5 days to complete the 120km journey in very challenging sea state conditions. Sian is a real activist, Sian’s recent achievement was a big expedition with a real purpose by highlighting the epidemic we face with disposable single use plastics. She was the first person to SUP circumnavigate Wales (solo and unsupported), a 1000km journey along canals, rivers and sea. She raised money for charity, collecting plastic along the way, inspiring others to make a pledge against plastics and educational talks. Sian enjoys linking her love for the water and mountains through SUP. Her love for the outdoors is infectious, and she’s inspired people of all ages and from all walks of life to get out and SUP. *** Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences.  Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure! *** Show notes Who is Sian Growing up and being introduced to the great outdoors by her mother at 3 weeks old Her love for the outdoors  Her teenage years  Going to university and how she changed  Chasing wealth and status Working in Advertising in Manchester and London  Making a career change after 15 years  Living for work Feeling detached from who she actually was Not feeling fulfilled anymore Wanting to make a U turn  Getting qualification in the outdoors 6 months working in London and 6 months working in the outdoors Separating from her ex-husband  Discovering paddleboarding by chance and loving it Crossing England from Bristol to Reading on a paddle board Gaining experiences and choosing the qualifications The community in Llanberis, Wales  Building up contacts and connections Volunteering in outdoor centres and taking groups on Duke of Edinburgh Award Needing to prove herself  Going after her International Mountain Leader Award which took 3 years to achieve Talking about the financial concerns of making a career change Making the transition into the outdoor industry Stand Up Paddleboarding Adventures and Expeditions SUP around Anglesey  Plastic Pollution in coastal areas Being warned about adventure blues  Starting up her own business and becoming freelance  Finding your passion Surfers Against Sewage - We are Ocean Activists. We are the voice of the ocean. Campaigning for a thriving ocean, thriving people. Anglesey becoming the first county to become plastic free Water Skills Academy (WSA)  WSA - SUP Expedition Guide  Advice for women who want to get more qualifications in the outdoor industry How to connect with Sian Final words of advice for other women who want a career in the outdoors   Social Media Website: www.siansykes.com  Instagram: @sian_sykes  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@psychedpaddleboarding     

In today's fast-paced world, many of us dream of breaking free from the shackles of the corporate world and embracing a life filled with adventure, purpose, and personal fulfilment. Meet Tatty Pettigrew, a courageous woman who made that dream a reality. With an unwavering spirit and a thirst for spending time outdoors, Tatty escaped the confines of her corporate career in London and embarked on a remarkable journey that combines people, education, adventure, and the great outdoors. Growing up, Tatty was sporty but never considered herself particularly outdoorsy. It was during her teenage years that she discovered the transformative power of outdoor adventures while participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE). This experience ignited a spark within her, and she became an advocate for the program, recognising its ability to shape young minds and in-still a love for the outdoors. Her journey into the outdoor world began with thorough research and introspection. Tatty wanted to ensure she was making the right decision, and her meticulous nature led her to spend two years weighing her options and considering the potential risks and rewards. Supported and encouraged by her family, she finally found her path. Committing to the Outdoor Instructor Training Course offered by Land & Wave. This intensive 15-week residential program immersed her in the world of outdoor instruction. From coasteering to climbing, she pushed herself outside her comfort zone, developing not only her skills but also her self-confidence. Building a career in the outdoors wasn't without its challenges, but Tatty persevered. Starting as a seasonal instructor, she gained valuable experience in various locations, including New Zealand, where she volunteered for a children's charity. Over time, she transitioned into freelance work, relishing the flexibility it provided. Through dedication and hard work, she built a strong portfolio of clients and established herself in the industry. Tatty Pettigrew's story serves as a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to break free from the ordinary and pursue a life filled with passion and purpose. Her unwavering spirit, determination, and love for the great outdoors exemplify the essence of the Tough Girl Podcast. Join us in celebrating Tatty's remarkable journey and be inspired to create your own path of exploration, challenge, and transformation. *** Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences.  Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure! *** Show notes Who is Tatty Living in Dartmouth, Devon for the past 3 years Working as an outdoor instructor Growing up, being sporty but not outdoorsy Doing Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) in her teenage years and why she’s a massive advocate for it now Deciding to give up her corporate career in London and retrain as an outdoor instructor  Experiencing the outdoors during a team building day at work Finding out about Outdoor Instructor Training Course Attending an Open Day with Land & Wave  The questions and concerns before making the decision  The fear of making a mistake and doing the wrong thing Researching and thinking for about 2 years before making the final decision. Doing the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Exploring all of her options for getting into the outdoors Her process for making decisions  Trying to figure out what the right option is  Being an over thinker and suffering from ‘analysis paralysis’  Being supported and encouraged by her family  How the pandemic impacted on her decision making  What the Outdoor Instructor Training Course looked like  15 weeks, full time residential (including food & accommodation), kit package, and training Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm  Building up experience during the summer months  Enjoying all the waterspouts especially coasteering  The challenges of climbing and being pushed outside her comfort zone The challenges of training over the cold winter months (Oct - Feb) and being lucky with the weather Working as a volunteer for a children’s charity in New Zealand (food and accommodation covered) Not being able to move to New Zealand due to lockdown. Building up a career in the outdoors and what that looks like Starting off as a seasonal instructor and doing seasonal work in New Zealand Branching out into the freelance work and being able to get plenty of work Enjoying the flexibility of freelance work  Building up her portfolio of clients over the past few years Working hard during the season April - October Using the winter time to work on gaining new skills and focusing on Continuing Professional Development (CPD)  What it’s like being a woman in the outdoors  Being surrounded by good female role models in the industry  The women who’ve inspired Tatty on her journey Anna McNuff  Sue Barrett - Adventure Queen Mother follow on IG @adventurequeenmother Getting the balance right between work and personal time Working towards her Mountain Leader Qualification Sea Kayaking Leader Qualification  Forest School Leader  Volunteering with the Lifeboat Crew for The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)  Discussing, the potential for injury, the wear and tear on your body as you get older, and the potential impact of motherhood on your outdoor career Moving from the steady pay check from the corporate world to being freelance and being self employed Financial stress? Especially during the winter months when there isn’t as much work. Keeping track of finances, being planned and organised.  Doing the last two legs of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Spending 3 months sailing from Seattle to London    Making friends for life and why the people made the challenge How to connect with Tatti on Instagram The 3 words which resonate - Explore. Challenge. Transform.   Social Media Instagram: @tatti.pettigrew    

Patricia Boardman, a former textile designer, has transformed her love for the outdoors into a thriving career as a freelance outdoor instructor. With a strong belief that anyone can pursue their passion for the outdoors, Tricia's journey showcases the power of perseverance and a deep connection with nature. From teaching young adults the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award to leading groups on mountain expeditions across the UK, Tricia's days are filled with diversity and adventure. For the past 15 years, Tricia has dedicated herself to working as an outdoor instructor. A few years ago, she made the courageous decision to transition into full-time freelancing, allowing her to fully immerse herself in her passion. Her genuine love for the outdoors and her desire to push herself out of her comfort zone have been the driving forces behind her success. Growing up in South Manchester, Tricia developed a love for hiking and camping in her late teens. She found like-minded individuals who shared her passion for walking, forging lifelong friendships along the way. Inspired to progress further in the outdoor industry, Tricia pursued her Mountain Leader (ML) Qualification, a milestone she achieved despite not having the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award during her school years. In a male-dominated environment, Tricia persevered, accumulating quality mountain days and fitting in training around her work commitments. She honed her skills in navigation and micro-navigation, pushing herself to be the best she could be. Gradually, she began picking up weekend work and building her reputation through word-of-mouth recommendations, steadily establishing a network of connections in the industry. Tricia reflects on the early years of her career, recognising the challenges she faced as a woman in the industry. However, her unwavering determination and passion for working with people propelled her forward. Over time, she had the opportunity to lead expeditions with children in destinations such as India, Peru, and even climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Witnessing young adults progress and grow, particularly during her time in Peru, solidified her love for her work. The pandemic brought about changes in Tricia's life, including being made redundant. However, armed with some savings, she took the leap into full-time outdoor work, embracing the freedom and fulfilment it brought. She shares practical advice for women seeking to gain experience in the outdoors, emphasising the power of asking and being truthful about one's abilities. As a sole trader using her own name, Tricia finds joy in the variety of her work and the balance between her personal love of the outdoors and her professional pursuits. She plans to expand her qualifications, particularly in water-based activities and cave leading. Despite the occasional challenges, Tricia remains motivated, continuously striving to improve her climbing skills and push her boundaries. Tricia is passionate about promoting diversity in the outdoors and is particularly motivated to inspire girls, especially in faith schools, to embrace nature and adventure. Being of mixed heritage—half Indian and half Scottish—she takes pride in being a role model for the girls she teaches and strives to make the outdoors accessible to all. With her infectious enthusiasm, Tricia shares magical moments she has experienced in nature and her unwavering dedication to helping people reach their full potential. Her final words of advice serve as an inspiration for women who aspire to work in the outdoors, along with valuable guidance on obtaining qualifications and pursuing their dreams. *** This episode of the Tough Girl Podcast was sponsored by Land & Wave! We hope you've been inspired by Patricia Boardman's incredible journey and her passion for the outdoors. Remember, with perseverance and a love for nature, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.  Stay tuned for more empowering stories and don't forget to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on new episodes, released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time. Thank you for joining us on this adventure! *** Show notes Tricia Boardman Woking as an outdoor instructor for the past 15 years Deciding to go full time as a freelancer a few years ago Her love for the outdoors  Making friends with people at 17/18 years old with people who loved walking Liking to push herself out of her comfort zone Going on day hikes and camping Growing up in South Manchester Studying textiles at college and working in a bar part time  Deciding to take on her Mountain Leader (ML) Qualification  Not getting the chance to do the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award as it wasn’t available at her school  Meeting people who already had their ML qualification and being encouraged to do it. Wanting to progress further in the outdoors Learning in a male dominated environment  Getting her quality mountain days in and fitting in the training around work Doing solo days and spending time walking in the outdoors  Focusing on navigation and micro navigation  Starting to pick up a few pieces of work here and there at the weekends What it was like being a woman in the industry when she first started working in it 20 years ago Thinking about working full time in the outdoors Getting the opportunity to lead a few expeditions with children abroad, to India, Peru, and taking on Kilimanjaro  Helping young adults progress and grow  Loving her time spend in Peru Making changes to her life after the pandemic Being made redundant and having some money behind her while making the transition to working outdoors full-time. Her love for working with people  Getting work when she first started out  Building up a network and connections, and being recommended via word of mouth Gaining experience in the industry via work shadowing and volunteering with waking groups Practicalities of getting work experience and how to go about it Advice and tips for women who want to gain more experience in the outdoors The power of asking people  Why it’s important to be truthful about what you can and can’t do What a typical week looks like during busy season Loving the variety of the work  Working as a sole trader and using her own name The British Mountaineering Council (BMC)  Thinking about getting further qualifications - especially water based qualifications  Cave Leader Qualification  Tips for dealing with the bad days  Balancing work with her personal love of the outdoors  Working slowly towards climbing all of the Wainwrights  Wanting to go up a grade in climbing  Climbing with friends who climb harder than her, in order to push herself to get better and make progress Buying a van in September 2022  (Transit - long wheel base) and doing the renovation with her partner (Nick). Take the van on a climbing trip to the South of France and following the sunshine before heading back to the UK Living in the van (instead of camping) to help keep costs down while working Pay for a day’s DofE work (£130 - £150) Making a living from working in the outdoors and taking on other additional jobs throughout the winter months. Being booked up with work throughout the summer months Diversity in the outdoors and her thoughts of working in the industry  Working in Faith Schools and helping to inspire girls to get outdoors and spend time in nature Being half Indian and half Scottish and feeling proud that she can be a role model to the girls she is teaching Wanting to make the outdoors accessible Being encouraged by her mum “don’t let anyone stop you, just do what you want to do”  Discrimination in the outdoors? And how things have changed over the years Magical moments in the outdoors and why she loves spending time in nature Her passion for helping people to reach their potential  Final words of advice for other women who want to work in the outdoors Advice for getting your qualifications    Social Media None     

Tori is one half of West Country Adventures. She is a qualified teacher, and kayak coach turned climbing coach, aiming to inspire and support women in their ambition to become independent rock climbers. During our conversation, Tori candidly shares the challenges of working in the outdoors, particularly the wage disparities and financial challenges faced by women. She offers advice on how to gain experience, emphasising the importance of volunteering, shadowing, and observing others at work. Tori's own journey involved studying outdoor education, travelling, managing a climbing retreat in Spain, and joining a team of polar explorers going up to the North Pole. Through these experiences, she has gained a wealth of knowledge and skills, and now offers valuable insight into the opportunities available for those interested in pursuing a career in the outdoors. Tori is passionate about the outdoors and the benefits it offers, particularly for mental health. She also highlights the changing landscape of the industry, with governing bodies working to encourage women to work in the outdoors and provide support for them. *** Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences.    Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure!   Show notes Who is Tori Working with female clients  Being athletic and loving team sports Studying at Exeter College  Being a member of the Scouts  Embarking on a career in the outdoors Teaching in a formal classroom setting  The wage disparity between the outdoors and other industries Studying outdoor education and what it was like Starting out with very little knowledge  Developing personal skills Needing to be to 18 to work in the outdoors Doing her Bachelor’s degree (Geography and Outdoor Education) at Manchester Metropolitan University  Is university worth it? How to connect with and contact employers Advice for getting experience Why a wide range of experience is essential Looking for volunteer opportunities  Shadowing and observing others at work Don’t go too niche too soon Going travelling to Europe after university  Managing a climbing retreat in Spain Taking on a full time apprentice role in Yorkshire Joining a team of polar explorers going up to the North Pole Teaching polar explorers how to canoe on their sledges Loving paddlesports and climbing  The opportunities available  Leading overseas expeditions (After qualifying as a Mountain Leader (ML) and First Aider) Teaching on youth development programs Making the time for experiences outside and why it’s important Benefits for your mental health The challenges of working in the outdoors Wages and money  Costs of equipment and clothing  Dealing with the miserable days The financial challenges of women working in the outdoors Women dropping off in the qualifications/award system in their late 20s Flexibility and wages and why it’s even harder when you have children How the Industry has changed over the past 16/17 years The support from governing bodies to encourage women to work in the outdoors Dealing with knocks to her confidence Mountain Training and their 5 year plan (2021 - 2025)  Gear for women that fits  Running women only courses Concerns about dealings with periods How to connect with Tori Final words of advice   Social Media Website: www.westcountryadventures.co.uk Instagram: @itsadogslife_climbing @westcountry_adventures     

Jennie has found her calling in the breathtaking landscapes of Dorset. As an outdoor instructor working for Land & Wave, she brings her passion for adventure to life, inspiring others to embrace the wild side of nature. Growing up on a farm in Cheshire, Jennie discovered her love for water and sailing at an early age. Spending time in North Wales and later working on sailing yachts in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, she developed a deep connection with the outdoors and a thirst for exploration. However, as life progressed and her children embarked on their own journeys, Jennie realised it was time to pursue her own dreams. Seeking fulfilment beyond her role at a local primary school, she found herself at a crossroads. After the loss of a close family member, she embarked on a soul-searching journey, determined to follow her passion for the outdoors. The decision to join the Outdoor Instructor Training at Land & Wave was a turning point. Despite initial doubts and concerns, Jennie realised that age should never hold someone back from pursuing their dreams. With unwavering support from her children, parents, and partner, she made the bold move to Dorset, renting out the family home and immersing herself in the 15-week training program. Jennie's dedication and love for water activities shine through as she shares her experiences from the first season of work. From challenging weather conditions to connecting with clients, she has embraced every aspect of her new career. Drawing inspiration from role models and mentors within the industry, Jennie continues to learn and grow, setting her sights on future qualifications such as Paddle Sport Leader (PSL) and Mountain Leader. Balancing the demands of work and personal time in the outdoors is a constant endeavour, but Jennie remains determined to avoid burnout. Coping with the physicality of the job and managing logistics is a part of her daily routine, and she has valuable advice for women aspiring to make a career in the outdoors.   Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences.    Tune in every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 am UK time to be inspired by empowering stories of women working in the great outdoors. Don't miss out on this adventure - hit the subscribe button and be a part of the wild ride!   Show notes Who is Jennie Growing up on a farm in Cheshire Being the youngest of 3 Her love for water and sailing Spending time in North Wales  Working on sailing yachts in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean Meeting her husband and having children  Starting to work in her local primary school Not feeling fulfilled  Losing a close family member Thinking about what she wanted to do next Deciding to follow her passion for the outdoors What it was like when her children left home  Figuring out the next stage in her life Being scared of making a change Learning to see change as an opportunity  The starting point and putting a plan in place Going around in circles to start Becoming qualified as a dog groomer and starting her own business from home Doing research into outdoor providers  Thinking about the costs, the location and the timings Attending an open day at Land & Wave How everything felt right  Fear and concerns before committing to start the Outdoor Instructor Training  Was she too old at 48? Why fear should not hold you back Making it work financially and logistically  Having support from her children, her parents and partner Moving down to Dorset in May and starting to rent out the family home The Outdoor Instructor Training Course - 15 weeks, 15 qualifications. Paying for a kit package Attending an open weekend and meeting other people on the course Her love for the water activities  Getting a job at the end of the course What the first season of work has been like; from the clients, to the work, and the weather Role models and mentors Learning from other instructors  Future career steps and making plans for the winter Wanting to do her, Paddle Sport Leader (PSL) Qualification through Land and Wave Looking at doing her Mountain Leader Qualification Getting the balance right between work and spending time in the outdoors Burnout? Coping with the physicality of the work The logistics of moving kit around Advice for other women who want to make a career in the outdoors   Social Media Website: www.landandwave.co.uk Instagram: @landandwave Facebook: @landandwave Youtube: www.youtube.com/@landwave9920    

Join us as we dive into the captivating story of Rachael Crewesmith, an extraordinary mountaineer, rock climber, hill walker, and mountain bike guide. Discover how Rachael fearlessly defies boundaries in a male-dominated industry, taking on epic challenges and inspiring others along the way. Rachael in her own words:  “I’m a mountaineer, rock climber, hill walker, mountain biker and occasional paddler. I divide my time between the sprawling Scottish Highlands and the compact but wild mountains of Snowdonia where I work as a mountaineering instructor and mountain bike guide. I have ridden my bike across Nepal, round and round the Strathpuffer 24 hr endurance course and down the twisty, rooty trails of the forests of the Highlands. I have climbed up 100 Munroes (and counting), El Capitan in Yosemite, to 6000m in the Himalaya and up the north face of Ben Nevis. My favourite day out ever was climbing The Original Route on The Old Man of Hoy, on Orkney.  I’ve also spent time just travelling for travelling sake, especially in Asia. I visited Burma (Myanmar) at the same time as President Obama and witnessed the carnival of the first US state visit ever. I have walked across the living root bridges of Cherrapungee in north-eastern India and ridden the Darjeeling steam train. I have had dinner with the Nepali Army in Bhojpur and breakfast with the monks of north-eastern Thailand. I love coming home to the UK and realising just how amazing our diverse country is. From laverbread in South Wales to fresh mussels cooked in a jetboil on a Hebridean island, I love our country and all it has to offer.”   Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences.  Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure!   Show notes Who is Rachael Working as an outdoor professional  Living in Llanberis in North Wales Where her love of the mountains comes from  Being obsessed with hockey from a young age Being inspired by her mum - who has previously swum the English Channel! Having a year out between school and university  Spending time in Nepal and going to Everest Base Camp at 18 Meeting a boy who was into climbing Joining the mountaineering club at Nottingham University  Why climbing didn’t come naturally to her Studying archeology at university  Working as a hockey coach Leaving university and getting a job at a climbing wall Not having a plan in her career Not knowing what she wanted to do  Becoming a Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI)  Following up and doing her Mountaineering Climbing Instructor (MCI)  Becoming a Mountain Leader (ML) and doing 40 qualifying days  Loving the variety of what she can do with her qualifications  The challenges of working in the outdoor industry Making the transition to becoming a freelancer Why it’s important to build connections and networks Getting work  The advantages of being a women in the outdoors Elitism in the industry Observing other women working in the industry Working with certain choice companies and what she’s looking for Pay in the industry as a mountaineering instructor and mountain leader Asking for more money and being paid what your worth Favourite type of work to get  Remaining positive when dealing with miserable weather while out working Professional enthusiasm! Winter Mountain Leader Qualification  10% of Winter ML holders are female Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) Women in Mountain Training Conference 2022 The importance of networking  Proximal Role Models - Rebecca Williams  Women’s Trad Festival  Irish Women’s Rock Festival  Advice for women who want to gain more qualifications Dr. Will Hardy - completion rates of Mountain Leader Qualification  Bangor University and Mountain Training PhD - Developing excellence in outdoor provision: enhancing training pathways for outdoor qualifications.  Why you should practice with a variety of people  Tips for finding people to train with  Women in Mountain Training Facebook Page Climbing the ‘Old Man of Hoy’ part of the Orkney archipelago off the north coast of Scotland. What VS means in climbing - Very Severe  An explanation of traditional climbing grades Balancing the job/work with your love/passion for the outdoors Being able to pick and choose her work Being a Trustee of Cam&Bear Fund for Adventure  How to connect with Rachael   Wanting to run the Welsh 3000ers in under 12 hrs  “Think big, start small, but do start”   Social Media Website: rachcrewe.com  Instagram: @rachcrewe  Twitter: @rachcrewe Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-crewesmith-75211530/    

Sophie Tanner is an Outdoor Adventure Activity Instructor and the Director of Land & Wave, a thriving outdoor company based in Dorset, UK. With a passion for inspiring more females to join the outdoor industry, Sophie is dedicated to providing training, employment, and incredible experiences to encourage women to embrace the great outdoors. As one of the four Directors of Land & Wave, Sophie plays a vital role in shaping the company's direction and success. She has a deep understanding of what Land & Wave does and the positive impact it has on people's lives. Born and raised in Dorset, Sophie's love for the outdoors began at an early age, she spent countless hours at the beach and by the water, fostering a connection with nature that would shape her future. Encouraged by her family to engage in sports and spend time outdoors, Sophie developed a strong affinity for exploring and trying new things. At the age of 16, Sophie contemplated her life's path. She desired to attend university but still yearned for opportunities to spend time outside. Taking a gap year at 18, she embarked on an adventure to Australia and New Zealand, immersing herself in the wonders of the natural world. This experience solidified her passion for outdoor adventure and led her to pursue a degree in Outdoor Adventure Recreation at university. During her summer holidays, Sophie made the most of her time by working at kids' holiday clubs and providing sports coaching in schools. She eagerly prepared for life after graduation, taking a nine-month journey to Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Colombia, and Canada. These travels enriched her perspective and further fuelled her desire to make a difference in the outdoor industry. Upon joining Land & Wave, Sophie dedicated herself to acquiring additional qualifications necessary for her outdoor pursuits. She obtained her First Aid qualification and completed her Mountain Leader training in Wales, paving the way for her to work full-time in the outdoors. Sophie thrived on the physical challenges of her job while also emphasising the importance of rest and recovery. Recognising the barriers that women face in the outdoor industry, Sophie offers valuable advice for other women who aspire to work in this field. She shares her insights on dealing with challenging situations, encourages more women to sign up, and organises Open Days with Land & Wave to provide opportunities for women to explore outdoor career options. Throughout her career, Sophie has witnessed significant changes in the outdoor industry over the past 15 years. She discusses these transformations and offers advice to women and girls seeking to gain experience in this dynamic field. Sophie highlights the Outdoor Instructor Fast Track Route and the thrilling activity of Coasteering as pathways for women to connect with Land & Wave. To connect with Land & Wave and learn more about their initiatives, Sophie encourages listeners to explore the company's website and social media channels. In her final words of advice, Sophie leaves a lasting message for aspiring outdoor enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.   Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences. Don't miss out on these empowering episodes sponsored by Land & Wave.    New episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday throughout July at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure!   Show notes Being 1 of 4 Directors of Land & Wave What Land & Wave does Living in Swanage Growing up in Dorset and her early years Spending time at the beach and by the water Being encouraged by her family to get into sports and spending time outdoors Working with her older sister Rosie Her love for exploring and trying new things Thinking about what she wanted to do with her life at 16 Wanting to go to University but still wanting to spend time outside Taking a gap year at 18 to go to Australia and New Zealand Studying an Outdoor Adventure Recreation Course at University Making use of her summer holidays Working at kids holiday clubs and doing sports coaching in schools  Making plans for after graduation Going travelling for 9 months visiting; Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Columbia & Canada. Starting at Land & Wave Getting additional qualifications needed for the outdoors Doing her First Aid qualification and doing her Mountain Leader training in Wales Wanting to work full time in the outdoors The challenges of working in the outdoor industry  Dealing with the physicality of the job Rest & recovery  Advice for other women who want to work in the outdoor industry  Barriers for women working in the outdoor industry Dealing with challenging situations while at work Encouraging more women to sign up Open Days with Land & Wave What has changed in the industry over the past 15 years  Advice for women and girls who want to gain experience in the outdoor industry Outdoor Instructor Fast Track Route  Coasteering  How to connect with Land & Wave Final words of advice   Social Media Website: www.landandwave.co.uk Instagram: @landandwave Facebook: @landandwave Youtube: @landwave9920