Tough Girl Podcast

Mardi Fuller advocates for racial equity through writing, speaking and community building.   A lifelong backcountry adventurer, in January 2021 she became the first known Black person to hike all 48 of New Hampshire’s high peaks in winter.  She lives in Boston where she works as a nonprofit communications director and volunteers with the local Outdoor Afro network.   She writes for Outside magazine, SKI magazine, Melanin Basecamp and more.   Mardi is committed to personal and corporate Black liberation and thereby, liberation for all humanity.  She believes deeply in nature's healing power. Mardi was involved in the short film, “Mardi & the whites” Film Abstract “Mardi Fuller has a rich relationship with nature that has evolved and deepened throughout her life. In the last 20 years she’s dedicated much of her time to exploring the landscape in the White Mountains (unfortunately coined “The Whites” by New Englanders) on Abenaki land.  In that time Mardi summited all forty-eight 4,000 footers several times in all four seasons, often as the only Black person on the mountain. She has experienced great joy from communing with this landscape, but the overwhelmingly white hiking community that is so seeped in white supremacy and colonialism complicates her experiences.  Recently, she has focused on creating more opportunities for Black folks to join her in appreciating this magnificent wilderness. Enjoying this land with her community has been a liberating balm that has strengthened her sense of identity as an outdoorswoman.  “Mardi & the whites” is a peek into Mardi’s relationship with the White Mountains, the great outdoors, and the community that surrounds them; Above all, it’s a celebration of Black liberation in the wild.” Mardi’s Quote about the film “The film is about my 20-year journey as an outdoorswoman in the super white White mountains of New Hampshire. It's about the pain and loss I experienced amidst a hiking community wed to the invisibility of whiteness. At the same time, I benefited from the grounding force that is Nature. Over the years and through much identity formation and development, I found a path of Black liberation.”   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.  You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.    Show Notes Who is Mardi Living in Boston, Massachusetts, USA Her passion for the outdoors and spending time outdoors Growing up in the suburbs close to NYC   Discovering backpacking while at college Starting to explore the White Mountains  Studying Spanish and French at College and spending time studying abroad Spending time in Europe The joy of travelling and experiencing other cultures  Making the decision to move to Boston and her reasons for staying Her love of the mountains  Hiking in the summer or winter? The importance of being prepared for winter hiking Up skilling and gaining new knowledge  Why Mt Washington is one of the most deadly mountains in America Appalachian Mountain Club - is dedicated to the protection, enjoyment & understanding of the outdoors across the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic regions.  Figuring out your own layering system to keep warm while walking in Winter Learning how to set your own personal expectations Wanting to hike all 48 mountains in New Hampshire over 4,000 feet (1219 meters) Her motivation for finishing off the remaining mountains to complete the 48 mountains in New Hampshire The film - Mardi and the Whites Paula Champagne - Visual Storyteller  Talking about her personal experiences in the mountains  Learning about the history of racial exclusion for people of colour Having to suppress her identity while out in the mountains and why it’s an ongoing journey  How have things changed over the past 20 years with regards to race and racism Speaking out against white supremacy and white dominance  Shilletha "Dragonsky" Curtis - Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2021  “Redlining” all the trails in a state and the racial undertones from the name The importance of acknowledging tribal land - as a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land. Hiking Mt. Katahdin in Winter and her goals for winter 2023 and wanting to finish the New England 67 mountains  Hiking all 67 New England 4,000 Footers How to connect with Mardi  Final words of advice for women who want to spend more time in the outdoors.   Social Media Instagram @wherelocsflyfree Watch the Film - Mardi & The Whites  Linktree - https://zez.am/wherelocsflyfree     

Steph is a Mum to a her nearly 6 year old son, a soldiers wife, and Operations manager for Forces Wives Challenge (FWC). In July 2019 Steph and her families' world was turned upside down when she became suddenly very unwell, and was subsequently diagnosed with a neurological disorder.  Going from an active, full time working Mum and a keen horse rider, to fully dependant on a wheelchair, with complex health issues and requiring 24/7 care to support with everyday tasks, was life changing. With sheer determination, an incredible support network and a passion for adventure, less than two years later Steph was back in the saddle and aiming for the next challenge in life.  Steph found her new 'place' within the FWC community and her role quickly developed from there, with her now being FWC's operation manager.  This year Steph will take on a huge challenge alongside a team of Forces Wives when she takes on the 'Ride to Freedom' (R2F). Created by Steph, R2F will see the team tackle the challenging terrain surrounding the WW2 freedom across the Pyrenees mountains. The team will spend 5 days on horseback covering 130km of technically difficult mountain tracks, with the only the team supporting Steph in every aspect of the expedition. Join us as we follow Stephanie Quintrell's incredible journey of resilience, determination, and empowerment as she takes on the challenging Ride to Freedom and inspires others to never give up on their dreams. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe 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 Steph Being based in the East Midlands Working as the Operations Mangers for Forces Wives Challenge (FWC) The founder of FWC - Heather Sharp  Wanting to be involved with FWC but not being able to participate in the hikes and the mountaineering expeditions How her role has developed over the years  Her early years growing up and her love for horses Having her own horse from when she was 12 Being a member of The Pony Club  Working in the care sector  Getting ill at 28 and having to use a wheelchair  Struggling with chronic pain and exhaustion when she was younger Being diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis (MS) in her early 20s but still having an active lifestyle  How her whole world changed within 48hrs  The challenges of treating her condition  Adapting to a new way of living  Not being able to look after herself or her son Getting back to horse riding after 2 years  The feeling of freedom The Ride to Freedom - what it is and what’ s involved  Wanting to get involved in a new challenge and making the challenge accessible  WW2 Freedom Trail (chemin de la Liberté) escape route to Spain  Being supported by an amazing team of women  The power of adventure and how it can bring people together Wanting adventure to be inclusive and accessible  Doing practice expeditions/training weekends in the UK Working through her fears and concerns before the start of the challenge  Wanting to create a short film about the journey  How people can connect with Steph and FWC Final words of advice and wisdom for other women who would like to take on new challenges and adventures    Social Media Website - www.forceswiveschallenge.org/ride-to-freedom Instagram:  @forces_wives_challenge  @steph_backinthesaddle Facebook : @forceswiveschallenge Twitter: @ForcesWivesChal     

An ex city-lawyer whose first qualification was as a tennis coach, and whose first love has always been sport, Catherine has spent the second half of her career combining her twin passions of sport and leadership through her business, Sport and Beyond Ltd.  Catherine brings a unique perspective to the mindset and approaches that deliver exceptional and sustained performance. She has had the privilege of working with many of our elite athletes and coaches, as well as a large number of the leading CEOs in the sports sector and elsewhere. She maintains strong links to the legal sector both through coaching senior lawyers, and through her role as Chair of O Shaped, an organisation aimed at making the legal profession better. Catherine is also a Trustee on the Board of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. About The Book:  Staying the Distance showcases the much-needed leadership lessons that sport can teach us: how to improve, perform and achieve, in ways that are effective and sustainable. Leadership can be hard. It can certainly be relentless. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the well-being, health and sustained performance of many senior leaders, and yet strong leadership remains central to the performance of every single organization. Business leaders are very familiar with drawing lessons from elite sport, particularly around teams, leadership and high performance. But we have all been missing a trick. Day in, day out, sport has been showing us not only how to improve, perform and achieve, but how to do so on a sustained basis, consistently delivering results when it matters. This book shines a light on these unseen lessons, and provides a clear and practical roadmap for how to deploy them in the reader's own leadership practices. With Catherine Baker's unique view into world-class sport and top-level business, and with insights from top performers in both worlds, this book provides a fresh and dynamic take on how - consistently and over the long term - to bring out the best in yourself, and in those you lead.   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.  You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.    Show Notes Who is Catherine? Having a varied work life from tennis coach to corporate lawyer Working as a leadership and mindset coach Mother of 3 sons Being sporty from a young age and being labelled as a tomboy Being a twin and the twin relationship  Being 1 of 2 girls in an all boys school  Going to boarding school at 8  Playing both tennis and hockey Going down the route of becoming a lawyer Trying to balance work and hockey training  How team sports took a back seat to work Being on secondment in Singapore for 5 months Having a set of core principles and how they developed Wanting to make most of the opportunities  Recognising her privilege  Practical tips for taking advantage of those opportunities  The importance of having really clear goals Getting the idea for her new book - Staying the Distance: The lessons from sport that business leaders have been missing Working out her own personal mission Balancing career, family and sports  Wanting to do everything to the best of her ability You can do anything, but you can’t do everything Who is the book for? The Huddle - a free resource to help you strategise, motivate and perform. Thoughts on decision making - going with your gut, your emotions, or values…. Confirmation bias Why it’s sensible to give yourself time to make decisions Deciding to do the The Great North Swim  Dealing with setbacks and failure  Chapter 2 - How to leave behind fear How to connect with Catherine Final words of advice - “Success really is a team sport, so think carefully about who you have around you.”    Social Media Website: sportandbeyond.co.uk   Twitter: @sportandbeyond1  Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/catherinehbaker/  Book: Staying the Distance: The lessons from sport that business leaders have been missing     

Genny is aiming to be the first Aruban to ski to the North and South Poles to raise awareness on the devastating effects of Lyme Disease. Genny was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in the summer of 2016 after suffering from its debilitating effects and misdiagnosis for three harrowing years. She went from being a fit and active person to being so fatigued that she was bed bound for months.  A few years on from diagnosis, Genny has recovered and become passionate about making diagnosis affordable, available and prompt in the UK, where she now lives. She is determined that no one else should suffer as she did. Genny is excited and a little bit nervous about the challenge of skiing to the South Pole. She hopes to inspire others to aim high, dream big, work hard, and never settle for someone else’s interpretation of what they can achieve.  As the first Aruban woman to attempt such a feat, Genny sees it as an honour to represent her home country and inspire others to pursue their dreams. We first spoke with Genny on - 26th January 2021.  You can listen here:  https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/genny-brown   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe 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 Genny Moving to the UK, 15 years ago Her training to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in late 2024/25 Speaking to Genny on the TGP in January 26th 2021 What’s been going on since we last spoke Coming to realise how much there is still to learn The beginning of 2021 Starting to make plans for 2022 with regards to training  Needing to get more on ice experience  Heading to Norway for training  Working with Helen Turton from Newland Expeditions Getting physical fit by pulling tyres in the UK Knowing her tent mate - Ellen aka @randogirl42 Wanting to dedicate her life to polar pursuits Needing to get her act together and getting more sponsors Developing uterine fibroids and how they impacted on her quality of life Needing to have surgery to remove the uterine fibroids. The recovery period after her surgery Putting a plan in place with help from Helen Needing to do more bespoke training and doing a mini solo expedition on her own Needing to test new equipment out in the cold Cold weather management  Getting back into the gym and building back her strength again Underestimating how long it took to recover Building back up her confidence The start of 2023 Doing her basic polar training course in Norway Having to face her fears and overcome them Needing to work on her mindset  Continuing to show up for herself and doing all the right things Making the best of the situation and focusing on her camp craft Putting a lot of pressure on herself to be perfect Woking with a therapist to identify the reasons why her fear had occurred  Hillenberg Tent  The challenges of solo expeditions  Dealing with the negative thoughts and learning to enjoy the journey  Taking the time to unplug Being by yourself and spending time with your own thoughts Plans for the rest of 2023 Focusing on sponsorship Making progress over the past few years Wanting to learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations  Wanting to develop her mountaineering skills Planning for 2024 and what needs to be done to achieve her polar goal How to connect with Genny Final words of advice for other women who want to pursue their big dream  Stop holding yourself back Needing to factor in rest and recovery   Social Media Website: www.antarcticaruban.com  Instagram: @antarcticaruban  Facebook: @antarcticaruban Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/expedition-kit-for-genny-brown-antarctic-aruban     

Tegan in her own words:  “Once upon a time… I was studying to be a lawyer.  Then I drew some comics in a competition to win a bicycle, which I rode across Spain, telling the story of my adventure through a comic blog.  This kind of adventure storytelling was too fun to not wildly pursue, so I spent the next few years finding ways to go on more adventures (which included an 11,000km bike trip through Africa with my family, and a 10 Iron Man triathlon around New Zealand), while figuring out how to turn it into a real job.  Today, I work full-time as a cartoonist, speaker and endurance cyclist. I am currently working on a book, setting up a comic merchandise shop in South Africa and training to try again to set a women’s record of the fastest cycle from Cairo to Cape Town in Oct 2022 February 2024.”  The challenge: Cycling Africa: Cairo to Cape Town. 1 continent, 8 countries, 10,800 kilometres, and 58,000 elevation, setting a women's world record that needs to exist.   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe 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 Tegan Her love of going on big adventures on her bike Growing up in South Africa Spending a lot of time outside Living in Cape Town Going on a family cycle adventure  Cycle touring Being inspired by Tom Allen  Her first solo trip in Spain  Getting lost, falling off the bike and figuring it out Feeling completely free Transitioning into the adventure life Her love of adventure Professional Adventurer? Problem solving while on the road Cartooning and why it’s more like writing  Making decisions after university  Trying to figure out what to do next Feeling a lot of pressure Reflecting back on her earlier work Being encouraged to follow her passions Heading off to New Zealand to do 10 Iron Man  Trying to figure out how to make money Adventure Grants Altum Consulting  Training plans and joining a triathlon club The planning and preparation  First blind woman attempting to climb Mt. Everest - Shawn Cheshire  What does success look like on an adventure? Anticipating unexpected challenges Where the idea came from to cycle from Cairo to Cape Town Finding out that there was no women’s record for the Cairo to Cape Town cycle  2019 - applying for the Guinness World Record to find out what the rules were Planning and researching for the challenge  Wanting to start in October 2022 Needing to go through the civil war in Ethiopia  Working with a cycling coach for the past few years Figuring out the funding and the support team Being delayed in Egypt and needing to wait 6 weeks Feeling ill and needing medical help  Having a seizure and ending up in hospital  Processing everything that’s happened Trying to figure out what was wrong Having her dream fall apart in front of her eyes Getting back to cycling and training Hormonal problems? Looking after herself and prioritising her mental health  The therapy of talking Plans for 2023  Heading to France do to an Alt Tour of the Women’s Tour de France Staying with Katherine Bertine  The Women’s Tour - UK  Tour de France Femmes Funding for adventures and making a living Working with Komoot Turning 30 and how her mindset is changing Having less fear and coming-out the other side How to connect with Tegan Final words of advice    Social Media Website: teganphillips.com  Instagram: @teganphillipscomics     

Seanna in her own words: “I am Seanna (pronounced like Shauna) and I am deep into my healing journey. I am a survivor of multiple severe traumas and some debilitating psychosis. I have been to some of the darkest places and led a very limited life for some time.   As well as medication and therapy, I have found that carving out an intentional life and staying true to my values has helped me to not only survive, but truly thrive. After spending two months as an inpatient in a trauma clinic, I discovered embodied healing practices, and later qualified as a breathwork facilitator.  I aim to live a life that is aligned with who I am, focusing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well as a life full of adventure.  In 2022, I thru hiked the Israel National Trail over two months on my own, which is over 1,000 km. The inner journey was even more powerful than the tangible one, and now I give talks on overcoming adversity and being guided by intuition to live your best, most intentional life.”  Content Warning - During this episode; mental health, trauma, self harm, dark thoughts and psychosis is discussed.    New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.  You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.    Show Notes Who is Seanna? Being on an 8 month sabbatical  Recording this from Vietnam  Having an adventurous spirit but not fitting into games Not liking any type of game (sports, board games etc) Joining the Army Cadets  Taking 2 gap years to travel Being concerned about what other people thought of her Being a competitive cheerleader and competing in the world championships in Florida  Booking a flight to Arctic Sweden to walk a small section of the Kungsleden Trail (The Kings Trail) The joys of spending time in nature and how it makes her feel Her running journey and signing up for her first marathon at 19 on the South Downs Being ill aged 21/22  Giving up smoking in 2012 and starting to run again Doing her first Ultra Marathon - 50km on the Thames Path Challenge  Biting off more than she can chew, not feeling ready - and why it’s ok to try your best and just muddle through. Running for Joy Feeling her feelings Training for the Thames Path Challenge with running coach Toby - IG  Queer Running Club Struggling with consistency Running with her mum and step dad Magical moments while running  Deciding to take a sabbatical and the planning for her time off Spending 2 months in a trauma clinic in 2018 Being inspired to hike the Israel National Trail Making the decision and how it felt right Feeling difficult emotions but knowing how to feel them and cope with them in a sensible way Not feeling ready to leave the trauma clinic  Planning during the covid lockdowns  The Israel National Trail  Getting water on the trail and arranging water drops Dealing with flash flood warnings and the dangers of hiking during those times The Red Guide Book - The full guide to the Israel National Trail - Fourth Edition, 2020  Not feeling safe putting her tent up and not listening to her gut Magical moments with trail angels Money/costs and going over budget (£1,500 for 2 months) How to connect with Seanna  Plans for the next few months Leaving London and moving to Devon Final words of wisdom for women who want to make some changes in their life   Social Media Website: www.seannasworld.org  Instagram: @seannasworld  Ko-fi:  ko-fi.com/seannasworld Youtube: https://youtube.com/@seannasworld6502      

Zahra Rose, a brand ambassador for Sports Shoes and The North Face, and has achieved incredible feats such as trekking to Everest, Broad Peak, and K2 Base camps, as well as summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.  In addition to her love for adventure, Zahra is an active member of the Muslim Hikers Community and uses her social media platform to promote representation of Muslim women in outdoor activities.  Zahra is a strong advocate for breaking down stereotypes of the "Hijabi woman" and inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams.   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 Zahra Rose Being raised in Hastings, South England Having 2 younger sisters  Feeling out of place Struggling to make friends locally Seeing people who looked like her for the first time Moving to London to study fashion design Feeling confident and knowing herself well Being inspired by her father who was a runner Getting involved in sports Wearing the headscarf at 14 Feeling the need to change her personality Feeling confident and self assured Representing her faith and feeling a sense of responsibly  Starting travelling after university  Why travelling is an important part of life Getting into hiking at 14 Her first charity trip to Snowdon The struggle of climbing her first mountain  Wanting to encourage other muslim women to get outdoors Creating a vision board every year Connecting with Haroon Mota from Muslin Hikers  Planning to go to Everest Base Camp, Nepal  Training and preparation for the trip The importance of training your mind Starting her day with yoga The power of acceptance  Checking in with yourself on a regular basis Spending time in Nepal The challenges on the hike to base camp Dealing with the adventure blues Planning the next challenge/adventure  Needing something to look forward to Climbing Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain in Africa Summit night Praying while on adventure Heading to Broad Peak and K2 Base Camps The final push to get to base camp Being supported and encouraged at the the tough moments Being a member o fMuslim Hikers - Inspiring Muslims to get OUTDOORS.  How to connect with Zahra Rose Final words of advice to motivate and inspire other women and girls to get active and spend more time in the outdoors Why nothing is beyond your limits Her plans to reach 40 countries    Social Media Instagram: @ZahraRosea Muslim Hikers - Inspiring Muslims to get OUTDOORS.  Website: muslimhikers.com Instagram: @Muslim.Hikers     

Allie Mason is an autistic children’s author and micro-adventurer who has just published her first book, The Autistic Guide to Adventure: Active Pursuits from Archery to Wild Swimming for Tweens and Teens.  Allie lives in the English countryside with her partner and their beloved Labrador. The purpose of her writing is to give neurodivergent young people a place where they recognise themselves and feel that they belong. Allie in her own words: “When I was 23 years old, I was diagnosed as autistic. It was a bittersweet moment for me. On the one hand, it answered a lot of questions that had been accumulating since I was a child. On the other, it highlighted that a lot of the struggles I had faced when I was younger could have been avoided with the right support. I was (and still am!) an avid reader, but I never felt that I recognised myself in the pages of a book. The characters didn’t face the same struggles as me, didn’t think the same way, so as much as I tried to immerse myself in these fictional worlds, there was always something missing. Now, as an adult, I write books that neurodivergent kids and teens, like I once was, can see themselves in.” *** About the book:The Autistic Guide to Adventure: Active Pursuits from Archery to Wild Swimming for Tweens and Teens.  Outdoor adventuring can be life changing - it makes you physically and mentally stronger, takes you to new places and introduces you to new friends, as well as being an exhilarating challenge - but it can be stressful when there are unexpected social and sensory challenges involved. Allie Mason, autistic adventurer extraordinaire, is here to help. Join Allie as she introduces activities ranging from archery to stargazing, sailing to fossil hunting, snorkelling to nature-writing - and so much more. Each easily digestible factsheet comes with a short introduction, a summary of the sensory experiences involved, suggestions on approaching activities for when you're just getting started, as well as a handy budgeting system. With personal anecdotes and interviews with awesome autistic athletes, this book will give you the support you need to take on the great outdoors. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.  You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.    Show Notes Who is Allie Chilling with her dog at home Her early years growing up  Being diagnosed as autistic at 23 (Feb 2020) Feeling strange from a young age and knowing she was different Feeling isolated and being bullied  Why her diagnoses was liberating Understanding that she wasn’t broken and that there is nothing wrong with her Her outlook on life  Being trusting, truthful and taking things at face value Not understanding social etiquette very well Wanting to gentle educate people by just being herself Understanding different Neurotypes  Getting an assessment done to diagnose autism Signing up for a roller-skate marathon in Berlin Training for 18 months and what that looked like  Thriving on structure  Raising money for charity - Ambitious About Autism Taking any reference to the roller-skate marathon out of the book What happened on the day of the marathon and why things didn’t go according to plan  Dealing with injury and still wanting to do the challenge Being told to get off the course after 5km The lessons learned from the negative experience  Feeling emotions of frustration, resentment and feeling wronged How can organisers of the event could have handle having to take people off the course  Support for autistic people who enter larger events  Wanting to do the event again Equality and Equity Having the idea for her book while thinking about doing the roller-skate marathon New book: The Autistic Guide to Adventure: Active Pursuits from Archery to Wild Swimming for Tweens and Teens  The contents of the book and how to use the guide Highlights from the Autistic and Adventure manifesto - “Trying the thing, asking for support, respecting your limits and being an adventurer” Top tips for “trying the thing” Not being afraid to fail Who the book is aimed at The importance of representation and sharing stories from autistic athletics  Future projects in 2023 Working on book 2 Wanting to take a sensory space on tour around the UK How to connect with Allie Final words of advice  Being inspired by Al Humphreys   Social Media Website: www.alliewrote.com  Instagram: @alliewrote   TikTok: @alliewrote      

A couple of years ago, Julia embarked on a solo hike along England's 630-mile South West Coast Path. Since then, she has cycled King Alfred's Way, a 217-mile mainly off-road cycle route in southern England, and walked the Camino Frances and Camino Portuguese! But Julia's adventures don't stop there. In between her travels, she's been busy writing about her experiences, hoping to inspire others to embrace their own bucket lists.  During this process, she's discovered a love for hiking and is also writing walking guidebooks to encourage others to get outdoors and explore. Julia's story is a testament to the power of setting goals, pursuing your passions, and living life to the fullest.   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.  To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron -  www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.    Show Notes Who is Julia  Deciding to live her bucket list Living in South Wales by the sea Growing up in Surrey Her early years growing up Sticking to indoor sports Getting into the outdoors in her 50s Discovering a love of hiking Book: 500 mile Walkies - Mark Wallington  Having a health scare in her 50s Wanting to get out there and do all the things she wanted to do Figuring out a new career  Wanting to become an adventurer The South West Coastal Path (SWCP) Planning and preparation for the SWCP Getting fitted for a new backpack and upgrading her camping gear Thinking about the things that could go wrong Wild camping for the first time by herself The start of the walk and feeling terrified Thinking time while walking Book: Live Your Bucket List: Simple Steps to Ignite Your Dreams, Face Your Fears and Lead an Extraordinary Life, Starting Today  Feeling safe while travelling Money - paying for and budgeting for adventures  Deciding to walk the Camino Walking with an open mind Reflecting back on the walk and writing a book about it Becoming a writer and learning how to self publish Book: 15 Short Walks on the Malvern Hills  Book: Top 10 Walks: Coastal Pub Walks – South Wales Coast  Meeting on the Wales Coast Path - Vlog 42 The environment and sustainability Dealing with carbon guilt How to connect with Julia Final words of advice   Social Media Website www.juliags.com  Instagram @juliagsauthorspeaker  Facebook @juliagsauthor  Youtube @JuliaGSAuthorSpeaker    Listen free of charge to the first three chapters of Live Your Bucket List: www.juliags.com/liveyourbucketlist  Free Pilgrimage Planner pdf: www.juliags.com/camino Julia's books: www.juliags.com/writing 15 short walks on the Malvern Hills: www.cicerone.co.uk/short-walks-on-the-malvern-hills-first       

India Pearson, is an Outdoors Advocate, Presenter, and Yoga Teacher based on the Kent coast.  India's passion for wellbeing and nature has lead her to produce and host the podcast 'Start a Ripple ...' which celebrates the power of moving in nature for the mind, body and environment. Guests have included TV adventurer Ben Fogle, Olympian Michelle Griffith Robinson, BBC Spring Watch Presenter Megan McCubbin and Emmy Award Winner Doon Mackichan. You can also find India presenting in front of the camera, on the highly successful Youtube Channel Holiday Extras Travel Guides, which over the last 4 years, has taken her all over the world making documentary style videos on sustainable tourism.  During her time with Holiday Extras India co-founded a sustainable travel podcast 'Green on the Go' which saw her speak to industry professionals and travellers about eco tourism. In 2019 India won the Holiday Extras Difference Award for her efforts to encourage customers and colleagues to travel and live more sustainably. As a lifestyle model India has worked with a variety of brands across different industries both nationally and internationally.  India uses social media for discussions based around her passions and expertise in paddle boarding, yoga, environmental activism, and getting outdoors as a new mum to her daughter Malou. India has been featured in publications such as Women's Health and Women and Home, and is also also an ambassador for Gill Marine and Hatha Paddle Boards. When she's not presenting, India can mostly be found by the sea, either on her stand up paddle board or practicing yoga on the beach.  In 2020 India founded Fin & Flow, a hub for like minded people to connect through wellbeing activities by the sea such as yoga, paddle boarding, and beach cleans.   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.  You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.    Show Notes Who is India? Living in Kent with her partner and daughter Her love of the sea Working as a SUP and Yoga teacher Being an Outdoor Advocate and being passionate about the outdoors Having a very outdoorsy childhood  Her podcast - 'Start a Ripple ...' which celebrates the power of moving in nature for the mind, body and environment. Wishing she learnt how to surf when she was younger Memories of playing in the waves Going to college and studying dance, before moving to London Dealing with anxiety and getting into yoga for the breathing Feeling the benefits and knowing that she wanted to teach it Doing the 200hr teaching training inThailand Doing a SUP/Yoga Teacher Training Course Doing a refresher water safety course What can people expect from a SUP/Yoga class The benefits of moving in nature and wanting to share it with others The ripple effect of spending time in nature Deciding to start the podcast and being on it’s 5th Series  Pregnancy and being active and spending time outdoors Dealing with Postnatel Anxiety  Self care tips for new mums during stressful times of the year Why comparison is the thief of joy How her views of adventure have changed since having a baby Dealing with a change in her identify and how she viewed herself The challenges of going back to work after maternity leave Taking her daughter on adventures  Future plans for 2023 Armchair Adventure Festival 2023 (Use TG10 to get a 10% discount) How to connect with India Final words of advice for new mums and parents     Social Media Website: www.finandflow.co.uk  Instagram @with_india    The Start a Ripple podcast was founded on the belief that ripples are made when we connect movement with nature, not only for our mind and body, but also the environment too. Every episode India speaks to a guest who shares their story and approach to moving in nature, with the hope that these conversations will encourage you to get outside, move, dream big, and start making your own ripples.   Listen here - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1718611