Tough Girl Podcast

Tara in her own words:   “I don’t really think of myself as tough. I’ve always loved adventures. I did my first expedition when I was 18 and it ignited a passion. I am now a firefighter. I’ve represented Australia in my slightly crazy sport of surf boat rowing at the age of 47 and I cycled 5000 km’s unsupported across Australia in 2021, yet I often think that the toughest challenges of my life have not been physical.    Rather it has been the journey to heal the relationship with myself after a traumatic childhood that has been the toughest challenge I have undertaken.   Writing my book ‘Standing on my Brothers Shoulders – making peace with grief and suicide’ was a huge part of that journey. It challenged me in every way possible but was also one of my greatest teachers and proudest achievements.    Although I am a physiotherapist and firefighter, my book led me to work in the field of mental health and wellbeing. I am now nearing the end of a PhD exploring the impact of suicide on firefighters.   In 2017, I was a finalist in the Rotary Inspirational woman of the year awards and in January 2022, as part of the Australia Day Honours, I was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), which recognises distinguished service by an Australian Fire Service member for my work supporting suicide prevention and mental health of firefighters.   I think life is an adventure and it can take many forms!”     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 especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and pledge your support. Thank you.   Show notes Who is Tara Her different jobs and interests Moving to Sydney in the mid 1990s Having a thirst for adventures Deciding to join Fire & Rescue in 2005 Going on her own healing journey  Losing her mother to cancer at 13 Losing her brother to suicide at 17 Struggling to deal with the loss Writing her life story down  Moving into the mental health space In 2018 starting her PHD looking at the impact of suicide on firefighters Making the decision to move to Australia  What it was like joining the fire service 17 years ago Having mixed memories and feeling the need to prove herself to the men Starting her healing journey in her early 30s and what it looked like Starting to have compassion for herself How the outdoors have helped with her recovery Going on an expedition to Zimbabwe in 1989 and how everything changed Realising that she could be happy again Deciding to cycle across Australia  Cycling with Sarah Davis Cycling from the most Western point of Australia over to Byron Bay the most easterly point.  Being head of communication for the expedition The challenges of cycling on the roads with the road-trains Fears and concerns before the challenge How her perceptions of risk and adventure have changed Is the risk too much? Why it was such a rewarding experience  Raising money for Lifeline in Australia  Adjusting back to normal life Raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention Finding the right people who can hear you The power of writing and journaling and getting your feelings out of your body Doing her PHD and how it came about Applying for a Churchill Fellowship  Making a contribution to the world and making it a better place Wanting to write another book - with a focus on the underlying concepts of her PHD How we can use our experiences in live to grow and become better versions of ourself. Dealing with injury and not being able to any sports that she loves Letting go of the identify of being an athlete and a firefighter Needing to reflect inwards and spending time on meditation How you can connect with Tara Final words of advice - Stay curious, with compassion for yourself. “Be driven by your passions and not your fears”    Social Media   Website: www.tarajlal.com    Instagram: @tarajlal   Facebook: Tara J Lal    Twitter: @tarajlal    YouTube: Tara J Lal      Support Resources   Australia: LifeLine    You are not alone. We're here to listen. Every 30 seconds, a person in Australia reaches out to Lifeline for help. We are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. We exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.   Website - www.lifeline.org.au    Call 13 11 14    UK:  Samaritans   Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   Website -  www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/    Call Free - 116 123    America: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline    The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.   Call 988 - Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.   Website - 988lifeline.org

Lucy is attempting to become the first woman to walk the length of the world. She began at the bottom of Argentina in February 2017 and will cross 15 countries to reach the highest point of Northern America. She will travel only by foot, or when the terrain is impassable by kayak or swimming.   In 2019, Lucy became the first woman to have hiked the length of South America (from Argentina to Colombia).    Due to the pandemic, Lucy needed to pause her expedition and returned home to Australia in 2020 where she has been waiting for the travel bans and restrictions to lift.    In December 2022 Lucy will be flying back out to Columbia to meet up with her beloved dog Wombat - she will then continue on her way.    During this episode we catch up with Lucy to see what life has been like since we last spoke to her. Lucy shares more about the heartbreak of leaving Wombat behind when she needed to return to Australia. She fills us in on what she's been up to while her journey has been on hold.  She shares more about the planning and preparation required to get back to Columbia to start walking again.   We first spoke with Lucy on Jun 25, 2019 - Her Goal to be the first women to walk the length of the Earth! https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/lucy-barnard    *** Lucy's career started with a science degree and specialisation in communications. She has been the chair of National Science Week NT, and worked extensively in aboriginal health research until moving to Geoscience Australia in 1016. She is passionate about culture and storytelling and aspires to become an ethnographic writer.   Lucy has been awarded competitive grants for her work from the Australian Geographic society and The North Face, and has been nominated for an OAM from the Australian Government in recognition of her contribution to the outdoor industry.   ***    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 Lucy Her goal to be the first woman to walk the length of the world Returning back to Australia in 2020 Speaking to Lucy in Year 2 of her journey when she had just crossed into Peru Being water poisoned  Was she still enjoying the journey  Meeting her family in Peru Having a shift in her attitude Leaving behind the desert and the heat and transitioning into the mountains The challenges of the desert and her strategy for getting through it Finding joy again Being followed by the police while walking on the highway How 2020 unfolded while walking through Ecuador Living the life she was meant to be living Crossing the border into Columbia  Leaving Wombat with a friend  Feeling adrift for the past 2 years  Not wanting to talk about Wombat Transitioning back to life in Australia  Being away for 3 years and connecting with old friends and family Losing a friend to suicide The emotional journey Running out of money and needing to get a job  Going back to work Getting ready to head back out to Columbia  The planning and preparation before heading back Her dream of wanting to become an ethnographic writer in the future Wanting to produce more content in YouTube Saying goodbye to friends and family  The plans for the first few weeks Being able to get a 2 year visa for Columbia Making a decision about the route through Columbia  How can you support Lucy while out on the road Buy audio books for Lucy  Having a library membership with Borrow Box Library App  Book recommendations: A Gentleman in Moscow  What Lucy is reading How you can connect with Lucy Final words of advice   Social Media   Website: tanglesandtail.com    Instagram: @tanglesandtail    Facebook: www.facebook.com/tanglesandtail    Twitter: @tanglesandtail    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LucyBarnard

Annijke (she/her) is a new adaptive mountain biker and athlete.    In 2021, Annijke sustained a spinal cord injury in a horrible downhill mountain biking accident.    In 2022, Annijke is back to sport and is learning how to live as a full time wheelchair user.    Outside of loving mountain biking and being outdoors, Annijke also is passionate about making the outdoors and mountain biking a safe space for all.   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 Annijke Starting mountain biking in 2019 Learning how to live as a full time wheelchair user Returning to sport and mountain biking What Annijke was like as little girl  Starting ballet at 3 years old Having a keen interest for the arts Starting to interact with the natural world Being exposed to the outdoors through her Girl Scouts Troop  Being adopted at 2 months old  Going to college and taking a step back from dance  Wanting to try new things in the outdoors Studying environmental studies with a concentration on political science  Getting into mountain biking  Moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico Buying her first bike - DiamondBack HardTail  Being intimidated by other mountain bikers Falling in love with the sport and why she loves it Enjoying the community and being supported Riding a BowHead Reach Bike - full suspension, all-electric off-road adaptive trike that has two wheels in front, and one in back 2022 - Getting back to sport and why it’s been so fulfilling  The incredible amount of support through her community Being a sponsored Athlete - with PEARL iZUMi  High Fives Foundation Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association  Adaptive Mountain Biking advocacy, trails, programming and rentals in British Columbia and beyond.  Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP)  What does advocacy look like in this space Being intentional about what she does  “I want to be on an adaptive mountain bike and this is what I want my life to look like” Going after a Para FKT on the White Rim Trail in Oct 2022  Josie Fouts - Mad scientist on a mission to single-handedly save the world with cycling! IG: @ms.stubbornness  National Abilities Centre Outride Foundation  100 mile desert ride in Canyonlands, National Park, Moab, Utah. Trying not to get too attached to the outcome Dealing with mechanical issues  Broadening the conversation about access and opportunity in the outdoors Tread Setters is a film project that highlights 5 para-cyclists riding the White Rim Trail while balancing the mental, emotional and social aspects of advocacy. Is the White Rim Trail Accessible? Why it’s yes and no. Needing people to support her due to the nature of the trail and the remoteness  Why being outdoors might look a little bit different Wanting to become an Adaptive Mountain Biking Coach - (BICP) Adaptive Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructor Wanting to share mountain biking with others and create a welcoming environment Plans for 2023 Sea Otter Classic Mountain Biking Race, Monterey, California, USA Connect with Annijke  Where does her Instagram handle come from What is a Geospatial Professional? Final words of advice and wisdom   Social Media   Website annijkewade.com    Instagram @geodesicdome

In late summer 2021 Abbie Barnes cycled from Dunnet Head and John O Groats to The Lizard Point and Lands End, via each of the UK's 15 National Parks and their highest peaks.   This epic 55 day expedition saw Abbie and her partner Anna (who drove the support van) travel over 2,000 miles and battle mental ill health, chronic pain, and a number of unanticipated life-challenges along the way. Yet the duo completed this life-changing venture and now have a 3-part film series on YouTube following the highs and lows of their journey.    We first spoke with Abbie Aug 26, 2021 - Founder and director of Spend More Time In The WILD, an organisation that seeks to inspire and empower individuals to get outside.   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Make sure to 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 Abbie and what she does We first spoke with Abbie Aug 26, 2021 - Founder and director of Spend More Time In The WILD, an organisation that seeks to inspire and empower individuals to get outside. What is Abbie Bikes Britain? Expectations verses reality  Having 3 months to plan  The logistical nightmare  Figuring out things as they went Developing a mindset of curiosity  Learning the lessons when things don’t go to plan Dealing with chronic pain during the cycle ride What being an advocate for mental health and chronic pain Not being willing to sit still and suffer  Being crushed by the pain  Why pushing your body can be a fun experiment Day to day life on the road Mental health while on the road Being in love with life and feeling so happy Finishing the journey Not having the time to digest what she’d achieved Finishing on the 22nd October 2021  What the remainder of the year looked like Having an on season (March - Oct) and an off season (Nov - Feb) Having the time to think and reflect Implementing changes in 2022 Being a public figure and feeling burnt out  Spending time in the panic zone and wanting to get back to the comfort zone Getting her Mountain Leader Qualification  Doing her Hill and Moorland Qualification Doing her ML assessment in Snowdonia in April 2022 Plans for 2023 How to connect with Abbie Watch me & Abbie while climbing Snowdon  Abbie meeting me in Rhosneigr while I was on the Wales Coast Path - vlog 11/50  Final words of advice to encourage you to get outdoors   Social Media   Website: www.spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk   Patreon: www.patreon.com/spendmoretimeinthewild/about    Instagram: @abbiebarneswild    Facebook:  @spendmoretimeinthewild     Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ekNjZZWhx7NG2zHmG7IEA

Adriana in her own words:   “My aim is to become the youngest person to complete all 14 8000m peaks. The current record is 30 years 166 days, held by Mingma "David" Gyabu Sherpa, an absolute legend with whom I got to climb on both K2 and Everest. My plan would be to summit all 14 in 3-4 years meaning I would be 23 years old when I complete my mission.   In 2021 I summited three of them, Mt. Everest, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Manaslu all within 6 months.   This is a challenge of both mental and physical resilience, power and grit.   High altitude mountaineering is one of the deadliest sports in the world, this doesn't scare me. It ignites a fire of passion inside me.”   “Be the trailblazer of your own life”   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 especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.   Show notes Who is Adrianna  Being a full time mountaineer Living between London and Nepal Starting to climb at 9 years old Doing the 3 peaks challenge in 24hrs and becoming the youngest person to complete the challenge (this record has since been broken) Getting into endurance events with her dad Role models in the adventure/mountaineering world  The why behind climbing Everest Wanting to be unique and different Feeling under pressure to go to University  Why university wasn’t for her and quitting after 3 months Trying to make a living from mountaineering Having Nimsdai Purja as her guide Paying for expeditions Being supported by her parents Reaching out for sponsorship The work that goes on behind the scenes Connecting with the North Face Taking on the Welsh 3000ers in 24hrs  at 16 years old  Starting at 3am on Crib Goch a grade 1 scramble Climbing Aconcagua - her first taste of altitude and why it was a boring climb The hardest part of the climb Coping with the down time, dull days  The mental side of mountaineering  Learning the art of patience Facing and dealing with fear in the mountains Letting the negative thoughts in and not being able to think straight How things can change in minutes  Trying to stay calm Magical moments in the the mountains  Being inspired to take on the 14,000 project Training and fitness to take on the 8,000m peaks Plans for 2022 and the next few years March - May 2022 - Kangchenjunga (Summited May 17th 2022), Lhotse (Summited May 22nd 2022), Makalu, (Summited May 28th 2022) Flying to Pakistan for K2 and BroadPeak (Both Submitted July 2022) How climbing with her guide works - Gelje Sherpa IG @gelje_sherpa_  The current record for climbing the 14, 8K peaks is 36 for a woman - Adrianna would be 23 (she has 4 more mountains to climb) Connect with Adrianna (see below) Final words of advice    Social Media   Website: www.adrianabrownlee.com    Instagram: @adri.brownlee    Facebook: @adriana.brownlee

Carla is a Clinical Psychologist, queer vegan and a lover of all things outdoors; adventurer, runner, endurance cyclist and lapsed climber based near the Peak District in the UK. She is an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities taking up space in the outdoors and is a committee member with the awesome Peak Queer Adventures (PQA) based in Sheffield and member of the Women of Colour Cycling Collective (WCCC).    Carla’s love of the outdoors started from an early age, however gender roles and expectations sadly stopped her from fully embracing that love as a teenager. She reconnected with the outdoors and solo adventures after moving to North Wales to undertake her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in her mid-twenties, and hasn’t looked back.    She was awarded the Ultra Distance Scholarship in 2021, which is aimed at increasing representation of BAME cyclists in ultra distance cycling and getting them to the start line of an ultra distance race, a typically overwhelmingly white and male niche of cycling.    This amazing opportunity has been life-changing and she’s gone from not being confident at all in her cycling abilities, to cycling 500km off road from Edinburgh to Manchester, her longest, hardest ride to date. She’s met the most amazing people, grown in confidence and felt like she’s found her people.    She started an Instagram account after winning the Scholarship, to document her journey from (almost couch) to 2000km with the hope of inspiring queer people and people of colour, particularly black womxn, to get on their bikes and enjoy nature.    You can find her at @acurlyoutdoors; check out Peak Queer Adventures at @peakqueeradventures and the Women of Colour Cycling Collective at @wccc_uk.      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.    Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and support.  Thank you.   Show notes Who is Carla What she loves Being based in the Peak District, UK Wanting to encourage others to take up space in the outdoors Her early years and growing up with a passion for the outdoors Getting to explore in the woods Her love of nature and wanting to protect the environment Not feeling comfortable in secondary school with her body and spending time in the outdoors Training to be a Clinical Psychologist in North Wales Going out early in the morning to avoid people Spending time in the mountains Feeling the fear and doing it anyway The Devils Kitchen - located behind Llyn Idwal nestled within Cwm Idwal in the Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia National Park. Gaining new skills and knowledge  Feeling brave  Thinking about becoming a Mountain Leader (ML) but not seeing herself represented and not feeling comfortable Recording good quality mountain days and keeping a track of what she was doing Getting new gear Looking for opportunities in the mountains  Getting into wild camping, trail running and climbing Finding community and connecting with other people who are interested in the outdoors Enjoying spending time on her own Meditation through movement Getting into cycling and connecting with the cycling community The Ultra Distance Scholarship  An initiative increasing diversity and representation within ultra distance cycling and racing  Being inspired by Vera Ngosi-Sambrook  The power of taking action The reality of taking on an ultra cycling challenge Focused training from November 2021 - August 2022 Dealing with injuries and saddle sores Wanting to do long rides with other people Using instagram to reach out and connect with people  Learning how to cycle off road The Pennine Rally - 100 riders, 500 kilometres and five days of testing off-road riding from Edinburgh to Manchester down Britain’s backbone. Fuelling as a vegan Outdoor Provisions make Natural Energy Bars & Nut Butters - Use code TRYOP for 25% off Starter Packs  Accidental vegan food Being on the start line and what the rally was like Cycling approx 100k per day  The impact on her confidence after completing the rally Dealing with the low points and self doubt Mental resilience and the mental challenge of taking on a challenge Drawing on her skills and knowledge from working as a Clinical Psychologist  Using the grounding technique  The power of music to change your mood Dealing with her nerves  Being optimistic and calm Giving herself permission to get off and push if she needed to Taking the pressure off  Plans for 2023 and wanting to do an ultra cycling race How to connect with Carla Her beautiful bike - “Betty” Frame bag by Wizard Works Final words of advice The power of finding your people, your tribe and your community Sharing your passion with other people Getting into climbing via taster days      Social Media   Instagram    @acurlyoutdoors    @wccc_uk    @peakqueeradventures

Shona's most herself when she's moving outdoors - paying attention to and connecting with beauty. She works as a counsellor and a life coach. She lives a simple and contented life in the highlands of Scotland, sprinkled with adventures.   Shona has shared her passion for the outdoors on previous episodes of the tough girl podcast.    You can listen to those episodes here.    Jul 9, 2019 - Taking on new challenges at 40 & her preparation for thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail    Dec 26, 2019 - Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail - 2,650 miles SOBO from Canada to Mexico!   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Make sure to 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 Shona Living in Inverness Woking as a counsellor and a life coach Her passion for connecting with other people and the natural world First speaking with Shona on Jul 9, 2019 - Taking on new challenges at 40 & her preparation for thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail Catching up with Shona after completing the PCT - Dec 26, 2019 - Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail - 2,650 miles SOBO from Canada to Mexico! Catch up - what’s been going on Reflecting back on 2020 Making a commitment to herself to work as a counsellor again Getting out of her own way 2020/2021 - deciding to take on a new challenge Deciding to climb all 282 munros across Scotland in 282 days Climbing Suilven with Shona - watch the vlog    The challenges of mountaineering in the winter Not knowing if she could do it Starting to think what’s possible When things don’t work out how you planned Dealing with the difficult days Why it’s about the journey Planning the adventure  Embracing flexibility  Doing the Highland Wilderness Journeys - with Anna Danby  Anna Danby Wild Roots Highland Guiding Walking the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand  Winding down life in Scotland Renting out her house while she’s away Getting the right gear - new rucksack and sleeping bag  RAB Mythic 400  Road walking and hitchhiking Wanting to enjoy photography and wiring while in nature  Giving herself permission  Living a life of adventure and living a life of freedom Connecting to people through her work Saying no to things Documenting the journey while on the TA  How to connect with Shona Inviting people to get curious - what do they want? How do they want to live? Being inspired by Mary Oliver - “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”   Social Media   Counselling - http://shonacounselling.co.uk    Life Coaching - www.shonafitness.co.uk    Instagram - @walkwildcoach

Purusha Gordon - mum of two, aged 43 is no longer a stranger to wild challenges after a change of mindset 6 years ago transformed her life.    Having battled with depression and weight gain after the arrival of her children, Purusha realised something had to change. Approaching her 40’s in the worst shape and health she’d ever been in, Purusha’s mission became to create a healthy lifestyle, to rebuild confidence and self belief, living life for each day.   After completing 40 challenges in her 40th year, the love and passion for living life healthy and well opened up an opportunity to take on the challenge to build a team and row unsupported across the Pacific Ocean in 2021.    Purusha believes it is never too late to make a positive change to your physical and mental health and with a bucket load of determination and hard work, 6 years later she has set a new World Record, rowing across the Pacific Ocean as part of the Ocean Sheroes team.    Pulling together a challenge of this enormity in a global pandemic took a big dose resilience and positivity to overcome hurdle after hurdle.    Purusha now spends her time speaking about her journey to health and works under the umbrella of The Health and Wellbeing Expert.    Using her experience in this field Purusha is passionate about helping individuals and organisations create healthier, happier and more balanced 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 and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   Show Notes Purusha, in her own words Purusha's journey to the Pacific Ocean Growing up as a sporty child Her fondness for water Having children in her mid-30s Smoking, drinking coffee, and weight gain What it’s like to go on a five-day detox Experiencing postnatal depression Why did Purusha decide to go on a detox What she did to get back into fitness Losing weight and feeling better Signing up for Tough Mudder Completing 40 challenges in her 40th year Challenges in preparation for the Pacific race 18 months of preparation during the pandemic Finding a team to complete the race How the team came together during the global pandemic What motivates Purusha Feeling empowered and stronger Rowing the Pacific Ocean in 35 days, 14 hours and 32 minutes Everyone having a role to play on the boat Putting friendship at the top of priorities Living life in the present and in the moment Disengaging from technology and its beauty The magical moments she had while rowing the Pacific Ocean Some of Purusha's future plans and challenges Moving into the health and well-being space "It's never too late to do anything." The story behind her first name Final words of advice   Social Media   Website: www.thehealthandwellbeingexpert.com    Instagram: @purusha.gordon    Health & Wellbeing @thehealthandwellbeingexpert    Twitter: @purushagordon   In June 2021, Ocean Sheroes set off in The Great Pacific Rowing Race, a 2,700 mile row from San Francisco, California to Waikiki, Hawaii.   Aiming to break the current female-four World Record of 50 days, 8 hours and 14 minutes, set in 2014, Bella Collins, Purusha Gordon, Lily Lower and Mary Sutherland set a NEW WORLD RECORD of 35 Days, 14 Hours and 32 Minutes   Instagram: @oceansheroes

Rue founded Outdoor Afro as a social enterprise in 2009.    The now national not-for-profit celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Headquartered in Oakland, California, Outdoor Afro incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2015. Today, the staffed organization includes more than 100 trained volunteer leaders, led and designed by Rue to innovate not-for-profit as movements of change.    International cruise line Hurtigruten Expeditions made cruise industry history with the creation of its Black Traveler Advisory Board. Hurtigruten invited Rue to become one of its founding members. Rue took an 18-day Antarctica voyage in February 2022 to help drive change and new opportunities for Black people in the adventure cruise industry, increasing visibility and inclusivity of Black travellers.   When Rue shares stories from the land, people of all walks of life listen. She’s served on national platforms with congresspeople, outdoor professionals, corporate partners, and global leaders.   “Nature Swagger” is Rue’s first book by American publisher Chronicle Books. This project is a beautiful combination of breathtaking photos and compelling stories of Black joy in nature. The book releases to the public Nov. 1, 2022.    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. Sign up as a Patron -  www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.      Show Notes Who is Rue and what she does Living in Northern California  Growing up between the city and a ranch Early childhood memories from spending time in nature The importance of hospitality Learning more about her family Having a natural curiosity for the environment  The stories that weren’t being told Sharing a new narrative of the Black experience The origin story of Outdoor Afro in 2009 Asking herself the question - what does she really want to do? Growing through outdoor experiences Being an early adopter of technology  Growing a team of 120 Outdoor Afro Volunteer Leaders  The joy of nature and the joy of being outside The importance of remaining a practitioner  Her love of the water Spending time in Antarctica  The importance of having the right gear Designing a new clothing collaboration with REI REI X Outdoor Afro Wanting to solve problems especially with fit and function Wanting to wear bright colours  2022 and what a year it’s been  Why Outdoor Afro has been a 13 year overnight success story  Writing her book over the past 2 years  Book: Nature Swagger Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors  How to connect with Rue on the Socials Her plans/visions for 2023 Thinking about succession planning for Outdoor Afro Final words of advice    Social Media   Website ruemapp.com    Instagram @ruemapp    Facebook @RueMapp    Twitter @RueMapp    Book: Nature Swagger Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors.    An exquisite combination of beautiful photography and compelling stories, this book from Outdoor Afro founder, Rue Mapp, celebrates Black joy in nature.    Filled with breathtaking photography, inspiring stories, profiles, and spotlights from Outdoor Afro group members, prominent Black leaders in outdoor spaces, and other organizations, this book inspires Black communities to reclaim their place in the natural world. Interspersed throughout are essays from Mapp on the rich history of Black involvement in the outdoors, activism, and conservation, as well as resources for readers who want to deepen their own connection with the elements. A perfect blend of gorgeous photographs, awe-inspiring stories, and Black history, this collection is the perfect gift for anyone looking to heal in these sacred natural spaces.   https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/nature-swagger

Gill in her own words:   “My name is Gill Castle, and in October 2011 I gave birth to my son, Sam, at 34 weeks gestation, a traumatic birth which resulted in a permanent stoma (colostomy). Over the following years I have set out to prove to myself, and others, what is achievable with a stoma, as initially I was presented with a lot of “no, you can’t do that with one of those”. I also wanted to overcome the trauma of the birth, which resulted in the loss of my job as a police officer, and which forced me to create a new identity for myself.    On my website I signpost people to all the amazing organisations out there who can help, like the Birth Trauma Association, the Masic Foundation, Purple Wings, Samaritans, Colostomy UK to name but a few.    Am I superwoman? Absolutely 110% not. Lots of women suffer like me and come out the other side ok. But when you are experiencing such a load of shite there is often no one who has made it out onto the other side who is shouting about the good life that is possible.    I want to be that person. I want to show that girl who was living through hell that it can turn out ok in the end.  How will I do it? Simply by my actions. I will gladly, happily, discuss people’s trauma with them, and discuss my own, in PM, I understand that talking and discussing helps. But I want to just SHOW you by everything I do, every smile I have, that you can be happy, you can do things. The same for people with stomas.   But, this is also true for ANYONE. I want to sweep people along with my enthusiasm for life and encourage you all to just get OUT THERE and TRY something. Anything! We all have our own desires and goals. So many people say to me that they would “love” to do something “but I’m too scared” .    WAIT UP! Have you actually tried it? How do you know then?    I understand trauma, I understand pain, I understand fear. But right now I understand HOPE and JOY.    That’s it really, just me, doing my thing, being happy, being active and encouraging people to do to the same.”    During this episode there is a lot of poo chat and very open and honest conversations about child birth injury and recovering from trauma.  If you are not sure if you should listen to this episode- for what ever reason - I would encourage you to ask a friend to listen to it first to make sure it is suitable for where you are in your journey. The episode will always be here, so there is no pressure for you to listen to it now.   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 especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Sign up as a Patron -  www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.    Show Notes Who is Gill? How animals and the outdoors are important parts of her life  Starting to have sailing lessons at eight Enjoying sailing with her brother until seeing the film Jaws Not going back to the sea for about 30 years  Her next big challenge in 2023 - swimming the English Channel Reasons for taking up the challenge  What is a stoma and how it is formed Dealing with mental health issues  How a stoma impacts Gill's life Feeling lucky and starting to embrace her life Saying YES to everything  Doing her first sprint triathlon Doing Olympic distance and half Ironman Sharing her journey for the first time in public to raise awareness  Raising over £5000 for the Birth Trauma Association Training and nutrition  Biggest challenges and lessons that changed her life Gill's experience at a swim camp  Why she doesn't want to watch Jaws again Overcoming her fear of open water  Getting her slot in Dover to swim the English Channel Getting full sponsorship from Hollister Incorporated Planning and preparation for the event  Getting a shoulder injury How she’s getting back into training "The more miles, the better"  Working on the mental side of the channel swim  Struggling with relaxation   Social Media   Website www.stomachameleon.com    Instagram @stoma_chameleon    Facebook @StomaChameleon   Twitter @GILLIANCASTLE3