Episodi

  • Hannah Webster - From Marathon Runner to Adaptive CrossFit Athlete: Living with Multiple Sclerosis

    Hannah Webster - From Marathon Runner to Adaptive CrossFit Athlete: Living with Multiple Sclerosis
    Oct 13 2026
    Hannah Webster is an adaptive CrossFit athlete, writer, and former PR executive who swapped corporate life for chaos somewhere along the Pembrokeshire coast. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 40, she underwent a stem cell transplant to reset her immune system — and has been navigating the unpredictable aftermath ever since. She now competes internationally in adaptive CrossFit, despite significant mobility challenges, including foot drop and what she describes as "one good leg on a good day." A former marathon runner — with nine London Marathons, two Paris Marathons, and the Médoc Marathon under her belt — Hannah continues to wrestle with the loss of running and the reality of limited mobility, finding new ways to push herself through CrossFit. Hannah is currently studying for a Master's in Creative Writing and working on her memoir, Still Standing, which blends dark humour with the reality of living in the uncomfortable middle ground between "fine" and "not fine at all." Whether she's training for competition, building a coffee van business, or questioning her life choices mid-workout, she brings honesty, grit, and a healthy dose of sarcasm to everything she does. Hannah and her husband Neil have recently launched Great Escape Coffee Co. — a refurbished 20-year-old Land Rover Defender serving proper coffee to the Pembrokeshire community, sea swimmers, dog walkers, and anyone in need of a decent start to the day. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Hannah46 years oldLiving in Pembrokeshire in WalesMoving after covidBeing given a life changing diagnosis of Multiple sclerosis (MS)Growing up in CheltenhamMoving back to Wales for University Spending 2.5 years travelling around the world Moving to Spain to work on an newspaper Always wanting to be a journalist Ending up working in corporate PR and getting to travel the world Getting diagnosed just before turning 40Running loads of marathons and half marathons Running a half marathon and having her legs feel like jellyKnowing that something wasn't quite right Going to see the Doctor a few times and having it put down to stress, travel etc Getting referred to see a neurologist and having an MRI scan (December)Being called for a 2nd MRI (January)Not being able to remember much about the conversation The shock and not knowing anyone else who has MS6 years later and still not accepting that she'll never run againDiscovering CrossFit and all the adaptions that can be madeMoving to Pembrokeshire during covidStruggling to walk - and walking with walking sticks Making the best of what you've got and not wanting to be miserable Discovering a whole new world of adaptive athletes Finding inspiration in everybody else Starting to write more, starting to blog more and share her stories Starting to connect with others who had MS Wanting to make happy memories Live is for living and not being totally depressed all the time The community of CrossFit and how accepting they areGetting to the Adaptive CrossFit Games in Las Vegas Coming 4th Globally!Having 2 dogsGetting sad something and accepting that that will happenDealing with a lot of fatigue Under going a stem cell transplant to reset her immune system4 years old! Why it's not promoted as a treatment for MS by the NHS How it's meant to work Having regular MRI scans and hoping that their are no new lesionsHaving a fight on her hands to get BUPA to pay for it Having the treatment done in 2022 It's an extreme treatment with 3 lots of chemotherapy and spending 3 weeks in hospital and having a compromised immune system for about a year So far, it hasn't got any worseRecovery as an athlete and recovery from intense treatments Why there is a mental aspect to recovery Learning to rest, doing more yoga and pilates Being told at the start that having MS is like having a battery - you only have so much energy and try to spread it out throughout the day.Making herself lie down Doing a Masters in creative writing Writing her memoir as part of her dissertation Training her mindSharing on Substack and trying to connect with 'my people'Feeling better that she's not alone Having her rubbish days Going to Wodapalooza in Miami Working with an adaptive coach Why it's better to have done it rather than not done it Starting CrossFit 3 years before diagnosis Dealing with foot drop and poor balance Trying not to compare herself to who she use to be previously Getting the balance right with training, ...
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    38 min
  • Nora Williams - From Burnout in Law to 3+ Years of Solo Travel and Living a Life of Freedom

    Nora Williams - From Burnout in Law to 3+ Years of Solo Travel and Living a Life of Freedom
    Oct 6 2026
    Nora used to be a San Francisco lawyer representing workers facing discrimination by their employers -- her dream job! But a few years into her career, Nora found herself experiencing severe burnout while working 60 to 80-hour weeks. Her dream job had become a real life nightmare impacting her physical and mental health and her relationships. One day, she reached her breaking point and decided she needed a big change. Nora ended a 5-year relationship, quit her job, and left the country on a one way ticket. What started as a career break turned into 3+ years of solo traveling around the world focusing on "hidden gem" and less-traveled destinations. Her favourites so far have been hiking in the Balkans, exploring archaeological sites in Iraq, and eating her way around Georgia. Nora even started her own tour company hosting adventurous group trips to bring others along with her. Her life at 30 is unconventional and certainly nowhere near where she imagined she would be, but somehow so much more fulfilling. In this episode, Nora shares the reality behind leaving a high-pressure legal career, the emotional toll of burnout, and what it really takes to rebuild your life from scratch. We talk about the unexpected freedom—and challenges—of long-term solo travel, how she navigates uncertainty while constantly on the move, and what it means to create a life outside of traditional expectations. Listen to this episode to hear how one bold decision changed everything, why solo travel can be both confronting and empowering, and how stepping into the unknown can lead to a life that feels more honest, expansive, and free. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Living a bit of an unconventional life at the moment Previously working as as workers rights lawyer, based out of San Francisco, CaliforniaHitting a breaking point 3 years ago with her jobRealising she was burn outGetting out of a long term relationship and quitting her job Making the decision to book a one way flight out of the USATravelling to the less travelled places Heading off the beaten track - with a focus on outdoor adventures Why it was an out of character decision Having a 'sliding door' moment Deciding to follow a different pathWhy her dream job tuned out to be a nightmare How covid changed things for the legal professionBeing able to work remotely from Columbia Needing to make money Sharing her travels with her friends and family on instagramHaving a reel go super viral on instagramGoing from 1,200 to over 20,000 people following her!Starting to connect with brands and being able to monetise her travel blogDeciding to start her own tour company about 2 years agoFinding the hidden gem destinationsTrying to keep an open mind and not have strict travel plansBeing invited to explore ancient ruins in IraqHiking in the BalkansFeeling free in nature Waymarking on the trails Using Komoot Keeping herself fit and healthy while travelling full timeBeing sick while travelling Getting the balance right between travel and adventure and not getting burnt outThe benefits of travelling slower and staying in places for longerSaying no a lot more nowDoing what you actually what to do What the rest of the year looks likePlanning to be in Iraq and Syria at the end of the year - but it does depend on what's happening in the gulfSpending 2 months in London Being open to what options become available Thinking about walking in New ZealandGoing to Skyscanner to find cheap flights Deciding to overland the length of ChileThe benefits of finding a remote job and how it can open doors for youHow to connect with Nora on InstagramAdvice for other women who want to live an unconventional lifeWhy the worst thing in life is not being aloneWhy the majority of solo travellers are womenA radical act of self-love Social Media Website: via-adventure.com Instagram: @noratheexplorahh @via.adventure
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    50 min
  • Alice Baddeley – Bike Touring Britain: Coastlines, Straight Lines and 1,000+ Mile Challenges

    Alice Baddeley – Bike Touring Britain: Coastlines, Straight Lines and 1,000+ Mile Challenges
    Sep 29 2026
    Alice is a long-distance bike tourer, drone pilot, and freelance creative who designs her adventures around self-imposed rules and unconventional challenges. Based in a van and working with Komoot, she uses cycling as both a mode of transport and a way to deeply explore the landscapes of Britain. Her journeys are anything but ordinary. In 2021, Alice cycled through every town and village in Sussex, covering over 1,000 miles without leaving the county. The following year, she completed a full cycle of the British coastline. In 2023, she attempted an even more ambitious challenge—travelling from Shoreham to Oldshoremore in as straight a line across Britain as possible. In this episode, Alice shares how she first discovered bike touring, what inspired her to take on increasingly creative endurance challenges, and why she is drawn to journeys that combine geography, problem-solving, and adventure. She talks about life on the road in a van, the logistics behind her rides, and the realities of planning multi-week cycling expeditions using everything from paper maps to GPS apps. We explore the highs and lows of long-distance cycling, from wild camping and weather challenges to moments of complete freedom on remote coastal routes. Alice also reflects on what she has learned from designing her own rules for adventure, and why letting go of perfection has opened the door to more meaningful experiences. Listen to this episode to hear how cycling can become a creative practice, why the UK is full of endless adventure opportunities, and how setting your own rules might just be the best way to explore the world. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Being based in a van Originally from South West LondonSelf employed as a drone pilot and freelancing for Komoot Her love for cycling and using if for her main mode of transportGetting interested in bike touring Finding out about cycling from Lands End to John O' Groats (LEJOG)Finding out you don't need to be an athlete to cycle these massive distances Magical moments from her LEJOG TripDoing it with paper maps pre smart phonesMaking a lifestyle decision to become self employed Enjoying the freedom it gave herCycling during covid - staying local in Sussex The Sussex 1000 challenge Wanting to cycle the coast line of Great Britain The reason for the name yellow velloLoving the colour yellow Starting to work with KomootHaving to postpone the cycle trip around GB for 2 years Wanting to see more of her home countryBeing guided by a silly set of rules Stick as closely to the coastline as possible Not cycling islands unless there was a bridgeWanting the GPS to look as close as possible to the outline of GBGoing clockwise Why Devon and Cornwall were the hardest parts Planning for the tripWanting to compete the trip in 80 days - with no days offHaving a bivvy bag but planning to stay in accommodation When things go wrong and you end up sleeping on the beach Spending just under £4k on accommodation What it was like day to day Being able to enjoy it and relax into the rideTaking photos and filming the tripPost admin that still needs to be done!Did the dream match the realityWhy it was the best thing she's ever doneNot having any really low daysBeing very lucky with the weather How the weather can impact your trip Why the North West Coast of Scotland was incredible 340 degrees North The Bryson Line Book: The Road to Little Dribbling: More Notes from a Small Island: 1 By Bill Bryson The challenges of cycling on some of the bridle ways and why there was a lot of pushingHaving the confidence to wild campGetting back home after the finishThe lesson learned from these trips and adventures Not worrying as much Using cheap bikes, buying food from supermarkets If you've got an idea that is stuck in your head - that's your gut instinct saying you should do itLoving van lifeLooking to find a base at some point Future adventures and plans Wanting to see more of the UKMaybe Ireland?Doing a perfect circle around London or maybe a flower shape?How to connect with Alice on social media yello.veStart with something small, don't worry too much about thingsThe things you worry about don't tend to happen, so don't waste your time worrying Don't worry too much about how other people do things - there is no wrong or right wayEverything is really personal Be confident and go for it!Why it's always great to go outside your comfort zone. The more you do that - the more adventures ...
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    41 min
  • Anna Wells – Medicine, Mountains and the First Woman to Complete a Winter Munro Round in Scotland.

    Anna Wells – Medicine, Mountains and the First Woman to Complete a Winter Munro Round in Scotland.
    Sep 22 2026
    Anna Wells is a mountaineer, former doctor, and outdoor instructor based in Inverness, Scotland. Her life has been shaped by a deep love of the mountains, beginning with indoor rock climbing at the age of 12 and growing through years of study, sport, and exploration. Although she followed a traditional academic path—studying maths and medicine and later working as a doctor—Anna eventually realised that her true passion lay in the outdoors. After time spent living in Chamonix and working as a mountaineering instructor, she made the decision to leave medicine behind and pursue a life more aligned with her values and love of adventure. In this episode, Anna shares her journey from medicine to the mountains, including her time competing in ice climbing, navigating injury, and rethinking what a fulfilling life looks like. We dive into her incredible Winter Munro Round in Scotland, inspired by Martin Moran, where she took on the challenge of climbing all 100+ Munros in winter conditions over just a few months. She talks about the realities of spending long days in the mountains, averaging multiple Munros per day, dealing with weather, injury, nutrition, motivation, and the mental challenges that come with endurance adventure. Anna also reflects on the kindness of strangers who supported her along the way, and the importance of flexibility, self-belief, and listening to your body. More recently, Anna has stepped into a new chapter of life as a mother, exploring how adventure, skiing, and time in the mountains can evolve alongside motherhood. Listen to this episode to hear what it takes to leave medicine for the mountains, how a Winter Munro Round pushes both body and mind, and why thinking outside the box can lead to a life that feels truly your own. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Anna36 years old Based in Inverness in Scotland Currently on maternity leaveHer love for adventure and being outside Growing up in Inverness and not coming from a particularly outdoorsy family Starting indoor rock climbing at 12 years old and falling in love with the sport The Girl Guides and the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme Being addicted to rock climbing and feeling everything clickHer progress in the sport Meeting more like minded people at university in Aberdeen Being a student for 9 years - studying Maths for 4 years and doing a medical degree for 5 years Deciding to leave medicine after 2 years of working as a doctor and moving in a different direction Spending 2 years living in Chamonix Deciding to give up her license to practice medicine Wanting to focus on ice climbing competitions Dealing with a shoulder injury and not being able to climb that hardTake a year and don't force yourself to make any decisionsStarting to consider a career in the outdoorsWanting to live a life that makes you happyThinking more about confidence Working as a mountaineering instructor for a number of yearsWanting to do the IFMGA but deciding against itWanting to climb the Munro's in Scotland Moving to Edinburgh and working in a bank as a data analystA Winter Munro Round….Inspired by Martin Moran who was the first to do this over 1984/85Starting to think about getting 3 months of unpaid leaveDeciding in the October and starting in December Figuring out the first 100 munro'sDoing 65k and 4,400 m of ascent and being out for 19 hoursDoing an average 4.4 munro's per dayPutting out a message on social media looking for help with accommodationThe kindness of strangersHaving a lot of self confidence with navigation, make sensible decisions and look after herselfWondering if she would keep wanting itInjury, weather and not wanting it anymore Feeling low on motivation during her menstrual cycleDr Stacy Simms on the Tough Girl Podcast Dealing with the low moments and keeping on walking When your mood is low - walk with friendsFinding it logistically a lot easer to be on her own Having a few foot issuesThe magical moments from the experience Writing her book - Breaking the SnowlineNutrition and eating on the mountains Getting addicted to Lucazade Gear and making risk based decisions Having an emergency bag - that went with her everyday Working with AlpkitWearing trainers and waterproof socks and why it worked for herMotherhood, mountains and adventuring with a new baby (Fergus) Having different parameters for what a day in the mountains looks likeGetting back to skiing and the mountains quicklyHow to connect with Anna ...
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    44 min
  • Natasha Sones – Wild Swimming, SUP Adventures and Writing Swimming Wild in London and South East England

    Natasha Sones – Wild Swimming, SUP Adventures and Writing Swimming Wild in London and South East England
    Sep 15 2026
    Natasha is a year-round wild swimmer, qualified Stand-Up Paddleboarding instructor, freelance travel writer, and outdoor adventurer with a deep love of water in all its forms. Based in Suffolk, she is also a volunteer for the Bluetits Chill Swimmers and an Ordnance Survey Champion. Natasha's journey into the outdoors began early, swimming in the sea as a child, but like many people, her connection to sport and adventure faded during her 20s and 30s. It wasn't until her 40s that she rediscovered the water, found her community, and stepped into a completely new chapter of adventure. In this episode, Natasha shares how she went from feeling like she wasn't "outdoorsy" to becoming immersed in wild swimming and paddle boarding, including getting involved with inclusive swimming communities, discovering cold water swimming, and building confidence in outdoor spaces. She opens up about being diagnosed as autistic in her 40s, and how understanding herself better helped her find her tribe and her confidence. We also talk about her progression into Stand-Up Paddleboarding, from early lockdown experiments to completing endurance challenges such as the Race to the Castle, and preparing for a 162-mile coast-to-coast SUP journey across England. Natasha shares what it's really like training around work and family life, the realities of cold water swimming, and why time on the water has become so important for her wellbeing. Alongside her adventures, Natasha is also the author of the upcoming guidebook Swimming Wild in London and South East England, featuring 100 incredible swimming spots across beaches, rivers, lakes, lidos, and hidden wild locations. Listen to this episode to hear how Natasha found confidence through cold water and community, why it's never too late to become an adventurer, and how simple steps—like saying yes and asking for help—can open the door to a whole new way of living. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Natasha46 year old adventurer and Mum of threePassionate year round wild swimmer, outdoor adventurer, and freelance travel writer with a deep love of all things waterLiving in Suffolk Swimming in the sea from a young ageMoving out to a small village into the countryside, which was 5 mins from the seasideNot being involved in sports or the outdoors in her 20s and 30sWhat changed in her 40s?Making new friends when your olderBeing shy when she was younger Discovering she was autistic about 5 years ago Finding the swimming and outdoorsy community Feeling like she has found her tribeGetting into paddle boarding during lockdownBeing introduced into wild swimming but not really enjoying it at firstSetting up a local group for The Bluetits Joining the Adventure Queens and attending a camp out Saying her adventure idea out loud for the first time Applying for the Adventure Queens GrantWanting to paddle board in Finland and experience the endless summerNot having any idea on how to plan her adventure Working with Gee Jackson as her mentor Feeling overwhelmed by all the advice out there in relation to multi-way adventures Struggling to find advice about doing a multi-day adventure on SUPPlanning to visit 4/5 islands and how plans changed over timeBeing worried about feeling lonely Not thinking she was an outdoorsy person The barriers for women to get into water sports Becoming an ambassador for This Girl Can, Suffolk Writing her first guide book about Wild Swimming - with Vertebrate Publishing Common misconceptions about swimming in London Why swimming in Canary Wharf is one of her favourite swim locations How it works with access rights for swimming in England The Outdoor Swimming SocietyThe do's and don'ts of getting into water Why you always swim with a buddyEntering into different eventsWinter Swimming World Championships What it feels like to swim in cold water Deciding what challenge to do nextFollowing adventurers and outdoorsy people on social media Doing the Race to the Castle - 25 mile paddleboarding race on the River Trent with a cut off time of 9 hours Winter training and fitting training into her life Working with an elite paddle board racer—Emily King Why it was about time on the water Using an ironing board instead of a standing desk The next adventure and paddle boarding coast to coast across England (162 miles over 9/10 days). Going from Liverpool to YorkshireBeing supported by RED Equipment Meeting up with Jo MoseleyFundraising for the Canal and ...
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    38 min
  • Sylvia Malan-Gonzalez: Why Hiking is for Every Body | Fat Positive Hiking, Confidence & Community

    Sylvia Malan-Gonzalez: Why Hiking is for Every Body | Fat Positive Hiking, Confidence & Community
    Sep 8 2026
    Sylvia Malan-Gonzalez is a Fat Positive Hiker from Portland, Oregon, on a mission to show that hiking really is for every body. Although she enjoys being active, Sylvia didn't fall in love with hiking straight away. Getting started wasn't easy. Finding affordable gear that fit, overcoming self-doubt, and navigating the outdoors in a body that isn't often represented in the hiking world all presented their own challenges. Instead of giving up, Sylvia set herself a simple goal: hike twice a month. One trail at a time, she built confidence, found supportive communities, discovered the gear that worked for her, and eventually climbed Mt. St. Helens—proving to herself that she was capable of far more than she ever imagined. In this episode, Sylvia shares what it means to be a Fat Positive Hiker, why she embraces body neutrality over chasing weight loss, and how learning to trust herself has transformed both her relationship with the outdoors and with her own body. We also talk about overcoming fear, dealing with judgement, finding hiking partners, using hiking poles, building strength in the gym, and why losing your hiking mojo doesn't mean your adventure is over. Whether you're completely new to hiking, returning after time away, or simply looking for encouragement to take that first step, Sylvia's story is a reminder that the outdoors belongs to everyone. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Growing up and living in Portland, Oregon, USA39 years oldEnglish teacherMarried for 29 yearsHalf white and half Latina Growing up in a very creative environment Her parents running - Miracle Theatre Group! Getting to go to Outdoor School and spending time in nature during Middle School and High School Working as a Youth Counsellor Not liking hiking at first Liking being active and going for walks Trying to get into hiking and struggling at firstNot being able to get the gearSetting a personal goal other hike twice a monthFiguring out what gear worked for her and her bothUsing athletic gear that she used for the gymStarting to read more about what clothes she would wearThe basic essentials you need to take with youFirst aid, electrolytes The lack of brands for plus size people How the market for making clothes for bigger people is no longer there anymoreThicket Wonder Outdoors Being a Fat Positive Hiker and what that means How the body positivity message has changed via influences over the yearsCentering herself in body neutrality Not wanting to focus on weight lossLoving yourself and losing weight are two separate entities Loving yourself no matter what stage you're atSeeing health at every stageSetting a personal hiking challenge52 Hike Challenge Founded by Karla AmadorUsing hiking poles and how they helped herFinding other people to go hiking with Using All Trails Oregon Hikers Sharing and tracking your hikesBuilding a hiking community Making friends through the hiking community Being held back by fearsOvercoming fears and the lessons learned along the wayClimbing Mt. St HelensBeing a fat person and being afraid of getting hurtJudgement from other peopleBeing encouraged by her friend to climb Mt. St HelensWhat is the real fearWhy it is more of a mental thingLosing hiking mojo and how to handle thatSetting hiking goals for 2026Leading group hikesGetting into strength goalsGoing backpacking and camping!Sharing on Instagram How to connect with Sylvia Final words of advice"You can do hard things and still have fun while you're doing it. Who cares what people think of you? This is your life. Don't be afraid." Social Media Instagram: @SilverMTNGoat
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    30 min
  • Helen Watson – Author of Tea and Grit and Cycling 15,000km Along the Silk Road from Scotland to China with Her Husband

    Helen Watson – Author of Tea and Grit and Cycling 15,000km Along the Silk Road from Scotland to China with Her Husband
    Sep 1 2026
    Helen Watson is a traveller, writer, and conservationist based in the Scottish Highlands. Born in Scotland and raised in Switzerland, she has always been drawn to adventures that are both physically and culturally challenging. In 2009, shortly after completing her PhD, Helen and her husband Ed set off on an extraordinary bicycle journey from Scotland to China. Over the course of a year, they cycled 15,000 kilometres across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and China, following sections of the ancient Silk Road and relying on paper maps, curiosity, and the kindness of strangers. The journey took them through countries including Syria, Iran, and the Central Asian 'Stans', where they experienced incredible hospitality and forged meaningful connections with people from vastly different cultures and backgrounds. The trip would later inspire Helen's first book, Tea and Grit: A Bicycle Journey along the Silk Road, published in January 2026. In this episode, Helen shares the spark behind the adventure, the logistics of planning a long-distance cycle journey, and the realities of life on the road. We discuss what it means to become comfortable with discomfort, the privileges and challenges of travelling as a woman, and how her experiences in Syria took on a new significance in the years that followed during the refugee crisis. Helen also reflects on the importance of storytelling, why she felt compelled to write her book, and the lessons she has learned from a life shaped by travel, endurance, and human connection. Listen to this episode to hear about cycling 15,000km along the Silk Road, the generosity of people across cultures, and why stepping just outside your comfort zone can lead to the most transformative adventures. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Being based in the Scotland Highlands2009/2010 - cycling from Scotland to ChinaBeing born in Scotland and moving to Switzerland at 5 years oldGoing to St. Andrews for University Speaking; English, Swiss-German and German Growing up in Switzerland and spending time in the outdoorsGrowing up with a lot of cultures Wanting to take on this adventure and where the spark came fromBeing interested in long distance journeysBeing inspired by Ffyona Campbell Walking some long trails in New Zealand Meeting her husband Ed at University Wanting to do a longer trip after marriage Heading off after she fished her PhDStudying genetics of the red deer in Scotland Applying the lessons learned from studying for her PhD to planning the cycle rideLearning endurance from her PhDThe logistics of getting visa'sNot wanting to set a specific route in advance Using paper maps and making route decisions as they went Making some radical route decisions and deciding to go to Syria Why it was one of the best decisions she's made (apart from marrying Ed!)The route - Scotland - Newcastle - Holland - Germany - France - Switzerland, Austria, Hungry, Serbia, Croatia, Albania, Greece, Syria, Turkey, Iran, the Stans…to China Spending 2 months cycling around ChinaThe reality of what it was like being on the roadLoving the experience most of the time!Meeting different people and experiencing hospitality in different countriesGetting to the deeper levels of connection with people Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable in awkward social situations The privilege of being a woman while travelling with her male partner Getting to experience the best of both worldsWhat being a feminist means The amazing women who are fighting against oppression around the world Gender roles while travelling as a coupleHaving a love for writing Keeping a journal to document the journey Feeling depressed with what happened in SyriaDoing volunteer work related to refugees Wanting to tell the story of the people she metThe Arab Spring and the refugee crises Community Refugee SponsorshipThe book being released in January 2026 - Tea and Grit: A Bicycle Journey along the Silk RoadThe point she wanted to make with the bookWanting to go on the same trip again How to connect with Helen Final words of advice and wisdom for other women who want to take on an adventure or challenge Start with something that is a little bit outside your comfort zone and build up Break it down Social Media Website: www.helenwatsonwriting.com Instagram: @helenwatsonwriter The Book: Tea and Grit: A Bicycle Journey along the Silk Road
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    37 min
  • Gaby Dijkstra – Outdoor Enthusiast and PhD Researcher Studying the Role of Gender in the Extreme Mountaineering Industry.

    Gaby Dijkstra – Outdoor Enthusiast and PhD Researcher Studying the Role of Gender in the Extreme Mountaineering Industry.
    Aug 25 2026
    Gaby Dijkstra is an outdoor enthusiast, solo traveller, and researcher with a passion for remote mountain environments. Whether climbing, skiing, or paragliding, she feels most at home in the mountains and has travelled to all seven continents, breaking barriers as a solo female adventurer. After years of working in education and girl empowerment projects, Gaby became increasingly curious about the construct of gender and how societal expectations shape our behaviours, opportunities, and experiences. This curiosity ultimately led her to pursue a PhD at Rotterdam School of Management, designing her own research project to investigate the role of gender in extreme environments. In 2024, Gaby spent 191 days in the Himalayas, including 132 days living on the mountains, conducting fieldwork during a full climbing season in Nepal. Her research explored the role of gender in the extreme mountaineering industry, particularly among the people who work and operate in these challenging environments. Along the way, she joined a commercial expedition to climb Ama Dablam, visited the Khumbu Icefall and the Manaslu region, and was invited to take part in an exclusive winter expedition to Annapurna I. Through interviews, observations, and lived experience, Gaby gathered what she describes as "a mountain of data" on how gender norms continue to shape the culture of mountaineering. In this episode, Gaby shares what she learned from her time in the Himalayas, why the traditional heroic narrative of mountaineering can be harmful to both men and women, and how understanding gender as a social construct can help us rethink leadership, decision-making, and belonging in extreme environments. Listen to this episode to learn about conducting a PhD in one of the world's most challenging landscapes, the hidden gender dynamics within the mountaineering industry, and why talking to other women and pursuing your curiosities can open doors to entirely new adventures. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Living in Amsterdam, Netherlands37, freelancer and researcher Having a background in sports management Using sports to help society tackle challengesPhD at Rotterdam School of Management Designing her own study project - the role of gender in extreme environments Gender as a social construct How social constructs can limit us in who we are and how we behaveWhat is appropriate behaviour for societies gender expectations Study something that is interesting for youLooking at gender and not understanding the construct Loving all types of outdoor sports. Being most happy when in the mountains Where are all the women - always being surrounded by menStarting to work in leadership project. Girl empowerment projects.Introducing girls to sports Getting frustrated and wanting to learn more about the construct of gender Wanting to know how this plays out in extreme environments If there are no obstacles - where would you like to go for your PhD?Wanting to go back to the Himalayas 191 days in the field, spending 132 days on a mountainConducting fieldwork in the mountains of Nepal for a full climbing season Looking at the role of gender in the climbing industry - especially for people working in the mountainsStudying only from the Nepal sideTaking part in a commercial climbing expedition - climbing Ama Dablam (6,812 metres (22,349 ft))Doing a participant observation study - What it means to be a client in the industry Being invited to join an exclusive winter expedition - visiting Annapurna IVisiting the Manaslu RegionVistiting Mt. Everest and the Khumbu icefalls Speaking with women climbing and working The lessons and learning from the research - having "a mountain of data!"Her PnD based on three articles The first article based on doing a discourse analysis based on 100 years of expedition reports - looking at gender norms and how they can be identified The 2nd and 3rd articles based on her experience Looking at the theory of sense making, decision making Not looking at the different between men and womenThe heroic sense of mountaineering - the summit above all else….The traditional norms and how it can harm both men and womenWomen being extra tough on other womenHow to connect with Gaby to find out more about her work Wanting to be outside rather than on social mediaWords of advice for other women who want to purse their interests Talk to other women Social Media Website: www.sportsleadership.nl Linkedin: www.linkedin.com...
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    46 min