Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast She Who Dares, Wins.
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus: The 5-Minute Bonus Dare for Long-Term Vitality: from Christine Hobson | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:06:46 | |
In this exclusive mini bonus episode, host Michelle Hands catches up with world-record endurance runner Christine Hobson to ask for one simple, powerful dare for women looking to take control of their health without feeling overwhelmed. Despite running marathons, Christine shares her startling discovery after wearing a continuous glucose monitor: even active athletes can experience major blood sugar spikes after regular meals. Christine reveals how experimenting with a simple 20-minute brisk walk straight after eating completely transformed her glucose levels and metabolic health. Together, Michelle and Christine unpack the power of compounding daily micro-habits, why walking around the block while listening to an audiobook beats sporadic workout intensity, and how stepping out your back gate into nature can bring you right back to basics. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE:
💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: On the power of a daily walk: "I think if you're wanting to look after your health... then I think that a walk every day is incredible." On the impact of small, compounding daily habits: "That goes back to that thing we were talking about—that compound of just a small thing can have a huge effect." On why simple habits are hard to prioritize: "It sounds really simple, but it's amazingly hard to prioritize things when life gets in its way." On taking health back to basics: "It takes it back to basics, doesn't it? Like food, walking, sleep. 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:
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| Bonus Episode: paralysing trap of external noise, strategising, and losing your true voice | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:15:52 | |
In this completely raw, unscripted, and single-take solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a massive internal battle I’ve been fighting over the last six months: the paralyzing trap of external noise, over-strategizing, and quietly losing your true voice in the social media scroll. After 2.5 years of hosting this show and building a career on storytelling—from construction site cabins to high-production film sets—I recently realized I had fallen into a dangerous vortex. I was buying the courses, reading the books, obsessing over "traditional business formulas," and trying to force my creative brain into boxes where it just didn't fit. In the pursuit of perfection, I forgot who I was, how I wanted to show up, and why I started this journey in the first place. In this episode, I share the exact steps I took to break out of creative paralysis: 🧠 The ADHD Diagnosis: How understanding my brain's wiring finally allowed me to challenge my toxic inner narratives and stop looking externally for validation. 📴 The Digital Detox: Why scrolling social media is actively starving your creativity, and the science behind why our brains need to slow down to let gut instincts breathe. ⚡ Unpopular Business Advice: Why a successful business broker friend taught me that true success is built on bold risk-taking, not rigid corporate processes. 🎥 The Birth of She Who Dares Wins Productions: Why standard "podcast clips" don't tell real stories, and how I'm shifting back to my true love of filmmaking to share human journeys in a bigger way. If you are currently over-analyzing, stuck in procrastination, or drowning in the pressure of trying to get things "perfect" before you launch, this video is your wake-up call to sit with yourself, shut out the noise, and trust your gut. The answer doesn't lie in another online course. The answer lies within. Now, let's start daring. 📍 Chapters 00:00 - The Spitball Session: Why I’m Not Editing This Video 01:15 - My Story: From the Construction Site to the Mic 02:40 - Sucked Into the "Social Media Vortex" 04:30 - The Trap of Over-Strategizing & Buying Into the Formula 06:45 - The Truth About My ADHD Diagnosis & Internal Battles 08:50 - The Creative Reset: Journaling & Disconnecting the Dopamine Loop 11:20 - Unpopular Business Advice: Risk-Taking vs. Over-Processing 13:40 - The Birth of She Who Dares Wins Productions 15:45 - Putting Down the Phone & Reconnecting With Nature 18:10 - The Weekly Dare: The Answer Lies Within Join Dare club: www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| From Head Teacher to 125 Marathons at 72: Outrunning Retirement with Christine Hobson | 01 sept. 2026 | 01:01:07 | |
The 125-Marathon Grandma: How a "Virtual Paper Bag" and an Audacious Goal Built a World Record at 72 with Christine Hobson Description: What do you do when you retire on a Friday after a high-stress career managing failing schools, only to face a terrifyingly silent weekend? For Christine Hobson, she stood at the starting line of the London Marathon just two days later at age 60, crying tears of transition. Rather than stepping onto the "scrap heap," she strategic run-walked her way to completing an unbelievable 125 marathons, including a peak year of running 34 marathons in just 12 months at age 67. In this heartwarming episode, Christine shares her extraordinary journey of securing a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to run the Antarctica Ice Marathon in brutal -30°C conditions. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE:
💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: On leaving her career and crossing her first starting line: "As I crossed the starting line, I cried... because I was leaving one life behind and had no idea what I was going to do with the rest of it." On total reinvention in retirement: "I retired with not a clue what I was doing. And I have totally reinvented myself as something that I would not in my wildest dreams ever thought I would be." On why growing older is a superpower: "I've never ever found that my old age is an advantage, but now it is. Because on this front, it is a big advantage... it gives that trust and belief that it's possible." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:
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| I Was Written Off at 14. Here is My 15-Year Revenge on "Success" | 25 août 2026 | 01:24:52 | |
Imagine being fifteen years old and having your head teacher tell you straight to your face that you will amount to absolutely nothing. For years, Gina carried that heavy, wounding line with her, pouring her energy into a relentless, high-stakes, fifteen-year career in corporate tech and consulting—constantly striving, doing more, and trying to prove her worth. But after years of managing massive, multi-million-pound projects for major organisations like the NHS and Sainsbury's, her body and mind finally hit a breaking point. She realized that society's version of success was nothing more than a fast track to burnout, and she had to learn a completely new way to exist. Together, Michelle and Gina unpack the psychology of overwhelm and how to outsmart it using simple, daily micro-steps. From treating your "future self" with kindness—like wiping down the kitchen sides before bed or packing with rucksack cubes—to her weekly ritual of "F*** It Thursdays," where she shoots for the stars to train her brain that it is safe to fail, Gina shares an actionable blueprint for mental freedom. They discuss why the word priority was historically only ever meant to be singular, why we must stop letting technology hijack our attention spans, and how to unpick our identity from our jobs so we can finally start living on our own terms. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE:
💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: On treating your future self with kindness: "Doing the smallest thing possible that will make future Gina a bit happier, or a bit calmer." On why priority must always remain singular: "Not everything can be a priority. Like priority is a singular word... Priorities wasn't added into the dictionary till like the 17 or 1800s... So, you only have one." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:
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| Moving Through Doubt: The Mindset Behind a 285kg World Record with Strong woman Shauna Moar | 18 août 2026 | 00:42:22 | |
In this incredibly inspiring and humbling episode, Shauna joins Michelle to share her jaw-dropping journey from being a "floppy baby" who would collapse from a gentle gust of wind, to becoming an unstoppable rugby player, to holding the 285kg world record in the trap bar deadlift, putting her in the top 0.01% of global strength athletes. Shauna shares the tough, unglamorous reality of her condition, including the grueling "zombie state" recovery days she spends in bed after competitions because her nervous system takes ten times longer to recover than a typical athlete. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE:
💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: On refusing to let a label define you: "I dared to not let my disability define me... I was told by the doctors I would be in a wheelchair as an adult and I'd be nothing more than a couch potato. Proper quote from the doctor." On the reality of her extreme athletic recovery: "I have the same recovery as everyone else, just 10 times to the extreme... I'll be like a zombie for 3 days at least... sleeping all the time. When I get really tired... I can barely speak... what comes out is just like mumbly." On conquering imposter syndrome: "A lot of the things I struggled with was sort of self-sabotage... imposter syndrome... thinking I'm not good enough. We've worked a lot on that. And I've got rid of that completely. I'm like yeah, I deserve to be here. I've worked extremely hard to get to where I am." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:
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| The Art of Storytelling and Human Connection: How I used it to survive in a Male-Dominated World | 11 août 2026 | 00:09:20 | |
The Art of Storytelling and Human Connection: How I used it to survive in a Male-Dominated World Have you ever sat across from someone at dinner, listened to them speak, and felt like you've known them for an entire lifetime in just a matter of minutes? In this solo masterclass, host Michelle Hands breaks down why storytelling is not an innate talent you are born with—it is a superpower, a craft, and a muscle that must be actively flexed. Michelle dismantles the common fear of "I don't have a story to tell," explaining that great storytelling doesn't have to be a grand autobiographical tale. It can be as simple as a funny conversation overheard at a local bus stop or a show you watched on television. She reveals how her experience interviewing over 150 extraordinary women on She Who Dares Wins over the last two years served as her own masterclass in communication. She unpacks the critical difference between human and AI-generated stories, arguing that no AI can ever replace or replicate the unique, lived experiences of a human life from childhood to adulthood. This raw, emotional, and vulnerable human connection is precisely why podcasts are thriving today. She also reveals her secret weapon for navigating intimidating, ego-driven spaces like construction cabins: the power of silent observation. Michelle shares how staying completely quiet for the first 30 to 60 minutes allowed her to map out the office hierarchies, egos, and dominant "chimp" banter so she could connect with the room's most influential characters. By learning to show genuine vulnerability and letting people in, you can bypass superficial "yapping" and start using storytelling as a powerful form of personal therapy. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE:
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| Beyond Palatable: How Delusion, Audacity, and Messy Action Can Build Your Dream Life with Sophie Lee | 28 juil. 2026 | 01:05:24 | |
Imagine being twenty-three, living in Shanghai, and deciding you want a column in the city's major newspaper—despite having zero journalism experience and absolutely no portfolio. That is exactly the kind of "audacious delusion" Sophie Main brought to the table when she showed up at their corporate offices week after week until they finally handed her a column just to stop her from coming back! In this incredibly refreshing, funny, and deeply honest episode, the strategist, public speaking coach, and author of the groundbreaking book Beyond Palatable sits down with Michelle to dismantle the polished social media lies of "overnight success" and "six-figure passive income". Sophie shares her raw journey from navigating a cutthroat journalism industry—where she faced the trauma of doing "death knocks" on grieving families—to running a highly successful, multi-six-figure business. She reveals how she recently landed an incredible publishing deal simply by having the courage to put her scrappy, half-formed ideas out into the world before she felt ready, all while running her company and "3D-printing a human being"! If you are tired of buying endless courses, outsourcing your self-worth, and waiting for the "perfect" time to start, this episode is your ultimate sign to take messy action and flex your courage muscle! ✨ IN THIS EPISODE:
💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: On the success trifecta of building a business: "The keys to success are audacity. You really do have to be audacious... and tenacity to not stop, to keep going, and delusion. You need to be delusional about what it is that you deserve, and probably to a degree, what you're capable of." On why we must stop showing up as "perfect": "It's really important when I tell my story and when I show up to be as human and honest and messy as I can possibly be, because I never want somebody to look at me and think she's up here and I'm down here. I want people to look at me and think, well, she's a bit of a shit show, so she can do it, and I can probably do it too." On shifting your perspective on what actually matters: "When you really start to understand that you are a grain of sand and that your existence is important, but still inconsequential... then impact starts to look different... Who are you in the shop when you buy your groceries? Who are you to your children in the morning... Far more important than how many bloody Instagram followers you have..." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:
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| How to Finally Quit the Job You Keep Convincing Yourself You Need | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:28:42 | |
Imagine walking away from a high-paying, independent career you spent 17 years climbing the ladder to build. For podcast host Michelle, that was her reality in the chaotic world of construction. After a medical burnout landed her in a hospital bed, she realized she couldn't keep running on autopilot, but she was trapped in the "golden handcuffs" of a lucrative salary, expensive cars, and constant luxury holidays. In this incredibly raw solo episode, Michelle breaks down the unglamorous, realistic blueprint of what actually happens after you hand in your resignation. She shares how she audited her own ego (including selling her massive V6 truck), halved her household expenses, and used a low-pressure part-time freelance job to build a bridge toward her true passion. This isn't a social media fairy tale of overnight six-figure success; it is a practical guide to surviving the "messy middle" of a career transition. Michelle challenges you to redefine your worth beyond your paycheck, map your transferable skills on a blank piece of paper, and have the hard "disintegration" conversation with your partner. Most importantly, she explains why you must burn your safety net and stop giving yourself a get-out clause—because backwards is backwards, and holding onto a backup plan only stops you from reaching your true potential. If you've been waiting for a "perfect time" to leave a job that is slowly draining your spirit, this episode is your sign to stop making excuses and start planning your leap. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE:
(Note: Timestamps are approximate based on the conversational flow of the raw audio) 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: On partner support during a career pivot: "I would actually prefer us to live in a shed and you be happy than see you in this way." On why backup plans hold us back: "As soon as you give yourself that get out clause, it is in the back of your mind and you will not do what you need to do because you have that backup... backwards is backwards." On separating your self-worth from your salary: "...when we don't earn money it doesn't mean that we don't have any value." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:
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| Learning the Language of Your Biology: How Cycles, Hormones, and Moods Align With Harri | 14 juil. 2026 | 01:16:19 | |
Harri is an adventurer, researcher in preventative medicine, and women's health advocate who has spent her life choosing the scary path over the false comfort of security. From solo travel adventures that left her face-to-face with a black widow spider in a steep Thailand ravine to driving a 4x4 completely solo into the desert of Oman, she has continuously tested the limits of her capacity to grow as a person. But living a life of adventure became a massive hurdle when she began experiencing severe endometriosis symptoms. For years, she suffered from debilitating full-body pain, chronic fatigue, and severe depression. She had to navigate a deeply flawed medical system where women's pain is routinely dismissed, spending two years on a surgical waiting list while being offered standard treatments like birth control and chemical menopause that severely impacted her mental health. Now, with a qualification in women's health and hormones, she is helping women understand the "language of their biology". She teaches women how to track their menstrual cycles and navigate the four phases—menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal—to take back control of their well-being. She is a passionate advocate for self-advocacy, helping women find their voice so they can fight to be heard in a healthcare system that too often ignores them. In this episode, we delve into Harri’s incredible story of resilience and self-discovery. We discuss the gender health gap and medical research disparities, how our hormonal phases affect our mood and athletic performance, the biological purpose behind our brain’s fear signals, and why we must refuse to define our lives by our highest pain days. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE:
💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: On releasing the self-blame of hormone fluctuations: "When I finally realized that that was the thing influencing my depression, I was like, it's almost like I'm not broken. It wasn't a me problem. It was a biology problem... Years of thinking I was the problem." On managing chronic conditions and keeping your spark: "Don't define yourself by your highest pain days. It's so easy to kind of set our capacity to manage the worst days... but you've got to find a way to do the things that you love still... You are capable of this." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:
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| From "Should" to "Want": Unleashing Your Forward Force | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:07:39 | |
Have you ever stared at a mounting to-do list, surrounded by notebooks filled with strategies, only to realize you are completely paralyzed? The truth is, you don’t need more discipline, another textbook, or more information. You are staying still because you are trying to shame yourself into a new beginning. In this solo episode, our host Michelle deep dives into why "should" is actually a form of shame—and why shame is biologically and psychologically guaranteed to keep you stagnant. We unpack why doubt is not a lack of information, but an avoidance of uncomfortable feelings. Finally, we explore the sheer vulnerability of admitting what you truly want, why your ego covers those desires up with safe "shoulds," and how you can make the energetic shift to step out of your head and into daring action today. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE:
💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: On the trap of "should": "Should is an internal statement that brings shame because if you don't do it, then you've failed. And shame's only job is to stop or stagnate behavior." On the true definition of doubt: "Doubt is not a lack of information. It's an avoidance of uncomfortable feelings." On the energetic shift of desire: "Shoulds are like a heavy weight pulling you down. And wants are a forward force propelling you ahead." On why we protect ourselves from what we want: "Getting what we want will fundamentally redefine who we are as a person, which is a moment of deadly peril for our ego." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:
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| Perfection is Overrated: Ditching the Fear of Mistakes to Build Leeds' Only Female-Led Studio - Our House | 01 juil. 2026 | 01:02:06 | |
Laura and Lily are artists, producers, and the founders of Our House Studios, the first and only female-run recording studio in Leeds. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities in a heavily male-dominated industry, they got tired of waiting for someone to hand them a job and dared to build their own creative space instead. But taking a massive leap of faith wasn't without its hurdles. Thinking they were taking over a fully functioning studio, they unlocked the doors on day one only to find the space completely gutted, bare, and echoing. They also had to navigate the deep-seated anxiety of being female sound engineers—knowing that any mistake behind the desk could be unfairly blamed on their gender—and deal with older men in the industry doubting their capabilities with "mansplaining". Now, they run a thriving, three-room creative sanctuary that feels more like a cozy living room than a clinical studio. Built with the help of free labor from their local community, pallets, and coffee sacks, Our House Studios is a testament to what happens when you anchor to a strong "why". They are actively changing the industry by showing that you don't have to know everything before you start, and they are educating the naysayers simply by doing an incredible job. In this episode, we delve into Laura and Lily’s incredible journey and what it has taught them. We discuss the terror of the "empty room panic," the power of community, how they use "mansplaining" as fuel to prove naysayers wrong, and why asking yourself hard questions and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is the ultimate key to building a life you actually want. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction to Our House Studios and the ultimate dare 04:15 Meeting at a gig and the lack of sound engineering jobs 08:40 Ditching the wait and deciding to take the leap 12:10 The Day 1 disaster: Walking into a gutted, empty studio 17:30 Flipping the mindset and the incredible power of community 28:00 Creating a cozy, non-clinical space for artists 41:20 Building acoustic panels from pallets and doing it for free 45:30 Anchoring to your "Why" when the "How" is terrifying 51:10 Dealing with mansplaining and using doubt as fuel 60:00 The pressure of perfection and asking the hard questions 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: On finding your purpose: "It's not a how, it's having a why, having a reason why you're doing it... If that's solid, then we'll figure out how we'll do it." On taking up space and proving people wrong: "It isn't anyone's job to educate idiot men... we're educating people just by existing. And opening the studio has made me realize how important it is for everyone in life... to actually really be themselves." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: Book your session at Our House Studios via email: ourhousemusicstudios@gmail.com Sign up for the newsletter to get your weekly dares: www.shewhodareswins.com Join the Dare Club community 🎙️ WANT MORE? Allie Bailey - discusses outrunning self-hate, the myth of self-sabotage, and how to conquer the brutal internal monologue holding you back: here Vanessa Ruck - from a devastating accident and a hospital bed to the Dakar Rally, redefining limits and setting audacious goals before you are ready 💌 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps more people discover these stories Watch all Episodes on Youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Late-Diagnosed ADHD in Your 40s: Unpacking the Chaos, the Burnout, and the "Superpower" Myth | 23 juin 2026 | 00:42:01 | |
Michelle has spent the last two years interviewing incredible women on the She Who Dares Wins podcast, but today she steps behind the mic solo for the Season 4 finale. After spending a decade navigating the chaotic, male-dominated world of construction as a freelance engineer—while simultaneously juggling side hustles like filmmaking, a plumbing chemical business, and a clothing line—she thought she was just naturally wired for chaos. But a life of extreme chaos isn't without its mental hurdles. From masking her emotions as a child to living constantly in a "fight or flight" mode to survive moving from project to project, she was unknowingly chasing dopamine. After facing severe burnout that landed her in the hospital and navigating the intense imposter syndrome of quitting her safety-net job to go full-time with her podcast, she realized she could no longer ignore her struggles. Just two weeks ago, she received an official ADHD diagnosis, a revelation that is incredibly common for women in their 40s experiencing hormonal shifts. Now, she is laying it all out there. It is a deeply personal account of her time in construction, the exhausting reality of masking, and how what many label an "ADHD superpower" can actually be the exact thing driving you to absolute burnout. It takes listeners on a journey into why our brains chase shiny new objects, the reality of double-checking everything out of a paralyzing fear of failure, and the immense relief of finally understanding how your mind works. In this episode, we delve into Michelle's official diagnosis and what it has taught her. We discuss her transition from film school to a construction site, how she navigated being the only woman on the job, the moment she realized she was burning out, and the exciting new "doubting to daring" format launching in Season 5. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction to the Season 4 Finale and a personal update 04:15 Childhood masking and surviving school as the "funny one" 10:30 Film school in LA to surviving a baptism of fire in construction 16:45 Chasing dopamine: side hustles, chemical businesses, and fight-or-flight mode 23:20 The reality of being the only female engineer on site and battling imposter syndrome 30:10 Navigating motherhood, severe burnout, and the hospital visit that changed everything 34:50 Sacking the safety net, going all-in on the podcast, and facing self-doubt 39:15 The assessment process and the profound relief of a late ADHD diagnosis 45:30 What’s next: Season 5, Dare Club, and moving from "doubting to daring" 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: On the exhaustion of the "superpower" myth: "I was in fight or flight mode for the majority of my career... People are always like, 'Yeah, it's a superpower. It's amazing.' It can be, but it also can get you to this point where you are absolutely exhausted and burnt out." On the relief of an official diagnosis: "The things that you have beaten yourself up about over the years and made a joke of, made light of, is actually something that is not really coped with well in society... Somebody to tell you that your brain works differently and you just have this sense of relief of like, Okay." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: Sign up for the newsletter to get your weekly dares: www.shewhodareswins.com Join the Dare Club community: A space where daring outruns doubting 🎙️ WANT MORE? Jenny - our deep dive into the realities of ADHD, Autism, and understanding neurodivergence: here Amanda Perry - discusses unlocking ADHD in business, survival, and triumph: here 💌 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps more people discover these stories Watch all Episodes on Youtube What are the specific signs of burnout you experienced? Join Dare Club To Chat with other women who have similar experiences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Breaking the Rules to Save Your Life: From Cancer to the Dakar Rally | 16 juin 2026 | 00:16:42 | |
*triggers: This episode includes discussion of depression, mental health crises, cancer diagnosis, and severe road traffic accidents. In 2019, Beaky Allesch Taylor was experiencing pain in her ribs. Driven by a strong survival instinct, she pushed her GP for answers, leading to an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis. When offered a standard treatment plan that carried a 1-in-200 risk of heart disease, Beaky used her background in science and nutrition to do her own research. She discovered her cancer was a rare type, sacked her surgeon when he wouldn't listen to her, and demanded a full mastectomy—proving the life-saving power of being your own biggest advocate. Vanessa Ruck was a fit, active woman commuting on her bicycle when a car ran a red light, irrevocably changing her life. Sent home from A&E with a diagnosis of mere "bruising," Vanessa actually endured seven years of surgeries, chronic pain, and bedbound days. The trauma left her with multiple mental health disorders, including depression and a paralyzing fear of the road. Instead of letting the driver who hit her dictate her future, Vanessa made the radical decision to buy a motorbike. Despite crying inside her helmet and battling panic attacks on the side of the road, she fought through the pain and eventually went on to complete the Dakar Rally and the Africa Eco Race—some of the most extreme desert endurance races in the world. In this special mash-up episode, we delve into two unbelievable stories of radical resilience. We discuss the importance of finding humor in the dark, the reality of living with chronic pain, what it really takes to sack a medical professional when your gut says they are wrong, and why you must stop playing the "good girl" and start shouting to be heard. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Radical Self-Advocacy and Trusting Your Gut 01:45 Beaky: Finding Humor in the Dark 02:40 Pushing for a Cancer Diagnosis 06:30 The "Bag of Minstrels" Risk 08:45 Sacking Your Surgeon 11:15 Vanessa: The Bicycle Accident that Changed Everything 13:50 From "Bruising" to Seven Surgeries 17:20 Chronic Pain and Mental Health Struggles 20:00 The Decision to Buy a Motorbike 21:40 Crying in the Helmet: Facing the Fear 25:20 Refusing to Let Trauma Win 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "I had to really listen to my gut and really go with how I felt and I had to shout to be heard and to have the treatment that I thought was best for me." "Getting on that motorbike was something that I can't emphasize enough how hard it was. It took a lot of determination, a lot of strength, and a lot of crying in my motorcycle helmet... I just had to face this determination that I had that I could not let that lady who hit me control everything." "If you can find humor in the darkest, darkest times, you're probably going to be all right." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: Join the Dare Club Community Michelle’s Substack: https://shewhodareswins.substack.com/ 📚 WANT MORE? Catch Beaky's Full Episode here Catch Vanessa's full episode here Claire Sunshine - discusses rebuilding life after the sudden loss of her daughter, and turning unimaginable grief into the courage to launch a business: Chloe Brennan - Strongwoman World Champion discusses uncovering her "not good enough" complex, identity, and why external validation won't fix internal doubt: 💌 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps more people discover these stories 👋 Follow She Who Dares Wins & Michelle: Instagram: @shewhodareswins TikTok: @shewhodareswins Website: www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Conquering Fear and Redefining Your Limits: Inside the Mind of a Celebrity Survival Expert | 09 juin 2026 | 00:28:39 | |
Megan Hine is a wilderness guide, survivalist, and TV producer whose career is the stuff of Hollywood movies. From wild camping alone at 11 years old in Snowdonia to handling King Cobras and rigging stunts out of helicopters for major TV shows, she has spent her life making the inaccessible accessible. But a life of extreme adventure isn't without its mental hurdles. Despite hanging out of helicopters for work, Megan developed a terrifying phobia of them—which she actively cured by learning to fly a paramotor so she could understand air currents. She also had to navigate a heavily male-dominated industry, realizing early on that she would have to work twice as hard to get the same recognition as her male counterparts. Now, she has written a book detailing her experiences. It is a deeply personal account of her time in the wild, exploring the psychology of survival, the therapeutic benefits of nature, and how we can train our brains to handle everyday situations. It takes readers on a journey into why our bodies naturally crave comfort, and how pushing past that biological urge is the ultimate key to resilience. In this episode, we delve into Megan’s incredible career and what it has taught her. We discuss the psychology of fear, her encounters with deadly predators in extreme environments, how she handles high-profile celebrities who refuse safety gear, and why, as a society, we need to stop taking the easy route and start getting uncomfortable. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction and claiming the small wins 02:01 A childhood in Snowdonia and solo camping at 11 04:18 How a free beer led to a career in bushcraft 07:37 Navigating the "boys' club" and working twice as hard 09:42 Curing a paralyzing fear of helicopters 12:33 How to build your own outdoor experience and qualifications 15:57 The biology of comfort: why we instinctively take the easy route 18:50 A terrifying encounter with a Mountain King Cobra 22:07 Working with celebrities and enforcing boundaries 24:36 Taking responsibility and getting out of your own way 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: On the biology of procrastination and fear: "If you study the behavior of any animal, it's all like survival is about efficiency and conservation of energy... It's ingrained in our very makeup to take easier options... but resilience is built through taking on challenges." On the great equalizer of the outdoors: "Nature doesn't discriminate, doesn't care what your walk, where you're from, what your background is... you are going to perform in the way nature performs." 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: Megan's audiobook (as mentioned in the episode) is available to listen to now. Megan is a proud ambassador for the Scouts Skills for Life program Join the She Who Dares Wins community 🎙️ WANT MORE? Allie Bailey - discusses outrunning self-hate, the myth of self-sabotage, and how to conquer the brutal internal monologue holding you back: here Vanessa Ruck - from a devastating accident and a hospital bed to the Dakar Rally, redefining limits and setting audacious goals before you are ready: here 💌 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps more people discover these stories Watch all Episodes on Youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How Cold Water Therapy Saved Her Life, Author and Adevnturer Sara Barnes | 02 juin 2026 | 00:55:08 | |
In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Sara, an author and cold water swim guide who has rebuilt her life through divorce, grief, major surgeries, and a near-death experience on the operating table. From being told she’d never “make it” as a freelancer, to years of rejection before finally landing a book deal, Sara shares how cold water, community, and storytelling helped her find courage, connection, and a new chapter in her 60s. This one is for anyone who feels “too ordinary,” too late, or scared to put their work out into the world.
Are you ready to stop dounting yourself and become more daring like our guests? Join Dare Club now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ADHD, Autism (AuDHD) & The Non-Linear Career: Rewriting What “Success” Looks Like for Women. | 26 mai 2026 | 01:21:35 | |
Today, we’re diving into a conversation that so many women in their 30s and 40s are quietly living through, but rarely saying out loud. I’m joined again by Jenni, who you might remember from a previous episode, and this time we’re going deeper into what it really looks like to have a non-linear career, a late ADHD diagnosis, and, as Jenni discovered, autism traits on top of it all. If you’ve ever looked at your CV and thought, “Why can’t I just stick to one thing like everyone else?” or woken up already telling yourself you’re behind before the day has even started… this episode is for you. We talk about:
This is an honest, vulnerable, and, at times, very funny conversation between two women who absolutely do not fit the traditional career box — and have finally stopped apologising for it. So, if you’ve ever felt “too much”, “all over the place”, or secretly broken… take a breath, grab a cuppa, and let this be your reminder: you are not broken, and you are definitely not alone. Let’s dive in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Take the Risk or Lose the Chance: Sisters Who Rewrote the Rules Teddy and Mary - Havana Little | 19 mai 2026 | 00:56:49 | |
n this episode of She Dares Wins, Michelle is joined by sisters Mary and Teddy – two women who’ve carved wildly different but equally daring paths from the same family roots. Mary is a fibrous plasterer working in heritage buildings and a trailblazer in a centuries‑old, male‑dominated trade. Teddy is a dental therapist who walked away from a high‑flying corporate role to work in rural Nicaragua, where she eventually met her husband. Together they talk about risk, resilience, sisterhood, and what it really looks like to choose the daring route when nothing is guaranteed. [00:02:47] Daring stories: quitting jobs & choosing risk
[00:03:28] Motorway breakdown & battery change – live ‘she dares, she wins’
[00:08:02] 500 toothbrushes & an NGO in Nicaragua
[00:14:06] Mary’s path in a family trade – from “embarrassed” to expert
[00:17:16] Resilience, single motherhood & mental strength
[00:21:16] Representation, role models & social media
[00:31:12] What they’d tell their younger selves (and why they wouldn’t change the hard bits)
[00:39:25] The craft: heritage ceilings, the Guild & teaching the next generation
[00:49:24] Identity, calling & coming home to yourself
Join Dare Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ditching the Good Girl persona, becoming confident without the Pressure | 12 mai 2026 | 00:16:40 | |
If you’ve ever felt like you’re ticking all the right boxes but living the wrong life, this episode is your permission slip to stop being “the good girl” and start being who you really are. In this mash‑up episode, you’ll hear from:
You’ll be guided from people‑pleasing and burnout to purpose without pressure, community support, and owning your raw, unapologetic self. By the end of this episode, you’ll move through these stages:
If this episode resonates with you come join us at the Dare club community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Forty and Fearless: Leaving the Safe Career to Build What You Really Want | 07 mai 2026 | 00:20:21 | |
In this solo episode, Michelle shares the honest, unglamorous reality of walking away from a “safe” 17-year career in construction to back herself fully with She Who Dares Wins. This one’s for the women in their 40s who feel like they’re “too far in” to start again—but know deep down they’re meant for more. In this episode, we cover:
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to back yourself, this is it! Join The Dare Club community now! www.shewhodareswins.com Shop the clothing www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dare to set your expectations and the bar low enough: that's when the fun starts | 30 avr. 2026 | 00:07:58 | |
In this week’s Dare Day episode, Michelle gets radically honest about perfectionism, pressure, and what it really takes to launch something new without burning out. She shares the behind-the-scenes of launching Dare Club—not with a flawless 12‑month plan and perfect branding, but with zero expectations, messy action, and a focus on who she wants to become rather than how many spots she sells. You’ll hear about:
At the end of the episode, Michelle gives you a simple but powerful dare: Pick one thing you’ve been polishing for too long—a newsletter, product, video, conversation, or post—and launch it as C‑minus work. The win is doing the thing, not the outcome.You’ll also hear what Dare Club is, who it’s for, and how it can help you become your most daring self inside a safe, supportive community—with guest sessions, hot seats, and space to realign who you are with who you want to be. Dare of the Week: Choose one project you’ve been overthinking and launch it with zero expectations. Let the win be that you showed up and did it. Links & Mentions:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Crib Goch, Kilimanjaro & Walking Away: How Lindsey Rewired Her Life with Nature | 27 avr. 2026 | 00:56:35 | |
In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with long‑distance trekker and world‑record holder Lindsey, whose life has been completely transformed by nature, fear, and radical honesty. Once running an interior design business and working 100‑hour weeks, Lindsey used the forced pause of Covid to reassess everything her work, her relationships, and the life she was “supposed” to want. She opens up about walking away from two marriages impacted by addiction, leaving with “absolutely nothing,” and choosing her mental health and truth over the safety of staying. Lindsey then takes us on her 6,137‑mile trek around the entire coastline of Great Britain 298 days, marathon and ultra distances, no ferries, no shortcut bridges and shares how living 67% of her life outdoors has completely rewired her nervous system, priorities, and definition of “enough.” We talk about extreme fear and presence on Wales’ infamous Crib Goch ridge, the unexpected kindness of strangers, and why she believes nature is “nutrition” for anxiety, depression, and burnout. Timestamps [0:00:00] – Crib Goch & the “Live It Now” List Lindsey introduces her recent Crib Goch ridge adventure in Wales, explains her “live it now list” (not a bucket list), and describes how facing that extreme exposure forced her into total presence and calm. [0:06:24] – Covid, Overwork & the Decision to Change Everything Lindsey shares how working 100-hour weeks in her interior design business and the forced pause of Covid helped her reconnect with her kids, nature, and her own happiness — and led to a complete life and career pivot at 40. [0:10:19] – Addiction, Leaving with Nothing & Choosing Herself She opens up about two marriages impacted by addiction, her coping mechanisms, and the terrifying choice to walk away with “absolutely nothing” in order to protect her mental health and live in alignment with her truth. [0:17:02] – The 6,137-Mile Trek Around Great Britain Lindsey breaks down planning and walking the full coastline of Great Britain: 298 days, no ferries, no shortcut bridges, marathon and ultra-distance days, and how that journey completely rewired what she values. [0:21:35] – Kindness on the Trail & How People Showed Up From gifted hostel beds to strangers offering water and walking alongside her, Lindsey talks about over 160 free nights, 700+ companions, and how the trek restored her faith in human kindness. [0:28:07] – Nature as Daily Nutrition & Mental Health A deep dive into how much time we really spend indoors, what 4,800 hours outside did to her nervous system, and why she believes nature is “nutrition” and a key missing piece in anxiety and depression. [0:41:27] – She Who Dares Wins Camp & Women’s Outdoor Experiences Michelle shares plans for the She Who Dares Wins camping event (wild swimming, bushcraft, campfire connection), and Lindsey reflects on why stripping back comfort and getting outside is so powerful for women. [0:43:34] – Kilimanjaro in 24 Hours: The Next Big Challenge Lindsey introduces her all-women world-record attempt to summit and descend Kilimanjaro in 24 hours: team dynamics, breathwork and altitude training, prep climbs, and learning to let others see “all of her.” [0:54:36] – Your Dare from Lindsey: Face One Fear This Month In the bonus segment, Lindsey sets a practical dare for listeners: pick one fear from the last month and face it head-on. She and Michelle talk about micro-fears (emails, conversations, small decisions), fear of failure, and how tiny brave acts compound into real transformation. Join Dare Club www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Three Paths, One You: A Mini Dare with the Stanford Odyssey Method | 23 avr. 2026 | 00:10:21 | |
In this Thursday mini-dare, Michelle shares a deeply personal update and a powerful life design tool to help you reimagine your future. After two years of running She Who Dares Wins alongside a part-time construction job, Michelle finally took the leap and quit the role that was quietly draining her energy and keeping her tied to an industry that no longer served her. That decision led her back to a note she’d written in a old notebook: the Odyssey method. Originally developed at Stanford’s Life Design Lab by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, the Odyssey method is a practical, science-backed way to imagine and design multiple possible futures – not just one “perfect” path. In this episode, Michelle walks you through:
This week’s dare: Spend 15 minutes a day sketching out your three Odyssey paths. Give each one a six-word title, plot the milestones, and notice what excites you most—especially in your wild card path. Then ask: What tiny version of path three can I start today, without quitting my job? Michelle would love to hear your Path 3:
Dare Club – Doors Opening April 29 If you love these Thursday dares and you’re ready for deeper support, Michelle is launching Dare Club on April 29 – an online community for women who want to become the boldest, most daring version of themselves. As a founding member (only 50 spots), you’ll get:
Spots are limited to the first 50 founding members. Head to shewhodareswins.com to learn more and join Dare Club before doors close www.shewhodareswins.com Resources Mentioned
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| Inside a Human Experiment: Stranded on a Desert Island | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:51:23 | |
In this powerful episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle is joined by Sophie, a trail runner and adventurer who traded everyday comfort for an intense social and survival experiment on a Maldivian desert island. Sophie explains how:
Together, Michelle and Sophie explore:
The episode closes with a powerful reflection on what Sophie will leave on the island, what she’ll bring home, and how adventures like this can remind us what really matters: presence, people, and permission to be ourselves. To find out more about the experiment and see if you can joing the next one - shoot sophie a message on Instagram @street_sophie For the running adventures check out https://greatsilkrun.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| First British Women to Finish the Dakar: Helen, Marcella & Purdy the Land Rover | 13 avr. 2026 | 01:28:57 | |
In this episode, Michelle sits down with Helen and Marcella, the duo behind the first ever all‑British female team to finish the Dakar Rally – in a Land Rover they built themselves in a shed, affectionately named Purdy. They share the hilarious, gritty and frankly unbelievable story of how two “normal” women in their 50s went from a chance meeting in rural France to surviving one of the toughest motorsport events in the world.
If you’ve ever thought “I’m too old”, “I’m too normal” or “that’s for people with money and connections”, this episode will mess with that narrative in the best way. It’s about:
Check out Be right Back events: Join Dare club: www.shewhodareswins.com Shop Merch: www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dare to Be Arrogant: Backing Yourself 10% More | 09 avr. 2026 | 00:08:55 | |
This week’s dare is inspired by my incredible previous guest, Abbi Pulling from the F1 Academy. In our conversation, Abbi said something that stopped me in my tracks: “My goal this year is to be more arrogant.”In this mini episode, we unpack what that really means – and no, it’s not about being rude, entitled, or steamrolling people. It’s about backing yourself out loud. In this episode, I talk about:
For the next 7 days: 👉 Pick one real situation where you’d usually shrink. 👉 Act 10% more arrogant – in the best possible way. 👉 Back yourself a little louder than you usually would. You don’t have to grow a giant ego. You just have to stop pretending you are less than you are. Come and tell me what you didI would love to hear how you get on with this dare.
We are just weeks away from the launch of Dare Club on 28th April – my new online paid community for women who want to live a more daring life. Inside Dare Club you’ll get:
We’re starting with 50 founding members who will get a locked-in lifetime price. 👉 Head to shewhodareswins.com and click on Dare Club to join the waiting list 👉 Or comment “dare club” on any of my Instagram posts and I’ll DM you the link Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Be More Arrogant: Abbi Pulling on Confidence, Pressure & Performance | 06 avr. 2026 | 01:00:08 | |
In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Abbi Pulling – GB3 driver, F1 Academy champion and Nissan Formula E development driver – for a raw, funny and honest conversation about what it really takes to make it in motorsport. Abbi shares how a childhood spent at race tracks with her dad turned into a professional career, the brutal financial reality of racing, and why her goal this year is to “be more arrogant.” She opens up about mindset, burnout, social media, and the pressure of representing women in a male‑dominated sport – all while still just 22. If you’ve ever wrestled with self‑doubt, expectations or the cost (financial and emotional) of chasing a big dream, this one will hit home – whether you’re into racing or not. Key Takeaways
Join Dare Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Bushcraft, Belonging and Being Brave: Eva Outram on Daring to Begin | 30 mars 2026 | 00:48:04 | |
In this episode of SHE Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits back down with Eva – bushcraft instructor, founder of Wilder Horizons CIC, and former contestant on the TV show Alone – to explore what it really looks like to rebuild your life from the ground up. From leaving the NHS and traditional employment, to moving into a caravan, to spending three dark winter months training in North Wales with seven other women, Eva shares a raw, honest look at self-employment, simplicity, female friendship and finding community in the outdoors. If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t do that” or felt left behind because your path doesn’t look like everyone else’s, this conversation is for you.
Join Dare club: www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Trusting My Gut: Quitting a Stable Job to Back Myself | 26 mars 2026 | 00:12:45 | |
In this raw, unscripted episode, Michelle shares what happened 24 hours after quitting her job in construction—a career she’s had for 18 years, including 17 years on site and the last two years working in social media for a construction firm. While working part-time, Michelle has been quietly building her lifelong dream: the She Who Dares Wins podcast. In this conversation, she opens up about:
This episode is for anyone who is unhappy in their job, working part-time while chasing a dream, or struggling to let go of a stable role that no longer feels right. Michelle shares honestly about money, fear, identity, and the reality that dreams take time—her podcast has been running for two years and is only now starting to feel ready to monetize. She also talks about the rebirth of this channel:
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to back yourself, this might be it. Key Topics Covered
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| I Quit Banking to Become a Stunt Driver (with Tessa Wittock) | 23 mars 2026 | 00:37:38 | |
In this episode of She Dares Wins, recorded live at the Be Right Back event, Michelle sits down with Tessa Wittock, a stunt driver and car drifter whose journey takes her from investment banking in London to drifting in muddy fields, then all the way to Hollywood, working on Mission Impossible 7 with Tom Cruise. Tessa shares how she got hooked on drifting after a passenger ride in a Skyline, built her own off-road Suzuki Vitara, and taught herself to drift before going on to win European drift titles and carve out a name in a male-dominated motorsport and stunt world. This conversation is packed with adrenaline, honesty, and practical advice for anyone who wants to push past their limits—on the track or in life. In This Episode, We Cover:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dare to Ask for Help: Reaching Out to People Ahead of You | 19 mars 2026 | 00:06:07 | |
This week’s dare: Reach out to someone who’s a few steps ahead of you in an area you’re trying to grow—business, career, or even a hobby. In this Dare Day episode, Michelle shares:
Michelle also:
Your dare: Today, send a message or an email to someone whose experience you admire. Ask one clear question or request a tiny bit of guidance. Hit send. Join Dare Club:www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Chloe Brennan Lift Your Limits: The Athlete Mindset Tools Behind Confidence, Change and Self-Belief | 16 mars 2026 | 00:57:28 | |
In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Chloe Brennan – two-time World’s Strongest Woman (u73kg), England’s Strongest Woman, coach, and founder of Lift Your Limits – to explore what really sits behind strength, success, and daring to change your life. Chloe shares how she walked away from a “perfect” academic path in psychology, pivoted into learning disability nursing, and then again into elite strongwoman competition and holistic strength coaching. She opens up about therapy, hypnotherapy, and the “not good enough” complex that drove her, as well as the identity crisis that hit after she’d ticked off all her biggest goals. You’ll hear Chloe and Michelle dig into:
This is a conversation for anyone standing at a crossroads, feeling they “should” stay where they are, but knowing there’s more.
Timestamps
Join Dare Club Here Shop hoodies and Tees www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Give to Gain: How Supporting Other Women Changes Everything | 12 mars 2026 | 00:09:45 | |
In this Dare Day episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle reflects on an inspiring International Women’s Day weekend at a women in motorsport event hosted by Laura. She shares stories from conversations with Abbi Pulling (two-time F1 Academy winner and rising Formula 1 hopeful), Tess Wittoc (stunt and drift driver featured in Mission Impossible films), and Helen & Marcella (the first British women to complete the Dakar in the classic category). Inspired by this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” Michelle sets a powerful dare: to actively support another woman—without envy, competition, or judgment. She also officially announces Dare Club, her new paid online community designed to provide sisterhood, accountability, and practical support through live sessions, guest dares, and more. Give to Gain: This week, intentionally support one woman in your world. Share advice, answer a question, send an encouraging message, or offer a practical tip from your journey. Do it generously, without comparison or competition.
Sign up to Dare club Wait list : https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Allie Bailey on Sobriety, Ultras & Doing the Work You Can’t Outrun Self‑Hate | 10 mars 2026 | 01:06:48 | |
Allie spent 26 years drinking, built a career in the music industry, and ran marathons and 100‑mile ultras trying to outrun how much she hated herself. On the outside she was the hard‑drinking goth with the dream job and big races; on the inside she was depressed, suicidal, and convinced the next achievement would finally make her “enough.” In this episode, Allie shares how lockdown and a near‑suicide moment forced her to stop running from herself, get sober at 40, lose everything – and then slowly rebuild a life based on her values: kindness, honesty and integrity. We dive into alcohol, ultra running, identity, why you can’t outperform self‑hate, and how she now coaches others to focus on mindset over medals and “do the work” one honest action at a time. Timestamps 0:00 – Meet Allie: music industry, ultra running & why she finally stopped drinking 1:26 – Childhood & first drink: big family, no space for feelings, discovering alcohol at 14 4:00 – Dream job, nightmare culture: record label life, “you’re lucky to be here” & work‑hard/play‑hard drinking 9:40 – Running to cope: first run to avoid suicide, marathons & 100‑mile races while still drinking 16:25 – Lockdown & rock bottom: isolation, toxic relationship & the night she planned to end her life 19:46 – Therapy & values: meeting Theo, ACT, and uncovering kindness, honesty & integrity as core values 26:00 – Rebuilding sober: starting a coaching business, mindset > medals, and redefining success in sport Key Takeaways
Allie on Socials : IG @Ab_runs Allies Book Join Dare Club: Club Shop: www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Leaving the Ladder: Choosing a Lifestyle Job in the Arts with Anna Turznyski | 02 mars 2026 | 01:01:17 | |
In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Anna, Arts Director at Sunny Bank Mills, to explore what it really means to dare in your career and life. From experimental theatre and large-scale cultural production at Leeds 2023, to community-focused curation in a former textile mill, Anna shares how she stepped off the traditional career ladder to build a lifestyle job that actually fits her values. They discuss the WoW Barn project – a 24‑hour build with 300 women and non-binary people – the realities of work in the arts, the tension between ambition and burnout, and the courage it takes to be radically honest about what you really want, including the prospect of starting a family. Key Takeaways
Join Dare Club now: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Shop she who dares wins: www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dare to Truly Listen: Giving Space to Someone’s Story | 26 févr. 2026 | 00:09:25 | |
This week’s dare: Michelle invites you to step out of your comfort zone in the most human way possible: by really listening to someone else’s story. Not half-listening, not waiting for your turn to talk – but giving someone the space, time, and curiosity to share who they are beneath the surface. In this episode, Michelle talks about:
Practical questions you can try this week:
These questions:
Key takeaways:
This week’s dare: Go and intentionally listen to somebody’s story.Ask deeper questions, hold your tongue a little longer, and notice how it feels to really hear – and to really see – another person.Mentioned in this episode:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Scared of Heights, So She Became a World-Class Glider Pilot: Claudia Hill Story | 23 févr. 2026 | 00:51:33 | |
Claudia joins Michelle to share how someone who is “really, really scared of heights” became a glider pilot, instructor, and member of the British gliding team. From panic on step ladders to flying at 12,000 feet in Australia, Claudia breaks down the reality of gliding: the tactics, the weather, the landouts in farmers’ fields, and the joy of silent flight. She also talks candidly about pressure in competition, being a woman in a male‑dominated aviation world, and how “just going to have fun” transformed her performance on the world stage. Key TakeawaysClaudia’s fear and how she flies anyway
How she fell into gliding and never looked back
What competitive gliding really looks like
Field landings and safety in gliding
Gliders, engines and why she feels safer without one
Travel, childhood and a life of exploring
Dealing with pressure and rediscovering fun
Join Dare club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Shop Merch www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Your Wild Career Path Is Your Superpower: Here’s the Dare.... | 19 févr. 2026 | 00:09:29 | |
Episode: Dare Thursday – The Tapestry of Your Career Host: Michelle (She Who Dares Wins Podcast) Guest Inspiration: Hattie, the flower farmer (from Monday’s episode) Overview In this Dare Thursday mini-episode, Michelle invites you to step back and look at the tapestry of your life and career. Inspired by flower farmer Hattie’s story—near‑death experiences, wild career twists, and ultimately landing her dream job—this episode challenges you to recognize how every experience has prepared you for where you are now (and where you’re going next). In this episode, you’ll hear about:
This Week’s Dare Grab a piece of paper and map out your career (or life) as a tapestry:
This exercise is all about self-awareness and self-credit: shifting from “I’m not where I want to be yet” to “Look how far I’ve already come.” Join Dare Club: If you’re feeling ready for a career move, life pivot, or you’re just a bit burnt out, Dare Club is for you.
How to sign up for Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins
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| One Wild and Precious Life: Hattie’s Long Road to Her Flower Farm Dream | 16 févr. 2026 | 00:43:07 | |
In this episode, Hattie shares the winding, courageous journey that led her to becoming a full-time flower farmer living on a smallholding in the countryside. She talks with Michelle about:
We explore how Hattie’s life “tapestry” was woven from life shocks, resilience, and micro joys, and why she believes purpose, not speed or status, is the truest measure of success.
Join Dare Club Now: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Helicopter Pilot Adele on Fear, Flight and Kindness: Bonus Episode | 12 févr. 2026 | 00:29:37 | |
Episode Summary In this bonus episode, helicopter pilot Adele returns to share deeper reflections on kindness, fear, emotional intelligence, and crisis management in aviation and life. She talks about why her ideal billboard would simply say “Be kind to each other,” opens up about her fear of public speaking despite a high‑risk job, and describes a pivotal in‑flight engine incident that she calls the day she “actually became a pilot.” The conversation explores expectations placed on pilots, the importance of crew resource management, and how self‑kindness and knowing your own reactions under pressure can transform both work and life.
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| Be Kinder to Yourself (Why Self-Criticism Isn’t Helping You Win) | 09 févr. 2026 | 00:21:42 | |
Be Kinder to Yourself (Why Self-Criticism Isn’t Helping You Win) This week, Michelle takes a break from guest interviews to speak directly to something that stopped her in her tracks. After sending out a listener survey, one result hit hard: 80% of women said they struggle to be kind to themselves. Including Michelle. In this solo episode, Michelle unpacks how self-criticism sneaks in, why it feels productive (but isn’t), and how being relentlessly hard on yourself can quietly hold you back — even when you’re achieving on paper. This isn’t about fluffy self-care or letting yourself off the hook. It’s about awareness, honesty, and learning how to move forward without constantly tearing yourself down. 00:00 – Why this needed to be said Michelle explains why she felt compelled to pause guest episodes and talk openly about kindness — and what triggered this realisation. 01:08 – The survey result that changed everything 80% of women said they struggle to be kind to themselves — and why that statistic is both comforting and alarming. 02:41 – Catching the inner voice first thing in the morning How negative self-talk was showing up before Michelle had even opened her eyes — and why that matters. 03:25 – The ‘holy socks’ analogy Why we treat other people with more respect than we treat ourselves — and what that says about self-worth. 04:42 – When being “hard on yourself” backfires Michelle reflects on imposter syndrome in construction and how self-criticism limited her confidence and progression. 06:22 – Building the podcast without trusting herself Growing a podcast from scratch, hitting big milestones — and still being unable to acknowledge progress. 07:41 – When your worth gets tied to achievement Why high-achieving women never feel like they’ve “arrived” — and the cost of chasing constant validation. 09:00 – Starting from ‘I am enough’ (without losing your drive) Insights inspired by Joe Hudson on separating self-worth from outcomes. 09:35 – Fear, paralysis, and second-guessing How being unkind to yourself fuels procrastination and decision fatigue. 10:45 – The 9-day awareness exercise A simple but powerful way to notice, track, and challenge self-critical thoughts. 11:58 – Three ways to reframe unkind thoughts • Acknowledge without agreeing • Laugh at the ridiculous ones • Reframe with evidence and context 13:43 – The real cost of self-criticism Why it doesn’t make you better — just more disconnected, anxious, and distrustful of yourself. 14:58 – Chasing relief instead of alignment Why achievement doesn’t bring peace if you’re running from fear instead of moving with intention. 16:18 – “My story isn’t good enough” Why even the most impressive women downplay their journeys — and how common this mindset really is. 17:54 – Living in fight-or-flight without realising it How self-kindness helped Michelle regulate her nervous system and feel more grounded week to week. 18:43 – A quiet invitation, not a challenge Michelle encourages listeners to start with one thing: not being unkind to themselves. 19:22 – What’s next with Dare Club How this work around kindness, alignment, and self-trust is shaping the future of Dare Club.
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| Dare 18: The Soundtrack of Your Youth: Find Any Hidden Messages? | 05 févr. 2026 | 00:07:22 | |
Thursday Dare Day: The Song That Knew You Before You Did It’s Thursday, which means one thing around here: Dare Day. This week’s dare is a simple one. No life overhaul. No journaling marathon. Just a few minutes, a song, and a moment of honest reflection. In this short episode, Michelle shares a story sparked by an unexpected song on a studio car park playlist — a track she hadn’t heard in years, but somehow knew word for word. What caught her off guard wasn’t the nostalgia… it was how relevant the lyrics still were decades later. That moment opens up a bigger question: Did the things we loved when we were younger know something about us before we did?
This week’s dare: Pick a song you used to love. The one you knew every lyric to. Listen to it. Sing it loudly if you want. Then ask yourself one question: Do the lyrics still resonate — or are they just fun noise? Either answer is valid. Two to three minutes of joy still counts as a win. If the lyrics hit you in the chest a bit? Michelle wants to hear about it. Head over to Instagram and drop her a message with the song and the line that stuck. Dare Club is where these weekly dares live — alongside behind-the-scenes podcast updates and early access to what’s coming next. Right now it’s a newsletter, but it won’t stay that way for long. If you want in early, the link’s here: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Michelle’s back on Monday with another guest story worth your time. Until then — enjoy the music, and don’t let life pass you by. 🎶 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Unable to Walk to Running 200 Miles Across Tajikistan with Lucy Keeler | 02 févr. 2026 | 00:44:55 | |
Lucy Keeler’s version of “a rough start to the year” is… intense. After picking up a tropical illness in Thailand, Lucy went from fully independent to unable to walk, dress herself, type, or even hold a pen thanks to brutal joint inflammation that lingered for months. Doctors couldn’t confirm exactly what caused it (possible chikungunya or parvovirus), and recovery was slow, painful, and messy. But instead of waiting around for life to feel “normal” again, Lucy did what a lot of us do when we’re trapped in the house and losing our minds: she needed something to aim at. An Instagram ad, a half-delusional spark of hope, and a stubborn refusal to write herself off later… Lucy signs up to run 200 miles across Tajikistan in 7 days — despite not even being able to walk properly when she first saw it. This episode is about recovery, pushing yourself (without ignoring reality), the power of goals, and why most people quit right before the turning point. Also: periods in the mountains, zero running water, and the kind of camaraderie that makes you feel human again. 00:00 — Lucy’s “dare and win”: unable to walk… then 200 miles across Tajikistan 01:50 — Thailand illness hits hard: fever, shaking, and “is this normal?” moments 03:25 — Back home: arms seize up, can’t move, can’t breathe properly, A&E visit 05:30 — The swelling gets serious: can’t stand, can’t dress herself, tropical disease hospital 06:10 — Possible diagnoses + reality of recovery: months of pain, steroids, and work support 08:45 — The pivot: “I need something to look forward to” (goal-setting in survival mode) 10:00 — The Instagram ad that changed everything + what the Tajikistan run actually is 22:30 — The hardest day: illness, no calories, endometriosis surprise, big climb, and not quitting
Check out The Great Silk Run! https://bit.ly/4aoNRPw Shop She Who Dares Wins: www.shewhodareswins.com Join Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Youtube Channel: youtube.com/channel/UCkCSa96nwEKh-aeAbhXI7PA/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A Dare for Recovering Perfectionists | 29 janv. 2026 | 00:08:11 | |
We spend most of adult life trying to be competent, polished, and vaguely impressive. This dare asks you to do the opposite. In this short Dare Day episode, Michelle shares a moment at the kitchen table with her kid that sparked an uncomfortable realisation: kids don’t care if they’re bad at things they care if they’re enjoying them. Somewhere along the line, we lost that. From sketching terrible T-shirt designs (and loving it anyway) to memories of being absolutely useless at roller skating but showing up regardless, this episode is about reconnecting with joy without turning it into a performance. Michelle breaks down why doing something you’re “bad at” feels so uncomfortable as an adult, what’s actually happening in your brain when resistance kicks in, and why separating your self-worth from outcomes might be one of the most important skills you can rebuild.
Set a timer for 15 minutes and do something you used to love as a kid — something you stopped because you weren’t very good at it. Sketch. Dance. Write a poem. Roller skate like Bambi on ice. No improving. No posting for validation. No turning it into a side hustle. Just process. Just fun. Just showing yourself that the world doesn’t end when you’re bad at something. Go be rubbish on purpose. It might be the bravest thing you do all week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP:143 From PE Teacher to Property Investor: The Messy Pivot | 26 janv. 2026 | 00:46:58 | |
From PE Teacher to Property Investor: The Messy Pivot How saying yes before you’re ready can quietly change everything In this episode, Michelle sits down with Amy Seagraves, a former PE teacher who accidentally kick-started a property business after winning £50k on The Cube — and then actually backing herself instead of playing it safe. This is a proper behind-the-scenes look at the messy middle: imposter syndrome, trades chaos, analysis paralysis, and the identity shift that comes when you build something alongside a “safe” job. If you’ve been waiting to feel ready — this episode is your sign to stop. 00:00 – Winning £50k on The Cube (and why it wasn’t the real turning point) Opportunity doesn’t change your life — what you do next does. 04:30 – Quitting teaching to travel and reset perspective Why stepping off the safe path changed everything. 08:30 – Buying a first investment property with no experience The reality of starting before you feel qualified. 13:00 – Renovation chaos, imposter syndrome & male-dominated rooms Learning fast or paying for it. 18:30 – From winging it to building a real business Why investing in education mattered more than another property. 24:30 – The power of building a team instead of going solo Three women, different strengths, one vision. 31:00 – Going part-time before it felt sensible The uncomfortable move that unlocked growth. 38:45 – The biggest lesson: action beats overthinking Why waiting costs more than mistakes.
If you’re sitting on an idea and waiting for permission — this is it. Shop: www.shewhodaresswins.com Join Dare club: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Tell Your Story (Even If You Think It’s Nothing Special) | 22 janv. 2026 | 00:07:36 | |
It’s January. Social media’s either screaming “new year, new you” or quietly rotting under beige motivation quotes. So this week’s Dare is simple, powerful, and wildly underused: Tell your story. And actually share it. In this short Dare Day episode, Michelle challenges you to stop assuming you’re “boring” and start recognising that your life has a plot — twists, turns, chaos, survival, growth. All of it counts. Because here’s the thing: Every woman who says “I don’t really have a story”… absolutely does. What This Episode Covers
👉 Write your story. 👉 Choose a chapter — not your whole autobiography. 👉 Share it somewhere public: Instagram, TikTok, a blog, or plain old words on a screen. Photos optional. Polish optional. Perfection absolutely not required. When you share your story:
And yes — people will say: “I didn’t know that.” “Same.” “That really hit home.” That’s the point.
Michelle will be back Monday with another cracking guest episode — because this podcast doesn’t do Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| When the Mind Breaks Before the Body: Navigating Injury and Fear with Becca Worgan | 19 janv. 2026 | 01:00:32 | |
Becca Worgan is back on the pod — World’s Strongest Natural Woman (2023), now fully qualified physio, coach, business builder… and still the kind of woman who’ll casually admit she needs hypnotherapy to deadlift again. (Relatable. Terrifying. Iconic.) This episode is a proper catch-up: injury reality checks, the difference between “sending it” and being reckless, why strength training is basically adult life insurance, and how your brain can literally create pain before you even touch the bar. 0:00 – Becca’s back: natural Worlds winner, and the 2024 comp chaos that nearly broke her 1:10 – Pulling out of Worlds: “I’m not enjoying this… so why am I here?” 4:10 – “Fun comps” vs “I’m here to win”: how the competitive fire comes back without self-destruction 6:10 – The sport is growing fast: bigger athlete pools, higher standards, harder pathway 8:05 – The weird culture around being natural (and why it shouldn’t be “uncool” to be clean) 15:10 – Strength training for normal women: mood, bones, confidence, daily-life strength (yes, even for picking up chunky babies) 22:35 – Fear in lifting: learning how to fail safely + Becca’s deadlift panic spiral 24:55 – Hypnotherapy: the brain pain loop, rewiring fear, and why it actually worked 41:20 – Boundaries + people pleasing: “If I don’t enjoy it, why am I doing it?” 46:05 – New priorities at 30: athlete identity takes a back seat to business, family, and sanity 58:10 – Becca’s message to women: it’s never too late to start — and you’re not going to get bulky (she’s tried) Key takeaways
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| Dare: 16 Easing into January: No Pressure, Just Gentle Dares | 15 janv. 2026 | 00:11:02 | |
Thursday Dare Day – January Reset Edition January has a reputation problem. Cold. Dark. Everyone suddenly a productivity expert with a colour-coded planner and unrealistic goals. If you’re already feeling behind — this episode is your permission slip to stop flogging yourself. In this Dare Day episode of the She Who Dares Wins Podcast, Michelle shares a gentler, smarter way to move through January — without burning out by February (again). Drawing on lessons from her years working in construction, Michelle reframes January as a transition month, not a launch pad for pressure and perfection.
And the big one Michelle wants you to hear: Be kinder to yourself. With your thoughts. With your expectations. With your pace. January doesn’t need fixing. You don’t need fixing either. Also mentioned:
🎧 New episodes every Monday + Dare Day every Thursday 📩 Join Dare Club via Instagram or the link in the description 🛒 January Sale: www.shewodareswins.com No pressure. Just progress — the sustainable kind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| From Feeling Lost to Saving Lives as an Air Ambulance Helicopter Pilot with Adele Dobler | 12 janv. 2026 | 01:09:46 | |
What do you do when you don’t have a plan… You don’t see anyone who looks like you doing the job… And someone tells you outright that you’ll never make it? In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Adele, an air ambulance helicopter pilot flying lifesaving missions over London — and her path there was anything but neat. From growing up in a working-class Canadian town, to being told “girls don’t get hired”, to flying night missions in Kenya, landing helicopters in central London, and racing feral horses across Mongolia — Adele’s story isn’t about confidence or clarity. It’s about doing the next honest step, even when the bigger picture doesn’t exist yet. This conversation is a reminder that you don’t need permission, a perfect plan, or a straight line — just the courage to keep going. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & what it really means to “dare and win” 06:45 – Feeling lost, drifting through jobs, and not seeing herself represented 14:30 – “Girls won’t get hired” — the comment that nearly stopped her 21:45 – Choosing to train anyway: loans, side jobs, and grit 33:00 – Learning to say no under pressure as a young helicopter pilot 46:00 – Extreme air ambulance work in Canada & Kenya 56:00 – Moving to the UK (for a date… and a life pivot) 1:01:30 – Flying with London’s Air Ambulance: what the job actually involves 1:22:00 – The Mongol Derby & why she chooses hard things 1:48:00 – Adele’s dare: listening to your own voice
If this episode hit home, share it with someone who’s quietly sitting on a “what if”. And if you’re feeling that nudge? That’s usually where daring starts. Join Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/shewhodareswins/membership Shop the clothing: www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Quiet Work No One Sees When You’re Building a Life | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:31:43 | |
This episode isn’t about big launches, viral moments, or overnight success. It’s about the quiet work. The thinking. The testing. The pulling back. The sitting with doubt instead of bulldozing through it. In the first episode of 2026, Michelle reflects honestly on the year just gone — what worked, what didn’t, and what only made sense once she stopped pushing and actually paid attention. From stepping back over Christmas to avoid burnout, to questioning growth, sponsorship, social media, and the direction of the brand, this is a grounded look at what it really takes to build something that lasts. No reinvention narrative. No “new year, new me”. Just clarity earned the hard way. In this episode, Michelle talks about:
Books, ideas & references mentioned:
Why this episode matters: If you’re heading into 2026 feeling:
This episode is for you. Because building a life isn’t about constant forward motion. Sometimes it’s about stopping long enough to hear yourself think.
If you want to support the show, leave a review, share the episode with someone who’s in the messy middle, or join Dare Club for the weekly challenges. And as always — thanks for listening. Join Dare club https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Shop: www.shewhodareswins.com Support the show https://www.patreon.com/c/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dare #15 This Week’s Dare: Listen to nature | 18 déc. 2025 | 00:09:11 | |
This week’s Dare Day episode was inspired by an unexpected quiet moment. An early morning drive. No traffic. No radio. nd the sudden realisation that I could hear birds singing — from inside the car. That small moment led to a bigger question: when did we stop noticing what’s around us? In this bonus episode, Michelle shares a simple but grounding story about an early winter morning, a red sky, a cup of tea in the garden, and how listening — properly listening — shifted her entire day. The episode also connects to insights from Episode with Georgia, who described a chance visit to an RSPB hide that made her realise how much of the natural world she’d been missing simply because she’d never stopped to notice it. This isn’t sentimental fluff. There’s real science behind why moments like this feel so powerful.
This Week’s Dare: Take 5–10 minutes early in the morning. Before your phone. Before conversations. Before the world gets loud. No music. No podcasts. No scrolling. Make a tea or coffee if you like. Sit outside, on a doorstep, balcony, or by an open window. Close your eyes. And listen. Birds, wind, distance, silence — whatever is there. You’re not trying to relax. You’re not fixing anything. You’re simply reminding your nervous system that it’s safe. If you’ve stopped hearing the birds, there’s a good chance you’ve been carrying too much noise for too long. Dare Club is free to join and lands these weekly dares straight in your inbox, along with early access to live events and special announcements. You can sign up via the link in the episode description or through Instagram. Thanks for listening — and enjoy this week’s dare. Join Dare Club https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||