The Tough Girl Podcast is all about inspiring and motivating YOU!
I will be interviewing inspirational women from around the world, who’ve faced and overcome difficult challenges and situations, they will share their story, their knowledge and provide advice and essential tips for you to overcome your own personal challenges.
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Josie Fouts: Athlete, mentor, advocate, film maker and tread setter, Josie is trailblazing for mountain biking to be a Paralympic sport!
Episode 635
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 • Duration 40:30
Join us on the Tough Girl Podcast as we dive into the inspiring journey of Josie Fouts, an athlete, mentor, advocate, and filmmaker who is leading the charge to make mountain biking a Paralympic sport. Based in San Diego, California, Josie's story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of her passions.
Born in Seoul, Korea, and adopted at six months old, Josie grew up in Ohio, USA, before finding her true calling in cycling upon moving to San Diego. Known as "Ms. Stubbornness," Josie embraced cycling not just as a sport but as a means of redefining her capabilities, riding one-handed without adaptations and challenging herself to excel.
Josie's journey took a pivotal turn when she decided to leave her job in 2018 to pursue full-time training for the Tokyo Olympics. Despite not making it to Tokyo, Josie found solace and newfound passion in mountain biking, discovering freedom and exhilaration on the trails.
In our conversation, Josie shares her insights on adaptive cycling, the challenges she faced in rethinking her approach, and her advocacy to include mountain biking in the Paralympics. She discusses her role as an upper limb mentoring coach, her nutrition strategies for endurance challenges, and mental tips to overcome obstacles.
Don't miss Josie's story of resilience, her groundbreaking work with Tread Setters to promote inclusivity in cycling through filmmaking, and her empowering advice for women looking to make a difference in the world.
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Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.
By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.
Thank you for your invaluable support!
***
Show notes
Who is Josie?
Asian, American, Adoptee and Amputee
Based in San Diego, California
Trailblazing for or mountain biking to be a Paralympic sport!
Bio on Instagram - “Mad scientist on a mission to single-handedly save the world with cycling!”
Why she’s known as Ms Stubbornness
Reinventing herself during the pandemic
Born in Seoul Korea, before being adopted at 6 months old and growing up in Ohio, USA
Getting into cycling when moving to San Diego and using it to commute to work
Riding one handed and not using any adaptations
Changing her mindset
Deciding to quit her job in 2018 and training full time for the Tokyo Olympics
Looking into prosthetics and what would work with her and the bike
Making the decision to quit her job
Having an adapted mindset
Wanting to get in the best shape of her life
Feeling over worked and underpaid and taking a step back
The 3 red flags with her work and knowing she needed to make a change
Being an athlete full time and why it was awesome
Getting multiple degrees in nutrition and putting her knowledge into action
Working towards and end goals
Funding and paying for a coach and training while not working
Not making it to the Tokyo Olympics and why she’s grateful
Having the pressure taken off and figuring out what she wanted to do
Finding herself mountain biking and loving the freedom
Starting to rethink her stubborn mindset
Limiting herself by not using a prosthetic
Spending time on mountain biking trails in nature
Why don’t the Paralympics offer mountain biking?
Deciding to focus her time and energy on what she can control and change
Filming the adventure - Tread Setters - A group of para-cyclists attempt to ride the White Rim Trail through the heart of Canyonlands in one day with the hope of creating awareness around people with disabilities and growing a more inclusive cycling community.
Jen Benson: Running Coach, Author, and PhD Researcher – The Stories Behind 'The Path We Run' and Her Ultramarathon Adventures
Episode 634
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 • Duration 51:30
Jen Benson is a runner, writer, running coach and mum of two.
Along with her husband, Sim, she has co-authored 10 books including Smart Running, The Camping Bible, Wild Running and The Adventurer's Guide to Britain.
She has an MSc in sport & exercise medicine and is currently a PhD researcher exploring the phenomenology of running.
Jen has run more than 50 marathons and ultras, including the 100-mile Arc of Attrition in 2024.
Her new book on women in ultrarunning, The Path We Run, is out in September.
***
Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.
By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.
Sarah Williams: Reflecting on the Past 6 Months and Future Plans for 2024 – Insights, Challenges, and Adventures.
Episode 625
Thursday, August 1, 2024 • Duration 01:00:16
In this special reflections episode, I, take you through my journey over the past six months and share my plans for the rest of 2024. Celebrating nine years of the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm recording from my bedroom on the Wirral, UK, offering a personal insight into my life.
I'll recount my adventures, starting the year in Wellington, New Zealand, and returning to the UK in March. You'll hear about the highs and lows of walking the Camino via De La Plata, dealing with physical and emotional challenges, and my personal health journey, including gut health improvements and medical support.
I'll also discuss the financial challenges of maintaining the podcast, the support from my Patreon community, and my strategies for growth on Instagram and YouTube. With nearly 3.5 million downloads, I'm focused on reaching over 1,000 episodes and continuously improving my craft.
Looking ahead, I'll talk about walking the South West Coast Path, participating in the Armchair Adventure Festival, Tremula Festival in Brighton and continuing my health and fitness regimen. As I prepare for new podcast episodes in September, I'll express my gratitude to you, my listeners and supporters.
Join me for an honest, inspiring, and motivational episode as I reflect on my journey this year and share my future aspirations. Thank you for being part of the Tough Girl Podcast community and for your unwavering support.
***
Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.
By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.
Allie Mason - Autistic and Adventurous, publishing her first book: The Autistic Guide to Adventure: Active Pursuits from Archery to Wild Swimming for Tweens and Teens.
Episode 538
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 • Duration 42:00
Allie Mason is an autistic children’s author and micro-adventurer who has just published her first book, The Autistic Guide to Adventure: Active Pursuits from Archery to Wild Swimming for Tweens and Teens.
Allie lives in the English countryside with her partner and their beloved Labrador. The purpose of her writing is to give neurodivergent young people a place where they recognise themselves and feel that they belong.
Allie in her own words:
“When I was 23 years old, I was diagnosed as autistic. It was a bittersweet moment for me. On the one hand, it answered a lot of questions that had been accumulating since I was a child. On the other, it highlighted that a lot of the struggles I had faced when I was younger could have been avoided with the right support.
I was (and still am!) an avid reader, but I never felt that I recognised myself in the pages of a book. The characters didn’t face the same struggles as me, didn’t think the same way, so as much as I tried to immerse myself in these fictional worlds, there was always something missing.
Now, as an adult, I write books that neurodivergent kids and teens, like I once was, can see themselves in.”
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About the book:The Autistic Guide to Adventure: Active Pursuits from Archery to Wild Swimming for Tweens and Teens.
Outdoor adventuring can be life changing - it makes you physically and mentally stronger, takes you to new places and introduces you to new friends, as well as being an exhilarating challenge - but it can be stressful when there are unexpected social and sensory challenges involved. Allie Mason, autistic adventurer extraordinaire, is here to help.
Join Allie as she introduces activities ranging from archery to stargazing, sailing to fossil hunting, snorkelling to nature-writing - and so much more. Each easily digestible factsheet comes with a short introduction, a summary of the sensory experiences involved, suggestions on approaching activities for when you're just getting started, as well as a handy budgeting system. With personal anecdotes and interviews with awesome autistic athletes, this book will give you the support you need to take on the great outdoors.
Julia Goodfellow-Smith is an ordinary woman doing something extraordinary. She has decided to live her life to the fullest by living her bucket list, one dream at a time.
Episode 537
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 • Duration 41:11
A couple of years ago, Julia embarked on a solo hike along England's 630-mile South West Coast Path. Since then, she has cycled King Alfred's Way, a 217-mile mainly off-road cycle route in southern England, and walked the Camino Frances and Camino Portuguese!
But Julia's adventures don't stop there. In between her travels, she's been busy writing about her experiences, hoping to inspire others to embrace their own bucket lists.
During this process, she's discovered a love for hiking and is also writing walking guidebooks to encourage others to get outdoors and explore.
Julia's story is a testament to the power of setting goals, pursuing your passions, and living life to the fullest.
New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.
To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.
India Pearson - New Mum, SUP/Yoga Teacher, and Outdoors Advocate. Sharing more about the importance of connecting with nature to enhance your mental and physical wellbeing.
Episode 536
Thursday, May 11, 2023 • Duration 40:59
India Pearson, is an Outdoors Advocate, Presenter, and Yoga Teacher based on the Kent coast.
India's passion for wellbeing and nature has lead her to produce and host the podcast 'Start a Ripple ...' which celebrates the power of moving in nature for the mind, body and environment. Guests have included TV adventurer Ben Fogle, Olympian Michelle Griffith Robinson, BBC Spring Watch Presenter Megan McCubbin and Emmy Award Winner Doon Mackichan.
You can also find India presenting in front of the camera, on the highly successful Youtube Channel Holiday Extras Travel Guides, which over the last 4 years, has taken her all over the world making documentary style videos on sustainable tourism.
During her time with Holiday Extras India co-founded a sustainable travel podcast 'Green on the Go' which saw her speak to industry professionals and travellers about eco tourism. In 2019 India won the Holiday Extras Difference Award for her efforts to encourage customers and colleagues to travel and live more sustainably.
As a lifestyle model India has worked with a variety of brands across different industries both nationally and internationally.
India uses social media for discussions based around her passions and expertise in paddle boarding, yoga, environmental activism, and getting outdoors as a new mum to her daughter Malou. India has been featured in publications such as Women's Health and Women and Home, and is also also an ambassador for Gill Marine and Hatha Paddle Boards.
When she's not presenting, India can mostly be found by the sea, either on her stand up paddle board or practicing yoga on the beach.
In 2020 India founded Fin & Flow, a hub for like minded people to connect through wellbeing activities by the sea such as yoga, paddle boarding, and beach cleans.
New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.
Saanvi Sita Mylavarapu - Her Quest for Adventure and Conservation, From Half Dome to Everest Base Camp. Empowering Youth Through Outdoor Education and Exploration.
Episode 535
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 • Duration 37:50
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Saanvi Sita Mylavarapu, a seasoned hiker, backpacker, rock climber, and youth advocate for the great outdoors. Since the age of six, Saanvi has been exploring the stunning landscapes of the United States, and has completed some of the most challenging hikes in the country, including Kala Pathar, Half Dome, and Mt. Whitney. She recently accomplished the feat of reaching the Everest Base Camp, and is now gearing up for a 120-mile trek across the Tour du Mont Blanc in Europe this summer.
Saanvi has hiked over 800 miles and has visited more than 25 National Parks, making her a true champion of nature conservation. Her passion for the environment has been recognized by national media outlets, who have featured her on the front page of newspapers and in articles in major magazines.
As a National Park Trust Ambassador, Saanvi has been supported by the National Park Service, renowned conservationists, mountaineers, and wildlife photographers. She is also the founder of 'Young Roots', an environmental and ecology club at Frisco ISD, and runs 'Nature Worthy', a non-profit organization that aims to raise awareness of the benefits of connecting with nature.
Join us as Saanvi shares her insights on the transformative power of nature, and her vision for a more sustainable future.
New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.
You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.
Show Notes
Who is Saanvi
Moving from Dallas to Texas
Planing to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc trek in Europe
Jennifer Price - From Army Officer to Extreme Endurance Athlete. 12 challenges in 12 months. Including an Ironman, a multistage desert ultra-marathon, Mt. Aconcagua, and a 1000 mile self supported Lands’ End to John O’Groats cycle.
Episode 534
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 • Duration 36:52
Jen Price, is a former British Army Officer who spent the entirety of 2022 undertaking an extreme set of adventure and endurance challenges on behalf of the Veteran’s Foundation.
The solo challenge she set herself was to complete 12 challenges in 12 months, in quick succession. The challenges were multi-discipline and included the Devizes to Westminster international canoe race, an ironman, a multistage desert ultra-marathon, summit of Aconcagua, and a 1000 mile self supported Lands’ End to John O’Groats cycle. None of the challenges were events she had attempted before and, in total, she covered over 3500km and climbed two of the Seven Summits.
Jen has raised nearly £35,000 for the Veterans’ Foundation and she continues to fundraise in her spare time by speaking about the challenges at schools, universities and business. She also has two outstanding challenges to go this year (replaced due to severe weather) which she will also fundraise for: paddle boarding across the English channel and climbing the famous Matterhorn.
New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.
You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.
Doing cross country ski racing and competing for the Army
Emily Pennington - Adventurer, solo traveler and Author of “Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America’s National Parks”
Thursday, April 27, 2023 • Duration 43:50
Emily is an adventurer, solo traveler, mountaineer, quote collector, and all around lover of things that get people out of their comfort zones. Put on her first international flight at 3 weeks old, she's been adventuring in one way or another ever since.
From wandering the forests of Sweden alone at the age of nine, to solo trekking in the Himalayas of India, to joining the circus as a professional aerialist, Emily is a big fan of the "just get out there and do it" mentality. She considers it her mission in life to inspire others to go outside, travel, and get curious about everything. As John Muir so aptly put it, "going out is really going in.”
Emily is a columnist and longtime contributor to Outside. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, Adventure Journal, REI, and Backpacker, among others.
Emily has visited every national park in the United States, and her book Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America’s National Parks, came out in February 2023.
About Feral: A bracing memoir about self-discovery, liberating escape, and moving forward across an adventurous and volatile American landscape. One year. One national park at a time.
“After a decade as an assistant to high-powered LA executives, Emily Pennington left behind her structured life and surrendered to the pull of the great outdoors. With a tight budget, meticulous routing, and a temperamental minivan she named Gizmo, Emily embarked on a yearlong road trip to sixty-two national parks, hell-bent on a single goal: getting through the adventure in one piece. She was instantly thrust into more chaos than she’d bargained for and found herself on an unpredictable journey rocked by a gutting romantic breakup, a burgeoning pandemic, wildfires, and other seismic challenges that threatened her safety, her sanity, and the trip itself.
What began as an intrepid obsession soon evolved into a life-changing experience. Navigating the tangle of life’s unexpected sucker punches, Feral invites readers along on Emily’s grand, blissful, and sometimes perilous journey, where solitude, resilience, self-reliance, and personal transformation run wild.”
Vivianette Ortiz - Outdoors & Disability Rights Advocate. Co-Founder of Latinos Aventureros. Completing the Inca Trail in Peru and her plans to section hike the Appalachian Trail.
Episode 533
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 • Duration 42:22
Vivianette Ortiz is a Latina originally from Puerto Rico. She grew up in the beach and mountain town of Patillas, Puerto Rico. She grew up running the hills of her hometown, bodyboarding, loving the ocean, and playing hide-in-seek barefoot through the farmlands.
Vivianette moved to North Carolina at the age of 17. She is a dedicated mother, daughter, and granddaughter. For a long time, she worked countless hours daily with 2 or 3 jobs at a time. Her adventurous soul went dormant for many years due to everyday responsibilities.
Since arriving in North Carolina she has always gone back to the island to visit family and enjoy the feeling of freedom there. Going back to the island would help the homesickness she felt here on the mainland. Due to Covid restrictions, her traveling ceased for a while she found herself extremely homesick and depressed.
Through social media, she found a North Carolina hiking group page. Discovering the outdoors again provided her with a connection to home. Her love for nature and the Latino community led her to be one of the founders of the group Latinos Aventureros en las Carolinas. She is proud to combine her love for the outdoors with her passion for the Hispanic community through her role as the Executive Director of Latinos Aventureros.
She has completed over 130 hikes throughout the Carolinas in 2022, and 76 hikes in 2021.
In 2022 was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting Peru, and completing the Inca Trail. She hopes to start the Appalachian Trail by sections in 2023.
New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.
You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.
Thinking about what’s going to get her through the difficult section
Getting back into running and starting to train for a 100 miler
Documenting her training for and attempting to finish her first 100 mile race
Always being a runner and doing a MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine specialising in distance running.
How pregnancy impacted on her life and withdrawing from her PHD
Deciding to go back and do a PHD at Liverpool John Moors University - wanting to look at the meaning of running for couch to 5k runners and ultra distance runners.
The battle with negative troughs and how a lack of confidence impacted on her running.
Signing up to do a mindfulness course and how it changed her life for the better
Deciding to train as a mindfulness teacher
Identifying the triggers for what causes the negative spirals
The impact of tiredness and sleep deprivation
Running through the dark and running through the night
New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.
You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.
Show Notes
Who is Allie
Chilling with her dog at home
Her early years growing up
Being diagnosed as autistic at 23 (Feb 2020)
Feeling strange from a young age and knowing she was different
Feeling isolated and being bullied
Why her diagnoses was liberating
Understanding that she wasn’t broken and that there is nothing wrong with her
Her outlook on life
Being trusting, truthful and taking things at face value
Not understanding social etiquette very well
Wanting to gentle educate people by just being herself
You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.
Show Notes
Who is India?
Living in Kent with her partner and daughter
Her love of the sea
Working as a SUP and Yoga teacher
Being an Outdoor Advocate and being passionate about the outdoors
Having a very outdoorsy childhood
Her podcast - 'Start a Ripple ...' which celebrates the power of moving in nature for the mind, body and environment.
Wishing she learnt how to surf when she was younger
Memories of playing in the waves
Going to college and studying dance, before moving to London
Dealing with anxiety and getting into yoga for the breathing
Feeling the benefits and knowing that she wanted to teach it
Doing the 200hr teaching training inThailand
Doing a SUP/Yoga Teacher Training Course
Doing a refresher water safety course
What can people expect from a SUP/Yoga class
The benefits of moving in nature and wanting to share it with others
The ripple effect of spending time in nature
Deciding to start the podcast and being on it’s 5th Series
Pregnancy and being active and spending time outdoors
Dealing with Postnatel Anxiety
Self care tips for new mums during stressful times of the year
Why comparison is the thief of joy
How her views of adventure have changed since having a baby
Dealing with a change in her identify and how she viewed herself
The challenges of going back to work after maternity leave
The Start a Ripple podcast was founded on the belief that ripples are made when we connect movement with nature, not only for our mind and body, but also the environment too. Every episode India speaks to a guest who shares their story and approach to moving in nature, with the hope that these conversations will encourage you to get outside, move, dream big, and start making your own ripples.
New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.
You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.
Show Notes
Who is Emily
Working as a journalist and writing for; The New York Times, The Guardian, Condé Nast Traveler and Lonely Planet
Speaking to Emily on the Tough Girl Podcast - 17th December 2019. You can listen to that episode here
Going back to early 2020
Saving up $30K for the adventure of a lifetime
Having a goal to visit all 62 National Parks in the United States
How Covid impacted her life and work as a travel journalist
Having a home base in LA and quitting her job
Starting her adventure on 6th January 2020
Living out of her mini van #VanLife and what life was really like while on the road
Being mindful of climate change and the impact her travel would have
The transition to full time travel and living in a different way
Having anxiety about travelling especially solo travel
Expectations verses reality
The importance of having downtime while travelling
Tips for managing her anxiety
Leaning into meditation, online therapy, and medication
Being caught in the smoke from the wild fires
National Parks and the amount of people wanting to use the space
The challenges of meeting people while being on the road and the challenges during covid
Magical moments
Adventuring with a partner and the impact on their relationship
Spending time in Alaska
Thinking about what home really means
The writing experience and why it was like intensive therapy everyday for 6 months
Reflecting back on the journey and the experience of writing the book
The key takeaways from the experience
The importance of rest and scheduling in downtime
Getting comfortable sitting with discomfort
Making better choices and having more compassion
Wanting to travel to meaningful places and learn more about herself
Deciding to move to Colorado and work full time as a writer
Reflecting on her quality of life and wanting to spend more time in the mountains
Plans for a second and third book
How to connect with Emily
Final words of advice for women who want to go on a big trip or take on a new adventure
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