699 episodes

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.

Tough Girl Podcast Sarah Williams

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 7 Ratings

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.

    Sarah Williams - Reflections & Learnings from the 3,000km Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand.

    Sarah Williams - Reflections & Learnings from the 3,000km Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand.

    Hey Hey, it's Sarah Williams from the Tough Girl Podcast, and I'm thrilled to share with you my latest solo episode reflecting on my unforgettable journey hiking the 3,000km Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand.
    Sponsored by Zoleo #ChallengeWithZOLEO, this episode dives deep into the highs, lows, and everything in between of my epic adventure.
    Join me as I address questions from listeners about a wide range of topics, including solo hiking as a woman, hitchhiking, hygiene, nutrition, and more. I share it all.
    I'll take you on a journey through the stunning landscapes of both the North and South Islands, highlighting memorable moments like canoeing adventures and breathtaking views on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
    Whether you're a seasoned hiker or dreaming of your first big adventure, this episode offers inspiration, practical advice, and a glimpse into the transformative power of outdoor exploration.
    Listen now and be inspired to take on your next personal challenge or adventure.
    ***
    Show notes
    Intro Sponsored by Zoleo #ChallengeWithZOLEO  Who am I?  The challenge - to hike 3,000km on the Te Araroa Trail Planning & Preparation episode 2nd November 2023 Why it’s not your typical wilderness thru hike North Island Stats  Questions from listeners, tribe members etc Safety for a solo women - men on the trail, wild camping, hitching Hitching Purist and EFK (Every F***king Km) Inov8 trainers - get a 15% discount here  Trail Angels V Trail Entrepreneurs  Koha V Donations Enjoyment of the North Island Canoeing  Highlights - Timber Trail, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Colonial Knob Walkway Costs from the North Island  Reaching Wellington and having a Christmas break South Island 1st January 2024 - 6th March 2024 Planning…. Verses being spontaneous Breaking down the challenging days Rivers in New Zealand Hiking in Wales, Tryfan and Welsh 3000s  TA - Navigation and GPS Whittakers Creamy Caramel Chocolate  Food, resupply, bounce boxes, being gluten free Wildlife encounters, sandflies  Hygiene - Pee, Poo Periods Equipment - loves and hates Department of Conservation (DOC) Hut pass   Highlights from the trail Advice for hiking the trail TA Resources page on the Tough Girl Website  Final stats  Regrets Learnings What’s next   
    Social Media
    Instagram: @toughgirlchallenges  
    Facebook: @ToughGirlChallenges 
    Youtube: @ToughGirlChallenges 
     

    • 1 hr 56 min
    Sophie Power - Great Britain 24 hour Ultra-runner and mum of 3. Founder of SheRACES - a campaign to make races better for women.

    Sophie Power - Great Britain 24 hour Ultra-runner and mum of 3. Founder of SheRACES - a campaign to make races better for women.

    In this episode, we explore Sophie Power's incredible journey from self-professed anti-runner to ultra-runner and advocate for women in racing. Despite her initial reluctance towards running, Sophie discovered a passion for it at 26, leading her to tackle challenges like the Marathon des Sables (MDS) with only nine months of training.
    Her journey wasn't without hurdles, especially as a mother of three. Yet, Sophie's dedication to running while pregnant sparked global attention, inspiring women everywhere. 
    Fuelled by her experiences, she founded SheRACES, aiming to make racing more accessible for women, advocating for pregnancy deferrals, and breaking barriers.
    Sophie's resilience shines through, overcoming setbacks like a coma and memory loss. Her story embodies the power of belief and perseverance. Listen to Sophie now to learn more about her remarkable journey.
    ***
    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 Sophie Being an anti-runner Not being sporty Discovering running at 26  Being a good hiker and doing kick-boxing Ready to take on a new challenge Having 9 months to train  Going from zero to ultra  The planning and preparation for Marathon des Sables (MDS) in 2010  Doing her own research and putting previous experience in planning and logistics to use.  Enjoying running and why she does ultras Looking to find herself again Starting to travel and do adventures at the same time Working long hours and running 20 miles max per week Running while pregnant and why it was different every time The photo that went viral UTMB  Not wanting to let her 3 year old down Not wanting other women to be in her position How She Races came about Why races should have pregnancy deferrals  Wanting to reduce the barriers for women to encourage more women to race Surveying over 2,000 women about their barriers and wanting to understand what events can change Coming up with guidelines for races Not having any free time How people can support the work that She Races is doing Also focusing on cycling and triathlon Why women and girls deserve better Running for Team GB and her ultra runner journey  Finding herself on the start line of the European championships in 24hr running Taking running more seriously after turning 40 and having 3 kids Training for a 24hr race The mental side of the challenge Recovery after races Nutrition and fuelling herself during races and recovery Being in a coma for 36 hrs Dealing with short term memory loss Going back to work too soon Running with a prolapse Mummy MOT Emma Brockwell - “why did no one tell me”  How to connect with Sophie Final words of advice  “Believe that you deserve it”   
    Social Media
    Website:
    https://www.sophiepower.com/ 
    www.sheraces.com
    Instagram:
    @ultra_sophie 
    @she.races 

     

    • 51 min
    Jessica Hepburn - Unlikely Everest Summiteer. Inspiring people to #livebigandbrave when life doesn’t go to plan. Author of Save me from the Waves.

    Jessica Hepburn - Unlikely Everest Summiteer. Inspiring people to #livebigandbrave when life doesn’t go to plan. Author of Save me from the Waves.

    AN ADVENTURE STORY – WITH A DIFFERENCE
    Jessica Hepburn is an unlikely athlete. She hates exercise and believes the only reason to do it is for food, booze and box-sets on the sofa. 
    However, in her forties, following a succession of hard life experiences, she started to try and exercise her way out of heartbreak. She has now become one of the world’s most extraordinary endurance athletes. 
    The first and only woman on the planet to have completed the “Sea, Street, Summit Challenge” – which is to swim the English Channel, run the London Marathon and climb Mount Everest. And possibly the only woman to have listened to eighty years and over 3,000 episodes of her favourite radio programme – Desert Island Discs.
    Jessica joins us for the 3rd time on the Tough Girl Podcast, to share more about her new book. “Save me from the Waves”. Which shares more about her inspirational story of physical and mental endurance which starts on the streets of London and culminates in a life-threatening event on top of the world. During the podcast, Jessica share more about the challenges on the mountain, the lesson learns and provides advice and tips to encourage you to live big and bravely especially when life doesn’t go to plan.
    Previous TGP episodes with Jessica.
    2nd October 2018 - Author of 21 Miles and The Pursuit of Motherhood. Swimming the English Channel.
    8th February 2022 - Adventure Activist - Her journey to climbing Mt. Everest. 
    ***
     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 Jessica Being an author Working in the arts Going through multiple rounds of IVF Experiencing multiple miscarriages Describing herself as an adventure activist Swimming the English Channel Her journey climbing Mount Everest Completing final training for Mount Everest Climbing Kilimanjaro immediately after the channel swim Realising the importance of mental and physical strength Realising she's not fit and fast enough Climbing massive mountains in her 50s is a significant challenge Discussing pushback when climbing Everest and feeling defensive Recounting a conversation with a stranger Limited window for climbing Mount Everest due to weather conditions Climbing to the top of the world while listening to her favorite radio program The reason why she writes her books Why she wouldn't change anything even after everything that has happened to her Feeling stronger and more confident on her second attempt to climb Everest Finding the Khumbu Icefall challenging Finding the summiting experience to be terrifying Not feeling the expected emotions on the summit Feeling exhausted and sick during the summit Having endurance and mental strength on the mountain Getting hit by a free-falling oxygen bottle, breaking her leg Sharing the details of what happened to her in her book Sharing her experiences with IVF and climbing Everest, hoping to provide solidarity and a survival guide for others What helped her process her thoughts and emotions during her fertility journey Creating playlists for various occasions and people in her life Composing a playlist for the child she never had Final words of advice  
    Social Media

    Website: www.jessicahepburn.com

    Instagram: @jessica_hepburn_

    Twitter: @JessicaPursuit

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessicahepburnauthor
     

    • 45 min
    Celeste Thompson - Fat girl who loves hiking. Inspiring people of all sizes to adventure outside. On an adventure to hike in every state in the USA.

    Celeste Thompson - Fat girl who loves hiking. Inspiring people of all sizes to adventure outside. On an adventure to hike in every state in the USA.

    Celeste's love for hiking began in Maui, Hawaii, following a difficult breakup. The Lahaina Trail hike was transformative and made her feel empowered. 
    She quickly progressed in her hiking journey and decided to share her experiences on social media. To her surprise, she inspired other plus-sized individuals to explore the outdoors.
    In 2022, Celeste embarked on a mission to hike in every US state. Her dedication to this goal, despite being a non-planner, is truly inspiring. She encourages others to find gear that fits their body types and shares her inspiration from Fat Girls Hiking.
    Celeste's story is a celebration of confidence and happiness found in nature. 
    Listen in to learn about her magical moments while hiking and her valuable advice for women seeking joy in the outdoors.
    Please be aware: In this episode, there is a single use of strong language at the end.
    ***
    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 Celeste Moving to Las Vegas in 2021 from California Why did she move to Vegas! Being born in El Salvador, Central America Her love for travel and living in different places  Her early years When her hiking journey started as an adult  Working at the airport in Maui, Hawaii  Coming out of a long relationship and feeling lonely and heart broken in 2013 Wanting to give hiking ago and deciding to hike the Lahaina Trail  Never seeing other plus sized people out hiking or represented in the media Not having the right gear and running out of water  The challenges of descending in the dark Why that hike changed her life Feeling empowered  Progressing in her hiking journey  Being connected in nature and feeling happy  Hiking for fun Wanting to move to the US mainland to pursue her passion for hiking  Wanting to share more of her journey on social media (2017) to document her journey for her Realising that by shaken her story on social media it was encouraging more plus sized people who looked like her to get outside and give hiking ago  Wanting to hike in every state in the USA and starting in 2022 Having a new mindset and making her hiking goal a priority  Not being the best planner and wanting to change that Finding gear to fit her body type Being inspired by Summer from Fat Girls Hiking  Her first time going camping as an adult  Why you deserve to be there (in the outdoors) How you can connect with and follow along with Celeste  Magical moments from hiking and spending time in the outdoors  Connecting with herself while hiking  Final words of advice for other women who want to experience joy in the outdoors Find out what makes you confident Why you deserve to be happy   
    Social Media
    Instagram: @Fatgirlforthefitsoul 
     

    • 37 min
    Jacky Hunt-Broersma - UltraRunner. Amputee. Cancer Survivor. Guinness World Record - Running 104 Marathons in a 104 Days! #icandohardthings

    Jacky Hunt-Broersma - UltraRunner. Amputee. Cancer Survivor. Guinness World Record - Running 104 Marathons in a 104 Days! #icandohardthings

    Meet Jacky Hunt-Broersma, a remarkable individual who's shattered expectations as an amputee ultramarathoner, endurance coach, dedicated mom, and cancer survivor. Recognised as the RRCA Road Runner of the Year, WRAL Athlete of the Year, and featured in Strong Fitness Magazine's Women to Watch in 2021, her journey is nothing short of inspirational.
    In 2016, Jacky embarked on her extraordinary running odyssey. Her path to greatness was marked by a profound personal challenge—losing her leg to Ewing Sarcoma. However, she didn't let this setback define her. Instead, she set out to build an impressive portfolio of "firsts" for female amputees in trail and ultra running, even securing several world records. She's on a mission to prove the naysayers wrong and carve a path for other adaptive athletes, especially women, in the world of trail running and ultramarathons.
    Among her numerous achievements, Jacky's incredible feat of running 104 marathons in 104 days stands out, raising an astounding $194,000 for Amputee Blade Runners. She's also set a new world record as the first amputee to complete a 100-mile run on a treadmill, doing so in under 24 hours (23 hours and 38 minutes).
    Jacky Hunt-Broersma's remarkable journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles and achieve the extraordinary. She's not only a trailblazer but a beacon of hope and inspiration for adaptive athletes worldwide.
    ***
    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 Jacky Living in sunny Arizona, USA for the past two years Growing up in South Africa Moving to the Netherlands in her early 20s Being very sports orientated and spending a lot of time outdoors How things have changed in South Africa Leaving South Africa with two suitcases and living in a new country Struggling to learn dutch when in the Netherlands  Being diagnosed with cancer when living in Holland From diagnosis to the amputation of her leg  Hearing the news Figuring out the next steps and finding out what was going to happen Saying goodbye to her leg Getting to a place of acceptance Wishing she had taken up running sooner How running helped her to accept her body how it was  Going through denial Having a pity party and feeling that life was unfair  Wanting to be normal and not wanting any pity Dealing with anger Why it’s a process Becoming more open about her journey and her struggles  Taking up running and why it changed her life Wanting to encourage more amputees to run The expensive cost of a running blade ($10,000) Fighting the system to get funding for running blades  Wanting to make a difference and encourage more amputees to get out and active  Being surprised at how far she could push her body  Wanting to push boundaries and distances in running  Running 104 marathons in 104 days in April 2022 Being inspired by Alyssa Clark running 95 marathons in 95 days (2021)  Wanting to see if she could do it and not knowing how her prosthetic would hold up The metal side of the challenges Dealing with chin splits at the start of the journey  Getting through the tough days and taking the time to celebrate the milestones and live in the moment Having 3 different routes to choose from  The paperwork needed for the Guinness World Record   Being strict about recovery and following a routine Running 104 marathons and raising funds for Amputee Blade Runners  Run

    • 42 min
    Melissa Harlow - Embracing Life's Adventures at 62: From Sailing the Pacific Ocean to Hiking the John Muir Trail

    Melissa Harlow - Embracing Life's Adventures at 62: From Sailing the Pacific Ocean to Hiking the John Muir Trail

    Melissa in her own words:
    “After connecting with my now husband on match.com 20 years ago, we realized we had one key difference: he wanted a partner to ‘Sail around the world’. I, on the other hand, wasn't an adventurer. I was a professional woman with a degree in Psychology, dedicated to non-profit work and healthcare.
    But my husband ignited a desire in me to embrace life's adventures while we were still healthy. The turning point came when he asked, ‘When are you going to quit your job and sail around the world with me?’
    Despite my initial fears and attachments, I couldn't ignore the call to live life to the fullest. We set sail across the Pacific Ocean, and it changed me profoundly.
    We continued our adventures by buying an RV and exploring the US, Canada, and Alaska, much to the surprise of our family.
    These experiences made me resilient and fearless. 
    Returning from a sailing journey and hiking the John Muir Trail at age 62, I realized that the world was full of opportunities.
    I see people looking at me differently now, sensing my quiet confidence. My adventure started late, but it's proof that life-changing decisions can happen at any age. The question remains: “Do it now or not?””
     
    *Content Warning: This episode contains an instance of strong/abusive language that some listeners may find offensive. 
    ***
     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 Melissa Living is San Diego, California  Not being born into an adventurous family  Her early years and feeling connected to her dad (who died when she was 4) Meeting her husband on match.com about 18 years ago Blending 2 families together  After 10 years of marriage starting to discuss the sailing adventure Being a career girl and not focused on adventure  Not having passion in her life Doing little adventures but not committing to the big adventure of sailing around the world Waiting for the kids to go to college  Making the commitment and putting a plan in place Getting the boat and needing to learn new skills Having a 5 year plan and changing everything about their life Not spending more that $25 unless speaking to another person Working as a team in a partnership  Having garage sales, saving money and making it happen Starting to change and starting to get excited about the future adventure Being called ‘Captain B*tch Slap’  Being a forgiving person Proving people wrong Noticing her confidence changing Dealing with tangled anchors while a storm is rolling in Stats from the trip - the boat (Island Packet 37) Starting in San Diego and sailing down to Mexico Stopping to take a 1,000 mile car tour throughout Mexico Pacific Puddle Jump from America’s to French Polynesia   Feeling done with sailing after 11 months and wanting to go home The challenges of getting the boat back from Hawaii to San Diego The dream vs reality  Magical moments while out sailing and the challenges while being out on the water Spending time on remote beautiful islands - the instagram moments When the autopilot stopped working and having to steer the boat in 2 hour shifts for 24/7.  Deciding what to do next and wanting to sell the boat, take the money and buy an RV and travel around the US, up through Canada and head up to the wilds of Alaska The challenges of RV Life and wanting to do ‘Boondocking’ Feeling numb after traveling and feeling lost  Having therapy and starting

    • 43 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
7 Ratings

7 Ratings

Freewheeling Kiwi ,

Best adventure podcast EVER!

Sarah Williams interviews a diverse range of women adventurers from across the globe showcasing their adventures, the planning, skills acquired, motivations, challenges, obstacles, lessons learnt, fun had, setbacks, funding and more.

Whether you’re interested in their particular passion or not, every interview informs, motivates, inspires and offers important take aways that can be transferred to your own life.

There’s a reason this is a three time award winning podcast, do yourself a favour, you’re in for a treat :)

Well done Sarah, thanks for bringing these stories to us all.

Best adventure podcast EVER!

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