Tough Girl Podcast

Sarah Williams
  • 4.6 (99)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 5d ago

    Sylvia Malan-Gonzalez: Why Hiking is for Every Body | Fat Positive Hiking, Confidence & Community

    Sylvia Malan-Gonzalez is a Fat Positive Hiker from Portland, Oregon, on a mission to show that hiking really is for every body. Although she enjoys being active, Sylvia didn't fall in love with hiking straight away. Getting started wasn't easy. Finding affordable gear that fit, overcoming self-doubt, and navigating the outdoors in a body that isn't often represented in the hiking world all presented their own challenges. Instead of giving up, Sylvia set herself a simple goal: hike twice a month. One trail at a time, she built confidence, found supportive communities, discovered the gear that worked for her, and eventually climbed Mt. St. Helens—proving to herself that she was capable of far more than she ever imagined. In this episode, Sylvia shares what it means to be a Fat Positive Hiker, why she embraces body neutrality over chasing weight loss, and how learning to trust herself has transformed both her relationship with the outdoors and with her own body. We also talk about overcoming fear, dealing with judgement, finding hiking partners, using hiking poles, building strength in the gym, and why losing your hiking mojo doesn't mean your adventure is over. Whether you're completely new to hiking, returning after time away, or simply looking for encouragement to take that first step, Sylvia's story is a reminder that the outdoors belongs to everyone. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Growing up and living in Portland, Oregon, USA 39 years old English teacher Married for 29 years Half white and half Latina  Growing up in a very creative environment  Her parents running - Miracle Theatre Group!  Getting to go to Outdoor School and spending time in nature during Middle School and High School  Working as a Youth Counsellor  Not liking hiking at first  Liking being active and going for walks  Trying to get into hiking and struggling at first Not being able to get the gear Setting a personal goal other hike twice a month Figuring out what gear worked for her and her both Using athletic gear that she used for the gym Starting to read more about what clothes she would wear The basic essentials you need to take with you First aid, electrolytes  The lack of brands for plus size people  How the market for making clothes for bigger people is no longer there anymore Thicket  Wonder Outdoors  Being a Fat Positive Hiker and what that means  How the body positivity message has changed via influences over the years Centering herself in body neutrality  Not wanting to focus on weight loss Loving yourself and losing weight are two separate entities  Loving yourself no matter what stage you're at Seeing health at every stage Setting a personal hiking challenge 52 Hike Challenge  Founded by Karla Amador Using hiking poles and how they helped her Finding other people to go hiking with  Using All Trails  Oregon Hikers  Sharing and tracking your hikes Building a hiking community  Making friends through the hiking community  Being held back by fears Overcoming fears and the lessons learned along the way Climbing Mt. St Helens Being a fat person and being afraid of getting hurt Judgement from other people Being encouraged by her friend to climb Mt. St Helens What is the real fear Why it is more of a mental thing Losing hiking mojo and how to handle that Setting hiking goals for 2026 Leading group hikes Getting into strength goals Going backpacking and camping! Sharing on Instagram  How to connect with Sylvia  Final words of advice "You can do hard things and still have fun while you're doing it. Who cares what people think of you? This is your life. Don't be afraid."   Social Media Instagram: @SilverMTNGoat

  2. Sep 1

    Helen Watson – Author of Tea and Grit and Cycling 15,000km Along the Silk Road from Scotland to China with Her Husband

    Helen Watson is a traveller, writer, and conservationist based in the Scottish Highlands. Born in Scotland and raised in Switzerland, she has always been drawn to adventures that are both physically and culturally challenging. In 2009, shortly after completing her PhD, Helen and her husband Ed set off on an extraordinary bicycle journey from Scotland to China. Over the course of a year, they cycled 15,000 kilometres across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and China, following sections of the ancient Silk Road and relying on paper maps, curiosity, and the kindness of strangers. The journey took them through countries including Syria, Iran, and the Central Asian 'Stans', where they experienced incredible hospitality and forged meaningful connections with people from vastly different cultures and backgrounds. The trip would later inspire Helen's first book, Tea and Grit: A Bicycle Journey along the Silk Road, published in January 2026. In this episode, Helen shares the spark behind the adventure, the logistics of planning a long-distance cycle journey, and the realities of life on the road. We discuss what it means to become comfortable with discomfort, the privileges and challenges of travelling as a woman, and how her experiences in Syria took on a new significance in the years that followed during the refugee crisis. Helen also reflects on the importance of storytelling, why she felt compelled to write her book, and the lessons she has learned from a life shaped by travel, endurance, and human connection. Listen to this episode to hear about cycling 15,000km along the Silk Road, the generosity of people across cultures, and why stepping just outside your comfort zone can lead to the most transformative adventures. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Being based in the Scotland Highlands 2009/2010 - cycling from Scotland to China Being born in Scotland and moving to Switzerland at 5 years old Going to St. Andrews for University  Speaking; English, Swiss-German and German  Growing up in Switzerland and spending time in the outdoors Growing up with a lot of cultures  Wanting to take on this adventure and where the spark came from Being interested in long distance journeys Being inspired by Ffyona Campbell  Walking some long trails in New Zealand  Meeting her husband Ed at University  Wanting to do a longer trip after marriage  Heading off after she fished her PhD Studying genetics of the red deer in Scotland  Applying the lessons learned from studying for her PhD to planning the cycle ride Learning endurance from her PhD The logistics of getting visa's Not wanting to set a specific route in advance  Using paper maps and making route decisions as they went  Making some radical route decisions and deciding to go to Syria  Why it was one of the best decisions she's made (apart from marrying Ed!) The route - Scotland - Newcastle - Holland - Germany - France - Switzerland, Austria, Hungry, Serbia, Croatia, Albania, Greece, Syria, Turkey, Iran, the Stans…to China  Spending 2 months cycling around China The reality of what it was like being on the road Loving the experience most of the time! Meeting different people and experiencing hospitality in different countries Getting to the deeper levels of connection with people  Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable in awkward social situations  The privilege of being a woman while travelling with her male partner  Getting to experience the best of both worlds What being a feminist means  The amazing women who are fighting against oppression around the world  Gender roles while travelling as a couple Having a love for writing  Keeping a journal to document the journey  Feeling depressed with what happened in Syria Doing volunteer work related to refugees  Wanting to tell the story of the people she met The Arab Spring and the refugee crises  Community Refugee Sponsorship The book being released in January 2026 - Tea and Grit: A Bicycle Journey along the Silk Road The point she wanted to make with the book Wanting to go on the same trip again  How to connect with Helen  Final words of advice and wisdom for other women who want to take on an adventure or challenge  Start with something that is a little bit outside your comfort zone and build up  Break it down     Social Media Website: www.helenwatsonwriting.com  Instagram: @helenwatsonwriter  The Book: Tea and Grit: A Bicycle Journey along the Silk Road

  3. Aug 25

    Gaby Dijkstra – Outdoor Enthusiast and PhD Researcher Studying the Role of Gender in the Extreme Mountaineering Industry.

    Gaby Dijkstra is an outdoor enthusiast, solo traveller, and researcher with a passion for remote mountain environments. Whether climbing, skiing, or paragliding, she feels most at home in the mountains and has travelled to all seven continents, breaking barriers as a solo female adventurer. After years of working in education and girl empowerment projects, Gaby became increasingly curious about the construct of gender and how societal expectations shape our behaviours, opportunities, and experiences. This curiosity ultimately led her to pursue a PhD at Rotterdam School of Management, designing her own research project to investigate the role of gender in extreme environments. In 2024, Gaby spent 191 days in the Himalayas, including 132 days living on the mountains, conducting fieldwork during a full climbing season in Nepal. Her research explored the role of gender in the extreme mountaineering industry, particularly among the people who work and operate in these challenging environments. Along the way, she joined a commercial expedition to climb Ama Dablam, visited the Khumbu Icefall and the Manaslu region, and was invited to take part in an exclusive winter expedition to Annapurna I. Through interviews, observations, and lived experience, Gaby gathered what she describes as "a mountain of data" on how gender norms continue to shape the culture of mountaineering. In this episode, Gaby shares what she learned from her time in the Himalayas, why the traditional heroic narrative of mountaineering can be harmful to both men and women, and how understanding gender as a social construct can help us rethink leadership, decision-making, and belonging in extreme environments. Listen to this episode to learn about conducting a PhD in one of the world's most challenging landscapes, the hidden gender dynamics within the mountaineering industry, and why talking to other women and pursuing your curiosities can open doors to entirely new adventures. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Living in Amsterdam, Netherlands 37, freelancer and researcher  Having a background in sports management  Using sports to help society tackle challenges PhD at Rotterdam School of Management  Designing her own study project - the role of gender in extreme environments  Gender as a social construct  How social constructs can limit us in who we are and how we behave What is appropriate behaviour for societies gender expectations  Study something that is interesting for you Looking at gender and not understanding the construct  Loving all types of outdoor sports.  Being most happy when in the mountains  Where are all the women - always being surrounded by men Starting to work in leadership project. Girl empowerment projects. Introducing girls to sports  Getting frustrated and wanting to learn more about the construct of gender  Wanting to know how this plays out in extreme environments  If there are no obstacles - where would you like to go for your PhD? Wanting to go back to the Himalayas  191 days in the field, spending 132 days on a mountain Conducting fieldwork in the mountains of Nepal for a full climbing season  Looking at the role of gender in the climbing industry - especially for people working in the mountains Studying only from the Nepal side Taking part in a commercial climbing expedition - climbing Ama Dablam (6,812 metres (22,349 ft)) Doing a participant observation study - What it means to be a client in the industry  Being invited to join an exclusive winter expedition - visiting Annapurna I Visiting the Manaslu Region Vistiting Mt. Everest and the Khumbu icefalls  Speaking with women climbing and working  The lessons and learning from the research - having "a mountain of data!" Her PnD based on three articles  The first article based on doing a discourse analysis based on 100 years of expedition reports - looking at gender norms and how they can be identified  The 2nd and 3rd articles based on her experience  Looking at the theory of sense making, decision making  Not looking at the different between men and women The heroic sense of mountaineering  - the summit above all else…. The traditional norms and how it can harm both men and women Women being extra tough on other women How to connect with Gaby to find out more about her work  Wanting to be outside rather than on social media Words of advice for other women who want to purse their interests  Talk to other women    Social Media Website: www.sportsleadership.nl  Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gabydijkstra

  4. Aug 18

    Holly Budge: From Extreme Adventure to Protecting Elephants and Empowering Women Rangers

    Holly Budge is a global keynote speaker on risk, innovation, and human potential, operating at the intersection of conservation, science, and bold ideas. As an Everest summiteer and the first woman to skydive Everest, she now focuses less on surviving extremes and more on solving the complex conservation challenges shaping our future.  As founder of international NGO How Many Elephants and World Female Ranger Week, Holly explores how nature, technology, and innovation can work together to design smarter systems, from using bees as bio-engineers to reduce human-elephant conflict in Africa, to empowering women as front-line wildlife rangers. Her work has reached over 500 million people globally, been featured in Forbes, and praised by Sir David Attenborough. In this episode, Holly shares powerful insights from her journey between extreme adventure and global conservation work, including how her definition of risk and purpose has evolved over time. We dive into the real-world impact of wildlife conservation projects, from elephant corridors and bee-based deterrents to the rise of female ranger teams protecting some of the world's most vulnerable ecosystems. Listen to this episode to hear how adventure can become a force for global change, why women are reshaping the future of conservation, and what it takes to turn bold ideas into real-world impact at scale. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Holly Being an adventurer and passionate conservationist  Founder of How Many Elephants, Wildlife Positive Travel and World Female Ranger Week First speaking to Holly March 26th 2019 on the Tough Girl Podcast   Recap on what was discussed on that episode  Deciding to move to New Zealand in 2019 Training for the Coast to Coast Race  Learning how to kayak especially for this race  Getting over her fear of fast moving water Doing a training course and getting to a Grade 2 whitewater certification Doing the challenge solo and being supported by her mum at the checkpoints Working on her charity - How Many Elephants  How have things changed for the elephants over the years  How poaching numbers have come down  Human elephant conflict and how it has increased over the years Partnering with an NGO in Tanzania  Elephants being scared off bees and creating elephant corridors  Dr Lucy King  Why it works differently in Asia  How her definition of adventure has changed over the years Heading out with armed rangers Creating world female ranger week in 2021 and how it's gotten bigger and bigger every year Reaching over 500 million people!! The importance of women in these roles Why it matters that women are involved  The Black Mambas - the all female anti -poaching team  Women are proving to be way less corruptible than men June 23rd - 30th - world female ranger week - same week - every year How it has evolved to - Women in conservative  Amanda Dungeon - Ambassador - world female ranger week Listen to Amanda on the Tough Girl Podcast The goal of getting the untold stories out there Connecting donors and their money to the right projects  Conservation without funding is just conversation  Needing to be able to track and measure the money and the impact Making her money via speaking events at corporates and conferences  Looking at sustainable tourism - with Wildlife Positive Travel  Why every year is different Moving into a camper van and planning to drive to New Zealand How does it work with her husband? Training for the Montane Arctic Spine Race (290 miles)  Cold weather experience and training  Training with Chat GBP How to connect with Holly on social media Putting herself into more uncomfortable situations Final words of advice and wisdom for other women who want to get outside their comfort zone Think Tall - Start Small Get prepared  Win or Learn Smile through the pain A positive mindset is a resilient mindset   Social Media Holly Budge Website: www.hollybudge.com Instagram: @hollybudge LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hollybudge Wildlife Positive Travel Website: www.wildlifepositivetravel.com Instagram: @wildlifepositivetravel How Many Elephants Website: howmanyelephants.org Instagram: @howmanyelephants World Female Ranger Week Website: www.worldfemalerangerweek.org Instagram: @worldfemalerangerweek

  5. Aug 11

    Devin Brown - Learning to Endure on the Mississippi River and Reconnecting People to Water

    Devin Brown is a Minneapolis-based paddler and founder of Sovereign Waters, an emerging organisation focused on connection, access, and purpose through time spent on the water. In 2024, Devin set out on an ambitious source-to-sea journey along the Mississippi River, paddling 1,025 miles before high water forced an early end to the expedition. What remained was not failure, but a powerful experience of resilience, learning, and deep connection to the river and herself. Her journey into paddling began long before that expedition, rooted in childhood summer camps, early experiences on the water, and a growing understanding of how time in nature supports her mental health. Over the years, she developed her skills step by step, eventually building the confidence to attempt one of North America's great river journeys. In this episode, Devin shares the realities of endurance paddling, from long days in the rain and logistical challenges on the Mississippi to moments of fear, uncertainty, and unexpected support from "river angels" along the way. She also opens up about feeling like one of the only women on the water, and why creating more inclusive access to paddling has become central to her mission. We explore the founding of Sovereign Waters, her vision for helping more people connect with rivers in ways that feel safe and empowering, and why building community around water is essential for both wellbeing and environmental connection. Listen to this episode to hear what it really takes to learn endurance one stroke at a time, why connection to rivers can be life-changing, and how one woman is working to bring more people—especially women—into the world of paddling and wild water. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Devin Living in Minneapolis in Minnesota  Being a passionate paddler and loving spending time on the water Spending her early years going to summer camps  Learning that kayaking was essential for her mental health  Moving to the twin cities  Sending out on her long term goal of paddling the Mississippi River The freedom on being on the river and the river angels  Learning to paddle at a young age  Frost Valley YMCA Her love for nature and developing independence  Being a counsellor in training and becoming a trip leader  Making connections with local organisations Wanting to connect people to the Mississippi River Founding Sovereign Waters to get more people on the water in ways that feel comfortable for them  The war on water in Minnesota Needing people to fall in love with the natural world The story of getting to the start line of paddling the Mississippi River Thinking more and more about the Mississippi River Source to Sea and why it was going to be her one day Making a career change to a massage therapist Being supported by her community Not being able to afford to go paddling Getting back to the river during covid Mississippi River Paddle Share  Feeling like the only women paddler Building up her endurance with paddling  Working with a personal trainer The logistics of paddling the river Having 55 days for the paddle Feeling unsafe while on the river River angels Being on the water day after day and why it was incredible, but also frightening and traumatising  Planning to paddle again in 2028 - depending on the political climate The film - Mother River  Introducing paddling to her son The journey down the Mississippi River Spending the first 3 weeks paddling in the rain Knowing it was time to stop paddling  Following her gut instinct Not having classic adventure blues Plan for time after adventure to reflect How people can connect online  Final words of advice (apart from just do it!) Connect with other women who want to get dirty, grungy and empowered to do things outside  Building sisterhoods around nature  Get out there - make a plan and ask people to go with you Make your spirit happy    Social Media Website: sovereignwaters.org  Instagram: @afrodiskayak

  6. Aug 4

    Gina Johansen – Endurance Athlete Preparing for a Solo Unsupported South Pole World Record

    Gina Johansen is a Swedish-born endurance athlete, adventurer, and a track work rider based in Sydney and Norway. She is currently preparing for a world record attempt to become the fastest woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 2026.  She grew up on a horse farm in Sweden, where her love for horses and the outdoors began early. Gina spent eight years riding trackwork for leading Thoroughbred racing stables in Australia and is now back riding racehorses in Sydney alongside her polar training.  Her previous expeditions include becoming the first woman to cross Lake Baikal in Siberia solo by foot, skiing solo from North Cape to Jäckvik, crossing Svalbard on skis, cycling 2700km from Sydney to Cairns, and hiking the full length of Norway with her partner and their dog. She also spent eight years living near North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe, training in extreme Arctic conditions.  Through her journey, Gina hopes to inspire others—especially women—to push beyond their limits, take on big challenges, and discover what they're truly capable of. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes From Sweden originally  Being based in Northern Norway (North Cape) for the past 8 years before moving to Sydney in December 2025 Riding racehorse in the early morning and training for her South Pole Expedition in the afternoon  Her goal - to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole, attempting to break the women's speed record Gina shared her story on the Tough Girl Podcast - April 28th 2020 - Walking 3,000km the length of Norway, plus a solo crossing of Lake Baikal in Siberia You can listen to that episode HERE  What's been going on in the past 6 years  Living in remote mountain areas doing a lot of skiing, hiking, hunting and dealing with a lot of injuries  Trying to work on the financials to pay for the expedition  Doing training expeditions and building up her skills  After the Lake Baikal expedition in 2019 - starting to think about the next big challenge  Always wanting to go to Antarctica and the challenges of doing a solo expedition  Wanting a real test - both physically and mentally  The last 4 years being focused on the expedition  Dealing with injuries and set backs along the way Struggling to get the financial support to make it possible US$95,000 plus costs for equipment and flights  Needing to be ready fitness wise and mentally  What the planning looks like to plan an expedition of this size Trying not to get overwhelmed with the size of the challenge Taking some time out - to reset  Dealing with two stress fractures  Wanting to understand why she was getting stress fractures  Doing the rehab and keeping fit  Having smaller projects to focus on and having things to look forward to Working with a coach Starting at 5am and riding horse for 4.5 hrs Trying to eat a lot and not being afraid of eating fast carbs Handling set backs  Working with a physio  Focusing on staying positive Doing a crossing of Svalbard from East to West with a team of women Being in an environment with polar bears - needing to take on night watch shifts to keep the camp safe from polar bears  Mentally preparation before the challenge  Knowing it will hard and lonely  Also understanding it will be very tough  Focusing on the goal and being so motivated to reach it Discipline  The pain of disciple is lighter than the pain of regret The importance of socialising with friends - but organising this around training  If you want to achieve anything, you've got to put in the work Showing up even when you don't feel like it Needing to make the final payment by August, and send the equipment over in September  Trying to get sponsorship from corporate and individuals  Meeting the right people  How to connect with Gina Final words of advice for women who want to step outside their comfort zone When things go wrong, that is when the best stories are created!    Social Media Website: www.ginajohansen.com Instagram: @Ginajohansen91  Facebook: www.facebook.com/ginajohansen91

  7. Jul 28

    Denise Leonard - The World's Toughest Row, 50 Days at Sea and Inspiring Women into Adventure

    Denise is part of a team of women who have just successfully rowed 3000 miles, unsupported, across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the 'World's Toughest Row'. Rowing 12 hours a day for over 50 days, Denise drew on decades of experience from white water and sea kayaking, alongside years spent as an outdoor instructor.  Driven by a deep belief that adventure belongs to everyone, Denise champions the visibility of women in outdoor spaces. She's passionate about showing that ordinary women can achieve extraordinary things, and that authentic role models have the power to inspire the next generation of adventure-loving women. In this episode, Denise shares what it really takes to row across an ocean, from raising the funds and building the right team to coping with exhaustion, fear and the mental challenges of spending 50 days at sea. She opens up about the power of mindset, learning to be kinder to herself, and why focusing on what you can control can make all the difference in the toughest moments. Listen to this episode to discover how adventure can transform your perspective, why saying yes to opportunities can lead to extraordinary experiences, and why Denise believes that adventure truly is for everyone. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Denise Working as a Lecturer at the University of Wales, Trinity St Davids  Being based in Pembrokeshire in West Wales Growing up in the South of England in Wiltshire Her early years and not coming from an outdoorsy family Getting into slalom kayaking Her journey to becoming a lecturer Studying sports science at university  Moving from kayaking into rowing  After graduation and not knowing what she wanted to do  Working at the National Water Sports Centre Finding her community of people  Deciding to go traveling for the next few years Having an innate desire for freedom Being quite risk adverse  Struggling with predictability  Needing moments of real significant change in order to feel alive Saying yes to opportunities  Putting one foot in front of the other and seeing the positive in things Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean and where the idea came from Being inspired by Jasmine Harrison  Taking it from a dream/opportunity to making it happen Spending a year trying to get a crew together  Not being able to get people to commit Starting to ask people again in January 2022 Getting the crew together  Raising the funds to pay for the row  Why it was a 3.5 year process Working as a team and all bringing their best to the table Keeping motivated through the tough challenging moments Being able to rely on the team for support The start line and feeling a sense of relief When the nerves started to kick in a few days before setting off Journalling As the skipper feeling responsible for keeping the girls safe Starting the process of writing a book Not sleeping for 2 nights before the row Heading out in big conditions  The simplicity of surviving When the nerves disappeared  Why the row was the best form of CBD - Cognitive behavioural therapy  Being forced to confront her thought processes  Feeling so tired and physically exhausted  Not having the space for anything that drains energy Seeing the positives in the situation and asking for help  Learning acceptance while on the row  The challenges from week 6 Focusing on what you can control during the row  What is my attitude, how am I talking to myself Being kinder to myself  The team dynamics and how the tough situations were handled  Working with an emotional performance coach  Stop talking to my friend/yourself like that The power of self talk  Seeing land for the first time and getting to the end of the challenge  The final push at the end  Picturing the finish line in her mind  Being the first all welsh, women team to complete the row  Singing the national anthem on land after 50 days on sea  Adapting back to reality and getting back to 'normal' life  Wanting to leave a legacy How to connect  Merchedymor - Women/girls/sisters of the sea Final words of advice for other women who want to step outside their comfort zone Why it's about mindset   Social Media Website: www.merchedymor.wales  Instagram: @Merchedymor2025  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-leonard-21b35638

  8. Jul 21

    Clare Dyson: Mountain Leader, Slow Adventure Advocate and Creating Space for Women in the Outdoors

    Clare Dyson is a Mountain Leader, outdoor facilitator, and founder of the Women's Adventure Academy, based in the Lake District where she has spent over 20 years guiding people through the mountains and valleys she calls home. With a deep passion for slow adventure, Clare is dedicated to helping people reconnect with nature, move at their own pace, and build confidence in wild spaces. Her work blends outdoor leadership, education, and storytelling, creating opportunities for others—especially women—to step outside, explore remote places, and feel at home in the outdoors. In this episode, Clare shares her journey from growing up with a love of sport and horses to becoming a Mountain Leader, working across the Lake District, and shaping a life rooted in nature, freedom, and connection. She opens up about the challenges and opportunities of working in the outdoors, and why slowing down can often lead to the most meaningful adventures. We also explore the creation of the Women's Adventure Academy, how it came to life, and why building confidence, community, and skills in the outdoors is so important for the next generation of women adventurers. Listen to this episode to hear how Clare has built a life around slow adventure, why nature can be a powerful space for healing and growth, and how you can start creating your own outdoor adventures—no matter your pace or experience. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x   *** Show notes Living in Kendal in the Lake District for the past 22 years  Living with her dog and partner  Working in the outdoors as a Mountain Leader and Gardener Enjoying life in her mid-forties  Being a freelancer for Fjall Raven  The Fjall Raven Classic, UK  Doing a Masters in outdoors experiential learning   The Big Hoof Charity  Setting up the Women's Adventure Academy with Anna Blackwell  Being sporty and outdoorsy from a young age Starting horse riding in her teenage years Having her family home burn down during her teenage years and how the outdoors helped Her journey into the outdoors and how it evolved  Going to university and getting into rock climbing  Heading over to New Zealand  Moving up to the Lake District after graduation  Gaining experience in the outdoors and being surrounded by brilliant people sharing their knowledge Becoming a Mountain Leader Not knowing where to start What adventure looks like now Slow adventure and being in tune with the natural world Working with young people  Being asked - what do you really want to do? Wanting to ride a horse around the Lake District Heading off in May Meeting incredible people on the way Pushing the boundaries in a slow and different way Why it's ok to go slow in the outdoors  The Women's Adventure Academy and how it came together Making a film called 'Thriving' with Fjall Raven Building confidence and skills Deciding to run the Women's Adventure Academy on her own  Why setting a date is so helpful  The BBC making a 1 minute film and it going viral! The Lake District is like an ecological desert  Starting to celebrate the farmers who are doing a lot  Deciding to do a second journey and visit the regenerative farmers Having the film premiere at Kendal Mountain Film Festival  The next slow adventure  Doing an 8 day adventure across the Lake District with the Big Hoof Charity Figuring out her masters dissertation topic How to connect with Clare on social media Final words of advice  Set a date Find your tribe   Social Media Website:  www.womensadventureacademy.com  Instagram: @_claredyson

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4.6
out of 5
99 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Williams
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    866
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Tough Girl Podcast

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