The Everyday Adventure Podcast – Season 8, Episode 10 Marina LeGree: Empowerment and Adventure In the final episode of Season 8, Nicki Bass speaks with Marina LeGree — founder and executive director of Ascend Athletics — about using adventure, movement and community to create spaces for women and girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan. What began as an idea rooted in the mountains of Afghanistan grew into a organisation combining outdoor adventure, leadership development, mental wellbeing support and civic engagement. Marina shares how Ascend evolved from mountaineering expeditions and rock climbing programmes into a broader movement focused on confidence, resilience and access for women, even in the most testing contexts and environments. Together, Nicki and Marina explore: The transformative power of outdoor adventure and movement Why “just starting” matters more than perfection Leadership, confidence and learning through discomfort How women support and uplift one another in challenging environments Adapting purpose when circumstances radically change Hope, resilience and continuing forward in uncertain times The role of community, courage and everyday action This conversation is deeply honest, inspiring and timely — especially for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, uncertain about taking the next step, or searching for ways to create meaningful impact. About Marina & Ascend: Ascend Athletics co-creates and delivers holistic development programmes rooted in: Adventure sport Mental health and wellbeing Leadership development Civic engagement Entrepreneurship training Ascend works primarily with women and girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan, creating opportunities for confidence-building, community connection and personal growth through both outdoor and indoor programming. Follow Ascend: Instagram – @ascendathleticsngo LinkedIn Facebook Key Themes & Takeaways “Just start.” Marina reflects on the importance of taking action before everything feels perfectly planned: “Something has to be started… if you are paralysed at the start point, you’re missing everything.” Confidence grows through experience From trekking and rock climbing to leadership and entrepreneurship, Ascend’s work centres around helping women trust themselves and navigate uncertainty. Access matters Whether it’s access to mountains, movement, community, mental health support or opportunity, the episode explores how powerful it can be simply to create space. Hope is built through people Despite global uncertainty and immense challenges, Marina shares why seeing the impact on individual lives continues to fuel her work: “If there’s a human being benefiting from what you’re doing, it’s worth doing.” Follow the podcast and Nicki’s work: Everyday Adventure Podcast Instagram Resilience at Work Nicki Bass on LinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it, leaving a review, or sending it to someone who might need a reminder that even in difficult times, hope, courage and adventure still matter. Get full access to The Everyday Adventure Podcast at everydayadventurepod.substack.com/subscribe
