Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained is about discovering what happens when we dare to do something new. Hosted by Rebecca Rees, an executive coach passionate about how our amazing brains work, and Caroline Bridge, winner of BBC’s Race Across the World, this podcast brings together simple science, honest conversation, and inspiring stories from real people. Every conversation shines a light on the courage, humour, and discoveries that come from venturing beyond the familiar. 

  1. 4H AGO

    Episode 17 : Elizabeth & Letitia

    Rebecca and Caroline explore what happens when stepping outside your comfort zone means not only travelling across countries with a backpack — but also facing difficult conversations, old wounds and the parts of family life that are hardest to talk about? In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained, we meet sisters Elizabeth and Letitia from Race Across the World. Their time on the series gave viewers plenty of laughter, warmth and memorable moments, but behind the scenes there was also a much deeper story about family, relationships and learning to understand each other in a different way. Elizabeth and Letitia talk openly about what it was like to take on such a huge challenge together, especially when they had not always been close. They reflect on the realities of travelling under pressure, the moments that brought them together, and the difficult conversations that helped them build a stronger relationship. It is an honest, funny and moving conversation about sisterhood, trust and what can happen when we stop avoiding the conversations that matter most. As always, Rebecca and Caroline also explore the simple science behind why stepping outside our comfort zone can change us. Sometimes confidence does not come before we do something difficult — it comes afterwards. We are back with a new series of Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained. Please follow us on Instagram for lots of fun, adventures and behind the scenes antics. NVNG is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge. Rebecca is an ICF PCC Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility. Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards. 🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing. 📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027 Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast 👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.

    44 min
  2. MAR 27

    Episode 16 : Sarah

    In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Outen MBE — adventurer, author and now psychotherapist — whose story is as extraordinary as it is deeply human. At just 23, Sarah became the first woman and youngest person to row solo across the Indian Ocean. She then went on to complete her London to London expedition — travelling over 40,000km under her own human power by rowing oceans, cycling continents and kayaking coastlines.  Today, her life looks very different. She now works as a psychotherapist — often alongside her herd of donkeys — helping people reconnect with themselves in a way that’s quiet, grounded and surprisingly powerful. In this conversation, we explore both sides of Sarah’s story. The extraordinary expeditions… and what followed. The storm after the storm — when pushing through was no longer sustainable. Illness, burnout, emotional struggle… and the realisation that surviving isn’t the same as living well. Sarah speaks with remarkable honesty about what she’s learned — from the cost of “just keep going”, to the importance of rest, emotional awareness and finding safe connections with others. Because as Sarah shows us, adventure doesn’t stop — it evolves. What once meant crossing oceans now means understanding herself, helping others, and working out what kind of life she truly wants to live. Sarah’s NVNG Top 3:  All of it can be true at once  Be here now  Kindness — to yourself, others and the world It’s a powerful reminder that  sometimes joy and struggle sit side by side… and sometimes the bravest thing we can do is turn towards ourselves. Find out more about Sarah's work at Seen and Herd Therapy We are back with a new series of Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained. Please follow us on Instagram for lots of fun, adventures and behind the scenes antics. NVNG is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge. Rebecca is an ICF PCC Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility. Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards. 🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing. 📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027 Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast 👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.

    50 min
  3. MAR 20

    Episode 15 : Gaz & Yin

    What if the bravest adventures aren’t about crossing continents… but about coming face to face with a life you thought you’d left behind? Rebecca and Caroline speak to Gaz and Yin joined Race Across the World as ex-partners — married for over 30 years, now separated — and still close friends. But this episode goes far beyond the race. Because for Yin, stepping onto that start line meant returning not just to a country, but to a past she had spent years trying to move on from. What followed wasn’t just a physical challenge — it was deeply personal, emotional, and at times overwhelming. And when the race ended early for them, something else began. ✨ In this episode: The moment Yin almost didn’t get on the planeWhat it was really like returning to China and facing her pastHow grief and mental health shaped the experienceThe honest conversations they never had during their marriageHow the race helped strengthen their friendship in a completely new wayWhy they’ve chosen not to go back, but to move forward differently💡 This episode is really about: Facing parts of your life you thought were behind youHow relationships can evolve — even after they endThe power of honesty, compassion and understandingFinding a way forward when things don’t go to planThey didn’t win the race. But what they found — about themselves, and each other has changed the way they live their lives today. We are back with a new series of Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained. Please follow us on Instagram for lots of fun, adventures and behind the scenes antics. NVNG is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge. Rebecca is an ICF PCC Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility. Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards. 🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing. 📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027 Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast 👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.

    46 min
  4. MAR 13

    Episode 14 : Nick

    What does a life of risk, adventure and reinvention really teach you? In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained, Rebecca and Caroline sit down with entrepreneur and adventurer Nick Bullman — a man whose life sounds almost like fiction. From closing multi-million pound deals and flying solo across the Atlantic to surviving business failure, heart surgery and even being shot in an accident, Nick has lived life at full velocity. But what’s most striking is where all that experience has led him. Today Nick talks about the shift from adrenaline and achievement to something deeper — learning to slow down, find calm and focus on what truly matters. In this conversation, Nick shares the lessons he has learned through success, failure and some extraordinary moments along the way. They explore: Why failure often teaches us more than successThe mindset needed to keep going when things fall apartWhat flying across the Atlantic taught Nick about control and decision-makingHow a serious heart operation changed his perspective on lifeThe role of breathwork, mindfulness and the Wim Hof method in finding calmWhy neuroplasticity shows we can always learn and changeThe importance of tenacity, courage and self-beliefWhy learning to serve others and let go of ego brings real fulfilmentAlong the way there are stories about aviation, entrepreneurship, family life and the unexpected lessons that come from navigating life’s toughest moments. At its heart, this episode is a reminder that growth rarely happens inside our comfort zones — and that even the hardest experiences can lead to wisdom, humility and a deeper sense of purpose. We are back with a new series of Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained. Please follow us on Instagram for lots of fun, adventures and behind the scenes antics. NVNG is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge. Rebecca is an ICF PCC Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility. Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards. 🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing. 📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027 Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast 👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.

    47 min
  5. MAR 6

    Episode 13 : Tables Turned

    In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained, the tables are turned as Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge find themselves in the hot seat, interviewed by their social media expert Jess. What follows is a funny, honest and surprisingly personal conversation about how the podcast began and what they’ve discovered along the way. Rebecca shares how a message sent after watching Caroline win BBC's Race Across the World led to the idea of inviting her to be her co-host. Caroline reflects on the moment she realised she wanted to prove that life wasn’t over once her son had grown up — a decision that led her to apply for the show and start a new chapter. They also talk about the remarkable guests who have trusted them with their stories — people willing to speak openly about courage, setbacks and moments of self-doubt. Through those conversations, and the shared experience of building the podcast together, Rebecca and Caroline reflect on how their own friendship has grown along the way. At its heart, Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained is about hearing real stories from real people — and showing that fear, doubt and uncertainty are part of being human, but they don’t have to stop us. The aim is simple: To inspire people to try something new, take a step outside their comfort zone, and discover what might be possible. Our thanks to Jess for helping us with our social media and hosting this podcast: The Little Business Fairy  or follow Jess on Instagram  We are back with a new series of Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained. Please follow us on Instagram for lots of fun, adventures and behind the scenes antics. NVNG is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge. Rebecca is an ICF PCC Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility. Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards. 🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing. 📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027 Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast 👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.

    42 min
  6. FEB 27

    Episode 12 : Hayat

    Changing the world often begins with refusing to accept the limits placed on you. In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained, we’re talking to someone who has done exactly that. Dr Hayat Sindi is a world-leading biotechnologist and a Fellow of Newnham College, Cambridge. Alongside her scientific work, she is deeply committed to widening access to science, particularly for girls and young women. As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Science Education, and through her wider mentoring and advocacy, she works to ensure more young people feel both encouraged and equipped to pursue science and technology. Growing up in Mecca, she persuaded her family to let her leave home to study in the UK. It was a bold decision that changed everything. She later became the first woman from the Gulf to earn a PhD in biotechnology from the University of Cambridge. In 2013, she was appointed by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as one of the first 30 women to serve on Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, helping shape national policy. Her impact has been recognised worldwide, earning her numerous international honours and awards. But beyond the titles and recognition, what stands out is her warmth, her compassion, her sense of humour and her quiet but unwavering determination to open doors for others. When one girl steps into science, the door opens wider for those who follow. That is part of her legacy too. This conversation is about courage, service, and what becomes possible when you refuse to accept that “no” is the end of the story. We are back with a new series of Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained. Please follow us on Instagram for lots of fun, adventures and behind the scenes antics. NVNG is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge. Rebecca is an ICF PCC Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility. Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards. 🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing. 📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027 Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast 👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.

    48 min
  7. FEB 20

    Episode 11 : Kaihan

    Yes, Kaihan Krippendorff is the CEO of Outthinker. Yes, he’s recognised by Thinkers50 and Global Gurus as one of the world’s top thinkers in strategy and innovation. He is also a 7 x best-selling author and hosts his own podcast, with close to 200 episodes recorded. Behind those achievements is someone who keeps stepping beyond what feels comfortable, keeps asking questions and keeps taking risks. And that spirit is at the heart of NVNG. In this episode we talk about Kaihan’s life, from consultant to entrepreneur, the pressure of building something meaningful, and the comparison that can quietly creep in when you look sideways. We explore ambition, self-doubt, leadership, family life and what success actually feels like from the inside. We talk about mindset on the good days and the more uncertain ones. And yes, the fridge magnets make an appearance. Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained is about the courage behind achievement, the trade-offs people don’t always see, and the decision to keep going even when you’re unsure. If you’re building something, questioning yourself, or trying to define success on your own terms, this one will resonate. Kaihan Krippendorff | LinkedIn Please share and download We are back with a new series of Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained. Please follow us on Instagram for lots of fun, adventures and behind the scenes antics. NVNG is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge. Rebecca is an ICF PCC Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility. Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards. 🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing. 📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027 Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast 👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.

    40 min
  8. FEB 11

    Episode 10 : Sheila

    We're back for Series 2 and it feels great! From “I’ll Die Single” to Building a Global Community of Ethical Adventure What happens when a woman in her 60s decides she’s not done yet? In this powerful, funny and deeply human conversation, we’re joined by Sheila Fitzgerald, founder of EVA Volunteer Travel — a woman who went from Googling “what should I do before I die?” to creating ethical adventures around the world. Sheila’s story moves from heartbreak and self-doubt to machetes in Thailand, elephants in India, gorillas in Rwanda and wheelchairs built for landmine survivors in Cambodia — alongside a global community she has created of people rediscovering confidence, purpose and connection. We’re also joined briefly by Matt Fenton, CEO of Inspired Ventures Limited, who believed in Sheila’s vision early on — and has supported her and EVA every step of the way. In this episode, we explore: Why “people like me don’t do things like this” is a story worth challengingHow ethical volunteering works best with communities, not to themWhat fear looks like just before you actWhy age might be your secret powerHow small actions can create lasting impactThis is a conversation about third acts, bad girls, flying with eagles (not turkeys), and what becomes possible when you stop waiting for permission. Please follow the links to find out more: EVA Volunteer Travel: https://www.evatravel.uk  EVA Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/evavolunteertravel  Inspired Travel Ltd: https://www.inspiredtravel.co.uk   We are back with a new series of Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained. Please follow us on Instagram for lots of fun, adventures and behind the scenes antics. NVNG is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge. Rebecca is an ICF PCC Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility. Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards. 🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing. 📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027 Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast 👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.

    45 min

About

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained is about discovering what happens when we dare to do something new. Hosted by Rebecca Rees, an executive coach passionate about how our amazing brains work, and Caroline Bridge, winner of BBC’s Race Across the World, this podcast brings together simple science, honest conversation, and inspiring stories from real people. Every conversation shines a light on the courage, humour, and discoveries that come from venturing beyond the familiar. 

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