Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge
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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. 2D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 11/14/2025

    Episode 9 : It's a Wrap

    Series Finale: Hosted by Tom Bridge — BBC Race Across the World 2025 Winner In this special end-of-series episode, the microphones are turned around. Tom Bridge - joint winner of BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with his mum Caroline - steps into the host’s seat and takes us on a brilliant, funny and reflective journey through our first series of Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained. It’s light-hearted, honest, surprising, and packed with moments that reveal just how much we’ve learned (and unlearned!) since episode one. We talk about: How NVNG beganWhat we’ve discovered about confidence, courage and connectionOur favourite moments and standout guestsWhat it feels like to be pushed outside our comfort zonesOur dreams and goals for the year aheadAnd a few gentle roastings from Tom along the wayMovember Special — Will & Charlie We open the episode with Will Plows, who shares his powerful and deeply personal story — and his incredible decision to take on an IRONMAN for Movember, raising awareness and funds after losing his uncle and nearly losing his dad. And we close with a message from Charlie, Rebecca's son, who is also raising money for this great cause. He reminds us why Movember matters and why supporting even one person can make a difference. Please support Will and Charlie's Movember challenges here: Will Plows - Movember Ironman Fundraising Page Charlie Rees - Mo Bros - Frick Fundraising Page Thank you — every donation supports men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. What’s Next for NVNG?We’re taking a short break to prepare Series Two, with more wonderful guests, deeper conversations and plenty more humour. Plus: NVNG Brain Bytes — short five-minute episodes bringing the latest and most helpful neuroscience, positive psychology and coaching insights to a wider audience. Please follow 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.

    34 min

  5. 11/07/2025

    Episode 8 : Bethan

    This week, Rebecca and Caroline talk to Bethan Higson — the inspiring founder of Mother Root, the award-winning non-alcoholic aperitif, that’s taking the world (and our glasses) by storm.  Fresh from her triumphant appearance on Dragon’s Den with her COO Alice Galsworthy, Bethan opens up about the courage it takes to start something new and what she has learnt along the way. We explore: ✨How a spark of an idea in motherhood became a brand that's well on its way to becoming a mega brand. ✨The fear factor behind that Dragon’s Den lift moment — and how she and Alice turned terror into triumph ✨The inner battle between confidence and doubt — and why action is the antidote ✨From market stalls to Waitrose and Sainsbury’s shelves to the US — what scaling at speed really looks like ✨Learning to lead, building a culture that celebrates failure, and trusting your gut Bethan reminds us that entrepreneurship is one of the greatest personal growth adventures there is — and that fulfilment lives just on the other side of fear. It's official, Caroline, Tom and Rebecca can confirm Mother Root is delicious. Perfect for your evening ritual, without the fuzzy head. Cheers to whole-being wellbeing. 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

  6. 10/31/2025

    Episode 7 : Tinks

    In this uplifting episode, Rebecca and Caroline meet Arabella Lloyd aka Tinks — a woman who accepted defeat on the slopes of Kilimanjaro and decided to move from great heights to sea level, rowing across the Atlantic Ocean with 11 strangers. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the moments that don’t go to plan become the ones that define us — and that every great adventure starts with saying yes. We talk about what drives an ordinary person to take on extraordinary adventures and what 44 days at sea can teach you about teamwork, mindset, and fear. Join us for this warm, funny, and fearless conversation that celebrates the spirit of adventure in all of us.  Tinks’ Nothing Ventured Top Three 1️⃣ Just keep rowing — it will pass. Everything changes if you keep going. 2️⃣ Time is running out — use it wisely. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. 3️⃣ Every adventure starts with saying yes. Courage begins with a single word. A special message for Robin and Michelle from Tinks: "A huge thank you to my director Robin Beaumont at Beaumont Brown for accommodating my adventure, whether it’s letting me take all my holiday in one go, or having to listen to me tell the same stories over and over to our lovely customers and to my colleague Michelle, who picked up all the slack while I was at sea!" Follow Tinks on instagram and see her podcast episode link on Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained 🤝 Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Wild Spirit, the UK activewear brand inspiring women to feel strong, confident, and completely themselves. Listeners can enjoy 10 % off at Wild Spirit Sportswear by using code NVNG10   🎧 Listen now — and say yes to your next adventure. 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

  7. 10/24/2025

    Episode 6 : Ed

    “I’m Ed — 29, from London. Founder of two companies, full-time wheelchair user, and a big advocate for accessibility and inclusion.” That’s how Ed Boyd introduces himself. Simple, passionate, and straight to the point — much like the way he approaches life and business. In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained, Caroline and Rebecca talk with Ed about what it really means to succeed — and how his view of success has changed from chasing status and money to finding purpose, fulfilment, and freedom. Ed has built two businesses with his co-founder Cass— Crimson Social and drifthome — and they are challenging the way the property world works. They are redefining how we search for a new home — designed to work better for buyers and agents alike. Think Tinder, but for properties.  💡 In this conversation: Why fear of failure can hold us back — and how Ed learned to move past itHow Positive Intelligence and meditation help him manage stress and stay groundedEd’s Top Three guiding principles — including one powerful truth: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”And wouldn’t it be great if someone listening — maybe an investor who shares his vision — would like to connect with Ed and help take drifthome even further? Contact and Links  www.drifthome.ai www.crimsonsocial.co.uk Linkedin : Ed Boyd Linkedin : Cassandra Humbert 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.

    49 min

  8. 10/17/2025

    Episode 5 : Jen

    Our guest for this episode is Jennifer Upton — former British diplomat, now executive coach and founder of How to Diplomat In this warm and deeply human conversation, Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge talk with Jen Upton — a former British diplomat who has been posted to some of the world’s toughest countries and now helps leaders and teams communicate, influence, and stay grounded when the pressure’s on. As Jen says, she was “posted to places I wouldn’t get to see on holiday” — and some of those postings came with extraordinary challenges. She shares what it was like to evacuate twice with two small children and her husband, and to survive the Marriott Hotel bombing in Pakistan. These experiences gave her a powerful perspective on leadership, resilience, and how to stay composed when everything around you feels uncertain. Now an executive coach and founder of How to Diplomat, Jen helps others learn the art of diplomacy in everyday life — connecting with empathy, handling pressure with grace, and leading through influence rather than authority. Together, the trio explore: How to manage fear and uncertainty in high-stakes situationsWhy influence starts with curiosityHow courage often looks quiet, calm, and deeply humanThe lessons diplomacy can teach us about work and lifeIf you want to work with Jen contact her by email:  jennifer@howtodiplomat.com If you want to follow her for more insights: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton Diplomatic Dispatches newsletter:newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtodiplomat  The views expressed in this episode are the personal reflections of our guest. They do not represent the official positions of the UK Foreign Office or any government. Last week, Tom Bridge launched something new for us — the NVNG Top 3: three guiding principles or suggestions that help our guests when they’re facing new challenges or difficult situations. Tom’s were bold, inspiring, and full of heart. Listen to hear what Jen’s are — and we’ll start publishing these as separate clips on instagram soon.... when we have learnt how to do it!. 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
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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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained
  • Show Website
    Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

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