Tough Girl Podcast Sarah Williams

Today, we delve into the inspiring story of Dr. Hannah Lock, 33, a British doctor and mountaineer living on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Wales. With a deep passion for medicine and a love for the mountains, Dr. Lock has embarked on thrilling adventures, led expeditions, and shared her invaluable knowledge of mountain medicine. Join us as we explore her remarkable journey.
Raised near the Peak District, Dr. Lock's childhood was filled with outdoor adventures. From hill walking to rock climbing and skiing, she developed a deep connection to the natural world. A pivotal moment in the French Alps introduced her to Alpine mountaineering, sparking a lifelong love for high-altitude environments. Her subsequent expeditions took her across the globe, from the Brazilian Amazon to the Bolivian Andes and the Swiss Alps.
Dr. Lock found her true passion in Emergency Medicine. Today, she skilfully balances her work in the ER with mountain medicine teaching and expedition support. She provides medical support for ultra marathon trail events in the UK and has expanded her reach to cover mountain marathons in the Nepal Himalaya. Her true calling lies in supporting groups on remote, high-altitude expeditions, empowering them to push their limits while ensuring their safety.
Dr. Hannah Lock's journey as a British doctor and mountaineer exemplifies the power of pursuing one's passions and bridging different worlds. Driven by her love for medicine and the outdoors, Dr. Lock continues to empower others through her invaluable knowledge of mountain medicine.
Her story inspires us to merge our passions, conquer new heights, and make a positive impact in our chosen fields.
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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!
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Show notes
Who is Hannah Working as a portfolio Doctor Being based in Bangor, North Wales Growing up in Macclesfield on the border of the Peak District Spending lots of time in the outdoors as a child Fitness and spending time in the outdoors while studying at university Doing Duke of Edinburgh as a teenager and how it inspired her love of the outdoors  Doing a World Challenge Expedition to Bolivia  Her first taste of big mountains and travelling in South America Going to Leeds University and joining the hiking club  Combining her passions together Learning more about becoming an Expedition Doctor  Doing a Chemistry Degree first  Going and finding opportunities  Going to medical school at University of Warwick  Gaining mountain skills via Mountain Leader Qualification  Wilderness Medicine Society Professor Chris Imray - (Vascular & Renal Transplant Surgeon based in Coventry, climbed the 7 Summits, & world expert in frostbite)  Dong a Diploma in Mountain Medicine  Starting off on UK Event Work - supporting runners on ultra marathons and multi day ultra marathons Supporting runners in Nepal and gaining more experience  Risk assessment planning Working within your competency level - but also being competent to deal with challenges Her first solo trip as a medic on Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) and the challenges of altitude  Heading to Northern India - Summiting Stok Kangri (6,154 m) - highest trekkable summit in India Starting to teach Mountain Medicine  Realities and Risks  ER (Emergency Room (USA)) -  ED (Emergency Department (UK)) Views on life and risk taking Why you should tell people you love them Working in intensive care Deciding to work part time and how her

In this episode of  the Tough Girl Podcast, we talk with 26-year-old Claire Wyatt, who is currently cycling 16,000km around Australia. Claire is passionate about solo bicycle touring and sharing stories of kindness from around the world. She tells us about her big adventure in Australia, her passion for cycle touring over the past four years, and her early years growing up as one of five children.
After studying criminology at Loughborough University, Claire moved to Cambodia to work for a travel company. It was there that she got into cycling in her 20s and eventually went on her first cycle tour around Cambodia for three weeks. She tells us about the lessons she learned on that trip and how it inspired her to continue exploring the world on two wheels.
Claire also shares with us the challenges of cycle touring, from budgeting to communication and staying safe on the road. She tells us about the magical moments she's experienced while out on the road and the kindness of strangers she's encountered along the way.
Throughout the episode, Claire provides practical advice for women who want to travel by bike, including how to plan a trip, what equipment to invest in, and how to communicate with locals. She also shares the story of how she was inspired by Dervla Murphy, an Irish travel writer who cycled from Ireland to India in the 1960s.
If you're interested in following Claire's journey, you can check out her blog and follow her on Instagram at @exploringbybicycle. And don't forget to hit the subscribe button for new episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast every Tuesday at 7am UK time. You can also support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for listening!
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Show notes
26 years old Travelling by bike Her big adventure in Australia  Her passion for cycle touring over the past 4 years Her early years growing up and being 1 of 5 children Getting into cycling in her 20s after university  Having a twin sister Studying criminology at Loughborough University  Moving to Cambodia to work for a travel company Her decision making process Taking redundancy Going on her first cycle tour around Cambodia for 3 weeks Figuring it out on the first trip The magic letter and how it helped her communicate with local people Staying with local family and cheap guest houses Heading home during COVID  Setting up a small project called Mind over Miles  Cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) to raise funds for the Adventure Therapy Charity  The lessons from cycling LEJOG and why it was a good experience The bike - Surly Ogre  Investing in new equipment  Power while on the road Carrying her laptop and working while on the road Money and budget while on the road Cycling 16,000km around Australia  Starting in Tasmania and ending in Perth Planning to cycle from Cambodia back to the UK The challenges of cycle touring  Magical moments while out on the road Using Warmshowers for accommodation  The kindness of strangers The Great Queensland Rail Adventure  Learning mechanics for the bike  Communicating with family and using a Zoleo Communicating via radio (Channel 40 in Australia) with the truck drivers Advice for women who want to travel by bike Being inspired by Dervla Murphy  Book: Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle by Dervla Murphy  How to connect with Claire Her blog  
Social Media
Blog: https://wanderingwyatt135121267.wordpress.com/ 
Instagram: @exploringbybicycle 
 

In her own words:
“Hi! I'm Kalyani, a freelance photographer, biologist and wildlife filmmaker, born and raised in the city of Leicester, what felt like miles away from the countryside and the outdoors. 
With no role-models or influences in my life to steer me to the natural world, it's a mystery to my whole family how I ended up loving the outdoors and everything in it, but somehow I did. 
My love for nature fuelled me to pursue a BSc at the Royal Veterinary College where I studied a whole range of aspects of animal biology; from anatomy and physiology to behaviour and evolution. My research into kangaroo biomechanics and limb bone scaling was part of a paper published in the Royal Society Open Science in 2018. I then completed my MSc at Imperial College London, where I fell in love with science communication and story telling.
I first picked up a camera at 19 years old when my parents sent me to live in an ashram for 6 months (of course, as a teenager, I wasn't too thrilled at the prospect initially) and that's how I accidentally got into, and got hooked on, photography. I am self-taught and now specialise in travel and wildlife photography.
I love exploring the world, often travelling solo, and learning about different cultures beyond stereotypes. Having Indian heritage, I have a deep understanding of the need to look beyond imperialist and colonialist generalisations and I am able to truly connect with people around the world.
As a biologist, there's something so incredibly special about seeing the most breathtaking animals in their natural habitat and experiencing the sheer magnitude and magic of the world around us.
I have been fortunate enough to have been to the Kumbh Mela, the largest gathering of people on Earth, the forests of Finland to photograph brown bears and the depths of the South African ocean, surrounded by thousands of hammerhead sharks.
My photography work has been featured by UNICEF and the BBC and I have had the opportunity to have worked for Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Light for the World. I have also had footage featured on BBC AutumnWatch and one of my photographs was selected for the long list of the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. I work full time as a freelancer on science and wildlife documentaries, where I am currently working as a researcher for the BBC's Natural History Unit on a landmark natural history series for National Geographic.”
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New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out. 
You can support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Thank you.
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Show notes
Who is Kalyani Her love for the outdoors and nature Wanting to be a vet when she was younger Being sent to India by her parents Accidentally getting into photography What did her daily life look like in the Ashram The moment when it all came together for her and started to enjoy taking photos Going back home and doing a 3-year science degree Still unsure what she wanted to do Getting her Master's at Imperial Science Media Production Working in a restaurant How did she get her first job in The Great British Bake Off Starting out as a runner and what she does Taking every opportunity that is given to her How does she cope with the stress Her trips to other countries and what was it like for her Her main job as a wildlife filmmaker Working on a big series for National Geographic Interesting place in Africa called Mauritania Doing a shoot for three and a half weeks with a small crew Why she's less tired than many others and her exhaustion-coping advice Biggest challenges she's faced and had to deal with Kalyani's trip to Iceland and why it was one of the best wildlife moments for her Taking a trip to Finland for her birthday Diving in the South African ocean with the hammerhead sharks Climate change and figuring out sho

Alice is passionate about solo female travel, adventure and eco-tourism. A 7x telly award winning host, filmmaker, writer, and photographer, Alice has travelled to some of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. 
Alice  has documented her solo adventures on her popular youtube channel “Alice Ford Adventures”. Alice creates videos on adventure travel, National Parks, hiking, outdoor exploration, sustainable living and wildlife.
 “I'm an adventure filmmaker, travel addict and a Stuntwoman, but most of all a traveler, explorer and lover of our earth.  I love to get outdoors and hike in the mountains, explore off the beaten path destinations and get up close with wildlife.”
Alice's first solo travel experience in her late 20s was a life-changing one. Travelling to Europe, she was inspired to see more of the world and to do more adventuring by herself. Despite concerns and fears, Alice managed to overcome them by being in contact with local people and having an agenda when she travels. Alice wants to encourage more women to get out and explore the world.
One of Alice's most memorable experiences was climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and going on a safari in Tanzania. The challenges of hiking at high altitude were mitigated by the support and encouragement of other women.
Alice Ford is truly an inspiration for all those who love adventure, nature, and eco-tourism.
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Don't miss out on new episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, which are released every Tuesday at 7am UK time. Hit the subscribe button to stay up-to-date and inspired by the incredible stories of female role models from around the world. 
If you believe in the importance of increasing female representation especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges in the media, please consider supporting our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your support!
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Show notes
Who is Alice Ford Being a solo female traveller who loves adventure Being passionate about eco-tourism and exploring indigenous cultures  Wanting to teach people about the world, nature, ecology and wildlife Wanting to empower other women to get out and explore Where her passion for adventure came from  Growing up in the woods in New Hampshire, USA Starting out as business major before changing her major to community development   Transferring college and changing to sociology and public administration  Getting a Masters in Environmental Management  Being athletic at college and doing; track & field, spring board diving and gymnastics Her first big solo travel experience in her late 20s Travelling to Europe and how it changed her life  Being inspired to see more of the world and wanting to do more adventuring by herself Concerns and fears before travelling solo Tips for managing fears and concerns  Being in contact with local people  Having an agenda when she travels Spending time in Tanzania Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and going on a safari The challenges of hiking at high altitude Being supported and encouraged by other women Training for Kilimanjaro Hiking with an altitude mask on  Eco-tourism and climbing mountains Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) a not-for-profit organisation, is an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC)  Hiring guides in other countries and wanting to support local communities  How can people fly ethically? The challenges of travelling in a green way in America Buying carbon offsets  Exploring the National Parks in America  Working as a stuntwoman on movies and TV shows Training in marital arts and learning how to do film fighting Keep fit and healthy  Women in the stunt and film industry and how it’s changed over the past decade Solo female travel, eco tourism and indigenous communities  Staying with a Sami Family (reindeer herders) in Norway  Putting grass in boots to keep your feet warm Future travel plans for 2023 - Rim to Rim hike in the Grand Canyon, The

Hey hey, it's Sarah Williams, your host from the Tough Girl Podcast, and today we're diving into something a bit different. 
In this special solo episode, I'll take you through my personal journey, looking back on the end of 2022 to the adventures and challenges of 2023, and my exciting plans ahead.
I'll share highlights like my journey to the Outer Hebrides, health changes, and unexpected twists like catching COVID while in Australia. Plus, insights into projects like Project 7, and "7 Women - 7 Challenges”.
Discover how I navigated an empty diary, contemplated future adventures, and decided on my next big challenge—the Camino de Santiago. You'll also hear about changes in the vlogging format and deciding between hiking and fastpacking the PCT. 
Plus, insights into how I choose my adventures, my favourite one so far, and the vision board guiding my future goals.
Join me on this adventure and get inspired to set your own goals and chase your dreams. 
Thanks for being part of the Tough Girl Podcast community, and don't hesitate to share your thoughts, questions, and comments!
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 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!
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Show notes
Welcome from Sarah Why it’s a different episode from normal  Agenda Set the scene  Late August/September 2022 Going on an adventure with Adelaide Goodeve Outer Hebrides - Watch the Vlogs  Sponsored by Hiiker Adding on future hikes - Speyside Way, Moray Coast Trail, East Highland Way  Gut health issues and not being well in October  Starting a wheat and dairy free diet Flying to Australia at the beginning of November Catching Covid Walking the highest 14 peaks in Australia - Cancelled  Walking in the Grampians with Debbie & CC Project 7 - resources on the website - update January - walking the Great Ocean Walk with Amanda February - Goa, India - yoga, rest & recover What was going to happen when I got back to the UK Having an empty diary and no plans Trying to figure out future plans - Sarah Goes to the Shetlands? South West Coastal Path (SWCP)? Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) South Bound (SOBO)? National Outdoor Expo - 2023 - networking and generating leads  Getting out there and doing what you love Deciding to do the Camino de Santiago - watch the vlogs  The things that people don’t talk about  Booking accommodation on the camino - booking.com and caminosleep.com Booking a return flight or not? Walking with Alex Mason GR20?  Working with Land & Wave - Sponsoring the July podcast Free courses for patrons and tribe members Attending the Armchair Adventure Festival Listen to the LIVE tough girl podcast episodes now Heading to Bristol to stay with a friend Deciding to walk Offa’s Dyke Path Having everything scheduled out for the next 12 months The work I need to do between challenges Plans for London in September 7th - 12th  Walking the Camino Primitivo 12th - 27th September Training for the TA trail, New Zealand Having 3 weeks at home and what I need to get done North Island — 1000k in 50days Heading to Melbourne for Christmas South Island - in January & February Home to the UK in March 2024 The numbers and using them as a measurement tool Hitting 4 million downloads in 2024? Changing the vlogging format to 2 days per vlog New vlogs every Wednesday and Friday at 7am UK - Tough Girl Youtube Channel Why I focus on creating content Patreon update - learn more  A massive thank you to all the patrons Challenges I’m w

Meet Anna Stishova, an adventurous paddler hailing from Russia, whose paddling journey began in the UK in 2011. With a strong initial focus on white water kayaking, Anna's path took an unexpected turn towards flat water marathon racing due to various challenges she encountered along the way. As a dedicated paddler, Anna not only pursued her own goals but also became a staunch advocate for inclusivity in the sport. Let's delve into Anna's inspiring story of determination and community impact.
Overcoming Obstacles and Chasing Dreams:
In 2015, Anna faced a significant setback when an elbow injury from a bike accident forced her to put her athletic pursuits on hold for six months. However, Anna's indomitable spirit remained unwavering. In 2016, she earned her Coaching Paddlesports qualification and generously volunteered at the Leaside Trust in London, sharing her knowledge and passion for the sport.
Anna's ultimate aspiration was to complete the formidable Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race, a challenging 125-mile-long journey often referred to as the "Kayaker's Everest." Undeterred, she participated in this demanding race twice, first in 2017 and then in 2018, paddling in a K1 kayak. Although her first attempt resulted in disqualification on Day 3 due to a minor time delay, her second endeavour faced unexpected adversities as adverse weather and treacherous water conditions forced the entire race to halt on Day 2.
During her time at Leaside, Anna crossed paths with Sirin Arif Gisel, a young Turkish girl who had relocated to the UK from Romania. Recognising Sirin's potential, Anna invited her to be her Junior-Veteran kayak crew for the 2019 DW race. Their collaboration paid off handsomely as they successfully completed the race, becoming the first female Muslim K2 crew to conquer the DW challenge. With Anna's achievement, she became the first hijabi Muslim woman, to finish the race.
Life's Transformations and Continued Resilience:
In 2019, Anna tied the knot shortly before the DW race and subsequently moved to Bolton. The following year, she experienced the joys of motherhood, along with the challenges posed by the Covid-19 lockdowns. Anna herself contracted the virus in April 2020 and continues to deal with its lingering effects. 
Furthermore, the combination of a demanding pregnancy, labor, and the pandemic led to a decline in her fitness levels. However, Anna discovered solace and rejuvenation by joining the Bolton Canoe Club toward the end of that challenging year. Her passion for paddling even inspired her stepchildren to explore the sport.
Advocacy and Recognition:
Anna's dedication and remarkable achievements within the paddling community did not go unnoticed. In 2021, she was honoured to become a #ShePaddles Ambassador for British Canoeing, serving as a role model and advocate for female participation in the sport. She also joined the Inclusion Advisory Group for British Canoeing, actively contributing to the development of the organisation's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy for the years 2022 to 2026.
Looking ahead, Anna continues to be a shining example of perseverance, determination, and the power of inclusivity in the world of paddlesports. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all those who dare to chase their dreams, overcome obstacles, and make a lasting impact on their communities.
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Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast! Tune in every Tuesday at 7am UK time. Hit the subscribe button to stay updated and ensure you never miss a show.
If you believe in the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media, especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. You can show your support by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. 
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
 
Show notes
Who is Anna Moving to the UK in 2003 at 20 years old Her love for paddlesports Her childhood and growing up in Russia  Getting