Tough Girl Podcast
The Tough Girl Podcast focuses on inspiring and motivating listeners. Each episode features interviews with inspirational women from around the world who have faced and overcome difficult challenges. They share their personal stories, knowledge, and practical advice to help others tackle their own obstacles. The show highlights themes of resilience, personal growth, and empowerment.
Episodes
Natasha Sones – Wild Swimming, SUP Adventures and Writing Swimming Wild in London and South East England
Natasha is a year-round wild swimmer, qualified Stand-Up Paddleboarding instructor, freelance travel writer, and outdoor adventurer with a deep love of water in all its forms. Based in Suffolk, she is also a volunteer for the Bluetits Chill Swimmers and an Ordnance Survey Champion. Natasha's journey into the outdoors began early, swimming in the sea as a child, but like many people, her connectio
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 presen
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 cycle
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 th
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
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 experienc
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
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 v
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 bl
Catherine Breed – From the Pool to the Pacific Ocean: Swimming the Length of California and Redefining What Adventure Looks Like Today
Catherine Breed is an endurance athlete, ocean explorer, and visionary storyteller redefining what modern adventure can look like — where human performance, environmental connection, and community impact meet. Drawn to the water from an early age, Catherine's journey began in elite competitive swimming, representing UC Berkeley and the U.S. National Team. Years of disciplined training shaped her u
Ria Xi - Running 20,000km Across the Silk Road to Redefine What's Possible
Two years ago, Ria was burnt out from her tech career in Silicon Valley, coming out of a difficult relationship, and struggling with mental health issues. Running became her way out. Within a year, she went from struggling to finish a half marathon to setting ultramarathon records on world-renowned routes. The Via Francigena: 1,014 km in 21 days The Camino de Santiago: 780 km in 12 days And now sh
Dr Irene Molina-Gonzalez - Running Beyond Burnout and Finding a New Purpose
Irene is a sports scientist, endurance coach, and ultra-runner originally from Spain, now based in the UK. She moved to the UK in 2013 to pursue a Master's degree, intending to stay only briefly, but quickly fell in love with the country and never left. Her journey into ultra-running was entirely unplanned. She only started running consistently in 2017 during her PhD in Neuroscience, initially as
Helen Spencer – Vet, Polar Explorer & South Pole Ski Adventurer
Meet Helen Spencer, a veterinarian from Kent who swapped clinic life for the extremes of the world. From hiking in Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Yemen to caring for orangutans in Borneo, Helen has chased adventure across the globe. In this episode, she shares her journey to ski the last degree to the South Pole, including: Training, kit prep, and polar skills courses The physical and mental challeng
Dr. Shawna Pandya – Canada's First Named Female Commercial Astronaut & Space Medicine Pioneer
Meet Dr. Shawna Pandya, Canada's first named female commercial astronaut and a leading figure in space medicine. From emergency medicine to aquanaut missions and suborbital research flights, Shawna has trained to thrive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth—and soon, in space. In this episode, she shares her journey from a childhood inspired by Dr. Roberta Bondar, through neuroscience
Jeannette McGill: Everest at 52, Leadership at Altitude & The Truth Above 8,000m
Jeannette McGill is a seasoned mountaineer and executive leader who, at 52, became the oldest South African woman to summit Everest in May 2025. With more than 30 years of global climbing experience—including leading expeditions across four continents—she knows deeply that the summit is never just about standing on top. Jeannette's journey is a testament to patience, resilience, and the quiet pow
Lauren Burnison – Pioneering the Sober Travel Movement and Adventures of a Single Mum
Lauren Burnison is the founder of We Love Lucid, the UK's first alcohol-free travel company, and a trailblazer in the sober travel movement. From couch-surfing with nomads on the Mongolian steppe to snorkelling with sharks in Oman, Lauren has spent her life seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures—and this year, she took a two-month road trip through Spain and Portugal in a micro camper with her fou
Helen Dainty – First Woman to Cycle Across Libya & 9 Years Living on £50 a Week by Bike
In this Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode, we catch up with Helen Dainty — solo female cyclist, self-described "full-time global hobo," and one of the most committed long-distance bike travellers you'll ever meet. For the past decade, Helen has spent nine years on the road, travelling exclusively by bicycle and living on around £50 a week. She's cycled across Australia, ridden from London to Nordka
Chloe Stead – From Navy Life to Nomadic Living, Caminos, Grief & Choosing a Simpler Way
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Chloe Stead — 42 years old and currently living in a rustic tiny shack in the bush in Tasmania with her husband — but her journey to this simple life has been anything but ordinary. Since 2008, Chloe has been living a travelling, nomadic lifestyle. After leaving school at 18 to join the Navy and later working in health and safety in Perth, Austral
Aisyah Rafaee - 2x Olympic Rower on Comebacks, Mental Strength & Redefining High Performance in Your 30s
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Aisyah Rafaee – a two-time Olympic rower from Singapore who competed at the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the single scull. After taking an eight-year break from the sport, Aisyah made the bold decision to return—qualifying for Paris 2024 as one of the oldest athletes in the field and redefining what it means to be a high-perfor
Lauren Roerick "Longway" – Thru-Hiking the World: PCT, HexaTrek & Te Araroa
Lauren Roerick, known on trail as Longway, is a long-distance backpacker, filmmaker, and outdoor educator who has hiked across North America, Europe, and Oceania. From the Pacific Crest Trail to New Zealand's Te Araroa, and becoming the first North American woman to thru-hike France's 3,034 km HexaTrek, Lauren shares her adventures and the lessons they've taught her. In this episode, she talks ab
Paula McGuire – Stroke, Autism Diagnosis & Why She's Still Saying Yes to Adventure
In this Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode, we catch up with Paula "Must Try Harder" McGuire — author, speaker, triathlete, wing-walker, double TEDx speaker, mental health ambassador… and proudly, a trier. Based just outside Glasgow, Paula has been adventuring since 2015 and has built a reputation for trying something new every day — including completing 366 new experiences in 2020. But the years si
Rebecca Dent: High-Performance Dietitian for Ultra Runners & Mountain Athletes
Rebecca Dent is a high-performance dietitian specialising in ultra runners and mountain sport athletes — from passionate recreational runners to world-class professionals. Based in the Chamonix Valley for the past 10 years, she combines her expertise in performance nutrition with a life immersed in ski touring, trail running, mountaineering, and the mountains she loves. In this episode of the Toug
Manika Gamble – Racing 155-Mile Desert Ultras & Chasing Bold Adventures
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Manika Gamble — an Atlanta-based trail runner who thrives on testing her limits in some of the world's toughest ultra races. Manika's running journey started with casual neighbourhood runs, but soon she found herself racing 155-mile desert ultras in Africa, tackling Mongolia's Gobi March, and pushing through multi-stage, extreme endurance events.
Lisa Jackson: Still Running After All These Tears — Grief, Running & the Triumph of Tenacity
Lisa Jackson is a hypnotherapist, running writer, Runner's World columnist, and the author of three bestselling running books, including Your Pace or Mine?, Running Made Easy, and her deeply personal latest release, Still Running After All These Tears – A Runner's Journey Through Grief. Originally from South Africa and now based in Worthing, UK, Lisa is a veteran of over 100 marathons and two 56-m
Dr. Erin Ayala – Psychologist, Mental Performance Coach & Endurance Athlete
Meet Dr. Erin Ayala, a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant from Minnesota, specialising in supporting female endurance athletes. With over a decade of research and clinical experience, she's a published author, sought-after speaker, and advocate for mental health in sport. In this episode, Erin shares insights on: Building mental resilience for endurance challenges S
Jennifer Doohan – Founder of The Adventure Wellness Club, Helping Women Challenge Themselves and Connect in Nature
Jennifer is an adventurer, wellness professional, and founder of The Adventure Wellness Club, helping women connect with nature, challenge themselves, and build lasting friendships through experiences grounded in the 3 Cs: Challenge, Connection, and Community. She designs international hiking adventures and UK-based experiences that blend movement, mindfulness, and wellness. Her work spans everyth
Marie "Lootie" Leautey – Solo, Unsupported & Fastest Woman to Run Around the World
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Marie "Lootie" Leautey, the second woman in history to run around the world solo and unsupported — and the fastest woman to do it. Lootie's journey began in France, far from the running world. A former smoker and corporate finance professional, she swapped cigarettes for daily runs at 25, building up to her first marathon in just eight mo
Stephanie Ho: Adventurer and Endurance Athlete Skiing Solo to the South Pole & Pushing Beyond Limits
Stephanie Ho is a 24-year-old adventurer, endurance athlete, and exercise physiologist based on the Gold Coast, Australia. From rock climbing and ocean swimming to triathlons and mountain expeditions, Stephanie has always chased the outdoors — but her biggest goals lie in the polar regions. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Stephanie shares her journey from discovering hiking and camping
Birgit Hermann – Turning Extreme Endurance into Bolder Leadership for People and Planet
Birgit Hermann is a global leadership coach, speaker, executive leader, ocean advocate, professional freediver, and extreme endurance athlete who translates lessons from the edge into meaningful impact for people and planet. She supports purpose-driven leaders to turn bold challenges into grounded, values-led action. She has raced the Marathon des Sables, run a marathon in Antarctica, freedived
Amanda Duling: Endurance Sport After Gastric Bypass — Grit, Fueling & Radical Honesty
Amanda Duling is an endurance athlete, writer, and founder of One Gear Short of Normal™. A post-bariatric, perimenopausal gravel cyclist and Ironman 70.3 finisher, Amanda uses grit, science, and unapologetic humour to tell the stories no one else is telling about endurance sports, women's bodies, and doing hard things later in life. Through her writing and community work, she challenges the "suff
Lyla "Sugar" Harrod – Triple Crown Hiker & Appalachian Trail Record Breaker
Growing up near Boston, Sugar discovered hiking in her early twenties while exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire. After getting sober at 30, she found herself with the clarity, time and capacity to pursue the life she truly wanted. What followed was a decision to live authentically, prioritise long-distance hiking, and become what she proudly calls a professional dirtbag. In 2021, Sugar
Sara Eydmann - Ultra-marathon runner on attempting to run 500 miles, mental health and changing the narrative
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Sara Eydmann — ultra-marathon runner, counsellor and therapist based in Edinburgh, Scotland. At 30 years old, Sara is no stranger to pushing her limits. From attempting to run 500 miles to taking on the North Coast 500, her journey into ultra-running has been anything but straightforward. But behind the miles is a powerful and deeply hone
Starre Vartan: The Stronger Sex — Women's Bodies, Endurance, and the Science We've Been Missing
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Starre Vartan — science and environment writer, author, and lifelong question-asker whose work sits at the powerful intersection of the human body and the natural world. With a background in geology and biology, Starre began her career as an environmental geologist before pivoting into journalism to tell the stories behind the science. Over
Emma Karslake, FRGS, is an adventurer, writer and cycle tour guide who has spent much of the past eight years exploring the world by bike.
From ultra-light hotel bikepacking on a road bike to six-month expeditions in remote regions on a heavily laden hybrid, Emma has experienced nearly every form of bike travel, including ultra-endurance racing. She is a passionate advocate for slow travel as a means to reconnect with nature, embrace minimalism, and discover alternative ways of living. Her travels have shaped a deep commitment to sus
Lorraine Lewis: Author of Dare to Dream, Ultra Runner, and Co-founder of The Lewis Foundation
Lorraine Lewis is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Lewis Foundation, an award-winning cancer charity providing free gift packs and ongoing support to adult cancer patients across 17 hospitals in the Midlands. Founded from lived experience, the charity has become a lifeline for thousands of people diagnosed with cancer. Beyond her role as a charity leader, Lorraine is a highly sought-after motivation
Alexandra Nemeth: Beyond the Seven Summits — Highs, Lows, and Life in Extreme Places.
Alex is a qualified International Mountain Leader, Polar Guide, and a professional Photographer based in St. Moritz, Switzerland. From scaling the world's highest peaks to leading expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica, she thrives where the wild meets the extreme. Her passion for high-altitude exploration took her on a relentless quest; climbing the highest mountain on every continent, culmina
Bonita Norris – Mountains, Mindset, Motherhood and Mastering the Impossible
Bonita Norris became the youngest woman to reach both the summit of Mt Everest at just 22 and the North Pole at 23, and her story is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, she shares the journey that took her from school trips in North Wales to climbing some of the world's highest peaks, navigating extreme environments, and pushing the limits of what's possible. Bonita reflects on the e
Jacquetta Megarry – Founding Rucksack Readers, Walking Adventures, and Building Confidence in the Outdoors
Jacquetta Megarry didn't grow up in the outdoors, and she certainly didn't see herself as an adventurer—or a publisher. But turning 50 sparked a journey that would transform her life. From walking the West Highland Way with friends to summiting Mt Kilimanjaro, Jacquetta discovered the power of pacing yourself, listening to your body, and building unshakeable self-belief. Her adventures inspired he
Sabrina Pace-Humphreys – UTMB, Trail Running, and Building Community: The Journey of a Runner and Advocate
Sabrina Pace-Humphreys is back on the Tough Girl Podcast for her third appearance, sharing her incredible journey as a runner, coach, and advocate for representation in trail running. From being a mum of four and grandmother of three, to taking on some of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, Sabrina's story is one of resilience, community, and the relentless pursuit of goals. In this episode,
Becky Wandell – Reinvention, Solo Travel, and Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail at 55
Becky Wandell is a Teacher, Writer, Tour Guide, Volunteer, and Solo Traveler. At 47, while weathering a difficult divorce and the death of four close relatives, she clawed her way up from the depths of grief and, in her words, set out to "find her way back to Becky again". To do this, she quit her job, sold all of her belongings and charted a plan to complete a series of adventures she had alway
Denisa Krásná – Flow, Fear, and Female Adventure: Redefining Women's Stories in Extreme Sports
What does it mean to challenge the limits of both body and mind—and to redefine what success looks like along the way? Denisa Krásná, scholar, author, and adventurer from the Czech Republic, takes us on a journey into the world of women in extreme sports. From her early days trekking with her parents to highlining hundreds of meters above the ground, Denisa has always been drawn to adventure, isol
Sarah Williams: Solo Reflections Episode, GR10, the Numbers and Plans for 2026
Happy New Year! I'm taking a moment to look back at the last six months of 2025—what's worked, what hasn't, and what the numbers tell me about the year so far. I reflect on the journey I've been on, the adventures, the challenges, and the mindset shifts that have shaped my life. I talk about working in longer blocks, thinking in decades not years, and the balance between pushing hard and giving my
Dr Latika Nath – Nat Geo's Tiger Princess: Pioneering Conservation and Studying Big Cats in the Wild
From the jungles of India to the global stage of wildlife conservation, Dr Latika Nath has spent her life studying and protecting big cats, becoming the first woman in the world to study tigers in the wild. Known as Nat Geo's "Tiger Princess," she shares stories from deep in the forests where she observed tigers using tools, hunting porcupines, and navigating complex human-wildlife conflicts. In t
Kaytlyn Gerbin – Motherhood, Mountains, and 100-Mile Runs: Her Ultra Running Comeback
What does it take to return to the top of the ultra running world after major life changes and a "career-ending" surgery? Kaytlyn Gerbin knows. In this episode, Kaytlyn shares her journey from a scientist with a love for the outdoors to a world-class trail and ultra runner. Growing up active but without formal running experience, she discovered her talent in her mid-twenties and quickly fell in lo
Sheryl Ramstad – Surviving the Impossible: A 1% Miracle, Radical Resilience, and Rebuilding Life After a Plane Crash
Sheryl Ramstad's story is nothing short of extraordinary. After surviving a catastrophic plane crash with less than a 1% chance of survival, Sheryl's life was forever changed. What began as her first solo flight at age 29 became a harrowing journey through life-threatening burns, multiple surgeries, overwhelming grief, and two years of excruciating rehabilitation. But this isn't just a survival s
Hillary Allen – Ultrarunner and Author of Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds
Hillary Allen, famously known as the "Hillygoat," is a world-class ultrarunner celebrated for her fearless climbs on steep, technical terrain. But in 2017, at the peak of her career as the #1 ultrarunner in the world, Hillary faced a life-changing setback: during a race in Norway, she fell 150 feet off a ridge, breaking 14 bones. Doctors told her she'd never run again. Yet Hillary didn't just defy
Lani Woods – Inspiring Women to Ride, Explore, and Belong Through Cycling Adventures
Lani Woods is a passionate cyclist, adventurer, and creative force behind a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts. Known for blending her love of cycling with a flair for design, Lani leads initiatives like Triple Crown Adventures to inspire others to explore the world on two wheels. Whether organizing group adventures in Hawaii or crafting unique cycling gear, she's dedicated to building an i
Charlotte Fisher – From Zero Running Experience to Elite Ultra Runner
From a council estate on the Isle of Wight to conquering some of Europe's toughest mountain ultras, Charlotte Fisher's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Less than three years ago, she had never run competitively. Today, she's a full-time ultra runner chasing elite races like UTMB and Western States 100, proving that it's never too late to find your path. In this episode, Charlotte shares
Paula Ralph – Cycling Solo from Cape Town to Nordkapp: 12,290 km Across 17 Countries - When Everything Seemed Impossible
What happens when a dream is so big, so audacious, that you commit to it long before you have the skills, money, or confidence to make it happen? For Paula Ralph, that dream was to cycle from Cape Town, South Africa to Nordkapp, Norway— a 12,290 km journey across 17 countries. What began as a Guinness World Record attempt soon transformed into something far more powerful: a test of courage, resili
Sharon Jessop – Ultra-Endurance Runner & Conservationist: Running 3,500 Miles Across Africa for Rhino Conservation
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Sharon Jessop — an ultra-endurance athlete, conservationist, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur whose running adventures are driven by a mission to protect rhinos in Africa. From growing up barefoot in the South African bush to covering over 3,500 miles across some of Africa's wildest landscapes, Sharon has used her extraordinary endurance t
Regine Goh – National Triathlete from Singapore, Endurance Athlete & Gen-Z Speaker on Consistency, Resilience, and Peak Performance
Meet Regine Goh, a national triathlete and endurance athlete from Singapore who has spent her life mastering the art of consistency, resilience, and performance. From starting competitive swimming at just four years old to transitioning into triathlon, Regine has learned firsthand the power of showing up, pushing through plateaus, and enjoying the process every step of the way. In this episode of
Anna Humphries – Adventurer, Expedition Leader & Founder of The Mountain Girl: Inspiring Confidence, Connection & Courage in the Wild
Anna Humphries is an adventurer, expedition leader, and founder of The Mountain Girl, whose life is dedicated to getting people outdoors and showing them what's possible when you push past your comfort zone. A trained Mountain Leader, Scout Leader, and key member of the Bear Grylls Survival Academy team, Anna has designed and led survival programmes across the UK and around the world. Her work sp
Margie Goldsmith – Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce at 81 – Adventures, Confidence & Living Life Boldly
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Margie Goldsmith — an award-winning writer, journalist, and adventurer who proves that it's never too late to reinvent yourself or chase new challenges. At 81 years old, Margie is still boxing, biking, climbing mountains, and living life with unstoppable energy. Her new book, Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce, shares her remarkable journey
Veronica White – PhD Student, Cycling 2,000 Miles Across England: Exploring the Future of Farming Through Women's Perspectives
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Veronica White — a PhD student, photographer, and outdoor adventurer who is combining academic research with exploration in a truly unique way. For her final year at the University of Exeter, Veronica set out on an extraordinary journey: cycling more than 2,000 miles across England to explore how women envision the future of farming. Her Farming F
Captain Preet Chandi MBE – Breaking Boundaries: World Record-Breaking Polar Explorer Inspiring the Next Generation
Captain Preet Chandi MBE is a world record breaking explorer, former British Army officer, and physiotherapist. She served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for 16 years before embarking on groundbreaking polar expeditions. In 2022, Preet became the ninth woman in history to ski solo to the South Pole, and the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition on the continent. Less than a year lat
Robyn Godfrey: Running the World: A Runner's Odyssey of Struggle and Triumph in the World Marathon Majors
Robyn Godfrey is an accomplished runner, pacer, RRCA Certified Level 1 coach, and motivational speaker who began her running journey at the age of 47. What started as a personal quest to improve her health and overcome her relationship with alcohol soon evolved into a remarkable achievement: completing seven marathons, including the prestigious World Marathon Majors — London, Chicago, Berlin, Bos
Julie Weiss – The Marathon Goddess: 52 Marathons in 52 Weeks for Pancreatic Cancer & a Legacy of Hope
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by the incredible Julie Weiss — also known as The Marathon Goddess. Julie's story is one of resilience, healing, and purpose. After losing her father to pancreatic cancer, she set out on an extraordinary mission: to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks, raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research along the way. Her journey captured heart
Susan Norman – A Life Saved by the River: Risk, Adventure, and the Power of Trusting Yourself
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Susan Norman — a former National and World Champion in whitewater kayaking and rafting, hydrologist, coach, and now author of RISK: A Life Saved by the River. Susan's story is one of courage, flow, and resilience. From the roaring rapids of international whitewater competition to the quiet, uncertain waters of parenting her young nephew, she's nav
Vedangi Kulkarni - Round the World (Again): Records, Setbacks & Resilience on Two Wheels
In this candid and raw Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode, we reconnect with the unstoppable Vedangi Kulkarni — the youngest woman to have cycled around the world, who's recently returned from doing it again. Now based in Inverness, Scotland, Vedangi opens up about her second attempt at cycling around the globe — this time not just for the journey, but in pursuit of a Guinness World Record. From rac
Tiphaine Muller – Alps to Himalayas: Cycling Across Continents & Trekking the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal
In this Tough Girl EXTRA episode, we catch up with Tiphaine Muller, the intrepid French adventurer who continues to push her boundaries through long-distance cycling and remote, high-altitude trekking. Now 31 and based in Chamonix, France, Tiphaine has spent the last decade traveling the world by bike, exploring five continents. Her latest journey saw her pedaling from the Alps to the Himalayas be
Jenn Phillips - From Medical Menopause to Trail Leader: One Woman's Journey to Outdoor Empowerment
Jenn is a long-distance walker, community leader, and passionate advocate for women's wellbeing in the outdoors — especially during menopause. From battling endometriosis, PCOS, and the trauma of an early medical menopause in her 20s, she was once told she couldn't live the active, adventurous life she craved. She's spent the last few years since proving otherwise — one footstep at a time. What be
Hilde Dosogne – Marathon Woman 366: Running 366 Marathons in a Year at Age 55 to Break a Guinness World Record
At age 55, Belgian runner Hilde Dosogne set out to break boundaries — and did just that. In 2024, she ran 366 marathons in 366 days, earning her the title of Guinness World Record holder for most consecutive marathons in a year. What makes Hilde's journey so extraordinary is not just the distance she covered, but the relentless dedication she showed while working part-time and managing her daily
Dr. Rosa Vasquez Espinoza – National Geographic Explorer, Amazon Scientist & Advocate for Indigenous Wisdom and Biodiversity
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we journey into the heart of the Amazon and the mind of a remarkable woman pushing the boundaries of science, culture, and conservation—Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza. Rosa is a Peruvian chemical biologist, National Geographic Explorer, UN Harmony with Nature Scientist, and the founder of Amazon Research Internacional. Splitting her time between Bath, England
Sophie Pierce - First person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean
In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Sophie Pierce, a 32-year-old social worker from Pembrokeshire, West Wales, who made history in March 2025 as the first person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean. Diagnosed at just 3 months old, Sophie has lived with the challenges of a genetic condition that affects her lungs and digestive system and once carr
Emma Wilkinson – Freelance Health Journalist, Ultra Runner & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we welcome Emma Wilkinson—a freelance health journalist, ultra runner, mother of three, and co-author of the empowering book Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport. Emma's journey into ultra running didn't begin until her 40s, but once she discovered the joy of going long and slow, there was no turning back. In this honest and motivating convers
Lily Canter – Ultra Runner, Women's Running Coach & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Lily Canter—an ultra runner, women's running coach, journalist, and passionate advocate for gender equality in sport. As co-author of the groundbreaking book Ultra Women, Lily is helping to challenge outdated narratives and spotlight the women redefining endurance running. Lily didn't grow up considering herself sporty, but after joining a triat
Tania Carmona – First Mexican Athlete to Complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam: Ultrarunner, Coach, and Podcaster
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Tania Carmona—a trailblazing ultrarunner, endurance coach, entrepreneur, and the first Mexican athlete to complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam. From swimming as a national-level athlete in Mexico to conquering some of the toughest environments on Earth, Tania's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. Based in Dubai and pr
Dr. Sarah Ruggins – Record-Breaking Endurance Cyclist on Pushing Limits, Managing Pain, and the Power of Aggressive Patience
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Sarah Ruggins—a high-achieving investment professional, academic powerhouse, and now a record-breaking ultra-endurance cyclist. From her early days as a national-level track athlete in Canada to surviving complex PTSD and rebuilding her life, Sarah's journey is one of transformation, resilience, and radical self-belief. In 2023, Sarah
Sarah Williams - 800th Episode Special – 10 Years of the Tough Girl Podcast, 7,400 Miles of Adventure & What's Coming Next!
I can't quite believe it, but here we are — the 800th episode of the Tough Girl Podcast! In this special solo episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes for a personal catch-up and reflection on everything that's happened so far in 2025 — from January through to August. I talk about what life has looked like lately (yes, still living at home with my parents!), working part-time at AIM Health, the
Tia Banks – From Pro Athlete to Mountaineer: Climbing the 7 Volcanic Summits and Teaching Resilience Through Adventure
In this powerful episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Tia Banks—a former professional basketball player turned mountaineer and certified resilience expert. Based in Texas, Tia is on a bold mission to climb all seven volcanic summits, one on each continent, using her journey as a platform to inspire strength, courage, and mental resilience. Her love for adventure began with Mount Kilimanjaro
Sharon Evans – Walking New Zealand's 3,000km Te Araroa Trail at 58 and Inspiring Women to Embrace Outdoor Adventure
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Sharon Evans, also known as the Free Wheeling Kiwi—a 58-year-old adventurer, storyteller, and passionate advocate for women embracing the outdoors, especially later in life. Sharon shares the incredible story of walking the full Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000km thru-hike stretching the length of New Zealand. Alongside her partner, she tackled h
Ioana Barbu – Ultra Runner - Winning the Ice & Highland Ultra and Tackling the Beyond the Ultimate Series in One Year.
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, meet Ioana Barbu—an unstoppable ultra runner with big goals, bold energy, and a fierce belief in betting on herself. After winning the Ice Ultra (230km at the Arctic Circle) and the Highland Ultra (125km in the Scottish Highlands) in 2025—each by hours and against stacked fields—Ioana is now going all-in to complete the entire Beyond the Ultimate series
Nicola Hardy - Munro Bagger, Outdoor Writer & Author of Peak Bagging Munros
In this Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode we catch up with adventurer and outdoor writer Nicola Hardy—also known for becoming Munroist #6,765 after summiting all 282 of Scotland's Munros. Nicola left behind a decade-long career in IT to pursue a life filled with mountains, maps, and meaningful adventure. Since our first conversation in March 2022, Nicola has continued to embrace the outdoor life wi
Ebaide Joy Udoh – Breaking Records on Two Wheels: A Solo Motorcycle Journey Across Africa
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Ebaide Joy Udoh, a bold Nigerian adventurer and storyteller on a mission to make history. Ebaide is currently undertaking a solo motorcycle journey across Africa, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Journey by Motorcycle in Africa (Female). The current record to beat is 30,000 kilometers (19,000 miles)—and by the time she com
Christine Reed – Long-Distance Backpacker & Author of Blood Sweat Tears | Stories of Healing, Womanhood & the Trail
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Christine Reed—an American long-distance backpacker and award-winning author—whose life changed when she took her first steps on the Appalachian Trail in 2015. With no prior backpacking experience, Christine dove headfirst into the unknown, seeking healing, purpose, and a sense of identity. Since then, Christine has hiked thousands of mile
Beth Aldridge – 22-Year-Old Vet Student & GB Dragon Boater | From Lockdown Workouts to the World Championships
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Beth, a 22-year-old veterinary student and elite dragon boat paddler based in Nottingham. Beth shares how a simple home workout routine during the COVID lockdown sparked a journey into endurance sport—from running the Robin Hood Half Marathon to discovering dragon boating at university. Since then, Beth has gone from novice paddler to compet
Wander Women: Kristy & Annette — From Retirement to the Triple Crown of Hiking & a Life of Bold Adventure
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Kristy and Annette—two inspiring women who completely transformed their lives after retirement. In 2015, they sold everything they owned, bought an RV, and set out to live life on their own terms. What began as a "retirement gift" hike on the Colorado Trail quickly evolved into a bold new chapter of full-time adventure. Since then, Kristy and Anne
Rebecca Devereux – Mum, Vet, Trail Runner, and 3rd Place Finisher at the Montane Winter Spine Sprint
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by the incredible Rebecca Devereux — a dedicated mum, a vet, and a passionate trail and ultra runner. Rebecca shares her journey into endurance running, her training highs and lows, and what it took to place third in one of Britain's most brutal races — the Montane Winter Spine Sprint, a 46-mile challenge across the rugged Pennine Way in the
Helen Ryvar – Running Through Grief, Finding Strength & Breaking Records | 1,000 Consecutive Half Marathons (May 2022 – Jan 2025) 🙌 Inspiring Others to Be Their Best ❤️
What began as a way to cope with grief became a world record-breaking journey that's taken Helen Ryvar across the globe — from sunrise runs in North Wales to volcanic trails in Fuerteventura and the ancient deserts of Petra. A single mum of three and a self-described non-athlete in her youth, Helen's transformation into a Guinness World Record holder for running consecutive half marathons is noth
Caroline Livesey – Extreme Triathlete and Elite Gravel Cyclist: Winning Races, Breaking Limits, and Giving Back
Caroline Livesey is an adventurer, extreme triathlete, ultracyclist, elite gravel cyclist and triathlon and life coach. Caroline started her journey into triathlon while serving with the Royal Engineers in the British Army. After 10 years service she left as a Major in 2013 and pursued a career as a professional triathlete (while working full time as a geotechnical design consultant), originally
