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Tough Girl Podcast

The Tough Girl Podcast is all about inspiring and motivating YOU! I will be interviewing inspirational women from around the world, who’ve faced and overcome difficult challenges and situations, they will share their story, their knowledge and provide advice and essential tips for you to overcome your own personal challenges. Please check out the Tough Girl Challenges website - www.toughgirlchallenges.com and follow on twitter @_TOUGH_GIRL
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Now displaying: 2022
Jan 13, 2022
Bio written by her friend:
 
“Sam, 47, has an interesting and diverse background, having Indian and English heritage and growing up between the UK, USA and Middle East. 
 
Over the past few years she has set herself multiple challenges raising money for charity or just doing for fun. 
 
In 2019, Sam set herself 12 challenges: 
  1. Cold Water Swimming Championships
  2. 10K Winter run
  3. Climbing one of the more challenging routes up Snowdon
  4. Swimathon (5k swim)
  5. Great Northern SwimRun (Lake Windermere)
  6. Selkie Henley Classic - night / dawn swim
  7. SwimRun Tooting Bec
  8. Running a half marathon
  9. Not drinking any alcohol for 28 days
  10. Marathon run
  11. North Downs 50k walk
  12. Trekking two marathons in two days through the desert
 
Unfortunately in late 2020, she was diagnosed with stage four cancer which was a huge blow to her, her family and friends. I certainly thought that would be the end of her adventuring and it felt immensely sad. 
 
However Sam has a remarkable positive energy and outlook on life and has been determined to carry on as normal. 
 
This year, while managing ongoing cancer treatment, she has already completed the Arcticbear swim challenge over winter, the 100km jurassic coast walk challenge, the great north 5km swim in lake Windermere, the lake Windermere trail walk challenge, The Selkie Henley classic 2km upstream swim at dawn, and Henley mile swim (I’ve probably missed more!). 
 
I have been lucky enough to share some of these adventures with her and have learnt so much along the way. 
 
From learning to enjoy those precious moments in the outdoors or in the water, to persevering even when things seem impossible. 
 
I think a lot of your listeners would benefit from hearing her story, knowing where she has come from, what she is battling today and her vision for the future.”
 
 
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. 
 
The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. 
 
Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.
 
Show notes
  • Who is Sam
  • Living inLondon with her husband and 2 boys
  • Not being sporty growing up but enjoying spending time in the outdoors
  • Moving to America at 8 years old
  • Being put off running at a young age
  • Going to boarding school in the UK
  • Spending time abroad with family
  • How her parents met
  • Studying psychology and music at university 
  • Not following her passion at a young age
  • Meeting her husband and moving to London
  • Having her children at 39 and 42
  • Asking herself - What am I doing with my life?
  • Needing to get her life back on track
  • How having children changed her priorities 
  • Loosing her identity
  • Signing up for a 100k walk from London to Brighton
  • Getting to the half way point…
  • Mind over matter and how it has played a huge part in her life especially in recent years
  • Being inspired by Dr. Joe Dispenza 
  • Learning to believe in herself again
  • Needing to make a lifestyle change
  • Setting out in 2019 to do 12 challenges
  • Cold water….
  • The challenges of lockdown and not being able to swim
  • The power of consistency
  • Planning 12 challenges at the end of 2018
  • Wanting to be prepared 
  • Involving her family in the training and the challenges
  • Doing something that she’s not good at
  • The South Down’s 50k Walk and taking on the desert
  • Doing events with Ultra Challenge
  • Going through woodland at nighttime
  • Dealing with the heat of the desert
  • 2020 and the challenges faced
  • Wanting to make a career change
  • Being diagnosed with breast cancer 
  • Stage 4 cancer and being given all the options
  • Going through the menopause in 3 weeks
  • Getting back into cold water and how it helped 
  • Starting treatment at home
  • Taking on a 5k swim in Lake Windermere
  • Balancing life, challenges, family and treatment
  • Making sure the children are aware of what’s going on
  • The next 2 challenges…
  • Wanting to take on a relay swim across the channel!
  • Putting the group together
  • Swimming for an hour at a time
  • Getting swimming lessons
  • Connect and follow with Sam
  • Final words of advice for other women
  • Do things that bring you joy 
  • Believe you can do it
 
Social Media
 
Website: walkingwithsam.com 
 
Coaching Website: www.samanthaturner.co.uk 
 
Facebook: @samantha.turner.1042 
 
Linkedin: @samantha-jane-turner 
 
Fundraising pages with details about her challenges:
 
www.justgiving.com/Samantha-Turner22
 
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/samantha-turner42
 
Jan 11, 2022
About Person Irresponsible in her own words:
 
"In 2020 the world went to hell in a handbag. This isn’t exactly headline news - although it was then. I went from perfectly locatable in the Cotswolds to utterly baffled in the American wilderness when I embarked on a quest to walk from Mexico to Canada for reasons that escape me. It was most probably nothing more dramatic than a mid-life crisis.
 
Perhaps I should have come ‘home’ but I lived in the deluded optimism the pandemic would all be over by the summer. Besides, I’d given up my home: shoving my belongings into storage, persuaded someone to look after my cat and someone else to look after my car. 
 
I did think about returning but each time I popped into civilisation to top up my supplies, I discovered a new reason to run for the hills. So 'home' became a tent: a mere flimsy bit of fabric to protect me from every conceivable terror that exists in the wilderness - bears, rattlesnakes, deserts, avalanches and other human beings. Most dangerous of all was the racket inside my head.
 
Everything you ever taught me is my journey, relying on nothing other than the twelve steps of recovery, teaching me to take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and one bloody ginormous mountain at a time as I staggered my way along the Pacific Crest Trail. 
 
As mid-life crises go, I remain utterly clueless why mine took me from my sofa to the Canadian border via the fridge, powered only by two chubby legs and a fat arse.”
 
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. 
 
The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. 
 
Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.
 
Show notes
  • Being called Person Irresponsible (PI)
  • What life was like before the mid-life crises
  • Getting married and getting divorced
  • How her home drinking increased and how it took over her life
  • Turning 41 and failing at dry January and dry February 
  • Having a bigger problem than she wanted to admit to
  • Joining Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Following the 12 step program
  • Learning more about herself
  • Why it’s never too late to make changes
  • Applying for a permit for the Pacific Crest Trail 
  • Taking life more as it comes
  • Being inspired by the film - “Wild”
  • Getting obsessed with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
  • 6 months to plan and prepare
  • Funding the challenge
  • March 17th….
  • Learning to deal with her anxiety 
  • Learning to not worry about the future
  • The ethics behind the decision to walk the PCT during the pandemic
  • Trail angels and life on the trail
  • The first mile on the PCT
  • When the doubts crept in
  • What it was like spending time alone in nature 
  • Learning how to switch off her thoughts
  • Attending online AA meetings while on the trail
  • Making connections on the trail and waking with other people
  • Wanting to write a book about the journey 
  • Carrying a laptop on the trail!!!
  • Magical moments from the trail
  • Losing a close friend
  • Wanting to quit every single day
  • Not knowing how she would finish the final 500 miles
  • The simple joy of a hot bath
  • Putting the book together
  • Connect with PI and how to buy the book
  • Final words of advice for women going through a mid-life crisis
 
Social Media
 
Website: www.mlconaquad.com
 
Instagram: @person_irresponsible 
 
Facebook: @person.irresponsible.3 
 
Twitter: @BikeMlc 
 
Book: Everything You Ever Taught Me: If you've a lot on your mind, go for a walk… 
 
Jan 6, 2022
Leah was born in Canada, conceived in Israel, and raised in Vancouver, B.C. by new immigrant parents.
 
Growing up in Richmond, B.C., daughter of a boxer. Leah became involved in martial arts, Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing. After being told she should never fight again because she had herniated disks in her back, Leah won the Bantamweight World Kickboxing Championship at age 17, against a 25 year old fighter a foot taller than she was!
 
Leah felt a deep desire to serve her time in the Israeli Army, (a mandatory 2 years for women and 3 years for men). 
 
Leah knew that she wouldn’t be satisfied just being a soldier, she wanted to become the first woman ever to be an Elite Commando. She didn't just become an elite commando, she became a Krav Maga specialist, and became the first female Elite Commando Instructor.
 
After leaving the Army, Leah pursued a career as a professional cyclist in Europe and North America. After a serious accident in 2005, Leah spend 2.5 months in the hospital where she was informed by doctors that she would never race again, let alone walk without a cane. 
 
Leah proved them all wrong, and came back stronger than ever before, she went on to win the Women’s Solo Division of Race Across America (RAAM) - the Ultra Endurance, 3000 Mile, 12 day, single stage race in 2011, and coming in second in the women’s division and fifth overall in 2019. She came back again in 2021 and at 52 years old made history by becoming the 1st female ever to WIN the overall SOLO division of RAAM.
 
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. 
 
The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. 
 
Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.
 
Show notes
  • Her background in athleticism 
  • Joining the IDF - Israel Defence Force
  • Discovering the bike
  • Wanting to become a pro racer at 30
  • Discovering ultra endurance racing 
  • Her childhood and growing up
  • Dealing with bullies
  • Her dreams for the future
  • Being one of the only female instructors
  • Training the elite soldiers/commandoes  
  • Krav maga as a martial art
  • Learning how to defend yourself
  • How you can train your mind
  • Making the transition from the military to a different way of life
  • Deciding to become a pro racer and taking 8 years to get to her goal
  • Wanting to stay and keep physically active 
  • Being a professional cyclist and living out of her bag
  • The pressure to perform and to reach the podium
  • Her love and passion for cycling
  • Using cycling as therapy
  • Race Across America (RAAM) 
  • Needing to qualify for RAAM
  • Why it’s a one year process and why you need a good crew
  • The planning and preparation for the race
  • Why your crew is the most important thing
  • Replicating the race in her training 
  • Working with trainer - John Howard
  • Why you have to cross the finish line
  • Learning lessons from her first experience of RAAM in 2011
  • Recovery from training and keeping her body injury free
  • Keeping fit and active and doing things for fun
  • Not smoking, not drinking and being plant based
  • Focusing on core work and strength work
  • The key of being consistent
  • The challenging condition of RAAM in 2021
  • Dealing with extreme heat
  • Limits and suffering
  • Being 52 and dealing with menopause
  • The mental side of challenges and mental resilience
  • Learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable
  • Being prepared for the worst in every scenario 
  • Being mentally ready for the challenge
  • Staying focused and looking at the positive things
  • Working with her crew
  • Nutrition and bodily functions
  • Needing to feel comfortable on the bike
  • Suffering from Shermer's Neck
  • Dealing with failure and going after it again
  • Doing the things she has a passion for 
  • Not wanting to live a life of regret
  • Writing her book No Limits
  • Quick Fire Questions
  • Connect with Leah
 
 
Social Media
 
 
Instagram: @goldstein_leah_ 
 
Facebook: @leahgoldstein1 
 
Twitter: @NoLimitsLeah 
 
 
 
Jan 4, 2022
Kristen (she/her) is originally from Toronto and has been living in the Northwest Territories for nearly four years. 
 
Kristen is a former journalist that enjoys writing about social issues and outdoor lifestyles. 
 
When she's not cooking delicious meals, Kristen can be found exploring the Northwest Territories and promoting diversity in outdoor spaces with her organization Amplify Outdoors.
 
About Amplify Outdoors:
 
“Amplify Outdoors was established to elevate and encourage diversity in outdoor spaces. Recognizing a lack of representation of people of colour (POC) and marginalized groups in marketing campaigns geared towards outdoor lifestyle, Amplify Outdoors hopes to change existing narratives that perpetuate societal stereotypes about 'who' should enjoy nature and 'who' is considered outdoorsy.
 
Amplify Outdoors believes that representation is important, and we strive to provide products that empower and amplify diversity in outdoor landscapes and activities. 
 
Ultimately, our goal is for outdoor spaces to be inclusive and safe for everyone to enjoy, because 'Nature is for Everyone’."
 
Listen to Kristen now!
 
New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out. 
 
The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. 
 
Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.
 
Show notes
  • Who is Kristen
  • Relocating to the Northwest Territories in Canada (the subarctic)
  • Making the decision to make a change in her life
  • Growing up in Toronto
  • Being a city girl at heart
  • Not being given the opportunity to spend time outdoors hiking and camping
  • Wanting a more laid back lifestyle and a slower pace of life
  • Looking for a new job 
  • Moving to Yellowknife
  • Wanting to take advantage of the opportunity
  • Wanting to have new experiences
  • Moving in January
  • Going with the flow of life
  • The transition from the city to the country
  • Being shocked at how expensive housing was
  • Getting use to the darkness
  • Creating a routine and making new friends
  • Her first experience with hiking and spending time outdoors
  • Wanting to bring people with her on the journey 
  • Feeling the power of nature and the benefits for her mind
  • Seeing the beauty in nature
  • Documenting her journey 
  • The women who inspire Kristen
  • Matthew Henson - 1st person and first Black man to reach the North Pole
  • Founding Amplify Outdoors and what’s its goal and purpose is
  • Building a supportive community 
  • Looking to create more events in 2022
  • Advice for Black women for getting into the outdoors
  • Acknowledging the barriers for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) who want to go outdoors
  • Why you should start slow
  • Nature makes me feel….
  • Chasing waterfalls
  • How you can connect with Kristen
  • Plans for the future
 
Social Media
 
Personal Website/blog: www.Twentiesandfabulous.com
 
Personal Instagram: @Travel_Adventurehers 
 
Amplify Outdoors. 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚. 𝐀𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬
 
Website - www.amplify-outdoors.com 
 
Instagram - @AmplifyOutdoors 
 
Jan 1, 2022
Eleanor Carey is the first Australian woman to row across the mid-Pacific Ocean. Rowing 2,400 miles from California to Hawaii. Spending 62 days at sea in a 7.5m ocean rowing boat with two other women, as she battled extreme seasickness, sleep deprivation, multiple hurricanes and forty foot waves to set two Guinness World Records as part of a trio.
 
A true adventurer at heart, Eleanor has also cycled solo across Europe, conquered a 100km ultra-marathon and completed many more multi-day human powered journeys worldwide.
 
Through these extreme journeys, Eleanor has learned the power of adventure therapy and nature’s ability to assist in healing, overcoming trauma and to fuel personal growth.
 
Eleanor is driven to help others experience the power of adventure for themselves, improve wellbeing and nurture the ability to step into the unknown.
 
New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out. 
 
The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. 
 
Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.
 
Show notes
  • Being based in Australia on the gold coast
  • Using adventure to help people build grit and resilience
  • Her adventure story
  • What her childhood was like
  • Moving over the UK and not knowing anyone
  • Being inspired by - Cycling home from Siberia by Rob Lilwall 
  • Taking a year before taking action
  • Not knowing many women doing these types of challenges
  • Taking action - the HOW
  • Thinking about taking on a cycle journey 
  • How her Europe cycle trip came about
  • Booking a one way flight to Norway…
  • The fears and concerns before the trip
  • Having 3 months to get sorted
  • Wanting to try
  • The reality of cycling day after day
  • Why it was one of the best things she’s ever done
  • The challenges while out on the road
  • The internal dialogue and dealing with it
  • Using adventure as a building block
  • Looking for a career change
  • Being a planner and a goal setter?
  • Being willing to try anything once
  • Making a career change
  • Moving back to Australia and setting up an innovation hub
  • The path to ocean rowing and being inspired by Losing site of Shore
  • Connecting with Pacific Terrific 
  • Saying yes to the opportunity with 6 weeks to go
  • Would it be possible to get the qualifications in time
  • The mental side of preparation
  • Team dynamics…. in a trio
  • Having open conversations
  • Expectations versus reality of the row
  • Learning to get comfortable with being uncomfortable 
  • Tips for getting through the day 
  • Managing her mental health while out on the ocean
  • Being better while on the ocean
  • The simple way of living while rowing
  • Magical moment from rowing across the Pacific Ocean
  • Feeling safe while out on the water and being at peace
  • How the row changed her 
  • Writing a book about her experience
  • Crossing the finish line
  • Final words of advice to motivate and inspire you 
 
Social Media
 
Website: www.eleanorcarey.com
 
Instagram: @eleanorjcarey
 
Twitter: @eleanorcarey 
 
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