Joy Haizelden is an inspiring British wheelchair basketball player who has made significant strides in the world of adaptive sports. Born on December 1, 1998, in China, Joy was abandoned outside an orphanage and later adopted by a loving British couple, Jim and Margaret Haizelden, in 2005. Growing up in Southampton, Hampshire, Joy discovered her love for wheelchair basketball when her father sought ways to keep her active and engaged in sports.

At just 15 years old, Joy made history as the youngest player to represent Great Britain at the 2014 Women’s World Wheelchair Basketball Championship, where the team achieved its best-ever finish. Her dedication and talent quickly set her apart, earning her accolades like the Peter Jackson Young Female Player of the Year and helping Team GB secure numerous medals, including gold at the Women’s U25 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship.

As a classified 2.5 point player, Joy has continued to excel on the international stage, recently competing in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, all while pursuing her PhD. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and empowerment, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, listeners will gain insight into Joy’s remarkable journey, discovering how she overcame adversity and used her experiences to fuel her passion for sport and academic excellence. Joy's story is not only about athletic achievement; it’s a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of following one’s dreams. 

Tune in to be inspired by her message of empowerment and to learn how she continues to break barriers in wheelchair basketball and beyond!

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!

Show notes

• Being born in China and growing up in an orphanage
• Being adopted by a British family
• Moving to the UK at age 6
• Learning English within 6 months
• Transitioning to a new language and culture
• Facing challenges in physical education at her school
• Discovering wheelchair basketball with encouragement from her father
• Finding a supportive community
• Her first experience in specialised wheelchair basketball
• Enjoying the physical and social aspects of the sport
• Explaining the rules of wheelchair basketball
• The classifications for disability levels
• The importance of team strategy with point-based player selection
• Starting wheelchair basketball at age 12-13
• Being invited to a senior national team camp at 15
• Youngest player for GB at the 2014 Women's World Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Toronto
• Reflecting on the honour and excitement of representing her country at such a young age
• Beginning to see the possibility of playing at a higher level, aiming for the Rio Paralympics
• Moving to Worcester for a centralised programme with the GB team
• Receiving sponsorship from the National Lottery
• The hectic schedule of training five days a week and managing school
• Joy's experience of the Rio Paralympics
• Recalling her parents attending the games, which was a significant moment for her
• The multi-sport event experience and the impact of being part of such a large event
• Impact of COVID-19 on Tokyo Paralympics
• The increased focus on mental well-being and support from sports psychologists
• Her personal experiences and strategies for managing stress and resilience
• Pursuing a PhD in health, education, and promotion at The University of Alabama
• Balancing her PhD studies with playing basketball
• The challenges of managing both academic and athletic responsibilities
• Team dynamics and roles
• The Tokyo Paralympics atmosphere
• Deciding to move to Alabama for PhD and basketball
• Collegiate wheelchair basketball in the US
• Cultural adjustments and international friendships
• How their PhD programme allows them to balance their academic and athletic pursuits
• The challenges of managing her PhD and being part of the GB team
• The need for careful time management due to frequent GB team events
• The difficulties she faced travelling as a disabled person
• Managing to balance her commitments and participate in international tournaments despite challenges
• Reflecting on their experience at the Paris Games, where they finished 4th
• Feeling disappointed at not winning a medal
• The team's performance as the second-best in women's wheelchair basketball history
• Undecided on the 2028 LA Games, but evaluating performance and team dynamics
• Dealing with disappointment and moving forward
• Final words of advice

Social Media

Instagram: @haizsee 

Frankie is a Women's Endurance Coach and Nutritionist, helping busy women achieve their endurance goals in the most holistic way possible.

From severe mental health struggles in her early twenties, to being hit by a car in 2020, Frankie is now a Norseman Xtreme Triathlon finisher and 4 x Marathon runner.

Founded in 2016, Pretty Strong Coaching was created to support and coach women struggling with their mental wellbeing. Having faced depression, chronic pain, and panic attacks, Frankie understands the struggles of mental health firsthand. After trying therapy, sleeping pills, and anti-depressants, she found healing through movement, nature, and nutrition.

Frankie provides a space where women can reconnect with their bodies, achieve their running and triathlon goals, and embrace a balanced, healthy lifestyle within a supportive community.

Through her coaching, Frankie empowers women to overcome mental barriers, conquer self-doubt, and tackle burnout, helping them become their strongest, healthiest selves.

This episode is a must-listen for those seeking motivation, practical insights into holistic health, and a reminder that with the right support and determination, it's possible to transform adversity into triumph. Tune in and be inspired to embrace your own journey toward strength and wellness!

***

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!

***

Show notes

• Who is Frankie
• Growing up with an active childhood in London
• Doing dance lessons and tennis with her sister
• Going into university in Leeds to study graphic design
• Stopping fitness, focusing on a busy social life
• Experiencing poor mental health at 24
• Signing off work due to stress
• Exploring ways to improve her wellbeing
• Studying happiness and health
• Recovering through moving the body and nourishing it
• Signing up for the London Marathon despite not being a runner
• Taking on the London Marathon after being told she couldn't do it
• Following a book to guide her training
• Meeting friends, seeing family, and enjoying the event
• How running has helped with her mental health
• Believing small victories help manage mental wellbeing
• The importance of consistency, endorphins, and alone time during runs for mental clarity and self-discovery
• Moving to Singapore for work
• Obtaining personal training qualification
• Growth of Frankie's coaching career
• Helping others achieve fitness goals and mental resilience
• Enjoying living in Singapore, having access to pools and sunshine
• Facing the challenge of extreme heat
• Having an air-conditioned indoor gym setup to handle the heat
• Participating in the annual event, The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
• Coaching 30 clients through the 2018 Singapore Marathon
• Designing the "Mind Over Marathon" programme to help women with mental health struggles prepare for the race
• Offering a safe space for women dealing with various issues
• Her challenging recovery process after being hit by a car in Singapore
• How cycling and swimming aid her healing
• Regaining her physical strength over a four-year period
• Applying for The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon
• Weighing the challenge of competing in the extreme triathlon in Norway while living in Singapore
• Partnering with Performance Bike Fitter for altitude training equipment
• Working with Trapeze Recovery Centre, providing ice baths, to acclimate to cold temperatures
• Travelling to Australia to train on actual hills
• Training on the Sunshine Coast with her support team and triathlete friends
• Growing anxiety and self-doubt as race day approaches
• The importance of her support crew to her success
• Finding peace and determination, pushing forward despite fears
• Driving the Norseman route backwards to familiarise themselves with the course
• Observing other experienced athletes, feeling a mix of intimidation and inspiration
• What was her race day morning like
• Swimming conservatively, following the coastline
• Swelling and loss of dexterity due to cold
• Transition from swim to bike (T1)
• Frankie's climbing challenges
• Facing a gruelling 35-kilometre climb with steep gradients
• Mental and physical strain on the bike
• Alone, battling wind, hail, and fatigue
• Pushing through some of the darkest moments of her race
• Transition from bike to run (T2)
• From flat to "Zombie Hill"
• Being joined by her support crew on the hill for safety
• Continuing to walk despite torrential thunderstorms
• Nutrition and hydration on the run
• Final words of advice

Social Media

Website: www.prettystrongcoaching.com 

Instagram: @prettystrongcoaching 

Facebook: @prettystrongcoaching 

Jane Kanizay is an adventurer, educator, activist, speaker, artist and mother of four who on 14 May 2022 successfully climbed Mt. Everest with her 19-year-old daughter. Jane enjoys sharing the highs and lows of her Everest experience and the journey of resilience required to take on such an immense challenge as a survivor.

Jane climbed with the message of @teachusconsent to campaign for holistic consent education in school education curriculum and to advocate for the prevention of violence against women.

To have a message to take to the summit provided additional strength on the days Jane had reached her physical or emotional limits.

High altitude mountaineering is one of the deadliest sports in the world. Jane successfully summited mountains above 6000m plus an 8000m summit of Cho Oyu, Tibet, to prepare her for the extreme environment of Everest, considered to be in the ‘death zone’ above 8000m where oxygen content is only 34% compared with sea level.

Listening to Jane on the Tough Girl Podcast offers a rare insight into the mental and physical fortitude it takes to summit Everest, but also the deeper purpose behind her journey. 

Through her incredible story, Jane not only inspires adventurers but also advocates for change, sharing how carrying a message of consent and empowerment gave her the strength to push through her limits. 

Her story will resonate with anyone looking to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find purpose in their own lives.

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!

Show notes

• Who is Jane
• Mother of four, living with one child
• Mountain climbing with her eldest daughter, Gabby
• Being motivated by Gabby's dream to climb
• Completing several trips to the Himalayas
• Reaching Everest's summit together on 14 May 2022
• Becoming the second mother-daughter pair to summit Everest
• Growing up in an athletic family
• Having siblings achieving high levels in sports
• Discussing her childhood experiences with athletics
• Her belief in ordinary people achieving extraordinary things
• The importance of family support in sports and life
• Starting running marathons at 33 after having four children
• Transitioning from marathon running to trekking and climbing in her late 40s
• Remembering her 40s as an empowering period, winning races in her age group
• When Gabby's interest in climbing started
• The mother-daughter duo's plans evolved into larger climbing goals over time
• Gabby reflecting on her experience, appreciating the timing of climbing at age 19
• Climbing experience which fostered a unique friendship
• They relate differently outside of typical family roles
• Maintaining their bond while balancing parenting responsibilities
• Initially planned to finance their climbs through a mortgage and potential scholarships
• Selling their house and funding the majority of the trip
• Adapting to unexpected financial changes
• Gabby's focus on balancing her love for climbing while pursuing an income in the industry
• Jane's reflections on the dynamics among her children regarding climbing adventures
• How she has navigated potential feelings of jealousy among her children
• Sharing her experience of climbing Everest with Gabby
• The dynamic of being both mother and climbing partner
• How they communicated effectively at base camp
• Gabby often acted as a mentor, helping Jane to regain confidence during tough moments
• A pivotal moment at Camp Four where she doubted her strength to continue
• Getting encouraged by Gabby to persevere
• Reflecting on precious time spent with her children
• Prioritising family over personal ambitions
• Societal concerns about young climbers tackling high peaks
• Jane's internal struggles regarding the ethics of taking Gabby on such a dangerous expedition
• Engaging with other young adventurers and parents
• The meticulous preparation and strategy leading up to their summit attempt
• The challenging conditions they encountered
• The summit push filled with historical significance and personal reflections
• Jane leading the ascent, following in the footsteps of climbing legends
• A heartwarming moment for Jane spotting Gabby approaching the summit
• The "Teach Us Consent" campaign
• Jane's desire for her sons to be good allies and her daughters to be safe
• The pyramid of abuse
• Advocating for calling out disrespectful behaviour
• Creating a safer environment for women
• Experiencing vision problems while descending
• Hallucinating due to altitude sickness
• Dealing with laryngitis and media attention after her climb
• Building a supportive network among women
• Final words of wisdom

Social Media

Website: janekanizay.com 

Instagram: @jane_kaniz 

After 20 years in a relationship that limited and stifled her, former advertising professional, turned fitness pioneer and award-winning entrepreneur, Vicki Anstey became (age 41) one of the first ever women to participate in Channel 4’s ‘SAS Who Dares Wins’, reaching the final stages after 11 days in extreme conditions at an altitude of 3,000ft in Chile.

In 2021, she and 2 other women, the Girls Who Dare, set a new World Record for rowing unaided across the Pacific Ocean, confronting her fear of deep, open water to do so. It took 60 days, 17 hours and 6 minutes.

Her latest endeavour (a second Guinness World Record) was to cycle 3,000 miles in the ‘World’s Toughest Bike Race’ as a team of four women from West to East coast America in just 6 days 19 hours and 38 minutes.

Vicki has also completed ultra distance runs (covering 250kms and carrying everything she needed to survive) in some of the World’s most extreme environments – crossing the Arctic in temperatures of -35 degrees and the Savannnahs of Kenya in blistering 50 degree heat.

***

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!

Show Notes:

• Who is Vicki
• Vicki’s diverse career journey
• Emphasising her unique life experiences
• Overcoming a coercive relationship
• Leaving her long-term marriage
• Encouraged by friends, she applied for SAS: Who Dares Wins
• The beginning of her journey into adventure and self-discovery
• Reflecting on the rigorous training during SAS: Who Dares Wins
• Building self-belief and resilience
• The experiences that revealed her capabilities
• The importance of mental strength in overcoming obstacles
• Rowing across the Pacific
• Facing her fear of deep, open water by undertaking a rowing challenge
• Her preparation for the task to confront her anxieties
• Finding strength in vulnerability
• Embracing fears and seeing the opportunities that lie beyond them
• Developing resilience, managing self-doubt, and embracing challenges
• Emphasising reflection and learning from past experiences
• Transition from solo to team challenges
• How her experiences with solo challenges influenced her approach to teamwork
• The importance of clear communication and setting boundaries
• Being initially intimidated by her rowing teammates
• Learning to embrace tough conversations
• Unravelling tensions in team dynamics
• Vicki’s concept of “free speed”
• Understanding each team member's emotional responses under stress
• Advocating empathy and support in navigating team dynamics
• Training for Race Across America
• Her transition into cycling
• A rigorous training regime of up to 25 hours per week
• Having a supportive coaching network to enhance her skills
• Vicki’s memorable moments from RAAM
• The importance of supporting one another during challenging phases
• Production of a documentary covering her rowing and RAAM experiences

Social Media

Website: vickianstey.co.uk 

Instagram: @vickianstey 

Charlotte Bowens: Founder of Conscious Gear and trailblazing innovator behind VestaPak, the world's first plus-size hydration vest. From university administrator to entrepreneur, she fearlessly reshapes the outdoor industry. 

Motivated by a personal health scare, she champions inclusivity and empowers the plus-size community to embrace an active lifestyle.

Founding Story: A Transformation and a Vision 

It all started with a health scare that jolted Charlotte's life. An unexpected visit to the emergency room revealed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, severe depression, borderline diabetes, and a stark classification of "morbidly obese." 

The avalanche of this diagnosis could have overwhelmed anyone, but not Charlotte.

Charlotte made a decision that changed her life's trajectory. Fueled by fear and a fierce determination to regain control, she took her first steps towards transformation at the gym. The journey was slow and arduous. On that initial day, she could walk for only 2 minutes at a modest 2 mph on the treadmill. But that wasn't the end; it was the beginning.

Every day, Charlotte persevered, placing one foot in front of the other, pushing through every personal limit, and defying her own expectations. Sixteen months later, she crossed the finish line of her first 50-mile ultramarathon—an extraordinary feat of physical and mental strength. However, this triumph was also bittersweet.

Charlotte felt proud of her incredible achievement and continued her ultramarathoning journey but as she looked for outdoor gear and apparel to accommodate her taller, curvier, and bigger body, she encountered a glaring problem. The market offered limited options that catered to her specific needs if any at all. Existing outdoor gear companies had overlooked a significant portion of the population, neglecting to provide functional and fashionable products for those with bigger bodies.

It was during the challenging times of the pandemic that Charlotte made a solemn vow: if no one else was going to do it, she would. Conscious Gear was born, emerging as a symbol of resilience and innovation. VestaPak was nominated in October 2023 by USA Today as one of the top ten products for outdoor adventurers and is currently sold at REI.

***

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!

***

Show notes:

• Who is Charlotte
• Her outdoor adventure journey which started with Girl Scouts
• Selling Girl Scout cookies to fund camping trips
• Discusses her academic background in maths and science and her career in research administration
• Her experiences as a teenage single mother of three, which led to a sedentary lifestyle
• Moving to Arizona and falling in love with trail running and ultra marathons
• Reassessing her lifestyle due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and clinical depression
• Prioritising health and fitness, despite feeling overwhelmed as a single mother
• First experiences at the gym
• Being scared and unsure but determined to make a change
• Beginning to see improvements in her stamina and speed, which bolstered her confidence
• Completing her first 50-mile ultra marathon
• Improving her physical health and also restoring her desire to live
• Her transformative journey from depression to feeling alive
• Initially being sceptical about ultramarathons
• Completing a self-supported hundred-miler
• Looking forward to participating in longer races, including a 250-mile event in Phoenix and a 500-mile race in Tennessee
• The addictive nature of long-distance running
• Challenges in finding gear
• Going to thrift stores and DIY solutions using a library sewing machine
• Limited options for bigger bodies in the athletic clothing market
• The birth of the business, Conscious Gear
• Facing disruptions in ultrarunning due to the pandemic
• Creating hydration vests motivated by a lack of representation and options
• Being nominated as one of the top 10 outdoor products in 2023
• Increasing engagement from women, particularly Black women
• Addressing inclusivity in athletic wear
• Running community and personal preferences
• Running philosophy and training
• The importance of starting with what you can manage
• Helping the body adapt and grow stronger over time
• Respect the body's limits and trust the process of improvement
• A powerful moment while trail running in Michigan
• Her deep spiritual connection to running in nature
• The spiritual aspect of running and its connection to her identity
• Societal expectations that often lead to feelings of needing to do everything alone
• Her 50-mile race experience
• Physical exhaustion but remains motivated by her progress
• Experiencing an emotional breakthrough at the 48-mile mark
• Expressing gratitude for being alive and capable of such an achievement
• How her experience of running 50 miles instills a sense of resilience and determination
• Focusing on one mile at a time instead of the overall distance
• The challenges of balancing running with personal and professional commitments
• Acknowledging the necessity of hiring help for her business to prioritise her running
• Following a "me first" schedule, focusing on her well-being
• The peace and joy running brings her
• Letting go of less important commitments
• The importance of self-prioritisation especially for women
• Final words of wisdom

Social Media

About Conscious Gear - “It's simple we believe that bigger bodies deserve to be the center of design and not an afterthought. We consciously design outdoor gear and apparel for bigger-bodied endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts so they can live a healthier lifestyle and achieve maximum athletic performance.”

Website: conscious-gear.com 

Instagram: @ConsciousGear1

Tiktok: @consciousgear 

Facebook: @ConsciousGearStore 

X/Twitter: @ConsciousGear 

In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany at the Armchair Adventure Festival in Mount Edgcumbe. Join us as we explore the world through the eyes of Tiffany Coates, recognised as the world’s foremost female motorcycle adventurer.

Tiffany has spent over twenty years exploring six continents on two wheels. With hundreds of thousands of miles under her belt, she continues her adventures both solo and as a sought-after motorcycle tour guide, captivating audiences at adventure travel events worldwide.

Her journey began with a memorable trip alongside her best friend, Becky. With just two months of riding experience, they embarked on a quarter-tonne BMW named ‘Thelma,’ wobbling their way from the UK across Europe to India. What was initially planned as a nine-month journey transformed into two and a half years, crossing four continents and solidifying Tiffany's passion for motorcycle travel.

Over the years, Tiffany has travelled through Asia, Australia, Africa, the Americas, and more, with notable rides to Timbuktu, Outer Mongolia, Madagascar, Borneo, and even Everest Base Camp in Tibet. Her website features the stories behind these incredible travels.

As a freelance guide, Tiffany leads various adventurous motorcycling expeditions, providing safe and experienced guidance for those eager to explore new countries on two wheels.

We first spoke with Tiffany on March 17th 2020 - The World's Foremost Female Motorcycle Adventurer! 

*** This episode was recorded live at the Armchair Adventure Festival 25th - 28th July 2024. Buy tickets now for #AAF25 - THE UK'S MOST ADVENTUROUS FESTIVAL. Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall, 24-27th July 2025, Use TG10 to get a 10% discount on tickets. www.armchairadventurefestival.com. *** 

***

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!

Show notes:

• Who is Tiffany
• Background as a motorbike traveller
• Experience riding around the world
• Joy of solitude in desert travel
• Dangerous motorbike experiences in Vietnam
• Mental health benefits of motorbiking
• Sense of freedom and independence in motorbike travel
• Tiffany's journey to becoming a motorbike rider
• Having no initial experience with motorbikes
• Challenges of maintaining the bike and learning basic maintenance
• Mechanical failures upon entering Asia
• Time spent in a workshop learning about oil, filters, and maintenance tasks
• Reliance on strangers for assistance and fixing the bike
• Importance of feeling confident and self-reliant
• Self-defence knowledge and preparedness
• Carrying safety tools while camping
• Riding through the Gobi Desert in Mongolia
• Adjusting travel plans based on weather conditions
• Hectic journey through Siberia to reach the Pacific Ocean
• Enjoying the journey and making the most of each day
• Singing to herself and listening to music or podcasts
• Living frugally to fund her travels
• Not owning a car, saving money for travel
• Guiding groups through exotic countries, ensuring their safety and happiness
• Upcoming trip to Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana
• Importance of exploring lesser-known places
• Camping experience at the Bonneville Salt Flats
• Challenges faced and the beauty of solitude in nature
• Experiences with altitude sickness and acclimatisation
• Natural sadness post-adventure
• Travel fatigue during long journeys
• Keeping journals and writing for publications
• Potential future projects, including writing a book
• Leading an all-female motorbike tour in Nepal
• Breaking stereotypes in motorcycling
• Sense of sisterhood among female motorcyclists
• Unique experiences of hospitality while travelling solo
• Shipping bikes by sea versus flying
• International Vehicle Shipping, Moto Freight
• The process of obtaining an international driving permit (IDP) and its importance
• Maps and compasses over GPS
• GPS inaccuracies in desert navigation
• Limitations of relying solely on technology
• Thoughts on the common advice to “just do it”
• Final words of advice

Social Media

Website: tiffanystravels.co.uk

Facebook: @tiffany.coates.12

Twitter/X: @tiffanystravels

Candida Louis, a 28-year-old adventurer from Hubli, South India, embodies the spirit of wanderlust and the pursuit of freedom through motorcycle riding. From a young age, she shared unforgettable rides with her father, sparking a passion that led her to become a motorcyclist herself. Over the past 12 years, she has transitioned from a pillion rider to the one in the front seat, fully embracing the thrill of the open road. A birthday gift of her first motorcycle marked the beginning of an incredible journey that fuelled her dreams of riding around the world.

After spending five years working at Oracle and Infosys, she found herself disillusioned with the daily commute and long hours. Looking out of her office window, she envisioned a life on the open road, fuelling her determination to break free. In 2015, she took a three-month sabbatical to ride through North and South India, and the experience solidified her desire to pursue a life of adventure. Following her journey, she resigned from her desk job and spent four months travelling, embracing the confidence and freedom that riding provided.

In this conversation, Candida emphasised the importance of following one’s passions, stating, “If you love something, if you’re very passionate about it, at least try to take that first step... Just take that risk, and it will prove to be the right thing.” This philosophy drives her as she continues to chase her dreams, having recently crossed multiple countries on her motorcycle in a remarkable eight-month journey from India to Australia. With each adventure, she inspires others to embrace their dreams, take risks, and discover the incredible experiences that life has to offer.

Candida’s journey is not just about riding motorcycles; it’s about finding one’s true self and the freedom that comes with stepping outside one’s comfort zone. As she explores the world on her bike, she encourages others to do the same, reminding them that the journey begins with that first courageous step.

*** This episode was recorded live at the Armchair Adventure Festival 25th - 28th July 2024. Buy tickets now for #AAF25 - THE UK'S MOST ADVENTUROUS FESTIVAL. Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall, 24-27th July 2025, Use TG10 to get a 10% discount on tickets. www.armchairadventurefestival.com. ***

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!

Shownotes: 

• Who is Candida
• Started riding motorcycles 16 years ago
• Initial career in finance before transitioning to travel and motorcycle riding
• First motorcycle ride with her dad
• Family support in pursuing her passion
• Societal judgments and lack of support from some community members
• Initial desire to travel but disbelief in achieving financial stability through it
• Shift in perspective from chasing money to following passion
• Experience working at a strict IT company and the impact on her mental health
• Receiving a call from a TV show inviting her to ride around India
• Overcoming obstacles with her manager to pursue the opportunity
• Unexpected cancellation of the show and decision to continue the journey solo
• Reflection on the adventure and challenges faced during the trip
• Creation of a Facebook page to update family and friends during travels
• Growth of the page to 10,000 followers during the seven-month trip
• Transition to Instagram and the rise to 246,000 followers over ten years
• Opportunities from brand collaborations that provide financial support
• Investment in real estate (building an Airbnb) to generate consistent income
• Leading motorcycle tours and the establishment of a tour business
• The emotional struggle of leaving a stable job for an uncertain path
• Experience of living with very little money initially
• Importance of perseverance and believing in oneself despite challenges
• Societal perceptions of women travelling alone in India
• Media interviews focused on negative aspects rather than positive experiences
• Gaining confidence through positive encounters and supportive individuals
• Delivering laptops and teaching children in Cambodia
• Desire to combine travel with making a positive impact on communities
• Upcoming plans for the next six months
• Increase in female motorcycle riders over the past decade
• Candida’s initiative to train 100 women monthly to ride motorcycles
• Riding through 42 countries on a motorcycle
• Personal challenges and medical issues (e.g., dislocated knee)
• Information on Candida’s motorcycles
• Naming her motorcycles: "Sky" (Bajaj) and "Scarlet" (Triumph)
• Spending eight months on an incredible journey, crossing multiple countries from India to Australia
• Candida's desired future destinations
• Camping vs. hotels
• Safety considerations for camping in India
• Preference for hostels and Airbnbs in rainy conditions
• Experience with motorcycle breakdowns and learning repairs through necessity
• Cleaning motorcycle for Australian quarantine regulations
• Carrying essential tools and supplies
• Experiences that challenged her confidence
• Safety measures with modern motorcycle gear
• Overcoming fear and getting back on the bike
• Social Media Presence
• Final words of wisdom
• Encouragement to pursue passions despite challenges
• Importance of taking the first step

Social Media

Website: candidalouis.com
Instagram: @candidalouis
Facebook: www.facebook.com/candida.louis1

Jen Scotney boasts an impressive record as an ultrarunner with podium finishes in the 108-mile Montane Winter Spine Challenger South and the 190-mile Northern Traverse. She is host of the Resilience Rising Podcast, a running coach, writer, Mountain Leader and yoga teacher, which have followed her career as a human rights lawyer. 

Jen has appeared in magazine features for Runner’s World, Trail Running and Women’s Running. She has been a guest host on the Wild Ginger Running YouTube channel, and a previous guest on the Tough Girl Podcast.

Jen crewed for John Kelly’s successful Pennine Way fastest known time as well as for his Wainwrights Round in the Lake District. She grew up in the Peak District and now lives in the Scottish mountains with her husband Marcus and Sherlock the beagle. Running Through the Dark is her first book.

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Show notes

• Who is Jen Scotney 
• Intro from 2018 TGP episode 
• So much has changed in 6 years
• A new introduction for now
• Being based in the Scottish Highlands
• Not running anymore and what happened
• Chatting with Mimi Anderson 
• No longer clinging onto the identity of being a runner
• Self worth in relation to challenges and big runs
• Using writing as a tool to help process
• Her dream of wanting to run the Pennine Way
• Getting a book deal and starting to write stories of runners
• Going through a period of chronic illness
• Wanting to share her story and get it out of her head
• 500 words a day
• Relief and fear of finishing the book
• Grief and loss
• Handing over control 
• Recovering from chronic illness
• Resilience 
• Starting the Resilience Rising Podcasts
• Why messiness is part of resilience. 
• Taking the time to process and accept what’s happened
• Not signing up for the suffering 
• Having a good time while running
• Why low points in a race are not comparable to real life challenges
• External validation
• What bring joy and happiness today
• Teaching yoga and growing fruit and veg
• Making changes in her life and doing a pivot
• Getting ok with uncertainty and change
• Choosing the uncertainty and being open to what comes up
• Advice for letting go of control 
• Joining the local mountain rescue team in Scotland 
• Working through a skill list and having monthly training 
• Managing negative thoughts 
• Dealing with 2 knee replacements
• Looking for her limit and finding out what she can do
• Start where you are
• Plans for 2025 - goal setting or going with the flow
• Practicing yoga for 15+ years
• Being a qualified Yin Yoga teacher
• Yoga Nidra and permission to rest
• Pushing back again busyness and perfection 
• Relax and do more yoga 
• Stop trying to be productive
• What needs to be let go off
• Being in the moment
• Keep connected to Jen 
• Final words of advice 

Social Media

Website: www.jenscotney.com 

Instagram: @jenscotney 

X/Twitter: @jenscotney

Vertebrate Publishing  Books to inspire your next adventure.  Based in Sheffield, the Outdoor City. 

Instagram @vertebrate_publishing

X/Twitter: @VertebratePub 

Book: Running Through the Dark: The rise and fall of an ultrarunner. 

Ultrarunner Jen Scotney has achieved podium finishes in some of the UK’s toughest races and now has her sights firmly set on the Pennine Way. In Running Through the Dark, Jen talks about her ambitions, not just to run the 268-mile Pennine Way but to take the record as the fastest woman to do so. But that didn’t happen. Nothing went according to plan. 

 The Jen the world knew was a successful lawyer and running coach – all photoshoots and finish-line smiles – but the truth was much darker. The real Jen Scotney, the one she hid from everybody, suffered with chronic fatigue, debilitating injuries, tragedy, grief and at times had a will so beaten down by setbacks that there just didn’t seem any point in going on.

But she did go on. Running Through the Dark is Jen’s account of her ultra-journey. Playing out on the moors of the Pennines, the fells of the Lake District and the mountains of Wales and Scotland, this is much more than a running book, it is a story about resilience, about never giving up, and about battling through the night and always believing that there will be a new dawn.