Episodes

  • Harriet Frost: 2x Arc of Attrition 100 mile finisher, Race Director, Business Owner of Grit Culture, Co-parent of Sea+Flo supporting people to upgrade their periods.

    Harriet Frost: 2x Arc of Attrition 100 mile finisher, Race Director, Business Owner of Grit Culture, Co-parent of Sea+Flo supporting people to upgrade their periods.
    May 20 2025
    Harriet Frost is a force of energy, endurance, and entrepreneurial grit. From completing the notorious Arc of Attrition 100-mile ultra twice, to directing multiple trail races, to co-founding a menstrual cup company focused on sustainable period care for athletes — Harriet is redefining what it means to pursue hard things, in business and on the trail. In this episode, Harriet shares her journey from growing up in Cornwall to discovering a love of endurance sport later in life — despite hating running at first. With no formal coaching, she’s built her own training strategy based on experience, discipline, and gut instinct — and it’s taken her to the finish lines of some of the UK’s most brutal ultra events. We also dive into the founding of Sea+Flo, a period care company created by women, for women, aiming to empower people to better understand and manage their menstrual health during sport. Harriet speaks candidly about the mental strength required to train alone, run in the dark, and manage periods while racing, as well as her mission to bring more female voices to the forefront of adventure and endurance media. This is a conversation about grit, vulnerability, and showing up — again and again — even when the path ahead is long, muddy, and uncertain. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Harriet?Completing her 2nd Arc of Attrition 100 mile ultraRace Director to 2 current races and soon to be a 3rdRunning her own business called, Grit Culture - focused on business management Launching a menstrual cup company called Sea+Flo in 2024 with her best friendDog mum to NovemberBeing surrounded by an amazing network of friends and familyHow things connect togetherSpeaking with Harriet mum, Theresa Frost on the Tough Girl Podcast Having parents to everyone Childhood and growing up in CornwallLearning resilience and grit from a young ageBeing supported by her parentsLoving school and heading off to University in Southhampton to study fashion and journalismNot really knowing what she wanted to doTravelling and working on super yachts Heading off to London for 3 years Spending time in Australia for 2 years, and New Zealand for 2 years, before moving back to CornwallHating running…. And finding running really hard Living in London and doing her first triathlon in 2012/2013Doing her first marathon during her first 100kRace to the Stones 2017 Doing her next ultra in 2023 - Isle of Wight in April Arc of Attrition on the South West Coast Path. 100 miles. Entering the raceThe Plague 64 miles race (toughest races she’s ever done) Planning her own training and talking things through with her mumGoing on how her body feels and past experience Working backwards from the race start dateFocusing on back to back runsThe mental toughness of training and training soloOut and back runs and the mental challengeKnowing there is still more in herFitting running into her lifeTraining in winter and in the dark The stress of running in the dark as a female and the wasted energyWhy it’s discipline over motivationRecovery…. And what it looks likeHaving big toe strainWhy the Arc was different in 2025 after being taken over by UTMB Feet and blistersNutrition, food, fuelling The struggle of eating foodPracticing eating on 20 milers Training and periods Sea + Flo reusable menstrual cup companyWhich menstrual cup?How using a menstrual cup came aboutPutting herself out there a bit moreWomen doing amazing things and not getting enough airtimeNikki Love breaking the women’s record for running across Australia “It’s not about beating the men it’s about winning for the women” - Hannah Paradise Jasmine Harrison - swimming the length of Great Britain and not being able to to get a book deal - The lack of stories of women in the news The women who inspire Harriet Lucy Gossage - “It’s a privilege to choose to suffer” How to connect with Harriet onlineFinal words of advice for women who want to pursue endurance sportsBeing inspired by Sarah WilsonBuilding your resilience in sport or physical challenges and how it can help you in your everyday lives Social Media Website grit-culture.com seaandflo.com Instagram @harriet__frost @grit.culture @seaandflo
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    54 mins
  • Celebrating Junko Tabei and 50 Years of Women on Everest – with Tori James, Jo Bradshaw & Rosemary J Brown

    Celebrating Junko Tabei and 50 Years of Women on Everest – with Tori James, Jo Bradshaw & Rosemary J Brown
    May 16 2025
    This special episode of the Tough Girl Podcast brings together three incredible women—Tori James, Jo Bradshaw, and Rosemary J Brown—for an inspiring conversation about legacy, mountains, and the enduring spirit of women in adventure. We’re diving deep into the story of Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest in 1975, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of her historic climb. Despite her groundbreaking achievement, Junko’s name is still unfamiliar to many. Tori, Jo, and Rosemary are determined to change that. In this episode, we talk about how Junko inspired a life-changing all-female expedition to Yala Peak in Nepal, the launch of the First Females Podcast (May 16th 2025), and the wider mission to highlight the stories of women who were the first from their countries to stand on the roof of the world. You’ll hear about: Rosemary’s journey to the mountains in her 70s.Tori’s return to Nepal, 18 years after climbing Everest.Jo’s vision for a meaningful anniversary tribute.The power of visibility, representation, and saying yes to adventure—at any age. This episode is a beautiful tribute to Junko’s legacy, a reminder of the power of community, and a call to action for anyone ready to find their own summit. #MyJunkoJourney *** Past episodes with Jo, Tori & Rosemary: Tori James - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/2015/09/29/tough-girl-tori-james-first-welsh-women-to-climb-everest Rosemary J Brown - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/brown-1 Jo Bradshaw - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/2016/09/15/tough-girl-extra-catching-up-with-mountaineer-expedition-leader-jo-bradshaw-discussing-he Jo Bradshaw TGP Extra - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/jo-bradshawtge *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Speaking to 3 incredible tough girls! Rosemary Brown - Journalist & writer - drawing attention to women adventurers who have been forgotten. Working on her next book - women who have mountains named after them Tori James - 1st Welsh Woman to climb Mt. Everest, plus other record breaking expeditions over the years, mother of 2 children, living in Cardiff and working as a motivational speaker. Starting a new podcast - The First Females Podcast - launching 16th May 2025 Jo Bradshaw - Everest summiter in 2016 (2nd attempt) on Everest, camp 1 when the earthquake struck in 2015. Working as an expedition leader and motivational speaker. Yala Peak - a mountain that Junko Tabei climbed in 1977 - 2 years after climbing Mt Everest. Individual connectionsWomen’s Outdoor Expo Meeting Tori at the end of the the Wales Coast Path How Jo & Tori first connected at St. James Palace in 2016How Rosemary met Tori & JoThe History of Women in Exploration Conference in 2018Junko Tabei having mountains named after her on Pluto First Females - and celebrating the 1st female ascent of Mt. Everest Tori climbing Mt. Everest back in 2007 and not knowing about Junko and her achievement Why didn’t we know about Junko?Wouldn’t it be great to know who the other first females are from around the world who have summited Mt. Everest Junko passed away in 2016Putting the First Females Podcast together Speaking to Rebecca Stephens as the first British woman who climbed Mt. Everest. 800 women’s stories for the Tough Girl Podcast - 10 yearsThere are still so many women’s stories that I haven’t shared yetJo coming up with the idea to climb Yala Peak located in Langtang National Park in north Nepal. Making it at all female commercial expeditionConnecting a team of 13 awesome women Adventurous EweWhat Rosemary’s experience was like climbing Yala Peak Deciding to make the commitment and finally saying yes to go on the trek!Climbing Kilimanjaro 13 years ago, and now being in her 70sWhy each day was specialSetting off an hour earlier on summit dayThe joy and experience of climbing the mountain The universe is your friend Feeling very grateful for her belief in herselfWhy it was a life changing experience.Making the trek work for youTori heading back to Nepal after 18 years since climbing Everest Spending time at Yala Basecamp (2 days)Wanting to spend more time there!What Junko said on climbing Everest “here is the summit, and I don’t have to climb anymore”Junko’s story Book: Honouring High Places: The Mountain Life of Junko Tabei Her early years and being quite an ill child Her resilience shining through. ...
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    39 mins
  • Angela Maxwell: Walking 20,000 Miles Around the World — Choosing Courage Every Step of the Way

    Angela Maxwell: Walking 20,000 Miles Around the World — Choosing Courage Every Step of the Way
    May 13 2025
    Angela Maxwell spent nearly seven years walking around the world — solo. Covering over 20,000 miles across four continents and 16 countries, she braved the Australian outback, battled dengue fever in Vietnam, and faced the daily challenge of finding safe places to sleep, often in a tent. A self-described introvert and novice adventurer when she began, Angela’s journey was as much an inner transformation as a physical one — fuelled by fear, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to explore what it means to live with courage. Angela walked with purpose, raising funds to support girls rescued from human trafficking, and continues that mission through mentoring and women’s empowerment workshops. She’s been featured by Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, and Outside Magazine, and most recently became one of the first women to swim across the Caspian Sea — a feat that took 28 days and redefined her relationship with fear and endurance. Now based in Wales (for the moment), Angela is writing a book about her world walk and sharing her philosophy that “courage is a verb.” Whether she’s walking, swimming, or simply choosing the unknown, Angela lives by example — proving that adventure doesn’t require expertise, just the decision to begin. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Angela Spending 6.5 years walking west around the world Setting a world record by swimming across the Caspian Sea Being settled in Wales for the WinterHaving a mutual friend - Miriam Lancewood Her childhood and growing upGetting chicken pox at 30Not having any friends and being an introvert as a young kidHer love for nature coming later on in lifeLiking her own company Daydreaming about travelSpending time aloneBeing inspired from a young ageWHY?!Starting walking because she was terrifiedWhere does an idea come from?The route and what the journey looked likeStarting in Australia and walking North to South on the West CoastHeading over to Vietnam Heading to Europe and the UKFlying back and forth due to visa issuesWriting a book about the walkThe challenge of writing a bookNot wanting to share the journey on social mediaWanting to be totally present and have the journey for herselfRaising funds for women and girls Self funding the walkBeing inspired by Rosie Swale Pope who ran around the world Book: Just a Little Run Around the World: 5 Years, 3 Packs of Wolves and 53 Pairs of Shoes Living on a budget of $5 per dayWomen for Women International Adventuring with a purposeBad days while walking Thriving on the little daily adventures The joy of not knowing and what might be around the cornerStill enjoying walking nowThe classic thru-hikesWalking the Pennine Way in the UKWalking part of Te Araroa in New ZealandHer thoughts on courageDealing with self doubt, before and during the walkTed Talk - “Courage is a verb” Making the decision to continue The most dangerous place for a woman is in the home The fear at the end of the walk, what was going to be nextLittle feeling of depression at the endSwimming across the Caspian Sea Swimming V walking Having a fear of open water and not being a good swimmerFunding the challengeWhat it was like day to day on the waterTaking 28 days to do the crossing, swimming 6hrs per dayOther around the world challenges?!Not having a compulsion to share her stories Living on very little and funding her current lifestyleUsing Trusted HousesittersRunning workshops for womenGuilty pleasures….Injuries?Book: Wilder Journeys: True Stories of Nature, Adventure and Connection Future plans for 2026How to connect with AngelaFinal words of advice on courageChoosing courage on a day to day basis Social Media Website www.SheWalksTheEarth.com Instagram @AngelaMarieMaxwell
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    49 mins
  • Alexandra Garcia: Why Difficult Pursuits Matter — Resilience, Running & the Mountains

    Alexandra Garcia: Why Difficult Pursuits Matter — Resilience, Running & the Mountains
    May 8 2025
    Alexandra Garcia’s journey into the outdoors began in adulthood, after relocating from Puerto Rico to Virginia, USA. What started as a personal reconnection with nature quickly turned into a deep passion for endurance challenges that test both body and mind. Since climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2017 and completing the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in 2018, Alex has pursued adventures that push her limits — including backpacking rugged trails in Puerto Rico and continuously seeking what she calls “difficult pursuits.” Now based in Western North Carolina near Pisgah National Forest, Alex is not only an outdoor athlete and writer but also a changemaker. She co-founded the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation to increase accessibility and gender equity in mountain sports, helping women and girls around the world reach new heights — literally. In 2025, Alex will travel to France to climb Mt. Blanc, and she’s also training for a Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt on a challenging trail route. Whether she’s writing, running, or leading with purpose, Alexandra is passionate about personal growth, emotional resilience, and helping others find the courage to take on their own version of hard. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women. Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is AlexGrowing up in Porto Ricco - a small island in the Caribbean Her childhood and early years Spending time in nature from a young ageLiving in Western Northern Carolina, USASpending time around the ocean Swimming and respecting the waterHer parents farm Hiking with her family2017 and deciding to climb Mt KilimanjaroLooking for the next thing to work towardsPushing herself to achieveDifficult pursuits of the yearTraining physically and mentally for the challenge2018 and doing the Grand Canyon - Rim to Rim Challenge Keeping herself learning and engaged and wanting the challenges to be fun Running….Learning as she goesThe importance of trainingPlanning ApproachThinking of her own ideas for Difficult PursuitsFocusing on challenges in Porto Ricco 35 miles - Backpacking trail in Porto RiccoThe power of visualisationThe power of doing hard thingsGoing through hard timesManaging emotions while on challengesLetting emotions out and acknowledging them Journaling and writing for outdoor magazines in the USThe women who inspire AlexBeing inspired by Sunny Stroeer Co founding the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation Their mission to increase accessibility for women and girls and for gender equality in the mountainsOffering scholarships to 25 women to climb mountains around the world Her difficult pursuit in 2025Heading to France in July and wanting to climb Mt BlancWanting to set a Fastest Known Time (FKT) How to connect and support AlexFinal words of advice for other women who want to take on difficult pursuitsFind a community of people or women who can support your goals over a period of time. The advice of ‘just do it’ Choosing what is difficult for you Social Media Website www.trailrunningpuertorico.com Instagram @alexandramariagarcia_
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    59 mins
  • Lis van Lynden: Cycling 5,000 Miles with MS – A Story of Grit, Kindness & Adventure

    Lis van Lynden: Cycling 5,000 Miles with MS – A Story of Grit, Kindness & Adventure
    May 6 2025

    Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013, Lis van Lynden has refused to let the condition define her limits. With no prior cycling experience or training, Lis set off in 2022 on a solo, unsupported ride around the entire coastline of Great Britain—covering 5,000 miles over seven months and raising over £13,000 for MS charities.

    Her journey didn’t stop there. Lis went on to cycle the Irish coastline and most recently visited 12 of the UK’s national parks by bike, with plans to complete the final 3 in 2025.

    Along the way, she’s faced physical challenges, experienced incredible acts of kindness, and become a passionate advocate for others living with MS.

    Lis’s story is one of courage, conviction, and living life on her own terms—no matter the obstacles.

    ***

    Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.

    Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

    Thank you for your amazing support!

    ***

    Show notes

    • Who is Lis
    • Half Dutch, Half British
    • Growing up abroad
    • Moving to London and training as a teacher
    • Losing her brother in a sailing accident
    • Losing her father to bowl cancer
    • Working in West Dulwich for 12 years
    • Thinking there must be more to life
    • Being interested in adventure travel
    • Climbing Kilimanjaro and doing a mountaineering course
    • Slowing the group down
    • The first signs of having Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
    • 2008 packing in her job and doing a history degree with the Open University
    • Losing her mother to lung cancer
    • Meeting someone and buying a house together
    • Getting diagnosed in 2013 with MS
    • Going through a divorce
    • Heading to Svalbard in 2018
    • Reading “one man and his bike’ by Mike Carter
    • Book: One Man and His Bike: A Life-Changing Journey All the Way Around the Coast of Britain
    • “Can I do this? Could this be my adventure challenge?”
    • Having 100% conviction
    • Being inspired by and supported by Verdangi Kulkarni
    • Being consumed by her dream
    • 2020 and dealing with lockdowns
    • 2022 7th May - Ready to start the journey!
    • No training and doing 68 miles on the first day.
    • Ripping up the rules….
    • 7 months, 3 days and 1 hour
    • 1 month into the journey and how everything had changed
    • Going off medication and feeling free
    • Heading to Northern Ireland
    • Meeting Ann Whatmore on the road (her episode on the TGP goes live on 5th June 2025)
    • MS Symptoms and dealing with it on the road
    • Wanting to make changes in her life and live life to the fullest
    • Trying to figure out a different way of earning income
    • Movement, eating well and sleep
    • The power of helping ourselves and the importance of mindset
    • Getting through the shitty days
    • Reframing
    • Next challenge
    • How to connect with Lis on social media
    • Final words of advice for other women who want to take on a new challenge

    Social Media

    Just giving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lisvanlynden

    Instagram: @coddiwomple2wander

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/lis.vanlynden

    Twitter: @LisvlTravels

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    34 mins
  • Rahema Mamodo: Mum of 3, Finding Running Later in Life – From Couch to Ultra, Inspiring Women to Break Barriers.

    Rahema Mamodo: Mum of 3, Finding Running Later in Life – From Couch to Ultra, Inspiring Women to Break Barriers.
    Apr 29 2025
    Rahema Mamodo is a mum of three, a passionate runner, and a trailblazer for women in sport. Growing up in Portugal and now based in Birmingham, Rahema discovered running later in life, starting with a simple couch-to-5k program. What began as a personal challenge has blossomed into a mission to inspire women—especially those who look like her—to break barriers, embrace fitness, and find joy in movement. Since her first hesitant steps on a treadmill, Rahema has run over 180 Park Runs in more than 50 locations, completed marathons, and even tackled ultramarathons like Race to the Stones. Along the way, she’s used her platform to share her journey, celebrate diversity in sport, and encourage others to believe in themselves. In this episode, Rahema shares how running transformed her life, the lessons she’s learned from pushing her limits, and her passion for inspiring her daughters and other women to chase their goals. From practical tips for getting started to her unforgettable experiences at marathons and ultras, Rahema’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. Correction: In our recent podcast episode featuring Rahema Mamodo, we incorrectly stated that SheUltra was founded by Sophie Power. We’d like to clarify that SheUltra was actually founded by Huw Williams, a local man from North Wales who is currently living with terminal cancer. Huw has poured his heart and soul into creating and running this incredible event. Sophie Power is the founder of SheRACES, a separate initiative. To learn more about Huw and support SheUltra, please visit She Ultra's website or donate here. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women. Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is RahemaGrowing up in Portugal and now living in Birmingham Speaking 3 languages (Portuguese, English and Gujarati)What her early years were like Not being into sports or any physical activities Being a teenage girl Being inspired to do a couch to 5kUsing a treadmill at home and not wanting to run outdoors at firstThe benefits of joining a running groupHer first Park Run and why she loves it Wearing a hijab How her running journey progressed10k to Half Marathon Being supported by her family Wanting to inspire her girls to be activeIncreasing her distance every week Using online programs and doing her best to get beyond the 5k distanceBeing a Park Run Tourist 180+ park runs in over 50 different locationsDoing the A to Z of Park Runs Finding a Z Park RunHighlights from running and running on sandPractical tips to encourage women to get involved in Park RunThe benefits of finding like minded people to runTracking her running with Garmin Deciding to run Manchester Marathon as her first marathon Hating the experience Getting the chance to run the London Marathon Learning a lot from the marathon experiences Running for other people Muslim Runners Running 3/4 times a week5 weeks to prepare for the marathonRace strategy and goals Visiting the London Marathon EXPO Connecting with people from social mediaDeciding to run an ultra - Race to the Stones - 50k She Ultra Sophie Power on the Tough Girl Podcast Training for an ultra No pressure, no cut off times and just smiles!Racing with her daughter in 2025How to connect with Rahema onlineBeing a cover girl! On the cover of Women’s Running Wanting to inspire other women to go out and runThe power of believing in yourself Social Media Website www.rahema.co.uk/blog Instagram @Rahema_m Facebook @rahemasw
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    50 mins
  • Dee Anna: From Survivor to Disabled Adventuress – Finding Strength in Nature.

    Dee Anna: From Survivor to Disabled Adventuress – Finding Strength in Nature.
    Apr 24 2025
    Dee Anna's story is one of resilience, adventure, and refusing to let society define her limits. Born with a genetic mutation that affected her mobility, she faced a lifetime of challenges—from intensive physiotherapy as a child to being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2022. Along the way, she also navigated severe autism, trauma, and life-altering setbacks that could have stopped her in her tracks. But instead, she turned to the outdoors. In this episode, Dee shares how thru-hiking the South West Coast Path became the turning point that changed everything. With no home, no job, and facing immense personal struggles, she took a leap of faith and embarked on a 71-day journey that helped her reclaim her life. We talk about the power of movement, nature’s role in healing, and why adventure should be accessible to everyone. Now, as a scientist, outdoor journalist, and founder of The Introvert Magazine, Dee is on a mission to inspire others to embrace nature, break barriers, and live life on their own terms. This is a powerful and deeply moving conversation about survival, self-discovery, and the courage to forge your own path. Don’t miss it! *Please be aware that this episode contains discussions of suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, and sexual assault. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women. Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is DeeDisabled Adventuress, scientist, outdoor journalist, writer, naturalist and photographer Living in South Wales, surrounded by wonderful natureBeing born in Poland and growing up in SussexHer early year and growing up with severe autism and being muteNot socialising with other people but spending time in the outdoors Being interested in the natural world from a young ageFeeling safe in nature Studying biology and chemistry at a high level Being born with a genetic mutation Being severely disabled and going through intensive physical therapy to be able to walk Building internal resilience and mental strengthHer first big solo adventure in 2023Walking the South West Coast Path Dealing with severe trauma and complicated medical conditionsLosing her job, her house and partner and having no where to goWanting to end her life, after being sexually assaulted while at workFighting to get her case heardWanting to be aliveTrying to fit in and realising that life hasn’t being build for her and deciding to live the life she wants to liveDeciding to go for it and making a decision overnight Focusing on a goal Dragging herself to the train station to get to the start of the SWCPHow her body started to become stronger while walking Spending 71 days on the trail and why it was the greatest adventure of her lifeWhy it was a healing experience Movement, nature, animals and being exposure to natureMeeting good people on the trail Walking every day and noticing the positive changes in her body The theory that people who have ADHD are people who come from hunter gatherers How the trail will provideStarting The Introvert Magazine The impact of stress on her bodyWorking on an Adventure Guide Wanting the book to be as inclusive as possibleWanting to bring as many people as possible to experience natureInterviewing people and taking over 200 photos for the bookGoing snorkelling with the Scottish Wildlife Trust Looking at it as a life projectHaving a shorter life span compared to othersWanting to work on projects that are a passionEmbracing her life as a gift and a blessing Wanting to be grateful for every momentWanting to giveback to society Building her instagram community What can people expect from her social mediaSharing her life as it isDiversity, Equity and Inclusion You have to be tolerant with others but strict with yourself - Marcus Aurelius Feeling isolated and aloneAdvice for women with autism and ADHDStruggling to get outside and advice and tips to do soMeet ups?Women’s Safety Planning or not planning for adventures Being pulled in 2 different directionsAllowing flexibility on the adventure Finding out what works for youWomen’s safety while on the trail Her 10 year career in the police Words of advice Why its about believing in yourself Don’t compare yourself to othersStart small Social Media Website www.deecrute.com Instagram @deedee.reporter Facebook @dee.crute YouTube @dee.crute
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    45 mins
  • Sherry Cardona: Ultra Endurance Cyclist and Content Creator – Tackling the Toughest Bikepacking Races

    Sherry Cardona: Ultra Endurance Cyclist and Content Creator – Tackling the Toughest Bikepacking Races
    Apr 22 2025
    Sherry Cardona is an ultra-endurance cyclist, content creator, and adventure seeker who thrives on pushing her limits. Born in Colombia and raised in Spain, Sherry’s journey has been one of exploration, self-discovery, and resilience. From long-distance running to cycling, she’s always been drawn to endurance challenges—finding freedom and peace in the process. In this episode, Sherry shares how she transitioned into ultra-cycling, taking on some of the toughest races in the world, including Race Around the Netherlands, the Transcontinental Race, and the Transibérica. We dive into the mental and physical challenges of these events, the strange things that happen to your body during extreme endurance efforts (think hallucinations and swollen hands), and how she’s learned to adapt and grow with each race. We also talk about her life beyond cycling—moving to Amsterdam, growing her confidence through YouTube, and her passion for connecting with like-minded adventurers. Whether you’re an aspiring ultra-endurance athlete or simply love a good adventure story, this conversation is packed with inspiration, lessons, and valuable insights. Don’t miss it! *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women. Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is Sherry - Adventure cyclist and content creatorBeing based in Amsterdam in the Netherlands Being born in Colombia and growing up in SpainWanting to explore and see new placesNot having as many opportunities in Colombia Feeling lucky to be able to explore amazing placesUsing Youtube to connect with like minded people Feeling misunderstood at school Being able to express herself through YouTube How her confidence grew Moving to Spain at 9 years oldBeing into sports and long distance running Meeting her husband in London and being introduced to cycling Having her own coffee company and working as a freelancer in marketing Running away from her problems Having a sense of peace and feelings of freedom while runningHow her cycling journey evolved Moving to Amsterdam during the pandemic Race around the Netherlands (2,000km) Training and preparation Taking it on as a personal challenge and wanting to see what she could achieve Being the first woman across the line Strange things that happen to your body when you take on long endurance based challenges Dealing with a lack of sleep and hallucinations Dealing with swollen hands and face due to electrolyte in-balances Sherman’s NeckLesson and learning for future events The Transcontinental Race (TCR) - single stage race across Europe where cyclists cover around 4000 km The importance of planning and preparations for ultra races and what it looks like How your body starts to adapt during the race Reaching the start of the race trained and ready but not overtrained Using bike packing trips for training Transibérica Race The sleeping ruleBike set up for races and how it changes depending on the raceHow many bikes….Racing in the Atlas.Mountains in Morocco and feeling nervous..Managing in the heatBadlands Race Recovery after a race and why it can take months Buzzalong Cycling PodcastSharing her stories on YouTube Plans and races for 2025Race Across Belgium Wanting to do more Bikepacking instead of racing How to connect with Sherry Final words of adviceKnowledge is power Social Media Instagram: @sherry.cycling Youtube: @Buzzalong.cycling
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    46 mins