Episodes

  • Tania Carmona – First Mexican Athlete to Complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam: Ultrarunner, Coach, and Podcaster

    Tania Carmona – First Mexican Athlete to Complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam: Ultrarunner, Coach, and Podcaster
    Aug 12 2025
    This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Tania Carmona—a trailblazing ultrarunner, endurance coach, entrepreneur, and the first Mexican athlete to complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam. From swimming as a national-level athlete in Mexico to conquering some of the toughest environments on Earth, Tania’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. Based in Dubai and previously living in Scotland and the U.S., Tania shares her path into ultrarunning—from a reluctant marathon finisher to tackling self-supported races across the Gobi, Atacama, Namib, and Antarctica. We dive into her experience navigating extreme heat, physical stress, and the emotional highs and lows of ultra-endurance. Tania also opens up about the physiological toll of training, dealing with cortisol imbalances, the decision to undergo back surgery, and why she and her husband launched the Ultra Happy Podcast to bring more real, relatable stories to the running world. Whether you're chasing your own desert dreams or looking for inspiration to keep putting one foot in front of the other, this episode is packed with heart, humour, and hard-earned wisdom. 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 TaniaUltrarunner, coach and podcast hostBeing based in Dubai, born in Mexico and previously living in Glasgow, Scotland Growing up in Mexico City in a small family Being into swimming when she was littleBeing a national swimmer Deciding to stop swimming at 15 Moving to Chicago to do her MastersGetting into running in Chicago after being inspired by the Chicago Marathon Starting running with a free group 3x a weekFinishing her first marathon and deciding to never run again at 20Needing to make new friends after moving back to MexicoDeciding to give running another goA spartan race…. 2016Finding trail running!Hiring a coach Signing up for a 50kMeeting her Scottish husband, AndyMoving from Mexico City to Scotland!Deciding to sign up for longer, harder races and how her lifestyle started to changeThe 5 Desert Grand Slam Wanting to do Cocodona 250km race The 5 different, self supported racesDealing with the heatGobi Desert in Mongolia - more trails and more hard packed terrain - very similar to ScotlandRunning with really old shoesRunning in Antartica over 5 days - living on an expedition boat Atacama Desert in Chile and why it was one of her most favourite racesReducing those feelings of overwhelmFocusing on the first step firstTaking a year off to focus on running Working with a running coach Recovery runs and resting Dealing with gut issues and periods problemsThe impact on her body with spikes of cortisol Developing a cortisol hump on her backNot sleeping wellThe evening routines and life admin after a race Having surgery on her cortisol hump (7 cm by 1.5 cm deep) on her backDealing with more stress, by moving to DubaiUltra Happy Podcast Co-hosting with her husband AndyDocumenting the journey How to connect with TaniaMini films from each dessert available to watch on YouTube Final words of adviceLive your life with curiosity Don’t do it for the likes Think about what else you could do Social Media Website: taniacarmona.komi.io Instagram: @taniaruns_theworld TikTok: @taniaruns_theworld Youtube: @Tania_Carmona
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    50 mins
  • Dr. Sarah Ruggins – Record-Breaking Endurance Cyclist on Pushing Limits, Managing Pain, and the Power of Aggressive Patience

    Dr. Sarah Ruggins – Record-Breaking Endurance Cyclist on Pushing Limits, Managing Pain, and the Power of Aggressive Patience
    Aug 5 2025
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Ruggins—a high-achieving investment professional, academic powerhouse, and now a record-breaking ultra-endurance cyclist. From her early days as a national-level track athlete in Canada to surviving complex PTSD and rebuilding her life, Sarah’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and radical self-belief. In 2023, Sarah competed in the Transcontinental Bike Race, and in 2025, she took on her most audacious challenge yet: cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back again—2,715 km in just 5 days, 11 hours, and 14 minutes, setting a new outright record. This conversation dives deep into the planning, training, and mindset behind the ride—from strength work and 3:30 AM mornings to battling hallucinations, sleep deprivation, and pain barriers. Sarah shares her three-part mantra—Focus, Discipline, Gratitude—and unpacks how elite performance is built in the margins: with structure, strategy, and sacrifice. Whether you're chasing a personal goal or looking for motivation to push your own limits, this is an episode that will fuel your fire. 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 Dr Sarah RugginsWorking as an investment professional for the past 10 years Growing up in Canada Being part of a very active familyDoing a lot of running and focusing on track and field Working with the best coachesHolding national records in middle distances Preparing for junior olympics at 14/15Wanting to represent her country at the highest levelHer teenage yearsNeeding a routine surgery on her feetDeveloping a disease of her nervous system The impact on her lifeDeveloping complex PTSD Getting back to a ‘normal life’Starting to focus more on academics Getting 4 degrees in 4 different subjectsCompeting in the trans continental bike race in 2023Wanting to understand what her limits wereJohn O’Groats to Lands End and back againBeing supported by a crewWorking with Rob Lee from RLP Coaching What training looked like from Sept/October 2024 to May 2025What a typical week looked likeWorking with a strength coach to compliment what she was doing on the bikeIncreasing the volume of training on both the bike and in the gymSquats increasing from 45kg to - 4 sets of 5 reps at 110kgWhile working a full time job in finance Having her whole life scheduled from 3.30am - 10pm Figuring out life adminSetting big goals in your life - you need to be prepared to make sacrifices in pursuit of those goals Planning, schedules and logistics Coming back to the WHY was integral Building the team and pulling everyone togetherReaching out to sponsorsWanting to make a history making rideProbability, chance and luckGoing to maximise our probabilities of success Being on the start line being 100% confidentBeing forced to be brave and tough - but coming from a place of powerWanting to demonstrate to herself her own resilience and wanting to inspire othersStarting the challenge and wanting to ride to her capabilitiesWorking in blocks of 4 hours and focusing on the power. Managing her process and focusing on what’s on the road aheadRiding 4 hours and then off the bike for 10 mins - the ‘Pitt stops’What goes on in those 10 mins Eating and nutrition and eating constantly while on the bikeHow her body responded to the challenge 3 phases while doing endurance work: phase 1, the first 36 hours - feeling great, phase 2 hitting a pain wall which you need to push through, phase 3 - where you feel like you can go forever, your body has accepted this is just what you do nowGoing though the pain wall and pain gate The mind body connection and what was happening mentallyDeveloping a 3 part mantra: focus, discipline and gratitude The biggest challenge while on the bike Not being able to tolerate solid foods on day 3Moving to liquid food - Supported by Huel Dealing with the sleep deprivation - confusion and falling asleep while on her bikeCrashing into a nettle bush and going into hyperglycemic shock Using blue light to wake her upBeing ahead of the record by about 7 hours and 175km - stick to the processReaching the end The feelings of relief Keeping your emotions locked in for 5 days Being able to relax!2715 km in 5 days 11 hours 14 minutes. NEW OUTRIGHT RECORD HOLDERHer limits….Taking the learning and applying it to new projectsRecovery after the challengeGetting back on the bike and back in the gymRaising funds for 2 charities The Bike ...
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    53 mins
  • Sarah Williams - 800th Episode Special – 10 Years of the Tough Girl Podcast, 7,400 Miles of Adventure & What’s Coming Next!

    Sarah Williams - 800th Episode Special – 10 Years of the Tough Girl Podcast, 7,400 Miles of Adventure & What’s Coming Next!
    Aug 4 2025
    I can’t quite believe it, but here we are — the 800th episode of the Tough Girl Podcast! In this special solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes for a personal catch-up and reflection on everything that’s happened so far in 2025 — from January through to August. I talk about what life has looked like lately (yes, still living at home with my parents!), working part-time at AIM Health, the adventures I’ve been on, the challenges I’ve faced, and the exciting things coming up next. This episode is a bit of everything: gear chat (flat-lay photos and a new Atom Pack!), health updates (peri-menopause, gut health, strength training, and more), financial planning (Patreon, pensions, broken laptops!), plus reflections on my time walking the English Camino, Snowdonia Slate Trail, and tackling the GR20 in Corsica — which was honestly tougher than the Marathon des Sables. I’m also talking about my motivations for taking on the GR10, what I’ve learned in 10 years of podcasting, and why the mission — to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges— is stronger than ever. Thank you for being here with me on this journey. Whether you’ve listened from the start or are just finding the show now, I’m so incredibly grateful. This is a celebration of us — of consistency, resilience, growth, and dreaming big. 🎧 Tune in to hear what I’ve learned over 10 years, what’s changed (and what hasn’t), and where I see the podcast — and my adventures — heading next. Let’s go! 🎙️ 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 Intro to the podcast - solo reflections episode with me - Sarah Williams 800th episode!Reflecting back from January 2025 - to August 2025Setting the scene - chaos in my room - kit and gear everywhereTaking photos for the flat lay gear postNew backpack - atom pack - needing to go on a test hikeAgenda and plans for this episode Behind the scenes and what’s been going onLiving at home with my parents since 2014 Working at AIM Health - structure, regular hours, income, access to therapies Aim Health therapies - Cryotherapy, compression trousers, red light, HBOT, rebalance bed Impact on my wellness and recovery Saving money, emergency funds, breaking my laptop, spending money…Saving money for my pension Funds from patreon - paying for the website, music, search function, auphonic, Zoom costsRoot canal - and teeth looking goodHealth - consistent with training, mobility and strength with FrancoNot trusting my ankles - needing to strap them up Adult balletYin yoga - not being as consistent as I would like (Kassandra Yin Yoga - Youtube) Reflecting back - longevity - turning 44 - big jump in agingPeri-menopause and menopauseBioresonance, OligoScan Feeling slightly fatigued - anaemic again? Blood test coming back normalToo much cryotherapy? And stopping for the summer so as not to loose my heat adaptionFeeling everything is coming together and feeling strong and wellGut health issues; belches, bacteria overgrowth, wheat freeOctober focus will be gut health and working with a nutritionist and Dr Cath Home based for 7 months.Adventures April - Walking The English Camino with Gemma Smith - stats and filming and not having time to share online Snowdonia Slate Trail - 5 day practice hike - getting back into the mountains againWatch the Snowdonia Slate Trail - vlogs on YouTube Why I recommend the Snowdonia Slate Trail Public transport back from the trailWanting to get mountain fit Hiking the GR20 with Alex Mason end of June, beginning of JulyCicerone Guidebooks Abbie Barns Vlogs on the GR20 Meeting at Gatwick for a super early flight to CorsicaWatch the Tough Girl GR20 Vlogs on YoutubeHarder than Marathon des Sables Mentally wanting to quit the challenge every day Starting to doubt myselfWhy I didn’t quitNever quit on a bad day The challenges of the first 3/4 daysThe early starts - 5am startsNot eating and feeling rough Double stages….Having the same goal to finish on the Friday Needing more recovery at the start of the challengeAlways being able to push it on the final dayChange the plan, not the goal.Why I’m taking on the GR10 The incredible trails in Europe, UKWanting to walk trails and spend time in the mountains FKT website for GR10 BMC Women’s Adventure Film Competition - ‘Make a Difference Award’ Kendal Mountain Film Festival Get involved in the film! Send in ...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Tia Banks – From Pro Athlete to Mountaineer: Climbing the 7 Volcanic Summits and Teaching Resilience Through Adventure

    Tia Banks – From Pro Athlete to Mountaineer: Climbing the 7 Volcanic Summits and Teaching Resilience Through Adventure
    Aug 4 2025
    In this powerful episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Tia Banks—a former professional basketball player turned mountaineer and certified resilience expert. Based in Texas, Tia is on a bold mission to climb all seven volcanic summits, one on each continent, using her journey as a platform to inspire strength, courage, and mental resilience. Her love for adventure began with Mount Kilimanjaro in 2021, where she faced illness, doubt, and the ultimate test of her mindset on summit night. But for Tia, mountaineering is more than reaching the top—it’s about how we speak to ourselves in tough moments, how we dig deep when we want to give up, and how we “climb our own mountains” in life. In this episode, Tia opens up about her early years in sport, the “suck it up” mentality, the importance of positive self-talk, and her commitment to empowering young people through adventure therapy and her non-profit initiative, Summit Saturday. If you're looking for a dose of motivation to keep pushing through your own challenges—or to finally try something you've never dared before—Tia’s story will light the fire. 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 Tia BanksFormer professional basketball playerCertified in resilienceBased in TexasHer early years and having a sporty childhood The suck it up muscle SUCK IT UP at 6 years old….Becoming more aware of mental health on her personal journeyGetting into mountaineeringClimbing Kilimanjaro in 2021Go big or go home Writing her goal in her journal Starting to prepare and research Working with a breathing coachCommitting to the training Focusing on endurance Preparing her body and her mindPositive self talkOptimismBook: Mind Over Mountains: Life Changing Strategies to Overcome Adversity Digging into the mindset while on the mountain Being sick when she first got to AfricaBeing challenged to do hard things, even when you don’t feel like itNeeding to dig deep and why it wasn’t just a one time thingHolding on to hopeSummit night on Kilimanjaro Stella PointManaging self talk and comparisons to other peoplePole Pole - Pronounced “po-lay po-lay,” it's Swahili for “slowly, slowly.”The technique of reframingGoing into schools and talking about mental health with children and young adultsSaray Khumalo - first black African woman to reach the summit of Mt Everest Needing to ask for helpWhy motivation style changes and different motivation is needed at different times Working towards a biggest challengeWanting to summit all 7 volcanic summits on each continent Mount Giluwe in Papua New GuineaAdventure TherapyNon Profit - ‘Summit Saturday’ - taking at risk youth out into nature Managing herself to ensure not to burnoutWanting to build a better self care regimentSelf Care Sunday and doing a series on tick TokHolding herself accountable Talking about resilience and motivation with younger childrenHow to connect with Tia on social media Final words of advice for people who are climbing their own mountain What’s going to help you have the mindset to overcome your challenge Try something new, try something you’ve never tried before Social Media Website: www.tiabanks.com Instagram: @thetiabanks Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Thetiabanks/100064323240028/ YouTube: @thetiabanks1 TikTok: @thetiabanks1
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    49 mins
  • Sharon Evans – Walking New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail at 58 and Inspiring Women to Embrace Outdoor Adventure

    Sharon Evans – Walking New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail at 58 and Inspiring Women to Embrace Outdoor Adventure
    Aug 4 2025
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Sharon Evans, also known as the Free Wheeling Kiwi—a 58-year-old adventurer, storyteller, and passionate advocate for women embracing the outdoors, especially later in life. Sharon shares the incredible story of walking the full Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000km thru-hike stretching the length of New Zealand. Alongside her partner, she tackled harsh weather, blisters, foot pain, and relentless terrain—proving that age is no barrier to adventure. Five years ago, Sharon made the bold decision to walk away from her rural real estate career and pursue a life filled with purpose, exploration, and connection to nature. In this conversation, we explore her motivations, the magical (and muddy) moments on the trail, and her mission to empower women over 50 to step into the wild with confidence. Sharon also shares practical tips for low-cost adventuring, content creation on the go, and how she’s continuing her journey by heading to Australia’s rugged Larapinta Trail next. If you're looking for inspiration to follow your passion—no matter your age—this episode is for you. *** 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 Sharon Evans aka Free Wheeling Kiwi Based in New Zealand Going on adventures and telling stories Spending time in the outdoors - often being uncomfortable and wetSpending time at the beach Gen X, 58 years old Having a huge amount of freedom and spending time outdoorsHer passion for travelLiving in the jungle in Borneo, MalaysiaGrowing up without social media How technology has advanced Her first camera (film camera) at 15 years old Deciding what to do with her lifeBeing shy and introverted Where did the name/brand freewheeling kiwi come from Working as a rural estate agent Riding bikes Deciding to make a change 5 years ago Planning to go to Everest Base Camp How plans got derailed because of CovidMaking the transition and changing your career to follow your passionsPlanning…..Lowering her cost of living, being a careful spenderWanting to encourage more women to spend more time in the outdoors in nature Especially women over the age of 50Focusing on her whyTe Araroa Trail, 3,000 km, the long walk in New Zealand Being concerned about the coldStarting on the 2nd OctoberWalking with Andrew - as a coupleHaving their 1st anniversary on the trail in the Richmond RangersKeeping the pack weight downThe highlights, challenges and magical moments from the trail Not wanting to quitAdvice for new hikersKeeping costs down and sending resupply boxesBig food carriesThe extreme conditions and the impact on gear River crossings and being cautious Gusting winds and being blown off her feetWet feet…. Sand walking, mud walking, road walking Blisters…. Losing toe nailsGetting off her feet and dealing with unbearable foot painPalette fatigue with foodComing to the end of the journey and what it was likeCreating content and stories during the journey Creating a 1 min reel/tiktok every dayHow to connect with SharonFinal words of advice Believing in yourself and your abilities The next challenge and heading to Australia to walk the Larapinta Trail (230km trail through the outback) Social Media Website www.freewheelingkiwi.com Instagram @freewheelingkiwi/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/freewheelingkiwi Threads: @freewheelingkiwi TikTok: @freewheelingkiwi YouTube: @FreewheelingKiwi
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Ioana Barbu – Ultra Runner - Winning the Ice & Highland Ultra and Tackling the Beyond the Ultimate Series in One Year.

    Ioana Barbu – Ultra Runner - Winning the Ice & Highland Ultra and Tackling the Beyond the Ultimate Series in One Year.
    Aug 4 2025
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, meet Ioana Barbu—an unstoppable ultra runner with big goals, bold energy, and a fierce belief in betting on herself. After winning the Ice Ultra (230km at the Arctic Circle) and the Highland Ultra (125km in the Scottish Highlands) in 2025—each by hours and against stacked fields—Ioana is now going all-in to complete the entire Beyond the Ultimate series in one calendar year. That means racing across jungles, deserts, mountains, and ice—self-funded, self-motivated, and 100% committed. We dive into her mindset, training strategy, and what it takes to juggle full-time work while prepping for some of the toughest foot races on Earth. From selling her flat to afford the journey, to building her endurance and community from scratch, Ioana’s story is raw, real, and massively inspiring. Explicit language: This episode contains one F-bomb. If you’re chasing big goals or need a fire lit under you—this is the one to listen to. 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 Ioana Based in London Working in post production of video production Being an ultra runnerGrowing up in EuropeMoving to the UK at 18 Living in New Zealand and CanadaBeing into Snowboarding Getting into running Her younger years Growing up with her grandparents in the countrysideGetting into swimming, ballet Starting snowboarding in her early 20s and how it changed her lifeWanting to get good at the sportBook: Power Speed Endurance : A Skill-Based Approach to Endurance Training. By Brian Mackenzie Breathe work, breathing, postureRunning on a treadmill for training Training with Altitude Centre in London, in an altitude chamber Living in Wellington, New ZealandWorking with a snowboarding coachDon’t think about it too much or you will catch fearAlways end on a high Moving back to the UK and fast forward a few yearsGetting back into running during lockdown in 2020Starting to sign up for races Royal Parks Half Marathon How her running journey progressedRunning the London Marathon for charity Make Some Noise Giving a voice to small charities Working with Spencer Matthews on his Big Fish Podcast Deciding to sign up for the - Beyond the Ultimate Jungle ultra - 230km Being surrounded by people who encourage you and support youBeing told she couldn’t do a 30 milerI’ll prove you wrongJulian Morgan-Ayres The Early Birds Is it a race or is it an event?Emma Kirk-Odunubi - Running Coach To The Finish Line Having a lovely time running the marathon Adam Kimble - Running Coach Kris KingNever quit at the end of the dayDoing the right volume of training (6 days a week) but doing the wrong type of training Averaging about 30k - 50k a week max - which wasn’t enoughRunning 70k - 100k weeks More running and less hyrox/strength trainingBeyond The Ultimate - Jungle Ultra Palate fatigue Needing to be her own heroWinning RacesArctic Race - 230km race Going out to race and winGetting her period in the jungle and ending up doing the short courseWanting to make ultra running a full time jobGlobal Expedition Medics Going into the ice-ultra with such a strong mindsetKnowing what to expect with snow and ice2025 - Racing the full series in one year (calendar year)Self funding the challenge Harry Edmonds - youngest racer to compete the extreme sport series How much will it cost?!Selling her flat and using the money to pay for the race seriesNeeding to buy specialist kit Approx £30k so far…Wanting to quit her job and do this full timeDr Freya Bayne - London Southbank Uni Sports Department Heat acclimatisation in a heat chamber and why it was one of the best things to do before the desert raceAll female researchersHow can people connect and follow along Final words of advice Find people who are like minded, don’t be afraid to join a communityInspiring other women to start running Social Media Website makesomenoise.enthuse.com/pf/ioana-barbu Instagram @ioanabarboux
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Nicola Hardy - Munro Bagger, Outdoor Writer & Author of Peak Bagging Munros

    Nicola Hardy - Munro Bagger, Outdoor Writer & Author of Peak Bagging Munros
    Jul 31 2025
    In this Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode we catch up with adventurer and outdoor writer Nicola Hardy—also known for becoming Munroist #6,765 after summiting all 282 of Scotland’s Munros. Nicola left behind a decade-long career in IT to pursue a life filled with mountains, maps, and meaningful adventure. Since our first conversation in March 2022, Nicola has continued to embrace the outdoor life with passion—working part-time to support her adventures and dedicating the rest of her week to exploring the hills and trails she loves. In this episode, Nicola shares what she’s been up to over the last few years, including writing her first guidebook: Peak Bagging Munros: Volume 1. We talk about the process of creating the book, linking routes efficiently across the Highlands, and her experiences hiking internationally—from Switzerland's Alpine Passes Trail to her first solo trip abroad on the Coronallacs route in Andorra. Nicola is honest about the practicalities of outdoor life—from parking anxiety and budget travel to the importance of finding community in the outdoors. With future dreams like hiking New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail, her journey is far from over. If you’re passionate about mountains, guidebooks, or building a life around what you love—this episode is for you. TGP March 31st 2022 - Nicola Hardy - Adventurer and outdoor writer -Climbing all 282 of Scotland's Munros 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 Nicola Living in Cockermouth, CumbriaBeing a peak bagger and long distance walkerPreferring land over the waterWriting a peak bagging guidebook Previously speaking with Nicola in March 31st 2022 What we chatting about on the first Tough Girl Podcast episode Catching up with what’s been happening since 2022Ending up here after doing the things that filled her life with joyTrying to fill her time with as much adventure as possible Finding the balance of adventuring while also bringing in money as wellWorking 2 days a week part time (flipping the standard working week, upside down) and having 5 days offGetting to the start of challenges using public transportParking anxiety and how it can introduce negative thinking before an adventure Peak Bagging Munro’s - the book and how it came about Sir Hugh MunroMunro Bagging and what it is 64 routes which are designed to link up these iconic mountains Adventure Books by Vertebrate Publishing What makes this guide book different Including good maps, and efficient routes linking Munros together Separating into 10 highland hubsA walker, a trekker, a fast packer and a runner Rest day suggestions The gathering of the information Building spreadsheetsFollowing your passion and working on the guidebook Volume 1 of 2Who the book is forHeading to Switzerland and hiking the Alpine Passes Trail Camping 20 nights out of 31Being mountain fitPark runs Doing her first solo trip abroadHiking The Coronallacs Being able to switch off and spend time in natureWanting to go on more solo walksThe South West Coast Path Future plans and dreams to hike the Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand Zoleo How to connect with NicTrying to keep the website updatedFinal words of advice Getting out there and finding your community Try lots of things in the outdoor spaceFind what you love and dive in headfirst, you never know where it might lead Social Media Link for listeners to purchase the book - https://bit.ly/3REAjVU Website - adventurernic.com Facebook - @adventurer.nic.official Instagram - @adventurer.nic
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Ebaide Joy Udoh – Breaking Records on Two Wheels: A Solo Motorcycle Journey Across Africa

    Ebaide Joy Udoh – Breaking Records on Two Wheels: A Solo Motorcycle Journey Across Africa
    Jul 29 2025
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Ebaide Joy Udoh, a bold Nigerian adventurer and storyteller on a mission to make history. Ebaide is currently undertaking a solo motorcycle journey across Africa, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Journey by Motorcycle in Africa (Female). The current record to beat is 30,000 kilometers (19,000 miles)—and by the time she completes the final leg of her trip, Ebaide expects to reach an incredible 35,000 km (22,000 miles). But Ebaide’s story isn’t just about distance—it’s about determination, vision, and fearlessly carving a new path. From learning how to ride a motorcycle from scratch, to building a DIY camper van, to navigating complex visa issues with a Nigerian passport, her journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Ebaide shares the realities of solo travel across Africa—the beauty, the bureaucracy, the culture, and the challenges—and what fuels her unstoppable spirit. We dive into her creative approach to funding her travels, her charity work empowering girls in Nigeria, and her passion for storytelling through content creation. Get ready to be inspired by this fiercely independent woman who reminds us all: “You own your life. Don’t let fear cripple you—go for it.” 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 Ebaide JoyAdventure cyclist who has been riding around Africa Being in Lagos, Nigeria Currently in-between tripsNot growing up around motorcyclesHaving a desire to travelBuilding a camper van in 2022/2023 to go travelling Moving to a tuk - tuk Building a camper van from scratch in 3 months Travelling for 7 years - initially via backpacking Heading back to East Africa after the pandemicFunding her travelling adventures Having 2,000 followers on IG last year Working at midnight for a company in the Netherlands Being able to make funds from content creation, brand deals and gifted goods. Learning how to ride a bikeGoing to bike school to learn how to rideBuilding up her skills and becoming a fantastic riderWhat her adventure travels look like Moving from hotel to hotel Living a nocturnal lifestyle Travelling with a Nigerian passport and how it works with visas’sLanguages and being able to communicate on her travelsSpeaking/getting by in Swahili, French and English Applying for a Guinness World Record and what happened initially Longest Solo Motorcycle Ride Across Africa by a Woman.Needing to break 30,000 km and go through 7 countries at least Planning or going with the flowConnecting with the localsSharing the journey, the road, the food, the people, the police, the issues and the highlightsExploring as a road bike travellerThe issues with visa’s, borders and money Not playing the gameFighting and having nothing to loseMagical countries Never going back to Cameroon Solo travellerHaving a full lifeBeing busy at all the timeIntroverted but present as an extrovertNot having the time Being bored by people easily Raising money for charity - Ebaide Foundation Giving the girls training in tailoring, hair making, and catering3-month residential program focused on training, support, and purposePlanning the next adventure Naming her bike Aurora - light in darknessHow to connect with Ebaide onlineFollow your dreams, life is short, life does’t wait for you, time doesn’t wait for you. You own your life, you should control it, you should define it, you should make the most of it. Don’t let fear cripple you. You should go for it. Social Media Instagram: @go_ebaide Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/GoEbaide TikTok: @go__ebaide Twitter: twitter.com/official_ebaide Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/goebaide
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    33 mins