Tough Girl Podcast

Easkey on Freedom, Mindfulness and Connection: Freedom - "I find freedom in movement, in nature, through new experiences. Freedom has the qualities of spontaneity, passion, flow, adventure, risk, independence and creativity. It's about expressing myself creatively, doing what matters most, and the power of play." Mindfulness - "I've always believed surfing is an amazing tool for a mindfulness practice. It's very much about mindfulness-in-movement. If I truly get into why I surf, it's because we can enter this heightened state of awareness – a flow state where, if even just for a moment, there's complete focus and immersion in the present." Connection - "Surfing helps me understand the meaning of connection. Surfing demands a letting go of expectations and requires our total presence in the moment so that we begin to take notice of our surroundings, to be a little awed and humbled through direct contact with nature." About Easkey: Easkey is the first Irish woman to be nominated for the Global WSL Big Wave Awards but there's more to Easkey than surfing. It is her intellect and her quest to learn and create change in an often unfair world that really defines her. A scientist, academic and social activist, with a PhD in Environment and Society, Easkey is always one to look in places others aren't for the answers to difficult questions. Her curiosity and passion for fairness and gender equality are the qualities that others to her. Named an 'Agent of Change' by Surfer magazine in their special Ocean Edition, her work is deeply influenced by the ocean and the lessons learned pioneering women's big-wave surfing in Ireland and the sport of surfing with women in Iran, which led her to be invited to give an inspiring TEDx talk: Just Add Surf. Her ground-breaking journey to Iran in 2013 introduced the sport of surfing to women and local communities and is featured in the award-winning documentary film, "Into the Sea". Passionate about facilitating creative & collaborative processes, she founded Like Water, a platform to explore innovative ways to reconnect with who we are, our environment and each other, through water. Easkey draws on the sea as an active metaphor to dive deep into the power of presence and embodiment of natural cycles. She designs and delivers international summits and global leadership programmes specialising in experiential learning, nature connection, immersive embodiment practices, community engagement and social impact, including the annual Wavemaker retreat in Portugal and Move Like Water retreat for women. She is the author of '50 Things to do by the Sea' and is currently finishing a new book called 'Saltwater in the Blood.' Easkey is a one off, wild hearted and free spirit. She's ridden some of the biggest days in Ireland; no audience, no blue skies, no golden sands, just her and a crew she trusts. Doing something she loves; chasing cold water mountains. You can listen to Easkey on the Tough Girl Podcast. New episodes go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out. The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Thank you. Show notes Who is Easkey and what she does Being a lover of the ocean Wanting to understand how we relate to the world Growing up by the beach Having a connection with the ocean Meeting other women who surfed Starting to compete at a young age The limited pathways for women in surfing What it was like in the early 90s Getting into free surfing and exploring new waves The link between science and surfing Being an agent of change by Surfer Magazine The sport of surfing with women in Iran How her relationship with surfing has changed The ripple effect Filming a documentary Spending time by the ocean The healing power of water Blue Health Book - Blue Mind: How Water Makes You Happier, More Connected and Better at What You Do Blue Mindfulness - How big wave surfing has taught me to live in the moment The mental training for big wave surfing Learning to trust her body Spending time away from the water How has surfing changed over the past 30 years Gender equality in surfing and the work being done to close the gender gap Representation in surfing and how do you create a more inclusive ocean How do you break down barriers and create more opportunities The work of Lauren Hill Book: She Surf: The Rise of Female Surfing Who are the women that have inspired Easkey The power of one women story The influence of mentors Meet Wolfie! (The dog!) Having the idea for the book and putting pen to paper Keeping a journal to keep track of her own thoughts Being full time in academia and wanting to write more freely Not seeing women in front of or behind the camera The feminine perspective of surfing and sharing that Plans for the future Working as a blue health researcher in relation to surf therapy Putting the science into practice Connect with Easkey The meaning behind her name and where her name comes from Final words of advice for women who want to get more ebb and flow in their life The power of breath Learning to let go in water Taking a moment to reset What to do if water holds fear for you Social Media Website: https://easkeybritton.com Instagram: @easkeysurf Twitter: @Easkeysurf Book: Saltwater in the Blood

Laura in her own words: "I'm a 35 yo Veterinary Surgeon, ultra/long distance cyclist, hiker and runner who loves having adventures... and this year, 2022 I plan to break the tandem around the World Record with my husband Stevie. I started out in life not at all sporty or fit but adventurous: white water kayaking, cycling, hiking and camping. I realised mid-twenties I wanted to get fitter as well and this coincided with meeting Stevie and being introduced to long distance cycling where I completes a range of long distance events on solo and Tandem including the infamous Paris-Brest-Paris solo and Lejog on a tandem. I then took up running and after a couple of false starts ran wainwright's coast to coast by myself in May with Stevie as support, 190miles in 5 days. We have also completed some of the more epic long distance walks I the UK such as Offas Dyke and the Pennine Way, camping along the way with our dog Geoffrey (as well as West Highland way, Ridgeway and Hadrians wall) 2022 is the big one though! 18,000 miles, 180 days, 2 people, 1 bike!! We set off in June to attempt to break the current Tandem World Record!" New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out. The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show notes Who is Laura Her passion for long distance cycling Growing up adventurous, but not being sporty when younger Getting into Lyrica! Drifting away from sports during uni and work Starting her fitness journey again Audax - a long distance cycling club Studying to become a Veterinarian Meeting Stevie at a beer festival First dates and getting the tandem bike out Never being a gym goer Getting back to the basics and building things gradually Say hello to the dogs!! What she loves about long distance cycling Being competitive with herself Her first 100 mile race The Super Randonneur award Tactics for riding on the bike as a team All Points North an unsupported cycling event across the north of England. The planning and the logistics Magical moments! The challenge for 2022! Deciding to cycle around the world on a Tandem!!! The route… Starting in Berlin, Germany 180 days… The money, the budget and paying for the challenge Getting the initial sponsorship Wanting to be sponsored by Alpkit The approx start date… 5th June 2022 Having supportive bosses The final bit of preparation and what's involved Riding throughout winter and getting use to riding in all weathers New podcast - Stoked to be here! How to follow along with the journey Final words of advice for other women who want to take on a big, exciting challenge Social Media Website: www.stelatandem.com Instagram: @SteLa_Tandem Facebook: SteLa Tandem Round the World Record Twitter: @SteLaTandem

Shilletha Curtis - Trail name "Dragonsky" is 30 years old and is from New Jersey, USA. She is an established writer and hiker and is inspiring to be the second Black woman to achieve the Triple Crown of hiking (The AT, PCT, CTD). She recently completed the Appalachian Trail and is preparing for the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). She graduated from Rutgers in 2014 and has worked in the social work and veterinary field for years. She is currently working as a freelance writer and is working on her book. Listen to Shilletha on the Tough Girl Podcast as she shares more about her life, her passion for hiking and spending time in the outdoors. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out. The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show notes Growing up in New Jersey, USA Graduating in 2014 with a degree in social work Getting into writing since Covid What her younger years were like Having a passion for reading Never being exposed to hiking Her journey of getting into the outdoors Getting into hiking in 2020 Hearing about the Appalachian Trail for the first time Getting obsessed with the AT and making the decision to thru-hike it Living from paycheck to paycheck Figuring out how to pay for the hike Joining AT Facebook Groups… Asking about her safety Dealing with racism and threats Being supported/sponsored by the Appalachian Trail Conservatory (ATC) Using the GoFundMe platform to raise funds for her hike Safety while on the trail Needing people at certain points for safety Not being excited while on the trail and just being scared Being a triple minority and always having to look and check behind her back at all times Journalling and writing while out in the woods Being exhausted Having a strategy for hiking the AT The Matrix World Listening to her body Wanting to experience freedom while hiking Starting the trail in February…. Dealing with the cold weather Her trail name and where it came from Connecting with a trail family Her summit day on October 5th 2021 Cover your poop! Loving the rock scrambling and feeling empowered and happy Feeling proud of herself Biggest lessons learned from the experience of spending 9 months on the trail The power of being present Learning how to live and what freedom means Wanting to live life how she wants to Sharing her journey and how people can follow along Working on new writing projects The significance of 29.5 Chasing the seasons Top pieces of advice for Black women who want to take on a challenge like hiking the Appalachian Trail Words to live your life by Why she's going to keep on hiking Social Media Instagram: @I_Am_Dragonsky Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IAmDragonsky Blog post - Not Just Another Hiker June 12, 2020

Helen in her own words: "Full time global hobo cycling the world on AU$100/week creating vlogs, blogs, and photo's as I go. On the road in one form or another since 2004. I left the UK with a round-the-world ticket on what should have been my 'year out' but never properly returned. Living out of a backpack ever since, I taught English in South Korea, travelling back overland along the Silk Road before emigrating to Australia in 2007 where a travel fundraising job meant I continued to move from place to place every week or two. In Australia I took up bicycle touring and in 2016 set out on an ambitious first bike tour through the outback along the Gibb River Road, Tanami, and Oodnadata tracks. In 2017 I returned to work for a year while training for and running the New York Marathon, before returning to full-time bicycle touring. In spring 2018 I set out into The Beast From The East to ride a loop of the UK coast and down to Sicily and back. In 2019 I rode up the Norwegian coast to the North Cape and back through the Baltic states. In early spring of 2020 I set out to Istanbul getting caught in lockdown in Germany, waiting and changing course as borders closed and reopened, finally arriving in Istanbul a year late in September 2021. Totalling 58,000kms over 5 years so far.. From here the plan is to continue on riding to Africa, via the the Middle East (pandemic & borders permitting!)" New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out. The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show notes Being a full time global hobo Where she is at the moment Her childhood and growing up in the UK Living in Australia for 10 years Going on a round the world gap year at 26 years Why she's never stopped travelling Taking up cycling over the past 4/5 years Taking the train from Asia back to Europe Finding a job teaching English in Korea Travelling back to the UK along the Silk Road Making the move to Sydney, Australia Not being into sports or fitness at a young age Getting into running in her early 30s Living on her bike since 2018 What are the realities of travelling on the road full time Her day to day routine while riding Cycling in the desert in Australia Enjoying her own company Magical moments from her trip Enjoying the type 2 fun Interacting with people from different countries Using Warmshowers Safety while travelling Using a spot tracker in Australia but not in Europe Getting robbed while in Greece The lessons learned from the experience Insurance…and the challenges of getting it while bike touring Bike gear and equipment Learning bike maintenance Wanting to spend time in Africa How covid impacted Hels while travelling Starting up Youtube and how it's going Travelling on AU $100 per week Living off savings and earnings from Patreon and Paypal Keeping costs down and budgeting Staying in her tent or Warmshowers hosts How she's uses her mobile phone and the power of free wifi Sharing her story on social media Being supported and encouraged by people online Thoughts while cycling Quick Fire Questions What to remember when things are getting hard Advice for wanting to be a full time Hobo and travelling full time Why you should start of small How to follow along with Hels and be kept upto date with what she's up to Social Media Instagram: @hels.on.wheels Facebook: @Helsonwheelswithmlt Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/helsonwheels?fan_landing=true Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UChGPMqRpwEtIHsDWR50pGZA

Nocciola The Drawer (Hazel Oakes) is an artist and designer from the UK. She has lived in 8 different countries, visited almost 40 countries between 5 continents. She's hiked the peaks of the Balkans, completed half marathons and the Athen's marathon. Hazel is military trained and has a joy for life, for sharing and inspiring other women to become more adventurous. Hazel has a nomadic spirit and feels her sense of community with women anywhere in the world. She specialises in bright, colourful, bold artwork that combines female characters with lively patterns. All with the aim to uplift, inspire, empower and celebrate women. She is inspired by the seasons, women, childlike imagination, travel, making the most of the moment, street art and graffiti. She spends her time illustrating, creating large murals and drawing on anything (paper, canvas, plates, walls). Nocciola The Drawer is spreading her joy of life one splash of colour at a time! New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out. The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show notes Who is Hazel Being based in Italy at the moment Her aims and goals Spreading her joy for life - one splash of colour at a time! Wanting to move her body and to follow her passions Being a creative explorer Where her passion for art and adventure came from Getting her creative side from her mum Getting her adventurous side from her dad Doing all the dance classes from a young age Her teenage years - and the pressure to get a normal job Loving art at school Wanting to learn about fashion design Joining the Officer Training Core OTC Following both of her passions The next step in her career Deciding to do a Masters course at Kingston University Working with brides and helping them to feel comfortable in their bodies Wanting more adventure and booking a one way ticket to Australia The different pathways and journeys that can be taken Spending time in Australia! Loving to travel and spending time in Canada and Italy What does Adventure mean to Hazel The why and the how of challenge The power of taking small steps Don't compare yourself to how other people have done it Living a nomadic lifestyle Taking advantage of the travel opportunities that become available Getting to know a new place Her love for walking and exploring Peaks of the Balkans Working as a trip manger in Italy Taking on new challenges every few years Dealing with the heat Why Nocciola? What it means Being a full time artist… Tips for being more creative Curiosity and amazement The Tough Girl Mural and how it came about Follow Hazel on line Future plans for 2022 Top tips and advice to motivate and inspire you Social Media Website: www.nocciolathedrawer.com Instagram: @nocciolathedrawer @nocciolatheexplorer Facebook: @nocciolathedrawer Youtube: Nocciola The Drawer

Bio written by her friend: "Sam, 47, has an interesting and diverse background, having Indian and English heritage and growing up between the UK, USA and Middle East. Over the past few years she has set herself multiple challenges raising money for charity or just doing for fun. In 2019, Sam set herself 12 challenges: Cold Water Swimming Championships 10K Winter run Climbing one of the more challenging routes up Snowdon Swimathon (5k swim) Great Northern SwimRun (Lake Windermere) Selkie Henley Classic - night / dawn swim SwimRun Tooting Bec Running a half marathon Not drinking any alcohol for 28 days Marathon run North Downs 50k walk Trekking two marathons in two days through the desert Unfortunately in late 2020, she was diagnosed with stage four cancer which was a huge blow to her, her family and friends. I certainly thought that would be the end of her adventuring and it felt immensely sad. However Sam has a remarkable positive energy and outlook on life and has been determined to carry on as normal. This year, while managing ongoing cancer treatment, she has already completed the Arcticbear swim challenge over winter, the 100km jurassic coast walk challenge, the great north 5km swim in lake Windermere, the lake Windermere trail walk challenge, The Selkie Henley classic 2km upstream swim at dawn, and Henley mile swim (I've probably missed more!). I have been lucky enough to share some of these adventures with her and have learnt so much along the way. From learning to enjoy those precious moments in the outdoors or in the water, to persevering even when things seem impossible. I think a lot of your listeners would benefit from hearing her story, knowing where she has come from, what she is battling today and her vision for the future." New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out. The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show notes Who is Sam Living inLondon with her husband and 2 boys Not being sporty growing up but enjoying spending time in the outdoors Moving to America at 8 years old Being put off running at a young age Going to boarding school in the UK Spending time abroad with family How her parents met Studying psychology and music at university Not following her passion at a young age Meeting her husband and moving to London Having her children at 39 and 42 Asking herself - What am I doing with my life? Needing to get her life back on track How having children changed her priorities Loosing her identity Signing up for a 100k walk from London to Brighton Getting to the half way point… Mind over matter and how it has played a huge part in her life especially in recent years Being inspired by Dr. Joe Dispenza Learning to believe in herself again Needing to make a lifestyle change Setting out in 2019 to do 12 challenges Cold water…. The challenges of lockdown and not being able to swim The power of consistency Planning 12 challenges at the end of 2018 Wanting to be prepared Involving her family in the training and the challenges Doing something that she's not good at The South Down's 50k Walk and taking on the desert Doing events with Ultra Challenge Going through woodland at nighttime Dealing with the heat of the desert 2020 and the challenges faced Wanting to make a career change Being diagnosed with breast cancer Stage 4 cancer and being given all the options Going through the menopause in 3 weeks Getting back into cold water and how it helped Starting treatment at home Taking on a 5k swim in Lake Windermere Balancing life, challenges, family and treatment Making sure the children are aware of what's going on The next 2 challenges… Wanting to take on a relay swim across the channel! Putting the group together Swimming for an hour at a time Getting swimming lessons Connect and follow with Sam Final words of advice for other women Do things that bring you joy Believe you can do it Social Media Website: walkingwithsam.com Coaching Website: www.samanthaturner.co.uk Facebook: @samantha.turner.1042 Linkedin: @samantha-jane-turner Fundraising pages with details about her challenges: www.justgiving.com/Samantha-Turner22 www.justgiving.com/fundraising/samantha-turner42

About Person Irresponsible in her own words: "In 2020 the world went to hell in a handbag. This isn't exactly headline news - although it was then. I went from perfectly locatable in the Cotswolds to utterly baffled in the American wilderness when I embarked on a quest to walk from Mexico to Canada for reasons that escape me. It was most probably nothing more dramatic than a mid-life crisis. Perhaps I should have come 'home' but I lived in the deluded optimism the pandemic would all be over by the summer. Besides, I'd given up my home: shoving my belongings into storage, persuaded someone to look after my cat and someone else to look after my car. I did think about returning but each time I popped into civilisation to top up my supplies, I discovered a new reason to run for the hills. So 'home' became a tent: a mere flimsy bit of fabric to protect me from every conceivable terror that exists in the wilderness - bears, rattlesnakes, deserts, avalanches and other human beings. Most dangerous of all was the racket inside my head. Everything you ever taught me is my journey, relying on nothing other than the twelve steps of recovery, teaching me to take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and one bloody ginormous mountain at a time as I staggered my way along the Pacific Crest Trail. As mid-life crises go, I remain utterly clueless why mine took me from my sofa to the Canadian border via the fridge, powered only by two chubby legs and a fat arse." New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out. The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show notes Being called Person Irresponsible (PI) What life was like before the mid-life crises Getting married and getting divorced How her home drinking increased and how it took over her life Turning 41 and failing at dry January and dry February Having a bigger problem than she wanted to admit to Joining Alcoholics Anonymous Following the 12 step program Learning more about herself Why it's never too late to make changes Applying for a permit for the Pacific Crest Trail Taking life more as it comes Being inspired by the film - "Wild" Getting obsessed with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) 6 months to plan and prepare Funding the challenge March 17th…. Learning to deal with her anxiety Learning to not worry about the future The ethics behind the decision to walk the PCT during the pandemic Trail angels and life on the trail The first mile on the PCT When the doubts crept in What it was like spending time alone in nature Learning how to switch off her thoughts Attending online AA meetings while on the trail Making connections on the trail and waking with other people Wanting to write a book about the journey Carrying a laptop on the trail!!! Magical moments from the trail Losing a close friend Wanting to quit every single day Not knowing how she would finish the final 500 miles The simple joy of a hot bath Putting the book together Connect with PI and how to buy the book Final words of advice for women going through a mid-life crisis Social Media Website: www.mlconaquad.com Instagram: @person_irresponsible Facebook: @person.irresponsible.3 Twitter: @BikeMlc Book: Everything You Ever Taught Me: If you've a lot on your mind, go for a walk…

Leah was born in Canada, conceived in Israel, and raised in Vancouver, B.C. by new immigrant parents. Growing up in Richmond, B.C., daughter of a boxer. Leah became involved in martial arts, Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing. After being told she should never fight again because she had herniated disks in her back, Leah won the Bantamweight World Kickboxing Championship at age 17, against a 25 year old fighter a foot taller than she was! Leah felt a deep desire to serve her time in the Israeli Army, (a mandatory 2 years for women and 3 years for men). Leah knew that she wouldn't be satisfied just being a soldier, she wanted to become the first woman ever to be an Elite Commando. She didn't just become an elite commando, she became a Krav Maga specialist, and became the first female Elite Commando Instructor. After leaving the Army, Leah pursued a career as a professional cyclist in Europe and North America. After a serious accident in 2005, Leah spend 2.5 months in the hospital where she was informed by doctors that she would never race again, let alone walk without a cane. Leah proved them all wrong, and came back stronger than ever before, she went on to win the Women's Solo Division of Race Across America (RAAM) - the Ultra Endurance, 3000 Mile, 12 day, single stage race in 2011, and coming in second in the women's division and fifth overall in 2019. She came back again in 2021 and at 52 years old made history by becoming the 1st female ever to WIN the overall SOLO division of RAAM. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out. The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show notes Her background in athleticism Joining the IDF - Israel Defence Force Discovering the bike Wanting to become a pro racer at 30 Discovering ultra endurance racing Her childhood and growing up Dealing with bullies Her dreams for the future Being one of the only female instructors Training the elite soldiers/commandoes Krav maga as a martial art Learning how to defend yourself How you can train your mind Making the transition from the military to a different way of life Deciding to become a pro racer and taking 8 years to get to her goal Wanting to stay and keep physically active Being a professional cyclist and living out of her bag The pressure to perform and to reach the podium Her love and passion for cycling Using cycling as therapy Race Across America (RAAM) Needing to qualify for RAAM Why it's a one year process and why you need a good crew The planning and preparation for the race Why your crew is the most important thing Replicating the race in her training Working with trainer - John Howard Why you have to cross the finish line Learning lessons from her first experience of RAAM in 2011 Recovery from training and keeping her body injury free Keeping fit and active and doing things for fun Not smoking, not drinking and being plant based Focusing on core work and strength work The key of being consistent The challenging condition of RAAM in 2021 Dealing with extreme heat Limits and suffering Being 52 and dealing with menopause The mental side of challenges and mental resilience Learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable Being prepared for the worst in every scenario Being mentally ready for the challenge Staying focused and looking at the positive things Working with her crew Nutrition and bodily functions Needing to feel comfortable on the bike Suffering from Shermer's Neck Dealing with failure and going after it again Doing the things she has a passion for Not wanting to live a life of regret Writing her book No Limits Quick Fire Questions Connect with Leah Social Media Website: leahgoldstein.com Instagram: @goldstein_leah_ Facebook: @leahgoldstein1 Twitter: @NoLimitsLeah Youtube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCJh1irQOXvIYF-tnn370IlQ Book: No Limits: The powerful true story of Leah Goldstein-World Champion Kickboxer, Ultra Endurance Cyclist, Israeli Undercover Police Officer

Kristen (she/her) is originally from Toronto and has been living in the Northwest Territories for nearly four years. Kristen is a former journalist that enjoys writing about social issues and outdoor lifestyles. When she's not cooking delicious meals, Kristen can be found exploring the Northwest Territories and promoting diversity in outdoor spaces with her organization Amplify Outdoors. About Amplify Outdoors: "Amplify Outdoors was established to elevate and encourage diversity in outdoor spaces. Recognizing a lack of representation of people of colour (POC) and marginalized groups in marketing campaigns geared towards outdoor lifestyle, Amplify Outdoors hopes to change existing narratives that perpetuate societal stereotypes about 'who' should enjoy nature and 'who' is considered outdoorsy. Amplify Outdoors believes that representation is important, and we strive to provide products that empower and amplify diversity in outdoor landscapes and activities. Ultimately, our goal is for outdoor spaces to be inclusive and safe for everyone to enjoy, because 'Nature is for Everyone'." Listen to Kristen now! New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out. The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show notes Who is Kristen Relocating to the Northwest Territories in Canada (the subarctic) Making the decision to make a change in her life Growing up in Toronto Being a city girl at heart Not being given the opportunity to spend time outdoors hiking and camping Wanting a more laid back lifestyle and a slower pace of life Looking for a new job Moving to Yellowknife Wanting to take advantage of the opportunity Wanting to have new experiences Moving in January Going with the flow of life The transition from the city to the country Being shocked at how expensive housing was Getting use to the darkness Creating a routine and making new friends Her first experience with hiking and spending time outdoors Wanting to bring people with her on the journey Feeling the power of nature and the benefits for her mind Seeing the beauty in nature Documenting her journey The women who inspire Kristen Matthew Henson - 1st person and first Black man to reach the North Pole Founding Amplify Outdoors and what's its goal and purpose is Building a supportive community Looking to create more events in 2022 Advice for Black women for getting into the outdoors Acknowledging the barriers for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) who want to go outdoors Why you should start slow Nature makes me feel…. Chasing waterfalls How you can connect with Kristen Plans for the future Social Media Personal Website/blog: www.Twentiesandfabulous.com Personal Instagram: @Travel_Adventurehers Amplify Outdoors. 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚. 𝐀𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬 Website - www.amplify-outdoors.com Instagram - @AmplifyOutdoors

Eleanor Carey is the first Australian woman to row across the mid-Pacific Ocean. Rowing 2,400 miles from California to Hawaii. Spending 62 days at sea in a 7.5m ocean rowing boat with two other women, as she battled extreme seasickness, sleep deprivation, multiple hurricanes and forty foot waves to set two Guinness World Records as part of a trio. A true adventurer at heart, Eleanor has also cycled solo across Europe, conquered a 100km ultra-marathon and completed many more multi-day human powered journeys worldwide. Through these extreme journeys, Eleanor has learned the power of adventure therapy and nature's ability to assist in healing, overcoming trauma and to fuel personal growth. Eleanor is driven to help others experience the power of adventure for themselves, improve wellbeing and nurture the ability to step into the unknown. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out. The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show notes Being based in Australia on the gold coast Using adventure to help people build grit and resilience Her adventure story What her childhood was like Moving over the UK and not knowing anyone Being inspired by - Cycling home from Siberia by Rob Lilwall Taking a year before taking action Not knowing many women doing these types of challenges Taking action - the HOW Thinking about taking on a cycle journey How her Europe cycle trip came about Booking a one way flight to Norway… The fears and concerns before the trip Having 3 months to get sorted Wanting to try The reality of cycling day after day Why it was one of the best things she's ever done The challenges while out on the road The internal dialogue and dealing with it Using adventure as a building block Looking for a career change Being a planner and a goal setter? Being willing to try anything once Making a career change Moving back to Australia and setting up an innovation hub The path to ocean rowing and being inspired by Losing site of Shore Connecting with Pacific Terrific Saying yes to the opportunity with 6 weeks to go Would it be possible to get the qualifications in time The mental side of preparation Team dynamics…. in a trio Having open conversations Expectations versus reality of the row Learning to get comfortable with being uncomfortable Tips for getting through the day Managing her mental health while out on the ocean Being better while on the ocean The simple way of living while rowing Magical moment from rowing across the Pacific Ocean Feeling safe while out on the water and being at peace How the row changed her Writing a book about her experience Crossing the finish line Final words of advice to motivate and inspire you Social Media Website: www.eleanorcarey.com Instagram: @eleanorjcarey Twitter: @eleanorcarey