Jessica Hepburn - Unlikely Everest Summiteer. Inspiring people to #livebigandbrave when life doesn’t go to plan. Author of Save me from the Waves.

Carly Fillis - Living a Freestyle adventure lifestyle. Tour leader in the Middle East. Running horse riding trips in Mongolia and hiking in Jordan while creating her own fast packing adventures in-between.

After many years of adventureCarly found work as a Tour Leader in the Middle East for a couple of years and Syria became her home, immersing herself in to the community and culture she lived in Aleppo, Syria until March 2012.

Adventure, solitude, nature, and love for the deserts draw her back to the Middle East again and again. Gaining further knowledge and experience she worked as a freelance guide and led horse riding tours in Jordan and Georgia, and hiking and adventure tours in Sudan, Pakistan, Algeria, Oman, aswell as guiding in the ‘No go’ areas of Southern Iraq and finally back into Syria.

Over 10 years experience as a Tour Leader in the Middle East she is Qualified HEFAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training) and Wilderness First Aid trained, an experienced horse rider and Paraglide licence holder.

***

Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visitwww.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcastto be a part of this important movement.

Thank you for your invaluable support!

***

Show notes

• Who is Carly
• Living a unique lifestyle
• Working as a freelance guide in the Middle East and Central Asia
• Wanting to simplify her life so that she can live it
• Her love for adventure and travel
• Moving every 2 years due to her dad being in the Army
• Turning 18
• Deciding not to go down the university route and wanting to travel instead
• Feeling liberating
• Being a scared child
• Deciding to face her fears
• Going on lots of solo adventures and being inspired to do even more
• Figuring it out as she went travelling around the world
• Facing the fear by doing it
• Changing in a shared dorm
• 42 years young!
• Wanting to explore the world and keep on travelling
• Henry David Thoreau quote
• Age 27 and having another pivotal trip in Namibia
• Being inspired by other people living as guides
• Working as a tour leader in the middle east
• Living on the brink of the unknown
• Wanting to experience and feel communities
• Going with her feelings
• Falling in love with the middle east
• Knowing there was more than her 9 to 5 life
• Living in Syria before the conflict (2010)
• Why it’s all about the people
• Making friends and building a community
• Working as a tour leader
• Living in different communities in Canada, Switzerland and Florida
• Why time is more important than money
• Her love for running in the mountains, sleeping in a bivvy bag
• Wanting to live a life, where she is able to do all the things that are really important to her
• Learning how to paraglide
• Saying yes to lots of things
• Living a frugal life
• Riding horses and taking a horse riding tour to Mongolia
• Women and safety while travelling in the middle east
• The importance of having respect
• Setting updowntoearthtravel.co.ukwith Kara Cheshire
• Can you travel too much?
• Feeling travel burnout
• When travel lost its purpose
• Advice for women who want to make a change
• Letting go of attachments
• Starting to doubt her life choices during covid
• Training to run around Mount Blanc
• The covid years
• Having a routine and taking a big rest from the world
• Feeling scared and anxious before travelling again
• Getting older and dealing with the future
• Building a tiny home in an orchard
• Doing mini adventures and finding the sweet spot
• Guiding in Mongolia
• Getting serious with her running and building up time on feet
• Ultimate Direction - Fast Packing Pack
• Advice for women who want to be more adventurous and travel more
• How plans can change and evolve and why you don’t need to have it all figured out before you start.

Social Media

Website: www.downtoearthtravel.co.uk

Instagram: @carly_fillis

Carol Devine: Researcher, writer, artist, climate activist and humanitarian professional. From Antarctica's Ice to Scotland's Seas, A Journey of Activism and Adventure.

Carol Devine embodies a diverse array of roles, seamlessly intertwining her work as a researcher, writer, artist, climate activist, humanitarian professional, and explorer. Her pursuits range from spearheading groundbreaking ecological expeditions to championing causes such as combating plastic pollution and empowering women in adventure sports.

She spearheaded the first civilian volunteer ecological expedition in Antarctica, collaborating with the Russian Antarctic Expedition. Additionally, Carol has actively participated in and documented environmental initiatives, such as Clean Up Svalbard, near the North Pole.

Despite limited sailing experience, Carol eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn alongside seasoned sailors and fellow advocates combating plastic pollution. She recently embarked on an all-female expedition with eXXpedition, circumnavigating Scotland to conduct research and raise awareness about the global plastic crisis while championing women's presence in adventure sports.

Carol's dedication to environmental and social causes is further evidenced by her membership in prestigious organizations such as The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research Humanities and Social Sciences Expert Group and The Explorer's Club.

***

Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visitwww.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcastto be a part of this important movement.

Thank you for your invaluable support!

***

Show notes

• Who is Carol
• Her early years
• Growing up in Canada
• Going to university to study English Literature
• Wanting to visit Antarctica, but going with a purpose
• Being inspired by people around her
• Taking the opportunity when it came available
• Wanting to help clean up Antarctica
• The Antarctic Treaty
• Collaboration and working with others
• Working with Wendy Truslerhttps://www.wendytrusler.ca/
• Book: Ode To Antarctica - Antarctic cultural history book based on a civilian ecological cleanup expedition 42 recipes, pix, journals. HarperDesign.
• Crossing the Drake Passage
• How the experience changed her
• Applying to Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
• How art fits into the work
• Telling the story of their Antarctica expedition through food and imagery while discussing serious issues
• Heading to Svalbard, to do a clean up operation
• Using art to talk about serious stories
• Getting involved with eXXpedition (a non-profit organisation that runs pioneering all-female sailing research expeditions at sea and virtual voyages on land to investigate the causes of and solutions to ocean plastic pollution)
• Emily Penn - Tough Girl Podcast (Jul 12, 2016)
• Emily Penn - Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA (Jan 9, 2020)
• Wanting to learn how to sail
• The challenges of sailing and dealing with sea sickness
• The lessons learned and the takeaways from the experience
• Having an international scope but working locally
• Presenting their finding to the Scottish Parliament
• TEDxMontrealWomen: Ocean Love: Cleaning Up Our Plastic Mess
• Advice for people regarding plastic pollution
• #OceanOptimism
• The little things/small actions you can do to make a difference
• Project: Hello/Goodbye Glaciers
• Learning about glaciers in Iceland, Canada, Switzerland, Alaska and Argentina
• Code Red for Humanity
• The impacts of the glaciers receding
• Future projects
• See Change Initiative
• How to connect with Carol
• Final words of advice for other women and girls
• Taking the opportunities when they come
• Making a commitment and seeing it through
• Risk, discomfort and challenge
• LEAP!!!

Social Media

Website: www.caroldevine.info

Instagram: @antarcticcookandclean

Gráinne Moss: Navigating Open Waters - Expert Advice from arguably Irelands most accomplished female open water swimmer. First Irish woman to swim Cook Strait (2001) Foveaux (2022), Lake Taupō (2021) and the Channel of Bones in Hawaii (2023).

Gráinne Moss is arguably Irelands most accomplished female open water swimmer.

At 16 she was the first female to represent Ireland in open water swimming at the World Championships.

At 17 she became the first Irish woman to swim the English Channel. She has continued to achieve many firsts including the first Irish woman to swim Cook Strait (2001) Foveaux (2022), Lake Taupō (2021) and the Channel of Bones in Hawaii (2023).

Gráinne holds three Triple Crowns of Open Water Swimming (awarded when a swimmer has completed three of the toughest swims in any nation) - including appropriately the Irish and New Zealand Triple Crowns given she was born in Ireland and moved to New Zealand in 1998.

Since 2022 Gráinne has teamed up with Kenzie's Gift to use her swims as an opportunity to raise vital funds for this important charity which cares for children and young people who have experienced serious loss and grief.

Her next adventure is in May this year when she will swim the famous straits of Gibraltar crossing from Africa to Spain.

***

Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visitwww.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.

Thank you for your invaluable support!

***

Show notes

• Who is Gráinne
• Being born in Ireland
• Emigrating to New Zealand at the end of the 90s
• Living in Wellington, New Zealand
• Representing Ireland and the first Open Water Swimming Championships (1986)
• Her early years and memories of water
• Being spotted as talented at swimming at 6 years old
• Wanting to better herself and try new things
• Swimming for Bangor Swim Club
• Making the transition to open water swimming
• Meeting people from around the world who loved open water swimming
• The pressure of swimming competitively and wanting to swim well
• Getting married and having 4 children
• Swimming through out the years
• Getting back into big swims in 2021
• Lessons learning from the big swims
• Making an emotional commitment to the swim
• Keeping motivated while waiting to compete the big swims
• Having her family involved in the big swims
• What the journey of a swim looks like
• Swimming the Channel of Bones in Hawaii (43km)
• Having anxiety and neves before the swim and feeling full of doubt
• Taking medication for sea sickness
• Swimming for charity - Kenzie’s Gift
• Training and maintaining swim fitness
• Working with a swim coach (Phillip Rush) and the importance of stretching
• The importance of recovery
• Handing changes in her body over the years
• Being aware of her body
• Not using a watch or GPS
• Learning how to train smart
• Nutrition while swimming and getting the fuel needed to complete the big swims
• Homemade leek and potato swims for the cold swims
• PURE Sports Nutrition
• The importance of feeding fast
• Digging deep and getting through the dark/tough moments
• Taking it one stroke at a time
• The next swim challenge in May
• Swimming from Spain to Morocco - The Straits of Gibraltar
• How to connect with Gráinne
• Final words of advice for new swimmers and swimmers who want to take it to the next level
• The power of finding your community

Social Media

Website: grainnemoss.com

Instagram: @swimirishkiwi

Charity: Kenzie’s Gift supports the mental health of tamariki (children) and mātātahi (young people) affected by serious illness or grief.

Link to Fundraising: winter-swim-challenge-2024.raiselysite.com/grainne-moss

Fatima Haidari: Shattering Stereotypes, Embracing Opportunities, and Pursuing Dreams as Afghanistan's First Female Tour Guide.

In this episode of Tough Girl Podcast, we explore the incredible journey of Fatima, from her early years in Afghanistan to her pursuit of education, independence, and empowerment in Italy.

Fatima's childhood was marked by challenges, but her curiosity and determination to learn led her to secretly educate herself. As Afghanistan's first female tour guide, she defied expectations and empowered herself economically.

Threatened by the Taliban, Fatima made the courageous decision to flee to Italy, where she faced new obstacles but persisted in pursuing higher education. Now, as a refugee with a passion for sharing her experiences, she continues to inspire others as a unique tour guide.

Fatima's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering spirit of women. Tune in to Tough Girl Podcast to hear her journey firsthand.

***

Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visitwww.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcastto be a part of this important movement.

Thank you for your invaluable support!

***

Show notes

• Who is Fatima
• Studying in Italy and working as a tour guide
• Her early years in Afghanistan
• Having 4 older brothers and 2 older sisters
• Working with the sheep as a shepherdess at age 7
• Not having school and not being able to study
• Being inspired by hearing people on the radio
• How her curiosity grew and her desire to learn more
• Starting to learn secretly
• Practicing her reading and writing in the sand
• Being able to go to school and study
• Thinking about her own future
• Witnessing the suffering of women in Afghanistan
• Wanting to live for herself
• Wanting to be independent and the person of her choice
• Becoming Afghanistan’s first female tour guide
• Graduating high school and wanting to go to University to become a journalist
• Convincing her mother first
• Researching the history of Afghanistan
• Making a Facebook account and connecting with people who travel and how that connection led to her tourist work
• Untamed Borders - an adventure travel company providing unparalleled access to some of the world’s most interesting and inaccessible places.
• Being able to earn more than her brothers and help to support her family
• Wanting to encourage more women to enter the tourist industry in Afghanistan
• Sharing her story on CNN
• Her journey to Italy
• Receiving warning that she was a target of the Taliban
• Not being able to say a proper goodbye to her family
• The challenges of getting into the airport to get on the plane
• Moving to Italy and building a new life
• Feeling mentally and physically lost and struggling to sleep
• Dealing with the aftermath and reliving the trauma
• Deciding to make changes in her life; getting a job, sorting out a university place, reading books and focusing on improving herself
• Her passion for continuing her education and getting accepted with a fully funded scholarship to study at University in Milan (BA in International Politics and Government)
• Being a refugee and having travel documents which allows her travel in Europe
• Visiting Iran and meeting up with her family
• Continuing to be a tour guide in a unique way
• How to connect with Fatima
• Her reason for wanting to travel to every country in the world.
• Final words of advice
• “You are powerful as a woman, don’t underestimate your power.”

Social Media

Instagram: @fatima.haidari786

Youtube: youtube.com/@fatimahaidari?si=6Tep5bklgaTWCUr4

Dr. Kaz Williams - Performance Psychologist, Certified Running Coach and Ultra Runner. Striving to help people discover their mettle.

Listen to Kaz on the Tough Girl Podcast as she shares her passion for running and helping individuals discover their inner strength. Kaz founded Mettle—a platform dedicated to empowering runners to conquer personal challenges, chase personal records, and train for specific distances. Mettle isn't just about running; it's about equipping runners with coaching plans, mental strategies, and unwavering support to thrive both on the track and in life. Drawing from her extensive academic background—holding a PhD in human behaviour and an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology—Kaz delves into the intricacies of human performance, particularly in the face of adversity.

Driven by a profound belief in the power of self-belief and self-discipline, Kaz shuns shortcuts in favour of cultivating a mindset geared towards achieving one's goals. Her relentless pursuit of excellence extends beyond coaching; it's woven into the fabric of her own running endeavours.

Kaz's trail running journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the rugged trails of Chamonix, France, where she tackled the Mont Blanc Marathon and UTMB races, to epic adventures like the Tahoe 200 (3rd F), Moab 240 (2nd F), and Ouray 100 (1st F), she continually pushes her limits.

Notably, Kaz completed 1 crazy loop at the legendary Barkley Marathon, and recently completed the daunting Last Annual Vol State, a 500K self-supported race across Tennessee.

Through it all, Kaz's message remains clear: When we harness our best selves and embrace the challenges that come our way, extraordinary achievements become possible.

Listen to Kaz share her story on the Tough Girl Podcast.

***

Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visitwww.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.

Thank you for your invaluable support!

***

Show notes

• Who is Kaz
• Living in Chamonix, France in 2010
• Studying architecture at University
• Joining the TA - Territorial Army and becoming a Personal Training Instructor (PTI)
• Doing a MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Working full time while studying and running
• Her trail running journey
• Learning about trail races
• Wanting to run the UTMB
• Running the Marathon de Mont Blanc
• Struggling with the UTMB in 2014
• Realising her mental game had let her down
• Wanting to learn/understand more about the mental side of physical challenges
• Losing focus and not being present while training and what you can do about it
• Ending up in a dark place and questioning what you are doing
• Why you need a strong WHY
• Signing up to do Tahoe 200
• The sacrifices and hard work which goes into training
• Suffering with audio and visual hallucinations
• Bears and Pizza!
• Running throughout the year
• Recovery after big races
• Being a plant based athlete
• Food and nutrition
• Using Training Peaks
• Where the name Mettle came from
• Coaching athletes and runners
• “We are stronger, braver and more capable than we realise”
• Being a fan of David Goggins
• Learning how to endure
• How to connect with Kaz
• Tips for self belief
• Our lives are the sum of our choices. The future depends on what we do in the present.
• Think about what you want to be doing and what you can do now to achieve that.

Social Media

Website www.mettlerunning.com

Instagram @mettlerunning

Personal Instagram @mountainkaz

Facebookwww.facebook.com/mettlerunning