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  • Emma Karslake, FRGS, is an adventurer, writer and cycle tour guide who has spent much of the past eight years exploring the world by bike.

    Emma Karslake, FRGS, is an adventurer, writer and cycle tour guide who has spent much of the past eight years exploring the world by bike.
    Feb 17 2026

    From ultra-light hotel bikepacking on a road bike to six-month expeditions in remote regions on a heavily laden hybrid, Emma has experienced nearly every form of bike travel, including ultra-endurance racing.

    She is a passionate advocate for slow travel as a means to reconnect with nature, embrace minimalism, and discover alternative ways of living. Her travels have shaped a deep commitment to sustainability, wild camping with minimal impact, and challenging the idea of nature as a park or playground, separate from our everyday lives. You can sign up to her newsletter for monthly updates and tips.

    She is particularly keen to empower others, especially women, to embrace solo adventures, and she shares both practical guidance and philosophical reflections through her writing and events.

    ***

    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 Emma
    • Working as a cycling journalist and tour guide
    • Moving around a lot and not really having a home base
    • Currently writing a guidebook on French Guiana
    • Having a normal childhood and not being particularly sporty
    • Growing up in France and starting running at 16
    • Running and rowing throughout university
    • Taking a gap year after university and heading to South America in 2016/2017
    • Fundraising for 6 months before starting from Ushuaia and heading to Lima in Peru.
    • Having a very small/tight budget
    • Wild camping as much as possible
    • What it was like on the trip - starting in January and dealing with prevailing winds all the way
    • Travelling in a group of 3 and what it was like
    • Being totally tolerant for a month
    • Doing a few more little trips, before heading with her partner on a European cycle trip
    • Journaling on the trip and writing a little bit each evening
    • Her bike set up and how it's changed over the years
    • Getting a vintage road bike, a carbon road bike, a gravel bike….
    • Dealing with saddle sores
    • Brooks Leather Saddle
    • Planning and logistics
    • Spreadsheets….
    • Route planning and starting with google, to find official routes, or to see if other people have created a route
    • bikepacking.com
    • komoot.com
    • Thoughts on being brave
    • Managing personal fears
    • Encountering risk in everyday life
    • Following gut instinct
    • Moving away from being a nice girl
    • Travelling on your own
    • Being allowed to change your mind
    • Deciding to do more cycling competitions
    • Ultra races and why the winners are the ones who sleep the least
    • Trying out new challenges
    • How expensive ultra endurance races can be
    • The joy of long trips and how it can change your perspective of time
    • The dream 6 month to a year trip
    • Wanting to go back to South America or cycling from Europe to Asia
    • Being content with taking her time on trips
    • The cycling guidebook about French Guiana.
    • How to connect with Emma online
    • Final words of advice for other women who want to go on adventures and discover more of the world
    • Do it in a simple and gradual way.
    • The power of keeping it simple

    Social Media

    Website: www.emmakarslake.com
    Newsletter: www.emmakarslake.com/newsletter
    Insta: @emma_up_cycles
    Linkedin: Emma Karslake
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    45 Min.
  • Lorraine Lewis: Author of Dare to Dream, Ultra Runner, and Co-founder of The Lewis Foundation

    Lorraine Lewis: Author of Dare to Dream, Ultra Runner, and Co-founder of The Lewis Foundation
    Feb 10 2026
    Lorraine Lewis is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Lewis Foundation, an award-winning cancer charity providing free gift packs and ongoing support to adult cancer patients across 17 hospitals in the Midlands. Founded from lived experience, the charity has become a lifeline for thousands of people diagnosed with cancer. Beyond her role as a charity leader, Lorraine is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring audiences ranging from school children to corporate professionals. She has delivered talks for organisations including The Eden Project, the European Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and AJ Bell, sharing powerful messages of resilience, purpose and hope. Lorraine's remarkable journey has captured national attention. She has been featured in publications such as The Sun and HELLO! Magazine, and has appeared on Channel 4 News, highlighting her work and personal story. Her dedication to community service has been recognised through numerous accolades, including the HELLO! Magazine Inspiration Award, Great British Entrepreneur Award, and the prestigious Prime Minister's Point of Light Award. In recognition of her services to cancer, Lorraine was recently invited to meet Their Majesties The King and Queen. In addition to her charitable work, Lorraine is an author, with her memoir Dare To Dream chronicling her journey from lawyer to charity founder. She also hosts the podcast "See Through The Big C", amplifying the voices of those living with cancer, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals. A passionate artist, Lorraine discovered her love for art in her forties and continues to explore creativity alongside her enthusiasm for fitness, including HYROX competitions, running, and ultra-distance challenges—living proof that it's never too late to dream, create, and push beyond perceived limits. *** 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 LorraineBeing based in NorthamptonCo-founder of The Lewis Foundation which supports cancer patients in hospital Writing her book, 'Dare to Dream' Her early years growing up Not being sporty and always trying to get out of PEBeing into reading and writing Her dream of wanting to become a barristerBeing supported and encouraged by her parentsHer determination and resilience Not knowing how she would achieve her goals Doing old school research by heading to the libraryCreating her own opportunities to gain the experiences she needed Doing the Bar Vocational Course Not having time for sport or physical activity £50k of student debt….Being determined to make it happenDealing with challenges and changesHow it changed their lifeStarting to question everything and why there must be more to lifeWhat can be done?Wanting to make people feel betterDealing with cancer, death and griefSupporting people with cancerBringing joy to peoples daysGetting into fitness and ultra running to raise funds for the charityDeciding to sign up to do a Tough Mudder (Obstacle Run) Wanting to push herself more physically and step outside her comfort zone Running out of money for the charityHow Mike supported the charity with a £50k donation The kindness of strangers Deciding to take on the 3 Peaks Challenge Taking on more and more running challengesBeing consumed by the Lewis Foundation and starting to neglect herselfRat Race The Wall Discovering Hyrox Getting back on her feet and being more active and more healthy Starting to feel stronger mentally and more resilient to handle challengesJanuary 2025 - and doing her vision board and goals for the yearDeciding to sign up for the 70 mile raceNot training for the ultra in the best way…Being at the start of the race The struggle during the race and crossing the finishing lineFeeling physically broken but knowing it was her mental resilience that got her across the finish lineThe mental side of running 70 milesSetting a big challenge for 2026Taking on a 100 mile ultra! The Rat Race Castle to Castle The Lewis Foundation will be celebrating it's 10th Anniversary in 2026 Starting to follow a specific running program Being pushed in her trainingMaking sure to eat better The challenges of fuelling while being coeliac Feeling in a much better place physically Needing to exercise at 6amTraining about 35 hrs a weekWhat is the race strategy….Breaking down the training Fuelling her training and needing to eat more Not being afraid to consume food—especially carbsTaking supplements to help with iron levels Creatine and omega...
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    57 Min.
  • Alexandra Nemeth: Beyond the Seven Summits — Highs, Lows, and Life in Extreme Places.

    Alexandra Nemeth: Beyond the Seven Summits — Highs, Lows, and Life in Extreme Places.
    Feb 3 2026
    Alex is a qualified International Mountain Leader, Polar Guide, and a professional Photographer based in St. Moritz, Switzerland. From scaling the world's highest peaks to leading expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica, she thrives where the wild meets the extreme. Her passion for high-altitude exploration took her on a relentless quest; climbing the highest mountain on every continent, culminating on the summit of Mt. Everest in 2018. She became the first ever Hungarian to climb the Seven Summits. This journey ignited her mission to guide others through the raw beauty of the mountains and beyond. In the winter, she guides private snowshoe and fat bike around St. Moritz; in the summer, she leads exhilarating hiking and mountain biking adventures across the Alps. Between her Alps seasons, she's found working in the Polar regions (Antarctica: guide, zodiac driver, lecturer and lead crevasse rescue guide. Arctic: guide, zodiac driver, lecturer and polar bear guard) Her expertise extends far beyond Europe, guiding bespoke expeditions across the globe. An endurance athlete at heart, Alex is always chasing the next adventure—whether Polar ski crossing, racing mountain bikes, or pushing limits in the mountains. As a professional photographer and drone pilot, she uses her lens to capture the world's most remote landscapes, advocate for environmental conservation, and document the stories of the Polar regions. Her work is deeply inspired by mountains, polar history, pioneering female explorers, and the delicate balance of nature. In her recent book: Beyond the Seven Summits: Finding Strength Where the Air is Thin, Alex shares her experiences of climbing these mountains, and she also explores the journey that shaped who she is today: all the highs and lows. I hope to bring these peaks closer to readers by including short historical notes alongside each climb and sharing everything she learned along the way. The book is also rich in photographs, helping to bring both the stories and these beautiful mountains vividly to life. First TGP episode - August 25th 2020 - Alexandra Nemeth the first Hungarian to climb the 7 summits! *** 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 AlexBeing born in Hungary, but spending most of her adult life in the UKDeciding to move to the Swiss Alps to work as an International Mountain LeaderClimbing the 7 Summits and becoming the first Hungarian to do soComing on the Tough Girl Podcast - August 25th 2020 What's been the biggest changes over the past few years Making the decision to move from the UK to Switzerland Having a plan to live in the mountains Waiting for the right opportunity. Packing up her car in 2020What life has been like in Switzerland Being a qualified Mountain Bike Guide The Next chapter in her lifeBecoming an International Mountain Leader (IML)Working 2 part time jobs to make a living Finding a community in Switzerland Ending up doing things on her own Needing to prioritise herself and gaining her qualifications Focusing on navigation The 4 stages of the IML Becoming a polar guide Getting a job on an expedition ship What is ship life like?Documenting her journey in a book!Connecting with nature can be incredible powerfulDealing with her fears, most noticeably her fear of heightsChoosing to heal in nature Turning her passion into a jobPutting together expeditions to PeruKeeping it fun and exciting Planning for adventures and expeditions How to start and why you need to build things upBeing on a ship for the next 2 monthsInternational Women's Day 8th March 2025Free Snowshoe Tour for Women!Doing a hut to hut tour!Teaching women winter survival skillsHow to connect with Alex on social media Advice who want to follow their dreams and passionsDon't let excuses stop you on your way. Stay on the path, even if you have to slow down. Live your life without excuses! Social Media Website alex7summits.com Instagram @alex7summits Email: alex7summits@gmail.com Book: Beyond the Seven Summits: Finding Strength Where the Air is Thin
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    43 Min.
  • Bonita Norris – Mountains, Mindset, Motherhood and Mastering the Impossible

    Bonita Norris – Mountains, Mindset, Motherhood and Mastering the Impossible
    Jan 27 2026
    Bonita Norris became the youngest woman to reach both the summit of Mt Everest at just 22 and the North Pole at 23, and her story is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, she shares the journey that took her from school trips in North Wales to climbing some of the world's highest peaks, navigating extreme environments, and pushing the limits of what's possible. Bonita reflects on the early steps that built her career in mountaineering—starting with beginner climbing courses, funding her expeditions, and preparing for the Himalayan peaks. She opens up about the mental and physical challenges of summiting Everest, managing fear in remote and hostile environments, and how these experiences shaped her life and perspective. Now a mother of two, Bonita also discusses how she balances adventure with family life, inspiring her children to embrace courage and curiosity. From attempting K2 to climbing the Matterhorn after an eight-year hiatus, she emphasises the importance of showing up, trusting the process, and meeting opportunity with determination. Whether you're chasing literal mountains or metaphorical ones in your own life, Bonita's insights, lessons in bravery, and personal stories will motivate you to take the next bold step. *** 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 Bonita The youngest person to have reached both the summit of Mt Everest (age 22) and the North Pole (age 23)Book: The Girl Who Climbed Everest (2022) Mother of 2 childrenGrowing up and her early years Going on a school trip to North Wales and loving every moment of hiking in the mountains Finishing her A'levels and going off to South America to climb to Machu Picchu at 18Not realising she could make a career out of mountaineeringAlison Hargreaves's dying on K2 in 1995 Mothers and taking risksBeing in her 2nd year at university and going to a mountaineering talk at the Royal Geographical Society Realising that she wanted to climb and wanting to climb Mt Everest I don't know how, but I'm going to make it happenBeing inspired and maintaining the inspiration/motivationWhy it felt so meaningful 2 years - 24 months to gain the skills, knowledge and fundingStarting with a beginners climbing courseWorking backwards from her goalCompleting the smaller milestones and trusting in the processFunding and paying for everythingHeading off on her first Himalayan Expedition - Manaslu (eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres (26,781 ft))Getting a job, using her student loan and receiving a grant from her universityHaving 6 months to find £50k to join her team going to Everest.Getting out of bed bad making another callSpeaking with Capital FM on the radioHow everything turned aroundGetting the money, getting the sponsorshipWhy you don't need to be an Olympic Athlete to climb Everest Why you need to work on the actual problem - don't work around the problem Fitness before heading of to Nepal Doing multi-days of training without restIf you want to get good at climbing mountains, climb mountainsReflecting back on the experience Worrying about what may go wrong on the mountainReaching the summit and how it's changed her lifeUnderstanding the risks at 22Thoughts on letting her children climb EverestClimbing Everest with her daughter in the futureAttempting to climb K2 and managing fear in remote, hostile environmentsEncouraging bravery and courage in her children Climbing the Matterhorn in 2025 after 8 years off climbing Not knowing if she would still enjoy itTaking the time to figure out what is nextHow you can connect with BonitaFinal words of advice Put yourself out there and luck will meet you half way You have to show up Social Media Website: www.bonita-norris.com Linkedin: Bonita Norris
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    51 Min.
  • Jacquetta Megarry – Founding Rucksack Readers, Walking Adventures, and Building Confidence in the Outdoors

    Jacquetta Megarry – Founding Rucksack Readers, Walking Adventures, and Building Confidence in the Outdoors
    Jan 19 2026
    Jacquetta Megarry didn't grow up in the outdoors, and she certainly didn't see herself as an adventurer—or a publisher. But turning 50 sparked a journey that would transform her life. From walking the West Highland Way with friends to summiting Mt Kilimanjaro, Jacquetta discovered the power of pacing yourself, listening to your body, and building unshakeable self-belief. Her adventures inspired her to found Rucksack Readers, a guidebook company that helps hikers navigate trails around the world. Over 25 years later, Jacquetta shares stories from her experiences—from hiking in the UK during Storm Amy, to trekking the Inca Trail, to exploring Antarctica—along with lessons on making mistakes, learning from them, and embracing challenges at any age. In this episode, Jacquetta shares how stepping outside your everyday life can open doors to new passions, transform confidence, and even create a career doing what you love. She offers practical tips for hikers, insights into publishing, and encouragement for women ready to explore the world on their own terms. This episode is for you if you: Want inspiration to start a new adventure at any ageDream of hiking, trekking, or exploring the outdoorsAre curious about publishing guidebooks and sharing your knowledgeBelieve it's never too late to embrace challenges and grow Ready to be inspired? Hit play and let Jacquetta take you on a journey of mountains, maps, and life-changing adventures. *** 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 JacquettaGrowing up in London and going to school thereLiving all her adult life in Scotland Living in EdinburghFounding Rucksack Readers a guidebook company Not being sporty or into the great outdoors at a young ageTurning 50 and deciding to go and walk the West Highland Way with 4 female friends to celebrate 200 years of womanhood Feeling dissatisfied with the official guidebookThis frustration lay dormant for 18 months Heading off to climb Mt Kilimanjaro for the first time and why the altitude was a great levellerHow climbing Kilimanjaro gave her the self belief in order to make a career change Going from working in IT to starting a guidebook company The importance of pacing yourself and listening to your bodyBuilding self belief on the mountain How only 9 out of the 16 made it to the summitFeeling health, taking photos and enjoying the experience Doing something so far outside your normal everyday life and how it can make you think differently about lifeBecoming a publisher and having the confidence to think you can write a guidebook after one experienceDeciding to do the Inca Trail in 2001 and the challenges involved in gathering the info for a guidebook Why would you not want the paper to be rainproof?Hiking the Dales Way during Storm AmyCreating little map booklets for hikers (waterproof)Apps verses Guidebooks Planning a walk with ChatGPTThe structure of the guidebookMapping and keeping route information updatedBeing a volunteer - on the Xtreme Everest Project Dealing with altitude sickness - keeping well hydrated and monitoring her heart Maintaining a base level of fitness…Celebrating 25 years of Rucksack ReadersWriting about the mistakes made in publishingTalking about failure and mistakes and the lessons made Visiting Antarctica and wanting to go sea kayaking and see the emperor penguins Dealing with the cold and the conditions on the ship How her hiking has changed now entering her 70sThe joy of being a publisher and being able to follow her passionsFuture challenge and revisiting the Dales WaySuccession planning for Rucksack ReadersHaving a year of consolidation and looking after the futureHow to connect with Jacquetta and Rucksack ReadersDiscount code for the listeners of the Tough Girl Podcast—use toughgirl for a 20% discount of all books Final words of advice for other women who want to go on more adventures and challenges around the worldMistakes and being afraid of getting it wrong. Get out there, make the mistakes, and be sure to learn from them. Social Media Website: rucsacs.com use toughgirl for a 20% discount off books - valid until 20th January 2027 Instagram: @rucksack_readers Facebook: Rucksack Readers
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    41 Min.
  • Sabrina Pace-Humphreys – UTMB, Trail Running, and Building Community: The Journey of a Runner and Advocate

    Sabrina Pace-Humphreys – UTMB, Trail Running, and Building Community: The Journey of a Runner and Advocate
    Jan 15 2026
    Sabrina Pace-Humphreys is back on the Tough Girl Podcast for her third appearance, sharing her incredible journey as a runner, coach, and advocate for representation in trail running. From being a mum of four and grandmother of three, to taking on some of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, Sabrina's story is one of resilience, community, and the relentless pursuit of goals. In this episode, Sabrina reflects on her time at the UTMB, the challenges of race preparation, and the lessons learned when things don't go to plan. She also shares updates on her work with Black Trail Runners, supporting women and runners of the global majority, and gives a sneak peek into her new book, Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5k Running Guide for Women. Whether you're chasing your first 5k, dreaming of ultra distances, or passionate about creating inclusive running communities, Sabrina's insights, advice, and personal stories will inspire you to lace up and claim your mantle as a runner. Listen to past episodes with Sabrina on the Tough Girl Podcast July 7th 2020 - Sabrina Pace-Humpreys - Ultra runner, going from Anxiety to Accomplishment - Running the MDS August 30th - 2022 - Sabrina Pace-Humphreys - Co-founder of Black Trail Runners and running Britain's most brutal race *** 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 Sabrina Pace-HumphreysRun coach, personal trainer and community builder Advocate for representation in running Mum of 4, grandmother of 33rd time on the Tough Girl Podcast!Speaking with Sabrina on August 30th 2022The final things we talked about - Back to the Trails, creating a vision board, wanting to participate in the UTMB race and wanting to write a 2nd book about running What's happened over the past few years2023 Survivor! Not being able to hide being a hype woman! Why you will either love it or hate itBeing voted out in the 2nd week Why it was such a bizarre experience seeing herselfHaving an episode of poor mental health after the show and feeling out of controlUsing her voice to motivate a teamComing out of the low moments and the connection to running, community and friendships Her go to toolsUpdate on Black Trail RunnersRunning social runs with students of the global majorityCreating a sustainable charity and modelHERE FOR THE WOMEN'S RACEBeing involved in a steering committee to get more women in the trail running space Creating the black and gold t-shirt - "Here for the women's race"Her journey to the UTMBRunning stones and collecting them UK race - Arc of Attrition and Ultra Trail SnowdoniaApplying via the ballot The planning and preparation for UTMBB and C races, planning weekends in Snowdonia and FranceUsing an altitude chamber for training Booking accommodation for the UTMB a year in advanceFinancial access to races £15,000 for races, accommodations, travel costs, gear, supplements etcAugust on the start line of the UTMBWorking on a film to be released next yearNot wanting to let anyone downNot liking the pre-race faffWhy it was different to what she thought it would beThe brutal conditions and being timed out Tweaking her calf the week beforeThe weather challenges and the impact on the racersNot being able to get out of the slumpHow the race made her question everything Being supported by her husband and friendsBattling cutoffs Not having it in her and the end of the raceWorking on her running book!New Book: Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5k Running Guide for WomenHow you can connect with SabrinaFinal words of advice and wisdomYou can do hard things Claiming the mantle - I am a runner Social Media Website: www.sabrinapacehumphreys.com Instagram: @sabrunsmiles New book: Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5k Running Guide for Women
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    1 Std. und 4 Min.
  • Becky Wandell – Reinvention, Solo Travel, and Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail at 55

    Becky Wandell – Reinvention, Solo Travel, and Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail at 55
    Jan 13 2026
    Becky Wandell is a Teacher, Writer, Tour Guide, Volunteer, and Solo Traveler. At 47, while weathering a difficult divorce and the death of four close relatives, she clawed her way up from the depths of grief and, in her words, set out to "find her way back to Becky again". To do this, she quit her job, sold all of her belongings and charted a plan to complete a series of adventures she had always dreamed of doing. Joining the US Peace Corps, learning to speak Spanish and gaining her confidence in solo travel and living abroad set the stage for several years of living her best life throughout South America; a life rich with opportunities to learn, grow, serve others through volunteering, integrate deeply into cultures, and make connections - especially with women. Then, in 2024 at the age of 55, she hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. It was there, with thousands of footsteps across the desert, over the mountains and back home to the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, she was finally able to release the last of her regrets, coming away from the trek feeling lighter, freer, more confident and beautiful than ever before. Turns out, living life to the fullest and fulfilling all your dreams brings joy. Now, Becky works as a seasonal Tour Guide in Alaska which allows her to spend the rest of the year living out of her backpack, always ready for the next adventure. *** 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 Becky Teacher, writer, solo traveller, volunteer and tour guide Starting her life in the Mid-WestKnowing she always wanted to live by mountains Starting to work for the forest service in environmental programs Having a wonderful career and lifeNeeding to make a pivot in her life and needing to figure out what she really wanted to doJoining the Peace Corps at 47 Wanting to travel more, learn a new language and experience more of the worldDeciding to hike the Pacific Crest Trail at 55 from Mexico to CanadaGaining a huge amount of confidence Wanting to slow travel more and working as a tour guide in AlaskaLiving her dream and being the best beaky she can beThe pivot at 47The love letters….. the origin story to her relationship Giving up her dreams and "compromising" Typing out all the things that she wanted to do back thenSacrificing her dreams What the Peace Corps isLearning so much about herself, other people and cultures Living in Ecuador with a family and leaning the language Her new path and dealing with lonely momentsLosing her parents Slow travel and volunteering around South America Workaway Spending 2 years travelling around Patagonia Her dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)Feeling ready to take on the hikeNot having fears or concerns before the hikeLetting go of fearGetting her trail nameChallenging sections on the PCTWhy 700 miles in the desert was the real challenge Being supported by her friends during the tough momentsThe mental gameDoing hard things Writing a letter to herself Can she push her body that hard to make the hike happenPreparing for the trail really wellNeeding to hike her hike her wayLearning about her last nameSharing a little video from the end of the PCTFinally identifying as a tough girl How to connect with Becky Final words of adviceGive up the fear, your going to be ok Start planning, take the step. Social Media Blog: onthewingadventures.com Instagram: @beckysonthewingadventures
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    49 Min.
  • Denisa Krásná – Flow, Fear, and Female Adventure: Redefining Women's Stories in Extreme Sports

    Denisa Krásná – Flow, Fear, and Female Adventure: Redefining Women's Stories in Extreme Sports
    Jan 6 2026
    What does it mean to challenge the limits of both body and mind—and to redefine what success looks like along the way? Denisa Krásná, scholar, author, and adventurer from the Czech Republic, takes us on a journey into the world of women in extreme sports. From her early days trekking with her parents to highlining hundreds of meters above the ground, Denisa has always been drawn to adventure, isolation, and pushing herself beyond comfort. She co-edited Flow: Women's Counternarratives from Rivers, Rock, and Sky, an inspiring anthology celebrating diverse women's voices in adventure sports—whitewater kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, and highlining—challenging stereotypes and redefining what it means to be successful in the outdoors. In this episode, we explore: Denisa's path from scholar to adventurer and authorHow fear, frustration, and failure can become tools for growthThe mental game behind highlining and extreme sportsStories of resilience, creativity, and empowerment from women across the globeWhy inclusivity, mentorship, and community are key to thriving in adventure sports Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a woman seeking inspiration, or simply curious about the stories behind extreme adventure, Denisa's insights will leave you reflecting on your own limits—and inspired to push past them. Tune in for a conversation about courage, flow, and the power of women redefining adventure on their own terms. *** 🎙️ 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 DenisaGrowing up and living in the Czech Republic Working as a scholar at university Loving research and writing about her adventure Writing books and academic articlesHer early years growing up Travelling with her parents all the timeGoing on trekking adventures around the world from places like lapland to Nepal Her love for being outdoors and being isolated Being introverted Wanting to talk to adults and discuss ideas Her passion for reading, researching and academics Being active every single dayNew Book: Flow: Women's Counternarratives from Rivers, Rock, and SkyHow the book came about with her friend Alena Rainsberry Getting a grant to work on outdoor counternarratives Being do-ers and getting things doneReaching out to potential authors The gap in the literature What does counternarratives mean?What the typical story of success currently is in outdoor sportsWanting to show that success is something that should be defined by the individual - it should be fluid.Including stories from professional athletes who define success in the more conventional way Representation of women in adventure stories The stories that resonated and made her think in a different wayWhy every story can make you think The unique view of Rae Raptor aka Cheryll Glotfelty The advantages that her age gives her from money and time Talking about fear and how fear manifests in so many different ways Rocky Mountain BooksDenisa view on fear and how she experiences it Why her view on fear is very rational and being able to distinguish between the objective and subjective fearHighlining and slacklining Her journey into highlining Buying a slackline during covidWhy the improvements were related to the frequency of training Having quick initial progressBeing introduced to the local slacklining community and getting a mentorThe state of flow Why flow is also a word game and why it has multiple meaningsThe photo on the cover of FLOW - with Brenda Gor What free style highlining is and how it is different from walkersThe mental side of highlining - zoning out The importance of preparing before you even get on the line Using rituals to get mentally into the right state of mind The number one cause of death in highlining Human mistakes and how it can happen to experienced professionals Why it's good to be slightly afraid Always respect that you are doing an extreme sport Why the mental game is different for everybody Needing to take a few steps to get into the mental zone Specific training needed for the sport Frustration with slacking and not seeing progress Why you should't give up when you first startWhy the start can be very painfulWhy you need to trust the process Focus on the positive thingsDon't lean into the frustration Needing to work on the mental side of highlining Walking 200m lines and falling once at the end on the seemingly easy partThe struggle at the end Fighting the doubts in her mind Why these sports are like a ...
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    48 Min.