Episodes

  • Stephanie Ho: Adventurer and Endurance Athlete Skiing Solo to the South Pole & Pushing Beyond Limits

    Stephanie Ho: Adventurer and Endurance Athlete Skiing Solo to the South Pole & Pushing Beyond Limits
    Mar 24 2026
    Stephanie Ho is a 24-year-old adventurer, endurance athlete, and exercise physiologist based on the Gold Coast, Australia. From rock climbing and ocean swimming to triathlons and mountain expeditions, Stephanie has always chased the outdoors — but her biggest goals lie in the polar regions. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Stephanie shares her journey from discovering hiking and camping as a teenager to trekking Everest Base Camp, running 43km a day for a week, and skiing 540km across Greenland. She opens up about the mental and physical challenges of polar expeditions, the lessons she's learned in extreme environments, and what it takes to keep motivation alive when the goal seems impossible. Stephanie is now preparing for a solo 1,200km expedition to the South Pole in 2026 — hauling a 100kg sled through temperatures as low as -50°C — a feat that, if successful, will make her the first Australian woman to achieve it. Along the way, she talks logistics, training, nutrition, dealing with fears and unsolicited advice, and the importance of listening to your body while chasing what sets your soul on fire. This conversation is a masterclass in mental toughness, gratitude, and stepping beyond your comfort zone. Stephanie's story will inspire you to dream big, push limits, and embrace adventure — no matter your age or background. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time). Support the Tough Girl mission via Patreon: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast *** Show notes Who is StephBeing based on the Gold Coast, Australia 24 years oldWorking as an exercise physiologist - both in the office and in a clinical setting Her love for any activity that is outdoors from rock climbing to hiking, cycling, ocean swimming, skiing and doing triathlons Her main goal is to train for big skiing expeditions and big mountain expeditions Her early memories and not being encouraged to be that active Growing up as an only child Wanting to do more runningHow things changed at 14 and going camping for the first time in her lifeFinding friends who wanted to go hiking and camping Heading over to Nepal to do the Everest base camp after graduating high school Wanting to spend some time alone reflecting on the past 18 years Having a good reset before starting university Why her trip to Nepal was so formative Trekking to Everest Base camp in Winter Getting up to 5,500 metresClimbing Kala Patthar, Nepal Enjoying being in the cold, remote environmentKnowing that her next big adventure was going to be Antarctica Starting to plan her training trips to Norway and Greenland Having everything put on hold until 2023Doing her Polar Training course in NorwaySkiing across Greenland in 2023Doing more solo expeditions in the polar regionsPlanning to head to the South Pole at the end of 2026Polar training and the lessons learned Being part of a team to do the Greenland crossing in May 202330 days on the ice - starting on the west coast and heading to the East coast Learning how to cope in the cold and the windDealing with polar thighWhy the journey has been rewarding and feeling a lot of pride with what's been achieved.Thinking about what's next and struggling to be satisfied with the achievements Running for 43k a day for 7 days…Learning how to suffer mentally while out on the iceStaying positive and the other lessons learned to help mentally Practicing gratitude and being grateful for where she it Keeping the motivation aliveThe logistics and finances to pay for the expedition Working with ALE Training and what that looks likeRecovery and paying more attention to nutrition Being vegetation, but eating some white meat, such as chicken and fishHaving cold showersConcerns and fears to mange before the tripManaging unsolicited opinions and advice How to connect with Stephanie Advice to motivate and inspire other women to step outside their comfort zoneDon't be afraid of what other people might think of you. Listening to your body and what you want to do Do something that sets your soul on fire Social Media Website: solosouth.com.au
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    33 mins
  • Birgit Hermann – Turning Extreme Endurance into Bolder Leadership for People and Planet

    Birgit Hermann – Turning Extreme Endurance into Bolder Leadership for People and Planet
    Mar 17 2026
    Birgit Hermann is a global leadership coach, speaker, executive leader, ocean advocate, professional freediver, and extreme endurance athlete who translates lessons from the edge into meaningful impact for people and planet. She supports purpose-driven leaders to turn bold challenges into grounded, values-led action. She has raced the Marathon des Sables, run a marathon in Antarctica, freedived beneath Arctic ice without a wetsuit, and cycled across the African continent — often as the only woman on the start line. Alongside these edge-tested experiences, Birgit brings over 20 years of leading and coaching teams across marine conservation, climate resilience, international development, and peace building in more than 20 countries. Based between Timor-Leste, Germany, New Zealand, and Egypt, she is the founder of Inspired by Nature and the author of B.O.L.D.E.R.™ — a leadership framework forged at the edge and built for real-world change. *** 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 BirgitGrowing up in GermanySpending a lot of her life in Asia- Pacific, specifically New ZealandConsidering herself a change maker Working in management positions in relation to climate change adaptions, marine conservation, supporting livelihoods and communities to make changes for the better Growing up sporty and active Becoming an outdoor lover after moving to New Zealand Being a competitive swimmer for many yearsTrying all sports from judo, to volleyball and cycling Being interested in different cultures and travelling Deciding to do her Masters Degree in New Zealand Deciding to take on Tour d'AfriqueCycling 12,000km from north to south AfricaFeeing unsettled and wanting more from life Getting her courage together to sign up for the challenge Planning and training for a 4 month challengeChanging her perspective on what's possible The physical achievement and trusting herselfRealising how all the small steps accumulate over time especially at the end of the journey and looking back on what's been achievedKnowing that there was more to what she believed she could achieve Deciding to spend more time in Africa Freeing herself up to be open to something new Testing herself in a new environment Making something close to impossible happenStarting to think and dream big Why the physical experience can change your mindset Knowing that the next step was the right step Why it wasn't easy Deciding to head back to New ZealandBeing a pioneer and looking to find a role model Continuing to take on big challengesLiving in Timor-Leste in 2016 Wanting to share her experiences of traveling the world while doing endurance challenges Her experience in Antarctica and wanting to raise awareness and funds for climate changeLearning how to free-dive and the benefits experienced The importance of relaxing - truly relaxingThe journey over the last 3 years and putting all the lessons togetherBoosting her confidence and starting to work for herselfDeciding to write her bookBeing a trail blazer, and shifting cultureThe lessons to be learned Inspire change, shift culture and build sustainable impact - without burnout! Who would benefit from reading from the bookWanting to make a positive change in the worldShout out for the Tough Girl Podcast!How to connect with BirgitFinal words of advice for other women who want to live bolder Talk about it!!Why it's the first step - talking about it out loud. There will be people who will support you. Social Media Website: www.birgithermann.com Instagram: @b_inspiredbynature Facebook: @b.inspiredbynature Youtube: @b.inspiredbynature Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/birgithermann Direct link to the book: www.birgithermann.com/bolder.html
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    45 mins
  • Amanda Duling: Endurance Sport After Gastric Bypass — Grit, Fueling & Radical Honesty

    Amanda Duling: Endurance Sport After Gastric Bypass — Grit, Fueling & Radical Honesty
    Mar 10 2026
    Amanda Duling is an endurance athlete, writer, and founder of One Gear Short of Normal™. A post-bariatric, perimenopausal gravel cyclist and Ironman 70.3 finisher, Amanda uses grit, science, and unapologetic humour to tell the stories no one else is telling about endurance sports, women's bodies, and doing hard things later in life. Through her writing and community work, she challenges the "suffer in silence" culture of endurance athletics and advocates for smarter fueling, better hygiene, realistic training, and radical honesty—especially for women navigating menopause, major weight loss, and endurance sport at the same time. When she's not riding gravel roads or lifting heavy things, Amanda writes research-backed, laugh-out-loud essays on endurance life, parenting, and why choosing your hard matters more than perfection. *** 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 AmandaLiving in Kansas City, USAWorking as an IT professional during the dayMum to a special needs son Building a brand in relation to being a post-bariatric endurance athlete Publishing an e-book in relation to saddle sores Why reinvention is possible Growing up in a small rural community Being into reading, writing and artHaving a lot of anxiety about her body and body imageEnjoying being active Not having the confidence when she was younger Getting married and settling downHaving gastric bypass surgery in her early 40s Having an Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - having a large portion of her stomach removed along with a large portion of her small intestines Having the surgery at the beginning of COVID and being stuck at homeHer journey with food, health and fitness Going for walks with her husband Finding the motivation for the next stepFeeling uncomfortable wearing shorts and form fitting clothes Starting to walk a little quicker Hiring a personal trainer at the gym to gain some of the lost muscle backSeeing her strength coming back Thinking about doing a half marathon Finding a couch to 5k program Not making a lot of progress due to not being able to eat a lotStarting to work with a dietician Having to re-learn eating Passing out after exercise and having no energy Dumping syndrome - when the body is not able to process sugarUCAN and Waxy MaizeFinding support through community Joining a run club and meeting new people Being able to complete the half marathon Confidence and having confidence around her bodyBuilding her self confidenceWhen things started to changeShowing up to different racesDoing hard things Wanting to encourage individuals starting out to volunteer at a couple of eventsOvercoming a challenge during a raceGravel cycling/racing, and why it's the hardest disciple in endurance sportsUnbound Gravel Race Breaking down the challenge into smaller and smaller steps and grinding it outLogistics of gravel racing in relation to hydration and fuelling ElectrolytesUCAN Fuel— ucan.co Running on sheer grit What training looks like and why she needed a lot of structureTraining PeaksLearning about heart rate training Training in the morning and making training work for her and her familyThe importance of social interactions during workoutsBeing surrounded by the right people and how it can help with motivation How to connect with Amanda on social mediaHer love for writing and sharing her stories on SubstackFinal words of advice to motivate and inspire youThe importance of showing up Social Media Website: onegearshortofnormal.gumroad.com/l/prrdc thecookiewaitlist.com Instagram: @onegearshortofnormal Facebook: Amanda McMahon Substack: @onegearshortofnormal1 Youtube: One Gear Short of Normal
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    40 mins
  • Lyla "Sugar" Harrod – Triple Crown Hiker & Appalachian Trail Record Breaker

    Lyla "Sugar" Harrod – Triple Crown Hiker & Appalachian Trail Record Breaker
    Mar 8 2026
    Growing up near Boston, Sugar discovered hiking in her early twenties while exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire. After getting sober at 30, she found herself with the clarity, time and capacity to pursue the life she truly wanted. What followed was a decision to live authentically, prioritise long-distance hiking, and become what she proudly calls a professional dirtbag. In 2021, Sugar set out on the Appalachian Trail. While she knew she was a strong hiker, she also faced the uncertainty of what it would mean to walk the trail as a trans woman. Feeling the isolation of not seeing many stories like her own pushed her to begin writing, speaking openly, and becoming someone other queer and trans hikers could reach out to. Since then, she has become the first known trans woman to complete the Triple Crown of long-distance hiking, founded TrailQTs – a free mentoring programme supporting first-time queer and trans thru-hikers – and in 2024 pioneered the Divide to Crest Route, a 3,000-mile backcountry journey from the Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Washington. In 2025, Sugar set a new women's self-supported speed record on the Appalachian Trail southbound, breaking the previous record by more than a day and a half. In this episode, we dive into sobriety, transition, representation, burnout, post-trail blues, building community, and what it really takes to push the body day after day. Sugar also shares practical advice on training, fuelling on a budget, protecting your feet, and why big dreams are built through small, steady steps. This is a conversation about courage, visibility, and creating the path you wish had existed when you started. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time). Hit subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. 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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is LylaUsing she/her programs From the North East of the USALiving in New HampshireWorking with kids and doing bar tending and other odd jobsGrowing up just north of Boston, on the North shore, about 3 hrs away from the Appalachian TrailPlaying team sports Getting into hiking in her early 20s, with the help of a friend Hiking in the White Mountains in New Hampshire Getting sober at 30 years old and being sober for over 8 years nowHow it changed her life, having more time and capacity to do more hikingSpending time exploring the local trails in the area Starting her gender transition Knowing she was trans in her late 20s but not having the capacity to do anything about itGetting sober and how it opened up lots of doors for herself Living her authentic life Deciding to leave her job, sell her car and go and hike the Appalachian TrailHiking the Appalachian Trail in late March 2021Spending the past 5 years making long distance hiking her priorityBeing a professional dirtbagChanneling all of her energy and resources into hiking Managing fears and concerns before taking on the Appalachian Trail Knowing she was a strong hikerHaving concerns related to being a trans woman on trail and what unique challenges she would faceTrying to learn more about other trans experiences on the Appalachian TrailFeeling a bit alone and not wanting others to feel the same wayDeciding to write for an outdoor website called the trekSharing more of her life onlineThe power of seeing trans people in the outdoors Speaking publicly and telling her authentic storyTrying to be someone queer and trans folk can reach out to Wanting to be accessible for other people Documenting and sharing her story while hiking Blog post - Trans competent on trail Magical moments while being on the trail Getting her trail name "Sugar"Suffering with burnout and adventure blues?Post trail depression and planning for it Mental health and the importance of spending quality time in nature Mental health habits and what's worked for herHaving a rich community of people in her support networkHaving people who understand where you're coming from Having good friends Spending time alongSelf supported FKT SOBO on the Appalachian Trail Pushing yourself hard while on the trailDay 1 of the project and why it was a year before starting on the trailThe first couple of weeks and the challenging terrain Why it's fun for herThe physical challenge for her body and thinking more about millage Wanting to know how much she could push her bodyThe planning and preparation before the start of the hike The Divide to Crest route Trying to figure out how to make it financially viable Looking for sponsorship from outdoor brandsPhysically training and breaking it down into 3 separate chaptersThe Arizona Trail Why your feet are ...
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    50 mins
  • Sara Eydmann - Ultra-marathon runner on attempting to run 500 miles, mental health and changing the narrative

    Sara Eydmann - Ultra-marathon runner on attempting to run 500 miles, mental health and changing the narrative
    Mar 2 2026
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Sara Eydmann — ultra-marathon runner, counsellor and therapist based in Edinburgh, Scotland. At 30 years old, Sara is no stranger to pushing her limits. From attempting to run 500 miles to taking on the North Coast 500, her journey into ultra-running has been anything but straightforward. But behind the miles is a powerful and deeply honest story about mental health, identity, resilience and learning to change the narrative. Growing up as an only child, Sara was always active — until an eating disorder at 14 forced her to stop exercising completely. Years later, she found her way back to running, initially using it as a way to control her weight. During lockdown, her running became increasingly intense, driven and compulsive. With the support of therapy and a coach, she began learning how to train with more structure, balance and self-awareness — eventually making it to the start line of her first marathon in 2023. Shortly after, she signed up for her first ultra. In this episode, Sara shares her experience of being late diagnosed with Autism at 27 and ADHD at 29 (AuADHD), and how that diagnosis helped her better understand herself, her anxiety, and the way her brain works — particularly in high-stress, high-performance environments. We dive into: Attempting to run 500 miles — and the reality of getting injured 256 miles inManaging anxiety at the start lineWorking with a crew and handling the overwhelming admin side of big challengesDealing with a stress fracture and the emotional fallout of stoppingThe mental battle of ultra-distance running — self-talk, fear, surrender and staying rationalThe financial and logistical realities of funding endurance challengesHaving her dad there for supportTrusting the process instead of fearing the outcome Sara speaks candidly about what it feels like to "lose your head" mentally during a challenge, the lessons she's taken from injury, and how she's learning to run from a place of curiosity rather than compulsion. Now preparing to move to France for a year to focus on training, immerse herself in the culture and learn French, Sara is continuing to explore what's possible — on her own terms. This is an episode about endurance, identity, healing, and redefining success. Trust the process. Don't fear the outcome. *there is mention of eating disorders and running for weight loss - we do not go into specifics *** 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 Sara; 30 years old, Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Moving to France later on in the yearUltra runner and working as a counsellor and therapist as a day job Mum to 2 cats Late diagnosed with Autism (27 years old) and ADHD (29 years old) (AuAHDH)Growing up as an only child and doing lots of sports at a young age Needing to stop exercise at 14 due to an eating disorderGetting back into running over the past few yearsTraining for her first marathon and managing the driven compulsion Listening to her coach, not overtraining and being more structured in her training Doing therapy throughout the yearsOnly running to control her weight How running got very intense over lock down Making it to the start line of her first marathon in 2023Signing up for an ultra distance on a loop course on the month after.Her journey with anxiety and getting to the start line of racesGetting to a point of just wanting to do - wanting to try and see Shifting her mindset by surrendering to what could happenReflecting on her first marathon in ScotlandBeing diagnosed with AuADHD and how it changed things Muddling through life and finding school really difficult Building her confidence to voice her needsLearning to understand herself moreRunning the North Coast 500Dealing with a stress fracture in her kneeWanting to take on this challengeDealing with the admin side of the challenge and why it was so stressful Making the best of the situationRoad running and your bones…Getting injured 256 miles in….The lessons from the experienceFiguring out the financials to fund a challenge like this with AuADHDWanting to focus on the running Being in a high stress, high performance situation Running strategy for the challenge Working with a crew and how it would work All of the issues and challenges that came alongThe mental side of the challenge and what's going on inside her headSelf talk - you've got this - keep goingNot hitting the wall, but mentally losing her head and not being ...
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    41 mins
  • Starre Vartan: The Stronger Sex — Women's Bodies, Endurance, and the Science We've Been Missing

    Starre Vartan: The Stronger Sex — Women's Bodies, Endurance, and the Science We've Been Missing
    Feb 24 2026
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Starre Vartan — science and environment writer, author, and lifelong question-asker whose work sits at the powerful intersection of the human body and the natural world. With a background in geology and biology, Starre began her career as an environmental geologist before pivoting into journalism to tell the stories behind the science. Over the past 15+ years, she's written for publications including National Geographic, Scientific American, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and New Scientist, becoming known for her ability to make science both rigorous and deeply human — especially when it comes to women's bodies. We dive into Starre's latest book, The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells Us About the Power of the Female Body, a myth-busting, research-driven celebration of women's endurance, longevity, adaptability, and strength. From the messages girls receive about their bodies at a young age, to puberty, bone density, menopause, and why women often excel in endurance sports, Starre unpacks the science that has been overlooked — and what it means for women's health, sport, and everyday life. We also talk about Starre's upbringing between Australia and the U.S., the influence of her formidable grandmother, growing up active and outdoors, and how reconnecting with strength training later in life has left her feeling more powerful than ever. This conversation is about listening to your body, trusting its wisdom, and reclaiming strength — physically, mentally, and scientifically. If you've ever been told women are the weaker sex, this episode will change how you think about the female body forever. *** 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 StarreWorking as a scientist journalist focusing on women's health recently Being based in a beach town south of Sydney, Australia Growing up in NYCBeing a dual citizen with Australia and America Book: The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells us about the Power of the Female Body The dedication to her grandmother -the strongest women's she's ever known Growing up with her grandmother Doing her age appropriate chores; stacking wood, working in the garden, being involved and active in the running of the house The messages that young girls receive about their bodies from a young ageHeading off into the woods to go on adventures The lessons learned from her grandmother Muscles and bone density for women and why puberty is such an important age for girls Puberty in girls and athletics The knowledge gap for women in sportsWomen, endurance and the longer racesDifferences between all human beings The science and muscle and getting surprising resultsWomen's body fat and location Visiting Japan to research longevity How women's body handle diseasesThe risks that men take Finding purpose in life and figuring out your life goal Making changes in her own lifeStarting to weigh lift 3 years agoCan you grown bone once you are at the stage where you have more extreme bone lossBone loss in women during menopauseProf Belinda Beck Feeling empowered by lifting heavy weightsBecoming a stronger runner and dancerStarre's ultimate life goal and purpose Using AI in scientific waysWanting to be as strong as her grandmotherHow to connect with Starre online Starting a new newsletter—Palimpsest of FleshVodcastWords of advice and wisdom for the stronger sex Reflecting back on life in her 20sListen to your body and the wisdom it holds Social Media Website: starrevartan.com Instagram: @starrevartan Bluesky: @starrevartan.bsky.social Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/starrevartan/membership
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    52 mins
  • 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 mins
  • 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 mins