Tough Girl Podcast

By: Sarah Williams
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  • Summary

  • The Tough Girl Podcast is all about inspiring and motivating YOU! I will be interviewing inspirational women from around the world, who’ve faced and overcome difficult challenges and situations, they will share their story, their knowledge and provide advice and essential tips for you to overcome your own personal challenges.
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Episodes
  • Dena Lewis: Running for Resilience and Safety - Advocating for Women's Safety and Launching the Running Mate App.

    Dena Lewis: Running for Resilience and Safety - Advocating for Women's Safety and Launching the Running Mate App.
    Oct 1 2024
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we speak with Dena Lewis, a dedicated runner and advocate for women's safety based in Florida, USA. Dena shares her 20-year journey in running, which began as a way to manage stress after college and evolved into a lifelong passion. Dena's dedication to running is evident in her meticulous planning and commitment, including her morning routine of fasted runs, coffee, and early starts. Where she runs between 10 and 12 miles per day, 6 days a week. Safety has been a significant concern for Dena, who often runs in the early hours of the morning. She has faced harassment and assault while running, leading her to create Running Mate—an innovative app designed to pair runners with companions for safer runs. Launching in April 2024, Running Mate aims to make running safer for women across the U.S., with plans to expand globally. Dena’s experience with violence has driven her to become an advocate for women's safety, culminating in the creation of the Female Runner Safety Summit. Through her advocacy, Dena hopes to bring awareness to the dangers women face and foster a safer environment for her daughters and all women. Join us as Dena shares her story of resilience, empowerment, and her mission to make the world a safer place for female runners. Learn about her journey, the creation of Running Mate, and her advice for women looking to start their running journey. This episode has been marked as explicit. Please be aware that the topic of assault comes up during this conversation; while we don't discuss it in detail, some listeners may find it triggering. *** 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. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Being based in Florida, USA Being a runner for over 20 yearsMarried to her best friend and having 2 older daughter Looking for ways to deal with her stress and picking up running after college Getting into cycling after runningHow her fitness journey has progressed over the yearsRunning for health, fitness and wellbeing Learning what works for her with regards to runningNot being able to fit in run clubs Running all distances from 5k to ultra marathonsRunning between 10 to 12 miles per day, 6 days per weekHer favourite distance being a half marathonWear and tear, trainers, recovery, fuelling… Why 10/12 miles per day!Living with a certain level of pain at all timesBeing a consistent runnerNot liking to run on a treadmill and preferring to run outsideThe morning routineBeing a fasted runner and drinking coffeeLeaving at 5am and being gone for approx 2 hoursPlanning her day around her run Getting her blood checked on a regular basisEnding up in the ER with chest painsSeeing a heart doctor once a year to have a check upRunning in the early morning and experiences fearAm I safe - what’s around meBeing harassed while running on a regular basis and being assaulted twiceCreating Running Mate —an on demand running app (think of Uber for runners) How running mate worksHaving no experience in tech, finding a developer and starting to work on the project in April 2021Launching in April 2024 in 3 very specific cities in the USBeta testing since January 2024Running with other peopleFemale runner safety summit The running mates get paid Bringing awareness to the violence against womenWanting to make it a safer world for her daughterBrining companies together which has a mission to improve women’s safetyWanting to expand the app world wide within a yearFollowing and support running mate onlineFinal words of advice for other women who want to get out there and get runningTalk to someone and get help if you need supportOnly talking about the first assault recentlyChoosing not to report it Having the perpetrator show up on her door stepStopping runningLiving in fear and how it impacted her day to day life with her familyMoving away from the area and starting to feel safe againSharing her story to let other women know that they are not aloneBeing in denial for a whileWorking through PTSD, the trauma, the event and start seeing the other side Not becoming an advocate straight awayTaking time to focus on herself and her family Connecting with other women who had been through a similar thingGetting back to running again and feeling a sense of empowermentGetting angry when it happened a second time Why we need advocacy and change Social Media Website: www.getrunningmate.com Instagram: @getrunningmate ...
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    53 mins
  • Beth Rodden: Legendary Rock Climber and Trailblazer in the Outdoor Community. Sharing insights from her book: "A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story.

    Beth Rodden: Legendary Rock Climber and Trailblazer in the Outdoor Community. Sharing insights from her book: "A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story.
    Sep 24 2024

    Join Beth Rodden, one of the most best female rock climbers of all time and a prominent figure in the outdoor community, as she delves into her remarkable journey on the Tough Girl Podcast.

    Having started climbing at the age of 14, Beth quickly rose through the ranks, propelled by her passion and determination. From her awe-inspiring free climbs on El Capitan to her harrowing experience in Kyrgyzstan's Kara Su Valley, Beth shares the highs and lows of her climbing career with candid honesty.

    Tune in as she discusses her book, "A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story," and offers invaluable insights and advice for aspiring climbers.

    Discover the resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit that have defined Beth's climbing legacy and continue to inspire climbers worldwide.

    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. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.

    Thank you for your invaluable support!

    ***

    Show notes

    • Who is Beth Rodden
    • Being a professional climber
    • Starting climbing at 14 which was part of the first generation of kid climbers
    • Getting into climbing after being taken with her dad to the climbing gym
    • How her climbing career progressed
    • Having professional climbers to look up to
    • Being inspired by female professional climbers
    • Making the transition from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing
    • 1999 heading off on an all female climbing expedition in Madagascar to establish new climbing routes and why it was a pivot point in her life
    • Being inspired by climber - Lynn Hill
    • Deciding to pursue professional climbing full time at 19
    • Being supported by her parents to follow her dreams
    • Free climbing the nose on El Cap in Yosemite National Park
    • Training and planning for a climb
    • Breaking it down into smaller sections
    • The difference between free climbing and free solo
    • Book: A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story.
    • Wanting to share her climbing story
    • Writing about the darker sides of climbing and the untold stories
    • 2000 - climbing in Kyrgyzstan's Kara Su Valley.
    • Being kidnapped and held hostage for 6 days by rebels
    • Managing to escape
    • Getting through the dark times and the trauma
    • Experiencing this at 20 years old
    • Processing the trauma and what support was available
    • Self talk while climbing
    • How climbing has changed over the past 20 years
    • Getting the balance right between climbing and having a family
    • The struggle of a working parent
    • How having children changed her views on risk and the type of climbs she wanted to do
    • Future climbs and climbs that inspire her
    • Having a love/hate relationship with social media
    • How you can connect with Beth
    • Advice for women who want to get into climbing
    • Advice for women who want to take their climbing to the next level

    Social Media

    Website: www.bethrodden.com

    Instagram: @bethrodden

    Facebook: @bethroddenclimb

    Book: A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story.

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    43 mins
  • Gina Atkinson: From Royal Signals Engineer to Inspirational Fundraiser and Adventurer

    Gina Atkinson: From Royal Signals Engineer to Inspirational Fundraiser and Adventurer
    Sep 17 2024
    Join us on this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast as we delve into the extraordinary life of Gina Atkinson, a former Royal Signals engineer with a remarkable story of service and resilience. Gina's military career took her to 30 Signal Regiment, where she visited 35 countries during her first five years of service. Following a deeply personal loss in 2019, Gina embarked on a mission to honour her brother's memory by running/cycling 100 miles a week for a year, raising £10,000 for a local cancer charity and establishing an Art Foundation in his name. Her dedication did not stop there; Gina continued to raise over £250,000 for veterans' charities through a series of inspiring challenges and initiatives, including ultra races and solo adventures across Scotland. In this episode, Gina shares her journey of coping with grief through fitness and adventure, her experiences in the military, and her passion for supporting veterans and cancer patients alike. From riding across Death Valley to planning her next challenge of running from London to France in 2024, Gina's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of adventure to heal and inspire. Learn how Gina's adventures and fundraising efforts have made a significant impact, and gain insights into her motivations, challenges, and the importance of mental health advocacy in her journey. Join us as we explore Gina Atkinson's inspiring 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. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is GinaBeing based on the Wirral, UKBeing a fundraiser for Veterans Charities Combining her fundraising with crazy adventures Growing up on the Wirral and why it’s an amazing locationHer early years spending time hillwalking in WalesJoining the army cadets at 13Deciding to join the army as an electronica engineer in the Royal Signals Being posted to 30 Signal Regiment nicknamed the ‘globe trotters’ Visiting 35 countries in the first 5 years Military memories from peace keeping missionsVolunteering at the orphanage in Bosnia Making the decision to leave the armyWanting to make a second career and experience something different Starting fundraising for veterans charities almost straight awayRiding across Death Valley in America Getting involved in ultra races and going to see places at the same timeThe Wall Ultra Race across Hadrian’s Wall Dealing with covid and losing her brother at age 52 to stage 4 bowl cancerComing up with the idea of doing 100 miles a week for 52 weeks - 5,200 miles in memory of her brother. Dealing with grief and needing a distractionCoping with stress and trauma by fitness and adventure in natureNot knowing the next stepsGetting post adventures blues at the end of the challenge/adventureBackdoor adventuresRaising funds for ssafa the Armed Forces charity Meeting veterans and sharing stories and memoriesBeing an advocate for mental health Raising over £250K for veterans charities and winning multiple awards300 mile solo adventure across Scotland (3 bucket list challenges in one) walking the West highland Way, paddling the Great Glen, and then walking back on the Great Glen Way to Fort WilliamGetting injured and needing to return in 2024 Not taking a dip in lock nessThe planning behind the challenge ideasTaking it from the idea to getting to the start line Sticking to the plan Using YouTube as a resource Testing your kit and making sure your food is nutritious and tastes goodKeeping positive while on adventures Motivation and discipline why you need bothQuote by D.H. Lawrence, “I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.” Going back to your WHYMotivation from the GI Jane movie and Legally BlondeBeing inspired by the Queen The next challenge in 2024 - running to France from London!Maintaining fitness levels while not on adventures How to connect with Gina on social media Final words of advice for other women who want to do more adventures Starting on your own fitness journey Why consistency is the key for training for endurance eventsTry and enjoy it and remember why you are doing it Social Media Instagram: @goliveit.onelife Facebook: @GinaGinelli Military Memories is an anthology of poems from the force’s community.Profits go to Military Charities SSAFA & Sporting Force. Instagram @Militarymemories2021 Twitter @...
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    48 mins
Biographies & Memoirs Social Sciences Personal Success
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Profile Image for SharpeKat

I Relate To This Tough Girl!

Very few podcasts can get me to laugh out loud. This was one. Thanks! Great !

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