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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Biographies & Memoirs Personal Success Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Jessica Holmes: From Major Crimes Investigator to Eco-Conscious Digital Nomad—Living the Dream through Housesitting and Adventure

    Jessica Holmes: From Major Crimes Investigator to Eco-Conscious Digital Nomad—Living the Dream through Housesitting and Adventure
    Dec 10 2024
    In today’s episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jessica Holmes—writer, author, and motivational speaker—who left a career as a major crimes investigator to pursue her passion for adventure and a more fulfilling, eco-friendly lifestyle. Jessica’s love for travel goes back years, from backpacking across continents to embracing van life. But along the way, she became mindful of the environmental toll of constant travel and decided to find a more sustainable approach. That’s when she discovered housesitting—a way to explore the world at a slower pace, caring for homes and pets as she goes. Jessica now travels the globe as a digital nomad, sharing her experiences and insights with those dreaming of a life outside the ordinary. Tune in to hear about her fascinating career shift, her commitment to mindful travel, and her advice on creating a life of adventure on your own terms. This is an episode for anyone who dreams of living fully, sustainably, and on their own path! Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women. Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! Show notes Who is JessicaJessica’s current lifestyle as a full-time house sitter and writerThe inspiration behind her book, The Housesitter's Guide to the GalaxyHow her childhood on a farm shaped her love for the outdoors and animalsMeeting her husband in her teens, who had a strong wanderlust, which influenced her to start travelingThe role her teenage friendship (and eventual relationship) with her husband played in igniting her wanderlustJessica’s early belief in a conventional life path and how it shifted over timeHer university experience and how it transitioned into two years of backpackingHighlights from her travels, including the Trans-Siberian Railway, Trans-Mongolian Railway, and volunteering in ChinaThe challenges and joys of long-term travel, including bouts of food poisoning and cultural immersionThe adjustment period of returning home after extensive travelHow Jessica and her husband initially settled into traditional jobs but later questioned their lifestyleThe impact of the pandemic in reigniting their passion for adventure and reshaping their future plansHow they used maps and guidebooks during the pandemic to dream and plan their next movesThe practicalities and challenges of transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyleHow house sitting has become a cornerstone of their sustainable, low-cost travel approachThe financial strategies that make their nomadic life possible, including frugal living and house-sitting exchangesJessica’s husband’s transition to a fully remote accounting job and its role in their journeyThe emotional and logistical difficulties Jessica faced in leaving her career in police investigationsHer resourcefulness in exploring digital nomad job options despite not feeling qualified initiallyThe sense of purpose and freedom that fuels Jessica and her husband’s adventuresEncouragement for others to take the first step toward a lifestyle they’re passionate aboutHow Jessica handles accidental damages while house sittingThe importance of open communication with homeownersJessica’s memorable experience with a dog chewing her laptopThe balance between honesty and homeowners’ leniency in house-sitting mishapsWhy Jessica doesn’t feel compelled to snoop while house sittingHow Jessica and her partner have adjusted to working and living in other people’s homesThe routines that help Jessica and her partner balance house sitting with their careersJessica’s approach to selecting house sits and prioritising space and comfortHow Jessica manages anxiety while pursuing an adventurous lifestylePractical tips Jessica uses to identify and manage anxiety triggersHow journaling and therapy have helped Jessica cope with anxietyThe role of support from loved ones in managing mental healthJessica’s advice for embracing adventure despite anxietyAn overview of Jessica’s blog and podcast, including their focus on house sitting and slow travel.How Jessica integrates themes from her book into her podcast seriesInsights into sustainable travel and reducing environmental impact as a digital nomadJessica’s focus on minimising flights and using alternative travel methodsWhy slow travel and longer stays are key to Jessica’s sustainable lifestyleHow Jessica evaluates the environmental impact of homeowners’ travel plansFinal words of advice Social Media Instagram @hitchedhikingandhousesitting Blog www.hitchedandhiking.com Book: “The ...
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    42 mins
  • Dr. Becky Neal: Guinness World Record Holder, Elite Obstacle Course Racer & Head of British Obstacle Sports on Pushing Boundaries in Sport and Science

    Dr. Becky Neal: Guinness World Record Holder, Elite Obstacle Course Racer & Head of British Obstacle Sports on Pushing Boundaries in Sport and Science
    Dec 3 2024
    Get ready for an episode that dives into the thrilling world of obstacle course racing with Dr. Becky Neal! Becky is an elite British obstacle course racer, a dedicated sports science lecturer, and the Head of OCR at British Obstacle Sports. She’s a Guinness World Record holder for completing the world’s highest OCR event on Mount Everest, and she’s competed in over 150 races across 10 countries since she first discovered the sport during her PhD in environmental physiology. With a background in running and gymnastics, OCR was a natural fit for Becky, but it’s been her grit and resilience that have propelled her to captain the British national team and become a leader in this sport. In this episode, she shares her journey—from her early experiences and initial challenges to racing in extreme environments like the deserts of Saudi Arabia and the high altitudes of Nepal. She also offers invaluable tips on tackling difficult obstacles and staying motivated, no matter your skill level. We’ll explore Becky’s groundbreaking research into wearable technology to monitor athlete health in extreme conditions, and discuss the future of OCR as it takes a spot in the 2028 Olympics as part of the modern pentathlon. This is an episode that celebrates the power of perseverance, and you won’t want to miss it. Tune in for some serious inspiration! 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 BeckyBecky's active childhood involved gymnastics, athletics, cross-country, and campingContinuing her passion for sports through universityDoing cheerleading before discovering obstacle course racingThe history of Obstacle Course Racing (OCR)The Tough Guy races in the UKHow races like Tough Mudder, and Spartan Race brought mainstream popularity to OCRBecky's first OCR experienceFinding OCR to be both challenging and enjoyableBecky's competitive nature and desire to prove herself physicallyEnjoying the camaraderie of OCR teamsTraining centres and British Obstacle SportsFostering a supportive community for women in OCRStruggling with strength for heavy carriesHow her background in gymnastics gave her a head start on techniquesThe growth of OCR, especially among womenThe excitement of seeing more teenage girls getting involved in OCRHer journey of self-improvement within OCRBeing motivated by the sport’s evolving challenges and the supportive communityPhysical and psychological types of obstaclesHigh obstacles like the cargo netSlides and confined spaces that can cause psychological challengesPersonal anecdotes of fear and mental hurdles among friendsOvercoming fears and mental blocksParticipating with someone to ease the processTraining at centres to practise certain obstaclesExposure to obstacles through videos and guides for familiarityBalancing physical condition with mental readinessRunning 4-5 times a week to build endurance for the racesBouldering for grip strength, not necessarily for climbing techniqueUse of specialised obstacle centres and coaches, where availableBecky's home training setup, including a bike ergo, monkey bars, campus board, and kettlebellsMount Everest Guinness World RecordBecky’s long-standing interest in mountains and altitudeEvent titled “World’s Highest OCR,” set in Nepal (November 2022)Partnership with wearable device company OxyWear to monitor oxygen levelsStudy on cognitive function, oxygen saturation, and altitude sicknessThree stages of the event, including the trek to Everest Base CampChallenges like acclimatisation, extreme cold, and high altitude during the raceAltitude, oxygen scarcity, and impact on the bodyImportance of respecting one's limits and listening to the bodyObservations of other trekkers struggling and determination to continue despite health risksReflections on motivations and risks in high-stakes, challenging environmentsPersonal experience of altitude sickness and emotional responseUnderstanding individual responses to high-altitude training and sicknessCurrent research - using short hypoxia exposures to predict altitude sickness riskApproaches in nutrition, training, and adaptation for individual physiologyUse of wearable technology to monitor vital signsDesert Ultra OCR in Saudi ArabiaPersonal approach to training and racingInnovation in wearable tech testingFuture plans and research directionFinal words of advice Social Media Website: British Obstacle Course Racing Instagram: @...
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    54 mins
  • Joy Haizelden: GB Wheelchair Basketball, Three-Time Paralympian & PhD Student

    Joy Haizelden: GB Wheelchair Basketball, Three-Time Paralympian & PhD Student
    Nov 26 2024
    Joy Haizelden is an inspiring British wheelchair basketball player who has made significant strides in the world of adaptive sports. Born on December 1, 1998, in China, Joy was abandoned outside an orphanage and later adopted by a loving British couple, Jim and Margaret Haizelden, in 2005. Growing up in Southampton, Hampshire, Joy discovered her love for wheelchair basketball when her father sought ways to keep her active and engaged in sports. At just 15 years old, Joy made history as the youngest player to represent Great Britain at the 2014 Women’s World Wheelchair Basketball Championship, where the team achieved its best-ever finish. Her dedication and talent quickly set her apart, earning her accolades like the Peter Jackson Young Female Player of the Year and helping Team GB secure numerous medals, including gold at the Women’s U25 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship. As a classified 2.5 point player, Joy has continued to excel on the international stage, recently competing in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, all while pursuing her PhD. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and empowerment, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, listeners will gain insight into Joy’s remarkable journey, discovering how she overcame adversity and used her experiences to fuel her passion for sport and academic excellence. Joy's story is not only about athletic achievement; it’s a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of following one’s dreams. Tune in to be inspired by her message of empowerment and to learn how she continues to break barriers in wheelchair basketball and beyond! 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 born in China and growing up in an orphanageBeing adopted by a British familyMoving to the UK at age 6Learning English within 6 monthsTransitioning to a new language and cultureFacing challenges in physical education at her schoolDiscovering wheelchair basketball with encouragement from her fatherFinding a supportive communityHer first experience in specialised wheelchair basketballEnjoying the physical and social aspects of the sportExplaining the rules of wheelchair basketballThe classifications for disability levelsThe importance of team strategy with point-based player selectionStarting wheelchair basketball at age 12-13Being invited to a senior national team camp at 15Youngest player for GB at the 2014 Women's World Wheelchair Basketball Championships in TorontoReflecting on the honour and excitement of representing her country at such a young ageBeginning to see the possibility of playing at a higher level, aiming for the Rio ParalympicsMoving to Worcester for a centralised programme with the GB teamReceiving sponsorship from the National LotteryThe hectic schedule of training five days a week and managing schoolJoy's experience of the Rio ParalympicsRecalling her parents attending the games, which was a significant moment for herThe multi-sport event experience and the impact of being part of such a large eventImpact of COVID-19 on Tokyo ParalympicsThe increased focus on mental well-being and support from sports psychologistsHer personal experiences and strategies for managing stress and resiliencePursuing a PhD in health, education, and promotion at The University of AlabamaBalancing her PhD studies with playing basketballThe challenges of managing both academic and athletic responsibilitiesTeam dynamics and rolesThe Tokyo Paralympics atmosphereDeciding to move to Alabama for PhD and basketballCollegiate wheelchair basketball in the USCultural adjustments and international friendshipsHow their PhD programme allows them to balance their academic and athletic pursuitsThe challenges of managing her PhD and being part of the GB teamThe need for careful time management due to frequent GB team eventsThe difficulties she faced travelling as a disabled personManaging to balance her commitments and participate in international tournaments despite challengesReflecting on their experience at the Paris Games, where they finished 4thFeeling disappointed at not winning a medalThe team's performance as the second-best in women's wheelchair basketball historyUndecided on the 2028 LA Games, but evaluating performance and team dynamicsDealing with disappointment and moving forwardFinal words of advice Social Media Instagram: @...
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    40 mins

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Profile Image for H. Miller

Inspirational and amazing

I love this podcast and would wholeheartedly recommend following there is something for everyone! Whether you want to listen to cyclists, hikers, swimmers, rowers, mums, grandparents, every time that I listen I’m inspired and have more ideas and gets
Me one step forward in my own adventures.

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