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Tough Girl Podcast

Tough Girl Podcast

By: Sarah Williams
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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. Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Helen Spencer – Vet, Polar Explorer & South Pole Ski Adventurer

    Helen Spencer – Vet, Polar Explorer & South Pole Ski Adventurer
    Jun 23 2026
    Meet Helen Spencer, a veterinarian from Kent who swapped clinic life for the extremes of the world. From hiking in Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Yemen to caring for orangutans in Borneo, Helen has chased adventure across the globe. In this episode, she shares her journey to ski the last degree to the South Pole, including: Training, kit prep, and polar skills coursesThe physical and mental challenges of long polar expeditionsCoping with loss, vulnerability, and finding strength on the iceLessons in perseverance, confidence, and small steps toward big dreams Helen's story is a testament to courage, resilience, and pursuing your goals—even when the journey is long and demanding. *** 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 HelenBeing based in KentGrowing up on a farm and having a lot of freedom Becoming a vetWanting more adventure Working for the charity: World Wide Veterinary Service In her free time loving to travel Leaving school and travelling with her backpack, and staying in hostels Starting to do a few solo and group expeditionsHiking in Afganistan, Madagascar, Mongolia, Yemen, Palestine, North KoreaRecently skiing the last degree of the South Pole Building her confidence with travelling Earning enough money to go f www.interrail.eu/enHaving a budget of £10 per daySpending time in Borneo looking after OrangutansBeing a shy, farm kid growing up and being better with animals than people Having 5 years at university Having a neighbour who had a zoo and spending time helping out at the zooKnowing what she wanted to do when she was 5Building internal confidence Hiking in Afganistan's Wakhan Corridor Why expedition are about the people you meet as well as where you goGetting the balance right between being social enough but also having time for herself Needing time out and making sure she has her own tentHaving a 10 day tolerance on expeditions Her goal to ski to the the pole in Antarctica and where the dream came from Being fascinated by polar history A week long polar skills course in Finse, Norway Needing a challenge - being in bad mental and physical health Taking some time out after selling her veterinarian clinic in LondonHaving a year to get in shape Training at the Altitude Centre in London Not being able to test her kitReceiving a lot of help and advice Heading to Loughborough Elite Sports Centre to have her fitness tested Dr Amelia Rudd Heading over to Antarctica and what it was like Antarctic Logistics Expeditions (ALE)Being out on the ice and why it was like being out on the open ocean Pulling the pulk at altitude on the ice Why it was a physical challenge but also a mental challenge Her way of coping with difficulties Wanting to feel small Being there mid summer, when the sun never sets.Rainbows and halos forming around the sunBeing able to move forward after the challengeTrying to cope with the loss of her parents in an accident, 2 weeks before she was due to be married Being in a dark place Coping by being on her own and doing physical endurance Wanting to be broken down and feel vulnerable Getting to the pole and why it was hugely emotional Why it meant everything to her Kick onFundraising £20K in memory of her mum who had Parkinson'sGaining confidence, a bit more self assurance and pride. Spending 3 weeks in Antarctica, and skiing for 8 days Tent life…Going to the loo! Code Brown! Pooing in a bag and packing out your poo.The worst bit of the expedition and having to leave your warm sleeping bagHow to connect with Helen on Social Media Final words of adviceSome dreams can take timeTaking small steps and trying the thing you want to doHer mantras in life…. "Don't be a dick to yourself", "Don't be a dick to others" and Don't be a dick with our environment" Social Media Instagram: @adventure_vet_spence Justgiving: www.justgiving.com/page/helen-spencer-1728903029666
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    45 mins
  • Dr. Shawna Pandya – Canada's First Named Female Commercial Astronaut & Space Medicine Pioneer

    Dr. Shawna Pandya – Canada's First Named Female Commercial Astronaut & Space Medicine Pioneer
    Jun 16 2026
    Meet Dr. Shawna Pandya, Canada's first named female commercial astronaut and a leading figure in space medicine. From emergency medicine to aquanaut missions and suborbital research flights, Shawna has trained to thrive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth—and soon, in space. In this episode, she shares her journey from a childhood inspired by Dr. Roberta Bondar, through neuroscience and medical training, to testing spacesuits in zero gravity and completing multiple NEPTUNE aquanaut missions. We dive into: The challenges of spaceflight on the body and mindThe "RIDGE" framework Radiation, Isolation, Distance, Gravity, EnvironmentUsing emergency medicine, diving, and piloting to build operational readinessMaintaining balance, avoiding burnout, and living a life aligned with valuesPreparing for her upcoming flight with Virgin Galactic Shawna's story is a masterclass in perseverance, curiosity, and aiming for the stars—literally. *** 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 Shawna Being Canada's first named female Astronaut Her early years and growing up in the 90sWanting to be an Astronaut since she was a child and being inspired by Dr. Roberta BondarSimplifying things Wanting to follow in her footsteps Doing a neuroscience degreeThe influence of her parents Girl Guides of Canada Doing outdoor education during junior high and building her spirit of adventure Inheriting her work ethic from her parents - thinking the normal work day was from 7am to 10pmSharing her goal and telling people what she wanted to achieve Taking a family trip to Australia at 12 years old and being obsessed with the Southern Night Sky Not knowing if it will work out or not - Having to love the grind and the journey Keeping focused on the goal Not letting other people opinions stop her Her parents wanting her to have a realistic career ambition The roadmap included medicine After doing her undergrad in neuroscience and applying for medical schoolHaving a back up plan - just in case International Space University - Masters Program Asking medical school for a deferral Doing an internship at the European Space Agency European Space Centre and making a meaningful contribution to space medicine Dealing with criticismHaving balance in her life and not suffering from burnout Pursuing the trajectory as a research astronaut - and still maintaining her clinical hours in emergency medicine Work life balance Why she does't burn outLiving her life according to her values Having complete control over her schedule Being surrounded by good peopleFinding fulfilment and loving what she doesBeing inspired to be a better version of herself everyday Fitness and health in space Bone density and muscle mass Space Medicine The challenges of space flight environment and why it's trying to kill you The "RIDGE" Framework short for Space Radiation, Isolation and Confinement, Distance from Earth, Gravity fields, and Hostile/Closed Environments.Altered day night cycles - 1 sunrise/sunset every 90 mins - 16 sunrise - sunset cycles per 24hr period every and how it interferes with your sleep cycleMicro-gravity and how it affects your bodily systems Physical activity as therapy and using it as a way of investing in herself. The days she doesn't make it to the gym Needing to change something up - or end up burning out Learning diving skills and spending time underwaterLooking for transferable skillsBeing operational good and a good team mateOperational environments: - emergency medicine, diving, sky diving and piloting The importance of having aqua-naught experience Going on 2 NEPTUNE Missions NEPTUNE (Nautical Experiments in Physiology, Technology and Underwater Exploration)Building her space flight readinessLearning to handle stress in challenging situations Why there is no room for ego Using emergency medicine as an example Escalation patterns of communication Question - Suggestion - Statement - Command Why there is a time and place for everything If everything is urgent - nothing is urgent!Urgency fatigue - not knowing what do firstBeing aware of what tools you have at your disposalHigh risk - high reward scenarios The countdown to flight Since 2021 - the launch of private companies into space Going to space for research What kind of astronaut do you want to be?Being a research astronaut Training flights as a team - and getting to fly with her good friendsKellie Gerardi Dr. Norah Patten Figuring out ...
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    46 mins
  • Jeannette McGill: Everest at 52, Leadership at Altitude & The Truth Above 8,000m

    Jeannette McGill: Everest at 52, Leadership at Altitude & The Truth Above 8,000m
    Jun 9 2026
    Jeannette McGill is a seasoned mountaineer and executive leader who, at 52, became the oldest South African woman to summit Everest in May 2025. With more than 30 years of global climbing experience—including leading expeditions across four continents—she knows deeply that the summit is never just about standing on top. Jeannette's journey is a testament to patience, resilience, and the quiet power of backing yourself, no matter how many setbacks you face. Beyond her personal achievements, she is passionate about demystifying the modern-day myths of Everest and advocates instead for the very real challenges mountain terrains face through climate change globally. Having been there herself, she brings an informed, honest perspective on what is truly happening above 8,000m. Today, Jeannette combines her love for high-altitude adventure with leadership on Boards and helping others explore their own limits. She also supports future generations through leading snow camps in the Victorian Alps and mountaineering scholarships, believing that mountains are powerful teachers of courage and humility. Her story is not just about conquering peaks but about becoming the kind of person who dares to try. We first spoke with Jeannette on 7th January 2021 - Jeannette McGill - 1st South African woman to summit Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world *** 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 JeanetteCorporate executive, board director and most importantly a mountaineerSouth African by origin, located in Melbourne and spending up to 5 months in NepalTGP Episode - January 7th 2021 - - 1st South African woman to summit Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the worldHer Mt. Everest dream A one day - someday project…How climbing Mt. Everest came to the forefront of her mindTo be a real mountaineer you needed to tick Mt. Everest off the listDeciding to go in a different direction in 1995 The pivotal moment - university and having a career or entering the climbing competition Pursuing her career Was Mt. Everest a realistic goal?Growing into the projectAdding Mt. Everest to the bucket list after covidGoing through a back surgery and perimenopause and deciding that 2023 would be her Mt. Everest yearUsing Mera Peak as an acclimatisation strategy Getting sick and not recovering well, getting to camp 2 and not being able to continue.Heading back to Australia and deciding to go back in 2024Deciding to gift herself the power of a mid-life sabbatical Exciting her role in December 2023 and starting to train properly for Mt. Everest in 2024Joining a small teamMechanical failure on the mountain - her jumar not working and getting word that her house in Australia had burnt down. Getting to the South Col and not being in the right head space. Knowing she was making the right decision to turn around and head back down the mountain Dealing with the frustration and disappointment and why it was difficult Not being in a good head space. Needing to pivot and become nomadic during the winter Floundering and not knowing what was nextDeciding that she would regret it if she didn't back herself one final time. Pivoting and making the best of the situation Having flexibility and deciding to do Mt. Everest one last time Figuring out where to do the winter work - in either Scotland or New Zealand Packing up and heading over to New Zealand to do training Doing more mountain work, on the NZ Alps in the South Island How it became a more personal/internal objective/goal What training looked like Working with a mental and physical coachUsing Training Peaks Evoke Endurance Coach Returning to Manaslu in the fall of 2024Muscle endurance - steep hills in NZ out of Queenstown carrying 20kgs Following a structured gym program Her 'A' Team Figuring out through processes and what could derail herHaving cheat sheets e.g. a mopey list to keep her focused on her goal and what she needed to doHeading back to Mt Everest in 2025 and wanting to do the Everest - Lhotse Double (having 2 permits) Acclimatising on Mt. Mera Peak Being an older climber and the changes she madeSleeping at camp 3 on her rotation Heading up to the balcony The challenge of the 2025 season Dealing with extreme winds and not being able to stand upHaving to turn around - returning to her tent on the South Col and being hit with disappointment. Maybe climbing Mt. Everest just isn't going to happen again - shedding a tear Having her main sherpa needing to head ...
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    47 mins
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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.

Inspirational and amazing

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