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
  • Xian Goh: Climber, Coach, and Author of ‘Smooth: Movement Principles and Techniques for Climbing’

    Xian Goh: Climber, Coach, and Author of ‘Smooth: Movement Principles and Techniques for Climbing’
    Dec 24 2024
    In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Xian, an accomplished climber, climbing coach, and writer. With over 20 years of experience in the climbing world, Xian's journey has transformed from an enthusiastic gym rat to an international competitor, and now she focuses on outdoor performance, coaching, and writing. Climbing has been a powerful force in Xian's life, helping her uncover her true self and shape her aspirations. Her passion for the sport culminated in her recently published book, Smooth: Movement Principles and Techniques for Climbing, where she shares valuable insights on the art of climbing. Join us as Xian discusses her evolution in the climbing community, the principles behind effective movement, and how climbing continues to influence her life. *** 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 XianXian’s climbing journey spanning nearly 20 yearsTransitioning from competition climbing to outdoor climbing and coachingInsights into Xian’s new book, Smooth, focused on climbing techniques and principlesXian’s upbringing in Singapore, a highly urbanized city-stateJoining a climbing club at 15 and discovering a passion for climbingHer first outdoor climbing experience in ThailandThe impact of limestone cliffs in Thailand on Xian’s climbing perspectiveAdjusting to outdoor climbing challenges, including basic accommodations and new environmentsHow climbing introduced Xian to the outdoors and a different lifestyle.The lack of outdoor exposure growing up in Singapore.Choosing the University of St Andrews in Scotland for a dramatically different experienceExperiencing four seasons for the first time after moving from SingaporeTransitioning from the humid climate of Singapore to Scotland’s cooler, rainier weatherInitial struggles with outdoor culture and gear at St AndrewsThe humourous story of learning the importance of proper hiking boots rather than Converse sneakersJoining the mountaineering club and exploring Scotland’s HighlandsThe differences between indoor climbing culture in Singapore and mountaineering culture in ScotlandAdjusting to student-led mountaineering trips and the challenges they broughtXian’s progression from indoor climbing to mastering various climbing disciplinesKey differences between bouldering, sport climbing, and traditional climbingThe unique challenges of placing protection in traditional climbingHer philosophy on climbing movement and techniqueThe significance of movement principles in both climbing and coachingHow she balances her roles as a coach, climber, and authorWhy she wrote Smooth and her goals for sharing climbing knowledgeReflections on the cultural shift from Singapore to the UKThe value of seasons and outdoor environments in shaping Xian’s climbing journeyBuilding resilience through challenging and unpredictable climbing environmentsXian’s thoughts on connecting with nature through climbingXian’s current climbing routine and goalsHow she balanced full-time coaching and writing a bookThe origins of her book ideaWhat readers can expect from her bookAn overview of common climbing mistakesWhy good footwork is crucial in climbingHer experiences with recurring climbing injuriesHow injuries became opportunities for self-improvementLessons learned from shoulder injuries and improper techniqueThe importance of addressing the root causes of injuriesHow a severe back injury changed Xian’s approach to trainingThe importance of recovery and balancing training loadWhy injuries are common but manageable in climbing and athleticsHer thoughts on injury prevention and careOne of Xian’s most magical climbing experiences in FranceHow climbing unique locations enhances the experienceThe mental challenge of committing to difficult climbsInsights into Xian’s coaching philosophy.The rewards of overcoming challenges in climbingHow she balances professional and personal climbing goalsThe role of perseverance in achieving long-term climbing successFinding joy in sharing her knowledge through writing and coachingFinal words of advice Social Media Website www.xiangoh.com Instagram @xiangoh_ Facebook @xiangohcoach Book: ‘Smooth: Movement Principles and Techniques for Climbing’
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    39 mins
  • Heidi Beierle: Author, Artist, and Slow Traveler on Biking Across America, Accessible Outdoor Adventures, and Finding Creativity on the Road

    Heidi Beierle: Author, Artist, and Slow Traveler on Biking Across America, Accessible Outdoor Adventures, and Finding Creativity on the Road
    Dec 17 2024
    In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Heidi Beierle—author, slow traveler, and artist—who shares her incredible journey across America by bicycle. Back in 2010, Heidi pedaled solo across the U.S., studying bicycle tourism and rural economic development. That life-changing journey became the foundation for her memoir, Heidi Across America – One Woman’s Journey on a Bicycle Through the Heartland. With over 15 years working at the crossroads of transportation, tourism, and recreation, and 17 years without owning a car, Heidi brings a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of exploring the outdoors without relying on a vehicle. Her mission? To make transformative outdoor experiences accessible for everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. Beyond her passion for sustainable travel, Heidi’s creativity shines through her art, from upcycled collage puzzles to award-winning costumes. Her work has been published in National Geographic Traveler, High Desert Journal, and more. Tune in to hear Heidi’s insights on slow travel, her creative inspirations, and how she’s making the outdoors open to all. Get ready for a journey that redefines what it means to explore and connect with the world around us. *** 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 HeidiHer early experiences with slow travel and the outdoorsGrowing up in Wyoming and exploring open spaces as a childThe influence of bicycling during her childhood and independence it providedHer father’s mythic 100-mile bike ride and its lasting impactTransitioning from mountain climbing to bicycling for local explorationHow financial challenges and the 2008 recession influenced her journeyThe decision to pursue a degree in active transportation planningHer struggle with the demands of postgraduate studiesThe email from her mother that inspired her cross-country bike rideThe birth of the idea to cycle solo across the USUsing the bike tour as research for her master’s projectHeidi’s first long-distance bike tour from Oregon to San Francisco, CaliforniaHer prior experience with solo adventures, including mountain climbingHeidi’s approach to planning: a balance of structure and flexibilityLessons learned from her cross-country trip, including managing expectationsThe challenges of balancing blogging, research, and daily cyclingHow pressure and over-scheduling affected her trip enjoymentAn example of spontaneous travel in Europe with her partnerAdapting travel plans due to weather and high tourist seasonsThe importance of balancing spontaneity with logistical planningInsights into flexible planning during high travel seasonsHeidi’s reflections on prioritising experiences over rigid schedulesHer evolving perspective on enjoying side trips and unplanned opportunitiesThe empowering feeling of covering long distances under her own powerThe joy and challenge of balancing adventure with responsibilitiesHow slow travel fosters deeper connections with people and placesHeidi’s philosophy on blending structure with adaptability in travelHeidi’s decision to navigate her bike tour using paper maps instead of GPSThe challenges of navigating with traditional maps during her journeyMagical moments with locals who offered kindness and hospitalityFacing the challenges of cycling in extreme heat and the miraculous help from strangersHeidi’s reflections on authentic connections made during her journeyThe evolving concept of slow travel and how it differs from traditional tourismHeidi’s early work in bicycle tourism and equitable car-free travel accessEfforts to create sustainable tourism options in the Columbia River GorgeThe impact of slow travel on climate-friendly and accessible tourismHow limitations and barriers affect access to travel for different peopleHeidi’s definition of slow travel and its significance in modern tourismHer thoughts on how slow travel fosters deeper connections and mindfulnessThe cultural emergence of slow travel and its growing recognitionThe inspiration behind Heidi’s book and the role of slow travel in its themesInsights into Heidi’s process of promoting her book through a slow travel approachHeidi’s upcoming travel plans for her book tour in 2025Heidi’s milestone birthday plans and embracing turning 50The personal growth and self-awareness Heidi gained through her travelsFinal words of advice Social Media Website: HeidiAcrossAmerica.com FB group: The ...
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    45 mins
  • 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

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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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