Tough Girl Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Tinuke Oyediran, an extraordinary adventure presenter and thrill-seeking daredevil who’s breaking barriers in the world of extreme adventure. You may recognise Tinuke from her recent stint on Survivor UK on BBC1, but her journey goes far beyond reality TV. Tinuke is on a mission to show that anyone, regardless of background, can embrace life’s greatest adventures and that the most rewarding experiences often come from stepping out of your comfort zone. From sleeping on the side of a mountain and walking the wing of an aeroplane to climbing glaciers, surviving alone in the wilderness, and achieving three Guinness World Records as a professional roller skater, Tinuke's fearlessness knows no bounds. She’s dedicated to representing diverse audiences in extreme adventure TV, proving that anyone can push boundaries and live life to its fullest. In this inspiring conversation, Tinuke shares her journey, her passion for adventure, and her dedication to showing the world that exploration is for everyone. Tune in to hear how she’s challenging perceptions and proving that adventure truly has no 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 [http://www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast].  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes * Who is Tinuke * Professional Adventurer  * Being based in London, but spending time trying to get away from London  * Born and bread London Girl  * No 1 daredevil  * Lover of outdoor sports  * Adrenaline junkie by nature  * Getting out of her comfort zone is her favourite place to be * Her early years growing up * Being encouraged to spend time outdoors  * Remembering a trip she did with her mum when she was 8 years old * Being an adventure presenter and filming adventure vlogs * Working as a professional roller skater * Getting a couple of Guinness world records  * Dealing with a lot of personal tragedy  * Going into a dark hole for a couple of years * Starting adventuring and getting outdoors * Adventure healing  * Getting through trauma * Applying for Survivor (TV show UK 2023) * What Survivor was like and why it was one of the most brutal things she’s done * Training for Survivor? * The 6 month audition process * Psychological training - reading books on body language, interrogation techniques  * Competitive?! * Loving healthy competition  * Being a very adaptable person  * Coming out a tougher person * Why the show is the show * Planning and preparing for the future * Manifesting  * Having clear goals of what she wants to achieve in a short space of time * Working on short term goals, so they happen within 6 months * Having tunnel vision focus * Taking time out to vision board and really focus on what the next 6 months will look like * Needing reward  * Why short term goals work for her * Wanting to climb Kilimanjaro  * Working with Intrepid Travel [https://www.intrepidtravel.com/uk]  * Spending time in Belize  * Working with the Noma Collective [https://www.noma-collective.com/] * Writing a series of children’s adventure books  * The Grand Canyon  * Dealing with the cold - mind over matter * Iceland Adventure in 2025 * The Golden Circle [https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-golden-circle] in Iceland   * Advice for people to step outside their comfort zone  * Why the comfort zone is not your friend * Why you do just need to start * You have to do it! * Dealing with failure and setbacks * Not allowing herself to dwell to wallow  * Being inspired by Ness Knight [https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/ness-knight]  * DM Tinuke Adventure!  * How to connect with Tinuke * The meaning behind her name * Spending time in Nigeria  * Words of advice * Start small * Life is too short not to take the scenic route.  * Life is for living  * The only thing you are going to regret is not giving things ago   Social Media Instagram @tinuke_oyediran [https://www.instagram.com/tinuke_oyediran/?hl=en]

In this episode, we’re joined by the fearless Ann Whatmore, an adventurer who proves that asthma doesn’t have to set limits on what you can achieve. Ann has faced numerous health challenges, but rather than letting them hold her back, she’s embraced adventure in a big way.  In May 2024, she cycled over 3,000km across the UK on her recumbent e-trike, “Bob,” completing a solo journey from Land’s End to Orkney before speaking at Yestival. This was no easy feat – Ann had only a sixth of her lung function available and had to rely on determination, resourcefulness, and a supportive community to make the journey possible. In this episode, Ann shares how she turned her dream into reality, navigating the ups and downs of planning such a massive adventure. She talks about the emotional and physical struggles of living with asthma, how she managed her condition on the road, and the lessons she learned along the way. Whether you’re living with a chronic condition, longing for adventure, or simply looking for inspiration to push through your own barriers, Ann’s story is one you won’t want to miss.  Tune in to hear how Ann turned her “limitations” into an opportunity for growth and exploration, proving that the only true limits are the ones we place on ourselves.  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 Patron! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast [http://www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast].  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes * Who is Ann  * Having numerous health issues * Being based near the Jurassic Coast, UK * Living by the sea * Not being able to explore the landscape as much as she would like * Deciding to get a 3 wheeled e-trike (called Bob) * Wanting to say yes to adventure  * Getting asthma problems after the age of 18 * Being able to manage her condition at 19  * Her early years growing up, being very sporty and outdoorsy  * Having horses and enjoying riding  * Getting covid on 21st march 2020 and how it impacted on her lung function * Not being able to walk up stairs * Being on high dose steroids and inhalers * The mental challenges of dealing with health issues * Grieving for the person she was * Finding out her lungs have been damaged and developing breathing pattern disorders   * Joining adventure book clubs and listening to podcasts * Bringing the adventures to her  * Finding positivity in other people adventures  * Looking for glimmers of hope  * Say Yes More Tribe [https://sayyesmore.com/] * Yestival - Dave Cornwaithe [https://davecornthwaite.com/]  * Losing her balance and co-ordination ability  * Finding out about trikes * Free trike rehabilitation [https://www.freetrike.co.uk/process] in Exeter  * Finding ways to fund her trike * The price to have independence outside * Bike to Work Scheme (UK) [https://www.bike2workscheme.co.uk/]  * Having a bike fit check  * Going for short, local rides on flat ground * Finding a little route and going out with her partner to gain confidence  * The plan for the adventure  * Taking a year to plan and how the journey changed * BOOK: Britain Best Bike Ride: The ultimate thousand-mile cycling adventure from Land’s End to John o’ Groats - Hannah Reynolds & John Walsh [https://amzn.to/4d2XtPC]  * Planning to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats * Wanting to see Skara Brae [https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/overview/] in the Orkneys  * Making herself accountability and standing up on stage at Yestival to announce her challenge * Deciding to finish the challenge at Yestival [https://sayyesmore.com/tickets]  * Committing to the 2,000 mile adventure!  * Figuring out how to charge her bike battery * Not being able to wild camp and always needing to find a plug each day * The reality of the challenge, compared to what she expected * Having a supportive and encouraging partner  * Being able to enjoy it more * Loving the highlands  * How her perception changed of what she could do  * Dealing with the hills… * The feelings of ‘awe’ * Focusing on the next goal, and breaking down the challenge * The kindness of strangers when you were at your lowest * Big Sky Hideaway [https://bigskyhideaway.com/]  * Adjusting back to normal life - after spending 50 days on the road * Packing up her e-trike to go home and heading back to work * Having 121 support  * The next challenge…. * Chase the Sun [https://www.chasethesun.org/] - 205 miles in 1 day  * The lessons learned from the experience  * Being vulnerable and asking for help when needed * Fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK [https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/]  * Sea Swimming  * Ice mile swim… * Social media… * How to connect with Ann * Find your community  * Figure out what you can do  * Learning how to ask for help * Saying yes to adventure and finding that support * Find your tribe, say yes more   Social Media Website www.wanderingwhatmore.com [https://www.wanderingwhatmore.com/]

In this powerful episode, we meet Aisling Byrne — an international showjumper, successful businesswoman, and an extraordinary example of resilience in the face of life-altering adversity. After a devastating horse riding accident left her with multiple broken bones, internal injuries, and the prognosis that she would never walk again, Aisling refused to accept defeat. Over the course of a gruelling three-year recovery, she not only walked again — she returned to the international showjumping circuit, proving that mindset, grit, and determination can overcome even the most impossible odds. In our conversation, Aisling shares her journey from a small-town Irish girl discovering horses for the first time to the elite competitive showjumping stage, and the mindset strategies that carried her through her darkest moments. We also dive into her life as a business owner, how she balances her entrepreneurial ventures with her sporting goals, and her advice for women navigating setbacks of any kind. Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, working toward a big goal, or simply in need of some serious inspiration, this episode will remind you of what’s possible when you choose to keep moving forward — no matter the obstacle.  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 [http://www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast].  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes * Who is Aisling * Born and raised in Ireland  * Being passionate about showjumping  * Running a funding company and a travel company  * Growing up in Ireland * Having 1 brother and supportive parents  * Not growing up around horses * Going to the local equestrian centre * Riding the neighbours ponies * Getting her own pony at 11 * Transitioning from riding ponies to horses * Enjoying the partnership with the horse * How showjumping works * Competition time and doing a course walk  * What does it take to make a great show jumper * Needing determination and tenacity  * The ability to work hard and learning from different people  * Building a partnership with a horse * Figuring out what makes your horse tick * Making your horses as happy as possible  * Having a near death experience  * Breaking multiple bones and damaging internal organs * Being in a Portuguese hospital and people not realising the severity of the injury * Bleeding internally * Being able to detach herself from the situation  * Calmness during emergency situations * Being very practical and level headed * The recovery journey - 3 years * Taking a long time to get off crutches * Staying positive (even if you have to fake it) * How mindset can speed up your physical recovery * Practical tips to manage levels of positivity so not to go to a dark place * Walking for the first time * Going to a specialist sports physio * Being told she would never be able to ride a horse again * First time getting back on a pony after the accident in 2018 * Being lifted onto the pony with a forklift truck * Getting back into showjumping and competing again * Not sweating the small stuff * Not looking for perfection and how everything goes a little bit smoother * How the travel company works * Lending money to law firms * Advice for women who want to get into the world of showjumping  * Wanting to get back to world ranking jumping  * No age limit on showjumping * How to connect on social media  * Words of advice for women who are dealing with a setback  * Staying positive for others * Not having to do things - but getting to do things   Social Media Instagram: @aislingbyrne1 [https://www.instagram.com/aislingbyrne1/] TikTok: @asheyb1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@asheyb1]

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Pamela Lee, a professional offshore sailor from Ireland who’s breaking records and barriers in one of the most extreme, male-dominated sports on the planet. Now based in Brittany, France—the heart of short-handed offshore racing—Pamela has carved out her path with grit, determination, and a clear vision for empowering women through sailing. Pam shares her journey from growing up beside the sea in Ireland to becoming the first Irish woman to skipper the Transat Jacques Vabre Race, setting three world records sailing around Ireland, and now training for the 2026 Route du Rhum, one of the toughest solo ocean races in the world. We dive deep into her early influences, the realities of offshore racing, learning French to break into the French sailing scene, and the financial, emotional, and physical challenges of pursuing elite-level sailing. From boat borrowing to breaking glass ceilings, Pamela opens up about the power of visibility, representation, and believing in your own potential—no matter how big the dream. Whether you're interested in sailing, women in sport, or chasing bold goals, this is an empowering and eye-opening conversation not to miss. ***  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 [http://www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast].  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes * Who is Pamela * Living and working in Brittany, France * Professional Off-shore Sailor  * Living in the mecca of off-shore sailing  * What short-handed sailing is * Speaking French and sailing in French  * Studying French at school and doing a French exchange  * The challenge of learning French  * The power of emersion when learning a language  * Growing up in Ireland (south of Dublin, on the South East Coast) beside the sea  * Having a dad who is a sailing fanatic  * Family holidays camping and sailing  * Opportunities to become a professional sailor? * Adapting her mentality on how she wanted to live her life * Knowing that a 9-5 job was not for her * Living in Sydney, Australia and wanting to sail * Sydney Hobart [https://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/] offshore sailing race  * Finding a boat to sail on  * Wanting to travel and to sail more  * Wanting to make a change * Considering the possibility of becoming a professional sailor  * Getting her Yacht Master Qualification [https://www.rya.org.uk/training/certificates-of-competence/what-is-an-rya-yachtmaster]  * Getting the opportunity to move to France * Wanting to learn more skills and not getting to do those positions  * Reaching a glass ceiling and not seeing how to get to the next level * Looking for the next opportunity and heading back to Ireland to figure it out * Discussion around the Olympics and sailing (double handed offshore racing)  * Being part of a mixed sex duo  * Being invited to train for the Irish team for this potential event * Heading to France to trail for this type of racing  * Being exposed to the French offshore racing world  * Deciding to stay in France 2019 - 2020 * Setting 3 world records by sailing around Ireland and how the goal came about  * Fastest sailing around Ireland in a boat of 40ft or under * Setting the record for double handed and the women’s record for racing around Ireland  * The covid years and going back and forth between France and Ireland  * Personal inner ambition and wanting to know what  she could do  * Needing to get a boat * Borrowing a boat and starting to train with it for racing around Ireland * Spending several days at seas and racing 700 nautical miles in approx 3-4 days * Funding for sailing * Making a big media splash and getting your name out there with the record  * Getting women’s stories in main stream press * Women’s voices and the progress being made in women’s sports and how they are represented  * The push towards progress * The Route du Rhum [https://www.routedurhum.com/en] a transatlantic single-handed yacht race, which takes place every four years in November.  * Racing from France to the Caribbean solo - the longest and toughest trans-atlantic race  * Being the first Irish female to do the race * Needing to qualify for the race (based on miles raced) * Needed to race and train before * Starting the project and finding their founding sponsor - DFDS [https://www.dfds.com/en]  * Funding costs via sponsorship  * The dream budget and costs involved  * The stress of getting sponsorship and maintaining the relationship  * Filming a documentary with Musto [https://www.musto.com/] (Sailing clothing brand)  * The importance of visibility and representation  * Being inspired by the sporting women in the Olympics  * The importance of PERSONAL challenges  * How to connect with Pam  * Words of advice for other women who want to go after their own goals  * Encouraging women to go after big goals and building a step by step progression plan * Lisa - Life & Business Mindset Coach [https://www.instagram.com/lisaocarrollcoaching/] * Building your confidence along the way * Giving yourself credit and the belief to tackle big things    Social Media Website www.pamelaleesailing.com [https://pamelaleesailing.com/]  Instagram @pamybefree [https://www.instagram.com/pamybefree/]

Bianca Fernandez-Clark is a 7x Ironman finisher, Chair, and co-founder of Women in Tri UK, a charity on a mission to bring more women into triathlon and break down barriers in the sport. With no background in sport, Bianca laced up her trainers at age 29 to tackle a 10km as a way to manage her mental health. From there, she progressed to marathons and, in 2016, took on the challenge of learning to swim and cycle to complete her first triathlon. As a Black/mixed-race woman, Bianca has been vocal about the lack of diversity in triathlon, especially at long-distance events, and has worked to highlight the barriers faced by the Black community in accessing swimming.  In 2022, she co-founded Women in Tri UK, and the organisation has been growing ever since, working hard to make triathlon more inclusive and accessible for women everywhere. By day, Bianca works full-time in the financial sector, but every spare moment is dedicated to continuing her own triathlon journey and supporting the work of Women in Tri UK. ***  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 [http://www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast].  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes * Who is Bianca * Being based in London * Being serious about the sport of triathlon * Staring running at 29 and then moving into triathlon  in 2016  * Working full time in the financial services * Founding Women in Tri UK - which aims to break down barriers and make the sport more accessible for women * Being at advocate for women, especially women of colour  * Building a community to support women in the sport  * Growing up in the Dominican Republic  * Not being encouraged in sports from a young age * Dealing with curly, afro hair  * Having zero background in sports * Not being naturally good at sports * What changed at 29  * Living in Spain to study for her Masters * How running gave her a life line * Going from the couch to 5k  * Crossing the finish line of her first 10K race * Feeling alive again * Not falling in love with running straight away * Going on a journey of self discovery * Deciding to sign up for her fist Marathon  * Discovering the group - the running bug in the UK * Meeting a guy who could give her advice… * Being with her partner for 10 years * Being a part of the running community  * Not being very fast and being more suited for endurance  * Getting into triathlon * Signing up for swim classes and learning to ride a bike for the first time * Doing her first triathlon which was a women only event.  * Wanting to take on an ironman  * The stress of cutoffs  * The time commitment involved in training  * Making training work for her lifestyle  * Doing the best training that she can with the time she has * Having a goal of finishing the race * Making training part of her lifestyle  * Hair advice and tips * Alice Dearing [https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/dearing] * Hairstyles for women in triathlon * Black women role models in the triathlon space  * Sika Henry [https://www.instagram.com/sikahenry/?hl=en]  * The lack of swimming lessons for children  * How Women in Tri UK came about * Heading to Kona, Ironman World Championships [https://www.ironman.com/races/im-world-championship-kona]  * Using lockdown for fitness and training more  * Women in Tri, First sponsored Athlete - Naomi Rumble [https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/rumble]  * Coaching programs and having realistic training plans for women  * Speaking with British Triathlon [https://www.britishtriathlon.org/]  * Advocacy work and partnering with SheRaces [https://www.sheraces.com/]  * Barriers for women in triathlon [https://www.womenintriuk.org/advocacy] and writing a detailed 63 page report   * Making sure the sport also changes  * The plans for Women in Tri over the next few years  * Partnering with Cycle Sisters  * The diversity of Women in Tri  * Wanting to remove financial barriers * Working with brands * Working on her personal goals and wanting to go back to Kona * Recovering from a broken foot * How to connect with Bianca * Women in Tri US - being closed * Final words of advice for women who do want to take on a triathlon  * “Women in Tri, Made me do it!”   Social Media Website  www.womenintriuk.org [https://www.womenintriuk.org/]  Instagram  @biancatriathlon [https://www.instagram.com/biancatriathlon/?hl=en] @womenintriuk [https://www.instagram.com/womenintriuk/]