Dr. Kerri Andrews is a writer, academic, and passionate walker whose work explores the deep connection between women, walking, and storytelling. She is the author of Wanderers: A History of Women Walking and editor of Way Makers: An Anthology of Women's Writing about Walking. Her latest book, Pathfinding: On Walking, Motherhood and Freedom, is a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of how motherhood reshapes a woman’s identity, freedom, and relationship with the outdoors. Having developed a love for walking in the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, Kerri has since climbed over 100 Munros in Scotland, though she has yet to convince her two young children to join her. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Kerri shares her journey through postnatal depression, the challenges of early motherhood, and how walking became a vital tool for self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. She also sheds light on the often-overlooked stories of historical women walkers, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of movement, motherhood, and independence. Tune in to hear Kerri’s inspiring story and how she found her way back to herself—one step at a time. *** 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 Kerri AndrewsWorking as a writer and planning to move into the charity sectorCatching up with what’s been happening since 2020Welcoming her daughter in 2021Being made redundant last year and now working as a freelance writer and teaching creative writingDealing with the stress of lifeHaving a supportive partner and dealing with post natal depression after her first child was bornWorking with a doula The stress of being a new parent The transition into motherhoodNew Book: Pathfinding on walking, motherhood and freedom Dealing with Post Natal Depression…Being frightened of losing herselfFinding bodily sensations overwhelming Working with the charity - Nurture the bordersHaving a different perspective the second time she gave birthGoing to some deep and scary places and knowing that her brain was lying to herMotherhood and childbirth - and losing your identity Finding yourself again after childbirth Learning how to bond with her son Going through the motions of motherhood and not feeling itMum befrienders Feeling very lonely and abandoned Being expected to know what to doWorking on a women’s anthology Not having an agent and not knowing what was nextSeeing Sarah Rigby advertising book coaching Producing a submission for a book agent Getting a boost in her confidence Receiving lots of guidance and support from other womenBeing vulnerable in sharing her story Dedicating the book to her ‘mothers’ New job and feeling wanted again in an employment contextWorking with an incredible gifted and talented team Working on her confidence The crafting of the book and the chapter title The anger which came after her second pregnancy Welcome to motherhood!Not feeling like she matteredAllowing mothers to have ambitionWhy hope had to be the last chapterWanting to make it better for the women who come after herWalking and spending time in natureThe physical changes in her body and not being as fit as she wasWalking with her children Researching about the history of walking in Scotland Women in the hills Network How to connect with KerriFinal words of adviceThe importance of being kind to yourself and being accepting of your body“Don’t let go of your dreams, don’t let go of your ambitions, hold onto them, they are valid, they matter, go pursue them.”Try to find your tribeGet in touch with Girls on Hills You matter. Social Media Website kerriandrews.co.uk X/Twitter: @kerriandrewsuk Bluesky: @kerriandrewsuk.bsky.social Book: Pathfinders: On Walking, Motherhood and Freedom
