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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Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Fredi Chohan: Adventure Queen Grant Winner – Hiking the Pennine Way on Her First Multi-Day Adventure at 54

    Fredi Chohan: Adventure Queen Grant Winner – Hiking the Pennine Way on Her First Multi-Day Adventure at 54
    Feb 11 2025

    Fredi Chohan is a sports enthusiast and advocate for embracing new challenges, proving it’s never too late to take on something extraordinary. At 54, she became an Adventure Queen Grant winner, using the support to embark on her first-ever multi-day hike: the 268-mile Pennine Way.

    Growing up with a passion for sports like hockey and football, Fredi carried her love for physical activity into adulthood, playing hockey at the club level and coaching under-7s football. After losing her mother and finding herself at a crossroads in life, she was inspired by a friend to step into the world of long-distance walking.

    The Adventure Queen Grant gave her the push she needed to train, plan, and undertake this life-changing journey.

    Starting from Kirk Yetholm and walking south, Fredi faced both triumphs and challenges, including overpacking, embracing her slow pace, and navigating the outdoors solo as an Asian woman. While a family emergency initially prevented her from completing the final two days, Fredi later returned to the trail with friends to finish her Pennine Way journey and celebrated her 55th birthday with a renewed sense of purpose and accomplishment.

    In this episode, Fredi reflects on her Pennine Way experience, how she captured it in a documentary with Frit Films, and her advice for women—of any age or background—who are dreaming of taking their first steps toward adventure.

    ***

    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 Fredi?
    • Growing up and being into sports (hockey, football) from a young age
    • Going walking with her friends
    • Wanting to do a challenge for herself
    • Carrying on sports into adulthood
    • Playing hockey to club level
    • Her passion for cricket and football
    • Being encouraged to play sports by her family
    • Being a football coach and working with the under 7s
    • Thinking about the Pennine Way and wanting to take it on as a walk
    • Being at a crossroads in her life
    • Losing her motivation
    • Loosing her mum and working a zero hour contract job, with no direction
    • Being inspired by a friend to do a long walk
    • Learning about the Adventure Queen Grant
    • Meeting the filmmaker and the sponsors from Sprayway
    • 54 years young
    • Planning to finish on her 55th birthday
    • Getting £500 plus other benefits from the grant
    • Gaining new skills and starting to train
    • Starting from Kirk Yetholm walking from the North, down to the South
    • Being a very slow walker
    • Wanting to be out in nature and seeing the beauty
    • Overpacking at the start!
    • Filming the challenge and making it into a documentary
    • Frit Films
    • The difficult parts of filming
    • Dealing with a challenging family situation and needing to leave the walk 2 days before the end
    • Sharing her adventure with friends
    • The Pennine Way - Step by Step, Side by Side
    • Finishing the walk
    • Highlights and magical moments from the walk
    • Being an Asian woman and walking alone in nature
    • Advice for Asian women who want to take on a solo adventure
    • Starting small, with baby steps
    • Walking on a regular basis
    • Watch the film on Youtube
    • Being new to social media
    • Why age is a number
    • Make it your adventure

    Social Media

    Instagram @fchohan66
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    44 mins
  • Miriam Lancewood: A Life Beyond Civilisation – Wilderness Living, Global Adventures, and Lessons from the Wild

    Miriam Lancewood: A Life Beyond Civilisation – Wilderness Living, Global Adventures, and Lessons from the Wild
    Feb 4 2025
    Miriam Lancewood is an adventurer, author, and modern-day nomad who chose an extraordinary path far removed from the comforts of modern life. In 2010, Miriam and her husband Peter left civilisation behind, venturing into the high mountains of New Zealand with nothing but a backpack, a bow and arrow, and a tent. For seven years, they lived as nomads, hunting wild animals, foraging for plants, and embracing a primal existence in the wilderness. Since then, Miriam’s journey has continued to evolve. Together with Peter, she has roamed the wilderness of Europe, braved personal challenges like Peter's battle with kidney failure, and settled into an off-grid cottage in Bulgaria. While Peter tends the land, Miriam embarks on solo expeditions, most recently exploring the remote regions of the Himalayas, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Miriam is also a celebrated author, with her international bestseller Woman in the Wilderness captivating readers across the globe. Her sequel, Wild at Heart, and her most recent release, Wilder Journeys, showcase her incredible adventures and reflections on nature connection in the modern world. Join us as Miriam shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and what it means to live in harmony with nature, far from the conveniences of contemporary life. First TGP episode with Miriam - 14th April 2020 - Miriam Lancewood: Woman in the Wilderness: A Story of Survival, Love and Self-Discovery in NZ. 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 1st speaking to Miriam on the Tough Girl Podcast in April 14th 2020Miriam introducing herself In 2010 decided to leave civilisation and live in the wilderness in New ZealandWhat happens with body and mind when you are so far from other peopleDeciding to leave New Zealand in 2017 and head to EuropeWalking the E4 Moving to Bulgaria where houses are very cheapBuying a little cottageMeeting Peter at 22, when Peter was 52Turning 41How life has changed now Peter is in his 70sWhy the travelling had to stopSpeaking with the Doctors and needing to go on dialysis every second day for 8 hrsHow Peter somewhat recovered How life has changed since that day in Australia Not wanting to lose her freedom Travelling back to Bulgaria during covid Becoming more independent and doing things on her ownHeading to the Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan to climb with friendsWanting to organise an expedition Making a training plan to ensure people are fit and readyBeing an expedition leaderBeing fascinated by mountains and wanting to explore the less travelled countries The experience of awe while being in the mountains Day to day on expeditions and what that looks likeMaking a fire with yak dungNoticing how strong the sun was at altitude and in the clean air Making butter like the local people Coming home after travelsBeing sad after adventures Realising that travelling is not sustainable and needing to rest Doing a winter adventure in Bulgaria Learning new skills such as using an ice-axe and cramponsBook: Woman in the Wilderness: My Story of Love, Survival and Self-Discovery Book: Wild at Heart: The Dangers and Delights of a Nomadic Life Thinking about writing a 3rd book Book: Wilder Journeys: True Stories of Nature, Adventure and Connection Being inspired by Angela Maxwell who is walking around the world How the dynamics of her relationship has changed Thinking about a plan B and what happens after Peter dies Not putting her life on holdNot regretting having childrenThe danger of nomadic lifePension ? And living a simple life in old ageThe delights of nomadic living Reflecting back on the covid years in New Zealand and BulgariaGetting sick in cities Wanting to spend more time in India and NepalBeing on YouTube and making a movie about her travelsGetting a sponsor and becoming an ambassador!How many summers have you got left? Social Media Website www.miriamlancewood.com Youtube: miriamlancewoodinthewild
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    49 mins
  • Claire McCall: Hiking the Hexa – A Memoir of Adventure, Fear, and Finding Joy in Midlife

    Claire McCall: Hiking the Hexa – A Memoir of Adventure, Fear, and Finding Joy in Midlife
    Jan 28 2025

    Claire McCall is a Kiwi journalist, author, and self-described "not-so-tough" adventurer who took on a life-changing challenge in her 50s. Born in South Africa and now based in New Zealand, Claire didn’t grow up sporty, but in her 40s, she discovered a love for hiking and new physical challenges, including climbing Kilimanjaro with her son.

    In 2022, Claire and her partner James set out to hike selected stages of the Hexa Trek, a newly established long-distance trail through France.

    Covering just a portion of the trail, the journey became the inspiration for her book, Hiking the Hexa—a candid, warts-and-all memoir that captures the highs, lows, and reality of long-distance hiking.

    In this episode, Claire shares her experience on the trail, from fears of failure and embracing the unknown to the joys of connecting with people along the way and the challenges of hiking as a couple. She reflects on her midlife decision to tackle big dreams, the logistics of planning such an adventure, and the lessons she learned along the way.

    Claire’s story is one of stepping outside comfort zones, overcoming fear, and finding purpose through nature and adventure—reminding us all to ask the ultimate question: “If not now, then when?”

    ***

    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

    • Based in New Zealand, originally from South Africa.
    • Journalist specialising in architecture and design.
    • Began hiking in her 40s, climbing Kilimanjaro with her son as one of her first major adventures.
    • A self-employed creative balancing life as a mum and adventurer.
    • 2022: Set out on her first long-distance hike with her partner, James.
    • Discovered the Hexa Trek, a new long-distance route through France.
    • Decided to hike selected stages.
    • Initially wanting to start in the Pyrenees Mountains.
    • Studying French as part of her preparation.
    • Early fears of failure and overthinking the trip.
    • Facing logistical challenges: savings, renting out her house in Auckland, and planning the hike.
    • Experiencing the reality of long-distance hiking: physical struggles, weather, and the emotional ups and downs.
    • The unique rules of the trail and unexpected encounters—let’s talk about cows!
    • Slowing down the pace and adapting to the demands of the journey.
    • The dynamics of hiking as a couple—how they navigated challenges and strengthened their connection.
    • The importance of stepping outside comfort zones.
    • Finding joy in connection: the people they met along the way.
    • How the experience has changed her perspective on life.
    • Why Claire chose to write a memoir (not a guidebook!).
    • The creative process of blogging throughout the journey and turning it into a book.
    • Considering another long-distance hike.
    • Reflecting on the adventure and how it shaped her life.
    • Final Words of Advice - “If not now, then when?”
    • Don’t let fear or overthinking hold you back from adventure.
    • Learn more about Claire’s journey on her socials or grab a copy of Hiking the Hexa.

    Social Media

    Website www.clairemccall.net

    Instagram @hikingthehexa

    Book: Hiking the Hexa: Up, down and (almost) over the hill on France’s newest long-distance walk

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    50 mins

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