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
  • Joy Haizelden: GB Wheelchair Basketball, Three-Time Paralympian & PhD Student

    Joy Haizelden: GB Wheelchair Basketball, Three-Time Paralympian & PhD Student
    Nov 26 2024
    Joy Haizelden is an inspiring British wheelchair basketball player who has made significant strides in the world of adaptive sports. Born on December 1, 1998, in China, Joy was abandoned outside an orphanage and later adopted by a loving British couple, Jim and Margaret Haizelden, in 2005. Growing up in Southampton, Hampshire, Joy discovered her love for wheelchair basketball when her father sought ways to keep her active and engaged in sports. At just 15 years old, Joy made history as the youngest player to represent Great Britain at the 2014 Women’s World Wheelchair Basketball Championship, where the team achieved its best-ever finish. Her dedication and talent quickly set her apart, earning her accolades like the Peter Jackson Young Female Player of the Year and helping Team GB secure numerous medals, including gold at the Women’s U25 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship. As a classified 2.5 point player, Joy has continued to excel on the international stage, recently competing in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, all while pursuing her PhD. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and empowerment, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, listeners will gain insight into Joy’s remarkable journey, discovering how she overcame adversity and used her experiences to fuel her passion for sport and academic excellence. Joy's story is not only about athletic achievement; it’s a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of following one’s dreams. Tune in to be inspired by her message of empowerment and to learn how she continues to break barriers in wheelchair basketball and beyond! Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! Show notes Being born in China and growing up in an orphanageBeing adopted by a British familyMoving to the UK at age 6Learning English within 6 monthsTransitioning to a new language and cultureFacing challenges in physical education at her schoolDiscovering wheelchair basketball with encouragement from her fatherFinding a supportive communityHer first experience in specialised wheelchair basketballEnjoying the physical and social aspects of the sportExplaining the rules of wheelchair basketballThe classifications for disability levelsThe importance of team strategy with point-based player selectionStarting wheelchair basketball at age 12-13Being invited to a senior national team camp at 15Youngest player for GB at the 2014 Women's World Wheelchair Basketball Championships in TorontoReflecting on the honour and excitement of representing her country at such a young ageBeginning to see the possibility of playing at a higher level, aiming for the Rio ParalympicsMoving to Worcester for a centralised programme with the GB teamReceiving sponsorship from the National LotteryThe hectic schedule of training five days a week and managing schoolJoy's experience of the Rio ParalympicsRecalling her parents attending the games, which was a significant moment for herThe multi-sport event experience and the impact of being part of such a large eventImpact of COVID-19 on Tokyo ParalympicsThe increased focus on mental well-being and support from sports psychologistsHer personal experiences and strategies for managing stress and resiliencePursuing a PhD in health, education, and promotion at The University of AlabamaBalancing her PhD studies with playing basketballThe challenges of managing both academic and athletic responsibilitiesTeam dynamics and rolesThe Tokyo Paralympics atmosphereDeciding to move to Alabama for PhD and basketballCollegiate wheelchair basketball in the USCultural adjustments and international friendshipsHow their PhD programme allows them to balance their academic and athletic pursuitsThe challenges of managing her PhD and being part of the GB teamThe need for careful time management due to frequent GB team eventsThe difficulties she faced travelling as a disabled personManaging to balance her commitments and participate in international tournaments despite challengesReflecting on their experience at the Paris Games, where they finished 4thFeeling disappointed at not winning a medalThe team's performance as the second-best in women's wheelchair basketball historyUndecided on the 2028 LA Games, but evaluating performance and team dynamicsDealing with disappointment and moving forwardFinal words of advice Social Media Instagram: @...
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    40 mins
  • Frankie Forzoni: From Mental Health Struggles to Norseman Xtreme Triathlon Finisher.

    Frankie Forzoni: From Mental Health Struggles to Norseman Xtreme Triathlon Finisher.
    Nov 21 2024
    Frankie is a Women's Endurance Coach and Nutritionist, helping busy women achieve their endurance goals in the most holistic way possible. From severe mental health struggles in her early twenties, to being hit by a car in 2020, Frankie is now a Norseman Xtreme Triathlon finisher and 4 x Marathon runner. Founded in 2016, Pretty Strong Coaching was created to support and coach women struggling with their mental wellbeing. Having faced depression, chronic pain, and panic attacks, Frankie understands the struggles of mental health firsthand. After trying therapy, sleeping pills, and anti-depressants, she found healing through movement, nature, and nutrition. Frankie provides a space where women can reconnect with their bodies, achieve their running and triathlon goals, and embrace a balanced, healthy lifestyle within a supportive community. Through her coaching, Frankie empowers women to overcome mental barriers, conquer self-doubt, and tackle burnout, helping them become their strongest, healthiest selves. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking motivation, practical insights into holistic health, and a reminder that with the right support and determination, it's possible to transform adversity into triumph. Tune in and be inspired to embrace your own journey toward strength and wellness! *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is FrankieGrowing up with an active childhood in LondonDoing dance lessons and tennis with her sisterGoing into university in Leeds to study graphic designStopping fitness, focusing on a busy social lifeExperiencing poor mental health at 24Signing off work due to stressExploring ways to improve her wellbeingStudying happiness and healthRecovering through moving the body and nourishing itSigning up for the London Marathon despite not being a runnerTaking on the London Marathon after being told she couldn't do itFollowing a book to guide her trainingMeeting friends, seeing family, and enjoying the eventHow running has helped with her mental healthBelieving small victories help manage mental wellbeingThe importance of consistency, endorphins, and alone time during runs for mental clarity and self-discoveryMoving to Singapore for workObtaining personal training qualificationGrowth of Frankie's coaching careerHelping others achieve fitness goals and mental resilienceEnjoying living in Singapore, having access to pools and sunshineFacing the challenge of extreme heatHaving an air-conditioned indoor gym setup to handle the heatParticipating in the annual event, The Standard Chartered Singapore MarathonCoaching 30 clients through the 2018 Singapore MarathonDesigning the "Mind Over Marathon" programme to help women with mental health struggles prepare for the raceOffering a safe space for women dealing with various issuesHer challenging recovery process after being hit by a car in SingaporeHow cycling and swimming aid her healingRegaining her physical strength over a four-year periodApplying for The Norseman Xtreme TriathlonWeighing the challenge of competing in the extreme triathlon in Norway while living in SingaporePartnering with Performance Bike Fitter for altitude training equipmentWorking with Trapeze Recovery Centre, providing ice baths, to acclimate to cold temperaturesTravelling to Australia to train on actual hillsTraining on the Sunshine Coast with her support team and triathlete friendsGrowing anxiety and self-doubt as race day approachesThe importance of her support crew to her successFinding peace and determination, pushing forward despite fearsDriving the Norseman route backwards to familiarise themselves with the courseObserving other experienced athletes, feeling a mix of intimidation and inspirationWhat was her race day morning likeSwimming conservatively, following the coastlineSwelling and loss of dexterity due to coldTransition from swim to bike (T1)Frankie's climbing challengesFacing a gruelling 35-kilometre climb with steep gradientsMental and physical strain on the bikeAlone, battling wind, hail, and fatiguePushing through some of the darkest moments of her raceTransition from bike to run (T2)From flat to "Zombie Hill"Being joined by her support crew on the hill for safetyContinuing to walk despite torrential thunderstormsNutrition and hydration on the runFinal words of advice Social Media Website: www.prettystrongcoaching.com Instagram: @prettystrongcoaching Facebook: @...
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    53 mins
  • Jane Kanizay: Climbing Mt. Everest, Advocating for Consent, and Building Resilience in the Death Zone—A Mother’s Journey of Strength, Survival, and Purpose.

    Jane Kanizay: Climbing Mt. Everest, Advocating for Consent, and Building Resilience in the Death Zone—A Mother’s Journey of Strength, Survival, and Purpose.
    Nov 19 2024
    Jane Kanizay is an adventurer, educator, activist, speaker, artist and mother of four who on 14 May 2022 successfully climbed Mt. Everest with her 19-year-old daughter. Jane enjoys sharing the highs and lows of her Everest experience and the journey of resilience required to take on such an immense challenge as a survivor. Jane climbed with the message of @teachusconsent to campaign for holistic consent education in school education curriculum and to advocate for the prevention of violence against women. To have a message to take to the summit provided additional strength on the days Jane had reached her physical or emotional limits. High altitude mountaineering is one of the deadliest sports in the world. Jane successfully summited mountains above 6000m plus an 8000m summit of Cho Oyu, Tibet, to prepare her for the extreme environment of Everest, considered to be in the ‘death zone’ above 8000m where oxygen content is only 34% compared with sea level. Listening to Jane on the Tough Girl Podcast offers a rare insight into the mental and physical fortitude it takes to summit Everest, but also the deeper purpose behind her journey. Through her incredible story, Jane not only inspires adventurers but also advocates for change, sharing how carrying a message of consent and empowerment gave her the strength to push through her limits. Her story will resonate with anyone looking to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find purpose in their own lives. Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! Show notes Who is JaneMother of four, living with one childMountain climbing with her eldest daughter, GabbyBeing motivated by Gabby's dream to climbCompleting several trips to the HimalayasReaching Everest's summit together on 14 May 2022Becoming the second mother-daughter pair to summit EverestGrowing up in an athletic familyHaving siblings achieving high levels in sportsDiscussing her childhood experiences with athleticsHer belief in ordinary people achieving extraordinary thingsThe importance of family support in sports and lifeStarting running marathons at 33 after having four childrenTransitioning from marathon running to trekking and climbing in her late 40sRemembering her 40s as an empowering period, winning races in her age groupWhen Gabby's interest in climbing startedThe mother-daughter duo's plans evolved into larger climbing goals over timeGabby reflecting on her experience, appreciating the timing of climbing at age 19Climbing experience which fostered a unique friendshipThey relate differently outside of typical family rolesMaintaining their bond while balancing parenting responsibilitiesInitially planned to finance their climbs through a mortgage and potential scholarshipsSelling their house and funding the majority of the tripAdapting to unexpected financial changesGabby's focus on balancing her love for climbing while pursuing an income in the industryJane's reflections on the dynamics among her children regarding climbing adventuresHow she has navigated potential feelings of jealousy among her childrenSharing her experience of climbing Everest with GabbyThe dynamic of being both mother and climbing partnerHow they communicated effectively at base campGabby often acted as a mentor, helping Jane to regain confidence during tough momentsA pivotal moment at Camp Four where she doubted her strength to continueGetting encouraged by Gabby to persevereReflecting on precious time spent with her childrenPrioritising family over personal ambitionsSocietal concerns about young climbers tackling high peaksJane's internal struggles regarding the ethics of taking Gabby on such a dangerous expeditionEngaging with other young adventurers and parentsThe meticulous preparation and strategy leading up to their summit attemptThe challenging conditions they encounteredThe summit push filled with historical significance and personal reflectionsJane leading the ascent, following in the footsteps of climbing legendsA heartwarming moment for Jane spotting Gabby approaching the summitThe "Teach Us Consent" campaignJane's desire for her sons to be good allies and her daughters to be safeThe pyramid of abuseAdvocating for calling out disrespectful behaviourCreating a safer environment for womenExperiencing vision problems while descendingHallucinating due to altitude sicknessDealing with laryngitis and media attention after her climbBuilding a supportive network ...
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    54 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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