Tough Girl Podcast

Catherine Breed – From the Pool to the Pacific Ocean: Swimming the Length of California and Redefining What Adventure Looks Like Today

Catherine Breed is an endurance athlete, ocean explorer, and visionary storyteller redefining what modern adventure can look like — where human performance, environmental connection, and community impact meet. Drawn to the water from an early age, Catherine's journey began in elite competitive swimming, representing UC Berkeley and the U.S. National Team. Years of disciplined training shaped her understanding of resilience and focus, but her true evolution began when she stepped beyond the structure of the pool and into the vast unpredictability of open water. In 2016, Catherine found her home within San Francisco's historic open-water swimming community at the Dolphin Club, where cold water, powerful tides, and a culture of bold exploration challenged her to redefine limits. Surrounded by legendary swimmers and lifelong adventurers, she began pursuing ambitious endurance swims that transformed swimming from competition into exploration — and ultimately into a platform for storytelling and impact. From this transition emerged a guiding philosophy: Beyond the Blackline — a mindset rooted in stepping beyond certainty, embracing discomfort, and forging new paths without predefined boundaries. What began as a personal journey evolved into a broader vision: using human-powered adventure as a catalyst for connection — between people, between communities, and between humanity and the ocean. Today, Catherine's work extends far beyond individual achievement. She is the founder of purpose-driven initiatives that combine endurance sport, storytelling, and ocean advocacy to inspire meaningful engagement with the natural world. Her projects invite audiences to rethink what is possible — not only physically, but emotionally and collectively — demonstrating how bold goals can spark curiosity, resilience, and environmental stewardship. At the heart of her mission is a belief that access to the ocean should be inclusive and transformative. Catherine advocates for greater equity and representation in ocean spaces, particularly for women and underrepresented communities, while championing the protection of marine ecosystems through experiential storytelling and community engagement. As a speaker, expedition leader, and storyteller, Catherine brings audiences into the raw realities of exploration — the uncertainty, the risk, and the profound clarity found when we step beyond familiar boundaries. Her work challenges conventional ideas of endurance, shifting the focus from records alone toward purpose-driven adventure that leaves lasting impact. Going beyond the black line was never just about swimming. It was about choosing a life guided by curiosity, courage, and connection — and creating pathways for others to do the same. ***  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.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Catherine 'Cat' 33 years old living in California, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge Identifying as ultra endurance athlete  Loving to push herself, especially doing big marathon swims Her early years growing up in the middle of nowhere, but next to a lake Starting to get into age group swimming at 4 years old Sailing and spending time in and around the Pacific Ocean  Her love for the water The discipline and commitment to swimming and why it is such a gruelling sport The sacrifice and not seeing it as a sacrifice at that age Being surrounded by like minded people  Body issues and dealing with periods  Building self confidence  Breaking records in the marathon swimming space and how that builds confidence in her ability Transitioning into longer swims The Dolphin Club, San Francisco  Swimming the length of Lake Tahoe (21 miles) Moving from speed to endurance  Having a great mentor Training from a place of failure  Being dedicated to the process  Fitting training into her schedule and work life Recovery - sleep and massage  Advice for good sleep  Night time and morning routine  Nutrition and supplements for training and during races Oatmeal, eggs and olive oil! Having a strong stomach Feeling like death after 12 hour swims What Swim California is Story telling though sport Founding a non profit to get more girls and women into the ocean  The logistics behind the challenge attempt and why it's a team effort The physical training and focusing on putting on muscle mass Wearing a wetsuit for the swim Having a director of logistics  Getting the community involved  Working with 10/13 non profit organisations  The dangers of the swim Media Partner ALLEZ Sports  How people can support  Final words of wisdom to motivate and inspire women and girls to take on their own adventures and challenges Don't be afraid to start - Don't be afraid to be a beginner You are braver than you think - you are tougher than you think Surround yourself with people who will build you up  Go after the scary thing! You can do it!    Social Media Website: www.Catherinebreed.com  Instagram: @catherine.breed  Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-breed-966bb36b 

Ria Xi - Running 20,000km Across the Silk Road to Redefine What's Possible

Two years ago, Ria was burnt out from her tech career in Silicon Valley, coming out of a difficult relationship, and struggling with mental health issues. Running became her way out. Within a year, she went from struggling to finish a half marathon to setting ultramarathon records on world-renowned routes. The Via Francigena: 1,014 km in 21 days The Camino de Santiago: 780 km in 12 days And now she has just started her journey to become the first human to run across Eurasia on the silk road, or what she calls: the 20000km Experiment. In this episode, Ria shares how running helped her rebuild her life, the mindset shifts that enabled her to go from beginner to record-breaking ultrarunner, and the enormous logistical challenge of planning a 20,000km expedition through 17 countries. Listen to this episode to learn about resilience, finding purpose after burnout, taking bold leaps into the unknown, and why sometimes the most "delusional" dreams are the ones worth pursuing. ***  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.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x   *** Show notes Who is Ria? Trying to run across the Asia and Europe on the Silk Road  Currently being in her support vehicle in the northeast of China, approx. 17 days into her journey  Calling in from the road after running 50km Growing up in China as a child figure skater Trying to make the Olympics Living on the edge of Beijing  Moving to the USA at 14 for school  Suffering from some knee injuries and not being into running  Her final year of high school and trying out running in nature  Going through a significant breakup  Starting to run everyday for 30 days Struggling with depression and reaching the point where nothing made sense  Having no control over the situation of her life Not knowing what to do with herself  Being in Chamonix and being inspired by the humans running the UTMB Going to Egypt to become a free diving instructor  The Sinai Trail in Egypt  Going from a half marathon to running 539km  Deciding to run across the length of the silk road Continuing to challenge herself in daily distances  Running the Sinai Trail and what the experience was like  The logistics and planning behind the trail  Running in Egypt The logistics of the Silk Road Journey and pulling it all together Planning for over a year and a half Visa's and being able to run through 17 countries Being supported by her crew and how it works day to day Paying for the running, the crew and the gear Being supported by internet strangers and creating a GoFundMe  "It's only delusional until it's not." The Planetary Run Club  Running day after day  The power of sleep and feeling more refreshed mentally  Finding motivation in many different ways Rest days Dealing with a car accident and food poisoning  Connecting with Ria Daily updates…. Planned!  Planning on starting a Patreon, YouTube channel and podcast! Words of advice for women    Social Media Website: 20000km.com  Instagram: @whereisriax  Youtube: @whereisriax  GoFundMe: gofund.me/8d624216f

Dr Irene Molina-Gonzalez - Running Beyond Burnout and Finding a New Purpose

Irene is a sports scientist, endurance coach, and ultra-runner originally from Spain, now based in the UK. She moved to the UK in 2013 to pursue a Master's degree, intending to stay only briefly, but quickly fell in love with the country and never left. Her journey into ultra-running was entirely unplanned. She only started running consistently in 2017 during her PhD in Neuroscience, initially as a way to cope with academic stress. Distances gradually increased, and without even realising ultramarathons existed, she found herself constantly curious about how far she could go. Once she ran beyond 21 km, something clicked—and she never looked back. Running became both a coping mechanism and, at times, a source of imbalance. A combination of PhD stress, under-fuelling, disordered eating, and overtraining led to injury after her first ultramarathon in 2021. While challenging, that injury marked a turning point. Although her academic career appeared highly successful from the outside, Irene was experiencing severe burnout and quietly drifting away from neuroscience. In January 2023, she left academia altogether after a period of profound burnout. Ultra-running remained a constant during this time and ultimately helped her rebuild. By then, she had already completed coaching and sports rehabilitation qualifications, and the transition into applied sport felt natural. She founded Train4BodyMind, combining science, performance, and a more holistic approach to endurance sport. Later that year, Irene began a second MSc in Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine, while simultaneously building her coaching business and working in a physiotherapy clinic. Throughout this journey, she became increasingly aware of a major gap in sports science: the lack of research and evidence-based guidance for women. While searching for answers about her own body, she realised how little research existed on female endurance athletes—particularly in ultra-running.  This led her to investigate how the menstrual cycle affects performance in female ultrarunners, an area that had been largely overlooked despite the extreme demands of the sport. Today, Irene is passionate about supporting women in endurance sports through evidence-based coaching and education. She is particularly focused on countering the widespread misinformation surrounding women's physiology and rigid cycle-based rules, which often create fear rather than empowerment. Her work aims to help women understand their bodies better, train with confidence, and use their physiology as a strength rather than a limitation. ***  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.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Originally from Spain, now living in Edinburgh, Scotland in the UK Working as a running coach for women, specialising in ultra marathons  Being a sports scientistic and science nerd  Her early years growing up in Spain Developing an eating disorder and spending time in hospital  Not being able to get involved in sports  Getting into running when she moved to the UK Starting her Neuroscience PhD in 2017 Wanting to do an ultra marathon  Becoming addicted to the ultra distances  Experiencing burnout  Deciding to do a shift in her career and move into coaching  Getting into running to be able to disconnect  Being an ultra runner before she knew about ultra marathons  Using running to help manage stress Not fuelling enough during running and dealing with niggles and injuries  Being very alone and not having support around her Getting injured and having to stop running  The turning point in her life Working with a physiotherapist  Starting to study coaching ultra marathons  Losing the attachment with her career and starting a different path  Leaving academia, her job and becoming unemployed at 33 years old  Learning how to coach herself  Going deep into the science of ultra running Studying for her masters in Sports Science  Researching into the menstrual cycle and ultra runners Why the menstrual cycle is a health marker Dr Stacy Simms - Tough Girl Podcast episode  Coaching women on an individual basis The importance of educating women about periods and menstruation Racing in Snowdonia  Ultra Trail Snowdonia (UTS)  Getting the balance right with training and work Being organised and the importance of knowing what you are doing Doing strength training and why it's non negotiable for a runner Breaking down the training into different phases and periods  The final phase and tapering  Making training work for her Visualising what can go wrong and right during the race  Helping to prepare your mind  Magical moments from UTS after DNF'ing the race previously  Why it was one of the best races of her life Training your body and your mind  The mental preparation- advice and tips for other runners to train their brain for success Her coaching philosophy  Focusing on longevity  How to connect with Irene Being most active on Instagram and Strava    Social Media Website: www.train4bodymind.com Instagram: @train4bodymind

Helen Spencer – Vet, Polar Explorer & South Pole Ski Adventurer

Meet Helen Spencer, a veterinarian from Kent who swapped clinic life for the extremes of the world. From hiking in Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Yemen to caring for orangutans in Borneo, Helen has chased adventure across the globe. In this episode, she shares her journey to ski the last degree to the South Pole, including: Training, kit prep, and polar skills courses The physical and mental challenges of long polar expeditions Coping with loss, vulnerability, and finding strength on the ice Lessons in perseverance, confidence, and small steps toward big dreams Helen's story is a testament to courage, resilience, and pursuing your goals—even when the journey is long and demanding. ***  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.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Helen Being based in Kent Growing up on a farm and having a lot of freedom  Becoming a vet Wanting more adventure  Working for the charity: World Wide Veterinary Service  In her free time loving to travel  Leaving school and travelling with her backpack, and staying in hostels  Starting to do a few solo and group expeditions Hiking in Afganistan, Madagascar, Mongolia, Yemen, Palestine, North Korea Recently skiing the last degree of the South Pole   Building her confidence with travelling  Earning enough money to go f www.interrail.eu/en Having a budget of £10 per day Spending time in Borneo looking after Orangutans Being a shy, farm kid growing up and being better with animals than people  Having 5 years at university  Having a neighbour who had a zoo and spending time helping out at the zoo Knowing what she wanted to do when she was 5 Building internal confidence  Hiking in Afganistan's Wakhan Corridor   Why expedition are about the people you meet as well as where you go Getting the balance right between being social enough but also having time for herself  Needing time out and making sure she has her own tent Having a 10 day tolerance on expeditions  Her goal to ski to the the pole in Antarctica and where the dream came from  Being fascinated by polar history  A week long polar skills course in Finse, Norway  Needing a challenge - being in bad mental and physical health  Taking some time out after selling her veterinarian clinic in London Having a year to get in shape  Training at the Altitude Centre in London  Not being able to test her kit Receiving a lot of help and advice  Heading to Loughborough Elite Sports Centre to have her fitness tested  Dr Amelia Rudd  Heading over to Antarctica and what it was like  Antarctic Logistics Expeditions (ALE) Being out on the ice and why it was like being out on the open ocean  Pulling the pulk at altitude on the ice  Why it was a physical challenge but also a mental challenge  Her way of coping with difficulties  Wanting to feel small  Being there mid summer, when the sun never sets. Rainbows and halos forming around the sun Being able to move forward after the challenge Trying to cope with the loss of her parents in an accident, 2 weeks before she was due to be married  Being in a dark place  Coping by being on her own and doing physical endurance  Wanting to be broken down and feel vulnerable  Getting to the pole and why it was hugely emotional  Why it meant everything to her  Kick on Fundraising £20K in memory of her mum who had Parkinson's Gaining confidence, a bit more self assurance and pride.   Spending 3 weeks in Antarctica, and skiing for 8 days  Tent life… Going to the loo! Code Brown! Pooing in a bag and packing out your poo. The worst bit of the expedition and having to leave your warm sleeping bag How to connect with Helen on Social Media  Final words of advice Some dreams can take time Taking small steps and trying the thing you want to do Her mantras in life…. "Don't be a dick to yourself", "Don't be a dick to others" and Don't be a dick with our environment"    Social Media Instagram: @adventure_vet_spence  Justgiving: www.justgiving.com/page/helen-spencer-1728903029666

Dr. Shawna Pandya – Canada's First Named Female Commercial Astronaut & Space Medicine Pioneer

Meet Dr. Shawna Pandya, Canada's first named female commercial astronaut and a leading figure in space medicine. From emergency medicine to aquanaut missions and suborbital research flights, Shawna has trained to thrive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth—and soon, in space. In this episode, she shares her journey from a childhood inspired by Dr. Roberta Bondar, through neuroscience and medical training, to testing spacesuits in zero gravity and completing multiple NEPTUNE aquanaut missions.  We dive into: The challenges of spaceflight on the body and mind The "RIDGE" framework Radiation, Isolation, Distance, Gravity, Environment Using emergency medicine, diving, and piloting to build operational readiness Maintaining balance, avoiding burnout, and living a life aligned with values Preparing for her upcoming flight with Virgin Galactic Shawna's story is a masterclass in perseverance, curiosity, and aiming for the stars—literally. ***  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.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Shawna  Being Canada's first named female Astronaut  Her early years and growing up in the 90s Wanting to be an Astronaut since she was a child and being inspired by Dr. Roberta Bondar Simplifying things  Wanting to follow in her footsteps  Doing a neuroscience degree The influence of her parents  Girl Guides of Canada  Doing outdoor education during junior high and building her spirit of adventure  Inheriting her work ethic from her parents - thinking the normal work day was from 7am to 10pm Sharing her goal and telling people what she wanted to achieve  Taking a family trip to Australia at 12 years old and being obsessed with the Southern Night Sky  Not knowing if it will work out or not - Having to love the grind and the journey  Keeping focused on the goal  Not letting other people opinions stop her  Her parents wanting her to have a realistic career ambition  The roadmap included medicine  After doing her undergrad in neuroscience and applying for medical school Having a back up plan - just in case  International Space University - Masters Program  Asking medical school for a deferral  Doing an internship at the European Space Agency European Space Centre and making a meaningful contribution to space medicine  Dealing with criticism Having balance in her life and not suffering from burnout  Pursuing the trajectory as a research astronaut - and still maintaining her clinical hours in emergency medicine  Work life balance  Why she does't burn out Living her life according to her values  Having complete control over her schedule   Being surrounded by good people Finding fulfilment and loving what she does Being inspired to be a better version of herself everyday  Fitness and health in space  Bone density and muscle mass  Space Medicine  The challenges of space flight environment and why it's trying to kill you  The "RIDGE" Framework short for Space Radiation, Isolation and Confinement, Distance from Earth, Gravity fields, and Hostile/Closed Environments. Altered day night cycles - 1 sunrise/sunset every 90 mins - 16 sunrise - sunset cycles per 24hr period every and how it interferes with your sleep cycle Micro-gravity and how it affects your bodily systems  Physical activity as therapy and using it as a way of investing in herself.  The days she doesn't make it to the gym  Needing to change something up - or end up burning out  Learning diving skills and spending time underwater Looking for transferable skills Being operational good and a good team mate Operational environments: - emergency medicine, diving, sky diving and piloting  The importance of having aqua-naught experience  Going on 2 NEPTUNE Missions  NEPTUNE (Nautical Experiments in Physiology, Technology and Underwater Exploration) Building her space flight readiness Learning to handle stress in challenging situations  Why there is no room for ego  Using emergency medicine as an example  Escalation patterns of communication  Question - Suggestion - Statement - Command  Why there is a time and place for everything  If everything is urgent - nothing is urgent! Urgency fatigue - not knowing what do first Being aware of what tools you have at your disposal High risk - high reward scenarios  The countdown to flight  Since 2021 - the launch of private companies into space  Going to space for research  What kind of astronaut do you want to be? Being a research astronaut  Training flights as a team - and getting to fly with her good friends Kellie Gerardi  Dr. Norah Patten  Figuring out research priorities  The outreach aspects of what they do Science diplomacy  The lead up to the space flight  Managing fears and concerns  Having a job to do  Being aware of the need to be prepared  Deciding on the final payloads Dealing with periods in space  Quick Fire Questions Being an evening person Not scheduling early morning meetings Starting her day at 9am Favourite movie and favourite space movie  2007 movie - Sunshine Book inspiration - Chris Hatfield - An Astronaut's guide to Earth  Music inspiration - liking high adrenaline workout play lists  Liking the John Wicks Soundtrack  Beach or mountains.. Favourite food at home and in space High RPM skipping Rest and relaxation Her love for birds - having a 56g Lovebird - 'Jules'  Mantra and words she lives by - 'You've got this" Words from mum - "Keep going" - "Keep moving" Words from dad - "What's the difference between success and activity? Success is eating tomato soup with a spoon, activity is eating tomato soup with a fork" How to connect and follow along on social media Final words of advice and wisdom for other girls who want to pursue  Pick what you want to do, aim to be really, really good at it.  Aim to become the hardest working person in the room. Because the work ethic is free. Work really hard to get to where you want to be and then act like you belong there, because you do. You just need to make space for yourself.    Social Media Website: shawnapandya.com  Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shawnapandya  Instagram: @shawnapandya  Facebook: @shawnapandyaofficial