Rewild You

• The Best is Yet to Come: Dougal Allan on Endurance, Transition & Self-Discovery

  What happens when the race is over - but life keeps going?In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, elite endurance athlete Dougal Allan shares the truth behind his decade-long pursuit of Coast to Coast Longest Day victory, what it really took to become a two-time champion, and how his identity has been reshaped by setbacks, injury, and stepping back from professional sport.From navigating concussions that ended his rugby dreams, to pushing his physical and mental limits in Ironman, multisport and adventure racing, to finding himself in a surreal new chapter as part of Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup - Dougal brings raw honesty, wisdom, and humour to his story.But this episode isn’t just about sport. It’s about identity, uncertainty, growth, and what it means to pause after years of performance-driven living. Dougal opens up about working with a counsellor for the first time, leaning into vulnerability, and choosing integrity, loyalty, and humility as his compass for whatever comes next.Whether you're facing a transition, questioning who you are without the thing you've always done, or wondering how to begin again - you’ll find insight and inspiration in what Dougal shares in this episode.What We Talk About:* The long road to Coast to Coast victory - and what came after* Why process > outcome when it comes to motivation* His trial for Emirates Team New Zealand & becoming a cyclor in the America’s Cup * Working with a counsellor for the first time at 39 years old* Discovering more beyond the “athlete” identity* How to find your core values during times of uncertainty* The power of showing up vulnerably with your mates* Building a life beyond performanceConnect with Dougal:📸 Instagram: @dougalallan🌐 Website: dougalallan.comLike what you heard?Follow the Rewild You Podcast on your favourite platform and leave a review to help others discover these meaningful conversations.For more tools, updates, and free resources to support your own journey through change, visit hannahrae.nz or follow on Instagram @hannahraeoutdoors. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com

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• Finding Life After Sudden Loss with Cecile Dransart

  In this deeply moving episode of Rewild You, I’m joined by the vibrant and courageous Cecile Dransart. Cecile shares her story of navigating the sudden loss of her husband while they were living as a family overseas — and how she found her way back to life, joy, and authenticity.We talk about her relationship with Dave, the shock of his passing, and the raw early days of grief. Cecile offers honest insights into parenting through loss, leaning into community support, and reshaping life after tragedy. Through her lived experience, she shows us that grief and hope can — and do — coexist, and that rebuilding a life after loss, while messy and imperfect, is powerful and possible.Listen here on Substack or tune in on your favourite podcast platform.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:* The early aftermath of sudden loss — and why not knowing was the hardest part* How community connection helped Cecile survive those first days* Why celebrating life — colourfully and loudly — was her act of defiance and love* Parenting through grief and helping her boys navigate their loss* How Cecile found her way back to love, joy, and purpose — without losing her connection to Dave* The role of authenticity, emotional vulnerability, and spiritual trust in healingAbout Cecile:Cecile is a solo mother of two, a lover of meaningful connection, and a passionate advocate for living life to the fullest — despite, or perhaps because of, life's hardest moments. Today, she supports others on their path to self-empowerment and authentic living through her coaching practice, Aligned Holistic Coaching.Resources and Links:Follow Cecile on Instagram: @alignedholisticcoaching Connect with Cecile on LinkedIn. Tune in now to hear Cecile’s incredible story — and be reminded that even in deep grief, life can still be vivid, courageous, and fiercely beautiful.BONUS:If you’ve found this in May 2025 and enjoyed my conversation with Cecile - perfect timing! We’re hosting an event together: Wintering with Grief.When: Sunday 25 May, 4:30pm - 7:00pmWhere: Mt Pleasant Community Centre, ChristchurchWhat: Grief doesn’t follow a timeline—it moves in cycles, like the seasons. But in a world that moves fast (so fast!), grief is often left unspoken, unprocessed, and unseen.As we enter winter, we’re offering a space to slow down and turn inward. Not to fix or rush your grief—but to tend to it gently.Join grief-informed coaches Cecile Dransart and Hannah Rae for Wintering With Grief, a 2.5-hour soul-centred workshop designed to honour your unique grief journey. Together we’ll weave ritual, journaling, creative expression, and nervous system tools to help you reconnect with your inner strength and create space for healing.Whether your loss is recent or long ago, you are welcome here. No “right words” needed—just a willingness to show up as you are.You’ll leave feeling more connected, more grounded, and with practical tools to support yourself when the days feel heavy.Special pricing: $55 single ticket or $100 for two – bring a friend. (+ booking fee) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com

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• Turning Pain into Power: Harriet Watson’s Journey with Endometriosis and Endurance

  In this episode of Rewild You, I sit down with endurance athlete and adventurer Harriet Watson to explore her journey of navigating life with endometriosis while embracing the challenges of endurance sports. From growing up in a multi-sport family in rural New Zealand to tackling grueling events like the Coast to Coast and ultra-distance adventures, Harriet has never shied away from pushing her limits. But her path hasn’t been without its struggles—particularly when it comes to managing a chronic condition that affects every aspect of her life.Harriet shares:How growing up as the youngest and smallest in an adventurous family shaped her resilience.The pivotal moment when she realized that hard work could turn her struggles into strength.The emotional and physical toll of endometriosis and how she found her way to a diagnosis.The power of endurance sports as both a challenge and a coping mechanism.How she turns her pain into purpose, using her platform to raise awareness for endometriosis and women's health.Through it all, Harriet has developed a mindset of persistence, learning to embrace the highs and lows of both sport and health. Her story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy, movement, and mental resilience.Follow Harriet’s adventures on Instagram: @hazzas_adventures https://www.instagram.com/hazzas_adventures/Endometriosis New Zealand website & resources: https://nzendo.org.nz/ADDITIONAL RESOURCESGet your FREE Resilient Mind-Body Toolkit - Discover Five Simple Steps to Reset, Recharge & Restore Your Inner Calm.Stay updated and say hello on Instagram @rewildyouhq Questions or comments? Email us at: [email protected] your FREE 30-minute consult to create a clear action plan to begin your transformation - from feeling stuck in a rut to stepping into an empowered, purposeful life.Check out the tools, resources and support at: rewildyouhq.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com

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• Badass Athlete to Self-Care Mentor: Jess Simson’s Journey of Self-Discovery

  Jess Simson shares her remarkable journey from struggling with mental health to becoming an elite endurance athlete—and ultimately discovering joy and authenticity. Growing up in New Zealand and now residing in the Canadian Rockies, Jess reflects on how she turned personal challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation.Jess opens up about the pivotal moments that led her to endurance sports, how she overcame self-doubt and resistance, and the lessons learned from hitting burnout. Through her story, she offers profound insights into the power of movement, the importance of trusting your instincts, and how to reconnect with your authentic self.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Jess used movement as a tool to navigate mental health challenges.The transformative power of diving into the world of multisport and endurance racing.Lessons learned from burnout and how it reshaped her approach to life and sport.How yin yoga and mindfulness became integral to her healing journey.The shift from fear-driven performance to self-love and joyful movement.Key Takeaways:"I didn’t know what I was capable of, but I knew I had to try.""Burnout was my greatest teacher—it forced me to rethink everything.""Movement is now an act of self-love, not punishment."About Jess Simson:Jess Simson is a former elite endurance athlete and world multisport champion, a mindfulness advocate, and a devoted mother living in the Canadian Rockies. Drawing from her personal journey, she now inspires others to embrace their authentic selves and find balance through self-care.Resources and Links:Jess’s website: https://www.stokedlife.ca/NZ Spirit Fest: https://www.nzspirit.com/southislandfestivalFollow Jess on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stokedlife_jess_simson/🎧 Tune in now to hear Jess’s inspiring story and learn how to transform life’s challenges into opportunities for growth.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESGet your FREE Resilient Mind-Body Toolkit - Discover Five Simple Steps to Reset, Recharge & Restore Your Inner Calm.Stay updated and say hello on Instagram @rewildyouhq Questions or comments? Email us at: [email protected] your FREE 30-minute consult to create a clear action plan to begin your transformation - from feeling stuck in a rut to stepping into an empowered, purposeful life.Check out the tools, resources and support at: rewildyouhq.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com

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• 5 Things Endurance Sport Taught Me About Resilience [SOLO]

  Welcome to Rewild You, where we explore stories and strategies to rebuild and thrive through life’s toughest challenges. In this first solo episode of 2025, I’m thrilled to share five powerful lessons about resilience drawn from my experiences in endurance sports. Whether you’re an athlete or navigating life’s peaks and valleys, these insights are designed to inspire and empower you.Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about adapting to change. Through endurance sport, I’ve learned that resilience grows from showing up even when it’s hard, finding comfort in discomfort, and pacing yourself for the long haul. These lessons apply far beyond physical challenges and can shape how we face adversity in every area of life.If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered how to cultivate resilience, this episode will guide you through strategies to navigate life’s hurdles.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Showing Up Even When It’s HardThe power of consistency and commitment, even in uncomfortable conditions.A story of training for the XTERRA World Championships in Hawaii during a New Zealand winter, and how it taught me to persevere.Finding Comfort in DiscomfortHow mindfulness and focus help us push through pain, whether it’s a grueling race or a tough life moment.Insights from my Coast-to-Coast adventure across New Zealand.Managing Yourself When Things Go WrongThe importance of asking for what you need and embracing self-care during challenges.A simple yet transformative lesson learned during a six-hour rogaine.Pacing for the Long HaulWhy knowing and honouring your own pace is key to sustainable growth and success.Reflections from a five-day ultramarathon in the Wadi Rum Desert.Finding Meaning in the JourneyHow connecting with others, embracing personal growth, and finding joy in the process enriches life beyond the finish line.A deeply personal moment at the Pioneer Race in 2018 that reshaped my perspective.Interested in deeper support? Book a free consult to map out your next steps: Free Consult.Let’s keep showing up, pacing ourselves, and finding meaning in every step of the journey. 🌿ADDITIONAL RESOURCESGet your FREE Resilient Mind-Body Toolkit - Discover Five Simple Steps to Reset, Recharge & Restore Your Inner Calm.Stay updated and say hello on Instagram @rewildyouhq Questions or comments? Email us at: [email protected] your FREE 30-minute consult to create a clear action plan to begin your transformation - from feeling stuck in a rut to stepping into an empowered, purposeful life.Check out the tools, resources and support at: rewildyouhq.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com

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