Tough Girl Podcast

Devin Brown is a Minneapolis-based paddler and founder of Sovereign Waters, an emerging organisation focused on connection, access, and purpose through time spent on the water.
In 2024, Devin set out on an ambitious source-to-sea journey along the Mississippi River, paddling 1,025 miles before high water forced an early end to the expedition. What remained was not failure, but a powerful experience of resilience, learning, and deep connection to the river and herself.
Her journey into paddling began long before that expedition, rooted in childhood summer camps, early experiences on the water, and a growing understanding of how time in nature supports her mental health. Over the years, she developed her skills step by step, eventually building the confidence to attempt one of North America's great river journeys.
In this episode, Devin shares the realities of endurance paddling, from long days in the rain and logistical challenges on the Mississippi to moments of fear, uncertainty, and unexpected support from "river angels" along the way. She also opens up about feeling like one of the only women on the water, and why creating more inclusive access to paddling has become central to her mission.
We explore the founding of Sovereign Waters, her vision for helping more people connect with rivers in ways that feel safe and empowering, and why building community around water is essential for both wellbeing and environmental connection.
Listen to this episode to hear what it really takes to learn endurance one stroke at a time, why connection to rivers can be life-changing, and how one woman is working to bring more people—especially women—into the world of paddling and wild water.
***
 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 Devin
Living in Minneapolis in Minnesota 
Being a passionate paddler and loving spending time on the water
Spending her early years going to summer camps 
Learning that kayaking was essential for her mental health 
Moving to the twin cities 
Sending out on her long term goal of paddling the Mississippi River
The freedom on being on the river and the river angels 
Learning to paddle at a young age 
Frost Valley YMCA
Her love for nature and developing independence 
Being a counsellor in training and becoming a trip leader 
Making connections with local organisations
Wanting to connect people to the Mississippi River
Founding Sovereign Waters to get more people on the water in ways that feel comfortable for them 
The war on water in Minnesota
Needing people to fall in love with the natural world
The story of getting to the start line of paddling the Mississippi River
Thinking more and more about the Mississippi River
Source to Sea and why it was going to be her one day
Making a career change to a massage therapist
Being supported by her community
Not being able to afford to go paddling
Getting back to the river during covid
Mississippi River Paddle Share 
Feeling like the only women paddler
Building up her endurance with paddling 
Working with a personal trainer
The logistics of paddling the river
Having 55 days for the paddle
Feeling unsafe while on the river
River angels
Being on the water day after day and why it was incredible, but also frightening and traumatising 
Planning to paddle again in 2028 - depending on the political climate
The film - Mother River 
Introducing paddling to her son
The journey down the Mississippi River
Spending the first 3 weeks paddling in the rain
Knowing it was time to stop paddling 
Following her gut instinct
Not having classic adventure blues
Plan for time after adventure to reflect
How people can connect online 
Final words of advice (apart from just do it!)
Connect with other women who want to get dirty, grungy and empowered to do things outside 
Building sisterhoods around nature 
Get out there - make a plan and ask people to go with you
Make your spirit happy 
 
Social Media
Website: sovereignwaters.org 
Instagram: @afrodiskayak

Gina Johansen is a Swedish-born endurance athlete, adventurer, and a track work rider based in Sydney and Norway. She is currently preparing for a world record attempt to become the fastest woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 2026. 

She grew up on a horse farm in Sweden, where her love for horses and the outdoors began early. Gina spent eight years riding trackwork for leading Thoroughbred racing stables in Australia and is now back riding racehorses in Sydney alongside her polar training. 

Her previous expeditions include becoming the first woman to cross Lake Baikal in Siberia solo by foot, skiing solo from North Cape to Jäckvik, crossing Svalbard on skis, cycling 2700km from Sydney to Cairns, and hiking the full length of Norway with her partner and their dog. She also spent eight years living near North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe, training in extreme Arctic conditions. 

Through her journey, Gina hopes to inspire others—especially women—to push beyond their limits, take on big challenges, and discover what they're truly capable of.
***
 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
From Sweden originally 
Being based in Northern Norway (North Cape) for the past 8 years before moving to Sydney in December 2025
Riding racehorse in the early morning and training for her South Pole Expedition in the afternoon 
Her goal - to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole, attempting to break the women's speed record
Gina shared her story on the Tough Girl Podcast - April 28th 2020 - Walking 3,000km the length of Norway, plus a solo crossing of Lake Baikal in Siberia
You can listen to that episode HERE 
What's been going on in the past 6 years 
Living in remote mountain areas doing a lot of skiing, hiking, hunting and dealing with a lot of injuries 
Trying to work on the financials to pay for the expedition 
Doing training expeditions and building up her skills 
After the Lake Baikal expedition in 2019 - starting to think about the next big challenge 
Always wanting to go to Antarctica and the challenges of doing a solo expedition 
Wanting a real test - both physically and mentally 
The last 4 years being focused on the expedition 
Dealing with injuries and set backs along the way
Struggling to get the financial support to make it possible
US$95,000 plus costs for equipment and flights 
Needing to be ready fitness wise and mentally 
What the planning looks like to plan an expedition of this size
Trying not to get overwhelmed with the size of the challenge
Taking some time out - to reset 
Dealing with two stress fractures 
Wanting to understand why she was getting stress fractures 
Doing the rehab and keeping fit 
Having smaller projects to focus on and having things to look forward to
Working with a coach
Starting at 5am and riding horse for 4.5 hrs
Trying to eat a lot and not being afraid of eating fast carbs
Handling set backs 
Working with a physio 
Focusing on staying positive
Doing a crossing of Svalbard from East to West with a team of women
Being in an environment with polar bears - needing to take on night watch shifts to keep the camp safe from polar bears 
Mentally preparation before the challenge 
Knowing it will hard and lonely 
Also understanding it will be very tough 
Focusing on the goal and being so motivated to reach it
Discipline 
The pain of disciple is lighter than the pain of regret
The importance of socialising with friends - but organising this around training 
If you want to achieve anything, you've got to put in the work
Showing up even when you don't feel like it
Needing to make the final payment by August, and send the equipment over in September 
Trying to get sponsorship from corporate and individuals 
Meeting the right people 
How to connect with Gina
Final words of advice for women who want to step outside their comfort zone
When things go wrong, that is when the best stories are created! 
 
Social Media
Website: www.ginajohansen.com
Instagram: @Ginajohansen91 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ginajohansen91

Denise is part of a team of women who have just successfully rowed 3000 miles, unsupported, across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the 'World's Toughest Row'. Rowing 12 hours a day for over 50 days, Denise drew on decades of experience from white water and sea kayaking, alongside years spent as an outdoor instructor. 
Driven by a deep belief that adventure belongs to everyone, Denise champions the visibility of women in outdoor spaces. She's passionate about showing that ordinary women can achieve extraordinary things, and that authentic role models have the power to inspire the next generation of adventure-loving women.
In this episode, Denise shares what it really takes to row across an ocean, from raising the funds and building the right team to coping with exhaustion, fear and the mental challenges of spending 50 days at sea.
She opens up about the power of mindset, learning to be kinder to herself, and why focusing on what you can control can make all the difference in the toughest moments.
Listen to this episode to discover how adventure can transform your perspective, why saying yes to opportunities can lead to extraordinary experiences, and why Denise believes that adventure truly is for everyone.
***
 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 Denise
Working as a Lecturer at the University of Wales, Trinity St Davids 
Being based in Pembrokeshire in West Wales
Growing up in the South of England in Wiltshire
Her early years and not coming from an outdoorsy family
Getting into slalom kayaking
Her journey to becoming a lecturer
Studying sports science at university 
Moving from kayaking into rowing 
After graduation and not knowing what she wanted to do 
Working at the National Water Sports Centre
Finding her community of people 
Deciding to go traveling for the next few years
Having an innate desire for freedom
Being quite risk adverse 
Struggling with predictability 
Needing moments of real significant change in order to feel alive
Saying yes to opportunities 
Putting one foot in front of the other and seeing the positive in things
Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean and where the idea came from
Being inspired by Jasmine Harrison 
Taking it from a dream/opportunity to making it happen
Spending a year trying to get a crew together 
Not being able to get people to commit
Starting to ask people again in January 2022
Getting the crew together 
Raising the funds to pay for the row 
Why it was a 3.5 year process
Working as a team and all bringing their best to the table
Keeping motivated through the tough challenging moments
Being able to rely on the team for support
The start line and feeling a sense of relief
When the nerves started to kick in a few days before setting off
Journalling
As the skipper feeling responsible for keeping the girls safe
Starting the process of writing a book
Not sleeping for 2 nights before the row
Heading out in big conditions 
The simplicity of surviving
When the nerves disappeared 
Why the row was the best form of CBD - Cognitive behavioural therapy 
Being forced to confront her thought processes 
Feeling so tired and physically exhausted 
Not having the space for anything that drains energy
Seeing the positives in the situation and asking for help 
Learning acceptance while on the row 
The challenges from week 6
Focusing on what you can control during the row 
What is my attitude, how am I talking to myself
Being kinder to myself 
The team dynamics and how the tough situations were handled 
Working with an emotional performance coach 
Stop talking to my friend/yourself like that
The power of self talk 
Seeing land for the first time and getting to the end of the challenge 
The final push at the end 
Picturing the finish line in her mind 
Being the first all welsh, women team to complete the row 
Singing the national anthem on land after 50 days on sea 
Adapting back to reality and getting back to 'normal' life 
Wanting to leave a legacy
How to connect 
Merchedymor - Women/girls/sisters of the sea
Final words of advice for other women who want to step outside their comfort zone
Why it's about mindset
 
Social Media
Website: www.merchedymor.wales 
Instagram: @Merchedymor2025 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-leonard-21b35638

Clare Dyson is a Mountain Leader, outdoor facilitator, and founder of the Women's Adventure Academy, based in the Lake District where she has spent over 20 years guiding people through the mountains and valleys she calls home.
With a deep passion for slow adventure, Clare is dedicated to helping people reconnect with nature, move at their own pace, and build confidence in wild spaces. Her work blends outdoor leadership, education, and storytelling, creating opportunities for others—especially women—to step outside, explore remote places, and feel at home in the outdoors.
In this episode, Clare shares her journey from growing up with a love of sport and horses to becoming a Mountain Leader, working across the Lake District, and shaping a life rooted in nature, freedom, and connection. She opens up about the challenges and opportunities of working in the outdoors, and why slowing down can often lead to the most meaningful adventures.
We also explore the creation of the Women's Adventure Academy, how it came to life, and why building confidence, community, and skills in the outdoors is so important for the next generation of women adventurers.
Listen to this episode to hear how Clare has built a life around slow adventure, why nature can be a powerful space for healing and growth, and how you can start creating your own outdoor adventures—no matter your pace or experience.
***
 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
Living in Kendal in the Lake District for the past 22 years 
Living with her dog and partner 
Working in the outdoors as a Mountain Leader and Gardener
Enjoying life in her mid-forties 
Being a freelancer for Fjall Raven 
The Fjall Raven Classic, UK 
Doing a Masters in outdoors experiential learning  
The Big Hoof Charity 
Setting up the Women's Adventure Academy with Anna Blackwell 
Being sporty and outdoorsy from a young age
Starting horse riding in her teenage years
Having her family home burn down during her teenage years and how the outdoors helped
Her journey into the outdoors and how it evolved 
Going to university and getting into rock climbing 
Heading over to New Zealand 
Moving up to the Lake District after graduation 
Gaining experience in the outdoors and being surrounded by brilliant people sharing their knowledge
Becoming a Mountain Leader
Not knowing where to start
What adventure looks like now
Slow adventure and being in tune with the natural world
Working with young people 
Being asked - what do you really want to do?
Wanting to ride a horse around the Lake District
Heading off in May
Meeting incredible people on the way
Pushing the boundaries in a slow and different way
Why it's ok to go slow in the outdoors 
The Women's Adventure Academy and how it came together
Making a film called 'Thriving' with Fjall Raven
Building confidence and skills
Deciding to run the Women's Adventure Academy on her own 
Why setting a date is so helpful 
The BBC making a 1 minute film and it going viral!
The Lake District is like an ecological desert 
Starting to celebrate the farmers who are doing a lot 
Deciding to do a second journey and visit the regenerative farmers
Having the film premiere at Kendal Mountain Film Festival 
The next slow adventure 
Doing an 8 day adventure across the Lake District with the Big Hoof Charity
Figuring out her masters dissertation topic
How to connect with Clare on social media
Final words of advice 
Set a date
Find your tribe
 
Social Media
Website:  www.womensadventureacademy.com 
Instagram: @_claredyson

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