She Who Dares, Wins.

Zoe Hall is a former teacher and a passionate advocate for wild swimming and the profound impact it can have on mental health and community building. After leaving a stressful career in teaching, Zoe has journeyed around the world, undertaking wild swimming adventures across different continents. She is now the founder of the Dippendales Co., which not only offers unique swimwear sourced from recycled materials but also organizes wild swimming and hiking retreats. Zoe is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for women in the wild swimming community and promoting the mental and physical benefits that come with embracing the outdoors.Episode Summary:In this absorbing episode of the podcast, Zoe Hall shares her transformative journey from a teacher to the founder of Dippendales Co., highlighting her deep-rooted love for wild swimming. The conversation delves into Zoe's personal experiences, her adventures across the globe, and the inception of her business that intertwines her passion for swimwear design with the empowering activity of wild swimming.Zoe's story is one of daring change and the pursuit of well-being through nature. With vivid anecdotes from her wild swimming adventures in places like Lake Louise, Canada, and the glacial lakes of Bavaria, the discussion illuminates the way these experiences shaped her philosophy towards life and work. The episode also explores the growth of wild swimming as a community and its benefits for mental health post-COVID, along with Zoe's aspirations to make a broader social impact through her retreats and potential charity work.Key Takeaways:Zoe Hall emphasizes the importance of pursuing personal well-being, even if it means leaving a secure career.Wild swimming has been a part of Zoe's life since childhood, leading to her founding the Dippendales Co.Community and inclusivity are central to Zoe's mission, inspiring women to embrace their bodies and the healing nature of water.The growth of the wild swimming community highlights the activity's mental health benefits, especially following the lockdowns.Zoe has aspirations to establish a charity to provide retreat access to those who can't afford it and to potentially manufacture swimwear in the UK.Resources:Instagram: @dipsanddalescowebsite www.dipsanddalesco.comSpecial Thanks to our Sponsors XTRATUF boots! Grab 25% off site wide using the code 24SHEWHODARESWINS25 www.xtratuf.co.ukPlease support the show at www.patreon.com/shewhodareswinsShop merch www.shewhodareswins.com Pod10 for 10% off

Ashley Mullenger, prominently known as "The Female Fisherman," has garnered distinction in an industry dominated traditionally by males. Her journey stands as testimony to her audacity to break through gender barriers and thrive in a challenging and physically demanding profession. With her spirited dedication, Ashley was awarded "Fisherman of the Year," exemplifying her passion and prowess. She boldly ventures the seas, setting an exceptional narrative of tenacity and inspiration, particularly for women venturing into male-predominant spheres.Episode Summary:In this captivating episode of the "She Dares Wins" podcast, Ashley Mullenger opens up about her unique and trailblazing journey into the world of fishing, a sector where female presence is a rarity. The conversation dives deep into the intricacies of a fisherman's life, shedding light on the seldom-spoken truths about the profession and its cultural significance.Ashley's narrative unfolds the complexities of the fishing industry and its hidden challenges, laying bare an ocean of knowledge far beyond what meets the eye. Her personal anecdotes revel in the accomplishment of pursuing what is not just a job but a calling. This episode offers not only a glimpse into the life of a fisherman but also Ashley's efforts to clarify misconceptions and advocate for an often misunderstood and underappreciated trade.Key Takeaways:Despite being a tough job, Ashley Mullenger displays the rewards of following one's dreams that appear unorthodox or daunting.The fishing industry faces dire challenges with a steep decline in the number of fishermen and boats, emphasizing the urgency for its conservation and support.Ashley's account serves as not only an illumination of the fishing industry but also as an empowerment for women entering predominantly male spaces, underscoring the transformation through sheer will and learning.The conversation uncovers the sector's legislative and environmental intricacies that influence both the economy and the future of fishing communities.Ashley's initiative helps bridge the gap between the public perception of fishing and its on-ground realities, cultivating a more informed and appreciative view of the industry.Notable Quotes:"The sea asks nothing of you, just that you turn up and you give your full self.""Being a woman in the fishing industry is incredibly, I don't want to say unique anymore, because there are more and more women actively joining, which is fantastic.""We are an endangered species. That's how I see it anyway.""You could be doing really, really well one week and the next week you can be destitute because of the weather."Resources:Instagram: @thefemalefisherwomanBook: "My Fishing Life" by Ashley MullengerSpecial Thanks to our Sponsors XTRATUF boots! Grab 25% off site wide using the code 24SHEWHODARESWINS25 www.xtratuf.co.ukPlease support the show at www.patreon.com/shewhodareswinsShop merch www.shewhodareswins.com Pod10 for 10% off

Ruth Osborn is an accomplished freediver and national record holder renowned for her deep affinity with the ocean and expertise in underwater sports. Having been introduced to the water at a very young age, she honed her skills in competitive swimming and later, in various water-related activities such as kayaking, water polo, and scuba diving. She has successfully transitioned from training to competing, setting records for diving depths and continues to push the boundaries of the sport.Episode Summary:In this thrilling episode, listeners are plunged into the inspiring deep-sea world of Ruth Osborn, a freediving record holder with a profound connection to the ocean. Ruth captivates with her journey from a swimming enthusiast to a master of freediving, recounting her foray into the sport's serene yet demanding nature.Ruth Osborn's narrative weaves through the early embrace of aquatic life, overcoming the challenges of equalization in freediving, and her eventual leap into competitions where she sets impressive records. Her commitment to the sport is apparent as she describes the intensive training and the mesmerizing experiences encountered underwater, from swimming with manta rays in the Blue Hole to delighting in the curious company of dolphins off of Ibiza. Ruth's holistic approach to freediving integrates attention to the body and mind, and she shares valuable insights into handling emotions like fear during her dives.Key Takeaways:Ruth Osborn has had a lifelong connection with water, which eventually led her to excel in freediving and set national records.She stresses the importance of proper training and safety in freediving, always diving with a buddy and never alone.Ruth's disciplined dedication and "grit" are key to overcoming challenges in freediving, particularly mastering equalization techniques.The calm and focus required in freediving translate into a deeply peaceful experience, underlined by Ruth's encounters with marine life during her dives.Responsible and ethical diving practices, including when to cease a dive for safety versus achieving a deeper depth, are central to Ruth's philosophy.Notable Quotes:"The connection I think any sport that's outside gives you with nature, I think is essential.""The magic isn't in the doing. It's in the trying."Resources:Ruth Osborne - Instagram @ruthosbornfreediverSpecial Thanks to our Sponsors XTRATUF boots! Grab 25% off site wide using the code 24SHEWHODARESWINS25 www.xtratuf.co.ukPlease support the show at www.patreon.com/shewhodareswinsShop merch www.shewhodareswins.com Pod10 for 10% off

Gilly McArthur is a seasoned cold water swim coach hailing from the northeast of Scotland. With a vibrant history of embracing life's adventures, Gilly has transitioned from being a rock climber and working for a rock climbing firm to becoming an advocate for cold water swimming. Her unique journey includes profound experiences in extreme environments, including a youth expedition to Cameroon in search of a rumored surviving dinosaur, and a deep dive into the world of cold water immersion for mental and physical well-being. Today, she stands at the forefront of the cold water swimming community, encouraging others to lean into the transformative power of embracing the cold.Episode Summary:In this exhilarating episode, Gilly McArthur takes us through her fascinating journey from rock climbing in the Alps and the Lake District to diving into the transformative world of cold water swimming. As we navigate the depths of her experiences and insights, Gilly shares how she found solace and a sense of community in the chilly waters of the UK, despite initial reservations and the daunting aspect of hypothermia exploration.Gilly candidly recounts her transition from a climbing-centric lifestyle to becoming a dedicated cold water swim coach, emphasizing the universal nature of water and its indifference to one's shape, age, or ability level. The episode bubbles with tales of adaptation, resilience, and the pure joy of finding motivation through challenges—in this case, motivated by the unifying element of cake among her swimming group.Key Takeaways:Cold water swimming provides significant mental and physical health benefits, promoting well-being and improving our ability to handle stressful situations.The practice encourages resilience and teaches the value of persevering through uncomfortable conditions, leading to personal growth.Community plays a vital role in cold water swimming, fostering an environment of support and mutual motivation often centered around shared experiences post-dip.Gilly's journey demonstrates the importance of taking the leap to try something new, regardless of age or ability, highlighting that it's never too late to integrate transformative habits into one's life.The discussion points to a broader conversation about inclusivity and empathy in sport and adventure communities, urging individuals to be more understanding and supportive of diverse experiences and perspectives.Notable Quotes:"The water doesn't care what shape you are. Yeah. Or what age you are or what ability you have. It just asks you to be there.""By doing hard things, you can then do more hard things more easily.""It's always going to be hard, but by doing hard things, you can then do more hard things more easily.""The cold is like the destination. Once you're there, you're just there, you know?""Just crack on. There you go."Resources:Gilly McArthur can be found sharing her cold water swimming adventures and coaching wisdom on Instagram. Follow Gilly @GillymcarthurSpecial Thanks to our Sponsors XTRATUF boots! Grab 25% off site wide using the code 24SHEWHODARESWINS25 www.xtratuf.co.ukPlease support the show at www.patreon.com/shewhodareswinsShop merch www.shewhodareswins.com Pod10 for 10% off

Elisa Preter Ibnorf is a seasoned aerobatic pilot from Austria, situated in the heart of Europe. With a rich background in aviation fostered by her father, who is also a pilot, Elisa began her flight journey at the age of 15 when she was first allowed to solo a glider. She has since developed a passion for aerobatics, airshows, and formation flying. Elisa is part of the Skydexter team that specializes in sky-typing text with synchronized airplanes during air shows. Beyond her high-flying stunts, she contributes to the aviation community by training the next generation of pilots.Episode Summary:In this high-flying episode of "She Who Dares Wins," host Michelle welcomes Elisa Preter Ibnorf, an aerobatic pilot whose impressive stunts take her high above the Austrian landscapes. Elisa delves into her journey into the skies, discussing how her upbringing led her to follow in her father's aerial footsteps, and the thrill of her first solo flight.Elisa underscores the exacting physical and mental demands of aerobatic flying, noting the importance of fitness to counter the intense G-forces encountered during her acrobatic routines. She offers a glimpse into her thrilling performances, including her role in the Skydexter team that executes text messages in the sky, all while overcoming the gender biases typically encountered in aviation. Elisa also touches upon her concerns about young people's diminishing interest in piloting due to competing social demands and the digital culture of our times.Key Takeaways:Elisa Preter Ibnorf is an established aerobatic pilot from Austria, skilled in solo and formation flying displays.Flying since her teenage years, Elisa is inspired by her father's career in aviation and overcame early skepticism due to her gender.She emphasizes the importance of physical training to tolerate the G-force effects while performing aerobatic maneuvers.Elisa is part of Skydexter, a flying formation team that performs synchronized sky-typing for aerial displays.Reflects on the impact of technology and social trends that appear to be barriers for young individuals pursuing careers in aviation, and the continuous challenge of gender bias.Notable Quotes:"I grew up with this aviation virus in my veins since I was a child.""It was just breathtaking and very emotional...you will never forget this experience as a pilot.""Just believe in yourself and just do what you love and what you like, and just believe in yourself and in your dreams and you can make it happen.""Sky texting... we can text everything in the sky, everything you want."Elisa on Instagram @@miss.blanikShop merch www.shewhodareswins.com

Zoe is a passionate and independent filmmaker with a rich history of creating meaningful and engaging content. Her journey began straight out of university when she chose the bold path of freelancing rather than following the traditional route into the industry. She has nurtured a particular interest in female-focused stories, documentary-style projects, and works that contribute positively to society. Zoe's skills not only encompass shooting films but also editing and delivering complete packages that resonate with her personal ethos and align with values she holds dear.Episode Summary:In this enlightening episode, we get an intimate look into the career and insights of Zoe, a filmmaker with a distinctive approach to her craft. From the onset, Zoe's narrative sets the stage for a discussion that traverses the challenges and triumphs of forging an independent path in the film industry.Zoe opens up about her early career choices, particularly her decision to go freelance immediately after university—a move motivated by a less-than-ideal work experience at ITV. She shares stories from her travels to Tajikistan to film a grueling marathon and talks about the power of standing by your principles, especially when it comes to choosing projects that align with personal values. Listeners are offered a raw and candid glimpse into what it takes to walk one's own path and the importance of owning your craft.Key Takeaways:Independence and courage can be a massive asset in the creative industry; Zoe's decision to start freelancing straight out of university demonstrates this.Zoe emphasizes the importance of saying no to projects that don't align with personal values, even if they are financially tempting.One of Zoe's notable projects included documenting a marathon in Tajikistan, highlighting her penchant for adventurous and meaningful storytelling.Her advice to aspiring filmmakers is clear: start creating content about things you care about, share your work, and be patient as your portfolio naturally draws the right kind of work.The early passions we indulge in around the ages of twelve to fifteen can be the true compass for our future careers; Zoe's story is a testament to this belief.Notable Quotes:"I've always done photography. I'd done photography before uni... I'd been doing projects for people, for charities.""[ITV] said, oh, sorry, it's not in our policy to credit work experience staff... I decided to go my own way instead.""I think I've worked quite hard on kind of finessing the projects that I do and saying no to the ones that I don't want to do.""Make films about stuff that you care about and then put them out. Show them to people. Tell anyone and everybody that you meet about what you do."www.shewhodareswins.com for all your merch :)

​Tune into the full episode to immerse yourself in Lara Small’s compelling narrative, be inspired by her determination, and learn from her rich experiences in leadership, engineering, and the exhilarating world of motorcycling. Stay connected for more enlightening content that promises to fuel your own journey towards personal and professional growth.Lara Small is a highly accomplished individual, whose career spans across two major sectors: the military and engineering. She has an extensive background that includes time in the army, where she rose through the ranks to become a major, and a career in engineering, where she is currently working as an engineering manager at Rolls Royce. Lara is also a passionate motorcycle enthusiast and racer, having won races and developed a career in moto-journalism, working with companies like Bike World and penning articles for Fast Bikes Magazine.Episode Summary:In this captivating episode, our guest, Lara Small, takes us on a riveting journey through her life, sharing her experiences in the army, her passion for motorcycling, and her professional endeavors in engineering. Lara’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, learning from failure, and the pursuit of one’s passions against all odds.Lara candidly recounts the challenges and setbacks she faced in her military career, particularly her initial failure at Sandhurst, which prompted a deep self-reflection and a turning point in her approach to leadership and teamwork. This heartening tale of redemption underscores the importance of perseverance, as Lara ultimately returns to Sandhurst, succeeds, and continues to rise within the army ranks. Her exploits in motorcycle racing reveal a similar theme of grit and determination, as Lara discusses the thrill of the race, the sense of freedom she derives from the sport, and her recent victories after years of effort.Key Takeaways:Facing Failure with Fortitude: Lara’s experience at Sandhurst, including her initial failure and subsequent success, is a powerful lesson in self-reflection, personal growth, and the value of perseverance.Leadership Lessons Learned: The military taught Lara the importance of serving to lead, a lesson she carries into both her professional life and her mentoring roles.Motorcycle Racing Passion: Lara’s enthusiasm for motorcycle racing offers insights into the world of motorsports, emphasizing the joy of competition, the importance of rider skill, and the camaraderie of the racing community.Engineering Excellence: As an engineering manager at Rolls Royce, Lara is dedicated to delivering quality work and contributing to the advancement of the industry.Notable Quotes:"The military teaches you to dig deeper, to fight harder, to do the right thing, to have integrity.""You only really find out who you truly are when you're incredibly sleep-deprived and you've been in a field.""The sooner you bring your personality work to work and who you really are, the less you'll spend pretending you're something you're not.""I'm quite driven by structure... the sense of what it could be at the end, like having a goal towards what I was spending my time doing, made sense.""That sense of achievement and visualizing it... everything points towards that, no matter how long or short that particular task is."Special thanks to this weeks episode Sponsor GT85 https://gt85.co.uk/?mtm_source=youtube&mtm_medium=Influencer&mtm_campaign=uk_Michelle+Hands_youtube_Influencer_social-media_brand-awareness_dnapp. #sponsored #ad #GT85

Carolyn is a seasoned professional in the realm of stunts and physical performances, known for her diverse skill set spanning martial arts, aerial circus, and choreographed fighting. Her adventurous spirit and dedication to physical disciplines have taken her around the globe, from training with Shaolin monks in China to attending a stunt academy in Australia. With a background in martial arts and a portfolio of training in a variety of physical arts, Carolyn brings a wealth of experience from her performances in pirate shows in India to her aspiration of appearing in a Jackie Chan film.​Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode of "She Who Dares Wins," host Michelle is joined by the fascinating Carolyn, a woman whose life is a testament to the power of curiosity and the pursuit of one's dreams. Her storied career is a rich tapestry of global experiences and challenges that many only dream of facing. From the rigorous training with Shaolin monks to the thrill of performing stunts in diverse locales, Carolyn embodies the adventurous spirit that drives her.​Carolyn's journey is punctuated by choosing the path less taken, questioning societal norms, and discovering one's true calling through exploration and daring. She vividly shares stories of her time in China, reflecting on the discipline and resilience she gained while talking about her escapades in the stunt world, performing for films and live events. Her narratives are coupled with insights about the film industry and a refreshing take on life's limitless possibilities beyond the comfort zone.​Key Takeaways:- Carolyn has an extensive background in martial arts and physical performances, with career highlights including training with Shaolin monks and working in the stunt industry.- She advocates for stepping out of one's comfort zone and pursuing unique passions rather than conforming to societal expectations.- Carolyn's experiences highlight the importance of discipline, resilience, and continuous learning in personal and professional growth.- She encourages others to follow their instincts and curiosity to find their place in the world.- Her ultimate dream remains to perform in a Jackie Chan film, showcasing her admiration for creativity and martial arts excellence.​ Notable Quotes:- "Everybody fits somewhere. I have not gone for some things, and that has been the failure."- "I believe in working to get what you want."- "If you can every day add something to your skill set or improve something in your skill set...life is for me, it's all the journey."- "I love adventure. But I like to think, right, well, I've trained to do this. It's within my control now, and I want to do it in a controlled fashion."- "Why would you not? So I really resonate with that."​www.shewhodareswins.com for all the merch :)