Share
She Who Dares, Wins.
Defying Norms: Meg Wriggles' Journey Through Film, Skating, and Advocacy
Season 4, Ep. 38
•
Meg Wriggles is an emerging filmmaker based in Edinburgh, known for her dynamic contributions to both the film and skateboarding communities. A recent graduate of Edinburgh College of Art, Meg is the founder of Foundry Films, a women-led production company committed to elevating women in technical film roles. She has produced significant works such as the documentary "Your Next Breath," which focuses on an artist's process and NHS staff experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Episode Summary:Michelle, sits down with the inspiring filmmaker Meg Wriggles. In this enlightening episode, Meg shares her experiences navigating the early stages of her film career and discusses her initiatives aimed at supporting women and non-binary individuals in creative industries. From founding a queer skate collective to establishing her own production company, Meg is a trailblazer passionate about community-building and creating impactful art. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of daring to pursue one's passions, no matter the obstacles.
During the episode, Meg Wriggles recounts how she achieved her first film commission while still a student at Edinburgh College of Art. She narrates the inspiring backstory of her documentary "Your Next Breath," which merges art with healthcare narratives, exploring themes of dedication and loss during the pandemic. Moreover, Meg discusses her adventure-filled project "White Horses," a surf film shot under challenging conditions. These experiences emphasize the value of seizing opportunities and the importance of diverse representation in the industry. Listeners will gain insights into overcoming imposter syndrome, the dynamics of the freelance world, and the necessity of supporting underrepresented groups in film production.
Key Takeaways:- Meg Wriggles emphasizes the importance of daring to pursue one's passion despite uncertainties and obstacles.
- Her film projects "Your Next Breath" and "White Horses" illustrate how creative endeavors can merge art with meaningful social narratives.
- Meg advocates for stronger representation of women and non-binary people in technical roles within the film industry.
- Overcoming challenges, from imposter syndrome to inadequate work environments, require resilience and self-awareness.
- Creating supportive environments and networks is vital for fostering creativity and inclusivity.
Notable Quotes:
- "I commit to things before I know that they're gonna work, so I think I just jump right in."
- "You just have to ask for it, don't you? You're just not going to get it if you don't ask. Just be bold."
- "I found uni really hard. I found it really hard to fit in with my peers. I just found that, like, they didn't like me, I think."
- "There needs to be more women. Because if there was more women on that set, I don't think he would have felt like he could have talked to me like that."
- "Creativity comes from people feeling free and relaxed."
- Foundry Films – Meg's women-led production company based in Edinburgh.
- Joshua Nolan Foundation – Beneficiary of Meg's fundraising efforts through art auctions and skate events.
- "Your Next Breath" – Meg's documentary about sculptor Kenny Hunter’s COVID-19 NHS memorial project.
- Girls In Film – Platform releasing "White Horses" online.
Don't miss listening to the full episode for an in-depth exploration of Meg Wriggles' creative journey and insights into transforming personal experiences into powerful visual
More episodes
View all episodes
42. Fishing, Freedom, and Finding Peace with Amy Battams
52:00||Season 4, Ep. 42Amy Battams is a passionate and unconventional figure in the fly fishing world. Despite starting her fishing journey during the 2020 lockdowns, Amy has made significant strides in the industry, known for her humor, authenticity, and unconventional approach. Her rise as a social media influencer in fishing has garnered her a substantial following and brought opportunities to travel and fish in diverse locations around the world. Amy is keenly focused on breaking stereotypes, advocating for more inclusivity, and challenging the status quo in traditionally male-dominated fishing spaces.Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of the "Sho Dares Wins" podcast, host Michelle welcomes Amy Flyfish, a unique and inspiring figure in the world of fly fishing. Amy shares her journey from entering the fishing world during the 2020 lockdown to becoming an influential personality and advocate for inclusivity within the sport. Her unexpected passion for fishing, especially fly fishing, has not only provided her with peace and purpose but also offered her a platform to challenge societal norms.The conversation delves into how Amy quickly adapted to the technical aspects of fly fishing, her participation in competitive fishing, and how her fearless attitude shapes her experience in what is typically seen as a male-dominated industry. Amy candidly discusses the industry’s dynamics, the challenges of being a woman angler, and the transformative power fishing has had on her life. Her humorous yet real-world approach serves as an invitation to all, urging them to explore hobbies without fear of judgment or preconceived limitations, and to simply enjoy the process of discovery and connection to nature.Key Takeaways:Fly Fishing's Accessibility: Amy emphasizes that fly fishing is accessible to anyone, regardless of physical strength, and can be a fulfilling hobby for people of all backgrounds.Power of Social Media: Leveraging social media has played a crucial role in Amy’s journey, helping to connect with thousands and advocate for diversity within the fishing community.Breaking Barriers: Amy discusses the gender barriers within the fishing world, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for women, including confronting outdated club rules and cultural norms.Personal Growth through Hobbies: Amy shares how fly fishing has provided her with peace and perspective, enabling personal growth and offering new life experiences.Embracing Individuality: Encouraged listeners to remain authentic and bold in pursuing new interests and not succumb to societal pressures or negativity.Notable Quotes:"Once I started, that was it. I was hooked, like, literally.""It's fishing. Great thing about fishing is that you. Anyone can do it.""It keeps me sort of, like, grounded.""There’s so much fishing out there, like urban fishing's fantastic.""If I could say anything to anyone. Just put yourself out there."41. Love, Loss, and Living on: How Bek Transformed Grief into Adventure
01:03:28||Season 4, Ep. 41Bek is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and content creator who has captivated a substantial following through her authentic storytelling and love for nature. Despite initially perceiving herself as introverted and shy, Bek's journey of self-discovery led her to embrace her passion for the outdoors. She has seamlessly integrated her personal experiences with her professional life, turning her Instagram presence into a powerful tool for community building. Through her openness about life's trials, including the profound love story and loss of her partner Dan, she has inspired many and used her experiences to drive positive action, such as her work in charity fundraising for Marie Curie.Episode Summary:In this emotionally compelling episode, Michelle welcomes Bek, an inspiring content creator whose journey from a reserved academic background to a confident outdoor enthusiast unfolds poignantly. The conversation centers around Bek's incredible resilience and transformative personal experiences, particularly focusing on her profound relationship with her late partner, Dan. As Bek recounts their love story, listeners are taken through moments of unexpected joy juxtaposed with the devastating challenge of Dan's cancer diagnosis and his subsequent passing. This narrative does not just highlight mourning but celebrates how love can shape lasting legacies.As the episode progresses, Bek shares her transformational journey of finding solace and identity in nature. Her insights into overcoming anxiety through exploring the outdoors, building a supportive community, and tackling unforeseen life challenges are deeply personal yet universally resonant. Embedded in her story are profound themes of resilience, personal growth, and the significant impact of surrounding oneself with a nurturing community. For those looking to grasp these life lessons, Bec’s story is a testament to daring greatly and winning richly.Key Takeaways:Discover how Bek transitioned from a life of uncertainty and self-doubt to embracing passion and purpose through outdoor adventures.Understand the power of community, as Bek shares how her social media following became an unexpected support system during challenging times.Explore the deep love story between Bek and her late partner Dan, and how that relationship continues to fuel her life's mission.Gain insight into the vital role nature plays in healing and finding joy, as Bec emphasizes respecting and protecting our natural world.Learn about the importance of vulnerability and openness in building authentic human connections and turning personal stories into community-driven actions.Notable Quotes:"I've always looked at myself as quite an introverted, shy, not much confidence.""The outdoors for me has just given me so much peace and solace.""I will never, not fail by myself now because I've got so many people from friends to Dan's family.""Even the most awful things in life don't happen for a reason, but things come from things like that.""I know that he's projected me to just build myself up even more as a person that I am."Resources:Follow Bek on Instagram for more engaging content and insights into her outdoor adventures.Explore Marie Curie's services here to learn about their support for individuals and families facing terminal illnesses.40. Unleashing Potential: How Changing Your Mindset Can Transform Your Life With Zoe Greenhalf
44:06||Season 4, Ep. 40About the Guest(s):Zoe is a passionate creator and former footwear designer who has worked with several brands, most notably with a supplier in Staffordshire and contributing to brands like Baby Sham and Spalding. With a relentless determination and a personal journey that spans over a decade living in Italy, Zoe has transitioned from designing shoes to exploring personal development and the creation of a leather accessories brand, Mischief and Hide. Her story is characterized by her pursuit of purposeful living, navigating career shifts, and inspiring others to follow their passions.Episode Summary:In this compelling episode of the Shoe: She Dares Wins podcast, Michelle interviews Zoe, an inspiring creative force whose life and career are driven by a desire to follow dreams and overcome challenges. From her beginnings as a footwear designer to realizing her aspiration of living abroad, Zoe shares how her journey unfolded, marked by determination, creativity, and resilience. This episode flourishes with stories of ambition, personal growth, and inspiration for those looking to navigate their creative pursuits.Zoe opens up about her career trajectory from designing shoes for brands like Baby Sham to working in Italy, shedding light on the unpredictable and serendipitous nature of her experiences. Overcoming professional challenges, Zoe emphasizes her journey of personal development where tuning into podcasts became a pivotal source of empowerment and growth. She speaks to the power of changing mindsets and how slow, deliberate progress in following dreams can lead to significant life transitions. The episode saturates itself with themes of resilience, adaptation, and the pursuit of passion despite obstacles.Key Takeaways:Zoe highlights her journey of relentless pursuit to follow her dreams, moving from the UK to Italy for her career in footwear design.The importance of mindset change and personal development becomes a core theme, as Zoe explores these avenues during significant life transitions.The notion of purpose, place, and people are pivotal aspects of her life journey, motivating her career and personal decisions.Zoe discusses how living and working abroad shaped her perspective, presenting both challenges and empowering experiences.Challenges in career transitions, especially in creative fields, reveal the need for adaptation, patience, and ultimately, perseverance in following passions.Notable Quotes:"When I want something, I will go and get it... no matter how long it takes, I will not let go of it.""It's very easy to say, everybody's got their goals and their dreams. And that whole notion, I think, of, like, following your dreams.""Slowly, slowly is also a good option.""If I change my mindset, I can change everything that comes after that.""I had a leather accessories brand called Mischief and Hides here:Instagram @shewhodareswinspodcastTiktok @shewhodareswinsYoutube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@She_who_dares_winsShop our clothing line www.shewhodareswins.com. Use the code POD10 for 10% off39. Breaking a World Record at 59: Viv’s Atlantic Row and Menopause Mission
36:19||Season 4, Ep. 39Viv is an inspiring adventurer attempting to be the oldest woman at 59 to row solo across the Atlantic, breaking a record held for over 25 years. A water enthusiast, Viv’s journey began after the extraordinary challenges she faced during menopause and personal family commitments. Her adventure is driven not only by personal achievement but also to raise awareness and funds for menopause charities. Her remarkable mission is not just about breaking records, but also about challenging societal norms regarding middle-aged women and highlighting their undiscovered potential.Episode Summary:In this exciting episode of "She Who Dares Wins," host Michelle welcomes guests Viv, an audacious adventurer, and Zoe East, her co-host for the day. Viv shares her journey of deciding to take on "The World's Toughest Row," a 3,000-mile solo rowing challenge across the Atlantic. Overcoming personal challenges such as menopause and family commitments, Viv aims to break a world record by becoming the oldest woman to accomplish this feat. Offering personal anecdotes and reflections, Viv discusses her motivations, the preparation involved, and the mixed reactions from family and friends.This episode delves into the broader themes of resilience, perseverance, and societal expectations of middle-aged women. Viv discusses the challenges she faced in terms of both physical preparation and societal barriers, including gender biases that underscore her journey. Adding to the conversation, Michelle and Zoe discuss the psychological aspects of endurance and adventure, reflecting on Viv’s determination and vision to raise awareness for women’s health issues, particularly menopause. Listeners are invited to explore Viv’s mindset and the significant milestones in her preparation for this epic challenge. This episode serves to inspire women to pursue their dreams regardless of age and societal expectations, with Viv's journey symbolizing a beacon of empowerment and self-discovery.Key Takeaways:Viv aims to break a world record and raise awareness for menopause issues by rowing solo across the Atlantic.Personal struggles during menopause and caring for her family fueled Viv's decision to take on this monumental challenge.The journey highlights broader societal themes, including gender biases and the overlooked potential of middle-aged women.The episode paints a vivid picture of the mental and physical preparation necessary for such a feat, emphasizing the theme of "She Who Dares Wins."Viv’s journey is both a personal and broader narrative of challenging societal norms and empowering women over the age of 50.Notable Quotes:"There is so much misogyny out there. It's up to us to try and do something positive to change the narrative around who we are and what we're capable of.""Just keep rowing, just keep rowing, just keep rowing...""What will you do with your one wild and precious life?""I don't want to get to the end of my life and wonder what might have been because I didn't try.""This is what impossible looks like."37. Unlocking ADHD in Business: Amanda Perry’s Journey from Burnout to Breakthrough
01:15:01||Season 4, Ep. 37Amanda Perry is a renowned entrepreneur, business coach, and ADHD advocate. With a history of leading successful ventures including a large marketing agency, Amanda has made incredible strides in navigating the complex world of ADHD while juggling multiple business roles. She is passionate about creating brain-first business models that allow ADHD entrepreneurs to thrive without the burnout associated with traditional business practices. Amanda is also an active voice on social media, offering practical advice and empathy to a community of ADHD business owners.Episode Summary:In this enlightening episode of the "She Who Dares Wins" podcast, host Michelle sits down for an in-depth conversation with Amanda Perry. They dive into a candid discussion about Amanda’s journey from corporate employee to successful business owner and ADHD coach. Amanda opens up about her struggles and ultimate resilience, shedding light on her diagnosis of ADHD and how it profoundly altered her approach to business and life.The episode covers the highs and lows of Amanda's career, including her initial foray into entrepreneurship with a cupcake business that eventually led to personal bankruptcy. Post-diagnosis, Amanda has flourished by creating an ADHD-friendly business model that emphasizes self-compassion and sustainability. Amanda's story is not just about her business accomplishments but also her deeply personal journey of adopting her son, which she describes as the ultimate win. Their conversation navigates the intricacies of ADHD, the emotional roller-coasters of entrepreneurship, and the impactful nature of adoption.Key Takeaways:Authenticity and ADHD: Embrace your neurodivergence and build business models that align with your strengths and needs.Hardships and Resilience: Amanda’s journey through bankruptcy and emotional struggles highlights the importance of resilience and learning from failures.Self-Compassion: Prioritize self-compassion and understand the importance of mental health, particularly for ADHD individuals.Adoption Journey: Amanda discusses the emotionally fulfilling yet challenging experience of adopting her son, emphasizing empathy and understanding in the process.Balance and Boundaries: The significance of establishing boundaries and a work-life balance to prevent burnout and maintain long-term success.Notable Quotes:"I think the long-term win is that I just learned so much, you know?""The power of like, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, and the depth that you feel your feelings is just honestly, like, debilitating sometimes.""I'm making more money now, personal money, than I ever did.""A brain-first business for me is a business that is built uniquely around you that can handle that because it has to handle that.""We don't do it their way. Like, we don't have to do it their way. You know, we do it our way."Resources:Amanda Perry's Instagram: @amandaperryFind us here:Instagram @shewhodareswinspodcast Tiktok @shewhodareswinsYoutube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@She_who_dares_winsShop our clothing line www.shewhodareswins.com. Use the code POD10 for 10% off36. Bonus: 4 - Daring to Be Different: Embracing Weirdness with Zoe East
13:35||Season 4, Ep. 36Zoe East is the founder of Opal Video, a creative video production company known for its compelling storytelling and high-quality content. With years of experience in the industry, Zoe has built a reputation for pushing creative boundaries and delivering exceptional results. Her work spans various sectors, including corporate videos, promotional content, and elaborate production shoots in challenging environments. Zoe's dedication and passion for her craft have seen her brand Opal Video achieve significant milestones, including reaching its 8th anniversary.Episode Summary:Join Michelle in this engaging episode as she sits down with Zoe East from Opal Video to discuss her experiences in the video production industry. The episode opens with a fun fact about Zoe, revealing her initials spell her name. Zoe shares insights into her journey in video production, the story behind her unique initials, and how her name was carefully crafted by her parents to spell "Zoe East".As the conversation progresses, Michelle and Zoe delve into deeper topics, including Zoe's inspirational mantra "Stay weird", encouraging people to embrace their uniqueness and stand out from the crowd. They also explore the challenges of running a business, highlight Zoe's proudest achievements, and reflect on how seemingly tough experiences can drive personal and professional growth. The episode concludes with Zoe daring herself to complete a triathlon this year, connecting her personal goals with her professional ethos of pushing boundaries and stepping out of comfort zones.Key Takeaways:Embrace Uniqueness: Zoe encourages individuals to stay weird and be unapologetically themselves.Resilience in Business: Celebrating Opal Video's 8th anniversary, Zoe highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptation in business longevity.Facing Challenges Head-On: Real-life experiences from challenging shoots underline the value of stepping out of comfort zones and trusting one’s skills.Personal Development: Zoe’s journey from a shy child to a confident business owner shows the importance of personal growth.New Goals: Zoe sets a personal challenge to complete a triathlon, demonstrating her commitment to continuous self-improvement.Notable Quotes:Zoe East: "Most people don't know my initials spell my name. So my name is Zoe Opel East. So my initials are Z.O.E."Michelle: "We don't need, like, millions of the same people."Zoe East: "I dare other women to push themselves out of their comfort zone. Cause I think it always pays off."Michelle: "If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what else would you choose to be doing?"Zoe East: "I've always liked the idea of being a firefighter."35. From Playboy Bunny to Marvel Stunt Star: Ayesha Hussain's Incredible Story
38:52||Season 4, Ep. 35Ayesha is a professional stunt performer whose extraordinary journey began with studying classics, philosophy, and politics at university. After a brief stint as a Playboy Bunny, she found her passion in the world of stunts, specializing in edged weapons and marksmanship. Now an accomplished stunt performer, she's part of the British Stunt Register and has worked on high-profile projects like Marvel's Deadpool trilogy, Star Wars, and Gladiator II. Ayesha's unique heritage and background in diverse artistic endeavors have significantly influenced her career path, making her a trailblazer for diversity in the stunt industry.Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode of the "She Who Dares Wins" podcast, host Michelle engages in a deep conversation with Ayesha, an accomplished stunt performer with a rich and varied background. Ayesha shares her unconventional journey from studying classics, philosophy, and politics to becoming a stunt professional known for her work in high-profile projects, including Marvel's Deadpool series and the upcoming Gladiator II. The narrative highlights her shift from being a university student to discovering her passion for performing stunts, especially those involving precision weapons like whips and swords.The episode delves into the challenges Ayesha faced transitioning into the stunt industry at the age of 30, a time when many consider it too late to start such a physically demanding career.Key Takeaways:Ayesha's transition from academic studies to becoming a professional stunt performer.The difficulties and triumphs of entering the stunt industry at 30.Insight into working on major film projects like Deadpool and Star Wars.The importance of community and support systems in male-dominated industries.Ayesha's advocacy for more representation and diversity within the stunt profession.Notable Quotes:"I dared to think that my self-worth was a little bit larger than being a doctor and cooking a rancher party.""I have to really send it right. You just, like, got no choice when you're on set like that in high-pressure scenes.""Honestly, the real tee is breaking the glass ceiling and messing up the system from the inside out.""People are going to judge you either way, so do everything with your whole chest, and people will fall where they may.""There are going to be people that like you; there are going to be people that don't. You have no control over that, so do everything with your whole chest."Follow Ayesha @ayeshaofficialInstagram @shewhodareswinspodcast Tiktok @shewhodareswinsYoutube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@She_who_dares_winsShop our clothing line www.shewhodareswins.com. Use the code POD10 for 10% off34. Bonus Episode: 3 Embrace Yourself, Just Start, and Dare to Try New Things with Gilly McAthur
10:20||Season 4, Ep. 34In this bonus episode of "Few Dares Wins," host Michelle sits down with the ever-energetic Gilly for a quick yet insightful conversation that delves into reflections on past self, life mottos, alternative career desires, and personal failures. This episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and genuine advice, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to be inspired by a real-life adventurer.From the outset, Michelle asks Gilly what she would tell her twelve-year-old self, sparking a discussion about the importance of authenticity and being unapologetically oneself. Gilly emphasizes this theme, advocating for people, especially the youth, to embrace their true selves without seeking approval from others. She also shares her intriguing alternative career choice of being a blacksmith, a reflection of her affinity for hands-on, physically engaging work involving fire and hammers.In another segment, Gilly recounts her habitual deviation from recipes, attributing this characteristic to her broader challenge of sticking to uninteresting endeavors. Both Michelle and Gilly humorously discuss their respective culinary mishaps, creating a relatable dialogue that many can identify with. Gilly also addresses her approach to self-care, encouraging listeners to take three minutes daily for mindful breathing or meditation. She underscores the significance of these practices in cultivating a less hectic, more present mindset.Key Takeaways:Be Unapologetically Yourself: Gilly stresses the importance of authenticity and not seeking to fit into societal norms.Just Start: Gilly's motto for life and advice for those hesitant to embark on new ventures.Explore Alternative Passions: Gilly's fascination with blacksmithing as an alternative career highlights the value of exploring diverse interests.Daily Self-Care: The emphasis on allocating even a few minutes daily for mindful activities like meditation to improve mental well-being.Embrace Failure: Discussing culinary mishaps, Gilly and Michelle highlight the value of learning and humor in the face of everyday failures.