This week’s Dare Day episode was inspired by an unexpected quiet moment.An early morning drive.No traffic. No radio. nd the sudden realisation that I could hear birds singing — from inside the car.That small moment led to a bigger question: when did we stop noticing what’s around us?In this bonus episode, Michelle shares a simple but grounding story about an early winter morning, a red sky, a cup of tea in the garden, and how listening — properly listening — shifted her entire day.The episode also connects to insights from Episode with Georgia, who described a chance visit to an RSPB hide that made her realise how much of the natural world she’d been missing simply because she’d never stopped to notice it.This isn’t sentimental fluff. There’s real science behind why moments like this feel so powerful.In this episode, we cover:Why natural sounds like birdsong calm the nervous systemHow most of us live in low-level fight-or-flight without realisingThe concept of “soft fascination” and why nature restores a tired brainHow listening grounds us in the present and eases anxietyWhy nothing has to change around you for something to shift internallyThis Week’s Dare:Take 5–10 minutes early in the morning.Before your phone. Before conversations. Before the world gets loud.No music. No podcasts. No scrolling. Make a tea or coffee if you like. Sit outside, on a doorstep, balcony, or by an open window.Close your eyes. And listen.Birds, wind, distance, silence — whatever is there.You’re not trying to relax. You’re not fixing anything. You’re simply reminding your nervous system that it’s safe.If you’ve stopped hearing the birds, there’s a good chance you’ve been carrying too much noise for too long.Want weekly dares like this?Dare Club is free to join and lands these weekly dares straight in your inbox, along with early access to live events and special announcements.You can sign up via the link in the episode description or through Instagram.Thanks for listening — and enjoy this week’s dare.Join Dare Club https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Becky was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 15 and thought her life was basically over. Spoiler: it wasn’t. In this episode we talk about what Crohn’s actually looks like day-to-day (fatigue, pain, planning your life around toilets…), the mindset shift that helped her stop shrinking her dreams, and why success sometimes looks like getting out of bed and having a shower — not “hustling” yourself into the ground.We also get into Becky’s Everest Base Camp trek attempt, the reality of doing big adventures with an unpredictable body, and the one comment from a stranger that perfectly sums up why invisible illness is such a minefield.Key takeawaysCrohn’s isn’t “a dodgy tummy” — it’s an autoimmune disease with physical and mental load.You can still build a full life, but you may need to do it differently (and that’s not failure).The fatigue is real even in remission — “slept 9 hours, feel like 3” levels of real.Invisible illness comes with invisible planning: toilets, timing, travel anxiety, the whole mental spreadsheet.You’re allowed to redefine success — especially when your body is fighting you.Turning back isn’t quitting. Sometimes it’s the bravest, smartest decision you can make.People will judge what they don’t understand (“you can’t be that sick…”) — don’t let that rewrite your reality.Kindness matters more than most people realise. “Be kind” isn’t cringe — it’s necessary.Timestamps00:00 Intro + “How have you dared and won?”00:14 Diagnosed at 15: believing life was “over”02:22 The pressure of school + the long road to diagnosis/remission04:24 Quitting A-levels, finding snowboarding, becoming an instructor (the pivot)05:43 The biggest misconception: “it’s just a tummy issue”06:32 The day-to-day reality: exhaustion, pain, urgency, immunosuppressants08:39 Everest Base Camp planning + how Crohn’s derailed it (and why she still went)28:00 Turning back at altitude + hospital in Kathmandu (ego vs survival)33:44 Fundraising wins + choosing your life anyway48:17 Misconception: “you can control it with diet” + the wider symptoms (arthritis, mouth ulcers)49:58 “You can’t be that sick…” — the invisible illness moment that stuckMentionedCrohn’s & Colitis UK (resources, support, info for patients + employers)Join Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswinswww.shewhodareswins.com - Code POD10 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of the time I’m interviewing other women about their wild, brave, chaotic journeys… and nine times out of ten, there’s a burnout story buried in there somewhere.So today, I’m sharing mine.In this episode, I walk you through the year my body finally hit the brakes — the ignored symptoms, the hospital scares, the career misalignment, and the long, messy rebuild that followed. If you’re running on adrenaline, juggling too much, or quietly falling apart while pretending everything's fine… consider this your nudge.This isn’t a dramatic “quit your job and move to Bali” story. It’s the real version — the hospital ECGs, the mozzarella-stick diet, the overthinking, the identity crisis, and the uncomfortable truth that you can only outrun yourself for so long.What We Talk AboutThe moment a doctor asked me one question that exposed everythingThe physical symptoms I brushed off (and why that was a terrible plan)How 17 years in construction + 2 kids + 2 businesses became the perfect stormWhen stress masquerades as illnessThe identity shift that comes with leaving a career you’ve built your life aroundThe slow rebuild: sleep, food, movement, and actually listening to myselfWhy purpose matters more than any “goal” you can tick offThe three things I stopped doing so I’d never burn out like that againHow this burnout became the catalyst for She Who Dares WinsDownload the Free Worksheet — The ReckoningIf you’re feeling stretched thin, misaligned, or stuck in someone else’s version of your life, this is the exact reflection tool I used (and still use).https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsWho This Episode Is ForWomen who are:juggling too muchburnt out but pretending they’re “fine”questioning their careerrebuilding after a crashwanting a life that actually fits themA Note From MeIf any part of this episode hits home — you’re not weak, dramatic, or failing. You’re human. And your body is usually wiser than your ego.Talking about burnout doesn’t make you fragile. It makes you honest.Thanks for listening.She Who Dares Wins. 🤘 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Georgia didn’t just dare — she bolted. At 22 she booked a one-way ticket to Australia, spent seven years travelling the world, worked in one of Queensland’s roughest pubs, wandered through Africa, and accidentally built the resilience most people try to buy in paperback form.A decade later, one spontaneous visit to an RSPB reserve flipped a switch she didn’t know she had. In just one year, she’s become a standout wildlife photographer, built a community of new-age birders, and is now leading her first international birding trip — all while navigating the tension between passion and monetisation.This episode is all about daring to start something completely new, letting curiosity lead the way, and remembering that the wild isn’t “out there”… it’s been on your doorstep the whole damn time.Key Takeaways (Condensed)How a single meme and a toxic relationship pushed her to book that one-way ticket.The seven years of travel that shaped her grit, confidence, and worldview.The unexpected moment birding clicked — and why it hit so hard.Her rise in wildlife photography despite zero formal training.The ethics, chaos, and surprising humour inside the birding world.Why she’s not rushing to turn her passion into a full-time job.How community, nature, and curiosity helped her find her thing.Timestamps0:00 – Welcome + Georgia’s biggest dare 0:12 – Why she booked a one-way ticket to Australia at 22 3:20 – Seven years on the road: Africa, New Zealand, Canada & chaos 4:55 – Working in one of Queensland’s “roughest pubs” 7:30 – The accidental moment she discovered birding 12:50 – Why wildlife photography hooked her instantly 15:40 – The challenge of keeping passion and monetisation separate 18:45 – Building a new kind of birding community + UK wildlife loveShop www.shewhodareswins.comJoin Dare club Community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Dare Thursday is a little different — mostly because Michelle is recording while full of lurgy and zero illusions of having her life together. Instead of a neatly structured pep talk, you’re getting a raw brain dump on presence, pressure, and why your future goals are sometimes ruining your mood in the present.In this episode, Michelle unpacks:💥 Why your brain loves dragging you out of the momentFrom planning next year’s guests to imagining your finances in 12 months, the mental time travel never ends. And honestly? It’s exhausting. Especially when it stops you from appreciating the good stuff that’s already happening.💭 The trap of goal-setting that nobody warns you aboutYes, goals matter. But obsessing over them? That’s the fast lane to anxiety. Michelle reflects on how she hit goals she never planned for — and missed goals she thought mattered — and what that actually teaches you about focus and flexibility.🌱 The power of micro-presenceShe's been experimenting with catching herself mid-spiral and asking simple grounding questions:Am I okay right now?Do I have what I need today?Are the kids fine?Has anything genuinely gone wrong?Turns out, checking in with the present lowers anxiety much faster than a five-year plan ever has.🧠 ADHD, internal rebellion & why “You have to do this” never worksIf your inner child wants to flip a table every time you impose a strict goal on yourself… yeah, you’re not alone. Michelle breaks down why some brains reject pressure — and how reframing your “must do’s” into playful experiments might actually get you results.🎨 The story of the artist told to go get 50 rejectionsOne of the best mindset flips of the episode: failure as a game. Once the pressure disappeared, the success exploded.This Week’s DareCatch yourself every single time you start spiralling about the future or beating yourself up for not being “further along.” Pause. Ask: “Is today actually okay?” If the answer is yes — drop the panic. You’re still on the path, even if it’s wiggly. Dare Club Is OPENMichelle has officially launched Dare Club — the free online community for women who want:more connectionmore couragemore accountabilitymore ‘holy crap, I’m actually doing the thing’ momentsYou can join for free, with optional paid tiers coming packed with value. Connect over podcast guests, your own dares, and real-life meetups as the community grows.Join via Michelle’s Instagram bio or at shewhodareswins.com → Dare Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Becca Worgan — the current Natural World’s Strongest Woman under 82 kg and possibly the calmest, most grounded powerhouse you’ll ever meet.Becca didn’t grow up dreaming about lifting atlas stones or dragging cars for fun. She only started Strongman in 2019… and then decided to go and dominate it. Casual.We dig into how she built her strength, both the muscle and the mindset. She talks about juggling university, work, and training without losing her sanity, and why stepping into a Strongman gym as a woman can feel like walking into a secret society — but shouldn’t.Becca also shares how a tiny pivot from bodybuilding to Strongman changed everything, why the crew at Steel City Gym in Middlesbrough helped her level up fast, and how community can do what discipline alone can’t.There’s also plenty on injury setbacks, rebuilding confidence, stepping into commentating, and why she’s training to become a physio specifically for strength athletes — because she wants to give back to the sport that gave her direction.It’s an episode full of grit, straight talk, and reassurance for every woman who’s ever looked at a barbell and thought, “Not sure that’s for me.” Spoiler: it is.Key TakeawaysRelentless focus pays off. Becca’s success comes from showing up, even on the grim days when motivation left the chat.Your environment matters. A supportive gym isn’t a luxury — it’s rocket fuel. Steel City proved that.Strength isn’t a boys’ club. Women face real barriers entering strength sports, but Becca’s on a mission to tear those down.Make your passion your career. From competing to commentating to becoming a physio, Becca’s building a future rooted in the sport she loves.Setbacks don’t define you. Injuries happen — the comeback is where the real mental strength shows up.Notable Quotes“Once you know how to use everything and what you’re doing, that fear will go. You can get really confident really quickly in it.”“I just love being strong. It quickly became, I’m more interested in what my body can do than what it looks like.”“It’s not selfish. An hour at the gym three or four times a week isn’t selfish at all — you can definitely find that time.”“I’ve never been so pleased about something in my life. All that work was worth it when I won.”“If you're in the northeast, send me a message. I’m training all over the place and I’ll happily train with you.”ResourcesBecca Worgan on InstagramSteel City Gym, MiddlesbroughNatural World’s Strongest Woman CompetitionChaos PromotionsUK Natural Strength Federation (UKNS)Support the ShowShop hoodies and tees at👉 www.shewhodareswins.comUse code POD10 for 10% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this playful bonus episode, we're flipping beige routines on their head and spreading joy the rogue way — with anonymous sticky notes.I’m talking about The Chaos Note — a bold little dare to leave a kind, funny, or outrageously uplifting note in public this week.Inside this episode:The personal story behind how one mirror note hit me like a brick of unexpected kindnessThe science of how random acts of kindness boost happiness (for you and them)Why anonymous giving triggers the brain’s reward system harder than public praiseThe dopamine surprise effect, stress reduction, and the ripple effect of tiny kind gesturesThis week’s dare: Write a note. Leave it. Walk away like the legend you are.If you’re ready to shake up the world’s beige energy and remind someone they matter — this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now and leave your legacy in neon ink.📝 Dare 11: Leave one anonymous note this week. Tag @SheWhoDaresWins if you’re in. Or don’t. Chaos likes mystery.Clothing: www.shewhodareswins.comJoin Dare club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surviving SAS, Authenticity, and Self-Discovery with Lucy Spraggan This week, Lucy Spraggan sits down with me for one of the most honest, eye-opening conversations we’ve had on the show. If you think you know her from The X Factor or SAS: Who Dares Wins… you don’t. Not until you hear this.Lucy talks openly about the realities of fame, trauma, sobriety, neurodiversity, and what it actually takes to rebuild your life from the ground up. She doesn’t sugar-coat a thing and that’s exactly why this episode hits so hard.We get into the brutal behind-the-scenes of SAS, the mindset shift that changed everything, and why radical authenticity has become her non-negotiable. From learning to stop caring what people think, to finding joy in the smallest, most unexpected places… this episode is packed with truth.If you’re navigating change, dealing with your past, or trying to figure out who the hell you are now — this one will stay with you.Key TakeawaysAuthenticity isn’t a buzzword — it’s a daily decision Lucy had to fight for.SAS broke her physically, but rebuilt her mentally in ways she didn’t expect.Sobriety gave her clarity, confidence, and a deeper sense of purpose.Human connection — not individual grit — is what gets you through adversity.Neurodiversity is her superpower, especially in creative and high-pressure spaces.Radical honesty can change your entire relationship with yourself.You are not your thoughts — and learning that can completely shift your life.Joy comes from simple, grounded moments, not external validation.Timestamps0:00 — Welcome + Lucy’s definition of daring and winning0:11 — The cost (and power) of radical authenticity0:37 — Writing her book and telling the truth, even when it hurt1:20 — Learning to stop caring what people think3:45 — SAS: Why she pursued it and how she prepared5:00 — The physical aftermath and hidden realities of the show7:36 — Near-injuries, fear, and pushing through trauma9:40 — Why connection mattered more than strength on SAS11:19 — Behind the interrogation: sensory deprivation + mental testing14:04 — The mindset warrior moment that changed everything15:21 — What adversity taught her about herself16:32 — Mental health, intrusive thoughts, and radical self-awareness19:19 — Practicing “I am not my thoughts”20:44 — Intention, presence, and redefining performance23:20 — Music, community, and why connection is everything26:00 — Boundaries with fans and protecting her mental health29:06 — ADHD, learning patterns, and creativity31:21 — Would Lucy be where she is without X Factor?32:36 — Delusional capability: her secret weapon35:59 — Breaking free from expectations and rebuilding your life38:40 — Health challenges, long Covid, and mindset shifts39:51 — Metal detecting, joy, and finding a life that feels good42:15 — Martial arts, self-defence, and building physical confidence45:08 — Discipline vs motivation — the real difference46:00 — Misconceptions and learning not to care49:06 — Joy, gratitude, and what truly matters52:55 — Materialism, identity, and growth55:16 — Carrying the people we’ve lost56:45 — The dare: Lucy’s next challenge58:12 — Why every woman should try jiu jitsu1:00:00 — The vulva story, recovery, and ending with real talkShop: www.shewhodareswins.comJoin Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Bonus Series, we’re cutting through the BS and breaking down why saying yes when you mean no isn’t kindness – it’s self-abandonment. I share my own story of overcommitting (hello burnout), the science behind approval-seeking, and how it screws with your nervous system, energy, and self-trust.We unpack:The social and neurological reasons we avoid saying noWhy your fake yes is slowly burning you outThe real cost of emotional suppression and cognitive dissonanceTools to recognise a truthful yes vs. an obligation yesSmall ways to practice honest communication and build that backbonePLUS: Your weekly DARE to practice saying no (without the guilt hangover).Need backup as you start flexing your no muscle? Join us in Dare Club – the place for bold, honest women who are done shrinking.Follow, share, and tag @SheWhoDaresWins – and let us know what you said no to this week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British national record–holding freediver Ruth Osborne is back — and let’s just say the last two years have been anything but smooth sailing. Ear infections, cancelled competition days, Caribbean chaos, burnout, and a couple of “is this my last dive ever?” moments… Ruth lays it all out with the kind of honesty most people avoid.This episode isn’t about glory dives or perfect outcomes. It’s about what happens when the thing you love keeps punching you in the gut — and why you still get back in the water anyway.We get into her training, mindset shifts, the ugly parts of high-level sport, and the surprising decision to coach herself. If you need a reminder that the path rarely looks pretty, this is it.Key TakeawaysProgress without outcome is still progress. Ruth’s technique, strength and awareness are on another level — even if the number on the dive line hasn’t moved yet.Setbacks don’t mean you're wrong for the path — sometimes they’re just annoying. Ear infections, heat, UTIs, and slanted dive lines aren’t “signs from the universe.” They’re life.You can love the process even when you hate the results. That’s the real test of commitment.Self-awareness beats brute force. From redefining nutrition to noticing burnout, Ruth shows what “listening to your body” actually looks like.Retiring wasn’t the answer — remembering her ‘why’ was.Coaching herself is the next evolution. She’s backing her own experience, instincts, and discipline.Rest isn’t optional. Especially when you're diving 80+ metres on one breath.Long-term mindset > short-term wins. She's building for depth, longevity, and a life lived well — not a single medal moment.Timestamps0:00 – Ruth is back: two years later, a lot deeper (mentally if not yet physically)2:00 – Competitions, ear infections and the brutal timing of setbacks4:15 – What “current” does to a dive and why it matters8:00 – Pressure, performance windows and keeping your head straight12:00 – Reacting vs choosing your reaction16:00 – When outcome and effort don’t match20:00 – Nutrition, protein and what changed for Ruth in her 40s33:00 – The Dominica chapter: volcanoes, heat exhaustion and angry afternoons39:00 – “Do I retire?” — Ruth hits her breaking point44:00 – Why she stays in the game: rebuilding her ‘why’52:00 – World Championships, coaching herself and designing a healthier training balance56:00 – What’s next: May competitions and a new chapter on her terms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ver found yourself spiralling over something tiny? Like stubbing your toe and suddenly rethinking your whole life?Welcome to this week’s Dare Club episode: Laugh at Your Own Drama.We’re diving into the art of emotional fluidity — how to stop fighting your feelings, ride the wave, and even find humour in your own chaos. Because here’s the truth: you can’t be stressed and amused at the same time. Laughter literally breaks your brain’s stress loop.In this episode, Michelle shares one of her own “mid-meltdown” moments, explains why your brain loves drama, and how to flip emotional overreactions into moments of power and perspective.💥 This week’s dare: Catch yourself mid-drama — and laugh. Out loud.Because you can’t be in crisis and in control at the same time.🎧 Tune in if you’re ready to swap your spirals for smirks and take your emotions a little less seriously.#DareClub #SheWhoDaresWinsPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Michelle sits down with writer, swimmer, and all-round adventurer Sara Barnes, whose story is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. After surviving major heart surgery and multiple health setbacks, Sara turned to the freezing lakes of Cumbria for healing — and found her purpose.From the icy calm of cold-water swimming to the realities of rejection, imposter syndrome, and late-life confidence, Sara’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start over or to finally back yourself.🗝️ Key TakeawaysLife’s curveballs are invitations, not endings. Sara’s health scares forced her to slow down and realign her priorities.Community saves us. Cold-water swimming connected her to a supportive world of women who push past comfort zones together.Rejection isn’t failure. Years of “no” built the tenacity that led to her first published book.Dreams lose their sparkle when they become reality — and that’s okay. The growth is in the pursuit, not the finish line.Boundaries build better relationships. Saying “no” turned Sara’s life from lonely to aligned.Confidence isn’t a switch. Even the boldest women still battle self-doubt — the trick is doing it anyway.Timestamps0:00 — Welcome & Sara’s story: surviving heart surgery and finding perspective0:03:40 — Grief, loss, and how writing helped her heal0:11:50 — The Instagram trap: learning to disconnect and reconnect with real life0:12:18 — The unexpected beginning: how cold-water swimming saved her0:19:48 — From ugly duckling to swan: the boss who underestimated her0:26:20 — [Mid-Roll Ad Slot] + Identity shift — becoming an author and imposter syndrome0:33:45 — The truth about chasing dreams and learning to enjoy the process0:43:30 — Skinny dipping, confidence, and helping women find freedom0:52:55 — Bonus Episode begins: Quick-fire dares and reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Episode 9: Gratitude — The Underrated Power MoveShow Notes:Most people roll their eyes at gratitude like it’s a Pinterest quote in disguise. But here’s the thing — the science says otherwise. Gratitude isn’t fluff. It’s a mental reset button that actually changes how your brain works.In this 11-minute episode, Michelle breaks down what really happens when you start practising gratitude — minus the sugar-coated affirmations. From rewiring your brain for resilience to improving mood and lowering stress, this episode explores how gratitude helps you stop chasing “more” and start seeing what’s already good.Michelle also shares her own experience with burnout, how gratitude helped her rebuild perspective, and why “having it all” isn’t about achieving more — it’s about realising you already do.🔍 In this episode:The science behind gratitude (and why it’s more than a trend)How practising gratitude literally rewires your brainThe “virtuous spiral” between gratitude and happinessSimple, no-BS ways to build gratitude into your routineWhy gratitude isn’t toxic positivity — it’s resilience in disguise🧠 Studies mentioned:Robert Emmons & Michael McCullough’s research on gratitude and happiness2023 Meta-analysis of 64 studies showing gratitude lowers anxiety and depressionUCLA findings on gratitude improving sleep and heart healthFrontiers in Psychology (2019) study on gratitude and life satisfaction💥 Your Dare:For one week, write down one thing that went wrong — and one thing about it you’re still grateful for. That’s how you build gratitude that sticks, not just gratitude that sounds good.sign up for dare club www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 28 years on air, Yorkshire radio legend JoJo Kelly swapped early mornings and microphones for the Welsh mountains — and a brand new chapter.In this laugh-out-loud and deeply relatable chat, JoJo opens up about her accidental start in radio (thanks to a guy in a dress and a nightclub), the confidence it took to survive male-dominated breakfast shows, and why she’s now embracing the unknown with open arms.From her days at Kiss 105 and Galaxy FM to her recent move to rural Wales, JoJo’s story is a masterclass in joy, resilience, and reinvention.You’ll hear:🎧 How a night out led to a 28-year radio career💪 What it was really like being a woman in radio through the 90s and 2000s🧠 How menopause and confidence shifts made her re-evaluate everything🔄 The courage it takes to start again after decades in one career🌄 Why she swapped city lights for mountain life (and how she’s adjusting!)🎭 Her dream to finally chase the acting career she put on holdWhether you’re standing at a crossroads or just craving proof that it’s never too late to pivot, this episode will leave you laughing, nodding, and maybe planning your own wild next chapter. Timestamps0:00 – Meet JoJo Kelly: 28 years on air and counting 2:00 – How a nightclub encounter launched her radio career 7:00 – Crashing the boys’ club: early lessons in confidence and ego 12:00 – The power of joy and surviving 4:30am starts 16:00 – Dealing with trolls before social media was a thing 18:00 – Losing anonymity as a radio host 25:00 – Moving to Wales & embracing the unknown 36:00 – Menopause, confidence, and finding your voice again 46:00 – Ageism, reinvention & why JoJo’s not done yet 52:00 – What’s next: hosting, acting, and making friends with goatswww.shewhodareswins.comSign up for dare club! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What If You’re Closer Than You Think?🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle reflects on a recent moment that stopped her in her tracks — checking the podcast analytics and realising that, against all odds, the show is steadily growing. She looks back at those first, shaky recordings and realises: she could have quit before it ever got good. And almost did.This isn’t just a story about resilience — it’s about the messy, uncomfortable middle that most people run from. Backed by psychology and philosophy, this week’s episode explores why consistency is one of the hardest, most underrated skills — and why you’re probably closer than you think.🧠 Key Takeaways:Progress rarely feels like progress while you’re in it. Small wins compound over time — even if you can’t see it day-to-day.There’s a scientific reason the middle feels hard. Research shows motivation spikes when we start and finish something — and drops off halfway through (Heath & Heath, The Power of Moments).We need friction to grow. Author Brad Stulberg calls it “productive discomfort” — sticking with the hard thing is often what builds the muscle we need to succeed.Your brain craves novelty — and consistency can feel boring. But mastery only lives on the other side of that boredom (see James Clear, Atomic Habits).Don't trust the dip. Your emotions aren’t always a reliable metric of whether it’s working.🎯 This Week’s Dare:Stick with it — especially if it’s not working yet.Pick one thing you’ve been tempted to give up on… and recommit to it for one more week.Join Dare Club: https://stan.store/shewhodareswins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two months after losing her baby Charlotte to SIDS, Clare opened a laptop, named a business on the back of a credit card bill, and started. In this raw, no-fluff conversation, she shares how grief, debt, and a surprise pregnancy became the backdrop to building Sunshine Digital, landing FirstGroup as her first client, and later clawing back from heart failure (8% function) to cold-water swim guide. It’s survival turned agency — and a blueprint for doing it afraid.Key TakeawaysYou don’t wait for confidence — you build it by moving.Grief doesn’t get lighter; you get stronger at carrying it.Starting small (one Facebook page, one pitch) can change your life.Community and purpose beat isolation — even in the darkest season.Cold water, journaling “glimmers,” and simple routines can reset your nervous system.It’s not about being a victim or a hero — it’s about choosing the next brave step.Timestamps00:00 — “She who dares wins”: Claire’s dare & why she started02:23 — The night everything changed & the aftermath03:55 — Debt, pregnancy, and naming Sunshine Digital on a bill05:31 — First client: landing FirstGroup by “winging it”07:51 — Purpose through work while grieving + parenting her eldest20:05 — What to say (and not say) about loss; why memories matter31:18 — Multiple organ failure at 39 → the fight back35:13 — Cold-water swimming, joy returns, and guiding othersAbout ClaireFounder of Sunshine Digital and the Shine Online Club, Clare Clifford helps small businesses level up content and strategy while championing community in Leeds and beyond. She’s also a volunteer swim guide with Mental Health Swims.Resources MentionedMental Health Swims (community cold-water sessions)Shine Online Club (Claire’s membership for small biz owners)ConnectFollow the podcast: @SheWhoDaresWinsShare this episode with someone who needs proof they can start again.Rate & review if this conversation helped you — it really does make a difference. 💛Trigger/Content Note: child loss (SIDS), grief, hospital/medical discussion.Join Dare Club Shop Merch www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s dare is all about swapping certainty for curiosity.Because the truth is — every bold move, every new chapter, every unexpected success… starts with one small “what if?”In this episode, Michelle talks about how following curiosity (instead of waiting for clarity) has shaped her own career — from leaving construction to building She Who Dares Wins, to now stepping into filmmaking with zero guarantees and a whole lot of faith.You’ll also hear stories from two incredible women who dared to follow the pull of curiosity and built something extraordinary:Kelsey Erickson, who went from having no plan at all to leading athlete welfare at USA Cycling — simply by saying yes to what sparked her interest.Lucy Thompson, a tattoo artist whose curiosity about scar tattoos led her to build a national charity offering free 3D nipple tattoos for breast cancer survivors.Together, these stories prove that curiosity isn’t about knowing — it’s about trusting.And it’s often the start of everything worth doing.This Week’s Key TakeawaysCuriosity beats clarity.Waiting until you “have it all figured out” kills momentum. Follow what feels alive — not what’s logical.The Stoic lesson:You can’t control the outcome, only how you show up for what’s in front of you. (Marcus Aurelius had it right.)Your brain is built for it.Research shows curiosity activates your dopamine system — the same one linked to motivation and learning. You’re wired to explore.Curiosity creates resilience.It’s the mental version of strength training. Every time you step toward something new, you’re rewiring your brain to handle more uncertainty.Small sparks lead to big shifts.Lucy’s entire career pivot started with one question: “Why is this happening?”Kelsey’s began with one “yes.”🌵 This Week’s DareDo one thing purely because you’re curious.Not because it’s productive, smart, or part of a plan.Because it excites you.DM someone doing work that interests you.Watch a documentary on something random.Take a class or try a skill you’ve secretly wanted to.It’s not about control — it’s about trust.Join the Dare Club to get weekly dares and mindset boosts straight to your inbox → https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsCheck out the Merch www.shewhodareswins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Nearly Crushed to Carving Cathedrals: Rachel’s Story of ReinventionAt 29, Rachel decided to become a stonemason — but that wasn’t where her story began.Before carving stone for Lincoln Cathedral, she was literally hit by a truck. The accident left her learning to walk again, questioning everything, and ultimately rebuilding her life from the ground up (quite literally).In this episode, Rachel joins Michelle for round two — a raw and funny catch-up on recovery, resilience, and rediscovering purpose. They talk about learning patience through craft, why boredom might actually be a skill, and what it’s like to leave your mark (literally) on a piece of history.They also dig into:Why you should never underestimate time spent “funemployed.”How trauma can reset your direction — without defining you.What stonemasonry teaches you about discipline, creativity, and slowing the hell down.Rachel’s love for vintage fashion, her 1940s Jeep “Dottie,” and why history still has her heart.The myth of failure when you start again later in life.It’s honest, unexpected, and proof that sometimes the slow path is the one that lasts the longest.00:00 – Intro & “How have you dared and won?” 01:18 – The accident: hit by a truck, rehab, learning to walk again 06:17 – Apprenticeship decision & career at Lincoln Cathedral 07:58 – Why boredom is a core skill in stonemasonry (training process) 14:49 – Mason’s marks explained + Rachel’s “witch’s hat” mark 23:53 – Rachel’s 1944 Willys Jeep “Dottie” 29:53 – Returning to university & Master’s in Historic Buildings 40:05 – Media features: Woman’s Hour, Look North & surprise BBC Breakfast segment🎧 Listen now to hear how Rachel turned being broken into building something timeless. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:This week, Michelle dares you to do something most people avoid — embrace the unknown.After 17 years in construction, Michelle opens up about what it’s really like to walk away from stability and step into filmmaking with no guarantees. She shares how reading about Stoicism helped her stop waiting for certainty and start trusting action instead.Backed by neuroscience, this episode breaks down why our brains panic when things feel uncertain — and how leaning into discomfort can literally rewire you for resilience.You’ll also hear from two past She Who Dares Wins guests who’ve lived this dare in their own lives:💥 Jenni, the former police detective who left her pensioned career to work in close protection — learning to rely on instincts instead of procedure.🌊 Zoe, the teacher-turned-cold-water-swim-retreat founder, who discovered that the same practice that chilled her body also strengthened her mind.And this week’s dare is a practical one — no “trust the universe” fluff. It’s about building your confidence through rejection and action.In This Episode:The truth about leaving stability for something unknownWhy your brain treats uncertainty like danger (and why that’s a good thing)The science behind cognitive flexibility and resilienceWhat Jenni and Zoe teach us about courage and starting freshHow to move forward even when there’s no clear planThis Week’s Dare:Do something that carries a real chance of rejection.Send the pitch. Ask for the opportunity. Share the idea you’ve been sitting on.The goal isn’t to get a yes — it’s to prove you won’t crumble if you get a no.Because rejection isn’t failure — it’s evidence you’re in the right arena.Key Takeaways:Uncertainty feels terrifying because your brain is wired to avoid unpredictability.But the same uncertainty also fuels curiosity, learning, and growth.Confidence isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about trusting yourself to handle what comes next.Rejection is a muscle — the more you work it, the stronger you get.Join the Dare ClubIf you’re ready to start acting on these dares — not just thinking about them — join the Dare Club.You’ll get the weekly dare straight to your inbox every Thursday, plus behind-the-scenes updates from the She Who Dares Wins journey.👉 Sign up via the link in Michelle’s Instagram bio or at shewhodareswins.com → Dare Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 30, most jockeys have been riding professionally for over a decade — but not Jo Mason. In this episode, Michelle sits down with Jo to talk about breaking into the world of horse racing later in life, the brutal realities of injury and recovery, and how she turned a pandemic setback into the moment she finally went pro.From breaking her back to breaking barriers for women in racing, Jo’s story is one of resilience, grit, and pure love for the sport.Key TakeawaysIt’s never too late to start again. Jo turned professional at 30 — proof that there’s no expiry date on your dream.Confidence isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you build through doing.Hard work beats luck. Behind every race is relentless training, travel, and self-discipline.Women belong at the top. Racing may have been male-dominated, but Jo’s generation is changing that.You can rebuild after burnout or injury. Jo’s comeback after breaking her back shows that recovery starts with mindset.Your journey doesn’t have to follow the rulebook. Education, pivots, and detours can all lead to purpose.Timestamps0:00 – 3:00 Introduction and Jo’s journey from sports nutrition to racing.3:00 – 7:00 Growing up in a racing family and the path from amateur to professional.7:00 – 13:00 The fall that broke her back and the long road to recovery.13:00 – 17:00 Turning professional during Covid and proving herself on the track.17:00 – 25:00 Racing against legends and breaking barriers for women in sport.25:00 – 37:00 Life behind the scenes: training, travel, pressure, and pay.37:00 – 54:00 The physical and mental toll — weight, nutrition, and injury resilience.54:00 – 1:03:00 Lessons learned, sacrifices made, and Jo’s message to women chasing their dreams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.