Did you watch the film, “Wild” where Reese Witherspoon played Cheryl Strayed? Did it make you think, I could hike in the American wilderness on my own! NO? Me neither! Today’s guest thought just that and was inspired to walk 2,600 miles alone in midlife.
 
In a wide ranging conversation, anonymous adventurer, Person Irresponsible, talks to me about her remarkable life. We discussed:

• the impact of boarding school on a child’s development
• the importance of role models
• the impact of the film “Wild” on women hikers
• the perceptions we have about threat and safety
• the statistics around femicide - spoiler: statistically, we’re safer outside our own homes if we live with a partner or son)
• Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
• Serenading a bear with the National Anthem
• How the pandemic kept PI on the trail
• The toll a through-hike of 2,600 miles takes on the middle-aged body
• The impact of adventure on anxiety
• Why most adventure presenters are male

I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation as much as I did! And if you need a speaker on women and courage, or - better still - are looking for a presenter for an adventure series - look no further! 


About “Person Irresponsible” 
Adventurer, Academic, Author Britain’s most invisible middle-aged female adventurer. First person to quad bike around the UK, first woman to jetski around Scotland… read more in her books: Everywhere I didn’t want to go (but did anyway) https://amzn.to/4cnJsvk Everything you ever taught me https://amzn.to/3ISxcoR (About PI’s adventure on the PCT)

About the Midlife and Beyond Podcast Like all transitions, midlife can be messy and sad and glorious all at once, leaving many midlife women feeling rather alone and somewhat invisible. But what does this transition we are experiencing lead to?
 
I'm Jo Blackwell, a photographer, author and coach for women who want more from their lives post 50 and I'm here to remind you that if we manage our health and embrace it, growing older can lead to one of the greatest periods of growth and transformation of our lives.
The Midlife Movement was created to change minds about midlife and growing older, one story at a time. Because we only become invisible when when we stop seeing ourselves. email jo@joblackwell.co.uk to take part in the podcast or suggest guests.

See The Midlife & Beyond section of my website for more information and resources to help you navigate change with less stress and more joy! www.joblackwell.co.uk