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Access to Inspiration episodes

  • 155.Mario Haberfeld: Conservation, Courage and the Jaguar Rivers Initiative
    (00:00:00) 155.Mario Haberfeld: Conservation, Courage and the Jaguar Rivers Initiative
    (00:01:19) Africa Trip Inspiration
    (00:02:38) Racing to Conservation
    (00:05:17) Starting in Pantanal
    (00:07:13) Habituating Jaguars
    (00:09:08) Oncafari Expands Mission
    (00:13:28) Biggest Challenges Fires
    (00:16:21) Funding and Community Wins
    (00:20:09) Lessons from Motorsport
    (00:24:16) Advice for Changemakers
    (00:26:45) Jaguar Rivers Initiative
    (00:30:23) Most Memorable Jaguar Moment

    What happens when a former Formula One and IndyCar driver decides his next challenge is saving one of the world's most iconic big cats?

    Host Sue Stockdale speaks with Brazilian conservationist and former racing driver Mario Haberfeld, founder of Onçafari, one of South America's leading wildlife conservation organisations. 
    Mario shares how a childhood journey to Africa sparked a lifelong fascination with wildlife, a passion that remained alive throughout a successful motorsport career. After retiring from racing, Mario embarked on a two-year global journey to understand conservation efforts around the world.

    What emerged was an ambitious vision which has evolved since 2011- to create a sustainable future for jaguars in Brazil through ecotourism, scientific research, habitat protection and community engagement. Mario explains how Onçafari pioneered the habituation of wild jaguars, transforming wildlife tourism in Brazil's Pantanal region while creating economic opportunities for local communities. He also discusses the growing threat of climate-driven wildfires, the importance of long-term thinking, and the ambitious Jaguar Rivers Initiative, a multinational effort to connect wildlife corridors across Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia.  This conversation explores leadership, perseverance, teamwork and the power of following a passion.

    You will learn: 
    • How a childhood trip to Africa inspired Mario's conservation journey
    • Why he transitioned from professional motorsport to wildlife protection
    • The pioneering work Onçafari has done to habituate jaguars safely
    • How ecotourism can support both conservation and local communities
    • Why climate change and wildfires are now among the greatest threats to biodiversity
    • What motorsport taught Mario about leadership, teamwork and resilience
    • The vision behind the Jaguar Rivers Initiative and its international impact
    • Advice for anyone wanting to create meaningful change in the world

    Key Quote
    "If your passion is big enough to accept the challenges, then everything is achievable." 


    About Mario Haberfeld
    Mario Haberfeld is a former Formula One test driver and IndyCar racer who founded Onçafari, a pioneering Brazilian conservation organisation dedicated to protecting jaguars. Since its launch, Onçafari has expanded from a single project in the Pantanal to a multi-biome conservation initiative combining wildlife research, rewilding, education, community development and habitat protection. Mario is also a driving force behind the international Jaguar Rivers Initiative, which seeks to connect critical wildlife corridors across South America. 

    Connect with Onçafari via website  and Instagram 

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


    Host: Sue Stockdale 
    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 
    32 min
  • 154.Margaret Heffernan: Why Great Leadership Needs Friction, Doubt and Better Questions
    (00:00:00) 154.Margaret Heffernan: Why Great Leadership Needs Friction, Doubt and Better Questions
    (00:01:02) Why Leaders Love Failures
    (00:04:04) Inspiration needs Friction
    (00:09:08) From Inspiration to Next Steps
    (00:12:46) Time and Cooling Off
    (00:15:18) Efficiency Myth and Multitasking
    (00:19:28) Isolation from the Coalface
    (00:21:25) Trust Makes Leaders
    (00:25:08) Inspiration Fuels Creativity
    (00:29:28) Questions over Answers
    (00:31:00) Running Towards Uncertainty
    (00:33:33) Personal Practices and Listening

    What if the very thing most leaders try to avoid, friction, is exactly what organisations need most?  

    Sue Stockdale talks to entrepreneur, leadership thinker and bestselling author Margaret Heffernan who challenges some of the most common assumptions about leadership, innovation and inspiration. Drawing on decades of experience leading organisations and researching business success and failure, Margaret argues that progress rarely comes from certainty, speed or having all the answers. Instead, she makes the case for doubt, dissent, curiosity and collective intelligence. 

    Sue and Margaret explore why leaders are often more interested in learning from failure than success, how organisations become trapped by an obsession with efficiency, and why inspiration alone is never enough to create meaningful change.

    They discuss the importance of slowing down, asking better questions, listening deeply, and creating environments where people feel safe to challenge ideas. Margaret also shares practical insights from her own creative process, revealing how she develops ideas, writes books, and navigates uncertainty without rushing to easy answers.  

    You will learn:
    • Why mistakes are often a leader's greatest source of learning
    • The difference between inspiration and implementation
    • How friction, challenge and doubt improve decision-making
    • Why leaders should ask better questions instead of providing answers
    • The dangers of prioritising efficiency over creativity
    • How collective intelligence outperforms individual brilliance
    • The importance of embracing uncertainty rather than avoiding it
    • Practical ways leaders can build more creative and resilient organisations
    Key Quote
    "The job of a leader is to create the conditions in which great people can do the best work of their lives." 

    About Margaret Heffernan
    Margaret Heffernan is an entrepreneur, CEO, keynote speaker and bestselling author whose books include Willful Blindness, Uncharted and Embracing Uncertainty. Her work explores leadership, innovation, organisational culture and the challenges of navigating an increasingly complex world.

    Connect with Margaret Heffernan via website and LinkedIn

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


    Host: Sue Stockdale 
    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 
    37 min
  • 153.David Brabham: Life at 200mph - What it takes to win in endurance racing
    (00:00:00) 153.David Brabham: Life at 200mph - What it takes to win in endurance racing
    (00:02:47) Farm Life and Go Karting
    (00:05:00) Motivation and Parental Support
    (00:07:37) What Le Mans Means
    (00:10:39) Focus at 200mph
    (00:12:46) Stints, Sleep and Preparation
    (00:16:59) Fitness, Heat and Mindfulness
    (00:19:55) Team culture and leadership
    (00:24:17) Resetting after setbacks
    (00:29:01) Mentoring and Feedback
    (00:31:05) Le Mans Journey Lesson

    What does it take to perform at your best when the stakes are high, the pressure never stops, and one small mistake can end months or years of preparation?

    Sue Stockdale speaks with Le Mans winner David Brabham, whose career spans more than three decades at the highest levels of motorsport, including Formula One, Le Mans, and endurance racing. The youngest son of three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jack Brabham, David's path into racing was far from inevitable. In fact, he didn't discover the sport until he was 17 years old.

    Drawing on his experiences of competing at the sharpest edge of human and machine performance, David shares what racing has taught him about focus, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and making good decisions under pressure. From driving at more than 200 mph through the night at Le Mans to building high-performing teams in business, he reveals the mindset that helped him achieve one of motorsport's greatest prizes.

    The conversation explores the importance of preparation, managing energy, creating the right team culture, and understanding that success is rarely about individual talent alone. David also reflects on why winning the Le Mans 24 Hours ultimately taught him that the journey matters far more than the trophy itself.

    You will learn: 
    • What it takes to stay focused during a 24-hour endurance race
    • The mental techniques used to maintain concentration under extreme pressure
    • Why sleep, fitness, nutrition, and mindset all contribute to peak performance
    • How creating the right team environment leads to better decisions and results
    • Why mistakes and setbacks often contain the greatest opportunities for growth
    Key Quote
    "It wasn't about the trophy. It was about the journey. The people you met, the people you worked with, the people who inspired you. That's what made standing on that podium meaningful." 

    Find out more about David Brabham on his website or Instagram 

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


    Host: Sue Stockdale 
    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 
    34 min
  • 152. Krzysztof Karolczak: AI and the Future of Work
    What if AI could free us from the reactive work that consumes most of our day and create more space for creativity, purpose, and human connection?

    Sue Stockdale speaks with entrepreneur and AI innovator Krzysztof Karolczak, who has spent more than two decades building companies. After taking a sabbatical to focus on family, Krzysztof returned to work determined not to fall back into the 80-hour work weeks that had previously defined his entrepreneurial life.Instead, he began experimenting with AI as a "delegation layer", creating systems that handle much of the reactive work that traditionally occupies leaders' time. The result has transformed how he works, allowing him to focus on creativity, strategic thinking, and what he believes are the uniquely human contributions that technology cannot replace.  

    The conversation explores his vision for the future of work, offering an alternative perspective on how AI might help people become more fully alive rather than simply more efficient.

    In this episode, you'll discover:
    • Why Krzysztof no longer sees himself as a "builder" but as a "multiplier"
    • How AI can act as a delegation layer for repetitive and reactive work
    • Why he believes businesses need a purpose beyond profit
    • The concept of moving from reactive behaviour to creative action
    • How future organisations may resemble living systems rather than traditional hierarchies
    • Why curiosity and agency could become the defining skills of the next generation
    • The importance of inspiration, trust, and deep conversation in an AI-powered world
    • What Krzysztof means by pursuing "aliveness"
    • How a singing AI hackathon generated both innovation and human connection
    • Why the "architecture of attention" may become a critical leadership challenge
    Key Quote
    "We are all holders of unique wisdom because each of us has a unique set of experiences and unexpressed ideas. We learn about ourselves through the relationships we have in life."

    About Krzysztof Karolczak
    Krzysztof Karolczak is an entrepreneur, technologist, and founder who has been building businesses since the age of sixteen. With more than two decades of experience creating and scaling companies, he is now focused on helping founders and organisations harness artificial intelligence to create more human-centred ways of working.  Today he works across multiple ventures, exploring how AI can support leaders, unlock human potential, and enable organisations to evolve into more adaptive, purpose-driven systems. His work centres on the future of work, organisational design, agency, creativity, and what he calls the pursuit of "aliveness" in both business and life.

    Connect with Krzysztof https://startcreating.ai/  and on Linkedin 


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


    Host: Sue Stockdale 
    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    26 min
  • 151. Mike Foreman: From Navy Pilot to NASA Astronaut
    (00:00:00) 151. Mike Foreman: From Navy Pilot to NASA Astronaut
    (00:00:12) Meet Mike Foreman
    (00:02:53) Navy Pilot to NASA
    (00:03:38) Three Applications Later
    (00:06:35) Life in NASA
    (00:08:25) How Astronauts Train
    (00:10:46) First Spacewalk Nerves
    (00:11:32) Earth View Effect
    (00:12:22) Spacesuit Fit Scare
    (00:15:52) Spacewalk Work and Fatigue
    (00:18:03) Returning to Gravity
    (00:21:13) Life After Space
    (00:22:06) Fame and Being Ordinary
    (00:23:49) How Many Astronauts
    (00:24:55) Mars and Artemis Future
    (00:26:44) Why Explore Mars
    (00:29:57) Closing Stories and Goodbye

    What does it take to leave Earth behind and step into space?

    Sue Stockdale speaks with former NASA astronaut Mike Foreman, whose remarkable career took him from flying helicopters in the U.S. Navy to completing two Space Shuttle missions and multiple spacewalks aboard the International Space Station.

    Mike shares the persistence required to become an astronaut after eight applications to NASA, the realities of astronaut training, and the physical and mental demands of working in space. He reflects on his first spacewalk, the awe-inspiring view of Earth from orbit, and the challenges of returning to gravity after living beyond our planet.

    The conversation also explores the future of human space exploration, including the Artemis programme and the possibility of missions to Mars, as well as Mike's thoughts on why exploration continues to matter.

    In this episode:
    • Mike's journey from Navy pilot to NASA astronaut
    • The astronaut selection process and lessons in persistence
    • Training for life and work in space
    • The experience of conducting spacewalks
    • Viewing Earth from orbit
    • Life after NASA
    • The future of lunar and Mars exploration
    Whether you're fascinated by space, leadership, resilience, or human potential, Mike's story offers a compelling insight into what can be achieved through determination, curiosity and a willingness to venture into the unknown.

    About Mike Foreman

    Mike Foreman is a former NASA astronaut, retired U.S. Navy Captain, and aerospace engineer whose career has taken him from the cockpit of military aircraft and into space. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Naval Postgraduate School, and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he accumulated more than 7,500 flight hours across over 50 different aircraft types.

    Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1998, Mike spent more than 637 hours in space during two Space Shuttle missions, STS-123 and STS-129. He completed five spacewalks, totalling over 32 hours, helping to construct and maintain the International Space Station.

    Today, he shares lessons from his extraordinary experiences as a speaker and serves as the Mayor of Friendswood, Texas.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


    Host: Sue Stockdale 
    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    32 min
  • Celebrating 150 Episodes: Reflections and Insights from Access to Inspiration
    In this special bonus episode, Pierre Heistein, who was guest in episode 91 takes the host's chair alongside co-founders Sue Stockdale and Clive Steeper. They celebrate reaching 150 episodes by reflecting on the conversations with guests, lessons learned, and the common threads that bind these stories together. Pierre delves into the origins of the podcast, what does it mean to be inspirational,  and how the show has impacted Sue and Clive and their listeners.  Together they discuss how the podcast has influenced their perspectives about life and work, and how they look to the future for taking the next steps of development.

    Key Reflections
    • "The most inspirational people often have an overriding purpose – something greater than themselves that motivates them to act."
    • “Inspiration is about more than success or achievement. It's about attitude – a willingness to explore, to take risks, and to stay curious.”
    • “Many of our guests had to embrace uncertainty or ambiguity at some point in their journey."
    • “Being an inspiration to others was often something guests had not considered about themselves.”
    • “The podcast is designed to challenge assumptions – by hearing from people outside your own world, you begin to understand different ways of thinking.”
    • “What guests often valued most about the interview was the opportunity to reflect on their life and what shaped them.”
    • “Each episode is a window into someone’s world, and those windows have revealed the many forms that inspiration can take.”
    • “These conversations continue to affirm one thing – that every person has a story worth hearing.”

    Time Stamps
    01:26 Origins of the Podcast
    03:41 Defining inspiration
    06:06 Personal reflections on inspiration
    12:36 The role of curiosity and vulnerability
    23:31 Unexpectedly inspiring guests
    27:17 The journey of resilience and tenacity
    29:45 The power of ordinary acts
    32:21 Impactful stories from the podcast
    36:17 The Atuel river journey
    42:14 Reflections on longevity and success
    47:54 The future of the podcast 


    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


    Host: Sue Stockdale 
    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 
    50 min
  • 150. Kris Tompkins: Conservation, Leadership and Legacy
    In this landmark 150th episode, Sue Stockdale talks to Kris Tompkins, one of the world's most prolific conservation philanthropists.  Kris shares a powerful, personal perspective on what drives her and urges listeners to ditch the myth of individual powerlessness: “The excuse that ‘I’m just one person’ - that’s the weakest, nonsensical excuse there is. One person, it does matter.”

    In the conversation, Tompkins reflects on how her business experience helped shape a vision for nature conservation at scale, highlighting themes of risk-taking, leadership, and the power of direct engagement. She reminds us that the gritty, uncomfortable days in nature often leave the strongest impressions: “I like people being miserable in the national parks - those are the days we remember.”


    About Kris Tompkins

    Kris Tompkins is the president and co-founder of Tompkins Conservation, and former CEO of Patagonia, Inc. For three decades, she has committed to protecting and restoring wild beauty and biodiversity by creating national parks, inspiring activism, and fostering economic vitality as a result of conservation. Kris and her husband, Doug Tompkins have protected over 15 million acres of parklands in Chile and Argentina through Tompkins Conservation and its partners, making them among the most successful national park oriented philanthropists in history.

    Kris served as Patron for Protected Areas for the UN Environmental Programme from 2018 to 2022. The recipient of numerous honours, she was the first conservationist to be awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. Her 2020 TED talk "Lets make the earth wild again" has over two million views.  

    Find out more about Kris Tompkins and the work of Tompkins Conservation : Rewilding Argentina : Rewilding Chile :Trailer for National Geographic documentary - Wild Life 

    Time Stamps

    01:57 Developing a passion for nature 
    04:29 Challenges and Triumphs in Conservation
    11:25 Building Teams and Collaborative Efforts
    27:34 The Role of Technology in Conservation
    31:22 Reflecting on Successes and Lessons Learned
    34:24 Inspiration and Call to Action

    Key Quotes
    •  I'm actually inspired and motivated probably more by grief and a kind of yearning, than I am by something that's fabulous and positive.
    •  You can't fall in love with something you don't know.
    •  I like people being miserable in the national parks as those are the days we remember- the days you were freezing.
    • The excuse that “I’m just one person”. That's the weakest, nonsensical excuse there is. One person, it does matter.
    • People have to decide that they want to participate in something more than what they currently have in their daily life. They see what's going on in the outside world and they want to do something. And that's a decision. And that's probably the most difficult step of all.
    •  There are people working for nature who need what you're good at. It's the wilfulness that people get stuck on. 


    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


    Host: Sue Stockdale 
    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 
    39 min
  • 149. Alice Morrison: Exploring Africa and Arabia
    Sue Stockdale talks to Alice Morrison, an adventurer, author, and TV presenter. Alice has journeyed across deserts, trekked through mountains, and immersed herself in diverse cultures from Morocco to Saudi Arabia. Alice shares her experiences of resilience, discovery, and connection, including surviving the Moroccan earthquake, navigating Saudi Arabia on foot, and the joy of storytelling. Alice discusses her passion for adventure, the importance of cultural understanding, and why she believes exploration is about more than just physical endurance.

    About Alice Morrison
    Alice Morrison is an adventurer, TV presenter, and writer known for her bold expeditions and compelling storytelling. From racing her bike across Africa in the Tour d’Afrique to running the Everest Trail Race and walking thousands of kilometres across Morocco, she has consistently chosen the path less travelled. Her adventures are driven by a desire to understand our rapidly changing world, celebrate shared humanity, and bear witness to environmental and cultural transformation.

    Her work is now showcased in documentaries such as From Morocco to Timbuktu, and Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabataeans, alongside her acclaimed books Dodging Elephants, Walking with Nomads, and Adventures in Morocco.  Now based in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Alice lives immersed in the landscapes she writes about, walking alongside Amazigh guides and camels, podcasting from remote deserts, and sharing insights through public speaking and media appearances.

    Connect with Alice Morrison - Website: Instagram : Podcast : YouTube : TikTok

    Key Quotes
    • "Adventure isn’t about searching for yourself; it’s about experiencing as much of the world as possible."
    • "I treasure my freedom, and I’m grateful every day that I have the opportunity to explore, to learn, and to share stories with others."
    • "The reality of Saudi Arabia was so different from the stereotype—I found warmth, humour, and incredible hospitality at every step."
    • "People are fundamentally good everywhere in the world. The more we meet and understand each other, the more barriers we break down."
    Time Stamps
    01:28 Experiencing Ramadan in Morocco
    02:56 Challenges of Adventuring in Saudi Arabia
    06:55 Alice's Background and Attraction to the Middle East
    09:09 The Importance of Storytelling
    10:44 Surviving the Moroccan Earthquake
    12:53 Themes of Freedom and Self-Reliance
    15:09 Community vs. Individuality
    21:06 Packing Tips for Explorers
    24:41 Lessons from Nature and Camels
    26:08 Future Adventures and Goals


    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


    Host: Sue Stockdale 
    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 
    35 min
  • 148. Ed Ley-Wilson: Exploring the mind and the sea
    Sue Stockdale speaks to adventurer, author, and deep thinker Ed Ley-Wilson. Ed shares insights from his life exploring both the outdoors and the mind. From kayaking the rugged west coast of Scotland to reflecting on resilience, solitude, and the power of slowing down, Ed reveals how adventure - whether on land, sea, or within ourselves shapes our engagement with the world. 

    About Ed Ley-Wilson
    Ed has over thirty years of working and engaging with business, community, educational, social and environmental issues throughout the Highlands of Scotland. He has undertaken long self-supported kayaking journeys in Norway and Patagonia and has run 1200 miles of the Great Wall of China (1988) and the 2000 mile length of the Himalayas (1990). Ed is no stranger to hardship and during his 2022 kayaking journey up the west coast of Scotland he faced some of the worst weather in that region for years. He also has two books to his name, ‘The Himalayan Shuffle’ and ‘Kayaking the Sea Roads.

    Key Quotes
    • "Adventure isn’t just about the physical challenge; it’s about how we engage with the world around us and what we learn from it."
    • "Solitude teaches you resilience in a way nothing else can - you have to sit with your thoughts and find your own way through them."
    • "Whether on the sea or in life, you can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond to it."
    • "The lessons I learned from John Ridgway weren’t just about survival; they were about self-reliance, discipline, and understanding your own limits."
    • "Slowing down and disconnecting from the noise of the modern world is one of the greatest gifts adventure can offer."
    • "It's not a weakness to not know stuff. It's a strength actually".

    Chapters
    01:57 Early Adventures and Influences
    03:33 Lessons from the Wild
    04:31 The Philosophy of Adventure
    05:42 Kayaking the Sea Roads
    10:07 Reflections on Highland Communities
    16:27 The Importance of Time and Space
    21:30 Embracing Uncertainty and Curiosity
    23:06 The Role of Yoga in Kayaking
    25:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery
    35:39 Balancing Life and Future Plans

    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


    Host: Sue Stockdale 
    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 
    37 min
  • 147. Zara Lachlan: One Woman’s Journey Rowing Across an Ocean
    Sue Stockdale welcomes Zara Lachlan, who shares her extraordinary experience of rowing solo across the Atlantic from mainland Europe to South America, covering over 3,500 nautical miles in 97 days. Despite overcoming many challenges as well as mental and physical hurdles during her voyage, Zara highlights the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the power of support from loved ones.

    About Zara Lachlan
    Zara Lachlan is a 21-year-old physics student at Loughborough University who is joining the army in September 2025 as a technical officer. She has competed internationally in cycling and rowing which she started at 16 at Welbeck, the Army’s 6th Form College. Zara heard about ocean rowing when she was much younger but only decided to take on this challenge last summer, and the first time she ever saw an ocean rowing boat was in August.Two and a half months of intensive training later, she was fully prepared to row across the Atlantic solo.

    Zara faced extreme weather leading to a capsize, orcas and sharks, and a near miss with a large ship, yet still describes her expedition as the most enjoyable and rewarding experience she has come across so far. Zara set out to encourage others to find a fun way to keep fit and healthy and gain the confidence needed to try something new. None of her crossing would have been possible without the support she got from the charity Team Forces and all her sponsors.

    Connect with Zara Lachlan via Instagram 

    Key Quotes
    • "I didn’t have a big reason to row across an ocean, I just thought it would be fun."
    • "Some days, I rowed for 21 hours, and it still wasn’t enough. That was a hard lesson in learning to accept what’s out of my control."
    • "For almost 60 days, I had no music, no distractions, just the ocean, the wildlife, and my own thoughts."
    • "The hardest part wasn’t the physical challenge. It was waking up every day knowing I had 3,000 miles left to go."
    • "Nine times out of ten, you’re stronger than you think you are. The only way to find out is to go for it."
    Time Stamps
    (02:42) The Impulse to Row Across the Atlantic
    (04:28) Competitive Spirit and Family Influence
    (06:42) Preparing for the Atlantic Row
    (09:37) Life on the Ocean
    (13:56) Encounters with Marine Life
    (19:59) Mental and Physical Resilience
    (23:09) Returning to Land and Future Plans


    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

    Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


    Host: Sue Stockdale 
    Producer: Sue Stockdale  
    Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 
    32 min

About Access to Inspiration

From the publisher's feed

Access to Inspiration is an award-winning podcast ranked among the top 10% of podcasts globally, featuring conversations with explorers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers from…