The Mum’s Gone Climbing Podcast

#22: Dr Rebecca Williams Honouring the Mother, Woman, and Adventurer in you

Dr Rebecca Wiliams chats about accepting what is out of our control, honouring where we are at, on any given day, and valuing our own desires in climbing. In short, we cover a lot of very important topics. 
We explore these topics through the lens of Rebecca's own life experience; A challenging beginning to motherhood, long term illness, and muscling her way into the "bro zone" bouldering cave. 
Throughout the conversation Rebecca discusses what she has learnt through this experience, and why she feels it's so important for all women. 
You can follow Rebecca @smart_climbing 
If you would like to work with Rebecca or read her new book 'Climb Smarter' your can at smartclimbing.co.uk
Big thanks to our sponsors for this episode and series 3 of the Mum's Gone Climbing Podcast. Arc'teryx, Urban Climb and Climbing Anchors. 
Book mention: Lara Feigel - Free Woman
 
Sensitive Content Warning: We discuss infertility, birth trauma, and miscarriage in this episode.
Content Warning: infrequent strong language
Disclaimer: Content, commentary, and opinions shared on the Mum's Gone Climbing podcast are for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical and/or health advice from a professional, and should not be substituted for care based on the facts/circumstances of your individual situation.
 

#21: Dr Rebecca Williams on Fear, Misconceptions, and What Climbing Means to You

Dr Rebecca Williams delves into the concept of fear, and how it impacts our climbing. She discusses the different root causes of fear (no it's not all about falling), and why pinpointing this can be key in making progress. 
As a Clinical Psychologist and Climbing Instructor, Rebecca has a unique perspective on the mental skills we utilise as climbers. She has a beautiful way of validating many fears that seem irrational on the surface, and offering tools to navigate these. 
Rebecca also chats to us about exploring why climbing is important in our personal journeys, and letting those values drive our goals and ambitions. 
You can follow Rebecca @smart_climbing 
If you would like to work with Rebecca or read her new book 'Climb Smarter' your can at smartclimbing.co.uk
Gratitude to our sponsors for this episode and series 3 of the Mum's Gone Climbing Podcast. Arc'teryx, Urban Climb and Climbing Anchors. 
Arc'teryx Close Up with Mina Leslie-Wujastyk (video from intro chat)
 
Content Warning: infrequent strong language
Disclaimer: Content, commentary, and opinions shared on the Mum's Gone Climbing podcast are for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical and/or health advice from a professional, and should not be substituted for care based on the facts/circumstances of your individual situation.

#20: Mina Leslie-Wujastyk the Birth Experience and Surrendering to Chaos

Professional UK climber Mina Leslie-Wujastyk talks to us about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and what the future looks like now she is a mother. 
Mina had a rockstar team to support her transition into motherhood, and explains why that was important, and how it shifted her idea of when you "should" reach out to professionals for help. 
She also talks candidly about her birth experience, which involved complications she hadn't anticipated. She reflects upon our current birth culture, and the process of working through her own trauma. 
This episode was created within the chaos of motherhood, which included Mina recording from her car outside her sons kindy. So naturally our conversation wandered to the power of embracing uncertainty, surrendering to parenthood, and being content with all the unexpected turns that it brings. 
You can follow Mina on instagram @minaclimbing
Listen to her podcast The Curious Climber 
Work with Mina www.minalesliewujastyk.com
Trainer Joy Black @climbingwithjoyTrainer Maddy Cope @madeleine_copePelvic Floor Physio Emily Elgar @thewomankindphysio
Big thanks to our sponsors Urban Climb and Climbing Anchors for supporting important conversations. 
Content Warning: infrequent strong language
Disclaimer: Content, commentary, and opinions shared on the Mum's Gone Climbing podcast are for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical and/or health advice from a professional, and should not be substituted for care based on the facts/circumstances of your individual situation.
 

#19: Mina Leslie-Wujastyk Embracing Climbing and Life as a Mother

Mina has lived and breathed climbing for over 20 years. Competing at an elite level and travelling to many climbing areas worldwide, with ascents ranging from f8c spot routes to boulders up to Font 8B.
In 2021 Mina became a mother, adding a new element to her life as a professional climber, nutritionist, and coach. 
Our conversation meanders from Flow State, to dual identities, and onto the joy found in dropping into those magic moments with our children. 
Mina's insight and reflection is a beautiful reminder to the gifts that motherhood brings along with the challenges we never anticipate. 
You can follow Mina on instagram @minaclimbing
Listen to her podcast The Curious Climber 
Work with Mina www.minalesliewujastyk.com
 
Big thanks to our sponsors Urban Climb and Climbing Anchors for supporting important conversations. 
Content Warning: infrequent strong language
Disclaimer: Content, commentary, and opinions shared on the Mum's Gone Climbing podcast are for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical and/or health advice from a professional, and should not be substituted for care based on the facts/circumstances of your individual situation.
 

#18: Bree Jameson Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Outdoors

Bree Jameson is passionate about diversity in the outdoors, the steps that need to be taken to create equity and make access possible for everyone, and the work we all need to do to create an inclusive outdoor space.
We welcome the epic energy that is Bree back to the podcast to have some really important conversations, that are peppered with good vibes and a whole lot of laughs. 
Bree talks about the JEDI Training Film, which she stars in; how it came to be and the impact Bree hopes it will make on audiences. She also gives us a glimpse at some of her inner dialogue, as she becomes the first black woman in Texas to ever bolt a route, and get the first ascent.
For many of us, existing in the outdoors is a privilege we take for granted. Our conversation with Bree is a reminder that for others there can a multitude of barriers, and the responsibility to bring equity to the outdoors belongs to all of us. 
References;
Jedi Training Film
Latino Outside
Outdoor Afro
Black Outside
Hike Queens
The Texas Lady Crushers 
Women of Winter
 
Content Warning: infrequent strong language
Disclaimer: Content, commentary, and opinions shared on the Mum's Gone Climbing podcast are for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical and/or health advice from a professional, and should not be substituted for care based on the facts/circumstances of your individual situation.
 

#17: Bree Jameson Mother Nature is my Doula. Turning to the Outdoors for Mental Health and Big Questions

Our conversation with Bree Jameson was the perfect reminder of how powerful Mother Nature is. 
Bree is a realtor from Texas, she is also a climber, caver, skier, and mom to 12 year old twin boys. Along side all of this Bree works with a range of non profit organisations that facilitate outdoor experiences for minority communities. 
It's hard to summarise this chat, because we cover so many topics, but at the heart of it all is how powerful our time in the outdoors can be. The way our mental health, parenting, and sense of self can be impacted by going into nature is truly incredible.Bree shares wisdom she has found through her own journey with depression, and raising two boys as a single mother. Her passion and energy for the outdoors is infectious, and her drive to share this experience with others is inspiring. 
References;
Author Richard Louv 'Last Child in the Woods' and 'Vitamin N'
Latino Outside
Outdoor Afro
Black Outside
Hike Queens
The Texas Lady Crushers 
Women of Winter
 
Content Warning: infrequent strong language
Disclaimer: Content, commentary, and opinions shared on the Mum's Gone Climbing podcast are for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical and/or health advice from a professional, and should not be substituted for care based on the facts/circumstances of your individual situation.
 

#16: Emily Elgar Health Behaviours, Recognising What’s Important, and Tools for Change

Emily Elgar is back on the podcast to talk about one of her passions, health behaviour. 
Everyone can relate to the fact that despite having all the knowledge and tools at our fingers tips, taking action to reach our health goals can seem an uphill battle. 
Emily is a pelvic floor physiotherapist, who resides in Sheffield, UK. In an effort to help her patients take positive action and reach their health goals, Emily has incorporated life coaching principles in to her practice. In this conversation we dive into what health behaviours are, the power of recognising what's actually driving your decisions, and tools you can use to help create positive actions and change. You can connect with Emily through instagram @thewomankindphysio or her website katiebellphysio.com
Book reference;
Maisey Hill Period Power https://www.maisiehill.com
Sponsors Urban Climb and Climbing Anchors
Content Warning: infrequent strong language
Disclaimer: Content, commentary, and opinions shared on the Mum's Gone Climbing podcast are for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical and/or health advice from a professional, and should not be substituted for care based on the facts/circumstances of your individual situation.

#15: Emily Elgar Talks All Things Pelvic Floor and Tuning in to What Your Body Needs

Emily Elgar is a pelvic floor physiotherapist based in Sheffield, UK. She runs post-natal workshops out of The Climbing Hangar in Sheffield, and has worked with elite climbers through pregnancy and postpartum.  
Honestly we are just stoked to have Emily on the podcast. Her passion, depth of knowledge, and humour made this conversation one of our absolute favourites.
In this episode Emily gives a fantastic description of what the pelvic floor is, and how it functions. She also shares tips and exercises for those critical first six weeks postpartum. 
Woven throughout the conversation is SO MUCH wisdom surrounding the way we interact with our bodies, particularly through pregnancy and postpartum. 
You can contact Emily through her instagram @thewomankindphysio or through her clinic Katie Bell Physiotherapy and Wellness.
Book recommendation; Why Did No One Tell Me by Emma Brockwell
Literature on pelvic floor pressure; 
https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2006/02000/Postoperative_Activity_Restrictions__Any_Evidence_.16.aspx
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17982711/
Big thanks to our sponsors for this episode and Series 2 of the podcast; Urban Climb and Climbing Anchors. You can get your hands on some Chilli sauce HERE...Mmmm SPICY
Content Warning: infrequent strong language
Disclaimer: Content, commentary, and opinions shared on the Mum's Gone Climbing podcast are for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical and/or health advice from a professional, and should not be substituted for care based on the facts/circumstances of your individual situation.
 
 

#14: Tiffany Melius Honouring the Care of Mothers During Postpartum

We chat to Tiffany Melius about the unpredictability of postpartum, and the importance of caring for mothers during this period. 
Tiffany is a competitive climber and performance life coach. During this episode she candidly shares her challenging recovery from birth injuries, and her experience as a new mother. 
We discuss the apparent gap in care for mothers in the postpartum period, and the feelings of failure or shame that can come when our experience does not align with our expectations. 
Tiffany also shares her experience of creating a Mum’s Gone Climbing community in Vancouver, and the benefits of having a bunch of mama’s and aunty’s on your climbing crew. 
Big thanks to our sponsors for this episode and Series 2 of the podcast; Urban Climb and Climbing Anchors.
You can read more about Tiffany and find her blog at tiffanymelius.com and follow along with her journey on instagram @tiffanymelius.
 
Content Warning: infrequent strong language
Disclaimer: Content, commentary, and opinions shared on the Mum's Gone Climbing podcast are for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical and/or health advice from a professional, and should not be substituted for care based on the facts/circumstances of your individual situation.
 
 

#13: Tiffany Melius Intention and Personal Growth Mindset

An Olympic bid, the pandemic, and preparing for motherhood; we talk to Tiffany Melius about navigating journeys full of challenge and change. 
Tiffany is a Brisbane born competitive climber and performance coach, currently living in Vancouver. In this episode we chat about Tiffany’s decision to go for a spot in the 2020 Olympics team at a time when she had actually decided to retire from competitive climbing. How that bid ultimately was derailed by the covid pandemic, and the difficult decision she made to bow out and start her next big adventure into motherhood. 
The approach and perspective Tiffany chooses to have throughout this experience is moulded by intention and her personal growth value. She shares so many valuable insights into navigating difficult decisions and welcoming new phases of life.
You can read more about Tiffany and find her blog at tiffanymelius.com and follow along with her journey on instagram @tiffanymelius.
Big gratitude to our fellow community lovers, and sponsors Climbing Anchors and Urban Climb we couldn’t have these important conversations without your support.
 
Content Warning: infrequent strong language
Disclaimer: Content, commentary, and opinions shared on the Mum's Gone Climbing podcast are for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical and/or health advice from a professional, and should not be substituted for care based on the facts/circumstances of your individual situation.