The Mum’s Gone Climbing Podcast

#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.
 

#12: Dierdre Wolownick Motherhood and Trusting Our Children

Dierdre Wolownick has had a unique parenting journey, as mom to avid adventurers Stasia and Alex Honnold.
Alex is the most established free soloist in the climbing world, and Stasia has taken on many thousands of miles biking expeditions. When asked whether she intentionally instilled this love of adventure in her children, Deirdre says she just always wanted them to be curious. 
Our conversation covers Dierdre’s introduction to motherhood, navigating the maternal instinct to protect, trusting our children, and the power of switching roles. An incredibly valuable conversation for all parents. 
If you want to read more about Dierdre’s life and climbing journey we thoroughly recommend her book ‘The Sharp End of Life: A Mothers Story’ which you can buy on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/Sharp-End-Life-Mothers-Story/dp/1680512420
You can view the trailer for Dierdre’s upcoming documentary ‘Climbing into Life’ on vimeo https://vimeo.com/729298002 and we will keep our audience updated through social media about where this is screening in 2023.
You can also follow Dierdre via instagram @dierdre_wolownick_honnold
Big thanks to our sponsors Climbing Anchors and Urban Climb, these conversations couldn’t happen without your support, and we are so grateful for your shared passion in creating community.
 
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.
 
 

#11: Dierdre Wolownick Curiosity and the Little Steps

Dierdre Wolowinck is a published author, professor, conductor, plays several instruments, and speaks seven languages. She is also the oldest woman to scale El Capitan in Yosemite valley… and happens to be Alex Honnold's mom. 
 
It was a privilege to welcome such an accomplished woman, who has had so many rich life experiences, to the podcast.  Nell and Eva felt like they couldn’t possibly sponge up enough wisdom from this chat, that seemed more like a deep conversation you have in the glow of a campfire, than a web interview connected over many thousands of miles.
 
We talk about Dierdre’s curiosity for life, how her love of learning new things and having new experiences has fuelled her many pursuits. 
 
She eloquently breaks down the process of reaching big goals; from the spark of an idea, to all the baby steps that complete the journey.
 
If you want to read more about Dierdre’s life and climbing journey we thoroughly recommend her book ‘The Sharp End of Life: A Mothers Story’ which you can buy on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/Sharp-End-Life-Mothers-Story/dp/1680512420
 
You can view the trailer for Dierdre’s upcoming documentary ‘Climbing into Life’ on vimeo https://vimeo.com/729298002 and we will keep our audience updated through social media about where this is screening in 2023.
 
You can also follow Dierdre via instagram @dierdre_wolownick_honnold
 
Big thanks to our sponsors Climbing Anchors and Urban Climb, these conversations couldn’t happen without your support, and we are so grateful for your shared passion in creating community.
 
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.