In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Outen MBE — adventurer, author and now psychotherapist — whose story is as extraordinary as it is deeply human.

At just 23, Sarah became the first woman and youngest person to row solo across the Indian Ocean. She then went on to complete her London to London expedition — travelling over 40,000km under her own human power by rowing oceans, cycling continents and kayaking coastlines.

Today, her life looks very different. She now works as a psychotherapist — often alongside her herd of donkeys — helping people reconnect with themselves in a way that’s quiet, grounded and surprisingly powerful.

In this conversation, we explore both sides of Sarah’s story.

The extraordinary expeditions… and what followed.

The storm after the storm — when pushing through was no longer sustainable. Illness, burnout, emotional struggle… and the realisation that surviving isn’t the same as living well.

Sarah speaks with remarkable honesty about what she’s learned — from the cost of “just keep going”, to the importance of rest, emotional awareness and finding safe connections with others.

Because as Sarah shows us, adventure doesn’t stop — it evolves.

What once meant crossing oceans now means understanding herself, helping others, and working out what kind of life she truly wants to live.

Sarah’s NVNG Top 3:

• All of it can be true at once
• Be here now
• Kindness — to yourself, others and the world

It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes joy and struggle sit side by side… and sometimes the bravest thing we can do is turn towards ourselves.

Find out more about Sarah's work at Seen and Herd Therapy

We are back with a new series of Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained. Please follow us on Instagram for lots of fun, adventures and behind the scenes antics.

NVNG is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge. Rebecca is an ICF PCC Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility. Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards.

🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing.

📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027

Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast

👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.