In the final episode of Season 8, Nicki Bass speaks with Marina LeGree — founder and executive director of Ascend Athletics — about using adventure, movement and community to create spaces for women and girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

What began as an idea rooted in the mountains of Afghanistan grew into a organisation combining outdoor adventure, leadership development, mental wellbeing support and civic engagement. Marina shares how Ascend evolved from mountaineering expeditions and rock climbing programmes into a broader movement focused on confidence, resilience and access for women, even in the most testing contexts and environments.

Together, Nicki and Marina explore:

The transformative power of outdoor adventure and movement

Why “just starting” matters more than perfection

Leadership, confidence and learning through discomfort

How women support and uplift one another in challenging environments

Adapting purpose when circumstances radically change

Hope, resilience and continuing forward in uncertain times

The role of community, courage and everyday action

This conversation is deeply honest, inspiring and timely — especially for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, uncertain about taking the next step, or searching for ways to create meaningful impact.