First Females - celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first female ascent of Mount Everest

About First Females - celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first female ascent of Mount Everest

First Females is a podcast marking 50 years since Junko Tabei became the first woman to summit Everest. Hosted by Tori James, the first Welsh woman to reach the top, the series celebrates pioneering women in mountaineering – especially those who were the first from their countries. Through inspiring stories of courage and ambition, the podcast aims to motivate future generations to dream big and climb higher.

Publisher

with Tori James

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 May 2025

Latest episode

19 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Dec 2025

   Jo Bradshaw - Everest Summiteer - Live from Yala Peak in Nepal

   In this episode, I speak to Jo Bradshaw, an Everest summiteer who survived the devastating earthquake on Everest in 2015. Once a height-averse, comfort-loving business advisor, Jo's first taste of adventure came with a parachute jump — a step that would eventually lead her to climb Mount Everest and complete the Seven Summits. Our paths crossed thanks to a mutual mission to honour and celebrate the legacy of Junko Tabei. Yala Peak was climbed by Junko in 1977, making it a fitting and symbolic setting for our conversation. Listen to hear Jo talk about legacy, resilience, and why some stories haven’t been told loudly enough. 📲 You can continue follow Jo's adventures on: Instagram: @_jobradshaw (https://www.instagram.com/_jobradshaw/?hl=en) Website: www.jobradshaw.co.uk (https://www.jobradshaw.co.uk/) Facebook: @jobradshawadventurer (https://www.facebook.com/jobradshawadventurer) 🎙️ About First Females In 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Over the past 50 years, approximately 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the top of the world. Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei. The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest. This podcast explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 About Tori James Tori James is the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest (8848m). She has also climbed the world’s sixth highest peak, Cho Oyu (8201m), skied to the Magnetic North Pole, cycled the length of New Zealand and completed a record-breaking kayak as part of the Beeline Britain team. In the 50th Anniversary Year of the first female ascent of Mount Everest, Tori returned to Nepal to climb Yala Peak (5555m), a mountain climbed by Junko Tabei in 1977. A film called ‘More Than a Mountain’ has been produced as a living tribute to Junko. Watch the trailer here - https://youtu.be/7f7csxnAeac (https://youtu.be/7f7csxnAeac) Tori is an accomplished motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the globe. In the First Females podcast Tori will share her enthusiasm for storytelling and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women in mountaineering. In her interviews with Everest summiteers from around the world, Tori will bring her unique perspective and firsthand experience to the conversation with the aim of inspiring future generations of women to dream big, climb higher, and break barriers in their own lives. 🙏 Thank you This episode was edited by Sam Beaumont and Loz Henshall at Wild Valley Media, who also produced and directed the film ‘More Than A Mountain’ which documents the Yala Peak expedition. Website: https://www.wildvalley.media/ (https://www.wildvalley.media/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sambeaumontmedia/ (https://www.instagram.com/sambeaumontmedia/) It was also supported by Huw James, a talented science presenter, adventurer, and content creator from Wales. Huw is also host and producer of the Athlete Climate Academy podcast. Website:  https://www.huwjames.com/ (https://www.huwjames.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/ (https://www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/) Bethan Lee is the incredible woman who supports the delivery of my projects, from talks and events, to festivals and now podcasts. She brings them to life visually and organisationally. 🏔️ Sponsorship Opportunities Available If you're interested in sponsoring the First Females podcast, we'd love to hear from you. 📲  Connect with Tori To stay updated on future episodes and projects, be sure to follow Tori on social media & sign up for her newsletter. Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs (http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs) Instagram: @torijameseverest Facebook: @torijameseverest X: @torijtweets Website: www.torijames.com (http://www.torijames.com) You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast) Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends. #FirstFemalesPodcast #MyJunkoJourney

2. 

   7 Aug 2025

   Polly Murray - First Scottish woman to climb Everest

   In this episode I speak to Polly Murray, the first Scottish woman to summit Mount Everest at the age of 26. Polly is a qualified ski instructor and has represented the UK in Nordic skiing and completed a ski traverse of Bylot island in northern Canada. Polly also holds the record for the First joint Telemark Ski decent of McKinley via rescue gully (Denali, in Alaska which is the highest peak in north America). Polly describes her journey to becoming a mountaineer, her love of the outdoors, and her upbringing in Scotland that fueled her adventurous spirit. Reflecting on her expedition to Everest in the year 2000, she talks of ferocious storms and tents being completely shredded by the wind, followed by the exhilaration, and unique experience of standing atop the world’s highest peak. Beyond Everest, Polly talks about her Arctic traverse, presenting for the BBC’s Survival series, and life as a mother in Scotland. 🎙️ About First Females In 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Over the past 50 years, approximately 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the top of the world. Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei. The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest. This podcast explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 About Tori James Tori James is the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest (8848m). She has also climbed the world’s sixth highest peak, Cho Oyu (8201m), skied to the Magnetic North Pole, cycled the length of New Zealand and completed a record-breaking kayak as part of the Beeline Britain team. In the 50th Anniversary Year of the first female ascent of Mount Everest, Tori returned to Nepal to climb Yala Peak (5555m), a mountain climbed by Junko Tabei in 1977. A film called ‘More Than a Mountain’ (https://youtu.be/7f7csxnAeac) is being produced as a living tribute to Junko. Watch the trailer here (https://youtu.be/7f7csxnAeac). Tori is an accomplished motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the globe. In the First Females podcast Tori will share her enthusiasm for storytelling and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women in mountaineering. In her interviews with Everest summiteers from around the world, Tori will bring her unique perspective and firsthand experience to the conversation with the aim of inspiring future generations of women to dream big, climb higher, and break barriers in their own lives. 🙏 Thank you The technical production of the First Females podcast has been delivered by Huw James, a talented science presenter, adventurer, and content creator from Wales. As the host and producer of the Athlete Climate Academy podcast, Huw brings invaluable expertise, passion for quality, and meticulous attention to detail to every episode. Website:  www.huwjames.com/ (https://www.huwjames.com/) Instagram: www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/ (https://www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/) Bethan Lee is the incredible woman who supports the delivery of my projects, from talks and events, to festivals and now podcasts. She brings them to life visually and organisationally. 🏔️ Sponsorship Opportunities Available If you're interested in sponsoring the First Females podcast, we'd love to hear from you. 📲  Connect with Tori To stay updated on future episodes and projects, be sure to follow Tori on social media & sign up for her newsletter. Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs (http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs) Instagram: @torijameseverest Facebook: @torijameseverest X: @torijtweets Website: www.torijames.com (http://www.torijames.com/) You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast) Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends. #FirstFemalesPodcast #MyJunkoJourney

3. 

   25 Jul 2025

   Saray Khumalo - First Black African Woman to Climb Everest and the 7 Summits

   In this episode, Saray Khumalo shares her journey to the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first Black African woman to reach the highest point on Earth. Saray made four attempts on Everest before reaching the top in 2019, facing injury, survivor guilt and natural disaster along the way. Saray’s story goes well beyond the summit. It’s about persistence in the face of setbacks, broadening the definition of leadership, and showing what’s possible - ensuring others can see themselves on the mountains, in boardrooms, and in every space that has historically excluded them. Saray is an award-winning mountaineer, business executive, Mandela Libraries ambassador, and the founder of Summits With a Purpose, an initiative that uses mountaineering to raise funds for education in under-resourced communities. She has climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents, including Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, and Aconcagua. Her story is documented in her book "My Journey to the Top of the World." 📲 You can continue follow her adventures on: Instagram: @saraykhumalo Website: www.saraykhumalo.net Facebook: @saraynkhumalo 🎙️About First Females: In 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Over the past 50 years, approximately 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the top of the world. Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei. The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest. This podcast explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 About Tori James: Tori James is the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest (8848m). She has also climbed the world’s sixth highest peak, Cho Oyu (8201m), skied to the Magnetic North Pole, cycled the length of New Zealand and completed a record-breaking kayak as part of the Beeline Britain team. In the 50th Anniversary Year of the first female ascent of Mount Everest, Tori returned to Nepal to climb Yala Peak (5555m), a mountain climbed by Junko Tabei in 1977. A film called ‘More Than a Mountain’ is being produced as a living tribute to Junko. Watch the trailer here - https://youtu.be/7f7csxnAeac ( https://youtu.be/7f7csxnAeac). Tori is an accomplished motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the globe. In the First Females podcast Tori will share her enthusiasm for storytelling and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women in mountaineering. 🙏 Thank you: The technical production of the First Females podcast has been delivered by Huw James, a talented science presenter, adventurer, and content creator from Wales. As the host and producer of the Athlete Climate Academy podcast, Huw brings invaluable expertise, passion for quality, and meticulous attention to detail to every episode. Website:  https://www.huwjames.com/ (https://www.huwjames.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/ (https://www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/) Bethan Lee is the incredible woman who supports the delivery of my projects, from talks and events, to festivals and now podcasts. She brings them to life visually and organisationally. 🏔️ Sponsorship Opportunities Available: If you're interested in sponsoring the First Females podcast, we'd love to hear from you. 📲 Connect with Tori: Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs (http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs) Instagram: @torijameseverest Facebook: @torijameseverest X: @torijtweets Website: www.torijames.com (http://www.torijames.com) You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast) Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends. #FirstFemalesPodcast #MyJunkoJourney

4. 

   11 Jul 2025

   Manal Rostom - First Egyptian Woman to Climb Everest

   Manal Rostom is the first Egyptian woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. She achieved this remarkable feat in 2022 at the age of 42. For Manal it was a 15 year journey from the initial idea to reaching the summit in which she had to navigate cultural barriers, family expectations and prejudice. Her story is one of perseverance, representation, and the courage to break boundaries - not only in adventure but in life. Manal is an Egyptian mountaineer, marathon runner, and advocate for representation in sports. In 2022, she became the first Egyptian woman to climb Everest, inspiring millions around the globe. As Nike’s first hijabi athlete and ambassador, Manal has reshaped the narrative around Muslim women in athletics, all while completing the prestigious six World Marathon Majors. She is the founder of Surviving Hijab, a global community dedicated to empowering women who wear the hijab, and was named one of Africa’s 50 most powerful women by Forbes Africa in 2020. Manal continues to break barriers and redefine possibilities through her adventures, advocacy, and outreach. 📲 You can continue follow Manal’s adventures on: Instagram: @manirostom Website: www.manalrostom.com Facebook: @manirostom79 YouTube: @manirostom TikTok: @mani.rostom 🎙️About First Females: In 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Over the past 50 years, approximately 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the top of the world. Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei. The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest. This podcast explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they leave behind. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 About Tori James: Tori James is the first Welsh woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest (8848m). She has also climbed the world’s sixth highest peak, Cho Oyu (8201m), skied to the Magnetic North Pole, cycled the length of New Zealand and completed a record-breaking kayak as part of the Beeline Britain team. In the 50th Anniversary Year of the first female ascent of Mount Everest, Tori returned to Nepal to climb Yala Peak (5555m), a mountain climbed by Junko Tabei in 1977. Tori is an accomplished motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the globe. In the First Females podcast Tori will share her enthusiasm for storytelling and celebrating the achievements of pioneering women in mountaineering. 🙏 Thank you: The technical production of the First Females podcast has been delivered by Huw James, a talented science presenter, adventurer, and content creator from Wales. As the host and producer of the Athlete Climate Academy podcast, Huw brings invaluable expertise, passion for quality, and meticulous attention to detail to every episode. Website:  https://www.huwjames.com/ (https://www.huwjames.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/ (https://www.instagram.com/athleteclimateacademy/) Bethan Lee is the incredible woman who supports the delivery of my projects, from talks and events, to festivals and now podcasts. She brings them to life visually and organisationally. 🏔️ Sponsorship Opportunities Available: If you're interested in sponsoring the First Females podcast, we'd love to hear from you. 📲 Connect with Tori: Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs (http://eepurl.com/i1SxCs) Instagram: @torijameseverest Facebook: @torijameseverest X: @torijtweets Website: www.torijames.com (http://www.torijames.com) You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@FirstFemalesPodcast) Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends. #FirstFemalesPodcast #MyJunkoJourney

5. 

   27 Jun 2025

   Lucia Janičová - First Slovakian woman to climb Everest

   Mountaineer Lucia Janicova recounts her Everest summit as the first Slovakian woman, detailing how climbing served as a recovery method from personal trauma, in an interview with Tori James.

6. 

   12 Jun 2025

   Lydia Bradey - First woman to climb Everest without oxygen

   Mountaineer Lydia Bradey recounts to Tori James her historic Everest climb without supplemental oxygen, detailing the physical and social obstacles she overcame as the first woman to achieve this feat in this interview.

7. 

   30 May 2025

   Hannah Shields - First Northern Irish Woman to climb Everest

   Mountaineer Hannah Shields recounts her Everest summit as the first Northern Irish woman, detailing resilience, teamwork, and redefining success in this interview with Tori James.

8. 

   15 May 2025

   Rebecca Stephens - First British woman to climb Everest

   Mountaineer Rebecca Stephens MBE recounts her journey as the first British woman to climb Mount Everest in an interview with Tori James, highlighting the determination and challenges of high-altitude mountaineering.

Who has been a guest on First Females - celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first female ascent of Mount Everest

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Lucia Janičová
• Lydia Bradey
• Hannah Shields
• Rebecca Stephens

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

224

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

27

Social presence

94

YouTube

64

Engagement

0

Contact First Females - celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first female ascent of Mount Everest

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.