How fishing and running saved me from a life of addiction, with angler extraordinaire Bev Clifford #116
"People will instantly judge a book by its cover, that because you're a woman who wants to have nice hair, have their nails done or have false eyelashes you can't participate in a certain sport...the old stereotypes still exists unfortunately," My guest today is Bev Clifford, who has forged a path for herself in a very male dominated industry...fishing. Bev's father is Kevin Clifford, who was one of the founders of the weekly angling magazine, Carp-Talk, and once hailed the 'Carp King of the North', so carp fishing is in her blood. She worked at the magazine form an early age, and took over the business when her father retired. However, she didn't take up carp fishing herself until she was 26 years old following years of battling with drugs, alcohol and eating disorders. "After struggling with alcohol and drugs, I needed that time on my own, I needed to figure myself out, I needed to become comfortable being on my own," she explains. "Your 20s are a bit of a whirlwind, I was very lost and fishing gave me that time and escapism to figure it out."Bev is also heavily involved with the Ladies Carp Team England, and also runs the Ladies Carp Academy, which organises events for female anglers wanting to improve their carp fishing skills or get started in the sport. "We've come along way in terms of younger people coming into the sport, even just down to the clothing, the tackle that's available, it's a lot more trendy," she says. "Social media has helped massively." We talk about how fishing has helped her and many others, overcome struggles, particularly during lockdown, as well as: What carp fishing involvesThe parallels between fishing and ultra-runningThe mental health benefits of fishing and runningThe Ladies World Carp Angling ChampionshipsTo find out more about how to get involved in the glamorous world of fishing or join Bev at one of the upcoming angling shows, follow her on Instagram @bevclifford. About The Nicole Bremner Podcast:Nicole Bremner is an investor, speaker, writer, and podcaster. After a successful decade building a multi-million property portfolio in London, Nicole was forced by a number of external obstacles to stop, take stock and figure out what really matters in life. Following a period of healing and reflection, she discovered that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and, so very often, setback is followed by real success. On The Nicole Bremner Podcast, she speaks to others who have triumphed in the face of adversity and explores the lessons they have learned along the way. To find out who’s coming up next on The Nicole Bremner Podcast, follow Nicole on Instagram @nsbremner and facebook or subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can also support the show here.DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. The view and opinions of the guest speakers do not represent that of the host. Always do your own research. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/NicoleBremner)Support the showDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. The view and opinions of the guest speakers do not represent that of the host. Always do your own research.