Nicole Snell - Self-Defense, Solo Empowerment, and Building Confidence in the Backcountry

Bush & Banter

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with Nicole Snell—a powerhouse in personal safety, self-defense, and solo adventure. As the CEO of Girls Fight Back, Nicole is a dynamic speaker, educator, and advocate known for empowering women and marginalized communities, especially in outdoor and travel settings. She shares her journey from a successful career in production to becoming a leading voice in self-defense education. Nicole dives into the importance of solo outdoor experiences, challenges societal norms around women's safety, and emphasizes building confidence through training and awareness. With solo adventures across 18 countries, Nicole brings a wealth of insight, practical strategies, and unforgettable stories—offering listeners a bold and empowering perspective on moving through the world with strength and self-assurance.

Follow Nicole Snell on Instagram - @adventuresofnik
Follow Girls Fight Back on Instagram - @girlsfightback
Nicole Snell’s Website - www.nicolesnell.com
Nicole's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Nicole_Snell

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

3:23 Welcome, Nicole Snell!

5:18 How Nicole got into self-defense and becoming CEO of Girls Fight Back

10:40 Nicole's perspective on people going in to the outdoors alone

16:44 The narrative shift that's taking place with women in the outdoor space

19:00 Advice for women about to solo adventure

20:05 Weapons or no weapons?

29:00 Nicole's progression of confidence + how that can help others

50:37 Tips for those who want to travel Internationally

59:50 Future plans and projects for Nicole

1:06:13 Where you can follow and connect with Nicole

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Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Welcome, Nicole Snell! (00:03:23)

3. How Nicole got into self-defense and becoming CEO of Girls Fight Back (00:05:18)

4. Nicole's perspective on people going in to the outdoors alone (00:10:40)

5. The narrative shift that's taking place with women in the outdoor space (00:16:44)

6. Advice for women about to solo adventure (00:19:00)

7. Weapons or no weapons? (00:20:05)

8. Nicole's progression of confidence + how that can help others (00:29:00)

9. A scenario in Nicole's travels where something was not right (00:35:50)

10. Jen's uncomfortable situation on the Pacific Crest Trail (00:41:55)

11. Places in the world that seem "unsafe" but were surprisingly safe and enjoyable (00:47:35)

12. Tips for those who want to travel Internationally (00:50:37)

13. How men can help women feel more comfortable in outdoor spaces (00:56:37)

14. Future plans and projects for Nicole (00:59:50)

15. How wide spread self-defense education can deter attacks (01:02:20)

16. Where you can follow and connect with Nicole (01:06:13)

17. Nicole's final empowering words (01:08:05)