From Tragedy to Triumph: Jane Ashley's Unstoppable Journey of Exploration

Hello there, and welcome to "Retirement Rebel." It's a joy to have you with us today as we dive into fascinating conversations about life after 60. In today's episode, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Jane Ashley, an inspiring woman whose zest for life and determination to embrace every moment is something I think you'll find both relatable and empowering.As we began our discussion, one of the key topics we explored was Jane's rebellious spirit, which sparked during her school years. She shared how attending an all-girls school set certain expectations, but her path led her to challenge those norms. This idea of rebelling against societal expectations is central to our podcast because, as many of us know, reaching a certain age doesn't mean slowing down or fitting into predetermined roles. It's about seizing the day and writing your own story, just as Jane has done.Another profound aspect we touched upon was the influence of personal loss on Jane's outlook towards ageing and living adventurously. Having lost her husband and sister at young ages, Jane's narrative is a testament to resilience and finding purpose amidst tragedy. In our chat, we really delved into how such life events can be catalysts for a renewed zest for life, encouraging us all not to take a single day for granted.Lastly, we dove into the adventures Jane embarked on in her later years, from running marathons to solo travelling. It's parts like these where the essence of our podcast truly shines — breaking free from ageist stereotypes and embracing thrilling possibilities beyond traditional retirement. It's my hope that by sharing these stories, you too might feel inspired to explore new passions, whether it be an adventurous trek, learning a new skill, or simply finding the courage to pursue long-held dreams.So, as you listen today, I invite you to reflect on how these themes resonate with your own life. Whether you're here to seek inspiration, motivation, or just to find a community of like-minded individuals redefining what it means to grow older, know that you're in the right place. Let's continue this journey of embracing our rebellious spirit and living boldly together.Key Points:00:01 Embracing Life After Loss I introduce Jane Ashley, who has faced significant loss but has used those experiences to fuel her zest for life. Jane's story is a powerful reminder of resilience and living each moment to the fullest as we age.00:46 Redefining Retirement I share the podcast's mission of highlighting women who redefine aging by living boldly and pursuing adventures beyond the traditional expectations of retirement, inviting listeners to join this empowering journey.02:12 Jane's Early Rebellious Spirit Jane recounts her childhood and the early signs of her rebellious nature during her school years, highlighting how different circumstances instilled in her a desire to break away from societal norms even at a young age.05:40 Academic Struggles and Discoveries Jane opens up about her academic challenges and eventual discovery of her passion for psychology, emphasizing the importance of finding one's path despite societal pressures.09:16 Overcoming Tragedy and Finding New Paths Jane shares her journey through personal loss with the tragic passing of her husband and later, her sister. These hardships shaped her outlook on life and led her to prioritize family, education, and personal growth.14:32 Finding Solace in Running After her husband's death, Jane turned to running as a means of coping with grief and stress. This segment explores how physical activity supports mental health and the inspirational beginning of her marathon-running journey.20:59 Adventures in Solo Travel and Exploration Jane's experiences with solo travel illustrate the empowering nature of such adventures. This segment highlights the liberation and self-discovery that can emerge from exploring the world independently.31:07 Creating a Lasting Impact Reflecting on her role as a mother and a role model, Jane hopes to inspire younger generations—especially women—to seize life’s opportunities, showing by example that age is no barrier to new ventures.34:09 Embracing Age with Confidence By embracing aging with positivity and gratitude, Jane challenges fears around getting older. Her outlook promotes seeing aging as a privilege, highlighting the significance of quality life experiences over quantity.37:40 Looking Forward I preview the next episode with Valerie Troy, a comedy writing accountant, who brings laughter and perspective to the idea of reinvention and comedy for women over 50.Guest infoJane Ashley embarked on a transformative journey by moving several hundred miles from home to Manchester to pursue a degree in psychology. Despite initial reservations from her family—largely due to the fact that few relatives, except her cousin Andrew, had attended university—Jane was determined to forge her own path. Embracing the vibrant life in Manchester, she quickly felt at home, immersing herself in both the city and her studies. Her time at university was not only academically enriching but also personally fulfilling, marking a pivotal chapter in her life.Links and ResourcesGuinness TrustGreat North RunMeningitis ResearchLondon MarathonManchester 10KRed Hot Chili PeppersHighway 1Inca TrailAnnapurna Circuit trekPortuguese Coastal CaminoSantiago De CompostelaCountdownQuotesRunning for Recovery: "That was for my mental health. Yeah. At the time, I'd had to take quite a few months off work because I was struggling."Walking the Camino Solo: "And that to to me, that's about about being a rebel sort of thing. People said, you do it on your own."Inspiring Wanderlust: "I hope that I inspire my children. That's primarily to get out and make the most."Website: www.retirementrebel.co.ukInstagram: Siobhan - HostInstagram: Matt - ProducerPodcast Production: www.kult.mediaBuy My Book: Retirement RebelSign Up For My NewsletterThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Support Retirement Rebel Copyright 2026 Siobhan Daniels Mentioned in this episode:🎵 Discover All About the Music with composer Neil Brand!Discover new music and rediscover old favourites as Neil and his famous guests — including Mark Kermode, Annika Rice, Bruno Tonioli, and Keith Primer Jones — explore the songs that have shaped their lives. With Neil at the piano, each episode uncovers what makes this music so powerful, personal, and unforgettable. Listen now to All About the Music, available on all major podcast platforms. https://www.allaboutthemusicpod.com/