Paula McGuire – Stroke, Autism Diagnosis & Why She’s Still Saying Yes to Adventure
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
In this Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode, we catch up with Paula “Must Try Harder” McGuire — author, speaker, triathlete, wing-walker, double TEDx speaker, mental health ambassador… and proudly, a trier.
Based just outside Glasgow, Paula has been adventuring since 2015 and has built a reputation for trying something new every day — including completing 366 new experiences in 2020. But the years since we last spoke have brought extraordinary challenges.
Paula shares openly about being diagnosed as autistic at 44, having a stroke at the end of 2021 and developing epilepsy, going through a divorce after 15 years of marriage, losing her home to a flood, and navigating post-stroke fatigue — all while spending six months in enforced van life.
We talk about how adventure supported her through the hardest moments, how her neurodivergent brain fuels her love of planning and trying, and why you don’t need to be the best at something to enjoy giving it a go. Paula also reflects on writing her book Adventures for Bored Adults (commissioned by Penguin), rediscovering her love of swimming, and learning acceptance in the face of uncertainty.
Honest, funny and deeply human, this conversation is about resilience, identity, and continuing to say yes — even when life doesn’t go to plan.
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Show notes
Who is Paula
Being based just outside of Glasgow
Being adventuring since 2015
TGP Episode
Working as an electronic note taker and captioner for deaf people
TGP Extra Episode
6 years since we last spoke
How things have changed over the past few years in quite negative ways before eventually turning to a positive thing
In 2020 trying something new every day 366 new things (leap year!)
Starting off the year really positively
How it became an adventure in creativity
Feeling exhausted after the year was over
What that the last few years have taught her
Figuring out her place in the world of adventure
Being ready to relax
Social media not coming naturally to her
Struggling with the negativity of social media
Paula has tried hard enough - Paula is done.
Being diagnosed with Autism at 44
6 months of enforced van life (November 24 - May 25)
At the end of 2021 having a stroke and developing epilepsy
Her husband leaving her after 15 years and going through a divorce
Losing her house after a flood
One thing after another
Feeling that the universe had turned against her
Feeling very lucky
Brain tumour??
Start to prepare for Paula last Christmas
Moving on with a stroke and the potential for more strokes in the future
How the adventures from before really supported her
Reminding herself of things she achieved, things that she’d failed at and survived
Adventure and acceptance
Continuing to do fun things
A to Z of Adventure
Post stroke fatigue
Not sticking to things - buying all the gear
Getting the most mental stimulation in the trying
Wanting to be the person who tries it all
Her love for swimming and going back to it again and again
Her neurodivergent brain - the planning, the execution, the reflecting
Being butterfly minded
Why you don’t need to be the best at everything to enjoy having ago
Coping with how your brain works
How her entire life has become clear after her diagnosis
Advent(ure)
Writing a book commissioned by Penguin
Book: Adventures for Bored Adults: Games. Challenges. Activities. Treats.
How to connect with Paula on social media
Supporting people with mental health
Advice for women going through lots of challenges
Social Media
Website: www.paulamusttryharder.co.uk
Instagram: @pmusttryharder
Facebook: @pmusttryharder
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