This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton.

Victoria was in London for the recording, meaning her beloved Belgian Malinois, Valor, stayed back home in the West Country, but the conversation quickly turns to dogs, including the Rhodesian Ridgeback Victoria met while appearing on The Dog House.

Emily chats to Victoria about her extraordinary life and career, from growing up in Bedfordshire with a cycling-mad dad, to becoming one of Britain’s most successful Olympians. Victoria speaks candidly about the pressure of elite sport, the impact it had on her mental health, and the importance therapy has played in her life. She also opens up movingly about the loss of her twin brother Alex to brain cancer and how she’s learned to live alongside grief.

Since retiring from cycling, Victoria has continued to seek out huge challenges, from training as a jockey for the Cheltenham Festival to attempting to climb Mount Everest. Her new book The Fear Opportunity explores how embracing fear and stepping outside our comfort zones can change our lives for the better. It’s out on May 21st and available to order now.

It’s an incredibly open, thoughtful and inspiring walk with someone who has achieved remarkable things, but speaks about life with huge honesty and warmth. And yes, Ray was completely adored.

Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Jodie Kidd, the conversation heads further into Jodie’s life away from modelling, including her love of dogs, country life and the projects she’s most passionate about now. There’s also more from dachshunds Dave and Dutton, who very nearly stole the show entirely.

If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you fancy a brilliant day out with your dog, Jodie will be taking part in Goodwoof at the Goodwood Estate on May 16th and 17th, celebrating all things canine. Tickets and information are available at https://www.goodwood.com.

Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray head to the Surrey-Sussex border for a countryside stroll with supermodel, racing driver, businesswoman and pub owner Jodie Kidd, joined by her two adorable dachshunds, Dave and Dutton.

Jodie chats to Emily about being discovered on a beach at just 15 and suddenly launched into the world of high fashion, going on to work with the likes of Alexander McQueen and Chanel. She also opens up about stepping away from modelling at the height of her fame and throwing herself into a completely different passion: motor racing.

They also talk about Jodie’s love of dogs and her involvement with Goodwoof, the annual dog celebration held at the Goodwood estate. This year’s event features everything from dog yoga and behavioural talks to the gloriously named Ministry of Hound disco, with Jodie joining the judging panel for the stylish dog-and-owner competition, Chien Charmant. Goodwoof takes place on May 16th and 17th and tickets are available at https://www.goodwood.com.

It’s a warm, funny and wonderfully relaxed walk with someone who’s clearly lived several fascinating lives already, plus two dachshunds who nearly gave everyone a heart attack when one briefly wandered off mid-walk.

Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.