602 - Donna "The Iron Empress" McConnell

Black in a Box

On this episode, we are joined by the inspiring and formidable Iron Empress herself, Donna McConnell… Ironwoman, Triathlete, Hip-Hop OG, Journalist and much more! Donna and Alahna met during Ironman training and Donna shares her journey to becoming an Iron(woman) in her 50s! A journey that includes growing up in West London in the 70’s, the emergence of hip-hop in the 80’s, having a daughter in the 90’s and then discovering a love for cycling after age 40 (7:25). We discuss the importance of finding shared culture and community in sport, especially for women of colour in white, male-dominated spaces (20:52). We discuss, the equally important aspect of self-determination (30:10). Donna then shares some legendary stories about the emerging hip-hop scene in the 80’s, her own rapping career (42:22) and using her journalistic platform to be a gate-opener for other emerging artists (50:56). Enjoy the episode! Please rate & review! Like. Share. Subscribe.