Feisty Women's Performance

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Carole Oglesby (PhD, PhD) and Dr. Phyllis Solon (PsyD, LP) reveal why sport psychology needs a feminist lens.

They unpack how patriarchal structures still linger in “progressive” sport culture, share real‑world strategies for feminist praxis, and explain when to work from the inside versus when to step back. Listeners will walk away with concrete tools to make their coaching, counseling, or business practices more inclusive and impactful.

Key Takeaways

- Feminism is practice, not a credential – daily actions matter more than titles.

- Identify hidden patriarchal patterns in “progressive” sport environments and call them out with intentional language.

- Use the “master’s tools” checklist to ensure your interventions truly dismantle, rather than reinforce, existing power structures.

- Decide strategically when to push for change from within and when to protect your energy by stepping away.

Dr. Carole Oglesby, PhD, PhD – is a Pioneer of women’s collegiate athletics, sport psychologist, and long‑time advocate for feminist praxis in performance science. She is the past president of WomenSport International and is a current executive board member.

Dr. Phyllis Solon, PsyD, LP – is a Clinical psychologist, author of the Anchored Relational Theory, and expert on trauma‑informed, intersectional approaches to sport psychology.

Links & Resources

WomenSport International- https://womensportinternational.org/index.php/dr-carole-oglesbys-leadership-on-aiaw/

Anchored Relational Training: https://anchoredrelational.com/

If you found this episode insightful, hit Subscribe so you never miss a deep‑dive on feminist practice in sport and business. Leave a review to help other entrepreneurs discover these strategies, and join the conversation on LinkedIn or Instagram. Share this episode with anyone looking to build more equitable, high‑performing teams!

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Erin sits down with Alison Freeman, a USATriathlon Level 3 coach, author of Unlocking Triathlon, and co‑owner of NYX Endurance, to uncover the hidden skills that turn good training into great race results. Alison breaks down why run efficiency, cadence, pacing, and fueling are true performance levers—and how mastering them can give you “free speed” without adding mileage.

You'll walk away with concrete strategies to uplevel your triathlon game.

Key Takeaways

- Run like Superman: Forward‑leaning hip posture creates a stacked joint chain that lets tendons return energy as forward propulsion.

- Cadence matters: Small, consistent increases (≈4 spm) boost efficiency and reduce ground‑contact time.

- RPE is a skill: Trust your perceived effort, especially during the first 20 minutes of the run when data can be misleading.

- Fueling is practice: Treat nutrition as a repeatable skill; rehearse timing, amount, and hydration in training.

- Build pacing in layers: Start with a “no‑exceed” pace for the first two miles, then progressively harden the middle and finish strongest.

- Acclimation to effort: Gradually extend uncomfortable intervals to expand your mental “well” and improve race‑day confidence.

Links & Resources

- NYX Endurance website http://nyxendurance.com/

- Book site –https://unlockingtriathlon.com/

- Training plans on TrainingPeaks – TrainingPeaks profile

If you found these insights valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help fellow athletes discover the show, and follow Alison on her platforms for more tips. Share this episode with anyone looking to turn their training into race‑day success!

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In this candid conversation, Olympic medalist and author Clara Hughes reveals how the “push‑through” mindset that powered her six Olympic medals became a hidden coping mechanism that left her exhausted, burned out, and struggling through menopause.

Clara shares the pivotal moments—injury, perimenopause, and a forced break—that forced her to confront the limits of “movement as medicine” and discover a more compassionate, mindful approach to performance and well‑being.

Listeners will walk away with practical tools to recognize when their drive is serving them versus sabotaging them, and learn how to cultivate sustainable resilience in both business and life.

Key Takeaways

- Recognize the signs that high‑performance habits have turned into avoidance or experiential escape.

- Use forced rest (injury, illness, life transition) as an opportunity to re‑evaluate your relationship with movement and work.

- Adopt “movement as mindful self‑care” instead of a relentless performance metric.

- Simple daily practices: 5‑10 minute morning meditation, regular body‑check‑ins, and playful, joy‑focused exercise.

- Leverage a support network (coach, therapist, trusted friends) to safely explore vulnerability and inner healing.

Six-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes became the only athlete to win multiple medals in both the Summer and Winter Games. She is a member of the Order of Manitoba and an officer of the Order of Canada, has received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, and was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. Clara was Canada’s flag bearer for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. She was the founding spokesperson for Bell Canada’s Let’s Talk initiative, a campaign dedicated to breaking down the stigma of mental health. In 2014, she was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross, which recognizes those whose outstanding personal commitment has brought honour to Canada. In 2022, she was named an Olympian for Life in recognition of her making the world a better place by promoting the Olympic Values at every stage of her life. Clara lives with her husband, Peter, on Vancouver Island, and continues to enjoy bike touring and hiking.

Links & Resources

Clara’s book: Learning to Breathe – find it at independent Canadian bookstores, Indigo, or Amazon (US).

Clara’s Instagram: @claraannehughes

If this episode resonated, hit Subscribe so you never miss a deep‑dive conversation, leave a review to help other women discover the show, and share your thoughts or questions on instagram at @feisty_womens_performance.

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Colette Berry—ACSM‑CPT, RRCA‑certified coach, and doctoral researcher—debunks the myth that rigid periodization is essential for female endurance athletes. S

he shows how a simple, life‑driven approach to strength training can boost performance, prevent injury, and fit into a busy schedule.

Listeners will walk away with a clear, actionable framework for “good enough” strength work that actually moves the needle.

Key Takeaways

- Periodization isn’t required – Recent ACSM research shows no performance benefit over non‑periodized training; let life dictate your deload weeks.

- Lift “heavy enough” – Aim for 80–85 % of 1RM with 2–3 reps in reserve; training to failure isn’t necessary.

- Two 30‑minute sessions per week can provide the push, pull, squat, hinge, and plyometric work needed for endurance athletes.

- Prioritize the key workout – If a VO₂‑max or speed session is the priority, schedule it first and place the strength session later or on a separate day.

- Ask the right questions when hiring a coach – Look for credentials (NSCA, CSCS, ACSM) and probe their experience with female, perimenopausal, or postpartum athletes.

- Track stress signals – Use a simple checklist (injury, sleep < 2 h, high life stress, menstrual symptoms) to decide when to cut back strength volume.

Colette Berry, ACSM‑CPT, FMS L1/L2, GGS‑CPPC, RRCA – Running and strength coach, founder of Cat Hill (http://cathill.nyc/), doctoral student in Applied Exercise Physiology at Columbia University, Ironman finisher, and champion of evidence‑based training for busy mid‑life women.

Links & Resources

Colette’s website & coaching form: https://cathill.nyc/

ACSM Position Stand on Resistance Training (2024): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41843416/

Instagram (Colette): @cathill.nyc

If you found this episode valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss a future conversation, leave a review to help other athletes discover the show, and share this episode with any female endurance athlete who could benefit from a smarter, simpler strength plan.

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Dr. Erin Ayala sits down with community‑building champions Tiffany Hoffman, licensed professional counselor and co‑founder of Peace Runners 773, and Mary Arnold, sports‑industry veteran, founder of Active Brand Consulting, and co-leader of Run for All Women.

They reveal how a grassroots running program in Chicago’s West Side turned ordinary Saturday runs into a powerful mental‑health intervention, delivering measurable drops in PHQ‑9 depression scores, $2,000 annual healthcare savings per participant, and extra work hours.

Listeners will walk away with concrete strategies to embed community running into their own businesses and see immediate health and economic returns.

Key Takeaways

- Consistent, all‑weather community runs can lower PHQ‑9 scores by 2.6 points, shifting participants from mild to minimal depression risk.

- Meeting CDC activity guidelines (≥160 min/week) translates to roughly $2,000 in annual healthcare savings per runner.

- Participants reported 1.6 extra work hours per week, equating to about $1,900–$2,000 in additional earnings.

- Successful programs pair physical activity with free group therapy, nutrition workshops, and intergenerational engagement.

- To launch a similar initiative: start small, show up rain or shine, track attendance and health metrics, and share the data with funders.

Links & Resources

- Peace Runners 773 website: https://peacerunners773.com/

- Full research report: https://peacerunners773.com/impact-study

- Join the Peace Runners Giving Circle: https://peacerunners773.com/support

If you found these insights valuable, hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a 5‑star review on your favorite platform, and share this show with fellow entrepreneurs who want to turn community activity into measurable profit and wellbeing. Connect with us on Instagram @feistywomenperformance and join the conversation!

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In this live panel from FeistyFest, four leading women—Marty Munson, Alison Freeman, Lyn Benoit, and Elizabeth Allen—unpack how stress from work, life, and training converges in the body and share practical ways to reclaim balance.

Listeners will learn why training calendars only tell part of the story, how to listen to their nervous system, and simple tools to prevent burnout without sacrificing performance. Tune in for actionable strategies that empower entrepreneurs and small‑business owners to thrive both personally and professionally.

Key Takeaways

- Training stress and life stress share the same physiological pathways; recognize that your calendar is only a fragment of the whole picture.

- Listening to your body means identifying how stress manifests (fatigue, irritability, hyper‑activity) and responding with movement, stillness, or breathwork accordingly.

- Use the “sucky rotation schedule” to prioritize tasks each week—keep essential training above the line while allowing lower‑priority items to slide.

- Data can be a friend or a foe; set intentional limits on the metrics you track and let the numbers serve your goals, not dictate them.

- Simple breathwork (extended exhale, humming breath, equal‑part breathing) and grounding practices (grass walks, warm water, weighted blankets) can reset the nervous system in minutes.

- Redefine success: you don’t have to be elite at a sport to enjoy it—focus on joy, sustainability, and personal fulfillment.

Guest Introductions

- Marty Munson – Health Director at Women’s Health and Men’s Health magazines; seasoned health journalist and triathlon coach. Women’s Health Magazine: https://womenshealthmag.com/

- Alison Freeman – Triathlon coach, writer, and author of Unlocking Triathlon. @TriCoachAlison Allison’s book, Unlocking Triathlon

- Lyn Benoit – Public‑health‑trained project manager, yoga and mobility instructor, and nervous‑system‑aware wellness educator. @lyn_ben

- Elizabeth Allen – Mental‑health professional, DEI consultant, and trauma‑informed care specialist. @turtle_wandering

If you found this conversation valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help friends, training buddies, & colleagues discover the show, and follow us on Instagram for behind‑the‑scenes insights. Got a topic you’d love us to explore? Drop a comment or DM—we’d love to hear from you!

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Dr. Esther Walker, PhD, shares the science behind why cycling boosts brain health and mental performance. She breaks down the short‑term neurochemical spikes and the long‑term structural changes that riding can trigger, while addressing common myths about “bike as therapy.” You'll gain practical guidance on how to harness cycling for focus, mood, and overall cognitive resilience.

Key Takeaways

- A 20‑minute ride can increase pre‑frontal cortex activity, improve attention, and release dopamine and serotonin.

- Consistent, moderate cycling builds hippocampal volume and reduces dementia risk more effectively than occasional high‑intensity sessions.

- Cycling is a powerful tool, not a cure‑all; combine it with therapy, medication, or community support for best results.

- Accessibility matters: welcoming environments, skill‑building, and adaptable equipment (e‑bikes, trikes) expand participation across ages.

- Track your rides: start with 10‑20 minutes weekly and gradually add “pennies” to your mental‑health piggy bank.

Esther Walker, PhD is the Executive Director of Outride, a nonprofit advancing brain health through cycling. With a PhD in cognitive science, she bridges academic research and real‑world bike programs for youth, adults, and older populations.

Links & Resources

- Outride website: https://www.outridebike.org/

- Outride Instagram: @outride

- Recent JAMA study on commuting cycling & hippocampal volume: https://outridebike.org/research-resources

If you found these insights valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss a science‑backed episode, leave a 5‑star review to help fellow entrepreneurs discover the show, and join the conversation on Instagram @outride. Let’s ride smarter together!

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In this episode, we sit down with Gabriela Hydle, a Mayan‑Guatemalan immigrant who discovered cycling at 41 and has since become a fierce advocate for equitable access to the outdoors.

Gabriela shares how language barriers, cultural expectations, and safety concerns keep many women of color from participating in outdoor sports—and what concrete steps organizers and athletes can take to change that.

You'll practical strategies to make their events more inclusive, plus inspiration to build community‑first outdoor experiences that drive real impact.

Key Takeaways

- Language matters: Provide all training materials, registration forms, and safety briefings in participants’ primary languages to lower the entry barrier.

- Create safety nets: Pair non‑native speakers with bilingual mentors and design “language‑first” safety protocols for every ride or race.

- Build cultural belonging: Incorporate music, food, and signage that reflect the community’s heritage; a simple cumbia playlist can transform a race atmosphere.

- Design inclusive logistics: Offer paper registration options, accommodate diverse gear needs (e.g., larger swim caps), and ensure venues are accessible for people with disabilities.

- Leverage community support: Encourage local mentors to lend equipment, host bike‑mechanics classes in Spanish, and celebrate successes publicly to inspire more participation.

- Sustainable advocacy: Use storytelling and social media (Instagram @gabrielahyro) to amplify under‑represented voices and attract sponsors aligned with equity goals.

Gabriela’s Instagram: @gabrielahydle

- Luna organization website (in development) – stay tuned for launch details.

- Colorado Mountain Bike Association’s Latina‑focused classes: https://cmba.org/latina-classes

- “Bikes Together” nonprofit partnership: https://bikestogether.org/

If you found Gabriela’s story and these inclusion tactics valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help us reach more listeners, and join the conversation on Instagram using #EquitableOutdoors. Got ideas for making your own events more inclusive? Drop us a comment or email—let’s build a safer, more welcoming outdoor community together!

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Dr. Erin Ayala sits down with Dr. Tara‑Leigh McHugh, a Canada Research Chair in sport and physical activity at the University of Calgary.

They explore the hidden challenges faced by mother‑coaches in high‑performance sport, uncovering systemic barriers, the “mother penalty,” and why women’s expertise is often undervalued.

You'll hear concrete strategies for advocating for better policies and supporting women leaders in sport and business.

Key Takeaways:

- Mother‑coaches experience a “double penalty” of gender bias and motherhood expectations, leading to reduced pay, contract insecurity, and career stagnation.

- Clear, enforceable protections (e.g., parental‑leave policies, contract clauses) are essential first steps for organizations.

- Building mentorship networks and leveraging social media can help mother‑coaches combat isolation and share resources.

- Organizations benefit from inclusive policies: diverse coaching perspectives improve performance outcomes and athlete wellbeing.

- Entrepreneurs should audit their own workplaces for hidden biases and implement transparent, equity‑focused hiring and retention practices.

Dr. McHugh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-leigh-mchugh-0443493a2 -

Article on women’s representation in FIFA World Cup coaching (2026 study) – https://doi.org/10.1080/14660970.2025.2603769

Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe to the Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast on your favorite platform, leave a 5‑star review, and follow us on LinkedIn for episode updates and exclusive resources. Got thoughts on supporting mother‑coaches? Drop us a comment or email erin@feistypodcast.com – we’d love to hear from you!

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Erin Ayala, PhD sits down with Dr. Gabe Mauren, PhD, LP, PMH‑C, a leading psychologist in reproductive mental health, to unpack the complexities of postpartum mental health. Listeners will learn why postpartum depression isn’t simply “hormonal,” discover practical strategies for navigating intrusive thoughts and OCD, and hear actionable advice for both new parents and seasoned caregivers.

You'll learn:

- Postpartum mood disorders are driven by a mix of psychological, social, and biological factors—not just hormones.

- Intrusive thoughts are common; recognizing them as symptoms rather than personal failures reduces shame and opens the door to treatment.

- Simple “night‑shift” planning (who handles overnight feeds, how to share duties) prevents one parent from becoming chronically sleep‑deprived.

- A “version‑2” mindset—accepting that life after a baby will look different—helps parents set realistic expectations and avoid guilt.

- The “Parents” acronym (self‑care categories) and the accompanying worksheet can be used to map responsibilities and protect personal time.

- Dr. Mauren’s book Myself Again – The Parents Postpartum Survival Guidehttps://www.mompsychdocs.com/offers step‑by‑step tools for both birthing and non‑birthing parents.

If you found this episode valuable, hit Subscribe so you never miss a deep dive into mental‑health strategies for entrepreneurs and busy parents. Leave a 5‑star review on your favorite platform to help others discover this work.

Order Myself Again - https://www.mompsychdocs.com/

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In this bonus episode from Feisty's sister podcast, Another Mother Runner, hosts Sara Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin sit down with sport psychologists Dr. Tess Kilwein and Dr. Erin Ayala to unpack why self‑sabotage is a silent performance killer for women athletes—and how self‑compassion can become a powerful antidote.

Listeners will discover

• How to spot the sabotage: Recognize common self‑sabotage cues—hedging (“I don’t want to finish last”), self‑handicapping, and perfection‑driven criticism.
• Two faces of perfectionism: One drives growth; the other fuels burnout. Learn to identify which version is steering you.
• Self‑compassion isn’t “soft”: It’s an active skill (mindfulness, common humanity, self‑kindness) that boosts resilience and performance.
• Goldfish mindset: Adopt a short‑memory approach to mistakes—acknowledge, reset, and move forward.
• Actionable mental tools: Use pre‑race routines (breathing, music, posture cues), daily habit trackers, and thought‑diffusion naming techniques to keep self‑talk constructive.
• Generational nuances: Understand how Title IX, social media, and life stage shape self‑sabotage patterns for older vs. younger women athletes.

Tess Kilwein, PhD, LP, ABPP, CMPC is a Clinical and sport psychologist, founder of Unapologetic Psychology, certified mental performance consultant, and established thought leader in the sport psychology field.

Erin Ayala, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport psychologist and certified mental performance consultant, founder of Skadi Sport Psychology, researcher, and endurance gremlin.

Unapologetic Psychology (Dr. Kilwein): https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticpsych/

Skadi Sport Psychology (Dr. Erin Ayala): https://www.instagram.com/skadisportpsychology/

If this conversation sparked a new insight, hit subscribe so you never miss a bonus episode, leave a review to help other women athletes find the show, and share the episode with a teammate who could benefit from breaking self‑sabotage habits.

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Host Erin Ayala sits down with writer, speaker, and educator Chrissy King to unpack “body liberation” and how racism, diet culture, and the relentless “maxing” mindset intersect.

Chrissy shares personal stories from her journey—writing The Body Liberation Project, navigating publishing, and redefining success on her own terms.

Listeners will walk away with a fresh framework for reclaiming their bodies, boosting joy, and building collective freedom in their personal and professional lives.

Key Takeaways

• Body liberation vs. body positivity: Liberation means challenging systemic racism and diet culture, not just “loving every inch.”
• Spot the “maxing” trap: Constantly optimizing (protein, fitness, productivity) drains bandwidth and hampers creativity; learn to set intentional, sustainable limits.
• Collective liberation: Use your privilege to call out fat‑phobic, racist, or exclusionary language in everyday conversations and professional settings.
• Practical habit shifts: 1. Identify one standard you’re chasing that isn’t yours and pause it this week. 2. Replace doom‑scrolling with a tactile activity (e.g., crochet, chess) to reset mental bandwidth. 3. Share resources (books, articles) that center marginalized voices instead of speaking for them.
• Publishing insights: A slower, deliberate book proposal can yield a far better deal than an immediate offer.

Chrissy’s Substack, The Liberation Collective – https://chrissyking.com/substack (or similar)

Instagram & TikTok: @iamchrissyking – https://instagram.com/iamchrissyking

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Dr. Erin Ayala talks with Dr. Susan Kleiner, a pioneering high‑performance sports dietitian, to cut through the noise surrounding women’s sports supplements.

She debunks common myths about creatine, explains why under‑fueling is a hidden threat for female athletes, and shows how to spot fraudulent supplement brands. Listeners will leave with clear, science‑backed strategies to optimize performance and make smarter supplement choices.

• Creatine does not cause bloating; the myth is marketing, not science.
• Women need tailored dosing and timing for supplements based on menstrual cycle and training demands.
• Under‑fueling—especially low‑carb diets—remains the biggest performance risk for female athletes.
• Always verify third‑party certification on the product label (BSCG, NSF for Sport, Informed Choice, etc.) before purchasing.
• Use reputable resources and experts (e.g., Dr. Abby Smith Ryan, Dr. Stacy Sims) for evidence‑based nutrition guidance.

Dr. Susan Kleiner is Registered Dietitian, high‑performance dietitian, author of Power Eating, co‑founder of the International Society of Sport Nutrition, and former nutrition consultant for elite teams such as the Seattle Storm (WNBA) and Seattle Rain (soccer). Dr. Kleiner’s website: https://www.drskleiner.com/

BSCG certification: http://bscg.org/

NSF for Sport: https://www.nsfsport.com/

Informed Choice: https://choice.wetestyoutrust.com/

Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan: https://asmithryan.com/

International Society of Sport Nutrition: https://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/

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Dr. Emily Matheson dives deep into the hidden “gender tax” that female athletes pay and why the sport system is unintentionally building their resilience.

She reveals how traditional resilience measures miss the relational strengths women bring to sport and shares actionable strategies for athletes, coaches, and entrepreneurs to foster genuine mental‑health support.

Listeners will walk away with fresh perspectives on measuring resilience, practical tools for building it, and a roadmap for creating more equitable athletic environments.

• Traditional resilience scales often overlook relational and gender‑specific factors; consider a more holistic assessment.
• Female athletes develop “relational resilience” by leaning on self‑awareness, community, and supportive networks.
• Systemic changes—like equitable scheduling and resource allocation—can reduce the hidden gender tax in sports.
• Coaches and leaders should shift from “forcing resilience” to co‑creating environments that nurture it.
• Entrepreneurs can apply these insights to build inclusive, high‑performing teams that value mental health as a core asset.

Emily Matheson, PhD is a sport psychologist and research strategist specializing in mental health, body image, and resilience among female athletes. Currently leads research strategy at Great Minds and collaborates with brands such as Dove and Nike.

https://dremilymatheson.com/ - Related research on resilience and gender in sport

If you found this conversation valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help us reach more listeners, and follow us on social media for behind‑the‑scenes insights. Got a topic you’d like us to explore? Drop us a note at the email above—we love hearing from entrepreneurs and small‑business owners looking to champion mental‑health in their teams.

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Dr. Erin Ayala sits down with sport psychologist Dr. Erin Haugen to explore strategies for managing pre‑race anxiety and building sustainable performance habits for female athletes.

Listeners will discover practical tools to calm nerves, balance training with life demands, and build resilience that translates to both sport and everyday challenges.

• Identify “bravery goals” that focus on showing up despite anxiety, rather than solely on performance outcomes.
• Use intentional “intent‑setting” or “whoop‑goal” frameworks to align daily actions with core values.
• Incorporate mental rest (e.g., stepping away from sport, mindfulness breaks) to prevent burnout and boost creativity.
• Leverage body cues and HRV trends to make informed training adjustments instead of reacting to single‑day data.
• Practice the “what if I don’t do it?” question to gain perspective on fear, relief, and motivation before races.

Dr. Erin Haugen, PhD is a licensed sports psychologist, performance consultant, and founder of Haugen Performance. Specializes in mental health, performance psychology, well-being, and leadership training for those working in demanding industries.

Dr. Haugen’s website: https://www.haugenperformance.com/

Dr. Haugen’s Performance Consulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haugenperform/

Dr. Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drerinhaugen/

If you found this conversation valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss a new episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform, and join the discussion on Instagram @Feisty_womens_performance. We’d love to hear from you!

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How do female ultra-endurance athletes experience, interpret, and cope with pain—and when does pushing through become too much?

Erin Ayala, PhD, speaks with sport psychology researcher Dr. Britta Maria Sorensen about the complex role pain plays in women’s ultra-endurance sport.

Dr. Sorensen explains why pain is more than a physical sensation. Biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors can all influence how athletes interpret discomfort, respond to it, and decide whether to continue or stop.

They also explore the relationship between endurance sport, emotional stress, and past trauma; the difference between harmonious and obsessive passion; and how athletes can recognize when training is supporting their well-being versus becoming a form of avoidance.

This conversation offers practical strategies for managing pain, reducing burnout risk, and building a healthier, more sustainable relationship with performance.

In this episode:

• Why pain should be understood through a biopsychosocial lens
• What qualitative research reveals about how women cope with extreme discomfort
• How past trauma and emotional stress may shape participation in ultra-endurance sport
• The difference between using sport as a healthy outlet and using it as avoidance
• Practical tools such as body scans, progressive self-talk, fueling, hydration, and properly fitted gear
• Why scheduled rest and recovery can help prevent compulsive training patterns
• How coaches, therapists, partners, and support systems can help athletes stay balanced

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this conversation with an athlete, coach, or practitioner interested in pain, performance, and long-term well-being.

Dr. Sorenson's Open Access Research Article

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What does athlete safety look like beyond preventing physical injury?

In this episode, Erin Ayala, PhD, speaks with Dr. Gretchen Kerr, professor of kinesiology at the University of Toronto and an internationally recognized expert on psychological abuse, interpersonal violence, and maltreatment in sport.

They explore why psychological harm is the most common—and often the least recognized—form of abuse in athletics, how win-at-all-costs cultures can normalize harmful behavior, and why some safe-sport reporting processes may unintentionally re-traumatize athletes.

Dr. Kerr also shares evidence-based strategies for prevention, including shifting the definition of success toward athlete well-being, enjoyment, and belonging; strengthening communication among coaches, parents, and administrators; and using practical tools that address harmful behavior before it escalates.

This conversation offers clear, actionable guidance for coaches, athletes, parents, sport leaders, and anyone invested in creating healthier, safer, and more positive sport environments.

In this episode:

• Why psychological abuse is so common in sport—and why it often goes unnoticed
• How safe-sport reporting systems can unintentionally cause additional harm
• Why athletes need ongoing support beyond the initial reporting process
• How win-focused performance metrics can contribute to unhealthy environments
• The importance of prioritizing well-being, enjoyment, and belonging
• Preventive approaches, including quality-coaching tools and restorative practices
• How transparent communication can help protect athletes

About Dr. Gretchen Kerr

Dr. Gretchen Kerr is a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on psychological abuse, interpersonal violence, athlete maltreatment, and the development of safer, more supportive sport systems.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this conversation with a coach, parent, athlete, or sport leader who is working to create a safer and more supportive culture.

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In this episode, Dr. Erin Ayala sits down with Mireille Siné, MPH — a certified running coach, lupus endurance athlete, and advocate for athletes living with autoimmune and chronic conditions.

Mireille has lived with lupus for 13 years and now coaches athletes who are navigating autoimmune disease, chronic illness, flares, fatigue, and identity shifts — while doing endurance sports.

Together, Erin and Mireille discuss:

• Why autoimmune athletes carry a “double load”
• How training stress can interact with immune dysregulation
• How to distinguish overtraining from a possible flare
• Why “push through it” can be harmful advice
• The importance of symptom tracking and medical self-advocacy
• What coaches should ask athletes with autoimmune conditions
• How to build flexible training plans
• Why performance is not just pace, PRs, and finish lines
• How to stop chasing the athlete you used to be and build toward who you can still become

Mireille Siné is a USATF and 80/20 Endurance-certified run coach, 14-time marathoner, and ultramarathoner based in Los Angeles. She is the founder of Coached by Mireille LLC, a virtual coaching practice specializing in runners and endurance athletes managing autoimmune conditions and chronic illness. Mireille coaches with the philosophy "train with compassion" — building training plans that account for the full reality of her athletes' lives, not just their race goals. She has been featured in Runner's World and has spoken at the AIP Summit and Skadi Sports Psychology Athlete Summit. Living with lupus herself, Mireille brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, helping athletes redefine what strength and performance can look like with a chronic illness diagnosis.

Follow Mireille on Instagram

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We're welcoming registered dietitian Alex Larson to help us dive deep into the critical (and less critical) nutrition trends of coming in 2026.

Alex and your host, Dr. Erin Ayala, discuss the realities of the supplement industry, bust myths surrounding women's sports nutrition, and explore evidence-based nutrition strategies to enhance your performance.

Key Takeaways

• What supplements should you really be taking? Learn how to evaluate supplements critically and determine which ones really matter.
• Creatine benefits: The latest research on creatine, particularly its effects on female athletes and why it's worth considering.
• How women can effectively implement high-carb fueling strategies for running, biking, and getting the most out of themselves.
• GLP-1s: What should you know about the rise of GLP-1 weight loss medications and their implications for active women.
• Fiber Maxing: Is this the craziest nutrition trend hitting the internet!

Alex Larson is a registered dietitian and founder of Alex Larson Nutrition. With a focus on practical nutrition strategies for athletes, Alex empowers her clients to achieve their goals while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Resources mentioned:

• Alex Larson Nutrition: http://alexlarsonnutrition.com/
• Endurance Eats Podcast: Listen Here

If you found value in today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us reach more women who are eager to elevate their performance. Join our community and stay connected for more evidence-based nutrition conversations!

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Annie Thorisdottir has stood on the CrossFit Games podium six times and built a career as one of the most recognizable and respected athletes in the world. But some of the most defining moments of her life happened far from the competition floor.

In this episode, Annie opens up about the raw and disorienting experience of seeing herself just days postpartum and not recognizing the woman in the mirror. That moment became part of a much bigger story — one not just about winning, but about identity, resilience, recovery, motherhood, and learning how to rebuild on the other side of elite sports.

Annie shares:

• why she waited years to write a book
• what her sports psychologist taught her about the “neutral zone,”
• why setbacks often became her most reliable path forward.
• the cultural shift needed around postpartum recovery and how she is now channeling what she's learned into programming that helps women work with their bodies

Order Annie's memoir Iceland Annie

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