Feisty Women's Performance
Science-based health over hype
Dr. Erin Ayala
Show overview
Feisty Women's Performance has been publishing since 2021, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 201 episodes, alongside 11 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 190 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 52 min and 1h 5m — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. It is catalogued as a EN-language Health & Fitness show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed earlier today, with 28 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2022, with 55 episodes published. Published by Dr. Erin Ayala.
From the publisher
Tired of fads, quick fixes, and performance advice that wasn’t designed for you? So are we. Feisty Women’s Performance cuts through the noise to bring you credible, science-backed insights to live your best, healthiest, active life. Hosted by Dr. Erin Ayala, this is your go-to resource for tackling the challenges of being an active woman today—whether you’re hoping to PR your next marathon or just trying to understand how much protein women actually need to be eating. We’ll move beyond the male-dominated lens of sport science to deliver honest conversations and actionable advice from women for women, to improve women’s health. Each episode dives deep into one of our four pillars—physiology, nutrition, mental health, and cultural issues—with leading experts to explore topics that are often left undiscussed. If you’re an active woman who cares about your sustainable health, performance growth, and long-term progress, these conversations are for you. No fads, no quick fixes. Just real science and legit experts. Re-launching January 2026.
Latest Episodes
View all 201 episodesCrossFit Games champion Annie Thorisdottir on motherhood & performance postpartum
The medical warning signs of underfueling with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani
Female injury prevention finally gets its own research with Dr. Margo Mountjoy
Why weight-inclusive care changes everything for athletes with Heather Bergeson, MD, FAAP, CAQ
BONUS: Take the Leap: Kate Veronneau on Adventure and Trying Something New at FeistyFest
Is Strava sabotaging your mental game? with Dr. Hayley Russell
GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs: The science vs. the marketing with Dr. Rebecka Peebles and Nathalia Trees, RD
Avoid burnout and say goodbye to toxic productivity with Israa Nasir, MHC-LP
Every athlete should know these signs of under-fueling with Rebecca McConville
Stop silently suffering through saddle sores with Dr. Melissa Mauskar
What is 'intuitive eating'? And why you should try it with Eden Morris MS, RD, LD
Cannabis isn't what you think anymore with Dr. LaTisha Bader
The truth about women's health supplements with Dr. Briana Botsford
Bone Health Secrets Every Female Athlete Needs with Dr. Stephanie Mundt
How to continue training through pregnancy — and what to know with Dr. Margie Davenport
In this episode, Dr. Margie Davenport, a leading expert in exercise during pregnancy and postpartum, dismantles long-held myths about training before, during, and after pregnancy. Dr. Davenport explains the significant physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and how they affect exercise safety and guidelines. And she dives into the evidence to support high-intensity training, and practical insights for both pregnant athletes and healthcare providers.Key takeaways:Pregnancy is not a period of fragility, but one of profound physiological changes that enhance resilience.The 2019 Canadian guidelines established that exercising during pregnancy reduces labor complications by 40%.Women can start new exercise routines during pregnancy, regardless of prior activity levels.High-intensity training and heavy lifting can be safe for well-conditioned pregnant athletes.The postpartum period requires individualized approaches, with no set timelines for returning to exercise.Dr. Margie Davenport is a Professor of Kinesiology at the University of Alberta and the Director of the Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health. She has been instrumental in shaping Canada's exercise guidelines for pregnancy and postpartum, collaborating with organizations like FIFA and Sport Canada.Episode links and resources:Dr. Margie Davenport on Instagram Exercise and PregnancyJoin us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performanceVisit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcastsSupport our Partners:Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first orderEternal: Get 15% off services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
When should you quit sport? with Dimity McDowell
In this episode, we dive into the messy journey of transitioning away from a beloved sport with Dimity McDowell, an experienced athlete and author of The 27th Mile. How do you know when it's time to quit or move on?Dimity shares her personal struggles and triumphs in navigating her retirement from running, shedding light on the complex relationship between athletic identity and self-worth.And she leaves us with some actionable strategies for embracing change beyond the finish line.Key takeaways:The deep emotional ties we all have to our athletic identities and how to navigate that transition gracefully.How to maintain your running friendships when you're no longer running.Practical strategies for dealing with social media and race events after stepping back.Set realistic expectations for your interactions with your former sport.Dimity McDowell is a seasoned athlete, author, and co-founder of Another Mother Runner — now a part of the Feisty family.Links and Resources:Dimity's WebsiteThe 27th Mile book: Available on Amazon and other book retailers.Follow Dimity on Instagram: @DimityOnTheMoveJoin us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performanceVisit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcastsSupport our Partners:Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first orderEternal: Get 15% off services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
No pain, plenty of gain: Debunking pain glorification with Dr. Kim Hollingdale
In this episode, Dr. Kim Hollingdale, a renowned sport psychologist and owner of MOVEMENTAL, unpacks the damaging "no pain, no gain" mentality prevalent in sports culture.How does this outdated rhetoric lead to burnout in athletes? Gain valuable insights into prioritizing emotional health as a foundation for peak performance.Key takeaways:Understand the impact of "no pain, no gain" on mental health in sports [00:15].Learn actionable strategies to balance pain and performance [25:30].The importance of emotional expression and its role in achieving long-term athletic success [38:45].How to redefine mental toughness in a healthier, more sustainable way [45:00].The generational and gender differences in emotional expression within sports [52:15].Dr. Kim Hollingdale is a licensed sport psychologist and the owner of MOVEMENTAL, specializing in helping athletes connect their mental health to peak performance. With a rich background in clinical and sport psychology, she works with athletes at various levels to cultivate a healthier relationship with their training and emotional well-being.Links and ResourcesMOVEMENTAL WebsiteFollow Dr. Kim on Instagram: @movemental.mindImprove your IG algorithm with the Stud Budz: @stud.budzIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us reach more listeners who can benefit from these important conversations.Join us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performanceVisit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcastsSupport our Partners:Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first orderEternal: Get 15% off services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
So you want to lift heavy? Get started with barbells with Cassi Niemann
In this episode, Erin sits down with strength coach and Iron Soul Gym co-owner Cassi Niemann to challenge outdated narratives about women and strength training.Cassi shares her journey from elite gymnast to architect to strength coach, bringing a fresh perspective on how women can approach fitness without fear of "getting bulky" or feeling intimidated.And she has practical advice for any woman getting started in the gym or building up their lifting.Key Takeaways:Strength training doesn't require perfection; your body will adapt to movement patterns in ways that work for you.What does lifting heavy really mean? Heavy is relative. Learn how to find a weight that requires focus and deliberate movement while maintaining control.Incorporate breath work and understand pelvic floor function for effective and safe strength trainingFor beginners: Aim for two days of strength training per week focusing on squat, hinge, push, and pull movementsCassi Niemann is a strength coach, co-owner of Iron Soul Gym, founder of The Barbell Club, and a Barbell Medicine online coach based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With a background in elite gymnastics and collegiate rowing, she transitioned from architecture to full-time coaching in 2016, driven by her mission that "strength is for every BODY." Her inclusive approach welcomes people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.Links & Resources:Iron Soul GymThe Barbell ClubBarbell MedicineFollow Cassi on Instagram: @cassi.niemannEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Feisty Women's Performance Podcast for more on women's health and performance, leave a review to help other women find these evidence-based resources, and follow us on social media to stay in the know!Join us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performanceVisit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcastsSupport our Partners:Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first orderEternal: Get 15% off services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
Visibility ≠ Support: What Paralympic athletes actually need
In this episode, Staci Mannella and Dr. Andrea Bundon dive deep into the nuanced world of Paralympic sports. With the Paralympics starting this Friday, what do you need to know to learn from and support these amazing athletes?Manella and Dr. Bundon challenge common para-athlete misconceptions, discuss the vital guide-athlete relationship, and explore the structural barriers that still exist. Key Takeaways:Visibility vs. Support: Understand why merely increasing visibility for para-athletes isn't enough to address their actual needs and challenges.How does the guide-athlete relationship work?Understand the misconceptions around Paralympic inspiration narratives that minimize athletes' experiences.And how can you really get behind these athletes as an active supporter!Staci Mannella is a former Paralympic skier turned sport psychology doctoral student and researcher, dedicated to advocating for the mental health and support of athletes with disabilities.Dr. Andrea Bundon is a sports sociologist with extensive experience in researching disability in sports, focusing on the experiences of female athletes and the guide-athlete partnership.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share it with your network. Your support helps us bring more insightful conversations to the forefront. Join us as we continue to explore meaningful topics in sports and beyond!Episode ResourcesStaci Mannella's websiteAndrea Bundon's Work at UBC's Centre for Sport and SustainabilityJoin us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performanceVisit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcastsSupport our Partners:Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first orderEternal: Get 15% off services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
Runners, stop getting injured! What women need to know about running injuries with Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards
80% of runners will deal with injuries at some point. So, what do you need to know about running injuries? And how can you nip those niggles in the butt?Physical therapist Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards explores the factors that contribute to this injury rate and how you can shift your perspective on athletic identity and injury prevention.Key Takeaways:The emotional attachment to running can influences injury perception and managementTreating the whole athlete, not just the injury, is key to rehabSome strategies for breaking the injury cycleAnd common misconceptions about running injuries — including treatment as a female athleteDr. Kate Mihevc Edwards is a renowned physical therapist, author, and speaker, specializing in treating runners. With a focus on holistic health, she is the founder of Precision Performance & Physical Therapy and the author of Go Ahead, Stop and Pee. Kate's unique perspective is shaped by her journey as both a healthcare provider and a patient.Episode Resources:Precision Performance & Physical TherapyGo Ahead, Stop and Pee: Running During Pregnancy and Postpartum (available on Amazon)Follow Kate on Instagram: @KateMickEdwardsListen to Kate's podcast, Interdisciplinary Case MilesIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast for more insights on health and performance. Leave a review to help others discover this valuable content, and connect with us on social media to stay updated on future episodes!Join us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performanceVisit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcastsSupport our Partners:Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first orderEternal: Get 15% off services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/