Feisty Women's Performance

This episode originally debuted in May 2023.Since Title IX passed in 1972, there has been extraordinary growth in women’s sports and performance. However, for decades, athletic research primarily conducted on males has simply been applied to women, and as we’ve discovered, when the standard of performance is based on that one type of person, it skews our understanding of what is considered “normal physiology.”Christine Yu, author of the new book Up to Speed - The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletics speaks with Sara Gross about the future of research on women athletes. As Yu says, “Women and female athletes need specific research that reflects their personal experience to provide appropriate and specific guidance from nutrition and injury prevention, to customized training, and even clothing and gear.”So, what reputable science and research is out there for performance-minded women? And, how can we apply good science to our lives in order to boost performance and remain healthy for years to come?  Sara and Christine discuss this and more, including:Why females have often been considered “messy” and “poor subjects” when it comes to research studies on athletics The impact good (and bad) research can have on female athletes, especially when it comes to longevity in sports and overall healthHow more female scientists and researchers are asking the right questions and leading the way to close the gender gap in researchWhat surprised Christine the most when researching and writing the book?What angered her, and what has she applied any of the good research in her own daily life?Maya Angelou once said, “When you know better, you do better.” Yu’s book provides an understanding of how we go to this point and, thanks to the vigilance of others, how we are starting to do better.Order Up to Speed - The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletics Follow Christine on Instagram: @cyu888

Can the method of birth control you choose affect your physical and sports performance? Turns out the answer is not totally straightforward...yet. But Sara Gross chats today with Allison Campbell who is on a mission to get those answers for active women.Allison Campbell is a PhD candidate studying female athletes' cardiac structure and function, and athletic performance through different hormonal profiles. This includes puberty, the menstrual cycle, as well as the the effects of different methods of contraception. Through this research, Allison is hoping to provide answers for female athletes to help guide them to choose a method of contraception that is best for them. Today Allison and Sara discuss:Different types of contraceptives available for womenThe difference between hormonal and barrier methods of contraception How hormonal contraceptives can affect us as active womenThe social and cultural impact of contraceptives for female athletes The link between hormonal contraception and mental healthSome questions to ask both yourself and your healthcare provider when choosing which method of contraceptive is best for youAs a former collegiate athlete herself, Allison's journey in finding the type of contraceptive that is best for her has lead her down this path to helping other women find answers for themselves as well. 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/ Bedsider Birth Control Support Network

At Feisty Media, our goal is to help our community understand the benefits of strength training for women at all phases of life because we believe, that once you truly understand the "why," you’ll set that habit and routine for the rest of your life. That’s exactly what Sara discusses today with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo.Carla DiGirolamo, MD, PhD, is a Double Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Obstetrician/Gynecologist specializing in infertility and menopausal medicine. She is also a CrossFit Level 1 trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, and member of CrossFit Health. She is a MedFit Care provider and provides weekly workouts and medical updates at her Substack newsletters, Athletic Aging and Performance Edge.Dr. DiGirolamo is also an expert contributor to our new Feisty STRONG course (the founding cohort is on sale through September 1st). Today, she and Sara share their thoughts on:Society’s changing views on women and strengthOvercoming the image of the “prototypical” female in the 1980sWhat CrossFit gets right that other training programs don’tThe importance of strength training for women in different phases of life, from puberty to postmenopausal, and how that affects their strength training.How strength training can help optimize lean muscle mass, protect joints against injury, and prevent injury in teenagers and young women.Why strength training makes you better at whatever sport or physical activity you doHow strength training improves cardiovascular health, particularly in reproductive yearsAs Dr. DiGirolamo says, “We’re looking at all of these fancy supplements when the answer is right in front of us. You don’t even need an Olympic weightlifting set to do it."Once you know the "why," then you can learn the "how," and that's where the Feisty STRONG course comes in. This online course not only provides a 16-week training plan, but also provides a deeper understanding of all of the factors that go into strength training. Learn more HERE.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/

We’ve all heard that, as women, we need to start strength training. We need to “lift heavy shit,” as it were, and we need to start as soon as possible.The problem is, up until now, no one has defined what that even means. Gyms are intimidating spaces that haven’t traditionally been welcome spaces for women, and for decades we’ve been sold a bunch of BS to lift light so that we don’t “bulk up.”So, where do we begin on developing a Strength program, specifically for women? How can we find a program that is safe, efficient, and effective? The answer? RIGHT HERE. Sara welcomes Barbell Medicine coach Cassi Niemann on the show to introduce Feisty’s brand new online course, STRONG. The Feisty STRONG course is not just a lifting program. It provides information about goal setting, the physiology of strength training, and how it affects our muscles, tendons, bones, and hormones. STRONG is a guide on how to think about our strength program through the different stages of our lives like puberty, midlife, pregnancy, postpartum perimenopause, and post-menopause, and it’s also a guidebook for fueling your lifting program and how to remain injury free.Today, they answer:Why lifting is important to everyone, but especially womenThe strength and confidence boost from lifting heavyA proper age to start a proper strength training programHow to mitigate the traditional barriers to entry, like having "the perfect form" and access to equipmentHow to fit strength training into an already busy training scheduleThe optimal frequency and volume of strength training to affect changeKey movements of focus when starting a strength programWhy “specificity” isn’t a huge factor at the beginningEnrollment for our founding STRONG program starts on August 23rd at: https://www.womensperformance.com/strong

Sarah Spain is a self-proclaimed Feisty advocate for Women’s sports. As a lifelong athlete and sports journalist at Fox Sports, ESPN, and ESPNW for several years, she’s had to figure out how to succeed in a heavily male-dominated space.  Not surprisingly, that has come with difficult moments and plenty of trolls. She’s been sexually harassed, she’s had to wear sexy outfits with extra cleavage, and she’s been patronized and talked down to. She’s had to “play the game.”Sarah, fortunately, is also a witness (and an unapologetic advocate) to the massive growth of women’s sports thanks, in part, to her work in the media. Sara and Sarah discuss:How her interest in comedy led to her sports journalism career and how she still uses humor to her advantageFinding ways to keep doing her job in the midst of harassment and being treated differently than her male counterparts. Why we need to keep bringing more diverse perspectives and cultures to sports reporting even though much is still run by white malesHow the younger generation and the proliferation of streaming platforms are huge for growth in women’s sportsHow we can invest more heavily in women’s sports and not simply be "well-intentioned"The positive change of finally seeing women athletes as strong and powerful role models as opposed to just infantile girls or sex objectsWhy pushback and opposition are part of the inevitable growth processThe proof of progress is in the growing numbers and followers; however, a wave of popularity always faces pushback and opposition. Our role is to recognize that the work doesn’t stop. As Sarah says, we must be grateful and present in the moment that we've earned and worked for, and still make sure that we’re continuing to be proactive.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/

What do athletic performance and entrepreneurship have in common? Turns out, a LOT.Sara Gross welcomes athlete and business founder, Carina Hamel to discuss the parallels between high performance and running a business. Carina has been a lifelong athlete, achieving national success as an NCAA Nordic skier at the University of Vermont and as a member of the US World Junior Ski Team. As a business professional prior to co-founding Bivo, Carina founded a footwear development company that specialized in helping brands from creative direction to manufacturing. At Bivo, Carina is responsible for strategic planning, hiring, community outreach, and more. Together, as female CEOs, former professional athletes, and parents, Sara and Carina discuss:How has an athlete prepared you for the entrepreneurial journeyHow she and her husband developed the idea of BivoA “Day in the Life” as a parent and entrepreneurJuggling personal time with work timeCreating a business plan and strategic plan to grow the businessHer Hiring Process and how to find the right peopleLearning from her biggest failuresThe 80-20 ruleHow she manages the stress and risk of running a businessAdvice for turning a side hustle into a full-time gigHer struggles with motivation or making tough decisionsA great athlete, like a successful entrepreneur, has the ability to create a plan, execute on the plan, adapt when necessary, and trust the process. Equipped with this mindset, Bivo is on course to continue to succeed for years to come. Learn more at DrinkBivo.com 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/

Direct from France, Sara Gross catches up with two females affecting change at the 2023 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, Kate Veronneau (Zwift) and Cassondra Spring (Liv Cycling).The 2nd Annual Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift took place Sun, Jul 23, 2023 – Sun, Jul 30, 2023, an eight-day event that has rapidly become the biggest stage race in women's cycling history and, while there have been iterations of a women’s Tour de France in the past, they have never been as organized, funded, and supported as the event is now. In 2022, the Tour de France Femmes staged its first edition in the current format with the support of Zwift as a title sponsor.As Director of Women’s Strategy for Zwift, Kate Veronneau is often credited for making the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift happen, although she would never say that.Cassondra Spring is the Global Brand Manager at Liv Cycling, another major sponsor of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.Together with Sara, they discuss:Behind-the-scenes details and unfolding drama from the eventWhy the female 8-day race format is so dynamic, exciting, and captivatingThe vibe, reaction, and response from spectators and fans on the ground and at watch parties around the globeThe positive ROI for these companies that go well beyond just increased sales and visibilityThe global excitement of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and how this event is part of an overall wave of popularity in women’s sportsThe pride in working for companies that put women first and how their work has opened doors for more global female participation across cycling and all sports.The 2023 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift wrapped up on July 30th but there’s no doubt, with leaders like Cassondra and Kate, the impact and results will resonate for events and generations to come. 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/

Sara welcomes Dr. Emma Ross to the Women’s Performance Podcast. Dr. Ross is an exercise physiologist and the Head of Physiology at the English Institute for Sport where she leads a team of sports scientists in their support of British Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Through her leadership, Great Britain was described as a “sporting superpower” after the 2016 Rio games, winning more medals than ever before.Dr. Ross is also a founder of The Well HQ, helping female athletes thrive in health, sport, and life through their online resources, courses, and debut book, The Female Body Bible.Yes, female athlete research has improved in the last few years, but Dr. Ross continues to push the envelope on how she can increase education and knowledge of this latest research to help coaches, trainers, parents, and athletes take agency for their health and put the research into action.  Today, she and Sara discuss:-Their takeaways from the recent Female Athlete Conference-The intersection and individuality of your menstrual cycle on exercise performance-What we do know about the role of estrogen and progesterone in the cycles and how this may affect performance-Hormonal contraception and its potential impacts on athletic performance-Making informed decisions about your body -How best to educate female athletes on new research, along with getting this knowledge into the hands of coaches, trainers, and parents-Creating performance gains from a foundation of health - good sleep, nutrition, proper fueling, and stress management-The recent release of the Female Body Bible book - what response and impact has it had?-What’s surprising Dr. Ross in the world of female research these days?-Why women are often seen as "fragile" to researchersAs she notes, “The fragility is not your body. The female body is AMAZING. The fragility is in the system which has completely overlooked the fact that you need to know about sports bras, menstrual cycles, and pelvic health. It’s important to celebrate the female body and we do that by understanding it better."The Female Body Bible 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/

*Note: This episode originally dropped on March 20, 2023*Lauren Fleshman has many titles - from being one of the most decorated American distance runners ever to recently releasing her book, Good for a Girl - a New York Times best-seller. But all of this accomplishment doesn't come without difficulty. This week, Lauren gets real with us and shares her experience of disordered eating, motherhood, and mental health. Discussing the stereotypes placed upon female athletes, Lauren explains why an "ideal race weight" doesn't exist. Further, she and Sara share their experiences of depression, and what it means to find yourself again through movement. Finally, Lauren highlights the importance of confidence for performance and how she’s helping the next generation of women and girls excel. Follow Lauren on Instagram @fleshmanflyer Purchase her book at https://www.laurenfleshman.com/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/

*Note: This Episode originally dropped on November 21, 2022*Intimacy and sexual satisfaction are important factors when discussing women's performance. That's why this week we bring you North America's top sex and relationship expert, Dr. Jess O'Reilly. Sara and Jess discuss all things sex, and how satisfying sex can enhance performance in your daily life. Jess gives us an outline for how we can discuss sexual intimacy with our partners, and truly get to the root of what we want. With communication at the forefront, Jess gives space for all types of "wants", and provides a non-judgmental and open approach to understanding our deepest desires. Follow Jess on Instagram @sexwithdrjesshttps://www.sexwithdrjess.com/ 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/

In mid-June, Feisty Media was proud to be a sponsor of the 2023 Female Athlete Conference in Boston, which is the epicenter of academia and research as it relates to women’s performance. The self-described goal of the FAC is to close the disparity in research and treatment of female athletes and promote the understanding of female athletes' unique and understudied physiology and lived experience, as well as clinical best practices and interdisciplinary calls-to-action.Feisty’s own Sara Gross, Kelly O’Mara, and Selene Yeager attended the conference and, today, they share with you some of their personal thoughts and key takeaways from the three-day conference, along with some wish list topics that certainly warrant more discussion and research. They recap:What we continue to learn about the menstrual cycle and its effects on performanceHow to close the gap between new research and communication to coaches and trainersWhy we still don’t know enough about nutrition, even with continued research on REDS and LEA (Low Energy Availability)Why we need a better frame of reference when describing painThe disconnection between body composition and performanceMost agree that we are at an inflection point with women’s sports and performance which is why, now more than ever, it’s important to keep asking the right questions and creating ways to communicate research quickly and efficiently to those up-and-coming performers for years to come. Read Selene Yeager's Recap of the Female Athlete ConferenceLearn more about the Female Athlete ConferenceJoin 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/

Louise Green envisions a world where everyone can achieve their athletic potential regardless of size and, for 17 years, she’s been creating that world for people in larger bodies through her coaching, programming, and education at bigfitgirl.com and the Size Inclusive Academy.She joins Sara Gross to discuss athleticism in a larger body. Weight bias is still so rampant in our culture that it’s normalized, but imagine navigating a world that is not made for you — from small doors and cramped fitness studios, to buff trainers and classes focused only on getting lean and “earning a bikini body.” You’re literally walking into a space where people don’t want to look like you.It’s a traumatic experience, which is why some in larger bodies avoid fitness altogether, especially in public spaces.It’s not laziness or lack of dedication. It’s not an unwillingness to do the work. It’s the impossible task of trying to fit into an unrealistic “one size fits all” standard and this is the cultural divide Louise is working to close. She and Sara discuss:Louise’s personal entry into the fitness space and the stereotypes she had to overcome to be recognizedOur culture’s obsession with thinness Why avoiding fitness is often a trauma responseWhy people in larger bodies are often devalued How she started working with this population and why she feels it’s still important to create safe spacesThe details of developing curriculums for trainers and fitness centers on how to work specifically with larger-bodied athletesIdentifying Body positivity vs. body neutralityOur complicated relationship with the word, “fat” and the value of owning your own languageHow to work with companies and industries in helping them change and expand their offeringsFuture courses, programs, and books to support this audienceAs she says, “If you're hating on yourself all the time, there's no way that you can rise to your highest potential.” This is why she creates programming specifically for women in larger bodies because she undoubtedly believes that anybody and any body can be an athlete. Follow Louise on Instagram: @bigfitgirlJoin 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/

Are sports the last bastion of the patriarchy? Our guest, Macaela MacKenzie thinks so. Her new book, Money Power Respect: How Women in Sports Are Shaping the Future of Feminism explores how the role of sports is shaping cultural attitudes towards women and their value, and how sports can promote and encourage women's equality - both in changing external policies and institutions and internally empowering women. Sara and Macaela explore:How women's sports have been traditionally viewed as less valuable than men's sports, but the reality is that women's sports are an important avenue for empowering girls and women, challenging gender norms, and promoting gender equality.The unique challenges that women face in sports, including sexism, harassment, and discrimination, and why it's important to address these issues in order to create more inclusive and equitable sports environments.The fallacies behind the arguments that women’s sports are boring, or that women are biologically inferior to men, especially when it comes to sports. The role the media plays in shaping attitudes toward women's sports, especially with coverage, representation, and accessibility. The pitfalls of white feminism in sports.Why investment from stakeholders, sponsors, and fans will continue to drive change and increase power and respect for female athletes.How sports provide a training ground for future female leaders.Ways to grow female sports and increase viewership and engagement. Women's sports have the potential to transform cultural attitudes toward gender and power, but this requires investment and support from a range of stakeholders, including sports organizations, media outlets, and individual athletes and fans.By understanding the challenges facing women in sports, and advocating for change, we can create a more just and equitable society for all women. And, no doubt, we owe much of this progress to the women athletes who have shown us what is possible. Money Power Respect: How Women in Sports Are Shaping the Future of Feminism - comes out on June 27, 2023, but you can pre-order today. http://www.macaelamackenzie.com/Follow Macaela on Instagram: @macaelamacJoin 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/

An integral part of the Feisty Women's Performance brand is education and Feisty focuses their education on the four pillars of: physiology, nutrition, social/cultural influences, and mental health. In the Spring of 2023, Feisty successfully launched its first online course entitled FUELED: A Comprehensive Nutrition Course for Active Women. Today, CEO Sara Gross talks with Feisty Business of Fitness host, Molly Hurford about the details of creating an e-course:Why did Feisty go down the road of comprehensive online courses?How did they land on a topic?What and who went behind the content creation strategy?Who built the course?What was the launch and marketing strategy?What valuable lessons have you learned about creating courses?Knowing what you know now, what would you change?Creating a comprehensive online course may look easy, but as Sara notes, "there is no such thing as passive income" and a good course is in a constant state of evolution.Speaking of, the new Summer School session of Fueled starts in mid-June and you can sign up now.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/

As much as she loves running, Jessica Michalofsky wishes her purpose was different. Jessica runs in memory of her son, Aubrey, who died in August of 2022 of toxic fentanyl poisoning and her mission is clear - we need the drug supply to be safe in order for people to stop dying. Toxic drugs are now the leading cause of death in British Columbia in people ages 10-59 and the problem is that the criminal supply of opioids has become increasingly synthetic and toxic. Yes, the cultural perception that “this won’t happen to me” and social stigma still play a massive role, but as she says, toxic drug use isn’t just killing "traditional" addicts. These drugs are killing first-time users and recreational users. Sara and Jessica talk about her “Marathon a Day for Safe Supply” campaign and the response to her efforts to bring awareness and solutions. They discuss the way that our culture tends to blame bad parenting and specifically “bad mothering” if your child becomes a user. (In fact, Jessica wrote a piece for Feisty Media on the concept of "Bad Enough Mothers.")They also talk about using running to deal with her grief, the ups and downs of these daily runs, and what it truly means to be "feisty" when you're running against the status quo. So, yes, as much as she would love to eradicate addiction, her purpose is to, first, provide a safe supply in order to preserve life…a life like her late son’s.Bad Enough Mothers and the Illicit Poisoning CrisisFollow Jessica's Journey on Instagram: @marathon.for.safe.supplyJoin 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/

Creatine is having a moment and, as today’s guest, Shannon O’Grady says, “Creatine has been waiting for its moment for decades.”Shannon has her PhD in Nutritional Physiology and is the COO and Chief Product Officer of Gnarly Nutrition, where she leads product research and innovation across their entire line of products.Today, she and Sara focus their conversation on creatine. Creatine is the most studied ergogenic aid and, early on, was pigeonholed as mostly a bodybuilding supplement. Research is now clear that the benefits of creatine are far greater than just increased muscle mass (although that’s a great benefit). It has been shown to help in:RecoveryInjury preventionCognitive function and brain healthHeat toleranceTreatment in psychiatric disordersAging athletes and female athletesIncreased power for endurance athletesSara and Shannon discuss what creative is, how it’s produced and synthesized, how it could possibly provide all of these benefits, the best types, dosages, and the importance of being NSF Certified for safety and efficacy in a “wild west” industry. The advantages of creatine supplementation are clear and the question has gone from, "Why would I take that?" to "Why wouldn't I?"

From The Wall Street Journal to Runners World, People Magazine, and Women's Running Magazine...From Lululemon to Ford Motor Co...Mirna Valerio is proving that you can be an athlete in whatever body you have.What started as a blog, FatGirlRunning, about her experiences as a larger woman in a world of thinner athletes, has turned into a movement that inspires people everywhere to be whoever they want and to do whatever makes them happy. Her training, racing, and advocacy work allow others to see what is possible because no one should determine what you can or can't do.So, as she says in her keynote from the Feisty Women's Performance Summit, "Stick your ass in all the spaces because you belong!"Follow The Mirnavator: https://themirnavator.com/Instagram: @themirnavatorJoin 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/

Since Title IX passed in 1972, there has been extraordinary growth in women’s sports and performance. However, for decades, athletic research primarily conducted on males has simply been applied to women, and as we’ve discovered, when the standard of performance is based on that one type of person, it skews our understanding of what is considered “normal physiology.”Christine Yu, author of the new book Up to Speed - The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletics speaks with Sara Gross about the future of research on women athletes. As Yu says, “Women and female athletes need specific research that reflects their personal experience to provide appropriate and specific guidance from nutrition and injury prevention, to customized training, and even clothing and gear.”So, what reputable science and research is out there for performance-minded women? And, how can we apply good science to our lives in order to boost performance and remain healthy for years to come?  Sara and Christine discuss this and more, including:Why females have often been considered “messy” and “poor subjects” when it comes to research studies on athletics The impact good (and bad) research can have on female athletes, especially when it comes to longevity in sports and overall healthHow more female scientists and researchers are asking the right questions and leading the way to close the gender gap in researchWhat surprised Christine the most when researching and writing the book?What angered her, and what has she applied any of the good research in her own daily life?Maya Angelou once said, “When you know better, you do better.” Yu’s book provides an understanding of how we go to this point and, thanks to the vigilance of others, how we are starting to do better.Order Up to Speed - The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletics Follow Christine on Instagram: @cyu888Join 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/

Jill Moffatt and Jenny Casson didn’t dream of becoming Canadian Olympic rowers. In fact, neither actually started the sport until they were a little older, but discovered quickly they both had an innate talent for the sport. This talent, coupled with their chemistry and work ethic, landed them a spot at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games and they’re currently in the process of trying to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. It all seems like a fairy tale, right? Start a sport later in life and still land at the Olympics?! Amazing? Yes. Fairy tale? Not always.Today, Sara, Jenny, and Jill have a wide-reaching and powerful conversation about the pros and cons of being a high-level athlete, including:How they complement each other as a pair Dealing with the pressure that their spot in the boat is never guaranteedApproaching mandatory weigh-ins during race season Tracking their cycles for performanceHandling their inevitable personality differences on and off the waterJenny and Jill also candidly address the toxic culture and predatory behavior that existed just a few years ago on their team, along with the organization that was complicit in this behavior. The personal damage and erosion of trust were and are devastating for both, but Jenny and Jill remain vocal advocates for providing support, education, and advice on spotting, addressing, and changing predatory behavior. No doubt, this is a duo we look forward to watching in Paris. Best of luck to Jenny and Jill! IG: @jillmoffatt ([email protected])IG: @jenny_joan_casson ([email protected])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/

This episode first aired on the Women's Performance Podcast on April 4, 2022. Sara talks to Emily Kraus and Megan Roche. Emily is the FASTR program coordinator, MD, a clinical assistant professor at Stanford children's orthopedic and sports medicine center, a seven-time marathoner, and a two-time Boston finisher. Megan is the FASTR lead researcher, an MD, a Ph.D. candidate in epidemiology, AND a five-time national trail running champion.So what is FASTR? It is a program designed to conduct research and provide information for female athletes. Sara talks to Emily and Megan about the moments they first realized there was a gender gap in sports science research, and how they are working to close that gap. Further, they discuss how women have certain advantages built into their physiology to help them perform, and what Emily and Megan would do if they could conduct ANY research on female performance broadly.Follow the FASTR program on Instagram @stanfordfastrFASTR WebsiteFollow Emily @emilykrausmd_sportscienceFollow Megan @meg_runs_happyJoin 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 doubt, there is an emotional aspect to fueling and eating.Each of us comes strapped with experiences from our past, cultural and religious expectations, and emotional biases that may affect our relationship with food.As athletes, we also inherently understand that fueling and nutrition are vital to our success. Eating for the demands of our training can, in a word, be scary.Enter Elizabeth Inpyn.Coach Elizabeth has an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from UCSB, an MS in Applied Exercise Science, and an MA in Education in Health Sciences, as well as a Masters in multicultural education and curriculum development. She is a certified sports nutritionist from the ISSN (International Society of Sports Nutrition) and holds a plant-based nutrition certification from the T Collin Campbell Institute. In addition to her academic accolades, Elizabeth is also an accomplished athlete - an NCAA Division 1 distance swimmer and water polo player. After college, she transitioned to triathlon where she sat atop many a podium in the Olympic and 70.3 distances. As a nutritionist, Elizabeth has worked with all types of athletes in multiple sports, ages, genders, and backgrounds. She knows intimately the delicate balance of working with people on improving their relationship with food. Today, she and Sara unpack:The surprising (and not surprising) reasons people seek out a nutritionistThe changes people want to make in their diet - and it’s not always about weight lossHow she provides emotional support to athletesTheir own biases about food and different culturesTheir personal stories and complicated relationships with food as high-level athletesRecommended supplements for active, performance-minded womenAthletes are often overburdened and overwhelmed with the amount of conflicting information and may need someone to help sift through the noise.This is where Feisty Media, Elizabeth Inpyn, and the Fueled course meet.Elizabeth provided much of the content on the nutrition modules and you can learn more at fueledcourse.com to empower yourself and help create a proper nutrition plan that meets the demands of your training.You can also reach out to Elizabeth at FuelIn.com or @inpynJoin 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/

RED-S, LEA, The Female Athlete Triad, Overtraining, Overreaching, Underfueling…These words and acronyms are pervasive in endurance sports circles but, quite frankly, still cause much confusion and debate. Often, they are mistakenly used interchangeably when the definitions and symptoms do differ significantly.Today’s guest, Dr. Alex Coates, demystifies each of these concepts and explains them in a way that all active people can understand in order to remain healthy and active throughout their lives.Dr. Coates is a postdoctoral fellow at McMaster University where she studies systems-level integrative exercise physiology. As a former elite triathlete at the national level, Alex trained and raced on multiple world championship teams and saw first-hand the repercussions of what would eventually become her areas of primary focus - overtraining, underfueling, and insufficient recovery from training.In fact, she and her sister, Kyla, actually were one of the first to document the existence and definition of RED-S, or Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome, which presents in both men and women.In this episode, she and Sara discuss:The differences in the terms Female Athlete Triad, RED-S, and Low Energy AvailabilityWhy the Female Athlete Triad needed an update to include RED-SThe multiple hormonal symptoms of RED-S and the personal impact it had on Alex’s sister, KylaThe nuances of LEA and RED-SThe differences between overtraining and overreaching and the ability to recover (or not)The impact of underfueling on recovery on all types of performanceAn outline of The FUELED course modules, including the body’s various energy systemsFemale Athlete Development from Puberty to AdulthoodDr. Coate’s work hopefully connects the dots for any athlete suffering from extreme fatigue, thermal regulation issues, performance plateaus, and other hormonal imbalances that may be brought on by extreme training.Alex is also the lead Exercise Physiologist on the Feisty FUELED course that is launching in April. To learn more visit fueledcourse.comJoin 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 social media posts, conversations, and even shouting from the podiums about inequality in the outdoor industry is no longer an option, you take action and develop the change that you want to see. That is how Gina Lucrezi started Trail Sisters, an online community for female-identifying trail runners and hikers, that she started in 2016.As a professional runner who also worked in the outdoor industry, Lucrezi saw firsthand the lack of representation and resources for women on the trails. As she writes, “The path to expanding women’s representation and opportunity in the outdoors is not only accomplished by participation on the trails, but also by women speaking up for what they want and deserve.”Enter Trail Sisters. What started as an online journal has turned into a multi-faceted business complete with education resources, articles, gear reviews, merchandise, retreats, local trail sisters groups, races, and even an official “Trail-Sisters Approved” designation for races. Today, you'll hear:The birth of Trail Sisters as an online journalHow it went from side hustle to full-time jobs for her and her husbandWhy building and engaging a community is good for businessDetails on the many initiatives of Trail Sisters and the various ways they make moneyWhat it means to be a Trail Sisters certified eventAdvice for passion-driven entrepreneurs “If you want to make an impact,” she says, “you’ve got to serve a purpose that’s larger than the financial aspect. Create things that help the community.” That community will support you.And, that’s what being a trail sister is all about.Trail Sisters Website: https://trailsisters.netTrail Sisters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trail_sisters/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/

Being the first to accomplish a historical feat usually comes with fanfare and recognition. Not so for today’s guest, Diane Maiese. Almost 25 years after the fact, Diane learned that she was the first, and as of yet, the only black female to win an NCAA National Championship in Diving and be named four-time All-American. She is also the first black female to coach diving at the division one level and the first to become a FINA-certified judge from the USA. Today, she and Sara discuss:Her unique upbringing as a person of color, adopted into an Italian-Catholic family living in a Jewish neighborhoodHer unconventional discovery and recruitment into the sport of divingThe moment she was told she wouldn’t go anywhere in the sportBody image, eating disorders, and the challenging stigma of “being on display” as a diverHer Diving Into Diversity initiatives throughout the USWhile it’s an honor to be acknowledged for her accomplishments, Diane admits it isn’t necessarily a celebration. What it has done is fuel her desire to change the landscape of the sport she loves and provide accessibility to diving for everyone so that she is no longer the “first” and “only.”Diverva.orgCompete Sports DiversityJoin 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/

Lauren Fleshman has many titles - from being one of the most decorated American distance runners ever, to recently releasing her book, Good for a Girl - a New York Times best-seller. But all of this accomplishment doesn't come without difficulty. This week, Lauren gets real with us and shares her experience of disordered eating, motherhood, and mental health. Discussing the stereotypes placed upon female athletes, Lauren explains why an "ideal race weight" doesn't exist. Further, her and Sara share their experiences of depression, and what it means to find yourself again through movement. Finally, Lauren highlights the importance of confidence for performance and how she’s helping the next generation of women and girls excel. Follow Lauren on Instagram @fleshmanflyer Purchase her book at https://www.laurenfleshman.com/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/

When you imagine a high-performance athlete, what qualities do they possess? Determination perhaps? Grit? Tenacity? According to today's guest, self-compassion is actually the key to success.This week Sara chats with Sports Psychologist Dr. Erin Ayala. Beginning as a professor of Sports Psychology, Erin now takes on clients in all realms of sport - from triathletes to golfers, to rock climbers.Erin shares some key takeaways from the athletes she's worked with, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and a growth mindset. Erin and Sara discuss how levels of arousal can alter our ability to perform as we move from rational to emotional thinking and even gives some insight into Feisty Media's latest project!Follow Erin on Instagram @erineayalaJoin 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/

What does equity mean in sport? Yes, it's women being included, but it's also resources for racing moms, supporting the inclusion of Black folks in historically white sports, having size-inclusive athletic gear, and SO much more. Feisty Media welcomes a panel of women with intersectional identities to celebrate International Women's Day and discuss why equal opportunity is no longer enough. Hosted by Selene Yeager and Sara Gross, guests Khadijah Diggs, Marley Blonsky, and Alison Tetrick share the inequity they've faced in their athletic spaces, and what equity would truly look like for them individually. Follow Marley on Instagram @marleyblonsky Follow Khadijah on Instagram @khadijahtriathleteFollow Ali on Instagram @amtetrick

Alison Mariella Désir is an activist, runner, organizer, and author of the new book, Running While Black. After hearing her speak at the Feisty Women’s Performance Summit in 2022 (before the book was published) we wanted to catch up with Alison, hear how her book has been received, and learn more about her many cultural insights and observations about the Black experience in the running space.Alison shares how the past year has gone, post book launch, and the specific parts of the book that received pushback and critique. Further, she shares the ways the white culture influences how she presents herself in the world - and how she has worked to heal this. Finally, Alison gets honest about her postpartum depression - as well as the new program she’s designed to combine therapy and movement.@alisonmdesirhttps://alisonmdesir.com/ Founder of  @HarlemRun, @Run4AllWomen, Running Industry Diversity CoalitionAuthor of Running While Black, purchase hereNutritionist mentioned: @black.nutritionistJoin us on March 7th at 4pm PST for our International Women's Day Panel Discussion www.womensperformance.com/iwdJoin 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/

Finding trustworthy and accurate information as a pregnant athlete can be extremely challenging. How much can you train? Will it hurt the baby? How high can I get my heart rate? This is the exact problem Maurya ran into when she first found out she was pregnant. Now 34 weeks, we welcome Maurya onto the podcast to share her pregnancy experience as an All-American triathlete. Maurya tells us some of the major roadblocks she encountered regarding finding accurate information. The duo discusses the specific training programs they followed during their pregnancies, and how pregnancy changed their performance ability. They tackle the widespread misinformation about active soon-to-be moms, and highlight the importance of staying active while pregnant. Links mentioned: Exercise and Sporting Based Activity through Pregnancy: Evidenced Based GuidelinesExercising Through Your PregnancyCaring for the Pregnant Athlete - British Journal of Sport ManagementJoin us to kick off International Women's Day! https://www.womensperformance.com/iwd Support 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/ 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 podcasts

There’s a lot of information circling about what women can and can’t do while pregnant. From lifting to running marathons, we wanted to get to the bottom of this. This week we welcome Dr. Kristi Adamo of Adamo Lab - a researcher who was involved in the groundbreaking 2022 study following the training habits of 42 elite runners through pregnancy and postpartum.Dr. Adamo outlines the study itself and turns out - 56% of athletes ran FASTER postpartum. Further, research now shows that, for healthy pregnancies, exercise is good for both pregnant individuals and their babies. Sara also shares her experience of pregnancy as an elite triathlete and how it changed her career for the better.http://www.adamolab.com/ Support 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/ 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 podcasts

Is there a recipe for mental toughness? Is resilience something we can work on and will it lead to increased success? This week, we welcome Alyssa Godesky to help us get some insight into how she became mentally tough and some tools every individual can use to help us achieve more. Alyssa is a record-setting endurance athlete, coach, and the host of the IronWomen podcast. Throughout her career, she has been a professional triathlete, set multiple FKT's (fastest known time) including the Vermont Long Trail, and competed in various adventure races, including the Barkley Marathons.Alyssa shares how she prepared for and set records on not one, but three multi-day trail runs and what it took for her to push herself to the limits. The duo discusses what it actually means to be mentally tough, and how the key to success lies in your brain - not your body.Follow Alyssa on Instagram @alyssagodesky Vist her website at https://www.alyssagodesky.com/And listen to Ironwomen hereJoin 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/

Okay, y'all. We are sensing A LOT of confusion around female physiology and training with your cycle. That's why this week, we welcome exercise scientist Alyssa Olenick, PhD to clear up misconceptions about female physiology and performance. Alyssa unpacks what the phases of our cycle are, and how we can work to support our bodies during these various phases. And she is clear that no matter what, we are capable.Alyssa shares her "miracle baby" story, which was the first spark for her journey in sport and female physiology. She gives us the details of the new studies on mitigating menstrual cycle symptoms and discusses the negative effects of dieting, the importance of carb intake, and the benefits of caffeine. Finally, Alyssa tells us about the impacts of hormonal birth control on training. Take away message? Don't let anyone tell you that your menstrual cycle is limiting.Follow Alyssa on Instagram @doclyssfitness 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/

Despite not being A TON of research on female physiology, it seems like everyone is offering up different information, especially concerning menstruation and performance. That's why this week, we are sharing one of the informative sessions from our past Women's Performance Summit. In this session, Kerry McGawley shares a deep literature review of current research on female physiology in relation to menstruation and performance. Reviewing studies about the percentage of athletes tracking their period and what hormonal symptoms athletes experience specifically - Kerry dives even deeper by discussing statistics surrounding male coaches and how this affects menstruation communication. This episode is CHALK FULL of important information on Women's Performance. A must listen. Follow Kerry on Instagram @kerrymcgawleyJoin 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/

Most of us can only hold our breath for 30 seconds, maybe a minute. But for Jordy Duncan, Australian pro freediver, 5 minutes is her sweet spot. This week, Sara welcomes Jordy to talk about the joys of freediving, how she found her way to the sport and the many ways freediving has helped her through tough times.Jordy talks about her experience with bulimia and alcoholism, and how finding freediving became her lifeline. Jordy explains exactly how she is able to hold her breath for such an extended amount of time, the dangers of blacking out, and the comfort and peace that can come from being underwater.Follow Jordy on Instagram @jordy_duncanJoin 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/

In recent years, the media has depicted women's sports as a safe haven for queer women. But what about queer men? Trans folks? Or gender non-conforming people? This week, we seek to understand the queer experience in sport, how it differs between various gender expressions, and how we can work to make sport more inclusive. To do so, Sara welcomes Sports Psychologist and Researcher, Dr. Vikki Krane.Vikki chats about the toxic masculinity enwrapped in sport, and how this influences safe spaces for queer folks. Further, they outline how women's sports need more resources and an overall cultural appreciation to come further into the mainstream. Finally, Vikki discusses trans inclusion and how we can work to make a new system in which segregation based on gender isn't necessary.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/

Navigating the waters of perimenopause can be daunting whether you’re in them, or will be eventually. What if there was someone who could be your guide? Well, this week, we welcome Selene Yeager to do just that. As the host of Feisty Media's Hit Play Not Pause podcast, author, and overall menopause guru, Selene shares what she wishes she knew before she entered perimenopause - and how lifting heavy really is THAT great.Selene & Sara discuss the many ways perimenopause impacted their performance, and how plyometrics, lifting heavy, and fueling properly helped turn this around. Selene also explains how serious some of the 36 symptoms of menopause can be for our mental and physical health and why we need to advocate for ourselves. Whether you’re going through the menopause transition now, or will be - this is the podcast for you.Follow Selene on Instagram @fitchick3 Follow Feisty Menopause on Instagram @feistymenopause 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/

Sara welcomes Ultra-endurance bike rider and racer, Lael Wilcox, to discuss her unconventional success in ultra racing and the joy of making people (ok, mostly men) think, "How is this even possible?!" In 2016, she won the Trans Am Bike Race outright, making her the first female to do so. The Trans Am is the premier self-supported road race across the United States, traversing over 4200 miles. She discusses:The exhilaration of winning outrightHer strategy and logistics for winning such a grueling eventThe power of beating the boys - "A Win for Womankind"A woman's capacity for resilience and gritWhat it was like being constantly doubted and questionedHandling the physical and mental aspects of pain and how she made friends with itLael also runs Tucson GRIT and Anchorage GRIT (girls riding into tomorrow), a cycling mentorship program, for girls ages 11-13. They ride together for six weeks, with a build-up to a camp-out ride. Her true passion? Getting more girls and women to “give it a go.” She shares her advice with parents of young girls, and even older women who want to achieve their own epic adventures.Find mentors and start small. Do things that will build your confidence. Then, before you know it, you'll be riding across the country in jean shorts beating the boys across the line.  Lael Wilcox InstagramJoin 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/

Sara welcomes Dr. Carla DiGirolamo, a double board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist who has experience with the unique physical and mental challenges that women face through every stage of life's journey.  In addition to specializing in all aspects of fertility care, Dr. DiGirolamo is also a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner, Crossfit Level 1 Trainer/Crossfit Health, Certified Nutrition Coach, and Les Mills BodyCombat Instructor.Today, she and Sara talk hormones, including:The purpose of hormonesMyths and misconceptions about hormone imbalanceTraining under stress - the good and bad Advice for prepubescent teens and parents of those childrenPros and cons of different birth control methods for active athletesBenefits of HIIT Training and lifting heavy shitCrossFit HealthRecommendations on nutritionAdvice to someone struggling with infertilityAdvice to someone struggling with perimenopause and menopauseJoin 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/

Imagine a world where PMS and period discomfort doesn't exist? Dr. Saru Bala not only believes its possible, but helps makes that world a reality every day. Trained as a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Bala takes an integrative approach to women's health focusing on PMS, period pain, heavy bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis and fertility.Dr. Bala tells us why she loves working with athletes and the many ways mainstream medicine has allowed women's health slip to through the cracks. She helps us understand how to mitigate our symptoms by managing our hormones and her and Sara discuss how they talk to their daughters about their periods.Follow Dr. Saru Bala on Instagram @drsarubalaJoin 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/

Racketball, i.e. - hitting a ball with a racket in an enclosed room with four walls. This week, we welcomed Rhonda Rajsich - the most decorated Professional Racketball Player in United States history. Rhonda is a true inspiration, and her confidence is contagious.Rhonda shares her journey to Racketball, and the performance mindset that helped her get to where she is today. Coming from a long line of professional athletes, Rhonda believes perfectionism is in her blood. Finally, Rhonda shares a harrowing personal story of healing from a violent attack, and not defining herself as a victim.Follow Rhonda and her partner on TikTok @lerhonda2723Follow Rhonda on Instagram @rhondarajsichJoin 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/

How do you foster a CEO mindset? Make meaningful decisions? Understand and be true to your values? This week we bring you one of our favorite conversations from the Outspoken Women in Endurance Sport Summit of 2022. Sara and Vic Brumfield, CEO of USA Triathlon, discuss what it means to be a female CEO, and what it takes to be a meaningful leader. Beginning with a conversation about how Vic got to where she is today, the duo discusses memorable moments throughout their careers that shaped them into their current roles. Further, they answer questions related to upholding one's values, fostering collaboration with a team, and pushing forward even when you feel defeated. 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/

It's no shocker that the endurance sports industry is exclusive. From size to gender to socioeconomic status, there is an "ideal" athlete (or so society tells us). That's why this week, we have Marley Blonsky on the show to talk all about getting larger athletes on bikes, and fat activism. As the co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes - a movement dedicated to creating and fostering a size-inclusive bike community, Marley has a lot to share. Sara and Marley discuss the problems with the body positivity movement, the word "fat", and how to be a better ally to larger riders. Going all the way back to childhood experiences, Marley shares how she has worked towards a place of peace with her body by being grateful for all it does for her. Follow Marley on Instagram @marleyblonsky Follow All Bodies on Bikes @allbodiesonbikesJoin 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/

Intimacy and sexual satisfaction are important factors when discussing women's performance. That's why this week we bring you North America's top sex and relationship expert, Dr. Jess O'Reilly. Sara and Jess discuss all things sex, and how satisfying sex can enhance performance in your daily life. Jess gives us an outline for how we can discuss sexual intimacy with our partners, and truly get to the root of what we want. With communication at the forefront, Jess gives space for all types of "wants", and provides a non-judgmental and open approach to understanding our deepest desires. Follow Jess on Instagram @sexwithdrjesshttps://www.sexwithdrjess.com/ Read Sara's blog about the Outspoken Summit here! 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/

And we are back! This season, we bring you new and fresh perspectives on what Women's Performance truly means. To get our listeners geared up for the upcoming interviews, in this episode we run through some of our favorite moments from last season, and what we've learned from them. Sara, along with our producers, picked clips from Amelia Boone, Lael Wilcox, Cindi Miller, Holley Samuel, and Jennifer Pharr Davis. Get excited folks, there are some incredible interviews to come! 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/

Who is Molly Hurford? This week, Molly does a solo episode explaining who she is, what she does, and what her own professional toolbox looks like. As a writer, fitness entrepreneur, podcast host and so much more, Molly shares all of her own keys to success. Answering the questions she usually asks her guests, Molly tells us how she keeps her life organized, what application she uses for scheduling, how she keeps track of the many things going on in her days, and all of her best productivity tips. As a "Jill-of-all-trades", Molly explains why having lots of different jobs is a good thing, and how the knowledge you gain from your experience will help you in the long term. Follow the Business of Fitness on Instagram @business.of.fitness and follow Molly on Instagram @mollyjhurford 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/

How do you manage the work-life balance when your job requires you to be traveling constantly? This week, Molly chats with Liz Walker - the Liv Racing team manager and overall cycling enthusiast. In this fast-paced role, Liz is always on the go.Beginning her journey with Liv Cycling as a technical representative driving around the US in a Sprinter van, Liz got a taste of where she wanted to go with this company. Now, Liz manages a team of 12-18 people, coordinates their travel, deals with immigration, and all of the other logistics that go along with this. Liz shares her "on-the-go" tools for success - from how she manages her email inbox, to how she travels light, and, of course, Molly asks all of the detailed questions. Follow Liz on Instagram @liz.beyondand follow Liv Cycling on Instagram @livcyclingJoin 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/

Recently, a stufy found that 79.5% of elite female cross-country athletes were at risk of Low Energy Availability. That's why we talk to Katie Schofield this week to learn all about underfueling, LEA, and RED-S. Katie Schofield is a performance coach that helps folks better understand their physiology, nutrition, health, and athletic performance, and tailors this specifically toward those suffering from Low Energy Availability. Holding a Ph.D. that specializes in LEA and RED-S, Katie takes a multidisciplinary approach to everything she does. Struggling with LEA and RED-S herself, Katie and Sara discuss the factors that influence female athletes to underfuel, and the significant outcomes of this. Katie outlines what exactly LEA is, how this leads to RED-S, and the number of athletes that find themselves in a state of LEA. Further, Katie shares her experience of returning from a state of LEA, and what it felt like to have her energy again. Visit Katies website at https://www.katie-schofield.com/and follow her on Instagram @kt_schofieldJoin 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/

This is the episode for you if you are looking for some entrepreneurial inspiration. Angella Goran is a self-proclaimed "serial entrepreneur" - and we couldn't agree more. With contagious excitement and confidence, this week, Angella shares her experience with entrepreneurship and fitness. Angella discusses how she first got into the business sphere with her first company, SokJok - a social enterprise dedicated to encouraging leadership in youth. Now, as the founder of Tapango Technologies Inc, the duo chats about the tools specifically in Angella's toolbox that help her excel in this sphere. Visit Angella on Twitter @AngellaGoranJoin 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/

Becoming an editor at a top magazine in the fitness space isn’t easy—and it’s not a straightforward path, either. For Rosael Torres Davis, it took sharing a really comical Twitter thread—and it snowballed from there. This week, Molly talks to Rosael about writing and editing within the cycling space - and what this looks like as a woman.Rosael is now special projects editor for Bicycling Magazine. She shares her keys to success, and how she sets boundaries between her work and private life. Rosael and Molly discuss dealing with ‘feedback’ online… and how to craft the perfect pitch, if you’re hoping to write for a magazine like Bicycling.Follow Rosael on Twitter @RosaelTD 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/

Okay, so you want to start a business - but how do you build a brand? Know your audience? Create a tagline? This week, Molly welcomes brand expert and Feisty Chief of Staff, Kathryn Taylor, onto the show. The duo discusses how you go about building your story. They dive deep into creating specific messaging in alignment with your company's values, and Kathryn explains the process behind her expertise. You can never underestimate the value of a blank piece of printer paper and a swim workout. Follow Kathryn on Instagram @kathryntaylor and follow Girls Gone Gravel @girlsgonegravelBuilding a Story Brand by Donald Miller 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/