Every year around Cade’s birthday, we make it a tradition to sit down and record a podcast together. This year, Cade is turning 12, and I can’t believe how much he’s grown. Not just physically (hello, football tackles and jiu-jitsu moves), but emotionally and mentally too. In this episode, we talk about his life right now—what he’s into, what he’s learning, how sports are shaping his identity, and what it’s like growing up in a high-energy, high-intention family. We cover everything from sibling...
Jun 25, 2025•55 min•Ep. 198
In this episode, I’m joined by longtime industry leader and educator Dean Somerset to talk all about what it takes to have longevity as a coach, trainer, and athlete. Dean has been in the fitness industry for over two decades, blending clinical insight with strength training in ways that are both accessible and high impact. We discuss navigating coaching through injuries, how to bridge the gap between rehab and performance, working with postpartum clients, and how to scale your coaching business...
Jun 18, 2025•41 min•Ep. 197
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kristi Brewer—USA Weightlifting athlete, CPA, athlete mom, and all-around powerhouse. Kristi started Olympic weightlifting at 35 (yes, 35!) and went on to become a national team member in her late 30s and early 40s—all while raising her family, building her career, and training from her garage gym. We talk about her journey into elite competition, the mindset that drives her, pelvic health issues in lifting (yes, we talk about peeing during li...
Jun 11, 2025•51 min•Ep. 196
In this episode, I’m diving into a question I get all the time—how are we raising our kids to be little athletes? As a former Division I athlete, coach, and now a sport mom to two high-energy boys, I share our family’s values, routines, and philosophies around youth sports. This conversation is rooted in real experience, not just opinion, and is especially for those of you navigating this season of life as athlete moms. Whether you’re just entering motherhood or deep in the youth sports world, t...
Jun 04, 2025•44 min•Ep. 195
In this episode, I sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Mindy English to discuss what to look for when seeking a pelvic floor PT. This is a common question we receive, and we wanted to provide a nuanced conversation around it, especially for female athletes who may not realize how interconnected pelvic health is with overall movement, training, and long-term well-being. We also discuss what to expect in a pelvic floor PT appointment, why it’s critical for practitioners to take a full-bo...
May 28, 2025•51 min•Ep. 194
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ty Horn, who many of you might know from his presence on Instagram where he shares powerful insights about strength training, Jiu-Jitsu, and life. Ty and I dove deep into his story—from being a Division 1 football player to hitting a major life setback, then rediscovering strength through strongman competitions and eventually falling in love with Jiu-Jitsu. He shared how strength training gave him not only physical resilience but a sense o...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 193
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rose El-Sharouni, a Jiu-Jitsu black belt, about her powerful journey through pregnancy and postpartum as an athlete. We dove into how women's roles in Jiu-Jitsu have evolved, the critical importance of community support, and how training needs to adapt during pregnancy. From physical and emotional adjustments to reconnecting with your body, Rose and I talked about the importance of gradual training, the link between breath and movement, and ho...
May 14, 2025•59 min•Ep. 192
In today’s episode, I sat down with the amazing Alicia Erickson, and wow — what a powerhouse of wisdom, grit, and light. Alicia is 51, vibrant, incredibly strong, and living proof that aging doesn’t mean slowing down — it means evolving. We talked all about how she’s embraced fitness, mindset, motherhood, and midlife with passion and intentionality. 👋 Connect with Alicia: Instagram: @ aliciae Website: themidlife-maven.com Coaching + App: aliciaericksonapp.com Thanks so much for tuning in! If yo...
May 07, 2025•47 min•Ep. 191
In this powerful and heartwarming episode, I sit down with two incredible P&PA (Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism) coaches — Katie Doerksen and Julie Chutter — to highlight how they’ve each built meaningful coaching practices while honoring their roles as mothers and leaders in their communities. Katie, a mom of three from rural Alberta, opens up about her transition from kindergarten teacher to strength coach and co-founder of Girls Who Lead — a program blending leadership development an...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 190
I’m so excited to have Tara LaFerrara join me today as we dive deep into coaching women, navigating fitness through different life stages, and redefining what it means to be strong and confident. Tara and I connected recently, and we quickly realized how much overlap we have in our coaching philosophies and the women we serve. She’s been in the fitness industry for years, coaching both in-person and online, and she recently launched her app, Broads, which is all about helping women take up space...
Apr 16, 2025•46 min•Ep. 189
In this episode, I chat with Mallory Holmes, a P&PA coach, about her journey from athlete to coach and the lessons she learned along the way. She shares her struggles with postpartum recovery, including injuries and a lack of awareness about pelvic floor health. We discuss how she built her fitness coaching business, the importance of creating a strong community for mothers, and how she opened a gym in a rural area to make fitness more accessible. Mallory also emphasizes the power of coachin...
Apr 09, 2025•52 min•Ep. 188
In this episode, I sit down with Katelyn Darkangelo, a Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism coach. Katelyn shares her inspiring journey from being a fitness enthusiast to becoming a successful coach, highlighting the importance of in-person training and community building. She opens up about her transition into the pregnancy and postpartum space, the challenges she faced along the way, and how she built her business to serve this unique population. Together, we dive into the intricacies of build...
Apr 02, 2025•51 min•Ep. 187
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Coates to dive into the importance of building meaningful connections within the fitness industry. We explore how fitness education has evolved, the role of networking and mentorship, and the impact of social media on coaching. Together, we discuss the narratives that shape our identities as coaches, the realities of running a successful coaching business, and the evolving landscape of client relationships in an industry that’s rapi...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 186
In this episode of the Practice Brave Podcast, I sit down with Joelle Cavagnaro to discuss the evolution of fitness and nutrition, especially for women navigating different life stages. We dive into the impact of social media on fitness culture, the importance of evidence-based coaching, and how misinformation can shape our approach to health. This conversation with Joelle is a refreshing take on the complexities of fitness, nutrition, and motherhood. We break down what really matters when it co...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 185
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Kari Pearce—4-Time Fittest American Female, seven-time CrossFit Games athlete, lifelong competitor, and soon-to-be mom! We dive deep into her journey through pregnancy, training adaptations, and the mental shifts required as an elite athlete navigating a brand-new chapter of life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Kari transitioned from elite-level training to pregnancy fitness The mindset shifts required to adapt train...
Mar 12, 2025•50 min•Ep. 184
In this episode, I chat with Shanna Birchett, a mother of six and dedicated runner, about rediscovering her passion for running after a medical setback and motherhood. We discuss balancing training with family life, the benefits of strength training, postpartum mental health, and the impact of a supportive coach and community. Shanna encourages moms to embrace their current season while pursuing their fitness goals. Follow Shanna on Instagram at @motherhood_running where she shares her journey, ...
Mar 05, 2025•50 min•Ep. 183
I’m beyond excited to share some big news with you. We’re hosting our first-ever in-person Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification Weekend on March 29-30, 2025, in Gilbert, Arizona! This is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, and I’m finally making it happen. I know how valuable it is to learn in person, ask questions in real-time, and see coaching concepts come to life. Event Details: What: Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification Weekend W...
Feb 26, 2025•38 min•Ep. 182
In this episode, I sit down with Pelvic Health PT Mindy English to discuss incontinence in female athletes. We explore why it happens, common misconceptions, and practical strategies to manage it. Whether you’re dealing with leaks during workouts or just want to be proactive about your pelvic health, this conversation is packed with insights to help you perform at your best. Follow Mindy English for more pelvic health insights: @mindy.english.dpt Join me at the Live Pregnancy & Postpartum At...
Feb 19, 2025•55 min•Ep. 181
In this episode, I share 10 essential tips for pregnant and postpartum athletes, drawing from my decade-long experience coaching thousands of athletes. From trusting your intuition and adapting training intensity to overcoming body image struggles and focusing on postpartum recovery, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate these transformative seasons. We’re having a flash sale on our pregnancy and postpartum programs and coach course! 30% off Pregnancy and Postpartum Programs...
Feb 12, 2025•27 min•Ep. 180
In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Alyssa Olenick, a passionate exercise physiologist, researcher, and coach. We dive deep into Alyssa’s journey as both a scientist and an athlete, and how she uses her expertise to cut through the noise of fitness misinformation online. We talk about how important it is to bridge research with real-life coaching and why nuanced, evidence-based conversations around fitness and health are essential—especially for women. This episode is a must-listen i...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 179
I’m thrilled to kick off a brand-new series on pelvic health with one of my favorite pelvic health physical therapists, Mindy English. Together, we’re diving into the critical intersection of pelvic health and female athletes, breaking down what your mom (and probably your coach) never told you about your pelvic floor. In this episode, we explore: What the pelvic floor is and why it’s essential for athletic performance. The importance of pelvic health across life stages: pregnancy, postpartum re...
Jan 29, 2025•49 min•Ep. 178
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Sarah Beth of Sarah Beth Yoga to talk about her incredible journey. Sarah shares how she transformed her life from overcoming personal struggles to building a thriving online yoga business serving nearly 2 million yogis globally. She opens up about her path, which includes overcoming childhood trauma, navigating abusive relationships, and learning to balance entrepreneurship with motherhood. Connect with Sarah Beth: YouTube: @sarahbethyoga Instagram: @ ...
Jan 22, 2025•52 min•Ep. 177
In this episode, I discuss the multifaceted identity of being an athlete mom. Athleticism is not limited to competitive sports but is about consistently pursuing fitness at any stage of life. You’ll hear about: The importance of strength training, lifting weights, and preserving bone density. Finding the balance between fitness, motherhood, and personal goals. Why versatility in fitness—like trying new hobbies or sports—keeps things exciting and fulfilling. Practical tips for mindfulness in move...
Jan 15, 2025•46 min•Ep. 176
In this episode, I reflect on the evolution of my brand, Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism, as we move into 2025. I discuss the rebranding efforts, updates to our fitness programs, and the continued focus on supporting women throughout their athletic journeys. I also share my personal experiences as a coach and mother, highlighting the balance between competition and family life. Takeaways: A Fresh Start for the Brand: Updated look and improvements to programs like the Pregnant Athlete Traini...
Jan 08, 2025•28 min•Ep. 175
In this episode, Brittany Ratelle joins me to discuss the essential legal steps for fitness professionals and online coaches. From setting up an LLC to protecting intellectual property and navigating contracts, Brittany shares invaluable insights to help entrepreneurs avoid pitfalls, safeguard their businesses, and grow with confidence. Whether you're just starting out or refining your systems, this conversation offers actionable advice and resources to help you stay protected and professional. ...
Dec 06, 2024•49 min•Ep. 174
In this episode, I welcome Rachel Selman back for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape for women in strength and conditioning. Rachel, a physical therapist with strength and conditioning and sports science certifications, shares her journey from being a young professional in a male-dominated field to her current role within the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) nomination committee. We discuss women's unique challenges in the field, including balancing motherh...
Nov 20, 2024•42 min•Ep. 173
Today I chat with Trisha Cicero, a former MMA athlete who has transitioned into coaching and supporting women in combat sports. Trisha shares her journey through the challenges of weight management, the impact of training intensity on women's health, and the importance of balance in nutrition and training. We discuss the toxic culture of weight cutting in combat sports and the significance of recovery in athletic performance. Trisha also offers advice for young women entering combat sports and s...
Oct 30, 2024•41 min•Ep. 172
Today, Julia Scardone joins me as she shares about her career as a Judo athlete and how she’s embraced the change and growth in motherhood. She discusses how she approached her training during her (unexpected!) pregnancy and how, despite having an emergency c-section was determined to get back to the mat as fast as possible. She soon learned how different life was now, but wanted to prove that she was still an athlete. Because she is. Athleticism does not end when motherhood begins and Julia is ...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 171
Adam Fuller is a CrossFit Level 4 Coach, garage affiliate owner (CrossFit Thin Air, Buena Vista, Colorado), and Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coach. He tells us his story of opening and growing his affiliate, why he decided to become a P&PA Coach, and how he applies the certification in more ways than just pregnancy & postpartum. He has a passion for coaching moms, helping them with their specific needs and goals, and seeing their wins as they pursue their lifetime of athleticis...
Oct 03, 2024•36 min•Ep. 170
Pelvic floor physical therapy is becoming more and more of a mainstream thing…but we have a long way to go. Mindy English is a PFPT local to Eagle, Idaho who chats with us today about what pelvic floor physical therapy is, why it’s helpful, and why she’s so passionate about it. Mindy took the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Certification and it’s helping her connect the dots between treating her patients through the lens of physical therapy and how to help athletes in their specific sport...
Sep 25, 2024•52 min•Ep. 169
