Feisty Women's Performance

Dr. Erin Ayala

Tired of fads, quick fixes, and performance advice that wasn’t designed for you? So are we. Feisty Women’s Performance cuts through the noise to bring you credible, science-backed insights to live your best, healthiest, active life.

Hosted by Dr. Erin Ayala, this is your go-to resource for tackling the challenges of being an active woman today—whether you’re hoping to PR your next marathon or just trying to understand how much protein women actually need to be eating.

We’ll move beyond the male-dominated lens of sport science to deliver honest conversations and actionable advice from women for women, to improve women’s health. Each episode dives deep into one of our four pillars—physiology, nutrition, mental health, and cultural issues—with leading experts to explore topics that are often left undiscussed.

If you’re an active woman who cares about your sustainable health, performance growth, and long-term progress, these conversations are for you.

No fads, no quick fixes. Just real science and legit experts.

Re-launching January 2026.

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205 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes205

Newest first

Apr 28, 2025 · 46 min
Brain Power: Overcoming Brain Fog and Fatigue with Katherine Boere
If you’ve ever felt mentally foggy or struggled with decision-making during or after a long training session, this episode is for you.Dr. Sara Gross and Dr. Erin Ayala sit down with Katherine Boere, a Ph.D. candidate in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Victoria, whose research explores how the brain recovers from cognitive depletion—especially under the demands of endurance sports.With a background in biomedical engineering and personal experience recovering from brain injury, Katherine brings a unique lens to how physical exertion impacts cognitive resilience, decision-making, and mental recovery.Her research shows: The real cognitive toll of fatigue—particularly in high-performance environments How low energy availability affects brain function, especially in female endurance athletes Why fueling and hydration are essential for mental performance, not just physical output The cognitive benefits of outdoor exercise over indoor settings How mindfulness and decision delegation can reduce mental strain during training and racing Simple, everyday strategies to support brain health and cognitive recovery Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone curious about boosting brain performance, this conversation offers research-backed strategies you can use right away. Join us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/feistyfest-feisty-media-1943243299#about-this-trip Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts Support our Partners: Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo
Apr 21, 2025 · 56 min
Brain Power: Optimizing Brain Health for Longevity with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo
We hear it all the time—stay strong, keep your bones healthy, hit the weights. But what about your brain? For midlife women, keeping your mind sharp is just as important as keeping your body strong.In part two of this series on brain health co-hosted by Dr. Sara Gross and Dr. Erin Ayala, they are joined by Dr. Carla DiGirolamo, a Board Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner.Hormonal shifts in midlife can impact cognitive function and it’s worth paying attention to. As both a doctor and a recreational athlete, Dr. DiGirolamo brings a personal and professional perspective to the table as she discusses what really happens to our brains during hormonal changes, why it matters, and how to stay sharp through it all.She discusses: The latest (and muddy) research around menopausal hormone therapy and reduced dementia risk Myths and misconceptions around hormones and brain health Powerful Tools and habits for protecting brain health The significant effects of nutrition and hydration on brain health Self-sabotaging behaviors that may impact our brain health as we age How to combat trendy topics and the impact of diet culture on women at this stage of life Understanding your own body is the key to making smart and confident decisions about your health and as Erin and Carla stress, being “empowered” doesn’t mean doing what everyone else is doing. It means paving your own way and making the decisions that are best for you. Your brain will thank you. Join us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/feistyfest-feisty-media-1943243299#about-this-trip Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts Support our Partners: Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo
Apr 14, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Brain Power: The Real Impact of Stress on Your Brain and Body
We spend so much time focusing on nutrition, strength training, and bone health as we age—but what about our brain? How can we build mental resilience and protect our brain health starting now? In this new Feisty series, co-hosted by Sara Gross and Dr. Erin Ayala, we’re diving into the intersection of brain health, stress, and performance. In this first episode, Dr. Erin Ayala, a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, sits down with Jill Colangelo, a researcher at the University of Bern specializing in Sports Psychiatry. Jill works with athletes and teams on critical topics like endocrine health, hypothalamic amenorrhea, stress, overtraining syndrome, and athletic identity. Together, Erin and Jill explore the real impact of stress—both short-term and long-term—on the brain and body. While stress itself isn’t the enemy, chronic stress without proper recovery can lead to brain fog, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic issues. In this episode, they break down: Common stressors for women, including underfueling, toxic productivity, and the relentless push to do more Practical strategies for managing stress and setting boundaries for mental and physical well-being Why recovery should be a non-negotiable part of your training routine The truth about cortisol—friend or foe? Which recovery trends (cold plunges, sauna, acupuncture) actually work As active women, we often use movement as a way to relieve stress—but when does “more” become too much? This conversation is a call to action to reassess your relationship with stress, challenge the culture of overtraining, and develop a mindset that values mental resilience as much as physical strength. To learn more about the Brain Power Course click here! Join us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/feistyfest-feisty-media-1943243299#about-this-trip Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts Support our Partners: Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo
Mar 31, 2025 · 56 min
More Than a Moment: How Women’s Sports Are Changing the Industry
Recorded live at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, this special episode of The Think Tank from Essentially Esports dives into the booming growth of women’s sports. The Think Tank show is where industry leaders—CMOs, brand strategists, team executives, elite athletes, and coaches—break down the forces shaping the sports world. In this exclusive episode, Host Trey Holder teams up with co-host Angella Goran, a former Canadian National Team cyclist and entrepreneur, alongside Feisty Media CEO and two-time Ironman champion Sara Gross and Naomi Clarkson, Senior VP of Marketing at Momentous. Together, they explore how strategic marketing and media initiatives are not just increasing visibility but also driving real investment and long-term growth in women’s athletics. The panel dives into key factors fueling the rise, including: The power of authentic storytelling to elevate both athletes and brands Strategic partnerships that create meaningful industry impact Smart resource allocation, backed by data proving the success of women’s sports initiatives Community-driven events like The Power Hour, designed to promote physical and mental wellness Continued media coverage with new product launches, podcasts, and educational resources More than just a conversation, this episode is a call to action, highlighting the need for collaboration, ongoing support, and a shared responsibility to champion inclusivity and equality in sports. Links to Brands: Brand Innovators Sports and Entertainment Think Tank from Essentially Sports Essentially Sports on YouTube TAPanGO Technologies Feisty Media Momentous Support our Partners: Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo Join us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/feistyfest-feisty-media-1943243299#about-this-trip Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts
Mar 3, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
How to Coach Young Athletes: Busting Myths - Fueling, Recovery, and Building Self Trust
In the final episode of our series on coaching young athletes, Sara Gross and co-host Jill Colangelo are joined by MD student, scientist, coach, and pro-runner Keely Henninger (@runwidkeel) to debunk myths about body weight, nutrition, and the often-overlooked role of mental health in sports—especially during the late-teen and early collegiate years. Through a true-or-false format, Jill and Keely tackle key questions: Does a lighter body weight lead to better performance? Is it okay to skip breakfast before a tough training session? Do I really need rest days? Is missing a period a badge of honor? Sara, Jill, and Keely also share personal experiences with underfueling, overtraining, and moments when they ignored their intuition—decisions they now look back on with regret. This conversation encourages young athletes to recognize warning signs, make informed choices, and build a healthy relationship with their sport—one that supports both performance and long-term well-being. Join us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/feistyfest-feisty-media-1943243299#about-this-trip Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts Support our Partners: Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo
Feb 24, 2025 · 52 min
How to Coach Young Athletes: What Coaches Should Know About Body Image, Fueling, and Periods
In the second episode of our three-part series on coaching young athletes, Sara Gross and guest co-host Jill Colangelo turn the spotlight to the coaches who work with young female athletes through topics like body image, menstruation, and proper fueling. As awareness grows about the impact of body image on performance, coaches—both male and female coaches—must learn to navigate these conversations effectively. Guest Jason Russo, a veteran high school cross-country coach, shares his experience in fostering open communication, involving parents and experts to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Sara and Jill also share their own personal experiences and anecdotes surrounding the female aesthetic myth, particularly the harmful notion that being “skinny” equates to being a better athlete. This episode calls on coaches, parents, and athletes to prioritize health, well-being, and open dialogue as key pillars of athletic development. Join us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/feistyfest-feisty-media-1943243299#about-this-trip Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts Support our Partners: Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo
Feb 17, 2025 · 59 min
How to Coach Young Athletes: What Parents Need to Know About Eating Disorders
Frequent mirror checks, comments from teammates and parents, and feeling the need to “earn” food—these are common red flags of disordered eating in youth sports. In the first of a three-part series, Sara Gross and guest co-host Jill Colangelo explore eating disorders among young female athletes, a growing concern for parents and coaches. Colangelo, a researcher in Forensic and Sports Psychiatry, speaks with Sarah Naticchia, a Harvard-trained athlete who shares her struggles with disordered eating in high school and college. Also joining the conversation is Stephanie Roth-Goldberg, LCSW, CEDS-C, a psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders and athletes. Together, they discuss the pressures young athletes face, the need for a cultural shift toward health over aesthetics, and how parents can support their children by focusing on well-being and performance rather than appearance. Join us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/feistyfest-feisty-media-1943243299#about-this-trip Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts Support our Partners: Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo
Jan 20, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Your Diet Sucks #3: Orthorexia and Clean Eating
As more people seek to "clean up" their diets, we’re seeing how rigid rules and an obsession with food purity can disrupt lives. In this episode, Kylee and Zoë dive into the evolving conversation around Orthorexia—a term for the unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. We explore the impact of societal norms, social media, and misinformation on people's relationship with food, particularly athletes. And they unpack how Orthorexia isn't officially recognized in the DSM but still significantly impacts mental and physical health, drawing from professional insights and research. They also talk through how athletes and active folks can work towards a more balanced healthy approach to nutrition, and avoid the pitfalls of over-restriction. It’s that time of year when the world is drowning in bad diet advice and unsustainable fitness trends. That's why we're teaming up with the Your Diet Sucks podcast to bring you a series of Your Diet Sucks episodes this January aimed at ditching diet culture and getting you ready to fuel your goals. Hosts Kylee Van Horn, RDN, (@flynutrition3) and Zoë Rom (@carrot_flowers_z) combine years of research, professional expertise (as well as unprofessional nutrition mishaps!), and athlete experience to deliver evidence-backed explorations of nutrition—no fluff, no fads, just science. Want more on how to "unf*ck your food"? Subscribe to the Your Diet Sucks podcast feed. And if you want to join the hundreds of women who have learned how to fuel their bodies with us, you can still sign up for Feisty’s Fueled course that starts at the end of the month.
Jan 13, 2025 · 44 min
Your Diet Sucks #2: Is Diet Culture a Cult?
So, are you in a diet cult?? In this second episode teaming up with the Your Diet Sucks podcast, Zoë and Kylee discuss the shocking parallels between diet fads and cult dynamics, emphasizing how these trends often create a false sense of community and manipulate individuals into restrictive eating patterns. How do you know if your diet is just a little bit cult-y? There are plenty of red flags, including: extreme language in the messaging (clean eating, detox, this is the best and healthiest diet) social isolation from other groups or ways of eating manipulation of your personal identity the allure of belonging and identity (especially on social media) Instead of blindly following your favorite “influencer,” this episode encourages you to think critically about your choices and the motivations behind them. Recognize those cult-like patterns and consider healthier, more balanced approaches to nutrition and community. It’s that time of year when the world is drowning in bad diet advice and unsustainable fitness trends. That's why we're teaming up with the Your Diet Sucks podcast to bring you a series of Your Diet Sucks episodes this January aimed at ditching diet culture and getting you ready to fuel your goals. Hosts Kylee Van Horn, RDN, (@flynutrition3) and Zoë Rom (@carrot_flowers_z) combine years of research, professional expertise (as well as unprofessional nutrition mishaps!), and athlete experience to deliver evidence-backed explorations of nutrition—no fluff, no fads, just science. Want more on how to "unf*ck your food"? Subscribe to the Your Diet Sucks podcast feed. And if you want to join the hundreds of women who have learned how to fuel their bodies with us, Feisty’s Fueled course goes on sale today.
Jan 6, 2025 · 53 min
Your Diet Sucks #1: The Zero Calorie Ultra
New year, same diet BS. It’s that time of year when the world is drowning in bad diet advice and unsustainable fitness trends. That's why we're teaming up with the Your Diet Sucks podcast to bring you a series of Your Diet Sucks episodes this January aimed at ditching diet culture and getting you ready to fuel your goals, Hosts Kylee Van Horn, RDN, (@flynutrition3) and Zoë Rom (@carrot_flowers_z) combine years of research, professional expertise (as well as unprofessional nutrition mishaps!), and athlete experience to deliver evidence-backed explorations of nutrition—no fluff, no fads, just science. In this first episode of our Feisty Women's Performance x Your Diet Sucks collab, Zoe and Kylee discuss the history and trends around fasting, low-carb, and (can you even believe it?) NO-carb fueling for ultras. Sure, there is a rich history of fasting practices in most religions, but does that mean we need to become zealots when we’re talking about optimal performance? In addition to diving into the historical context of fasting, Kylee and Zoe also talk about: How social media trends influence athlete behavior (for the sake of 'likes' and 'shares') The performance benefits and risks of fasting and low-carb, high-fat diets The impact of extreme dietary practices on endurance athletes Finding a shift towards more balanced fueling practices in endurance sports Why are athletes drawn to a mentality of doing more with less fuel? Even if you could do it, does that make it the best way to train and race? Even if you think there are short-term benefits, study after study confirms the long-term costs. So, instead of being swept up in the latest social media trend, find the fueling plan that works for both Present You and Future You. Want more on how to "unf*ck your food"? Subscribe to the Your Diet Sucks podcast feed. And if you want to join the hundreds of women who have learned how to fuel their bodies with us, Feisty’s Fueled course will be on sale starting in mid-January. Get yourself on the waitlist now. Join us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/feistyfest-feisty-media-1943243299#about-this-trip Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts Support our Partners: Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo
Dec 27, 2024 · 55 min
Feisty Conversations for a Fueled Future - Let's Get Beyond Diet Culture - Feisty Triathlon
Here we go again with the bombardment of “New Year, New You” ads and messages to “eat this, not that,” or “do this specific workout for 30 days to get amazing abs.” You know the drill and they’re probably in your feed as we speak. In this first-of-its kind episode, Feisty Media podcast hosts Kathryn Taylor (Girls Gone Gravel), Sara Gross (Women’s Performance Podcast), Kelly O’Mara (If We Were Riding), and Selene Yeager (Hit Play Not Pause) unite for a candid conversation about these societal pressures of New Year's resolutions and the pitfalls of Fitness Challenges within women’s fitness culture. Building positive new habits isn’t a bad thing, but the problem is that most of the challenges, diets, and cleanses often lead to underfueling, which can sabotage your goals as an active woman. Sharing their own personal experiences with diet culture and disordered eating, Kathryn, Sara, Selene, and Kelly advocate for more self-acceptance and celebrating what the body can achieve, emphasizing overall health over aesthetics. Quite simply - they want you to be fueled for your 2025 goals. That’s why we’re launching the Feisty Fueled Challenge in January to foster healthier food and fitness dialogues. This FREE five day challenge will help you dive deeper into some of the internalized messages that we all struggle with, and feel empowered to make smart and mindful decisions about how to fuel in 2025. Starting January 6th, you’ll receive daily emails from leading fueling & mindset experts that will reframe your mindset around fueling and cover some practical ways to fuel your 2025 goals. With just 10 minutes each day, you’ll be ready to be your best feisty, fueled self in 2025 and redefine health and fitness on your own terms. To sign up for the FREE Feisty Fueled Challenge: https://www.womensperformance.com/fueled-challenge
Sep 23, 2024 · 54 min
Brain Storm Episode 4: Concussion Prevention, Susceptibility, and What We’ve Learned
Obviously, the best way to deal with a concussion is to not get a concussion. But that’s not always possible, and nearly 30% of adults report having a concussion in their lifetime. In this episode we cover the basics on how to prevent concussion and what to do if you do hit your head based on what we’ve learned during this series. We also take a deeper dive into who might be more susceptible to concussion, including if females have special risk factors with special guest Dr. Julie Rios, who is leading a groundbreaking Women’s Health Concussion Study that aims to understand the broader effects of concussion on women’s health. Julie Rios, MD, specializes in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She practices at UPMC Center for Fertility & Reproductive Endocrinology and is affiliated with UPMC Altoona, UPMC East, and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. You can learn more about her and her work at Julie Rios, MD. Rebecca Rusch is an adventure athlete, 7x World Champion, and 2x Hall of Fame inductee for mountain biking and gravel cycling. She is also a keynote speaker, the bestselling author of Rusch to Glory, and an Emmy Award winner for the documentary Blood Road about her journey to find the spot where her father, a US Air Force pilot, was shot down during the Vietnam War. She is also the founder of the Be Good™ Foundation, which is dedicated to transforming individuals and communities by using the bicycle as a catalyst for healing, empowerment, and evolution. You can learn more about her and her work at rebeccarusch.com. Get Our Active Women’s Guide to Concussion: https://www.womensperformance.com/brain-storm-resources Episode 4 Show Notes and Resources: https://www.womensperformance.com/blog/brain-storm-episode-4-podcast-resources Episode 3 Show Notes and Resources: https://www.womensperformance.com/blog/brain-storm-episode-3-podcast-resources Episode 2 Show Notes and Resources: https://www.womensperformance.com/blog/brain-storm-episode-2-podcast-resources Episode 1 Show Notes and Resources: https://www.womensperformance.com/blog/brain-storm-episode-1-the-crash-podcast-resources Momentous: Use code BRAINSTORM to get 20% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/
Sep 16, 2024 · 1 hr 52 min
Brain Storm Episode 3: Working Through the Trauma of Brain Injury
A head injury like concussion can fundamentally change you–especially if you have prolonged post-concussive symptoms, which can upend your life and sense of self for months, and sometimes years. Head injuries are also traumatic and they can leave you vulnerable to reliving other past traumas that may have been long buried. That’s where therapy comes in. Therapy can help you deal with your past and current trauma and importantly, put some new coping tools in your toolbox. As she struggled to cope with her lingering injury and depression, Rebecca pursued talk therapy and then later psychedelic-assisted therapy, both of which she credits with being pivotal turning points in her recovery. This episode takes a deep dive into her therapy experience, including insights from two of the therapists who helped guide her recovery. We also discuss the current state of psychedelic-assisted therapy, the FDA’s recent non-approval decision, and what it means going forward. Rebecca Rusch is an adventure athlete, 7x World Champion, and 2x Hall of Fame inductee for mountain biking and gravel cycling. She is also a keynote speaker, the bestselling author of Rusch to Glory, and an Emmy Award winner for the documentary Blood Road about her journey to find the spot where her father, a US Air Force pilot, was shot down during the Vietnam War. She is also the founder of the Be Good™ Foundation, which is dedicated to transforming individuals and communities by using the bicycle as a catalyst for healing, empowerment, and evolution. You can learn more about her and her work at rebeccarusch.com. This episode also features interviews with Rebecca’s talk therapist Courtney Loving, LPC, who has certifications in Trauma, Military, Trauma Resiliency Model and Havening Techniques, and works as a Mental Health Partner at Higher Ground, serving Military Veterans, their families and supporters. You can learn more about her and her work at courtneyloving.com. Also featured is Sarah* who facilitated some of Rebecca’s psychedelic-assisted therapy sessions. Sarah is a chemist and is a Psychedelics Today Vital trained plant medicine facilitator and integration coach. * We are using Sarah’s first name only with respect to the sensitivity surrounding the subject matter. Get Our Active Women’s Guide to Concussion: https://www.womensperformance.com/brain-storm-resources Episode 3 Show Notes and Resources: https://www.womensperformance.com/blog/brain-storm-episode-3-podcast-resources Episode 2 Show Notes and Resources: https://www.womensperformance.com/blog/brain-storm-episode-2-podcast-resources Episode 1 Show Notes and Resources: https://www.womensperformance.com/blog/brain-storm-episode-1-the-crash-podcast-resources Momentous: Use code BRAINSTORM to get 20% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/
Sep 9, 2024 · 1 hr 25 min
Brain Storm Episode 2: How to Treat an Injured Brain
What do you do when you hit your head? That can be a hard question to answer. Even when people go to the doctor or ER, the actual advice can be thin, amounting to: take it easy and let your brain heal. Sometimes that works. But for nearly half of concussion sufferers, symptoms like depression, headaches, fatigue, and cognitive impairment can linger for months. And for some, like Rebecca, they can hang on for years. When that happens, people get desperate and start trying anything that friends, family, Google, or various health practitioners recommend, which is exactly what Rebecca did. In this episode, we follow Rebecca’s desperate journey to resolve her persistent post-concussive symptoms. We also sat down with Dr. Alicia Trbovich, a neuropsychologist at the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program who studies the management of sport-related concussion and neuropsychological assessment following mild traumatic brain injury to talk about how experts are actively treating concussion and concussion symptoms today. Alicia Trbovich, PhD, presented on Domain Targeted Treatment and Rehabilitation Following Sport Related Concussion at the 12th Annual Sports Neuropsychology Society Symposium earlier this year. Dr. Trbovich is a neuropsychologist at UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and Assistant Professor and Fellowship Research Coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. You can learn more about her and her work at Alicia Trbovich, PhD. Rebecca Rusch is an adventure athlete, 7x World Champion, and 2x Hall of Fame inductee for mountain biking and gravel cycling. She is also a keynote speaker, the bestselling author of Rusch to Glory, and an Emmy Award winner for the documentary Blood Road about her journey to find the spot where her father, a US Air Force pilot, was shot down during the Vietnam War. She is also the founder of the Be Good™ Foundation, which is dedicated to transforming individuals and communities by using the bicycle as a catalyst for healing, empowerment, and evolution. You can learn more about her and her work at rebeccarusch.com. Get Our Active Women’s Guide to Concussion: https://www.womensperformance.com/brain-storm-resources Episode 2 Show Notes and Resources: https://www.womensperformance.com/blog/brain-storm-episode-2-podcast-resources Episode 1 Show Notes and Resources: https://www.womensperformance.com/blog/brain-storm-episode-1-the-crash-podcast-resources Momentous: Use code BRAINSTORM to get 20% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/
Sep 2, 2024 · 1 hr 16 min
Brain Storm Episode 1: The Crash
On November 11th, 2021, on day three of a solo multi-day ride on Arizona’s Coconino Trail, seven-time world champion adventure athlete Rebecca Rusch clipped her handlebars on a protruding rock, launching her from her bike and into a ravine 10 feet below, where she hit the ground with enough force to bounce multiple times, breaking her helmet and badly bruising her ribs. After self-rescuing off the trail, Rebecca did what pretty much everyone told her to do: rest up and recover. Her ribs mended. Her brain, which had clearly been concussed, didn't. Now, going on three years later, we revisit the crash, what she did in the immediate aftermath, and how experts are thinking about the acute phases of concussion recovery today. Rebecca Rusch is an adventure athlete, 7x World Champion, and 2x Hall of Fame inductee for mountain biking and gravel cycling. She is also a keynote speaker, the bestselling author of Rusch to Glory, and an Emmy Award winner for the documentary Blood Road about her journey to find the spot where her father, a US Air Force pilot, was shot down during the Vietnam War. She is also the founder of the Be Good™ Foundation, which is dedicated to transforming individuals and communities by using the bicycle as a catalyst for healing, empowerment, and evolution. You can learn more about her and her work at rebeccarusch.com. This episode also features an interview with Christopher Vaughan, Psy.D., who presented on Rest and the Treatment of Concussion at the 12th Annual Sports Neuropsychology Society Symposium earlier this year. Dr. Vaughan is a pediatric neuropsychologist in the Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology at Children’s National Hospital. He is also Associate Professor, in the departments of Pediatrics & Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at George Washington University School of Medicine, and is Fellow and Treasurer, at the Sports Neuropsychology Society. You can learn more about him and his work at Christopher Vaughan, Psy.D. Get Our Active Women’s Guide to Concussion: https://www.womensperformance.com/brain-storm-resources Episode 1 Show Notes and Resources: https://www.womensperformance.com/blog/brain-storm-episode-1-the-crash-podcast-resources Momentous: Use code BRAINSTORM to get 20% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/
Aug 19, 2024 · 4 min
Sneak Preview: Brain Storm with Rebecca Rusch and Selene Yeager, presented by Momentous
What if everything you thought you knew about concussion was wrong? Brain Storm, presented by Momentous, is a podcast series that follows 7-time World Champion adventure athlete Rebecca Rusch after a violent bike wreck leaves her with a “mild” concussion that turns her world upside down. Each episode follows Rebecca on her journey to heal her brain and fully return to her demanding, athletic life–a goal that eludes her nearly three years after the crash. The series features interviews with leading experts on the science, understanding, and treatment of concussion and persistent post-concussive symptoms. This limited series starts Monday, September 2, 2024. Momentous: Use code BRAINSTORM to get 20% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/
Aug 10, 2024 · 43 min
Croissants & Commentary #21: Live From Paris - Merci Paris
0:00 Olympic weightlifting 8:30 Chatting with Jenny Casson 17:36 The Feisty team's favourite moments 29:00 Olympians: They're just like us Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at fanclub.feisty.co to get entered to win a free “It’s Not a Moment. It’s a Movement” shirt daily, plus you’ll get entered to win our grand prize worth $1,000 from Feisty and our sponsors. Support our Croissants & Commentary Live From Paris Sponsors! TRIHARD: Use the code FEISTYGAMES for 22% off sitwide at trihard.co, plus you’ll get an extra 5% OFF during sales on top of the already discounted price. Hettas: Get 20% off with the code FEISTY20 at hettas.com Joni: Get 10% off your order with the code FEISTY at getjoni.com
Aug 9, 2024 · 32 min
Croissants & Commentary #20: Live From Paris - City Life During The Games
0:00 Where are the change rooms? 11:25 Champions Park 19:40 Sport updates 26:40 Our picks Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at fanclub.feisty.co to get entered to win a free “It’s Not a Moment. It’s a Movement” shirt daily, plus you’ll get entered to win our grand prize worth $1,000 from Feisty and our sponsors. Support our Croissants & Commentary Live From Paris Sponsors! TRIHARD: Use the code FEISTYGAMES for 22% off sitwide at trihard.co, plus you’ll get an extra 5% OFF during sales on top of the already discounted price. Hettas: Get 20% off with the code FEISTY20 at hettas.com Joni: Get 10% off your order with the code FEISTY at getjoni.com
Aug 8, 2024 · 38 min
Croissants & Commentary #19: Live From Paris - Every Sport Has a Vibe
0:00 Paris is sick 6:30 The diving vibe 12:09 Sports 27:35 Proposals and urinals Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at fanclub.feisty.co to get entered to win a free “It’s Not a Moment. It’s a Movement” shirt daily, plus you’ll get entered to win our grand prize worth $1,000 from Feisty and our sponsors. Support our Croissants & Commentary Live From Paris Sponsors! TRIHARD: Use the code FEISTYGAMES for 22% off sitwide at trihard.co, plus you’ll get an extra 5% OFF during sales on top of the already discounted price. Hettas: Get 20% off with the code FEISTY20 at hettas.com Joni: Get 10% off your order with the code FEISTY at getjoni.com
Aug 7, 2024 · 40 min
Croissants & Commentary #18: Live From Paris - Lots of Whoops
0:00 Inside the Team Canada House 10:38 Women's Skateboard Finals 17:05 The vibes of Waterpolo 24:00 Another night of Track 34:30 Our picks Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at fanclub.feisty.co to get entered to win a free “It’s Not a Moment. It’s a Movement” shirt daily, plus you’ll get entered to win our grand prize worth $1,000 from Feisty and our sponsors. Support our Croissants & Commentary Live From Paris Sponsors! TRIHARD: Use the code FEISTYGAMES for 22% off sitwide at trihard.co, plus you’ll get an extra 5% OFF during sales on top of the already discounted price. Hettas: Get 20% off with the code FEISTY20 at hettas.com Joni: Get 10% off your order with the code FEISTY at getjoni.com