Feisty Media

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Channel • 8 Shows

Fitness

Fitness

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Society & Culture

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Fitness

Fitness

Updated Weekly
Sports

Sports

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Sports

Sports

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Self-Improvement

Self-Improvement

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Sports

Sports

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3D AGO

Understanding Midlife Weight Gain, Menopause, and GLP-1s with Diana Reid, MPH, RDN (Episode 264)

As women, we’re told our bodies are wrong almost from the moment we become aware of them—and that messaging hits hyperdrive when the body composition changes of menopause arrive. Those changes are often framed as urgent health risks, even when the picture is far more nuanced and the steps taken to “fix” them can carry risks of their own. This week we sit down with dietitian and public health nutrition specialist Diana Reid to dig into what actually drives midlife weight gain, what belly fat and BMI do (and don’t) mean for your health, and where GLP-1 medications fit into the picture. We talk muscle and bone loss, under-fueling, weight regain, and how to protect your health if you choose to use weight loss medications. Diana Reid is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist licensed in both the United States and Luxembourg. She’s originally from Seattle, but has been living in Europe since 2016. Diana has a masters degree in Public Health & Nutrition and specializes in nutritional counseling and support for patients with eating disorders; food allergies, intolerances and gut disorders; and the unique challenges related to women’s health, especially during midlife and the menopause transition. She is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and follows a non-diet, weight-neutral approach to health and wellness, focusing on habit building, lifestyle behaviors and balanced nutrition. She believes in practicing with compassion, understanding, and a personalized approach to nutrition and well-being. Diana is a married midlife menopausal mom of three teens and a clingy dog, and loves cycling, weight lifting, hiking and traveling. You can find her on social media at @theglobalrd or via her website at www.theglobaldietitian.com Resources: Weight Cycling as a Risk Factor for Low Muscle Mass and Strength in a Population of Males and Females with Obesity, here Full resource list for this episode here Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feisty.co/feisty-40/ Learn More about our 2026 Feisty Events, including Bike Camps and Cycling Trips: https://feisty.co/events/ Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Eternal - Get 15% off their services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ 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

3d ago

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1h 15m
FEB 25

Stop Spinning Your Wheels: Fueling for Real Midlife Gains with Meghann Featherstun, MS, RD, CSSD (Episode 263)

Sports nutrition is confusing. Sports nutrition for endurance athletes is even more confusing. And sports nutrition for midlife female endurance athletes? That’s where a lot of women end up working incredibly hard… and getting nowhere, because they’re trying to outtrain a fueling problem. This week we sat down with sports dietitian and endurance athlete Meghann Featherstun of Featherstone Nutrition to talk about the fueling mistakes that women often struggle with the most: iron status, energy availability, carbohydrate fueling, hydration, and GI distress, along with the emerging complications of GLP-1 medications. Meghann Featherstun, MS, RD, CSSD Owner and founder of Featherstone Nutrition ltd, Meghann has been working with endurance athletes as a board certified sports dietitian for the last 10 years. Passionate about helping runners, triathletes, and active individuals crush their biggest, baddest performance goals through solid daily & performance nutrition. A 3:58 to 2:49 marathoner herself, she knows what it takes to use solid nutrition to elevate potential as an athlete. You can learn more about her and her work at featherstonenutrition.com Resources Carbohydrate Ingestion on Exercise Metabolism and Physical Performance, here. Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feisty.co/feisty-40/ Learn More about our 2026 Feisty Events, including Bike Camps and Cycling Trips: https://feisty.co/events/ Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Eternal - Get 15% off their services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ 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

Feb 25

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1h 2m
FEB 18

The Menopause Sleep Syndrome: Why You’re Up at 3 a.m.—and What Helps with Andrea Matsumura, MD, MS, FACP, FAASM (Episode 262)

Up in the middle of the night at 2:37 a.m. like clockwork? Toss and turn, desperately trying to slip into slumber? Eyes pop open at 4 a.m. though you’d really love to sleep in till at least 6? Are you just tired all the time? Welcome to the sleep syndrome of menopause–a common cluster of midlife sleep problems this week’s guest Dr. Andrea Matsumura treats every day. We break down what’s behind women’s sleep woes, including sleep apnea, lifestyle factors, and of course menopause. She also shares her DREAM Method as a practical framework for getting a solid night’s rest. Dr. Andrea Matsumura, MD, MS, FACP, FAASM is a board-certified sleep medicine physician, menopause expert, speaker, and founder of the D.R.E.A.M. Sleep Method™. Known as Sleep Goddess MD, she specializes in helping women optimize sleep, circadian rhythm, and health during midlife. She is board-certified in Internal and Sleep Medicine, trained at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and Oregon Health & Science University, and previously built a women-focused sleep consult service at The Oregon Clinic. Dr. Matsumura currently serves as Medical Director at Cascadia Health, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, co-founder of the M/Power Menopause Collective, and a leader in the Sleep Is Good Medicine™ campaign. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, SHAPE, SELF, and CNN Underscored. You can learn more about her and her work at andreamatsumuramd.com Resources You Deserve to Get Good Sleep with Andrea Matsumura, MD (Episode 91) Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feisty.co/feisty-40/ Learn More about our 2026 Feisty Events, including Bike Camps and Cycling Trips: https://feisty.co/events/ Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Eternal - Get 15% off their services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ 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

Feb 18

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1h 6m
FEB 11

Why So Many Midlife Women Stop Wanting Sex—and What Helps with Cindy Scharkey, RN, BSN, PHN (Episode 261)

Midlife and menopause can bring real physical and psychological changes that affect libido, arousal, and pleasure—but that doesn’t mean desire or a satisfying sex life are destined to disappear. This week we sat down with registered nurse and Permission for Pleasure author Cindy Scharkey to unpack what actually happens to desire, arousal, pleasure, and our bodies as we move through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. We explore why so many women stop wanting sex in midlife, how hormones, stress, body image, and long-term relationships play a role, and why waiting to be “in the mood” often doesn’t work anymore (and more importantly, what does). Cindy Scharkey, RN, BSN, PHN, is a healthcare professional with almost 4 decades of experience. Throughout her career as a Certified Childbirth Educator, OB/GYN nurse and speaker, she has been consistently exposed to the taboos and silence surrounding women’s sexuality. Cindy is passionate about providing women with the content and self-confidence they need to find freedom on their own sexual wellness journey. As the author of Permission for Pleasure: Tending Your Sexual Garden, and Host of the Permission for Pleasure podcast, Cindy offers education and conversations about expressing, experiencing and enjoying your sexuality. You can learn more about her, her book, and her work at www.cindyscharkey.com Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feisty.co/feisty-40/ Learn More about our 2026 Feisty Events, including Bike Camps and Cycling Trips: https://feisty.co/events/ Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Eternal - Get 15% off their services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ 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

Feb 11

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59 min
JAN 21

What the Largest Menopause Fitness Survey Reveals About Hormones, Calories, and Fat Loss with Bill Campbell, PhD (Episode 258)

This week we welcome back protein and fat-loss researcher Dr. Bill Campbell to unpack early findings from what may be the largest menopause fitness survey to date, designed to finally study women who actively train. We dive into what thousands of fit midlife women report about calorie and protein intake, hormone therapy use, and the widely felt—but poorly studied—experience of weight-loss resistance during peri- and postmenopause. The conversation also explores why hormone therapy use appears far higher in fitness-engaged women than in national estimates, how muscle quality and power may decline even before we notice muscle loss, and why high-intensity interval work appears especially promising for reducing visceral fat. Bill Campbell, PhD is a Professor of Exercise Science and Director of the Performance and Physique Enhancement Laboratory at the University of South Florida. He is also a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength & Conditioning Association and former president of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (where he is also 1 of 35 individuals to be recognized as a ‘Fellow’ of the organization—an honor reserved for those individuals who have outstanding contributions to the field of sports nutrition). He has published over 200 scientific papers and abstracts, three textbooks, and 20 book chapters in areas related to physique enhancement, sports nutrition, resistance training, and dietary supplementation. You can learn more about him and his work at www.billcampbellphd.com Resources Investigating weight loss resistance across the menopausal transition: a preliminary quantitative survey of resistance-trained women here Insufficient sleep undermines dietary efforts to reduce adiposity here Why the Calories In/Calories Out Equation Can Fail Women with Jody Dushay, MD here Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feisty.co/feisty-40/ Learn More about our 2026 Feisty Events, including Bike Camps and Cycling Trips: https://feisty.co/events/ Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Eternal - Get 15% off their services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ 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

Jan 21

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1h 14m
FEB 4

Hard Conversations in the Menopause Transition: Hormones, Testing, GLP-1s & What’s “Ideal” Now with Carla DiGirolamo, MD, PhD (Episode 260)

This week we welcome back our resident reproductive endocrinologist and menopause specialist, Dr. Carla DiGirolamo, for another candid conversation. We pull back the curtain on Carla’s own menopause experience—how she navigates her symptoms, what she’s learned, and what she practices herself. We also dig into the hard conversations so many of us are having as we navigate this ever-evolving space, and how years of working closely with active midlife women have shaped her thinking on hormone therapy, GLP-1 medications, testosterone, hormone testing, and what actually moves the needle for athletic women in the transition. Carla DiGirolamo, MD, PhD, is a Double Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Obstetrician/Gynecologist specializing in women’s performance and menopausal medicine. She is also a Crossfit Level 1 trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, and member of CrossFit Medical Society. She is a MedFit Care provider and provides weekly workouts and medical updates at her Substack Athletic Aging. She is an Endocrine Consultant for Wild Health and Women’s Health Director at Eternal Health. Most recently, she has launched her own private practice specializing in helping active and high-performing women reach their performance potential from puberty through menopause. Dr. DiGirolamo is now seeing patients for virtual consultations for menopausal care and performance optimization. Visit her website www.drcarlad.com to learn more about her services and schedule an appointment. Resources Athletic Aging with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo on Substack Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feisty.co/feisty-40/ Learn More about our 2026 Feisty Events, including Bike Camps and Cycling Trips: https://feisty.co/events/ Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Eternal - Get 15% off their services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ 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

Feb 4

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1h 6m
5D AGO

Visibility ≠ Support: What Paralympic athletes actually need

In this episode, Staci Mannella and Dr. Andrea Bundon dive deep into the nuanced world of Paralympic sports. With the Paralympics starting this Friday, what do you need to know to learn from and support these amazing athletes? Manella and Dr. Bundon challenge common para-athlete misconceptions, discuss the vital guide-athlete relationship, and explore the structural barriers that still exist. Key Takeaways: Visibility vs. Support: Understand why merely increasing visibility for para-athletes isn't enough to address their actual needs and challenges.How does the guide-athlete relationship work?Understand the misconceptions around Paralympic inspiration narratives that minimize athletes' experiences.And how can you really get behind these athletes as an active supporter! Staci Mannella is a former Paralympic skier turned sport psychology doctoral student and researcher, dedicated to advocating for the mental health and support of athletes with disabilities. Dr. Andrea Bundon is a sports sociologist with extensive experience in researching disability in sports, focusing on the experiences of female athletes and the guide-athlete partnership. If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share it with your network. Your support helps us bring more insightful conversations to the forefront. Join us as we continue to explore meaningful topics in sports and beyond! Episode Resources Staci Mannella's websiteAndrea Bundon's Work at UBC's Centre for Sport and Sustainability 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: PILLAR Performance: use code FEISTY for 15% off first-purchases at https://pillarperformance.shop/, or https://thefeed.com/ for North American listeners. Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ 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

5d ago

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54 min
FEB 23

Runners, stop getting injured! What women need to know about running injuries with Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards

80% of runners will deal with injuries at some point. So, what do you need to know about running injuries? And how can you nip those niggles in the butt? Physical therapist Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards explores the factors that contribute to this injury rate and how you can shift your perspective on athletic identity and injury prevention. Key Takeaways: The emotional attachment to running can influences injury perception and managementTreating the whole athlete, not just the injury, is key to rehabSome strategies for breaking the injury cycleAnd common misconceptions about running injuries — including treatment as a female athlete Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards is a renowned physical therapist, author, and speaker, specializing in treating runners. With a focus on holistic health, she is the founder of Precision Performance & Physical Therapy and the author of Go Ahead, Stop and Pee. Kate's unique perspective is shaped by her journey as both a healthcare provider and a patient. Episode Resources: Precision Performance & Physical TherapyGo Ahead, Stop and Pee: Running During Pregnancy and Postpartum (available on Amazon)Follow Kate on Instagram: @KateMickEdwardsListen to Kate's podcast, Interdisciplinary Case Miles If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast for more insights on health and performance. Leave a review to help others discover this valuable content, and connect with us on social media to stay updated on future episodes! 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: PILLAR Performance: use code FEISTY for 15% off first-purchases at https://pillarperformance.shop/, or https://thefeed.com/ for North American listeners. Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ 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

Feb 23

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1h 2m
JAN 28

Why Rest Feels Hard: Midlife Training, Anxiety & Identity with Erin Ayala, PhD, LP, CMPC (Episode 259)

Exercise is supposed to be healthy—but when does dedication cross into compulsion? In this episode, we sat down with sports psychologist and new host of the Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast, Dr. Erin Ayala to explore the murky, often misunderstood concept of exercise addiction. We unpack why it’s not an official diagnosis, how it overlaps with perfectionism, anxiety, body image, and control, and why endurance athletes—especially midlife women—can be uniquely vulnerable. We also dive into identity, boundaries, training culture, and how to tell whether exercise is supporting your life—or quietly running it. Erin Ayala, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) offering virtual mental health therapy for athletes aged 14 and above. She provides one-on-one performance coaching, CMPC mentorship, clinical supervision, and group workshops for teams and sport organizations. She supports athletes in injury recovery, managing performance anxiety, depression, pre-competition stress, confidence, and self-criticism. Located in Minnesota, she is licensed to work with athletes in 40 states. You can learn more about Dr. Ayala and her work at www.skadisportpsychology.com. Follow the newly launched The Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast here. Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feisty.co/feisty-40/ Learn More about our 2026 Feisty Events, including Bike Camps and Cycling Trips: https://feisty.co/events/ Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partners: Eternal - Get 15% off their services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/ Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code HITPLAY at https://www.previnex.com/ 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

Jan 28

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52 min
FEB 27

When anti-doping interrupts your podcast recording...

Lizzie Rayner (briefly) joins the podcast — before anti-doping knocks on her door... We then get nearly all our questions answered about what it's like for the athlete when anti-doping shows up: How long does it take to pee? Do they actually watch you? Do you get to know your testers over tea? Then we get caught up on Joanne's upcoming South Africa Cape Epic adventure. Katie explains the new Supertri qualifying series and why it's good for the development of draft-legal racers in the U.S. And the new 2026 Ironman rules. Next week: Lizzie returns to finish her story. Leave us a Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon Follow us on Instagram: @feistytriathlon Feisty Media Website: https://feisty.co/ Support Feisty Triathlon Partners: PILLAR Performance: Visit PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code FEISTY for 15% off your first purchase. 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

Feb 27

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43 min

Feisty Media is dedicated to building an empowering culture for active, performance-minded women. We bring you podcasts, stories, and fresh perspectives from experts and leaders as we work to flip the script for women in sport. You can follow all our Feisty Media brands: @feisty_media @feistymenopause @feistytriathlon @feisty_womens_performance @girlsgonegravel @allbodiesonbikes