Feisty Women's Performance

Feisty Media
Feisty Media
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 1d ago

    Women's sports supplements: what every athlete needs to know with Dr. Susan Kleiner

    Dr. Erin Ayala talks with Dr. Susan Kleiner, a pioneering high‑performance sports dietitian, to cut through the noise surrounding women’s sports supplements. She debunks common myths about creatine, explains why under‑fueling is a hidden threat for female athletes, and shows how to spot fraudulent supplement brands. Listeners will leave with clear, science‑backed strategies to optimize performance and make smarter supplement choices. Creatine does not cause bloating; the myth is marketing, not science.Women need tailored dosing and timing for supplements based on menstrual cycle and training demands.Under‑fueling—especially low‑carb diets—remains the biggest performance risk for female athletes.Always verify third‑party certification on the product label (BSCG, NSF for Sport, Informed Choice, etc.) before purchasing.Use reputable resources and experts (e.g., Dr. Abby Smith Ryan, Dr. Stacy Sims) for evidence‑based nutrition guidance. Dr. Susan Kleiner is Registered Dietitian, high‑performance dietitian, author of Power Eating, co‑founder of the International Society of Sport Nutrition, and former nutrition consultant for elite teams such as the Seattle Storm (WNBA) and Seattle Rain (soccer). Dr. Kleiner’s website: https://www.drskleiner.com/ BSCG certification: http://bscg.org/ NSF for Sport: https://www.nsfsport.com/ Informed Choice: https://choice.wetestyoutrust.com/ Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan: https://asmithryan.com/ International Society of Sport Nutrition: https://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/ If you found this episode valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss a deep‑dive with industry experts. Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find us. Got questions or topics you’d like us to explore? Drop a comment or message us on social media—we love hearing from you! FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/ Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/ Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/ Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance 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

  2. Aug 10

    Women are forced to be resilient: The gender tax on female athletes with Dr. Emily Matheson

    Dr. Emily Matheson dives deep into the hidden “gender tax” that female athletes pay and why the sport system is unintentionally building their resilience. She reveals how traditional resilience measures miss the relational strengths women bring to sport and shares actionable strategies for athletes, coaches, and entrepreneurs to foster genuine mental‑health support. Listeners will walk away with fresh perspectives on measuring resilience, practical tools for building it, and a roadmap for creating more equitable athletic environments. Traditional resilience scales often overlook relational and gender‑specific factors; consider a more holistic assessment.Female athletes develop “relational resilience” by leaning on self‑awareness, community, and supportive networks.Systemic changes—like equitable scheduling and resource allocation—can reduce the hidden gender tax in sports.Coaches and leaders should shift from “forcing resilience” to co‑creating environments that nurture it.Entrepreneurs can apply these insights to build inclusive, high‑performing teams that value mental health as a core asset. Emily Matheson, PhD is a sport psychologist and research strategist specializing in mental health, body image, and resilience among female athletes. Currently leads research strategy at Great Minds and collaborates with brands such as Dove and Nike. https://dremilymatheson.com - Related research on resilience and gender in sport If you found this conversation valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help us reach more listeners, and follow us on social media for behind‑the‑scenes insights. Got a topic you’d like us to explore? Drop us a note at the email above—we love hearing from entrepreneurs and small‑business owners looking to champion mental‑health in their teams. FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/ Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/ Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/ Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance 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

  3. Aug 3

    Why driven female athletes burn out faster — and what to do with Dr. Erin Haugen

    Dr. Erin Ayala sits down with sport psychologist Dr. Erin Haugen to explore strategies for managing pre‑race anxiety and building sustainable performance habits for female athletes. Listeners will discover practical tools to calm nerves, balance training with life demands, and build resilience that translates to both sport and everyday challenges. Identify “bravery goals” that focus on showing up despite anxiety, rather than solely on performance outcomes.Use intentional “intent‑setting” or “whoop‑goal” frameworks to align daily actions with core values.Incorporate mental rest (e.g., stepping away from sport, mindfulness breaks) to prevent burnout and boost creativity.Leverage body cues and HRV trends to make informed training adjustments instead of reacting to single‑day data.Practice the “what if I don’t do it?” question to gain perspective on fear, relief, and motivation before races. Dr. Erin Haugen, PhD is a licensed sports psychologist, performance consultant, and founder of Haugen Performance. Specializes in mental health, performance psychology, well-being, and leadership training for those working in demanding industries. Dr. Haugen’s website: https://www.haugenperformance.com/ Dr. Haugen’s Performance Consulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haugenperform/ Dr. Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drerinhaugen/ If you found this conversation valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss a new episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform, and join the discussion on Instagram @Feisty_womens_performance. We’d love to hear from you! FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/ Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/ Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/ Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance 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

  4. Jul 27

    Inside the Pain Tolerance of Ultra-Endurance Women with Britta Maria Sorensen, PhD

    How do female ultra-endurance athletes experience, interpret, and cope with pain—and when does pushing through become too much? Erin Ayala, PhD, speaks with sport psychology researcher Dr. Britta Maria Sorensen about the complex role pain plays in women’s ultra-endurance sport. Dr. Sorensen explains why pain is more than a physical sensation. Biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors can all influence how athletes interpret discomfort, respond to it, and decide whether to continue or stop. They also explore the relationship between endurance sport, emotional stress, and past trauma; the difference between harmonious and obsessive passion; and how athletes can recognize when training is supporting their well-being versus becoming a form of avoidance. This conversation offers practical strategies for managing pain, reducing burnout risk, and building a healthier, more sustainable relationship with performance. In this episode: Why pain should be understood through a biopsychosocial lensWhat qualitative research reveals about how women cope with extreme discomfortHow past trauma and emotional stress may shape participation in ultra-endurance sportThe difference between using sport as a healthy outlet and using it as avoidancePractical tools such as body scans, progressive self-talk, fueling, hydration, and properly fitted gearWhy scheduled rest and recovery can help prevent compulsive training patternsHow coaches, therapists, partners, and support systems can help athletes stay balanced Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this conversation with an athlete, coach, or practitioner interested in pain, performance, and long-term well-being. Dr. Sorenson's Open Access Research Article FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/ Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/ Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/ Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance 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

  5. Jul 20

    The Silent Costs of Psychological Harm for Women in Sport with Dr. Gretchen Kerr

    What does athlete safety look like beyond preventing physical injury? In this episode, Erin Ayala, PhD, speaks with Dr. Gretchen Kerr, professor of kinesiology at the University of Toronto and an internationally recognized expert on psychological abuse, interpersonal violence, and maltreatment in sport. They explore why psychological harm is the most common—and often the least recognized—form of abuse in athletics, how win-at-all-costs cultures can normalize harmful behavior, and why some safe-sport reporting processes may unintentionally re-traumatize athletes. Dr. Kerr also shares evidence-based strategies for prevention, including shifting the definition of success toward athlete well-being, enjoyment, and belonging; strengthening communication among coaches, parents, and administrators; and using practical tools that address harmful behavior before it escalates. This conversation offers clear, actionable guidance for coaches, athletes, parents, sport leaders, and anyone invested in creating healthier, safer, and more positive sport environments. In this episode: Why psychological abuse is so common in sport—and why it often goes unnoticedHow safe-sport reporting systems can unintentionally cause additional harmWhy athletes need ongoing support beyond the initial reporting processHow win-focused performance metrics can contribute to unhealthy environmentsThe importance of prioritizing well-being, enjoyment, and belongingPreventive approaches, including quality-coaching tools and restorative practicesHow transparent communication can help protect athletes About Dr. Gretchen Kerr Dr. Gretchen Kerr is a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on psychological abuse, interpersonal violence, athlete maltreatment, and the development of safer, more supportive sport systems. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this conversation with a coach, parent, athlete, or sport leader who is working to create a safer and more supportive culture. FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/ Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/ Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/ Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance 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

  6. Jul 13

    Why "Push Through It" Is the Worst Advice for Autoimmune Athletes with Mireille Siné, MPH

    In this episode, Dr. Erin Ayala sits down with Mireille Siné, MPH — a certified running coach, lupus endurance athlete, and advocate for athletes living with autoimmune and chronic conditions. Mireille has lived with lupus for 13 years and now coaches athletes who are navigating autoimmune disease, chronic illness, flares, fatigue, and identity shifts — while doing endurance sports. Together, Erin and Mireille discuss: Why autoimmune athletes carry a “double load”How training stress can interact with immune dysregulationHow to distinguish overtraining from a possible flareWhy “push through it” can be harmful adviceThe importance of symptom tracking and medical self-advocacyWhat coaches should ask athletes with autoimmune conditionsHow to build flexible training plansWhy performance is not just pace, PRs, and finish linesHow to stop chasing the athlete you used to be and build toward who you can still become Mireille Siné is a USATF and 80/20 Endurance-certified run coach, 14-time marathoner, and ultramarathoner based in Los Angeles. She is the founder of Coached by Mireille LLC, a virtual coaching practice specializing in runners and endurance athletes managing autoimmune conditions and chronic illness. Mireille coaches with the philosophy "train with compassion" — building training plans that account for the full reality of her athletes' lives, not just their race goals. She has been featured in Runner's World and has spoken at the AIP Summit and Skadi Sports Psychology Athlete Summit. Living with lupus herself, Mireille brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, helping athletes redefine what strength and performance can look like with a chronic illness diagnosis. Follow Mireille on Instagram FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/ Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/ Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/ Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance 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

  7. Jul 6

    Fibermaxing, Ozempic: Which 2026 nutrition trends should you actually care about? with Alex Larson (Replay)

    We're welcoming registered dietitian Alex Larson to help us dive deep into the critical (and less critical) nutrition trends of coming in 2026. Alex and your host, Dr. Erin Ayala, discuss the realities of the supplement industry, bust myths surrounding women's sports nutrition, and explore evidence-based nutrition strategies to enhance your performance. Key Takeaways What supplements should you really be taking? Learn how to evaluate supplements critically and determine which ones really matter.Creatine benefits: The latest research on creatine, particularly its effects on female athletes and why it's worth considering.How women can effectively implement high-carb fueling strategies for running, biking, and getting the most out of themselves.GLP-1s: What should you know about the rise of GLP-1 weight loss medications and their implications for active women.Fiber Maxing: Is this the craziest nutrition trend hitting the internet! Alex Larson is a registered dietitian and founder of Alex Larson Nutrition. With a focus on practical nutrition strategies for athletes, Alex empowers her clients to achieve their goals while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Resources mentioned: Alex Larson Nutrition: alexlarsonnutrition.comEndurance Eats Podcast: Listen Here If you found value in today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us reach more women who are eager to elevate their performance. Join our community and stay connected for more evidence-based nutrition conversations! FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/ Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/ Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/ Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance 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

  8. Jun 29

    CrossFit Games champion Annie Thorisdottir on motherhood & performance postpartum

    Annie Thorisdottir has stood on the CrossFit Games podium six times and built a career as one of the most recognizable and respected athletes in the world. But some of the most defining moments of her life happened far from the competition floor. In this episode, Annie opens up about the raw and disorienting experience of seeing herself just days postpartum and not recognizing the woman in the mirror. That moment became part of a much bigger story — one not just about winning, but about identity, resilience, recovery, motherhood, and learning how to rebuild on the other side of elite sports. Annie shares: why she waited years to write a bookwhat her sports psychologist taught her about the “neutral zone,”why setbacks often became her most reliable path forward.the cultural shift needed around postpartum recovery and how she is now channeling what she's learned into programming that helps women work with their bodies Order Annie's memoir Iceland Annie FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/ Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/ Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/ Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/ Follow us on Instagram: @feisty_womens_performance 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

See All (206)

Trailers

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

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.

Information

More From Feisty Media

You Might Also Like