Female Athlete Diaries

Kirsty Sheehan
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  • Health & Fitness

Real stories and conversations of the challenges females face during exercise, training, and racing through all stages of life. Stories of being steam rolled by PMT, the yo-yo of peri-menopause, losing confidence in your body, the diet that went too far, and many more. Listen to the experiences of other women, connect and breakthrough.

  1. May 7

    Bringing Up Sporting Children In A Body Conscious World

    Send us Fan Mail Season two of Female Athlete Diaries launches with a two-part compilation on raising sporting children in a body-conscious, social-media-driven world. Host Kirsty Sheehan interviews parents including Anne-Marie, Suzie Moffatt, Katie Hawkins, and Kaliki James about modeling positive attitudes to movement, food, and body image. They discuss focusing on what the body can do, avoiding negative self-talk and comments about others’ sizes, keeping treats in moderation without demonizing foods, and using family meals for connection. Topics include early signs of self-consciousness, social media access, pressures in gymnastics leotards, puberty changes, periods and practical supports, and encouraging participation and volunteering. Kirsty suggests GP referrals and Dietitians Australia to find Eating Disorders Specialist Dietitians and care plans when concerns arise. 00:00 Season Two Kickoff 00:47 Why This Topic Matters 02:03 Meet Your Host 02:27 Annemarie Introduction 03:13 Kids Sports Snapshot 04:34 Parents as Role Models 07:52 Early Image Pressures 13:19 Home Strategies and Language 14:55 Progress Over Perfection 20:58 Weighing Without Numbers 22:10 Annemarie Key Advice 24:44 Suzie Joins the Chat 26:37 Gymnastics and Competition 30:29 Body Consciousness Creeping In 33:38 Social Media and Access 35:15 Movement and Family Meals 39:09 Lunchboxes and Real Life 40:15 Practical Advice and Support 42:02 Dietitian Referral Advice 42:26 Wrap Up With Suzie 42:53 Meet Katie Hawkins 44:02 Katie’s Sporty Family 45:17 Netball And Body Image 46:17 Raising Body Positive Kids 47:46 Meet Kaliki James 48:57 Kaliki's Triathlon Journey 50:41 Active Kids And Family Culture 53:01 Body Image Boys Vs Girls 57:27 Curvy Athlete Challenges 01:02:48 Periods And Puberty In Sport 01:05:58 Role Modelling And Volunteering 01:08:40 Handling School Comments 01:12:22 Episode Takeaways And Resources Resources: Annemarie's book suggestion: All The Ways To Be Smart by Davina Bell.

    1h 14m

  2. 12/12/2025

    Podiums to PhDs- Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport with Penny Slater

    Send us Fan Mail Navigating RED-S: Insights from Pro Triathlete and PhD Candidate Penny Slater In this episode of Female Athlete Diaries, host Kirsty Sheehan welcomes Penny Slater, an accomplished Australian Pro triathlete, coach, and PhD candidate. Penny shares her journey, including her switch from off-road to long-course triathlon and her struggles and recovery from Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-S). The discussion delves into the symptoms, diagnosis, and long-term effects of RED-S, as well as Penny’s academic research on the subject. Penny emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition, ongoing care from professionals, and the need for education and support for female athletes. Tune in to learn about the physiological and psychological impacts of RED-S and how Penny’s journey is contributing to better awareness and preventive education in the sports community. 00:00 Introduction to Female Athlete Diaries 00:24 Meet Penny Slater: Professional Triathlete 01:15 Penny's Battle with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) 02:12 Understanding RED-S: Causes and Diagnosis 03:05 Penny's Personal Journey and Challenges 07:19 Psychological and Physical Consequences of RED-S 10:53 The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Athletes 16:28 Penny's PhD Research on RED-S 28:22 Reflecting on a Career-Defining Year 28:42 The Importance of Fueling Performance 30:35 Running Performance and Body Composition 32:38 Future Education Initiatives 35:50 Addressing Energy Availability and RED-S 43:34 Advice for Young Female Athletes 50:13 Plans for the Future 53:04 Conclusion and Future Episodes Insta: @pen_slater

    53 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    From Water to Weights: An Evolutionary Journey with Bonnie MacDonald

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Female Athlete Diaries, host Kirsty Sheehan interviews Bonnie McDonald, a former competitive swimmer for Australia. Bonnie shares her extensive career achievements in swimming, including multiple national titles and competing at international championships. She discusses the pressures of body image and nutrition in elite swimming, the transition from an athletic identity to a business career, and her eventual transition into bodybuilding. Bonnie explains how the discipline and training in bodybuilding have reshaped her perspective on body image and provided a new outlet for her competitive drive. She emphasizes the importance of a supportive community, the role of a knowledgeable coach, and the mental and physical aspects of competing in bodybuilding. This episode dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining athletic excellence and navigating life after competitive sports. 00:00 Introduction to Female Athlete Diaries 00:23 Meet Bonnie McDonald: A Swimming Prodigy 00:47 Bonnie's Swimming Achievements 02:11 Transition from Swimming to Business 03:20 Early Swimming Journey 09:56 Challenges of Body Image in Swimming 18:22 Experiences in the American Collegiate System 23:21 Retirement and Identity Crisis 32:24 Life After Swimming 35:58 Returning to Australia and Moving Away from Swimming 36:51 Discovering Functional Fitness and CrossFit 37:24 Embracing Competitiveness in CrossFit 41:27 Transitioning to Bodybuilding 46:14 The Challenges and Rewards of Bodybuilding 53:31 Body Positivity and Mental Health in Bodybuilding 58:18 The Longevity and Future of Bodybuilding 01:01:54 Final Thoughts and Advice for Women You can contact Bonnie:  @bmathletica bmathletica@gmail.com

    1h 5m

  4. 11/08/2025

    The Learning Curve with Kat Krosch

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Female Athlete Diaries, host Kirsty Sheehan interviews Kat Krosch, a physiotherapist and triahtlon coach specialising in running and cycling biomechanics and injury prevention. Kat shares her journey from starting triathlon in 2012 to becoming a professional triathlete, despite numerous challenges including stress fractures, the COVID period and managing full time work. She discusses her decision to relinquish her pro license, her experiences with inequities in prize money, overtraining, and the impact of relative energy deficiency. One of the key takeaways from this episode is clear communication with your coach and having the confidence to advocate for yourself when you know things aren't right with your training. Kat also highlights her initiatives to increase female participation in endurance sports and her ongoing passion for coaching. 00:00 Introduction to Female Athlete Diaries 00:27 Meet Kat Krosch: Physiotherapist and Triathlete 01:14 Kat's Journey into Triathlon 02:01 From Army to Triathlon 05:54 First Triathlon Experiences 07:22 Transition to Longer Distances 10:45 Pursuing Professional Status 14:10 COVID-19 and Career Shifts 20:42 Coaching and Core 4 Endurance 24:01 Challenges and Triumphs in Professional Racing 33:11 Highs and Lows of Intense Training 35:16 Overtraining and Stress Fractures 36:43 The Impact of Training Age and Gender Differences 39:45 Communicating with Coaches and Self-Advocacy 43:58 Mental and Physical Challenges of Injuries 51:40 Navigating RED-S and Menstrual Health 57:14 Transitioning from Pro Racing to Coaching 01:05:53 Future Plans and Reflections To contact Kat and Core 4 Endurance: https://core4endurance.com.au/contact/ Current initiatives include an Introduction to Crit Racing for women.

    1h 10m

  5. 10/24/2025

    Dedication to Development Yields Results: A Lifetime is Sport with Margo Mackintosh

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Female Athlete Diaries, hosted by Kirsty Sheehan, we hear the story of Margo Macintosh, an accomplished age group athlete and multiple world champion in sprint distance triathlon as well as long course. The most resounding parts of Margo's journey are her consistency to training, her resilience when faced with setbacks, her dedication to the process and enjoyment of growth and development in sport. Margo also highlights the significance of supportive communities in sport. She shows great bravery in discussing her experience around an unwitting doping violation in 2019 at the World Duathlon titles and how she overcame this. Something every athlete can learn from. Margo's recount of her redemption in 2023 at the World Sprint Distance Triathlon Titles is a display of resilience that leaves us feeling emotional. Margo's story is one of persevere, embracing the process, and highlighting the importance of growth and enjoyment in sports. 00:00 Introduction to Female Athlete Diaries 00:25 Meet Margo Mackintosh: A Journey of Athletic Achievements 01:32 Early Beginnings in Athletics 06:33 Transition to Triathlon 12:07 The Triathlon Community and Training 18:03 Challenges and Triumphs in School Sports 33:55 Overcoming Injuries and Setbacks 41:04 Facing Unexpected Challenges 43:34 Navigating Supplement Use and Anti-Doping Measures 46:17 The Emotional Toll of Being Labeled a Fraud 50:06 Ironman Preparation and Training Adjustments 59:02 Facing the Ironman Challenge in Austria 01:07:48 Redemption at the Short Course Worlds 01:15:32 Reflecting on Achievements and Future Plans 01:22:32 Concluding Thoughts and Future Ventures

    1h 23m

  6. 10/12/2025

    Part 2: An Ultra Exclamation Post Menopause with Mel Cockshutt

    Send us Fan Mail Overcoming Menopause with Ultraman In this episode of Female Athlete Diaries, host Kirsty Sheehan delves into the compelling story of Mel Cockshutt, an athlete who emerged resiliently from four challenging years of menopause to take on the Ultraman challenge in Australia. Mel details her journey, including the concessions she made in training, the role of her supportive crew, and innovative strategies she used. She explains the stages of the three-day Ultraman race and shares the emotional highs and lows, from early fears and body confidence issues to the triumphant moments of completing the race with the help of her community and family. Additionally, Mel shares her passion for teaching ocean swimming through the Sea Dragons group, empowering others to overcome their fears. The episode emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the importance of finding personal fulfillment in sports and life after menopause. 00:00 Introduction to Female Athlete Diaries 00:38 Mel Cockshutt's Journey Through Menopause 01:26 Preparing for the Ultraman Challenge 02:04 The Ultraman Australia Event Breakdown 03:29 Training Strategies and Support Crew 05:32 Overcoming Nutritional Challenges 15:01 Founding the Sea Dragons 22:49 Reflecting on the Race Experience 23:26 Competitive Spirit and Internal Conflict 25:28 Navigating Challenges and Enjoying the Journey 27:43 Day Three Strategy and Execution 30:51 Finishing Strong and Reflecting on the Achievement 37:23 Community Involvement and Future Plans 41:48 Advice for Women Facing Perimenopause

    44 min

  7. 09/25/2025

    A Meaningful Journey with Melinda Cockshutt

    Send us Fan Mail Female Athlete Diaries – Part 1: Mel Cockshutt In this inspiring episode, host Kirsty Sheehan sits down with Melinda Cockshutt, an accomplished athlete, coach, and community leader. Mel shares her remarkable journey from a career in law to becoming the oldest competitor to win the women’s race at Ultraman Oz, all while raising funds for Heart of Courage and supporting cancer outcomes for First Nations communities. Mel opens up about her early days in triathlon, balancing motherhood and training, and the challenges she faced returning to sport postpartum. She discusses her transition to professional racing, her experiences at Ironman events—including racing against legends like Chrissie Wellington—and the impact of family and community on her athletic career. A significant portion of the conversation delves into Mel’s candid account of perimenopause and menopause, the physical and emotional toll it took, and the importance of finding the right support network. Mel and Kirsty explore the need for better awareness and resources for women navigating these life stages, especially for athletes. Other highlights include: Mel’s passion for coaching and empowering othersHer fundraising efforts with Tour de Cure and Heart of CourageThe importance of longevity and balance in sport and lifeHonest reflections on identity, resilience, and self-compassionStay tuned for Part 2, where Mel shares her training journey leading up to Ultraman and how she tackled the event itself. Connect with us: Instagram: @femaleathletediaries If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

    39 min

  8. 09/19/2025 ·  Bonus

    Female Athlete Diaries Highlights and Follow Up

    Send us Fan Mail Empowering Stories and Practical Advice In this short episode of Female Athlete Diaries, we recap the inspiring stories and insights shared by eight amazing women. Each guest, including marathoner Michelle Barnes, Jia Yee Yang, Keely Mancini, Clare Leung, Alli Cooke, Jodie Browning, Dr Deb Latouf,  and Alisha Van Asperen, discussed various topics such as overcoming physical challenges, dealing with eating disorders, managing menopause, and navigating high-performance sports. This recap provides useful resources like the Dietitians Australia search function, the Butterfly Foundation, Healthy Bones Australia, and Australasian Menopause Society to help listeners find professional support. Listeners are encouraged to rate the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcast and stay tuned for future episodes covering diverse topics such as training for ultras at 50 and postnatal depression. 00:00 Introduction and Recap Overview 00:49 Michelle Barnes: Embracing the Bigger Girl Who Can Run 02:44 Jia Yee Yang: Training for more than Aesthetics and Overcoming Eating Disorders 03:51 Keely Mancini: Coping with Osteopenia 05:37 Clare Leung: Navigating Menopause as an Athlete 07:22 Alli Cooke: Managing Perimenopause and Bone Stress Injuries 08:51 Jodie Browning: High Performance Endurance Sport and Addiction 10:40 Dr. Deb Latouf: Talent Identification, making a difference to ordinary athletes and health struggles 12:54 Alisha Van Asperen: Bodybuilding Journey and Health Tips 14:12 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes Useful links for further advice: Find a Dietitian: https://member.dietitiansaustralia.org.au/Portal/Portal/Search-Directories/Find-a-Dietitian.aspx Butterfly Foundation Butterfly.org.au Healthy Bones Australia https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au/https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au/ Australiasian Menopause Society https://menopause.org.au/ Australian Psychological Society https://psychology.org.au/ Spin Doctor Coaching: Dr Deb Latouf https://spindoctorcoaching.com.au/

    15 min
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About

Real stories and conversations of the challenges females face during exercise, training, and racing through all stages of life. Stories of being steam rolled by PMT, the yo-yo of peri-menopause, losing confidence in your body, the diet that went too far, and many more. Listen to the experiences of other women, connect and breakthrough.

Information

  • Creator
    Kirsty Sheehan
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Female Athlete Diaries
  • Show Website
    Female Athlete Diaries