Broads: The Bold & Badass Fitness Podcast for Women

Tara LaFerrara
Broads: The Bold & Badass Fitness Podcast for Women

Welcome to BROADS: The Bold & Badass Fitness Podcast for Women. I’m Tara and I’m here to empower you to feel strong in your body, be confident to take up space, and cultivate that badassery you’ve been holding back (yes, I did just make up the word badassery). You’re here because you know there is more to life and you’re ready to go after it … you just need some support and guidance along the way. So tune in, stay a while, and I promise to be right here alongside you as we figure this shit out, together.

  1. 3D AGO

    92: Vanessa and Xander Marin: Your Sex Drive Isn’t Broken—You’re Just Burnt Out

    Ever feel disconnected from your partner… but not sure how to fix it? You’re not alone. Between mismatched desire, mental load, body image struggles, and awkward communication, intimacy often becomes one more thing on your to-do list, instead of a source of connection. In this episode, I’m joined by Vanessa and Xander Marin—licensed sex therapist and bestselling author duo behind Sex Talks and the Pillow Talks podcast. We’re breaking down the silent issues that show up in long-term relationships and how to reconnect (without relying on spontaneous desire or unrealistic expectations). We’re talking about what’s actually behind low libido (hint: it’s not just hormones or sex drive), how to reduce the mental load so you can feel more connected, and why “scheduled sex” isn’t boring, it’s powerful.  Vanessa Marin is a licensed sex therapist with 20+ years of experience and Xander Marin is her husband, co-author, and brings the real-life partner perspective that makes these conversations feel refreshingly honest, relatable, and actionable. We Also Discuss: 08:26 – Why we need to talk about sex way more openly 13:44 – The 5 conversations every couple should have about sex 18:32 – The truth about “how often” you should be having sex 26:23 – Why desire doesn’t just happen—and what to focus on instead 32:42 – How mental load kills intimacy (and what to do about it) 40:00 – The surprising link between body image and your sex life 47:12 – What the “bristle reaction” is—and how to fix it 54:04 – The most underrated forms of foreplay (hint: it’s not lingerie) Thank You to Our Sponsors: Broads: Broads gives you structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join today at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.comFind more from Tara:   Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/ Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app Youtube: Tara LaFerrara Tiktok: @taralaferrara Find more from Instagram: @vanessaandxander  Website: https://vmtherapy.com/  Youtube: @vanessaandxander Podcast:  Pillow Talks

    1h 3m
  2. JUN 3

    91: 36 Lessons I’ve Learned in 36 Years

    Ever feel like you should have it all figured out by now—but you secretly don’t? Same. In this episode, I’m celebrating 36 trips around the sun by sharing 36 lessons that have changed how I train, how I show up, and how I treat myself (inside and out). We’re talking about the pressure to shrink yourself and be “less,” why discipline beats motivation every time, and how lifting weights transformed my confidence way more than chasing aesthetics ever did. I also get into the messy stuff: setting boundaries, choosing rest, and learning to love your body before it hits your “goal.” If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or like everyone else has life figured out—this episode is your permission slip to evolve, to expand, and to take up space at any age. Because aging isn’t the end of anything. It’s the beginning of becoming who you really are. I Also Discuss: (01:00) – Why turning 36 feels weird and exciting (05:14) – Shrinking yourself doesn’t keep you safe (11:12) – Your body is not your resume (16:13) – Rest is productive—period (22:45) – Lifting weights changed everything Thank You to Our Sponsors: Broads 1:1 – Ready to ditch the b******t and start feeling good in your body? Choose your level and let's do this together. Apply for BroadsCOACH or BroadsCHAMPION today  at https://www.broads.app/application   Find more from Tara:   Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/ Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app Youtube: Tara LaFerrara Tiktok: @taralaferrara

    36 min
  3. MAY 27

    90: Dr. Carrie Jones: Hormone Issues, Low Libido, Fatigue? Start Here

    Ever been told your symptoms are “just stress” or “totally normal” while your body feels anything but normal? You’re not imagining it—and you deserve real answers. In this episode, I’m joined by hormone health expert Dr. Carrie Jones, and we’re diving into the truth behind why so many women feel anxious, exhausted, inflamed, and out of sync—especially in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. If your labs are “normal” but you don’t feel normal, this episode is for you. We’re breaking down what’s actually going on in perimenopause, how nervous system dysregulation and chronic stress impact your hormones, and why some of the popular fixes (like overtraining or fasting) might be doing more harm than good. Dr. Carrie Jones is a board-certified functional medicine doctor and hormone health expert with 20+ years of clinical and educational experience. She is board-certified in Naturopathic Endocrinology and holds a Master's in Public Health. We Also Discuss: 00:00 – Why “normal” labs don’t mean you feel normal05:51 – The hormone lies women are still being told18:44 – How to actually know if your hormones are off23:24 – Are your healthy habits secretly stressing your body?36:01 – The real impact of stress and overtraining on hormones40:50 – What your bloodwork isn’t telling you53:52 – The problem with getting hormone advice from social mediaThank You to Our Sponsors:   Broads: The app made for women who lift. Fierce home & gym workouts, smart progression, and a community that’s here to hype you up. Try it free at broads.app with code PODCAST for 20% off your first month. Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at https://legionathletics.com/  Find more from Tara:   Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/ Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app Youtube: Tara LaFerrara Tiktok: @taralaferrara Find more from Dr. Carrie Jones Website: www.drcarriejones.com  Instagram: dr.carriejones

    54 min
  4. MAY 20

    89: Nutrition Q&A: Tracking, Protein Goals, Alcohol-Free Tips & Food Freedom

    For years, I thought nutrition had to be all or nothing… you either perfectly tracked your food, followed a strict diet, or you were "failing." I spent so much time overthinking every meal, trying to find the “perfect” way to eat, only to end up feeling stressed, guilty, and frustrated. I thought true health meant rigid rules, obsessive tracking, and pushing myself to stick to the latest diet trend. But the truth? Nutrition should be about fueling your body, building strength, and creating habits that support your life, not controlling every bite. In today’s episode, I’m answering your top nutrition questions: from intermittent fasting, to how to actually hit your protein goals, to healing your relationship with food in a way that feels empowering, not exhausting. If you’ve ever struggled with overcomplicating nutrition, feeling lost with protein targets, or rebuilding trust with your body, this episode is for you! I Also Discuss: (00:00) Nutrition Myths You Still Believe (and What Actually Works) (07:41) How Much Protein You REALLY Need (Without Going Crazy) (16:17) Healing Your Relationship With Food (Without Strict Diets) (18:07) Navigating Sobriety When Your Partner Still Drinks (24:47) Why Broads Is Different: Strength Over Scal Thank You to Our Sponsors: Broads App – Get structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month! Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at https://legionathletics.com/  Find more from Tara:   Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/ Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app Youtube: Tara LaFerrara Tiktok: @taralaferrara

    25 min
  5. MAY 13

    88: Jolene Brighten: Can’t Build Muscle? Always Tired? Check Your Hormones First

    How many times have you been told your heavy periods, low libido, or mood swings are “just part of being a woman”? Or handed birth control as the only option, without anyone actually explaining why your body feels off? If you’re nodding along, this episode is a must-listen. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Jolene Brighten—a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, menopause specialist, and author of Beyond the Pill and Is This Normal?—and she’s here to drop some serious truth bombs about women’s health. We’re breaking down the hormone myths that keep women confused and stuck, how to actually know if you have PCOS or endometriosis (even if you’re on the pill), and why your sex drive, sleep, and strength training are all connected. Get ready for real talk, science-backed advice, and the permission you’ve been waiting for to finally understand (and trust) your body. ​​Dr. Jolene Brighten is a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist and best-selling author known for her expertise in women's health, hormones, and sexual wellness. Dr. Brighton is also the founder of Dr. Brighten Essentials. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!   We Also Discuss: (00:31) The Truth About Women's Health – Dr. Jolene Brighten’s No-BS Approach (13:13) Why Women’s Health is Still Ignored: The Real Challenges (20:27) Endometriosis & PCOS: What You’re Not Hearing from Doctors (29:52) Breaking the Silence: How to Normalize Women’s Health Conversations (35:01) How Stress Kills Your Sex Drive: The Truth About Hormonal Balance (46:15) The Hidden Connection Between Hormones & Your Sexual Desire – Explained (58:02) Perimenopause Isn’t the End: How to Thrive in Your 40s and Beyond (01:04:45) Eating, Sleeping, and Strength Training: The Key to Hormonal Harmony Thank You to Our Sponsors: Broads App – Get structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month! Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at https://legionathletics.com/  Find more from Tara:   Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/ Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app Youtube: Tara LaFerrara Tiktok: @taralaferrara Find more from Dr. Jolene Brighten Website: drbrighten.com Instagram: @drjolenebrighten TikTok: @drjolenebrighten YouTube: Dr. Jolene Brighten The Perimenopause Weight Loss Action Plan: https://drbrighten.com/plan/

    1h 20m
  6. MAY 6

    87: This Is What’s Really Stopping You From Your Bikini Body

    For years, I thought I had to push myself to fit into this “summer body” ideal, sweating it out through restrictive diets and unrealistic fitness goals, only to feel like I was falling short. I kept repeating the cycle—working hard, but not seeing lasting results. I thought the key to being happy in my body was to lose weight fast and look a certain way for an event or season.  But the truth? It was all a big, exhausting loop that left me feeling drained and disconnected from my true health goals. In today’s episode, I'm talking about breaking free from the “bikini body” myth and the pressure to constantly shrink your body for the sake of appearance. I share my own experiences of being stuck in the weight-loss obsession, and how I learned to focus on what really matters— the real, long-term changes that create true strength, energy, and confidence—no matter the season. This episode is for anyone who’s tired of the endless cycle of dieting and unrealistic body standards.    I Also Discuss: (00:00) Break Free from the Summer Body Trap! (11:17) Sustainable Fitness: Real Results, No Quick Fixes (18:01) Want Strong Abs? Stop Crunching and Start Lifting (26:09) Stop the Dieting Cycle: Build Lasting Health Instead (26:09) Empowerment Over Aesthetics: The Real Way to Train Thank You to Our Sponsors: Broads App – Get structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month! Legion - Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.com Find more from Tara:   Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/ Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app Youtube: Tara LaFerrara Tiktok: @taralaferrara

    27 min
  7. APR 29

    86: Brianna Battles: Must Know Tips to Transform Your Body After Baby

    Let’s be honest—how often do we think about how pregnancy and postpartum affect our training and recovery? For many women, this season of life brings unique challenges that aren't always addressed in mainstream fitness advice. In today’s episode, Brianna Battles, founder of Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism, joins me to discuss the importance of training during pregnancy and postpartum. We dive into how to modify your workouts to protect your pelvic health, the importance of understanding diastasis recti, and how to train your body while respecting its changes. Brianna also shares valuable insights on mindset—why it’s crucial to adjust your approach to exercise during these transformative periods and how to embrace the process. With years of experience helping women train safely through pregnancy and postpartum, Brianna offers practical advice on regaining strength, improving pelvic health, and rethinking fitness goals for the long term. Tune in for a powerful conversation on fitness, health, and recovery after having a baby! We Also Discuss: (00:13) The Fitness Struggle: Balancing Motherhood & Health (07:38) Pelvic Health 101: Why It’s Key During Pregnancy (18:54) Embracing the Shift: Navigating Body Changes in Motherhood (26:35) Core Training Secrets for Pregnant Women: What You Need to Know (37:14) Diastasis Recti: Understanding Postpartum Recovery (49:00) Overcoming Postpartum Challenges & Restoring Your Strength (58:37) Building a Support Network for Pregnant & Postpartum Athletes Thank You to Our Sponsors: Broads: Broads gives you structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join today at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.comFind more from Tara:   Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/ Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app Youtube: Tara LaFerrara Tiktok: @taralaferrara Find more from Brianna Battles: Website: https://go.briannabattles.com Instagram: @brianna.battles  Programs: https://go.briannabattles.com/programs

    59 min
  8. APR 22

    85: THIS Is What Birth Control Is Doing To Your Body…

    Let’s be real—how often do you stop to think about how hormonal birth control affects your body, metabolism, and overall health? It’s something many women take without fully understanding the long-term impact. In today’s episode, Lara Briden joins me to dive into the technical side of hormonal birth control and its effects on muscle growth, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic function. We’ll explore how synthetic hormones interfere with ovarian function, why they might be hindering your fitness progress, and the connection between birth control and conditions like insulin resistance and gut health. We’ll also break down how the hormonal IUD and other methods can disrupt your natural cycle and what alternatives you can consider for better hormone balance and overall well-being. Plus, Lara shares insights on how to transition off birth control safely and what to expect when your body resets. Lara Briden is a Naturopathic doctor and leading expert in women’s hormone health. She’s the author of Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual and has spent over 20 years working with women to optimize their hormonal health. We Also Discuss: (00:16) Birth Control and Muscle Growth Study (06:40) Benefits of Non-Hormonal Birth Control (19:00) Copper IUD and Hormonal Birth Control (33:16) Understanding Body Literacy and Exercise (42:28) Optimizing Training Based on Menstrual Cycle (46:33) Metabolism and Cycle Synchronization (58:18) Metabolic Flexibility and Muscle Growth (01:10:27) Women's Health and Metabolism Repair Thank You to Our Sponsors: Broads: Broads gives you structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join today at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.comFind more from Tara:   Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/ Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app Youtube: Tara LaFerrara Tiktok: @taralaferrara   Find more from Lara Briden: Website: https://www.larabriden.com/ Instagram: @larabriden

    1h 1m
4.9
out of 5
113 Ratings

About

Welcome to BROADS: The Bold & Badass Fitness Podcast for Women. I’m Tara and I’m here to empower you to feel strong in your body, be confident to take up space, and cultivate that badassery you’ve been holding back (yes, I did just make up the word badassery). You’re here because you know there is more to life and you’re ready to go after it … you just need some support and guidance along the way. So tune in, stay a while, and I promise to be right here alongside you as we figure this shit out, together.

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