femSTRONG (+ EAST)

Stacey Rikalo

Conversations women will give a shit about - boys are welcome too. Health, philosophy, psychology, relationships, esoteric musings & more. Life can be tough, we hope to help make things a bit less confusing and a lot more fun. Right now we are doing an anatomy/physiology series with Dr. Sean McEachern - physical therapist, strength & conditioning coach and co-owner of East Austin Jiu Jitsu Parlor. These episodes drop on the last Tuesday of the month. Are you a woman looking for strength training in Austin? Join our crew! Learn more at www.femSTRONG.co

  1. APR 14

    57 - Why You Gas Out: The Science Behind Your Fuel Tank with Dr. Sean McEachern, DPT

    Hey jiu jitsu nerd!  Join your fave doctor of physical therapy and funniest strength coach as we break down why you gas out and what actually drives your energy during training. Whether you’re grappling, prioritizing zone 2 cardio, or just trying to understand why your body sometimes quits before you do, this episode makes bioenergetics and energy systems make sense. From carbs and fats to ATP and mitochondria, we explore the science behind endurance, and output so you can train smarter. EXPECT: 🟤 A breakdown of the body’s energy systems and when each kicks in 🟤 The role of ATP in energy production🟤 How to build an efficient engine so you can be a rechargeable little MONSTER​ 🟤 The different energy systems we use and how they interplay together during different efforts 🟤 Where all of our energy comes from in the first place. Where does it come from?!?! You tell me. Or listen. We also dive into why some people seem to never gas out and how you can train to get closer to that level. In Austin? Try a FREE week at East Austin Jiu Jitsu Parlor. ⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠ (select VISITOR) Not in Austin? Join EAST Live to follow along with the strength and conditioning programming we do at the Parlor from anywhere. ($40/ month) ⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠ Are you a lady who wants to get strong? femSTRONG has got you. ⁠⁠⁠LEARN MORE⁠⁠⁠ Injured? ⁠⁠⁠BOOK A SESSION WITH DR SEAN⁠⁠

    1h 24m
  2. MAR 11

    56 -Where Strong Starts - Nerves, Fibers & the Science of Strength feat. Dr. Sean McEachern

    Join your favorite doctor of physical therapy and strength coach as we dive into the fundamentals of muscle physiology and what actually drives strength gains in the body. If you lift weights, train hard, or just want to understand what’s happening under the hood when you exercise, this episode breaks down the neuromuscular system in a way that actually makes sense. From nerve signaling to muscle fiber types, we explore the science behind contraction, adaptation, and why certain types of training produce different results. EXPECT: How the neuromuscular system drives strength gains (hint: your nerves are just as important as your muscles) A clear breakdown of the sliding filament theory and how muscles actually contract The role calcium and nerve signaling play in turning muscle contractions on and off Differences between type I and type II muscle fibers and how training intensity influences them Why eccentric and isometric contractions matter for strength, growth, and rehab How muscle fibers can adapt based on the way you train We also tee up the next chapter of this series with a preview into bioenergetics and energy systems, and why understanding how your body produces energy can completely change the way you train. 💪 In Austin? Try a FREE week at East Austin Jiu Jitsu Parlor. ⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠ (select VISITOR) Not in Austin? Join EAST Live to follow along with the strength and conditioning programming we do at the Parlor from anywhere. ($40/ month) ⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠ Are you a lady who wants to get strong? femSTRONG has got you. ⁠⁠LEARN MORE⁠⁠ Injured? ⁠⁠BOOK A SESSION WITH DR SEAN⁠

    58 min
  3. 06/03/2025

    51 - Pregnant, Postpartum, PILATES - Everything New Moms Need to Know About This HOT Girl Summer Workout with Caroline Alibi

    This week, I chat with Caroline Alabi—mom, business owner, and passionate Pilates pro—about why this modality is having a major moment, and how it can be a total game-changer in pregnancy and postpartum recovery. From breathing techniques to core control, we explore how Pilates helps support pelvic floor health, manage pregnancy symptoms, and ease your return to movement after baby. Caroline shares her personal journey navigating pregnancy, postpartum healing, and the surprising ways Pilates became her anchor. If you’ve ever wondered if Pilates is “enough,” whether it’s safe for pregnancy, or why everyone keeps talking about their core, this one’s for you. 🎙️ In this episode, we cover: What Pilates actually is (and how it's different from yoga) How pregnancy changes your core + pelvic floor—and what to do about it Common mistakes in postpartum Pilates (and how to avoid them) Why listening to your body > following a “plan” Breathing, concentration, and other under-rated movement tools Building community and reclaiming your body after birth ✨ Whether you’re a total Pilates newbie or looking to deepen your practice, Caroline’s insights will leave you feeling empowered, seen, and ready to move—on your terms. Join Caroline for a workout at Well and Often: https://www.instagram.com/wellandoftenllc/ femSTRONG website: www.femSTRONG.co Join us every final Friday of the month for our FREE community event, femSTRONG Friday: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/femstrong/femstrong-fridays-barbells-baddies-babies-on-the-way

    1h 6m
  4. 05/13/2025

    50 - Disordered Eating, Body Image & Food Freedom in Pregnancy and Postpartum with Emily Van Eck

    In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by registered dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor Emily Van Eck to unpack the tangled relationship so many women have with food, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Emily shares how restrictive eating, body control, and food obsession are often normalized (even praised), but can quietly erode well-being. Together, we dive into: How disordered eating habits form—and why they’re so common The difference between eating disorders and disordered eating (and why both matter) How pregnancy can shift body image and eating patterns—for better or for worse What intuitive eating really means—and how it can support healing Where to turn for support if you're unsure what’s “normal” If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with food or felt out of sync with your body, this episode will help you recognize red flags, offer validation, and remind you that healing is possible—at any stage of life. Show Notes: Emily’s website:  www.emilyvaneck.com Emily’s Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/emily.nutrition/ Intuitive Eating Counselors Directory  https://www.intuitiveeating.org/certified-counselors/ femSTRONG website: www.femSTRONG.co Join us every final Friday of the month for our FREE community event, femSTRONG Friday: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/femstrong/femstrong-fridays-barbells-baddies-babies-on-the-way

    1h 35m

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Conversations women will give a shit about - boys are welcome too. Health, philosophy, psychology, relationships, esoteric musings & more. Life can be tough, we hope to help make things a bit less confusing and a lot more fun. Right now we are doing an anatomy/physiology series with Dr. Sean McEachern - physical therapist, strength & conditioning coach and co-owner of East Austin Jiu Jitsu Parlor. These episodes drop on the last Tuesday of the month. Are you a woman looking for strength training in Austin? Join our crew! Learn more at www.femSTRONG.co