Finding Fortitude

Tori McIntire

Finding Fortitude is hosted by Dr. Tori McIntire, PT, DPT, owner of Fortitude Physical Therapy and Wellness. This podcast is dedicated to helping former athletes build sustainable health habits and discover evidence-based strategies for managing pain through a whole-human perspective. Tori is on a mission to make a difference in healthcare by focusing on wellness instead of illness and by making you feel whole and supported instead of blamed and broken. If you're looking for information on how to re-claim your inner athlete and live your best life, you've come to the right place!

  1. 10/09/2025

    Running Injuries 101: Rehab and Resilience with Emma Vaillancourt

    Whether you’re training for your next race, coming back from an injury, or just lacing up your running shoes for the first time — this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you stay strong, healthy, and consistent as a runner. In this episode of Finding Fortitude, I sat down with physiotherapist and running coach, Emma Vaillancourt, to dive into all things running injuries and recovery. Emma shares her perspective as both a clinician and an athlete, breaking down common myths and helping runners understand how to train smarter and return to running safely after injury. Together, we explore: The most common running injuries and why they happen“Niggles” vs. injuries (and when to take it seriously)How to tell if you’re ready to return to running after injuryKey risk factors that increase your chance of getting hurtAnd so much more!Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, this episode will help you better understand your body, trust the process, and run with confidence. 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it and leaving a rating or review to help it reach more people! Get in touch with Emma at www.rehab2racing.com Follow Emma on Instagram @rehab2racing Got feedback? Guest or topic suggestions? Send me a message! Let’s connect! Here's where you can find me… Instagram: @tori.fortitude.pt Website: www.fortitudeptw.com Email: info@fortitudeptw.com Book a Free Discovery Call with me to learn more about my 1:1 coaching services! Join the Fortitude email list to stay in touch, enjoy some Schitt's Creek references, and stay in the loop about programs and offerings.

    58 min
  2. 08/14/2025

    Boundaries and “Balance” in Life After Sport with Eva McIntire

    In this episode of Finding Fortitude, I sit down with one of my favorite people — former D1 collegiate softball player and all-around powerhouse, Eva McIntire, to talk about life after sport, setting healthy boundaries, and "work-life balance" (if that's even a real thing). You'll hear about: Eva's journey through sport-related injuries and burnoutThe challenging transition out of athletics and into another careerHow the pandemic pushed Eva to pivot and redefine her pathLessons on saying no and setting boundaries to prioritize well-being and create a life that aligns with personal valuesWhy "balance" isn't always the goalRe-defining athleticism and finding new passions in life after sportAnd more!Whether you’re a former athlete or simply someone trying to juggle ambition with self-care, Eva’s insights will leave you feeling seen and inspired. 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it and leaving a rating or review to help me reach more people! Connect with Eva on Instagram @eva_emcintire Got feedback? Guest or topic suggestions? Send me a message! Let’s connect! Here's where you can find me… Instagram: @tori.fortitude.pt Website: www.fortitudeptw.com Email: info@fortitudeptw.com Book a Free Discovery Call with me to learn more about my 1:1 coaching services! Join the Fortitude email list to stay in touch, enjoy some Schitt's Creek references, and stay in the loop about programs and offerings.

    50 min
  3. 07/12/2025

    All Things ACL Injuries with Steph Allen

    If you or someone you know has ever experienced an ACL injury, this episode of Finding Fortitude is a must-listen. Today's guest is Dr. Steph Allen, a physical therapist, orthopedic clinical specialist, and founder of ACL Resolve—a virtual coaching platform helping athletes navigate rehabilitation after ACL injury or reconstruction. She’s a leading voice in ACL rehab and return-to-sport, and I’m so grateful she joined me to share her expertise. In the episode, we dive into: What the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is and why it matters in athleticsSteph's personal experience with ACL injury and reconstructionCommon risk factors for ACL injuries (especially in female athletes)The evolving conversation around surgery vs. non-surgical rehabWhat high-quality ACL rehab should look likeAnd more!Whether you’re an athlete, clinician, coach, or just curious about ACL injuries, this episode is full of evidence-based insights and real-world experience to help you better understand the ACL rehab journey. 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it and leaving a rating or review to help me reach more people! Get in touch with Steph at www.aclresolve.com Follow Steph on Instagram @stephallen.dpt Supplemental material: Anterior cruciate ligament injury: towards a gendered environmental approach Got feedback? Guest or topic suggestions? Send me a message! Let’s connect! Here's where you can find me… Instagram: @tori.fortitude.pt Website: www.fortitudeptw.com Email: info@fortitudeptw.com Book a Free Discovery Call with me to learn more about my 1:1 coaching services! Join the Fortitude email list to stay in touch, enjoy some Schitt's Creek references, and stay in the loop about programs and offerings.

    56 min
  4. 06/05/2025

    Pole Dancing, Pain, and Performance with Emily Rausch

    Welcome back to Finding Fortitude! Today’s guest is one of the most badass humans I know — Dr. Emily Rausch: sports chiropractor, pole dancer, and unapologetic educator helping dancers stay strong, reduce injuries, and return to the pole with confidence. In this episode, we get real about what it actually takes to keep your body resilient in a demanding sport like pole. Emily breaks down the myths around chiropractic care, the power of strength training for pole artists, and how dancers can train smarter to reduce injuries and perform their best. We also get into: The common skepticism around chiropractic care — and how evidence-based providers like Emily are changing the narrativeHow Emily’s own shoulder rehab journey made her a stronger clinician and coach for pole dancers navigating injuryWhy it matters to work with a healthcare provider who truly understands the physical demands of the sport or activity you’re returning to after injuryBody image, fear of "getting bulky," and redefining strengthThe role of strength, flexibility, and recovery — and how hypermobility affects training and injury risk for pole dancersFair warning: this episode includes a bit of explicit language (and a lot of honesty). So if that’s not your vibe, feel free to skip — no hard feelings! 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it and leaving a rating or review to help us reach more people! Get in touch with Emily at www.dremilyrausch.com Follow Emily on Instagram @dr.emilyrausch Got feedback? Guest or topic suggestions? Send me a message! Let’s connect! Here's where you can find me… Instagram: @tori.fortitude.pt Website: www.fortitudeptw.com Email: info@fortitudeptw.com Book a Free Discovery Call with me to learn more about my 1:1 coaching services! Join the Fortitude email list to stay in touch, enjoy some Schitt's Creek references, and stay in the loop about programs and offerings.

    1h 8m
  5. 03/26/2025

    Why Even Bother Lifting Heavy? with John Flagg

    Why should you bother lifting heavy? Is resistance training really safe? And what’s the deal with cardio supposedly “killing gains”? In this episode, I sat down with the strongest person I know (literally)—strength coach, certified athletic trainer, and competitive powerlifter, John Flagg—to tackle these questions and more. We break down: The key differences between weightlifting vs. powerlifting vs. resistance trainingWhy resistance training is crucial for overall health and longevityThe biggest myths about lifting heavy and injury riskThe shift in women’s strength training culture and how more women are embracing liftingWhy John and his wife introduced their daughters to lifting at a young ageThe truth about cardio and strength training—does it actually hurt your gains?Whether you're a seasoned lifter or new to strength training, this episode will provide valuable insights into the benefits of lifting heavy for your health and longevity. 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it and leaving a rating or review to help us reach more people! Buy John’s new book here: Foundational Strength Follow John on Instagram @john.rebuild_stronger Got feedback? Guest or topic suggestions? Send me a message! Let’s connect! Here's where you can find me… Instagram: @tori.fortitude.pt Website: www.fortitudeptw.com Email: info@fortitudeptw.com Book a Free Discovery Call with me to learn more about my 1:1 coaching services! Join the Fortitude email list to stay in touch, enjoy some Schitt's Creek references, and stay in the loop about programs and offerings.

    1h 21m
  6. Pelvic Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum with Chelsea Lynch

    03/13/2025

    Pelvic Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum with Chelsea Lynch

    Today’s episode is a must-listen for anyone who is pregnant, postpartum, or simply wants to understand the importance of pelvic health through these phases of life. This is a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention, but it affects so many people! Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want to be proactive about your health, this episode is packed with valuable insights. My guest on this episode is Dr. Chelsea Lynch, PT, DPT. She specializes in pelvic health physical therapy and is the owner of Ponderosa Physical Therapy, an outpatient orthopedic and pelvic health clinic in Grass Valley, CA where I work part-time. Not only is she my boss, but she’s also a great mentor and a friend, and I’m so excited to have her on the show so you can learn from her! We discuss: Chelsea’s background and how her passion for pelvic health startedWhy pelvic health matters during pregnancy and postpartum and common pelvic health issues that people experienceMyths and misconceptions about pelvic health and recovery during and after pregnancyWhen it might be a good idea to work with a pelvic health physical therapistAnd much more!Whether you’re a new mom, planning to become pregnant, or just curious about pelvic health, this episode will leave you with a better understanding of how to take care of your body through these important life stages. 🎧 Please share this episode with anyone who might benefit, and leave the show a rating or review to help us reach more people! Get in contact with Chelsea via email at chelsea@ponderosapt.com or schedule a visit by going to www.ponderosapt.com Follow Ponderosa PT on Instagram @ponderosa_pt Got feedback? Guest or topic suggestions? Send me a message! Let’s connect! Here's where you can find me… Instagram: @tori.fortitude.pt Website: www.fortitudeptw.com Email: info@fortitudeptw.com Book a Free Discovery Call with me to learn more about my 1:1 coaching services! Join the Fortitude email list to stay in touch, enjoy some Schitt's Creek references, and stay in the loop about programs and offerings.

    51 min
  7. 02/22/2025

    Pressing Pause for Healing and Recovery with Emma Jack

    As former athletes, we're wired to push through pain and keep moving—but in many cases, true healing only comes when we slow down and listen to our bodies. In this episode, I interview my favorite Canadian physiotherapist and business coach, Emma Jack, to dive into all things healing and recovery. We discuss: Emma's athletic and professional background and how it's shaped her approach to recoveryHer recent personal healing journey and the lessons it's taught her, including how it's influenced the way she supports others who are recovering from pain or injuryThe power of learning when (and how) to Press Pause in order to Press PlayHow to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system, especially with chronic pain conditions that are often dismissed or misunderstoodThis conversation felt like a warm hug. Emma’s wisdom on trusting your body, embracing rest, and navigating healthcare is invaluable—whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply learning to slow down. I can’t wait for you to hear it! Follow Emma on Instagram @pressplayphysio Got feedback? Guest or topic suggestions? Send me a message! Let’s connect! Here's where you can find me… Instagram: @tori.fortitude.pt Website: www.fortitudeptw.com Email: info@fortitudeptw.com Book a Free Discovery Call with me to learn more about my 1:1 coaching services! Join the Fortitude email list to stay in touch, enjoy some Schitt's Creek references, and stay in the loop about programs and offerings.

    50 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Finding Fortitude is hosted by Dr. Tori McIntire, PT, DPT, owner of Fortitude Physical Therapy and Wellness. This podcast is dedicated to helping former athletes build sustainable health habits and discover evidence-based strategies for managing pain through a whole-human perspective. Tori is on a mission to make a difference in healthcare by focusing on wellness instead of illness and by making you feel whole and supported instead of blamed and broken. If you're looking for information on how to re-claim your inner athlete and live your best life, you've come to the right place!