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...
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Sep 28, 2026 · 1:04:22
In this live panel from FeistyFest, four leading women—Marty Munson, Alison Freeman, Lyn Benoit, and Elizabeth Allen—unpack how stress from work, life, and training converges in…
Sep 21, 2026 · 57:07
Dr. Esther Walker, PhD, shares the science behind why cycling boosts brain health and mental performance. She breaks down the short‑term neurochemical spikes and the long‑term…
Sep 14, 2026 · 1:03:59
In this episode, we sit down with Gabriela Hydle, a Mayan‑Guatemalan immigrant who discovered cycling at 41 and has since become a fierce advocate for equitable access to the…
Sep 7, 2026 · 1:03:02
Dr. Erin Ayala sits down with Dr. Tara‑Leigh McHugh, a Canada Research Chair in sport and physical activity at the University of Calgary. They explore the hidden challenges faced…
Aug 31, 2026 · 1:04:11
Erin Ayala, PhD sits down with Dr. Gabe Mauren, PhD, LP, PMH‑C, a leading psychologist in reproductive mental health, to unpack the complexities of postpartum mental health.…
Aug 28, 2026 · 58:13
In this bonus episode from Feisty's sister podcast, Another Mother Runner , hosts Sara Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin sit down with sport psychologists Dr. Tess Kilwein and Dr.…
Aug 24, 2026 · 1:03:52
Host Erin Ayala sits down with writer, speaker, and educator Chrissy King to unpack “body liberation” and how racism, diet culture, and the relentless “maxing” mindset intersect.…
Aug 17, 2026 · 1:10:03
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…
Aug 10, 2026 · 54:11
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…
Aug 3, 2026 · 1:06:40
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…
Jul 27, 2026 · 1:07:08
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…
Jul 20, 2026 · 1:02:29
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…
Jul 13, 2026 · 1:04:22
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…
Jul 6, 2026 · 1:21:02
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…
Jun 29, 2026 · 1:07:55
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…
Jun 22, 2026 · 1:04:20
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani (“Dr. G”), a leading expert in medical complications of eating disorders and underfueling, joins us to explain what female athletes need to…
Jun 15, 2026 · 1:07:57
What does it really take to keep women athletes healthy, performing, and in sport for the long haul? Dr. Erin Ayala sits down with Dr. Margo Mountjoy , one of the world’s leading…
Jun 8, 2026 · 1:03:58
What is weight-inclusive care? And why does it matter for *all* active women's health and performance? Dr. Erin Ayala sits down with Dr. Heather Bergeson, a sports‑medicine…
Jun 7, 2026 · 21:11
In this bonus episode, Hit Play Not Pause host, Selene Yeager welcomes longtime friend, cyclist, and women’s sports powerhouse Kate Veronneau to the show for a preview of the…
Jun 1, 2026 · 1:09:10
Ever compare yourself to others on Strava? Feel yourself pushed to do more to hit a "streak" or online badge? This episode's for you. Sport psychology professor Dr. Hayley…
May 25, 2026 · 1:04:02
Dr. Rebecka Peebles and registered dietitian Nathalia Trees dive into the booming world GLP-1 medications and the complex intersection of weight loss, body size, eating…
May 18, 2026 · 57:57
What are the hidden costs of “toxic productivity?” And how does it sabotages women’s performance in their careers, relationships, and athletic endeavors? Psychotherapist, digital…
May 11, 2026 · 57:37
You probably *think* you're eating enough. But are you? In today's episode, Dr. Erin Ayala talks with performance dietitian and eating‑disorder specialist Rebecca McConville…
May 4, 2026 · 58:42
It's a taboo topic too often overlooked in women's cycling: saddle sores. Dr. Melissa Mauskar, a dermatologist specializing in vulvar health, unpacks the medical science behind…
Apr 27, 2026 · 1:08:15
Eden Morris, a registered dietitian specializing in sports nutrition and intuitive eating counseling, is helping us dive into the culture of nutrition and fueling workouts — and…
Apr 20, 2026 · 1:11:24
Dr. LaTisha Bader, an expert in sport psychology and addiction counseling, goes deep with us into the complexities of cannabis use and its effects on mental health and athletic…
Apr 13, 2026 · 1:04:09
Dr. Briana Botsford, a naturopathic doctor and advocate for women's health, helps us dive deep this week into the world of predatory health and fitness marketing. How can you…
Apr 6, 2026 · 1:02:45
Dr. Stephanie Mundt, a physical therapist and former collegiate runner, shares her expertise on bone health and the often-overlooked issue of bone stress injuries in female…
Mar 30, 2026 · 1:10:10
In this episode, Dr. Margie Davenport, a leading expert in exercise during pregnancy and postpartum, dismantles long-held myths about training before, during, and after…
Mar 23, 2026 · 1:01:20
In this episode, we dive into the messy journey of transitioning away from a beloved sport with Dimity McDowell, an experienced athlete and author of The 27th Mile . How do you…
Mar 16, 2026 · 57:57
In this episode, Dr. Kim Hollingdale, a renowned sport psychologist and owner of MOVEMENTAL, unpacks the damaging "no pain, no gain" mentality prevalent in sports culture. How…
Mar 9, 2026 · 1:08:09
In this episode, Erin sits down with strength coach and Iron Soul Gym co-owner Cassi Niemann to challenge outdated narratives about women and strength training. Cassi shares her…
Mar 2, 2026 · 52:50
In this episode, Staci Mannella and Dr. Andrea Bundon dive deep into the nuanced world of Paralympic sports. With the Paralympics starting this Friday, what do you need to know…
Feb 23, 2026 · 1:03:19
80% of runners will deal with injuries at some point. So, what do you need to know about running injuries? And how can you nip those niggles in the butt? Physical therapist Dr.…
Feb 16, 2026 · 1:01:12
In this episode, we dive deep into the systemic barriers that women face (and still face!) in sports coaching with Dr. Nicole LaVoi, a leading expert in gender equity in sports.…
Feb 9, 2026 · 1:07:03
On today's episode, we sit down with Mel Sulaver , a registered dietitian specializing in women's health and sports nutrition, to talk about all aspects of a woman's cycle — what…
Feb 2, 2026 · 53:22
In this conversation with Dr. Allison Brager , military sleep researcher and human performance expert, we explore the science of sleep optimization. Dr. Brager debunks common…
Jan 28, 2026 · 1:12:40
In this special episode, your Feisty Women's Performance podcast host Dr. Erin Ayala brings together a group of experts on mental health to talk about the science and psychology…
Jan 26, 2026 · 1:06:38
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…
Jan 19, 2026 · 1:00:44
In this episode, Feisty Women’s Performance host Dr. Erin Ayala discusses the crucial but often avoided conversations that can significantly impact athletes' performance and…
Jan 12, 2026 · 59:41
Dr. Emily Kraus, sports medicine physician and director of Stanford's FASTR female athlete research program, addresses the critical gap in sports science that continues to…
Jan 5, 2026 · 4:54
The Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast is back—bigger, bolder, and built for active women who want real answers, not recycled hype. We're handing the mic off to our new host :…
Jul 24, 2025 · 1:17:25
We're sharing this episode of Feisty's weekly women's sports show, called The Feist, because we thought you’d enjoy this preview of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Even if…
Jun 26, 2025 · 57:17
Welcome to The Feist — your favorite sports, with your feistiest friends. Hosted by Sara Gross and Kelly O’Mara, Feisty's newest podcast is here to celebrate the unstoppable rise…
Jun 16, 2025 · 1:00:21
Episode 3: The Fertility Journey as a Professional Athlete In this final episode of our series on IVF, guest host Jill Van Gyn sits down with six-time world champion mountain…
Jun 9, 2025 · 1:01:49
Episode 2 - The Emotional Highs & Lows of IVF In this second episode of our series on IVF, co-host Jill Van Gyn explores the emotional complexities of fertility treatments, with…
Jun 9, 2025 · 37:15
Over the past eight years, Feisty Media has grown into a go-to resource for women’s health and performance education. In this special episode, Feisty CEO Sara Gross and Hit Play…
Jun 2, 2025 · 54:47
Episode 1: In Vitro Fertilization 101 In the first episode of this informative and deeply personal limited podcast series, guest host Jill Van Gyn is joined by Dr. Carla…
May 5, 2025 · 1:09:10
Cognitive challenges can begin as early as your 20s. Yes, it’s a little-known fact. While we’re often told how to protect our skin, bones, and muscles as we age, brain health is…
Apr 28, 2025 · 46:09
If you’ve ever felt mentally foggy or struggled with decision-making during or after a long training session, this episode is for you.Dr. Sara Gross and Dr. Erin Ayala sit down…
Apr 21, 2025 · 56:52
We hear it all the time—stay strong, keep your bones healthy, hit the weights. But what about your brain? For midlife women, keeping your mind sharp is just as important as…
Apr 14, 2025 · 1:11:27
We spend so much time focusing on nutrition, strength training, and bone health as we age—but what about our brain? How can we build mental resilience and protect our brain…
Mar 31, 2025 · 55:01
Recorded live at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, this special episode of The Think Tank from Essentially Esports dives into the booming growth of women’s sports. The Think…
Mar 3, 2025 · 1:02:45
In the final episode of our series on coaching young athletes, Sara Gross and co-host Jill Colangelo are joined by MD student, scientist, coach, and pro-runner Keely Henninger…
Feb 24, 2025 · 53:01
In the second episode of our three-part series on coaching young athletes, Sara Gross and guest co-host Jill Colangelo turn the spotlight to the coaches who work with young…
Feb 17, 2025 · 59:11
Frequent mirror checks, comments from teammates and parents, and feeling the need to “earn” food—these are common red flags of disordered eating in youth sports. In the first of…
Jan 20, 2025 · 1:10:13
As more people seek to "clean up" their diets, we’re seeing how rigid rules and an obsession with food purity can disrupt lives. In this episode, Kylee and Zoë dive into the…
Jan 13, 2025 · 45:07
So, are you in a diet cult?? In this second episode teaming up with the Your Diet Sucks podcast , Zoë and Kylee discuss the shocking parallels between diet fads and cult…
Jan 6, 2025 · 53:28
New year, same diet BS. It’s that time of year when the world is drowning in bad diet advice and unsustainable fitness trends. That's why we're teaming up with the Your Diet…
Dec 27, 2024 · 55:29
Here we go again with the bombardment of “New Year, New You” ads and messages to “eat this, not that,” or “do this specific workout for 30 days to get amazing abs.” You know the…
Sep 23, 2024 · 53:05
Obviously, the best way to deal with a concussion is to not get a concussion. But that’s not always possible, and nearly 30% of adults report having a concussion in their…
Sep 16, 2024 · 1:53:05
A head injury like concussion can fundamentally change you–especially if you have prolonged post-concussive symptoms, which can upend your life and sense of self for months, and…
Sep 9, 2024 · 1:25:33
What do you do when you hit your head? That can be a hard question to answer. Even when people go to the doctor or ER, the actual advice can be thin, amounting to: take it easy…
Sep 2, 2024 · 1:17:07
On November 11th, 2021, on day three of a solo multi-day ride on Arizona’s Coconino Trail, seven-time world champion adventure athlete Rebecca Rusch clipped her handlebars on a…
Aug 19, 2024 · 4:25
What if everything you thought you knew about concussion was wrong? Brain Storm, presented by Momentous, is a podcast series that follows 7-time World Champion adventure athlete…
Aug 10, 2024 · 43:23
0:00 Olympic weightlifting 8:30 Chatting with Jenny Casson 17:36 The Feisty team's favourite moments 29:00 Olympians: They're just like us Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at…
Aug 9, 2024 · 32:53
0:00 Where are the change rooms? 11:25 Champions Park 19:40 Sport updates 26:40 Our picks Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at fanclub.feisty.co to get entered to win a free “It’s…
Aug 8, 2024 · 39:03
0:00 Paris is sick 6:30 The diving vibe 12:09 Sports 27:35 Proposals and urinals Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at fanclub.feisty.co to get entered to win a free “It’s Not a…
Aug 7, 2024 · 40:32
0:00 Inside the Team Canada House 10:38 Women's Skateboard Finals 17:05 The vibes of Waterpolo 24:00 Another night of Track 34:30 Our picks Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at…
Aug 6, 2024 · 35:22
0:00 Inside the Urban Park and 3X3 Basketball 12:20 Another day of Track & Field 21:15 We talk to the first ever Olympic Triathlete from Guam and the Pacific Islands 29:40 Our…
Aug 5, 2024 · 36:57
0:00 The Women's Cycling Road Race 14:09 The final day of swimming 20:45 Kelly gets trapped at the Mixed Team Relay 34:55 Our picks Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at…
Aug 4, 2024 · 28:51
0:00 We're back from our illness 5:00 Trampoline gymnastics 9:20 Track has started and it is 🤯 21:25 Kelly's husband tells us all about the Urban Park 26:26 Our picks Join the…
Aug 3, 2024 · 3:56
Stomach flu has taken down the Feisty Media House in France. We'll be back tomorrow, Sunday! Fingers crossed! Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at fanclub.feisty.co to get entered…
Aug 2, 2024 · 32:44
0:00 Inside the Team U.S.A House 3:00 Chatting with the head of U.S.A Triathlon - Vic Brumfield 17:50 The overal Team U.S.A ~vibe~ 24:40 If you were in charge of the Olympics,…
Aug 1, 2024 · 23:27
0:00 The morning run vibes on the streets of Paris 10:18 Kelly goes to table tennis 13:30 The challenge of Olympic tickets 20:55 Our picks Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at…
Jul 31, 2024 · 29:31
0:00 If you're not watching women's rugby, you should be. 8:10 It's hard being an Olympic spectator. 11:50 Triathlon happened 25:05 Our picks Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at…
Jul 30, 2024 · 33:04
00:00 The triathlon is rescheduled 12:20 Feisty goes to swimming 21:00 Special behind-the-scenes guest 28:25 Our picks Join the Women’s Sports Fan Club at fanclub.feisty.co to…
Jul 29, 2024 · 32:40
0:00 The ~vibe~ of Paris 10:50 Kelly catches up with Cassidy Cook, the first U.S. medal winner of this years Olympics, on the streets of Paris 14:10 The Seine water quality. Will…
Jul 22, 2024 · 45:31
Let's talk about Monday! In our last pre-Olympics episode, Sara and Kelly talk with Caroline Fitzgerald, CEO and founder of GOALS Sports about the business case for women’s…
Jul 15, 2024 · 1:07:38
Today, Sara and Kelly turn the spotlight on the Paralympic Games — taking place in Paris just three weeks after the Olympics. With its start as a British rehabilitation event…
Jul 8, 2024 · 1:06:41
After a holiday break last week, Croissants & Commentary is back to talk about mental health in sports. When we talk about mental health, does that mean optimizing peak mental…
Jun 24, 2024 · 1:25:47
It wasn’t that many years ago that co-host Sara Gross was told by a coach that to perform better she needed to lean-up and lose additional weight — despite already training huge…
Jun 17, 2024 · 1:24:30
It seems shocking that the 2024 Olympics marks the first time there will be a nursery in the Olympic Village, for mothers competing at the Games. While there has been a huge…
Jun 10, 2024 · 1:06:32
Why do we spend so much time talking about the history of women's sports? Because what doctors, coaches, and fans think women are capable of on the track or field changes how…
Jun 3, 2024 · 1:00:12
“What’s the point of the Olympics, anyway?!” That’s the question Kelly and Sarah look to answer on Episode #2. And how do athletes get to the Olympics. Let's talk all about the…
May 27, 2024 · 54:21
Welcome to a special Feisty series, “Croissants and Commentary - Moments on the Road to Paris,” hosted by Feisty CEO Sara Gross and Feisty's sports reporter & Head of Content,…
May 20, 2024 · 56:11
This episode originally dropped on June 26, 2023 Louise Green envisions a world where everyone can achieve their athletic potential regardless of size and, for 17 years, she’s…
May 13, 2024 · 1:18:25
This episode originally dropped on February 6, 2023 Okay, y'all. We are sensing A LOT of confusion around female physiology and training with your cycle. That's why this week, we…
May 6, 2024 · 54:44
At Feisty Media, we are all about reclaiming language and turning it on its head. That's why we're proud to present our limited series, HORMONAL - Periods, Pills, and Pregnancy:…
Apr 29, 2024 · 59:31
At Feisty Media, we are all about reclaiming language and turning it on its head. That's why we're proud to present our limited series, HORMONAL - Periods, Pills, and Pregnancy:…
Apr 22, 2024 · 1:05:00
At Feisty Media, we are all about reclaiming language and turning it on its head. That's why we're proud to present our limited series, HORMONAL - Periods, Pills, and Pregnancy:…
Apr 15, 2024 · 56:58
At Feisty Media, we are all about reclaiming language and turning it on its head. That's why we're proud to present our limited series, HORMONAL - Periods, Pills, and Pregnancy:…
Apr 8, 2024 · 1:03:09
What happens when you leave a situation that is holding you back and you start betting on yourself? Anything becomes possible in the case of today’s guest, Vicki Anstey . After…
Apr 1, 2024 · 52:30
Are you feeling stress or anxiety about something right now? How are you holding your shoulders? Are you breathing through your nose or your mouth? Is your breath shallow or…
Mar 25, 2024 · 1:04:38
45 Days, One hour and 27 minutes. That’s how long Nini Champion and Lisa Roland spent rowing non-stop in the Atlantic Ocean during the 2023 Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, a…
Mar 18, 2024 · 1:06:32
Lindsay Housman was floored when she learned that women are considered “a confounding variable” when it comes to scientific and athletic research. That is to say that women are…
Mar 11, 2024 · 1:07:45
Prepare to be educated and outraged in today's episode. This week, we feature a recent episode of the Feisty podcast Hit Play Not Pause , hosted by Selene Yeager, with guest Dr.…
Mar 4, 2024 · 1:02:49
Young people don’t have a clue about our potential as aging women and, you know what? Most aging women don’t either. We’re fed a narrative that we’re supposed to slow down as we…
Feb 26, 2024 · 49:22
Sara welcomes Arielle Knutson, the new CEO of Oiselle , a women's running apparel brand focused on empowering women and building a supportive community. Arielle shares her…
Feb 19, 2024 · 49:47
Holley Samuel, from holleyfuelednutrition.com discusses fueling for peak performance. Holley is a registered dietician, certified personal trainer, and takes an extremely…
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