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In this powerful season finale, I sit down with journalist and author Maggie Mertens (@maggiejmertens) to unpack the untold history—and future—of women in sport, running, and motherhood.

Maggie is a Seattle-based writer whose work spans gender, athletics, and culture. Her book Better Faster Farther: How Running Changed Everything We Know About Women breaks down the myths that held women back for decades and highlights the stories that never made it into the headlines. 

After finishing her book, she returned to running at 37 and recently completed her first half marathon—proof that rewriting the narrative starts in our own lives, too.

This episode dives deep into the real experiences of women who run, lift, train, and raise families while navigating outdated cultural beliefs about their bodies. 

From postpartum fitness to perimenopause realities, athletic identity shifts, and the mental health benefits of movement, Maggie brings clarity, honesty, and perspective we all need.

We talk about:
🔹 Balancing motherhood and athletic identity
🔹 The biggest myths holding women in sport back
🔹 Why the victim mindset keeps women stuck—and how to shift it
🔹 Exercise, running, and mental health (especially in midlife)
🔹 Returning to fitness postpartum without the pressure or shame

If you’re a runner, athlete, postpartum or perimenopausal mom, or someone reclaiming your athletic identity, this is a must-listen conversation.

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

5:15 how far back can we look?

9:50 women who have been lost to history

16:53 motherhood versus being an athlete

19:42 race and the research

24:09 women being treated as delicate

29:50 societal pressures

33:40 breaking barriers in the mile

37:15 women’s marathon history

40:57 coming back to running

50:17 what’s next

52:13 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH MAGGIE:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/maggiejmertens/

Website: https://maggiemertens.com/

Substack: https://maggiemertens.substack.com/

Book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/maggie-mertens/better-faster-farther/9781643753355/

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.

This show has been a long time in the making!

You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!

If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a text

In this episode, I’m taking you with me down into the Grand Canyon—21 miles, 13 hours, eight of us ages 44–53 (seven women, one very patient man), and every bit of trail talk you can imagine. 

What started as “Can we actually do this?” turned into the most honest, hilarious, and wide-open conversation about pelvic health, perimenopause, and how physical therapy for women has completely evolved since we were first told to “just do your Kegels.”

Spoiler: the canyon will make you talk about everything.

Is it sweat or is it pee?  Might be both.
Bladder habits on switchbacks? Yep.
Hormones while you’re sweating through a sunset climb back to the rim? Absolutely.

The stuff we wish someone told us 20 years ago? All of it.

We get into:

• How women’s health PT grew from basic kegels to running, lifting, sport, pregnancy → postpartum → peri/menopause care
• Why it always comes back to the bladder (and why that’s not a bad thing)
• The real story on preventative peeing + hovering on trail bathrooms
• What you should actually know about menopause hormone therapy (without the online panic spiral)
• Navigating peri/menopause with confidence, support, and a sense of humor

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when seven midlife women (& one very patient younger brother) take on the Grand Canyon… it’s this. 

And it’s so, so good.

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

3:57 getting informed early

5:20 taking a nature break on trail

14:28 urine frequency and output

19:39 unexpected leakage

22:52 what we don’t know about perimenopause

28:40 weighted vests, walking, and yoga

33:46 supplements

38:00 exercise in pregnancy and postpartum

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.

This show has been a long time in the making!

You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!

If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a text

In this episode, I sit down with Sophie Carter, an ultra runner, coach, and mom of five who made headlines for running a 100km ultra while pregnant. Sophie has also co-authored a paper on endurance running during pregnancy, adding valuable insight to a growing body of research that challenges traditional views on what’s possible for women in sport. As a coach, she’s passionate about supporting other women in finding strength, balance, and confidence through movement—no matter what stage of life they’re in.

We talk about:

-listening to your body

-exercise during pregnancy

-twin pregnancy and birth

-running as an outlet

-pregnancy loss & recovery

-participating in research

-the importance of strength training

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

8:02 getting into ultras

15:00 working with Margie Davenport

19:29 doing what works for you

22:41 evolving training over time

26:45 advice for first time moms

28:05 navigating age gaps with children

31:00 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH SOPHIE:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sophierunner/

Website: www.projectrunsc.co.uk

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.

This show has been a long time in the making!

You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!

If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a text

In this episode, I sit down with Leah Yingling, an internationally ranked trail and ultrarunner from Salt Lake City, Utah. Leah has achieved multiple top-10 finishes at Western States and UTMB, and has represented Team USA at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. In addition to her racing career, she’s the co-host of the Trail Network Podcast, works full-time in Population Health, and runs for Lululemon, Osprey, Garmin, and Hydrapak. Leah is also a new mom, recently welcoming her first child, Monte, in July.

We dive into what it means to pursue longevity in sport, how she balances full-time work and elite-level training, and what it looks like to plan a sustainable running career while growing her family. Leah shares insights on goal setting through different life seasons, increasing visibility for women in ultras, and the power of building a supportive community.

We talk about:

-Longevity in running

-Balancing full-time work and training

-Planning a long sustainable running career

-Goal setting with family planning

-Increasing visibility of ultras

-Building your community

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

2:32 comparing ultras to parenthood

3:31 moms in the ultra community

9:09 the problem solving aspect of ultras

12:24 deferals for races

20:43 competing while pregnant

24:44 navigating postpartum

29:45 resources for pregnancy and delivery

34:14 mom walks and being outdoors

41:06 winter activities with a baby

48:30 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH LEAH:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/leah_yingling/

Strava: https://www.strava.com/pros/9911694

Tail Network Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trail-network-podcast/id1738325869

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.

This show has been a long time in the making!

You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!

If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a text

In this episode of the Active Mom Podcast, Carrie Pagliano, PT, DPT, OCS, WCS, sits down with Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards, PT, DPT, OCS—founder of Precision Performance Running Medicine Clinic in Atlanta, creator of the RUNsource app, and co-host of Interdisciplinary Case Miles.

Kate brings over 15 years of experience in running medicine and shares her insights on:

• Why an interdisciplinary team (PTs, physicians, coaches, dietitians, pelvic health specialists) is essential for runners
• How to know when it’s time to see a physical therapist
• Supporting postpartum athletes returning to running
• Treating professional and everyday runners with a research-driven approach
• The realities of entrepreneurship, balancing family, and branching into tech and podcasting

If you’re a runner, postpartum mom, or clinician who wants to better understand how to integrate care, find the right provider, and keep up with the latest research in sports medicine, this episode is for you.

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

6:15 how to work with other providers

10:01 logistics of running a podcast

18:05 underfeeding for sports

23:05 research-informed versus evidence-based

25:58 the RUNsource app

34:10 when it’s time to see a PT

38:30 unqualified running coaches

43:45 deciding to branch out

50:30 balancing kids in middle school

55:29 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH REBECCA:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/katemihevcedwards/

Fast Bananas: https://www.instagram.com/fbrunsource/

Precision PT: https://www.instagram.com/precisionpt_atl/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interdisciplinary-case-miles/id1837802044

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.

This show has been a long time in the making!

You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!

If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a text

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca McConville, a registered dietitian, board-certified sports specialist and IAEDP-approved eating disorder supervisor.

 Rebecca is an internationally recognized expert on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), author of Finding Your Sweet Spot: How to Avoid REDs, and creator of the first-of-its-kind REDs-Informed Provider Certification Program and masterclass for clinicians. 

With the academic version of her book, REDsolution, set to release in 2026, Rebecca continues to bridge the gap between research and real-world application.

We talk about how REDs presents across different life stages—from pregnancy to postpartum to perimenopause—and the complex interplay between hormones, nutrition, and performance. Rebecca shares insight on recognizing symptoms early, removing the stigma around REDs, and the importance of supporting athletes with compassion, context, and collaboration.

We talk about:

-REDs in different stages of life

-removing the stigma of REDs

-common symptoms

-considering body image

-fueling for exercise

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

4:22 navigating eating as a college athlete

7:57 having more open conversation

9:00 varied symptoms of REDs

13:20 understanding a client’s narrative

16:23 using wearables to get answers

22:45 where things go wrong

26:45 hormones, birth control, and heart health 

32:20 getting help from a dietician

41:20 fertility related issues

43:38 being an advocate as a provider

51:17 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH REBECCA:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaeddietitian/

Website: www.beccamcconville.com

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.

This show has been a long time in the making!

You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!

If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a text

She’s the host of the Speaking of Labia podcast, a practicing OB/GYN, business owner, and mom of two. And this past summer, Dr. Lauren Puretz was the top American finisher at UTMB 100.

In this episode of the Active Mom Podcast, Lauren shares what it takes to juggle medicine, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and elite ultrarunning. From her start in high school track, to stepping back during med school and residency, to rediscovering running after kids—Lauren’s story is one of resilience, grit, and grace.

We dive into:

• Running ultras while raising kids
• Wearing multiple hats—mom, doctor, athlete, business owner
• Navigating mom guilt and giving yourself grace
• From med school to launching her own women’s health practice
• Why collaboration between OB/GYNs & pelvic health PTs matters for women at every stage

🎧 Tune in to hear how Lauren balances motherhood, medicine, and endurance—and what she’s learned along the way.

 #UTMB #UltraRunning #WomenInMedicine #WomensHealth #FemaleAthlete #PelvicHealth #StrongMoms

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

3:10 competing at UTMB

8:16 competing at a high level as a mom

11:00 treating runners and athletes

17:40 considering pre-pregnancy fitness

20:45 navigating return to exercise

27:36 runners in perimenopause & menopause

32:28 starting a podcast

34:59 rapid fire question

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH LAUREN:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/lauren1642/

Website: www.MountainViewobgynclinic.com

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaking-of-labias-podcast/id1802290856

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.

This show has been a long time in the making!

You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!

If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a text

If you're from the DC Mero area, you'll definitely recognize our latest guest, former host of @greatdaywash!

In this week’s episode, I sit down with @ellenbryan—television talk show host turned wellness entrepreneur, health coach, and mom of 2 (with another on the way!). 

With 15+ years of experience on major networks in Washington, DC, Dallas, and Lexington, Ellen has built a career in broadcasting while navigating pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and motherhood.

Today, she’s following her passion for women’s health, lifestyle, and community wellness, bringing the same storytelling skills she honed on TV to help moms feel stronger and more supported. 

She’s the author of A Work in Progress, a @nutritionschool certified health coach and @fit4mom_dc instructor 

In this conversation, Ellen opens up about:
 🔹 Being pregnant on air during 2020
 🔹 Returning to TV after postpartum recovery
 🔹 Healing from birth trauma
 🔹 Sifting through misinformation as a journalist
 🔹 Building community and finding strength as a new mom

Ellen’s journey is a powerful reminder that you can honor your ambition while embracing motherhood, and that resilience, pivots, and self-care are essential at every stage. 

If you’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum challenges, or balancing career and motherhood, this episode is for you.

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

4:47 initial experience as a mom 

7:55 being pregnant on air

10:45 changes from first to third pregnancy

14:55 being active during pregnancy 

18:28 doing too much too soon

20:51 becoming a FIT4MOM coach

24:30 finding community as a new mom

28:18 being more active

31:45 adapting to change

38:00 talking about perimenopause

45:41 plan for baby 3

56:09 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH ELLEN:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenbryan/

Website: www.ellenbryan.com

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.

This show has been a long time in the making!

You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!

If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a text

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Fuentes-Aparicio, a physiotherapist who helps women with their pelvic health. She is the Director of the Master’s Program in Specialized Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and teaches at the University of Valencia. Laura’s mission is simple: to raise awareness, share knowledge, and find the best ways to help women feel and live better.

We also dig into her recent research on abdominal and lumbar muscle recovery after pregnancy. Using ultrasound, her team compared women who had never given birth with those six months postpartum. They found the oblique muscles were thinner in postpartum women, but overall contractile function of the core remained intact—an important distinction for clinicians making decisions about exercise progressions and postpartum rehab

Whether you’re a clinician, a student, or just curious, this episode gives you a closer look at the challenges women face and how science, exercise, and better care can make a difference.

We talk about:

-The challenges of doing research

-How abdominal thickness can change in women

-Why exercise during pregnancy matters

-Diastasis recti (ab separation)

-Different approaches to treatment for pelvic health

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

2:10 conducting research in Spain

8:05 working with subject matter experts

11:47 discussing the 2024 Journal paper

16:50 recommendations in Spain

20:00 recluse abdominus exercises

25:20 when women see a physio in Spain

31:59 expanding on research

40:01 using more modalities

44:55 favorite part of research

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH LAURA:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurafisiosuelopelvico/

Email: [email protected]

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.
  
 This show has been a long time in the making! 
  
 You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. 
  
 If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!
  
 If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 start rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.

This show has been a long time in the making!

You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!

If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Send us a text

 From the clinic to the barbell, Dr. Lamia Zafrani, OBGYN bridges medicine and performance for pregnant and postpartum athletes. 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lamia Zafrani, an OBGYN specializing in high-risk pregnancies and elite athlete health. She works closely with athletes and organizations to retain, support, and maximize female athlete performance during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

As both a powerlifter and a recent pregnant athlete, Dr. Zafrani saw firsthand how little guidance exists for pregnant and postpartum lifters. She shares how she blends her medical expertise, athletic background, and personal experience to help athletes train safely while navigating one of the most demanding phases of life.

This is a powerful conversation about bridging medicine and athletics, advocating for pregnant athletes, and creating a better standard of care for women in sport.

We talk about:

-When to say no to an athlete

-Being evidence-informed without waiting forever for research

-Navigating pregnancy modifications in training

-Building a supportive perinatal team

-Blending lived experience with science

-Understanding and addressing pregnancy loss

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

5:39 experience as a new OBG/YN

8:30 waiting for the research

11:15 influencing other providers

12:46 powerlifting while pregnant 

17:00 SPD pain

22:50 dealing with modern social media

28:04 there perinatal team

31:29 guidelines from research

39:12 sharing her pregnancy and birth

46:59 getting back to “normal” workouts

52:20 relating to other moms

55:58 pearls of wisdom for postnatal

61:28 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH LAMIA:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drlamiazafrani/

Website: https://drlamiazafrani.com/

Linked In: http://linkedin.com/in/dr-lamia-zafrani-73441a352

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.

This show has been a long time in the making!

You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!

If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)