Feisty Women's Performance

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 by mother‑coaches in high‑performance sport, uncovering systemic barriers, the “mother penalty,” and why women’s expertise is often undervalued.

You'll hear concrete strategies for advocating for better policies and supporting women leaders in sport and business.

Key Takeaways:

- Mother‑coaches experience a “double penalty” of gender bias and motherhood expectations, leading to reduced pay, contract insecurity, and career stagnation.

- Clear, enforceable protections (e.g., parental‑leave policies, contract clauses) are essential first steps for organizations.

- Building mentorship networks and leveraging social media can help mother‑coaches combat isolation and share resources.

- Organizations benefit from inclusive policies: diverse coaching perspectives improve performance outcomes and athlete wellbeing.

- Entrepreneurs should audit their own workplaces for hidden biases and implement transparent, equity‑focused hiring and retention practices.

Dr. McHugh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-leigh-mchugh-0443493a2 -

Article on women’s representation in FIFA World Cup coaching (2026 study) – https://doi.org/10.1080/14660970.2025.2603769

Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe to the Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast on your favorite platform, leave a 5‑star review, and follow us on LinkedIn for episode updates and exclusive resources. Got thoughts on supporting mother‑coaches? Drop us a comment or email [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you!

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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. Listeners will learn why postpartum depression isn’t simply “hormonal,” discover practical strategies for navigating intrusive thoughts and OCD, and hear actionable advice for both new parents and seasoned caregivers.

You'll learn:

- Postpartum mood disorders are driven by a mix of psychological, social, and biological factors—not just hormones.

- Intrusive thoughts are common; recognizing them as symptoms rather than personal failures reduces shame and opens the door to treatment.

- Simple “night‑shift” planning (who handles overnight feeds, how to share duties) prevents one parent from becoming chronically sleep‑deprived.

- A “version‑2” mindset—accepting that life after a baby will look different—helps parents set realistic expectations and avoid guilt.

- The “Parents” acronym (self‑care categories) and the accompanying worksheet can be used to map responsibilities and protect personal time.

- Dr. Mauren’s book Myself Again – The Parents Postpartum Survival Guide offers step‑by‑step tools for both birthing and non‑birthing parents.

If you found this episode valuable, hit Subscribe so you never miss a deep dive into mental‑health strategies for entrepreneurs and busy parents. Leave a 5‑star review on your favorite platform to help others discover this work.

Order Myself Again - https://www.mompsychdocs.com/

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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. Erin Ayala to unpack why self‑sabotage is a silent performance killer for women athletes—and how self‑compassion can become a powerful antidote.

Listeners will discover

• How to spot the sabotage: Recognize common self‑sabotage cues—hedging (“I don’t want to finish last”), self‑handicapping, and perfection‑driven criticism.
• Two faces of perfectionism: One drives growth; the other fuels burnout. Learn to identify which version is steering you.
• Self‑compassion isn’t “soft”: It’s an active skill (mindfulness, common humanity, self‑kindness) that boosts resilience and performance.
• Goldfish mindset: Adopt a short‑memory approach to mistakes—acknowledge, reset, and move forward.
• Actionable mental tools: Use pre‑race routines (breathing, music, posture cues), daily habit trackers, and thought‑diffusion naming techniques to keep self‑talk constructive.
• Generational nuances: Understand how Title IX, social media, and life stage shape self‑sabotage patterns for older vs. younger women athletes.

Tess Kilwein, PhD, LP, ABPP, CMPC is a Clinical and sport psychologist, founder of Unapologetic Psychology, certified mental performance consultant, and established thought leader in the sport psychology field.

Erin Ayala, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport psychologist and certified mental performance consultant, founder of Skadi Sport Psychology, researcher, and endurance gremlin.

Unapologetic Psychology (Dr. Kilwein): https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticpsych/

Skadi Sport Psychology (Dr. Erin Ayala): https://www.instagram.com/skadisportpsychology/

If this conversation sparked a new insight, hit subscribe so you never miss a bonus episode, leave a review to help other women athletes find the show, and share the episode with a teammate who could benefit from breaking self‑sabotage habits.

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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.

Chrissy shares personal stories from her journey—writing The Body Liberation Project, navigating publishing, and redefining success on her own terms.

Listeners will walk away with a fresh framework for reclaiming their bodies, boosting joy, and building collective freedom in their personal and professional lives.

Key Takeaways

• Body liberation vs. body positivity: Liberation means challenging systemic racism and diet culture, not just “loving every inch.”
• Spot the “maxing” trap: Constantly optimizing (protein, fitness, productivity) drains bandwidth and hampers creativity; learn to set intentional, sustainable limits.
• Collective liberation: Use your privilege to call out fat‑phobic, racist, or exclusionary language in everyday conversations and professional settings.
• Practical habit shifts: 1. Identify one standard you’re chasing that isn’t yours and pause it this week. 2. Replace doom‑scrolling with a tactile activity (e.g., crochet, chess) to reset mental bandwidth. 3. Share resources (books, articles) that center marginalized voices instead of speaking for them.
• Publishing insights: A slower, deliberate book proposal can yield a far better deal than an immediate offer.

Chrissy’s Substack, The Liberation Collective – https://chrissyking.com/substack (or similar)

Instagram & TikTok: @iamchrissyking – https://instagram.com/iamchrissyking

If you found this conversation valuable, hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review on your favorite platform, and share the episode with fellow entrepreneurs who are ready to break free from limiting body narratives. Connect with Chrissy on social media and dive deeper into the resources linked above. Let’s build a community where every body can thrive!

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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 myths about creatine, explains why under‑fueling is a hidden threat for female athletes, and shows how to spot fraudulent supplement brands. Listeners will leave with clear, science‑backed strategies to optimize performance and make smarter supplement choices.

• Creatine does not cause bloating; the myth is marketing, not science.
• Women need tailored dosing and timing for supplements based on menstrual cycle and training demands.
• Under‑fueling—especially low‑carb diets—remains the biggest performance risk for female athletes.
• Always verify third‑party certification on the product label (BSCG, NSF for Sport, Informed Choice, etc.) before purchasing.
• Use reputable resources and experts (e.g., Dr. Abby Smith Ryan, Dr. Stacy Sims) for evidence‑based nutrition guidance.

Dr. Susan Kleiner is Registered Dietitian, high‑performance dietitian, author of Power Eating, co‑founder of the International Society of Sport Nutrition, and former nutrition consultant for elite teams such as the Seattle Storm (WNBA) and Seattle Rain (soccer). Dr. Kleiner’s website: https://www.drskleiner.com/

BSCG certification: http://bscg.org/

NSF for Sport: https://www.nsfsport.com/

Informed Choice: https://choice.wetestyoutrust.com/

Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan: https://asmithryan.com/

International Society of Sport Nutrition: https://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/

If you found this episode valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss a deep‑dive with industry experts. Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find us. Got questions or topics you’d like us to explore? Drop a comment or message us on social media—we love hearing from you!

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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 traditional resilience measures miss the relational strengths women bring to sport and shares actionable strategies for athletes, coaches, and entrepreneurs to foster genuine mental‑health support.

Listeners will walk away with fresh perspectives on measuring resilience, practical tools for building it, and a roadmap for creating more equitable athletic environments.

• Traditional resilience scales often overlook relational and gender‑specific factors; consider a more holistic assessment.
• Female athletes develop “relational resilience” by leaning on self‑awareness, community, and supportive networks.
• Systemic changes—like equitable scheduling and resource allocation—can reduce the hidden gender tax in sports.
• Coaches and leaders should shift from “forcing resilience” to co‑creating environments that nurture it.
• Entrepreneurs can apply these insights to build inclusive, high‑performing teams that value mental health as a core asset.

Emily Matheson, PhD is a sport psychologist and research strategist specializing in mental health, body image, and resilience among female athletes. Currently leads research strategy at Great Minds and collaborates with brands such as Dove and Nike.

https://dremilymatheson.com - Related research on resilience and gender in sport

If you found this conversation valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help us reach more listeners, and follow us on social media for behind‑the‑scenes insights. Got a topic you’d like us to explore? Drop us a note at the email above—we love hearing from entrepreneurs and small‑business owners looking to champion mental‑health in their teams.

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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 athletes.

Listeners will discover practical tools to calm nerves, balance training with life demands, and build resilience that translates to both sport and everyday challenges.

• Identify “bravery goals” that focus on showing up despite anxiety, rather than solely on performance outcomes.
• Use intentional “intent‑setting” or “whoop‑goal” frameworks to align daily actions with core values.
• Incorporate mental rest (e.g., stepping away from sport, mindfulness breaks) to prevent burnout and boost creativity.
• Leverage body cues and HRV trends to make informed training adjustments instead of reacting to single‑day data.
• Practice the “what if I don’t do it?” question to gain perspective on fear, relief, and motivation before races.

Dr. Erin Haugen, PhD is a licensed sports psychologist, performance consultant, and founder of Haugen Performance. Specializes in mental health, performance psychology, well-being, and leadership training for those working in demanding industries.

Dr. Haugen’s website: https://www.haugenperformance.com/

Dr. Haugen’s Performance Consulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haugenperform/

Dr. Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drerinhaugen/

If you found this conversation valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss a new episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform, and join the discussion on Instagram @Feisty_womens_performance. We’d love to hear from you!

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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 researcher Dr. Britta Maria Sorensen about the complex role pain plays in women’s ultra-endurance sport.

Dr. Sorensen explains why pain is more than a physical sensation. Biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors can all influence how athletes interpret discomfort, respond to it, and decide whether to continue or stop.

They also explore the relationship between endurance sport, emotional stress, and past trauma; the difference between harmonious and obsessive passion; and how athletes can recognize when training is supporting their well-being versus becoming a form of avoidance.

This conversation offers practical strategies for managing pain, reducing burnout risk, and building a healthier, more sustainable relationship with performance.

In this episode:

• Why pain should be understood through a biopsychosocial lens
• What qualitative research reveals about how women cope with extreme discomfort
• How past trauma and emotional stress may shape participation in ultra-endurance sport
• The difference between using sport as a healthy outlet and using it as avoidance
• Practical tools such as body scans, progressive self-talk, fueling, hydration, and properly fitted gear
• Why scheduled rest and recovery can help prevent compulsive training patterns
• How coaches, therapists, partners, and support systems can help athletes stay balanced

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this conversation with an athlete, coach, or practitioner interested in pain, performance, and long-term well-being.

Dr. Sorenson's Open Access Research Article

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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 of Toronto and an internationally recognized expert on psychological abuse, interpersonal violence, and maltreatment in sport.

They explore why psychological harm is the most common—and often the least recognized—form of abuse in athletics, how win-at-all-costs cultures can normalize harmful behavior, and why some safe-sport reporting processes may unintentionally re-traumatize athletes.

Dr. Kerr also shares evidence-based strategies for prevention, including shifting the definition of success toward athlete well-being, enjoyment, and belonging; strengthening communication among coaches, parents, and administrators; and using practical tools that address harmful behavior before it escalates.

This conversation offers clear, actionable guidance for coaches, athletes, parents, sport leaders, and anyone invested in creating healthier, safer, and more positive sport environments.

In this episode:

• Why psychological abuse is so common in sport—and why it often goes unnoticed
• How safe-sport reporting systems can unintentionally cause additional harm
• Why athletes need ongoing support beyond the initial reporting process
• How win-focused performance metrics can contribute to unhealthy environments
• The importance of prioritizing well-being, enjoyment, and belonging
• Preventive approaches, including quality-coaching tools and restorative practices
• How transparent communication can help protect athletes

About Dr. Gretchen Kerr

Dr. Gretchen Kerr is a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on psychological abuse, interpersonal violence, athlete maltreatment, and the development of safer, more supportive sport systems.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this conversation with a coach, parent, athlete, or sport leader who is working to create a safer and more supportive culture.

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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 chronic conditions.

Mireille has lived with lupus for 13 years and now coaches athletes who are navigating autoimmune disease, chronic illness, flares, fatigue, and identity shifts — while doing endurance sports.

Together, Erin and Mireille discuss:

• Why autoimmune athletes carry a “double load”
• How training stress can interact with immune dysregulation
• How to distinguish overtraining from a possible flare
• Why “push through it” can be harmful advice
• The importance of symptom tracking and medical self-advocacy
• What coaches should ask athletes with autoimmune conditions
• How to build flexible training plans
• Why performance is not just pace, PRs, and finish lines
• How to stop chasing the athlete you used to be and build toward who you can still become

Mireille Siné is a USATF and 80/20 Endurance-certified run coach, 14-time marathoner, and ultramarathoner based in Los Angeles. She is the founder of Coached by Mireille LLC, a virtual coaching practice specializing in runners and endurance athletes managing autoimmune conditions and chronic illness. Mireille coaches with the philosophy "train with compassion" — building training plans that account for the full reality of her athletes' lives, not just their race goals. She has been featured in Runner's World and has spoken at the AIP Summit and Skadi Sports Psychology Athlete Summit. Living with lupus herself, Mireille brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, helping athletes redefine what strength and performance can look like with a chronic illness diagnosis.

Follow Mireille on Instagram

Join the Feisty Winter Training Programs:

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Support our Partners:

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