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 narrative
• How Emily’s own shoulder rehab journey made her a stronger clinician and coach for pole dancers navigating injury
• Why it matters to work with a healthcare provider who truly understands the physical demands of the sport or activity you’re returning to after injury
• Body image, fear of "getting bulky," and redefining strength
• The role of strength, flexibility, and recovery — and how hypermobility affects training and injury risk for pole dancers

Fair 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: [email protected]

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.

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 training
• Why resistance training is crucial for overall health and longevity
• The biggest myths about lifting heavy and injury risk
• The shift in women’s strength training culture and how more women are embracing lifting
• Why John and his wife introduced their daughters to lifting at a young age
• The 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: [email protected]

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.

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 started
• Why pelvic health matters during pregnancy and postpartum and common pelvic health issues that people experience
• Myths and misconceptions about pelvic health and recovery during and after pregnancy
• When it might be a good idea to work with a pelvic health physical therapist
• And 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]

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.

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 recovery
• Her 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 injury
• The power of learning when (and how) to Press Pause in order to Press Play
• How to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system, especially with chronic pain conditions that are often dismissed or misunderstood

This 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: [email protected]

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.

Hello there, it's me again! Welcome to the first episode of 2025! 

In this quick check-in, I share a few updates and reflections from the past 6 months and set the scene for the rest of Season 2.

At the end of the episode, I also invite you to take a moment to get grounded with me and check in with your body to release any unwanted tension that you may be holding onto.

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: [email protected]

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.

In this episode I sit down with my good friend and former teammate, Jo Koons, to discuss her inspiring journey from small-town athlete to Division I collegiate head softball coach. You’ll hear all about:

• Jo’s leadership evolution and the challenges she’s faced throughout her athletic and coaching careers
• The importance of perseverance in pursuing your passions and how having an underdog mentality can help you succeed
• The impact of leading with love and leading by example
• The qualities that Jo feels contribute to making a great leader
• Jo’s advice for athletes transitioning to life after sports
• And more!

Follow Jo on X @coachkoons or on Instagram @koonsie20
Follow ACU Softball on X @ACUSoftball or on Instagram @acu_softball

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: [email protected]

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.

In Part 2 of this solo episode with me, you’ll hear about:

• How I self-assessed my condition and determined what to do next, including modifying my training and adjusting my expectations
• The challenges that come with making decisions around returning to sport or activity when dealing with pain or injury
• 3 mental fortitude skills that can help former athletes continue to train while managing a painful condition
• The importance of making informed decisions about managing pain and seeking professional guidance when necessary
• And more!

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: [email protected]

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.

Hey former athlete! Welcome back to the first episode of season 2 of Finding Fortitude! It feels good to be back, and I can’t wait to share about what I’ve been up to over the break as well as all of the things I have in store for you this season!

In part 1 of this solo episode with me, you’ll hear about:

• My wedding near Yosemite National Park
• What went wrong with my half marathon training and how I developed foot and ankle pain
• The importance of past injury history and training history for understanding pain and injury risk
• How to stop the shame spiral that often comes with pain and injuries
• And more!

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: [email protected]

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.

When it comes to managing pain–especially chronic pain–acknowledging the relationship between the mind and body is essential. With this, we know that both physical therapy and psychotherapy can be critical parts of recovering from and coping with pain and injury. In this episode I sat down with my client-turned-friend, Payton Bush, who is currently studying to become a clinical mental health counselor to talk about all things mental health.

We discuss:

• Payton’s background as an athlete and her experience navigating the healthcare system after a hip injury
• How Payton has reclaimed her athlete identity and shifted her perspective around how she manages chronic hip pain
• The intricate connection between physical and mental health and how it impacts our well-being
• Why Payton chose to pursue a career in mental health counseling
• The struggles of finding the right therapist and how to navigate the alphabet soup of therapist credentials
• And much more!

Connect with Payton on LinkedIn

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: [email protected]

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.

There are many superficial questions about fitness that tend to float around the internet and spark debate. Does lifting make you bulky? Which exercises will grow your glutes and “snatch” your waist? Should I do “this” or “that” for “x” result? But in this episode, strength and conditioning coach Allison Tenney calls us in to go deeper and consider the systems of oppression that lie beneath these questions.

Spoiler alert: there is much to be gained from moving your body outside of physical performance or physique. If you’re a fan of deep and important conversations, you’re not going to want to miss this one!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Allison’s background as an athlete turned soccer coach turned online fitness coach for women
• A look into Allison’s business and the layers of messaging underneath her social media posts and strength programs
• How exercise can help us improve our capacity to tolerate discomfort outside the gym
• The use of movement as a somatic practice and the idea of “remembering and re-membering the body”
• The importance of getting off the hamster wheel of "never enough"
• And so much more!

Follow Allison on Instagram @allisontenney

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: [email protected]

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.