Finding Fortitude

For the Season 2 finale of Finding Fortitude, I brought back a very special guest—my now-husband, Joe! We took a trip down memory lane and reflected on our first year and a half of marriage, shared some big life updates, and answered listener questions. We also busted some rehab and fitness myths, shared a few hot takes, and wrapped up with some fun rapid-fire questions and a look toward the future.

Tune in to hear about:

• Our Yosemite wedding (AKA the best day ever!)
• Pros and cons of being married to another physical therapist
• How we decide between resting and working out when stressed or tired
• Clinical beliefs we agree and disagree on
• Rehab and fitness myths we wish would disappear
• What’s next for the podcast
• …and more!

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it and leaving a rating or review to help me reach more people!

Download the FREE Pre-Workout Self Evaluation Guide

Follow Joe on Instagram @dr.jmcintire.dpt

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.

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 injury
• Key risk factors that increase your chance of getting hurt
• And 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: [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 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 burnout
• The challenging transition out of athletics and into another career
• How the pandemic pushed Eva to pivot and redefine her path
• Lessons on saying no and setting boundaries to prioritize well-being and create a life that aligns with personal values
• Why "balance" isn't always the goal
• Re-defining athleticism and finding new passions in life after sport
• And 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: [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.

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 athletics
• Steph's personal experience with ACL injury and reconstruction
• Common risk factors for ACL injuries (especially in female athletes)
• The evolving conversation around surgery vs. non-surgical rehab
• What high-quality ACL rehab should look like
• And 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: [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.

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.