The Practice Brave Podcast

Today, I sat down with Dr. Christina Prevett to explore some of the most common—and often misunderstood—questions surrounding pregnancy, postpartum exercise, and pelvic health.

Christina shares insights from the latest research on topics including heavy lifting during pregnancy, pelvic floor dysfunction, and postpartum recovery. We discuss what the evidence actually says about exercise safety, why blanket recommendations often fall short, and how individualized approaches can better support women throughout pregnancy and beyond.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is our discussion on nuance—recognizing that every athlete's experience is different and that coaching decisions should be guided by both evidence and context.

Whether you're a coach, clinician, athlete, or someone simply looking to better understand the evolving research in women's health, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful perspectives that can help you approach pregnancy and postpartum training with more confidence and clarity.

Connect with Dr. Christina: IG: @dr.christina_prevett Podcast: https://thebarbellmamas.com/podcast/

Need workouts for your pregnancy or postpartum? Check out my programs (now with app access!):

The Pregnant Athlete Training Program: https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/the-pregnant-athlete-program

The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program: https://go.ppaprograms.com/pp-program

Interested in coaching pregnant and postpartum athletes in person?

Join the waitlist for the next Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism LIVE Certification happening this September in Boise. Be the first to hear details when registration opens.

👉 Join the waitlist here: https://briannabattles.kit.com/ppa-live

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:

The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.

You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.

Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!

Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Margie Davenport, researcher, professor, and leading voice in maternal health and exercise science, to discuss how the landscape of pregnancy and postpartum fitness has evolved over the past decade.

Dr. Margie shares insights from her extensive research on exercise during pregnancy and postpartum, including how newer evidence continues to challenge outdated recommendations and support women in maintaining active, athletic lifestyles. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of conducting research in women's health, including barriers to funding and the ongoing need for more high-quality studies focused on pregnant and postpartum athletes.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that research doesn't exist in a vacuum. When science, coaching, and lived experience come together, we can create better support systems and more opportunities for women to thrive throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

Connect with Dr. Margie Instagram: @drmargiedavenport Website: https://www.ksr.ualberta.ca/exerciseandpregnancy/

Ready to become a P&PA Coach in person?

Join us for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism LIVE Certification this September in Boise—an immersive, hands-on experience designed to help you confidently support pregnant and postpartum athletes.

👉 Register here: https://briannabattles.com/ppa-live-event

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:

The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.

You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.

Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!

Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!

Today, I sat down with Delaney Nelson, a former Division 1 collegiate swimmer, to talk about motherhood, athleticism, and what it looks like to rediscover your strength in a completely new season of life.

Delaney shares her journey from navigating life after a twin pregnancy to reconnecting with fitness and eventually pursuing bigger athletic goals through training and coaching. We talk about the realities of balancing motherhood with performance, the mindset shifts that come with evolving as an athlete, and why it's never too late to pursue new challenges.

A big part of this conversation centers around fueling, recovery, and progressive overload—not just in training, but in life. Delaney opens up about learning to support her body differently postpartum and how consistency, patience, and self-awareness helped her build both physical and mental resilience.

We also dive into redefining athletic potential at any age and why longevity matters more than chasing short-term results. This episode is a reminder that motherhood doesn't end your athletic journey—it can become the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

Connect with Delaney:

IG: @thehybridtwinmama

Ready to become a P&PA Coach in person?

Join us for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism LIVE Certification this September in Boise—an immersive, hands-on experience designed to help you confidently support pregnant and postpartum athletes.

👉 Register here:

https://briannabattles.com/ppa-live-event

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:

The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.

You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.

Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!

Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!

In today's episode, I sit down with Steph Mireles, former CrossFit Games athlete and physician assistant, to talk about the evolution of athleticism through different seasons of life—including pregnancy, motherhood, and career growth.

Steph shares her experience balancing high-level training with the demands of working in medicine, and how her relationship with fitness has shifted over time. We dive into the physical and mental adjustments that come with pregnancy, including training modifications, changing expectations, and learning to approach performance with more flexibility and self-awareness.

This episode is a reminder that athleticism doesn't have to disappear during motherhood—it evolves. And sometimes the strongest thing we can do is adapt, slow down, and give ourselves permission to move through these seasons with more grace.

Connect with Steph:

IG: @stephchung2

Need workouts for your pregnancy or postpartum? Check out my programs (now with app access!):

The Pregnant Athlete Training Program: https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/the-pregnant-athlete-program

The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program: https://go.ppaprograms.com/pp-program

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:

The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.

You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.

Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!

Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!

In this episode of the Practice Brave podcast, I sit down with Tara Peterson, a two-time Olympic curler and dentist, to talk about what it really looks like to pursue elite sport while navigating motherhood and a professional career.

Tara shares her journey from her early days in curling to competing on the Olympic stage, all while working as a dentist and raising a family.

One of the most powerful parts of Tara's story is how she returned to sport postpartum—starting to practice curling just two weeks after giving birth and stepping back into international competition only seven weeks postpartum. Her experience highlights both the physical and mental demands of this transition, as well as the importance of listening to your body and having the right support in place.

We also talk about postpartum training, managing expectations, and how the four-year Olympic cycle shapes decision-making and priorities along the way.

This episode is a powerful reminder that chasing ambitious goals doesn't have to come at the expense of other parts of your life—it just requires intention, support, and a willingness to evolve.

Connect with Tara IG: @taraissupercool

Need workouts for your pregnancy or postpartum? Check out my programs (now with app access!):

The Pregnant Athlete Training Program: https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/the-pregnant-athlete-program

The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program: https://go.ppaprograms.com/pp-program

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:

The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.

You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.

Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!

Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!

In this engaging episode, I sit down with Shanté Cofield, physical therapist and entrepreneur, for an engaging conversation on building a meaningful career in the fitness and coaching space.

Together, we share insights from our journeys as seasoned fitness entrepreneurs—what it takes to grow a personal brand, show up authentically, and create impact through online coaching, especially when supporting pregnant and postpartum athletes.

We dive into Shanté's transition from traditional physical therapy into the online space, and how leaning into curiosity, clarity, and consistency helped shape her business. A big part of this conversation centers around messaging—how to communicate your expertise in a way that actually connects and builds trust.

We also talk about niching down, owning your voice, and the importance of showing up before you feel fully "ready." At the end of the day, this episode is about taking action, trusting your perspective, and building something that reflects who you are and who you're here to serve.

Connect with Shanté:

Website: themovementmaestro.com

Instagram: @themovementmaestro

Podcast: https://themovementmaestro.com/type/audio/

Want to better support pregnant and postpartum athletes?

Join the waitlist for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification Course and be the first to know when doors open

👉 Sign up here: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/waitlist

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:

The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.

You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.

Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!

Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!

In this episode, I sit down with Krista Williams to talk about her journey from working in traditional fitness spaces to building a thriving pregnancy and postpartum-focused business.

We dive into how Krista's background in fitness and exercise science shaped her path, and what led her to specialize in supporting moms through pregnancy and postpartum. She shares what it looked like to transition out of the traditional gym model and create something more aligned with the needs of the women she was serving.

Krista also opens up about the process of building and scaling her fitness studios, the lessons she's learned in business and leadership, and what it takes to grow a strong, values-driven team. This episode is for coaches and entrepreneurs who want to build something meaningful, as well as for anyone passionate about better supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum. It's a powerful reminder that when you combine expertise, intention, and community, you can create lasting impact.

Connect with Krista:

IG: @strong.mom.project

Podcast: @momsinmotionpodcast

Website: https://www.thestrongmomproject.com/

Want to better support pregnant and postpartum athletes?

Join the waitlist for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification Course and be the first to know when doors open

👉 Sign up here: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/waitlist

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:

The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.

You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.

Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!

Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!

In this episode, I sit down with Mary DiStasio, a former Olympic gymnast turned weightlifting athlete and coach, to talk about training through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and what it really takes to support long-term athleticism in motherhood.

We explore the physical and mental challenges women face during postpartum, including pelvic health, recovery timelines, and the often-overlooked importance of intentional preparation during pregnancy. Mary shares her approach to coaching, emphasizing progressive overload, controlled movement, and building a strong foundation that supports both performance and healing.

We also dive into the mindset side of this journey—how to navigate identity shifts, manage expectations, and balance athletic goals with the realities of motherhood. This conversation highlights the importance of individualized coaching, better education, and creating a supportive environment for women in all stages of life.

This episode is a reminder that postpartum recovery isn't something to rush—it's something to build. And when approached with intention, it can set the foundation for stronger, more sustainable performance long-term.

Connect with Mary:

📸 Instagram: @marypeckcoaching

Want to go deeper in your coaching?

The Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Series includes 4 free videos + a live Q&A, giving you practical tools and updated strategies to confidently support pregnant and postpartum athletes.

👉 Join here:

https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-coaching-series

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:

The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.

You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.

Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!

Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!

In this solo episode of the Practice Brave podcast, I share an inside look at how Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism has evolved over the years—and why that evolution matters for both coaches and athletes.

Since 2017, the certification has gone through four major updates, each shaped by emerging research, real-world coaching experience, and the feedback from our growing community. In this episode, I walk through some of the most important changes and what they mean for how we support women through pregnancy and postpartum today.

I also talk about the critical role of research-informed coaching strategies and why it's no longer enough to rely on outdated information or generalized approaches. Supporting pregnant and postpartum athletes requires a deeper understanding of both physiological and psychological factors—and a willingness to adapt as our knowledge continues to grow.

Beyond coaching, I reflect on the broader cultural shift we're seeing: more women choosing to stay active during pregnancy and return to athleticism postpartum. With that shift comes a responsibility to provide better guidance, better support, and more nuanced conversations around what's possible.

This episode is a reminder that when we empower women with accurate information and thoughtful coaching, we don't just improve performance—we improve confidence, quality of life, and long-term athletic longevity.

Want to go deeper in your coaching?

The Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Series includes 4 free videos + a live Q&A, giving you practical tools and updated strategies to confidently support pregnant and postpartum athletes.

👉 Join here:

https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-coaching-series

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:

The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.

You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.

Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!

Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!

In this episode, I sit down with Bethany Flores, a seven-time CrossFit Games athlete and new mom, to talk about her journey through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and returning to high-level competition.

We dive into what it really looks like to balance athletic goals with motherhood, and how Bethany has learned to navigate the physical and mental challenges that come with this transition. From training during pregnancy to rebuilding strength postpartum, this conversation highlights the importance of listening to your body, honoring your intuition, and embracing a slower, more intentional approach to recovery.

Bethany also shares honest insight into the mental side of this journey—body image, resilience, and the pressure to return to performance. Together, we explore how redefining expectations and focusing on long-term athleticism can support both performance and overall well-being.

This episode is a reminder that postpartum recovery isn't a race—it's a process. And when approached with patience and self-awareness, it can become a powerful foundation for growth as both an athlete and a mother.

Connect with Bethany:

IG: @bethanycf

YouTube: @bethany_flores

Want to better support pregnant and postpartum athletes? Get on the waitlist for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification Course so you're the first to hear when doors open.

👉 Sign up here: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/waitlist

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:

The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.

You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.

Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!

Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!