The Practice Brave Podcast

In this episode, I'm diving into a question I get all the time—how are we raising our kids to be little athletes? As a former Division I athlete, coach, and now a sport mom to two high-energy boys, I share our family's values, routines, and philosophies around youth sports. This conversation is rooted in real experience, not just opinion, and is especially for those of you navigating this season of life as athlete moms.

Whether you're just entering motherhood or deep in the youth sports world, this is about more than just raising athletes—it's about raising well-rounded, physically confident, emotionally intelligent kids who value movement and commitment.

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

The Pregnant Athlete Training Program: https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/pregnancy

The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program: https://go.briannabattles.com/8-week-postpartum-athlete-training-program

Let's create real change together!

Want to learn more about coaching female athletes? Check out the all-online coaching certification here: http://briannabattles.com/ppacoach

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow sport mom, leave a review, and let me know what you'd like to hear more of in this season. Tag me on Instagram @brianna.battles with your biggest takeaway!

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 pelvic floor physical therapist Mindy English to discuss what to look for when seeking a pelvic floor PT. This is a common question we receive, and we wanted to provide a nuanced conversation around it, especially for female athletes who may not realize how interconnected pelvic health is with overall movement, training, and long-term well-being.

We also discuss what to expect in a pelvic floor PT appointment, why it's critical for practitioners to take a full-body approach, and how pelvic floor therapy can help athletes of all ages—whether they're dealing with postpartum recovery, leakage during workouts, or long-term pelvic health symptoms.

Follow Mindy English for more pelvic health insights: @mindy.english.dpt

Want to elevate your coaching skills? Join the waitlist for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification Course and be the first to hear when enrollment opens! 👉 Sign up now: briannabattles.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 had the pleasure of sitting down with Ty Horn, who many of you might know from his presence on Instagram where he shares powerful insights about strength training, Jiu-Jitsu, and life.

Ty and I dove deep into his story—from being a Division 1 football player to hitting a major life setback, then rediscovering strength through strongman competitions and eventually falling in love with Jiu-Jitsu. He shared how strength training gave him not only physical resilience but a sense of identity and purpose again, especially after dealing with legal trouble, being ostracized, and navigating the post-athlete identity crisis.

This was a real, vulnerable, and fun conversation that covered so much more than just sports or lifting. Ty brought honesty, humor, and perspective to what it really means to train for life—not just for aesthetics or wins.

If you're a parent, an athlete trying to figure out "what's next," or someone who's trying to find their groove in fitness and life again—this episode is for you.

Follow Ty and his training journey, insights, and life lessons here:

Instagram: @mobility_monster74

YouTube: @mobilitymonster74

📚 Want to Learn More About Jiu-Jitsu?

Grab these free resources to help you on your journey:

📥 Free BJJ Ebook – https://go.briannabattles.com/bjj-freeguide

🎥 BJJ Workshop – https://go.briannabattles.com/combat-workshop-registration

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 had the pleasure of speaking with Rose El-Sharouni, a Jiu-Jitsu black belt, about her powerful journey through pregnancy and postpartum as an athlete. We dove into how women's roles in Jiu-Jitsu have evolved, the critical importance of community support, and how training needs to adapt during pregnancy.

From physical and emotional adjustments to reconnecting with your body, Rose and I talked about the importance of gradual training, the link between breath and movement, and how to navigate the unique demands of competing postpartum.

We also addressed the common misconceptions about age and athleticism, and encouraged women to fully embrace their strength, capabilities, and evolution through motherhood and sport.

Connect with Rose:

IG: @rose.jiujitsu

Website: https://www.jiujitsuqueenz.com/rose-el-sharouni/

Want to learn more about Jiu Jitsu?

BJJ Free Ebook: https://go.briannabattles.com/bjj-freeguide

BJJ Workshop: https://go.briannabattles.com/combat-workshop-registration

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 sat down with the amazing Alicia Erickson, and wow — what a powerhouse of wisdom, grit, and light. Alicia is 51, vibrant, incredibly strong, and living proof that aging doesn't mean slowing down — it means evolving. We talked all about how she's embraced fitness, mindset, motherhood, and midlife with passion and intentionality.

👋 Connect with Alicia:

Instagram: @aliciae

Website: themidlife-maven.com

Coaching + App: aliciaericksonapp.com

Thanks so much for tuning in! If you're navigating motherhood, fitness, or finding yourself in the midlife shift, this one's a must-listen. You're not alone — and it's never too late to level up.

Want to learn more about coaching female athletes? Check out the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Certification here: http://briannabattles.com/ppacoach

If you're a pregnant or postpartum athlete looking for resources, I can help:

The Pregnancy Cheat Sheet Free E-Book:

https://go.briannabattles.com/adjust-cheatsheet

The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program:

https://go.briannabattles.com/8-week-postpartum-athlete-training-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 powerful and heartwarming episode, I sit down with two incredible P&PA (Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism) coaches — Katie Doerksen and Julie Chutter — to highlight how they've each built meaningful coaching practices while honoring their roles as mothers and leaders in their communities.

Katie, a mom of three from rural Alberta, opens up about her transition from kindergarten teacher to strength coach and co-founder of Girls Who Lead — a program blending leadership development and physical literacy for young girls. She shares how she's helping the next generation understand their bodies and embrace movement in a way that builds confidence for life.

Julie, a mom of two based in Vancouver, shares how her background in spin and boxing led her to launching postpartum fitness classes — babies welcome — in a jiu-jitsu studio. We talk about building community, finding your rhythm during those chaotic early postpartum months, and how her business background has helped her thrive while staying present with her family.

We reflect on the real-life challenges of motherhood, the drive that comes with "athlete brain," and the power of creating supportive, judgment-free spaces for women in every season of life.

Connect with Julie & Katie:

Julie Chutter

• Website: movebyju.com
• Instagram: @move.by.ju

Katie Doerksen

• Website: longgamefitness.com
• Instagram: @long.game.fitness

Join My Upcoming Masterclass!

The No-BS Guide to Coaching Pregnant & Postpartum Athletes: What Every Coach + Athlete Needs to Know

When: Thursday, April 24, 8PM EDT

Register here: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-masterclass

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!

I'm so excited to have Tara LaFerrara join me today as we dive deep into coaching women, navigating fitness through different life stages, and redefining what it means to be strong and confident. Tara and I connected recently, and we quickly realized how much overlap we have in our coaching philosophies and the women we serve. She's been in the fitness industry for years, coaching both in-person and online, and she recently launched her app, Broads, which is all about helping women take up space and feel strong in their bodies. The discussion also touches on the challenges of body image, the acceptance of aging, and the importance of movement as a baseline for well-being. Tara shares insights on entrepreneurship, the trust required to navigate it, and the impact of her business on women's lives.

Resources and Links:

• 📲 Download Tara's app Broads on the App Store and Google Play
• 🌐 Visit Tara's website: TaraLaFerrara.com
• 📩 Connect with Tara on Instagram: @taralaferrara

Join My Upcoming Workshop!

📅 The No-BS Guide to Coaching Pregnant & Postpartum Athletes: What Every Coach + Athlete Needs to Know

🗓️ When: Thursday, April 24, 8 PM EDT

🔗 Register here: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-masterclass

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 chat with Mallory Holmes, a P&PA coach, about her journey from athlete to coach and the lessons she learned along the way. She shares her struggles with postpartum recovery, including injuries and a lack of awareness about pelvic floor health. We discuss how she built her fitness coaching business, the importance of creating a strong community for mothers, and how she opened a gym in a rural area to make fitness more accessible. Mallory also emphasizes the power of coaching education, body awareness, and mindset in helping women feel strong and empowered. Whether you're a coach, a mom, or someone passionate about fitness, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow and thrive.

Connect with Mallory:

• Website: https://liveitwellness.ca/
• Instagram: @liveit_wellness

Want to elevate your coaching skills? Join the waitlist for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification Course and be the first to hear when enrollment opens! 👉 Sign up now: briannabattles.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 Katelyn Darkangelo, a Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism coach. Katelyn shares her inspiring journey from being a fitness enthusiast to becoming a successful coach, highlighting the importance of in-person training and community building. She opens up about her transition into the pregnancy and postpartum space, the challenges she faced along the way, and how she built her business to serve this unique population.

Together, we dive into the intricacies of building a thriving postpartum coaching business, discussing effective business models, pricing strategies, and the impact of the community. Katelyn also shares her experience of navigating motherhood while running her coaching business, emphasizing the power of collaboration and the positive influence fitness can have on families. This conversation is all about empowering women in the fitness industry and embracing opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Connect with Katelyn:

Website: https://fitisgettingreal.com/

Instagram: @katedarkofit

Ready to take your coaching to the next level? Join the waitlist now and be the first to know when P&PA enrollment opens! 👉 Sign up here: briannabattles.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 had the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Coates to dive into the importance of building meaningful connections within the fitness industry. We explore how fitness education has evolved, the role of networking and mentorship, and the impact of social media on coaching. Together, we discuss the narratives that shape our identities as coaches, the realities of running a successful coaching business, and the evolving landscape of client relationships in an industry that's rapidly changing. We also touch on the importance of human connection, personal branding, and how technology is reshaping the fitness world. Plus, we dive into the unique challenges women face in the industry, the need for strong mentorship, and why coaches must continuously adapt to support their clients—especially as they age.

Where to Find Andrew:

• Instagram: @andrewcoatesfitness
• Podcast: Lift Free and Diet Hard - https://andrewcoatesfitness.com/podcast/
• Website: https://andrewcoatesfitness.com/

If you're a pregnant or postpartum athlete looking for resources, I can help:

The Pregnancy Cheat Sheet Free E-Book:

https://go.briannabattles.com/adjust-cheatsheet

The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program:

https://go.briannabattles.com/8-week-postpartum-athlete-training-program

Ready to take your coaching to the next level? Join the waitlist now and be the first to know when P&PA enrollment opens! 👉 Sign up here: briannabattles.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!