
Women's Performance
Welcome to the Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast where we cut through the B.S. and deliver trusted information from experts who know how to help women thrive.
The sports and fitness industries were not designed for women. And we feel that. Not only has exercise science excluded women from studies but we often receive the message that we don’t belong.
And yet we know our potential is limitless. Time and time again we see women crushing it- in the gym, on the race course and in the boardroom. Despite major data gaps, we are breaking records - Every. Damn. Day.
On this podcast, host Sara Gross offers the tools you need to get the best out of yourself by learning from athletes and experts who are at the top of their game. We aren't afraid to talk about periods, diet culture, sex, menopause, mindset, depression, anxiety, pregnancy and all the messy details.
Listen as we bring you trusted information relating to our four pillars of women’s performance: physiology, nutrition, mental health, and culture.
By taking a female lens on human performance, we can truly unlock our potential.
Latest episodes

Jan 9, 2023 • 1h 7min
Everything I Wish I Had Known About Menopause with Selene Yeager
Navigating the waters of perimenopause can be daunting whether you’re in them, or will be eventually. What if there was someone who could be your guide? Well, this week, we welcome Selene Yeager to do just that. As the host of Feisty Media's Hit Play Not Pause podcast, author, and overall menopause guru, Selene shares what she wishes she knew before she entered perimenopause - and how lifting heavy really is THAT great.Selene & Sara discuss the many ways perimenopause impacted their performance, and how plyometrics, lifting heavy, and fueling properly helped turn this around. Selene also explains how serious some of the 36 symptoms of menopause can be for our mental and physical health and why we need to advocate for ourselves. Whether you’re going through the menopause transition now, or will be - this is the podcast for you.Follow Selene on Instagram @fitchick3 Follow Feisty Menopause on Instagram @feistymenopause Brain Power Course Pre-Sale Special: Sign Up for The Brain Power Course Pre-Sale and Take Advantage of the Lowest Price We Will Offer: https://www.womensperformance.com/offers/z6Yj3pHG/checkout Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter:https://www.feistymenopause.com/blog/Feisty-40-plus Sign up to Receive The Feist Newsletter:https://www.womensperformance.com/the-feist Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ https://www.womensperformance.com/ Support our Partners:Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with the code PERFORMANCE at https://www.previnex.com/

Jan 2, 2023 • 44min
REBROADCAST - Why Lael Wilcox Won't Hold Hands at the Finish Line
Sara welcomes Ultra-endurance bike rider and racer, Lael Wilcox, to discuss her unconventional success in ultra racing and the joy of making people (ok, mostly men) think, "How is this even possible?!" In 2016, she won the Trans Am Bike Race outright, making her the first female to do so. The Trans Am is the premier self-supported road race across the United States, traversing over 4200 miles. She discusses:The exhilaration of winning outrightHer strategy and logistics for winning such a grueling eventThe power of beating the boys - "A Win for Womankind"A woman's capacity for resilience and gritWhat it was like being constantly doubted and questionedHandling the physical and mental aspects of pain and how she made friends with itLael also runs Tucson GRIT and Anchorage GRIT (girls riding into tomorrow), a cycling mentorship program, for girls ages 11-13. They ride together for six weeks, with a build-up to a camp-out ride. Her true passion? Getting more girls and women to “give it a go.” She shares her advice with parents of young girls, and even older women who want to achieve their own epic adventures.Find mentors and start small. Do things that will build your confidence. Then, before you know it, you'll be riding across the country in jean shorts beating the boys across the line. Lael Wilcox InstagramBrain Power Course Pre-Sale Special: Sign Up for The Brain Power Course Pre-Sale and Take Advantage of the Lowest Price We Will Offer: https://www.womensperformance.com/offers/z6Yj3pHG/checkout Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter:https://www.feistymenopause.com/blog/Feisty-40-plus Sign up to Receive The Feist Newsletter:https://www.womensperformance.com/the-feist Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ https://www.womensperformance.com/ Support our Partners:Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with the code PERFORMANCE at https://www.previnex.com/

Dec 26, 2022 • 48min
REBROADCAST - Dr. Carla M. Digirolamo, MD - You (and Your Hormones) are NOT Broken
Sara welcomes Dr. Carla DiGirolamo, a double board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist who has experience with the unique physical and mental challenges that women face through every stage of life's journey. In addition to specializing in all aspects of fertility care, Dr. DiGirolamo is also a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner, Crossfit Level 1 Trainer/Crossfit Health, Certified Nutrition Coach, and Les Mills BodyCombat Instructor.Today, she and Sara talk hormones, including:The purpose of hormonesMyths and misconceptions about hormone imbalanceTraining under stress - the good and bad Advice for prepubescent teens and parents of those childrenPros and cons of different birth control methods for active athletesBenefits of HIIT Training and lifting heavy shitCrossFit HealthRecommendations on nutritionAdvice to someone struggling with infertilityAdvice to someone struggling with perimenopause and menopauseBrain Power Course Pre-Sale Special: Sign Up for The Brain Power Course Pre-Sale and Take Advantage of the Lowest Price We Will Offer: https://www.womensperformance.com/offers/z6Yj3pHG/checkout Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter:https://www.feistymenopause.com/blog/Feisty-40-plus Sign up to Receive The Feist Newsletter:https://www.womensperformance.com/the-feist Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ https://www.womensperformance.com/ Support our Partners:Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with the code PERFORMANCE at https://www.previnex.com/

Dec 19, 2022 • 40min
Addressing Hormonal Health to Unlock Performance Potential with Dr. Saru Bala
Imagine a world where PMS and period discomfort doesn't exist? Dr. Saru Bala not only believes its possible, but helps makes that world a reality every day. Trained as a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Bala takes an integrative approach to women's health focusing on PMS, period pain, heavy bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis and fertility.Dr. Bala tells us why she loves working with athletes and the many ways mainstream medicine has allowed women's health slip to through the cracks. She helps us understand how to mitigate our symptoms by managing our hormones and her and Sara discuss how they talk to their daughters about their periods.Follow Dr. Saru Bala on Instagram @drsarubalaBrain Power Course Pre-Sale Special: Sign Up for The Brain Power Course Pre-Sale and Take Advantage of the Lowest Price We Will Offer: https://www.womensperformance.com/offers/z6Yj3pHG/checkout Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter:https://www.feistymenopause.com/blog/Feisty-40-plus Sign up to Receive The Feist Newsletter:https://www.womensperformance.com/the-feist Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ https://www.womensperformance.com/ Support our Partners:Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with the code PERFORMANCE at https://www.previnex.com/

Dec 12, 2022 • 53min
Practice Until You Can’t Get it Wrong with Rhonda Rajsich
Racketball, i.e. - hitting a ball with a racket in an enclosed room with four walls. This week, we welcomed Rhonda Rajsich - the most decorated Professional Racketball Player in United States history. Rhonda is a true inspiration, and her confidence is contagious.Rhonda shares her journey to Racketball, and the performance mindset that helped her get to where she is today. Coming from a long line of professional athletes, Rhonda believes perfectionism is in her blood. Finally, Rhonda shares a harrowing personal story of healing from a violent attack, and not defining herself as a victim.Follow Rhonda and her partner on TikTok @lerhonda2723Follow Rhonda on Instagram @rhondarajsichBrain Power Course Pre-Sale Special: Sign Up for The Brain Power Course Pre-Sale and Take Advantage of the Lowest Price We Will Offer: https://www.womensperformance.com/offers/z6Yj3pHG/checkout Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter:https://www.feistymenopause.com/blog/Feisty-40-plus Sign up to Receive The Feist Newsletter:https://www.womensperformance.com/the-feist Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ https://www.womensperformance.com/ Support our Partners:Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with the code PERFORMANCE at https://www.previnex.com/

Dec 5, 2022 • 1h 2min
How to Foster a CEO Mindset with Vic Brumfield and Sara Gross
How do you foster a CEO mindset? Make meaningful decisions? Understand and be true to your values? This week we bring you one of our favorite conversations from the Outspoken Women in Endurance Sport Summit of 2022. Sara and Vic Brumfield, CEO of USA Triathlon, discuss what it means to be a female CEO, and what it takes to be a meaningful leader. Beginning with a conversation about how Vic got to where she is today, the duo discusses memorable moments throughout their careers that shaped them into their current roles. Further, they answer questions related to upholding one's values, fostering collaboration with a team, and pushing forward even when you feel defeated. Brain Power Course Pre-Sale Special: Sign Up for The Brain Power Course Pre-Sale and Take Advantage of the Lowest Price We Will Offer: https://www.womensperformance.com/offers/z6Yj3pHG/checkout Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter:https://www.feistymenopause.com/blog/Feisty-40-plus Sign up to Receive The Feist Newsletter:https://www.womensperformance.com/the-feist Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ https://www.womensperformance.com/ Support our Partners:Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with the code PERFORMANCE at https://www.previnex.com/

Nov 28, 2022 • 53min
Getting All Bodies on Bikes with Marley Blonksy
It's no shocker that the endurance sports industry is exclusive. From size to gender to socioeconomic status, there is an "ideal" athlete (or so society tells us). That's why this week, we have Marley Blonsky on the show to talk all about getting larger athletes on bikes, and fat activism. As the co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes - a movement dedicated to creating and fostering a size-inclusive bike community, Marley has a lot to share. Sara and Marley discuss the problems with the body positivity movement, the word "fat", and how to be a better ally to larger riders. Going all the way back to childhood experiences, Marley shares how she has worked towards a place of peace with her body by being grateful for all it does for her. Follow Marley on Instagram @marleyblonsky Follow All Bodies on Bikes @allbodiesonbikesBrain Power Course Pre-Sale Special: Sign Up for The Brain Power Course Pre-Sale and Take Advantage of the Lowest Price We Will Offer: https://www.womensperformance.com/offers/z6Yj3pHG/checkout Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter:https://www.feistymenopause.com/blog/Feisty-40-plus Sign up to Receive The Feist Newsletter:https://www.womensperformance.com/the-feist Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ https://www.womensperformance.com/ Support our Partners:Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with the code PERFORMANCE at https://www.previnex.com/

Nov 21, 2022 • 58min
Sex, Intimacy, and the Female Athlete with Dr. Jess
Intimacy and sexual satisfaction are important factors when discussing women's performance. That's why this week we bring you North America's top sex and relationship expert, Dr. Jess O'Reilly. Sara and Jess discuss all things sex, and how satisfying sex can enhance performance in your daily life. Jess gives us an outline for how we can discuss sexual intimacy with our partners, and truly get to the root of what we want. With communication at the forefront, Jess gives space for all types of "wants", and provides a non-judgmental and open approach to understanding our deepest desires. Follow Jess on Instagram @sexwithdrjesshttps://www.sexwithdrjess.com/ Read Sara's blog about the Outspoken Summit here! Brain Power Course Pre-Sale Special: Sign Up for The Brain Power Course Pre-Sale and Take Advantage of the Lowest Price We Will Offer: https://www.womensperformance.com/offers/z6Yj3pHG/checkout Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter:https://www.feistymenopause.com/blog/Feisty-40-plus Sign up to Receive The Feist Newsletter:https://www.womensperformance.com/the-feist Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ https://www.womensperformance.com/ Support our Partners:Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with the code PERFORMANCE at https://www.previnex.com/

Nov 14, 2022 • 37min
Best Of...So Far
And we are back! This season, we bring you new and fresh perspectives on what Women's Performance truly means. To get our listeners geared up for the upcoming interviews, in this episode we run through some of our favorite moments from last season, and what we've learned from them. Sara, along with our producers, picked clips from Amelia Boone, Lael Wilcox, Cindi Miller, Holley Samuel, and Jennifer Pharr Davis. Get excited folks, there are some incredible interviews to come! Brain Power Course Pre-Sale Special: Sign Up for The Brain Power Course Pre-Sale and Take Advantage of the Lowest Price We Will Offer: https://www.womensperformance.com/offers/z6Yj3pHG/checkout Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter:https://www.feistymenopause.com/blog/Feisty-40-plus Sign up to Receive The Feist Newsletter:https://www.womensperformance.com/the-feist Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ https://www.womensperformance.com/ Support our Partners:Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with the code PERFORMANCE at https://www.previnex.com/

Nov 3, 2022 • 43min
The Business of Fitness - Molly Hurford on Becoming a "Jill of all Trades" (Episode 34 )
Who is Molly Hurford? This week, Molly does a solo episode explaining who she is, what she does, and what her own professional toolbox looks like. As a writer, fitness entrepreneur, podcast host and so much more, Molly shares all of her own keys to success. Answering the questions she usually asks her guests, Molly tells us how she keeps her life organized, what application she uses for scheduling, how she keeps track of the many things going on in her days, and all of her best productivity tips. As a "Jill-of-all-trades", Molly explains why having lots of different jobs is a good thing, and how the knowledge you gain from your experience will help you in the long term. Follow the Business of Fitness on Instagram @business.of.fitness and follow Molly on Instagram @mollyjhurford Brain Power Course Pre-Sale Special: Sign Up for The Brain Power Course Pre-Sale and Take Advantage of the Lowest Price We Will Offer: https://www.womensperformance.com/offers/z6Yj3pHG/checkout Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter:https://www.feistymenopause.com/blog/Feisty-40-plus Sign up to Receive The Feist Newsletter:https://www.womensperformance.com/the-feist Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ https://www.womensperformance.com/ Support our Partners:Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with the code PERFORMANCE at https://www.previnex.com/
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