Feisty Women's Performance

Ever compare yourself to others on Strava? Feel yourself pushed to do more to hit a "streak" or online badge? This episode's for you.
Sport psychology professor Dr. Hayley Russell dives into the upsides and pitfalls of fitness‑tracking apps like Strava.
She explores how self‑tracking can boost motivation, community, and self‑awareness — but can also fuel comparison, pressure, and body‑image concerns.
What can you do to make the most of your online fitness tracking?
Balance function over appearance: Use data to celebrate what your body can do, not how it looks.
Set intentional goals: Focus on consistency and health‑supporting habits rather than perfection or daily “streaks.”
Curate your feed: Mute or unfollow accounts that trigger negative social comparison; follow supportive communities instead.
Take digital breaks when needed: Recognize signs of obsessive tracking and give yourself permission to step away without guilt.
Leverage community features: Join or create niche groups (e.g., postpartum athletes, larger‑body runners) to find relatable peers and reduce isolation.
Protect privacy: Adjust route‑sharing settings to hide start/end points and consider the safety implications of public activity logs.

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Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse
Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:
https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feisty_womens_performance
Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts
Support our Partners:
Eternal: Get 15% off services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
PILLAR Performance: use code FEISTY for 15% off first-purchases at https://pillarperformance.shop/, or https://thefeed.com/ for North American listeners.
Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: Wahoo: Learn more at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Dr. Rebecka Peebles and registered dietitian Nathalia Trees dive into the booming world GLP-1 medications and the complex intersection of weight loss, body size, eating disorders, and marketing.
They unpack the rapid rise of these weight loss drugs, the scientific and ethical dilemmas for clinicians, and practical strategies for navigating weight loss treatments.
Whether you're on GLP-1s right now or considering the pros and cons of the medications, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of the risks, benefits, and long‑term considerations of these drugs.
Key Takeaways
Prescriptions for GLP‑1 drugs have surged since 2023, especially for adolescents, but long‑term safety data at high doses remains limited.
Clinicians have to weigh metabolic benefits for diabetes against potential harm for patients with eating‑disorder histories.
Transparent communication about side‑effects—GI issues, rare ocular events, and possible mood changes—is critical.
Sustainable weight management, including the popular "microdosing" of GLP-1s, requires a holistic approach.

Dr. Rebecka Peebles – VP of Adolescent Medicine at Monte Nido, obesity‑medicine certified, expert in GLP‑1 therapy and its application to youth.
Nathalia Trees – Registered dietitian at Monte Nido, specialist in eating‑disorder treatment, weight‑inclusive care, and nutrition‑focused performance coaching.
Links & Resources
Guest email contacts: [email protected] | [email protected]
FDA’s warning letter to Novo Nordisk
Journal of Fat Studies article exposing GLP‑1 trial data gaps

If you found this conversation insightful, hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a 5‑star review to help other professionals discover the show, and join the discussion on social media with Feisty Women’s Perofrmance.
Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse
Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:
https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feisty_womens_performance
Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts
Support our Partners:
Eternal: Get 15% off services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
PILLAR Performance: use code FEISTY for 15% off first-purchases at https://pillarperformance.shop/, or https://thefeed.com/ for North American listeners.
Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: Wahoo: Learn more at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

What are the hidden costs of “toxic productivity?” And how does it sabotages women’s performance in their careers, relationships, and athletic endeavors?
Psychotherapist, digital wellness expert, and author Israa Nasir, MHC-LP shares practical strategies to spot burnout, set healthy boundaries, and reclaim balance without sacrificing ambition. You'll leave with a clear roadmap to shift from relentless hustle to sustainable success—and learn why embracing mediocrity can actually boost productivity.
You can get started by setting three concrete boundaries this week: time‑box high‑impact projects, schedule intentional rest, and say no to at least one non‑essential request.
Key Takeaways
Recognize the red‑flag signs that productivity has become toxic
Use a simple audit to map out tasks, identify value‑aligned activities, and eliminate low‑impact work
Apply “benefit‑finding” and radical acceptance to reframe unavoidable obligations
Implement the “good‑enough” principle

With over a decade of experience helping individuals and organizations combat burnout, Israa Nasir, MHC-LPbrings evidence‑based insights on mental health, performance psychology, and sustainable achievement.
Links & Resources
Book: Toxic Productivity
Israa’s Substack, The Well Guide
Instagram, @well.guide

If you found these insights valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss a episode, leave a review to help fellow entrepreneurs discover the show, and send this to a friend who needs to hear it.
Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse
Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:
https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feisty_womens_performance
Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts
Support our Partners:
Eternal: Get 15% off services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
PILLAR Performance: use code FEISTY for 15% off first-purchases at https://pillarperformance.shop/, or https://thefeed.com/ for North American listeners.
Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: Wahoo: Learn more at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

You probably *think* you're eating enough. But are you?
In today's episode, Dr. Erin Ayala talks with performance dietitian and eating‑disorder specialist Rebecca McConville about Low Energy Availability (LEA) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED‑S) — and how even athletes (especially female athletes!) who think they're fueling enough might not be for the amount of activity they're doing.
Rebecca breaks down the science behind LEA/RED‑S, shares practical strategies for athletes and coaches to identify and prevent under‑fueling, and explains how to create sustainable, performance‑enhancing nutrition plans.
Key takeaways:
LEA/RED‑S is actually a continuum of under‑fueling that can affect athletes of any size, not just “thin” competitors.
Early warning signs include subtle changes in mood, sleep, menstrual cycles, bone health, and performance plateaus.
Use the “energy bank” analogy (deposits vs. withdrawals) to understand deficits.
Practical fueling hacks: portable “snacker boxes,” energy‑dense smoothies, and scheduled micro‑meals for busy women.
A year‑long recovery roadmap (baseline assessment → acute intervention → long‑term monitoring) helps sustain health and performance.

Rebecca McConville is a performance dietitian, eating‑disorder specialist, and author of Finding Your Sweet Spot. She helps athletes recognize, diagnose, and treat LEA/RED‑S through evidence‑based nutrition and holistic coaching.
Links & Resources
Rebecca’s website & email: [email protected]
Read the book: Finding Your Sweet Spot
Follow her on Instagram: @rebeccaeddietitian

Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse
Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:
https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feisty_womens_performance
Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts
Support our Partners:
Eternal: Get 15% off services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
PILLAR Performance: use code FEISTY for 15% off first-purchases at https://pillarperformance.shop/, or https://thefeed.com/ for North American listeners.
Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: Wahoo: Learn more at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

If you found this episode valuable, subscribe to the Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast, leave us a 5‑star review, and share it with fellow athletes or coaches. Follow Rebecca on Instagram for more nutrition tips, and join our community to stay updated on future episodes that highlight thought leaders and subject matter experts in the women’s health & performance space.

It's a taboo topic too often overlooked in women's cycling: saddle sores.
Dr. Melissa Mauskar, a dermatologist specializing in vulvar health, unpacks the medical science behind saddle sores, debunks common myths, and offers practical advice for prevention and treatment. If you've ever Googled "saddle sore remedies" at 2 a.m., this episode is a must-listen—your comfort on the bike depends on it!
Key Takeaways:
Understand the different types of saddle sores and their causes, including friction and inflammation.
What are effective home remedies and when should you seek professional help?
The importance of proper saddle fitting and how anatomy affects saddle sore risks
And don't be afraid to start open conversations about vulvar health and break down stigmas.

Dr. Melissa Mauskar is a dermatologist specializing in vulvar health and the treatment of skin conditions among female cyclists. With her expertise, she aims to empower women to discuss these often-taboo topics openly.
Episode resources:
Follow Dr. Mauskar on Instagram: @drmelissamauskar
Learn more about the Feisty Women's Performance Podcast: Feisty Women's Performance

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to our podcast for more valuable insights and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us continue to bring essential conversations to the forefront. Share this episode with someone who could benefit from it so we can normalize discussions about women's health together.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KvLxR75DAz0
Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse
Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:
https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feisty_womens_performance
Visit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcasts
Support our Partners:
Eternal: Get 15% off services with code FEISTY15 at https://eternal.co/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
PILLAR Performance: use code FEISTY for 15% off first-purchases at https://pillarperformance.shop/, or https://thefeed.com/ for North American listeners.
Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: Wahoo: Learn more at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr