Feisty Women's Performance

Dr. Erin Ayala sits down with Dr. Tara‑Leigh McHugh, a Canada Research Chair in sport and physical activity at the University of Calgary.
They explore the hidden challenges faced by mother‑coaches in high‑performance sport, uncovering systemic barriers, the “mother penalty,” and why women’s expertise is often undervalued.
You'll hear concrete strategies for advocating for better policies and supporting women leaders in sport and business.
Key Takeaways:
- Mother‑coaches experience a “double penalty” of gender bias and motherhood expectations, leading to reduced pay, contract insecurity, and career stagnation.
- Clear, enforceable protections (e.g., parental‑leave policies, contract clauses) are essential first steps for organizations.
- Building mentorship networks and leveraging social media can help mother‑coaches combat isolation and share resources.
- Organizations benefit from inclusive policies: diverse coaching perspectives improve performance outcomes and athlete wellbeing.
- Entrepreneurs should audit their own workplaces for hidden biases and implement transparent, equity‑focused hiring and retention practices.
Dr. McHugh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-leigh-mchugh-0443493a2 -
Article on women’s representation in FIFA World Cup coaching (2026 study) – https://doi.org/10.1080/14660970.2025.2603769
Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe to the Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast on your favorite platform, leave a 5‑star review, and follow us on LinkedIn for episode updates and exclusive resources. Got thoughts on supporting mother‑coaches? Drop us a comment or email erin@feistypodcast.com – we’d love to hear from you!
FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:
Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feisty_womens_performance
Support our Partners:
Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order
Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

Erin Ayala, PhD sits down with Dr. Gabe Mauren, PhD, LP, PMH‑C, a leading psychologist in reproductive mental health, to unpack the complexities of postpartum mental health. Listeners will learn why postpartum depression isn’t simply “hormonal,” discover practical strategies for navigating intrusive thoughts and OCD, and hear actionable advice for both new parents and seasoned caregivers.
You'll learn:
- Postpartum mood disorders are driven by a mix of psychological, social, and biological factors—not just hormones.
- Intrusive thoughts are common; recognizing them as symptoms rather than personal failures reduces shame and opens the door to treatment.
- Simple “night‑shift” planning (who handles overnight feeds, how to share duties) prevents one parent from becoming chronically sleep‑deprived.
- A “version‑2” mindset—accepting that life after a baby will look different—helps parents set realistic expectations and avoid guilt.
- The “Parents” acronym (self‑care categories) and the accompanying worksheet can be used to map responsibilities and protect personal time.
- Dr. Mauren’s book Myself Again – The Parents Postpartum Survival Guide offers step‑by‑step tools for both birthing and non‑birthing parents.
If you found this episode valuable, hit Subscribe so you never miss a deep dive into mental‑health strategies for entrepreneurs and busy parents. Leave a 5‑star review on your favorite platform to help others discover this work.
Order Myself Again - https://www.mompsychdocs.com/
FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:
Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feisty_womens_performance
Support our Partners:
Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order
Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

In this bonus episode from Feisty's sister podcast, Another Mother Runner, hosts Sara Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin sit down with sport psychologists Dr. Tess Kilwein and Dr. Erin Ayala to unpack why self‑sabotage is a silent performance killer for women athletes—and how self‑compassion can become a powerful antidote.
Listeners will discover
How to spot the sabotage: Recognize common self‑sabotage cues—hedging (“I don’t want to finish last”), self‑handicapping, and perfection‑driven criticism.
Two faces of perfectionism: One drives growth; the other fuels burnout. Learn to identify which version is steering you.
Self‑compassion isn’t “soft”: It’s an active skill (mindfulness, common humanity, self‑kindness) that boosts resilience and performance.
Goldfish mindset: Adopt a short‑memory approach to mistakes—acknowledge, reset, and move forward.
Actionable mental tools: Use pre‑race routines (breathing, music, posture cues), daily habit trackers, and thought‑diffusion naming techniques to keep self‑talk constructive.
Generational nuances: Understand how Title IX, social media, and life stage shape self‑sabotage patterns for older vs. younger women athletes.

Tess Kilwein, PhD, LP, ABPP, CMPC is a Clinical and sport psychologist, founder of Unapologetic Psychology, certified mental performance consultant, and established thought leader in the sport psychology field.
Erin Ayala, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport psychologist and certified mental performance consultant, founder of Skadi Sport Psychology, researcher, and endurance gremlin.
Unapologetic Psychology (Dr. Kilwein): https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticpsych/
Skadi Sport Psychology (Dr. Erin Ayala): https://www.instagram.com/skadisportpsychology/
If this conversation sparked a new insight, hit subscribe so you never miss a bonus episode, leave a review to help other women athletes find the show, and share the episode with a teammate who could benefit from breaking self‑sabotage habits.
FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:
Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feisty_womens_performance
Support our Partners:
Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order
Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

Host Erin Ayala sits down with writer, speaker, and educator Chrissy King to unpack “body liberation” and how racism, diet culture, and the relentless “maxing” mindset intersect.
Chrissy shares personal stories from her journey—writing The Body Liberation Project, navigating publishing, and redefining success on her own terms.
Listeners will walk away with a fresh framework for reclaiming their bodies, boosting joy, and building collective freedom in their personal and professional lives.
Key Takeaways
Body liberation vs. body positivity: Liberation means challenging systemic racism and diet culture, not just “loving every inch.”
Spot the “maxing” trap: Constantly optimizing (protein, fitness, productivity) drains bandwidth and hampers creativity; learn to set intentional, sustainable limits.
Collective liberation: Use your privilege to call out fat‑phobic, racist, or exclusionary language in everyday conversations and professional settings.
Practical habit shifts: 1. Identify one standard you’re chasing that isn’t yours and pause it this week. 2. Replace doom‑scrolling with a tactile activity (e.g., crochet, chess) to reset mental bandwidth. 3. Share resources (books, articles) that center marginalized voices instead of speaking for them.
Publishing insights: A slower, deliberate book proposal can yield a far better deal than an immediate offer.

Chrissy’s Substack, The Liberation Collective – https://chrissyking.com/substack (or similar)
Instagram & TikTok: @iamchrissyking – https://instagram.com/iamchrissyking
If you found this conversation valuable, hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review on your favorite platform, and share the episode with fellow entrepreneurs who are ready to break free from limiting body narratives. Connect with Chrissy on social media and dive deeper into the resources linked above. Let’s build a community where every body can thrive!
FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:
Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feisty_womens_performance
Support our Partners:
Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order
Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

Dr. Erin Ayala talks with Dr. Susan Kleiner, a pioneering high‑performance sports dietitian, to cut through the noise surrounding women’s sports supplements.
She debunks common myths about creatine, explains why under‑fueling is a hidden threat for female athletes, and shows how to spot fraudulent supplement brands. Listeners will leave with clear, science‑backed strategies to optimize performance and make smarter supplement choices.
Creatine does not cause bloating; the myth is marketing, not science.
Women need tailored dosing and timing for supplements based on menstrual cycle and training demands.
Under‑fueling—especially low‑carb diets—remains the biggest performance risk for female athletes.
Always verify third‑party certification on the product label (BSCG, NSF for Sport, Informed Choice, etc.) before purchasing.
Use reputable resources and experts (e.g., Dr. Abby Smith Ryan, Dr. Stacy Sims) for evidence‑based nutrition guidance.

Dr. Susan Kleiner is Registered Dietitian, high‑performance dietitian, author of Power Eating, co‑founder of the International Society of Sport Nutrition, and former nutrition consultant for elite teams such as the Seattle Storm (WNBA) and Seattle Rain (soccer). Dr. Kleiner’s website: https://www.drskleiner.com/
BSCG certification: http://bscg.org/
NSF for Sport: https://www.nsfsport.com/
Informed Choice: https://choice.wetestyoutrust.com/
Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan: https://asmithryan.com/
International Society of Sport Nutrition: https://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/
If you found this episode valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss a deep‑dive with industry experts. Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find us. Got questions or topics you’d like us to explore? Drop a comment or message us on social media—we love hearing from you!
FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:
Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/
Follow us on Instagram:
@feisty_womens_performance
Support our Partners:
Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first order
Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/0GAByR
Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/
Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/
Orca: Use the code FEISTY15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo