Feisty Women's Performance

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/
Register for FeistyFit: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/
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/
Register for FeistyFit: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/
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. Emily Matheson dives deep into the hidden “gender tax” that female athletes pay and why the sport system is unintentionally building their resilience.
She reveals how traditional resilience measures miss the relational strengths women bring to sport and shares actionable strategies for athletes, coaches, and entrepreneurs to foster genuine mental‑health support.
Listeners will walk away with fresh perspectives on measuring resilience, practical tools for building it, and a roadmap for creating more equitable athletic environments.
Traditional resilience scales often overlook relational and gender‑specific factors; consider a more holistic assessment.
Female athletes develop “relational resilience” by leaning on self‑awareness, community, and supportive networks.
Systemic changes—like equitable scheduling and resource allocation—can reduce the hidden gender tax in sports.
Coaches and leaders should shift from “forcing resilience” to co‑creating environments that nurture it.
Entrepreneurs can apply these insights to build inclusive, high‑performing teams that value mental health as a core asset.

Emily Matheson, PhD is a sport psychologist and research strategist specializing in mental health, body image, and resilience among female athletes. Currently leads research strategy at Great Minds and collaborates with brands such as Dove and Nike.
https://dremilymatheson.com - Related research on resilience and gender in sport
If you found this conversation valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review to help us reach more listeners, and follow us on social media for behind‑the‑scenes insights. Got a topic you’d like us to explore? Drop us a note at the email above—we love hearing from entrepreneurs and small‑business owners looking to champion mental‑health in their teams.
FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/
Register for FeistyFit: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/
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 sits down with sport psychologist Dr. Erin Haugen to explore strategies for managing pre‑race anxiety and building sustainable performance habits for female athletes.
Listeners will discover practical tools to calm nerves, balance training with life demands, and build resilience that translates to both sport and everyday challenges.
Identify “bravery goals” that focus on showing up despite anxiety, rather than solely on performance outcomes.
Use intentional “intent‑setting” or “whoop‑goal” frameworks to align daily actions with core values.
Incorporate mental rest (e.g., stepping away from sport, mindfulness breaks) to prevent burnout and boost creativity.
Leverage body cues and HRV trends to make informed training adjustments instead of reacting to single‑day data.
Practice the “what if I don’t do it?” question to gain perspective on fear, relief, and motivation before races.

Dr. Erin Haugen, PhD is a licensed sports psychologist, performance consultant, and founder of Haugen Performance. Specializes in mental health, performance psychology, well-being, and leadership training for those working in demanding industries.
Dr. Haugen’s website: https://www.haugenperformance.com/
Dr. Haugen’s Performance Consulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haugenperform/
Dr. Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drerinhaugen/
If you found this conversation valuable, hit subscribe so you never miss a new episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform, and join the discussion on Instagram @Feisty_womens_performance. We’d love to hear from you!
FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/
Register for FeistyFit: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/
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

How do female ultra-endurance athletes experience, interpret, and cope with pain—and when does pushing through become too much?
Erin Ayala, PhD, speaks with sport psychology researcher Dr. Britta Maria Sorensen about the complex role pain plays in women’s ultra-endurance sport.
Dr. Sorensen explains why pain is more than a physical sensation. Biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors can all influence how athletes interpret discomfort, respond to it, and decide whether to continue or stop.
They also explore the relationship between endurance sport, emotional stress, and past trauma; the difference between harmonious and obsessive passion; and how athletes can recognize when training is supporting their well-being versus becoming a form of avoidance.
This conversation offers practical strategies for managing pain, reducing burnout risk, and building a healthier, more sustainable relationship with performance.
In this episode:
Why pain should be understood through a biopsychosocial lens
What qualitative research reveals about how women cope with extreme discomfort
How past trauma and emotional stress may shape participation in ultra-endurance sport
The difference between using sport as a healthy outlet and using it as avoidance
Practical tools such as body scans, progressive self-talk, fueling, hydration, and properly fitted gear
Why scheduled rest and recovery can help prevent compulsive training patterns
How coaches, therapists, partners, and support systems can help athletes stay balanced

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this conversation with an athlete, coach, or practitioner interested in pain, performance, and long-term well-being.
Dr. Sorenson's Open Access Research Article
FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/
Register for FeistyFit: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/
Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/
Women's Mechanic Camp in Tucson: https://livefeisty.com/events/bike-mechanic-school-tucson/
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