The Practice Brave Podcast
by Brianna Battles
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!Connect with Brianna on Instagram @Brianna.Battles and learn more about her
Episodes
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245: The Coach-Mom Mindset: Raising Healthy, Disciplined & Well-Rounded Kids with Alessandra Scutnik
In this episode, Alessandra Scutnik and I discuss how our backgrounds as athletes and coaches influence the way we raise our kids. We explore the role of discipline, boundaries, and leading by example in building a family lifestyle centered on health, movement, and personal growth. We also talk...
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244: Why Pregnancy & Postpartum Coaching Matters: The Story Behind P&PA
In this solo episode, I'm sharing the story behind the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification, why specialized coaching matters, and how this education can create meaningful opportunities for coaches and the women they support. I didn't set out to create a certification…
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243: Understanding the History of Pregnancy, Postpartum & Athleticism with Dr. Carrie Pagliano, PT
This episode is a little different because Dr. Carrie Pagliano and I are bringing our two podcasts together for one conversation about the history of pregnancy, postpartum, fitness, and women's athleticism. We've both been working in this space for more than a decade, but we come from different...
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242: The Power of Adaptability: Alena Alsruhe on Pregnancy and Postpartum in Your 40s
In this insightful episode, I sit down with Alena Alsruhe to talk about her experience navigating pregnancy and postpartum in her 40s and the mindset shifts that came with becoming a mother later in life. Alena shares how she approached pregnancy and postpartum with curiosity, intentionality, and…
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241: How We Decided to Grow Our Family Again — The Power of Control and Perspective in Motherhood
In this episode, I'm sharing one of my most personal stories: my journey through pregnancy, birth, and the lessons that have shaped me as both a mother and a coach. I reflect on what it was like deciding to grow our family after a challenging postpartum experience, and how those experiences...
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240: Building Battles Jiu Jitsu: How the First 6 Months is Going
In this episode, Jared and I pull back the curtain on what it's really been like to build Battles Jiu Jitsu from the ground up. We reflect on the first several months of opening our gym, the challenges we've navigated, and the values that have shaped every decision we've made along the way. More...
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239: Rebuilding Athleticism Postpartum: A Systemic Perspective with Lara Morgan Lee, MD
In today's episode, I sat down with Lara Morgan Lee, MD, a board-certified sports medicine physician and former team doctor for elite professional and collegiate athletes, to talk about what happens when we apply a sports medicine approach to motherhood. We dive into the gaps that still exist in...
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238: The Building Blocks of Raising Athletic Kids
In this solo episode, I'm sharing my perspective as a coach, lifelong athlete, and mom raising two athletic boys. My goal isn't to raise Division I or professional athletes. It's to help my kids build a foundation for a lifetime of athleticism. I talk about why I believe in exposing kids to...
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237: Motherhood and Athleticism Can Coexist: Jessica Hamel's Journey
In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Hamel, P&PA coach and mom, to talk about what it really looks like to embrace both motherhood and athleticism without feeling like you have to choose between the two. Jessica shares her journey from being a military spouse to building a fitness career, and...
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236: Growing Up Fast: Cade's 13th Year Reflections
In this special birthday episode of the Practice Brave podcast, I sit down with my son, Cade, to reflect on his 13th year—one filled with tremendous growth, new experiences, and a whole lot of learning for both of us. We talk about his transition into middle school, the friendships he's built…
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235: The Truth About Heavy Lifting During Pregnancy: Safety and Research Insights with Christina Prevett PT, PhD
Today, I sat down with Dr. Christina Prevett to explore some of the most common—and often misunderstood—questions surrounding pregnancy, postpartum exercise, and pelvic health. Christina shares insights from the latest research on topics including heavy lifting during pregnancy, pelvic floor...
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234: Revolutionizing Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise: New Research Insights with Margie Davenport, PhD
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Margie Davenport, researcher, professor, and leading voice in maternal health and exercise science, to discuss how the landscape of pregnancy and postpartum fitness has evolved over the past decade. Dr. Margie shares insights from her extensive research on...
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233: A Chat with Delaney Nelson: Twin Mom & HYROX Athlete
Today, I sat down with Delaney Nelson, a former Division 1 collegiate swimmer, to talk about motherhood, athleticism, and what it looks like to rediscover your strength in a completely new season of life. Delaney shares her journey from navigating life after a twin pregnancy to reconnecting with...
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232: From CrossFit Games to Motherhood: A Journey of Resilience and Adaptation with Steph Mireles
In today's episode, I sit down with Steph Mireles, former CrossFit Games athlete and physician assistant, to talk about the evolution of athleticism through different seasons of life—including pregnancy, motherhood, and career growth. Steph shares her experience balancing high-level training with...
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231: Balancing Motherhood and Elite Sports: Insights from Olympian Dr. Tara Peterson
In this episode of the Practice Brave podcast, I sit down with Tara Peterson, a two-time Olympic curler and dentist, to talk about what it really looks like to pursue elite sport while navigating motherhood and a professional career. Tara shares her journey from her early days in curling to...
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230: Building Your Brand, Voice, and Impact as a Coach with Shanté Cofield
In this engaging episode, I sit down with Shanté Cofield, physical therapist and entrepreneur, for an engaging conversation on building a meaningful career in the fitness and coaching space. Together, we share insights from our journeys as seasoned fitness entrepreneurs—what it takes to grow a...
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229: From Coach to Community: P&PA Coach Krista Williams' Pregnancy & Postpartum Fitness Journey
In this episode, I sit down with Krista Williams to talk about her journey from working in traditional fitness spaces to building a thriving pregnancy and postpartum-focused business. We dive into how Krista's background in fitness and exercise science shaped her path, and what led her to...
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228: P&PA Coach Spotlight: Mary DiStasio
In this episode, I sit down with Mary DiStasio, a former Olympic gymnast turned weightlifting athlete and coach, to talk about training through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and what it really takes to support long-term athleticism in motherhood. We explore the physical and mental challenges...
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227: The Evolution of Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism: 4 Key Updates
In this solo episode of the Practice Brave podcast, I share an inside look at how Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism has evolved over the years—and why that evolution matters for both coaches and athletes. Since 2017, the certification has gone through four major updates, each shaped by…
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226: Returning to Competition After Motherhood with Bethany Flores
In this episode, I sit down with Bethany Flores, a seven-time CrossFit Games athlete and new mom, to talk about her journey through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and returning to high-level competition. We dive into what it really looks like to balance athletic goals with motherhood, and how...
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225: Motherhood, Military Service, and the Olympic Podium: Jasmine Jones' Journey to a 2026 Bronze Medal
In this episode, I sat down with Jasmine Jones, a 2026 Winter Olympics bobsled medalist, mother, and military service member whose journey to the podium is nothing short of inspiring. Jasmine shares how she balances elite sport, motherhood, and military service while continuing to push boundaries...
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224: P&PA Coach Spotlight: Ashton Koehlmoos
In today's episode, I sat down with Ashton Koehlmoos — pregnancy and postpartum athleticism coach, former collegiate athlete, and mom — to talk about how her personal experiences shaped the work she does today. Ashton shares a powerful story that weaves together athletics, infertility, postpartum...
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223: Shanna Birchett on Running with Baby #7 (and a sub 3 marathon at 16 weeks!)
In today's episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Shanna Birchett, a dedicated runner and mother of six, who is navigating the unique challenges of training during her seventh pregnancy. With a focus on long-term goals and adaptability, Shanna shares her experiences and insights on...
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222: US Olympian Sarah Newberry Moore on Navigating Change, Identity, and Long-Term Athleticism
In today's episode, I sit down with Sarah Newberry Moore, a U.S. Olympian in Sailing, for an honest conversation about navigating change, both in sport and in life. We talk about what it means to evolve as an athlete and a human, especially when identity, goals, and capacity shift over time.…
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221: Redefining Athlete Identity Through Different Seasons of Life with Kristi O'Connell
In this episode, I sit down with Kristi O'Connell to explore what it really means to have an "athlete brain" and how that identity evolves over time. Kristi shares her journey from being a Division I swimmer to a seven-time CrossFit Games athlete, and how stepping away from high-level competition...
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220: Motherhood, Identity, and Longevity in Sport with Annie Thorisdottir & Katrin Davidsdottir
In this episode, I sit down with longtime friends and CrossFit athletes Annie Thorisdottir and Katrin Davidsdottir to talk honestly about their journeys into motherhood as elite athletes. We reflect on how pregnancy and postpartum seasons have reshaped how they view training, identity, and...
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219: Not Fragile, Not Invincible: Adaptable Coaching for the Pregnant & Postpartum Athlete
In this solo episode, I unpack a conversation that's been building for over a decade—one sparked by a recent post that stirred both strong agreement and strong reaction. I reflect on how the pregnant and postpartum athlete narrative has evolved, especially within the CrossFit and…
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218: Reclaiming Strength, Identity, and Confidence Through Motherhood with Julie Snodgrass
In this episode, I sit down with Julie to talk about the evolving relationship women have with their bodies, strength, and identity through pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. We explore what it looks like to move away from pressure-filled fitness narratives and toward a more sustainable,...
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217: A Simple Reset for a New Year: Rebuilding Rhythm as an Athlete Mom
In this solo episode, I share what this current season of life looks like for me and how I'm resetting after a busy and disruptive stretch. Between growing Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism and opening the new Battles Jiu Jitsu gym with my family, I've had to rethink how I approach consistency,...
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216: Building a Jiu Jitsu Community from the Ground Up: Battles Jiu Jitsu Opening Jan 2026
In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Jared Battles, to share the story behind our newest chapter together: opening Battles Jiu Jitsu. We reflect on how this idea moved from a quiet "what if" conversation to becoming a real, brick-and-mortar space rooted in purpose, faith, and community.…
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215: Programming, Longevity & The Art of Training with Jason Brown
In this episode, I sit down with strength and conditioning coach Jason Brown to talk about what truly matters in training—for both athletes and coaches. Jason shares how his early exposure to powerlifting, years in the trenches coaching in-person, and deep dive into exercise physiology shaped his...
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214: Birth Trauma, Survival, and the Power of Community with Kayleigh Summers
In this episode, I sit down with Kayleigh Summers, a perinatal trauma therapist and the voice behind The Birth Trauma Mama. Kayleigh shares her powerful story of surviving an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE)—a rare and often fatal childbirth emergency—and how that experience completely reshaped her...
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213: You Asked, We Answered: AMA with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Mindy English, DPT
In this episode, I'm joined once again by my good friend and collaborator, Mindy English — a pelvic floor physical therapist here in Eagle, Idaho, who works extensively with female athletes, especially pregnant and postpartum women. We've been running a pelvic floor PT series this past year…
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212: Olympian Hannah Miley on Motherhood, Identity, and Returning to Sport
In this episode, I talk with Olympian swimmer Hannah Miley about her transition into motherhood and what it's been like navigating a return to swimming postpartum. We dive into the culture of swimming in Scotland, why pelvic floor health matters for swimmers and female athletes in general, and…
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211: Constipation and the Pelvic Floor: What You Need to Know with Mindy English, Orthopedic & Pelvic Health PT
In this episode, I sit down again with Mindy English, Orthopedic & Pelvic Health PT with a background in sports and orthopedics based here in Eagle, Idaho. Mindy and I have done several episodes together as part of our pelvic health series for female athletes, and this one takes on a topic that...
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210: Arielle Loewen is Pretty Strong for a Mom: Her Story from Pregnancy to Podium
In this episode, I talk with CrossFit athlete Arielle Loewen about what it really looks like to balance motherhood and athleticism. Arielle shares her journey through pregnancy, the challenges of postpartum recovery, and how she's learned to be intentional with both her fitness and nutrition. We...
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209: Building Resilience in the Fitness Industry with Jordan Syatt
In this episode, I sat down with Jordan Syatt to talk about his journey from wrestling as a kid to becoming a successful coach and entrepreneur. We discussed the importance of consistency, resilience, and authenticity, as well as the challenges of building an online presence, the impact of...
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208: Adaptability, Motherhood, and Longevity in Sport with Michaela North
In this episode of the Practice Brave podcast, I catch up with my longtime friend and fellow athlete mom, Michaela North. Michaela is one of the OGs in the CrossFit space—an individual competitor, a CrossFit Games team champion, and now the founder of Hungry Fitness, where she leads a team of...
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207: Pregnant Athletes Are Not Fragile or Invincible: Finding the Middle Ground
In this solo episode, I share from the heart about the messy middle ground of pregnancy and postpartum athleticism. After more than 12 years of working with female athletes, I've seen the pendulum swing between two extremes: overly conservative, fear-based recommendations and the "full send, no...
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206: Pelvic Health, Healing, and Holistic Care with Dr. Kenael Segal, PT, DPT
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kenael Segal, PT, DPT, who works in alternative and holistic health services, about the importance of pelvic health from a holistic perspective. Dr. Kenael shares her journey from teaching to becoming a pelvic floor physical therapist, shaped by her own…
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205: From the Octagon to Motherhood: UFC Fighter Katlyn Cerminara on Fertility, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Comeback
In this episode, UFC Fighter Katlyn Cerminara shares her journey as a new mom and professional athlete. She discusses her early experiences in martial arts, her rise in the UFC, and the challenges she faced while trying to conceive. Kaitlyn opens up about her fertility journey, including IVF...
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204: Transforming Coaching: Insights from Dr. Sean Pastuch
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Sean Pastuch, founder of Active Life, about rethinking fitness, coaching, and business in ways that actually support people for the long run. He shares his journey from being a personal trainer who took on clients others overlooked, to becoming a chiropractor, gym...
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203: Beyond the Athlete Identity: Wrestling, Coaching & Growth with Katherine Shai
In this episode, I sit down with Katherine Shai — a 7x Team USA National Team wrestler, former University World Champion, two-time Olympic alternate, and founder of the wrestling education platform LuchaFit. Katherine has transitioned from elite athlete to mindset and technical coach, and brings...
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202: The Double-Edged Sword of High Achievement with Ashley Rose Faure
In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Rose Faure, a former Division 1 springboard diver turned endurance athlete, to dive into what it really means to be a high-achieving woman, especially in the context of sports and personal goals. We talk about the mental and emotional demands of maintaining…
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201: Building Battles Jiu-Jitsu: Family, Sport, and a New Chapter
In this episode, I'm joined by my husband, Jared, for a really special conversation that's different from our usual topics—because we're announcing something big: we're opening a jiu-jitsu gym together here in Eagle, Idaho! We talk about how we each found jiu-jitsu (at very different points in...
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200: Longevity, Overtraining & Youth Sports: A Deep Dive with Joel Jamieson
In this episode, I'm joined by Joel Jamieson, renowned strength and conditioning coach, educator, and creator of Morpheus and 8WeeksOut.com. We talk all about athletic development across the lifespan, with a special focus on coaching in combat sports, training youth athletes, and using heart rate...
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199: Food Noise, Fatigue & Female Physiology: A Real Talk with Dr. Christle Guevarra
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Christle Guevarra—physician, educator, athlete, and all-around powerhouse—for a real, raw conversation about health, hormones, weight loss medications, and what it actually looks like to live inside a female body with high-level demands. Christle shares her...
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198: Raising an Athlete, Raising a Human: A Birthday Tradition with My Son Cade
Every year around Cade's birthday, we make it a tradition to sit down and record a podcast together. This year, Cade is turning 12, and I can't believe how much he's grown. Not just physically (hello, football tackles and jiu-jitsu moves), but emotionally and mentally too. In this episode, we…
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197: Longevity, Injuries & Coaching with Integrity: A Conversation with Dean Somerset
In this episode, I'm joined by longtime industry leader and educator Dean Somerset to talk all about what it takes to have longevity as a coach, trainer, and athlete. Dean has been in the fitness industry for over two decades, blending clinical insight with strength training in ways that are both...
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196: Pelvic Floor, Platforms & Performance: Kristi Brewer on Lifting Through It All
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kristi Brewer—USA Weightlifting athlete, CPA, athlete mom, and all-around powerhouse. Kristi started Olympic weightlifting at 35 (yes, 35!) and went on to become a national team member in her late 30s and early 40s—all while raising her family,...
About this 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!Connect with Brianna on Instagram @Brianna.Battles and learn more about her
Hosted by
Brianna Battles