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 women face during postpartum, including pelvic health, recovery timelines, and the often-overlooked importance of intentional preparation during pregnancy. Mary shares her approach to coaching, emphasizing progressive overload, controlled movement, and building a strong foundation that supports both performance and healing.

We also dive into the mindset side of this journey—how to navigate identity shifts, manage expectations, and balance athletic goals with the realities of motherhood. This conversation highlights the importance of individualized coaching, better education, and creating a supportive environment for women in all stages of life.

This episode is a reminder that postpartum recovery isn't something to rush—it's something to build. And when approached with intention, it can set the foundation for stronger, more sustainable performance long-term.

Connect with Mary:

📸 Instagram: @marypeckcoaching

Want to go deeper in your coaching?

The Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Series includes 4 free videos + a live Q&A, giving you practical tools and updated strategies to confidently support pregnant and postpartum athletes.

👉 Join here:

https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-coaching-series

MORE ABOUT THE 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!

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 emerging research, real-world coaching experience, and the feedback from our growing community. In this episode, I walk through some of the most important changes and what they mean for how we support women through pregnancy and postpartum today.

I also talk about the critical role of research-informed coaching strategies and why it's no longer enough to rely on outdated information or generalized approaches. Supporting pregnant and postpartum athletes requires a deeper understanding of both physiological and psychological factors—and a willingness to adapt as our knowledge continues to grow.

Beyond coaching, I reflect on the broader cultural shift we're seeing: more women choosing to stay active during pregnancy and return to athleticism postpartum. With that shift comes a responsibility to provide better guidance, better support, and more nuanced conversations around what's possible.

This episode is a reminder that when we empower women with accurate information and thoughtful coaching, we don't just improve performance—we improve confidence, quality of life, and long-term athletic longevity.

Want to go deeper in your coaching?

The Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Series includes 4 free videos + a live Q&A, giving you practical tools and updated strategies to confidently support pregnant and postpartum athletes.

👉 Join here:

https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-coaching-series

MORE ABOUT THE 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!

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 Bethany has learned to navigate the physical and mental challenges that come with this transition. From training during pregnancy to rebuilding strength postpartum, this conversation highlights the importance of listening to your body, honoring your intuition, and embracing a slower, more intentional approach to recovery.

Bethany also shares honest insight into the mental side of this journey—body image, resilience, and the pressure to return to performance. Together, we explore how redefining expectations and focusing on long-term athleticism can support both performance and overall well-being.

This episode is a reminder that postpartum recovery isn't a race—it's a process. And when approached with patience and self-awareness, it can become a powerful foundation for growth as both an athlete and a mother.

Connect with Bethany:

IG: @bethanycf

YouTube: @bethany_flores

Want to better support pregnant and postpartum athletes? Get on the waitlist for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification Course so you're the first to hear when doors open.

👉 Sign up here: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/waitlist

MORE ABOUT THE 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!

MORE ABOUT THE 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!

• IG: @resilient.mama.fitness
• Website: https://www.resilientmamafitness.com/

MORE ABOUT THE 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!

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 maintaining an athletic lifestyle while embracing the physical, emotional, and logistical changes that come with pregnancy.

This episode serves as a reminder that pregnancy can be a time of growth and opportunity, allowing athletes to explore new dimensions of their fitness while preparing for the exciting journey ahead.

Connect with Shanna:

Instagram: @motherhood_running

Want to elevate your coaching skills? Join the waitlist for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification Course and be the first to hear when enrollment opens! 👉 Sign up now: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/waitlist

MORE ABOUT THE 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!

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 forced her to reassess her relationship with training, performance, and self-worth.

We talk about the pressure many athletes feel to constantly push harder, the fear of losing fitness or identity when priorities shift, and why learning to adapt training to fit your current season of life is a form of growth—not weakness. Kristi offers thoughtful insight into finding balance, redefining success, and staying active in a way that supports both physical and mental well-being.

This conversation is especially for anyone who has ever struggled with letting go of who they used to be as an athlete and is learning how to build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with fitness moving forward.

Connect with Kristi:

IG: @kristioconnell_

Website: https://ibextrained.com/

Ready to coach pregnant & postpartum athletes with confidence?

This is your last chance to join us for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism LIVE Coaching Certification—a hands-on, in-person experience built for coaches who want real-world skills, not just theory.

📍 San Diego, CA

📅 February 21–22, 2026

👉 Save your spot: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-live-certification

MORE ABOUT THE 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!