The Practice Brave Podcast

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 personal brand, show up authentically, and create impact through online coaching, especially when supporting pregnant and postpartum athletes. We dive into Shanté's transition from traditional physical therapy into the online space, and how leaning into curiosity, clarity, and consistency helped shape her business. A big part of this conversation centers around messaging—how to communicate your expertise in a way that actually connects and builds trust. We also talk about niching down, owning your voice, and the importance of showing up before you feel fully "ready." At the end of the day, this episode is about taking action, trusting your perspective, and building something that reflects who you are and who you're here to serve. Connect with Shanté: Website: themovementmaestro.com Instagram: @themovementmaestro Podcast: https://themovementmaestro.com/type/audio/ Want to better support pregnant and postpartum athletes? Join the waitlist for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification Course and be the first to know 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!

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 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!

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 recovery, pregnancy loss, and ultimately finding purpose through coaching and pelvic health education. Her journey is deeply relatable for so many athletes and moms navigating identity shifts, healing, and a desire to help others. Connect with Ashton IG: @resilient.mama.fitness Website: https://www.resilientmamafitness.com/ 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 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. Sarah shares her experiences with growth, self-awareness, and learning to listen more closely to her body and intuition. We explore the tension many athletes feel between pushing forward and pulling back, and how redefining success can open the door to more sustainable, fulfilling performance. This episode highlights the importance of adaptability, self-trust, and letting go of rigid expectations in favor of long-term health and alignment. This conversation is for anyone who's in a season of transition, whether that's stepping into a new role, rethinking their relationship with training, or simply trying to find steadiness amid change. It's a reminder that progress doesn't always look linear, and that practicing brave often means allowing yourself to grow into the next version of who you are. Connect with Sarah: 📸 Instagram: @sarahnewberrymoore Want to elevate your coaching with an in-person experience? 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!

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 long-term athletic sustainability. We discuss the importance of shifting expectations, letting go of the pressure to "prove" anything during pregnancy or postpartum, and instead focusing on building a strong foundation for health, recovery, and longevity. Annie and Katrin share real experiences—both physical and mental—that highlight how transformative these seasons can be, even for the most seasoned athletes. This conversation is a reminder that pregnancy and postpartum aren't detours from athletic life—they're powerful catalyst seasons that can ultimately make you a more adaptable, resilient, and grounded athlete. Connect with Annie & Katrin: 👉 Annie Thorisdottir: @anniethorisdottir 👉 Katrin Davidsdottir: @katrintanja 🌐 Empower by Dottir: https://empowerbydottir.com/ Ready to coach pregnant & postpartum athletes with confidence? 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!

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, empowering approach to training and self-care. This conversation is a reminder that strength isn't just physical. It's built through self-compassion, adaptability, and honoring the version of yourself that shows up today. If you're in a season of redefining what fitness and athleticism look like for you, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and encouragement to keep moving forward—on your own terms. Connect with Julie: IG: @juliesnodgrass Ready to coach pregnant & postpartum athletes with confidence? 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 Are you a pregnant combat athlete? Check out my free resource for BJJ during pregnancy and postpartum: https://go.briannabattles.com/bjj-freeguide Learn more about the Practice Brave Fitness Program: https://briannabattles.com/practicebrave 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 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. We talk about why jiu jitsu has played such a meaningful role in our lives, how our backgrounds in athletics, coaching, and service shaped the culture we want to create, and why building a family-centered training environment matters so much to us. From welcoming beginners to supporting women, kids, first responders, and hobbyists alike, our goal is to create a gym where people feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for—on and off the mats. This conversation is about more than opening a gym. It's about practicing brave, trusting the redirects in life, and building something meaningful alongside the people we love most. If you've ever thought about starting something new, stepping into discomfort, or redefining what success looks like for your family, this episode is for you. Learn More & Connect: 🌐 Website: https://www.battlesjiujitsu.com/ 📸 Instagram: @battlesjiujitsu Want to get started in Jiu Jitsu? Download my FREE Beginner's Guide to Jiu Jitsu—everything you need to know before stepping onto the mats. 👉 Get it here: https://go.briannabattles.com/bjj-freeguide Join us for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism LIVE Coaching Certification—a hands-on, immersive event designed to help you confidently coach pregnant and postpartum athletes. 📍 San Diego, CA 📅 February 21–22, 2026 👉 Register: 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!

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 life, identity, and path into motherhood. We talk about what it was like to navigate recovery after a traumatic birth, the emotional complexity that comes with surviving something life-threatening, and the grief that can follow when your birth and postpartum experience look nothing like what you imagined. Kayleigh also opens up about rebuilding her sense of self, the importance of trauma-informed care, and why community and shared stories matter so deeply for women who feel alone in their experiences. Today, Kayleigh uses both her clinical background and lived experience to support others who are processing perinatal trauma, helping mothers feel seen, validated, and less alone in their healing. Connect with Kayleigh: Website: https://thebirthtraumamama.com/ Instagram: @thebirthtrauma_mama Podcast: The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast Want to elevate your coaching with an in-person experience? Join us for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism LIVE Coaching Certification—a hands-on, immersive event designed to help you confidently coach pregnant and postpartum athletes. 📍 San Diego, CA 📅 February 21–22, 2026 👉 Register: 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!

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 the identity shifts that happen when you step away from sport after competing at the highest level. Hannah opens up about her own postpartum recovery experience, the gaps she's seen in resources for female athletes, and her vision for building more support and community for moms in sport. This is an honest, powerful conversation about redefining athleticism, rebuilding postpartum, and staying connected to the parts of ourselves that still feel like athletes. Connect with Hannah: IG: @smiley8889 FB: @hannahlouisemiley Need workouts for your pregnancy or postpartum? Check out my programs (now with app access!): The Pregnant Athlete Training Program: https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/pregnancy The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program: https://go.briannabattles.com/8-week-postpartum-athlete-training-program 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 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 discuss giving yourself grace during this transformative season, the power of community support, and how motherhood has shaped her mindset as both an athlete and a woman. Arielle also opens up about her training, the obstacles she's overcome, and her vision for the future—including her brand, Pretty Strong for a Mom, which empowers mothers to stay strong, confident, and capable through every stage of life. Connect with Arielle: 📸 Instagram: @arielleloewen 🌐 Website: www.arielleloewen.com 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 this month! 👉 Sign up now: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-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 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 coaches supporting women through all stages of life with nutrition and training. We reflect on more than a decade of pregnancies, postpartums, and athletic pursuits, sharing how much (and how little) has changed in the resources available to moms in sport. Together, we talk about the importance of adaptability, the myth of "all or nothing" in motherhood and fitness, and how these lessons set us up for long-term health, performance, and fulfillment. This conversation is both nostalgic and forward-looking—celebrating how far we've come while recognizing the work that's still needed to support women in every stage of motherhood and athleticism. Connect with Michaela: Instagram: @hungryfitness Website: https://hungryfitness.co/ 👉 Join Me Live! What: The No-BS Guide to Coaching Pregnant & Postpartum Athletes: What Every Coach + Athlete Needs to Know When: October 1 at 12PM & 8PM EDT Register: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-masterclass 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 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 experiences with pelvic health challenges. We dive into how awareness of women's health has evolved, the realities of postpartum recovery, and why individualized care is so essential. We also discuss the emotional weight that comes with pelvic health struggles, the power of community support, and the value of ancestral knowledge and holistic practices in healing. Dr. Kenael brings such a unique perspective on balancing logic with spirituality in recovery, and she reminds us that motherhood is never a finished chapter—it's an ongoing journey of learning, adapting, and growing. Connect with Dr. Kenael: Website: https://drkenaelsegal.com/ IG: @lotuspelvicpt FB: https://facebook.com/LotusPTandWellness 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/ppa-waitlist Need workouts for your pregnancy or postpartum? Check out my programs (now with app access!): The Pregnant Athlete Training Program: https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/pregnancy The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program: https://go.briannabattles.com/8-week-postpartum-athlete-training-program 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!