The Practice Brave Podcast

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 dysfunction, and postpartum recovery. We discuss what the evidence actually says about exercise safety, why blanket recommendations often fall short, and how individualized approaches can better support women throughout pregnancy and beyond. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is our discussion on nuance—recognizing that every athlete's experience is different and that coaching decisions should be guided by both evidence and context. Whether you're a coach, clinician, athlete, or someone simply looking to better understand the evolving research in women's health, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful perspectives that can help you approach pregnancy and postpartum training with more confidence and clarity. Connect with Dr. Christina: IG: @dr.christina_prevett Podcast: https://thebarbellmamas.com/podcast/ Need workouts for your pregnancy or postpartum? Check out my programs (now with app access!): The Pregnant Athlete Training Program: https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/the-pregnant-athlete-program The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program: https://go.ppaprograms.com/pp-program Interested in coaching pregnant and postpartum athletes in person? Join the waitlist for the next Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism LIVE Certification happening this September in Boise. Be the first to hear details when registration opens. 👉 Join the waitlist here: https://briannabattles.kit.com/ppa-live 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!

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 fitness and eventually pursuing bigger athletic goals through training and coaching. We talk about the realities of balancing motherhood with performance, the mindset shifts that come with evolving as an athlete, and why it's never too late to pursue new challenges. A big part of this conversation centers around fueling, recovery, and progressive overload—not just in training, but in life. Delaney opens up about learning to support her body differently postpartum and how consistency, patience, and self-awareness helped her build both physical and mental resilience. We also dive into redefining athletic potential at any age and why longevity matters more than chasing short-term results. This episode is a reminder that motherhood doesn't end your athletic journey—it can become the beginning of an entirely new chapter. Connect with Delaney: IG: @thehybridtwinmama Ready to become a P&PA Coach in person? Join us for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism LIVE Certification this September in Boise—an immersive, hands-on experience designed to help you confidently support pregnant and postpartum athletes. 👉 Register here: https://briannabattles.com/ppa-live-event 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 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 competing on the Olympic stage, all while working as a dentist and raising a family. One of the most powerful parts of Tara's story is how she returned to sport postpartum—starting to practice curling just two weeks after giving birth and stepping back into international competition only seven weeks postpartum. Her experience highlights both the physical and mental demands of this transition, as well as the importance of listening to your body and having the right support in place. We also talk about postpartum training, managing expectations, and how the four-year Olympic cycle shapes decision-making and priorities along the way. This episode is a powerful reminder that chasing ambitious goals doesn't have to come at the expense of other parts of your life—it just requires intention, support, and a willingness to evolve. Connect with Tara IG: @taraissupercool Need workouts for your pregnancy or postpartum? Check out my programs (now with app access!): The Pregnant Athlete Training Program: https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/the-pregnant-athlete-program The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program: https://go.ppaprograms.com/pp-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 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 specialize in supporting moms through pregnancy and postpartum. She shares what it looked like to transition out of the traditional gym model and create something more aligned with the needs of the women she was serving. Krista also opens up about the process of building and scaling her fitness studios, the lessons she's learned in business and leadership, and what it takes to grow a strong, values-driven team. This episode is for coaches and entrepreneurs who want to build something meaningful, as well as for anyone passionate about better supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum. It's a powerful reminder that when you combine expertise, intention, and community, you can create lasting impact. Connect with Krista: IG: @strong.mom.project Podcast: @momsinmotionpodcast Website: https://www.thestrongmomproject.com/ 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 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 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 in the world of high-performance athletics. Together, we explore what it really takes to compete at the Olympic level while navigating pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and the responsibilities of motherhood. Jasmine opens up about her training journey, the support systems that helped her succeed, and why advocating for athlete moms is so important. Jasmine Jones shares her inspiring journey as a 2026 Winter Olympics bobsled medalist, a mother, and a trailblazer balancing elite sport, motherhood, and military service. We discuss her insights on training postpartum, supporting athlete moms, and breaking barriers for women in sport. Connect with Jasmine: IG: @ayye_jazzj 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, 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!

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 strength-training space, and why so many women still feel confused, frustrated, or unsupported during these seasons. This episode is about finding the middle ground. Pregnancy and postpartum aren't about fragility or invincibility—they're about adaptability. I talk about why these seasons are powerful catalysts for growth, how ego and identity get challenged, and why long-term athleticism should always be the goal. More than anything, I emphasize the importance of coaching and messaging that considers the whole person: mindset, physiology, and future performance. If you're an athlete, a coach, or a mom navigating these transitions, this episode is a reminder that athleticism doesn't end when motherhood begins—but it does evolve. And when we respect that process, outcomes improve not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. 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 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, capacity, and care for my body. This episode is a reminder that progress comes from meeting yourself where you are and taking small, intentional steps that support long-term health, confidence, and athletic identity through every season of life. Learn More and Contact Us: Instagram: @battlesjiujitsu Website: https://www.battlesjiujitsu.com/contact-battles-jiu-jitsu-in-eagle-id Curious about starting Jiu Jitsu? If you've been thinking about stepping onto the mats but don't know where to begin, I've got you covered. Download my FREE Beginner's Guide to Jiu Jitsu for practical tips, expectations, and everything you need to feel confident walking into your first class. 👉 Grab the guide here: https://go.briannabattles.com/bjj-freeguide 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 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 approach to programming and the concurrent training model he's known for today. We also talk about coach development, training longevity, and the importance of adapting your approach based on your season of life—whether that's early career, parenthood, or training into your 40s and beyond. Jason also shares insight into his PhD work on concurrent training and how this research is shaping the next evolution of his coaching. Connect with Jason: Website: jasonbrowncoaching.com Instagram / YouTube: @jasonbrowncoaching 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'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, aiming to make conversations around women's pelvic health less taboo and more empowering. For this episode, we took your questions from Instagram and dove into everything from clinical pelvic floor assessments to practical, everyday strategies that support athletic performance and recovery. This was one of my favorite conversations because it captures the curiosity, confusion, and honesty that come with understanding your body — especially as an athlete and a woman. Mindy and I always aim to make this information approachable, practical, and relevant, no matter what season of life you're in. Connect with Mindy: IG: @mindy.english.dpt 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 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 doesn't get enough attention: constipation, gut health, and how they connect to pelvic floor symptoms. We dive into how digestion, nutrition, and pelvic health are deeply interconnected—and how constipation can affect everything from athletic performance to prolapse symptoms. Mindy shares what she sees clinically in both adults and kids, and we talk through why simply "eating more fiber" often isn't the full solution. This conversation is real, relevant, and full of practical takeaways for athletes, coaches, and anyone who's ever struggled with gut issues or pelvic health symptoms. Follow Mindy English for more pelvic health insights: @mindy.english.dpt Learn more about the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Certification: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-cert Are you a pregnant combat athlete? Check out my free resource for BJJ during pregnancy and postpartum: https://go.briannabattles.com/bjj-free-guide 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!