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 a willingness to learn. We talk about adapting training and physical activity, navigating the mental and emotional changes of motherhood, and why being proactive about your health can make such a difference.   We also explore the importance of community, mindfulness, and faith during seasons of change. Alena's story is a powerful reminder that we don't have to have everything figured out before we begin. Sometimes, the ability to adapt, stay open, and keep learning is what allows us to move through challenging seasons with more confidence and grace.    Whether you're navigating pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, or simply a major transition in life, I hope this conversation reminds you that change doesn't mean losing yourself—it can be an opportunity to discover a new version of who you are.   Connect with Alena   📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/alena.alsruhe  🌐 Website: https://bio.site/alena.alsruhe    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    Training Jiu-Jitsu during pregnancy or postpartum?   I've created a FREE guide to help you train with confidence, understand key considerations, and navigate this season as a combat athlete.   👉 Download it here: https://go.briannabattles.com/bjj-freeguide     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 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 influenced the way I approached my next pregnancy and birth. We talk about the importance of self-advocacy, finding the right support system, and recognizing what we can and can't control throughout motherhood.   This conversation also explores the emotional side of pregnancy, identity, body image, and healing. I share how my perspective has evolved over the years and why I believe growth often comes from learning to trust ourselves, embrace change, and let go of perfection.   Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, considering another child, or simply navigating a new season of motherhood, I hope this episode reminds you that your experience is your own and that there is strength in finding the path that feels right for you.   Want to become a more confident pregnancy & postpartum coach?   The Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification equips coaches with evidence-informed tools, practical strategies, and the confidence to support pregnant and postpartum athletes through every stage.   👉 Learn more: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-cert    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, 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 than building a successful business, our goal has always been to create a place where people of all ages feel welcome, supported, and excited to learn.   We talk about why community matters more than numbers, how culture influences everything from member retention to personal growth, and why we believe jiu jitsu offers so much more than physical training. It's a place to build confidence, resilience, humility, and meaningful relationships that extend far beyond the mats.   Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, or someone considering stepping into a martial arts gym for the first time, I hope this conversation gives you a glimpse into what we're building and why we believe jiu jitsu can be a lifelong gift for individuals and families alike.   Connect with Battles Jiu Jitsu 🌐 Website: https://www.battlesjiujitsu.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/battlesjiujitsu/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567969730663   Ready to start your Jiu Jitsu journey? If you're pregnant, postpartum, or simply wondering how to navigate Jiu Jitsu through these seasons, download my FREE BJJ Pregnancy & Postpartum Guide. You'll learn how to approach training with confidence, make smart modifications, and continue enjoying the sport you love.   👉 Download your free guide: https://go.briannabattles.com/bjj-freeguide   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 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 postpartum healthcare and why returning to function requires more than a six-week clearance. Dr. Morgan shares why the same principles we use to rehabilitate and support athletes—structured progressions, coaching, and multidisciplinary care—need to be part of the conversation for moms, too.   This conversation is a reminder that supporting mothers can't fall on one coach, clinician, or provider. It takes collaboration and a willingness to rethink the way we approach maternal health and athletic performance.   Connect with Dr. Morgan ·      Instagram: @sportsdrmorgan ·      Website: https://sportsdrmorgan.com/   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 Training Jiu-Jitsu during pregnancy or postpartum?   I've created a FREE guide to help you train with confidence, understand key considerations, and navigate this season as a combat athlete. 👉 Download it here: https://go.briannabattles.com/bjj-freeguide   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'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 multiple sports, developing fundamental movement skills, and giving them opportunities to learn how to move, compete, and interact with different coaches and teammates. We also get into the bigger lessons sport can teach: resilience, bravery, teamwork, body awareness, and how to navigate hard things. This isn't about forcing a specific athletic outcome. It's about helping our kids build confidence, competence, and a positive relationship with movement that can carry them throughout their lives.   If you're raising athletic kids or navigating the world of youth sports, I hope this episode gives you a broader perspective on what we're really trying to build for the long term.   Resources: Battles Jiu Jitsu: https://battles-jiu-jitsu.webflow.io/   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   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 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 how becoming a mom reshaped her identity in ways she never expected. We talk about the challenges of navigating pregnancy and postpartum, rediscovering confidence in her body, and finding the support she needed to continue pursuing an active lifestyle.   Whether you're an athlete, coach, or mom trying to find your footing again, this episode is a reminder that motherhood doesn't have to be the end of your athletic journey. It can be the beginning of a new one.   Connect with Jessica: IG: https://www.instagram.com/slamel3/ Website: https://www.pushpress.com/   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 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, and how he's navigated balancing football, wrestling, basketball, rugby, baseball, and jiu-jitsu. Along the way, we explore why we're big believers in playing multiple sports, how athletic versatility builds resilience, and the role sports have played in shaping Cade's confidence and character.   This conversation isn't just about athletics—it's about parenting through adolescence. We share honest reflections on raising a teenager in today's world, fostering independence, setting boundaries around technology, and creating opportunities for connection through everyday conversations.   Whether you're raising athletes, parenting a middle schooler, or simply curious about what these transitional years can look like, I hope this episode offers encouragement and reminds you that growth happens one season at a time.   Celebrate 13 Years of Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism! 🎉   To celebrate our 13th Anniversary, we're offering our biggest savings of the year—but only June 24–26. ✨ 30% OFF all Fitness Programs ✨ $300 OFF the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coaching Certification ✨ $500 OFF the LIVE Certification Event   If you've been waiting for the right time to invest in your coaching, this is it.   👉 Shop the Anniversary Flash Sale: https://briannabattles.com/flash-sale   Other Links: Battles Jiu Jitsu: https://battles-jiu-jitsu.webflow.io/   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 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!

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 exercise during pregnancy and postpartum, including how newer evidence continues to challenge outdated recommendations and support women in maintaining active, athletic lifestyles. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of conducting research in women's health, including barriers to funding and the ongoing need for more high-quality studies focused on pregnant and postpartum athletes.   This conversation is a powerful reminder that research doesn't exist in a vacuum. When science, coaching, and lived experience come together, we can create better support systems and more opportunities for women to thrive throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.   Connect with Dr. Margie Instagram: @drmargiedavenport Website: https://www.ksr.ualberta.ca/exerciseandpregnancy/   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!

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!