Broads: The Bold & Badass Fitness Podcast for Women

Latest Episodes:

91: 36 Lessons I’ve Learned in 36 Years Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel like you should have it all figured out by now—but you secretly don’t? Same. In this episode, I’m celebrating 36 trips around the sun by sharing 36 lessons that have changed how I train, how I show up, and how I treat myself (inside and out).

We’re talking about the pressure to shrink yourself and be “less,” why discipline beats motivation every time, and how lifting weights transformed my confidence way more than chasing aesthetics ever did.

I also get into the messy stuff: setting boundaries, choosing rest, and learning to love your body before it hits your “goal.”

If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or like everyone else has life figured out—this episode is your permission slip to evolve, to expand, and to take up space at any age.

Because aging isn’t the end of anything. It’s the beginning of becoming who you really are.

I Also Discuss:

(01:00) – Why turning 36 feels weird and exciting

(05:14) – Shrinking yourself doesn’t keep you safe

(11:12) – Your body is not your resume

(16:13) – Rest is productive—period

(22:45) – Lifting weights changed everything

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Broads 1:1 – Ready to ditch the bullshit and start feeling good in your body? Choose your level and let's do this together. Apply for BroadsCOACH or BroadsCHAMPION today at https://www.broads.app/application

Find more from Tara:

Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app

Youtube: Tara LaFerrara
Tiktok: @taralaferrara

90: Dr. Carrie Jones: Hormone Issues, Low Libido, Fatigue? Start Here May 27, 2025

Show notes

Ever been told your symptoms are “just stress” or “totally normal” while your body feels anything but normal? You’re not imagining it—and you deserve real answers.

In this episode, I’m joined by hormone health expert Dr. Carrie Jones, and we’re diving into the truth behind why so many women feel anxious, exhausted, inflamed, and out of sync—especially in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. If your labs are “normal” but you don’t feel normal, this episode is for you.

We’re breaking down what’s actually going on in perimenopause, how nervous system dysregulation and chronic stress impact your hormones, and why some of the popular fixes (like overtraining or fasting) might be doing more harm than good.

Dr. Carrie Jones is a board-certified functional medicine doctor and hormone health expert with 20+ years of clinical and educational experience. She is board-certified in Naturopathic Endocrinology and holds a Master's in Public Health.

We Also Discuss:

00:00 – Why “normal” labs don’t mean you feel normal
05:51 – The hormone lies women are still being told
18:44 – How to actually know if your hormones are off
23:24 – Are your healthy habits secretly stressing your body?
36:01 – The real impact of stress and overtraining on hormones
40:50 – What your bloodwork isn’t telling you
53:52 – The problem with getting hormone advice from social media

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Broads: The app made for women who lift. Fierce home & gym workouts, smart progression, and a community that’s here to hype you up. Try it free at broads.app with code PODCAST for 20% off your first month.

Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at https://legionathletics.com/

Find more from Tara:

Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app

Youtube: Tara LaFerrara
Tiktok: @taralaferrara

Find more from Dr. Carrie Jones

Website: www.drcarriejones.com

Instagram: dr.carriejones

89: Nutrition Q&A: Tracking, Protein Goals, Alcohol-Free Tips & Food Freedom May 20, 2025

Show notes

For years, I thought nutrition had to be all or nothing… you either perfectly tracked your food, followed a strict diet, or you were "failing." I spent so much time overthinking every meal, trying to find the “perfect” way to eat, only to end up feeling stressed, guilty, and frustrated.
I thought true health meant rigid rules, obsessive tracking, and pushing myself to stick to the latest diet trend.

But the truth? Nutrition should be about fueling your body, building strength, and creating habits that support your life, not controlling every bite.

In today’s episode, I’m answering your top nutrition questions: from intermittent fasting, to how to actually hit your protein goals, to healing your relationship with food in a way that feels empowering, not exhausting.

If you’ve ever struggled with overcomplicating nutrition, feeling lost with protein targets, or rebuilding trust with your body, this episode is for you!

I Also Discuss:

(00:00) Nutrition Myths You Still Believe (and What Actually Works)
(07:41) How Much Protein You REALLY Need (Without Going Crazy)
(16:17) Healing Your Relationship With Food (Without Strict Diets)
(18:07) Navigating Sobriety When Your Partner Still Drinks
(24:47) Why Broads Is Different: Strength Over Scal

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Broads App – Get structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!

Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at https://legionathletics.com/

Find more from Tara:

Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app

Youtube: Tara LaFerrara
Tiktok: @taralaferrara

88: Jolene Brighten: Can’t Build Muscle? Always Tired? Check Your Hormones First May 13, 2025

Show notes

How many times have you been told your heavy periods, low libido, or mood swings are “just part of being a woman”? Or handed birth control as the only option, without anyone actually explaining why your body feels off?

If you’re nodding along, this episode is a must-listen. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Jolene Brighten—a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, menopause specialist, and author of Beyond the Pill and Is This Normal?—and she’s here to drop some serious truth bombs about women’s health.

We’re breaking down the hormone myths that keep women confused and stuck, how to actually know if you have PCOS or endometriosis (even if you’re on the pill), and why your sex drive, sleep, and strength training are all connected.

Get ready for real talk, science-backed advice, and the permission you’ve been waiting for to finally understand (and trust) your body.

Dr. Jolene Brighten is a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist and best-selling author known for her expertise in women's health, hormones, and sexual wellness. Dr. Brighton is also the founder of Dr. Brighten Essentials.

Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

We Also Discuss:

(00:31) The Truth About Women's Health – Dr. Jolene Brighten’s No-BS Approach
(13:13) Why Women’s Health is Still Ignored: The Real Challenges
(20:27) Endometriosis & PCOS: What You’re Not Hearing from Doctors
(29:52) Breaking the Silence: How to Normalize Women’s Health Conversations
(35:01) How Stress Kills Your Sex Drive: The Truth About Hormonal Balance
(46:15) The Hidden Connection Between Hormones & Your Sexual Desire – Explained
(58:02) Perimenopause Isn’t the End: How to Thrive in Your 40s and Beyond
(01:04:45) Eating, Sleeping, and Strength Training: The Key to Hormonal Harmony

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Broads App – Get structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!

Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at https://legionathletics.com/

Find more from Tara:

Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app

Youtube: Tara LaFerrara
Tiktok: @taralaferrara

Find more from Dr. Jolene Brighten

Website: drbrighten.com

Instagram: @drjolenebrighten
TikTok: @drjolenebrighten
YouTube: Dr. Jolene Brighten

The Perimenopause Weight Loss Action Plan: https://drbrighten.com/plan/

87: This Is What’s Really Stopping You From Your Bikini Body May 06, 2025

Show notes

For years, I thought I had to push myself to fit into this “summer body” ideal, sweating it out through restrictive diets and unrealistic fitness goals, only to feel like I was falling short. I kept repeating the cycle—working hard, but not seeing lasting results. I thought the key to being happy in my body was to lose weight fast and look a certain way for an event or season.

But the truth? It was all a big, exhausting loop that left me feeling drained and disconnected from my true health goals.

In today’s episode, I'm talking about breaking free from the “bikini body” myth and the pressure to constantly shrink your body for the sake of appearance. I share my own experiences of being stuck in the weight-loss obsession, and how I learned to focus on what really matters— the real, long-term changes that create true strength, energy, and confidence—no matter the season.

This episode is for anyone who’s tired of the endless cycle of dieting and unrealistic body standards.

I Also Discuss:

(00:00) Break Free from the Summer Body Trap!
(11:17) Sustainable Fitness: Real Results, No Quick Fixes
(18:01) Want Strong Abs? Stop Crunching and Start Lifting
(26:09) Stop the Dieting Cycle: Build Lasting Health Instead
(26:09) Empowerment Over Aesthetics: The Real Way to Train

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Broads App – Get structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!

Legion - Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.com

Find more from Tara:

Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app

Youtube: Tara LaFerrara
Tiktok: @taralaferrara

86: Brianna Battles: Must Know Tips to Transform Your Body After Baby Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Let’s be honest—how often do we think about how pregnancy and postpartum affect our training and recovery? For many women, this season of life brings unique challenges that aren't always addressed in mainstream fitness advice.

In today’s episode, Brianna Battles, founder of Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism, joins me to discuss the importance of training during pregnancy and postpartum. We dive into how to modify your workouts to protect your pelvic health, the importance of understanding diastasis recti, and how to train your body while respecting its changes. Brianna also shares valuable insights on mindset—why it’s crucial to adjust your approach to exercise during these transformative periods and how to embrace the process.

With years of experience helping women train safely through pregnancy and postpartum, Brianna offers practical advice on regaining strength, improving pelvic health, and rethinking fitness goals for the long term.

Tune in for a powerful conversation on fitness, health, and recovery after having a baby!

We Also Discuss:

(00:13) The Fitness Struggle: Balancing Motherhood & Health

(07:38) Pelvic Health 101: Why It’s Key During Pregnancy

(18:54) Embracing the Shift: Navigating Body Changes in Motherhood

(26:35) Core Training Secrets for Pregnant Women: What You Need to Know

(37:14) Diastasis Recti: Understanding Postpartum Recovery

(49:00) Overcoming Postpartum Challenges & Restoring Your Strength

(58:37) Building a Support Network for Pregnant & Postpartum Athletes

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Broads: Broads gives you structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join today at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!
Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.com

Find more from Tara:

Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app

Youtube: Tara LaFerrara
Tiktok: @taralaferrara

Find more from Brianna Battles:

Website: https://go.briannabattles.com

Instagram: @brianna.battles
Programs: https://go.briannabattles.com/programs

85: THIS Is What Birth Control Is Doing To Your Body… Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Let’s be real—how often do you stop to think about how hormonal birth control affects your body, metabolism, and overall health? It’s something many women take without fully understanding the long-term impact.

In today’s episode, Lara Briden joins me to dive into the technical side of hormonal birth control and its effects on muscle growth, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic function. We’ll explore how synthetic hormones interfere with ovarian function, why they might be hindering your fitness progress, and the connection between birth control and conditions like insulin resistance and gut health.

We’ll also break down how the hormonal IUD and other methods can disrupt your natural cycle and what alternatives you can consider for better hormone balance and overall well-being. Plus, Lara shares insights on how to transition off birth control safely and what to expect when your body resets.

Lara Briden is a Naturopathic doctor and leading expert in women’s hormone health. She’s the author of Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual and has spent over 20 years working with women to optimize their hormonal health.

We Also Discuss:

(00:16) Birth Control and Muscle Growth Study

(06:40) Benefits of Non-Hormonal Birth Control

(19:00) Copper IUD and Hormonal Birth Control

(33:16) Understanding Body Literacy and Exercise

(42:28) Optimizing Training Based on Menstrual Cycle

(46:33) Metabolism and Cycle Synchronization

(58:18) Metabolic Flexibility and Muscle Growth

(01:10:27) Women's Health and Metabolism Repair

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Broads: Broads gives you structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join today at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!
Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.com

Find more from Tara:

Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app

Youtube: Tara LaFerrara
Tiktok: @taralaferrara

Find more from Lara Briden:

Website: https://www.larabriden.com/

Instagram: @larabriden

84: THIS is Why You're Not Getting Stronger (And How to Fix It) Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

For years, I thought I was doing everything right, showing up, sweating it out, and doing all the workouts I saw online. But I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t actually getting stronger. Why my joints ached, why I felt stuck, or why my lifts weren’t going anywhere.

Turns out, I was making some of the most common fitness mistakes that women still make today.

From rushing through reps to skipping rest (guilty), from starting every workout with cardio to training only in one plane of motion, I’ve done it all. And in this episode, I’m breaking it all down for you. Not to make you feel bad, but to help you finally connect the dots and train in a way that actually supports your goals.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not seeing the results, this episode is for you. We’re talking about how to lift smarter, move with purpose, and fix the sneaky things that are secretly sabotaging your progress.

This is part one, because yep, there are that many things we need to talk about.

Because strength isn't just about lifting heavier. It’s about doing the little things right, and doing them consistently.

Let’s fix this, together.

I Also Discuss:

(00:00) Common Fitness Mistakes and Solutions

(09:07) Proper Core Bracing for Lifting

(15:17) Proper Footwear and Multi-Plane Training

(30:05) Empowerment Through Purposeful Lifting

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Broads App – Get structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!

Legion - Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.com

Find more from Tara:

Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app

Youtube:

Tara LaFerrara

Tiktok:

@taralaferrara

83: Kaisa Keranen: Stop Chasing Aesthetics—Train for Strength & Watch What Happens Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Let’s be real, how often do you actually warm up before a workout? Or focus on mobility? Or train for strength instead of just trying to change how your body looks?

If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Today, I’m sitting down with Kaisa Keranen, a coach, trainer, and movement expert who’s on a mission to change the way people think about fitness.

We’re covering why mobility is essential for strength, injury prevention, and longevity, and how neglecting it could be holding you back. We’ll also break down the truth about lifting weights, especially for women who fear getting bulky (spoiler: it won’t happen overnight).

We’ll also dive into how to build confidence through movement, shift your mindset around training, and uncover the real key to consistency, one that goes beyond just relying on motivation.
Plus, Kaisa will share her journey from athlete to trainer, why she’s obsessed with jiu-jitsu, and how to stop seeing movement as punishment and actually start enjoying it.
Kaisa Keranen is a renowned fitness coach, founder of Just Move, and a passionate advocate for making movement accessible and enjoyable. With a background as an athlete, Kaisa specializes in empowering individuals to move better, feel stronger, and enjoy the process.

Trust me, this episode is packed with wisdom, let’s jump in.

We Also Talk About:

(00:00) Career Paths and Fitness Journeys

(07:11) Athletic Transitions and Competitive Ventures

(13:19) Changing Mindsets in Fitness

(22:41) Unlocking Mobility for Fitness Success

(31:44) Body Confidence and Self-Love

(44:51) Empowering Women on Social Media

(50:41) Embracing Change Through Consistency

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.com
Broads: Broads gives you structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join today at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!

Find more from Tara:

Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

Instagram: @taralaferrara @thetaratalk @broads.app

Youtube: Tara LaFerrara

Find more from Kaisa Keranen:

Website:

https://justmove.com/

Instagram:

@kaisafit

82: Q&A: Overtraining, Strength Training, Fat Loss & More Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

For way too long, I thought training more meant training better. Six or seven days a week, sometimes twice a day, because if I wasn’t pushing my limits, was I even making progress?

I see this all the time now. People grinding through back-to-back workouts, ignoring the signals their bodies are screaming at them. Constant fatigue, stubborn plateaus, weird little injuries that just won’t go away. And for what? More isn’t always better. In fact, sometimes, it’s the very thing holding you back.

I used to think I had to train like an athlete to see results—until my body literally forced me to slow the hell down. The truth is, real progress happens in the recovery, not just in the reps. And if you’re stuck, exhausted, or just not seeing the changes you expected… it might be time to rethink your approach.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking it all down. We’ll talk about the signs of overtraining—like constant fatigue, plateaus, and mood swings—and why they happen in the first place. I’ll explain how too much exercise can actually mess with your strength, metabolism, and hormones, making it harder to see results. And, most importantly, I’ll show you why rest days are just as critical as your workouts and how you can train smarter (not just harder) to get stronger, feel better, and actually make progress.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking a rest day, or wondered why your workouts aren’t hitting the same way anymore… this episode is for you!

Because here’s the deal: training smarter > training more. And learning to listen to your body? That’s where the real gains happen.

I Also Discuss:

(00:00) Fitness Q&A

(10:46) Effective Strength Training and Fat Loss

(24:42) High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) & Mobility

(32:07) Footwear for Strength Training

(38:23) Podcast Thank You Message

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Broads: Broads gives you structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join today at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!
Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.com

Find more from Tara:

Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app

Youtube:

Tara LaFerrara

Tiktok:

@taralaferrara