In this episode of 'Spirit of an Athlete,' host Amanda Smith interviews Jana Barrett, a strength and conditioning coach from New Zealand, on leveraging the female menstrual cycle and menopause for effective workouts. Jana, known for her expertise in mobility and unconventional training methods using mace and club bells, shares insights into creating strength and mobility routines suitable for women, especially those over 50. The discussion covers the significance of adjusting workout intensity based on individual needs and hormonal cycles, the benefits of mace training for mental clarity and physical balance, and the importance of incorporating resistance training to prevent age-related bone density loss. Jana also emphasizes the value of understanding one's body and needs, advocating for a more intuitive approach to fitness that accommodates the intricacies of female physiology. The episode is packed with actionable advice for female athletes looking to maintain their physical and mental health through all stages of life.⬇️⬇️⬇️ Check out all things Jana!! ⬇️⬇️⬇️FREE 6 day Mobility Challenge!Website: jana-barrett.comInstagram: @jana_movment_coachFacebook: Jana BarrettYouTube: @janathemovementcoach6188Watch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

In this episode of Spirit of an Athlete, host Amanda Smith shares her personal gut health journey. Amanda details the onset of her issues, which began with side aches during athletic activities, and her struggle with various symptoms such as rapid mood changes, exhaustion, and severe gut reactions. She discusses her experience with an Ayurvedic cleanse and the subsequent discovery of extensive food and environmental allergies. Amanda also touches on her transformative yoga teacher training, the impact of chronic conditions on her athletic career, and the comprehensive journey to healing through dietary changes, supplementation, and psychological support. She now uses her experience to assist clients in navigating their own gut health challenges, especially athletes. Amanda offers practical insights and resources for those facing similar issues, highlighting the connection between the brain and gut and the importance of holistic healing.Watch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

In this episode of Spirit of an Athlete, host Amanda Smith interviews Zaara Abbas, the first Pakistani female rowing coach, international competitor, and world rowing official. Abbas shares her journey of overcoming societal pressures and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in a male-dominated sport. Facing challenges like body shaming and battling weight issues due to PCOS, Abbas discusses the importance of inclusivity in sports, her return to rowing, and her efforts to empower women and athletes of all backgrounds. The episode also explores the evolution of rowing in Pakistan, including increased female participation and the introduction of inclusivity initiatives.Connect with Zaara on Instagram @zaara_kaWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

This episode of 'Spirit of an Athlete' podcast, hosted by Amanda Smith, features an inspiring story of Angela Fuller, a fitness instructor and former athlete who overcame severe challenges such as a broken back and postpartum depression to achieve remarkable feats. Angela shares her journey from losing 50 pounds and battling her physical and mental health issues to competing in gymnastics at 43 and participating in American Ninja Warrior. The discussion emphasizes the importance of perseverance, finding one’s passion in fitness, and setting an example for children by actively pursuing personal goals. Amanda and Angela also touch on dealing with autoimmune diseases, the significance of proper nutrition and supplements, and the concept of aging as an athlete. They advocate for dreaming big, pushing through failure, and supporting one another in pursuing athletic endeavors at any stage of life.Check out more from Angela here!Watch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

In this episode of Spirit of an Athlete, host Amanda Smith of Body Whisper Healing converses with Laura Ordile, a mindset mentor and master hypnotist who specializes in helping individuals navigate major life changes. Discussing the psychological and physical impacts of big changes like switching teams or quitting sports, they explore how unresolved decisions can manifest in physical ailments such as IBS, chronic fatigue, and migraines. Laura shares insight into using various modalities, including talk therapy and hypnotism, to address and move past these emotional blockages for athletes. The episode also delves into the power of intuition and the subconscious in guiding athletes through transitions, emphasizing the importance of inner alignment and highlighting hypnosis as an effective tool for rapid and profound healing beyond traditional talk therapy.Here's where to find Laura Ordile:Email: laura@lauraordile.comWebsite:  LauraOrdile.com (grab some free downloads here!)Change Gang Podcast: Apple Podcast or ChangeGangGroup.comYouTube: @LauraOrdile8091Instagram: @LauraOrdileFacebook:  Laura Ordile Find Laura and Amanda together again in an episode of The Art of Being H(YOU)man! Practical Woo!Watch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

In this episode of 'Spirit of an Athlete,' host Amanda Smith from Body Whisper Healing discusses the significance of integrative mind-body coaching and somatic therapy with Monique Derouen, a somatic trauma specialist. They delve into the strong mind-body connection athletes often have, with Monique sharing her journey from a ballerina overcoming personal trauma through somatic therapy to helping others understand and heal their bodies. The conversation explores how somatic therapy allows for the release of physical and mental traumas without traditional talk therapy, offering a natural, integrative approach to self-healing by addressing chronic pain and diseases at their root causes. Monique emphasizes the importance of movement and playfulness in healing and maintaining health, regardless of one's age or athletic seriousness. The episode also introduces Monique's membership program aimed at breaking barriers that keep individuals stuck in life due to physical, mental, or emotional pain.Here's where to find Monique Derouen:Website:  moniquearnaudderouen.comEmail: Monique@moniquearnaudderouen.comYouTube: @MoniqueTHEMindBodyCoachInstagram: @moniquethemindbodycoachFacebook: @monique.arnaudderouenWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

In this episode of Spirit of an Athlete, host Amanda Smith introduces the concept of bubble work, a practice she favors for managing one's personal energy. She explains the difference between sympaths, who feel energy around them sympathetically, and empaths, who can feel and control this energy. Smith discusses her personal journey of learning about energy management from her teachers, Cable Jones and Mellissa Seaman, emphasizing how bubble work can transform a sympath into an empath. She guides listeners through a detailed visualization exercise to create and maintain their energy bubble, explaining its benefits for discerning one's energy from others and setting personal boundaries without verbal communication. The practice is posited as a daily ritual for grounding, protecting, and empowering oneself in social spaces. Smith encourages listeners to engage with the practice and share their experiences, highlighting the importance of social connections for a healthy life and offering personal consultations for further guidance.Watch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

In this episode of 'Spirit of an Athlete', host Amanda Smith discusses team culture and its impact on high performance with guest Adele Spurgin, a facilitator known for her expertise in enhancing team dynamics. They explore the definition of culture as the behaviors a team allows and how this influences both performance and overall team atmosphere. Adele, with her vast experience including being a junior national softball player, and multiple certifications in fields like Qigong, hypnotherapy, and neurolinguistic programming, offers insights into how culture originates from organizational leadership and trickles down to influence coaches and players. The conversation emphasizes the importance of establishing a positive culture through shared values and behaviors, and discusses practical strategies for coaches and athletes to foster a supportive and effective team environment. Additionally, they touch on the mental and behavioral aspects that contribute to a strong team culture and the potential benefits of adopting such frameworks for improved team dynamics and performance.Here's where to find Adele Spurgin:Email: coach@40-15coaching.comWebsite and Freebies!:  https://team-eq.com and https://stan.store/mamma_spurge/p/trial-monthReferenced Books:The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell Legacy: What The All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business Of Life by James KerrWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

In this episode of Spirit of an Athlete, Amanda interviews Vanessa Gfrerer, a veterinarian turned deep intuitive who helps people connect with their animals on a profound level. The conversation explores Gfrerer's transition from a veterinarian to an intuitive healer, the unique bond between athletes and their pets, and the therapeutic benefits of understanding pet behaviors and energy. Amanda conducts an Initial Body Scan on Vanessa, revealing insights related to her business and personal growth. Vanessa then performs an intuitive session focusing on Amanda’s dog, Ghost, discussing the pet's health issues and the emotional bond they share. The session highlights the significant impact of emotional states on pet health and the importance of understanding and releasing shared suffering. Vanessa shares techniques for deepening the connection between pets and their owners, emphasizing trust, intuition, and the balance of masculine and feminine energies in healing and business. Here's where to find Vanessa Gfrerer:Email: vanessa.gfrerer@vetherapie.atWebsite:  www.vetherapie.atInstagram: @vanessa.gfrererFacebook: Vanessa GfrererWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

This episode of 'Spirit of an Athlete' podcast features host Amanda Smith in conversation with Shawnee Harle, a two-time Olympic women's basketball coach for Canada. Harle discusses the importance of mental toughness from the viewpoints of a coach, player, and parent, emphasizing its role as a differentiator among athletes. By sharing personal coaching experiences and the evolution of her understanding, Harle illustrates the common pitfalls in traditional coaching methods that rely on physical solutions for emotional challenges. The discussion highlights the significance of mental performance coaching, the impact of a coach's approval on athletes, and strategies for fostering self-reflection and emotional resilience in athletes. Harle introduces practical tools for managing emotions and cultivating mental toughness, including getting 'curious not furious' and practicing forgiveness rather than judgment. Additionally, she touches on the role of parents in supporting their athlete’s emotional journey. The episode concludes with Harle guiding listeners on where to find her 'Mental Toughness Toolkit', designed for athletes, parents, and coaches.Here's where to find Shawnee Harle:Get your Mental Toughness Toolkit here!Website:  https://www.shawneeharle.com/Email: shawnee@shawneeharle.comInstagram: @ShawneeHarleFacebook: Shawnee HarleWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

In this episode of 'Spirit of an Athlete', host Amanda Smith talks with Cindi Miller, a former Division One volleyball player, and coach turned therapist specializing in athletes' mental health. They delve into the importance of athletes establishing boundaries with coaches and teammates, particularly focusing on handling conflicting coaching advice and coping with injuries. Cindi shares her personal experience of playing through an intense abdominal injury, the long-term consequences, and how it shaped her approach to coaching and therapy. The conversation also touches on parental involvement in collegiate athletics, the need for emotional intelligence education, and how athletes can advocate for their mental and physical wellbeing. Cindi offers insight into her work, emphasizing the critical balance between achieving in sports and maintaining overall health.Here's where to find Cindi Miller:Website:  Sports Food and Mental HealthEmail: cindi@sportsfoodandmentalhealth.comInsta: @sportsfoodandmentalhealthFacebook: Sports Food and Mental HealthWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

In this episode of 'Spirit of an Athlete,' host Amanda Smith interviews Natalie Graves, a mental health professional specializing in athlete mental health and performance. They discuss the importance of normalizing mental health coaching across all levels of athletics from youth sports to college teams. Natalie highlights her ideal scenarios for incorporating mental health awareness and support into sports organizations, emphasizing training for coaches, parents, and athletes themselves. The conversation also covers the challenges athletes face with chronic illnesses, both physical and mental, and the difference in response from coaches. They stress the importance of mental rehabilitation alongside physical recovery post-injury and the need for mental health professionals to be more integrated within athletic programs. Natalie shares insights from her own work and introduces her books designed to guide athletes in enhancing their mental wellness and toughness. The episode concludes with tips on creating a supportive athletic culture that recognizes and addresses mental health as part of overall athlete development.Here's where to find Natalie Graves:Website:  Natalie GravesFind the Athlete Prepbook here!Email: info@nataliegraves.comInsta: @nataliegravesathleticcounselorX/Twitter: @natalie_graves1Watch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

In this episode of 'Spirit of an Athlete,' host Amanda Smith speaks with Dr. Jamira Mitchell about the intricacies of name, image, and likeness (NIL) for student athletes, emphasizing that opportunities exist not only for potential million-dollar deal-makers but also for high school and college athletes aspiring to build a business around their personal brand. Dr. Mitchell, an expert in sports business management, discusses the basics of NIL, the importance of maintaining a positive online presence, the legality of monetization at various educational levels, and tips for navigating and leveraging NIL opportunities effectively. Additionally, advice is offered for parents and student athletes on building personal brands, compliance with state laws and school policies, and strategies for establishing successful partnerships and sponsorships.Here's where to find Dr. Jamira:Website:  The NIL Spot CoClick here to grab your NIL Checklist!Email: info@thenilspotco.comPodcast: The NIL Spot PodcastInsta: @thenilspotpodcastWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

Amanda Smith demonstrates a quick Comprehensive Three-Level Body Scan on Elyna Paizis. Then, they discuss Elyna’s business, Business by Nature, which aims to help overwhelmed women entrepreneurs align their work to their inner nature. The body scan reveals insights about Elyna's body and offers suggestions for improvement, then Elyna explains her Force of Nature quiz and her approach to helping entrepreneurs find ease and flow in their work by leveraging their natural design.Here's where to find Elyna:Website:  BusinessByNature.comPodcast: Business By NatureFB: Elyna PaizisInsta: @business.by.natureWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

Unlock the secrets of peak physical performance with the guidance of brain-based movement expert Barrett Smith. This episode promises to revolutionize the way athletes train by harnessing the power of their greatest asset—their brain. Through a compelling discussion, Barrett unveils the synergy between eye training, gut health, and a balanced nervous system, providing a fresh perspective on strength and conditioning. His approach, refined through 14 certifications, has been instrumental in my own journey from chronic tension to pain-free strength training, and I can't wait to share these transformative strategies with you.Here's where to find Barrett:Thebarrettmethod.com 6 Foundational Steps to Speed and Agility CourseNutritional Guideline BookFB TheBarrettMethodIG @the_barrett_methodTik Tok @the_barrett_methodWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

Unlock the 5 secret to peak athletic performance by simply treating your body with the same care as a houseplant. In this episode of Spirit of an Athlete podcast, Amanda discusses how athletes can treat themselves as complex houseplants by understanding their needs for water, soil, sunshine, food, and minerals. She explains the science behind each need and shares tips for staying hydrated, grounding, getting sunshine, choosing the right foods, and testing foods to find what works best for your body.If you're struggling with these 5 secrets, Amanda can help. Schedule a 20 min Initial Body Scan to find out how to better treat your body for peak performance.You can find Amanda here:bodywhisperhealing.comInstagram @body.whisper.healingFacebook @body.whisper.healingYouTube @body.whisper.healingWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

Have you ever considered the weight of stereotypes and how they challenge female athletes in and out of their arenas? Christina Specos, a seasoned fitness expert and IFBB pro, joins us for an enriching discussion that stretches beyond muscle fibers and into the heart of gender and sexuality biases in sports. From our personal tales of being misjudged based on physical strength to Christina's intimate revelations on her bodybuilding path and strength coaching career, we reveal how we've each turned scrutiny into a source of humor and self-compassion.Confronting the misconceptions tied to gender identity in athletics, Christina and I peel back the layers of emotional intelligence and self-love that shield us from the barrage of societal pressures. This episode is an exploration of the resilience required when dealing with misplaced labels and the importance of empathy in both personal and professional growth. We also dissect the stereotypes linked to certain sports, shedding light on how they can distort athletes' views on gender and sexuality, and the critical need for conversation and understanding in these spaces.Here's where to find Christina:Christina's WebsiteInstagram @christinaspecosSpecTalk on YouTubeFacebook: @christina.specosEmail: christina@christinaspecos.comWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

Dr. Laurel Mines, a doctor of physical therapy and mental performance coach from Bay Laurel Athletics, joins the 'Spirit of an Athlete' podcast. Dr. Mines explains her focus on both the physical and mental aspects of health to help athletes reach peak performance, recover from injuries, and grow mentally. She discusses the four pillars of performance; physical performance, skill, strategy, and mental performance. Dr. Mines provides an insightful evaluation of a knee injury sustained by the podcast host, using it as a case study to illustrate how mental perception and physical reality intertwine. They also discuss the importance of correct equipment to prevent injury and enhance performance. Additionally, Dr. Mines offers a discount code for her six-week mental performance coaching program.Here's where you can find Dr. Laurel Mines:baylaurelathletics.comInstagram @drlaurelptFree Download of The Peak Performance Framework HEREUse code GIFT600 at checkout to get $600 off Dr. Laurel's 6 week 1:1 Mental Performance Coaching Program for athletesWatch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing

Welcome to Spirit of an Athlete. If you're a female athlete, a parent of a female athlete, a practitioner that supports female athletes, or just someone that wants to hear inspiring stories, you're in the right place. Find out who I interview, how long the episodes are, and a little bit more your host, me. Watch Spirit of an Athlete on YouTube!Check out more from Amanda:Website: Body Whisper HealingInstagram: @Body.Whisper.HealingFacebook: Body Whisper Healing