Fiercely Fueled

Life-Changing Strength with Erla Guðmundsdóttir - Episode 183 15.06.2026 1h 16min

What happens when a successful corporate career no longer feels aligned with the life you want to live? In this special episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Pia joins one of Fiercely Fueled's own athletes, Erla Guðmundsdóttir, as a guest on her podcast for a candid conversation about health, strength, nutrition, and the life-changing power of resistance training. Pia shares her journey from a high-pressure executive career in banking to becoming the owner of Fiercely Fueled Nutrition, revealing how a pre-diabetes diagnosis, burnout, and a desire for something more meaningful led her to discover strength training and ultimately transform her life. Together, Pia and Erla explore why strength sports are about so much more than competition, how nutrition should support performance rather than restriction, and why it's never too late to start building strength, confidence, and resilience. Episode Highlights: ✅ Pia's transition from banking executive to nutrition coach and business owner ✅ How strength training changed her health, mindset, and career path ✅ The connection between performance nutrition and long-term health ✅ Why dieting and performance nutrition are not the same thing ✅ Building confidence, resilience, and mental strength through lifting ✅ The role of coaching in creating sustainable behavior change ✅ Why it's never too late to start strength training ✅ How nutrition can help athletes perform, recover, and thrive Whether you're a competitive athlete, a busy professional, or someone looking to improve your health and longevity, this episode is a powerful reminder that the strongest version of yourself may still be ahead of you. Connect with Erla Guðmundsdóttir: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heilsuerla/ Erla's podcast: https://medlifidilukunum.buzzsprout.com/ APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

Why Women in Sport Have Been Underserved (Research Roundup) - Episode 182 08.06.2026 50min

In this Research Roundup episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, we dive into the long-standing gaps in women's sports science and why female athletes have been consistently underserved in research, coaching, and performance conversations. From hormone fluctuations and menstrual cycle myths to underrepresentation in clinical studies, this episode unpacks how outdated research models have shaped the way women are trained, fueled, and supported in sport. We explore the real-world impact this has on performance, recovery, injury risk, and long-term health, while highlighting the growing movement toward better science and more individualized approaches for female athletes. If you've ever felt like training advice wasn't built with women in mind, this conversation is for you. Episode Highlights: ✅ Why women have historically been excluded from sports research ✅ How hormonal cycles impact training, recovery, and performance ✅ Common myths about female athletes and strength training ✅ The consequences of using male-based research for women's programs ✅ Injury risk, recovery, and fueling differences in women ✅ Why individualized coaching matters for female athletes ✅ The future of women-focused sports science and performance research APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

Why Women Should Powerlift with Solana Lewis - Episode 181 01.06.2026 45min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia sits down with powerlifter, coach, TEDx speaker, and author Solana Lewis to talk about how strength training can completely transform your life. From competing for over a decade to coaching women of all ages and backgrounds, Solana shares why powerlifting is about so much more than numbers on a barbell. Together, they dive into confidence, discipline, community, self-belief, and the life-changing impact of getting stronger both physically and mentally. They also discuss Solana's upcoming book, "Why Women Should Powerlift," why strength training is one of the most accessible sports in the world, and how powerlifting helps women reclaim their time, power, and identity. Episode Highlights: ✅ The connection between powerlifting, confidence, and self-worth ✅ How community and support keep women coming back to the gym ✅ Why powerlifting is one of the most accessible sports in the world ✅ The importance of coaching that supports the whole person ✅ How strength training can help women reclaim their time and health ✅ Solana's TEDx talk, her book, and the inspiration behind it ✅ Why women of every age can benefit from lifting weights ✅ The truth about gym intimidation and getting started ✅ Why going "all in" on your goals changes everything Whether you're brand new to lifting or years into your journey, this conversation is packed with motivation, honesty, and inspiration to go all in on becoming your strongest self. Connect with our Guest: Connect with Solana Lewis on Instagram: @solana_lifts https://www.instagram.com/solana_lifts/ Get Solana's book "Why Women Should Powerlift: https://stan.store/Solana_lifts Watch the TEDx Talk https://youtu.be/wu2MaXqUFUw?si=F-5ABy8HxcUpcEdu APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

Coaches Talking to Coaches with Dennise Bacolas - Episode 180 25.05.2026 51min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Joni sits down with powerlifting coach and United In Strength founder Dennise Bacolas to talk about strength, community, and creating spaces where women feel truly welcome in sport. Dennise shares her journey from struggling with fitness and body image to discovering powerlifting and falling in love with what the body can do instead of how it looks. Together, they discuss the growth of powerlifting in Australia, evolving coaching philosophies, and the importance of making strength sports more inclusive and supportive for all women, including trans women. They also dive into Dennise's women-only meet, Queens of the Platform, which removes many of the intimidating aspects of competition and focuses on building confidence, connection, and fun. Episode Highlights: ✅ Dennise Bacolas shares her journey from "couch potato" to powerlifting coach and community leader ✅ Why powerlifting helped shift the focus from appearance to performance ✅ The story behind *Queens of the Platform* and creating women-centered lifting spaces ✅ Making strength sports more welcoming and accessible for beginners ✅ The importance of inclusive environments for all women, including trans women ✅ How coaching philosophies evolve to support real life, recovery, and longevity ✅ The rapid growth of powerlifting in Australia and the community behind it This episode is a powerful conversation about empowerment, accessibility, and redefining what strength really means both on and off the platform. Connect with our Guest: Follow Dennise Bacolas on Instagram: @unitedinstrength https://www.instagram.com/unitedinstrength/ APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

Navigating Nutrition During the Summer Months - Episode 179 18.05.2026 46min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coaches Joni and Bela talk about how summer can challenge your nutrition, training, recovery, and routines. Between vacations, cookouts, lake days, alcohol, late nights, and nonstop "summer body" messaging, it can feel easy to lose consistency or fall into all-or-nothing thinking. They break down how to balance physique goals with performance goals, navigate social events without guilt, and stay aligned with what actually matters to you instead of outside pressure. The conversation also covers practical ways to handle vacations and busy weekends while still supporting your energy, recovery, and training. The conversation also covers: ✅ Summer body pressure and diet culture ✅ Staying consistent during vacations and social events ✅ Prioritizing protein, hydration, and sleep ✅ Fueling outdoor activities and higher activity days ✅ Alcohol, recovery, and performance ✅ Letting go of perfectionism and getting back on track Whether you are training for a competition or just trying to feel your best this summer, this episode is a reminder that consistency does not require perfection. APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

Keeping Hydrated - Episode 178 11.05.2026 25min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coaches Joni and Pia break down one of the most overcomplicated topics in fitness nutrition: hydration and electrolytes. Listen in as they unpack what electrolytes actually do, whether carbs are necessary for hydration, and why social media often makes hydration far more confusing than it needs to be. They explain how carbohydrates can help transport electrolytes, why sodium and potassium balance matters, and how simple things like urine color can be useful hydration indicators. They also talk about the dangers of overhydration, why chugging water is not always the answer, and how to rehydrate more effectively during training and everyday life. ***Listen to Episode 42 about Hydration Basics https://sites.libsyn.com/430623/hydration-episode-42 The conversation also covers: ✅ How much water most people actually need ✅ Signs you may benefit from extra electrolytes ✅ Why sweaty athletes are not all the same ✅ The difference between smart hydration and clever marketing ✅ Whether electrolyte drinks really help hangovers ✅ Why most people eating balanced meals probably do not need daily electrolyte supplements APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

Trapped in the Athlete Identity - Episode 177 04.05.2026 18min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Bela explores a topic many athletes quietly struggle with: when being an athlete stops being something you do and starts feeling like who you are. Drawing from her own lifelong experience in sports and training, Bela unpacks both sides of athlete identity. On one hand, it can build structure, confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of community. On the other, it can create a mindset where your mood, self-worth, and daily decisions rise and fall with your performance in the gym. She talks openly about the all-or-nothing thinking that can show up after a missed lift, a skipped workout, or a day of imperfect nutrition, and how that can lead to guilt, overtraining, or avoiding rest and real life. She also shares how she works through those moments by stepping back, looking at factors like sleep, fueling, stress, and recovery, and choosing a more grounded response instead of defaulting to self-criticism. This episode is a reminder that discipline and flexibility can exist together. You can take rest days, enjoy your life outside the gym, and still pursue your goals without tying your worth to them APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

The Young and the Lifters: Why Prioritizing Nutrition and Recovery in Your Early Years is Important - Episode 176 27.04.2026 51min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coaches Joni and Bela talk about what they wish they had done differently when they first started training and how those early choices around food and recovery can shape everything that follows. They reflect on their own experiences with dieting, chasing smaller bodies, and following low carb trends that ultimately hurt performance. Bela shares how years of strict meal plans and overtraining kept her stuck in a cycle of burnout, and how shifting her focus to eating enough, including more carbs and fats, and paying attention to things like sleep and HRV changed not just her training, but how she felt day to day. The conversation also takes on the influence of social media, where nutrition trends change constantly and often create more confusion than clarity. They get honest about alcohol and its impact on sleep and recovery, the pressure to drink in social settings, and why relying on stimulants to get through workouts can be a sign that something deeper is off. In this episode, they cover: Why nutrition and recovery matter more than you think early on How dieting and underfueling can hold back your progress What actually helped them feel stronger and more energized The role of carbs, fats, and total calories in performance How alcohol affects recovery and sleep Why needing constant caffeine might be a red flag Whether you are just starting out or years into training, this episode is a reminder that it is never too late to build a better foundation. APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

How to Train with Pain: Dr. Nathan Dailey - Episode 175 20.04.2026 1h 3min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia sits down with Dr. Nathan Dailey, a physical therapist who works with powerlifters through the RTS network, to talk about what it really takes to return to lifting after an injury. Nathan shares his path from endurance sports into powerlifting and how he found his way to the RTS "Emerging Strategies" approach. From there, the conversation dives into what lifters deal with most often, including low back pain and neck issues that show up as shoulder pain, and how to tell the difference between normal training soreness and something that needs attention. They break down one of the biggest misunderstandings in rehab, the idea that pain always comes from the exact spot it hurts. Instead, Nathan explains the importance of proper assessment, understanding patterns of pain, and tracking real changes in function over time. He also makes a strong case for staying active when possible, using smart training modifications instead of immediately shutting everything down. You will learn: How to tell if it is soreness or an injury Why pain is not always coming from where you feel it Common rehab mistakes lifters make When it makes sense to keep training through pain What good physical therapy should actually look like How to adjust training without losing progress This episode is a practical, grounded guide for lifters who want to train hard, recover well, and stay in the sport long term. APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

Nutrition for Mid- and Plus-Sized Strength Athletes - Episode 174 13.04.2026 33min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia gets real about what it actually looks like to feel stronger, more confident, and more at home in your body, especially in your 40s. After a recent reel of hers went viral, Pia found herself at the center of some harsh (and very telling) online reactions. Instead of brushing it off, she uses it as a jumping-off point to unpack the quiet and not-so-quiet judgments that still exist around bodies, strength, and who "belongs" in fitness. She shares her own story of starting out as an overweight, pre-diabetic beginner who felt completely out of place, and how powerlifting helped her shift from chasing appearance to building performance. But she also offers an important reality check: stepping into strength sports doesn't automatically heal body image and ignoring nutrition and recovery can be its own form of avoidance. This episode is a refreshing, no-BS take on fueling your body without falling into restrictive dieting, especially for mid- and plus-size athletes who are often left out of the conversation. APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

Fiercely Fueled: Mentality for Powerlifting - Episode 173 06.04.2026 58min

APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU In this episode of The Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia hosts Clarice Tighe in a recorded "office hour" style episode discussing major frustrations in strength sports, especially the lack of regulation in powerlifting and fitness coaching and the risks of unqualified coaches giving programming, nutrition, or psychological advice. Clarice argues that words and behaviors create lasting ripple effects and advocates better coach education in psychological skills. The conversation covers reflection practices after meets and training sessions to manage "post-comp blues," build confidence through interpretation and context (not just numbers), and use consistent actions to navigate both strong and disappointing performances. Connect with our Guest: Connect with Clarice Tighe @clarice_odyssey https://www.instagram.com/clarice_odyssey/ Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

The Rise of AI Fitness Accounts - Episode 172 30.03.2026 31min

In this episode of The Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Joni and Coach Bela discuss the rapid rise of AI-generated social media accounts in the fitness space. They discuss how AI content is becoming difficult to detect and frequently targets midlife women with menopause/perimenopause weight-loss and muscle-gain claims, and how it can worsen comparison and body-image pressures. Listen in as they share practical cues for identifying AI accounts and the importance of doing due diligence, seeking real human connection and community, and remembering that sustainable fitness changes are habit-based and not "sexy" quick fixes. APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

The Intentional Athlete with Ross Leppala - Episode 171 23.03.2026 1h 14min

Today on the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, we have a special crossover episode recorded with Ross Leppala on The Intentional Athlete. In this episode, Coach Pia is interviewed about how strength training and powerlifting transformed her life. Pia recounts starting as a journalist and aspiring war photographer, moving into banking for financial stability, and later becoming pre-diabetic after years of poor health habits. She describes leaving a high-level corporate role, opening Lift Coffee, buying Fiercely Fueled three years ago, and valuing the honesty of lifting over corporate politics. The conversation also explores quality of life, autonomy, boundaries, self-sabotage, awareness, priorities, and how strength training builds resilience and presence. Follow Ross Leppala Instagram @ross.leppala https://www.instagram.com/ross.leppala/ Follow Coach Pia Instagram @pia_marangoni https://www.instagram.com/pia_marangoni/ APPLY FOR COACHING https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

How Performance Nutrition Changed Everything with Winnie Abramson - Episode 170 16.03.2026 55min

In this episode of the Fiercely Field Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia welcomes Winnie Abramson, a photographer and long-time powerlifter, to discuss her decade-plus in the sport, starting after CrossFit and competing in over 35 meets across federations including USAPL, USPA, and Powerlifting America, plus serving as a USAPL referee and making Masters national teams and Masters Worlds in 2022. Winnie describes balancing high-level lifting with extensive travel, her photography, and strenuous backpacking, and the importance of planning, adaptability, and defining consistency beyond perfect training. She also talks about her experience seeking performance nutrition coaching after menopause and strength struggles, and how she learned to prioritize fueling, pre/intra/post-workout nutrition, and accountability without obsessive tracking. Listen in as she shares advice for midlife lifters: best days may still be ahead, stay patient with repetitive work, and don't give up, and provides her Instagram and email for contact. Follow Winnie Abramson Instagram @winnie.abramson https://www.instagram.com/winnie.abramson/ Apply for coaching: Follow Coach Pia: @pia_marangoni https://www.instagram.com/pia_marangoni/ Links and Resources: Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

Powerlifting Coaching Red Flags Every Athlete Should Know - Episode 169 09.03.2026 40min

Get ready for a special "side quest" episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, inspired by real conversations from team coaching calls. Clients often bring up powerlifting coaching concerns that go beyond nutrition, so Coaches Pia and Joni dive into the most common red flags they see in coaching relationships, especially in today's unregulated online coaching world. Listen in as they break down what quality coaching should look like and what to do if these elements are missing. This conversation is designed to empower you to understand the standards you deserve, ask better questions, and confidently step away from coaching relationships that aren't serving you. Follow Coach Joni Instagram @lionesss100 https://www.instagram.com/lionesss100/ Follow Coach Pia Instagram @pia_marangoni https://www.instagram.com/pia_marangoni/ Links and Resources: Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiercelyfueled YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7sAH26zWzvrI-73I1J3icA

Myth Busting the Latest Trends - Episode 168 02.03.2026 1h 4min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coaches Joni and Bella discuss how social media trends shape fitness and nutrition choices. Listen in as they myth-bust several trends such as "fiber maxing," "potassium maxing" for a more chiseled face, and overhydration risks. They also review beetroot concentrate, the viral post-workout Blizzard vs chicken-and-rice claim, not seasoning food, cooling/reheating rice or potatoes to alter glycemic response, pre-workout supplements, cardio and weight loss, and excessive protein intake. Links and Resources: Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiercelyfueled YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7sAH26zWzvrI-73I1J3icA

The Most Underated Hack in Powerlifting- Episode 167 23.02.2026 40min

This episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast takes a closer look at the culture of strength sports and the nutrition advice athletes are actually getting behind the scenes. Coach Pia sits down with nutrition coach Shania Radke to talk about everything from coaching culture and social media trends to the realities of weight cuts. Together, they unpack how extreme advice spreads online, why "secret methods" are usually just good marketing, and how practices meant for elite competitors often trickle down to athletes who don't need them and may be harmed by them. They also dive into the less-talked-about side of competing: how dieting can affect body image, relationships with food, and long-term health. From hidden disordered eating to the pressure to chase lighter weight classes, this conversation challenges some of the biggest assumptions in strength sports. In this episode: Why weight cuts aren't as mysterious as they seem How social media shapes athlete nutrition choices Red flags to watch for in coaching and nutrition advice Why maintenance is often the most underrated strategy Misconceptions about heavier weight classes How athletes can stay competitive without constant dieting Warning signs your body isn't recovering well Why health markers should come before performance If you compete, or plan to, this episode is a grounded reminder that the strongest athletes are the ones who can stay in the sport for the long run. Apply for 1:1 Coaching: https://10tkto34p7j.typeform.com/to/aI4uHZgU Connect with our guest: Follow Shania Radke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaniaradke_/ Links and Resources: Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/

Pre & Post-Workout Nutrition That Actually Improves Performance - Episode 166 16.02.2026 32min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Joni and Coach Bela break down something many performance athletes overlook: how you fuel around your workouts can make or break your results. They explain why most nutrition advice is built for general gym-goers (and often men), and why athletes need a more intentional approach. If you've ever felt nauseous, sluggish, or "off" before training, it may not be your workout but what (and when) you ate. They walk through: Why fast-digesting carbs work best close to training When to choose balanced meals (and when not to) How digestion and blood flow shift during exercise Why combining glucose and fructose can help stabilize energy When liquid carbs or clear protein might be your best bet You'll also get practical, real-life ideas (think cereal and protein, rice cakes, yogurt, white rice, potatoes, grab-and-go snacks) plus strategies that make consistency easier — because the best fueling plan is the one you can actually follow. If you want to stop leaving performance on the table, this episode shows you how to fuel smarter, not just harder. Links and Resources: Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiercelyfueled YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7sAH26zWzvrI-73I1J3icA

Unbreakable with Jared Maynard - Episode 165 09.02.2026 56min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia interviews Jared Maynard, a physical therapist, strength coach, and powerlifter from Canada, who shares his harrowing journey of battling a life-threatening condition, HLH (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis). Jared discusses how his lifelong commitment to strength training unexpectedly fortified him during his critical illness, and how he emerged from the experience with a renewed sense of purpose. The conversation covers Jared's early struggles with obesity and self-confidence, his evolution into strength sports, and the emotional and physical challenges he faced during and after his illness. Jared offers deep insights into identity, resilience, and the power of empathy in coaching, making this episode a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome immense adversity. Connect with Jared Maynard: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared.unbreakable/ Links and Resources: Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiercelyfueled YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7sAH26zWzvrI-73I1J3icA

The Intentional Athlete with Ross Leppala - Episode 164 02.02.2026 55min

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia welcomes back two-time IPF World Champion, Ross Leppala, to dive deeper into the mental aspects of strength training and powerlifting. They discuss a range of topics, including the importance of internal versus external validation, the challenges of maintaining discipline as one ages, and the profound impact of intentional training on both physical strength and overall well-being. Ross shares personal experiences that highlight the significance of mental health, self-love, and the necessity of embracing discomfort. The conversation also touches upon the role of belief in achieving success and how setbacks can act as pivotal learning moments. Connect with Ross Leppala: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ross.leppala/ The Intentional Athlete Community https://tiaexp.com/community Links and Resources: Get our free pre & post-training meals guide https://guide.fiercelyfueled.com/podcast Follow Fiercely Fueled Nutrition: Instagram: @fiercelyfuelednutrition https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyfuelednutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiercelyfueled YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7sAH26zWzvrI-73I1J3icA