Fiercely Fueled

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/     

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  

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

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/   

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

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

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

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia and Coach Bela take a deep dive into the challenges and misconceptions around dieting and nutrition coaching. Listen in as the discuss the journey of clients who have suffered from poor dietary advice and how they were able to relearn and reshape their nutrition for better performance and overall well-being. Also covered is the dangers of restrictive diets, the importance of balanced nutrition, and the holistic approach Fiercely Field Nutrition takes in helping clients from all age groups, including teens and young adults, achieve their fitness and health goals.      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  

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, the topic is on overcoming the biggest challenge many individuals face: execution. Coach Pia discusses the common struggle of sticking to goals and offers practical tips on improving execution and time management. Learn about prioritizing tasks, understanding energy leaks, and managing time efficiently using strategies like time blocking, setting priorities, and using apps to limit phone-related distractions. Pia also speaks on the importance of planning nutrition around busy schedules and leveraging simple routines to maintain focus and productivity.     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

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia discusses the various considerations for athletes regarding weight classes in strength sports. Covering topics such as the purpose of weight classes, common misconceptions, and the impact of weight changes on performance, Pia speaks on the importance of making informed and strategic decisions. She shares personal anecdotes and insights into how body composition, lifestyle stresses, and the overall context of an athlete's life can influence the right weight class for optimal performance.      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

In this milestone 160th episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia joins the the experts at Reactive Training Systems to explore how optimizing training environments can significantly impact strength training outcomes. They discuss working with clients of various age groups and experience levels, offering insights on incorporating tiny needle movers for daily improvements. The conversation also covers the importance of environmental control in facilitating better decision-making related to training, nutrition, and overall lifestyle. Listen in to learn how athletes can create supportive ecosystems and behavioral strategies that drive performance.      FREE COURSE! Collegiate Powerlifting Toolkit https://pages.reactivetrainingsystems.com/collegiatecoachingtoolkit      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  

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia discusses the differences between dieting and performance nutrition for athletes. She also criticizes rigid diet plans and diet culture, advocating instead for flexible, sustainable nutrition strategies tailored to enhance athletic performance. Listen in for information on understanding your body's nutritional needs and tips for managing nutrition effectively.         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

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Joni and Coach Bela discuss the significance of goal setting, particularly around the New Year. They explore the reasons why New Year's resolutions often fail and how to approach them with a mindset of self-reflection and incremental changes. They also touch on the value of aligning goals with personal values and seeking support from coaches to facilitate the process.      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  

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia reflects on her journey as an athlete and nutrition coach, sharing valuable insights and lessons learned over the past year. Pia covers various topics such as the importance of mindset in training, navigating the pitfalls of perfectionism, the role of proper nutrition and sleep, and the significance of athlete autonomy. Listen in as she discusses the non-linear nature of strength progress, strategies for managing mental challenges, and the need to focus on long-term consistency in nutrition and training.      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

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia and Coach Bela discuss comprehensive strategies for enhancing immune function through nutrition and lifestyle choices. Listen in as they speak on the importance of proper sleep routines, stress reduction techniques, minimizing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy body fat percentage. Practical tips and personal experiences are also shared to help you integrate these habits into your daily life for improved immunity and overall well-being.   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

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia is joined by Gaby Muller from Reactive Training Systems for her third appearance on the podcast. Gaby shares her experiences and strategies for managing energy levels and nutrition during powerlifting competitions, especially as it relates to female lifters. She discusses the importance of planning and managing caffeine intake, and how small nutritional tweaks, such as correctly timing carbohydrate and protein intake, can be game-changers in maintaining energy and performance. The discussion also touches on the value of holistic health practices like regular blood tests, adding more fruits and vegetables to one's diet, and incorporating light cardio and walks into daily routines. These small, consistent habits can make a significant difference in overall performance and well-being.      Connect with Gaby Muller: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gabymuller.rts      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

In this episode of the Fiercely Fueled Nutrition Podcast, Coach Pia sits down with Jil Sproul, a record-breaking masters powerlifter and client, who shares her experiences and challenges in the sport. Jil discusses her competition journey through 2023 and 2024, including bombing at Bench Worlds in Norway and making a successful comeback by breaking records at North American Bench Championships. She speaks in depth about the importance of proper nutrition, mental fortitude, and investing in herself by working with a coach to fuel her performance effectively.      Connect with Jil Sproul: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jillymac17/        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