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Finding Fortitude

Finding Fortitude
Author: Tori McIntire
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© 2025 Finding Fortitude
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Finding Fortitude is hosted by Dr. Tori McIntire, PT, DPT, owner of Fortitude Physical Therapy and Wellness. This podcast is dedicated to helping former athletes build sustainable health habits and discover evidence-based strategies for managing pain through a whole-human perspective. Tori is on a mission to make a difference in healthcare by focusing on wellness instead of illness and by making you feel whole and supported instead of blamed and broken. If you're looking for information on how to re-claim your inner athlete and live your best life, you've come to the right place!
21 Episodes
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If you or someone you know has ever experienced an ACL injury, this episode of Finding Fortitude is a must-listen. Today's guest is Dr. Steph Allen, a physical therapist, orthopedic clinical specialist, and founder of ACL Resolve—a virtual coaching platform helping athletes navigate rehabilitation after ACL injury or reconstruction. She’s a leading voice in ACL rehab and return-to-sport, and I’m so grateful she joined me to share her expertise. In the episode, we dive into: What the ACL (ante...
Welcome back to Finding Fortitude! Today’s guest is one of the most badass humans I know — Dr. Emily Rausch: sports chiropractor, pole dancer, and unapologetic educator helping dancers stay strong, reduce injuries, and return to the pole with confidence. In this episode, we get real about what it actually takes to keep your body resilient in a demanding sport like pole. Emily breaks down the myths around chiropractic care, the power of strength training for pole artists, and how dancers can t...
Why should you bother lifting heavy? Is resistance training really safe? And what’s the deal with cardio supposedly “killing gains”? In this episode, I sat down with the strongest person I know (literally)—strength coach, certified athletic trainer, and competitive powerlifter, John Flagg—to tackle these questions and more. We break down: The key differences between weightlifting vs. powerlifting vs. resistance trainingWhy resistance training is crucial for overall health and longevityThe big...
Today’s episode is a must-listen for anyone who is pregnant, postpartum, or simply wants to understand the importance of pelvic health through these phases of life. This is a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention, but it affects so many people! Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want to be proactive about your health, this episode is packed with valuable insights. My guest on this episode is Dr. Chelsea Lynch, PT, DPT. She specializes in pelvic health physical therapy and i...
As former athletes, we're wired to push through pain and keep moving—but in many cases, true healing only comes when we slow down and listen to our bodies. In this episode, I interview my favorite Canadian physiotherapist and business coach, Emma Jack, to dive into all things healing and recovery. We discuss: Emma's athletic and professional background and how it's shaped her approach to recoveryHer recent personal healing journey and the lessons it's taught her, including how it's influenced...
Hello there, it's me again! Welcome to the first episode of 2025! In this quick check-in, I share a few updates and reflections from the past 6 months and set the scene for the rest of Season 2. At the end of the episode, I also invite you to take a moment to get grounded with me and check in with your body to release any unwanted tension that you may be holding onto. Got feedback? Guest or topic suggestions? Send me a message! Let’s connect! Here's where you can find me… Instagram: @to...
In this episode I sit down with my good friend and former teammate, Jo Koons, to discuss her inspiring journey from small-town athlete to Division I collegiate head softball coach. You’ll hear all about: Jo’s leadership evolution and the challenges she’s faced throughout her athletic and coaching careersThe importance of perseverance in pursuing your passions and how having an underdog mentality can help you succeedThe impact of leading with love and leading by exampleThe qualities that Jo fe...
In Part 2 of this solo episode with me, you’ll hear about: How I self-assessed my condition and determined what to do next, including modifying my training and adjusting my expectationsThe challenges that come with making decisions around returning to sport or activity when dealing with pain or injury3 mental fortitude skills that can help former athletes continue to train while managing a painful conditionThe importance of making informed decisions about managing pain and seeking professiona...
Hey former athlete! Welcome back to the first episode of season 2 of Finding Fortitude! It feels good to be back, and I can’t wait to share about what I’ve been up to over the break as well as all of the things I have in store for you this season! In part 1 of this solo episode with me, you’ll hear about: My wedding near Yosemite National ParkWhat went wrong with my half marathon training and how I developed foot and ankle painThe importance of past injury history and training history for und...
When it comes to managing pain–especially chronic pain–acknowledging the relationship between the mind and body is essential. With this, we know that both physical therapy and psychotherapy can be critical parts of recovering from and coping with pain and injury. In this episode I sat down with my client-turned-friend, Payton Bush, who is currently studying to become a clinical mental health counselor to talk about all things mental health. We discuss: Payton’s background as an athlete and he...
There are many superficial questions about fitness that tend to float around the internet and spark debate. Does lifting make you bulky? Which exercises will grow your glutes and “snatch” your waist? Should I do “this” or “that” for “x” result? But in this episode, strength and conditioning coach Allison Tenney calls us in to go deeper and consider the systems of oppression that lie beneath these questions. Spoiler alert: there is much to be gained from moving your body outside of physical pe...
Happy New Year! 2024 is a big year because in less than six months I'll be tying the knot with my best friend, who also happens to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy. So to kick off the year I’ve brought my fiancé, Joe McIntire, onto the podcast for a conversation about the field of physical therapy, new years goals, and more. In this episode we discuss: Joe’s background as an athlete turned Doctor of Physical Therapy, as well as the story of how we metOur perspectives on the state of phys...
Welcome back to the final episode of Finding Fortitude for 2023! The end of the year can be a great time for reflecting and setting new goals for the new year ahead. However, I know that many people are also feeling exhausted and burnt out this time of year so feel free to come back and listen to this episode when the time is right for you. In this solo episode with me, you’ll hear: How I’ve taken action to prepare for next year’s holiday season to prioritize rest, recovery and reflection (a...
Are you a runner or endurance athlete? If so, this episode is for you! In this episode you’ll hear from registered sports dietitian, Kathryn Ward MS, RD, CNSC, about her journey recovering from ACL injuries not once, but twice, and how she successfully made her way back to running and training for a marathon! Kathryn and I discussed: The road to recovery after ACL reconstruction surgery (x 2!)The importance of adequate nutrition and strength training for runners and endurance athletesRecomme...
Life is full of transitions and changes, each challenging us in different ways. But as former athletes, we often have an especially hard time with the transitions that require us to slow down and rest. Sound familiar? Today, Megan Reuter joins me on the podcast to explore this topic and to discuss: Overuse injuries as a collegiate athleteTransitioning to life after sport and starting a 9-to-5Finding community in life after sportNavigating pregnancy and motherhood and establishing a new relat...
I'm baaaack! I've been on a bit of a hiatus from the podcast, but I'm no where near done. Don't call it a comeback (or do!). This episode is dedicated to all of my fellow recovering perfectionists out there who are ready to start embracing "good enough" so they can live their best lives. In this episode you’ll hear about: Why I took a break from the podcast for over 6 monthsHow perfectionism keeps us playing safe and staying smallMy process for addressing perfectionism, one small step at a t...
Stress is a normal part of life, but our past experiences have an impact on how we perceive, respond to, and manage stress. In this episode I chat with Jessica Patching-Bunch (JPB), a stress management coach, educator, and speaker who is involved in neuroscience research. JPB is one of my favorite people to talk nerdy with and we are lucky enough to have her as our stress resilience coach in my upcoming group coaching program, Former Athlete Fortitude! We discuss: JPB's experience as an ath...
In this episode, I talk about all things nutrition in life after sport with registered dietitian and nutrition coach, Katie Spada! Katie is one of the guest coaches who will be providing education and resources in my upcoming group coaching program, Former Athlete Fortitude. I admire her passion for helping former athletes optimize their diet while finding food freedom and coping with body changes in life after sport. She is an incredible coach, human, and honestly a warm ray of sunshine! We...
In this episode, I chat with strength and conditioning coach, Ashley Barry. Ashley is one of the guest coaches who will be providing education and resources in my upcoming group coaching program, Former Athlete Fortitude. She is a wealth of knowledge and is super passionate about helping athletes and former athletes train in a way that honors their own self-authority and self-trust. We discuss: Ashley's background as an athlete and now coachSome of the biggest challenges and concerns that fo...
Welcome back! This episode is dedicated to setting the stage for all future episodes by defining the terms “former athlete” and “fortitude.” I also dive into the difference between fortitude and toughness, and how you can build fortitude in the contexts of pain management and improving general health and well-being. In this episode you’ll hear about: Who I’m talking about when I say I work with former athletesThe definition of fortitude, and how it differs from toughnessWhy I think athletes ...
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