Melissa Stockwell on Overcoming Adversity and Thriving as a Paralympic Athlete

In this empowering episode of Mum’s the Word, host Dr. Kirstin Lauritzen, a highly respected functional medicine practitioner and nutrition expert, dives deep into the nutritional needs of pregnant women. Whether you’re in your first trimester or preparing for birth, this conversation offers clear, compassionate guidance to help you make confident choices throughout your pregnancy journey. Dr. Lauritzen breaks down what your body really needs during pregnancy—from essential vitamins and minerals to energy-supporting macronutrients—so you can feel strong, nourished, and well-equipped to support your growing baby. She discusses the latest insights on prenatal nutrition, folate vs. folic acid, omega-3s, protein requirements, gut health, and how to navigate common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and food aversions. You’ll learn how to build a balanced, realistic nutrition plan, what supplements may be worth considering, and how to avoid common nutrient deficiencies. This episode is packed with practical tips, myth-busting advice, and evidence-based strategies for maintaining a healthy and energized pregnancy. If you’re looking for expert-led, trustworthy information about healthy eating during pregnancy, this episode of Mum’s the Word is a must-listen.Keywords: pregnancy nutrition, prenatal nutrition, nutritional needs of pregnant women, healthy pregnancy diet, prenatal supplements, pregnancy vitamins, folate, omega-3, pregnancy health, Mum’s the Word podcast, Dr. Kirstin LauritzenMum’s the Word is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

In this inspiring episode of Mum’s the Word, professional snowboarder, athlete, and devoted mother Kimmy Fasan joins us to share her powerful journey through motherhood, sport, and the mountains that shaped her. Known for her fearless riding style and her commitment to empowering women in snow sports, Kimmy opens up about the realities of balancing elite-level snowboarding with pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and raising her child in an outdoor-centered lifestyle. Kimmy talks candidly about how becoming a mother reshaped her identity both on and off the mountain—from managing expectations to redefining success beyond competition. She shares the physical and emotional challenges of returning to snowboarding postpartum, the importance of community support for active mums, and the role of mindset when navigating the pressure to “bounce back.” Listeners will hear practical insights on staying active during motherhood, fostering a love of nature in young children, and building confidence as a parent athlete. Whether you’re a snow-loving mum, an action-sports fan, or simply someone seeking a story of resilience and authenticity, this episode delivers warmth, wisdom, and a reminder that motherhood can strengthen—not limit—the adventurous spirit.Keywords: Kimmy Fasan, snowboarder, snowboarding mum, athlete mother, pregnancy and sport, postpartum fitness, motherhood journey, Mum’s the Word podcast, active mums, women in snow sports, snowboarding athlete interview, motherhood inspiration, balancing sport and parenting, outdoor family lifestyle. Mum’s the Word is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

In this inspiring episode of Mum’s the Word,  Sarah Wassner Flynn—amateur triathlete, sports journalist, writer, and mother of four talks about the beautiful, chaotic, and empowering intersection of motherhood and endurance sport. Whether you're a seasoned triathlete, a new mum looking to stay active, or someone searching for motivation to balance fitness and family life, this conversation is packed with relatable insights and actionable takeaways. Sarah shares her journey into triathlon, how she rediscovered competitive sport after becoming a mother, and the real strategies she uses to fit training into a busy life with four children. From early-morning swims and stroller runs to managing fatigue, expectations, and identity shifts, Sarah opens up about the emotional and physical realities of being an athlete-mum. She also reflects on how sport fuels her confidence, mental health, and connection with her kids—helping her model resilience and joy in movement. You’ll hear candid stories, expert tips, and encouragement for any mum hoping to stay active, chase big goals, or simply carve out time for herself. This episode is full of keywords listeners search for—triathlon training, motherhood and sport, fitness after children, balancing family and athletics, women in endurance sports, and more—making it ideal for those looking to reconnect with their physical side while navigating the demands of parenting. Tune in for an uplifting, honest, and motivating conversation that celebrates the power of movement, the strength of mums, and the beauty of chasing goals at every life stage.Keywords: Sarah Wassner Flynn, triathlete mum, motherhood and sport, amateur triathlete, mums who run, triathlon training for mothers, balancing family and fitness, active motherhood podcast, women in endurance sports, running after pregnancy, Mum’s the Word podcast.Mum’s the Word is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

In this special season recap episode of Mum’s the Word, hosts Sarah Newberry Moore and Pamela Relph Jones look back on a jam-packed season filled with inspiring, empowering, and deeply honest conversations with elite sportswomen who are navigating life wearing two hats: being athletes and being mothers. From Olympians to world-class competitors, this season brought together an extraordinary lineup of women balancing training, competition, recovery, parenting, and identity—while breaking down barriers and redefining what peak performance looks like after motherhood. Sarah and Pamela revisit standout moments, emotional breakthroughs, and practical wisdom shared across the season. They highlight the resilience, vulnerability, humour, and powerhouse determination of mothers in sport who are proving that motherhood isn't the end of an athletic career—it's a powerful new chapter. Whether you’re an athlete juggling family life, a parent seeking motivation, or a fan of women’s sport hungry for authentic stories, this episode brings together the season’s most impactful insights. Expect reflections on postpartum performance, mental health, return-to-sport journeys, training while pregnant, identity shifts, support systems, and the evolving landscape of motherhood in elite sport. Perfect for listeners on Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, this episode is rich with storytelling, community, and celebration of sportswomen who continue to redefine what’s possible.Keywords: athlete mothers, motherhood and sport, women in sport, elite sportswomen, postpartum fitness, athletic motherhood, pregnancy and training, return to sport, female athletes, empowerment, inspirational sports stories, working mothers in sport, Mum’s the Word podcast.Mum’s the Word is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

In this inspiring episode of Mum’s the Word, former World Cup ski racer and two-time Olympian Kaylin Richardson joins the show to share her powerful and deeply personal journey of transitioning from elite sport to motherhood. Known for her fearless approach to ski racing, Kaylin opens up about learning to slow down, redefining identity, and finding new strength in the early chapters of parenthood. Listeners will hear how Kaylin’s competitive mindset shaped her expectations around pregnancy and postpartum recovery — and how motherhood taught her to embrace flexibility, patience, and self-compassion. From managing sleep deprivation to rediscovering her athleticism, Kaylin offers honest reflections and empowering lessons for any mum balancing ambition, adventure, and family life. Host [Your Host's Name] explores how sport shapes resilience, how motherhood reshapes priorities, and why female athletes like Kaylin continue breaking barriers both on and off the slopes. Whether you’re a skier, an athlete-mum, or simply someone who loves uplifting stories of grit and growth, this conversation delivers warmth, insight, and plenty of real-talk.Perfect for audiences searching for:ski racing motherhood stories, athlete mums podcast, postpartum athletic identity, Olympian motherhood journey, balancing sport and parenting, inspirational sportswomen podcast, Kaylin Richardson interviewMum’s the Word is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

In this empowering episode of Mum’s the Word, we sits down with Lisa MacDonald, an accomplished weightlifter, coach, and new mother who is breaking down the myths, fears, and misinformation around weightlifting during pregnancy and postpartum. Whether you're an expectant mum, a new parent rebuilding strength, or a fitness-focused woman navigating big life changes, this conversation is packed with practical insights and science-backed guidance. Lisa opens up about her fitness journey, how she adapted her training through each trimester, and the surprising ways weightlifting supported her physical and mental wellbeing during pregnancy. She shares what she learned about listening to her body, balancing intensity with safety, and handling the inevitable changes that come with motherhood—both in the gym and at home. From pelvic health considerations to rebuilding confidence postpartum, Lisa offers realistic advice for women who want to stay active while honouring their bodies. This episode also tackles common myths about pregnancy and strength training, the importance of supportive healthcare providers, and why lifting weights can be a powerful tool for long-term maternal health. Perfect for listeners who want to stay strong, informed, and inspired, this episode is a must-listen for pregnant athletes, fitness enthusiasts, coaches, and any mum striving to feel empowered in her changing body. Keywords: weightlifting during pregnancy, postpartum fitness, pregnancy exercise, prenatal strength training, postpartum strength training, safe lifting during pregnancy, women’s health, motherhood and fitness, athletic mums, Mum’s the Word podcast, Lisa MacDonald interview, training through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, strong mums.Mum’s the Word is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

In this inspiring episode of Mum’s the Word Podcast, host [Host Name] sits down with Molly Dickins, co-founder of &Mother, the groundbreaking nonprofit dedicated to dismantling the systemic bias and inequality that mothers face in sport, the workplace, and beyond. With a mission to ensure that no woman has to choose between her athletic career and motherhood, Molly has become a powerful advocate for policy change, visibility, and equity for mothers in elite sport. Molly opens up about the origins of &Mother, its partnership with athlete Alysia Montaño, and the urgent need to challenge the rampant bias, outdated policies, and structural barriers that continue to hold women back. From pay inequity to sponsorship discrimination, she explains how &Mother is creating pathways for mothers to thrive—on the field, at work, and at home. Listeners will learn about the organization’s groundbreaking initiatives, including research, advocacy, storytelling, and direct support programs for athlete-mothers. Molly also shares her personal experiences navigating motherhood while fighting for gender equity, and offers empowering insights for anyone seeking to create change within their own communities. This episode is a must-listen for parents, athletes, advocates for gender equality, and supporters of maternal health, women’s sports, and workplace equity.Tune in for a deeply motivating conversation that shines a light on what’s possible when mothers are supported—not sidelined.Keywords: Molly Dickins, & Mother, Alysia Montaño, maternal equity, gender bias, inequality in sports, athlete mothers, women’s sports advocacy, motherhood and career, equity in athletics, sports sponsorship, postpartum support, working mothers, Mum’s the Word Podcast.Mum’s the Word is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

In this inspiring episode of Mum’s the Word, hosts Sarah Newberry Moore and Pamela Relph Jones sit down with legendary diver Laura Wilkinson—Olympic gold medallist, mother of four, and now contender for her fourth Olympic Games. Laura opens up about her extraordinary journey back to elite sport, sharing what it really takes to balance motherhood, training, and the pursuit of another Olympic dream. Listeners will hear how Laura’s mindset has evolved through each phase of her athletic and parenting life—from winning gold in Sydney 2000 to navigating adoption, injury comebacks, IVF, and the daily chaos of raising four children. She discusses the power of resilience, redefining success as a mother-athlete, and how she continues to challenge age norms and expectations in the world of diving. Full of motivation, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for sports fans, parents, and anyone who has ever faced a big comeback. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about ambition, identity, motherhood, and the courage to keep showing up—no matter how many times you’ve already proved yourself.Keywords: Laura Wilkinson podcast, Olympic diver mother, Mum’s the Word podcast, athlete mothers, motherhood and sport, female athletes, Olympic comeback story, moms in sport, women in sport podcast, parenting and performance, diving Olympic qualifier, athlete mom inspiration.Mum’s the Word is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

In this inspiring episode of Mum’s the Word, hosts Sarah Newberry Moore and Pamela Relph Jones sit down with Jessica Phoenix, celebrated Canadian event rider, Olympian, and devoted mother, to explore the powerful intersection of elite sport and family life. Known for her resilience, determination, and unwavering love for horses, Jessica opens up about the realities of competing at the highest level while raising her children—and why motherhood has made her an even stronger athlete. Listeners will discover how Jessica navigates the intense demands of three-day eventing, including training, travel, and competition pressure, while maintaining balance and presence at home. She shares her experiences recovering from serious injuries, what fuels her mental toughness, and how her children inspire her to chase her goals with renewed focus. This conversation is full of heart, grit, and practical wisdom for athletes, equestrians, and mums navigating their own ambitious paths. Whether you're passionate about equestrian sport, interested in stories of high-performance mothers, or looking for motivation to juggle your own competing priorities, this episode delivers empowering insights and relatable moments from one of Canada’s most admired riders.Keywords: Jessica Phoenix, Canadian event rider, Olympian, equestrian sport, three-day eventing, horse riding, motherhood and sport, athlete mother stories, elite athletes who are mums, Mum’s the Word podcast, sportswomen, motherhood balance, inspirational athlete interviews.Mum’s the Word is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.

Join us on this empowering episode of Mum’s the Word Podcast as we sit down with Melissa Stockwell, a decorated veteran, Paralympic triathlete, and inspirational speaker. Melissa shares her remarkable journey from serving in the U.S. military to becoming a world-class athlete, overcoming life-changing challenges with resilience, determination, and unwavering positivity. In this episode, Melissa opens up about her experience adapting to life after injury, training for Paralympic triathlon, and finding purpose through sport. She also shares insights on mental toughness, goal-setting, and balancing personal life with elite athletics, offering inspiration to parents, athletes, and anyone navigating significant life transitions. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, parent, or fan of motivational stories, Melissa’s story is a powerful reminder that strength comes in many forms. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with courage, perseverance, and life lessons that resonate far beyond the world of athletics.Keywords: Melissa Stockwell, Paralympic triathlete, veteran, inspirational story, resilience, adaptive sports, motherhood, elite athlete, overcoming adversity, motivation, Mum’s the Word Podcast, triathlon training, life after injury.Mum’s the Word is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.