Active Mom Podcast: Pregnancy, Postpartum, Perimenopause, Menopause & Beyond
Welcome to the Active Mom Podcast — where real motherhood stories meet real science.
Hosted by Dr. Carrie Pagliano, double board-certified physical therapist, runner, mom of two, and internationally recognized expert in pregnancy, postpartum, pelvic floor, and perimenopause performance.
Whether you’re a mom navigating running with prolapse or leakage, a clinician supporting active women, or a lifelong athlete trying to stay strong through every hormonal season — this show gives you evidence-based guidance and real life mom stories without the fear, confusion, or shame.
Each week, Dr. Carrie brings candid conversations with researchers, clinicians, elite athletes, and everyday moms to explore what it actually takes to run, lift, jump, and live confidently through pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond.
We talk about:
• Postpartum return to running & lifting
• Pelvic floor symptoms (leakage, prolapse, pain)
• Pregnancy exercise myths & safety
• Strength training at every age
• Perimenopause performance & hormone changes
• Mental health, identity shifts & motherhood
• The realities of being an active mom in a busy life
Real talk. Real science. Real moms.
Because you deserve to feel strong and supported — at every stage of your active life.
Active Mom Podcast: Pregnancy, Postpartum, Perimenopause, Menopause & Beyond
Mythbusting Running Shoes: What the Research Really Says — with DR. CRISTINE AGRESTA
Today I speak with Dr. Cristina Agresta, a physical therapist, Assistant Professor and sports medicine researcher. Her research focuses on developing assessment and monitoring techniques that improve clinical decision-making regarding athlete care and athletic performance. As a former runner, mom, clinician, and researcher, she offers a comprehensive perspective on the topic.
We talk about all the common myths surrounding running shoes and give real, up-to-date advice!
We talk about:
-common running shoes choices
-carbon plated running shoes
-heel drop and stack height
-the place for barefoot running
-avoiding “right” and “wrong”
-working in academia
-foot size increasing after pregnancy
Time Stamps
1:00 introduction
4:09 going wrong with running shoes
9:45 prioritizing comfort
13:01 explaining heel drop
15:03 minimalist shoes and barefoot running
23:40 bridging the gap from clinician to academia
29:23 her experience pregnancy and postpartum
38:25 practical advice for choosing a shoe
43:00 rapid fire questions
CONNECT WITH CARRIE
IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/
Website: https://carriepagliano.com
CONNECT WITH CRISTINE
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgrestaCristine
Website: https://uwdpt-research.rehab.washington.edu/agresta-sportscience
The University of Washington Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a top-notch graduate program that provides exceptional education and unique experiences for those interested becoming a PT (https://www.physicaltherapy.uw.edu). We also have a number of post-professional residencies (https://pt-residencies.rehab.washington.edu) with a sports PT residency in the works!
The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.
This show has been a long time in the making!
You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.
If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!
If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)