The Ninjababes Podcast

This is the final episode of Ninjababes. I’ve been so honored and grateful to be a part of this community for the last 4 years. Ninjababes has been …

I’m back with Amy Harski to continue our discussion about pregnancy and post-partum training. We’re going to talk more about what’s actually going on during your pregnancy and what you need to know when you’re training …

Neighborhood Ninjas is a nonprofit organization and community outreach program. Their mission is to “increase access to ninja warrior training for low income and underrepresented groups while fostering community and …

Sarah Avery is a physical therapist who specializes in women’s health and pelvic floor rehabilitation. In this episode, we’re going to talk about the female athlete triad, how hormones can affect your performance, and …

Chances are, you know someone in the Ninja community who is currently pregnant or has been pregnant during their career.

My guest this week is Amy Harski, a pregnancy and postpartum coach. She works with athletes …

Emerson’s first exposure to ninja was when she had her 11th birthday party at a ninja gym, and she was instantly hooked. Inspired by the likes of Jessie Labreck and Kacy Catanzaro, she’s been training consistently for …

Megan Budway shares her insights and practice for getting her mind ready for the ninja season! Megan describes what she has learned from “With Winning In Mind” by Lanny Bassham.  She journals and mentally prepares for …

We have a full house in the Ninjababes Studio today! I’m pleased to welcome Michelle Warnky Buurma, Chris Wilczewski, and Mary Leighton on the show …

Cara and Mary were honored to be presenters at the NNL World Championships to discuss a topic nearly two years in the making. Over the course of the competition, they presented the seminar 6 times. About 2 years ago, …

15-year-old Addy Herman is a former ANW Junior competitor who was one of the teen competitors featured in the current season of ANW13. In this …

Ninja moms, moms-to-be, or future moms: this episode is for you! Ever wondered how you can balance motherhood and family life with the demands of Ninja training? Lindsay Eskildsen did, and she’s here to talk with Cara …

Meet Megan, the axe-throwing ninja! Megan’s first season on ANW was Season 11, and she’s been involved with ninja for 3 years. In this episode, we’ll …

Isabella Wakeham has been a part of the ninja community for a while, both on ANW Jr. and on ANW season 13. In this episode, Cara and Isabella talk about how delaying from season 12 to 13 affected her, her relationship …

Megan Budway is an elementary school music teacher and a rookie on American Ninja Warrior season 13. Megan grew up singing in chorus and theater and …

Zuri Hall has been the sideline host on American Ninja Warrior for 3 seasons. Learn how she landed her spot as host and what it's like interviewing …

Nicolette was cast for ANW season 13, but then life took an unexpected turn.  Find out how this mom and nurse tackled one of the most disappointing …

Meagan Martin is an 8-time competitor on American Ninja Warrior who has LOT to say about females crushing it on the course.  Today she shares her passion for supporting girls and women in sports.

We discuss her article …

Ready to crush the competition and looking forward to the National Ninja League New England Regionals?! Ultimate Obstacles is setting up a competition experience to remember.  Today we talk with Robert Perry, Mary …

Let's celebrate and pass the mic! It has been 100 episodes and we are BEYOND excited.  Let's hear from all of you! Why do you love and listen to this …

Let's talk about all the gear you need for a ninja warrior! Best ninja shoes, ninja holds, hand-balm for rips, recovery ice methods, how to take care …

Shelle Edge and Cara Mack talk about the upcoming 100th episode and how you can be a part of the celebration. Go to www.theninjababes.com and click the pink bar to submit your audio message!  Shelle and Cara talk about …

Today we talk all things American Ninja Warrior!

*How do you make a great submission video?
*How did Jenn feel as a rookie during ANW12?
*What do Cara and Jenn think of the new course changes for ANW13?

✨Want MORE …

Avery Glantz was an American Ninja Warrior Jr. competitor and now is heading towards her rookie season on ANW13.  Avery is a top competitor in the ninja world and is hyped for her chance to bring her skill to the next …

"Ladies, your physiology, training, and nutrition needs change throughout the month.  It’s time to leverage this information to work smarter, not …

Sarah Avery is a professional yoga therapist and teacher, founder of Moon Cycle Seed Company, and a physical therapist.  Today she shares insight on injury prevention for ankles and ACLs.  We talk about some practical …

Dr. Elspeth Hart is not only a ninja who will be competing on this season of American Ninja Warrior, but she also treats injured ninjas! Elly is a physician assistant who works in sports medicine. Learn how she has …

Taylor is a fierce competitor! At the time of this interview, she is ranked 2nd for Elite Female athletes in the National Ninja League. She has competed on American Ninja Warrior seasons 11 and 12 and is looking forward …

Kendra has a story that is raw, real, and relatable.  She explains how the drive to be accepted and valued led her down a destructive road. Kendra is now 8 years sober and is celebrating life free of a mind clouded by …

Jordan Thurston joins Mary Leighton on today's discussion of the future of female ninja athletes. Jordan coaches top ninjas at Vitality Obstacle Fitness in Massachusetts.  Jordan believes that ninja warrior courses …

Want to know the future of ninja? Sometimes you need to look back to look forward. Learn some history about the roots of the ninja warrior community and what the first big backyard competition was like with Jason …

Two-time American Ninja Warrior Megan Johnson is a med student by day and a ninja warrior by night.  Megan is in the midst of her medical program and is learning that there is more to being a doctor than just science …

Taylor Amann is a 3-time Big Ten Pole Vault Champion and a 2-time competitor on ANW.  In season 11 she crushed it in Oklahoma City and advanced to …

Ashley McConville is a 2-time American Ninja Warrior competitor.  This year on season 12 she hit her first buzzer! Ashley wildly changed her mindset approach from season 11 to season 12. Find out what gives Ashley her …

Periods are awesome! Let's talk about the unique characteristics of females. Did you know there is a point during your menstrual cycle that your athletic performance is typically best?  That's because females have a …

Jesse Labreck was the "last woman standing" on this season of American Ninja Warrior. Hear how this champ felt on the course and how she strategized. She was the only woman who made it to the Power Tower and she raced …

Want to fight FOMO in your life?  Does looking at other people's lives on social media make you feel bad about your own life? Sometimes we get stuck letting the negative affects of comparison make us feel less-than. The …

Let's debunk some myths: Women have more lower body strength and men have more upper body strength. Men have more fast-twitch muscle movement, and women have more endurance.  We are designing ninja courses with mens' …

How can women ninja athletes optimize their performance on the course?  Dr. Blade is an expert in sports performance and has a PhD. in Kinesiology …

Olivia finished 6th place overall in the Grand Final of season 4 of Australian Ninja Warrior! In Grand Final Stage 1, Olivia beat the course for the first time! Season 4 was Sarah's first season competing on Australian …

Cara Poalillo and Dr. Fitni Destani, a professor at Keene State College who specializes in mental performance in athletes, talk about all things …

Sara Heesen and Cara Poalillo have a vulnerable discussion about the pressures they have felt related to how they portray themselves on social media …

Casey Rothschild and Cara reflect on the last 2 years of ninja and life. Today Casey shares all about: *How she has learned to keep calm before competition and on the course *Why it's ok to want to WIN *Casey's career …

On today’s teen episode of The Ninjababes Podcast, teen host Marie Young interviews Maggie Owen about her time during quarantine and how she is crushing it as a ninja athlete.   Maggie has competed in NNL Worlds for 4 …

Incredible gym culture: there is something so amazing about helping young girls feel strong.  How do we foster healthy gym environments? How to do …

In the world of ninja warrior most often men & women and boys & girls compete together and train together.  Is this always the best option? This is a topic that we have explored a lot on The Ninjababes Podcast.  …

Gloria Orta talks with Cara Poalillo about her time on American Ninja Warrior season 12.  Her rookie year was filled with excitement as she hit the course for the first time, proving that dreams do come true.  Gloria, …

Rebekah Cornwall is the singing ninja, but did you know that she is the strategy and technique queen?  She has spent hours reviewing skilled ninjas' competition runs and obstacle work. Rebekah has an eye for technique …

What does being a bystander of abuse mean? As a bystander what can you do to help stop a situation of sexual abuse or violence?   How can we …

Rachel Stewart is a ninja, a survivor or sexual violence, and  a professional sexual violence prevention educator and victim advocate.  Today she …

Renee Caverly-Gillett is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in trauma therapy. Cara Poalillo and Renee discuss how to cope with the news of Drew Drechsel and the ripple affect of grief in the ninja …

Cara Poalillo and Whitney Miller are back for part 2 in discussing sexual abuse and how to make make gyms safer.  Whitney was a From Darkness to Light counselor and has taught on consent and abuse.  Today we talk about …

*Trigger Warning* Today's episode Whitney Miller and Cara Poalillo discuss sexual abuse, recognizing the warning signs, and discussing what makes a person "safe" or "unsafe".  This content may be a trigger for some …

Brett Sims has competed in American Ninja Warrior since before the start of ANW in America.  He competed for 2 seasons on Sasuke in Japan before ANW started in the US.  Grace Sims has been a rock climber and competitor …

We have been deep in discussion about gender bias and the question of 'does it exist in ninja warrior?' This episode, Cara explains the questions and feedback Ninjababes has gotten since the last two Gender Bias …

This is the Part 2 continuation of the Gender Bias episode with Mary Leighton.  Let's talk all about Ninja Warrior and the topic of males and females …

Should you care about gender bias? It effects the way you participate in sports and train at the gym; conversations like these could have a direct …

This teen week episode is hosted by Marie Long. Ava Long is a circus performer and ninja warrior! She has competed on ANW Jr. season 1, come in 1st place in the National Ninja League, and has performed in circus all …

Jamie Ross is a 2x City Finalist competitor on American Ninja Warrior.  She shares her story about struggling with depression, suicide, and low self-worth.  Her story is raw, real, and honest.  She shares what her "dark …

Loyal friendship is a powerful force; especially between ninja warriors.  Lindsay Partenio, Lyndsey Halik, Becky Adnot-Haynes, & Jessica …

This is the first week of teen week and we are celebrating with Emilie Thibodeau! Emilie competed on American Ninja Warrior Jr. and placed 4th for UNAA World Finals 2019.  This teen has passion for competition and a …

Maggi, Jessie, and Cara have all been recovering from serious injury over the past year.  All three women have been learning, growing and changing during this process.  Hear Jessie and Maggi's advice and lessons, as …

Traveling the world, learning to adapt in every situation, and running at 3am. These facts are close to home for Laura Bliss.  She learned valuable life lessons while her husband was deployed, and realized her ability …

"No matter what you do right now, you're in this situation. You can either choose to see the positive and make this successful or be negative and …

Caitlyn shares about her time during COVID-19 and what it is like being surrounded by her family of ninjas. She shares her honest reflections about this time, how it is effecting American Ninja Warrior, and what we can …

Have you ever left the gym and found yourself only counting the things you did wrong, and ignoring all the good things you did right? Injury prevention is a highly important area of our athletic lives, but have you ever …

Haley Shapley knows what we are about. She wrote a book called, "Strong Like Her". Her book is described as, "An adult version of the hugely …

Back in 2017, four friends decided they wanted to take the ninja womens' community to a whole new level. The ninja warrior world has had a strong …

Sweet T is a stunt double, ninja warrior, and strong-minded woman. Hear her stories of what it is like to be a stunt woman, how she got started in stunting and ninja, and what she is up to now during her time at home.  …

Greetings from social distancing! Hang in there Ninjababe!  Allison Greff shares her experience placing 4th in the Adult Pro division this season at …

Paris Juarez is a a strong and savvy ninja.  This 14 yr old knows how to navigate the course and come out on top.  Paris' story shares the surprises …

Expectation can lead you in confidence or it can bog you down with stress.  Which one is it for you?  Today Janelle Kopa and Cara Poalillo discuss the topic of expectation in depth.  Janelle shares her story of …

Kelsey's world was totally rocked when she allowed her new fascination with ninja warrior to start an avalanche of change in her life. She began taking chances and believing in herself more than ever before. Now she has …

Melissa Rogers and Megan Debora have let ninja redefine their lives for the better. These two women are moms in their 40's, best friends, and incredible ninjas. They are coaching ninja, started a new business, and …

Tegan placed third in the National Ninja League World Championships season 4, and won first place in the Warrior Ninja Games this season.  Now she is …

Miss Massachusetts, "Chippy", or Lyndsey Littlefield, whatever name you call her, this girl is going to change your world.  Lyndsey is a ninja who has rocked her competition skills on the course and on the Miss America …

Taylor and Nevaeh are fierce 12-year-old competitors on ANW Jr, and these two ninjababes are taking the course by storm.  These girls use their …

This is your one-stop-shop to hear everything you want to know about this year's competition.  Cara talks with Kelly Kofahl and Jennifer Hohn from the NNL Worlds Committee about what we can expect to see and what is new …

Happy 2020! Jeri D'Aurelio shares with host, Cara Poalillo, about her life in the army and all of the twists life has brought her.  Jeri recently …

Quest has an unforgettable story that has molded her into the woman she is today.  Her drive to build the life that she dreams of despite …

Charity Grace LeBlanc, the mermaid ninja, is a 2x American Ninja Warrior and social media creator.  She shares her unique story of going after her …

How do you take gratitude past the surface level of "thank you," and allow it do deeply impact your life on a day-to-day level? Cara teaches a mindset technique that allows you to experience the transformative power …

Want a fresh perspective? Kylie Hughes and Elena Borges are teenage ninjas with bright energy and passion for ninja.  They represent the next generation of ninjas and they are showing up with incredible strength!  Hear …

Can your role behind the scenes be just as important as someone who is in the spotlight?  What does an empowered-supporter look like? Kim Rahn and …

Have you heard about UNX? Jesse "Flex" Labreck and Jessie Graff share all about this new and excited ninja league and the controversial changes that will be characteristic of UNX compared to other types of ninja …

Mady Howard is full of heart and she shares that passion in her endeavors on the course and her zeal for life.  This 23 year old ICU nurse has a …

Susan Tucker, Unity in Community, Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Do you want an all-access pass to ninja?! Ninja Passport is your key! Susan Tucker shares what her family has done to bring unity to the ninja community.  …

Lori and Jeannette and are two Obstacle Course Racing athletes who have burst past their own limitations.  They have defied the rules of who they …

Athletic injuries can lead to a depressed state of mind. How do you deal with the struggles of an injury or a challenging time in life? Cara shares her personal experience getting through the mental struggles of injury …

Cara shares the foundations of how to set goals and stay motivated in ninja.  If you want to figure out your goals, stay focused, set progression goals, and feel proud of yourself as you excel, then you've come to the …

Sandy Zimmerman is a powerhouse of inspired energy.  She has captured our hearts as a the first mother to make it up the warped wall on American Ninja Warrior, but before she accomplished that she was already a star in …

Ninja veteran Meagan Martin shares tons of memories from her 6 years on American Ninja Warrior. Listen to her share all the thrills and spills of competing in ninja, plus what is new in her career now.  Meagan shares …

What does it take to go from devastating injury, to inspiring champion? Angela has in insanely-amazing story to share.  Last year on ANW10 in Philadelphia, Angela tore her ACL.  Her life-changing injury impacted not …

The way you think about yourself shapes your personality, your actions, your words, and everything about your life and who you are!  Did you ever realize you can work with your own way of thinking to impact the outcome …

Do you ever find yourself going down a rabbit trail of negative thoughts? What if you could harness those pesky thoughts into a spiral of something …

Chatting it up with Casey Rothschild as we talk about our rookie seasons last year on ANW10 in Philly and what we are looking forward to as we prepare to compete in Baltimore for ANW11 in a few days! We discuss how we …

Lindsey and Scott Behrends share with Cara about the excitement, struggles, and adventure of raising ninja kids, owning a ninja gym, and taking like day by day.  We share about what it looks like to show kids how to …

Sara and Cara share their memories from testing for American Ninja Warrior, and the rush they got from being on set and running the obstacles. Then Sara shares how set-backs she experienced have made her stronger and …

Bring some yoga zen to your ninja training!  Addie Wales is a yoga teacher and a ninja.  She shares how yoga can be a benefit to ninja warrior by pacing your breathing, helping you to find your inner calm, and training …

Today we talk with the director of the ninja non profit, Neighborhood Ninjas, Alex Katz. She shares all about what this incredible organization does …

Listen to the life of Zhanique Lovett and hear all about her perspectives as a personal trainer and a body confident woman. We talk about goal setting and how to get started in training whether you are far from fit or …

Sarah Schoback is a gym owner, a mom, in inspiring leader, a ninja warrior, a dorky-dance creator... this woman does it all!  She explains in depth about experiences and perspectives of raising strong girls and teaching …

Today Rachael Goldstein shares with us all about her experience on ANW and how she got her mind in the right place to not only have a competitive …

Abby Clark and Ninjababes host, Cara Poalillo, dive deep into what it means to be competition-ready for ninja. These ladies answer a lot of listener questions regarding National Ninja League, competing, and mental …

Natalie shares all the in and outs of her life's adventures.  This girl has all the fun; she rides motorcycles, flies planes, and climbs all the things. Tune in to listen to Natalie and I talk about what it means to get …

Jennifer Tavernier is a personal trainer, American Ninja Warrior, and creator of the MinneNinja App.  This woman is unstoppable; even though she has suffered from numerous concussions, she has learned to still succeed …

Find out all the juicy details about these 3 competitors' first year experience on American Ninja Warrior.  Danielle Malkin is a teacher for kids …

Allyssa Beird and her mother Daria Beird share insight into their lives and what it takes to succeed on the ninja course.  Allyssa Beird has competed on American Ninja Warrior seasons 8, 9, and 10.  Daria competed …

Barclay Stockett is a powerhouse of ninja strength, but I think she has an even bigger heart, and a contagious personality. Get to know her in today's episode as we hear about her life and the internal workings of …

This is the second episode of Aussie Ninjababe Week! Today Jolene Kelly shares her journey of becoming an athlete and transforming her life.  We …

Enjoy this mini interview with Australian Ninja athlete. Olivia Vivian.  This is Aussie Ninjababe week!!

www.monstroholds.com 15% off with code …

Maura Sherman, together with her boyfriend Henry Ferrarin, founded the nonprofit Ninja for a Cure.  The new Ninja for a Cure 2.0 shirts are out! Make sure you pick up a new one and post your video! Ninja for a Cure …

Ginny MacColl is full of wisdom from her wide range of life experiences. She performed on Broadway and acted in dozens of commercials before moving …

Be strong, be you, be a ninjababe. This episode is loaded with Jessie Graff goodness! She shares advice, exclusive stories, insights, and the newest game she's into, the #veggiechallenge. It is amazing to hear Jessie …

Have you ever met one of those girls who is just crushing it at life? She is confident, strong, and doesn't waste time with negativity.  She is a ninjababe and she is you. 

This episode shares the story of Tee Jackson, …

The Ninjababes is a fearless group of ninja women athletes who encourage and empower other women.  They are awesome ladies who are strong and determined and inspire their friends to build their own passion and …

Have you ever met one of those girls who is just crushing it at life? She is confident, strong, and doesn't waste time with negativity.  She is a ninjababe and she is you. 

This episode shares all about what it means to …

Welcome to the first full length episode of the Ninjababes Podcast! This episode features an interview with Michelle Warnky.  She shares her …

Hello and welcome to the Ninjababes.  This is an intro, or a teaser if you will, to a much greater body of work.  To come are full length episodes …