Welcome to the Femmi Pod. Femmi has been built to empower women through movement, education and connection. At Femmi we are building a community of women who can support, inspire and educate one another on how to move with our bodies and not against them. Founders, Lydia O’Donnell and Esther Keown, have come together to kick start more conversations about women, how we can make the most of our bodies, our hormones and ourselves.
Welcome to the Ascend: to the line training series. This series is all about highlighting the women's running community in the build up to the Nike After Dark Syd race in September. While this series follows the journey to the Nike After Dark Tour, it's about so much more than one race. Whether you're lining up on the start line in September or simply love running, you'll find stories, lessons, and conversations that will inspire every part of your own running journey. In this episode, we explore the power of community in women's running, the importance of authentic spaces, and how running can transform lives. Featuring insights from Grace and Georgia, our Femmi community leaders in Sydney, we discuss building inclusive, supportive environments for women in sport. Disclaimer: This podcast is independently produced by Femmi and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or produced in partnership with Nike. Any views, opinions, and recommendations shared by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nike or any other organisation mentioned. Listen to Grace's story here Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
In this episode, Coach Lyds answers your questions. Lyds unpacks what it really takes to build a strong, resilient runner, from creating an endurance base without breaking down to understanding how weekly mileage, speed sessions and consistent training all work together to help you perform on race day. We also dive into pacing strategies, tapering, recovery, periodisation, and the role of nutrition, including natural fuelling, introducing gels, and training your gut for the demands of the half and full marathon. Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
Lyds is joined by her training partner and friend Ella as she just found out she is running the Gold Coast Marathon tomorrow. Ella and Lyds discuss their marathon race plan, focusing on the importance of having fun, managing pressure, and embracing the journey over the outcome. They share insights on mindset, training, and the unpredictable nature of marathons. If you need a reminder to have fun while racing, this is the episode for you. Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
In this conversation Lyds discusses the harmful societal narratives around women's health and exercise, emphasizing the importance of shifting focus from weight loss to strength, confidence, and joy in movement. She shares personal insights and calls for a change in how women are encouraged to view their bodies and fitness. Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
In this episode we welcome Caitlin Judd as our guest. Caitlin is an author, speaker, coach and one of Australia’s leading voices on women’s wellbeing, confidence and self-worth. Caitlin recently released the book Good Girl, Goodbye , which explores the hidden conditioning many women grow up with — the pressure to be agreeable, high-achieving, self-sacrificing and ‘good’ at the expense of their own needs, ambition and identity. In this insightful interview, Caitlin discusses the systemic conditioning of women as 'good girls,' the impact of patriarchy, and how women can reclaim their self-worth through awareness and self-leadership. We dive into perfectionism, people-pleasing, burnout, performance-based self-worth, and what it actually looks like for women to stop proving themselves and start trusting themselves. Caitlin's website Caitlin's Substack Caitlin's Instagram Good Girl, Goodbye Free Resources Order Good Girl, Goodbye on Amazon Order Good Girl, Goodbye on Booktopia Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
Come with us as we unpack our races at Ultra Trail Australia. Lyds and Beth chat about their concurrent races, with Beth tackling the 100km and Lyds in the 50km. They both share their detailed experience and insights, covering race strategy, mental resilience, technical trail running, and their expectation vs reality race day. If you're planning on running UTA or any other trail race in the future, this is a great conversation to listen to and learn from. Both Lyds and Beth share their future racing plans and the likelihood they'll be back at UTA next year. Follow Beth on Instagram Listen to our first episode with Beth Join us on Ascend: to the line Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
Most women’s training journeys are limited by a lack of community, education, and understanding of their bodies, but what if you could change all that? In this episode Lyds reveals how building a supportive training collective not only makes race day more achievable but transforms your relationship with running for good. Lyds shares how consistent training builds unstoppable confidence. You’ll discover how the process of preparing for a race, day after day, is where the real growth happens — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Join us on Ascend: to the line Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
In this episode, Lyds welcomes Beth McKenzie back on the Femmi Pod for a second time. Beth is an elite trail runner, mum to two girls and business owner. Lyds and Beth chat about her recent race performances, training strategies, and insights into the evolving landscape of women in ultra running. Beth shares practical tips for hill training, discusses her experience with race setbacks, and advocates for greater respect and inclusion for women in endurance sports. Follow Beth on Instagram Listen to our first episode with Beth Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
This week we welcome New Zealand Champion Frances Redmond to the Femmi Pod. Frances works full time as a pharmacist and balances work with training, and racing. Winning the NZ champs at 3 peaks mountain race, first place at Kepler challenge 2025, a top 10 at Tarawera 50km, and just over the weekend placed 2nd at Routeburn Classic. In this episode we explore Frances' journey from novice to winning an NZ title, her training strategies, the importance of community, and most importantly, her simple love of running. Follow Frances on Instagram Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
Lyds is back to answer your questions. Covering all things training, Nike running events, After Dark tour, home life and how to build yourself up as a running coach. PLUS Lyds introduces a brand new feature to the Femmi app - Run Hubs! Build your own virtual women's running community in Femmi now. Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
Join Lyds as she welcomes New Zealand trail runner Caitlin Fielder to the Femmi Pod. Caitlin is a multi-time medalist at the Tarawera 100 and 50k, 8th at the 100mile Western States in 2025, she was the first woman across the line at UTA 50 in 2025 and the list goes on. During this conversation they explore Caitlin's journey from diverse sports in New Zealand to elite trail running, the importance of mental resilience, nutrition, and the evolving role of women in the sport. Discover insights on training, balancing health and performance, and the inspiring story behind Caitlin's grit and determination to be one of the best ultra trail runners in the world. Follow Caitlin on Instagram Check out Caitlins art Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
We are finally back for 2026! In this episode we reconnect to share updates on our running journeys. We chat about our progress so far this year, Lyds speaks to her transition into the trails and we both discuss trail vs road running. We also cover Lyds recent health diagnosis of POTs. A whole episode on POTs will come. Join us over the coming months as we bring on some incredible guests that we know will inspire you and your running journey. Help us out and complete the Femmi survey Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
In this episode, Lyds and Est sit down to reflect on the year that was 2025 - honestly unpacking the challenges, celebrating the highlights, and exploring the growth that shaped them both personally and professionally. They dive into what it really looked like to build Femmi over the past year: the resilience required in moments of loss, the realities of growing a company as women, and the deep importance of championing female founders in a world that still doesn’t make it easy. The conversation also opens up about what’s ahead in 2026, with both sharing the shifts—personal and professional—that are guiding their next chapter. It’s a thoughtful, grounded, and intimate look behind the scenes of two women navigating purpose, leadership, and community. Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi
Welcome to Conquer Cancer — a Guinness World Record attempt with a powerful goal: raising $1 million for cancer. In this episode, we’re joined by Jacqui and Steph from Conquer Cancer to talk about the event, what drew them to it, and the personal ways cancer has shaped their lives. Together, we explore how the “big C” can radically shift perspective, the lessons adversity can teach, the importance of holding loved ones close, and the resilience that can grow through even the hardest seasons. More about the Conquer Cancer event: For 29 days straight, a single baton will move day and night as we aim to break the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous relay. Every move counts. Whether you’re walking, jogging, running, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of a community turning hope into action. Join Femmi on the 20-22 of Feb. In partnership with Camp Quality and The Florey Institute, your effort will fund groundbreaking research and bring joy to families impacted by cancer. Find out more about Conquer Cancer Sign up for a running spot Join the Femmi team Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi.co
In this conversation, Lyds and Est discuss their personal insights on how happiness and relaxation contribute to better performance in running, highlighting the importance of balance in training. They speak to finding the balance of focus, pressure and stress to build a healthy relationship with the sport. The conversation also covers the importance of understanding your why in running and how to prioritize what motivates you. Sign up to 1:1 Coaching with us in the Femmi app below: Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi.co
In this conversation, Lyds and Est chat about the importance of following a plan, even if you aren't training toward a race. They explore how consistency drives lasting success and how Femmi's inclusive, accessible training programs are designed to support every individual. Discover the Cultivating Consistency Plan and learn how to build sustainable habits that help you move, grow, and thrive, for the long run. Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi.co
Join us for an update from Esther about her ovarian cancer journey. Est dives into the roller coaster that she has been on over the last few months and we are all extremely happy to share her good news with her recent test results. Est speaks to the emotional challenges faced during this time, the importance of community support, and the role of energy healing in her recovery. Auckland Marathon: Join us for a special Femmi shakeout run to celebrate the womens running community. Register here. Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi.co
In this episode, Lyds welcomes Sara Widdowson, Femmi’s expert Dietitian, to unpack one of the most important topics in female athlete health — nutrition and recovery after RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). This is Part 2 of our Returning to Running After RED-S series — don’t miss Part 1 with Dr. Izzy Smith, where we explore the medical and hormonal aspects of RED-S recovery. Sara and Lyds dive into practical nutrition strategies for female runners and active women, discussing: How to restore energy balance and avoid under-fuelling The essential role of carbohydrates for endurance, recovery, and hormonal health Key micronutrients like calcium and iron for bone strength and energy levels How diet culture and societal pressures can disrupt women’s eating behaviors and performance You’ll learn evidence-based tips on creating personalized nutrition plans, rebuilding a healthy relationship with food, and developing sustainable eating habits to support long-term athletic performance and overall wellbeing. If you’re a woman athlete, runner, or coach supporting women in sport, this conversation offers the knowledge and tools to fuel your training, recovery, and confidence — from the inside out. Follow Sara on Instagram Follow us on Instagram @ femmi.co Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play
This is Part 1 of a two part series based on how to return to running after going through Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) with our women's health experts . In this episode Femmi endocrinologist Dr Izzy speaks about the science behind RED-S, its symptoms, diagnosis, and the importance of nutrition in recovery. The conversation emphasizes the need for athletes to understand their energy needs and the signs of under-fueling. Dr. Izzy provides insights into how to safely return to running after experiencing RED-S, highlighting the importance of gradual training increases and monitoring health markers. The episode concludes with a focus on the role of stress management in athletic performance and recovery. Join us next week as we bring in our Femmi dietician to speak specifically on the nutritional side of RED-S. Follow Dr Izzy Smith on IG Follow us on Instagram @ femmi.co Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play
This conversation delves into the importance of recognizing and responding to fatigue signals from the body and learning how to take a step back from training. It emphasizes the need for self-care, recovery, and long-term health strategies to maintain performance and well-being. Est and Lyds share personal insights on the dangers of tying your identity to running, how this can make taking a break harder, and how to change your perspective of why rest matters. They also share how to manage energy levels and speak about the significance of thinking about future health goals. Download Femmi from the App Store Download Femmi on Google Play Follow us on Instagram @femmi.co
