Why Your Menstrual Cycle Changes How You Train with Jess Mather

📝 Get Field Notes: One story and one practice every Tuesday. https://jimfieldingfieldnotes.beehiiv.com/subscribe?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s3e08 How do you turn physical strength and bodily awareness into a tool for emotional healing after severe trauma? Jess Mather, CPT, LPTA, SFG, FRCms, FMS joins Ask for an Answer for a conversation on resilience, listening to your body, and redefining what strength truly means. As a physical therapy and rehabilitation professional with over 14 years of experience who has spent a decade operating a global telehealth practice at the intersection of movement, complex chronic pain, and trauma, Jess shares how physical training can serve as a grounding anchor when navigating life's heaviest stressors. Jim and Jess explore her journey from a TEDx stage to founding the Chronic Pain & Trauma Curriculum for healthcare professionals, diving into the subtle art of quiet confidence over flashy performance. They unpack the realities of normalizing physical pain, the importance of psychological safety in workout spaces, and why tuning into natural body rhythms through programs like Feminine Strength builds lasting emotional resilience. Jess also opens up about her passion projects, including training her Rottweiler to serve as a therapy dog in children's hospitals and veterans' facilities. IN THIS EPISODE: How strength training acts as a spiritual and emotional anchor during recovery from major life trauma. Why syncing workout intensity with natural body cycles creates sustainable long-term fitness. Understanding the trauma pain trifecta and how chronic physical discomfort gets normalized over time. How to build psychological safety in movement spaces for individuals healing from past stress. The distinction between quiet professional confidence and external performance-driven arrogance. Why letting go of perfectionism makes high-stakes public speaking moments far more authentic. How unconditional support in relationships creates a stable foundation for personal growth. Using functional strength to build practical capability rather than just aesthetic appearance. How training service animals brings comfort to individuals recovering from surgery and illness. Why real leadership means focusing on adding value and leaving every environment better than you found it. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS: 01:07 Connecting Through the TEDx Journey 06:15 Navigating Post-Performance Expectations 11:06 Menstrual Cycle Syncing and Weight Training 15:37 The Connection Between Trauma, Stress, and Chronic Pain 21:15 Realizing How Much Physical Pain We Normalize 24:57 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing and Strength 29:58 Choosing Quiet Confidence Over Displayed Arrogance 33:17 The Power of Human Connection Behind Big Stages 44:34 Building Unconditional Support in Relationships 48:47 Training a Therapy Dog for Children and Veterans 52:07 Closing Thoughts and Leading With Curiosity Meet Jess Mather Jess Mather, CPT, LPTA, SFG, FRCms, FMS, is a strength and rehabilitation professional, educational provider, and founder of the Chronic Pain & Trauma Curriculum. With over 14 years of experience supporting thousands of individuals aged 9 to 99, she operates a successful telehealth practice working with clients across more than a dozen countries. Jess trains physicians, physical therapists, and health professionals to approach chronic pain through a trauma-informed lens while helping women build resilient bodies through her Feminine Strength programs. ✨ Connect with Jess Mather 🌐 Website: rebuildingbody.com 💼 Instagram: instagram.com/liverehabited 💼 Facebook: facebook.com/jess.mather.75 🎁 Free Resource: rebuildingbody.com/femstrengthkit 🎙️ Podcast: rebuildingbody.com/femstrengthpodcast ✨ Follow Jim Fielding & Ask For An Answer: 🌐Website: hijimfielding.com ♥️ Instagram:@hijimfielding 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimfielding 🔗 Podcast: Ask For An Answer, available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Subscribe to Ask for an Answer on your platform of choice, and leave a review if you want more of this kind of honest, unscripted conversation. #EmotionalResilience #TraumaRecovery #FeminineStrength #MindsetShift #Leadership #AskForAnAnswer #PhysicalTherapy #QuietConfidence #MindBodyConnection #LifelongLearning