Mind, Body & Roll

Yes, dear listeners, it's time to talk about periods. We know, we know...it feels kinda awkward. But, in our opinion, NOT talking about periods is even worse. If you have a uterus, or care about someone with a uterus, here's what you need to know about menstrual cycles in roller derby athletes. Episode notes: https://mindbodyroll.wordpress.com/2022/01/10/episode-14-a-period-piece/

In this episode we debate the new WFTDA 'This is Roller Derby' beginner curriculum. Released in December 2020, the new framework reflects a huge shift from the previous Minimum Skills Requirements that we all knew and (?) loved. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Join us as we try to decide. https://mindbodyroll.wordpress.com

For our 2020 Pride episode, we're joined by the brilliant and badass Dr. Indi-Hannah Jones to discuss transgender issues in roller derby (and in the world.) Whether you know absolutely nothing about gender identity, or you know way more than we do, we hope this episode better equips you to stick up for your fellow humans. Visit www.mindbodyroll.wordpress.com for episode notes and more.

Asterisk & Spanky have a socially-distant moan about the many ways in which this COVID-19 pandemic sucks. And they also have some advice about how to maintain your sanity in the derbyless abyss that 2020 has become. www.mindbodyroll.wordpress.com

If you, like the vast majority of humans on this planet, have ever wished your body looked just a little bit more like someone else's (whether it's The Rock or Bonnie Thunders), then Asterisk & Spanky have you covered. www.mindbodyroll.wordpress.com

We hope it never happens to you and wish we didn't have to talk about it, but athlete burnout is a real thing, even when your sport is as awesome as roller derby. Whether you're burned out yourself or just tired of hearing everyone else whining about being burned out, you'll want to listen to this one. Visit https://mindbodyroll.wordpress.com/2019/10/15/episode-9-burnout/ for episode notes and more.

We know, we know, it's been on your mind(!) quite a bit lately: Concussion! There's a ton of new (and sometimes conflicting) information out there. But don't worry...The Doctors are here to help you sort through some of it so you can keep your brain at its best. Check out our episode notes for a whole bunch of brain-friendly resources at:https://mindbodyroll.wordpress.com/2019/03/26/episode-8-the-concussion-discussion/

Drs. Asterisk & Spanky discuss anxiety and how it can hurt (and help!) our Roller Derby gameplay. Check out our show notes at https://mindbodyroll.wordpress.com/2019/02/05/episode-7-anxiety/

We're joined again by Devilbird and Suffolk Punch to continue our discussion of pregnancy in roller derby athletes. This time the gang discusses: Common physiologic changes of pregnancy:  fatigue, breathlessness, increased flexibility, weight shifts, nutritional needs, cardiac output, and thermoregulation How pregnancy can actually advance your skating career Some common postpartum pitfalls (like the dreaded diastasis recti), and what we really know about postpartum recovery How and when to return to play

Asterisk and Spanky were joined by two (four?!) very special guests for an in-depth discussion of pregnancy in roller derby.   -How pregnancy may change the way women are perceived and treated -Deciding how & when to announce a pregnancy in roller derby -Typical medical advice skaters may receive during pregnancy -The actual risks that inform medical advice, including: -The “small uterus” phase (pregnancy up to about 12 weeks) -The “big uterus” phase (everything after that) -How league policies may be written to protect the rights of pregnant skaters -Officiating on skates while pregnant -Being aware of how your choices as a pregnant skater may affect others -How our individual histories and traumas may affect our own risk assessment process -The dangers of comparing pregnancies.  Every body/baby is different!

Cross-training!  In this episode, Asterisk and Spanky discuss the physical and mental benefits (and potential pitfalls) of cross-training for roller derby: Why cross-train?  And what's the very best cross-training regimen, anyway? The mind-blowing key to sustaining a badass cross-training routine. How to make endurance cross-training (cycling, running) more fun and worthwhile...and some evidence based reasons why it's worth building into your routine. Potential barriers to effective cross-training. CrossFit!  The good, the bad, and the rhabdomyolysis. (Also, dogs.) Yoga, pilates, and Spanky's dirty little secret for agile jamming.  And, of course the mental health benefits of yoga. Some less common cross-training activities you should consider. This episode was sponsored by Skully Bunting Jewellery, where Sarah crafts unique laser-cut acrylic jewellery infused with plenty of roller derby love.  Check her out on Facebook or at her Etsy shop, or email her directly at skullybunting@gmail.com to order your custom wearable art today.

About this episode Asterisk and Spanky continue their exploration of roller derby’s most insidious menace:  lower back pain! This time, they’re focusing on strategies to prevent and manage this common ailment,  including: *How the “all-or-nothing” mentality can put you at risk for progressive pain *Sneaky little lifestyle changes that could make a big difference *Derby-specific details to consider if you are having new pain *The importance of proper cross-training and weightlifting for a healthy back *Tips for structuring practice sessions that result in a back-healthy league *Some doctor-approved strategies to alleviate mild musculoskeletal back pain Have a comment, correction, or question regarding this episode? We’d love to hear from you! Comment below, message us on Facebook, Twitter or Soundcloud, or email us at mind.body.rollerderby@gmail.com

In this episode, Asterisk and Spanky begin their two-part discussion of back pain, focusing on the “Why” of this very common (and annoying!) condition. They discuss the mechanics that contribute to back pain in people in general and in roller derby athletes specifically. Asterisk describes some of the different ways that our brains may interpret and react to back pain, as well as why skaters may ignore or skate through pain. Spanky reviews the various causes of back pain and discusses symptoms that may be signs of a more serious problem. The docs discuss various cross-training activities that may help prevent back pain. Have a comment, correction, or question regarding this episode? We’d love to hear from you! Comment below, message us on Facebook, Twitter or Soundcloud, or email us at mind.body.rollerderby@gmail.com

Asterisk and Spanky introduce themselves, explaining a how they came to roller derby, and their motivation for creating the podcast. Asterisk describes a recent ankle break story from a fellow skater in a nearby league. Spanky explains some fundamentals about ankle anatomy and treatment of ankle injury. Asterisk reviews psychological responses to injury and the doctors discuss some factors that can hasten recovery. Have a comment, correction, or question regarding this episode?  We’d love to hear from you! Comment below, message us on Facebook, Twitter or Soundcloud, or email us at mind.body.rollerderby@gmail.com