How the menstrual cycle affects training and recovery | Abbie Smith-Ryan, Ph.D. This clip is from episode # 378 of The Drive which was released today (1/5/26). In the full episode, we cover: -The benefits of creatine supplementation and importance of protein intake across the menstrual cycle -How pregnancy and the postpartum period affect body composition -The biggest open questions about women’s health: combining menopause hormone therapy with exercise, GLP-1 drugs, minimizing injury risk, and

What you’re watching is a common postpartum period in Taiwanese culture, which looks drastically different than what mothers often experience in the U.S. It’s full of physical, mental and emotional rest, nourishing foods, and plenty of time for intentional mother-baby bonding. In prioritizing postpartum in this way, their culture acknowledges a mother’s wellbeing as foundational to her baby’s and family’s health. It promotes hormonal balance, positive mental health, and better physical health af