Episodes

Jan. 7, 2022

The End of Ninjababes: Final Episode

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 my passion project and a truly life-changing experience. I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into...

Dec. 31, 2021

Can I Ninja While I'm Pregnant?! Back with Amy Harski- Ep 119

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 while pregnant. Amy’s...

Dec. 17, 2021

Preventing Abuse and Building Mentorship In Our Gyms with Neighborhood Ninjas

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 connection.” Neighborhood...

Oct. 22, 2021

Hormones and Training: How Can We Work Together Naturally?

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 how to properly fuel your...

Oct. 15, 2021

Post-Partum Ninja Training

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 looking to stay fit during their...

Oct. 8, 2021

Full Send Or Rest Up?! - Knowing When to Stop

Alex Katz is a Certified Personal Trainer with a Master’s Degree in Psychology and she’s super active in the ninja world as a competitor and coach, which gives her a unique, multidimensional insight and perspective in the Ninja world. Often in...

Oct. 1, 2021

Eating Disorder, Ninja, and Body Image with Emerson Muise

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 the last two years and was...

Aug. 27, 2021

How to Mentally Prepare for a Ninja Competition

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 each competition by...

Aug. 20, 2021

Rachel Degutz: Jersey Girl and Top Ninja Competitor

My guest this week is New Jersey’s Rachel DeGutz! Rachel discovered Ninja while she was in college studying to be a teacher. She followed a lot of ninjas on social media, listened to this podcast, decided to sign up for a class, and the rest is...

Aug. 13, 2021

Chris Wilczewski and Michelle Warnky Buurma on National Ninja League Season 7 Changes

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 today to discuss the National Ninja League and the changes made for NNL season 7. We discuss what the...

Aug. 6, 2021

Cara Mack and Mary Leighton: What's Been the Response from the Community About Our "Females in Ninja" Presentation?

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, Cara and Mary started diving into...

July 23, 2021

Addy Herman: 15-Year-Old Ninja Force

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 episode, Addy shares her experiences with NNL, competing as a teen against adults, grip gauntlets, and why...

July 16, 2021

Lindsay Eskildsin; Momma Strong

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 about how she took a break from...

June 18, 2021

Megan Rowe: The Axe Throwing Ninja & ANW13

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 talk about her experiences on the show, her axe collection & how she got into axe throwing,...

June 11, 2021

Isabella Wakeham: Teen Ninja Warrior Competitor

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 with her ninja brother, the story...

June 4, 2021

Megan Budway: Opera- Singing Music Ninja Rookie on American Ninja Warrior

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 later became a classical vocalist singing opera. Besides discussing Megan's musical life, Cara talks...

May 28, 2021

Zuri Hall: American Ninja Warrior Sideline Host

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 for Access Hollywood. Zuri shares all the behind-the-scenes secrets from American Ninja Warrior...

May 14, 2021

Nicolette Mcdonnell and the Wonders of Being a Ninja Mom

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 moments of her life. We talk about the mindset and circumstances that got her through.

May 7, 2021

Meagan Martin: What are the Challenges For Females In Sports?

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 on ESPN from 2019 about...

April 30, 2021

NNL New England Regionals Extravaganza!

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 Leighton, Beth Gionfriddo from...

April 23, 2021

100th Episode Open-Mic Celebration!

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 podcast? What has this community meant to you? Get involved with our big NB Insiders community...

April 16, 2021

What's The Best Ninja Warrior Gear?

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 of ninja rips. WATCH this talk on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SguznD9kLj0 Use our Amazon link-- Awesome...

April 9, 2021

What's the Power in Empowerment?

Shelle Edge and Cara Mack talk about the upcoming 100th episode and how you can be a part of the celebration. Go to and click the pink bar to submit your audio message! Shelle and Cara talk about what empowerment is and how it can be useful to...

April 2, 2021

Jennifer Stefano

& How to Make a Great ANW Submission Video #97