Breaking the Taboo: Periods, Performance & Outdoor Confidence

Let’s talk about something that still doesn’t get nearly enough attention,menstruation, especially when it comes to sports and outdoor activities. In this episode of Tarin It Up, I sit down with athlete and menstrual health advocate Angie Marie to open up a real, unfiltered conversation about managing periods while staying active, how cycles impact performance, and the tools and language we all need to feel more confident in our bodies.

🎧 Listen now:

Why We Need to Talk About Periods

The silence around periods has gone on long enough. Whether you’re a coach, an athlete, an outdoor adventurer, or all of the above, understanding menstrual health is essential—not just for your comfort, but for your confidence and overall performance. Angie and I talk about why menstrual cycles should be part of everyday conversation, and how normalizing them can empower women of all ages.

"This is a normal body function, just like digestion." – Angie Marie

Gear, Hygiene & Outdoor Tips

We dig into all the things no one really talks about—like which period products are best for outdoor life, how to manage hygiene on a multi-day backpacking trip, and what you should actually do with used products in the backcountry (yes, treat them like smellables!). From period panties to menstrual cups, we share real tips that make staying active on your period way more manageable.

Educating Coaches, Athletes & Ourselves

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode? Education leads to empowerment. We talk about how important it is for coaches—especially male ones—to understand how cycles affect their athletes. Having the right language, knowledge, and empathy can make a huge difference in how young athletes feel about their bodies and their performance.

"We need to be role models and use our language."

Key Takeaways from This Episode

✅ Talking about menstruation should never be taboo
✅ Managing your cycle = better performance & more confidence
✅ Period panties and menstrual cups are great for outdoor use
✅ Treat used menstrual products like other Leave No Trace items
✅ Portable bidets and plastic gloves = game-changers for hygiene
✅ Bears are not attracted to menstrual blood—myth busted!
✅ Coaches and mentors need to be educated on menstrual health
✅ Using proper anatomical language empowers young girls
✅ Understanding your cycle helps you train smarter
✅ Advocacy starts with one open conversation

Meet Our Guest: Angie Marie

Angie is an athlete, author, podcaster, and creative director passionate about the intersection of adventure and womanhood. After a traumatic experience with birth control, she rebuilt her relationship with her body through time in nature, which sparked her mission to support others through menstrual health education and empowerment. You can learn more about her work and grab her book at itsangiemarie.com.

Let’s Normalize This Conversation

If you’ve ever felt embarrassed or unprepared to manage your period while adventuring, this episode is for you. The more we talk about it, the more we empower the next generation of women to show up with confidence and courage.

🩸 Check out Saalt for period gear we love
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @tarin.it.up.podcast
📬 Subscribe to the newsletter for gear tips, personal stories, and new episodes
💥 Support the podcast: Buy us a beverage to keep these convos flowing

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting open conversations and outdoor confidence!