The Weight of Ignorance: Terri M. Roberts on Feminist Theory & Fitness Pedagogy

This week, we sit down with Terri M. Roberts — educator, speaker, researcher, and founder of The Pink Dumbbell Problem. With over 20 years of experience in education and leadership, Terri brings a powerful voice to the intersections of fitness, feminism, and philosophy.

As the creator of The Pink Dumbbell Problem YouTube channel, based on her groundbreaking master’s thesis, Terri is the first researcher to connect feminist theory and agnotology—the study of ignorance—with fitness instruction pedagogy. Through this work, she challenges stereotypes about women’s abilities and reshapes how we think about movement, strength, and societal expectations.

Terri’s journey is also deeply personal. After surviving a devastating car crash caused by an impaired driver, she has become a voice for resilience—sharing how fitness training supported her recovery and inspiring others through her advocacy with MADD Canada.

Her impact spans far beyond the gym: she has served as Executive Director of the NSFA, contributed nationally to fitness leadership education, and received numerous awards including the MSVU Alumnae Legacy Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for services to education.

In addition to her fitness and advocacy work, Terri is also a published author of Celtic language learning books, bringing her love of culture and education into classrooms and teacher training programs.

Join us for a conversation that explores the power of knowledge, resilience, and reimagining what’s possible when we challenge societal narratives.

Thanks for listening!
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