What if true progress means actively seeking failure? Michelle MacDonald sits down with Courtney Ustrzycki—IFBB Pro athlete, posing coach, and former powerlifter—for a deep dive into the mental and physical evolution required for elite competition. Courtney shares her journey from resisting bodybuilding to becoming a professional, all while navigating mindset shifts, vulnerability, and the messy realities of growth. They explore how discipline trumps motivation, why balance isn’t always the answ...
Jul 01, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Are women being sold a myth about fitness during menopause? Michelle MacDonald welcomes Dr. Allan Bacon—a former surgeon turned physique coach—to dismantle the pervasive myths sabotaging women’s health and fitness over 35. From misleading menopause advice to social media pseudoscience, Dr. Bacon breaks down the real science behind sustainable fat loss, muscle building, and mental resilience. They tackle how evidence-based strategies—not fear-mongering fads—empower women to take charge of their b...
Jun 17, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 43
What does it take to rebuild your life from the inside out? Michelle MacDonald sits down with Tiffany Owen, fitness and mindset coach and author of Wounded to Warrior. Tiffany’s journey from trauma, addiction, and self-sabotage to healing and empowerment is nothing short of extraordinary. She opens up about how discovering devastating family secrets, surviving abuse, and battling perfectionism nearly cost her everything—including her life. Through courage, self-discipline, and a relentless pursu...
Jun 03, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 42
What if aging was less about erasing time and more about owning your evolution? Michelle MacDonald welcomes renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Martin Jugenburg, the founder of the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute and a leading voice in ethical, innovative aesthetic medicine. Together, they unpack the evolving role of plastic surgery for women 40+, especially high achievers dedicated to health, fitness, and personal growth. From redefining aging and busting vanity myths to navigating emotional readin...
May 20, 2025•57 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Are you chasing muscle gains but sabotaging your progress without even realizing it? Michelle MacDonald teams up again with elite coach and world champion Hattie Boydle to shatter myths about building strength, especially for women. They dive deep into why mastering mobility and core strength is crucial before adding heavy loads, how to fuel your body for true muscle growth (hint: carbs and fats are your friends), and the mindset shifts needed to fall in love with the slow, steady journey to gre...
May 06, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Want to Build Muscle Like a Pro? Start at Your Feet. Hattie Boydle drops truth bombs about what really builds a strong, sculpted physique—and it’s not what most people think. Michelle MacDonald sits down with the five-time pro titleholder and elite physique coach to explore why intensity trumps volume, how weak feet might be killing your glute gains, and why a proper movement screen is essential before adding load. Hattie dives deep into beginner vs. advanced training phases, how to assess true ...
Apr 22, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Want to unlock your teen’s true potential? Start by turning down the volume on their inner critic. Michelle MacDonald and Kristi Simons dive deep into how emotional intelligence, energy management, and mindset can transform young lives—and even offer profound lessons for adults. Kristi breaks down the four types of energy that shape our daily experiences—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—and shares how teens can develop self-awareness to overcome anxiety, self-doubt, and fear. With comp...
Apr 08, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 38
What if the struggles you faced as a teen could become the foundation for a life of purpose and transformation? Michelle MacDonald sits down with Kristi Simons—podcaster, coach, and former teacher—who turned her own journey of self-doubt, numbing behaviors, and personal reinvention into a mission to empower teens. Kristi shares her raw and honest story, from the rock-bottom moment that forced her to reevaluate her life to discovering the power of self-love, emotional intelligence, and conscious ...
Mar 25, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Menopause isn’t just hot flashes and mood swings—it’s a massive wake-up call about how little women are taught about their own health. Michelle MacDonald sits down with award-winning TV host and menopause advocate Melissa Grelo to talk about the fitness mindset women need to thrive in midlife. Melissa opens up about her own struggles with perimenopause, the shocking lack of medical education on menopause, and why strength training is the key to longevity. They dive into the dangers of self-diagn...
Mar 11, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Procrastination, self-doubt, and overwhelm can feel like an endless loop, but what if the key to breaking free was as simple as noticing? Michelle MacDonald continues her conversation with Michelle Baty to dive even deeper into the neuroscience of real change. They explore why self-awareness alone isn’t enough and how self-management is the real game-changer. From practical strategies to rewire habits, to understanding the role of safe social support, this episode is packed with science-backed i...
Feb 25, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Book time with Michelle one-to-one and share feedback about this podcast What if slowing down is the secret to getting ahead? Michelle sits down with neuroscientist Michelle Baty to explore the powerful paradox of progress: Slower is Faster. In a world obsessed with speed and efficiency, Michelle Baty breaks down the neuroscience behind why real, lasting change comes not from pushing harder, but from being in the right neurological state. They dive into the two fundamental states of the nervous ...
Feb 11, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Book time with Michelle one-to-one and share feedback about this podcast Feeling like your New Year's resolutions are slipping away? You’re not alone—but Joan MacDonald is here to inspire you to keep going. Michelle sits down with her, Joan, to discuss how she's maintained her incredible 70-pound weight loss for nearly a decade—without being perfect. Joan shares her no-nonsense approach to health, fitness, and aging with vitality, proving that consistency trumps perfection every time. From overc...
Jan 28, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Book time with Michelle one-to-one and share feedback about this podcast What if the key to transformation isn’t in doing more but in reframing how we see ourselves? Carol Elizabeth shares her journey through breast cancer, personal reinvention, and the art of finding joy in the everyday. From embracing the power of reframing challenges to transforming her body and mindset, Carol offers a heartfelt masterclass on silencing the inner critic and tuning into the inner coach and guide. Her story isn...
Jan 14, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 32
What does it take to break free from addiction, transform your life, and become a source of inspiration to others? Michelle chats with Brittney Carbone, a fitness model, health coach, and addiction recovery advocate, as she shares her powerful story of overcoming emotional eating, alcoholism, and self-sabotaging behaviors. Brittney opens up about her struggles, pivotal turning points, and the actionable strategies that helped her rebuild her life, including her signature Stoplight Strategy. From...
Dec 31, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 31
What if burnout, guilt, and overwhelm could be your greatest teachers? Michelle welcomes Heather Chauvin, a leadership coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Dying to Be a Good Mother . Heather shares her life-altering journey through stage 4 cancer and the pivotal lessons that transformed her survival into a life of thriving. With raw honesty, she delves into her concept of "energetic time management," revealing how prioritizing feelings, respecting boundaries, and managing emotional energy can lea...
Dec 16, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Is your fitness routine empowering or punishing? Dr. Alyssa Olenick, PhD in Exercise Physiology, shares her science-backed approach to redefining fitness for women. From prioritizing performance over aesthetics to integrating cardio, strength, and smart nutrition, Alyssa reveals how to break free from diet culture and embrace hybrid training. Whether you're building muscle, improving endurance, or navigating menopause, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive at every sta...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 29
What if you could approach your nutrition without the guilt, anxiety, or restrictive rules? Michelle and Abby Langer, a registered dietitian, explore practical tips for healthier, more intuitive eating and shares why we need to change the narrative on aging, celebrating life’s natural changes with confidence. Abby explains how to distinguish between emotional and physical hunger, and why learning to identify the difference can be empowering rather than shaming. She also takes a strong stance on ...
Nov 18, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Are you constantly bombarded by conflicting nutrition advice? Michelle digs into this with expert dietitian Abby Langer to debunk myths and tackle restrictive eating trends that make food feel like a minefield. With over two decades of experience, Abby shares her insights on finding a healthy middle ground in our relationship with food, exploring topics from emotional hunger to the myths surrounding sugar. Discover how embracing the “gray area” can lead to a more fulfilling relationship with eat...
Nov 04, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 27
What if success isn’t just about winning but about loving the process of becoming who you’re meant to be? In this episode, Michelle and author Joshua Medcalf dives deep into the power of self-awareness, the importance of doubling down on strengths, and the art of finding joy even in life’s hardest moments. Joshua shares stories about his personal struggles with self-doubt and societal expectations, while emphasizing the value of resilience and staying true to oneself. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 01:34 - ...
Oct 21, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 26
How do you break through the toughest barriers in life? In this episode, Michelle and Joshua Medcalf discuss his book "Pound the Stone" and dive deep into the relentless pursuit of consistency, grit, and mental toughness. The conversation revolves around facing life’s challenges, understanding the power of intentional living, and embracing the mundane to achieve greatness. Michelle and Joshua explore concepts like the metaphor of pounding the stone, navigating life's darkest moments, and the imp...
Oct 07, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 25
What drives someone to choose a difficult, unconventional path over a more traditional, comfortable one? In this episode, host Michelle and Joshua Medcalf, author of Chop Wood, Carry Water , dives into his unique journey, from living in a gym closet to mentoring athletes and professionals on mastering mental toughness. Joshua’s story is evidence to choosing purpose over safety, embracing discomfort, and committing to the process rather than the outcome. Through candid conversations, Joshua revea...
Sep 23, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Could you be sabotaging your fitness with improper breathing? In this episode, Michelle and Brianna Battles uncover the hidden challenges women face when training during and after pregnancy. They dive into the intricacies of Diastasis Recti, the crucial role of pelvic floor health, and why breathing techniques matter more than you think. This conversation is a must-listen for women looking to navigate the "messy middle" of postpartum fitness, offering practical tips, expert advice, and a fresh p...
Sep 09, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Is it possible to keep up with intense athletic training during pregnancy, or is it time to rethink your routine? In this episode, Michelle and Brianna Battles dive deep into the unique challenges and misconceptions faced by female athletes as they navigate the complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Brianna Battles, a relentless advocate for women's health, shares her journey and expert advice on how to balance fitness with the physiological and psychological changes of motherhood. W...
Aug 26, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 22
No one is going to “save” you. In today's world, it's up to us to save ourselves! Hosted by top fitness expert and coach Michelle MacDonald, the Stronger by Design podcast is for women who want to take radical ownership of their bodies and mindsets. Michelle, known worldwide for her Transformation Programs, delivers world-class knowledge to help women redefine the aging process and embrace longevity, anti-aging, empowerment, resilience, fitness, and muscle-building. Since 2012, Michelle has been...
Aug 05, 2024•51 sec
When you saw women on the cover of magazines like Seventeen and Cosmo while growing up, what did you see? They didn’t tend to include physical strength in their image of the “ideal” female figure, did they? In fact, some find women with “too much” muscle a turn- off . But strength is beautiful too and perfectly acceptable for us as women to display. We just have to remember that for ourselves and pass that attitude down to the next generation. Alyssa Ages is advocating for just that, not only wi...
Apr 30, 2024•34 min•Ep. 19
How much would you’ve bet that the unathletic kid in your neighborhood would somehow go on to be a competitive athlete? As a child, my guest Alyssa Ages couldn’t swim a pool lap or get a hit in Little League to save her life. But now she’s a strength training enthusiast and advocate who has spent 10 years competing in marathons, triathlons, and strong woman competitions. Her book Secrets of Giants dives into her journey in strength training and why people pursue it, the lessons she’s learned as ...
Apr 23, 2024•26 min•Ep. 18
This conversation is a real heart-to-heart with three amazing women who stared cancer in the face and came out on top. Each of them brings their own take to the table, shaped by their own battles with the disease. First up, Kelly Gahr, shares her experience with brain cancer, highlighting how jumping in early made all the difference. She's upfront about how the choices we make in life can seriously impact our chances and how we feel. Then hear from Tamara Johnson, a former nurse who took on lung...
Apr 16, 2024•58 min•Ep. 17
Do you know that expression about skipping leg day at the gym? That’s not just sage advice for your body! Last week on the show, Dr. Ayesha Sherzai discussed the role of nutrition in fostering brain health. This episode of The Wonder Women Podcast features part two of that conversation where she touches on how resistance training exercise, stress, and sleep impact the brain. So tune in to learn about the cognitive benefits of working out your legs, recognizing your stress triggers, and regulatin...
Apr 09, 2024•22 min•Ep. 16
Have you ever thought to yourself, “ This time, I’m finally going to do it” after promising you’d make healthier lifestyle choices? Then, sooner or later, you fall off the wagon again because “life got in the way” or “it’s too hard”? Trying to get healthier doesn’t have to be difficult or a chore. You can make easy, incremental changes to your diet and nutrition that positively affect your brain and body. Dr. Ayesha Sherzai is a brain specialist and neurologist who advocates for optimizing brain...
Apr 02, 2024•39 min•Ep. 15
Transitioning into menopause affects every woman differently. But too many see medications as universal cures and restrictive diets as superior ways of dealing with menopausal symptoms. Instead of regarding medication and special diets as the be-all and end-all, it’s time to start approaching menopause in a more holistic way. And luckily, that conversation is happening more rapidly with the help of women like Dr. Jen Gunter. In part two of my interview with her on The Wonder Women Podcast , you’...
Mar 26, 2024•18 min•Ep. 14
