Stronger by Design for Women
Michelle MacDonald
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, nutrition, and mindsets.Michelle, known worldwide for her Transformation Programs, shares world-class insights to help women redefine aging by focusing on longevity, empowerment, fitness, resilience, and muscle-building, all while fostering a positive mindset about nutrition and health.Since 2012, Michelle has been coaching women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. In 2...
Rewiring Your Habits for Success with Michelle Baty
Book time with Michelle one-to-one and share feedback about this podcast 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 ro
Feb 25, • 49:07
Slower is Faster: The Neuroscience of Lasting Change with Michelle Baty
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 system—Protective vs. Connective—and how recognizing these states can help
Feb 11, • 36:22
Motion is Lotion: Joan MacDonald’s Guide to Aging Strong
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 overcoming injuries to staying out of the nursing home, Joan’s wisdom will giv
Jan 28, • 31:15
Post-Traumatic Growth with Carol Elizabeth
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’t just about fitness and resilience—it’s about redefining what it means
Jan 14, • 43:38
Breaking the Chains of ADDICTION with Brittney Carbone
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 • 43:00
Dying to THRIVE: Heather Chauvin’s Journey to Emotional Freedom
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 lead
Dec 16, 2024 • 56:56
Fitness for Empowerment, NOT Punishment
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 2, 2024 • 1:05:34
What's REAL About Nutrition Science?
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 • 46:07
Find REAL Food Freedom WITHOUT the Confusion!
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 4, 2024 • 36:44
The Art of Showing Up: Find Joy in the Grind
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 FOR01:34 -
Oct 21, 2024 • 34:03
Pound the Stone: A Journey Beyond Success and Achievements
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 im
Oct 7, 2024 • 42:47
The Story Behind Chop Wood, Carry Water
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 reve
Sep 23, 2024 • 47:12
Postpartum Fitness: Beyond the Bounce-Back Culture
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 fres
Sep 9, 2024 • 30:25
Redefining Athleticism During Pregnancy
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.
Aug 26, 2024 • 32:06
Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work in Fitness
Are you tired of cookie-cutter coaching approaches that don’t cater to your unique needs? In this episode, Michelle and Victoria Scott dive into the critical importance of personalized communication in coaching, especially for women over 35 focused on fat loss and muscle building. They unpack how understanding each client's preferences can lead to better results, why patience and long-term commitment are key, and the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all fitness plans. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR3:52 - The Di
Aug 12, 2024 • 30:04
Trailer
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 co
Aug 5, 2024 • 0:51
Discover the Red Flags of an Unqualified Fitness Coach
Is your fitness coach truly qualified? In this episode, Michelle dives deep with world champion and seasoned fitness coach Victoria Scott, who reveals why women over 35 are the most underserved yet lucrative demographic in the fitness industry. Victoria shares her journey from corporate marketing to becoming a renowned personal trainer with nearly 15 years of experience. She emphasizes the importance of extensive mentoring, continuous learning, and the pitfalls of the predatory practices of unq
Jul 29, 2024 • 31:42
Discover the Red Flags of an Unqualified Fitness Coach
Is your fitness coach truly qualified? In this episode, Michelle dives deep with world champion and seasoned fitness coach Victoria Scott, who reveals why women over 35 are the most underserved yet lucrative demographic in the fitness industry. Victoria shares her journey from corporate marketing to becoming a renowned personal trainer with nearly 15 years of experience. She emphasizes the importance of extensive mentoring, continuous learning, and the pitfalls of the predatory practices of unq
Jul 29, 2024 • 31:42
How to Start Changing the Narrative About Women’s Bodies and Aging with Alyssa Ages
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 with h
Apr 30, 2024 • 34:17
How Strength Training Helps You Push Past Limits In and Out of the Gym with Alyssa Ages
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 a
Apr 23, 2024 • 26:23
Three Inspiring Stories of Cancer Survival and Proactive Health Advocacy
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 c
Apr 16, 2024 • 58:02
How Exercise, Stress, and Sleep Impact Your Cognitive Health with Dr. Ayesha Sherzai
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 regulating
Apr 9, 2024 • 21:41
Easy Diet Changes Your Brain (and Body) Will Love with Dr. Ayesha Sherzai
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 he
Apr 2, 2024 • 39:00
How to Approach Menopause More Holistically with Dr. Jen Gunter
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’ll
Mar 26, 2024 • 17:42
Beware of Biases, Myths, and Pseudoscience Within Women’s Healthcare with Dr. Jen Gunter
We women have been traveling in some murky waters. When it comes to our health, we’ve often been misled instead of given the right information. It’s time to change the conversation around women’s health and forget what we think we know, and my guest today is leading the way.Dr. Jen Gunter is not just an OBGYN but a myth buster and vocal critic of pseudoscience and misinformation in women’s health circles. She asks the questions about our sexual and reproductive health that many are too afraid to
Mar 19, 2024 • 47:30
Strength in Motherhood: Sara Pertusati on Fitness, Pregnancy, and Balance
Ever wonder how to balance proper nutrition and working out with all the challenges of a changing body during pregnancy? In this episode of the Wonder Women podcast we sit down with Sara Pertusati, a devoted fitness enthusiast and Wonder Women client athlete, who shares her experience through pregnancy while staying true to her fitness goals. From adjusting her workouts to managing dietary changes and navigating the mental and physical challenges of pregnancy, Sara offers an intimate look into h
Mar 5, 2024 • 57:53
Strength Unleashed: Powerlifting Past 40 with Marisa Inda and Jen Thompson
In this power-packed episode of the Wonder Women Podcast, host Michelle is joined by World Champion powerlifters Marisa Inda and Jen Thompson, who share not just their triumphs on the platform as World Champions but also their insights, experiences, and strategies for thriving in the sport after the age of forty.Marisa and Jen reveal their approaches to training, competing, and managing injuries after many years of high-level performance. They share their passion for the sport that is not only t
Feb 20, 2024 • 1:01:35
Menopause Realities and Myths with Amanda Thebe
Amanda Thebe, sets the menopause narrative on fire in this episode of The Wonder Women Podcast. With over 30 years in the fitness industry and a deep understanding of the field of menopause transition, Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the show. She is the author of the book "The Menopocalypse", host of the "With All Due Respect" podcast, and founder of Nyah Health, Canada’s first provider of virtual menopause health assessments. Listen in as Amanda recounts her jou
Feb 6, 2024 • 55:03
The Transformation Coaches 2: Ruby Goldin and Melissa McKenzie
Two more amazing Wonder Women coaches, Ruby Goldin and Melissa McKenzie, join Michelle in this episode to share their unique journeys from the time they started as TWW clients, to becoming transformative and empowering coaches. You will learn about their perspectives on mindset, adaptation, and growth both in and out of the gym. Be ready to be inspired, motivated and educated about what it takes to find and follow your true life passion. Ruby Goldin Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagra
Jan 23, 2024 • 1:10:26
Unleash Your Inner Athlete with Dr. Stacy Sims
Get ready for an empowering ride in this episode of the Wonder Women Podcast! Michelle teams up with the dynamic Dr. Stacy Sims, a trailblazer in women's health and fitness. This episode isn't just a talk; it answers the burning question: How can women shatter fitness norms and truly own their strength? Dr. Stacy Sims, the powerhouse behind "Roar" and the soon-to-be-released "Next Level," brings her razor-sharp insights on what makes female athletes tick. From debunking the 'small men' myth in
Jan 12, 2024 • 1:12:47
The Transformation Coaches - With Janelle Marks and Carolyn Pruemer
In this enlightening episode of the Wonder Women podcast, Michelle MacDonald brings together two of her remarkable online personal training coaches at The Wonder Women, Janelle Marks and Carolyn Pruemer. Janelle and Carolyn share their inspiring journeys and insights into the world of transformation coaching and why it became such a significant calling in their lives. The conversation dives into their personal experiences, the evolution of their coaching methods, and the profound impact they've
Jan 10, 2024 • 48:30
Optimizing Health as We Age with Victoria Felkar
Wonder Women Podcast: Hormones Demystified! ♀️Hey girls! Get ready to level up your health knowledge with episode 6 of the Wonder Women podcast! This week, our host Michelle hangs out with Victoria Felkar, an expert on all things strength, fitness, and FEMALE HORMONES! Victoria drops some serious knowledge bombs, sharing her journey from athlete to researcher and delving into the fascinating world of women's health, hormones, and that amazing body of yours .Ever wondered about the myths and bia
Dec 12, 2023 • 1:25:24
The Transformation Roundtable
If inspiration is what you seek, Episode 5 of The Wonder Women podcast has your fix. Four amazing TWW members join Michelle and share their journeys to jaw dropping fitness transformations, beginning in their 40s, 50s and 60s. They all prove that when you reach a point in your life when your need for change is greater than your resistance to it, anything is possible! Our amazing roundtable of athletes in this episode include: Ilene Block Follow Ilene on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/s
Nov 14, 2023 • 57:36
The Wonder Women Episode 4: The Key to a Healthy Gut with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro
The Wonder Women Podcast delves deep into the topic of achieving good gut health. In episode 4, Michelle chats with author, international speaker, and gut health expert Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro. Together, they reveal the answers to the increasingly popular questions: What does it mean to have a healthy gut? And how do you improve gut health the right way? Dr. Fundaro is the founder of the telehealth coaching business Vitamin PhD Nutrition and co-author of "The Science of Gut Health". She earned her
Sep 19, 2023 • 1:19:12
The Truth About Menopause and HRT with Professor Annice Mukherjee
The Wonder Women Podcast heats up in Episode 3 as Michelle and expert guest Professor Annice Mukherjee do a deep dive into the subject of menopause and the truth surrounding hormone replacement therapy. Professor Mukherjee is a world-renowned endocrinologist and the author of The Complete Guide to Menopause. She serves on the Medical Advisory Council of the British Menopause Society as well as The Society for Endocrinology. Together with Michelle, she dispels the vast ocean of misinformation aro
Aug 8, 2023 • 1:27:35
The Joan MacDonald Fitness Transformation Story
In the much anticipated Episode 2 of The Wonder Women Podcast, Michelle talks with amazing late-life transformation story and mom, Joan MacDonald, along with husband and Tulum Strength Club partner, Jean-Jacques Barrett. Together they recount the wake-up call and family support that turned Joan from a 70 year old, 198 pound woman fearing a life of limited options and declining health, into an icon to millions as a shining example that it is never too late to take action and become your best self
Jul 11, 2023 • 37:11
