The Psyche Behind the Physique

In this reflective and empowering solo episode, Maddy shares a conversation she didn’t plan — but felt deeply called to record.What started as a last-minute pivot turned into an opportunity to speak on something that has quietly changed the lives of her clients, friends, and herself for years: how we approach change at the start of a new year.In a wellness culture that often mocks New Year’s resolutions — or frames growth as either “do nothing” or “reinvent everything” — Maddy offers a more grounded, compassionate framework for real transformation.She introduces the Keep / Change / Flip method: a practical, nervous-system-aware way to reflect on the past year without shame, set intentions without burnout, and move forward without erasing who you already are.Maddy also shares a personal ritual she’s practiced since childhood — creating a “treasure map” (often called a vision board) — and explains why physically engaging with your goals, seeing them daily, and being intentional with language can quietly shape the actions you take all year long.This episode is not about becoming a “new you.” It’s about honoring what worked, releasing what didn’t, and courageously flipping what once served you — but no longer aligns with who you’re becoming.In this episode, we explore:Why the New Year can be a powerful motivator — without requiring a complete resetThe difference between behaviors you should keep, change, and flipWhy starting goal-setting from pride (not self-criticism) leads to better follow-throughHow “flips” often require support — not because you failed, but because your life evolvedWhy macro tracking, rigid routines, or extreme saving may need to shift as goals changeHow physical vision boards (treasure maps) influence daily decisions and manifestationThe importance of language, intention, and nervous system safety when setting goalsWhy real growth happens through alignment — not controlThis episode is for the woman who:Feels motivated by a fresh start but doesn’t want to burn herself outIs tired of “all or nothing” thinking around goalsKnows some habits worked — but senses others need to evolveFeels stuck between structure and freedomWants growth that feels intentional, grounded, and sustainableIf you’ve ever felt conflicted about New Year’s resolutions — or unsure how to move forward without undoing your progress — this conversation will help you reframe change as something supportive, not punishing.Growth doesn’t require erasing yourself. It requires clarity, compassion, and the courage to evolve.🎧 Listen now to reflect on your year, reconnect with what matters, and create a path forward that actually fits your life.🎯 Join MPowered Coaching Collective for lifestyle & contest prep — where physique goals meet functional health and community.📲 DM @madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests

In this deeply honest and grounding episode, Maddy sits down with podiatrist, practice owner, HYROX athlete, and longtime client Taylor Staudt to unpack a truth that’s rarely talked about in the health and fitness space:Coaching isn’t just for weight loss — it’s support infrastructure for change.Taylor shares her full journey: from rapid weight gain during a season of intense life stress, long-distance marriage, and business ownership… to years of binge eating that felt like part of her identity… to finally breaking the cycle — not through stricter plans, discipline, or “starting over,” but through sustained support, nervous system safety, and a shift away from aesthetics as the primary goal.Together, Maddy and Taylor explore how binge eating is often a stress response, not a character flaw — and why so many women relapse not because the work didn’t work, but because support is removed during moments of transition.This episode covers:Why most women enter coaching for weight loss — and why that’s rarely the real issueHow binge eating, restriction, and food anxiety are often rooted in change and nervous system dysregulationWhat actually allowed Taylor to go 5+ months binge-free for the first time in a decadeWhy relapse doesn’t mean failure — it points to unmet needs during life transitionsThe difference between using a coach for approval vs supportHow performance-based training (HYROX / hybrid training) reshaped Taylor’s relationship with food and her bodyWhy fueling more, eating consistently, and releasing rigid structure created better physique resultsHow shifting the goal from “weight loss” to quality of life, fertility, and long-term health changed everythingThis conversation is for the woman who:Feels stuck in cycles of dieting, bingeing, and restartingThinks she “just needs more discipline”Panics when structure disappearsOr wonders why progress falls apart during vacations, relationship changes, or big life shiftsIf you’ve ever felt ashamed for needing support — or frustrated that weight loss never seems to stick — this episode will help you see that the issue was never you.Healing doesn’t happen through control. It happens through safety, support, and staying resourced through change.🎧 Listen now for a powerful reminder that health coaching isn’t about fixing you — it’s about walking with you while your life evolves.🎯 Join MPowered Coaching Collective for lifestyle & contest prep — where physique goals meet functional health and community.📲 DM @madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests

In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy sits down with St. Pete–based PA, fertility specialist, and functional women’s health practitioner Hannah Newman to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: the quiet, chronic inflammation that can quietly sabotage ovulation, hormones, and your ability to conceive—even when you’re “healthy” on paper.Together, they zoom out on allostatic load—your body’s cumulative stress bucket—and break down how under-fueling, perfectionism, overtraining, gut issues, autoimmunity, blood sugar swings, and even your water bottle and cookware can add up to a body that doesn’t feel safe enough to reproduce. From Hashimoto’s and PCOS, to birth control, GLP-1s, and the vaginal microbiome, this conversation bridges conventional medicine, functional testing, and real-life lifestyle shifts that actually move the needle for fertility.You’ll hear practical strategies for:Understanding allostatic load and why stress is more than just your job or workoutsSpotting subtle signs of low-grade inflammation in your gut, skin, cycle, and immune systemUsing labs smarter (thyroid beyond TSH, glucose + insulin + A1C, hormones with correct cycle timing, BBT, HRV)Nourishing fertility with enough carbs and fats instead of hiding behind “high protein” and volumetric eatingKnowing when HIIT, long deficit phases, and being “too lean” start to work against your hormones and ovulationSupporting autoimmune conditions (like Hashimoto’s, IBD, rheumatoid arthritis) in a fertility-conscious wayBuilding a supplement toolkit that actually serves you: magnesium, omegas, antioxidants, vaginal probiotics, inositol—and when to test before you takeNavigating birth control and GLP-1s without tanking your hormones, gut, or chances of conceivingReducing environmental toxins (plastics, fragrances, water, air) without driving yourself crazyUsing strength training and reverse dieting to rebuild a more resilient, fertile metabolism🎧 If you’re a high-performing, Type-A woman who “does everything right” but is battling irregular cycles, unexplained infertility, hormone chaos, or burnout from chronic dieting and training—this episode will change how you see your body, your stress, and your fertility.🎯 Join MPowered Coaching Collective for lifestyle & contest prep — where physique goals meet functional health and community.📲 DM @madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests. Connect with Hannah here.

In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy sits down with St. Pete performance coach and HYROX specialist, Coach Caleb, to unpack the mental side of going hard in the gym, on the road, and on the race course. Fresh off her HYROX Chicago race, Maddie shares how a former ballet dancer and wakeboarder discovered she’s actually “kind of good” at sport—and how much of that breakthrough came down to mindset, not genetics.Together, they break down why your brain taps out before your body, what the central governor theory actually means for your training, and how to know when to keep pushing vs. when to back off to protect your joints, hormones, and long-term progress. From redlining in group fitness, to building true endurance, to recognizing the subtle “whispers” of burnout and adrenal fatigue, this episode is a masterclass in mental toughness with boundaries.You’ll hear practical strategies for:Rewriting what “hard” actually looks like in your trainingUsing breathwork and micro-goals to get through mental wallsTraining at lactate threshold without frying your nervous systemPushing to failure safely for strength, hypertrophy, and performance gainsNavigating fear of looking stupid, being “the slow one,” or doing it wrong in class🎧 If you’re a runner, hybrid athlete, group fitness regular, or lifter who knows you’ve got more in the tank—but your mind keeps hitting the brakes—this one will change the way you show up for your workouts.🎯 Join MPowered Coaching Collective for lifestyle & contest prep — where physique goals meet functional health and community.📲 DM @madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests. Connect with Caleb here

In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy sits down with friend and fellow athlete Rosie—a semi-pro soccer player and recent half-marathoner—to unpack the quiet crisis of female athletes: training like a pro while fueling like a hobbyist. Together they explore the identity shift from perfection to performance, how to spot under-fueling (hint: your brain knows first), and why carbs and fats are the unsung heroes in a protein-obsessed culture.You’ll hear real talk on nervous-system regulation as the new pre-workout, the tightrope between discipline and obsession, and how “optimal” becomes unsustainable when it ignores your actual life. If you’ve ever hit your numbers and still felt foggy, flat, or fried—this one’s your permission slip to eat for clarity, capacity, and consistency.You’ll learn:Fueling as mindset (not math) and using hunger as data—not dangerWhy cognitive fatigue shows up before physical fatigueThe role of carbs + fats in hormones, thyroid, recovery, and moodRed flags that “discipline” has slid into obsessionHow 80% consistency beats 100% control for long-term performance🎧 If this helped, share it with the teammate who’s learning to soften without slowing down.🎯 Join MPowered Coaching Collective for lifestyle & contest prep — where physique goals meet functional health and community.📲 DM @madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests. Connect with Rosie here

In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy sits down with friend and fellow athlete Paige Michael, RN, to talk about what really happens when you outgrow the bodybuilding identity and step into a life rooted in balance, strength, and longevity.Both former competitors, Maddy and Paige open up about the years spent chasing perfection—rigid macros, two-a-day training, and the illusion that more discipline always equals more results. They share how stepping away from extremes became the gateway to real health, deeper self-trust, and performance that actually lasts.From rebuilding hormones and metabolism to finding joy in hybrid training, community, and rest, this conversation is for the women who’ve done it “right” on paper but still feel burnt out. You’ll hear about:The identity shift that comes after the stageRelearning how to fuel for performance, not punishmentWhy nervous system regulation is the new pre-workoutHow community and simplicity can make fitness fun againThis episode is your permission slip to let go of the death grip, redefine what “fit” really means, and start building a body—and life—you can sustain.🎧 Tune in, take notes, and share this with the friend who’s learning to soften without slowing down.🎯 Join MPowered Coaching Collective for lifestyle & contest prep — where physique goals meet functional health and community.📲 DM @madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests. Connect with Paige here

What do red-eye flights and bikini preps have in common? More than you think. In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, host Maddy Michielssen (IFBB Bikini Pro & Founder of MPowered Coaching Collective) sits down with her client Kait — an airline pilot, athlete, and just days from her first OCB bikini show — to unpack how preparation and adaptability outrun even the busiest schedule.From living on reserve and landing red-eyes from Hawaii, to food going bad in hotel fridges, rolled ankles, and even catching COVID in single-digits out — Kait's story shows why “If it’s predictable, it’s preventable” and “Fail to plan, plan to fail” aren’t clichés…they’re survival skills. You’ll hear the exact systems she uses: single-macro meals, pre-logging in MyFitnessPal, vacuum-sealing and cooler hacks, a plug-in lunch warmer, Instacart contingencies, and how to pivot workouts when the only option is a hotel treadmill.Together, Maddy and Kait draw parallels between aviation and coaching — why cockpit-level communication and weekly micro-adjustments keep a prep on course — and how real discipline includes knowing when to rest. The big takeaway: busyness isn’t an excuse; it’s a variable you can plan for.Whether you’re a mom, a traveler, or a high-stress professional, this episode will help you build non-negotiables (sleep, water, movement, protein), ditch perfection, and respond to life without losing momentum.🎧 Tune in for practical systems, mindset shifts, and the reminder that you don’t need a perfect routine to achieve elite results — just a plan for what you can control and flexibility for what you can’t.👉 If you enjoy this episode, subscribe to The Psyche Behind the Physique, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s “too busy” for their goals.🎯 Join MPowered Coaching Collective for lifestyle & contest prep — where physique goals meet functional health and community.📲 DM @madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests. ✈️ Connect with Kait here

What do marathons and bodybuilding preps have in common? More than you think. In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, host Maddy Michielssen (IFBB Bikini Pro & Founder of MPowered Coaching Collective) sits down with her friend Corin — marathon runner, coach at Run Unlimited, and Booty Gym trainer — to unpack the highs, lows, and mental grit it takes to push past your limits.From prepping for hills while living in flat Florida, to blowing out her quads on a downhill stretch, to crossing the finish line far off her goal pace — Corin’s story from her latest marathon in Utah is packed with lessons on resilience, pacing, and perspective. Together, Maddy and Corin draw parallels between marathon training, bodybuilding, and the everyday pursuit of health.Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or simply someone navigating your own challenges, this episode will leave you with practical takeaways on how to adapt when things don’t go as planned — and how to reframe setbacks as stepping stones.🎧 Tune in now for inspiration, real talk, and the reminder that effort always counts more than perfection.👉 If you enjoy this episode, subscribe to The Psyche Behind the Physique, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use some encouragement.🎯 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health and you're guaranteed to find your people, then fuel your progress📲 DM Me: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find me on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with Corin @corndawg002

In this heartfelt conversation, host Madison Michielssen (IFBB Bikini Pro; founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective) sits down with her close friend Savannah—former personal trainer turned lifestyle athlete—to unpack how the company you keep can elevate (or erode) your health. From leaving bodybuilding’s “grind at all costs” mindset to finding community in St. Pete through Brickyard classes, run clubs, and church, they explore why friendships influence what you eat, how you move, how you manage stress, and how you see yourself.You’ll hear:How to audit your circle (friends that fill vs. friends that drain)Boundaries that honor your goals—saying “no” and suggesting alternativesReal ways to find “your people” (show up solo, smile, start small, try the class, join the 5K)Why faith/community can anchor consistency, resilience, and joyIf you’ve been doing this alone, you don’t have to. The right circle makes your journey lighter, more sustainable, and a lot more fun.🎯 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health and you're guaranteed to find your people, then fuel your progress🎧 Love what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and review to keep these conversations going📲 DM Me: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find me on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with Dani @_savyjane_

What happens when you stop trying to juggle it all — and start aligning your life instead? In this episode, I sit down with MPowered athlete Dani Henderson, a mom of two and wife who’s just weeks away from stepping back on stage for her second bodybuilding season. Dani’s story goes far beyond macros and training: it’s about learning to slow down, redefine identity, strengthen her marriage, and show up fully as a mom — all while thriving in one of the most demanding sports out there.If you’ve ever wondered how to pursue big goals without letting them consume your life, this conversation is for you. We talk about what alignment really looks like, how to protect what matters most while still chasing a stage-level physique, and why fulfillment outside of fitness might be the secret to finally thriving inside of it.✨ Whether you’re a competitor, a mom, or just a woman wearing a dozen hats — Dani’s journey will inspire you to keep your goals high while keeping your life aligned.Ready for a coaching approach that sees you as a whole woman, not just an athlete?🎯 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health🎧 Love what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and review to keep these conversations going📲 DM Me: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find me on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with Dani @liftingmorethanjustkids

What if the secret to building your dream physique wasn’t more workouts or stricter dieting — but actually slowing down, listening to your body, and supporting it from the inside out?In this episode, IFBB Bikini Pro, functional nutritionist, and founder of The MPowered Coaching Collective, Maddy Michielssen, joins 1st Optimal founder, Joe Miller, to unpack the myths holding women back from true hormonal balance and lasting results. We dive into:The truth about women’s hormones (and why “just deal with it” is a lie)How functional medicine bridges the gap between looking fit and actually being healthyRecovery, nervous system support, and mobility as underused performance toolsMindset shifts that make consistency feel natural instead of forcedWhether you’re chasing a leaner physique, deeper energy reserves, or simply want to understand your body better, this conversation will help you rethink what “training hard” really means — and how to do it without burning yourself out.🎯 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health🎧 Love what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and review to keep these conversations going📲 DM Me: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find me on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode is your permission slip to pause. Whether you're deep in prep or simply trying to stay afloat in your fitness journey, The Psyche Behind the Physique is diving deep into the whispers of burnout—before they turn into screams.Maddy is joined by powerhouse coach and athlete Sham Haynes for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the emotional unraveling that can happen when we operate from misalignment, not authenticity. Together, they explore:What burnout really feels like (and how to spot the early signs)The inner child vs. the grown-up self—and why both deserve a seat at the tableHow to talk to your coach before ghosting becomes your escape planWhy a pivot doesn’t mean you’re quitting (and how to pivot with power)The surprising spiritual and hormonal symptoms of pushing too hard for too longFrom bodybuilding to HYROX, structured meal plans to intuitive eating, Maddy and Sham get real about discipline, rebellion, and redefining what success looks like when you're finally ready to listen to your gut. If you've been craving a more human, more sustainable approach to coaching, performance, and personal growth—this one’s for you.Press play, take a breath, and remember: sometimes your next breakthrough starts with a tiny whisper.🎯 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health🎧 Love what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and review to keep these conversations going📲 DM Me: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find me on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠& Find Sham on IG @fit_n2_it

In this powerful and refreshingly real episode, Madison Michielssen sits down with Jodi Stabile, founder of Sweat in St. Pete, to unpack the unspoken truth behind burnout, balance, and building a life that actually fits you. Whether you're a high-achiever spinning ten plates, a fitness junkie stuck in go-mode, or a woman wondering if it’s okay to just slow down—this conversation is going to hit home.Jodi shares her journey from dance and martial arts to running one of Florida’s top-rated fitness studios, and Madison dives deep into the mindset traps that keep driven women stuck in cycles of pressure, perfection, and proving. Together, they explore:What “doing it all” really costsHow to know the difference between being tired and burning outThe hidden dangers of chasing success without stopping to celebrate itWhy your healthiest self might actually come from doing lessHow structure, strategy, and self-awareness can unlock more freedom, not lessIf you’ve ever felt guilty for resting, questioned your pace, or struggled to balance ambition with your well-being—this one’s for you.🎙️ Listen in and let this be your permission slip to do life differently.🎯 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health🎧 Love what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and review to keep these conversations going📲 DM Me: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find me on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠& Find Jodi on IG @Jodistabile or join us for a swe(a)t sesh @ SWET by registering online at www.weswet.com

In this honest, reflective episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and MPowered Coaching Collective founder Maddy Michielssen unpacks a struggle many women face: how to stay committed to your goals when the people closest to you are in a totally different phase. 🌀Fresh off a trip to LA with assistant coach Alexa—one in a cut, one in a build—Maddy dives into what it means to hold your own when others are in a different season. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or your gym crew, staying in your lane can feel isolating or confusing.In this episode, you’ll explore:⚡ The subtle comparison traps even strong women fall into ⚡ How to own your goals without guilt ⚡ Navigating social dynamics when your phase doesn’t “match” ⚡ Practical mindset tools to stay anchored and alignedThis is your reminder: your goals don’t need to look like hers to be valid. You don’t have to wait for others to “get it” to keep showing up for yourself.🎯 The takeaway? You’re not off track—you’re on your own timeline. And that’s powerful.🎙️ Tune in for raw insight, real stories, and strategies to stay grounded in your goals—no matter the season around you.⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health🎧 Love what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and review to keep these conversations going📲 DM Me: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find me on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠Because leadership doesn’t mean matching—it means honoring your season anyway.

In this honest, empowering episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and MPowered Coaching Collective founder Maddy Michielssen sits down with her athlete Haley Morfin to tackle a mindset trap many high-achieving women fall into: waiting for life to “calm down” before they commit to themselves. 🎯💭If you've ever caught yourself saying, “I’ll get back on track after this trip…” If your routine only feels sacred when it’s easy to follow… If your progress feels stalled by the chaos of real life…This episode is your wake-up call—and your permission slip.Together, Maddy and Haley dig deep into:⚡ Why structure and success can’t wait for perfect conditions ⚡ The myth of “being ready” and how to create momentum in real life ⚡ How to reclaim power, even in seasons of unpredictability ⚡ The difference between controlling your day and owning your choices ⚡ What it really means to stay “in season” even when there’s no deadlineWhether you’re a competitor in your off-season, a mom juggling a full plate, or a driven woman tired of starting over—this episode invites you to stop delaying your growth. You don’t need a perfect schedule. You need a new story.📖 The takeaway? Your goals aren’t on pause—you’re just in a different kind of prep.🎙️ Tune in for practical mindset shifts, raw reflections, and real-world examples to help you stay committed, consistent, and compassionate with yourself—no matter what season you’re in.Want to go further?✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health💬 DM Maddy @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or to start your journey or tune into her YT channel at @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Love the show? Rate, review, and follow to keep the conversations going 📲 Connect with Haley @haleymac28 for more real-talk on lifestyle, balance, and building gritBecause success doesn’t start when life slows down—it starts when you decide to move forward anyway. 💪🏼💫

In this special episode, I’m joined by someone who’s known me longer than anyone—my mom. Together, we’re diving into a topic that most people avoid but desperately need: criticism.Let’s be real—being coachable is a skill. And in a world that glamorizes “protecting your peace” and tuning out the noise, it’s easy to write off all feedback as hate. But what if learning to receive criticism with curiosity—not defensiveness—was your secret weapon for next-level growth?We talk about:How to know whose feedback to actually listen toWhy not all criticism is created equal (and how to spot the red flags)What your reaction to feedback might be revealing about youHow being coached—truly coached—forces you to level up in business, fitness, and lifePlus, some behind-the-scenes stories from my own journey—like what my HYROX training taught me about being humbled, how post-show critiques shaped my mindset, and why feedback from my mom still hits the hardest (in the best way).Because criticism isn’t cruelty—it’s information. And if you’re ready to grow, this episode is your permission slip to stop taking things personally… and start taking them seriously.⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health🎧 Love what you heard?👉 Rate, review, and follow the show so we can keep bringing you conversations that matter.📲 DM Me: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find me on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠Healing and high performance can coexist.

🎙️ In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and MPowered Coaching Collective founder Maddy Michielssen is joined by head assistant coach, wellness girlie, and two-time bikini overall champion Alexa Sotere for a raw, refreshing conversation on what it really means to be a “hot girl” in today’s wellness culture.We’re pulling back the curtain on the curated aesthetics, image-driven routines, and influencer habits that flood your feed — and replacing them with grounded, health-forward rituals that actually support your hormones, nervous system, and long-term vitality.💡 Together, we unpack: ✅ The difference between image-driven choices and health-forward habits ✅ Our personal experiences chasing aesthetic goals at the expense of internal health ✅ Daily rituals that fuel energy, confidence, and peace — without perfection ✅ How to tell if your habits are helping or harming your hormones ✅ What nervous system regulation, nourishing meals, and true recovery really look like ✅ The real hot girl routine — and why it starts with internal safety, not external pressureWhether you're in a growth phase, reverse diet, lifestyle shift, or just sick of burnout disguised as “discipline,” this episode is your permission slip to do things differently. Because the hottest girls aren’t the most depleted — they’re the most regulated.🧠 Ready to glow from the inside out? Your wellness routine just got an upgrade.💡 Want coaching support? Apply to work with the MPowered Coaching CollectiveWhether it’s holistic health, lifestyle coaching, or stepping on stage for your first (or next) competition, our team at MPowered Coaching Collective is here to guide you. Apply for 1:1 coaching today—let’s build the blueprint that works for YOU!⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health📲 Follow us on Instagram & YT :Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa: @AlexaliftConnect with MPowered Coaching Collective here

In this raw, reflective episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, host Maddy Michielssen—IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective—is joined by licensed mental health counselor and fellow competitor Claudia Mayes to explore a topic that’s rarely discussed in the fitness world, but deeply felt: when control, discipline, and “doing everything right” become your way of avoiding what hurts. 🧠🏋️‍♀️If you’ve ever said, “I’m fine” while silently unraveling…If your structure, tracking, or strict routines bring both comfort and chaos…If you’ve wondered whether your healthiest habits are helping—or just hiding your pain…This one’s for you.Together, Maddy and Claudia unpack:What coping really means—and how it often disguises itself as “success”Why fitness can become a trauma response in high-functioning womenThe warning signs that your structure is actually self-protectionHow to shift from numbing or overcontrolling into genuine healingPractical tools to regulate, reconnect, and rebuild with compassionFrom thought traps to trauma-informed strategies, this episode doesn’t hold back. Whether you’re a coach, competitor, or everyday woman trying to hold it all together—this is your invitation to pause, feel, and heal. 💛⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health🎧 Love what you heard? 👉 Rate, review, and follow the show so we can keep bringing you conversations that matter. 📲 DM Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find her on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠💻 Feeling called to work together? Apply now for 1:1 coaching here or connect with Claudia at @claudia_gotgoals Healing and high performance can coexist.

In this heartfelt and practical episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy Michielssen, IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective, is joined by two-time overall bikini champ and longtime athlete Alexa Sotere. Together, they peel back the layers on a topic that hits home for so many: the fear of losing progress while on vacation. 🌴💪If you’ve ever stressed about food, fitness, or falling off track while traveling—this one’s for you. Maddy and Alexa dive into:Where fear of vacation weight gain really comes from (hint: it’s not just the food)How to mentally prime yourself before a trip for success and freedomReal talk on body confidence, food freedom vs food control, and staying grounded away from your routineTangible tools to stay connected to your goals without guilt, overthinking, or all-or-nothing spiralsWhether you're jet-setting across the globe or just trying to survive your in-laws’ beach rental food choices—this episode will remind you that your progress isn’t fragile, and your health doesn’t go on hold just because you’re out of town.Love what you heard today? 🎧 👉 Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show so we can keep delivering real, raw, and empowering episodes every other week. 📲 DM us on Instagram with your favorite takeaway or what you want to hear next 💻 Want to take your mindset, health, and physique to the next level this summer? Apply now for our Spring Cleanup 8-week program – only ONE spot left! We start May 1st. Winner gets 90 days FREE 1:1 coaching. 👏Let’s leave behind the burnout and build confidence that travels with you. ✈️💛💡 Want coaching support? Apply to work with the MPowered Coaching CollectiveWhether it’s holistic health, lifestyle coaching, or stepping on stage for your first (or next) competition, our team at MPowered Coaching Collective is here to guide you. Apply for 1:1 coaching today—let’s build the blueprint that works for YOU!⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health📲 Follow us on Instagram & YT :Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with MPowered Coaching Collective here

In this full-circle episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and MPowered Coaching Collective Founder Maddy Michielssen is joined by the one and only Celeste Rains-Turk—mental health counselor, author, and the voice behind Confessions of a Bikini Pro.Together, they dive deep into what it really looks like to enjoy a prep, how to know when it’s time for an offseason, and how to hold space for your evolving identity as an athlete outside of show day.Whether you’re in a prep, in a pause, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge the “all or nothing” mindset and help you build a more sustainable, compassionate approach to competing. You’ll hear honest reflections, mindset shifts, and tangible tools to help you navigate the gray area that so many athletes fear—and where true growth often begins.🎧 Listen in for:Signs your body (or mind) is craving an offseasonHow to find joy in prep without burning outWhy “season neutrality” is the ultimate flexUnpacking the hidden pressure of needing to look the partHow to emotionally navigate post-show body changes with grace💌 Loved today’s conversation? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow athlete or competitor who needs to hear this message.💡 Want coaching support? Apply to work with the MPowered Coaching CollectiveWhether it’s holistic health, lifestyle coaching, or stepping on stage for your first (or next) competition, our team at MPowered Coaching Collective is here to guide you. Apply for 1:1 coaching today—let’s build the blueprint that works for YOU!⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health📲 Follow us on Instagram & YT :Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with MPowered Coaching Collective here💬 Want to work with Celeste or explore her self-guided programs? Find all her offerings at celestial.fit and follow her on IG @celestial_fit.