Stronger by Design for Women

<p>No one is going to “save” you. In today's world, it's up to us to save ourselves!</p><p> </p><p>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.<br> </p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p>Since 2012, Michelle has been coaching women online, sharing her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist.</p><p> </p><p>Since 2012, Michelle has been coaching women online, sharing her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. In 2016 she Co-Founded Tulum Strength Club, an online Physique Contest Prep Team, and she founded The Wonder Women (TWW) in 2020 and the TWW coaching academy in 2022. She has inspired countless women to take control of their lives and build their own strength, as is likely most well known for the work she did with her mother, Joan Macdonald, Train With Joan™, who lost 70 lbs in her 70s and when on to become a Fitness Influencer.</p><p> </p><p>Michelle now has her own Fitness App launching in the fall of 2024, Stronger By Design™ as well as this podcast by the same name.</p><p> </p><p>Join us on Stronger by Design to discover how to cultivate resilience, achieve lasting fitness, and empower yourself for a healthier, more vibrant future. This podcast is specifically tailored for women passionate about longevity, resilience, strength and fitness, providing them with the knowledge and motivation to transform their lives.</p>

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 ...

11-18
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 ...

11-04
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...

10-21
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 m...

10-07
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 conversa...

09-23
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 ...

09-09
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...

08-26
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 ...

08-12
30:04

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 pra...

07-29
31:42

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 loo...

03-05
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 onl...

02-20
01:01:35

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 rec...

02-06
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 GoldinFollow on Instagram at:https://www...

01-23
01:10:26

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' m...

01-12
01:12:47

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'...

01-10
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 ...

12-12
01:25:24

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 BlockFollow Ilene on Instagram at:https://www.instagram.com/sil...

11-14
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 h...

09-19
01:19:19

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 a...

08-08
01:27:43

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 s...

07-11
37:14

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