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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 wit...

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 a...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...