Stronger by Design for Women with Michelle MacDonald

• What Every Woman Needs to Know About Peak Week, Prep, and Progress | Jean Jacques Barrett

  Are you prepping for a show or planning your comeback season? What if the difference between winning and wasting your time was strategy?Michelle MacDonald welcomes elite coach and two-time world champion Jean Jacques (JJ) Barrett. Known for shaping champions across divisions and federations, JJ brings a wealth of experience in women’s health and fitness. The conversation dives deep into the most misunderstood phases of physique prep for women: choosing your show strategically, maximizing your improvement season, and avoiding peak week mistakes. JJ shares expert insights on how to build a competitive physique with a healthy and sustainable fitness mindset. Whether you’re stepping on stage soon or mapping out your next season, this episode delivers game-changing advice every female athlete should hear.Favorite Moments5:09 How to Strategically Choose the Right Competition for Your Physique10:54 When to Postpone Your Show—and Why It Might Save Your Season24:42 The Biggest Mistake Women Make During Improvement Season1:11:20 Why Competing Is About More Than Just Winning a Trophy"Create urgency in your improvement season  because that's the work that actually builds your next stage body."– Jean Jacques Barrett GUEST: JEAN JACQUES BARRETT, EXPERT COACH | ISSA STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING SPECIALIST | 5X PRO FITNESS MODEL CHAMPIONInstagram | Talum Strength Club | Facebook | FMG Show Registration | Tickets to FMG MexicoFull Guest Bio: Jean Jacques Barrett is a top-tier physique coach, two-time world champion, and seven-time titleholder known for his precision-based coaching and transformative results. With over a decade of experience shaping elite-level athletes across divisions and federations, JJ specializes in strategic physique development with a deep understanding of female physiology. He co-leads Tulum Strength Club and is a key promoter with FMG Mexico, where he continues to elevate the standard for women’s health and fitness on and off the stage. JJ is respected for his disciplined approach, athlete-first mindset, and commitment to coaching with clarity, purpose, and impact. CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | XFull Michelle Bio: Michelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW

  --------  

  1:12:45

  --------

  1:12:45
• What Are the Secrets Struggles in Women's Bodybuilding? | Loz Vickers

  What does it truly take to step on stage as a female bodybuilder? Hint: it’s not just muscle. Michelle MacDonald sits down with Loz Vickers, a natural bodybuilding phenom and a grounded voice in the women's fitness space. Together, they unpack what it really means to train hard, build muscle, and create a healthy, resilient mindset as a woman in fitness. Loz shares her raw experiences with body image struggles, recovering from disordered eating, and transforming into a figure competitor who thrives in the off-season. They also explore the mental discipline required for long-term personal growth, the hidden truths of prep life, and how strength training empowers women at any age. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a woman seeking to redefine strength in midlife, this episode offers real talk, tactical tips, and transformational takeaways. Favorite Moments:Favorite Moments1:57 When Are You Really Ready for a Bodybuilding Contest?7:48 Why Mindset Outranks Genetics in Women’s Bodybuilding Success20:54 How the Off-Season Builds Muscle and Mental Strength43:21 Strength Training as a Tool for Self-Belief and Confidence"The physique is just a physical representation of the mindset you've built." – Loz Vickers GUEST: LOZ VICKERS, ONLINE COACH & NATURAL BODYBUILDERLVFIT Website | 1-1 LVFIT Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | Podcast | Natural Bodybuilding Worldwide | TikTokFull Guest Bio: Loz Vickers is a natural bodybuilding athlete and coach dedicated to helping women find strength in every stage of life. As head coach of Team LVFit, she’s known for her down-to-earth, evidence-based approach that fuses performance training with mindset development.Her own path from body-image struggles to competitive success shaped her belief that fitness is about far more than appearance—it’s about discipline, confidence, and respect for your body. Loz now channels that philosophy into coaching women to lift with purpose, build lasting resilience, and feel powerful inside and outside the gym.CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | XFull Michelle Bio: Michelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW), inspiring countless transformations including her mother, Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan™). Michelle continues to lead the charge in women's fitness, launching the Stronger by Design™ fitness app in fall 2024.Where to Watch/Listen:WebsiteAppl

  --------  

  1:15:52

  --------

  1:15:52
• Why Do Women Struggle with Sleep and How Can They Fix It? | Dr. Woganee Filate

  What if your sleepless nights weren’t just a part of aging but the silent accelerator of it?Michelle MacDonald welcomes Dr. Woganee Filate, physician, sleep researcher, and women's health advocate, to tackle one of the most overlooked pillars in women’s health: sleep. Dr. Filate unpacks why women experience a unique midlife sleep crisis, what’s really behind it from biology to social dynamics and how to reclaim restorative rest. They discuss evidence-based strategies for improving sleep during menopause, how sleep impacts everything from metabolism to emotional regulation, and why a healthy sleep routine is foundational for personal growth, a healthy mindset, and long-term fitness. Whether you're in perimenopause or just struggling to rest, this episode is a must-listen.Favorite Moments:1:35 Why Sleep Is the Most Overlooked Pillar in Women’s Health7:05 The Hidden Link Between Sleep Loss and Long-Term Health span13:18 Why Sleep Problems in Women Are Dismissed and Misunderstood29:38 One Year on CPAP: A Personal Sleep Apnea Recovery Story“Sleep is the land of infinite second chances—if tonight was bad, tomorrow’s a fresh start.” — Dr. Woganee Filate GUEST: DR. WOGANEE FILATE BHSC, MD, FRCP©, CO-FOUNDER LUME WOMEN + HEALTHWebsite | LinkedIn | Instagram | NewsletterFull Guest Bio: Dr. Woganee Filate is a passionate and dedicated adult respirologist and sleep medicine physician committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based and patient-centered care. She has a wealth of experience in diagnosing and managing respiratory and sleep disorders. Her interests include educating patients on the changes in sleep during the menopause transition and what can be done to optimize sleep during this key life stage. In addition to her medical degree, Dr. Filate holds a Master of Health Science, with a focus on Community Health & Epidemiology, from the University of Toronto. CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | XFull Michelle Bio: Michelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW), inspiring countless transformations including her mother, Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan™). Michelle continues to lead the charge in women's fitness, launching the Stronger by Design™ fitness app in fall 2024.Where to Watch/Listen:WebsiteApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeLeave a rating for this podcast with one click

  --------  

  49:25

  --------

  49:25
• The 6 Health Metrics that Could Save Your Life | Dr. Amy Louis Bayliss

  What if your menstrual cycle, cholesterol, and even your VO₂ max could predict your future health? Most women aren’t tracking what really matters—until it’s too late.Michelle MacDonald welcomes Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss, a MD and women's preventive health expert, to uncover the six key metrics that can radically improve how women age. With decades of experience in emergency medicine and specialized training in menopause, Dr. Amy breaks down complex topics like cholesterol, A1C, body composition, VO₂ max, blood pressure, and cycle health in a way that is both actionable and empowering. She shares how understanding these markers, not just your weight, can shift you from reactive care to proactive, personalized health optimization. Favorite Moments:2:33 The Six Tests Every Woman Over 40 Needs to Take11:27 Why Women Shouldn’t Fear Cholesterol Meds—Or Estrogen21:50 Think You Feel Fine? Your Blood Pressure Might Say Otherwise34:56 The Shocking Truth About Thin Women and Muscle Loss"You can feel good, but that’s not the same as measuring." – Dr. Amy Louis-BaylissGUEST: DR. AMY LOUIS-BAYLISS BHSc, MD, FRCP©, CEO LUME WOMEN + HEALTHWebsite | Contact | LinkedIn | Instagram | NewsletterFull Guest Bio: Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss has been an MD for almost 20 years, spending most of her career as an emergency medicine specialist with two additional years of training as a menopause specialist in Hamilton and Oakville. Dr. Louis-Bayliss is an advocate for women’s healthy aging – her interest in menopause and healthy aging stems from years of treating and managing disease in the ER once it was already “too late”. Amy sits on the advisory board for the National Menopause Show. She is passionate about educating women to build self-agency when it comes to disease-prevention.CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | XFull Michelle Bio: Michelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW), inspiring countless transformations including her mother, Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan™). Michelle continues to lead the charge in women's fitness, launching the Stronger by Design™ fitness app in fall 2024.Where to Watch/Listen:WebsiteApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube

  --------  

  1:00:53

  --------

  1:00:53
• Why Clients Ghost Their Coaches and How to Bring Them Back | Kasey Jo Orvidas

  Why do some clients suddenly disappear—even when they’re paying for coaching? The answer lies deeper than you think. Michelle MacDonald sits down with Dr. Kasey Jo Orvidas, Ph.D. in Psychology and expert in behavior change, to uncover the real reasons why clients ghost their coaches. From mindset shifts and discomfort avoidance to better expectation-setting and behavior-based communication tools, this conversation dives into the psychology of coaching that actually creates long-term change. Whether you're a health coach, fitness trainer, or someone invested in Women’s Health and Fitness, this episode reveals essential strategies to foster accountability, build trust, and support sustainable personal growth. Get ready for real talk, practical tools, and inspiration to level up your coaching impact.Favorite Moments:5:27 "You're Paying Me Big Bucks—Get Your Piece of the Pie!"10:39 The 10-Minute Call That Can Reignite Client Engagement19:38 Why Knowledge Alone Doesn’t Change Behavior46:12 You're Not Broken: Mindset Reframes for Women in Midlife“You’re not broken—you’re just you now.”GUEST: KASEY JO ORVIDAS Website | Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | FacebookFull Guest Bio: Kasey holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and is a certified health and fitness coach. She has spent a good chunk of her life developing some serious expertise in mindset and health behavior change. She has racked up numerous publications in a variety of peer-reviewed scientific journals (aka you can Google scholar her name and even cite her research in APA format for your high school paper–wow!). Although Kasey is no longer tethered to the chains of an academic career (if you know, you know), she still can’t quite break free from the lure of p-values and scientific jargon. Knowing that most (normal) people aren’t obsessed enough to get a Ph.D. in this stuff, Kasey created The Health Mindset Coaching Certification.CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | XFull Michelle Bio: Michelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW), inspiring countless transformations including her mother, Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan™). Michelle continues to lead the charge in women's fitness, launching the Stronger by Design™ fitness app in fall 2024.Where to Watch/Listen:WebsiteApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube

  --------  

  52:35

  --------

  52:35

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Stronger by Design for Women with Michelle MacDonald