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 Desi...
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 cultivating self-love through fitness to the transformative power of community, Brittney's journey is a tribute to resilience and purpose-driven living.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR03:52 Self-sabotage: from addiction to the "gray area"08:24 A life-changing wake-up call14:27 The Stoplight Strategy: red, yellow, and green foods and behaviors27:30 Surround yourself with people who inspire growthGUEST: BRITTNEY CARBONEInstagram | LinkedIn | Podcast | Website | Email CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook
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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 to profound personal growth.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR03:49 – Why cancer wasn’t Heather’s wake-up call but a turning point17:26 – Managing emotional resistance and guilt to unlock joy35:39 – Talking to your emotions: a unique approach to addressing triggers49:02 – Redefining self-care as self-respect and why it mattersGUEST: HEATHER CHAUVINWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Book CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook
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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 stage of life.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR05:54 - Longevity through joyful training16:03 - Why gaining muscle changes everything24:18 Cardiovascular training made simple45:44 - Minimal cardio for maximum benefit GUEST: ALYSSA OLENICKInstagram | Website | Podcast CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook
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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 the benefits – and limitations – of medications like Ozempic, exploring when they might be a good option and how to combine them with holistic strategies for long-term health.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR4:50 Red flags for disordered eating behavior12:53 Predatory marketing to menopausal women17:52 Biases in trusting influencers with weak science34:44 Addressing “food noise” and the complexity of hungerGUEST: ABBY LANGERWebsite | Instagram | Facebook | X CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook
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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 eating, one where joy and nutrition coexist.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR06:17 Abby’s Method for Overcoming Food Triggers18:07 Recognizing Disordered Eating24:31 Understanding the Root of Food Cravings29:56 Key Differences Between Physical and Emotional HungerGUEST: ABBY LANGERWebsite | Instagram | Facebook | X CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook
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 2016, she co-founded Tulum Strength Club, an online Physique Contest Prep Team. She later established The Wonder Women (TWW) in 2020 and the TWW coaching academy in 2022. Michelle’s work has inspired countless women, including her mother, Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan™), who lost 70 pounds in her 70s and became a fitness influencer.Michelle now brings her expertise to the Stronger by Design Fitness App, launching in fall 2024, alongside this podcast of the same name.Join us on Stronger by Design to explore how to cultivate a resilient mindset, maintain optimal nutrition, and achieve lasting fitness for a healthier, more vibrant future. This podcast is designed for women committed to longevity, strength, and nutrition, empowering them to transform their lives from the inside out.
South Africa