Redefining Strength and Beauty | Courtney Ustrzycki
What if true progress means actively seeking failure?Michelle MacDonald sits down with Courtney Ustrzycki—IFBB Pro athlete, posing coach, and former powerlifter—for a deep dive into the mental and physical evolution required for elite competition. Courtney shares her journey from resisting bodybuilding to becoming a professional, all while navigating mindset shifts, vulnerability, and the messy realities of growth. They explore how discipline trumps motivation, why balance isn’t always the answer, and what it means to push past self-imposed limits. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR0:32 Redefining failure in the gym as a goal for growth17:35 “Growth is messy—and the gym is the one place where failure should be your goal.”32:27 Train to true failure to unlock real progress41:08 Overcoming jealousy and self-doubt on the pro stage"Growth is messy—and the gym is the one place where failure should be your goal."GUEST: COURTNEY USTRZYCKIWebsite | Email | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | Posing mobility program | NPC Bikini & Fit Model posing manualI’m a passionate and dynamic leader in the bodybuilding world, specializing in posing and competition prep within the NPC Federation. My journey started in the world of powerlifting, where I first built my foundation as both an athlete and a coach for lifestyle clients. In 2019, I made the leap into bodybuilding—a transformation that reshaped not only my physique but also my mindset and approach to life. This evolution drove me to become the coach I am today, bringing a blend of real-world experience, research-backed strategies, and genuine, relatable insights to every athlete I work with.CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook 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. Leave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald Where to Watch/Listen:WebsiteApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
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Midlife Muscle, Minus the Myths | Dr. Allan Bacon
Are women being sold a myth about fitness during menopause? Michelle MacDonald welcomes Dr. Allan Bacon—a former surgeon turned physique coach—to dismantle the pervasive myths sabotaging women’s health and fitness over 35. From misleading menopause advice to social media pseudoscience, Dr. Bacon breaks down the real science behind sustainable fat loss, muscle building, and mental resilience. They tackle how evidence-based strategies—not fear-mongering fads—empower women to take charge of their bodies with logic, not gimmicks.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR1:40 Women Are Not Large Mice11:44 The Problem with “Just Lift Heavy”23:51 When to Push Through vs. Pull Back in Training39:57 Taking Ownership: The Real Key to Personal Growth“Women are not large mice—and it’s time we stop treating them like they are in fitness science.” Leave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald GUEST: DR. ALLAN BACON, DDS, CPT, PBC, USAPL-CC, CNC, PN1Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook GroupDr. Allan holds a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland. He is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a certified physique & bodybuilding coach, a certified nutritionist (x2), a certified coach for USA Powerlifting, and has formulated professionally for industry-leading dietary supplement companies since 2009. CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook 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
What does it take to rebuild your life from the inside out?Michelle MacDonald sits down with Tiffany Owen, fitness and mindset coach and author of Wounded to Warrior. Tiffany’s journey from trauma, addiction, and self-sabotage to healing and empowerment is nothing short of extraordinary. She opens up about how discovering devastating family secrets, surviving abuse, and battling perfectionism nearly cost her everything—including her life. Through courage, self-discipline, and a relentless pursuit of personal growth, Tiffany now empowers women to reclaim their health, mindset, and worth. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR2:49 The Final Rock Bottom That Sparked a New Life6:45 The Dangerous High of Extreme Giving9:09 Why Self-Discipline Is the Purest Form of Self-Love14:50 The Tough Love That Changed Everything "Self-discipline is a form of self-love." Leave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald GUEST: TIFFANY OWENWebsite | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTokWounded To Warrior: How to Participate in Your Own Rescue BookTiffany Owen is a passionate health and mindset coach dedicated to helping others unlock their full potential. As a certified personal trainer, fitness coach for over 20 years, and published author, Tiffany combines her extensive professional expertise with the wisdom gained as a wife, mother of four, and proud grandmother. Her personal and professional experiences have ignited a deep desire to guide others toward growth, healing, and healthier, more fulfilling lives. Her mission is clear: to help you become the dominant force in your life and embrace the person you were always meant to be.CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook 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
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Aging Boldly: A Real Talk on Plastic Surgery | Dr. Martin Jugenburg
What if aging was less about erasing time and more about owning your evolution? Michelle MacDonald welcomes renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Martin Jugenburg, the founder of the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute and a leading voice in ethical, innovative aesthetic medicine. Together, they unpack the evolving role of plastic surgery for women 40+, especially high achievers dedicated to health, fitness, and personal growth. From redefining aging and busting vanity myths to navigating emotional readiness and realistic expectations, this episode offers deep insights for women who want to feel fully aligned with how they look, lead, and live. This isn’t about looking younger—it’s about owning your evolution.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR1:42 From Taboo to Empowered: The Shift in Aesthetic Choices7:41 Dismantling the Vanity Myth Around Surgery14:50 Why Social Media Is Misleading Your Expectations30:51 Plastic Surgery Is Not Anti-Aging—Here’s What It Is “I’m not curing cancer—I make people happy.” Leave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald GUEST: DR. MARTIN JUGENBURGWebsite | Instagram | Six Surgery InstagramDr. Martin Jugenburg, widely known as Dr. 6ix, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute. With training from the University of Toronto, the University of Manitoba, and Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, he brings world-class expertise to a wide range of cosmetic procedures. Known for his innovative techniques and strong online presence, Dr. Jugenburg has helped thousands of patients feel more confident through personalized, high-quality care.CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook 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
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Muscle GAIN Without the PAIN | Hattie Boydle
Are you chasing muscle gains but sabotaging your progress without even realizing it? Michelle MacDonald teams up again with elite coach and world champion Hattie Boydle to shatter myths about building strength, especially for women. They dive deep into why mastering mobility and core strength is crucial before adding heavy loads, how to fuel your body for true muscle growth (hint: carbs and fats are your friends), and the mindset shifts needed to fall in love with the slow, steady journey to greatness. This isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about building a body (and a mindset) that’s strong for life.Leave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald KEY MOMENTS01:58 The Real Power of Self-Care for Strength Athletes05:49 Why Core Stability Must Come Before Squats09:09 Structural Balance: The Secret Sauce to Injury Prevention12:41 Yes, You Should Still Lift Weights — Here's How28:38 How and When to Increase Your Calories36:23 Climbing the Mountain: Mastering the MindsetGUEST: HATTIE BOYDLEWebsite | Instagram | Podcast | Coaching | Link Tree | CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | X
About Stronger by Design for Women with Michelle MacDonald
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.
Listen to Stronger by Design for Women with Michelle MacDonald, Beyond Survival - The Therapy Podcast with Katie McKenna and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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