What would happen if you treated your midlife like the start of your athletic prime?

Michelle MacDonald sits down with longtime client and PR executive Jodi Echakowitz to uncover how one woman redefined her relationship with health, aging, and ambition. From a scary brush with brain fog during perimenopause to transforming her body, mindset, and daily habits, Jodi shares how prioritizing her health not only gave her a new physique but a new life. Together, they unpack what real consistency looks like for women who travel, work, parent…and still make time to train like athletes. They also discuss Jodi’s decision to pursue cosmetic surgery after extreme weight loss, what self-discipline actually feels like in real life, and how chasing excellence, rather than perfection, is the most joyful form of self-respect. It's a masterclass in midlife reinvention.

Favorite Moments

• 1:48 Redefining Consistency on the Road and Under Pressure
• 5:21 “I thought I had early-onset Alzheimer’s”
• 11:24 The Trifecta of Transformation: Mindset, Nutrition, and Strength
• 43:40 Why the Gym is Her Meditation Now

"Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change." – Jodi Echakowitz

GUEST: JODI ECHAKOWITZ, FOUNDER & CEO OF BOULEVARD PUBLIC RELATIONS

Instagram | LinkedIn | Website | X | Website

Full Guest Bio:
Jodi Echakowitz is the founder and CEO of Boulevard Public Relations, a leading tech PR agency based in Toronto. With decades of experience in strategic communications, she’s built a career helping innovative companies tell their stories.

In her 50s, Jodi transformed her own story—losing 55 pounds, reclaiming her health, and embracing strength training as a non-negotiable part of life. Now a passionate advocate for women’s health in midlife, she leads with the mindset of an athlete and proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

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Full 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 moth

https://events.thewonderwomen.com/

Join The Wonder Women for a transformational week in Tulum, Mexico at the Amansala Resort & Spa. This retreat blends fitness, mindset, and community to help you reset your body, restore your energy, and reignite your confidence. Learn, move, and connect in paradise, with the women who understand your journey.

What if your brain is the reason your goals aren’t sticking and there’s a science-backed way to fix it?

Michelle MacDonald welcomes back neuroscience-based practitioner and communication expert Michelle Baty for a powerful conversation on the Neurology of Goal Setting. As the creator of the Neuroscience of Coaching, Baty breaks down why most goals fail, not due to laziness, but due to overlooked neurological barriers. Together, they explore the 3 critical brain-based elements of effective goal pursuit, the What, Why, and How, and the 4 nervous system triggers that sabotage follow-through. This episode blends personal growth, a fitness mindset, and practical neuroscience into a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is actionable. Whether you're a coach or someone chasing change, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a roadmap that actually works.

Favorite Moments

• 1:34 The Brain Needs Specific Targets: Why Vagueness Destroys Progress
• 14:28 Everyone’s in Survival Mode—Start Coaching Like It
• 27:13 The Push-Pull Neurology Behind Motivation and Meaning
• 53:19 The Quick Goal-Setting Audit Every Woman Needs

“The best coaches out there have suffered. They’ve wrestled with things. They have deep, personal insight on top of professional skills. That’s when we win.” – Michelle Baty

GUEST: MICHELLE BATY, NEUROPSYCH PRAC (IFS, PVT, SE)

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Neuroscience of Coaching Instagram | Website

Full Guest Bio:
Michelle Baty is a neuroscience-based practitioner, communication expert, and founder of The Neuroscience of Coaching. With nearly two decades of experience, she helps high-performing coaches, athletes, and leaders break through mental barriers using brain-based strategies and precision communication. Michelle is known for translating complex neuroscience into practical tools that drive sustainable transformation, personal growth, and a powerful coaching mindset.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

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Full 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 e

https://events.thewonderwomen.com/

Join The Wonder Women for a transformational week in Tulum, Mexico at the Amansala Resort & Spa. This retreat blends fitness, mindset, and community to help you reset your body, restore your energy, and reignite your confidence. Learn, move, and connect in paradise, with the women who understand your journey.

What if your strength training routine is doing more harm than good—without you even realizing it?

Michelle MacDonald welcomes Dr. Tony Boutagy, one of Australia's most respected strength and conditioning educators. With decades of experience and over 50,000 programs written, Dr. Boutagy dives deep into how women can train smarter, not harder, through movement literacy, mobility assessments, and intelligent programming. From debunking trendy fitness myths to explaining why personalized training should trump gender-based advice, this conversation is packed with gold for any woman looking to build strength, maintain joint health, and cultivate a healthy, empowered mindset in midlife and beyond.

Favorite Moments

• 1:52 Mastering Movement: The Real Reason to Assess Your Body
• 10:41 Why Women Aren’t Inflexible—They’re Just Weak in the End Ranges
• 19:01 How to Know When to Progress Your Training
• 36:13 The Hidden Signs You're Out-Training Your Recovery

"Your program should be symptom-based, not gender-based—because good training principles work for everyone." - Dr. Tony Boutagy

GUEST: TONY BOUTAGY

Website | Courses | Instagram | YouTube | X | Facebook

Full Guest Bio:
Dr. Tony Boutagy is a PhD-qualified Exercise Physiologist and one of Australia’s most respected strength and conditioning experts. With over 25 years of experience and more than 50,000 sessions delivered, Tony has written programs for elite athletes across 24 sports and is renowned for his science-based, practical approach to training. He’s a longtime educator, having lectured at multiple universities and at Australia’s largest fitness conference, FILEX, for 17 consecutive years. Tony also runs one of the country’s longest-standing internship programs and continues to lead in coaching, education, and industry development.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

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Full 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:

https://events.thewonderwomen.com/

Join The Wonder Women for a transformational week in Tulum, Mexico at the Amansala Resort & Spa. This retreat blends fitness, mindset, and community to help you reset your body, restore your energy, and reignite your confidence. Learn, move, and connect in paradise, with the women who understand your journey.

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 Moments

• 5:09 How to Strategically Choose the Right Competition for Your Physique
• 10:54 When to Postpone Your Show—and Why It Might Save Your Season
• 24:42 The Biggest Mistake Women Make During Improvement Season
• 1:11:20 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 CHAMPION

Instagram | Talum Strength Club | Facebook | FMG Show Registration | Tickets to FMG Mexico

Full 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 MICHELLE

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Full 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

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 Moments

• 1:57 When Are You Really Ready for a Bodybuilding Contest?
• 7:48 Why Mindset Outranks Genetics in Women’s Bodybuilding Success
• 20:54 How the Off-Season Builds Muscle and Mental Strength
• 43:21 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 BODYBUILDER

LVFIT Website | 1-1 LVFIT Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | Podcast | Natural Bodybuilding Worldwide | TikTok

Full 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 MICHELLE

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Full 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 countl

https://events.thewonderwomen.com/

Join The Wonder Women for a transformational week in Tulum, Mexico at the Amansala Resort & Spa. This retreat blends fitness, mindset, and community to help you reset your body, restore your energy, and reignite your confidence. Learn, move, and connect in paradise, with the women who understand your journey.

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 Health
• 7:05 The Hidden Link Between Sleep Loss and Long-Term Health span
• 13:18 Why Sleep Problems in Women Are Dismissed and Misunderstood
• 29:38 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 + HEALTH

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Newsletter

Full 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 MICHELLE

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Full 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:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

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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 Take

11:27 Why Women Shouldn’t Fear Cholesterol Meds—Or Estrogen

21:50 Think You Feel Fine? Your Blood Pressure Might Say Otherwise

34:56 The Shocking Truth About Thin Women and Muscle Loss

"You can feel good, but that’s not the same as measuring." – Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss

GUEST: DR. AMY LOUIS-BAYLISS BHSc, MD, FRCP©, CEO LUME WOMEN + HEALTH

Website | Contact | LinkedIn | Instagram | Newsletter

Full 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 MICHELLE

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Full 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:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

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 Engagement
• 19:38 Why Knowledge Alone Doesn’t Change Behavior
• 46:12 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 | Facebook

Full 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 MICHELLE

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Full 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:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube