What’s the truth about protein, strength training, and women’s health past 40?

Michelle MacDonald is joined by world-renowned muscle metabolism expert, Dr. Stuart Phillips, a leading researcher from McMaster University. They dive deep into what women over 40 need to know about muscle loss, optimal protein intake, and the truth about strength training. Dr.Phillips shares the science behind aging and metabolism, dispels persistent fitness myths, and explains how to actually preserve muscle and stay powerful into your fifties and beyond. The duo share tips for anyone serious about cultivating a healthy mindset, building a fitness mindset, and pursuing sustainable personal growth through evidence-based training and nutrition. 

Favorite Moments:
0:12 Why most women aren't lifting — and why that’s a bigger problem

6:43 The real recommended protein intake for women over 40

13:56 What the research actually says about 40g of protein post-workout

33:11 The quality of life case for building strength and power after 40 

"I'm more afraid of women not lifting weights at all than I am of them lifting the wrong way."

GUEST: DR. STUART PHILLIPS 

McMaster University | X | Linktree | Instagram 

Dr. Stuart Phillips is a distinguished professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health at McMaster University. His research focuses on how nutrition and exercise impact skeletal muscle protein turnover, especially in the context of aging and sarcopenia. He is also the director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) and the McMaster Centre for Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Research.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

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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

Leave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald 

Are women being misled by flashy fitness trends that ignore the science?

Michelle MacDonald welcomes Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, one of the world’s leading researchers in female exercise physiology. Together, they dismantle popular but unproven trends like cycle syncing, oversimplified menopause nutrition hacks, and hormone-based fear messaging. Lauren explains what the evidence truly says about training, fat loss, and muscle growth for women in all life stages, including the menopause transition. Listeners will walk away with science-backed strategies for building strength, protecting metabolic health, and avoiding common fitness traps. 

Favorite Moments (timestamped bullet points):

• 2:30 From Fitness Professional to Female Physiology Researcher
• 6:44 Why Cycle Syncing Misses the Mark for Strength Training
• 19:46 The Truth About Fat Loss During Menopause
• 28:22 The Trade-Off Between Extreme Leanness and Quality of Life
• 34:42 Why Muscle Growth Matters More Than Constant Fat Loss

“The basics work. Don’t let fear-based or overcomplicated messaging distract you from the fundamentals that build strength and health.”

GUEST: LAUREN COLENSO-SEMPLE

MASS Research Review | LinkedIn | Instagram 

Full Guest Bio:
 I am a muscle physiology researcher and science communicator with a Ph.D. in Integrative Physiology from McMaster University and a M.S. in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida. My work focuses on the influence of ovarian hormones on exercise-induced adaptations. I am also an expert fitness professional with years of practical experience in strength & conditioning and sports nutrition, and I am a co-owner of the MASS Research Review.

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

Leave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald 

What if your most empowered, energized years are still ahead of you? Discover how thriving after 50 isn’t just possible—it’s a strategy.

Michelle MacDonald welcomes back David Stewart, founder of Ageist and Super Age, for part two of their dynamic conversation. A pioneer in the space of modern aging, David shares science-backed insights into optimizing physical health, mental clarity, and personal agency after 50. From strength training and protein intake to managing stress and cultivating a growth-driven community, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring mindset shifts. Perfect for women looking to fuse fitness with personal growth, it’s a powerful reminder that aging well is a skill—and a choice.

Favourite Moments:

3:17 Sleep as the Cornerstone of Longevity

7:32 How HRV Can Help You Train Smarter

13:28 Using Breathwork and Body Awareness to Recharge

18:19 The Two Core Beliefs That Hold People Back

"You are the sum of the five people around you—choose wisely."

GUEST: DAVID STEWART

Ageist Magazine | Super Age | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook

David is a media innovator and a passionate advocate for redefining aging. With decades of experience in high-profile creative work and a bold personal philosophy on living fully, David launched Super Age to champion imagination, curiosity, and the science of living long while living well.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | X

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

Leave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald 

What if everything you've been told about aging is wrong—and your best, boldest chapter is just beginning?

Michelle MacDonald welcomes David Stewart, founder of Ageist and Super Age, a pioneering voice in the pro-aging movement. Once a world-traveling fashion photographer, David’s life was upended by a rare autoimmune disorder at 49. His recovery sparked a mission to redefine aging through fitness, health, and mindset. Michelle and David explore how physicality fuels optimism, the dangers of comfort culture, and how reinvention is not only possible but vital at any age. With decades of wisdom and cutting-edge longevity insights, David shares how to thrive beyond 50 and become the most powerful version of yourself yet.

Favourite Moments:

0:09 The Death Trap of Comfort Culture

4:54 Hospitalized at 49: A Life-Changing Health Crisis

13:11 Hard Isn't Impossible: Rebuilding Strength at Any Age

23:05 Reinvention is Real: Creating Your Next Chapter

"Our greatest obstacle is our poverty of imagination about what’s possible." - David Stewart

GUEST: DAVID STEWART

Ageist Magazine | Super Age | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook

David is a media innovator and a passionate advocate for redefining aging. With decades of experience in high-profile creative work and a bold personal philosophy on living fully, David launched Super Age to champion imagination, curiosity, and the science of living long while living well.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | X

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

Leave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald 

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 FOR

0:32 Redefining failure in the gym as a goal for growth

17:35 “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 progress

41:08 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 USTRZYCKI

Website | Email | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | Posing mobility program | NPC Bikini & Fit Model posing manual

I’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 MICHELLE

Website | 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:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

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 FOR

1:40 Women Are Not Large Mice

11:44 The Problem with “Just Lift Heavy”

23:51 When to Push Through vs. Pull Back in Training

39:57 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, PN1

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook Group

Dr. 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 MICHELLE

Website | 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:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

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 FOR

2:49 The Final Rock Bottom That Sparked a New Life

6:45 The Dangerous High of Extreme Giving

9:09 Why Self-Discipline Is the Purest Form of Self-Love

14:50 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 OWEN

Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTok

Wounded To Warrior: How to Participate in Your Own Rescue Book

Tiffany 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 MICHELLE

Website | 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:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

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 FOR

1:42 From Taboo to Empowered: The Shift in Aesthetic Choices

7:41 Dismantling the Vanity Myth Around Surgery

14:50 Why Social Media Is Misleading Your Expectations

30:51 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 JUGENBURG

Website | Instagram | Six Surgery Instagram

Dr. 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 MICHELLE

Website | 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:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

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 MOMENTS

01:58 The Real Power of Self-Care for Strength Athletes

05:49 Why Core Stability Must Come Before Squats

09:09 Structural Balance: The Secret Sauce to Injury Prevention

12:41 Yes, You Should Still Lift Weights — Here's How

28:38 How and When to Increase Your Calories

36:23 Climbing the Mountain: Mastering the Mindset

GUEST: HATTIE BOYDLE

Website | Instagram | Podcast | Coaching | Link Tree | 

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | X

Want to Build Muscle Like a Pro? Start at Your Feet.  

Hattie Boydle drops truth bombs about what really builds a strong, sculpted physique—and it’s not what most people think. 

Michelle MacDonald sits down with the five-time pro titleholder and elite physique coach to explore why intensity trumps volume, how weak feet might be killing your glute gains, and why a proper movement screen is essential before adding load. 

Hattie dives deep into beginner vs. advanced training phases, how to assess true effort, and the misunderstood magic of training at maintenance before going into a bulk. 

If you think you’re lifting hard but not seeing results, this one will flip your training script.

Leave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald 

KEY MOMENTS

08:24 – Glutes Start in Your Feet: The Real Foundation of Strength

16:42 – Overtraining, Undereating: The Recipe for a Plateau

20:18 – Reps, Volume, and the Real Science of Hypertrophy

29:16 – Train With Intent: Every Set, Every Rep

GUEST: HATTIE BOYDLE

Website | Instagram | Podcast | Coaching | Link Tree | 

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | X