In this special episode, I’m joined by someone who’s known me longer than anyone—my mom. Together, we’re diving into a topic that most people avoid but desperately need: criticism.

Let’s be real—being coachable is a skill. And in a world that glamorizes “protecting your peace” and tuning out the noise, it’s easy to write off all feedback as hate. But what if learning to receive criticism with curiosity—not defensiveness—was your secret weapon for next-level growth?

We talk about:

• How to know whose feedback to actually listen to
• Why not all criticism is created equal (and how to spot the red flags)
• What your reaction to feedback might be revealing about you
• How being coached—truly coached—forces you to level up in business, fitness, and life

Plus, some behind-the-scenes stories from my own journey—like what my HYROX training taught me about being humbled, how post-show critiques shaped my mindset, and why feedback from my mom still hits the hardest (in the best way).

Because criticism isn’t cruelty—it’s information. And if you’re ready to grow, this episode is your permission slip to stop taking things personally… and start taking them seriously.

⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health

🎧 Love what you heard?

👉 Rate, review, and follow the show so we can keep bringing you conversations that matter.

📲 DM Me: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find me on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

Healing and high performance can coexist.