In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and MPowered Coaching Collective founder, Maddy Michielssen, is joined by her long-time athlete and two-time overall bikini champion, Alexa Sotere! Together, they dive into the all-too-relatable “Someday” trap — that mindset that convinces you to keep putting off your dreams until the timing feels perfect. Spoiler alert: that perfect moment may never come!

We share personal experiences, practical insights, and actionable steps you can take today to break free from procrastination, stop waiting for the “right time,” and finally start making your goals a reality.

💡 Learn how to: ✅ Identify the hidden fears that keep you stuck ✅ Shift your mindset to take imperfect action ✅ Build momentum with small, manageable steps ✅ Overcome the pressure to be 100% ready before you begin

Your “someday” starts NOW. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back from the life you’ve been dreaming of!

Start today — future you will thank you for it! 💫

💡 Want coaching support? Apply to work with the MPowered Coaching Collective

Whether it’s holistic health, lifestyle coaching, or stepping on stage for your first (or next) competition, our team at MPowered Coaching Collective is here to guide you. Apply for 1:1 coaching today—let’s build the blueprint that works for YOU!

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

📲 Follow us on Instagram & YT :

Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with MPowered Coaching Collective here

In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective, Maddy Michielssen, sits down with Dr. Kuhn, founder of Elevate Wellness, to explore the power of acupuncture beyond just pain management.

Dr. Kuhn unpacks the science behind acupuncture, how it optimizes hormones, digestion, autoimmune health, and nervous system regulation, and why it's a game-changer for holistic wellness. We’ll also dive into how acupuncture complements functional medicine, when to integrate it into your health journey, and how Dr. Kuhn uses functional testing to personalize treatments.

If you've ever wondered whether acupuncture is right for you, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in for a deep dive into the synergy between acupuncture, functional medicine, and achieving total-body wellness.

🔗 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend who might need to hear it!

💡 Want coaching support? Apply to work with the MPowered Coaching Collective

Whether it’s holistic health, lifestyle coaching, or stepping on stage for your first (or next) competition, our team at MPowered Coaching Collective is here to guide you. Apply for 1:1 coaching today—let’s build the blueprint that works for YOU!

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

📲 Follow us on Instagram & YT :

Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with MPowered Coaching Collective here

Connect with Dr Kuhn here

What happens when stepping away from the competitive stage doesn’t mean stepping away from the bodybuilding lifestyle? In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, host Maddy Michielssen—IFBB Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective—sits down with Allegra Sims, fellow IFBB Pro, to discuss how they’ve evolved beyond the stage while still embracing the discipline, structure, and passion that bodybuilding instilled in them.

From the sacrifices they made to earn their pro cards to the mindset shifts that led them to redefine their priorities, Maddy and Allegra get real about what it means to transition away from being in season/offseason competitors without losing their identity as athletes. They break down:

💪 The fear of taking a step back—and why it’s not the end of your bodybuilding journey

🏋️‍♀️ How to maintain balance while still training, eating well, and feeling amazing in your body

❤️ The emotional and mental hurdles of embracing new phases of life beyond the stage

If you’ve ever felt torn between competition and the rest of your life, this episode is for you.

🔗 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a fellow competitor who might need to hear this message!

💡 Want coaching support? Apply to work with the MPowered Coaching Collective

Whether it’s holistic health, lifestyle coaching, or stepping on stage for your first (or next) competition, our team at MPowered Coaching Collective is here to guide you. Apply for 1:1 coaching today—let’s build the blueprint that works for YOU!

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

📲 Follow us on Instagram & YT :

Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

Allegra: @Allegra_leigh_ifbbpro

Welcome back to The Psyche Behind the Physique! In this episode, Maddy Michielssen and dives into a game-changing mindset shift—learning to distinguish between ought to, have to, and want to in our lives.

Maddy shares a deeply personal story that forced her to reassess how she was operating—constantly stuck in a cycle of productivity and external obligations, losing sight of what truly mattered. She also discusses a powerful breakthrough with one of her athletes, who transformed her physique and mindset but found herself overwhelmed by external pressures.

In 30 minutes, Maddy unpacks why we often operate from obligation (ought to), how it can derail our goals, and the importance of realigning with our have to (non-negotiables) and want to (what truly fulfills us).

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How to recognize when you’re making choices out of obligation vs. true desire

✅ Why ought to thinking leads to burnout, self-sabotage, and resistance

✅ How shifting to have to and want to mindsets fuels long-term success

✅ Practical steps to realign your goals, whether it’s in fitness, career, or life

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, spread too thin, or stuck in a cycle of doing what you “should” instead of what truly serves you, this episode is for you.

💡 It’s time to stop running on autopilot and start living intentionally.

🔗 Ready to align your goals with your true desires? Whether it’s holistic health, lifestyle coaching, or stepping on stage for your first (or next) competition, our team at MPowered Coaching Collective is here to guide you. Apply for 1:1 coaching today—let’s build the blueprint that works for YOU!

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

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠ | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Your feedback helps us create episodes that support YOU on your journey.

👉 Tune in, take inventory of your life, and start living in alignment.

For years, both Alexa and I have navigated the challenges of amenorrhea, and in this episode, we’ll share our journeys to recovery, the pivotal role your cycle plays in overall health, and why it’s so much more than just fertility. From discussing the science behind hormonal balance to sharing mindset shifts, actionable tips, and lifestyle strategies, this episode is packed with everything you need to start reclaiming your health and vitality.

If you’re struggling with hormonal imbalances, feel overwhelmed by the thought of change, or just want to understand why a regular cycle is a reflection of optimal health, this episode is for you.

💬 Ready to take the next step? Let us help you navigate your unique journey, whether you're working through functional health complications, wanting to lose body fat, gain muscle, or step on stage the MPowered Coaching Collective has a spot for you. Join us and become a better student of your body—because you only get one!

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for new episodes every other Saturday.

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠ | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: Alexalift

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

In this inspiring episode, host Maddy Michielssen, IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective, is joined by two-time overall bikini champion Alexa Sotere to discuss the emotional and mental intricacies of breaking out of "the cycle" as a competitor.

🎙 Through personal stories, pivotal moments, and practical insights, Maddy and Alexa explore:

• The allure and challenges of staying "in the cycle" and why stepping out feels so daunting.
• How routine and control can serve us, but also hinder growth when they become fear disguised as discipline.
• The importance of balance, self-trust, and making intentional decisions around food, training, and life.
• Practical tips for navigating extremes, building self-trust, and redefining indulgences as part of the experience.

Through relatable analogies, like their NYC trip and the "Cake, Cookies, and Bergdorf’s" discussion, Maddy and Alexa shed light on how letting go of perfectionism and embracing flexibility can lead to greater fulfillment and progress🗽

Ready to take the next step in your own journey? Whether you’re just starting with weight loss, working on functional health, or stepping into competition prep, the MPowered Coaching Collective has a spot for you. Join us and become a better student of your body—because you only get one!

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for new episodes every other Saturday.

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠ | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: Alexalift

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

This week, host Maddy Michielssen, IFBB Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective, dives into one of her most transformative rituals—one she’s been practicing every December for the past five years. This simple yet powerful exercise will help you reflect on the past year, uncover invaluable insights, and gain clarity on your goals for 2025.

Through six thoughtfully crafted questions, Maddy guides you on a journey of self-reflection that reveals where you are now and where you truly want to go next. Along the way, she shares personal stories, including a life lesson from a pitch-black mountain road in California, and offers a framework to stop, start, and continue habits that align with your authentic path.

🎙 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of reflection before setting meaningful goals.
• How to align your goals with your "what" and "why" for lasting motivation.
• A practical approach to identifying what to stop, continue, and start in the new year.
• How to create resolutions with deeply personal, intrinsic meaning.

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you enter 2025 with purpose and empowerment. Plus, Maddy’s reflections on her own growth and the expansion of MPowered Coaching Collective will inspire you to take the reins of your health and well-being.

💡 Ready to reflect, recalibrate, and create a year that feels authentically you? Tune in now and take the first step toward living well in 2025!

Ready to take the next step in your own journey? Whether you’re just starting with weight loss, working on functional health, or stepping into competition prep, the MPowered Coaching Collective has a spot for you. Join us and become a better student of your body—because you only get one!

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for new episodes every Saturday.

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠ | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, host Maddy Michielssen, IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective, dives into the parallels between running and pursuing health and fitness goals. Inspired by her experiences at a local run club, Maddy shares five transformative lessons that apply to any journey—whether you’re chasing a pro card, recovering from burnout, or striving for a healthier lifestyle.

She explores how mindset shapes success, the dangers of comparison, and the importance of pacing yourself to avoid burnout. You’ll learn how to focus on your unique goals, invest in the right tools and support, and define your own finish line without letting fear or outside influences pull you off course.

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you find peace in your progress and celebrate the steps you’re taking toward your healthiest, happiest self.

🎙️ Tune in to reflect, reset, and reclaim your path to success.

Ready to take the next step in your own journey? Whether you’re just starting with weight loss, working on functional health, or stepping into competition prep, the MPowered Coaching Collective has a spot for you. Join us and become a better student of your body—because you only get one!

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for new episodes every Saturday.

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠ | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective, Maddy Michielssen, breaks down why relying on willpower might be holding you back from true progress. With the holidays in full swing, it’s tempting to lean on grit and determination to stick to your goals, but willpower alone is a limited resource—and one that often leaves us feeling burnt out.

Maddy dives into practical strategies to replace willpower with actionable habits that create lasting consistency, including:

• The power of planning and preparation to stay on track.
• How to establish calm, productive morning and evening routines (a.k.a. "beautify your bookends").
• Developing healthier coping mechanisms to manage stress without turning to food, alcohol, or avoidance.
• Why celebrating small wins is essential to staying motivated and avoiding burnout.

This episode is your permission slip to ditch the "all-or-nothing" mindset and embrace a more sustainable, compassionate approach to your health and fitness goals. Tune in for actionable advice, inspiring insights, and a fresh perspective on staying consistent during busy seasons.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for new episodes every Saturday.

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠ | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ready to take your journey to the next level?Book a 1-on-1 discovery call using the link below or connect with Maddy on Instagram at @madsmichiefitness to learn more about coaching opportunities.

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

Welcome to The Psyche Behind the Physique with your host, Maddy Michielssen—IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective! This week’s episode dives into the holiday season, a time that should be filled with joy and connection but often becomes a battleground for perfectionism and self-doubt.

Maddy shares personal insights and actionable strategies to help you break free from food-related anxieties, embrace balance, and cultivate self-trust. From shifting your mindset and redefining nourishment to savoring the moments that matter most, you’ll learn how to truly thrive this holiday season.

Whether you're worried about maintaining your goals, navigating holiday gatherings, or simply showing up for yourself with love and compassion, this episode is your step-by-step guide to feeling empowered, confident, and present.

Let’s redefine success this season and make it your most fulfilling one yet. 💖

🎙️ Tune in for actionable insights, personal stories, and a call to balance in your wellness journey.

Ready to take the next step in your own journey? Whether you’re just starting with weight loss, working on functional health, or stepping into competition prep, the MPowered Coaching Collective has a spot for you. Join us and become a better student of your body—because you only get one!

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for new episodes every Saturday.

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠ | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

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