Stronger by Design for Women with Michelle MacDonald

Aging STRONGER Starts Here | David Stewart

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 Longevity7:32 How HRV Can Help You Train Smarter13:28 Using Breathwork and Body Awareness to Recharge18:19 The Two Core Beliefs That Hold People Back "You are the sum of the five people around you—choose wisely."GUEST: DAVID STEWARTAgeist Magazine | Super Age | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | You Tube | FacebookDavid 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 MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | XMichelle 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 Leave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald 

Resilience is AGELESS | David Stewart

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 Culture4:54 Hospitalized at 49: A Life-Changing Health Crisis13:11 Hard Isn't Impossible: Rebuilding Strength at Any Age23:05 Reinvention is Real: Creating Your Next Chapter"Our greatest obstacle is our poverty of imagination about what’s possible." - David StewartGUEST: DAVID STEWARTAgeist Magazine | Super Age | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | You Tube | FacebookDavid 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 MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | XMichelle 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 PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeLeave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald 

Lessons Learned from Contest Prep | 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

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

Healing Isn’t Pretty—But It’s Powerful | Tiffany Owen

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