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PODCAST

The Psyche Behind the Physique

Maddy Michielssen

Welcome to "The Psyche behind the Physique," the podcast led by IFBB Bikini Pro and Team MPowered Fitness head coach, Maddy Michielssen. Aimed at lifestyle and bodybuilding athletes, this podcast offers tips, inspiring stories, and practical advice to enhance your mindset, physique, and preserve your longevity as an athlete. Whether prepping for a competition or pursuing a healthier lifestyle, join Maddy and guests as they share experiences and insights to keep you motivated & connected. Tune in

health & fitness fitness

All Episodes

71:42

She Quit Bodybuilding & Got Fitter: Sobriety, Hybrid...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/10/25

In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy sits down with friend and fellow athlete Paige Michael, RN, to talk about what really happens when you outgrow the bodybuilding identity and step into a life rooted in balance, strength, and longevity.Both former competitors, Maddy and Paige open up about the years spent chasing perfection—rigid macros, two-a-day training, and the illusion that more discipline always equals more results. They share how stepping away from extremes became the

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58:33

No Time, No Routine, Still Progress: The Busy Girl’s...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/10/11

What do red-eye flights and bikini preps have in common? More than you think. In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, host Maddy Michielssen (IFBB Bikini Pro & Founder of MPowered Coaching Collective) sits down with her client Kait — an airline pilot, athlete, and just days from her first OCB bikini show — to unpack how preparation and adaptability outrun even the busiest schedule.From living on reserve and landing red-eyes from Hawaii, to food going bad in hotel fridges, rolled

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58:49

When the Race Doesn’t Go as Planned: Resilience in...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/09/27

What do marathons and bodybuilding preps have in common? More than you think. In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, host Maddy Michielssen (IFBB Bikini Pro & Founder of MPowered Coaching Collective) sits down with her friend Corin — marathon runner, coach at Run Unlimited, and Booty Gym trainer — to unpack the highs, lows, and mental grit it takes to push past your limits.From prepping for hills while living in flat Florida, to blowing out her quads on a downhill stretch, to

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62:18

The Company You Keep — Building a Circle That Fuels...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/09/13

In this heartfelt conversation, host Madison Michielssen (IFBB Bikini Pro; founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective) sits down with her close friend Savannah—former personal trainer turned lifestyle athlete—to unpack how the company you keep can elevate (or erode) your health. From leaving bodybuilding’s “grind at all costs” mindset to finding community in St. Pete through Brickyard classes, run clubs, and church, they explore why friendships influence what you eat, how you move, how you manage

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61:12

Beyond the Stage: How Life Alignment Fuels Fitness...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/08/30

What happens when you stop trying to juggle it all — and start aligning your life instead? In this episode, I sit down with MPowered athlete Dani Henderson, a mom of two and wife who’s just weeks away from stepping back on stage for her second bodybuilding season. Dani’s story goes far beyond macros and training: it’s about learning to slow down, redefine identity, strengthen her marriage, and show up fully as a mom — all while thriving in one of the most demanding sports out there.If you’ve ever

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81:06

Where Physique Goals Meet Functional Health:...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/08/16

What if the secret to building your dream physique wasn’t more workouts or stricter dieting — but actually slowing down, listening to your body, and supporting it from the inside out?In this episode, IFBB Bikini Pro, functional nutritionist, and founder of The MPowered Coaching Collective, Maddy Michielssen, joins 1st Optimal founder, Joe Miller, to unpack the myths holding women back from true hormonal balance and lasting results. We dive into:The truth about women’s hormones (and why “just deal

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53:50

Burnout, Boundaries, and the Power of the Pivot

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/08/02

This episode is your permission slip to pause. Whether you're deep in prep or simply trying to stay afloat in your fitness journey, The Psyche Behind the Physique is diving deep into the whispers of burnout—before they turn into screams.Maddy is joined by powerhouse coach and athlete Sham Haynes for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the emotional unraveling that can happen when we operate from misalignment, not authenticity. Together, they explore:What burnout really feels like (and how to

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54:59

The Burnout Myth: Grit, Grace & Growing Without...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/07/19

In this powerful and refreshingly real episode, Madison Michielssen sits down with Jodi Stabile, founder of Sweat in St. Pete, to unpack the unspoken truth behind burnout, balance, and building a life that actually fits you. Whether you're a high-achiever spinning ten plates, a fitness junkie stuck in go-mode, or a woman wondering if it’s okay to just slow down—this conversation is going to hit home.Jodi shares her journey from dance and martial arts to running one of Florida’s top-rated fitness

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37:12

Different Phases, Same Page: Navigating Your Season...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/07/05

In this honest, reflective episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and MPowered Coaching Collective founder Maddy Michielssen unpacks a struggle many women face: how to stay committed to your goals when the people closest to you are in a totally different phase. 🌀Fresh off a trip to LA with assistant coach Alexa—one in a cut, one in a build—Maddy dives into what it means to hold your own when others are in a different season. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or your gym crew,

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51:55

When Life Calms Down…: Why You Can’t Wait for the...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/06/21

In this honest, empowering episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and MPowered Coaching Collective founder Maddy Michielssen sits down with her athlete Haley Morfin to tackle a mindset trap many high-achieving women fall into: waiting for life to “calm down” before they commit to themselves. 🎯💭If you've ever caught yourself saying, “I’ll get back on track after this trip…” If your routine only feels sacred when it’s easy to follow… If your progress feels stalled by the chaos of

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43:08

The Art of Taking Criticism

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/06/07

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

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75:26

Not Just a Vibe: The Science, Systems & Sanity Behind...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/05/24

🎙️ In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and MPowered Coaching Collective founder Maddy Michielssen is joined by head assistant coach, wellness girlie, and two-time bikini overall champion Alexa Sotere for a raw, refreshing conversation on what it really means to be a “hot girl” in today’s wellness culture.We’re pulling back the curtain on the curated aesthetics, image-driven routines, and influencer habits that flood your feed — and replacing them with grounded,

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46:20

Coping, Control, and the Fitness Trap: When Healthy...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/05/10

In this raw, reflective episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, host Maddy Michielssen—IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective—is joined by licensed mental health counselor and fellow competitor Claudia Mayes to explore a topic that’s rarely discussed in the fitness world, but deeply felt: when control, discipline, and “doing everything right” become your way of avoiding what hurts. 🧠🏋️‍♀️If you’ve ever said, “I’m fine” while silently unraveling…If your structure,

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69:36

Vacation Mode Without the Meltdown: How to Travel,...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/04/26

In this heartfelt and practical episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy Michielssen, IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective, is joined by two-time overall bikini champ and longtime athlete Alexa Sotere. Together, they peel back the layers on a topic that hits home for so many: the fear of losing progress while on vacation. 🌴💪If you’ve ever stressed about food, fitness, or falling off track while traveling—this one’s for you. Maddy and Alexa dive into:Where fear of

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69:38

Prep vs. Pause: The Psychology of Knowing When to...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/04/12

In this full-circle episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and MPowered Coaching Collective Founder Maddy Michielssen is joined by the one and only Celeste Rains-Turk—mental health counselor, author, and the voice behind Confessions of a Bikini Pro.Together, they dive deep into what it really looks like to enjoy a prep, how to know when it’s time for an offseason, and how to hold space for your evolving identity as an athlete outside of show day.Whether you’re in a prep, in a

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36:43

Unlocking the Mind-Muscle Connection: Motivation,...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/03/29

In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, host Maddy Michielssen, IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective, is joined by Gregge Stewart, a seasoned neurolinguistic programming coach and a trusted guide in her own personal journey.Together, they dive deep into the powerful link between mindset and success in fitness, bodybuilding, and life. From navigating relationship struggles and competition prep to embracing major life changes, Gregge shares invaluable insights on

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59:39

The “Someday” Trap - Delaying Your Dreams and How You...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/03/15

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

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44:56

Beyond the Needles: How Acupuncture Transforms Health...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/03/01

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

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75:47

Beyond the Stage: Embracing the Bodybuilding...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/02/15

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

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28:07

Ought To, Have To, Want To: The Art of Living in...

The Psyche Behind the Physique ·

2025/02/01

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

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