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.

🎙️ 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, health-forward rituals that actually support your hormones, nervous system, and long-term vitality.

💡 Together, we unpack:

✅ The difference between image-driven choices and health-forward habits

✅ Our personal experiences chasing aesthetic goals at the expense of internal health

✅ Daily rituals that fuel energy, confidence, and peace — without perfection

✅ How to tell if your habits are helping or harming your hormones

✅ What nervous system regulation, nourishing meals, and true recovery really look like

✅ The real hot girl routine — and why it starts with internal safety, not external pressure

Whether you're in a growth phase, reverse diet, lifestyle shift, or just sick of burnout disguised as “discipline,” this episode is your permission slip to do things differently. Because the hottest girls aren’t the most depleted — they’re the most regulated.

🧠 Ready to glow from the inside out? Your wellness routine just got an upgrade.

💡 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

Alexa: @Alexalift

Connect with MPowered Coaching Collective here

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, tracking, or strict routines bring both comfort and chaos…

If you’ve wondered whether your healthiest habits are helping—or just hiding your pain…

This one’s for you.

Together, Maddy and Claudia unpack:

• What coping really means—and how it often disguises itself as “success”
• Why fitness can become a trauma response in high-functioning women
• The warning signs that your structure is actually self-protection
• How to shift from numbing or overcontrolling into genuine healing
• Practical tools to regulate, reconnect, and rebuild with compassion

From thought traps to trauma-informed strategies, this episode doesn’t hold back. Whether you’re a coach, competitor, or everyday woman trying to hold it all together—this is your invitation to pause, feel, and heal. 💛

⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find her on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

💻 Feeling called to work together? Apply now for 1:1 coaching here or connect with Claudia at @claudia_gotgoals

Healing and high performance can coexist.

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 vacation weight gain really comes from (hint: it’s not just the food)
• How to mentally prime yourself before a trip for success and freedom
• Real talk on body confidence, food freedom vs food control, and staying grounded away from your routine
• Tangible tools to stay connected to your goals without guilt, overthinking, or all-or-nothing spirals

Whether you're jet-setting across the globe or just trying to survive your in-laws’ beach rental food choices—this episode will remind you that your progress isn’t fragile, and your health doesn’t go on hold just because you’re out of town.

Love what you heard today?

🎧 👉 Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show so we can keep delivering real, raw, and empowering episodes every other week.

📲 DM us on Instagram with your favorite takeaway or what you want to hear next

💻 Want to take your mindset, health, and physique to the next level this summer? Apply now for our Spring Cleanup 8-week program – only ONE spot left! We start May 1st. Winner gets 90 days FREE 1:1 coaching. 👏

Let’s leave behind the burnout and build confidence that travels with you. ✈️💛

💡 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 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 pause, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge the “all or nothing” mindset and help you build a more sustainable, compassionate approach to competing. You’ll hear honest reflections, mindset shifts, and tangible tools to help you navigate the gray area that so many athletes fear—and where true growth often begins.

🎧 Listen in for:

• Signs your body (or mind) is craving an offseason
• How to find joy in prep without burning out
• Why “season neutrality” is the ultimate flex
• Unpacking the hidden pressure of needing to look the part
• How to emotionally navigate post-show body changes with grace

💌 Loved today’s conversation? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow athlete or competitor who needs 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

Connect with MPowered Coaching Collective here

💬 Want to work with Celeste or explore her self-guided programs? Find all her offerings at celestial.fit and follow her on IG @celestial_fit.

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 harnessing motivation, rewriting self-narratives, and cultivating a supportive environment for growth.

Whether you’re striving for your dream physique, working on building healthier habits, or seeking clarity in your goals, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to unlock your inner potential. Tune in to discover how the stories you tell yourself can shape your reality — and how to rewrite them for lasting success.

💡 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 Gregge Stewart here

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