The Psyche Behind the Physique

The Psyche Behind the Physique

by Maddy Michielssen

Fitness Mental Health

Season 1

Beyond the Needles: How Acupuncture Transforms Health with Dr. Kuhn

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

Beyond the Stage: Embracing the Bodybuilding Lifestyle Without the Rigidity

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

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

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.

The Cycle of Empowerment: Regaining Your Period and Reclaiming Your Health

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

Cookies, Cake, & Berdgorf's | Breaking the cycle & learning to trust yourself

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

Pause, Reflect, Propel: 6 Questions to Redefine Your 2025 Goals

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

Run Your Own Race: Finding Joy and Fulfillment in Your Fitness Journey

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

A Holiday Mindset Reset: How to Thrive This Season Without Stress or Guilt

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

Rooted in Wellness: How Holistic Health Transforms Athletes and Everyday Lives

In this heartfelt episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy Michielssen is joined by a very special guest—her mother, Terry—to explore the transformative power of holistic health in fitness and life. Together, they dive into Terry’s journey with natural medicine, how it influenced Maddy’s coaching philosophy, and the essential balance of mind, body, and spirit in achieving lasting success. From navigating corporate stress to overcoming chronic health challenges, Terry shares her insights on blending natural and allopathic approaches for optimal well-being. Maddy reflects on her own struggles, including an eating disorder and hormone imbalances, and how functional medicine helped her heal and redefine success as an IFBB Pro. Listeners will gain practical takeaways on incorporating holistic self-care, trusting the process, and applying these principles to any goal—whether it’s weight loss, regaining a cycle, or earning a pro card. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that will empower you to rethink your approach to health and fitness. 🎙️ 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

Rewiring After the Stage: The Mental & Physical Challenge of Reverse Dieting

In this week’s episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Pro and head coach Maddy Michielssen sits down with her athlete and friend, Miki, fresh off her first competition stage. Together, they tackle a topic often overlooked yet crucial for competitors: the mental and physical challenges of reverse dieting post-show. From the science behind neural pathways in prep to the struggle of re-establishing a healthy relationship with food after intense discipline, Maddy and Miki share invaluable insights. Miki opens up about the unexpected challenges she faced reversing with a healthy food mindset, while Maddy provides tips for rewiring the brain, maintaining accountability, and navigating the emotional highs and lows of this phase. They discuss the importance of a supportive coach in the reverse journey and practical strategies to stay grounded and disciplined. Whether you're in a reverse, prepping, or aiming to strengthen your relationship with food, this episode offers guidance, science-backed strategies, and encouragement to keep progressing. 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 Team MPowered for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health

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