Softening to Heal: Why Letting Go Was the Hardest Thing I Ever Did

Understanding Yourself to Transform Yourself: Leveraging Strengths in a World That Tells You to Fix Yourself

What if the patterns you’ve been trying to “fix”… aren’t flaws at all—but misapplied strengths? In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy sits down with Brandon Miller, CEO and co-founder of 34 Strong and certified Gallup CliftonStrengths coach, to explore how understanding the way you’re wired can completely transform the way you approach health, fitness, and personal growth. So many high-performing women pride themselves on discipline, drive, and high standards—but underneath that often lives burnout, self-criticism, comparison, and a constant pressure to do more. This conversation unpacks why those patterns aren’t random—and how they may actually be rooted in your greatest strengths operating in their “basement” rather than their “balcony.” Maddy shares her personal experience working with Brandon, and how learning her own strengths helped her release guilt, build self-awareness, and create more alignment in both her life and her coaching. Together, they break down how this work applies directly to the patterns Maddy sees every day in her clients—from overtraining and under-eating to impatience, comparison, and the inability to slow down. This episode will help you understand: * Why focusing on strengths is more powerful than fixing weaknesses * What “balcony vs. basement” means—and how it shows up in your life * The psychology behind overtraining, control, and self-criticism * Why some women struggle more with comparison and impatience * How self-awareness can improve both your mental and physical results * Practical ways to start working with yourself instead of against yourself If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right—but still feel stuck, frustrated, or disconnected—this episode will help you see yourself in a completely new way. 🎯 Inside 1:1 coaching at MPowered Coaching Collective, we don’t just focus on your physique—we help you rebuild your body, your hormones, and your relationship with yourself from the inside out. Apply to work with us 1:1 below. Join HERE [https://7tn2xkpyewb.typeform.com/to/YIdmFGpN]. 📲 Connect with @madsmichiefitness [https://www.instagram.com/madsmichiefitness/] on IG with your biggest takeaway or topic requests 🔗 Take your Clifton Strengths Assessment HERE [https://34strong.com/about-us/] (Click Discover Your Top 5 Strengths) and listen to Coach to Coach HERE [https://open.spotify.com/show/4x3lRGdqElHUBdWes7oqNe?si=fc401e7bb4654a48]

Last to First: What the Kentucky Derby Can Teach You About Confidence, Strategy, and Finishing Strong

What if your past results aren’t proof you’re not capable… but proof you’ve been running the wrong race? In this solo episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy breaks down the 2026 Kentucky Derby upset where Golden Tempo came from last place to win at 23–1 odds—and uses it as a powerful metaphor for your own health and fitness journey. From starting at the “back of the pack,” to changing strategy mid-race, to conserving energy and executing a fierce late finish, this story becomes a lens for how women approach fat loss phases, preps, reverses, and long-term transformation. Maddy dives into why so many high-performing women quietly count themselves out before they even begin, giving more power to old evidence than to who they are now. She unpacks the difference between belief and fantasy, urgency and strategy, grit and good design—and why “trying harder” isn’t the same as running a smarter race. In this episode, you’ll explore: * Why your past attempts don’t have to define your identity * The danger of turning failed outcomes into a personal verdict * How “coming out of the gates blazing” leads to burnout and inconsistency * Why foundation work (maintenance, reverse dieting, muscle building) is not wasted time * How to remove unnecessary friction so success feels more sustainable * The mindset traps that make you self-sabotage near the “finish line” * How comparison pulls you out of your lane and ruins your own strategy * What it looks like to steward your goals instead of trying to control everything If you’ve ever felt behind, embarrassed by how many times you’ve restarted, or tempted to assume “it always goes this way for me,” this episode will challenge that narrative—and invite you to run this race differently. 🎯Inside 1:1 coaching at MPowered Coaching Collective, we don’t just focus on your physique—we help you rebuild your body, your hormones, and your relationship with yourself from the inside out. Apply to work with us 1:1 below. Join HERE [https://7tn2xkpyewb.typeform.com/to/YIdmFGpN]. 📲 DM @madsmichiefitness [https://www.instagram.com/madsmichiefitness/] to connect or share your biggest takeaways and topic requests!

Softening to Heal: Why Letting Go Was the Hardest Thing I Ever Did

What if the very thing you’ve been praised for your entire life… is the very thing quietly holding you back? In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy sits down with Kate Hastings to unpack the concept of “softening”—and why it may be the missing piece for so many high-performing women. From being raised to push harder, achieve more, and stay in control… to living in a constant state of stress, rigidity, and disconnection—this conversation explores what happens when strength becomes survival, and survival becomes a prison. Maddy shares her personal journey through burnout, hormonal dysfunction, and loss of her cycle—and how learning to soften, slow down, and rebuild trust with her body ultimately led to true healing. Kate expands on this through the lens of identity, femininity, and emotional safety—highlighting how many women have only ever known how to operate in “go mode,” and why stepping out of that can feel unfamiliar, even unsafe. This episode will help you understand: * The hidden cost of always being “on” * Signs you may be stuck in a chronic stress or control pattern * How nervous system regulation impacts hormones and overall health * The difference between discipline and self-trust * Practical ways to begin softening without losing yourself If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right—but still not feeling your best—this conversation is for you. 🎯Inside 1:1 coaching at MPowered Coaching Collective, we don’t just focus on your physique—we help you rebuild your body, your hormones, and your relationship with yourself from the inside out.Apply to work with us 1:1 below. Join HERE [https://7tn2xkpyewb.typeform.com/to/YIdmFGpN]. 📲 DM @madsmichiefitness [https://www.instagram.com/madsmichiefitness/] with your biggest takeaway or topic requests and connect with Kate here [https://www.instagram.com/coachkate1/]

The Real Reason You Can’t Change (It’s Not What You Think)

In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy is joined by coach and HYROX athlete Doug Stossmeister for a raw, powerful conversation on identity, resilience, and what it actually takes to change your life. Doug shares what it was like growing up in extreme scarcity in rural Alaska—where survival wasn’t a mindset, it was reality. From driving boats to school to navigating food insecurity, his upbringing shaped a deeply ingrained belief: everything is on me. But what happens when that mindset starts holding you back? Together, Maddy and Doug unpack how early environments shape our relationship with food, discipline, self-worth, and even our bodies. They explore the hidden patterns that keep women stuck—not just in their fitness journeys, but in careers, relationships, and identities that no longer align. This episode dives into: * Scarcity vs. abundance mindset in health and life * Why so many women stay stuck in cycles of burnout and restriction * The fear of becoming someone new (and why it keeps you stagnant) * The emotional and mental toll of chasing physique goals without alignment * What it really means to “choose happy”—and why it’s not selfish * How to navigate major life pivots, even when you’re terrified If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are and who you know you could be… this conversation will hit deep. Because transformation isn’t just physical—it’s identity. ⚡ After coaching hundreds of women through fat loss, hormone healing, and body recomposition… I can confidently say: it’s not just about doing more—it’s about doing what’s right for your body. If you’re ready for that level of support, apply for 1:1 coaching below. 🎯 Join [https://7tn2xkpyewb.typeform.com/to/YIdmFGpN] MPowered Coaching Collective for lifestyle & contest prep — where physique goals meet functional health and community. 📲 DM @madsmichiefitness [https://www.instagram.com/madsmichiefitness/] with your biggest takeaway or topic requests and connect with Doug here [https://www.instagram.com/dougstoss/]

The Truth About Fertility, Toxins, and Modern Motherhood

What if fertility isn’t something you prepare for when you want a baby… but something you’ve been building your entire life? In this episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, I’m joined by Dr. Carolyn Nygaard, naturopathic doctor and midwife, to break down the real drivers of fertility, pregnancy health, and early childhood development — through a functional, root-cause lens. We dive into how autoimmunity, inflammation, environmental toxins (like microplastics), and nervous system health all play a role in conception, pregnancy outcomes, and even the long-term health of your child. This conversation is for the woman who wants to feel informed, empowered, and proactive about her health — whether she’s preparing for pregnancy or simply wanting to better understand her body. 🧠 IN THIS EPISODE: * Why fertility is built years before conception * Autoimmunity + inflammation’s role in fertility * Microplastics + hormone disruption * Preconception health (for both partners) * Nervous system + stress impact on pregnancy Fertility is not random — it’s a reflection of your internal environment. Your body must feel safe to reproduce. And the choices you make today can influence not just your health… but the health of your future children. 🎙️If this episode resonated with you, and you’re wanting personalized support with hormones, gut health, inflammation, or a fertility-safe training and nutrition plan — my team and I would love to walk alongside you. We work with women at every stage — from athletes to those healing their cycles, preparing for pregnancy, or rebuilding after burnout. 🎯 Join [https://7tn2xkpyewb.typeform.com/to/YIdmFGpN] MPowered Coaching Collective for lifestyle & contest prep — where physique goals meet functional health and community. 📲 DM @madsmichiefitness [https://www.instagram.com/madsmichiefitness/] with your biggest takeaway or topic requests and connect with Dr Ngyaard here [https://www.instagram.com/drcnygaard/]