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 gateway to real health, deeper self-trust, and performance that actually lasts.

From rebuilding hormones and metabolism to finding joy in hybrid training, community, and rest, this conversation is for the women who’ve done it “right” on paper but still feel burnt out. You’ll hear about:

• The identity shift that comes after the stage
• Relearning how to fuel for performance, not punishment
• Why nervous system regulation is the new pre-workout
• How community and simplicity can make fitness fun again

This episode is your permission slip to let go of the death grip, redefine what “fit” really means, and start building a body—and life—you can sustain.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and share this with the friend who’s learning to soften without slowing down.

🎯 Join MPowered Coaching Collective for lifestyle & contest prep — where physique goals meet functional health and community.

📲 DM @madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests. Connect with Paige here

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 ankles, and even catching COVID in single-digits out — Kait's story shows why “If it’s predictable, it’s preventable” and “Fail to plan, plan to fail” aren’t clichés…they’re survival skills. You’ll hear the exact systems she uses: single-macro meals, pre-logging in MyFitnessPal, vacuum-sealing and cooler hacks, a plug-in lunch warmer, Instacart contingencies, and how to pivot workouts when the only option is a hotel treadmill.

Together, Maddy and Kait draw parallels between aviation and coaching — why cockpit-level communication and weekly micro-adjustments keep a prep on course — and how real discipline includes knowing when to rest. The big takeaway: busyness isn’t an excuse; it’s a variable you can plan for.

Whether you’re a mom, a traveler, or a high-stress professional, this episode will help you build non-negotiables (sleep, water, movement, protein), ditch perfection, and respond to life without losing momentum.

🎧 Tune in for practical systems, mindset shifts, and the reminder that you don’t need a perfect routine to achieve elite results — just a plan for what you can control and flexibility for what you can’t.

👉 If you enjoy this episode, subscribe to The Psyche Behind the Physique, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s “too busy” for their goals.

🎯 Join MPowered Coaching Collective for lifestyle & contest prep — where physique goals meet functional health and community.

📲 DM @madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests.

✈️ Connect with Kait here

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 crossing the finish line far off her goal pace — Corin’s story from her latest marathon in Utah is packed with lessons on resilience, pacing, and perspective. Together, Maddy and Corin draw parallels between marathon training, bodybuilding, and the everyday pursuit of health.

Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or simply someone navigating your own challenges, this episode will leave you with practical takeaways on how to adapt when things don’t go as planned — and how to reframe setbacks as stepping stones.

🎧 Tune in now for inspiration, real talk, and the reminder that effort always counts more than perfection.

👉 If you enjoy this episode, subscribe to The Psyche Behind the Physique, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use some encouragement.

🎯 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health and you're guaranteed to find your people, then fuel your progress

📲 DM Me: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find me on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Connect with Corin @corndawg002