Why do some clients suddenly disappear—even when they’re paying for coaching? The answer lies deeper than you think.

Michelle MacDonald sits down with Dr. Kasey Jo Orvidas, Ph.D. in Psychology and expert in behavior change, to uncover the real reasons why clients ghost their coaches. From mindset shifts and discomfort avoidance to better expectation-setting and behavior-based communication tools, this conversation dives into the psychology of coaching that actually creates long-term change. Whether you're a health coach, fitness trainer, or someone invested in Women’s Health and Fitness, this episode reveals essential strategies to foster accountability, build trust, and support sustainable personal growth. Get ready for real talk, practical tools, and inspiration to level up your coaching impact.

Favorite Moments:

• 5:27 "You're Paying Me Big Bucks—Get Your Piece of the Pie!"
• 10:39 The 10-Minute Call That Can Reignite Client Engagement
• 19:38 Why Knowledge Alone Doesn’t Change Behavior
• 46:12 You're Not Broken: Mindset Reframes for Women in Midlife

“You’re not broken—you’re just you now.”

GUEST: KASEY JO ORVIDAS

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Full Guest Bio:
Kasey holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and is a certified health and fitness coach. She has spent a good chunk of her life developing some serious expertise in mindset and health behavior change. She has racked up numerous publications in a variety of peer-reviewed scientific journals (aka you can Google scholar her name and even cite her research in APA format for your high school paper–wow!). Although Kasey is no longer tethered to the chains of an academic career (if you know, you know), she still can’t quite break free from the lure of p-values and scientific jargon. Knowing that most (normal) people aren’t obsessed enough to get a Ph.D. in this stuff, Kasey created The Health Mindset Coaching Certification.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

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Full Michelle Bio:
Michelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW), inspiring countless transformations including her mother, Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan™). Michelle continues to lead the charge in women's fitness, launching the Stronger by Design™ fitness app in fall 2024.

Where to Watch/Listen:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

What if the key to your transformation wasn’t losing weight—but gaining strength?

Michelle MacDonald welcomes Lena Cheng, a physician-turned-entrepreneur and long-time TWW client, whose journey from hesitant lifter to competitive powerlifter redefines what it means to be strong.

What began as a goal to “lean out” quickly evolved into a full-on identity transformation. Lena opens up about the challenges of breaking cultural norms, navigating injury, setting values-based goals, and embracing her power—literally and figuratively.

This conversation dives deep into the intersection of Women’s Health and Fitness, cultivating a Healthy Mindset, and the kind of Personal Growth that comes from lifting heavy and living bold.

Favorite Moments Audio:

• 1:52 Why Barbells Changed Everything
• 5:49 “I can take up space”—Rejecting Cultural Norms
• 7:14 Discovering the Power of Core Values
• 21:06 The Deadlift Breakthrough That Changed It All

"I'm not training for the mirror—I'm training for me."

GUEST: LENA CHENG, MD

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Full Guest Bio:
Lena Cheng, MD is a former board-certified physician turned serial entrepreneur, brand strategist, and powerlifting enthusiast. With over two decades of experience in health-tech and marketing, she brings a rare blend of medical expertise, executive leadership, and personal transformation. Lena is also a passionate advocate for women’s health, fitness mindset, and personal growth—using strength training as a vehicle for empowerment at any age. Whether she’s building businesses or lifting barbells, Lena leads with boldness, purpose, and unapologetic authenticity.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | X

Full Michelle Bio:
Michelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW), inspiring countless transformations including her mother, Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan™). Michelle continues to lead the charge in women's fitness, launching the Stronger by Design™ fitness app in fall 2024.

Where to Watch/Listen:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Is menopause the end of your vitality—or the beginning of your most empowered chapter yet?

Michelle MacDonald sits down with Angela Macgregor, founder of the National Menopause Show, to discuss how personal pain can fuel a powerful movement. At age 57, Angela launched the first national event of its kind to combat stigma, educate women, and connect them with trusted, science-backed healthcare providers. From navigating her own perimenopause struggles to challenging a fragmented healthcare system, Angela shares how she transformed her frustration into a platform for personal growth, community, and lasting impact.

Favorite Moments Audio:

• 1:53 Launching a Movement at 57
• 4:06 The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
• 9:13 The Treatment That Transformed Her Life
• 27:34 Building a Community That Heals

"We don't have to just sit and be silent anymore. It's not acceptable."

GUEST: ANGELA MACGREGOR

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Full Guest Bio:
Angela Macgregor began her career managing major tradeshows and later led a North American registration company. After two decades in her family’s real estate business, she returned to events with a personal mission: addressing the lack of accessible menopause information. This led her and her husband Bob to create The National Menopause Show, blending expert-led education with a curated exhibit floor. The event empowers women with trusted knowledge, resources, and confidence to navigate their health journey.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | X

Full Michelle Bio:
Michelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW), inspiring countless transformations including her mother, Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan™). Michelle continues to lead the charge in women's fitness, launching the Stronger by Design™ fitness app in fall 2024.

Where to Watch/Listen:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

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