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

📲 DM @madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests and connect with Doug here

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

📲 DM @madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests and connect with Dr Ngyaard here

In this episode, I sit down with Kierin Hopping, a HYROX Worlds Pro and Boston Marathon qualifier, for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to train at a high level as a woman.

We talk about the shift from aesthetic goals to performance goals, how Kierin’s relationship with food changed after bodybuilding, what it means to fuel for endurance and hybrid performance, and why having a menstrual cycle is one of the clearest signs that your body feels safe and supported.

This episode also dives into the side of athleticism that people don’t talk about enough: overtraining, imperfect recovery, the mental load of discipline, and the reality that even elite athletes are still learning how to balance performance with health.

We cover:

• the transition from bodybuilding to marathon running and HYROX
• healing a disordered relationship with food through performance-based goals
• under-fueling, low energy availability, and menstrual health
• balancing aesthetic goals with athletic goals
• signs your training load is outpacing your recovery
• what beginner athletes get wrong about HYROX
• why progress does not require perfection

This is such an important episode for female athletes, high achievers, and women who want to train hard without losing themselves in the process.

🎙️ If you’ve ever felt like you had to have your training, recovery, body composition, or nutrition perfectly dialed in before you could succeed, this conversation will challenge that belief in the best way.

If this episode resonated with you and you’re ready to build a healthier relationship with your body, your hormones, and your goals, my team and I would love to support you.

🎯 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 and connect with Kierin here