Shows
Strides for Strength[ATHLETE] Sub 4:00 Marathon Club, 30+ Minute PR, Learning to Fuel & How She Did It w/ CourtneyIn this episode, Michaela sits down with her bestie and now athlete, Courtney, to unpack a wild ride to Grandma’s Marathon 2025 where Courtney went from a 7 day a week treadmill warrior to sub-4 hour marathon finisher (in 90% humidity, no less). They get real about what it’s like being coached by your best friend, breaking past mental barriers, and fueling for performance after years of associating running with weight loss. This one is loaded with lessons for every runner who's ever doubted themselves.What You’ll Hear:What changed when Courtney finally stopped runnin...2025-07-021h 18Strides for StrengthRacing Smart in the Heat: Coach Mich’s 3:21 Grandmas Marathon RecapCoach Michaela is on the mic this week with an honest breakdown of her 2025 Grandma’s Marathon experience—from battling race week spirals to running one of her smartest marathons yet in brutal humidity. Tune in to hear what it took to shave time off her PR (again), how she stayed in control when race conditions got spicy, and the performance-boosting shifts she made in training, strength, and mindset this season. What You’ll Hear:Why a shorter training cycle actually worked betterHow she prepped for race-day heat while training in dry DenverThe inside scoop o...2025-06-2550 minStrides for StrengthLife Lessons From the Run: Our Ode to Running w/ Coach Erin & MichIn this episode, Michaela and Erin dive into the deep parallels between running and life—from resilience to patience to comparison traps. Through personal stories and coaching insight, they explore how lessons from the run carry over into every area of life, especially when it comes to growth, self-belief, and making hard decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or lacing up for your first mile, this one will remind you why running is so much more than just putting one foot in front of the other.This episode covers:The identity shifts that happ...2025-06-1827 minStrides for Strength3 Roadblocks Holding You Back in Your Running (& What to Change)In this episode, Michaela and Erin unpack the three biggest roadblocks they see runners facing across all levels: running too fast on easy days, not fueling properly, and skipping strength training. Sharing personal stories, athlete lessons, and coaching wisdom, they break down why these habits stall your progress—and how to pivot. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just trying to feel better on your runs, this episode will help you train smarter, not harder.This episode covers:Why running faster doesn’t always mean training smarterThe myth of “more miles = better runner”How to pro...2025-06-1136 minStrides for StrengthThe Thick of Marathon Training + Three Legged Races w/ Coach Mich + ErinIn this episode, Michaela and Erin are catching up post-Denver retreat and deep in the thick of race season prep. Michaela shares her final peak week reflections before Grandma’s Marathon (including why she skipped an 8-miler with zero regrets), while Erin opens up about training for DekaFit with more fun and less pressure. They also share behind-the-scenes stories from their retreat, how they’re balancing performance goals with real life, and why not every season needs to be your PR season.🎧 What we talk about in this episode:The joy (and chaos) of plannin...2025-05-2829 minStrides for StrengthThe Chicago Marathon Episode You’ll Want to Save (and Replay)It’s back. Our most downloaded episode of 2024. Whether it’s your first time running the Chicago Marathon or your sixth (hi Coach Michaela!), this episode is your one-stop listen for everything you need to know before race day. From expo chaos and GPS watch fails to bathroom logistics, what shake out runs to go to, and that sneaky little hill at mile 26—we’ve got you.We recorded this before Chicago Marathon 2024 and decided it was too good not to re-air as you are getting ready to kick off your training for Chicago Marathon 2025. We will not be a...2025-05-2150 minStrides for StrengthSummer Running Survival Guide: How to Train Smarter (Not Harder)Summer running season is here... and let's just say some of us are thrilled and some of us are fighting for our lives 😅. In this episode, Michaela and Erin get real about the mental, physical, and emotional rollercoaster that comes with training through the heat. Whether you’re a sweaty seasoned pro or thinking about breaking up with running until October, we cover strategies to survive (and maybe even thrive) during summer miles. From sauna training experiments to chatting abour hydration, sweat loss, and sunscreen that won't burn your eyeballs—this is your summer survival guide.Episode...2025-05-0727 minStrides for StrengthWhat Every First-Time Marathoner Needs to Know (From Coaching 100+ Runners)In this heart-filled and humor-packed episode, Michaela and Erin reflect on their own first marathon experiences and share hard-earned wisdom from coaching countless first-time marathoners. From the mindset shifts and belief-building moments, to fueling strategy fails and wins, they walk listeners through the emotional rollercoaster of training for and completing 26.2 miles. If you’re training for your first marathon—or thinking about signing up—this episode is your permission slip to embrace the unknown, trust your training, and soak in the transformation.Why your first marathon is about more than just runningTips for building belief and co...2025-04-0939 min
Built to be YouFrom Corporate Life to Virtual Assistant Success: Navigating Motherhood and Business with Brittany AndersonSend us a textIn this special episode of the Built to Be You Podcast, Michaela sits down with Brittany Anderson, a virtual assistant turned VA mentor and coach, to reflect on their journeys of growth and evolution over the past few years. Brittany was one of Michaela’s first supporters during her transition from travel nursing into entrepreneurship. Now, Brittany is a mom to a soon-to-be two-year-old and has built a thriving VA business while stepping into mentorship and coaching other aspiring virtual assistants. This conversation covers navigating the early stages of entrepreneurship, redefining suc...2025-04-0438 minStrides for StrengthYap & Chat aka Everything You Didn't Ask For with Coach Erin & MichIn this playful and real-time “yap and chat,” Michaela and Erin reunite post-retreat to catch up on everything from mini mics and mid-hike bathroom emergencies to off-season gains and bold new biz moves. Erin shares updates on training for a DekaFit event (yes, we said DekaFit), while Michaela dives into her shorter 15-week marathon training cycle for Grandma’s. The two also open up about how they're growing Strides for Strength as a business and coaching team, how strength training is translating to real results, and what’s coming up — including their Denver retreat and the Stronger Strides Challenge. It’s raw...2025-04-0237 minBuilt to be YouThe ONE mindset shift that will change how you see your potentialSend us a textYou know that dream—the one that keeps whispering to you, but fear, self-doubt, and scarcity keep pushing it aside? This episode is your reminder that you are the one who’s meant to bring it to life. Your experiences, your story, and your unique lens are what make you powerful. If you don’t see the career path, the opportunity, or the conversation you wish existed, it’s because you’re meant to create it.Plus, I’m sharing why I built Virtual Nurse Career Day and how it’s breakin...2025-03-2816 minStrides for StrengthFour Coaches, One Mountain, and Zero SnacksIn this hilarious and heartwarming episode of the Strides for Strength podcast, all four coaches — Michaela, Erin, Jess, and Sarah — reunite to recap their in-person coaches retreat in AZ. From epic hiking mishaps (including questionable hydration strategies and a surprise bathroom emergency) to deep reflections on friendship, returning to running after injury, and the power of strength training, this episode is equal parts chaos and connection. You'll laugh, relate, and maybe even feel inspired to climb a mountain (just bring snacks)Behind-the-scenes stories from the Strides for Strength in-person coaches retreatHiking Camelback Mountain unprepared — and lessons learnedThe importance of str...2025-03-2632 minBuilt to be YouThe TRUTH about career pivots & what nobody tells you w/ Eva CurranSend us a textEver feel like your career just isn’t clicking, but you don’t know why? In this episode, I sit down with Eva Curran, career and business coach, to talk about the power of self-awareness, understanding your energy, and using tools like personality assessments and energy leadership to create a career that actually fits you. We dive into personal stories of burnout, unexpected pivots, and the game-changing mindset shifts that help you stop feeling stuck and start feeling sovereign in your career.How to identify misalignment in your job (before jump...2025-03-2156 minBuilt to be YouYou’re not the problem—you just don’t know THIS about yourself (yet) ;)Send us a textEver felt like you were forcing yourself into a box that just didn’t fit? Whether in your career, relationships, or daily life, understanding yourself at a deeper level is a game changer. In this episode, we explore why self-awareness is your greatest superpower—helping you make decisions with confidence, set boundaries without guilt, and step into a life that truly aligns with you. Plus, I introduce the Nurse Archetype Quiz, the first-of-its-kind tool designed to help nurses discover their strengths, work style, and ideal career path.Why knowing yourself tran...2025-03-1414 minStrides for StrengthThe Stronger Strides Challenge: Strength Training for Runners & The Key to LongevityIn this episode of Strides for Strength, Michaela and Erin are coming to you live from Arizona, fresh off their coaching retreat! They reflect on the power of in-person connection, the growth of Strides for Strength, and what’s next—including their upcoming Stronger Strides Challenge and athlete retreat in Colorado.The Stronger Strides Challenge is a 6-week strength-focused program designed to help runners bridge the gap between training cycles, prevent injuries, and build stronger, more resilient bodies. Whether you're in an off-season or actively training, this challenge will help you beco...2025-03-1224 minBuilt to be YouWhy caring what OTHERS think is killing your dreamsSend us a textIn this powerful and unapologetic episode, Michaela is calling out the dreamer inside of you. Are you ready to step into your full potential, even if it means not being everyone’s cup of tea? As you pave your path, chase big dreams, and embrace your unique journey, Michaela challenges you to let go of the weight of others' opinions and fully commit to being the change-maker you were meant to be.Through relatable stories and tangible insights, Michaela shares how she’s learned to grow thicker skin and embrace being misu...2025-02-0719 minStrides for StrengthBTS Unlocking the Secrets: How We Transitioned from Runners to Coaches w/ Coach Mich & ErinIn this episode of Strides for Strength, Michaela and Erin answer a listener's question about transitioning from athlete to coach and dive into the behind-the-scenes work of running a business and building a thriving running community. They share their unique journeys into coaching, the importance of lifelong learning, and how Strides for Strength isn’t just about running—it’s about who you become in the process.The duo also gives an exciting sneak peek into their upcoming retreats:A Coaches Retreat in Arizona this March, featuring spa days, strategy sessions, and slumber-party vibes.A D...2025-02-0533 minBuilt to be YouTrusting your decisions like you do the GPS to get you to TargetSend us a textWhat if you trusted yourself the way you trust your GPS to guide you to the nearest Target with the best dollar section? In this episode, Michaela dives deep into the concept of self-trust and how it impacts the decisions we make every single day, from the small, seemingly inconsequential ones to the big, life-altering choices.Using relatable examples like trusting your smartwatch to measure your run or your GPS to find the fastest route, Michaela challenges us to reflect on why we hesitate to trust our own intuition when it...2025-01-3112 minStrides for StrengthNegative Splits and Positive Vibes: Tyler's Houston Half Marathon BreakdownIn this episode of Strides for Strength, Michaela and Erin sit down with their [favorite athlete of the week], Tyler, to unpack his incredible journey to the Houston Half Marathon. From overcoming pre-race challenges like illness, travel chaos, and foot pain, to crushing his goals on race day, Tyler shares his honest reflections on training, mindset shifts, and embracing discomfort in pursuit of growth.Tyler's journey is a testament to resilience, preparation, and having a little fun along the way (yes, there’s talk of twerking warmups and epic hype-up songs). Whether you’re a seasoned runner or j...2025-01-2944 minBuilt to be YouBecoming HER: The gap between now and what is nextSend us a textIn this episode we dive deep into the messy, magical gap between outgrowing the old you and stepping fully into the confident, aligned version of who you’re becoming. With real talk about transitions, embracing discomfort, and following your inner nudge, Michaela shares her journey of cultivating patience, clarity, and confidence to embrace her future self.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the gray space of “it’s not that bad,” this episode is your permission slip to break free, dream bigger, and start living as her—the version of you who show...2025-01-2315 minBuilt to be YouLessons from the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship as a multi-passionate humanSend us a textIn this transparent episode, Michaela pulls back the curtain on her entrepreneurial journey, sharing the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From navigating imposter syndrome to building businesses that align with her purpose, Michaela reflects on the lessons she's learned about success, grit, and staying true to her vision.Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business, already on the journey, or simply curious about the reality of entrepreneurship, this episode will inspire you to embrace YOUR path and take the next step-no matter how unconventional it may seem.2025-01-1019 minBuilt to be YouLess woe is me, more of transforming challenge in to OPPORTUNITYSend us a textWelcome to the first Built to Be You episode of 2025! In this podcast, Michaela explores the mindset shifts that can transform how you approach challenges and goals. Whether you're feeling hyped or hesitant about the year ahead, this episode will give you with tools to reframe obstacles into opportunities and commit to consistent habits that create change you can actually keep up with. Drawing inspiration from the plant, cultivate, harvest framework, Michaela breaks down how success isn’t about immediate results but about showing up daily for the small actions that com...2025-01-0319 minBuilt to be YouUnlocking your decision making ability, how CORE VALUES can change your lifeSend us a textIn this episode of Built to Be You, we're diving into the power of core values and how they can transform the way you make decisions. Whether you're overwhelmed by big life choices or held back by everyday decisions, this episode will show you how identifying and aligning with your core values can eliminate decision fatigue, bring clarity, and help you create a life that truly lights you up.I share a personal story about wedding planning and how it reminded me of the importance of making decisions from...2024-12-2019 minStrides for StrengthChi marathon recap & the power of the pivot & GRIT during Coach Mich's first BQWe are SO excited to unpack Chicago Marathon 2024. Today, we’re reliving our weekend at the Chicago Marathon, where we ran & celebrated so many of our athletes who also crossed the finish line. You’ll hear all about the excitement of our shakeout run, the challenges race week brings, and the unforgettable moments that made this weekend so special.As we replay the race, Coach Michaela sheds personal insights on setting BIG goals (like a BQ) and the importance of adapting when faced with unexpected challenges. You’ll hear how she navigated the tough moments and found the gr...2024-10-1656 minBuilt to be YouDiscovering OPPORTUNITY in uncertainty & moving WITH fearSend us a textIn this episode, Michaela discusses the importance of embracing change and taking action despite fear and uncertainty. She reflects on her personal journey, the opportunities that have shaped her career, and the necessity of breaking free from autopilot living. Michaela emphasizes that fear is a natural part of growth and that the antidote lies in movement and action. She encourages listeners to create their own paths and pursue their visions unapologetically, reminding them that they have the power to shape their futures.The antidote to fear is taking action.Fear...2024-10-0520 minBuilt to be YouAre you a nurse who wants to break free from bedside? You must be willing to be misunderstoodSend us a textIn this podcast episode, Michaela discusses the importance of being willing to be misunderstood as a nurse who is redefining their career and creating a path beyond traditional nursing. She emphasizes that not every nurse is meant to work at the bedside or follow the same career path, and encourages nurses to embrace their uniqueness and individual needs. Michaela shares her own journey of finding her impact and making small shifts in her current role to feel more fulfilled. She challenges nurses to redefine success and consider the bigger impact they can make...2024-09-1621 minBuilt to be YouYour job title is the LEAST interesting part about you: It's time to shed the layersSend us a textIn this episode, Michaela discusses the process of shedding the layers of an identity that no longer serves you. She shares her personal journey of leaving the bedside as a nurse and explores the subconscious beliefs and fears that can hold us back from making a change. Michaela addresses the fear of losing skills, financial stability, and the comfort of familiarity. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and challenging societal programming to create a career and life that aligns with your true purpose.02:02 Michaela's Journey and Leaving the Bedside09:03 Your...2024-09-0625 minBuilt to be You[NURSE] LEVEL UP your HEALTH w/ the ULTIMATE wellness challenge for NURSESSend us a textWhat does LIVING WELL mean to you?Are you ready to ignite your inner spark and live your best life? Join me in this episode as we explore the power of living well, specifically tailored for healthcare humans like you. The humans who care so dang well for others but often forget to care for THEMSELVES, too. Uncover the simple yet impactful habits that can transform your well-being on all levels. Get inspired to prioritize self-care and create a life filled with vitality and purpose. Exciting news! I'll be l...2024-03-0819 minStrides for Strength23 minute marathon PR, negative splits, post Houston Marathon RECAP w/ Coach MichNeed a little reminder that you can do hard things on the run and beyond?! BUCKLE UP because this episode is a rollercoaster of emotions that will have you ready to conquer your next big race🎢🏅 Coach Michaela and Erin both ran massive PRs at the Chevron Houston Marathon and this episode we are pulling back the curtains for YOU. Coach Mich still being on cloud nine after this weekend's marathon, where she not only set a new personal record but learned the true meaning of racing SMART and with STRATEGY. We're talking negative splits, race day nutriti...2024-01-1743 min