Because belief without action changes nothing. Hosted by Michelle West and the BIA Coaching Team, the Believe in Action Podcast is your go-to space for real talk, myth-busting, and game-changing conversations for women in their 30s & 40s navigating life's challenges.
Stop Confusing Hard Work With Effective Work | Ep. 57
You’re taking classes, lifting weights, getting your steps in, and leaving the gym exhausted. So why doesn’t your body look like you’re doing all that work?
Michelle is solo this week, talking about the difference between a hard workout and one that actually gets you closer to your goal. She shares a conversation with a Broadway performer whose routine was packed with activity, but missing a clear plan for getting stronger.
She talks about why sweat, soreness, and the calorie number on your watch don’t tell the whole story, how food and recovery fit into your training, and when doing less makes sense. Whether you’re performing eight shows a week or juggling work and family, your workouts should leave you with something left for your life.
Plus, a little catch-up on BIA’s first coaching retreat and why Michelle is giving herself more time to build muscle before competing again.
See how BIA coaching works: https://go.bianutrition.com/ (https://go.bianutrition.com/pod?v=pod_ep57)
20 Oct 2026
They Clap for the Goal, Not the Sacrifice | Ep. 56
Everyone’s excited about your goals until you start turning down drinks, bringing your own food, or heading home early to get some sleep. Then suddenly, you’re “doing too much.”
A dating story Michelle heard on the radio got us talking about what happens when people support your goals but don’t understand the choices you’re making to get there. Michelle shares what it was like balancing Broadway, building BIA, and bodybuilding prep. Emily talks about her parents questioning her food tracking and how they eventually started asking her for help with their own meals.
We get into setting boundaries, feeling awkward when you’re the one doing things differently, and learning to follow through without needing everyone to approve. Sometimes the people around you just need time to understand. And sometimes you have to keep going even if they don’t.
Plus, a few client wins, training updates, and why we both wish we’d started lifting sooner.
See how BIA coaching works: https://go.bianutrition.com (https://go.bianutrition.com/pod?v=pod_ep56)
13 Oct 2026
Your Goal Weight Is Holding You Back | Ep. 55
Most of us have a number in our heads that we think we need to weigh. But where did that number come from and would we even look the way we wanted if we got there?
Michelle and Coach Emily are talking goal weights this week, and they’ve both had this conversation with plenty of clients. Olivia started around 170 with a goal of 140. She’s now around 131 with more muscle, looking completely different than she imagined she would at that weight.
They’ve been through it themselves, too. Michelle used to think 150 was where she’d see the physique she wanted. These days, she’s around 129–130, eating roughly 2,200 calories and maintaining visible abs. Emily was 104 when they recorded this episode, and people regularly argue with her about it because they assume she weighs more. Having muscle changes what those numbers look like.
They also talk about the impatience that comes with wanting your body to change, Michelle’s experience with weight rebounds after competition prep, and a consult with a woman whose previous coach promised eight pounds of muscle in twelve weeks… on 1,200 calories. Michelle had a few thoughts about that. “The land of make-believe” came up.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a certain result. But getting attached to a number can make it harder to see the progress you’re actually making. As Emily puts it, focus on the things that get you the results. That’s the part you can do something about today.
See how BIA coaching works: https://go.bianutrition.com (https://go.bianutrition.com/pod?v=pod_ep55)
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