The Real History of Women Who Lift: From Cardio Bunny to Muscle Mommy with Michael Joseph Gross

Author Michael Joseph Gross (Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle
in Our Lives) reveals how muscle has shaped human health,
confidence, and culture for centuries—and why it’s time for women
to reclaim it. Learn why “brains vs. brawn” is a myth, how
lifting builds empathy and resilience, and the surprising history
of strong women—from Victorian Europe to the modern gym.


Episode Overview:
(0:00) Intro/Teaser
(4:00) From Greeks to Gains: The Origins of How We See
Muscle
(10:00) The Myth of Brain vs. Brawn
(20:00) How Lifting Weights Rewires the Brain
(25:00) Why Most People Still Don’t Lift (and How to Change
That)
(34:00) The Doctor Who Proved Strength Has No Age Limit
(46:00) How Pop Culture Shaped Our Fear of Muscle
(53:00) Are We Afraid of Strong Women?
(58:00) Jan Todd and the Victorian Women Who Lifted
(1:09:00) The Bettys Are Reclaiming Their Strength
(1:11:00) Raising Strong Daughters (and Sons)
(1:16:00) Where to Begin: Strength Training for Every Woman
(1:24:00) BONUS: After-Party with Dr. Stephanie


Resources mentioned in this episode can be found at
https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep444/


We are grateful to our sponsors:


TIMELINE - As perimenopausal women, we know we
are in a fight against time to preserve our muscle strength and
endurance, plus our recovery needs are greater. That's why you
save 20% at https://timelinenutrition.com/better with
code BETTER.


LVLUP   - Ultimate GI Repair combines
powerful gut-healing peptides with gut-nourishing naturals to
soothe your changing digestion. Go
to https://lvluphealth.com/DRSTEPHANIE and use
code DRSTEPHANIE for 15% off.


EQUIP PROTEIN - Support bones, joints, gut, and
skin with Equip Collagen. Go to
https://equipfoods.com/better and use
code BETTER from November 24 to December 1
for 30% off sitewide or 40% off a first subscription. 


MASA - MASA’s chips contain just three
ingredients: organic nixtamalized corn, sea salt, and 100%
grass-fed beef tallow. That's it. Ready to give MASA (or Vandy) a
try? Use code BETTER for 25% off your first order at
https://masachips.com/BETTER


****************************
P.S. When you're ready, here are two ways Dr. Stephanie can help
you:


Subscribe: The Mini
Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most
actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in
midlife.


Build Muscle: LIFT — My
progressive strength training program designed for women in
midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real
results.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for
information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.