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

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