
The Macro And The Mindset
Welcome to The Macro & The Mindset, a podcast focused on coaching mastery in fitness & nutrition. Hosted by two veterans of the industry, Mike Doehla & Jeb Stuart Johnston come with a combined 25 years of experience working with 10s of thousands of people to help them realize their goals.
Mike is the founder of Stronger U & was acquired by Self-Esteem Brands in 2021. Jeb is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach who specializes in emotional eating & the founder of Food on the Mind
Latest episodes

Sep 4, 2024 • 49min
Making Connections and Helping Others
In this conversation, Jeb and Mike discuss their experiences at coaching conferences and the importance of building connections and relationships. They also talk about the value of personalization and customer service in coaching, as well as the different communication styles and needs of clients. They emphasize the significance of off-boarding and leaving clients better than they found them. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of trust, collaboration, and understanding in the coaching relationship. The conversation covers various topics including weight fluctuations, the Coach Catalyst community, different types of fitness professionals, authenticity on social media, biases and judgments, the importance of curiosity, and the value of making connections and helping others.
Keywords
coaching conferences, connections, relationships, personalization, customer service, communication styles, off-boarding, trust, collaboration, weight fluctuations, Coach Catalyst, fitness professionals, authenticity, social media, biases, judgments, curiosity, connections, helping others
Takeaways
Coaching conferences and summits are important for personal and professional growth as a coach.
Building connections and relationships with clients and other coaches is crucial.
Personalization and customer service are key factors in successful coaching.
Understanding and adapting to different communication styles and needs of clients is important.
Off-boarding and leaving clients better than they found them is essential in coaching. Weight fluctuations can be concerning, but it's important to trust the process and have open communication with a coach.
The Coach Catalyst community is diverse, with members ranging from sport performance coaches to tech professionals.
Authenticity on social media is a complex issue, and it's important to recognize that people may have different personas in different contexts.
Being curious and open-minded can lead to more positive interactions and connections with others.
Making connections and helping others can be fulfilling and beneficial for personal growth.
It's important to challenge biases and judgments and look for the good in others.
The conversation also touches on topics like optimism, intense emotions, and the documentary series 'Omnivore' on Netflix.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Coaching Conferences
00:30 The Value of Attending Conferences and Networking
03:59 The Importance of Customer Service in Coaching
08:10 Off-boarding Clients with Care
09:28 Adapting Coaching Styles to Meet Client Preferences
10:42 The Authenticity Dilemma on Social Media
18:23 Embracing Curiosity and Personal Growth
24:52 Finding Common Ground with Others
31:37 Challenging Personal Biases
37:07 The Pursuit of Excellence
43:14 Enjoying Life's Simple Pleasures
48:32 Conclusion

Aug 28, 2024 • 55min
Finding Balance: Flexibility and Structure in Tracking Finding a Personalized Approach to Nutrition
In this conversation, Jeb and Mike discuss the importance of tracking food and how to make it easier and more sustainable for clients. They emphasize the need for a personal connection and the feeling of safety and comfort in order to motivate clients to track their food. They also address the resistance and perfectionism that clients may have towards tracking and provide strategies to overcome these barriers. The conversation highlights the importance of finding a balance between flexibility and structure in tracking, and the power of giving oneself permission to make choices that align with their goals. In this conversation, Mike and Jeb discuss the misconceptions around metabolism and calorie intake. They debunk the idea that clean eating alone can lead to muscle gain and weight loss, emphasizing the importance of calorie surplus and individual metabolic rates. They also highlight the role of non-exercise activity in total daily energy expenditure and the need for balance in exercise intensity. The conversation touches on the significance of mindful eating, the impact of snacking on weight management, and the challenges of instilling healthy eating habits in children. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of awareness and finding a personalized approach to nutrition.
Tracking food can be a powerful tool for increasing awareness and achieving health and fitness goals.
Resistance and perfectionism are common barriers to tracking, but they can be overcome by creating a personal connection and providing a feeling of safety and comfort.
Finding a balance between flexibility and structure in tracking can make it more sustainable and enjoyable for clients.
Giving oneself permission to make choices that align with their goals is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with food and tracking.
Tracking doesn't have to be perfect; even small adjustments and rough estimates can be effective in achieving desired outcomes. Clean eating alone is not sufficient for muscle gain and weight loss; calorie surplus is necessary.
Non-exercise activity plays a significant role in total daily energy expenditure.
Mindful eating and being aware of snacking habits can help with weight management.
Finding a personalized approach to nutrition is key to long-term success.
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:53 The Disconnect Between Outcome and Action
03:23 The Importance of Connection and Safety
06:05 Different Methods of Tracking
08:34 Making Tracking Easier and More Sustainable
11:10 From Mechanical Eating to Intuitive Eating
15:09 Overcoming Resistance to Tracking
19:24 The Value of Planning and Adjusting
22:09 Navigating All-or-Nothing Thinking
25:38 Finding the Gray Area and Rating Foods
29:07 The Example of the Strongman and Oreos
29:21 Demystifying Metabolism and Calorie Intake
31:07 The Role of Non-Exercise Activity in Calorie Expenditure
33:31 Mindfulness and Awareness in Making Dietary Choices
36:30 Finding Balance: Restriction vs. Freedom in Food Choices
45:04 Teaching Children Healthy Eating Habits: A Balanced Approach
Keywords
tracking, food, motivation, safety, comfort, resistance, perfectionism, flexibility, structure, permission, metabolism, calorie intake, clean eating, muscle gain, weight loss, non-exercise activity, energy expenditure, exercise intensity, mindful eating, snacking, healthy eating habits, awareness, personalized approach

Aug 1, 2024 • 56min
The Power of 'Enough' in Weight Loss and Business
In this conversation, Jeb and Mike discuss various topics including happiness courses, the concept of techno feudalism, the influence of social media algorithms, the importance of authenticity in business, and the role of coaching in helping others improve their lives. The conversation explores the concept of 'enough' and how it applies to various aspects of life, including weight loss and business. It emphasizes the importance of finding satisfaction and contentment in the journey rather than solely focusing on the end goal. The discussion also touches on the challenges of running a small business in a world dominated by big corporations and the impact of technology on society. The conversation concludes with insights on delayed gratification, planning, and the importance of understanding the underlying behaviors and emotions related to food.
00:00 Introduction and Happiness Courses
02:08 The Influence of Social Media and Techno Feudalism
06:09 Coaching Coaches and Authenticity
08:12Finding Joy and Fulfillment in Work
13:10 Exploring Morality and Personal Actions
19:42 The Changing Marketplace and Marketing Strategies
24:57 The Benefits of Sports and Physical Activities
26:52 The Illusion of 'Enough' and the Pursuit of Goals
29:13 The Impact of Technology Companies on Small Businesses
31:21 The Loss of Local Businesses and the Convenience of Online Shopping
38:40 Delayed Gratification and Understanding Food Choices
53:12 Parenting: Allowing Children to Take Risks and Learn from Failure

Jul 22, 2024 • 1h 10min
Entrepreneurship isn't always the answer
n this conversation, Jeb and Mike discuss the importance of mentorship and internships in the fitness industry. They explore the idea that the perception of what is considered cool and successful in the industry may be holding people back. They also touch on the value of being in the room and learning from experienced individuals. They discuss the challenges of balancing business growth with personal fulfillment and the importance of knowing what truly makes you happy. They also highlight the impact of genetics and environment on achieving goals. The conversation covers various topics including mentorship, the value of relationships, the importance of understanding clients' struggles, the role of systems and processes in coaching, the balance between structure and flexibility, the impact of environment on food choices, the moralization of food, the benefits of working for a company, and the need to focus on getting good at what you do.
00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Mentorship and Internships
13:38 Challenging the Perception of Success in the Fitness Industry
19:05 Finding Personal Growth and Focusing on Strengths
25:07 Balancing Work and Personal Life
32:09 Defining Your Own Version of Success
37:38 The Value of Mentorship and Relationships
41:04 The Role of Structure in Achieving Goals
43:25 The Misconception of Processed Foods
48:45 The Benefits of Working for a Company
53:23 The Importance of Attending Seminars and Events
Keywords: mentorship, internship, fitness industry, perception, success, learning, business growth, personal fulfillment, happiness, genetics, environment, mentorship, relationships, struggles, coaching, systems, processes, structure, flexibility, environment, food choices, moralization, working for a company, getting good

Jun 26, 2024 • 60min
Does weight loss lead to happiness?
Mike and Jeb discuss Mike's recent trip to Bermuda and the reasons behind Mike's decision to buy a condo there. They also talk about the challenges of traveling with kids and the importance of taking time for oneself. The conversation then shifts to the topic of reading and the benefits of using a Kindle versus physical books. They also discuss the value of open-mindedness and the need to constantly challenge one's beliefs. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the pitfalls of social media and the importance of staying true to one's values. The conversation explores the concept of happiness and its relationship with money, purpose, and physical fitness. It delves into the idea that a certain amount of money is necessary for happiness, but beyond a certain threshold, money does not contribute to increased happiness. The discussion also touches on the definition of happiness, which includes enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose. It highlights the importance of finding purpose in life and how it can lead to contentment and happiness. The conversation concludes with the recognition that the pursuit of happiness is a worthwhile goal, but it requires a nuanced understanding and consideration of individual circumstances.
Keywords: Bermuda, travel, condo, family, kids, reading, Kindle, physical books, open-mindedness, social media, values, happiness, money, purpose, physical fitness, enjoyment, satisfaction, purpose, contentment
Takeaways
Traveling with kids can be challenging but also rewarding
Using a Kindle can be more practical than physical books, but there are pros and cons to both
Being open-minded and willing to challenge one's beliefs is important for personal growth
Social media can be toxic and it's important to stay true to one's values
Happiness can be found through personal growth and helping others A certain amount of money is necessary for happiness, but beyond a certain threshold, money does not contribute to increased happiness.
Happiness is defined as the combination of enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose.
Finding purpose in life leads to contentment and happiness.
The pursuit of happiness is a worthwhile goal, but it requires a nuanced understanding and consideration of individual circumstances.
Kindle vs Physical Books: Pros and Cons
Navigating the Pitfalls of Social Media The Nuances of the Pursuit of Happiness
The Relationship Between Money and Happiness
"People say weight loss won't make you happy. My argument is it will if it leads you to a different life, one that has reduced stress, access to new physical activities and a sense of confidence you haven't felt. Why is this so controversial?"
"There are those people that do it. And those are the ones."
"I think the bigger problem with social media, though, is that there is that, you know, audience capture, like you said, like engagement farming, those type of things where you don't actually a lot of people don't actually have and especially influencers per se, they don't have any actual methodology or values. They're just giving people what they respond to."
"Probably, probably on the other side of my brain, I say, maybe not."
"A certain amount of money does make happiness, and if you're below that threshold, life is very, very hard."
"Enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose. So this definition... Yep, so if you have those three things, you are going to be a happy person."
Chapters
00:00Exploring Bermuda: Mike's Condo and Traveling with Kids
13:08Kindle vs Physical Books: Pros and Cons
22:18Navigating the Pitfalls of Social Media
28:24Finding Happiness Through Personal Growth and Helping Others
30:06The Relationship Between Money and Happiness
32:51Defining Happiness: Enjoyment, Satisfaction, and Purpose
35:15The Importance of Purpose in Finding Happiness
48:15The Nuances of the Pursuit of Happiness

Jun 5, 2024 • 1h 51min
"Life is not a problem to be solved..." w/ Matt Stranberg
The conversation between Mike, Jeb and guest Matt Stranberg delves into the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and nutrition, exploring the impact of technology on memory, knowledge, and behavior. It highlights the relevance of ancient wisdom in the modern age and the importance of critical thinking in a world saturated with information. The discussion also touches on the societal shift from traditional life skills to technological dependence and its implications for human behavior and decision-making. The conversation delves into the themes of science, technology, consumerism, and the impact of neoliberalism on society. It explores the shift from a society with a strong welfare state to one dominated by the market, leading to the expectation of everyone to become an entrepreneur of the self. The conversation also touches on the role of science as a new religion, the trade-offs of freedom and security, and the blurred boundaries between work and personal life in the modern era. The conversation delves into the coercive nature of societal frameworks, the impact of capitalism, the role of technology, and the struggle for autonomy within these systems. It also explores the intersection of philosophy, science, and religion, and the pursuit of freedom within the constraints of modern society.

May 22, 2024 • 1h 18min
Automation is coming for you...
Mike & Jeb go in on the weird business coach drama on Threads then dive into the two things fitness and nutrition coaches hate more than anything: AI and weight loss drugs

May 7, 2024 • 1h 22min
Money, masculinity & modernity
Mike and Jeb discuss the struggles that a lot of young men face today trying to come to terms what it means to "be a man" in today's culture. Speaking mainly on the discussions put forth by Prof Scott Galloway as well as Mike Rowe and Jonathon Haidt, the episode revolves around social media, following your passion vs purpose, and how Machiavellian manipulators are coopting the ideas of masculinity to take advantage of young men who feel lost.
Mike and Jeb go deep into their own pasts and how their upbringing shaped their ideas on money and how those ideas can change with more transparency and honest conversations.

Apr 17, 2024 • 35min
Meet the parents
In this episode, Mike and Jeb discuss the realities of coaches, who may or may not have kids, working with parents. Mike shares his experience having done both while Jeb talks about the tools he uses to better understand the unique struggles parents will have versus non-parents.
Oftentimes coaches miss this in their messaging saying things like "everyone has the same 24 hours in a day" or emphasizing that clients get more sleep when they might have no control over that. This episode hopes to give some insight into how coaches can do better at messaging to negate these issues.

Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 16min
Do you have to sell your soul for success?
What is required for success in the fitness business? Can you maintain your values while still pursuing monetary success? Or do you have to be an "influencer" selling the next wuick fix, hack or "one weird trick"? Mike and Jeb discuss the nuance of language, sales and marketing in today's online fitness landscape.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.