StrongHer Collective

Morganne Aaberg

StrongHer Collective Podcast is all about women’s strength. Hosted by personal trainer, yoga teacher, and research-loving hype girl Morganne Aaberg, this podcast is all about redefining fitness for women by shifting the focus from shrinking to strengthening. Each episode dives into evidence-based conversations on resistance training, fitness myths, mindset, and more—all through the lens of empowering women to live vibrant, independent, adventurous lives. Whether you're picking up weights for the first time or deep in your strength journey, you'll find support, science, and a whole lot of encouragement here. This is your space to challenge old narratives, embrace your power, and build a body that supports the life you want to live. Strength belongs to every woman—and in the StrongHer Collective, we lift each other up.

  1. 2D AGO

    Demystifying Protein (Part 2): Does Protein Protect Muscle During Weight Loss?

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into what actually happens to muscle during weight loss, and what protein can (and can’t) do to protect it. This conversation was inspired by a real-life interaction with someone using a GLP-1 medication who was prioritizing protein to avoid muscle loss, despite not exercising. As a trainer and researcher, that raised an important question: Is protein enough to preserve muscle during weight loss without resistance training? Using current research, we break down how much muscle is typically lost in a calorie deficit, how protein intake influences lean mass, and why resistance training is still the most powerful signal for muscle preservation. We also discuss why this topic matters even if weight loss isn’t your goal, because muscle plays a key role in strength, metabolic health, and long-term independence. This episode is part 2 of a 3-part protein series. ⌚ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Does protein keep you from losing muscle while you lose weight without exercising?  2:00 – Podcast updates and what to expect in this episode 3:57 – Why preserving muscle matters during weight loss 5:41 – How much muscle people lose during weight loss without exercise 10:19 – Does the size of your calorie deficit affect muscle loss? 12:05 – Practical advice if you’re trying to lose weight KEY TAKEAWAYS ⭐ Weight loss usually involves losing both fat and muscle ⭐ Higher protein diets help reduce muscle loss during a calorie deficit ⭐ Some muscle loss still occurs without resistance training ⭐ Protein is supportive, but training is the primary signal for muscle preservation ⭐ Protecting muscle supports strength, independence, and long-term metabolic health RESEARCH Meta-analysis comparing effect of standard protein and high protein diets on body composition while in a calorie deficit.  Study looking at how much lean body mass people lose when in a calorie deficit without exercise.  Stronger By Science review of research looking at calorie deficits and muscle gain.  📖 StrongHer Collective is on Substack! Access free articles about women's strength, or subscribe to get strength workouts that you can do at home or at the gym. 📲 Connect with StrongHer Collective on Instagram 💪 Looking for 1-1 training support? Fill out Morganne's training application form, or learn more here.

    14 min
  2. FEB 4

    Demystifying Protein (Part 1): Muscle Growth, Intake, and Timing

    In this episode of the StrongHer Collective Podcast, we talk about what protein really does in the body, how it supports muscle repair and growth, how much protein active women actually need, and whether timing your protein intake really matters. This episode cuts through influencer noise and diet culture to bring you evidence-based, practical guidance you can actually use. ⌚ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction  2:50 What is protein, and how does it work in your body? 8:29 How much protein should you eat? 12:26 When should you eat protein? 15:09 Summary of what we learned Key Takeaways ⭐ Protein is required to build and repair muscle, but it only works when paired with muscle stimulus (like resistance training). ⭐ The (old) RDA for protein reflects a minimum to prevent deficiency, not an optimal intake for active people. ⭐ Most active individuals benefit from protein intakes between 1.2–2.2 g/kg of body weight, depending on training demands. ⭐ Spreading protein intake fairly evenly across meals may support muscle protein synthesis. ⭐ There is no “anabolic window” you need to rush to hit — consistency across the day matters more than perfect timing. RESEARCH Meta-analysis on protein timing Study about skewed vs. even protein intake and muscle protein synthesis Overview of protein needs 📖 StrongHer Collective is on Substack! Access free articles about women's strength, or subscribe to get strength workouts that you can do at home or at the gym. 📲 Connect with StrongHer Collective on Instagram 💪 Looking for 1-1 training support? Fill out Morganne's training application form, or learn more here.

    17 min
  3. 11/12/2025

    Caring for Your Body for the Long Haul: Women’s Strength, Recovery, and Health with Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards, physical therapist, author, and co-host of The Interdisciplinary Case Miles Podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about how women can navigate strength, recovery, and identity through every stage of life. Kate and I talk about how her experiences as both clinician and patient reshaped her approach to healthcare—emphasizing curiosity, compassion, and seeing the whole person. We explore how to reframe “starting over” after injury, burnout, or major life transitions; how understanding our bodies’ physiology can build confidence instead of confusion; and how to fuel, rest, and move in ways that genuinely support strength. We also unpack the pressures of comparison, the importance of rest, and the process of learning to slow down and listen to our bodies with age and experience. Kate reminds us that strength isn’t about perfection—it’s about self-trust, awareness, and allowing ourselves to evolve. Her parting advice really hit home for me: rest is productive, give yourself grace, and stop comparing your journey to anyone else’s. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to reframe “starting over” after injury, life transitions, or burnout without feeling like failure.Why understanding your body’s physiology and hormonal changes can build confidence and resilience.The essentials of fueling, sleep, and recovery for strength and long-term health.How to filter out misleading fitness and hormone advice online.When to seek professional care and how to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system.Why rest, self-compassion, and letting go of comparison are critical for sustainable strength.Links Learn more about Kate on her website, and connect with her on Instagram. Runners should check out her amazing RUNsource app. Listen to the Interdisciplinary Case Miles Podcast where Kate and a running medicine physician and sports dietician discuss injury cases (Apple, Spotify) and learn how to stay strong, healthy, and injury-free with real stories and practical insights every runner can use. To submit a case to Interdisciplinary Case Miles, send an email to runcasemiles@gmail.com.  📱 Connect with me on Instagram! I'm @strongher.collective. 💌 Subscribe to the Substack 💪 Looking for 1-1 Virtual Training? Fill out my Training Application Form. 📖 StrongHer Collective is on Substack! Access free articles about women's strength, or subscribe to get strength workouts that you can do at home or at the gym. 📲 Connect with StrongHer Collective on Instagram 💪 Looking for 1-1 training support? Fill out Morganne's training application form, or learn more here.

    54 min
  4. 10/15/2025

    Protein Can't Do All The Heavy Lifting - Only Your Muscle Can Do That

    In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s fitness: protein. Protein plays an important role in changing your body composition, but it’s not the magic solution many influencers make it out to be. I break down what protein actually does in your body—how it supports muscle repair, helps you feel full, and slightly increases your energy expenditure—and what it can’t do (spoiler: it doesn’t “burn fat”). You’ll also learn why resistance training, recovery, and consistency—what I call the“boring basics”—are still the real miracle tools for building strength and maintaining muscle, whether or not weight loss is part of your journey. You’ll learn: Why eating protein without strength training won’t maintain muscleHow protein supports satiety, recovery, and metabolismWhat is the thermic effect of food (and how small that impact really is)Why the “boring basics” are anything but boring when it comes to resultsMentioned in this episode: GLP-1 medications and muscle maintenanceCommon misconceptions about protein and fat lossEvidence-based basics for sustainable body recomposition📱 Connect with me on Instagram! I'm @strongher.collective. 💌 Subscribe to the Substack 💪 Looking for 1-1 Virtual Training? Fill out my Training Application Form. 📖 StrongHer Collective is on Substack! Access free articles about women's strength, or subscribe to get strength workouts that you can do at home or at the gym. 📲 Connect with StrongHer Collective on Instagram 💪 Looking for 1-1 training support? Fill out Morganne's training application form, or learn more here.

    17 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

StrongHer Collective Podcast is all about women’s strength. Hosted by personal trainer, yoga teacher, and research-loving hype girl Morganne Aaberg, this podcast is all about redefining fitness for women by shifting the focus from shrinking to strengthening. Each episode dives into evidence-based conversations on resistance training, fitness myths, mindset, and more—all through the lens of empowering women to live vibrant, independent, adventurous lives. Whether you're picking up weights for the first time or deep in your strength journey, you'll find support, science, and a whole lot of encouragement here. This is your space to challenge old narratives, embrace your power, and build a body that supports the life you want to live. Strength belongs to every woman—and in the StrongHer Collective, we lift each other up.