Stronger with Don Saladino: Episode Summary
Episode: Chip and Joanna Gaines | Midlife, Marriage & The Dad Bod
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Stronger with Don Saladino, fitness coach Don Saladino sits down with the renowned power couple, Chip and Joanna Gaines, best known for their TV show Fixer Upper and their thriving business ventures. The discussion delves deep into their personal journeys of building physical and mental strength, navigating midlife challenges, and maintaining a harmonious balance between their bustling careers and family life.
Personal Backstories
Don Saladino opens the conversation by reflecting on his unexpected journey into the podcasting world, highlighting his longstanding relationship with Chip and Joanna Gaines. Despite knowing each other for nearly 25 years, they had never worked out together until recently.
Don Saladino [03:28]: “When I got in touch with Joe and I can’t believe we’ve only known each other for five months. It feels like it’s been 50 years.”
Joanna Gaines shares the dynamic of their relationship, emphasizing their teamwork and mutual support.
Joanna Gaines [03:46]: “We are a team. It was three hours of non-stop work, and I told Chip, I wish you were at more of this stuff with me.”
Overcoming Challenges
The conversation shifts to personal challenges they've faced, including injuries and the mental hurdles of maintaining fitness.
Chip Gaines discusses his marathon training while managing parenting responsibilities.
Chip Gaines [05:08]: “I ran a marathon down to the mailbox and back. If I can’t even get to the mailbox without feeling winded, there’s no way I’m running 26.2 miles.”
Joanna Gaines opens up about her struggles with back injuries and past obsessive behaviors related to fitness.
Joanna Gaines [05:48]: “I never wanted to work out again because I was scared of becoming compulsive. Now, with Don’s help, I focus on a healthy approach without obsession.”
Mental Strength and Mindset
A significant portion of the episode explores the importance of mental resilience in achieving long-term fitness and wellness goals.
Don Saladino [09:19]: “The strong part is how do I get my mind strong? The hardest part for me is feeling 25 in my mind but like an 80-year-old woman physically.”
Joanna Gaines emphasizes shifting focus from past achievements to future aspirations.
Joanna Gaines [09:53]: “Now, I cannot wait to be the best version of myself at 50. It’s about moving forward, not looking back.”
Aging and Fitness
The discussion broadens to include societal perceptions of aging and maintaining physical health.
Don Saladino shares a memorable encounter with a 90-year-old fitness enthusiast, illustrating that fitness is achievable at any age.
Don Saladino [18:06]: “I worked out with Jack Lilane at 90 years old, pressing 50+ pounds. That moment snapped my perspective on longevity and strength.”
Chip Gaines reflects on generational differences in work ethic and physical activity.
Chip Gaines [14:05]: “Manual labor, like my granddad’s, builds inherent strength. It checks many boxes for longevity.”
Balancing Work and Family
Chip and Joanna Gaines discuss the intricate balance of managing a successful career while nurturing a large family and prioritizing personal wellness.
Joanna Gaines [35:06]: “We have family and business as our number one priority, but integrating wellness into our lives is a new challenge we’re learning to navigate.”
Don Saladino offers insights on prioritizing self-care to enhance overall performance in work and family life.
Don Saladino [38:24]: “Prioritize yourself a little bit. If you’re not healthy, you can’t be there for your family or your work the way you want to be.”
Q&A Session
The episode features an interactive Q&A segment where listeners’ questions are addressed, providing practical advice and personal anecdotes.
1. Comparing to Past Selves
Listener Question [21:13]: “How do we stop comparing ourselves to our past selves, especially after health issues or injuries?”
Joanna Gaines shares her transformation in mindset from seeking to revert to her youthful self to aspiring to be her best version at 50.
Joanna Gaines [21:48]: “I want to be the best version of myself at 50. It’s about forward motion and not looking back.”
Chip Gaines emphasizes resilience and continuous improvement despite physical changes.
Chip Gaines [25:34]: “When it gets harder, I still show up. Even if I'm competing against my younger self, I focus on leaving the gym feeling better.”
2. Building Muscle Post-Menopause
Listener Question [31:07]: “As a postmenopausal woman, can you suggest a progressive training program for building muscle at home?”
Don Saladino recommends strength training three times a week, focusing on protein intake and building resilience.
Don Saladino [31:30]: “Focus on strength training, protein intake, and building muscle as resilience. Don’t fear getting bulky; aim to be strong and energetic.”
Joanna Gaines underscores shifting focus from weight loss to muscle building and longevity.
Joanna Gaines [33:45]: “As I get older, I’m focused less on weight loss and more on building muscle for a longer, healthier life.”
3. Balancing Busy Careers with Family and Health
Listener Question [34:46]: “How do you balance the demands of your careers with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and strong family bonds?”
Chip and Joanna Gaines highlight their foundational commitment to family and strategic integration of wellness into their schedules.
Chip Gaines [35:23]: “If I had to choose, my marriage and family would instantly take precedence over fame or business success.”
Joanna Gaines discusses the ongoing learning process of integrating wellness without compromising family and business.
Joanna Gaines [35:53]: “Integrating wellness into our lives while managing family and business is something we're continuously figuring out.”
Closing Remarks
As the episode winds down, Don Saladino, along with Chip and Joanna, reflect on the meaningful conversations and the importance of continuous growth and adaptation.
Don Saladino [57:48]: “Life is exciting because new doors keep opening. I never imagined being here five months ago, and that’s what makes it thrilling.”
Chip Gaines reiterates the significance of balancing personal and professional lives through mutual support and prioritization.
Chip Gaines [58:30]: “If we're going to do four months, we're going to do four months. We're going to document it and push each other to succeed.”
The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of their commitment to strength, both physical and mental, as they continue their journey together.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Don Saladino [03:28]: “When I got in touch with Joe and I can’t believe we’ve only known each other for five months. It feels like it’s been 50 years.”
- Joanna Gaines [03:46]: “We are a team. It was three hours of non-stop work, and I told Chip, I wish you were at more of this stuff with me.”
- Chip Gaines [05:08]: “I ran a marathon down to the mailbox and back. If I can’t even get to the mailbox without feeling winded, there’s no way I’m running 26.2 miles.”
- Joanna Gaines [09:53]: “Now, I cannot wait to be the best version of myself at 50. It’s about moving forward, not looking back.”
- Don Saladino [18:06]: “I worked out with Jack Lilane at 90 years old, pressing 50+ pounds. That moment snapped my perspective on longevity and strength.”
- Joanna Gaines [35:06]: “We have family and business as our number one priority, but integrating wellness into our lives is a new challenge we’re learning to navigate.”
- Don Saladino [38:24]: “Prioritize yourself a little bit. If you’re not healthy, you can’t be there for your family or your work the way you want to be.”
- Joanna Gaines [33:45]: “As I get older, I’m focused less on weight loss and more on building muscle for a longer, healthier life.”
- Chip Gaines [35:23]: “If I had to choose, my marriage and family would instantly take precedence over fame or business success.”
- Don Saladino [57:48]: “Life is exciting because new doors keep opening. I never imagined being here five months ago, and that’s what makes it thrilling.”
Key Takeaways
- Mindset Over Obsession: Transitioning from an obsessive approach to fitness to a balanced, healthy mindset is crucial for long-term sustainability.
- Aging Gracefully: Embracing aging by focusing on muscle building and resilience contributes to longevity and overall well-being.
- Work-Life Balance: Prioritizing family and integrating wellness into daily routines enhances both personal and professional life.
- Mental Resilience: Building mental strength is as important as physical training, enabling individuals to overcome setbacks and maintain consistency.
- Support Systems: Mutual support within relationships and having dedicated coaches or mentors can significantly impact one’s fitness journey.
This episode of Stronger with Don Saladino provides valuable insights into maintaining strength and balance in midlife, emphasizing the interplay between physical fitness, mental resilience, and personal relationships. Chip and Joanna Gaines share their authentic experiences, offering listeners practical advice and inspiration to build a stronger, healthier life.