Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast

The Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast is the only place where IFBB bikini pros share their struggles, strategies, stories, insights, and advice in a real, raw, and vulnerable setting.

The goal of this podcast is to educate, inspire, and remind other competitors, athletes, or the every day gym goer that even the most elite professionals face hardships, health problems, mental obstacles, and other adversities.

All show notes, time stamps, links, and information can be found on this page, just search the athlete you want to listen to in the alphabetized categories section or keep scrolling.

Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast if you love it as much as we do so we can continue spreading the message to people worldwide! And be sure to follow @celestial_fit on instagram too for behind the scenes, sneak peeks, and more! Tag her and the guests in your posts and stories loving on the podcasts too!

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LIZZY CUNNINGHAM; In a Funk, Keep Your Faith, Transition to IFBB, Identity Outside of Bodybuilding

9/30/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Lizzy Cunningham, a former collegiate track athlete who felt lost after graduating college. This feeling lead her to finding bodybuilding and reigniting a fire within herself she thought she had lost after track ended. She has been bodybuilding since November of 2018 and has been with Bair Aesthetics and Progressive Performance since then. She went pro at Nationals in 2021 after being one spot away form her pro card for 3 national shows in a row.

Aside from bodybuilding (which she does as a passion/hobby) she is also a full time registered nurse who loves to spend time with her family, friends, and her fur baby, Nova.

Lizzy’s story of perseverance is so inspiring. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-being a former Collegiate track athlete
-missing her pro card by 1 spot three times
-staying a natural athlete
-working as a travel nurse
-feelings post Pro card win
-struggling with imposter syndrome
-possible plans for her Pro debut
-finding bodybuilding after track

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website: http://www.celestial.fit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH LIZZY:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzy_cunningham/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
5:30 long journey to pro
12:25 how things changed after winning her Pro card
27:35 getting back to feeling like herself
29:33 finding bodybuilding after collegiate track
35:00 taking time to build
40:55 dealing with imposter syndrome and enjoying the NPC
45:50 staying a natural athlete and priorities outside of bodybuilding
51:45 balancing all aspects of life and hopes for the future
57:30 advice for competitors

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BRITTANY GILLESPIE; Life Break to Pro Card, Body Image Relief, Nurse Life, Living with 1 Kidney

9/23/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Brittany Gillespie, a NICU nurse with a bachelors in healthcare studies and bachelors in nursing. She started competing in 2018 was the 2021 NPC Nationals Overall Winner where she earned her Pro Card. As a newer competitor, she still feels like she is finding her groove on stage. She talks about dealing with other people’s expectations in the process of getting her Pro Card and how she has approached her season since then. Brittany tells us how she handled traveling between shows and the emotions she felt with that.

As a NICU nurse, Brittany works overtime and night shift most of prep, she she really had to have her routine down to a science. She talks about the struggles she has working in a hospital and the food that people bring in to share.

Brittany shares so much about her daily life and how she handles everything. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-work and prep balance as a nurse
-having an in-person coach
-traveling between shows
-using journaling to support mental health
-struggling with body image
-studying Spanish and being a bilingual nurse
-having only one kidney

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website: http://www.celestial.fit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britgillespiee/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
2:51 journey to her Pro Card and judges’ feedback
11:05 focusing on mental health and body image
17:40 committing to progress and shifting priorities
21:30 working as a nurse and juggling bodybuilding
33:34 changing approaches to preps
36:45 only having one kidney
39:25 working with a local coach and working towards a Pro debut
48:03 advice for competitors

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ANGELES BURKE TCHIVIDJIAN; Post-Olympia Hiatus, Am I Ready to Prep, Transparency, Positives of Structure

9/16/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Angeles Burke, lifestyle and wellness consultant and VIP competitive coach and transformation coach for Bombshell Fitness. Angeles started competing in 2011 and earned her Pro status in 2013. She has competed in over 25 shows! In 2021, she returned to the stage for the first time since 2016! She talks about how the standards have changed in the bikini division since she first started competing and how she planned to bring a better package than she did in 2016. Angeles shares the red flags she noticed that told her it was time to take a break from the stage. Even though she wasn’t competing, she staying in the sport as a coach.

Angeles shares her insight into adapting from season to season and how her mentality has changed when it comes to making choices around food. As a coach, Angeles talks about the importance of open communication between coach and client.

Angeles truly lives the bodybuilding lifestyle. She shares valuable information as a long term competitor and coach. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-Mental health
-relationship with body
-relationship with food
-motivation Post show
-changes in the bikini division
-competing in the 2015 Olympia
-habits to support goals
-setting the example for her step-children
-building a support system

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website: http://www.celestial.fit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH ANGELES:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelestchividjian/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
2:35 returning to the stage after a long hiatus
7:40 knowing when to take a break
11:50 changes in how she views her body and daily habits
22:24 post-show expectations
27:30 how her Why has changed over time and lessons learned through bodybuilding
36:20 competing for the wrong reasons
45:58 approach as a coach with Bombshell
52:34 advice for competitors
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STEPHANIE HING; Filling Out for Stage, Lifestyle 180, Health is #1, Collection of Memories

9/9/2022

Today I speak with Australian IFBB Pro Stephanie Hing. She recently spent 7 years living and working in Los Angeles, but is now back at home in Sydney, Australia. She competed in 2 regional and 3 National shows before getting her pro card in 2020. She works full time as a Senior Product designer. Stephanie talks about the mental barriers she experienced during her first and only national season when she had to put on 4 pounds after previously coming in too lean.

After earning her pro card, she realized that she did not have a proper cycle after coming off birth control. After countless doctors visits, tests and money spent on all kinds of supplements, she was diagnosed with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. It took her a year and a half to get her cycle back.

Stephanie shares her journey through this and what it has taught her about herself! You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-struggles with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
-confidence on stage
-dealing with prep goggles
-deciding to stop oral birth control and fixing her hormones
-returning to Australia during COVID
-changing mindset to regain health
-when to embrace the “all or nothing” mindset
-being comfortable with asking questions
-a reason behind the actions

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website: http://www.celestial.fit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephhing_/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
7:50 reversing into National shows and supporting stage confidence
18:08 understanding judges’ feedback and needing to come in fuller
22:05 returning to Australia and dealing with travel restrictions
32:30 trying to get her cycle back and dealing with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
47:45 a future approach to bodybuilding
58:30 goals for the future
63:50 meeting her husband
70:45 lessons learned through bodybuilding
74:34 questions to ask your coach or potential coach
88:00 advice for competitors

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LYNSIE HICE; Feel the Rumble, Ambition > Motivation, Prep Pains, Maintain Composure

9/2/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Lynsie Hice who turned Pro in July 2021 after competing in 7 Regional shows and 3 National shows. She lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas and is a currently the lead expeditor for all NPC Oklahoma bodybuilding shows. Alongside her partner, she coaches other women and men to reach their goals of stepping on the bodybuilding stage. She is full time fitness professional and her specialty is in posing and presentation. Lynsie talks about her struggles with scoliosis and how back pain has affected her training. Even though it’s been difficult, she refuses to quit! We talk about tips to deal with anxiety and how to build confidence for the stage.

Lynsie has such a great perspective as a coach and competitor. She goes into detail about building confidence in posing and how to craft am effective routine. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-preparing for Pro debut
-opening a gym
-Oklahoma bodybuilding
-dealing with scoliosis
-struggles with anxiety
-goals outside of the stage
-be willing to work
-what to expect for prep and when to walk away
-working as a posing coach
-working as an expeditor
-acting like a Pro before becoming a Pro

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website: http://www.celestial.fit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH LYNSIE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynsielove/
Coaching IG: https://www.instagram.com/fitted.fhysiques/
Website: https://FittedFhysiques.com/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
5:00 establishing confidence for the stage
10:30 living the lifestyle
16:30 will to work and will to win
21:00 difficulties during prep
35:26 experiences with prep and second guessing
43:55 posing routines and coaching
50:00 let the judges’ do the judging
62:40 win before you go to the show
66:03 working towards current goals and healing her back
79:50 visualizing her pro debut
89:40 advice for competitors

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THE OLYMPIA EXPERIENCE YOU CAN'T MISS; Adam Bonilla and Celeste Discuss Plans to Give Back for the 2023 Olympia

8/26/2022

Today I speak with Adam Bonilla of Team Elite Physique. Today we are talking about a VERY special event! We are hosting an event at the Contest Prep Center during the Olympia! We discuss the week-long calendar of events planned at the Contest Prep Center for the Olympia and the Build More than Just a Body event! Adam talks about how he has tried to make the Contest Prep Center an open and welcoming space for competitors from any team. He wasn’t to create a space where competitors and teams can come together and learn about the sport of bodybuilding.

The Build More than Just a Body event and all the other events at the Contest Prep Center for the Olympia are really to give back to the bodybuilding community. If you’ll be at the Olympia, you do not want to miss them!

Topics covered include:
-Olympia returning to Vegas
-special events at the CPC for the Olympia
-creating a welcoming environment
-opening the door for others
-what to expect form Build More than Just a Body events
-the mental side of bodybuilding

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website: http://www.celestial.fit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH ADAM:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamelitephysique/
Website: https://teamelitephysique.com
Text Hotline: 303-536-3766 text “EVENT”
Event: www.buildmorethanjustabody.com

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
7:30 events at the CPC surrounding the Olympia
11:40 the Why behind the Contest Prep Center
22:02 schedule of events and giving back
28:00 the mental aspect of bodybuilding and planning for success
37:02 accepting success
46:15 how to follow the events

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TARYN FLANAGAN; Missing Piece to Pro Success, Hiding Post-Show, Constructing a Cringe-Free Posing Routine

8/19/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Taryn Flanagan, a 27-year-old from Canada who won her Pro card in 2020 at the Amateur Olympia. She has been competing since 2018 and is the posing coach for Team Elite Physique and her company, Pose with a Pro. Taryn tells us about turning Pro and the changes she wants to make to her physique to compete in the Pro League. We talk about how food affects how you feel and the changes that can be made to help you feel your best. After a very long 2020 season, Taryn shares her struggles with her reverse and having to quarantine. And then the aftermath of that season and how it affected her confidence in the gym. Taryn talks about the importance of setting intentions for each season of bodybuilding and how that sets you up for long term success. We talk about posing trends and how to make your best posing routine for your physique.

She is still a work in progress and wants girls to know they are not alone! Taryn’s story is so relatable. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-struggles with post-show rebound
-binge eating and self-sabotage
-competing as a Pro versus and amateur
-benefits of working with a trainer
-experimenting with diet
-improvement season after a long 2020 prep
-struggles with food and bingeing
-dealing with loss
-learning with each show
-building the best posing routine for each person

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website: http://www.celestial.fit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH TARYN:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarynnit_up/
Posing IG: https://www.instagram.com/posewithapro/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
6:00 building as a Pro
14:10 changes to nutrition
23:30 improvement season and getting back to “normal”
31:30 making bodybuilding a lifestyle
35:25 setting intentions for each season
45:49 lessons learned through bodybuilding
62:00 working as a posing coach and building a routine
77:55 advice for competitors
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FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

KAREN WALL; Want to Win, Choosing Happiness, Limitless Goals

8/12/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Karen Wall. She’s 42 years old and currently live in Victoria, BC, Canada with her partner in everything, Andrew Kersten. Who is also a bodybuilder, coach and business owner! She started competing in 2019 and turned Pro in 2021 at the Natural Canada Pro Qualifier. She then placed 4th in her Pro debut at the Toronto Pro Supershow in December 2021 and has since won two Masters Pro shows! She was a Graphic Designer/Art Director for 20 years and made the switch to full time bodybuilding athlete, coach and business owner last year. She is mom to her 18 year old daughter Dakoda. Karen is a big believer in choosing light and love in life over fear and darkness, and takes this attitude as she works towards qualifying for the Olympia stage.

She lives by the idea that consistency is key and Motivation is fleeting. Karen has such a great mindset to share. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-owning a supplement company
-choosing happiness
-limitless goals
-wanting to win
-the role genetics play
-the importance of posing
-choosing what works for you
-living an authentic life

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website: http://www.celestial.fit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenorlena/
Gym: https://www.instagram.com/truthgymgallery/
Supplements: https://www.instagram.com/ruthlesssportscanada/
Twitter @karenorlena

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
3:15 what has contributed to consistent success
9:00 picking the right coach
12:05 explaining her “Why” and her work ethic
16:20 embracing every phase of bodybuilding
20:30 recovering from surgery and injury
24:20 stepping away from her career
27:50 meeting her partner and moving forward
35:30 her future as an athlete
37:55 advice for competitors

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JORDAN BRANNON; Hormonal Rebound, Cues for Muscle Contraction, Experiences in Therapy, Do you Love the Process?

8/5/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Jordan Brannon. She graduated from University of South Florida in 2014 with her Bachelors degree in Exercise Science. There she met her husband Drew. After graduation, they opened up their own gym called Pinellas Ultimate Strength House in Largo, Florida. Drew and Jordan were introduced to the bodybuilding world through a mutual friend. Jordan prepped for her first show in 2019 and made her debut at THE KLASH. From there, she was hooked. She just turned Pro at the 2022 Junior USA. Recently, Jordan has become a prep and lifestyle coach for Fit Body Fusion.

Both of my parents have substance abuse issues and mental health disorders. Both have addiction issues and her mother has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Until Jordan found competing, her life revolved around them and their issues. Competing forced her to take care of herself and really set that boundary to allow her freedom to live her own life in the most healthy way possible.

Jordan has a remarkable story of growth and grit. You do not want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-hormonal rebound
-inaugural Pro season
-working with judges’ feedback
-having parents who struggle with substance abuse
-healing though bodybuilding
-working on your mental health
-the importance of stress management
-working with Fit Body Fusion
-setting expectations
-committing to the process

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website: http://www.celestial.fit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH JORDAN:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayybrannon_ifbbpro/
Pinellas Ultimate Strength: https://www.instagram.com/pushthehouse/
TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
4:08 inaugural Pro season
10:00 post-season weight gain and balancing hormones
14:20 feedback from judges
22:40 training with intention
26:15 having parents who struggle with substance abuse
31:40 finding the right therapist
38:20 losing her grandfather and getting COVID
48:30 believing she could go Pro
51:54 coaching for Fit Body Fusion
66:42 advice for competitors

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES

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LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM

FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

1 MILLION DOWNLOADS! PARTY IN AZ, LIMITED EDITION CROP TOPS, WHAT THIS MEANS TO ME

8/3/2022

CONFESSIONS OF A BIKINI PRO PODCAST MILESTONE! 1 MILLION DOWNLOADS THANK YOU!

To celebrate… there will be a LIVE party/ meet & greet next February in AZ where I hope to have guests from the show come to set up a meet n greet table, host panels & discussions, live podcasts, & lots of connecting & fun

This podcast has brought so many of us in the community together & shows us how deep this journey really is… an in person experience will be MAGIC

If you want to know more details on that then visit: www.celestial.fit/podcastparty to add your name to the info list

There are ONLY 35 limited edition crop tops available now that I special designed & had fully crystallized to celebrate this (swipe to see) you can order now at www.celestial.fit/croptop

From 2018 to now this podcast has been a source of pure joy & passion for me

What started as an idea while running on the treadmill of myself garage has turned into something I genuinely would have never imagined

I wanted so badly to shine light on the bikini division & the incredible athletes

I wanted to learn more about what was happening behind the scenes for them. Who they ARE on and off the stage…. I also knew success leaves clues and thought what better way to understand the Road to Pro than from pros themselves?

Since then I’ve had the most amazing guests, we’ve done cool series and feature episodes, and the vision is only getting bigger…

It is an HONOR to do this

I LOVE being able to bring you all new episodes every week. To hear that so many of you have goals of being on my show means SO much to me

When I meet you guys in person or receive messages or read reviews my heart always swells with so much gratitude and it humbles me as it feels like such a privilege to have been the first podcast of this kind but to also be among your most meaningful moments of your journey from cardio to meal prep or getting your mind right throughout the day…

THANK YOU!!!! :)