Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast

DR. IRINA POST; The American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes & Planning Pregnancy Around Pro Cards

2/26/2021

In this episode, Celeste speaks with Irina Post, a Russian immigrant who came to the US to pursue her American Dream, working diligently to put herself through school to become a pharmacist, and found bodybuilding after countless attempts at fad diets.

Irina first competed in 2014, being inspired by bikini girls she saw on social media. Due to life’s ups and downs she took a break from competing, yet made her return to the stage in 2019 after passing her boards and seeking new coaching, & obtained her pro card at USAs in 2020.

Starting off the episode, Irina shares the routine she performs before her heel hits the stage. Next Celeste mentions the five year break from competing, asking Irina when she knew it was time to step away, and what fueled her decision to return. Irina talks about her reaching out to work with Whitney Jones, the initial plan for her prep, and the changes they had to make because of show cancellations and postponements due to Covid. Irina also shares how her diet approach became macro based as opposed to meal plans, and she shares how she adjusted to this new method for her contest prep nutrition.

Celeste also asks Irina how, despite the uncertainty, she and her coaches worked together to combat her plateaus and “sticking points” since her prep was longer than originally anticipated. Irina discusses how she had to make the decision to continue to prep or take a step back and try to get pregnant, as that was something she and her husband had been talking about before starting the season.

Irina shares her feedback she received from her first show of the year, the Arnold Amateur, and describes how she and Whitney strategized so that Irina peaked properly going into USAs. Noting the passion and desire Irina had to assure she was bringing nothing short of her best to the national stage,

Celeste asks if Irina trusted and followed her coach’s protocol, or if she asked for modifications to her plan. Irina shares how her prep changed in the final weeks leading up to the show, and Celeste asks Irina about the feelings she experienced hearing her name being called for her pro card. Irina shares where her mindset was at during her prep as she became busier than expected at her pharmacy job due to periods of work being short staffed during Covid.

She mentions that between long commutes, twelve hour shifts, and feeling like she was “running on fumes,” winning her pro card at her first national show wasn’t in the front of her mind. Celeste then mentions Irina’s proximity to snagging the overall title and what feedback she received from the judges.

While on the topic of winning her pro card, Celeste touches on the fact that Irina’s husband, who is also a competitor, won his pro card as well, and asked Irina what it was like for them to turn pro at the same show. Irina tells listeners that, while excited to celebrate her husband's success, she also felt pressured to bring home her pro card as well.

Moving on, the two women discuss Irina’s approach to diet and training post show, as she had mentioned how her and her husband had wanted to try and have a baby. Irina expresses certain hesitations and concerns she has about getting pregnant and the changes to her body, but also her feelings of excitement for this next chapter in her life.

Although there are talks of both a baby and making their pro debut together, Irina discusses how her and her husband came to the decision that it was time to start a family. Irina talks about her and her husband's feelings towards having a baby and how she foresees her husband being as a future father.

After talking about family matters, Celeste mentions Irina’s busy work schedule that she manages with competing. She asks Irina if the mentality and habits she developed from her experiences of coming to the US, and working full time while earning her doctorate had an influence on the way she approached bodybuilding. Irina then shares her story of immigrating from Russia to the US.

She discusses how coming to the US influenced her decision to choose to commit to pharmacology and also how she found bodybuilding. Irina acknowledges that nothing was gifted to her and that she had to work hard to put herself through school and establish her career. Because of Irina’s story, Celeste was curious to ask how the “American Dream” was depicted in Russia and what inspired Irina to come to the US.

Irina discusses how she came to the decision to apply for schools in the United States as she wasn’t sure how long she was going to stay upon arriving. Celeste and Irina discuss how Irina got into pharmacy and she shares an important goal she would like to accomplish in the field.

The conversation shifts and Irina shares financial goals she has for herself, which leads Celeste to ask about any strategies Irina has or is taking to set herself up for this financial success. Next, Irina briefly shares how she met her husband before giving her best advice for both first time competitors and for the girls on their road to pro.

CONNECT WITH IRINA:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/irina__post_/

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
WEBSITE: WWW.CELESTIAL.FIT

Episode Time Stamps:
[0:50] Celeste introduces Irina.

[2:20] Irina shares her pre-stage ritual.

[4:30] Celeste asks Irina how she knew it was time to step away and then come back to the stage.

[8:10] Celeste asks how Whitney’s approach to Irina’s prep has differed with the show cancellations due to Covid.

[10:50] Celeste asks if Irina struggled at first with figuring out macros.

[12:15] Irina shares what she did to combat the plateaus she experienced during prep.

[15:50] Celeste asks how Irina & her coaches assured that she peaked properly for USAs.

[17:30] Celeste asks Irina if she was asking for changes on her prep plan or if she followed the protocol given.

[19:45] Irina shares her focus going into USAs and how it felt to hear her name called for her pro card.

[24:40] Celeste asks Irina about her feedback from the battle for the overall.

[27:30] Irina shares what it was like to win her pro card at the same show as her husband.

[31:20] Celeste asks Irina if she felt pressured to get her pro card after her husband received his.

[34:45] Celeste asks if Irina’s post show approach has changed because she is trying to get pregnant.

[40:55] Irina talks about how she & her husband knew they were ready to start a family.

[48:00] Celeste asks Irina if she believes her life experiences thus far have influenced her approach to bodybuilding.

[50:30] Irina explains her journey as an immigrant and how she came to have the success she does in her career and bodybuilding.

[58:30] Celeste asks Irina how the “American Dream” was seen in Russia and what inspired Irina to come here.

[60:15] Irina shares her thoughts on deciding to go to school in the US.

[65:15] Celeste clarifies what Irina means by her goal to own her own pharmacy.

[69:00] Celeste asks Irina what steps or strategies she has taken to set herself up for financial success for herself and for her future family.

[72:45] Irina shares how she met her husband.

[73:30] Irina gives her best advice to first time competitors and for girls on their road to pro.

[76:40] Irina tells listeners where they can find & connect with her on social media.

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DR. RUTH MONTES; A Doctor's View on Bodybuilding & Risks, Focusing on the Whole Package, Parental Care Taking, & Staying Focused

2/19/2021

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In this episode, we meet Ruth Montes, life-long athlete and primary care physician who just won her IFBB Pro card at the 2020 Masters USA Championships, even while working COVID wards and caring for her ailing mother. Her athletic career began with gymnastics , running, and cheerleading but it took a revenge body mindset to get her into weight training and competing in the npc 2.5 years ago

She found out that being a doctor was her calling, because she always had a passion for science. Moreover, due to some condition, her mom was frequently in the hospital. Ruth grew up finding faith in her Christianity, and all these elements made her ask herself what are we doing for others ?.

She started lifting with a revenge mentality, after having been cheated on.
Throughout the journey, her mindset evolved from revenge to doing something for herself

The owner of the vitamin store she used to go advised her to go to Ryan Bentson, who became her coach. They had a good connection & his useful detailed feedback and coaching has made a huge difference in her athletic career.

She was competing while she was still a resident in med school. That gave her ammunition to keep her going and strive for more. There are parallels between becoming a doctor and becoming a pro, in the extremes of the lifestyle.
She used to do boot camps and marathons before immersing into bikini competitions. Training became a fuel and a way to take time for herself. She ran a marathon 1 week prior to Governor’s cup and learned lessons about that. She was too sore and didn’t do great. A choice had to be made between running or bodybuilding.

A few times, Ruth was super close to earning her pro card. She used her coach's feedback to improve along with the support of a posing coach.
Her mindset also changed. Now she feels lots of gratitude and taps into mindfulness in everything she does to make the most of it. She is a positive person and always takes lessons from her experiences.

Ruth insists on the importance of the whole package, which is also why she changed her suit and hair color.

Ruth explains that it is important to be mindful about nutrition, especially when you’re always on the go like she is.

Ruth and Celeste discuss how she has been feeling since her pro card win and she shared how keeping a positive mental attitude focused on manifesting and never allowing negativity to rob her of happiness. She shares the importance of having a supportive community. Her boyfriend, who’s also her coach's brother, is a piece to her success, thanks to the incredible support he gives.

Ruth gives her standpoint, as a doctor, regarding health and bodybuilding. recommending to think ahead, consider the side effects as well as the importance of fertility to you.
What risks are you willing to take ? Using is not necessarily inherently bad, but you have to take informed decisions, with health at the forefront.

Ruth’s best advice would be to listen to podcasts! Podcasts give us a great insight and we can always learn from others. Find people who you connect with to tune into this lifestyle and of course, never give up.

Connect with Dr. Ruth
on IG :https://www.instagram.com/ifbb_pro_drruth/

Connect with Celeste:
https://instagram.com/celestial_fit
www.celestial.fit

EPISODE TIME STAMPS

2’18 : Ruth shares her pre stage ritual. She uses breathwork and prays
3’13 : Ruth explains what a « normal » day is for her, which is very busy.
She starts with fasted cardio, then breakfast, consisting in spinach egg whites, oats, almonds
Then goes to work. After work she goes to the gym.
Then ends with groceries and diner.
6’42 : She learned lessons from practicing lots of sports besides bodybuilding, especially one week prior to competition.
Ruth shares how she’s dealt with that and how now she recovers.
10'47 : Ruth’s « why » has evolved, from a « revenge body » mindset, to « I wanna do this for myself ».
13’30 : Ruth explains how she started with her coach.
16’05 : She gives details about how it is to work with her coach, and how useful his feedback is.
18’16 : In 2019, Ruth was super close to getting her pro card. She gives her insight about that experience. She also shares the feedback she got.
23’33 : Ruth explains how her perspective has changed compared to when she was a gymnast.
23’53 : Ruth shares the feedback she got from North Americans and how she improved.
26’ : Ruth explains how she became more mindful about her diet, while she’s always on the go.
27’40 : Ruth shares how she was able to turn things in order to get that win, and the Pro card, in 24h.
With her coach, she used nutrition and posing tweaks.
31’48 : She explains how posing can be used as a tool to display a different physique, and the importance of being relaxed.
35’37 : Ruth talks about the changes she brought to her hair and suit.
38’ : Ruth gives DIY tanning tips.
40’46 : Ruth explains how bodybuilding can actually add to your life.
41’30 : She talks about the feels when she earned her procard.
44’44 : Ruth shares how she dealt with doubts and post show blues.
48’ : Ruth talks about the tunnel vision on stage.
51’ : She talks about her mindset post pro card.
54’40 : Ruth’s boyfriend is her coach’s brother.
She develops about that. She also shares about the support she receives from her boyfriend.
58’13 : Ruth talks about the parallels between becoming a doctor and turning pro.
59’14 : She gives her point of view about « hiding » or not hiding that she’s a bodybuilder to patients.
60’39 : Ruth gives her standpoint, as a doctor, about health and bodybuilding.
63’23 : She continues with how she capitalizes on health.
67’14 : Ruth explains she wouldn’t change a thing in bikini, since she loves the division.
69’04 : Ruth mentioned that she was taking care of her mom. She develops about that.
75’50 : Ruth explains how she knew that being a doctor was her calling.
75’40 : She shares her best advice for new competitors and new pros :
Listen to podcasts ! you can learn from others and become involved in an inspiring community
78’46 : On your road to pro, Ruth’s advice would be to trust the timing, each time you get better, enjoy, stay involved and don’t give up.

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TRISHA GREEN; Your Time Will Come, Reset for Success, Protect Your Environment

2/12/2021

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In today’s episode, Celeste interviews Trisha Green, who works as a personal trainer and began her competition journey in 2015 completing 6 regional shows and 6 national shows before earning her pro card at USA’s in 2020.

After discussing some pre-stage rituals, Celeste and Trisha explore the various ways Trisha’s mindset towards prepping and competing have changed over the past six years. Trisha goes on to explain her path towards the stage, beginning with starting out as a personal trainer at a local gym. Once she made it through her first prep and stepped on stage for the first time, Trisha was “hooked” on competing and created a lifestyle that allows her to pursue her dreams with a strong support system.

Trisha shares many insights into her competition prep, one most notably being her post-show feedback from head judge Sandy Williamson. She goes into details about the areas of her physique that need improvement, as well as some of the ways she plans on improving her package and coming back better for her rookie season.

Trisha openly shares about her two year unexpected hiatus from competing, and describes some of the challenges she endured during this time. Ultimately, she enlightens us on how her mindset adapted this time, and how she has used her lessons learned into the prep that allowed her to earn her pro card.

Throughout the interview, Celeste and Trisha continuously talk about the importance of having a strong foundation of support to succeed in both life and competing. They also discuss the significance of being willing to “reset” throughout a season of prep or life. No matter the setbacks, Trisha talks about the importance of loving the process more than the final result or destination. Also mentioned is the value in taking your time; not rushing the process or results we often so quickly wish to attain.

As the interview comes to a close, Trisha shares her best advice for a competitor who has never competed before but has a desire; as well as her best advice for a competitor on her road to earning a pro card!

Connect with Trisha
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Trisha_fit_ifbbpro/

Resources: linktr.ee/Trishagreen

Connect with Celeste
IG: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
Website: www.celestial.fit

TIME STAMPS
[00:44] Celeste introduces Trisha onto the podcast, highlighting some of her accomplishments
[2:15] Trisha talks about her rituals before stepping on stage
[4:06] Celeste asks how Trisha’s thoughts on competing evolved from 2015 to now
[6:15] Trisha describes her life before competing and her path to becoming a personal trainer
[9:08] Celeste inquires on how Trisha’s mindset has shifted after earning her pro card
[13:00] Trisha elaborates on how she used her time post show as a reset
[14:48] Trisha shares her feedback from head judge, Sandy
[18:00] Trisha describes finding balance and fine tuning from show to show
[19:30] Trisha talks about placing 5th at her first national show
[20:30] Trisha describes some of life changes that occurred over a 2 year hiatus from competing
[23:14] Celeste asks what the transition was like after Trisha’s return to competing
[25:30] Celeste inquires on how Trisha's prior experience allowed her to be successful during this most recent prep
[29:00] Trisha talks about different approaches she has experimented with over the years
[30:30] Trisha elaborates about the importance of “fine tuning” from show to show
[31:17] Celeste asks about Trisha’s decision to switch coaches
[36:15] Trisha talks about the differences going into previous shows compared to winning her pro card
[39:33] Trisha describes some of the times she was discouraged and felt like giving up
[40:50] Celeste and Trisha discuss the importance of enjoying the process and the journey
[43:00] Trisha describes how her mentality shifted, knowing her next show will be her pro debut
[46:00] Trisha talks about how she has mapped out her next steps as a new pro
[47:40] Celeste inquires about how Trisha will know when it is time to prep again
[50:30] Trisha talks about how she uses her own experiences competing with clients of her own
[53:16] Celeste asks Trisha to share how structure is present in her daily routine
[57:05] Trisha elaborates on how a strong support system has helped her achieve her dreams
[61:07] Trisha talks about the importance of relying on and supporting yourself
[62:18] Celeste elaborates on the importance of not seeking things outside of ourselves, but rather creating them within us
[62:54] Celeste asks Trisha to share her top three posing tips
[65:28] Trisha shares how she is approaching the choreographing for her pro routine
[68:08] Celeste asks Trisha for her best advice for new competitors and those who are on their road to pro
[68:15] Trisha shares her advice for new competitors
[69:34] Trisha shares her advice for someone on the road to pro
[71:14] Trisha shares how to connect with her on social media

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CHRIS NICOLE CHIACCIO; Turn Losses into Wins, Self-Evaluation, Posing with Scoliosis, Pitfalls & Pros of Perfectionism

2/5/2021

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This week, host Celeste Rains-Turk sits down with Chris Nicole cohost on the Prep Life podcast who started her competition journey in 2015 as a hobby and prepped for one show a year. She holds certifications in both nutrition and exercise from NPTI along with Precision Nutrition

Chris starts off by sharing how the encouragement of a friend initially brought her to competing as well as her desire to take her fitness hobby to the next level. She shares how her type A personality played a large roll in her journey and how it had attached her own self worth to her adherence of her plan.

As the episode progresses, Chris talks about her own history with disordered eating. She shares how inquiries from friends and family about her weight loss made her only want to control it more through over exercising and under eating. It was a pivotal moment when she was lying on her back and realized she could see her own skeleton that made her realize that she needed help. This history doesn’t hold her back in her preps, however, because she has learned how to properly frame her mindset around her goals so that they are healthy. She shares the importance of setting a goal for a certain leanness for a temporary time and not to live at.

Chris continues to talk about her most recent show and taking last place. She shares how she felt in denial of it for quite some time, but after a few months she realized how disappointed she was in the placing. Chris talks about how she tried to control her reverse despite what her coach wanted her to do and how they were able to sit down and develop a plan for making the most of the improvement season.

On the note of physical health, Chris shares her own struggles with hypoglycemia as well as scoliosis and the impact that both have on competing for her. She talks about how hypoglycemia causes her to rethink the way that most people would eat in a prep and experimenting with what works best for her. Because of the scoliosis she has had since a young age, Chris talks about modifications she has had to make to her posing in order to appear balanced while on the stage.

Throughout the episode, Chris’ passion for mental health and self improvement is apparent and she talks about one of the tactics she uses in order to get the most out of every day. She shares the important aspects of her morning routine and the appointment she creates with herself as well as the daily discussion she has with her boyfriend that features two important questions to positively reflect on the activities of the day.

As the episode comes to a close, Chris shares her best advice to both new competitors and those on their way to their pro card. In this insightful episode, she continues to stress the ever important theme of competing and life in general, “Your value doesn’t come from the things you do, it comes from who you are.”

CONNECT WITH CHRIS:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/chrisnicole_ifbbpro/
ALL LINKS: https://linktr.ee/chrisnicole_ifbbpro
HEAR HER COACH SERIES EPISODE WITH GLAM GIRL: http://www.celestial.fit/confessions-of-a-bikini-pro-podcast/coaches-series-glam-girl-bikini

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
WEBSITE: http://www.celestial.fit/

EPISODE TIME STAMPS

[2:50] Pre Stage Rituals
[4:10] Increasing stage time to one minute as an IFBB Pro
[6:33] Transitioning a fitness hobby to a competition career
[8:23] Using the perfectionist mentality in life as an athlete
[10:47] Putting Self worth into adherence
[13:17] The drive to compete
[15:31] Pivotal moments that stressed the importance of mental health
[18:22] Previous struggles with disordered eating
[23:53] Changing a mindset around getting leaner
[27:02] Placing last at her most recent show
[34:21] Feeling pressure to perform a certain way as an IFBB pro and a coach
[38:34] The impact being an IFBB Pro has on coaching
[44:12] Feedback from shows
[47:21] Managing Stress and Hormones in the improvement season
[51:19] Handling gut health and hypoglycemia while nourishing her body
[55:32] Impact scoliosis has on competing
[1:01:11] Prioritizing a morning routine
[1:06:47] The impact reviewing the day has on the approach to goal setting
[1:11:12] Best advice for the girl who’s never competed and the one who’s on the road to pro

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OLYMPIA DEBUT SERIES

2/3/2021

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These two episodes are featuring the amazing athletes who have been on this podcast before and have now achieved their dreams of hitting the Olympia stage!

I am so excited to have them on again and can't wait for you to hear these episodes

We get into their experience at the show, backstage, and plans moving forward. With intimate topics covered including; challenges overcome, relationships, prioritizing time and energy, their competing plans from here, emotional experiences, feedback from the judges, physical changes, birth control, post-show weight gain, fears, doubts, and so much more...

You can find each athlete's original, individual episode below too to get a glimpse at the evolution:

ALESSIA FACCHIN
ASHLYN BROWN
BRITTNEY DAYNE
DARAJA HILL
HANNAH RANFRANZ
JULI LOPEZ
MAIA GORDON
MAYA ASTABIE
NOORA MAHONEN

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DR. IRINA POST; The American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes & Planning Pregnancy Around Pro Cards

DR. RUTH MONTES; A Doctor's View on Bodybuilding & Risks, Focusing on the Whole Package, Parental Care Taking, & Staying Focused

TRISHA GREEN; Your Time Will Come, Reset for Success, Protect Your Environment

CHRIS NICOLE CHIACCIO; Turn Losses into Wins, Self-Evaluation, Posing with Scoliosis, Pitfalls & Pros of Perfectionism

OLYMPIA DEBUT SERIES

Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast

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