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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ERIN DENNIS; Peak Week Feels, Learn to Love it All, Accepting Weight Gain, Mechanical Engineering

6/24/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Erin Dennis, who was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and went to Ohio State for Mechanical Engineering. She then moved to North Carolina to work for Goodyear, where she design tires. She started competing in 2018 and turned Pro at the 2019 National Championships. She has since competed in 7 IFBB Pro shows. Erin openly talks about her experiences changes coaches and how she approaches growth between shows. She believes that anybody can pursue fitness regardless of circumstance. She has worked a full time, demanding job ever since she got into body building and some days wakes up at 3am to get to the gym before work for cardio.

Erin wants everyone to know that anything is possible if it’s a priority for you. You don not want to miss the interview!

Topics covered include:
-confidence on stage
-having a passion for progress
-taking time off to grow
-investigating mindset around food emotions
-listening to judges’ feedback
-having family support
-managing sponsorships
-working as an engineer

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CONNECT WITH ERIN:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.dennis.ifbb/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
3:50 peak week experiences
7:00 passion for bodybuilding and deciding to switch coaches
13:30 judges’ feedback and making improvements
15:29 positive mental approach to taking time off
20:30 having a good improvement season to set up a good prep
26:28 approach to building muscle
32:20 goals for competing and family support
37:45 getting sponsorships
42:45 stage looks and experiences competing
49:50 working as an engineer and managing co-worker questions
60:50 advice for competitors

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ASHLEY DUNCAN; Figure to Bikini, Perfecting Weak Points, Daily Musts

6/17/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Ashley Duncan. She is a nurse, adjunct college nursing instructor, online competition/lifestyle coach, in-person personal trainer. She has worked with high school athletics and had 5 daughters between her and her husband. She is currently an athlete under Team Atlas. She talks about having daughters and maintaining their self-image while competing while showing them structure/ balance. Ashley talks about her passion for coaching athletes. She has been lifting weights religiously since 1999 (8th grade) even through pregnancies. Ashley talks about how motivating it is for her to have something to work towards and how competing keeps her grounded.

We talk extensively about Ashley’s background with nursing and coaching. You do not want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-training and nutrition
-struggles in stage presentation and posing
-difficulties competing when from a very small town
-struggles balancing home life/kids' activities, and working random jobs
-Eminem obsession
-switching from figure to bikini
-the Why behind competing
-working as a nurse

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CONNECT WITH ASHLEY:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley_ifbbpro/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
2:57 switching from figure to bikini
8:40 trying to master bikini posing and presentation
17:30 struggles turning pro and learning between shows
21:23 stepping on the stage early
24:43 things that helped make improvements
27:46 prep versus improvement season
30:14 motivation to keep going
34:15 competing and raising daughters
45:50 competing goals
47:18 time management
51:40 working as a nurse
58:10 Eminem obsession
60:33 advice for competitors

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JANEAN PRIEST; Long-Distance Running to Bodybuilding, Assumptions about Masters Competitors, Hard Gainer

6/10/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Janean Priest, a 60 years old who was introduced to bodybuilding 3 1/2 years ago! She is a RN, BSN and had 3 beautiful and amazing children, 2 of them are twins. She has been married for 35 years. Before she found bodybuilding, she was a long distance runner and never stepped foot into a gym. She met her coach’s wife and owner of the gym she trains at a health fair who persuaded her to come check out the gym. There are only seven 60 year old IFBB pros in the US, which makes Jenean want to be an inspiration to those who feel being healthy is not obtainable. She fell into an eating disorder her senior year of high school that was accelerated when her mother had terminal cancer.

Jenean is open about her journey and has so much insight to share. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-competing as a Masters Pro
-working as a nurse
-transitioning from distance running to bodybuilding
-caring for sick parents
-struggling with an eating disorder
-time management tips
-staying positive through hard times
-myths about masters competitors
-using trial and error

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CONNECT WITH JANEAN:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janean_priest_ifbbpro/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
4:39 camaraderie in the masters division
7:17 it’a never to late to bodybuild
10:00 transitioning from distance running to bodybuilding
15:01 caring for sick parents and an eating disorder
22:15 being a hard gainer
23:30 deciding to become a nurse
27:40 time management as a mom and nurse
30:00 staying positive
35:20 the gym as a happy place
36:48 myths about masters competitors
45:00 upcoming plans
46:20 journey to pro
50:45 macros and bloating
54:37 advice for competitors

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ALECIA VERRONE; Embrace Food, Comradery, Confidence without Comparison

6/3/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Alecia Verrone, who started competing in 2018 and turned Pro in 2020 while being a single mom and working a hectic job in the cardiac Cath lab. She ran track and played basketball in high school but was always intimidated by lifting weights at the gym because she felt like she didn’t know what she was doing. When she started to put on muscle and get leaner, she eventually found her way to competing after leaving a bad relationship. She talks about how bodybuilding has helped her be a better mom and an example for her son.

Alecia tells us why she started competing and how it has changed her life. Her story is so relatable. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-why she stared competing
-how it’s changed her life
-setting a good example for her son
-balancing time
-shifting priorities
-competing as a mom
-struggles with binge eating
-improving her posing and confidence on stage
-finding food that works for you

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
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CONNECT WITH ALECIA:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alecia_verrone/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
6:20 being a single mom
8:55 juggling work, bodybuilding, and being a single mom
10:55 having the right mentality
12:36 how things changed after having her son
14:09 advice to other moms who want to compete
19:05 working to stay healthy
22:33 using different approaches
30:00 working on posing and the comparison game
36:00 giong to extremes
44:10 working in a Cath lab and future plans
53:54 advice for competitors

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MILENE LINGIARDI; Benefits of Flexibility, Pay Attention to your Plan, Openness to Change

5/27/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Milene Lingiardi, a full time civil engineer who works with renewable energy and recently had her pro debut at Golden State Pro in Sacramento, CA. Originally from Brazil, she started lifting in her first year of college in 2009, and went into her first bodybuilding competition in the end of 2019. She started following a plant-based diet in January of 2021 after watching the documentary The Game Changers and have not looked back since then.

Milene talks about using both positive and negative experiences as learning opportunities and how that has helped her all through life. She talks about the benefits of taking a more flexible approach and how that can help with stress levels. We hear why Milene switched to a plant-based diet and how it is working for her.

Milene shares so many lessons. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-switching to a plant-based diet
-leaner isn’t always better
-there’s always room for improvements
-life outside of bodybuilding
-new types of training splits
-the importance of consistency
-Working with Paul Revelia
-understanding your Why
-beauty standard in Brazil
-working as a civil engineer

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
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CONNECT WITH MILENE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milenelingiardi/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFB24Kb-SYw

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
3:21 current feelings on prep
8:45 gaining confidence to trust her body
11:50 lessons learned from last prep
14:59 improvement season versus prep
21:42 finding the right foods and going plant-based
28:00 using a different approach
32:30 explaining her Why
33:44 how she’s changed from when she started
36:38 deciding to compete
41:03 support system
42:14 working as a civil engineer
49:10 how lessons in bodybuilding translates to outside goals
51:45 advice for competitors

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ISAMAR HANSEN; Power of the Human Spirit, Active Duty & Prepping, No Such Thing as Can't

5/20/2022

Today I speak with Isamar Hansen, an IFBB Pro originally from Venezuela. Since she was a little, she always liked to strive for bringing her best at everything she committed to do, big or small. Two days after getting her Green Card, she enlisted in the US Army and is now working towards becoming a second lieutenant. She has a Bachelor degree in petroleum engineering and is working towards her MBA. She doesn’t believe there is any other competition than ourselves.

Isamar has such a unique story. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-moving from Venezuela to the US
-enlisting in the US Army
-her husband having cancer
-fitness in the Army
-enjoying the food you eat
-prepping and Army training
-the power of mindset
-changes to become a Pro
-goals outside of competing
-not rushing the offseason

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH ISAMAR:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isamarfit18_ifbb_bikini_pro/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
4:20 deciding to move to the US and joining the Army
7:36 meeting her husband and health struggles
11:20 deciding to pursue health and fitness
14:29 first time competitors and commitment
20:05 prepping and the military
28:40 how the military and bodybuilding compliment each other
31:14 struggling with money and English
37:40 the importance of mindset
43:00 knowing what is possible
46:10 making physique changes
53:27 life changes moving forward
57:30 advice for competitors

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BROOKE PETRY; Enjoyment First, Channeling Discipline & Rigidity, Elite Lifestyle vs Healthy Lifestyle

5/13/2022

Today I speak with Brooke Petry, an IFBB Pro Bikini athlete, wife, and mom of 3 daughters, who currently lives northwest of Chicago. She earned her B.S. in Retail/Fashion Merchandising from Bradley University, and worked in the world of corporate buying for 5 years before she decided to be a stay home mom. She started bodybuilding in 2017, at age 36. Body building has given Brooke the tools and motivation to have a healthy relationship with food, exercise and her body.

Her experience with anorexia left her believing that she needed to hide anything that might look like she was dieting or exercising because she had been so extreme before and everyone was watching her. She didn't know how to assimilate into a healthy lifestyle and firmly believes success is the result of vision and mental fortitude. Discipline is a great strength of Brooke’s.She loves being a positive influence on her family!

Topics covered include:
-getting started in bodybuilding
-history with anorexia as a teen
-being married to a non-bodybuilder
-doing what you enjoy
-finding the right coach for you
-believing in yourself
-finding food you enjoy
-being disciplined
-being an example for her children
-sacrificing in prep

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
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CONNECT WITH BROOKE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookepetry_fit/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
4:30 evolution over the years
6:50 start in bodybuilding
9:12 first show experience
16:50 deciding to compete
21:30 changing coaches
28:50 things she wish she knew before
31:58 Discovering her why
34:28 tips to live like a bodybuilder
37:50 developing discipline
40:23 taking a deload period
46:20 dealing with judgement
50:57 setting personal goals
53:00 struggling with anorexia
60:36 being a stay at home mom
63:50 fitness fashion
65:40 advice for competitors

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KAREN YUEN; Realizing Greatness, 21 Days of Quarantine Experience & Expense, Not Always Perfect, Say Yes to Your Dream Life

5/6/2022

Today I speak with Karen Yuen, one of the 6 IFBB bikini pros from Hong Kong. She turned pro in 2019 at her 5th NPC show. Due to covid travel restrictions i did not compete in 2020. In 2021, she had her Pro Debut in USA , despite 21 days hotel quarantine after she returned home. She placed 5th among Olympians at both shows - San Antonio Pro & Minneapolis Pro. Outside of competition, She is a gym owner, a fitness & posing coach, and also a dog mom of 3! She coaches both lifestyle and competition clients, and helped a client obtain her pro card in Japan.

Karen give great insight into what it’s like to be a gym owner and a bodybuilder in an Asian country. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-How she started in bodybuilding
-life as a gym owner
-bodybuilding in Asia
-stress management
-productivity while on prep
-traveling and quarantining
-mindset in improvement season
-choosing the right coach
-competing in as a Pro

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
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All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenfit.ifbbpro/
Gym: https://www.instagram.com/hit_pt/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
3:07 areas to improve
6:10 keeping intensity in training
11:45 changing mindset about improvement season
17:44 changing approaches
23:55 goals for the future and bodybuilding
31:00 is it worth it?
37:30 saying yes to opportunities
39:15 training while on quarantine
44:15 being a gym owner
49:00 being a bodybuilder in Hong Kong
57:25 advice for competitors
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MIGNON WILLIAMS; Tax Deductions & Budgeting, Professionalism, Pre-Show Zen Mode

4/29/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Mignon Williams, who is a native of New Orleans, LA and currently lives in Atlanta, GA. Mignon is a finance professional and entrepreneur as the owner of Untaxed Confidential, a full service tax and accounting firm where she educates clients on ways to save money in taxes and make smart financial decisions for the future. She is a FitBody Fusion Athlete coached by Jamie DeBernard and earned her Pro Card in 2019 at the North American Championships snagging not only her pro card but also the Overall title. She made her Pro debut a week later at the Arizona Wings of strength placing top 15 among 11 Olympians. She came back in 2020 at the Chicago Pro placing 3rd and took a long and much need break from the stage to become a mother to a beautiful baby boy August Langston Humphrey. When she's not in tax season, she is coaching other bikini athletes on posing, presentation and stage polish.

Mignon has so much to share on how to STOP comparing your progress from one show/year to another because you are growing in this sport. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:
-Her tax business, Untaxed Confidential
-Posing and show day glam
-Being a Black Girl with an eating disorder
-Motherhood and fit pregnancy
-Breastfeeding and bodybuilding
-Being intentional and present in your relationships during prep
-Working out with intensity and intention
-Taking your OFFSZN seriously.
-Self Care during prep
-Turning 40!!
-Running a business as a mom as a bikini pro
-The right way to wear a wig
-Conquering the stage with posing, poise, polish and presentation
-Showing up each day as a PROFESSIONAL in every aspect of your 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 MIGNON:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mignoncyrelle/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
4:23 influences for stage presence as a dancer
7:40 preparing taxes as a Pro bodybuilder
14:20 show planning tips
20:01 being a professional before you’re actually a Pro
23:00 advice for stage presence
25:41 show day glam
35:50 lessons learned over the years and different coaches
47:10 the show that haunts her
49:10 switching coaches and turning pro
58:50 pre-show routine and recovery
66:50 comparison trap with yourself
70:43 struggling with an eating disorder
73:25 pregnancy and postpartum journey
91:00 advice for competitors

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LAURA TARBELL; 2 Sets of Twins, Functional Approach, Optimize Workouts, Honoring Hormone Changes

4/22/2022

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Laura Tarbell who did her first prep in the spring of 2007 for seven short weeks and won my bikini pro card with the WNSO. Six weeks later, she placed third at the Pro World Championships. She immediately loved competing because it felt like the perfect combination of the two things she loved most growing up, sports and stage performance. She played basketball and studied to be a music teacher in college, but felt like she was called to be a coach. She continued to compete until 2009 when she started my family.

Eight years later, she decided I wanted to go after an IFBB Pro card, just to prove to herself that with 4 kids and at the age of 40, she could do it. In 2020 she made it happen and her next goal is to win a masters Pro show.

She now coaches for Nutrition Dynamic doing both competition prep and functional nutrition. She focuses on helping bikini athletes optimize their competition prep in order to look their best on stage and then transition into post show with long term health in mind.

Laura gives us invaluable information. You don’t want to miss this interview! 23:20

Topics covered include:
-having 2 sets of twins
-macros versus meal plans
-prepping with a family
-knowing your body on a functional level
-comparison versus inspiration
-coaching basketball
-keeping in “treats” during prep
-testing as a tool

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 LAURA:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.tarbell.ifbbpro/

TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
5:06 inspiration to compete and competing in multiple leagues
10:20 using pilates for recovery and deciding to train for bodybuilding
11:50 lessons from different federations and coaching competitions
13:44 having 2 sets of twins and IVF
19:00 prepping and raising a family
28:30 nutrition changes from prep to improvement season
40:48 goals moving forward
43:00 actions to support growth
47:05 testing after adding in different supplements
50:28 when not to compete and why a functional approach is best
55:00 how your cycle can affect performance
61:50 tips from tracking macros
66:50 training to optimize your workouts
72:50 feedback from judges
77:25 advice for competitors

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