The Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast was established in May of 2018 as the first and only place where IFBB Bikini Pros share their struggles, strategies, stories, insights, and advice in a real, raw, and vulnerable setting. Host, Celeste Rains-Turk, dives into the parts of these professionals' lives that aren't always openly discussed in the public eye or on social media (You know, the stuff we tend to wonder about the most).
The goal of this podcast is to educate, inspire, and remind other competitors, athletes, or the average gym goer that even the most elite professionals face hardships, health problems, mental obstacles, and other adversities.
There are a wide range of topics discussed including, but DEFINITELY NOT limited to; post-show rebound, health complications, eating disorders, mental illnesses, winning mindset, dealing with losses, judges feedback, approaches to the stage, life outside of competing, money, relationships, philosophy, pursuing passions, and SO MUCH MORE!
All show notes, episode time stamps, links, and information can be found on www.celestial.fit/podcast
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 globally!
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JESSICA MCLAUGHLIN; Christian Bodybuilder?, Maximize Natural Potential, Elevate your Posing, NY Jets Dancer, Go Touch Grass
In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Jessica McLaughlin, an active duty officer in the U.S. Air Force and former NFL Cheerleader for the New York Jets. During the 2024 season, Jessica claimed three overall NPC titles and placed 5th at the 2024 Ben Weider Natural Pro Qualifier before earning her IFBB Pro card at the 2025 North Americans.
Jessica shares her journey as a natural competitor, how her faith influences her approach to bodybuilding, and the lessons she’s learned about discipline, patience, and perspective both on and off the stage. We also talk about her transition from cheerleading to bodybuilding, balancing military life with prep, and how she keeps her priorities aligned with her values.
TOPICS COVERED
-Being a natural competitor
-Competing as a Christian
-Nailing your reverse
-Overcoming instant gratification
-The importance of early posing practice
-Using a dance background to enhance presentation
-Keeping perspective on what’s truly hard
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 JESSICA:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_sbk/
TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
5:00 competing as a Christian
10:17 perspective on bikini division
13:18 focus for off season
20:57 growing from 2021 to 2024
24:56 advocating for staying natural
31:18 the pressure to keep up
37:31 lessons from bodybuilding
40:17 red hair on stage & posing
51:33 getting comfortable in heels
61:29 being an NFL cheerleader
66:08 joining the air force
72:54 balancing the military and bodybuilding
86:55 advice for competitors
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