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Confessions of a Bikini Pro — Professional
Confessions of a Bikini Pro

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!

Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Latest Episodes:

MARNIE AL SARAF; Rebuilding Confidence, Get the It Factor, Leave Comparison to the Judges, Your Process Nov 24, 2023

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Marnie Al-Saraf, from the UK who recently won her pro card at the Ben Weider in April this year, and then placed 4th in her pro debut at the 1 Bro Pro show the same day! Marnie did her first show back in 2015 so has grown up in the sport. She is a full time posing coach and runs her own business, Rockit Posing. She also has a bachelors degree in Biomedical Science which she got from the University of Liverpool. Marnie shares how her life path switched form pursuing a career in medicine to shifting to the sport of bodybuilding.

This was such an in-depth conversation that I know all competitors will appreciate. You do not want to miss this episode!

TOPICS COVERED

-turning pro and plans for the future

-mindset to unlocking YOUR potential

-being on stage when you aren't ready

-competing in the UK

-knowing it's time to switch coaches

-respecting the process

-lessons from bodybuilding for life

-acting like a Pro before turning Pro

-transitioning from post-show to offseason

-owning a coaching business

-bodybuilding as a performance

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 MARNIE:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marniefit/

Rockit posing: https://www.instagram.com/rockitposing/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/marniefit

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

6:00 becoming dedicated to bodybuilding

12:55 pressure to compete non-stop

16:20 considering stoping to compete

22:00 regaining her confidence

30:53 struggles with weight gain

39:25 knowing when you have enough muscle

46:21 lessons from competing in Pro shows

53:30 thoughts on turning Pro

59:04 opportunities from bodybuilding

65:05 lasting memories and take aways

69:09 being bullied as a child

73:00 having thick skin in bodybuilding

78:45 supporting yourself post-show

86:05 communicating with your coach

90:39 working as a posing coach

95:50 creating the "It Factor" on stage

100:34 being fulfilled by the journey

120:00 advice fro competitors

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NDEYE NDOUR; True Novice to Olympia Qualified in 5 months, Work of the Mother, Air Force Academy's Impact, Solution Minded Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Ndeye Ndour, a mom of two kids who is married to the love of her life. She was born and raised in Senegal and graduated from the Air Force academy. She just started her competition journey in April and five months later competed in the Olympia. She won her Pro card at 2023 Junior USAs, where she took third overall. She qualified for the Olympia with her first Pro win at the Daytona Pro. Ndeye shares how she balances her active family and prioritizes health over everything.

TOPICS COVERED

-family and balance

-having a heart of gratitude

-balancing an active family

-working as an anesthesia nurse

-embracing your postpartum body

-encouraging others

-going to the Air Force Academy

-self-imposed limitations

-working on your relationships

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 NDEYE:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ndeye_ndour_ifbbpro/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

3:50 mindset influences

6:48 outlook on motherhood

12:30 importance of nutrition

14:57 working with Paul Revelia

18:49 deciding to compete as a Pro

23:10 body changes after having kids

27:33 chances for imposter syndrome

33:17 graduating from the Air Force Academy

36:44 Just go for it!

40:01 lessons in time management

44:28 learning English

46:35 relationship with her husband

54:50 deciding "we can"

59:48 family support of competing

65:06 listener questions

74:10 advice for competitors

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

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES

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

KENDALL CALL; Hedonic Eating, Normal vs Optimal Hormones, Leaving Nursing for Functional Coaching Nov 10, 2023

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Kendall Call, born and raised in Oregon but currently living in Tampa. She was involved in sports at a very young age and began training with a coach when she was 15. She became a personal trainer while in undergrad and went on to get her Master's in Nursing from Johns Hopkins while also starting to online coach as a side hobby. She had planned on competing in June of 2020 in her first show but it got canceled due to COVID. A year later, she did an 8 week prep while coaching herself. She won the overall at her first two shows, and decided to do Universe three weeks later and earned hoer Pro card!

In June of 2023, she quit her full-time nursing job to pursue her online coaching business after realizing that coaching was her passion. Kendall wants to bridge the gap between western medicine, fitness, and functional health.

TOPICS COVERED

-struggles with confidence and depression

-disordered eating patterns

-fast road to Pro

-unconventional prep

-taking a long off season

-struggles with reverse diets

-habits for success in every season

-being aware of thoughts

-prioritizing health & hormones

-understanding lab work

-transitioning from nurse to coach

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 KENDALL:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendall.ifbbpro/

Coaching: https://www.firstcallcoaching.net/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

6:35 prepping with a support system

12:04 applying the knowledge she gained

14:55 improving posing and working with a coach

16:40 intentions with starting to compete

19:43 approach while working with a coach

24:10 Pro debut and a long off season

28:19 physiological changed in reverse

35:55 establishing non-negotiable habits

38:30 struggles with disordered eating

44:47 focuses in improvement season

48:20 normal versus optimal function

52:25 leaving nursing for functional medicine

56:40 going off birth control

61:39 deciding on focus on coaching

66:50 goals as a Pro

68:35 advice for competitors

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

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES

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

HOLLY ZARSKI; Prioritization, Entrepreneurship & Life, How to Put Yourself First as a Mom Nov 03, 2023

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Holly Zarski, a native Floridian who was part of the 2012 Etsy boom creating one of the top Etsy wedding sign shops 'Z Create Design' and has since expanded their line of custom products to larger than life backdrops and installations for weddings and parties with 'Golden Hour Rentals'. She started competing in March of 2020, days before the world shut down, placing 2nd in open, followed by two first placings in Fall 2021, and ultimately winning her pro card at Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh in 2023. Holly is a mom to two young boys and is constantly trying to find a balance between motherhood, entrepreneurship and fitness.

Holly is so open about life as a mom, entrepreneur, and competitor. You don't want to miss this conversation!

TOPICS COVERED

-competing with no athletic background

-History of Eating Disorders

-Discovering Health & Wellness Through Competing

-Food Sensitivities

-Taking long off-seasons and an initial building phase

-Prepping as a mom

-Prepping as a business owner

-Fitting fitness into a busy life

-Impact of competing on our business

-listening to God about when it's time to move on

-Post Pro Card Blues

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 HOLLY:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyzcreate/

Businesses:

www.ZCreateDesign.Etsy.com

www.ZCreateDesign.com

www.GoldenHourRentalsFL.com

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

5:15 how her dad impacted her life

8:01 life as a mom

12:58 what her boys think about bodybuilding

19:05 her mom's struggles with food

24:32 going on medication for ADHD

28:55 changes in coping with stress

33:17 finding bodybuilding from general fitness

37:03 going through building phases

44:55 focuses through long building season

51:50 respecting the season you're in

58:26 is a Pro card worth it?

62:50 running a business with her husband

70:25 the future of her business

83:37 current post-show experience with gut issues

89:29 bedrest during pregnancy

93:55 advice for competitors

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

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES

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

ERIN GALES; Neurodivergence, Knowing your Needs, Awareness of Burnout & Fitting Prep Into your LIfe Oct 27, 2023

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Erin Mayrhofer (formerly Gales), who first moved to Los Angeles in 2010 after college to pursue a career in dance. In 2015, she experienced traumatic event, which led her to a deep depression. On her search for what she wanted to do next in life, she discovered bodybuilding through a friend. What started with a short term goal to lift her spirits became an 8 year journey on the bodybuilding stage! Erin did various shows each year as an amateur and finally earned her IFBB Pro card in July 2022 at USAs! She's currently working on her first full season as a rookie pro.

In her 30's. Erin was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, and found out she is on the autism spectrum. It is now her mission to bring light to how autism can present differently in women and why it commonly goes undiagnosed.

TOPICS COVERED

-anxiety and depression

-ADHD, OCD, and the autism spectrum

-autism in women

-being a newlywed

-changing the conversation around neurodiversity

-different reasons to prep

-building resilience

-loving your body before competing

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 ERIN:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egales/

Paxfit: https://www.instagram.com/paxfitco/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

5:15 feeling comfortable on stage

7:10 being diagnosis in her 30's

14:44 media portrayals of mental health

19:15 changes made to support her neurodivergence

25:30 building understanding with her husband

27:15 looking back to younger Erin

33:10 changing the conversation around neurodiversity

36:23 long journey to Pro

40:03 lessons about self

44:05 the importance of her faith

49:04 finding peace in her life

52:10 what makes bodybuilding worth prioritizing

53:50 time off after her breast augmentation

62:10 advice for competitors

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

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES

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

MEGAN LONG; Retiring from the Sport, Do you need to give 100%?, Business Insights, Mindset Tools to Implement Now, Tall Girl Strategies Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Megan Long, who has been competing as a bikini bodybuilder since 2014, earning her IFBB Pro Card by winning 1st place at 2021 NPC Universe. She has been a sponsored athlete since 2016, and featured in publications such as FitnessRx. She has been on Team FitBodyFusion since 2018, coached by Jami DeBernard. She recently made her Pro Debut at the 2023 Nashville Fit Show.

Outside of bodybuilding, Megan Long is the owner of Second First, a consulting and coaching company that specializes in the Second In Command. She is an experienced COO and CPA, having most recently served as the Second In Command for a $10 million IT company. Megan's achievements have been recognized through several professional awards, including the Nashville Business Journal's "40 under 40" and Stevie "Woman of the Year"" award.

TOPICS COVERED

-pursuing professional goals while also prepping

-having a long path to turning Pro (7 years!)

-mental health and therapy

-feeling satisfied from competing

-bridging the gap between COO and entrepreneur

-the courage to launch

-emotions during prep

-using the On-Demand Platform

-growing for the division

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 MEGAN:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan_ifbbpro/

Website: https://secondfirst.com/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

5:57 deciding to retire

11:27 feeling fulfilled with being a Pro

16:45 advice to earlier self

20:40 evolving mindset with competing

25:36 proudest memories

28:45 competing and having a profession

34:55 starting her own business

38:02 difference between executive assistant and COO

46:15 book recommendations

48:31 mental health and managing depression

60:08 dealing with judgement

69:55 stress in her prep

72:04 building in improvement season

80:03 things outside of competing

86:04 advice for competitors

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

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES

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

VESELA HRISTOVA; Carry a Legacy, Positive Perspective, Crazy Belief, Can't Compare Oct 13, 2023

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Vesela Hristova, a 26-years-old Bulgarian, living in London, who is also an online coach and a posing coach. She started competing in 2015 as a junior and took a long break before returning to the stage in 2019. In 2022, she competed in the Amateur Olympia Romania and won her Pro card!

Vesela shares her journey finding bodybuilding early and life, and how she managed being in school and not living a typical "student life". So many of us can relate to parts of Vesela's story. You don't want to miss this interview!

TOPICS COVERED

-prepping during COVID

-coaching herself

-dealing with pressure

-competing as a student

-traveling to the USA to compete

-living the bodybuilding lifestyle

-overcoming limits

-believing in yourself

-avoiding comparisons

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 VESELA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_vh/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:30 plans for her Pro debut

8:45 earning her degree

13:00 the passing of her coach

15:28 working on feedback

19:15 finding bodybuilding and living the lifestyle

26:20 not being able to do sports as a child

29:20 developing a "never quit" mindset

36:20 working with clients

37:50 prepping through lockdowns

42:50 steps to support your goals

49:55 working as a coach

53:01 tips to be more successful

56:50 advice for competitors

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

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES

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

KELSIE WOODHOUSE; Plan the Work & Work the Plan, Macro Friendly Meals, Obstacles are Bonuses, Family Dynamic Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Kelsie Woodhouse, a 38 year old, married, working mom of 2 living in the greater Seattle area as a Washington native. She works full time as a Business Development Director in the engineering and construction industry, and she loves to cook and bake. She grew up cheerleading and started self-guided weight lifting in 2016. Five years later, she decided to realize a bucket list item and start prep for her first competition. She researched coaches and started with Chris Melancon of Team Legacy and have stayed with him since. She first competed in July 2021, where she placed first or second in all of her classes, and went on to win the overall at her next show. Her first National level show was Team Universe in 2022, where she place 9th in Masters 35+ and 13th in her Open class. In July 2023, she won the overall at a regional show and then won her Pro card at 2023 Masters Nationals.

Kelsie shares how she manages to compete, work a full time job, and still be present as a mother and wife. You don't want to miss this interview!

TOPICS COVERED

-time management

-making space in your life for competing

-balancing your priorities

-prep on a macro plan

-saying yes when the universe says no

-loving to cook

-consistency wins

-it's up to you

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 KELSIE:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsie_woodhouse/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:30 normalizing what isn't normal

6:30 working the plan

11:03 developing mindset and mentality

14:10 lessons in overcoming obstacles

16:40 wearing different hats

22:55 having hobbies outside of competing

27:30 favorite prep friendly recipes

30:45 better not perfect

33:25 family dynamics with competing

38:50 support from husband

44:30 taking yourself too seriously

49:45 looking back on her journey

55:30 choosing her coach

59:45 changes to earn a Pro card

65:39 advice for competitors

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

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES

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

CASEY HILL; Hormonal Work & Body Image for Enhanced Athletes, Broken Engagement in Peak Week, Appreciate & Give the Support Sep 29, 2023

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Casey Hill, born and raised in northeast Ohio and currently living in Tampa. She works for a Matrix Hormones as a weigh loss specialist. Casey started competing in 2017 when she competed in 3 national qualifying shows and placed top 5 in all 3. She took of 2018 to grow and fix hormone issues and returned to the stage in 2019 when she competed in her first National show, getting last call outs. She took off 2021 to focus on personal growth and relationships and life outside of competing.

She then started coaching with Ashlyn Little and started her 2022 season placing 3rd at Grl Power. She then returned to the National stage and eventually won her Pro card at 2022 Nationals.

Casey is so open and honest in this interview. Every competitor will want to listen!

TOPICS COVERED

-ending an engagement during peak week

-PED usage

-coaching relationships

-hormone health

-support from family and friends

-knowing when you're ready

-learning from every experience

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 CASEY:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casey_ifbbpro/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:15 noticing hormone issues

10:50 working as a weight loss specialist

15:24 enhanced versus non-enhanced athletes

21:50 working with Ashlyn Little

28:23 ending here engagement during peak week

38:05 new relationships

42:00 gratification through the process

49:45 working towards her first pro season

58:55 being close with her coach

62:25 long term goals

63:25 advice for competitors

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

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES

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

VIVIANA SALAZAR; Life through Loss in ED, New Life in a New Country, Self-Belief Sep 22, 2023

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Viviana Salazar, a former soccer player from Mexico who moved to the US a year ago to live her dream of being a pro athlete.She has only been competing for a year, but has been training hard her whole life as an athlete who attended IMG Academy school in Florida for soccer.

Her first show was the 2022 Patriots Challenge where she got nationally qualified, She then did USAs getting first call outs but no pro card. After getting second callouts at Nationals, she felt discouraged and struggled mentally. But she came back was stronger and earned her Pro Card at 2023 Junior Nationals.

TOPICS COVERED

-how eating disorders affect families

-falling in love with bodybuilding

-moving from Mexico to Los Angeles

-being an online lifestyle and posing coach

-the loss of her mother

-fueling for sports

-gratitude in loss

-overcoming doubt

-helping others accomplish goals

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 VIVIANA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivianasalazare_/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:33 moving from Mexico to pursue bodybuilding

10:25 having a good environment

12:15 preparing to pursue bodybuilding in the USA

14:10 losing her mom to an eating disorder

26:05 reasons for an improvement season

29:07 family's opinion of bodybuilding

33:15 avoiding disordered eating

39:55 from doubt to confidence

52:45 the start of doubt

53:53 feedback after pro card

57:50 daily mindset

61:35 day in the life

65:14 being a posing coach

68:30 advice for competitors

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

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES

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

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