Confessions of a Bikini Pro

Latest Episodes:

Adam Atkinson & Celeste Review the Season, Answer your Questions, & Have Passionate Rants Nov 02, 2022

Show notes

Today I speak with Adam Atkinson, to talk about my first season competing with him as my coach and his philosophy and approach to prepping and improvement seasons. We talk about how Adam helped me with my hormones and finally decided to work with him for prep. Adam is so dedicated to the health of his athletes through stress management and picking shows that will work with their lives. We go through the why and how behind my prep season and what we are expecting for improvement season. Towards the end, we also answer some listener questions, including questions about supplements. I also talk with Adam about my personal hormone health and how we are dealing with it.

So many of you have been asking for this episode. I can't wait for you to listen!

Topics covered include:

-loyalty and knowing when to move on

-choosing shows and reducing stress

-changes in tracking food

-embracing changes to training

-success without using PEDs

-meeting the needs of clients

-adjusting training to correspond to macros

-looking for the root cause of an issue

-goals within the industry

-being open to change

-test, don't guess

-committing to growth

-All In mentality and personal responsibility

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/seeyoulaterleaner/

Website: https://www.seeyoulaterleaner.com/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:42 deciding to work with Adam and first steps

10:35 approach to tracking macros

15:15 training like a bikini competitor who needs to grow

25:03 being natural and expectations of success

29:35 common traits in athletes that turn Pro

36:55 training progression during prep

46:50 choosing the right National show

51:02 moving from Ohio to Vegas

55:35 listener questions: Yohimbine HDL, Calcium d-glucarate

61:44 paying attention to hormone health

75:15 what Celeste needs to be more competitive

83:50 working with clients who have binge eating disorder

93:30 mitigating muscle loss

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

ERIN KAMM Oct 28, 2022

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Erin Kamm. She has been into fitness since an early age, having swam varsity swimming throughout Middle/High School; however, much of her life was overshadowed by a severe eating disorder that totally consumed her for over 15 years. But that all changed when she started weight training in 2015. What began simply as the desire to stay "skinny" and get abs, quickly turned into a true love for fitness and bodybuilding. Erin stepped on the NPC stage for the first time in the fall of 2016. She since competed in 10 regional shows and 8 national shows, before earning her IFBB Pro card at NPC Universe in 2022. Through bodybuilding, Erin has not only achieved ED recovery, but also discovered her love of competing and her passion and desire to inspire and help others overcome their own struggles and achieve their own health/fitness goals. She strives to teach her clients the importance of focusing on sustainability and balance to ensure that they can not only achieve their goals, but maintain them long term as well. Health is a top priority for Erin and her clients- not only physical health, but mental and emotional health as well. Topics covered include: -history of eating disorder -anxiety and depression -the journey to Pro -coaching with Fit Body Fusion -seeing bodybuilding as a privilege -gaining weight in the off season -dealing with grief 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/erinkamm_ifbbpro/ TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:50 seeing bodybuilding as a privilege 7:09 mistakes to avoid and finding what works for you 16:40 taking time off to improve 24:40 committing to a season of growth and shifting mindset 29:20 approach to coaching 36:45 deciding to work with Fit Body Fusion 42:10 dealing with imposter syndrome 47:09 overcoming an eating disorder and earning her Pro card 59:20 her history with ED 67:50 food choices to manage hunger and digestion 73:10 goals for the future and travel tips 81:50 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

KAITLYN RAY; AOC Mentality, Pushing Calories Up, Inner Wonder Woman, Do What You Want Oct 21, 2022

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Kaitlyn Ray, owner of AOC GYM, personal trainer and nutrition coach. She is a form police officer who won her Pro card at the 2022 USAs. Kaitlyn talks about how she developed her "Accept it. Own it. Crush it." mindset and how she has used it to get through hard times in her life. We hear how she went through may knee surgeries playing basketball in high school and continued to pursue playing basketball in college. Through her life, Kaitlyn has embraced challenges and has always wanted to prove people wrong when they said she couldn't do something. She doesn't let anything stop her from going after what she wants! Kaitlyn is a force to be reckoned with! Her mindset and "can do" attitude is contagious. You don't want to miss this interview! Topics covered include: -Accept it. Own it. Crush it mindset motto (AOC) -overcoming adversity -love of competition -going for what you want -setting and achieving goals -working with See You Later Leaner -gaining weight in the improvement season -slow and steady approach -overcoming doubts -doing what you want with your body and presentation 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 KAITLYN: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kray_ifbbpro/

Website: https://www.krayfitness101.com/ AOC IG: https://www.instagram.com/krayfitnessaoc/ TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:05 developing the AOC mindset and applying it in her life 10:03 overcoming struggles to find success 17:15 goals for the future 20:25 life before bodybuilding 25:18 working with Adam Atkinson 30:02 building the best bikini physique 39:10 changes in peaking process 48:10 the impact of going after goals 52:40 having a "dream season" 58:33 NOT getting a breast augmentation, staying true to self 63:45 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

HEAD JUDGE & SHOW PROMOTER JOE PISHKULA Oct 17, 2022

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro head judge and show promoter, Joe Pishkula. His genuine love for the sport and passion to support athletes is apparent from the moment you meet him! He started out as a competitor as a teenager in Ohio and has now most known for his role as an Olympia judge and promoter of the beloved Klash Series.

Topics covered include:

-the role ritual plays in bodybuilding

-having passion for anything you do

-knowing when you're done

-bodybuilding habits in the real world

-taking responsibility for your life

-Joe's goal as a promoter

-living in the moment

-Masters Pros getting the same respect as Open

-leaving a legacy

-progression for judges

-being patient to bring your best

-embarrassing your journey

-honesty is the best policy

-learn one thing every day

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 JOE:

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

Klash Series: https://theklash.com/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:30 ritual in bodybuilding

10:38 what drives Joe to his goals

20:04 fostering the champion mentality

28:15 bodybuilding impacting family life

35:58 what's different about Joe and the Klash series

53:20 who are your best friends?

58:35 being in the right headspace

68:03 behind the scenes of being a judge

89:25 athletes taking feedback

80:10 what makes an athlete memorable

107:30 the value of organic conversations

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

LAWNA DUNBAR Oct 14, 2022

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Lawna Dunbar, who started competing in 2014. After taking 3 straight overalls, she competed at USA where she got last call outs. After a 6 year break from the stage, she continued her 1st place streak and the won her Pro Card at the 2021 Ben Weider Natural Pro Am. She then made her Pro debut at the Texas Pro, taking 5th place. Since then she has had a breakout debut season, all while earning her Bachelor degree and starting a new job! Lawna talks about her goals away from the stage and how her love for fitness has stayed constant through everything. Planning and routine have helped her be successful in going to school and competing. As an adapted physical education teacher, Lawna has found her passion helping children with special needs learn about fitness.

Lawna tells us about how she meet her husband and their journey in fitness together. Because their values are aligned, they are able to support each other in reaching gather goals. We hear how Lawna has approached her 2022 season and what she is doing to reach her goals.

Lawna and I have a great conversation. You do not want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:

-taking time away from the stage

-background as a dancer

-routine and planning

-finishing grad school while competing

-working as an adapted PE teacher

-earning her Master's degree

-having a husband who also competes

-being a lifetime natural athlete

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 LAWNA:

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

TikTok: lawnadunbar_ifbbpro

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

5:20 changes through her 2021 season after taking a break

9:50 changing habits during time away from the stage

13:50 day in the life and her new career

19:48 lessons learned from working with special needs population

23:30 meeting her husband through fitness

27:40 building their relationship and planning for children

32:50 prioritizing her competitive goals

40:00 what she wants people to take away from her journey

42:50 judges' feedback and trying new things on stage

51:08 winning her Pro card at Ben Weider

57: 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

KRISTIN WRIGHT Oct 07, 2022

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Kristin Wright. She earned her BS in Dietetics from an ACEND accredited program. She coached people online to reach their fitness goals while learning how to have a healthy relationship with food. She has a long history of learning the hard way and feels it's her duty to share what she's learned with others. She is also the mom of two, wild boys! She spent 4 years in the US Coast Guard and had been competing since 2016. She earned her Pro card at 2019 NPC National Championships.

We talk about the importance of not seeing other competitors, or women as a whole, as competition. Comparing yourself to others is caging yourself in. The freeing of that cage is what she hopes to can inspire!

Kristin and I go deep in this episode. You don't want to miss it!

Topics covered include:

-changes after having a baby

-juggling competing and motherhood

-avoiding the comparison trap

-failure is the mother of success

-learning to rest and recover

-choosing foods in prep and improvement season

-the REAL prep feels

-reducing stress

-being in it for the long run

-studying dietetics

-relationship changes

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 KRISTIN:

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

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

2:53 getting into bodybuilding

7:19 struggles with identity as a mom

11:50 overcoming comparison and other mental drains

16:30 learning from failure

20:20 prioritizing rest and balance

25:40 choosing foods to use in macros

30:00 prep feels less talked about

35:40 approach to training

43:40 eating choices and lifestyle versus prep

55:34 experience in dietetics and coaching

62:45 evolution into current self

71:20 walking away from relationships

79:50 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

8th Annual Cuties Conquering the Stage Event Special Feature Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Shawn Hektor-Lewis, owner of Shawn's Couture Cuties. She has been making waves in the industry for years both as a competitor and a business owner! She is the queen of Hair, Makeup, Suits & Posing and the founder of Cuties Conquering the Stage. I'm excited to announces I'll be speaking at the 2023 event! CCTS is in its 8th year and is the premier event for bikini, wellness, and figure competitors looking to improve in their competitive journey. Shawn tells us the care and effort that goes into planning the even and what is in store for those who attend the 2023 event!

Bodybuilding can be such an inclusive sport and Shawn is working to share knowledge and educate other competitors. You don't want to miss this interview!

Topics covered include:

-Cuties Concerning the Stage event

-creating a women's only event

-how opportunities have changed for women in the sport

-speaker lineup

-delving into the mental health aspect of competing

-different aspects of the event

-options for everyone

-building community in the industry

-how the event has evolved

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 SHAWN:

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

Shawn's Couture Cuties: https://www.instagram.com/shawnscouture/

CCTS tickets: https://cutiesconqueringthestage.shawnscouturecuties.com/ccts-ticket-registrations

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

2:28 inside peek into Cuties Conquering the Stage

11:20 catering to each division at CCTS

18:25 topics and breakout sessions

21:10 excitement for this year

24:29 what to expect from the event

28:06 ticket options and goodie bags

33:00 being comfortable in your body in all seasons

34:30 creating an intimate and upscale event

46:00 words of advice for those nervous about coming

51:40 reserving your spot

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

LIZZY CUNNINGHAM Sep 30, 2022

Show notes

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

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

BRITTANY GILLESPIE Sep 23, 2022

Show notes

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

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

ANGELES BURKE TCHIVIDJIAN Sep 16, 2022

Show notes

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