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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:

MAJA DAHMKE; Pro at 3rd Show Ever, First Improvement Season, Post-Win Blues, Finding your Spark Again Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Maja Dahmke, a 24-year-old natural competitor from Germany, who turned Pro in her first season! With a background in gymnastics and years of consistent gym training, she only started her bodybuilding journey one year ago. Outside of competing, she holds a bachelor's in business psychology and is currently doing her Master's in Management & Entrepreneurship, working part-time in a corporate job. Maja loves to travel, has studied abroad in San Diego, and will spend the next month's living in Lisbon. After this time, she will probably starting to prep for her Pro debut next year.

TOPICS COVERED

-Family support

-Pro Card win + post-show blues

-Imposter syndrome

-Thoughts about turning Pro in the first season

-Early off-season struggles

-Life changes through bodybuilding & FOMO

-Main takeaways from my first season

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 MAJA:

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

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

5:27 going Pro in her first year

8:45 life before competing

11:00 traveling to USA to compete

22:27 thoughts on turning pro quickly

27:40 doing what works for you

33:19 goals for her career

35:04 staying natural

36:40 education & studying abroad

44:32 feedback for improvement season

49:34 apply lessons learned

55:32 choosing a division

57:55 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

EMMY SCHWARTZ; Almost Quitting to 5th at Pro Debut, Identity Outside of Competing, Eating Disorder Healed through Fitness, How to Keep Yourself in Check Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Emmy Schwartz, a fitness and lifestyle coach, wife, fur mom, and the recent Ms USA. She started competing in 2017 as a form of therapy from a sever eating disorder and never looked back. She credits the sport to saving her life. She place 5th in her Pro debut at the 2025 Tahoe Pro.

TOPICS COVERED

-hospitalized with an eating disorder

-overcoming mental health struggles

-keep showing up

-taking a few years off

-using your platform

-triggers and how to handle them

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 MARISSA:

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

TikTok: @emmyk_ifbbpro

Website: emmykfit.com

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

3:27 making a quick Pro debut

13:17 missing her Pro card multiple times

18:15 returning to the stage

23:00 working towards feedback

33:04 setting boundaries

35:00 rediscovering yourself

43:24 having gratitude

46:20 lessons from "not yet"

48:17 overcoming an eating disorder

58:29 bodybuilding & eating disorders

67:28 life outside of competing

74:15 loving the process

83:48 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

MARISSA MCGEE; Didn't Want to Prep to Turning Pro, Loving Off-Season Living, No Perfection or Expectations, Raising Rabbits Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Marissa McGee, who discovered bodybuilding after her boyfriend (now husband) randomly signed up for a show in 2021. What started as curiosity quickly became passion, and after coaching herself for her first year, Marissa began working with coach Matt Greggo. In 2025, she earned her Pro card at Universe, taking first place. Alongside her bodybuilding journey, Marissa works full time as a service rep in healthcare while building a coaching business with her husband.

Marissa's story is one of dedication, balance, and building confidence both on and off the stage.

TOPICS COVERED

-How Marissa found bodybuilding and what hooked her

-The importance of taking prep day by day

-Learning to trust your coach

-Training and lifting with a spouse

-Navigating body image and growth seasons

-The support of having family at shows

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 MARISSA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.mini_fit/

Coaching: https://www.instagram.com/jackedrabbitcoaching/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:18 journey to pro

11:45 improving between shows

17:44 offseason growth

25:00 balancing prep and off season

34:15 celebrate your process

36:55 deciding to work with a coach

43:30 competing at national shows

47:20 balancing conditioning and muscle

50:05 changes in bikini & gaining confidence

56:25 planning a Pro debut

59:46 having a coaching business

68:29 raising rabbits

75:30 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

BREE WILSON; Prep is Not As Serious as You Think, Binge Cycles, Be Happy Where you Are Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Bree Wilson, who found bodybuilding in 2022 after meeting her now-husband, Jordan. Bree competed for the first time in 2023, where she won the overall in her debut show and, just six weeks later, stepped on stage at the Toronto Pro Supershow. That same year, she earned her Pro card at the Vancouver Pro Qualifier—after only six months of competing.

Since then, Bree has been guided by Jamie D. Bernard and has had an impressive streak of second-place finishes. But her story goes far beyond stage success. Having played soccer for over a decade and worked as a personal trainer since age 19, Bree has dedicated her life to athletics and coaching. Along the way, she and her husband opened their own coaching business, and she has overcome an eating disorder, battled low self-esteem, and rebuilt her confidence. Now, she feels she has finally discovered who she was meant to be.

TOPICS COVERED

-Overcoming eating disorders

-Finding confidence after past struggles

-Changing coaches and mindsets

-Building sustainability in the sport

-Posing tips for competitors

-Lessons in self-discovery through bodybuilding

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 BREE:

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

https://www.instagram.com/team_pro.fit/

https://www.instagram.com/herposingshowcase/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:50 becoming a personal trainer

9:05 dating & marrying a competitor

10:20 overcoming an eating disorder

15:17 guilt over going Pro quickly

18:15 feedback from judges

28:13 from meal plans to macros

32:59 changing mindset around prep

43:38 improving from previous challenges

55:13 advice for someone with low confidence

60:00 her relationship with her husband

64:35 goals for the future

66:29 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

FELICIA BOTELHO; 10 Year Road to Pro, Faith and Presence, Priorities Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Felicia Botelho, who began competing in 2015 and earned her Pro card at the 2025 Universe in the Masters 35+ division. Outside of bodybuilding, Felicia works full time as a medical assistant at a dermatology office, enjoys life with her boyfriend and puppy, and is working towards her personal training certification.

Felicia opens up about her experiences with eating disorders and mental illness, the role faith has played in her journey, and the emotional side of competing. She shares valuable lessons learned from the sport and how she maintains balance between bodybuilding and everyday life.

TOPICS COVERED

-Overcoming eating disorders and mental illness

-How faith shapes her perspective

-Emotional challenges of competing

-Key lessons from the stage

-Life and goals outside of bodybuilding

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 :

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.botelho_ifbbpro/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:20 working towards your Pro card

8:01 balancing life and bodybuilding

11:10 having a strong faith

13:25 lessons from competing

16:11 having a step-son

20:26 purpose outside of the sport

24:09 prep versus improvement season

26:02 working with P3 coaching

29:45 bikini criteria & competing

36:28 a day in the life

41:20 skin care advice

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

Practical Lessons For Your First, or Next, Competition Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

If you're getting ready to step on stage, this episode is for you. After 16 shows over 10 years, I've learned plenty of lessons—many the hard way—that can save you time, stress, and unnecessary headaches on show day.

I'm sharing practical tips to help you feel prepared and confident, from what to pack in your suitcase to how to avoid tanning disasters, plus why you might want to dress up a Reese's Cup for the perfect pump.

Whether this is your first competition or your next, you'll walk away with actionable advice you can use right away.

TOPICS COVERED

-Lessons from years of competing

-How to think about other competitors

-Being kind and realistic with yourself

-Packing essentials (including the umbrella tip you'll thank me for)

-Hair, tanning, and pump-up strategies

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:

Website: http://www.celestial.fit

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

All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

2:52 stage lessons from 16 shows

6:05 hair mistakes

8:35 extras for show day

13:35 tanning tips

17:00 pumping up

20:02 going to the bathroom

23:40 how to pack for show day

26:45 appreciate your time on stage

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

LAUREN ADAMS; Narcissistic Abuse, Returning to the Stage, Prioritizing Yourself, Personal Boundaries Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, I sit down with three-time guest IFBB Pro Lauren Adams, founder of Ascend With Us, a brand focused on posing, glam, backstage prep, and physique coaching. Lauren began competing in 2014, earned her Pro card at USAs in 2019, and is now preparing to return to the stage after a two-year break.

We have a raw, honest conversation about her experience healing from narcissistic abuse, how she's learning to prioritize herself, and the importance of setting strong personal boundaries. Lauren also shares her insight on changes in the bikini division, her evolution as both an athlete and coach, and how she's navigating life and business in this new chapter.

TOPICS COVERED

-Leaving a toxic relationship

Recognizing narcissistic traits

-Healing and taking accountability

-Changes in her approach to prep

-Balancing coaching, business, and boundaries

-Shifts in the bikini division and the rise of Fit Model

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 LAUREN:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascend.withus/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:10 leaving a toxic relationship

13:40 spotting a narcissist

19:20 personality disorders versus mood disorders

25:35 red flags in dating

39:55 taking accountability

42:36 returning to the stage

50:56 differences from past preps

55:15 the introduction of Fit Model

57:55 regulating your energy

61:08 balancing business and boundaries

66:30 relationships with sponsors

71:15 balancing life outside of bodybuilding

80:01 handling speaking engagements

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

SABINA COSTEA; Never Trained to Professional Athlete, Food and Body Image Challenges, Law School & Competing, Immigrant Influence, Bikini Division Growth Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Sabina Costea, a 24-year-old law student based in Montreal, Canada. Raised by immigrant parents, Sabina learned early on the value of pursuing her passions and believing in what's possible through dedication.

She was introduced to bodybuilding in August 2022 and stepped on stage for the first time in July 2023. Just one year later, at only her third show, she earned her IFBB Pro card. Sabina now has her sights set on her Pro debut while balancing life as a full-time student.

TOPICS COVERED

-Building confidence through bodybuilding

-Navigating prep while traveling

-Embracing growth during off seasons

-Body awareness and trusting your process

-Balancing competition with law school

-Canadian bodybuilding and her goals for the sport

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 SABINA:

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

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

8:30 finding fitness and bodybuilding

13:15 earning her Pro card

19:05 changing outlook on body and food

22:00 learning to trust yourself

27:30 critiquing our bodies

30:45 risk versus reward

31:50 being in law school

40:06 goals for bodybuilding

42:42 building confidence

47:03 being an immigrant

52:05 working towards feedback

56:44 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

MICHELLE FERDINAND-JACQUES; How Natural Pros Qualify for the Olympia, Start Late, Competing through Loss Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Michelle Ferdinand-Jacques, a 43-year-old working mom of four, nurse practitioner, and founder of MLJ Aesthetics. Michelle began competing in June 2023 and quickly made her mark in the sport. She earned her Pro card at her second national show, the 2024 Ben Weider Naturals, and made her Pro debut at the DC Pro/Am, where she placed second in the Natural division.

Michelle shares how she balances motherhood, running a business, and bodybuilding, all while proudly competing as a natural and Masters athlete. We talk about her mindset during prep, her commitment to posing practice, and how she's stayed mentally strong through personal loss and life's many challenges. Her journey is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to start, and that with discipline and belief in yourself, anything is possible.

TOPICS COVERED

-Being a natural and Masters athlete

-Trusting your coach and the process

-The importance of posing practice

-Navigating show day stress

-Balancing family, work, and prep

-Overcoming loss and staying mentally strong

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 MICHELLE:

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

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:20 competing at her Pro debut

8:02 proud to be a natural athlete

10:15 entering the sport as an older athlete

15:01 mission for the season

22:33 navigating a stressful show day

24:41 working on improvements

28:08 life before bodybuilding

32:20 family and bodybuilding

37:57 overcoming challenges in prep

45:40 a day in the life

48:57 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

CICILY PHILLIPS; Finding Balance, Post-Show Struggles, On-Stage Let Downs, Pro Experiences Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Cicily Phillips, who was born and raised in South Carolina and now lives just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Cicily works full-time as a Project Manager. She started competing in 2017 and earned her Pro card in 2023 at North Americans. In 2025, she made her Pro debut at the Charlotte Pro and continues to compete in both the open and masters divisions. She's 42 years old, recently got engaged, and is a proud dog mom to her sweet dachshund.

We dive into her journey into fitness, how she balances career, competition, and life, and her experience going Pro later in life. Cicily shares her strategies for managing a reverse diet, how she navigates the unique challenges of competing in both masters and open divisions, and the mindset that has helped her stay consistent over the years.

TOPICS COVERED

-How she got into fitness and bodybuilding

-Running a personal training business

-Establishing balance between life and sport

-Reverse dieting strategies

-Masters versus open divisions

-Going Pro and getting engaged

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 HEATHER:

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

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

3:08 guided by faith

5:47 evolving her approach

11:08 new pressures going Pro

14:15 finding fitness and bodybuilding

19:55 dealing with post-show cravings

21:29 what winning her Pro card meant

25:17 masters versus open

32:51 making her Pro debut

38:28 working towards future goals

44:07 time management tips

46:27 working as a personal trainer

50:20 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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