Libsyn Directory

MARIA ACOSTA; 7th in the World, Food is your Friend, Obsess over your Habits not Outcomes

Release Date: 11/01/2024

ALYSSA FRIETCHEN; Dance it Out, Managing Expectations, Food Relationship, Full Focus on Feedback

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Alyssa Frietchen, who earned her Pro card at 2024 Nationals after just over a year of competing. Currently in her offseason and planning for her Pro debut this fall, Alyssa shares how she quickly fell in love with bodybuilding and now hopes to inspire others to find their passion for the sport as well. We dive into her mindset throughout her journey, from reverse dieting and post-show habits to embracing the learning process between shows. Alyssa opens up about building confidence on stage, developing a healthy relationship with food, and...

KYLEE SOLOMON; Privilege to Prep, Overcoming Life Hardships, When to Rest, Will I Still Want This?

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Kylee Solomon, a Tampa-based competitor originally from Jacksonville, Florida. Kylee started competing in 2020 and earned her Pro card at 2023 USA’s—at just her third show ever! We talk about her evolution in the sport, navigating life’s challenges, and what it’s taken for her to stay grounded and intentional on her journey. Kylee shares her experience with competing alongside her husband and brother, stepping into a new role as a posing coach, and learning to listen to her body and trust herself through the process. Tune...

BRITTANY SCHREMPP; Family Management, Mom Guilt, Farming, Remove Rigidity

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Brittany Schrempp, a mom, stepmom, wife, business owner, and former 3x All-American middle-distance runner from small-town Nebraska. She began competing in 2020 and earned her Pro card at the 2024 Nationals. She and her husband, Cameron, run TUF, an online coaching business specializing in everything from functional health and weight loss to youth athletic performance. Outside of coaching, their family stays busy raising Black Angus cattle and miniature dachshunds—yes, really! We dive into how Brittany balances her busy life as a mom,...

[REPLAY] VANIA AUGUSTE; Stage Walk Tips, High School Teacher Life, Improve & Show Up

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

Today’s episode is a replay of my interview with our current Ms. Bikini International, IFBB Pro Vania Auguste. This episode first aired on December 31, 2021. Listen in today to hear Vania’s journey from when she first started competing in 2015 to where she is today. TOPICS COVERED -nailing your stage presence -being a posting coach -routine strategies for prep -the Olympia experience -qualifying for the Olympia -working as a teacher -choosing the right division CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: Instagram: All Links: CONNECT WITH VANIA: Instagram: ...

KIRSTY BENTLEY; Stronger Body = Strong Mind, Navigating Joy & Grief PostPartum, Pregnancy Training, Pro Card Perspective

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

In today’s episode, I sit down with IFBB Bikini Pro Kirsty Bentley, a coach and former WBFF Pro who began her competitive journey in 2016. After transitioning to the NPC and IFBB, she earned her Pro card by placing first at the 2024 British Championships. Kirsty is also a proud mom to her daughter, Evelyn, and her angel baby, Esme, who tragically passed away at just one day old. Her incredible resilience on and off the stage fuels her mission to help other women feel confident and strong. We dive into her experience competing as a mom, the challenges of prepping with a newborn, and how she...

MARIA GIESEY; 1 Point From Pro, Feedback is your Focus, Health Season, Self-Worth, Marriage & Sport

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

In today’s episode, I sit down with IFBB Bikini Pro Maria Giesey, a Coach with Pro Physique and Account Coordinator for a healthcare recruiting company. Maria started competing in 2019 and after 15 shows, she earned her Pro card at the 2023 NPC Universe. She recently married her partner of 10 years, and together they share their home with their fluffy cat, Kibby. We dive into the challenges of missing her Pro card multiple times, overcoming self-doubt, and the mindset shifts that kept her going. Maria shares how she uses yoga and meditation to combat anxiety, prioritizes gut health, and...

SHAYLA HUBBARD; Retired Bikini Pro Warning, Hyper-sexualization of Women, Be Mindful, Raising Fit Kids

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

In today’s episode, I welcome back IFBB Bikini Pro Shayla Hubbard, a Certified Nutritionist, mom of two (soon to be three in March 2025), and former competitor who first appeared on the podcast in 2020. Since stepping away from bodybuilding, Shayla has shifted her focus to promoting fitness and nutrition for kids through her family’s YouTube channel, making health fun and accessible for the next generation! We dive into life after bodybuilding, the impact of competing on parenting, struggles with postpartum depression, and how she’s navigating motherhood while still applying the...

KERRY SEXTON; PMDD Fight, Post-Show Tips, Injury Recovery, 2025 Olympia Prep

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

In today’s episode, I sit down with 2025 Olympia-qualified IFBB Pro Kerry Sexton—an online fitness and posing coach from the UK, co-host of Beyond the Stage, and an athlete with over 40 competitions under her belt since earning her Pro card in 2019! We dive deep into posing during the improvement season, the mindset needed to stay in love with the sport, navigating PMDD, and how bodybuilding can truly transform your life. Kerry opens up about the highs and lows of competing, the importance of following your plan post-show, and why no single show should ever define you. TOPICS...

BAILEY HARRISON; Incurring Growth, Redirect Disappointment, Athlete Mentality, Child of Divorce

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

In today’s episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Bailey Harrison, whose journey from growing up on a cattle ranch to becoming a professional bikini competitor is nothing short of inspiring. Bailey entered the fitness industry in 2015 as a personal trainer before expanding into nutrition coaching and opening her own gym, BA Nutrition & Fitness in Lewiston, ID. At her first shows back in 2016, she competed in figured, before taking a few years off to compete in powerlifting. She returned to the stage in 2020 and switched coaches in 2021 after poor placing at national shows. She then earned her...

KARLA GRIJALVA; Macro Based Plans, No More Binging, Show Day Things, “Being Natural Was a Waste of Time”

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Karla Grijalva. She is the co-owner of the Macro Lab in El Paso, Texas, and holds a BA in Public Relations & Marketing. She started competing in 2013, where she won the overall at her first show. She made her debut to the national stage in 2016, and earned her Pro card in 2024 where she earned the title of Miss Universe. TOPICS COVERED -finding balance with macros -how long to stay natural -struggles with binge eating -choosing the right coach -staying natural too long? -motherhood and bodybuilding -owning a meal prep company CONNECT WITH...

More Episodes

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Maria Acosta, who just placed 7th at the 2024 Ms. Bikini Olympia at her debut! She is from Venezuela, where she started her bodybuilding journey 12 years ago, before coming to the USA to follow her dreams. She earned her Pro card at 2021 North Americans and now with 29 shows under her belt, she has accomplished so much as an athlete and a coach!

TOPICS COVERED

-mindset

-don’t compare yourself

-overcoming bulimia and anorexia

-shifting your mindset

-fixing your relationship with food

-controlling nerves

-changing training objectives

-dealing with pressure

-7th place at the Olympia

-being a fan of the sport

-avoiding comparison