CINDY VAN EMPEL-POPOWICH; What Every Girl Needs, Golden Eras Rooted like an Oak, Stop Doing This, Should You Do Masters and Open?

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Marina Marks, born and raised in San Antonio TX, who is married and has two children. She started lifting in 2015 but her competition journey began after the birth of my son in 2019 where she competed 10 months postpartum and took the Open Bikini Overall. Shortly after, she left for basic training and starting a whole new chapter in the US Army as a physical therapy tech. She is currently serving as an Active Duty Sergeant and station at Fort Sam Houston. She earned her Pro Card in December at 2023 Nationals.   As a dancer, she struggled with an eating disorder as a teen and works hard to love herself.    TOPICS COVERED -overcoming an eating disorder -healing her marriage -starting your competition journey -competing postpartum -when and why to change coaches -competing as a mom -competing in the military -married couples who both compete -family members who may not be supportive -why not me?     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 MARINA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marina_sauce/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:10 competing and motherhood 14:45 prepping with two kids 18:20 healing her marriage 26:50 the roll of her faith 31:40 competing while in the military 34:30 lessons from the military 43:15 deciding to compete 49:20 setting the goal to go Pro 53:30 feedback at national shows 56:30 changing coaches 63:09 goals for competing  64:30 journey to self-love 78:16 advice fro 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Cindy Van Empol-Popowich, a 55-year-old who started lifting at 17 years old after she saw her first bodybuilding event in 1989. Cindy earned her Pro card in 2019 at North Americans. She been involved in every aspect of the sport from judging to expediting, and is currently the Director of social media for the Canadian Physical Alliance. She is married to a firefighter, has two children, ages 16 and 19. My husband is a cancer survivor and she is navigating 3 auto immune diseases. They are an incredibly strong team which makes her successful in her endeavors.   TOPICS COVERED -having a supportive spouse -motherhood and bodybuilding -competing as a masters athlete -friendships in bodybuilding -finding ways to contribute -changes in the industry -getting involved in the sport -comparison tap   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 CINDY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyvep_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 9:38 having a name 18:00 her husband battling cancer  22:10 time away from the stage 28:30 finding ways to contribute 35:30 changes in Canadian bodybuilder 40:42 women in leadership 49:54 her favorites 52:19 opportunities to get involved 57:08 comparison mindset 62:13 knowing it’s okay to step away 66:37 masters versus open 75:37 coming out of the darkness 86:42 getting married quickly 95:20 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Tanya Johansen, a kidney cancer survivor and single mom of two, who lives in Utah and works as a posing coach. She earned her Pro card at Master’s USAs in 2022, where she won the overall, and made her Pro debut last year at California Night of Champions. Tanya is coached by Aimee Delgado at Fit Body Fusion and plans to begin her rookie season this summer.    TOPICS COVERED -pushing through no matter what -not delaying pro debut -kidney cancer -environment is key -age is just a number -making it work with kids -when people don't believe in you or what you're doing -favorite tips and advice for amateurs   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 TANYA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyajobikinipro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:20 who can achieve a pro card 7:23 the desire to keep pushing 13:21 building muscle tips 19:45 fostering friendships and relationships 24:30 prep is self-care 27:15 going through kidney cancer 34:55 deciding to change her life 41:20 becoming resilient 44:10 learning from chaos 48:25 coming to the road to Pro 52:00 deciding what you want 59:25 getting involved with the industry 66:50 navigating being a single mom 69:49 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Phillipa Ferreira who started competing in ICN back in 2020 and turned pro in that federation in her first year of competing. She moved to IFBB last year and earned her Pro card at Nationals, where she placed first. She was the first Australian bikini athlete to win two state titles in one season, as well as the first Australian bikini athlete to turn pro in their first season and finish undefeated with 11 gold medals. Having struggled with depression for most of my adult life, Phillipa is passionate about heaving open discussions about mental health. She studies law full time, works 2 jobs, dances professionally, and wants to show people you CAN do it all!   TOPICS COVERED -bad coaching experiences -mental health -mindset sets you apart -balancing a busy life -working with a life coach & psychiatrist -having big dreams -being a professional dancer -trusting your coach -prepping while on antidepressants     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 PHILLIPA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillipa_ferreira/ TikTok: phillipa_ferreira   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:39 heaving an undefeated streak 9:13 focusing on the process and not the outcome 19:19 focusing on the mental side 27:09 rebuilding her life 39:00 bodybuilding as an identity 53:07 possibly living in the USA 59:15 navigating a busy life 65:30 the price of competing 67:03 from dancing to competing 69:20 having a coach you trust 83:15 having a history of disordered eating 89:42 doing it for yourself 97:30 dating while in prep 100:40 creating the next physique 106:30 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Lisa Reid, a 32 year old newly crowned Bikini Pro from Australia who entered her first competition back in 2014 and was immediately hooked. Now, almost a decade later I has competed in 23 shows and her passion and love for the sport only continues to grow. She started in the Natural Bodybuilding federations first: winning pro status and world titles in two federations (ICN & WNBF), before working towards building a competitive physique for her NPC Debut in 2022. At the end of 2023 she traveled to America to compete at the Amateur Olympia, and then her dream became a reality when she earned her Pro card at the Caribbean Grand Prix Pro Qualifier in the Bahamas.    TOPICS COVERED -the difficulty to win a pro card in Australia -experience training & competing internationally  -background as a dancer growing up  -importance of consistency and patience -passion is one of the keys to success  -having her partner as her coach  -a strong support network  -maturing as an 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 LISA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisajanereid/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:00 competing in different federations 12:01 posing practice and different standards 14:07 earning a Pro card in Australia 16:31 competing internationally 21:31 differences in competing locally and internationally 30:40 developing over 10 years 36:53 comparison hurting your preps 41:55 personal growth 44:32 focuses outside of bodybuilding 47:55 being coached by her partner 54:37 growing muscle overtime 57:48 prep versus off season 62:32 goals for the Pro league 66:23 relating posing to dancing 69:30 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

Today I celebrate six years of the Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast! Sometime I feel like it’s been longer and sometimes I feel like it was just yesterday! So much of my life has changed over the past six years, but the one constant has been the podcast. Join me today as I look back on the past guests, lessons learned, and what the future holds!   TOPICS COVERED -6 lessons learned -6 mental health tips -6 goals for the podcast -6 reflections   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 3:30 podcasting as a passion project 5:45 lessons learned 14:13 mental health tips 20:40 goals for the podcast 28:40 reflections on the podcast   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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Lam, from Hong Kong. She and her partner Isaac, are the first Chinese IFBB pro couple. She is the director of PUMP Personal Training Gym in Hong Kong and is also a transformation and Prep Coach. She is also an occupational therapist with 2 years working experience in the psychiatric department working with adolescents with autism, depression, and eating disorders. Amanda is currently studying functional medicine and integrative nutrition. She earned her Pro card in Hong Kong 2020 and has since placed second call outs at the 2023 San Antonio Pro and first call outs in Korea Pro and Japan Pro.   TOPICS COVERED -growing trend of bodybuilding in Asia -relationships in bodybuilding -working on feedback & building glutes -balancing all aspects of life -from occupational therapy to coaching -taking a break from bodybuilding -having a heathy pregnancy & postpartum -stress management  -pursuing your passion   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 AMANDA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandajayden_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:27 competing in Asia versus USA 8:30 how her family views bodybuilding 14:10 having an IFBB Pro boyfriend 19:05 working towards the Olympia 26:00 balancing bodybuilding and her career 29:43 being a prep coach 30:59 leaving her hospital job to coach 36:44 taking time to start a family 43:50 studying functional medicine 48:30 lessons from bodybuilding 51:31 goals outside of competing 55:20 Amanda’s approach to prep 60:38 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Pamela John, a certified personal trainer, strength coach, and nutrition coach, who started competing in 2012 and earned her Pro card at Masters Nationals in 2015 and has competed over 50 times! After the birth of my last daughter in 2000, her body went haywire which eventually led to a diagnosis of Graves disease. Along the way, she discovered that no matter where we are in life, most of us desire to be better than we are right now. Her specialty is helping women restore their bodies through proper mindset, improved nutrition, movement and hormonal balance and as a result they look and feel even better than they ever thought possible! TOPICS COVERED -overcoming adversity -holding commitments to yourself -becoming disciplined -Her recipe book- “Fit and Healthy Her” -being a long time smoker -fighting Graves disease -dealing with grief  -coping through prep -advocating for your health -having a growth mindset   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 PAMELA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela.fit.for.life/ Website: www.pamelajohnfitness.com   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:57 changes since reclaiming her health 7:05 explaining Graves disease 14:35 finding gratitude in the journey 18:00 having complicated pregnancies 21:20 her love for her mother 25:19 how grief affects us 33:40 understanding pre-grieving 41:36 overcoming challenges 44:44 finding a love for fitness 47:30 be your own health advocate 48:30 changing habits 51:00 being married over 30 years 56:40 things to master before competing 1:01 milestones in competing 1:02:30 changes in bikini division 77:13 competing for reasons other than physique 78:24 creating a recipe book 84:39 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Christina Sanggor, a 27 years old who was born & raised in Houston, Texas. She started working out at age 19 while in college for her education degree. She decided to go back to pursue her passion of exercise science and will be graduating this spring. Christina works as a personal trainer and is a caretaker for her mother and grandmother.    She first competed in wellness in 2022, but switched to bikini in 2023. She switched coaches in August and went on to take overall in both novice and open bikini divisions at Battle of Texas in December. One week later, she took first in her class and earned her Pro card at NPC Nationals. Outside of the gym, she is a foodie and loves attending EDM music festivals.   TOPICS COVERED -Mental aspect of bodybuilding -personal growth over the years -self awareness -past coaching protocol compared to current  -future goals or aspirations   -other hobbies such as raving -practicing self-love -patience with building muscle -raves and EDM festivals -goals to start her own company -willingness to change   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 CHRISTINA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtinastar_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:09 starting in wellness 13:25 finding fitness in college 16:38 switching coaches 20:30 being a foodie and a competitor 25:30 changing your mindset 33:00 loving your body in all seasons 46:05 feedback and long improvement season 52:35 keys to success as an amateur 54:02 experience earned her Pro card 59:25 enjoying raves and EDM festival 66:10 growth in her relationship 69:25 going back to school 73:40 willingness to change plans 77:40 being a caretaker 82:50 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Tianna Pistone, who started bodybuilding at age 16 years and did her first show at 17 years old. She earned her Pro card USA’s in 2023 when she was just 22. As a young teenager, she struggled with underrating, always wanting to be the thinnest girl. She was inspired to start bodybuilding by her father, a former bodybuilder.   Outside of competing, I graduated college with a bachelors of science, majoring in homeland security, and is now in the Austin PD academy. She plans on making her Pro debut in 2025 or 2026. Tianna also offers posing coaching.    TOPICS COVERED -eating disorder recovery  -finding bodybuilding  -DIY show day -taking time away from the stage -life outside of bodybuilding  -benefits of intuitive eating -setting your mind to your goals -muscle maturity and time to build -division crossover   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 TIANNA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tirae_fit/ Posing: https://www.instagram.com/tiraeflows/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 6:27 how posing practice transforms you 17:25 taking a long improvement season 24:55 goals outside of bodybuilding 28:34 transitioning to different styles of eating 36:49 bodybuilding saved her life 44:41 shifting her mindset 49:00 feeling a responsibly on social media 52:15 her dad’s experience bodybuilding 60:00 wanting to be a police officer 62:25 discipline to follow your dreams 67:02 deciding to study homeland security 70:00 life is too short to say no  82:49 Feedback from USAs   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