SANDY ARAVE; Rodeo Mom to Masters Champion, Living through Grief, Don't Chase The Card, Say Yes More

In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Naomi Jordan, a registered dental hygienist who found bodybuilding as both a creative outlet and a space for personal growth. She began training in the gym around 2013, stepped on stage for the first time in 2022, and earned her Pro card in 2023 at just her third show. Naomi shares her journey of navigating uncertainty, listening to her inner voice, and balancing faith, career, and competing at a high level.   We talk about the fear of getting started, evolving your relationship with the sport, and how to decide whether continuing to compete aligns with your life and values. Naomi also opens up about competing after multiple knee surgeries, finding the right coach, and staying grounded in seasons of transition.   TOPICS COVERED -Navigating uncertainty and seasons of transition -Listening to your inner voice and aligning choices with your goals -Competing against yourself, not others -Faith, spiritual gifts, and identity outside the sport -Balancing a demanding career with bodybuilding -Dental health and life as a hygienist -Using bodybuilding as a creative outlet   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 NAOMI:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomii.jordann/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 2:45 competing against yourself 4:55 from soccer to bodybuilding 9:45 red flags and finding the right coach 12:41 multiple knee surgeries 17:29 evolving relationship with competing 20:30 being a woman of faith 22:30 3rd place at her Pro debut 31:12 feedback from Pro debut 35:30 internal motivation versus identity 41:28 being a dental hygienist 56:25 balancing work on competing 60:00 spiritual gifts 66:12 bodybuilding as a creative outlet 73:22 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

In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Sandy Arave, a 55-year-old high school counselor whose path to bodybuilding success is anything but conventional. Sandy began competing in 2022 and earned her Pro card at North Americans in 2024. In 2025, she made her Pro debut and went on to win two Pro shows in the 55+ categories.   Before bodybuilding, Sandy lived a very different competitive life as a barrel racer, competing at professional rodeos. Her journey into the sport came alongside navigating grief, health challenges, and major life transitions. This conversation is an honest look at resilience, purpose, and why chasing growth matters more than chasing a card.   TOPICS COVERED -Living and competing through grief and trauma -Transitioning from competitive barrel racing to bodybuilding -Building and leaning on a strong support system -Lessons learned through failure and setbacks -Being a role model at any age -Prioritizing health while pursuing big 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 SANDY:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandytaylorarave_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:14 having a competitive nature 5:53 life before competing 13:13 balance work life and competing 16:56 competing through grief 26:41 how grief has impacted her life 35:16 taking chances 43:10 advice for balancing life and competing 52:35 making her Pro debut 59:30 dealing with thyroid issues 66:38 prioritizing health 73:05 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

In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Kathryn Cavanagh, a former primary school teacher who discovered bodybuilding, fell in love with the process, and eventually turned her passion for posing into a full-time career. After six years competing in the NPC, Kathryn earned her Pro card in Japan in November 2024, proving that patience, consistency, and feedback-driven growth matter.   Kathryn shares what it really takes to compete internationally, how to build longevity in the sport, and why posing should look effortless, not exhausting.     TOPICS COVERED -Staying with a coach long term -Competing as an Australian athlete -Traveling overseas for shows -Learning from each prep -Letting go of suffering as a badge of honor -Taking feedback seriously -Raising the standard for posing   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 KATHRYN:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathryncavanagh_/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:35 investing in bodybuilding 9:27 striving for a Pro card 15:48 extremes for fast results 21:02 choosing your journey 25:38 from teaching to bodybuilding 31:20 switching federations 38:00 competing internationally 47:40 travel tips 54:00 a pasion for posing 58:10 posing tips 72:30 goals for the future  76:48 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 

In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Ayse Morgan, a 22-year-old natural bikini competitor and coach with Pro Physiques. She stepped on stage for the first time at just 19 in 2023, earned her Pro card at 2024 USAs, and soon after made her Pro debut at the Ben Weider Naturals where she placed 6th. We talk about the unique pressure of turning Pro at a young age, staying grounded, and what it really takes to level up as both an athlete and a coach.   TOPICS COVERED -Managing pressure and expectations -Turning Pro young and navigating the sport -Balancing prep and improvement season -Overcoming comparison -Working as a coach while competing -Staying locked in and disciplined   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 AYSE:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aysemorgan_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:25 setting expectations 9:33 being a natural athlete 18:49 moving to Arizona 22:00 finding bodybuilding 28:57 family reaction to bodybuilding 36:01 staying structured 41:07 working towards feedback 50:21 becoming a coach 53:44 leaving a legacy 59:20 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

In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Bella Bos, a 23-year-old Canadian athlete who recently graduated from Queen's University and is now fully pursuing her bodybuilding and coaching career. Bella began competing in 2024, took a short but intentional offseason, and went on to earn her Pro card in 2025 at only her fourth show.   Bella opens up about mindset, maturity, and the balance required to chase big goals while still living life fully. From navigating prep through university to defining her worth outside of placings, this episode is packed with wisdom from such a young but grounded athlete.   TOPICS COVERED -Developing a healthy mindset in the sport -Defining your worth beyond the stage -Integrating bodybuilding into your life without letting it take over -Prepping without a "sacrifice mindset" -Eating enough to truly grow -Building self-belief and confidence   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 BELLA:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellabos.ifbbpro/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bbellabos TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bellabos.ifbbpro   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:33 finding connection backstage 6:41 what to expect as a new competitor 13:50 prepping through college 19:30 everything happens for a reason 21:25 hiring her coach 23:45 being natural athlete 26:50 pursuing a coaching career 29:16 focusing on growth 34:23 putting in the work 39:03 defining your own timeline 48:40 putting in the work to build confidence 50:55 crazy show day 61:55 goals as a Pro 69:08 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

In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Taylor Crowell, an online coach, and all-around bodybuilding lover. She has spent the last several years learning, growing, and evolving through every phase of this sport — from the stage to the off-season and everything in between. Her mission is to help others experience that same kind of growth—physically, mentally, and emotionally. She is all about finding the balance between the grit and the glam, showing up with intention, and leading from the front as both an athlete and a coach.   TOPICS COVERED -low placings do not dictate your future -developing grit -building relationships -goals for the off season -losing more than you win -imposter syndrome -have fun -focus on longevity   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 TAYLOR:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcrowellfit/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:40 getting engaged 8:17 being a competitive dancer 13:26 handling injuries 18:40 developing character 24:30 having a support system 30:19 dealing with low placings 35:48 building in the off season 46:00 it takes time 52:00 sharing the journey 57:17 thrill of the chase 64:44 making it to the Olympia 82:30 what's next for coaching 89:18 advice for competitors

In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Mallory Ennis — a mom, business owner, and women's online wellness coach with a powerful story of resilience and faith. Mallory began competing in 2014, stepping on stage 10–15 times in just two seasons before taking an eight-year break to get married and start her family. She and her husband returned to the stage together in 2023, and in 2025, Mallory earned her Pro card at North Americans, just months after her husband earned his.   Her journey is full of perspective, healing, and honesty, and I know so many women will see themselves in her story.   TOPICS COVERED -Recovering from an eating disorder -Being married to a competitor -Returning to the stage after years away -Setting an example for your kids -The value of having a committed coach -Advice for new moms -Walking in faith   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 MALLORY:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallory.ennis/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:24 bikini now versus then 8:17 living the lifestyle 13:50 challenges competing with your spouse 18:03 benefits of bodybuilding in regular life 25:33 overcoming disordered eating 28:17 growing in improvement season 32:05 finally going Pro 37:45 her approach to coaching 43:00 coming back to stage after having kids 48:00 is bodybuilding selfish? 53:15 consistency over perfection  56:39 faith in god 64:28 advice for competitors 

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Rachel Farganis, a 40-year-old mom of two, full-time professional photographer, who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is a former D1 sprinter and high jumper. After dealing with a string of autoimmune issues and becoming a mom, fitness took a bit of a backseat. But, around 2018, a fellow photographer started their bodybuilding journey and it sparked a flame in her life. She dove in head first in 2019, and hasn't looked back since.   TOPICS COVERED -prepping for the first time during COVID -competing as a mom -finding the right coach -balancing competing and marriage -missing a Pro Card by one spot three different times -winning a national overall with a broken foot -the aftermath of going viral -mindset and the mental difficulties   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 RACHEL:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelfarganis/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 7:07 the aftermath of going viral 14:48 competing with a broken foot 24:10 focuses in the offseason 27:07 competing as a mom 34:40 warning label to competitors 37:02 lessons for her kids 43:33 falling in love with bodybuilding 53:28 first show experience 58:47 finding the right coach 69:04 becoming a photographer 71:44 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

This episode includes a HUGE announcement for 2026. I haven't shared this anywhere with anyone yet! I cannot wait for what's to come and figured I would throw in a little teaser from a mini off the cuff interview done with fit model pro Emily Chanel when she won her pro card at the Pittsburgh Sports Power and Fitness Festival Natural Pro Qualifier securing her IFBB pro card.    Connect with Celeste: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ www.celestial.fit   Connect with Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emilychanell/

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Jessica McLaughlin, an active duty officer in the U.S. Air Force and former NFL Cheerleader for the New York Jets. During the 2024 season, Jessica claimed three overall NPC titles and placed 5th at the 2024 Ben Weider Natural Pro Qualifier before earning her IFBB Pro card at the 2025 North Americans.   Jessica shares her journey as a natural competitor, how her faith influences her approach to bodybuilding, and the lessons she's learned about discipline, patience, and perspective both on and off the stage. We also talk about her transition from cheerleading to bodybuilding, balancing military life with prep, and how she keeps her priorities aligned with her values.   TOPICS COVERED -Being a natural competitor -Competing as a Christian -Nailing your reverse -Overcoming instant gratification -The importance of early posing practice -Using a dance background to enhance presentation -Keeping perspective on what's truly hard   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 JESSICA:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_sbk/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:00 competing as a Christian 10:17 perspective on bikini division 13:18 focus for off season 20:57 growing from 2021 to 2024 24:56 advocating for staying natural  31:18 the pressure to keep up 37:31 lessons from bodybuilding  40:17 red hair on stage & posing 51:33 getting comfortable in heels 61:29 being an NFL cheerleader 66:08 joining the air force 72:54 balancing the military and bodybuilding 86:55 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