AMANDA RIVAS; 'Ex Weeks Out' the Movie Competitors will Love, Authenticity with Yourself & Others, Childhood Impact on Personal Dreams

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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Janine Herrera, a single mother to 3 amazing girls aged 10, 8, and 4. She is also an AGACNP-BC with a focus and passion for functional medicine. She has spent the better part of her life serving others, but was in need of purpose unique and personal to her, and she has found that in bodybuilding.  In addition to being a high school sprinter and cross-country athlete, Janine also danced ballet for 21 years.   She started  bodybuilding in March 2021, and competed in 2 shows before earning 2 IFBB pro cards at the 2021 North Americans. She most recently earned second place at the 2023 Masters Olympia Bikini! Along with Jodie Unger and Ashlyn Little, she is a co-founder of Team Alpha Aesthetics.   TOPICS COVERED -being a Masters athlete -staying healthy and balanced -empowering mothers -competing at Masters Olympia -serving others -focusing on the future -leaning on her faith -coaching relationships -in it to win it   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 JANINE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ja9fit/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamalphaaesthetics/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 8:53 Masters success & Masters Olympia 13:15 having a passion to pursue 17:15 managing her time as a single mom 22:20 staying focused and not stressing 28:30 asking for help 33:17 overcoming obstacles 37:22 focusing on being present 43:50 working with clients with ICU nurse experience 49:18 coaching philosophies 55:48 habits for success 60:00 building community with women 65:33 you’re never too old 70:14 should you hide your age? 76:55 being fuller and tighter 79:10 bikini competitors are athletes 84:30 future masters Olympia 91:20 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 Sammy Jo, an online health and fitness coach & posing coach. She started competing in 2022 and earned her Pro card one year later in 2023 at NPC Universe. She has a degree in business administration and quit my 9-5 in sales job back in 2022 to pursue competing and coaching. She is also a suit stylist with Toxic Angelz Bikinis and co-host of Bikini Things Podcast.     TOPICS COVERED -struggles post show -food obsession during prep -the reward through the process -personal growth through competing -leaving a friend group -working towards goals -understanding your feedback -following your intuition -talking about taboo topics -being your own boss   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 SAMMY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itssammyjo_/ Website: itssammyjo.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SjXoXo   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:40 what she wish she knew before competing 9:15 competing for longevity 17:02 dancers, competing, and body image 20:08 views of competing   29:14 moving and changing your life 33:00 becoming a step-mom 40:40 competing and building a family 44:07 goals for the Olympia 51:30 the cost of competing 55:18 leaving her 9-5 job 60:00 being demonetizing YouTube 72:45 building confidence 77:40 managing her work flow 85:00 acknowledging your accomplishments 87:33 suit design with Toxic Angelz 99:40 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 Carrie Hennessy, a wife and girl mom to a 18 months old and 13 year old plus a dog mom. She loves true crime podcasts, being outdoors and anything adventurous. She loves connection, laughing and advocating for women. One of her favorite quotes is “ If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” She entered the bodybuilding world after leaving an abusive marriage and finding the courage to choose herself. Fitness took her from feeling powerless and defeated to empowered and strong. She is a Coach at Fitbliss Fitness.   Her first NPC show was in March 2015, and later that year, competed at North Americans.  She earned her Pro card at USA’s in 2018 after placing 1st. She last competed in 2021 and is returning to the Pro stage this year!   TOPICS COVERED -leaving an abusive marriage -choosing a partner -learning from mistakes -friendships in bodybuilding -adapting your routine -taking a break from stage -embracing the lifestyle -competing for the right reasons -setting boundaries -starting a family   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 Carrie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrielawlerhennessy/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:25 leaving an abusive marriage 10:01 finding love 16:23 learning to trust yourself 21:18 changing views of herself 24:34 finding bodybuilding and coaching 28:03 finding empowerment 31:01 competing & motherhood 39:30 changes made to go Pro 44:52 living the lifestyle 52:00 controlling the narrative around your body 1:06:13 maintaining life while in prep 1:12:10 pregnancy and postpartum 1:17:20 prep changes after having a baby 1:20:00 decoding to grow her family 1:26:24 navigating client comparison 1:33:50 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 Jessica Dexter, an online lifestyle/ bikini competition prep coach, who also offers posing coaching. She has been competing for four years and earned her Pro card at 2021 North Americans after coaching her self. Her bodybuilding journey has been her saving grace and she wants to encourage other women to have the strength to take care of themselves mentally and physically despite life's obstacles!   TOPICS COVERED -mental health -maintaining healthy relationships/dating as a competitor -client/coach relationships -being self-coached  -learning from your mistakes -committing to improvement season -meeting clients where they’re at -confidence on stage -posing year round -it takes a village   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/jess_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:48 lessons learned through bodybuilding 8:19 placing second at a pro show 11:40 committed to improvement season 17:01 life before bodybuilding 21:20 advice for prepping yourself 26:20 collaborating with her coach 30:40 non-negotiables for coaching yourself 33:14 developing posing routines 39:35 goals for competing 43:20 going through a divorce 46:34 dating as a bodybuilder  49:30 it takes a village 55:24 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 Maddy Michielssen, the CEO of Mpowered Fitness, who earned her Pro card at 2023 Nationals with the Overall win. She grew up a Ballet dancer with the Orlando Ballet before quitting at the age of 15 and took up weight training & wakeboarding. After a major accident, she put wakeboarding to bed and got into college at the University of Florida. She began training clients then, but also battled with her own eating disorder. After moving home and graduating, Maddy was put on a SLEW of medications, each with side effects, which lead her to I began on the journey to studying nursing as well as functional medicine. At that same time, she hired a bodybuilding coach and competed in her first show, knowing the feedback would be to gain weight.    Fast forward 4 years and she was healthy, thriving, and growing her own functional prep/lifestyle coaching business, FREE from medications and with a CLEAN bill of health. Maddy now uses her knowledge to empower, inspire, and cultivate healing and growth in other women -- whether they want to compete, get off of medication, or reconcile their relationship with food.    TOPICS COVERED -her journey to self-love -leveraging bodybuilding to heal -posing/lifestyle/contest prep coaching -having a family of bodybuilders/wellness advocates -trusting yourself -moving past the scale -shifting mindset of bodybuilding -being gracious -dating as a competitor -female competition -gut issues   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 MADDY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsmichiefitness/ TikTok: Madsmichiefitness Youtube: madsmichiefitness   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 7:30 getting into wakeboarding 10:30 healing eating disorder through bodybuilding 20:01 different approaches to tracking 30:05 positive reinforcement for negative actions 34:20 losing & finding your identity 46:35 beneficial habits 47:53 isolating in prep & dating 57:00 female competition 1:18:10 eating disorders and control 1:28:40 starting her business 1:34:35 how she works with clients 1:40:41 the biggest things people miss 1:47:17 changes in her last prep 1:51:20 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 Amanda Rivas, an actor, writer, filmmaker, comedian, and dog enthusiast. She is the writer & creator of EX Weeks Out - a film about bodybuilding and the strongest muscle of them all - the heart. Amanda competed in the NPC for nearly a decade with placings including everything from dead last to overall. Staying committed, consistent, and never giving up, she finally won her Pro car at Masters USAs in 2023.   Amanda is so open about her story and what led her to become the woman she is today. You don’t want to miss this interview!   TOPICS COVERED -staying the course -making yourself proud -believing that your day is coming -God’s plan -learning through acting -‘Ex Weeks Out’ Film -no guarantees -choose a path you’re comfortable with   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/amandadoesitall/ Film: www.exweeksout.com   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:30 keep going through No’s 12:15 experiences in childhood 16:12 God’s purpose 20:45 acting, filmmaking, and performing  23:20 ‘Ex Weeks Out’ Film 32:00 bodybuilding in media 39:40 favorite champions 43:00 Amanda’s plan 48:15 having doubts 54:10 long road to Pro 1:01:30 successful offseason 1:06:45 deciding to go enhanced 1:18:01 getting in the zone 1:20:35 Amanda’s husband 1:27:00 planning Pro debut 1:29:55 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