Featured 2025 Olympians

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

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Sophie Edwards, who began her journey in 2023 competing in Wellness before switching to Bikini in her second show. After facing last callouts at NPC Nationals, Sophie committed to a long off season, came back stronger in June 2025 to win the overall, and just two weeks later earned her Pro card with a class win at USAs.   TOPICS COVERED -The road to Pro  -Switched coaches during prep -Having a support system -Being driven -Giving back to the sport -Changes in the divisions -Traveling on prep   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 SOPHIE:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sme_fit_/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 2:49 Pro in two years 4:53 life before competing 8:54 wellness to bikini 11:35 being a coach and hosting posing clinics 15:34 transition from self-coached to having a coach 21:10 bouncing back after tough placing 24:30 going through a break up in prep 29:00 changing coaches 32:05 feelings of winning 36:37 leaning on your support system 40:40 becoming a coach 43:18 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

Find the episodes for each of the following 2025 Olympia Athletes at www.celestial.fit/podcast OR by searching their name and 'Confessions of a Bikini Pro' on google or your favorite streaming platform :) Iulia Baba (Romania) Jordan Brannon (USA) Lauralie Chapados (Canada) Ashley Kaltwasser (USA) Adair Libbrecht (Canada) Vania Auguste (USA) Kerry Sexton (United Kingdom) Lawna Dunbar (USA) Ndeye Ndour (USA) Chantal Hill (Spain) Jessica Wilson (USA) Maria Acosta (USA) Ariana Brothers (USA) Aimee Delgado (USA) Ashlyn Little (USA) Yurika Noda (USA) Tara Grier (USA) Tianna Weymouth (USA) Ally Vatthauer (USA) Lauren Kralovec (USA) Brittany Gillespie (USA) Savannah Watchman (USA) Kerryne Henich (USA) Jourdanne Lee (Canada)

In this special Q&A episode, I'm answering the questions you submitted after my season wrapped up. I share my honest reflections on competing, future plans, and the lessons I've learned through bodybuilding and beyond.   TOPICS COVERED -Considering what I may regret -My decision to retire -Working with coach Adam -Positive lessons from bodybuilding -Growth of the bikini division   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:    TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 1:25 deciding when to have kids 5:57 considering Fit Model 9:22 changing mentality with competing  15:36 importance of routine 17:44 changing perspectives 21:44 favorite thing I learned about myself 23:14 growing in faith 25:55 something I would have changed 29:33 regrets about not earning a pro card  33:21 staying in the industry 33:31 growing my family 35:49 favorite show day memories     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 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

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

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

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

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