TAYLOR CROWELL; Dead Last to Olympia, Humanize the Hard, Is it a Fluke?, Love your Evolution, Competitor Things

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

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