In today’s episode, I sit down with three-time guest IFBB Pro Lauren Adams, founder of Ascend With Us, a brand focused on posing, glam, backstage prep, and physique coaching. Lauren began competing in 2014, earned her Pro card at USAs in 2019, and is now preparing to return to the stage after a two-year break.

We have a raw, honest conversation about her experience healing from narcissistic abuse, how she’s learning to prioritize herself, and the importance of setting strong personal boundaries. Lauren also shares her insight on changes in the bikini division, her evolution as both an athlete and coach, and how she’s navigating life and business in this new chapter.

TOPICS COVERED

-Leaving a toxic relationship

Recognizing narcissistic traits

-Healing and taking accountability

-Changes in her approach to prep

-Balancing coaching, business, and boundaries

-Shifts in the bikini division and the rise of Fit Model

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 LAUREN:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_adams_fit/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascend.withus/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:10 leaving a toxic relationship

13:40 spotting a narcissist 

19:20 personality disorders versus mood disorders

25:35 red flags in dating

39:55 taking accountability

42:36 returning to the stage

50:56 differences from past preps

55:15 the introduction of Fit Model

57:55 regulating your energy

61:08 balancing business and boundaries

66:30 relationships with sponsors

71:15 balancing life outside of bodybuilding

80:01 handling speaking engagements 

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In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Sabina Costea, a 24-year-old law student based in Montreal, Canada. Raised by immigrant parents, Sabina learned early on the value of pursuing her passions and believing in what’s possible through dedication.

She was introduced to bodybuilding in August 2022 and stepped on stage for the first time in July 2023. Just one year later, at only her third show, she earned her IFBB Pro card. Sabina now has her sights set on her Pro debut while balancing life as a full-time student.

TOPICS COVERED

-Building confidence through bodybuilding

-Navigating prep while traveling

-Embracing growth during off seasons

-Body awareness and trusting your process

-Balancing competition with law school

-Canadian bodybuilding and her goals for the sport

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 SABINA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sab_ifbbpro/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

8:30 finding fitness and bodybuilding

13:15 earning her Pro card

19:05 changing outlook on body and food

22:00 learning to trust yourself 

27:30 critiquing our bodies

30:45 risk versus reward

31:50 being in law school

40:06 goals for bodybuilding

42:42 building confidence

47:03 being an immigrant

52:05 working towards feedback

56:44 advice for competitors

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In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Michelle Ferdinand-Jacques, a 43-year-old working mom of four, nurse practitioner, and founder of MLJ Aesthetics. Michelle began competing in June 2023 and quickly made her mark in the sport. She earned her Pro card at her second national show, the 2024 Ben Weider Naturals, and made her Pro debut at the DC Pro/Am, where she placed second in the Natural division.

Michelle shares how she balances motherhood, running a business, and bodybuilding, all while proudly competing as a natural and Masters athlete. We talk about her mindset during prep, her commitment to posing practice, and how she’s stayed mentally strong through personal loss and life’s many challenges. Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start, and that with discipline and belief in yourself, anything is possible.

TOPICS COVERED

-Being a natural and Masters athlete

-Trusting your coach and the process

-The importance of posing practice

-Navigating show day stress

-Balancing family, work, and prep

-Overcoming loss and staying mentally strong

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 MICHELLE:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missy_loves_fitness/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

4:20 competing at her Pro debut

8:02 proud to be a natural athlete

10:15 entering the sport as an older athlete

15:01 mission for the season

22:33 navigating a stressful show day

24:41 working on improvements

28:08 life before bodybuilding

32:20 family and bodybuilding

37:57 overcoming challenges in prep

45:40 a day in the life

48:57 advice for competitors

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In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Cicily Phillips, who was born and raised in South Carolina and now lives just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Cicily works full-time as a Project Manager. She started competing in 2017 and earned her Pro card in 2023 at North Americans. In 2025, she made her Pro debut at the Charlotte Pro and continues to compete in both the open and masters divisions. She’s 42 years old, recently got engaged, and is a proud dog mom to her sweet dachshund.

We dive into her journey into fitness, how she balances career, competition, and life, and her experience going Pro later in life. Cicily shares her strategies for managing a reverse diet, how she navigates the unique challenges of competing in both masters and open divisions, and the mindset that has helped her stay consistent over the years.

TOPICS COVERED

-How she got into fitness and bodybuilding

-Running a personal training business

-Establishing balance between life and sport

-Reverse dieting strategies

-Masters versus open divisions

-Going Pro and getting engaged

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 HEATHER:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ci_p/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

3:08 guided by faith

5:47 evolving her approach

11:08 new pressures going Pro

14:15 finding fitness and bodybuilding

19:55 dealing with post-show cravings

21:29 what winning her Pro card meant

25:17 masters versus open

32:51 making her Pro debut

38:28 working towards future goals

44:07 time management tips

46:27 working as a personal trainer

50:20 advice for competitors

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In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Heather Brewer, a United States Naval Academy graduate, former Division 1 swimmer, and Major in the United States Marine Corps. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the oldest of eight siblings, Heather is also a wife to a Marine officer and a mother of two. She began competing seriously in 2019 and earned her Pro card at the 2024 Masters USA, where she took the Overall title.

Heather opens up about balancing life as a wife, mom, athlete, and active-duty Marine. We dive into her long journey with bulimia, the physical and emotional toll of eating disorders, and how bodybuilding helped her rebuild a healthier relationship with food. She shares her experiences transitioning from prep to improvement season, blending her many roles, and co-owning a coaching business with her husband.

TOPICS COVERED

-Her journey as a wife, mother, Marine, and athlete

-Battling and healing from bulimia

-The impact of eating disorders on the body and mind

-Learning about macronutrients and nutrition

-Navigating post-show blues

-Running a coaching business with her husband

-Preparing for her Pro debut

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 HEATHER:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ripped_mermaid/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

3:38 blending different identities into life

8:33 approach to parenting

11:25 avoiding eating disorders

18:15 being honest about your actions

24:23 admiring that you’re vulnerable 

25:19 from prep to improvement season

34:40 planning out shows

41:25 planning her Pro debut

50:22 evolving your stage presentation 

53:00 hitting military fitness standards

54:56 becoming a coach

59:15 prioritizing her marriage

63:47 advice for competitors 

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In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Zoey St. John, a rising star and natural athlete who made her mark in the NPC before earning her Pro card. Zoey took the overall titles at the 2024 Natural Ohio and 2024 Northcoast Championships, and went on to win the Overall at the 2025 Pittsburgh to earn her spot in the IFBB.

Zoey is a lifelong athlete with a background in volleyball, track, dance, cheer, and softball. Introduced to bodybuilding by her father, who competed in the 90s, she shares how the sport has shaped her physically, mentally, and emotionally.

We dive into her experience with disordered eating, the pressure to do everything perfectly, and how working with a therapist helped her redefine her relationship with food, fitness, and self-worth. Zoey brings refreshing honesty about competing naturally, finding your identity beyond the stage, and giving yourself grace through every phase.

TOPICS COVERED

-Disordered eating habits and mental health

-The importance of eating enough food

-Letting go of the all-or-nothing mindset

-Prioritizing recovery and rest

-Identity outside of bodybuilding

-Competing naturally in the NPC and IFBB

-Tools for self-awareness and grace

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 ZOEY:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoeystjohn_ifbbpro/

TikTok: @zoeystjohn

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

5:10 making gains early on

7:30 balancing the sport with friendships

9:58 working with a therapist

14:27 relationship with her parents

19:40 loving the sport

26:05 having supper going into Pittsburg

28:20 her road to Pro

34:11 tools to support mental health

37:55 being a natural competitor

43:10 plans for the future

46:20 adjusting post-show 

54:50 advice for competitors 

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In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Gemma Nanista, athlete manager for Raw Nutrition and posing coach. Gemma began competing in 2021 at just 19 years old. She won the overall at her first show, then took a three-year offseason before returning to win another overall at a national qualifier. She earned her Pro card at her first national show, USAs, in 2024.

We discuss the value of taking intentional health phases, handling pressure with a sports psychology mindset, and what it means to truly evolve in the sport. Gemma shares how she’s made meaningful connections backstage, what it’s like having her fiancé as her coach, and why she believes in always outworking your past self.

TOPICS COVERED

-Taking health phases and long offseasons

-Handling internal pressure through sports psychology

-Making genuine connections backstage

-Pushing your personal limits

-Evolving mentally and physically 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 GEMMA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemmananista/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

6:40 from volleyball to bodybuilding

14:54 avoiding burnout

22:00 being a Type A athlete

23:25 interests outside of bodybuilding

26:33 embracing femininity

34:01 approaching training

40:13 changes to support muscle growth

44:40 body image and changing physique

50:23 reversing after shows

57:04 having her fiancé as her coach

67:51 what the future holds

75:24 advice for competitors

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In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Mahsa Rogers, personal trainer and posing coach at Rep Republic. Mahsa began competing in 2020 and earned her Pro card and the Overall Bikini title at the 2024 NPC Nationals. With eight shows under her belt, she is currently preparing for her Pro debut. In our conversation, Mahsa shares the importance of being honest with yourself, how she’s grown through the sport, and what motivates her to keep showing up.

She also opens up about the loss of her husband and how that shaped her journey, mindset, and mission both on and off the stage.

TOPICS COVERED

-Growing through the sport

-Being honest about feedback, placings, and physique

-Finding her “why” in bodybuilding

-Competing and learning from past shows

-Post-show mindset and reversing

-Navigating grief and life transitions

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 MAHSA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahsa_rogersfit/

Gym: https://www.instagram.com/reprepublic_gym/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

5:30 bringing your own energy to stage

8:24 building someones confidence

16:12 having what it takes

18:48 growing in bodybuilding 

26:55 taking action to improve

29:02 how training & nutrition have evolved

31:20 taking the sport seriously

39:40 transition from prep to post-season

43:40 committing to the off season

57:02 losing her husband

70:59 thriving through routine

75:08 having a support system 

76:26 goals for the future

83:23 advice for competitors

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In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Marissa Willmott, a proud mother, wife, and business owner of Empowered Athletics. Marissa began competing in 2017 and earned her Pro card at the 2019 Amateur Olympia. She made her Pro debut in 2020 at the Tahoe Pro, then took a break in 2021 to prioritize her mental health before returning to the stage in 2022. After another extended break, she came back in 2024 with a new coach and is now preparing for the 2025 season.

Marissa is the head posing coach for Glam Girl and leads Empowered Athletics, where she helps women conquer their fear of food through macro-based coaching. Her mission is to empower women through fitness, mindset, and consistency.

TOPICS COVERED

-Starting her fitness journey as a new single mom

-Satisfying her competitive spirit

-Knowing when to take a break

-Having a growth mindset

-Finding your identity

-Consistency over motivation

-Being a coach and posing mentor

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/marissarenay_ifbbpro/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

6:30 competing when you aren’t mentally in it

12:50 avoiding burnout

18:40 grief and the loss of a parent

25:25 finding fitness as healing

34:00 being a lifelong athlete

36:45 life after bodybuilding 

44:53 consistency over motivation

47:33 having a blended family

52:30 being a young mom

60:22 empowering others

62:10 posing advice

69:16 staying mentally focused backstage

74:00 meeting the criteria

77:35 competing during covid

85:14 advice for competitors

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES

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