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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM

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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)