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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FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

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

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In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Jasmine Vania, an entrepreneur, luxury travel expert, and single mom of two. Raised in a military family and married to a Marine for 10 years, Jasmine is a proud supporter of the armed forces. As she juggles motherhood, business, and competing, Jasmine shares how she stays grounded through discipline, determination, and a commitment to excellence.

We talk about the importance of mental health, having a strong support system, and prioritizing self-care alongside the hustle. Jasmine opens up about the challenges of traveling on prep, advocating for therapy, and the value of choosing the right coach. She also shares how tools like ChatGPT help her streamline meal planning and why she believes pushing your limits can unlock growth.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of real-life wisdom and motivation to pursue your goals with purpose.

TOPICS COVERED

-Mental health is just as important as physical health, 

-Pushing limits

-Having a support system

-Self-care is just as vital as the hustle

-traveling while on prep

-choosing the right coach

-advocating for therapy

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 JASMINE:

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

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

3:33 what it means to be excellent

5:34 managing life and competing

12:29 a love for travel

15:34 incorporating a love for food with competing

18:43 using ChatGPT for meal planning

24:32 growing up as a military brat

26:10 finding bodybuilding

29:25 the road to Pro

34:28 confidence on stage

43:08 competing as a Pro

45:22 supporting her mental health

51:45 working on feedback

55:57 advice for competitors

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

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FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Mariska Pretorius, who began competing in 2017 and earned her Pro card in 2019. Since then, she has competed all over the world in the Pro League. Based in South Africa, Mariska offers online training, nutrition, and posing services to clients around the globe.

We talk about the highs and lows of her journey, including managing illness, overcoming relationship challenges, and learning to grow through image struggles. Mariska shares her mindset as a competitor, the importance of a solid support system, and how finding the right coach has made all the difference. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, self-worth, and the drive to keep pushing forward.

TOPICS COVERED

-Dealing with illness

-Relationship challenges with bodybuilding

-Image issues and personal growth

-Choosing the right coach

-Bodybuilding mindset

-Having a support system

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 MARISKA:

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

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

3:30 finding bodybuilding

9:36 learning from improvement season

15:36 focusing on nutrition for growth

22:55 removing foods to change cravings

30:00 cooking during prep

32:05 the importance of routine

37:37 life outside of bodybuilding

43:47 leaving an unhealthy relationship 

56:35 giving your all

62:22 competing internationally 

65:55 choosing the right division

77:17 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 Sarah Bornemiss, a 42-year-old mom of two, business owner, and former marathon runner who started bodybuilding at age 47 as a bucket list goal. She earned her Pro card at the 2023 Masters Nationals and now inspires others with her faith, resilience, and purpose. Sarah owns a business providing ABA therapy for children on the autism spectrum and is passionate about helping others live healthier, more intentional lives.

We discuss her journey through hormone challenges, living with Hashimoto’s, navigating identity after going Pro, and balancing motherhood, career, and prep. Sarah shares how her faith has guided her through hard seasons and how she’s learned to lead by example for her kids and clients.

TOPICS COVERED

-Hormone health and Hashimoto’s disease

-Shifting from marathon running to bodybuilding

-Faith through life’s challenges

-Supporting children with learning disabilities

-Identity and emotional growth after going Pro

-Balancing prep, life, and motherhood

-Creating sustainable lifestyle habits

-Setting a positive example for your children

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 SARAH:

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

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

5:36 faith in God’s plan

10:36 identity after Pro card

14:44 habits for life success

19:58 showing up for yourself

25:38 “life mode” versus prep

32:05 developing a healthier lifestyle

34:19 from running to bodybuilding

40:32 taking time away from stage

45:19 learning from your children

54:30 being more open with emotions

57:46 supporting children with autism 

72:34 Pro debut

76:40 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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