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In this episode, I sit down with Amber, a bikini competitor who shares her raw and real journey through five competitions. After earning 5thplace in her debut show, she faced the harsh reality of binge eating, grief, and a reverse diet gone wrong. Amber opens up about canceling a prep she wasn’t ready for, why slowing down was the best decision, and how she found clarity by refusing to quit—even when it meant stepping back. This one’s for every athlete who’s ever felt lost after the stage.

🔹 Topics we cover:

• Competing in 5 shows and placing 5th on 1st show
• Struggles with binge eating post-show
• Canceling a prep and honoring her mental health
• Navigating grief and post-show blues
• Why "getting your sh*t together" doesn't mean pushing harder

Welcome to Cupcakes & Protein Shakes, the podcast that gives you the tools and inspiration you need to achieve your fitness and wellness goals. Follow your host Savana Sharp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more great content and insider tips. Join the community on Facebook!

We've got some fantastic discount codes and links to share with you today! Use code "SAVANAS" for 10% off your purchase of Angel Competition Bikinis, and sign up for a free consultation with Savana to design your dream competition suit.

If you need help with bikini posing, book a session with Savana at https://calendly.com/savanasharpposing

If you would like to work 1:1 for bikini prep or lifestyle coaching with Savana please apply for coaching here: https://savanasharp.com/lifestyle-coaching-application/

Looking for some sweet Cupcakes & Protein Shakes merch? Check out our store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/s...

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 In this episode of Cupcakes and Protein Shakes, I chat with Kelsey Raley, a competitor who shares her transformation story from stepping on stage with the NPC to switching federations and competing with the OCB. She dives into what she learned, what she wished she knew, and gives real advice for first-time competitors.
👉 Why doing your research matters
👉 How to know which federation is right for you
👉 The truth about relying on others vs. yourself 

Follow her: @krlifting

Welcome to Cupcakes & Protein Shakes, the podcast that gives you the tools and inspiration you need to achieve your fitness and wellness goals. Follow your host Savana Sharp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more great content and insider tips. Join the community on Facebook!

We've got some fantastic discount codes and links to share with you today! Use code "SAVANAS" for 10% off your purchase of Angel Competition Bikinis, and sign up for a free consultation with Savana to design your dream competition suit.

If you need help with bikini posing, book a session with Savana at https://calendly.com/savanasharpposing

If you would like to work 1:1 for bikini prep or lifestyle coaching with Savana please apply for coaching here: https://savanasharp.com/lifestyle-coaching-application/

Looking for some sweet Cupcakes & Protein Shakes merch? Check out our store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/s...

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In this powerful episode, Samantha Scales opens up about her rocky start in 2017—cheating on her reverse diet, not taking prep seriously, and ultimately quitting halfway through because she couldn’t afford to continue. Now, years later, she's preparing for Nationals, sharing the hard lessons she learned, and running her own “Stage Mom” business—helping first-time competitors backstage. This is your warning: competing is expensive, your coach matters, and skipping steps will cost you. Samantha’s story is proof that you can fall hard and still come back stronger.

Follow: @samanthaaajo_fit

Welcome to Cupcakes & Protein Shakes, the podcast that gives you the tools and inspiration you need to achieve your fitness and wellness goals. Follow your host Savana Sharp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more great content and insider tips. Join the community on Facebook!

We've got some fantastic discount codes and links to share with you today! Use code "SAVANAS" for 10% off your purchase of Angel Competition Bikinis, and sign up for a free consultation with Savana to design your dream competition suit.

If you need help with bikini posing, book a session with Savana at https://calendly.com/savanasharpposing

If you would like to work 1:1 for bikini prep or lifestyle coaching with Savana please apply for coaching here: https://savanasharp.com/lifestyle-coaching-application/

Looking for some sweet Cupcakes & Protein Shakes merch? Check out our store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/s...

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In this episode, Mandy Wescott shares how she went from supporting her husband’s prep to stepping on stage herself placing Top 5 at the NPC Ben Weider show in her first season. With a background in sports and ice skating, she mastered posing and leaned into discipline over comfort. Learn how trusting the process and showing up even when she didn’t feel ready led to success on stage.

Follow @ mmwescott

Welcome to Cupcakes & Protein Shakes, the podcast that gives you the tools and inspiration you need to achieve your fitness and wellness goals. Follow your host Savana Sharp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more great content and insider tips. Join the community on Facebook!

We've got some fantastic discount codes and links to share with you today! Use code "SAVANAS" for 10% off your purchase of Angel Competition Bikinis, and sign up for a free consultation with Savana to design your dream competition suit.

If you need help with bikini posing, book a session with Savana at https://calendly.com/savanasharpposing

If you would like to work 1:1 for bikini prep or lifestyle coaching with Savana please apply for coaching here: https://savanasharp.com/lifestyle-coaching-application/

Looking for some sweet Cupcakes & Protein Shakes merch? Check out our store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/s...

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 In this episode, we sit down with a truly inspiring athlete — a 40-year-old mom of four who chased her dream of stepping on stage after overcoming divorce, spine surgery, and major life changes. After an unsuccessful prep in 2019, she rebuilt herself mentally and physically, competing successfully in two bikini shows in 2024. She shares hard-earned lessons like why it's important to start sooner than you think, double-check show day bookings (especially makeup!), and why if you want it badly enough, you can make it happen. A must-listen for anyone thinking about competing for the first time! 

Follow Christina @c8_fitness_lhc

Welcome to Cupcakes & Protein Shakes, the podcast that gives you the tools and inspiration you need to achieve your fitness and wellness goals. Follow your host Savana Sharp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more great content and insider tips. Join the community on Facebook!

We've got some fantastic discount codes and links to share with you today! Use code "SAVANAS" for 10% off your purchase of Angel Competition Bikinis, and sign up for a free consultation with Savana to design your dream competition suit.

If you need help with bikini posing, book a session with Savana at https://calendly.com/savanasharpposing

If you would like to work 1:1 for bikini prep or lifestyle coaching with Savana please apply for coaching here: https://savanasharp.com/lifestyle-coaching-application/

Looking for some sweet Cupcakes & Protein Shakes merch? Check out our store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/s...

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Lisa Schurr has competed in 10 NPC bikini competitions since 2022—and she's just getting started. In this episode, she shares her biggest lessons, including:

• Why reverse dieting is non-negotiable
• Competing only against yourself
• The truth about realistic expectations for placing
• Why posing is everything
  If you're a first-time competitor or thinking about stepping on stage, this is the episode for you!

🎧 Cupcakes and Protein Shakes: Where Real Bikini Athletes Get Real

Follow Lisa: @lmschuur

Welcome to Cupcakes & Protein Shakes, the podcast that gives you the tools and inspiration you need to achieve your fitness and wellness goals. Follow your host Savana Sharp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more great content and insider tips. Join the community on Facebook!

We've got some fantastic discount codes and links to share with you today! Use code "SAVANAS" for 10% off your purchase of Angel Competition Bikinis, and sign up for a free consultation with Savana to design your dream competition suit.

If you need help with bikini posing, book a session with Savana at https://calendly.com/savanasharpposing

If you would like to work 1:1 for bikini prep or lifestyle coaching with Savana please apply for coaching here: https://savanasharp.com/lifestyle-coaching-application/

Looking for some sweet Cupcakes & Protein Shakes merch? Check out our store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/s...

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In this episode, I sit down with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. We talk about her personal struggles with body image and ED from her background in dance, and how that shaped her passion for helping others. We dive into why having a plan—before and after your show—is critical, the role of a support system, and what to do when the stage lights go out. 

Welcome to Cupcakes & Protein Shakes, the podcast that gives you the tools and inspiration you need to achieve your fitness and wellness goals. Follow your host Savana Sharp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more great content and insider tips. Join the community on Facebook!

We've got some fantastic discount codes and links to share with you today! Use code "SAVANAS" for 10% off your purchase of Angel Competition Bikinis, and sign up for a free consultation with Savana to design your dream competition suit.

If you need help with bikini posing, book a session with Savana at https://calendly.com/savanasharpposing

If you would like to work 1:1 for bikini prep or lifestyle coaching with Savana please apply for coaching here: https://savanasharp.com/lifestyle-coaching-application/

Looking for some sweet Cupcakes & Protein Shakes merch? Check out our store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/s...

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💥 Episode Summary:
Before you pick a coach or step on stage, ask yourself: Do you truly love yourself? In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned athlete who's competed in bikini and wellness — now prepping for her fourth show. We break down the 3 must-haves for a successful competition journey:
✔️ How to choose the right coach (and red flags to avoid)
✔️ Why your support system can make or break you
✔️ The real power of self-love and mindset work before prep

Whether you're a first-time competitor or deep into your journey, this episode is your reminder to protect your peace, align with your values, and love yourself through it all. 💖

Follow: IG @https://www.instagram.com/fitnessbyjo_lbk/

Welcome to Cupcakes & Protein Shakes, the podcast that gives you the tools and inspiration you need to achieve your fitness and wellness goals. Follow your host Savana Sharp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more great content and insider tips. Join the community on Facebook!

We've got some fantastic discount codes and links to share with you today! Use code "SAVANAS" for 10% off your purchase of Angel Competition Bikinis, and sign up for a free consultation with Savana to design your dream competition suit.

If you need help with bikini posing, book a session with Savana at https://calendly.com/savanasharpposing

If you would like to work 1:1 for bikini prep or lifestyle coaching with Savana please apply for coaching here: https://savanasharp.com/lifestyle-coaching-application/

Looking for some sweet Cupcakes & Protein Shakes merch? Check out our store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/s...

Send us a text

Key Points to Cover:

✅ How Hormones Impact Your Prep – Understanding cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid health.
✅ Common Hormonal Imbalances – How to spot red flags like fatigue, water retention, or stalled fat loss.
✅ Smart Training & Nutrition – Optimizing workouts and diet to support hormone balance.
✅ Supplements & Bloodwork – What tests to get and how to use supplements wisely.
✅ Post-Show Recovery – How to rebalance hormones after a competition.

Follow on IG at: @eighteendiagnostics @balanceandbodydiagnostics

website: https://www.balanceandbodydiagnostics.ca/

Welcome to Cupcakes & Protein Shakes, the podcast that gives you the tools and inspiration you need to achieve your fitness and wellness goals. Follow your host Savana Sharp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more great content and insider tips. Join the community on Facebook!

We've got some fantastic discount codes and links to share with you today! Use code "SAVANAS" for 10% off your purchase of Angel Competition Bikinis, and sign up for a free consultation with Savana to design your dream competition suit.

If you need help with bikini posing, book a session with Savana at https://calendly.com/savanasharpposing

If you would like to work 1:1 for bikini prep or lifestyle coaching with Savana please apply for coaching here: https://savanasharp.com/lifestyle-coaching-application/

Looking for some sweet Cupcakes & Protein Shakes merch? Check out our store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/s...

Send us a text

🎙 How to Start Bodybuilding & Step on Stage: Beginner’s Guide 🏆💪

Thinking about competing in bodybuilding but don’t know where to start? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know to go from beginner to stage-ready. Whether you’re new to lifting or dreaming of stepping on stage, this guide covers the essential steps to get started.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to start bodybuilding as a beginner
✅ Training & nutrition tips for first-time competitors
✅ The competition prep timeline: When to start & what to expect
✅ How to choose the right division (Bikini, Figure, Wellness, etc.)
✅ Mindset shifts to succeed on stage

📩 Want to work with me? Apply for coaching: https://savanasharp.com/
📲 Follow for more fitness tips: [Insert Social Links]

🚀 If you enjoy this episode, please rate & review—it helps more aspiring competitors find us!

Welcome to Cupcakes & Protein Shakes, the podcast that gives you the tools and inspiration you need to achieve your fitness and wellness goals. Follow your host Savana Sharp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more great content and insider tips. Join the community on Facebook!

We've got some fantastic discount codes and links to share with you today! Use code "SAVANAS" for 10% off your purchase of Angel Competition Bikinis, and sign up for a free consultation with Savana to design your dream competition suit.

If you need help with bikini posing, book a session with Savana at https://calendly.com/savanasharpposing

If you would like to work 1:1 for bikini prep or lifestyle coaching with Savana please apply for coaching here: https://savanasharp.com/lifestyle-coaching-application/

Looking for some sweet Cupcakes & Protein Shakes merch? Check out our store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/s...