Confessions of a Bikini Pro

Celeste Rains-Turk
  • 4.8 (321)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast is the only place where IFBB bikini pros share their struggles, strategies, stories, insights, and advice in a real, raw, and vulnerable setting. ​ ​The goal of this podcast is to educate, inspire, and remind other competitors, athletes, or the every day gym goer that even the most elite professionals face hardships, health problems, mental obstacles, and other adversities. All show notes, time stamps, links, and information can be found on this page, just search the athlete you want to listen to in the alphabetized categories section or keep scrolling. ​Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast if you love it as much as we do so we can continue spreading the message to people worldwide! And be sure to follow @celestial_fit on instagram too for behind the scenes, sneak peeks, and more! Tag her and the guests in your posts and stories loving on the podcasts too! Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

  1. EMILY CHANEL- Fit Model; First Fit Model Olympian, Build the Community, Managing Multiple Roles, Confident Posing, Resilience

    2D AGO

    EMILY CHANEL- Fit Model; First Fit Model Olympian, Build the Community, Managing Multiple Roles, Confident Posing, Resilience

    Celeste hosted Fit Model Pro Champion Emily Chanel, who shared her inspirational journey from military service and depression to becoming the first-ever Fit Model Pro and Olympia qualifier. The discussion centered on how bodybuilding transformed her mental health, how she balances multiple roles as a mother, counselor, and athlete, and how she promotes growth within the emerging Fit Model division. Emily emphasized resilience, authenticity, and mental discipline as the keys to success. She also discussed her relationship with her fiancé Stan, who helped her stay natural and grounded in the sport, and her passion for guiding new competitors through posing and presentation coaching. Key Discussion Topics 1. Career and Fit Model Division Leadership Emily is the first-ever Fit Model Pro Champion and inaugural Olympia qualifier. Competed since 2021; upcoming shows:New York Pro and Pittsburgh Pro, both used to gain Olympia panel feedback before the Olympia. Sees her role as helping define and promote the Fit Model division, encouraging more women to join through YouTube vlogs, posing clinics, and direct outreach. 2. Mental Health and Bodybuilding Connection Military veteran andmental health counselor specializing in addiction. Uses principles likeresilience, breath control, and disciplineto stay grounded during prep. Bodybuilding initially helped her recover fromdepression and traumaduring her divorce and single motherhood. 3. Motherhood and Balance Raises two children; attributes patience, consistency, and routine learned from parenting to her bodybuilding success. Being active sets a healthy example for her kids, teaching self‑care, structure, and resilience. 4. Relationship and Support System Fiancé Stan, a seasoned Olympian, influenced her mindset, helping her recognize bodybuilding's artistry and importance of staying natural. They balance one another—Emily adds fun and flexibility, while Stan provides focus and discipline. 5. Coaching and Professional Identity Runs posing sessions emphasizing confidence, stage presence, and mental readiness. Differentiates between being a counselor and a posing coach to keep professional boundaries clear. Uses motivational interviewing techniques to boost clients' self‑belief and composure. 6. Personal Philosophy and Advice Advocates forpatience, routine, community, and gratitude. Advises new competitors to enjoy the process and surround themselves with positive influences. For aspiring pros: practice resilience, learn from feedback, and act "as a pro" before earning the title. Highlights Journey Origin:Began lifting post‑divorce to combat depression; found purpose in bodybuilding. Professional Cross‑Over:Incorporates counseling skills—resilience and mindfulness—into athletic coaching. Representation:Leading advocate for Fit Model division's legitimacy and accessibility. Quote Insight:"Bodybuilding isn't just physical building; it's mental, emotional, and life‑building." Source Note:This summary is based on information from a recorded podcast interview. Other related materials or updates may exist beyond this meeting.   CONNECT WITH EMILY: https://www.instagram.com/emilychanell/ ALL LINKS: https://linktr.ee/emilychanel?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=225fd2eb-961a-451c-a01d-e08ae9328515

    1h 21m
  2. KAYLA TRULUCK- Fit Model Pro; Training, Impact of First Prep, Passion Outside of the Industry, Family Planning, Faithful Journey

    MAY 1

    KAYLA TRULUCK- Fit Model Pro; Training, Impact of First Prep, Passion Outside of the Industry, Family Planning, Faithful Journey

    Celeste Rains-Turk interviewed newly crowned IFBB Fit Model Pro Kayla Truluck about her unique journey from bikini competition to becoming one of the first ten IFBB fit model pros. The conversation explored Kayla's competition experiences, faith, career as a nurse practitioner, personal life, and her holistic approach to bodybuilding. Kayla shared insights on training adaptations for the fit model division, refeed strategies, mindset, faith practices, and balancing her competitive goals with her healthcare career and personal life. They also discussed her upcoming pro debut, community involvement, and encouragement for other competitors. Key Discussion Topics 1. Transition to Fit Model Division Kayla switched from bikini to fit model only 6–8 weeks before her show, prompted by her coach and curiosity about the new category. She stopped training shoulders to adapt her physique, found the posing moderately different, and achieved early success by winning the Peach Classic and earning her pro card at Junior Nationals. 2. Competition Experiences & Preparation Preparing for her pro debut at St. Pete Pro in June 2026, with Tampa Pro planned a month later. Prefers a slower, sustainable prep style emphasizing refeeds (5–6 to date). Refeeds consist mainly of chicken sandwiches and fries, controlled with familiar condiments, occasionally including a cookie. 3. Mindset, Nervousness & Stage Rituals Uses prayer and mental cues from her posing coach to stay grounded and calm on stage. Keeps a lighthearted, sociable attitude backstage to manage nerves. 4. Balancing Career & Fitness Works full-time as a nurse practitioner performing pre-employment and VA disability exams. Finds fulfillment in helping veterans and building patient relationships. Prefers maintaining a career outside fitness to avoid burnout and keep perspective. 5. Faith and Personal Growth Practices daily devotionals and Bible reading; participates in a yearly plan and weekly devotional with her husband. Faith helped her navigate divorce and rediscover strength and purpose before meeting her current husband. 6. Personal Life and Faith Journey Met her husband serendipitously on a Southwest flight; they connected instantly and view it as a "God moment." Reflected on redemption after a challenging first marriage, citing faith as central to her healing and renewed joy. 7. Community, Volunteering, & Work-Life Balance Volunteers teaching young children at church, finding joy and purpose in service despite exhaustion. Maintains early morning workout routines, structured meal prep, and quiet time for reflection. 8. Humor and Behind-the-Scenes Moments Shared lighthearted competition stories including nearly missing stage call due to "nervous poops" after coffee and waking up with tan handprints. Emphasized that competing "isn't glamorous behind the scenes." Key Takeaways & Advice For New Competitors: Join the bodybuilding community early and find a supportive, experienced coach. Learn about nutrition, posing, and training before stepping on stage. Approach the process with patience—don't rush competition readiness. For Those on the Road to Pro: Trust the process and your coach. Focus on personal growth, not just winning. Celebrate each phase, knowing success unfolds according to God's plan. Source Note:This summary is based on multiple meeting transcripts from a recorded podcast interview between Celeste Rains-Turk and Kayla Truluck. Additional related materials may exist beyond those included here. CONNECT WITH KAYLA: https://www.instagram.com/kaylafitpro/   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website:http://www.celestial.fit Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links:http://www.celestial.fit/links.html

    1h 20m
  3. BROOKLYN GOODSELL- FIT MODEL; Mental Game of Transitioning To Fit Model, Postpartum Depression and Prep, Hormone Red Flags, Deeper Meanings

    APR 17

    BROOKLYN GOODSELL- FIT MODEL; Mental Game of Transitioning To Fit Model, Postpartum Depression and Prep, Hormone Red Flags, Deeper Meanings

    In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Fit Model Pro Brooklyn Goodsell, a mom and founder of Fierce Queen Fitness. She started competing in 2013 and competed on and off through 2017 before stepping away to have her son in 2018. She returned to the stage when he was 13 months old, placing 4th at the Idaho Cup while navigating postpartum depression and building her business. Over the years, she competed at the national level across multiple seasons before transitioning into the Fit Model division in 2025. She earned her Pro card at the 2025 Amateur Olympia where she placed first.   TOPICS COVERED -Mental side of competing and having a good headspace -almost quitting competing -having support -identity outside of competing -therapy and getting help -PCOS and hormone issues   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 BROOKLYN:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklyn_ifbbfitmodel/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:58 the emotional side of competing 7:35 lead up to Pro card win 19:39 keeping up hope 16:20 shifting look of bikini 33:41 the feeling of winning her Pro card 37:53 returning to stage postpartum 43:45 healing through fitness 49:15 the importance of therapy 52:43 being a coach and starting a business 59:32 insight for women 64:44 prepping for her Pro debut 68:40 having a family that competes 74:00 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

    1h 19m
  4. KAMILIA WOOLSEY; Self-Doubt's Silver Lining, Making Your Kids Proud, Home Cleaning in St.George, Consistent Effort

    FEB 20

    KAMILIA WOOLSEY; Self-Doubt's Silver Lining, Making Your Kids Proud, Home Cleaning in St.George, Consistent Effort

    In today's episode, I sit down with Kamilia Woosley, an IFBB Pro, business owner, and moto mom who opens up about the fast rise to her Pro card and the self-doubt that followed her every step of the way. After starting in 2023, stepping away, and returning in 2025 to win both Open and Novice before earning her Pro card at USAs, Kamilia is now preparing for her Pro debut and sharing the unfiltered reality behind the title. We talk about balancing motherhood, business ownership, ambition, and anxiety while still pushing for more.   This conversation is about chasing big goals while learning to quiet the voice that says you are not enough, and doing it in a way that sets an example for your family.   TOPICS COVERED -overcoming anxiety -the road to Pro -doubting yourself -striving for more -setting an example for your kids -setting boundaries and expectations   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 KAMILIA:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamilialeigh.ifbbpro/ Cleaning: https://www.instagram.com/pristineshine.cleaning/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 6:29 getting into bodybuilding 13:36 plans for a Pro card 15:53 overcoming self-doubt 18:45 trajectory for bikini and fit model 21:58 prepping for a Pro debut 29:23 bodybuilding and family life 35:34 dealing with mom guilt 38:48 structuring your days 46:12 running a cleaning business 54:59 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

    1h 1m
  5. MESHAYA KEATON; Facing the Fear, Scale Fluctuations, Pride in Progress, Resiliency through Injury

    FEB 13

    MESHAYA KEATON; Facing the Fear, Scale Fluctuations, Pride in Progress, Resiliency through Injury

    In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Meshaya Keaton, a natural competitor with a background in Exercise Science and Psychology. Meshaya has been competing since 2017 and earned her Pro card at North Americans in 2019. We talk about the mental side of the sport, learning from past shows, and building resilience through both success and disappointment. Her passion for fitness and mental health shines through in this conversation, especially as she shares how competing helped shape her identity and long term goals.   TOPICS COVERED -mental health and bodybuilding -how she found the sport -learning from past show experiences -facing fear and building resiliency -competing as a natural athlete -passion for fitness and growth   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 MESHAYA:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/live4themoment_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:55 approaching mental health 7:18 finding body building 12:36 having a support system 19:05 a passion for health and fitness 22:03 progression in the off season 25:00 the truth about macros 31:07 changes to becoming a Pro 36:50 working towards feedback 45:16 dealing with disappointing placing 53:12 building resiliency 59:34 building for the future 63:54 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

    1h 10m
  6. MORGAN ELDRETT; PED Police Raid and Coming off of Enhancements, Identity Shift, Values Outside of Bodybuilding, Mindset Methods

    FEB 6

    MORGAN ELDRETT; PED Police Raid and Coming off of Enhancements, Identity Shift, Values Outside of Bodybuilding, Mindset Methods

    In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Morgan Eldrett, host of the Mindset Lounge podcast and a coach who blends physique sport with mindset and high performance. Morgan started competing in 2022, earned her Pro card in 2023, and made her Pro debut in 2025. Since then, she has expanded her work beyond posing into mindset, training, nutrition, and performance coaching, helping ambitious athletes execute at a higher level.   This conversation dives into identity, values, and what happens when your goals force you to re-evaluate the way you approach the sport. Morgan opens up about stepping away from PEDs, informed consent, and redefining success outside of bodybuilding, while still pursuing excellence.   TOPICS COVERED -turning nerves into usable energy -defining your values inside and outside of the sport -expanding your identity beyond bodybuilding -informed consent and stepping away from PEDs -trusting yourself and doing things differently -daily mindset habits for high performance   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 MORGAN:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganeldrett/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:03 quick road to Pro 8:20 having ambition to reach goals 13:24 dating a bodybuilder 18:43 expanding your identity 25:45 knowing when you're aligned with your values 29:20 PED usage and stopping them 37:54 competing as a Pro without PEDs 44:20 sharing her story 51:45 changes after coming off PEDs 60:07 educating others about PEDs 69:11 community and leadership 71:35 daily non-negotiables 78:15 having a growth mindset 87:10 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

    1h 30m
  7. NAOMI JORDAN; Navigating the Fear of Starting, To Continue to Compete or Not?, Spiritual Gifts, Dental Hygiene

    JAN 30

    NAOMI JORDAN; Navigating the Fear of Starting, To Continue to Compete or Not?, Spiritual Gifts, Dental Hygiene

    In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Naomi Jordan, a registered dental hygienist who found bodybuilding as both a creative outlet and a space for personal growth. She began training in the gym around 2013, stepped on stage for the first time in 2022, and earned her Pro card in 2023 at just her third show. Naomi shares her journey of navigating uncertainty, listening to her inner voice, and balancing faith, career, and competing at a high level.   We talk about the fear of getting started, evolving your relationship with the sport, and how to decide whether continuing to compete aligns with your life and values. Naomi also opens up about competing after multiple knee surgeries, finding the right coach, and staying grounded in seasons of transition.   TOPICS COVERED -Navigating uncertainty and seasons of transition -Listening to your inner voice and aligning choices with your goals -Competing against yourself, not others -Faith, spiritual gifts, and identity outside the sport -Balancing a demanding career with bodybuilding -Dental health and life as a hygienist -Using bodybuilding as a creative outlet   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 NAOMI:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomii.jordann/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 2:45 competing against yourself 4:55 from soccer to bodybuilding 9:45 red flags and finding the right coach 12:41 multiple knee surgeries 17:29 evolving relationship with competing 20:30 being a woman of faith 22:30 3rd place at her Pro debut 31:12 feedback from Pro debut 35:30 internal motivation versus identity 41:28 being a dental hygienist 56:25 balancing work on competing 60:00 spiritual gifts 66:12 bodybuilding as a creative outlet 73:22 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

    1h 17m
  8. SANDY ARAVE; Rodeo Mom to Masters Champion, Living through Grief, Don't Chase The Card, Say Yes More

    JAN 23

    SANDY ARAVE; Rodeo Mom to Masters Champion, Living through Grief, Don't Chase The Card, Say Yes More

    In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Sandy Arave, a 55-year-old high school counselor whose path to bodybuilding success is anything but conventional. Sandy began competing in 2022 and earned her Pro card at North Americans in 2024. In 2025, she made her Pro debut and went on to win two Pro shows in the 55+ categories.   Before bodybuilding, Sandy lived a very different competitive life as a barrel racer, competing at professional rodeos. Her journey into the sport came alongside navigating grief, health challenges, and major life transitions. This conversation is an honest look at resilience, purpose, and why chasing growth matters more than chasing a card.   TOPICS COVERED -Living and competing through grief and trauma -Transitioning from competitive barrel racing to bodybuilding -Building and leaning on a strong support system -Lessons learned through failure and setbacks -Being a role model at any age -Prioritizing health while pursuing big goals   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 SANDY:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandytaylorarave_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:14 having a competitive nature 5:53 life before competing 13:13 balance work life and competing 16:56 competing through grief 26:41 how grief has impacted her life 35:16 taking chances 43:10 advice for balancing life and competing 52:35 making her Pro debut 59:30 dealing with thyroid issues 66:38 prioritizing health 73:05 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

    1h 19m
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4.8
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About

The Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast is the only place where IFBB bikini pros share their struggles, strategies, stories, insights, and advice in a real, raw, and vulnerable setting. ​ ​The goal of this podcast is to educate, inspire, and remind other competitors, athletes, or the every day gym goer that even the most elite professionals face hardships, health problems, mental obstacles, and other adversities. All show notes, time stamps, links, and information can be found on this page, just search the athlete you want to listen to in the alphabetized categories section or keep scrolling. ​Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast if you love it as much as we do so we can continue spreading the message to people worldwide! And be sure to follow @celestial_fit on instagram too for behind the scenes, sneak peeks, and more! Tag her and the guests in your posts and stories loving on the podcasts too! Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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