Confessions of a Bikini Pro

In this episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Emmy Schwartz, a fitness and lifestyle coach, wife, fur mom, and the recent Ms USA. She started competing in 2017 as a form of therapy from a sever eating disorder and never looked back. She credits the sport to saving her life. She place 5th in her Pro debut at the 2025 Tahoe Pro.   TOPICS COVERED -hospitalized with an eating disorder -overcoming mental h...

In this episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Marissa McGee, who discovered bodybuilding after her boyfriend (now husband) randomly signed up for a show in 2021. What started as curiosity quickly became passion, and after coaching herself for her first year, Marissa began working with coach Matt Greggo. In 2025, she earned her Pro card at Universe, taking first place. Alongside her bodybuilding journe...

In this episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Bree Wilson, who found bodybuilding in 2022 after meeting her now-husband, Jordan. Bree competed for the first time in 2023, where she won the overall in her debut show and, just six weeks later, stepped on stage at the Toronto Pro Supershow. That same year, she earned her Pro card at the Vancouver Pro Qualifier—after only six months of competing.   Since then...

In this episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Felicia Botelho, who began competing in 2015 and earned her Pro card at the 2025 Universe in the Masters 35+ division. Outside of bodybuilding, Felicia works full time as a medical assistant at a dermatology office, enjoys life with her boyfriend and puppy, and is working towards her personal training certification.   Felicia opens up about her experiences wit...

If you're getting ready to step on stage, this episode is for you. After 16 shows over 10 years, I've learned plenty of lessons—many the hard way—that can save you time, stress, and unnecessary headaches on show day.   I'm sharing practical tips to help you feel prepared and confident, from what to pack in your suitcase to how to avoid tanning disasters, plus why you might want to dress up a Reese...

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 abu...

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,...

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 divi...

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 4...

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 O...

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...

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 int...

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 t...

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 i...

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...

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 relatio...

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 passionat...

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Olesya Sun, a former Ultra Music Festival dancer turned personal trainer, posing coach, and psychological and spiritual wellbeing coach. Olesya began competing in 2014, took her first shot at nationals in 2017, and after becoming a mom in 2020, she made a powerful return to the stage by earning her Pro card at NPC Universe in 2024 as a Masters athlete. We d...

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Keria Orsatti, who earned her Pro card at 2024 NPC Universe after just three national shows. Keria began competing in 2021 and brings an athletic background in tennis, softball, and dance.   Keria shares her journey of overcoming an eating disorder in high school and managing anxiety during prep, all while working full-time in public relations and marketing...

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Alyssa Frietchen, who earned her Pro card at 2024 Nationals after just over a year of competing. Currently in her offseason and planning for her Pro debut this fall, Alyssa shares how she quickly fell in love with bodybuilding and now hopes to inspire others to find their passion for the sport as well.   We dive into her mindset throughout her journey, from...

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Kylee Solomon, a Tampa-based competitor originally from Jacksonville, Florida. Kylee started competing in 2020 and earned her Pro card at 2023 USA's—at just her third show ever!   We talk about her evolution in the sport, navigating life's challenges, and what it's taken for her to stay grounded and intentional on her journey. Kylee shares her experience wi...

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Brittany Schrempp, a mom, stepmom, wife, business owner, and former 3x All-American middle-distance runner from small-town Nebraska. She began competing in 2020 and earned her Pro card at the 2024 Nationals.   She and her husband, Cameron, run TUF, an online coaching business specializing in everything from functional health and weight loss to youth athleti...

Today's episode is a replay of my interview with our current Ms. Bikini International, IFBB Pro Vania Auguste. This episode first aired on December 31, 2021. Listen in today to hear Vania's journey from when she first started competing in 2015 to where she is today.     TOPICS COVERED -nailing your stage presence -being a posting coach -routine strategies for prep -the Olympia experience -qualifyi...

In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Bikini Pro Kirsty Bentley , a coach and former WBFF Pro who began her competitive journey in 2016. After transitioning to the NPC and IFBB, she earned her Pro card by placing first at the 2024 British Championships . Kirsty is also a proud mom to her daughter, Evelyn, and her angel baby, Esme, who tragically passed away at just one day old. Her incredible r...