The Refined Strength Podcast

In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, I sit down with my own athlete, Katie Dombrowski, a firefighter, NPC Wellness competitor, and a great example of what can happen when you stop allowing your circumstances to define what’s possible. Together, we explore what it really takes to create lasting change, not through motivation or perfect circumstances, but through the daily decisions that...

In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, I sit down with IFBB Pro & Bikini Olympian, Phoebe Hagan to talk about her return to the stage after taking some time away. We explore the often overlooked value of taking time off, protecting your mental and physical health, and creating life that supports longevity in the sport. Phoebe shares her perspective on avoiding burnout, maintaining a...

In this episode I take you inside my experience competing at the Pittsburg Pro, sharing my placement and judge feedback. I also answer listener questions about my competition journey, prep strategy, bodybuilding and personal growth that comes from pursuing excellence at a high level. Follow & engage with me: www.refinedstrengthcoaching.com IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.coachin...

In this Squadcast episode, Coach Daraja, Coach Jess and I sit down to unpack the Refined Strength bodybuilding retreat. We talk about what happened, what surprised us and why community changes everything in the sport. We talk honestly about the fears athletes brought into the weekend, the breakthroughs that happened when they allowed their walls to come down and the ripple effect that strong coach...

One day out from stepping on the pro stage at the Pittsburg Pro, I answer your questions about mindset strategy and emotional reality of competing at the highest level. You will hear me talk about mental resilience, energy management, value driven bodybuilding and what it really takes to show up when the steaks feel heavy. Follow & engage with me: www.refinedstrengthcoaching.com IG: @rachelsed...

Loneliness often the hidden cost of raising your standards. In this solo episode, I break down types of loneliness, where they come from and why they are a sign of growth, not failure. You'll learn to navigate shifts, internal pressure and the pursuit of excellence without shrinking or numbing out. Follow & engage with me: www.refinedstrengthcoaching.com IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refin...

In today's episode I’m talking about the role pain plays in growth across bodybuilding, business, and life. Think of pain as a teacher. A requirement for the resilience that high goals demand. We explore how challenges increase your capacity and what it actually means to pursue ambitious goals when the work stops feeling exciting. Follow & engage with me: www.refinedstrengthcoaching.com IG...

In this episode, Rhea Gayle shares the reality behind becoming the 2025 Ms. Figure Olympia champion. Sit with us as she shares the mindset, the gratitude, and the relentless self-honesty required to keep evolving when the stakes keep rising. We talk about mental resilience, the discipline of continuous self-improvement, and what it really means to grow in a sport that constantly asks for more.  Wh...

In this episode, Coach Jess Best and I dive into the role of hard coaching, mindset, and authenticity in bodybuilding and athlete development. This conversation explores the nuance behind “tough love” and why real growth often requires uncomfortable honesty. This episode is about raising the standard for coaching, for communication, and for the kind of people we’re becoming through the process. Re...

In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Nicole, owner of Amplified Essence and Impackedful, to talk about what real brand growth actually looks like. Sit with us as we talk branding, business growth, and authenticity. Natalie shares her journey building business as a branding expert, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in building a genuine personal brand. Discover practical tips on naming...

In this episode, IFBB Figure Pro & Olympian Dee Jackson joins me to share her journey in longevity, evolution, and what it really takes to keep showing up year after year. from getting into fitness later in life wondering what would come of it to stepping into the highest level of bodybuilding. We talk about the belief systems that have carried her forward, the support that helps shape her pat...

In this episode, Pete Hartin opens up about his path from being a police officer to building a life in bodybuilding and owning a gym. We talk through what it actually looks like to balance family, training, and business and where that balance gets hard. He shares how he’s had to get serious about sleep, boundaries, and protecting his energy and what’s on the line as he prepares for USAs. Join us i...

In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, I sit down with Dallas-based makeup artist and entrepreneur Mackenzie Chesney. We dive into her journey as a business owner, the personal challenges that refined her resilience, and how her passion for fitness complements her work in the beauty industry. Our conversation also explores viewing food as fuel, breaking through limiting beliefs, and the...

Let's welcome Justin O'Donnell, an IFBB pro men's open bodybuilder, coach and private equity professional. We talk about Justin's challenges after winning a pro card, his health struggles that evolved into his coaching career taking off and the lessons learned from failures over the years. We touch on the evolving motivations behind bodybuilding, stoicism, the significance of a holistic approach t...

Please help me welcome Brittany Diamond to today’s episode of the Refined Strength podcast. Brittany is a pro strongwoman, bodybuilder and Coach, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful athlete in strength sports. Brittany discusses her early experiences with fitness, her transition from college rowing to Strongman and into competitive bodybuilding. We discuss...

Today's first SQUADcast of the new year! Coach Jess, Coach Daraja and I reflect on our experiences as we have aged, mindset changes, and the significance of honesty in coaching our clients. We talk about the need to focus on the process rather than just the outcomes, we encourage our listeners to embrace their unique journeys and set realistic expectations for themselves. Refined Strength Coac...

In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, we welcome back Meghan Morrison and we dive deep into Meg's journey as a bodybuilder through multiple divisions, her struggles with injuries and life set backs, and her debut season in WPD. Meg's insights on the importance of self-acceptance, setting boundaries, and the value of personal growth resonate throughout the conversation, making it...

In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, I get to host my longtime friend and accomplished bodybuilder, IFBB Wellness Pro, Nicole Stewart. We discuss Nicole‘s journey in competitive bodybuilding, touching on her experiences in the sport both positive and challenging. Nicole shares her insights on the importance of self acceptance in the need for continuous improvement, her work-bodybuildin...

In today's Q & A style episode, I share insights from my own journey as a coach and entrepreneur. I share my own current health practices, the importance of mindset, and even the details of a merchandise launch. I also reflect on my transition from a solo coach to leading a team, emphasizing the significance of setting boundaries and maintaining life balance. Follow & engage with me: w...

In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast we welcome Ashley Lynette Jones, an IFBB Women's Bodybuilding Olympian and owner of Team Refined Fitness. They discuss Ashley's journey in bodybuilding, mental resilience, and the shift in motivation from personal competition to leadership within the sport. Where to find today’s guest:IG: @ivystrong2 Website: teamrefined.coFollow & engage with me...

In this episode I get to reflect with Lindsay Mongillo about her journey to earning her IFBB Figure Pro card. We think back on her experiences with prep, the significance of support systems and the mindset shifts that come with competing in bodybuilding. Together we emphasize the need for athletes to maintain a balanced life and not let bodybuilding consume their identity, while also providing val...

Help me welcome IFBB Figure PRO Jasmine Shier to discuss the pressures of competition, and the importance of mental health and individuality in the sport and her decision to delay her pro debut. Together we explore the impact of social media on athletes, the evolution of bodybuilding standards, and the significance of finding balance in life outside of bodybuilding. Where to find today’s guest: IG...

Fresh off the last national show/pro qualifier of the year, the whole team talks about how to navigate life after NOT getting your pro card. We talk about the mindset shifts necessary to continue competing but also continue living a full life, not tying your identity to the stage or getting a pro card. Follow & engage with us: www.refinedstrengthcoaching.com IG: @rachelsedwickifbb @darajaweid...

In today's episode, Refined Strength coaches Jess and Daraja discuss the common challenges faced in fitness journeys, particularly around motivation and the psychological aspects of change. The conversation touches on the significance of building sustainable habits, the necessity of structure, and the common reasons why many fitness journeys fail. Where to find today’s guest:IG @jessica.e.best...

In this conversation, Rachel Sedwick discusses the common misconception that motivation alone is sufficient for achieving fitness goals. She emphasizes the importance of establishing effective systems and reviews her own habits that help to maintain progress, especially when motivation wanes. Follow & engage with me: www.refinedstrengthcoaching.com IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strengt...