The Refined Strength Podcast

In today's episode I talk about the importance of challenging yourself and how it relates to how our brain works. Engaging in difficult tasks not only helps in creating new neural pathways but also strengthens existing ones. This process is vital for personal growth and mental resilience, as well as long term success in bodybuilding and any other pursuit that requires pushing your limits. Foll...

In today's Squadcast, Rachel Sedwick and Jess Best discuss the multifaceted approach to what caring for yourself actually looks like as a bodybuilder. They emphasize the importance of nutrition, training intensity, mental resilience, and the impact of relationships on performance. Learn how to navigate challenges, the significance of consistency, and the need for adaptability in bodybuilding. ...

In this conversation I have the pleasure of chatting with Jamie Granville, coach and J3U Educator with J3U Coaching.  We discuss the intricacies of coaching female bodybuilders in a male-dominated industry. We explore the importance of evidence-based coaching, the unique hormonal challenges faced by female athletes, and the need for a long-term health perspective in bodybuilding.  Where to find to...

In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, hosts Rachel Sedwick, Daraja Weidemeyer, and Jess Best celebrate two years of Refined Strength while sharing personal updates and challenges. They discuss the pressures of expectations in bodybuilding, the impact of social media and comparison, and the importance of mental health during competition prep.  Where to find today’s guest: IG: @jessica.e....

In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, we sit down with IFBB Pro Austin Karr about the evolution of the Steve Carr Classic bodybuilding show, the importance of women's bodybuilding, and the challenges faced by competitors. Austin shares his journey in the sport, including health challenges and the significance of supporting athletes through promoting shows.  Where to find today’s guest:...

We're back! This is season 2 with coaches Rachel Sedwick, Jessica Best and Daraja Weidemoyer. Together we discuss the critical issue of burnout among athletes and coaches, exploring its signs, causes, and the importance of rest and recovery. We emphasize the need for mindfulness and stress management techniques to maintain mental health and performance.  Where to find today’s guest: IG: @jessi...

In this special Q&A episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, we dive into the questions that matter most to our listeners. From my transition from corporate America to becoming a full-time coach, to the mindset shifts that have shaped my journey as a competitor, this episode is packed with insights and personal stories. Whether you're an aspiring coach or an athlete, there's something...

In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, IFBB Figure Pro Ashley Lakomowski and I sit down to discuss mindset and self-acceptance. Ashley shares her experiences with personal loss, the evolution of her body image, and the significance of community in bodybuilding. The conversation emphasizes the need for balance in life and the importance of trusting the process, while also providing insigh...

In this episode, I spoke to Annie Baker, a crowd favorite up-and-coming bikini competitor with a heart of gold. We talk about her journey from Bikini to fit model and back to Bikini, as well as exploring the transformative power of authenticity and self-identity in the pursuit of personal and professional goals. Discover how staying true to oneself can unlock potential and drive success, even in t...

In this episode, we welcome Michelle West as she shares her inspiring journey from being a Broadway performer to a Fitness & Nutrition Coach and Owner of her business, BIA Nutrition. She discusses the challenges she faced in her journey to and through Broadway, the importance of nutrition and mindset in fitness, and how she built her coaching business. She offers valuable advice for aspiring p...

In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, we welcome the whole squad. Coaches Rachel, Jess, and Daraja discuss recent experiences, including personal updates and reflections on the 2025 Refined Retreat in Dallas. We emphasize the importance of community in bodybuilding, sharing insights on how we've built the team culture we have at Refined Strength as well as how that culture helps our ath...

In today's episode I sit down and interview Freddy Naidu, a prominent figure in the bodybuilding community as part owner of Battle Up Productions and Battle Up Media. Freddy shares his journey from competing in the sport, becoming the first Indian American on the Olympia stage in the Men's Physique division to becoming a promoter of major events like the Texas Pro, Battle of Texas, Phil Heath Supe...

In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast I sit down to talk with my friend and fellow coach Jessica Best to discuss the journey of athletes in bodybuilding, focusing on the transition from regional competitions to national and pro levels. They emphasize the importance of feedback, the pressure of competing, and the mindset required for success. The conversation highlights the significance o...

In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, IFBB WPD Chelsea Rogers and I discuss the evolution of bodybuilding, particularly in relation to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and the women's divisions. We explore the pressures athletes face, the importance of education, and the need for trust in coaching relationships. Our conversation also highlights the significance of health and the neces...

Welcome Austin Stout, a respected figure in functional health coaching, to the Refined Strength Podcast. In this episode, we will dive into the complexities of bodybuilding, emphasizing the balance between risk and reward, the importance of longevity, and the necessity of personal accountability. We discuss the mental and physical challenges athletes face, the significance of maintaining a healthy...

In this episode I interview Josiah Rivera, AKA Grassfed, a notable posing coach in the bodybuilding world. Josiah shares his unique journey from being a cattle farmer to becoming a successful posing coach. He shares his experiences transitioning from college to competing, and how he built his posing coaching business. Together we emphasize the need for supportive coaching and the significance of f...

In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, I have the pleasure of welcoming new IFBB Pro, Miranda Defler. Miranda's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and coaches alike. She emphasizes the significance of protecting one's energy, emotional control, and the power of belief in achieving goals.  In this conversation, we explore self-empowerment, the importance of love...

In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, Rachel sits down with renowned photographer Will Wittmann to talk about what it really means to live and work authentically in the bodybuilding industry. From his signature unfiltered stage shots to his refusal to compromise values for exposure, Will opens up about the sacrifices, solitude, and clarity that come with choosing authenticity over popul...

In this solo episode of the Refined Strength podcast, I share my journey through the off-season, focusing on health, training strategies, and personal growth. You'll hear me discuss insights on nutrition, coaching philosophy, and the mental challenges faced in bodybuilding. This episode emphasizes the importance of mindset, the significance of personal wins in coaching, and my own aspirations for...

In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, I discuss the signs that indicate an individual is not ready to enter a fat loss phase. The conversation emphasizes the importance of physical and mental readiness, the need for muscle building, and the management of health concerns before embarking on a contest prep. You'll hear me share personal experiences and insights on how to prepare effec...

Help me welcome Elias McCall, a Marine Veteran and IFBB PRO as he shares his unique journey from military service to bodybuilding success. Elias reflects on personal growth through adversity, including the loss of his sister, and how it has shaped him both as a person and a bodybuilder. We discuss the importance of mindset shifts, redefining manhood, and the significance of continuous learning in...

In today's episode of the Refined Strength podcast, I interview two-time Figure Olympian IFBB Pro, Cherish Richardson. We discuss Cherish's unique journey as a full-time bodybuilder and firefighter, her transition into bodybuilding after recruit school, and the challenges she faced along the way, including personal loss and internal struggles. Cherish shares her experiences from her early...

In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, Coach Daraja and special guest, Coach Kayleigh Obert discuss their personal experiences with motherhood, pregnancy, and postpartum fitness. They share the realities of training during pregnancy, the challenges of postpartum recovery, and the importance of nutrition for both physical and mental well-being. They also touch on the significance of self-...

Help me welcome Steve Kuclo, business owner, family man, IFBB Pro Bodybuilder & 6x Olympian . He discusses the evolution of his personal brand, the significance of mentorship, and the importance of legacy and purpose in life. He also reflects on the significance of building a legacy beyond bodybuilding and the value of equipping the next generation with the right tools for success. He shares i...

Description: In today's episode I welcome Dallas' Most Muscular Realtor Austyn Richardson for a Q&A on the life we share. In this rapid fire Q&A episode we explore various aspects of our personal and professional lives, discussing the strengths in our business partnerships, how we support each other beyond work, and our favorite date night activities. The conversation also touches...