The Refined Strength Podcast

In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast I talk with influencer and transformation coach Addison Shields about her journey in fitness, health, and entrepreneurship. Addison shares her experiences transitioning from a college athlete to a fitness enthusiast, the challenges of maintaining friendships during her transformation, and her unexpected path to starting a coaching business. We discus...

In this episode we welcome Greg McCoy, owner of Hidden Gym here in Dallas, TX. He shares his journey through gym ownership, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced over 15 years. He reflects on the importance of passion for the business, the evolution of the fitness industry, and the dynamics of partnerships. He also offers advice for aspiring gym owners, highlighting the necessity of pass...

In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, IFBB Bikini Olympian Ariana "Ari" Brothers joins us just days after competing at the Arnold Classic. We get to discuss her exciting fifth-place finish and the feedback she received from judges moving ahead. She reflects on her training program and coaching changes, emphasizing the importance of intensity as well as getting and applying feedback if y...

In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, I interview IFBB Wellness Pro and Coach Francesca Emanuele. We discuss Francesca's transition from CrossFit to bodybuilding, and the personal challenges she faced along the way, including her pro debut, life changes and gut health issues. Francesca shares insights on the importance of self-perseverance, managing stress, and the impact of toxic r...

In this episode, I talk with Chris Pontano to hear him reflect on his bodybuilding journey, discussing the emotional highs and lows of competing, the importance of off-season recovery, and the psychological challenges faced by bodybuilders. He shares the impact of age and mindset on performance, the challenges of balancing a corporate career with bodybuilding, and the realities of competing at a h...

Please help me welcome 3x Ms. Fitness Olympia Missy Truscott! We get to sit down and hear her journey from a fitness to figure athlete, reflecting on her experiences, challenges, and the recent decision to switch divisions. She discusses the impact of injuries, the importance of community support, and the dynamics of coaching. Missy emphasizes the need for new challenges and the joy of training, w...

We welcome IFBB Figure Pro Amanda Kohatsu to this episode to discuss her insights on the importance of self-awareness, the impact of aging on training, and the lessons learned from over-dieting. She emphasizes the significance of patience in bodybuilding and the need to let go of ego-driven timelines. Amanda also reflects on her unexpected life changes and aspirations for the future with her fianc...

In this solo episode of the Refined Strength podcast, I discuss the importance of the off-season for bodybuilders, emphasizing the need for focus on training, nutrition, and mindset. I cover the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with food, the necessity of training intensity, and the value of personal growth outside of bodybuilding. You will hear me highlight the importance of stayi...

In this squadcast, Coach Jess and I welcome Coach Daraja back after maternity leave. We touch on the normalization of body image among competitors, the importance of life beyond competition, and the need to enjoy the process rather than just focusing on end goals. Together we highlight the significance of self-awareness and the impact of mental health on achieving personal aspirations. We discuss...

In this episode, Sheilahe Brown, promoter of the prestigious Texas Pro and other notable NPC/IFBB shows, shares her extensive journey in the bodybuilding world, from her early days as a competitor in the 80s, to her posing coaching come-up, to her current role as a promoter and posing coach. She discusses her early posing clients that put her on the map like Ronnie Coleman and Branch Warren, the e...

In this episode of the Refined Strings podcast, Lianna McCall discusses her work with the NeuX device and what she does at Neu Level Performance. We talk about how she helps individuals unlock their human potential by improving muscle activation and neurological connections. She shares insights on the science behind the device, its applications in bodybuilding and injury recovery, and the importan...

The Refined Strength Podcast introduces Joseph Sheehey, the owner of Cured Nutrition. In this conversation, Joe and I explore his journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of mindset, risk management, and personal growth. He shares insights on stress management, sleep, and the stigma surrounding cannabis products. Together we highlight the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship,...

In this episode I have the pleasure of interviewing Rhea Gayle, an IFBB Figure Olympian who placed 5th at this years Olympia. Rhea shares her journey starting in diving and the switch to bodybuilding, discussing the mental and physical challenges she faced along the way. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, the impact of coaching changes, and how she navigated the uncertainties brought on by...

Today we have Justin Jacoby, IFBB Pro and Camp Jansen Coach with us. Justin recently had the accomplishment of taking eight athletes to NPC Nationals here in Dallas, achieving four IFBB pro cards and almost all top callouts. Justin and I dive into his coaching experiences at the national level, focusing on the performance of his athletes along with the importance of mindset and preparation. Justin...

Today, Refined Strength coach Jess Best and I discuss our personal experiences with relationship dynamics and the challenges of dating while pursuing fitness goals. Together we discuss the importance of communication in relationships, especially during prep, and share insights on maintaining a balanced lifestyle while navigating social situations. In this conversation, you will hear the impact of...

Today we welcome Meghan Page, a fellow IFBB Figure Pro, a creative, and a successful bodybuilding coach and competitor. Together we discuss the importance of self-mastery, personal growth, and the evolving mindset that comes with age and experience. Meghan shares her journey into bodybuilding, the challenges she faced, and how the sport has empowered her to take control of her life. Our conversati...

Help me welcome my coach, Mark Tomenek to today's episode! Join us as we touch on my journey to stage, the significance of trust in coaching relationships and the need to let go of control. In this conversation, we reflect on the journey of coaching and bodybuilding, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, resilience, and the value of failure. We hit on how high standards can drive personal...

In today's conversation with Ashlynn Richardson, we explore various themes surrounding rehabilitation, personal growth, neurodiversity, and the intersection of bodybuilding and cannabis. We get to talk about the importance of movement recovery in rehabilitation when overcoming injury, the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD and autism, and how these experiences shape her relationships and pe...

Welcome to the first SQUADCAST, featuring all of the Refined Strength coaches. Myself, Rachel Sedwick, Jessica Best and Daraja Weidemoyer gather to discuss common challenges and our favorite strategies for navigating the holidays while maintaining fitness and nutrition goals as well as a balanced and healthy mindset. We talk on the importance of self-awareness, personal choice, and we share practi...

Description:  In this episode, I welcome back my good friend and colleague Sonia Spil! We dive into personal updates, Sonia's career advancements in functional health, and the intricate relationship between mental health medications and gut health, hormonal health, and longevity. Our conversation emphasizes the need for you to be proactive in your health journey, advocating for self-education and...

In this solo episode I give a detailed show recap of the Hurricane Pro in St. Pete, FL I competed at this last weekend. I reflect on my preparation to stage, the challenges I faced, and the growth experienced both as an athlete and a coach. I mark the importance of self-belief, the strategies used during peak week, and the significance of support systems in achieving personal goals. I also touch o...

Announcing the newest coach on the Refined Strength team: Daraja Weidemoyer! Daraja is an IFBB bikini Olympian, contest prep and lifestyle coach, posing coach, and now soon to be mother. In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, Rachel and Daraja discuss Daraja's transition to coaching at Refined Strength, her journey as an Olympian, and the importance of community and support in personal g...

In this heartfelt conversation, Brittany and I discuss the challenges of resilience, personal growth, and the importance of communication in relationships. Brittany shares her journey as a mother navigating her daughter's leukemia diagnosis, reflecting on the weight of being seen as the 'strong friend' and the need for self-advocacy. Together we explore the significance of boundaries, the role of...

In this episode, I’m joined by Kayleigh reflect on our year of growth since leaving our former company to start their own coaching businesses. We discuss the challenges we faced, the evolution of our coaching styles, and the importance of authenticity and humility in our practices. You'll hear us talk about embracing failures and the power of being surrounded by inspiring individuals who are d...

Tawna shares her journey from being an IFBB Bikini Pro to becoming a gym owner, published model, and living a truly fulfilling life. She discusses the challenges she faced with her health and the transition to a new identity beyond competing. We emphasize the importance of community in business and the significance of pursuing personal passions. Tawna emphasizes the need for balance in life--espec...