Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast By Celeste Rains-Turk cover art

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

Confessions of a Bikini Pro

By: Celeste Rains-Turk
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About this listen

 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. Host, Celeste Rains-Turk, dives into the parts of these professionals' lives that aren't always openly discussed in the public eye or on social media (You know, the stuff we tend to wonder about the most). The goal of this podcast is to educate, inspire, and remind other competitors, athletes, or the average gym goer that even the most elite professionals face hardships, health problems, mental obstacles, and other adversities. There are a wide range of topics discussed including, but DEFINITELY NOT limited to; post show rebound, health complications, eating disorders, mental illnesses, winning mindset, dealing with losses, judges feedback, approaches to the stage, life outside of competing, money, relationships, philosophy, pursuing passions, and SO MUCH MORE! All show notes, links, and information can be found on www.celestial.fit/podcast 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 https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ too so you never miss an episode! Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • HEATHER BREWER; Active Military, Better Everyday, Bulimia and Bodybuilding, Take Ownership

    HEATHER BREWER; Active Military, Better Everyday, Bulimia and Bodybuilding, Take Ownership
    Jul 4 2025

    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 Overall title.

    Heather opens up about balancing life as a wife, mom, athlete, and active-duty Marine. We dive into her long journey with bulimia, the physical and emotional toll of eating disorders, and how bodybuilding helped her rebuild a healthier relationship with food. She shares her experiences transitioning from prep to improvement season, blending her many roles, and co-owning a coaching business with her husband.

    TOPICS COVERED

    -Her journey as a wife, mother, Marine, and athlete

    -Battling and healing from bulimia

    -The impact of eating disorders on the body and mind

    -Learning about macronutrients and nutrition

    -Navigating post-show blues

    -Running a coaching business with her husband

    -Preparing for her Pro debut

    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 HEATHER:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ripped_mermaid/

    TIME STAMPS

    1:00 introduction

    3:38 blending different identities into life

    8:33 approach to parenting

    11:25 avoiding eating disorders

    18:15 being honest about your actions

    24:23 admiring that you’re vulnerable

    25:19 from prep to improvement season

    34:40 planning out shows

    41:25 planning her Pro debut

    50:22 evolving your stage presentation

    53:00 hitting military fitness standards

    54:56 becoming a coach

    59:15 prioritizing her marriage

    63:47 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
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • ZOEY ST. JOHN; Bodybuilding in Your 20’s, Natural Red Head to Blonde, Giving Yourself Grace Post-Show

    ZOEY ST. JOHN; Bodybuilding in Your 20’s, Natural Red Head to Blonde, Giving Yourself Grace Post-Show
    Jun 27 2025

    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, and softball. Introduced to bodybuilding by her father, who competed in the 90s, she shares how the sport has shaped her physically, mentally, and emotionally.

    We dive into her experience with disordered eating, the pressure to do everything perfectly, and how working with a therapist helped her redefine her relationship with food, fitness, and self-worth. Zoey brings refreshing honesty about competing naturally, finding your identity beyond the stage, and giving yourself grace through every phase.

    TOPICS COVERED

    -Disordered eating habits and mental health

    -The importance of eating enough food

    -Letting go of the all-or-nothing mindset

    -Prioritizing recovery and rest

    -Identity outside of bodybuilding

    -Competing naturally in the NPC and IFBB

    -Tools for self-awareness and grace

    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 ZOEY:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoeystjohn_ifbbpro/

    TikTok: @zoeystjohn

    TIME STAMPS

    1:00 introduction

    5:10 making gains early on

    7:30 balancing the sport with friendships

    9:58 working with a therapist

    14:27 relationship with her parents

    19:40 loving the sport

    26:05 having supper going into Pittsburg

    28:20 her road to Pro

    34:11 tools to support mental health

    37:55 being a natural competitor

    43:10 plans for the future

    46:20 adjusting post-show

    54:50 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
    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • GEMMA NANISTA; Pressure to Perform, Don’t Forget the Fun, Accepting Weight Gain for Growth, 10 year Plan

    GEMMA NANISTA; Pressure to Perform, Don’t Forget the Fun, Accepting Weight Gain for Growth, 10 year Plan
    Jun 20 2025

    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 intentional health phases, handling pressure with a sports psychology mindset, and what it means to truly evolve in the sport. Gemma shares how she’s made meaningful connections backstage, what it’s like having her fiancé as her coach, and why she believes in always outworking your past self.

    TOPICS COVERED

    -Taking health phases and long offseasons

    -Handling internal pressure through sports psychology

    -Making genuine connections backstage

    -Pushing your personal limits

    -Evolving mentally and physically as an athlete

    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 GEMMA:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemmananista/

    TIME STAMPS

    1:00 introduction

    6:40 from volleyball to bodybuilding

    14:54 avoiding burnout

    22:00 being a Type A athlete

    23:25 interests outside of bodybuilding

    26:33 embracing femininity

    34:01 approaching training

    40:13 changes to support muscle growth

    44:40 body image and changing physique

    50:23 reversing after shows

    57:04 having her fiancé as her coach

    67:51 what the future holds

    75:24 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
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 20 mins
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