In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined by IFBB Bikini Pro and Team Atlas coach Sabra Young for a brutally honest—and funny—conversation on everything from glute development and judging trends to the harsh realities of contest prep. We start with a recap of the 2025 New York Pro, breaking down why glute density is becoming the dominant factor at the top level—and what that means for shorter versus taller athletes going into the Olympia. Sabra and I also talk about coaching dynamics, ath...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with licensed therapist, counselor, and Team Atlas posing coach, Lina Gharapetian, for an in-depth discussion on the mental and emotional challenges athletes face in bodybuilding. We dive into the psychological side of competition, breaking down how to build emotional resilience, manage anxiety during prep, and shift from a perfectionist mindset to one that prioritizes progress and long-term success. Lina shares her expertise on how competitors ca...
Mar 15, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with IFBB Bikini Pro Sabra and talk about the realities of coaching, building a business, and balancing life as a mom. We cover the challenges of starting from the ground up, staying accountable post-show, and why reverse dieting is crucial for both performance and health. Sabra shares the importance of connecting with clients, building trust, and handling setbacks without letting imposter syndrome take over. Plus, we chat about some of the wild s...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with my long-time friend and renowned coach, Chris Gurunlian, to discuss the exciting new Fit Model division recently announced by Tyler Manion. We dive deep into the evolution of bodybuilding categories, exploring how this new division aims to provide a more attainable and entry-level option for aspiring competitors while growing the sport as a whole. Chris shares his personal journey, from skepticism to full support, reflecting on how new divisi...
Dec 21, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with Bikini Olympia Champion Ariana Brothers to reflect on her post-Olympia thoughts and discuss what’s next in her competitive career. We dive into your questions, exploring topics like whether you should tell your coach if you’ve deviated from your plan, how to determine if you’re truly ready to compete, and when postponing a show might be the better option. Ariana and I highlight the importance of honesty in the coach-athlete relationship, expl...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined by Bikini Olympia Champion Isa Pecini for an in-depth look at her final preparations leading into the 2024 Olympia. As we gear up for the big event, we share our insights on maintaining peak conditioning while managing stress, the challenges of peaking at the perfect time, and how she’s balancing her training and diet just two weeks out from the stage. We discuss the 'less is more' approach to peaking an athlete and the strategies we’ve implemente...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with top Olympian Ariana Brothers as she opens up about her journey in the bodybuilding world, the ups and downs, and what it truly takes to succeed at the highest level. Ariana shares her personal struggles, from feeling lost after tough competitions to making a pivotal decision to switch coaches in pursuit of winning the Bikini Olympia title. We dive into her previous challenges with peaking, trusting the process, and how small changes completel...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with IFBB Pro Prescilla Deschenes, an athlete I’ve had the privilege of coaching for nearly three years. Prescilla opens up about her journey from amateur to pro, sharing the discipline, mindset shifts, and personal challenges she faced along the way. We discuss what it really takes to act like a pro before you even earn the title, including the importance of posing practice, balancing aesthetics, and the mental game behind achieving success in bo...
Sep 09, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined by Claire for an insightful discussion on a variety of topics. We explore the logistics and challenges of in-person consultations during the busy competition season. We also dive into the intricacies of online check-ins, sharing how our team continues to produce top athletes year after year, even when managing multiple shows across different time zones. Additionally, Claire and I talk about training and nutrition for athletes during pregnancy, hig...
Aug 22, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, Victoria Schmidt and I discuss the Toronto Pro, highlighting our athlete Maxine Somov, who won the Pro Bikini class and qualified for the 2024 Olympia. We dive into why she will be a top bikini athlete, focusing on both her physical and mental attributes. Additionally, we cover various topics, including my plan to clone myself, lol. We hope you enjoy the discussion! The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasP...
Jun 18, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we welcome back Victoria Schmidt for an in-depth conversation about self-respect—what it means, its importance, and how it profoundly influences everything and everyone around you. We hope you enjoy the discussion! The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle Stay Connected: Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.c...
May 08, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this podcast, recorded in January 2024, we discuss various subjects with Isa Pecini. We delve into Isa's future competing plans and goals, as well as her past struggles with anorexia. From my coaching perspective, we also analyze Isa as an athlete and we compare her previous preparations to the methods we currently use for her offseason, preps, and peak weeks. Isa shares her emotional journey, from the highs of winning to the lows of losing the Olympia. This podcast was particularly enjoyable...
Mar 23, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, we dive into the world of weight management and body optimization with Kelley Wright, MD, and IFBB Bikini Pro. With her 25 years of medical experience, Dr. Wright illuminates the science and myths about Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Ozempic, and Wegovy. We share personal stories, discuss the effects of hormones like leptin and ghrelin, highlight the true benefits, and clear up myths, such as muscle loss and 'Ozempic face.' Furthermore, Dr. Wright offers insights...
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we are joined by Olympia and IFBB Pro Judge Rudy Jambrosic. We discuss various topics, including Rudy's extensive experience in the sport, his history as a competitor, his preferred category to judge, strategies for interpreting judges' feedback, the key criteria judges consider in the bikini division, the significance of posing, the importance of the overall look of a bikini athlete, and a discussion on the elusive "it" factor. Please let us know in the com...
Jan 30, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we cover the following topics: Do we select athletes with the best potential and understanding what 'potential' means, becoming a coachable athlete, the requirements for joining Team Atlas, the reasons behind my price increase, ADHD/Adderall, and Lina’s therapy sessions. We hope you enjoy it! The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcast: bit.l...
Dec 30, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we discuss key topics: Should you consider working with a new coach if your current one hasn't changed your diet for a long period? We explore the reasons behind body weight plateauing, the signs that indicate a need for increased food intake, how to properly plan and when to end a competition season, the average measurements and body fat percentages for bikini athletes, and the pros and cons of online versus in-person coaching. We hope you enjoy it! The Atl...
Dec 21, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we discuss transitioning from being an amateur to an IFBB pro, the importance of beauty for a bikini athlete, the necessity of choosing a reputable suit company, selecting suit colors for different skin tones, and maintaining bodybuilding as a constant during hard times. We hope you enjoy it! The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcast: bit.l...
Dec 12, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In our latest episode of the Atlas podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. LeBlanc, a former chemical engineer turned renowned plastic surgeon. We dive into a range of fascinating topics, including: 1. Dr.LeBlanc's unique journey from chemical engineering to medicine. 2. Dr.LeBlanc's extensive experience as a surgeon, including the number of breast augmentations performed. 3. Insights into the duration and cost of breast augmentation surgery. 4. How to determine the appropriate size (...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 47 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we discuss maximizing your offseason, reverse dieting, binge eating after shows, athletes cheating the system when signing up for shows, and dealing with loose skin in competitions. We hope you enjoy it! The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle Stay Connected: Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com James Ay...
Nov 25, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we discuss relationships and bodybuilding, supporting partners, the differences between alpha females and males, and leading in relationships. We hope you enjoy it! The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle Stay Connected: Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com Tea...
Oct 29, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode of the Atlas podcast, we explain why it's crucial to assess an athlete's training intensity and form, and how we do it at Team Atlas. We also explore the distinctions between bikini and wellness coaching, coaching both men and women, and the characteristics of our easiest and most challenging clients. Additionally, we discuss the topic of breast implants and competing in the bikini category. The topic of discussing breast implants and competition can be somewhat taboo, but let's ...
Oct 19, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode, I'm joined by my executive assistant, Claire Huysseindijan, and we discuss her role on Team Atlas and more! The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle Stay Connected: Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl & @teamatlaslifestyle James on Faceboo...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 5
1. What First-Time Competitors Need to Know. 2. The Pros and Cons of Hiring an Affordable Coach. 3. Do Athletes Need to Starve Themselves? Debunking Myths. 4. Competing in 10 Shows to Qualify for the Olympia - Is It Worth It? 5. The Evolution of the Bikini Category in Bodybuilding. 6. The Importance of Peak Week: Carbing Up and Show Day. The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcas...
Sep 23, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode, we discuss: - Genetics' role in competition and achieving pro status. - A spotlight on Isa Pecini: her changes and mindset. - Exploring the entrepreneur mindset: what sets us apart? - The real pros and cons of entrepreneurship. - What it takes to be a top-level coach. The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle Stay Connected: Team Atla...
Sep 15, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode, we address: • Reverse Dieting: An exploration into its significance and implementation. • Beginning in Coaching: Essential considerations for those aspiring to the profession. • Becoming a Coach: Key strategies and guidelines for achieving coaching success. • Bikini Athlete Posing: Determining the best time to start learning how to pose. • Belt and Waist Trainers: Evaluating their efficacy and best-use practices. The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYou...
Sep 10, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Atlas Podcast Episode 1: Getting to Know Fitness & Competition Jump into the first episode of the Atlas Podcast with hosts James Ayotte and Victoria Schmidt! In this kick-off episode: • James and Victoria share a bit about themselves. • They chat about Isa Pecini's time at the Texas and Klash shows. • They give some tips and tricks on handling a big coaching team. • Plus, hear their thoughts on the right mindset needed to compete in fitness. The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly...
Sep 10, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 1
