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 insights into coaching and helping others. Where to find today’s guest: IG: @fittestashever Photography: @...
Aug 11, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 71
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 the face of external pressures and expectations. We discuss the role of self-awareness in goal-settin...
Aug 04, 2025•1 hr 5 min
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 performers, athletes and coaches, encouraging them to embrace hard work and kindness in their pursuit...
Jul 28, 2025•59 min
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 athletes become the best versions of themselves FOR themselves through encouraging personal growth and ...
Jul 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 68
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 Super show, and more. He discusses the importance of creating a positive experience for athletes, the ro...
Jul 14, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 67
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 of enjoying the process, the role of coaching, and the need for patience and growth in the sport. Fol...
Jul 07, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 66
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 necessity of regular blood work for athletes, regardless of their competitive status. Where to find today...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 65
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 lifestyle beyond competition, and the need for a supportive environment. The dialogue highlights th...
Jun 09, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 64
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 finding the right coach for individual athletes. Where to find today’s guest: IG @grassfedfitness Web...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 63
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 and joy in the journey of bodybuilding, and the mindset needed for personal growth and success. Where to find...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 2 min
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 popularity. They dive into legacy, boundaries, creative integrity, and how being truly yourself can be bo...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 61
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 future competitions. Follow & engage with me: www.refinedstrengthcoaching.com IG: @rachelsedwick...
May 12, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 60
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 effectively for a successful fat loss journey and the role of coaching in this process.Follow & engage wi...
May 05, 2025•14 min•Season 1Ep. 59
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 both personal and professional realms. The dialogue emphasizes the need for emotional availability, ...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 7 min
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 competitions to her aspirations of becoming Ms. Figure Olympia, emphasizing the importance of mental prepara...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 6 min
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-care and the journey of finding joy in the process of motherhood and fitness. This raw conversion hi...
Apr 14, 2025•58 min
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 insights on finding the right partner, offers advice for new competitors in bodybuilding, and elabora...
Apr 07, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 55
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 on navigating relationship challenges, recognizing each other's strengths, and sharing valuable life lessons...
Mar 31, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 54
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 discuss the importance of authenticity in social media, overcoming self-doubt, and the impact of personal ...
Mar 24, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 53
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 passion for the business and the realities of balancing personal life with business growth. The conversa...
Mar 17, 2025•52 min
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 you want to improve. Ari emphasizes the importance of self love, the need to overcome negative energy...
Mar 10, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 51
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 relationships on her health. The conversation highlights her current health protocols and aspirations for...
Mar 03, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 50
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 high level. Chris emphasizes the need for growth and improvement, the impact of social media on the f...
Feb 24, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 49
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, while also highlighting the lessons learned throughout her career. Together we take a deep dive into ...
Feb 17, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 48
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 fiance, Mr 212 Olympia Keone Pearson. We get to hear her transformative journey from a casual gym goer, t...
Feb 10, 2025•56 min•Season 1Ep. 47
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 staying active in the sport and learning from coaches to ensure continuous improvement and preparation fo...
Feb 03, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 46
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 the challenges and strategies involved in navigating personal fitness journeys, the importance of se...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 45
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 evolution of her career, and the collaborative spirit among Texas promoters. Sheilahe emphasizes the ...
Jan 16, 2025•56 min•Season 1Ep. 44
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 importance of training intensity and proper form. Lianna also highlights client success stories, the integra...
Jan 14, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 43
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, emphasizing the need for purpose and resilience in the face of adversity. The dialogue also touches ...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 42
