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 the pandemic in 2020. Rhea also reflects on her experiences at the Olympia and the goals she continu...
Dec 30, 2024•49 min
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 shares insights on how he instills confidence in his team and the importance of recognizing progres...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 40
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 bodybuilding on personal relationships, emphasizing the importance of owning one's choices and commu...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 39
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 conversation also delves into the role of coaching in bodybuilding and the significance of understanding both ...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 38
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 growth and the necessity of evaluating one's environment and intentions for future success. Our conv...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 37
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 personal development. Ashlynn shares insights into her journey in bodybuilding going from Women's Phys...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 11Ep. 36
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 practical tips for managing stress and expectations during this time. You will hear us highlight the need ...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 35
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 open communication with your healthcare providers. In this conversation, Sonia and I delve into the i...
Oct 28, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 34
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 on future plans for this season and future seasons! Follow & engage with me: www.refinedstrengthc...
Oct 24, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 33
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 growth. They explore the challenges of entrepreneurship, the significance of values and reputation in...
Oct 14, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 32
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 community support, and the lessons learned through parenting. The conversation emphasizes the import...
Oct 07, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 31
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 driven to grow and evolve themselves, and how that can bring on personal growth. Finally, you'll hear us ...
Sep 30, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 30
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--especially in relationships--and encourages listeners to follow their dreams without fear of what others ...
Sep 23, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 29
A very special, off schedule episode for a very special person: the first new coach for Refined Strength, Jessica Best. Jess and I have been good friends and until exactly a year ago, we were coworkers at our now former company. We've both grown a lot since then, and many stars have aligned that brought us to this big step for both of us. Listen for all the details and the "why" behind this move, from both of our perspectives. @rachelsedwickifbb @jessica.e.best @refined.strength.coaching Jess IS...
Sep 19, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Matt and Destin are the owners of Sculpt Birmingham in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. They discuss their experiences in the fitness industry, the challenges they've faced, and the lessons they've learned and how simply being yourself and owning everything about who you are and your mission is the best pathway to success in business. They emphasize the importance of customer service, transparency, and perseverance in running a successful gym. We highlight the need for continuous learning, pushing ...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Meg Santa Barbara is taking no shit on her way to her Wellness Pro Debut—After going pro in figure in 2018, briefly switching to WPD, taking a year off of bodybuilding to going all in on her goals of switching to wellness despite what the reddit crusaders have to say—she is a great representation of staying in your lane with blinders on, eyes on the dream, enjoying the process. In this episode we talked a lot about the various pieces of this journey, with the main theme being taking care of one’...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Brittney is a bodybuilding & lifestyle coach with Tomanek Trained as well as a competitive athlete currently transitioning into the Wellness Division. If you know Brittney, you know she takes up space with her big personality and strong sense of self. In this episode we talked about what our respective journeys have looked like over the years in finding our purpose and becoming who we are today. We discuss the importance of alignment and finding joy in the bodybuilding journey, and delve int...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 25
The man, the myth, the legend: Dynamite D AKA David DeMesquita, owner and head coach of DeMesquita Nutrition. David is well known in our industry as not just an elite level bodybuilding coach of olympians, but an exceptional functional health coach and all around good person. We had a great time talking about the art of peaking and the nuances that come with peaking bikini athletes vs open bodybuilders, the benefits of micr0dosing, the power of slowing down to be present, even in our fast-paced,...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Eleni Polites is an IFBB WPD and Figure pro and a good friend of mine made through the connected world of bodybuilding. She's also an Occupational therapist specializing in neck, shoulder and arm/hand therapy. She's based in the greater Seattle area but holds the value of helping anyone and everyone she can, from wherever she is, however she can. On this episode we spoke about how her journey in bodybuilding & turning pro and her professional career in OT has shaped her into the person she i...
Aug 19, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 23
How do you choose the perfect combination of fabric color, crystal color & placement, design, connectors, and cut when it comes to your stage suit? How do you know you'll fit perfectly into the suit you order? I got to have a great talk to owner of KHCustoms Krista Haynes about all things stage suits, as well as learn more about her business and origin story. In this episode you'll learn about the timeline of ordering a custom suit, the work that goes into it, and everything else to take int...
Aug 13, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 22
This week I got to sit down with a very close friend i've known for years and been through a lot with--Danielle Rainwater. Danielle is an online coach and personal trainer based out of the greater Seattle area. She's a pillar in her community when it comes to posing, show guidance, building inner and outer strength, and just being a positive light in the bodybuilding and health coaching world. We talked about a lot in this episode, but everything came back to the importance of having a strong "w...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Corey Lindner is a master trainer of competitive bodybuilders of all divisions, but in recent years has started to specialize more in female divisions such as bikini, wellness and figure. He takes his vast knowledge of training principles paired with his passion and intricate understanding of judging criteria and has made a name for himself among the industry's best prep coaches who now trust him to take over their athletes training when more specific training needs need to be met. Corey lives a...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 20
I've known Huyen (AKA Emmy) and John Person from the PNW bodybuilding circuit and I've come to really respect them so much as bodybuilders and business owners over the years. I've watched them grow so beautifully as competitors as well as leaders within their businesses so I am excited to have them on the Refined Strength podcast. On this episode we talk about how their relationship works so well with multiple businesses, kids in a blended family and competing on the pro and amateur circuit, as ...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Josh Thomas aka The Lifted Mindset, is a coach and transformation specialist based here in the DFW area. He shared about his journey of becoming a coach and the impact it has had on his life. We talked about his transition from competitive bodybuilding to focusing on healthy habits and sustainable success for his clients, as well as how his values and purpose has transformed over he years. Follow & engage with me: www.refinedstrengthcoaching.com IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength...
Jul 15, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode my good friend & IFBB Bikini Pro Daraja speaks all about her current pregnancy, her move to Colorado, and how she has cultivated her mindset that has brought her to the Olympia 4 times including 3 top 10 finishes and several pro wins. We talk self awareness, self love, the tools used for stress management, and how being open to timelines taking longer than we originally anticipated can make our lives that much better. Follow & engage with me: www.refinedstrengthcoaching.c...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Andrea Loces, an IFBB Bikini Pro, shares her journey and mindset heading into her pro debut season. She emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, failing fast, and failing forward. Andrea discusses her close partnership with her coach and the impact he has had on her belief in herself. She highlights the value of self-belief and training intensity in bodybuilding, and the need to focus on building muscle before starting a prep. Make sure to follow Andrea and wish her luck on her 2024 ...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 16
This week we are joined by my good friend and fellow Figure Pro Clarissa Fortune. Clarissa earned her pro card in 2021. Around then we became friends and she has helped both myself and several of my own clients with their posing routines over the years. Its been a joy to watch her grow her posing and coaching business so I had to have her on to share her wisdom and personality with you. Follow & engage with me: www.refinedstrengthcoaching.com IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.co...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 15
We're BACK! With a helluva guest: Alex Edwards. Alex is a Figure/WPD competitor, coach, influencer, and all around amazing person. She has been through a big transformation in the last couple years and has great wisdom and messages to share with anyone who knows they need and deserve more in their life. We talk bodybuilding, divorce, drugs, and the art of finding yourself, which happens to also be about letting yourself go. Follow Alex on all platforms & follow her journey: @justanotherfitch...
Jun 17, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 14
My friend David was in Texas and graced the Refined Strength podcast with some real & raw talk about body image, his personal health and fitness journey, life as a single girl-dad, and stories of the supplement world. Technical Notes: halfway through, we lost power. Sound quality is being worked on and improved:) The mission of the Refined Strength podcast is to amplify the voices of those around me and help others help more people through collaboration. I also look forward to just catching ...
May 13, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 12
Today's episode I have a conversation with Steve DeVore. He is an NPC and IFBB Head judge, Olympia Judge, and the NPC Utah Chairman. Steve is a rising star in the world of judging in our industry; he's shown to be extremely impartial and fair in his judging, he communicates clearly with fellow judges as well as competitors asking for feedback to improve, and he truly cares about furthering the sport and making a positive impact on competitors' journeys in the NPC and IFBB. We talk about some rec...
May 06, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 11
