12. Annette Kennedy: “Recover, Adapt, Evolve” — Ankylosing Spondylitis, Vegan Strength, and Stepping onto the Bodybuilding Stage

In this episode, Stacey shares a conversation she had in November of 2025 with Annette Kennedy. Annette shares her “Fit for Life” approach to health, movement, and her athletic goals. In this conversation, we learn what it took to turn the dial from daily survival mode into thriving while living with ankylosing spondylitis.Annette was generous in sharing her story and candid about the ups and downs of navigating a chronic health condition while holding down jobs, being a mom, being a wife, and being a community builder, all while continuing to fight for her athletic identity. She shares how becoming vegan helped turn the dial from survive to thrive, how her quality of life changed, and what it was like to participate in her first bodybuilding competition in 2025 at the age of 50. This is a grounded and honest conversation about health, resilience, and athletic identity.🏃‍♀️💪 Curious about coaching with Joy Before Fear?Schedule a free consultation call or send Stacey a note. [email protected]🎙️ Have a story to share? Interested in being a guest on the Joy Before Fear podcast?Send Stacey a note. [email protected]🌱 Curious about The Vegan Gym?Learn more here:https://www.thevegangym.comBe Bold. Put Your Health First. You Got This. Choose Joy Before Fear. https://www.joybeforefear.com⁠Instagram: @joybeforefear