The Refined Strength Podcast
by Rachel Sedwick
Welcome to the Refined Strength podcast! Rachel Sedwick (your host) is a professional athlete, bodybuilding & lifestyle coach, and business owner with a passion for health and the lifestyle that surrounds and supports it. This podcast's mission is to educate and entertain on a variety of aspects that pertain to bodybuilding, mental & physical health, business, life, and beyond, because everything is aligned when everything is connected. Refine your strengths, Transform your life.
Episodes
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44. The Mental Side of Building Your Best Physique
Ready to change your life? Apply to work with us: https://coach.refinedstrengthcoaching.com/application IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.coaching Where to find today’s guest: IG: @raelyn.ruano Youtube: https://youtu.be/Q4A6SXkCi6g?is=1OJMZaqEV5Nvd8y_ Missed the last episode?...
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43. Building a Mindset for Success with Daniella Means
Ready to change your life? Apply to work with us: https://coach.refinedstrengthcoaching.com/application IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.coaching Where to find today’s guest: IG: @daniellameans @hybridgymla Website: https://www.hybridgymla.com/ Missed the last episode? Watch it here:...
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42. A Life You Love Is a Life You Build on Purpose
Ready to change your life? Apply to work with us: https://coach.refinedstrengthcoaching.com/application IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.coaching Where to find today’s guest: IG @austynrichardson @themostmuscularrealtor Missed the last episode? Watch it here…
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41. Built to Last: Wealth, Muscle & The Long Game with Allison Kramer
Ready to change your life? Apply to work with us: https://coach.refinedstrengthcoaching.com/application IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.coaching Where to find today’s guest: IG @allison_ifbbpro In this episode, I welcome IFBB Fitness 4x Olympian, Allison Kramer to the podcast for a...
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40. The Role of Fun, Whimsy, and Authenticity in Success with Savannah Watchman
Ready to change your life? Apply to work with us: https://coach.refinedstrengthcoaching.com/applicationIG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.coaching Where to find today’s guest: IG: _savannah_joy Website: http://joyfull-fitness-llc.square.site...
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39. How Much Time is Too Much Between Shows
Ready to change your life? Apply to work with us: https://coach.refinedstrengthcoaching.com/application IG: @rachelsedwickifbb @jessica.e.best & @refined.strength.coaching Missed the last episode? Watch it here: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/BGQ6z0M7E4b Description here:In this episode…
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38. How to Handle Hard Things in Prep
Ready to change your life? Apply to work with us: https://coach.refinedstrengthcoaching.com/application IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.coaching Where to find today’s guest: IG @darajaweid @jessica.e.best Missed the last episode? Watch it here:...
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37. Take the Word CAN'T Out of Your Vocabulary with Michelle McNamee
Ready to change your life? Apply to work with us: https://coach.refinedstrengthcoaching.com/applicationIG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.coachingWhere to find today’s guest:IG @michelle_mcnamee_ifbbproMissed the last episode? Watch it here:...
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36. Systems & Routines that Make us Better Athletes & Coaches
Ready to change your life? Apply to work with us: https://coach.refinedstrengthcoaching.com/application IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.coaching Where to find today’s guest: @jessica.e.best Missed the last episode? Watch it here: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/BGQ6z0M7E4b...
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35. How to Make Money as a Bodybuilder
Ready to change your life? Apply to work with us: https://coach.refinedstrengthcoaching.com/application IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.coaching Missed the last episode? Watch it here: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/3Fq3nWLtZ4b Description: In this episode, I share how I went...
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34. How to Stop Holding Yourself Back From What You Really Want with Brittany Offers
Ready to change your life? Apply to work with us: https://coach.refinedstrengthcoaching.com/application IG: @rachelsedwickifbb & @refined.strength.coaching Where to find today’s guest: IG @offsb.ifbbpro Missed the last episode? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/smG8B8M_he4 Description here: In this...
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33. How to Pick Shows as a Competitive Bodybuilder
In this episode, Coach Daraja, Coach Jess, and I break down how to choose the right bodybuilding show, what factors every competitor should consider, how to set realistic expectations, and the mindset needed to navigate the highs and lows of prep. Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first…
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32. My Next Move- Reverse Diet, Post Show Mindset & Business Goals
I am sharing what my next season looks like, including my reverse diet strategy, how I am approaching the post-show transition, managing food noise, setting business goals and the mindset shifts that help me stay focused long after stepping off stage. Listen in for practical insights for staying...
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31. From Addiction to Purpose: Redefining What’s Possible
In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, I sit down with my own athlete, Katie Dombrowski, a firefighter, NPC Wellness competitor, and a great example of what can happen when you stop allowing your circumstances to define what’s possible. Together, we explore what it really takes to…
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30. Protecting Your Love of the Sport with Phoebe Hagan
In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, I sit down with IFBB Pro & Bikini Olympian, Phoebe Hagan to talk about her return to the stage after taking some time away. We explore the often overlooked value of taking time off, protecting your mental and physical health, and creating life that...
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29. Inside the Pittsburg Pro
In this episode I take you inside my experience competing at the Pittsburg Pro, sharing my placement and judge feedback. I also answer listener questions about my competition journey, prep strategy, bodybuilding and personal growth that comes from pursuing excellence at a high level. Follow &...
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28. Retreat Recap: The Ripple Effect of Community in Bodybuilding
In this Squadcast episode, Coach Daraja, Coach Jess and I sit down to unpack the Refined Strength bodybuilding retreat. We talk about what happened, what surprised us and why community changes everything in the sport. We talk honestly about the fears athletes brought into the weekend, the...
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27. One Day Out: The Mindset Behind The Pittsburg Pro
One day out from stepping on the pro stage at the Pittsburg Pro, I answer your questions about mindset strategy and emotional reality of competing at the highest level. You will hear me talk about mental resilience, energy management, value driven bodybuilding and what it really takes to show up...
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26. Why Growth Feels Lonely
Loneliness often the hidden cost of raising your standards. In this solo episode, I break down types of loneliness, where they come from and why they are a sign of growth, not failure. You'll learn to navigate shifts, internal pressure and the pursuit of excellence without shrinking or numbing…
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25. The Pain of High Level Goals
In today's episode I’m talking about the role pain plays in growth across bodybuilding, business, and life. Think of pain as a teacher. A requirement for the resilience that high goals demand. We explore how challenges increase your capacity and what it actually means to pursue ambitious goals…
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24. The Mindset of Ms. Figure Olympia with Rhea Gayle
In this episode, Rhea Gayle shares the reality behind becoming the 2025 Ms. Figure Olympia champion. Sit with us as she shares the mindset, the gratitude, and the relentless self-honesty required to keep evolving when the stakes keep rising. We talk about mental resilience, the discipline of...
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23. What Hard Coaching Looks Like & Why You Need It To Win
In this episode, Coach Jess Best and I dive into the role of hard coaching, mindset, and authenticity in bodybuilding and athlete development. This conversation explores the nuance behind “tough love” and why real growth often requires uncomfortable honesty. This episode is about raising the...
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22. Authentic Branding in the Age of AI with Natalie Nicole
In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Nicole, owner of Amplified Essence and Impackedful, to talk about what real brand growth actually looks like. Sit with us as we talk branding, business growth, and authenticity. Natalie shares her journey building business as a branding expert, emphasizing...
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21. Longevity in Women's Bodybuilding with Dee Jackson
In this episode, IFBB Figure Pro & Olympian Dee Jackson joins me to share her journey in longevity, evolution, and what it really takes to keep showing up year after year. from getting into fitness later in life wondering what would come of it to stepping into the highest level of bodybuilding.…
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20. Built Beyond The Badge with Pete Hardin
In this episode, Pete Hartin opens up about his path from being a police officer to building a life in bodybuilding and owning a gym. We talk through what it actually looks like to balance family, training, and business and where that balance gets hard. He shares how he’s had to get serious about...
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19. Do It Scared with Mackenzie Chesney
In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, I sit down with Dallas-based makeup artist and entrepreneur Mackenzie Chesney. We dive into her journey as a business owner, the personal challenges that refined her resilience, and how her passion for fitness complements her work in the beauty...
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18. Evolving Your Purpose in Bodybuilding with Justin O'Donnell
Let's welcome Justin O'Donnell, an IFBB pro men's open bodybuilder, coach and private equity professional. We talk about Justin's challenges after winning a pro card, his health struggles that evolved into his coaching career taking off and the lessons learned from failures over the years. We…
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17. The Life, Death & Rebirth of an Athlete
Please help me welcome Brittany Diamond to today’s episode of the Refined Strength podcast. Brittany is a pro strongwoman, bodybuilder and Coach, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful athlete in strength sports. Brittany discusses her early experiences with...
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16. How to Set Goals You Can Actually Achieve in 2026
Today's first SQUADcast of the new year! Coach Jess, Coach Daraja and I reflect on our experiences as we have aged, mindset changes, and the significance of honesty in coaching our clients. We talk about the need to focus on the process rather than just the outcomes, we encourage our listeners to...
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15. Big B*itches Talk Balance in Bodybuilding with Meghan Morrison
In this episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, we welcome back Meghan Morrison and we dive deep into Meg's journey as a bodybuilder through multiple divisions, her struggles with injuries and life set backs, and her debut season in WPD. Meg's insights on the importance of self-acceptance…
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14. Self Worth is the Secret Sauce with Nicole Stewart
In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, I get to host my longtime friend and accomplished bodybuilder, IFBB Wellness Pro, Nicole Stewart. We discuss Nicole‘s journey in competitive bodybuilding, touching on her experiences in the sport both positive and challenging. Nicole shares her...
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13. Letting Go of Perfection
In today's Q & A style episode, I share insights from my own journey as a coach and entrepreneur. I share my own current health practices, the importance of mindset, and even the details of a merchandise launch. I also reflect on my transition from a solo coach to leading a team, emphasizing the...
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12. No One Wins Alone: Community, Coaching & Women's Bodybuilding with Ashley Jones
In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast we welcome Ashley Lynette Jones, an IFBB Women's Bodybuilding Olympian and owner of Team Refined Fitness. They discuss Ashley's journey in bodybuilding, mental resilience, and the shift in motivation from personal competition to leadership within…
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11. Who You Have to Become to Earn an IFBB Pro Card with Lindsay Mongillo
In this episode I get to reflect with Lindsay Mongillo about her journey to earning her IFBB Figure Pro card. We think back on her experiences with prep, the significance of support systems and the mindset shifts that come with competing in bodybuilding. Together we emphasize the need for…
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10. You Only Get One Pro Debut with Jasmine Shier
Help me welcome IFBB Figure PRO Jasmine Shier to discuss the pressures of competition, and the importance of mental health and individuality in the sport and her decision to delay her pro debut. Together we explore the impact of social media on athletes, the evolution of bodybuilding standards…
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9. What to Do if You Missed your Pro Card this Year
Fresh off the last national show/pro qualifier of the year, the whole team talks about how to navigate life after NOT getting your pro card. We talk about the mindset shifts necessary to continue competing but also continue living a full life, not tying your identity to the stage or getting a pro...
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8. Why Fitness Fails & How to Stay In It
In today's episode, Refined Strength coaches Jess and Daraja discuss the common challenges faced in fitness journeys, particularly around motivation and the psychological aspects of change. The conversation touches on the significance of building sustainable habits, the necessity of structure…
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7. Success is Built in the Boring: My Daily Habits
In this conversation, Rachel Sedwick discusses the common misconception that motivation alone is sufficient for achieving fitness goals. She emphasizes the importance of establishing effective systems and reviews her own habits that help to maintain progress, especially when motivation wanes....
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6. The Art of Finding Your Why
In today's episode I talk about the importance of challenging yourself and how it relates to how our brain works. Engaging in difficult tasks not only helps in creating new neural pathways but also strengthens existing ones. This process is vital for personal growth and mental resilience, as well...
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5. Train Hard, Self Care Harder
In today's Squadcast, Rachel Sedwick and Jess Best discuss the multifaceted approach to what caring for yourself actually looks like as a bodybuilder. They emphasize the importance of nutrition, training intensity, mental resilience, and the impact of relationships on performance. Learn how to...
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4.Navigating Women's Health in Bodybuilding with Jamie Granville
In this conversation I have the pleasure of chatting with Jamie Granville, coach and J3U Educator with J3U Coaching. We discuss the intricacies of coaching female bodybuilders in a male-dominated industry. We explore the importance of evidence-based coaching, the unique hormonal challenges faced…
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3. How to Make Self Worth Your Super Power
In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, hosts Rachel Sedwick, Daraja Weidemeyer, and Jess Best celebrate two years of Refined Strength while sharing personal updates and challenges. They discuss the pressures of expectations in bodybuilding, the impact of social media and comparison, and...
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2. Honoring a Legacy with Austin Karr
In this episode of the Refined Strength podcast, we sit down with IFBB Pro Austin Karr about the evolution of the Steve Carr Classic bodybuilding show, the importance of women's bodybuilding, and the challenges faced by competitors. Austin shares his journey in the sport, including health...
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1. Preventing & Recovering from Athlete Burnout
We're back! This is season 2 with coaches Rachel Sedwick, Jessica Best and Daraja Weidemoyer. Together we discuss the critical issue of burnout among athletes and coaches, exploring its signs, causes, and the importance of rest and recovery. We emphasize the need for mindfulness and stress...
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72. Better is a Journey | Solocast with host Rachel Sedwick
In this special Q&A episode of the Refined Strength Podcast, we dive into the questions that matter most to our listeners. From my transition from corporate America to becoming a full-time coach, to the mindset shifts that have shaped my journey as a competitor, this episode is packed with…
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71. Body Image and Balance with Ashley Lakomowski
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…
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70. How Self-Identity Fuels Success with Annie Baker
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...
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69. Broadway Meets Bodybuilding with Michelle West
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...
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68. How to Build Culture | SQUADCAST
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...
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67. Battling Up with Freddy Naidu
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…
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About this show
Welcome to the Refined Strength podcast! Rachel Sedwick (your host) is a professional athlete, bodybuilding & lifestyle coach, and business owner with a passion for health and the lifestyle that surrounds and supports it. This podcast's mission is to educate and entertain on a variety of aspects that pertain to bodybuilding, mental & physical health, business, life, and beyond, because everything is aligned when everything is connected. Refine your strengths, Transform your life.
Hosted by
Rachel Sedwick