Best Shelf Addiction Podcast Podcasts (2024)

1
Mercy Thompson: Review of Winter Lost | Book Chat 1:11:27

3d ago1:11:27

1:11:27

In this conversation, Tamara and Casey discuss the latest book in the Mercy Thompson series, Winter Lost, written by Patricia Briggs. They share their thoughts on the book and discuss various aspects, including the pacing, the use of multiple POVs, the character development of Mercy, and more! Ep 499 Find all the important links in one spot! | http…

1
DR. JESSICA WILSON Ms. Bikini Olympia Masters; The Truth Behind Getting Title, Mind Your Business, Put It On A Shelf, Identity 2:47:25

25m ago2:47:25

2:47:25

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Dr. Jessica Wilson, a returning guest who was actually on the 7th episode! Since then, Jessica won the tittle of 2023 Ms Bikini Olympia Masters. She is 42 years old and works as a lifestyle and posing coach, and is also a doctor of veterinary medicine. Jessica and I go deep on this conversation, so get ready! TOPI…

1
BRITTANY SHULMAN; Humility And Gratitude, Prestigious Mindset for the Olympia, Demands of Prep on Family, Post-Partum Perspective, Martial Arts and Competing 1:23:33

1d ago1:23:33

1:23:33

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Brittany Shulman, a wife, mother, and former gymnast who works in finance. She started lifting after leaving gymnastics and two friends introduced her to bodybuilding. She competed in her first show in 2017 and then took a couple years off to get married and have a baby. She tried to return to the stage in 202, bu…

1
MELANIE ALBINIO; Fit Life or Fit Moment?, Food Language, Prep is Healthy, Social Media Cleanup, Self-Coaching, Why Natty in IFBB? 1:31:01

8d ago1:31:01

1:31:01

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Melanie Albino, a 40-year-old natural competitor, who is a wife & mom, and an Elite coach for Team Elite Physique. She has been a prep coach since 2016 and a personal trainer for almost 20 years! Melanie first competed in 2012 and won her Pro card in 2019 after competing in 7 national shows. She has been self-coac…

1
The Road So Far... Mercy Thompson World | Book Chat 2:10:23

10d ago2:10:23

2:10:23

In this podcast episode, Tamara and Casey discuss the first thirteen books in the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. They dive into each book's plot, characters, and themes, exploring the world of werewolves, vampires, and fae. The hosts highlight the strong character development of Mercy and the complex relationships she forms with Adam, Sa…

1
LAURA POSTOR; Running 4 Businesses, Childhood Trauma & Doula Work, Overcoming Heroin Addiction, Simple Posing 1:14:28

15d ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Laura Postor, a mom of 3 and owner of four businesses. She first competed in 2021 where she earned second in open at the Night of Champions. At only her 5th show ever, she earned her Pro Card at USAs in 2023. She is a Certified doula and focuses on working with parents who have experienced sexual trauma. She is al…

1
#FantasySeries Review of Eclipse the Moon (Starlight's Shadow 2) | Book Chat 1:01:39

18d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

In this podcast episode, Tamara and Casey discuss the second book in the Starlight Shadow trilogy, 'Eclipse the Moon' by Jesse Mahalik. They share their overall thoughts on the book, including the increased action compared to the first book, the characters, the plot, and more. They also find a huge plot hole in the trilogy! Ep 497 Find all the impo…

1
SAM MCDONOUGH; Being Queer, Physique and Posing Critiques to Consider, Complaining Constrains, Appreciate Today 1:38:35

22d ago1:38:35

1:38:35

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Sam McDonough, from Kansas City, MO, currently living in Sacramento. She recently earned her BA in Psychology plans to eventually be a Marriage and Family Counselor. Currently, she is a coach at a couple gyms and a Posing Coach for Bikini and Wellness athletes. She has been competing since 2017, first in the NANBF…

1
#BuddyReads Review of She's Not Sorry | Book Chat 58:35

28d ago58:35

58:35

In this podcast recording, Tamara and Classy discuss the book 'She's Not Sorry' by Mary Kubica, sharing their thoughts on the plot, characters, and twists. They delve into their disappointment with the book, the predictability of the twists, and the portrayal of the characters. The conversation is filled with humor, frustration, and critical analys…

1
MARINA MARKS; Healing a Marriage, Hunting the Good Stuff, Participate in Life, Is this Ship Steering me? 1:21:58

29d ago1:21:58

1:21:58

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Marina Marks, born and raised in San Antonio TX, who is married and has two children. She started lifting in 2015 but her competition journey began after the birth of my son in 2019 where she competed 10 months postpartum and took the Open Bikini Overall. Shortly after, she left for basic training and starting a w…

1
Review of Bride | #BookTok Made Us Read It | Book Chat 1:01:15

1M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

In this conversation, Tamara and Casey discuss their thoughts on the book 'Bride' by Ali Hazelwood. They explore the themes of slow-burn romance, character tropes, and the lack of fear and action in the plot. They share their opinions on the characters, romance, and world-building, as well as their overall rating of the book. Ep 495 Pick up your co…

51
CINDY VAN EMPEL-POPOWICH; What Every Girl Needs, Golden Eras Rooted like an Oak, Stop Doing This, Should You Do Masters and Open? 1:40:24

1M ago1:40:24

1:40:24

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Cindy Van Empol-Popowich, a 55-year-old who started lifting at 17 years old after she saw her first bodybuilding event in 1989. Cindy earned her Pro card in 2019 at North Americans. She been involved in every aspect of the sport from judging to expediting, and is currently the Director of social media for the Cana…

1
TANYA JOHANSEN; Vulnerability in Friendships, No Pity Parties, Winning Strategies, There’s More in You so Go Find It 1:12:24

1M ago1:12:24

1:12:24

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Tanya Johansen, a kidney cancer survivor and single mom of two, who lives in Utah and works as a posing coach. She earned her Pro card at Master’s USAs in 2022, where she won the overall, and made her Pro debut last year at California Night of Champions. Tanya is coached by Aimee Delgado at Fit Body Fusion and pla…

1
#FantasySeries Review of Hunt the Stars (Starlight's Shadow #1) | Book Chat 51:42

2M ago51:42

51:42

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shelf-addiction-podcast--1703669/support. In this conversation, Tamara and Casey discuss their thoughts on the book 'Hunt the Stars' by Jesse Mahalik. They talk about the lack of drama and the cozy, light-hearted nature of the story. They also compare the book to other series like…

1
PHILLIPA FERREIRA; Bodybuilding is What I Do Not Who I am, Build your Metaphorical House, Grueling & Healthy or Red Flag, Relieve Pressure 1:51:03

2M ago1:51:03

1:51:03

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Phillipa Ferreira who started competing in ICN back in 2020 and turned pro in that federation in her first year of competing. She moved to IFBB last year and earned her Pro card at Nationals, where she placed first. She was the first Australian bikini athlete to win two state titles in one season, as well as the f…

1
#BuddyReads Review of Drowning | Book Chat 1:00:12

2M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

In this podcast episode, Tamara and Classy discuss the book 'Drowning' by TJ Newman. They talk about their expectations, the large cast of characters, the writing style, and the ending. They also touch on family, resilience, and the sacrifices parents make for their children. For ad-free content and behind-the-scenes access, including video podcast…

1
LISA JANE REID; Australian Road to Pro, Changing Federations, Joy in the Journey, Taking your Time 1:15:10

2M ago1:15:10

1:15:10

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Lisa Reid, a 32 year old newly crowned Bikini Pro from Australia who entered her first competition back in 2014 and was immediately hooked. Now, almost a decade later I has competed in 23 shows and her passion and love for the sport only continues to grow. She started in the Natural Bodybuilding federations first:…

1
6 Years of Podcasting; Lessons, Mental Health Tips, Goals for the Show, and Reflections 36:55

2M ago36:55

36:55

Today I celebrate six years of the Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast! Sometime I feel like it’s been longer and sometimes I feel like it was just yesterday! So much of my life has changed over the past six years, but the one constant has been the podcast. Join me today as I look back on the past guests, lessons learned, and what the future holds!…

1
The Idea of You | Movie Review w/ Encore Book Chat 1:24:37

2M ago1:24:37

1:24:37

Today I'm reviewing the new Prime Video release, The Idea of You, the movie adaptation of the book by the same name. I'm sharing my thoughts followed by a 2019 book chat where Classy and I discussed the book. It's one of our first Buddy Read Chats, so far back that it was before we decided to focus on mystery and thrillers and started recording vid…

1
AMANDA LAM; Asia vs America Culture & Standards, Integrative Nutrition, Chinese IFBB Pro Couple Goals, Excelling in YOUR Passion 1:06:54

3M ago1:06:54

1:06:54

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Lam, from Hong Kong. She and her partner Isaac, are the first Chinese IFBB pro couple. She is the director of PUMP Personal Training Gym in Hong Kong and is also a transformation and Prep Coach. She is also an occupational therapist with 2 years working experience in the psychiatric department working with …

1
PAMELA JOHN; Graves Disease, Grieving, Growth Mindset 1:28:38

3M ago1:28:38

1:28:38

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Pamela John, a certified personal trainer, strength coach, and nutrition coach, who started competing in 2012 and earned her Pro card at Masters Nationals in 2015 and has competed over 50 times! After the birth of my last daughter in 2000, her body went haywire which eventually led to a diagnosis of Graves disease…

1
Encore: #BuddyReads Discussion of Razorblade Tears | Book Chat 1:21:08

3M ago1:21:08

1:21:08

ICYMI, check out this encore episode featuring the thriller Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby. We had such a great conversation about this book, that I had to reshare it. Enjoy! (This episode was originally published February 16, 2022). This is a candid and spoiler-filled convo, so you've been warned! For ad-free content and behind-the-scenes access, …

1
CHRISTINA SANGGOR; Self-Love, Beautiful in Every Season, Break from Prep 1:30:33

3M ago1:30:33

1:30:33

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Christina Sanggor, a 27 years old who was born & raised in Houston, Texas. She started working out at age 19 while in college for her education degree. She decided to go back to pursue her passion of exercise science and will be graduating this spring. Christina works as a personal trainer and is a caretaker for h…

1
#BuddyReads Review of None of This is True | Book Chat 1:27:41

3M ago1:27:41

1:27:41

In this conversation, Tamara and Classy discuss the book 'None of This is True' by Lisa Jewell. They explore the story's different perspectives and unreliable narrators, particularly focusing on the character of Josie. They debate who may have killed Brooke and the truth behind Josie's stories. We want your thoughts!! Answer the question posed at t…

1
TIANNA PISTONE; Posing Considerations, What is the Best Approach, Make the Decision, Lots of laughs, Should you Crossover Divisions? 1:37:23

3M ago1:37:23

1:37:23

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Tianna Pistone, who started bodybuilding at age 16 years and did her first show at 17 years old. She earned her Pro card USA’s in 2023 when she was just 22. As a young teenager, she struggled with underrating, always wanting to be the thinnest girl. She was inspired to start bodybuilding by her father, a former bo…

1
Exploring Graphic Novels | Moon Called Vol 1 (Mercy Thompson Series) | Book Chat 41:16

3M ago41:16

41:16

In this podcast episode, Tamara and Casey discuss the graphic novel adaptation of Patricia Briggs' Moon Called. They share their overall impressions, including the artwork, character appearances, and the coloring of some scenes. If you want to see what Tamara's first graphic novel experience was like, give it a watch or listen! If you enjoy graphic…

1
JANINE HERRERA; Thief of your Future, Master’s Category Labeling, God’s Purpose for You in Adversity 1:39:21

4M ago1:39:21

1:39:21

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Janine Herrera, a single mother to 3 amazing girls aged 10, 8, and 4. She is also an AGACNP-BC with a focus and passion for functional medicine. She has spent the better part of her life serving others, but was in need of purpose unique and personal to her, and she has found that in bodybuilding. In addition to be…

1
SAMMY JO; No More People Pleasing, Motherly Roles & Family Building, Taboo Talks, Suit Designing 1:45:55

4M ago1:45:55

1:45:55

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Sammy Jo, an online health and fitness coach & posing coach. She started competing in 2022 and earned her Pro card one year later in 2023 at NPC Universe. She has a degree in business administration and quit my 9-5 in sales job back in 2022 to pursue competing and coaching. She is also a suit stylist with Toxic An…

1
#FantasySeries Review of Gods & Monsters (#3) | Book Chat 1:01:34

4M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shelf-addiction-podcast--1703669/support. In this episode, Tamara and Casey discuss the final book in the Serpent and Dove trilogy, 'Gods and Monsters' by Shelby Mahurin. They share their disappointment with the book and critique the author's writing style and character developmen…

1
CARRIE HENNESSY; Leaving an Abusive Marriage and Finding Love, Parental Guilt, Your Best Process, Competing as a Single Mother, Empowerment in Routine 1:37:37

4M ago1:37:37

1:37:37

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Carrie Hennessy, a wife and girl mom to a 18 months old and 13 year old plus a dog mom. She loves true crime podcasts, being outdoors and anything adventurous. She loves connection, laughing and advocating for women. One of her favorite quotes is “ If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, ch…

1
#BuddyReads Review of The Intern | Book Chat 1:01:14

4M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Dive into the murky depths of legal intrigue with Tamara and special co-host Classy in this gripping episode of the Shelf Addiction Podcast. They dissect the legal thriller "The Intern" by Michelle Campbell, where the line between mentor and manipulator blurs. Madison Rivera's internship with Judge Catherine Conroy spirals into a dangerous game of …

1
JESSICA DEXTER; Letting Go of Perfection, Self-Coaching Tips, Committing to Each Season 1:05:31

4M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Jessica Dexter, an online lifestyle/ bikini competition prep coach, who also offers posing coaching. She has been competing for four years and earned her Pro card at 2021 North Americans after coaching her self. Her bodybuilding journey has been her saving grace and she wants to encourage other women to have the s…

1
After Show Special | A Peek Behind the Paywall 1:02:51

4M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

BookTok Drama, Upcoming Fantasy Reads & Series Update, & More Tamara and Casey, as they invite you to a special peek behind the paywall in this unique episode of the Shelf Addiction Podcast. In today's recording, they're shaking things up by sharing an after show that's usually exclusive to Patreon and Spreaker supporters. If you love what you hear…

1
#BuddyReads Review of First Lie Wins | Book Chat 57:50

4M ago57:50

57:50

Prepare for a gripping game of deception in the latest episode of the Shelf Addiction Podcast, where Tamara and co-host Classy from the Bookish Virtual Assistant unravel the twisted world of 'First Lie Wins' by Ashley Elston. This episode promises to be a mind-bending journey through the life of Evie Porter—a woman with a fabricated existence, a ga…

1
MADDY MICHIELSSEN; Comparison & Female Competition, Eating Disorder on Stage, Health First Approach 1:55:37

4M ago1:55:37

1:55:37

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Maddy Michielssen, the CEO of Mpowered Fitness, who earned her Pro card at 2023 Nationals with the Overall win. She grew up a Ballet dancer with the Orlando Ballet before quitting at the age of 15 and took up weight training & wakeboarding. After a major accident, she put wakeboarding to bed and got into college a…

1
AMANDA RIVAS; 'Ex Weeks Out' the Movie Competitors will Love, Authenticity with Yourself & Others, Childhood Impact on Personal Dreams 1:42:49

5M ago1:42:49

1:42:49

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Rivas, an actor, writer, filmmaker, comedian, and dog enthusiast. She is the writer & creator of EX Weeks Out - a film about bodybuilding and the strongest muscle of them all - the heart. Amanda competed in the NPC for nearly a decade with placings including everything from dead last to overall. Staying com…

1
#FantasySeries Review of Blood & Honey (#2) | Book Chat 58:37

5M ago58:37

58:37

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shelf-addiction-podcast--1703669/support. In this conversation, Tamara and Casey discuss their thoughts on the book 'Blood & Honey' by Shelby Mahurin. This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, where the duo unpacks the second installment with the kind of candor and depth that o…

1
MANUELITA ACUNA; God's Glory, Columbia to America, Injured Athlete to IFBB Pro 1:18:13

5M ago1:18:13

1:18:13

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Manuelita Acuña, a 20-year-old from Colombia, who has lived in the USA for 2.5 years. A former member of the Columbian National Trampoline team, she retired after winning the 2019 National championships and sustaining an injury. Who her mom came to visit her in March of 2022, she realized she wasn’t in a good spot…

1
#BuddyReads Review of Look Closer | Book Chat 1:08:59

5M ago1:08:59

1:08:59

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shelf-addiction-podcast--1703669/support. Buckle up for a thrilling ride through deception and vengeance in the latest episode of Shelf Addiction Podcast, where Tamara and featured co-host Classy from the Bookish Virtual Assistant delve into the twisty narrative of 'Look Closer' b…

1
JORDAN & DREW BRANNON; Everyone is a “Coach”, Trends of the Divisions, Honesty in Coaching, Balancing Marriage & Coaching 1:04:34

5M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

Today I speak with Jordan and Drew Brannon. Jordan was born & raised in Tampa, Florida. She has her Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida, where she also met her husband, Drew Brannon. Drew is from Miami, Florida. Like Jordan, he also has his Exercise Science degree from USF. After college, Jordan & Drew opened t…

1
CASEY MARSHALL; Bikini as an Overall Package, Power of Mindset, Putting Health First, Coaching Camaraderie 1:35:05

5M ago1:35:05

1:35:05

Today I speak with IFBB Pro Casey Marshall, a coach of NPC/IFBB athletes and lifestyle clients for 13. She specializing in the overall package - presentation, glam, suit, sportsmanship and overall creating healthy happy athletes. Her team, Team Boss Bodies, has turned over 50 women pro and have had athletes win pro shows in masters and open. She is…

1
DAVID DEMESQUITA; Functional Health, Balancing Hormones, Trusting your Coach, Truths about PEDs 3:03:52

5M ago3:03:52

3:03:52

Today I speak with David DeMesquita, a functional health coach on a mission to “make lives better”. For the past 8 years, he has helped people from a wide range of backgrounds to not just optimize internal systems, but ALSO achieve their best physiques ever. He has worked with some of the top Olympians in the IFBB and continues to help athletes of …

1
That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon | #BookTok Made Us Read It | Book Chat 50:19

5M ago50:19

50:19

Joining Tamara for this episode is cohost Casey from Heart Full of Ink. In this episode, Tamara and Casey discuss the book 'That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon' by Kimberly Lemming. They talk about the balance of comedy and seriousness in the book, the diversity of the characters, and the overall theme of the quest and adventure. They also disc…

1
LEXIE MAITLAND; Building Community, The Optimal Prep, When to Work with a Coach, Handling Post-Show 1:24:27

5M ago1:24:27

1:24:27

Today I speak with Lexie Maitland, a NASM certified CPT with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Tampa. Before online coaching, she was an in person personal trainer and has been a coach for Team ProPhysique since 2019. She competed for the first time in 2017 (out of a dorm room) and then took a few years away before…

1
SEAN IRWIN; Hard work vs. talent, Embrace the Process, Rooting in Reality, Focus on Longevity, Being a leader 1:47:10

5M ago1:47:10

1:47:10

Today I speak with Sean Irwin, a Bodybuilding Contest Preparation Coach, Lifestyle Coach, and Personal Trainer. He is also an experienced Bodybuilding Athlete associated with some of the top competitors and brands in the sport. At an early age Sean developed his passion for competitive preparation through various individualized sports that demanded…

1
IVAN MADARANG; Prioritizing your reverse, Carb strategies, Never Say Never, Dispelling Misconceptions, What to know before Prep 1:36:29

5M ago1:36:29

1:36:29

Today I speak with Ivan Madarang of Geek to Physique. He has been an Internal medicine nurse for 10 years and started coaching in 2016, with a 2 years mentorship under Cameron Cheek and Mike from Peak Athletic Performance. A National level competitor himself, his highly individualized approach is focused on longevity, adapting to each client’s uniq…

1
Coaches' Series Round 3 4:30

5M ago4:30

4:30

We are back for our 3rd coach series and I want to preface this week by saying every coach I am bringing on is a professional with their own achievements, education, and experience. Many of them you will recognize as well-known names. If I could fit every amazing coach in the bikini competition world on the show, we would have a whole other podcast…

1
DR. STEPHANIE ASHLEY WARDEN; Changing Coaches, Body Image, Take Inventory, Brand Yourself 1:04:38

5M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Stephanie Warden, who has been competing since 2018 and turned pro at NPC Universe in 2023, which was her 14th show. She made her Pro debut at the Hawaii Pro where she placed 4th. Outside of competing and fitness modeling, she is an eye doctor, a wife, and a coach, who will soon be launching a podcast with Lauren …

1
MEGAN VAN VLEET; Staying Natural, Decade Long Dream, Be Ready for Yes or No, Say it With Your Chest, Professional Development 1:52:00

6M ago1:52:00

1:52:00

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Megan Van Vleet, a 39-year-old with a masters in Management & Leadership who has been competing since 2013. She is married to her high school sweetheart and currently live in Oregon. Before bodybuilding she did ballet, rode horses, and played & coached softball. She competed in 24 shows, including 13 pro qualifier…

1
#FantasySeries Review of Serpent & Dove (#1) | Book Chat 1:10:04

6M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

In this conversation, Tamara and Casey discuss their thoughts on the book 'Serpent and Dove' by Shelby Mahurin. They delve into topics such as character development, the enemies-to-lovers trope, the portrayal of feminism, and inconsistencies in the plot. Note from editing Tamara: So sorry everyone, my audio is blown out at times and I couldn't sort…

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