In this episode Laura & Sammy catch up on Sammy's first show of the year - Patriots Challenge!! They also recap the NPC USAs National Show that took place over the weekend, and why National-level shows seem to be shrinking - you don’t want to miss it! More From Bikini Things! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyj…

Throw up the horns as Jeremy interviews standup comedian Luke Severeid this week. Luke has been on the road with “Stand Up that’s Metal AF” cracking jokes about metalheads, the perils of being a bald white guy, and his ADHD diagnosis. Jeremy and Luke talk about neurodivergence, the mental health benefits of metal music, and the importance of findin…

In this episode Laura & Sammy catch up on Sammy's PEAK WEEK for Patriots Challenge and they also discuss what it takes and HOW you actually earn an IFBB pro card! They also dive into what it's actually like as a pro, and common misconceptions - you don’t want to miss it! More From Bikini Things! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pret…

Jeremy is joined this week by the incredibly insightful Dani Falesnik. Jeremy and Dani discuss the importance of understanding neurodivergence in educational and therapeutic settings, emphasizing that traditional systems often fail to accommodate these differences. They highlight the need for more individualized approaches that consider each person…

First nuclear engineer we’ve had on as a guest! This week Jeremy is joined by the incisive Cynane Shay! Cynane discusses her journey through a rigid, evangelical upbringing and how it shaped her worldview, and how QAnon led to a deconstruction of her beliefs. She explores the influence of Christian nationalism and the prevalence of conspiracy theor…

In this follow-up episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to answer listener submitted questions covering everything from getting lean, supplementation, show day glam hacks and many more topics - you don’t want to miss it! More From Bikini Things! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyjo BT YouTube: http://www.youtube.co…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to answer listener submitted questions covering everything from training splits, cardio favorites, libido on prep, and favorite sweet treats and many more topics - you don’t want to miss it! More From Bikini Things! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyjo BT YouTube: http:…

This week Jeremy is joined by clinical social worker and co-founder of the Reclamation Collective Kayla Felten. Kayla talks about her journey through deconstruction and starting the Collective, and She emphasizes the importance of non-clinical interventions and community care for individuals dealing with religious trauma and spiritual abuse. The Re…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down with friend of the podcast IFBB Bikini Pro Tianna Weymouth! Tianna won her pro card on her second try within 24 hours of her high school graduation!! She has competed and placed top 5 as a pro and she will be competing in some shows this summer! Tianna is also a posing coach for competitors and for the Team…

Jeremy is joined this week by journalist Chrissy Stroop to look at the manufactured moral panic targeting trans people. Jeremy and Chrissy discuss her personal experiences with religious trauma, the intertwining of evangelical Christianity with right-wing politics, and the predictable pattern of moral panics. Chrissy highlights the long-term strate…

Jeremy is joined this week by therapist and end-of-life doula Kathleen Mack. Kathleen describes her lifelong curiosity about people's minds and experiences, stemming from her own mental health struggles and early fascination with human behavior. Kathleen shares how her father’s death influenced her and led her to pursue training as a death doula, w…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy talk about the summer pro bikini shows upcoming and recent shows like the DC, Toronto, and Dallas pro shows! Sammy catches up about her prep, and Laura and Sammy also discuss the differences mentally & emotionally between prep and off season. Laura shares an update on her off season, coaching and summer travel plans…

Jeremy is joined this week by fellow licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Sex Therapist, Caitlin Weber. Caitlin Weber discusses her journey into the mental health field and her path to becoming a systems-oriented therapist with a focus on sex therapy. Jeremy and Caitlin discuss the pervasive influence of religious norms on cultural attitudes to…

Jeremy is joined this week by the dynamic duo of Naoko Ellis & Derek Gladwin from the University of British Columbia where they founded the Systems Beings Lab, a collaborative research collective that tackles the complexity of modern issues. In this episode, Derek and Naoko discuss emerging collaborative spaces in academia to address the climate em…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy talk about some of their common gym “icks” - everything from hygiene, to hogging equipment, or doing things that are downright unsafe! You won’t want to miss this fun episode! More From Bikini Things! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyjo BT YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@bikin…

Our first prescriber on the show! Jeremy is joined this week by Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Rachel Jones, owner of Cup of Tea Psychiatry. Jeremy and Rachel talk about her winding path through nursing school and into the psychiatric side of the field, how the for-profit medical model creates an unhealthy environment for both patient…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy talk about the bikini line ups for the Optimum Classic and Klash Southern USA Championships pro bikini shows and also have a little gym girl chats about waist trainers, cardio in prep, Instagram, off seasons and everything in between! More From Bikini Things! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.P…

Jeremy is joined this week by artist and mental health advocate Jenna Knapp. Jenna is an artist in residence with the labyrinth at the Lynden Sculpture Garden on the north side of Milwaukee. Jeremy and Jenna talk about her mental health journey prior to creating the labyrinth, how and why labyrinths can be so helpful to mental health, and the commu…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy talk about the bikini line up for the New York Pro! They also review what are some things to keep in mind on your first show day and things that surprised them as new NPC competitors! More From Bikini Things! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyjo BT YouTube: http://www.youtube.co…

A blast from the past! Jeremy is joined this week by Rachel Beam, owner of Understand You, LLC. Jeremy and Rachel were in the same cohort at Marquette University way back in the day, and Rachel shares her journey in the field up to now opening her own practice. Jeremy and Rachel discuss some of their memories of what grad school did and did not pre…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk about "peak week" the week before a competition! Everything from what to expect physically, mentally, and emotionally going through the process of a peak as well as common fallacies is covered. You don’t want to miss it! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyjo BT Y…

Jeremy is joined this week by the fabulous Emily Vander Velden for a great chat. Emily talks about specializing in EMDR to work with trauma, how being a parent is a juggling act with being a therapist, and shares about getting her recent ADHD diagnosis. Jeremy and Emily talk about self-care, and how holding space for others is such a powerful exper…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down with friend of the podcast IFBB Bikini Pro & Olympian Tara Grier! Tara has been killing it as a bikini pro for many years though she had an amazing breakout season in 2023 winning a pro show and competing at the Olympia followed by placing 2nd at the Arnold UK in 2024! Tara has an amazing mindset and energy…

Jeremy is joined this week by Alyssa Zajdel to jump into the world of sports psychology and performance. Jeremy and Alyssa talk about different sports requiring different mindsets, the difference in support that elite athletes can get from club or high school sports, and how it was not fun for student athletes or mental health professionals when CO…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk about "peak week" the week before a competition! Everything from what to expect physically, mentally, and emotionally going through the process of a peak as well as common fallacies is covered. You don’t want to miss it! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyjo BT Y…

Jeremy is joined this week by the incredibly insightful Alita Taylor. Jeremy and Alita talk about the shortcomings of the medical model, the secondary trauma of working in a failing system, and Alita shares her expertise about Open Dialogue, a practical and philosophical approach to navigating mental health crises. We also chat about Finnish metal …

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk about the ins and out of competing, and what to expect physically, mentally, and emotionally going through the process of a competition prep as well as common fallacies surrounding competing in the bikini division. IYou don’t want to miss it! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.P…

Jeremy is joined this week by author, activist, and poet Mark Green to talk about his new book Round We Dance. Jeremy and Mark talk about the need for a book on how to do rituals, why ritual is so important to the human psyche, and how to approach ritual outside of an organized religious setting. It’s a wide-ranging chat that covers a lot, and the …

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk about everything related to support systems. This is such a crucial piece of being a competitor, or even just for a happy, baalnced life for fitness-focused individuals! Laura also shares what to do if you don’t have one, or how to cope when your loved ones are far away. You don’t want to miss it! G…

Jeremy is joined for a fascinating conversation by Kelsey Philippi from ERA Wellness. Kelsey shares her journey of becoming a therapist from a background in biology and research before eventually landing in the mental health field, how couples and families exist as their own ecosystems, and how nature helps us to ground, center, and heal. To learn …

In this episode, Laura and Sammy catch up about the first few bikini pro shows of the season - San Diego Pro, Klash, and the Charlotte Pro! They also both share where they are at in their off seasons and what is next in terms of show dates! You don’t want to miss it! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyjo BT YouT…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy catch up about their experiences at the Arnold Sports Expo and their breakdown of the bodybuilding competition with special focus on the bikini division. They also both share where they are at in their off seasons and what is next! You don’t want to miss it! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Po…

This week Jeremy is joined by the ultra-talented Lane Moore. Lane is a comedian, actor, author, and musician. Moore is the creator of the hit comedy show Tinder Live, bestselling author of How To Be Alone and You Will Find Your People, the frontperson in the band It Was Romance, and host of the podcast I Thought It Was Just Me on Patreon. Jeremy an…

Jeremy gets the chance to sit down with the delightful Kit Weathers for a neurodivergent chat. We talk about Kit’s journey from pastor’s kid, to missionary, to deconstructing and becoming a sex therapist and religious trauma recovery coach, with some mental health diagnoses sprinkled in. Kit and Jeremy talk about finding the good parts of church ou…

In this episode, Laura sits down to talk about to seek out and connect with sponsors to make the process of comepting easier. She shares all of her best tips and past experiences working with sponsors. You don’t want to miss it! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyjo BT YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@bikinithin…

Jeremy is joined this week by Elise Birch for an open, authentic chat. Elise shares their unique journey into the mental health field, and the niche areas they focus their practice working with. Jeremy and Elise explore the complexities of art therapy, highlighting its benefits in processing trauma and expressing emotions, even in telehealth settin…

Jeremy is joined this week for a great chat by Dr Gabby Miniscalco. During our talk Dr Gabby shares some insights into the immigrant experience and the pressures of conforming to American culture while grappling with her Polish identity, feeling caught in between worlds but not belonging in either. The conversation delves into the trauma and grief …

Jeremy is joined this week by the authentic and genuine Becca Ferguson. Becca and Jeremy talk about growing up in conservative households that didn’t talk about mental health, Becca’s horror stories with her own therapy, and getting to a place where she now helps other therapists build the practice of their dreams. It’s a fun chat that covers a lot…

Jeremy is joined this week by the incredibly insightful David Hayden. Jeremy and David talk about growing up with the desire to help others from an early age, the various chapters of growth therapists go through with their clients, and David’s winding path with different modalities that allow for deeper healing with clients. You can learn more abou…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk answer listener questions, covering everything from biggest regrets to biggest accomplishments as well as their favorite sports teams and opinions on quantum mechanics. You don’t want to miss it! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyjo BT YouTube: http://www.youtub…

Jeremy is joined this week by Dr Christine Henry for an authentic conversation about the many facets of Neurodivergence. Jeremy and Christine talk about getting diagnosed later in life while already working in the field, the intersections of being a mental health professional while advocating as a parent, and how Autism and ADHD have a lot of diagn…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk about their Valentines Day, current competition plans, and how to know if you are ready to start a competition prep! They break everything down from time commitment, finances, and physical readiness in a step-by-step way to approach your show plans. You don’t want to miss it! Get social! IG @bikini_…

Jeremy is joined this week all the way from North Carolina by the delightful Michelle Moseley. Jeremy and Michelle discuss their own experiences with religious trauma, and the intersection of religion, patriarchy, and capitalism in the workplace. They also touch on issues such as body image concerns and the challenges of reconnecting mind and body …

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down with founder and owner of Toxic Angelz Bikinis Maraget Bialkin! Margaret is an OG guest of the podcast and she does incredible work not only creating some of the most beautiful bikinis in the world, but also growing her small business and inspiring so many women. You don’t want to miss it! Toxic Angelz Biki…

Jeremy is joined this week by the fabulous Amber Kerby. Jeremy and Amber talk about plain ol’ ordinary therapy, and how and why we as professionals expand our approaches once we’ve spent more time in the field. Nonordinary therapies Jeremy and Amber discuss are Ketamine Assisted Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Psychedelic Integration, along w…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down with mental health practitioner and host of the Confessions of a Bikini Pro podcast Celeste Rains-Turk! Celeste is an OG guest of the podcast and she does incredible, uplifing work with so many in the bodybuilding space. You don’t want to miss it! Celeste’s info: @celestial_fit on IG Her website: www.celest…

It’s the Wellness with Jenn and Jer episode! Jeremy has the serendipitous chance to sit down with Jenn Sowers for this episode. They talk about what nature informed therapy is and how it helps, the importance of community while working in the mental health field, and ways to reconnect to the natural world in our tech-driven go-go-go society. To lea…

In this episode, Laura and Sammy talk about how to estimate competition expenses, make it fit with your budget, and how to plan for the stage! They also cover listener Q&A from Instagram questions. You don’t want to miss it! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyjo BT YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@bikinithingspo…

Jeremy gets the chance to sit down with religious recovery consultant Janice Selbie this week. Janice is a Registered Professional Counselor and is the founder of the Conference on Religious Trauma (CORT), the host of the Divorcing Religion podcast, and runs the Shameless Sexuality workshop series. Janice and Jeremy talk about how leaving fundament…

In this episode, Laura answers a variety of questions submitted through Instagram. Everything from posing pet peeves to choosing your hair and makeup look on stage to gear use in the NPC are covered. You don’t want to miss it! Get social! IG @bikini_things & @lauraifbbpro & @Pretty.Posing @itssammyjo BT YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@bikinithings…