Bikini Things

Is Bikini Still a Thing?

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Laura and Sammy Jo discuss the evolving landscape of bikini competitions, focusing on the physical assessments of competitors, t...

Season 6 Episode 45: Why You're NOT Growing in the Off-Season (FIX THIS NOW)

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bikini Things podcast, hosts Laura and Sammy Jo discuss the importance of managing nutrition and body composition during the of...

Season 6 Episode 44: What to Expect Competing: The Costs & Sacrifices You're Not Ready For?! Bikini Things Podcast

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Laura & Sammy Jo discuss the emotional and logistical aspects of preparing for a bodybuilding competition. They explore how one's...

Season 6 Episode 43: Charlotte Pro Preview & Fit Model Changes?!

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bikini Things podcast, Laura and Sammy Jo discuss this weekend's upcoming Charlotte Pro line up as well as changes to the look ...

Season 6 Episode 42: Fat burners - do they really work or waste your money?

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bikini Things podcast, Laura and Sammy Jo discuss some of their new favorite gym wear brands as well as different fat burners u...

Season 6 Episode 41: Who will WIN the Arnold?

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bikini Things podcast, hosts Laura Moore-Shay and Sammy Jo discuss what their competition plans are as well as predictions for ...

Season 6 Episode 40: The FIRST Fit Model Competition & Start of the Show Season

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bikini Things podcast, hosts Laura Moore-Shay and Sammy Jo discuss what it was like in person at the very FIRST fit model compe...

Season 6 Episode 39: The HARSH reality of judge's feedback

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Bikini Things podcast, hosts Laura Moore-Shay and Sammy Jo discuss various aspects of competing in bikini competitions, focusin...

Season 6 Episode 38: Listener Q&A + Laura's New Coach!

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy answer listener questions on everything from off season reverse dieting, ped use, and favorite supplements for on and...

Season 6 Episode 37: Fit Model vs. Bikini: A Reaction to PED Use in Bodybuilding??

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy talk about the new Fit Model division including why it was created, what is the look, and who will have the right loo...

Season 6 Episode 36: "Surviving" The Holiday Season

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy talk about how to navigate the holiday season whether you are in a competition prep, off season, or just choose to li...

Season 6 Episode 35: Listener Q&A PEDs in the Bikini Division!

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to to answer listener submitted questions on PEDs in female bodybuilding and especially the bikini division-...

Season 6 Episode 34: How to Find the RIGHT Coach for You!

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk about how to find the right coach for you, what factors to take into consideration, as well as their...

Season 6 Episode 33: Nutrition in the Off Season!

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk about nutrition in the off season - everything from reversing successfully to forcing food and eatin...

Season 6 Episode 32: The History of the Bikini Division (2010-2023)

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura breaks down the history of the bikini division from 2010-2023 reviewing all the Olympia champions and how the look, bikinis, an...

Season 6 Episode 31: OLYMPIA Top 10 Recap!

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura breaks down what she saw at the 2024 Olympia and what the top 10 athletes and their looks mean for the future of the bikini div...

Season 6 Episode 30: IFBB Bikini Pro Kiki Cunningham

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down with fellow IFBB Pro Kiki Cunningham! Kiki has been competing since 2017 and she had a breakout season this ...

Season 6 Episode 29: The UGLY truths of competing

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk about the often not discussed and not so glamorous "Ugly" truths about competing. Sammy also recaps ...

Season 6 Episode 28: Do you have BAD or Good genetics?

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk about Sammy's new coach, Laura's experience at the NPC North Americans which caused them to reflect ...

Season 6 Episode 27: Nashville FitShow & Dealing with Disappointment

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Laura & Sammy catch up on the Nashville FitShow & Texas as well as answer listener questions and touch on the topic of reversi...

Season 6 Episode 26: Show Day Glam, EVERYTHING You Need to Know!

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk about everything related to show day GLAM. All the ins and outs from tanning to skin prep, teeth whi...

Season 6 Episode 25: IFBB Bikini Pro Sam McDonough

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Laura & Sammy catch up with new IFBB Pro Sam McDonough! Sam won her pro card at the Arnold Amateur in 2024 after winning the LA Fi...

Season 6 Episode 24: Are the National Shows Shrinking? Patriots Challenge & NPC USAs Update

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 to...

Season 6 Episode 23: How To Turn PRO! (And What It's Like Once You Do)

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

Season 6 Episode 22: IFBB Bikini Pro Listener Questions PART 2

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this follow-up episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to answer listener submitted questions covering everything from getting lean, supplementation, sho...

Season 6 Episode 21: IFBB Bikini Pro Listener Q&A

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to answer listener submitted questions covering everything from training splits, cardio favorites, libido on...

Season 6 Episode 20: The Youngest IFBB Bikini Pro Tianna Weymouth

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Season 6 Episode 19: Summer Pro Shows & Sammy's Prep!

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ca...

Season 6 Episode 18: Sharing our Gym "Icks"!

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy talk about some of their common gym “icks” - everything from hygiene, to hogging equipment, or doing things that ...

Season 6 Episode 17: Gym Girl Chat & Optimum/Klash Pro Bikini Previews

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Season 6 Episode 16: New York Pro & What to Expect on Show Day!

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 fir...

Season 6 Episode 15: Pittsburgh Pro Recap & Off Season Update

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Season 6 Episode 14: IFBB Bikini Pro & Olympian Tara Grier

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

Season 6 Episode 13: Peak Week!

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Season 6 Episode 12: What to Expect Competing

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Season 6 Episode 11: Finding Your Tribe - How to Have a Happy, Healthy Support System

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Season 6 Episode 10: The Pro Season Kicks Off!

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Season 6 Episode 9: In the thicc of off season & Arnold update

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy catch up about their experiences at the Arnold Sports Expo and their breakdown of the bodybuilding competition with s...

Season 6 Episode 8: How to Get Sponsorships as a Competitor

23 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

Season 6 Episode 7: Our BIGGEST Regrets and Listener Q&A

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy sit down to talk answer listener questions, covering everything from biggest regrets to biggest accomplishments as w...

Season 6 Episode 6: How to Know When You're Ready to Prep

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Season 6 Episode 5: Margaret Bialkin, Founder of Toxic Angelz Bikinis

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Season 6 Episode 4: Bikini Things x Celeste Rains-Turk!

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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! Cel...

Season 6 Episode 3: How to Afford Competing

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

Season 6 Episode 2: Answering Listener Questions! IG Q&A

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura answers a variety of questions submitted through Instagram. Everything from posing pet peeves to choosing your hair and makeup...

Season 6 Episode 1: Getting Back on Track!

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura and Sammy talk about strategies to get back on track after the holidays, or how to shift momentum and break old patterns at any...

Season 5 Episode 9: PEDs in the Bikini Division

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura talks about the use of PEDs in the bikini division, specifically touching on client and listener questions on the topic. Includ...

Season 5 Episode 8: Laura's Reverse Diet & How to Crush an Off Season

25 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura talks about her 2023 reverse diet and why it wasn’t as perfect as we may hope to be coming out of a show season. The second h...

Season 5 Episode 7: Bikini at the National Level (USAs Recap) & Laura's Show Schedule

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode is a recap of NPC USAs 2023 and what the look and ideal is for bikini competitors at that level. Laura goes over trends in the d...

Season 5 Episode 6: How to Shrink Your Waistline

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a bikini competitor (or just as a fit person who wants to look good!) there are several key principles to keeping our waistlines small through care...

Season 5 Episode 5: How to Cultivate an Athlete's Mindset

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For those considering competing, or those who have competed before, the imporance of a strong mind is paramount to your success as an athlete. On this...

Season 5 Episode 4: 7 Signs you are READY to start prep!

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Bikini Things, Laura dives deep into 7 key signs that indicate readiness for a competition prep. These seven factors are not just p...

Season 5 Episode 3: How to crush your goals & make 2023 your year!

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast Laura lays out 5 tips to make 2023 your best year yet as a competitor & person! You won’t want to miss it, highly...

Season 5 Episode 2: Surviving the Holiday Season

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura talks about some strategies to make it through the holiday season as sane, happy, and healthy as possible! Whether we are on pr...

Season 5 Episode 1: 2022 Season Recap & What's Next?

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are back baby! This week’s episode is a quick one overviewing Laura’s 2022 IFBB season, the feedback and what’s next. Other topics covered: w...

Season 4 Episode 6: Common Health Concerns for Competitors with Dr. Kirsten Singler

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast, Laura sits down with Dr. Kirsten Singler, Clinical Director at Lee Regenerative Medical Institute in Huntington Beach,...

Season 4 Episode 5: How to Avoid Excess Weight Gain in Off Season

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura reviews strategies and tips to avoid excess weight gain post-show or in an off season, and also talks about personal experience...

Season 4 Episode 4: Toxic Angelz Bikinis Founder Margaret Bialkin

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast, Founder of Toxic Angelz Bikinis Margaret Bialkin joins to talk about starting her own business, and how to design the ...

Season 4 Episode 3: 20 Questions with IFBB Pro & Olympian Raphaela Milagres

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the pod, Laura sits down with IFBB Bikini Pro, Olympian, Body by O teammate, and roommate Raphaela Milagres to play a game of 20 qu...

Season 4 Episode 2: IFBB Bikini Pro Nikia Hovey

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast Laura sits down with friend and fellow IFBB Bikini Pro Nikia Hovey. Kia is a full time school principal in Southern Cal...

Season 4 Episode 1: Laura's Big News

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast Laura records solo and describes some of the big changes in her life, as well as her 2022 plans. You won’t want to mi...

Season 3 Episode 17: IFBB Bikini Pro Cory Hageman

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast, Laura sits down with IFBB Bikini Pro Cory Hageman. Based in Los Angeles, Cory is in nursing school and is also an onli...

Season 3 Episode 16: Plastic Surgery for Active Women with Dr. Jay Calvert, MD, FACS

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast, Laura sits down with Board Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jay Calvert. Dr. Calvert has offices in both Newport Beach, C...

Season 3 Episode 15: IFBB Pro Mahsa Akbarimehr

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura catches up with IFBB Bikini Pro Mahsa Akbarimehr! Mahsa is the first ever Persian IFBB Bikini Pro, pro champion, and competed i...

Season 3 Episode 14: IFBB Pro & Precision Elite Head Coach Will Sage

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, Laura sits down with IFBB Classic Physique Pro & CEO of Precision Elite Will Sage! Will talks about his journey co...

Season 3 Episode 13: 2x Bikini Olympian Lucia Malavaze

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast Laura sits down with 2x Bikini Olympian and online coach Lucia Malavaze. Lucia, originally from Brazil, is an amazing a...

Season 3 Episode 12: 6 Signs you should take a step back prepping

13 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Bikini Things, Laura records a solo episode reviewing 6 examples that indicate it might be time to take a break from prepping for s...

Season 3 Episode 11: Celeste Rains-Turk

23 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode, Laura sits down with queen of the bikini podcasts, Celeste Rains-Turk, host of the popular Confessions of a Bikini Pro podca...

Season 3 Episode 10: Bikini Olymian Ariel Barley

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura sits down with IFBB Bikini Pro, 2021 Olympian, Body by O Teammate & fellow plant/dog mom Ariel Barley! Ariel, originally fr...

Season 3 Episode 9: Prepping (or not!) through the holidays!

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast Laura does a quick solo episode to talk about strategies for managing the and making the most of holidays whether you a...

Season 3 Episode 8: What's a reverse diet? Everything you need to know!

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast Laura and Michelle sit down to talk about reverse diets! Maybe you have heard the term before, but what does it mean? A...

Season 3 Episode 7: Finding Balance with Life & Competing

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this solo episode Laura speaks about finding your balance with life, competing, and everything that comes with! Don’t forget to rate, review, sub...

Season 3 Episode 6: 2021 Competition Season Update

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Bikini Things Laura and Michelle sit down to recap their 2021 competition seasons, and talk about what’s coming next on the podca...

Season 3 Episode 5: Pro Debut Prep Update & How to be a Successful Competitor

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Bikini Things, Laura records solo and gives an update of her prep for her IFBB pro debut! She also talks about the skills and habit...

Season 3 Episode 4: Traveling & Competing!

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Bikini Things Michelle and Laura sit down to talking about traveling while competing and prepping! How do you travel and stick to a...

Season 3 Episode 3: By Amelia Rose

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast Laura sits down with Amelia Stewart, physical therapist and founder of By Amelia Rose, a brand of stylish, functional w...

Season 3 Episode 2: IFBB Wellness Pro Mandeezy Fit

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Bikini Things we interview new IFBB Wellness Pro Amanda Weiss aka “Mandeezy Fit”. She and Laura turned pro together at NPC USAs...

Season 3 Episode 1: We're back baby!

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Laura and Michelle sit down in the studio to recap how the rest of 2020 and competition seasons went, what we’ve been up to since then, plans for fu...

Season 2 Episode 12: Season 2 Recap!

28 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast, we recap our favorite episodes and moments from Season 2. We are going to take a little break, let Kaley and Michelle ...

Season 2 Episode 11: Special Guest Dr. Kate Raastad

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast we sit down with physician in residency and national-level bikini competitor Dr. Kate Raastad ( @fit_kate_md on IG) to ...

Season 2 Episode 10: Self-Love & Body Image

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of Bikini Things we cover everything related to body image & self-love! How does competing affect body image and self-est...

Season 2 Episode 8: Stress & What You Can Do About It

30 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, we talk about stress! We ALL feel it at times, but what are some ways you can cope, especially during a competition prep or a global ...

Season 2 Episode 7: Female & Hormonal Health with Rachel Lattner

23 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we sit down with Rachel Lattner (@mslattcat on social media!) to talk about her experience as a bikini competitor and discuss the topi...

Season 2 Episode 6: Getting Back on Track!

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We sit down this week to talk about GETTING BACK ON TRACK! Whether it’s coming out of quarantine, coming back from an injury, or messing up on your ...

Season 2 Episode 5: Macros vs. Bro Diets

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we throw down on the pros and cons of “bro diets” and “macros, and what even are they? We also catch up on our fitness goals and progr...

Season 2 Episode 4: Budgeting for Competitors

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode, we talk about how to budget for competitions. While competitions can be so fun and rewarding, they can be pricey!!! We go th...

Season 2 Episode 3: What to Expect on Your First Prep

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Bikini Things to girls sit down to talk about what to expect your first time competing! Kaley and Laura shared their experiences wh...

Season 2 Episode 2: Fitness During COVID

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Bikini Things, the girls share what they have been doing to stay active and positive during this global pandemic, as well as how th...

Season 2 Episode 1: Welcome Back Bikini Things!

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Bikini Things is back after a year hiatus! Find out more about our two new additions to the podcast, Kaley Houdyshell and Michelle Edwards and find ou...

Episode 35: What to expect on show day

13 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode Jamie and Laura revisit audience submitted topic “what to expect on show day”! We talk about everything from the timing of the day...

Episode #34: Surviving break ups on or off prep

28 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bikini Things is back! On this episode of Bikini Things new co-host Jamie D. and I talk about surviving break ups and dating disappointments, and how ...

Episode #33: Off Season Update

08 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the podcast, I give an update on my current eating/training routine and some short and medium term goals. I also have a fe...

Episode #32: Binge Eating

01 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast I sit down with friend and roomie Jackie Smith to talk about common issues for competitors often not talked about: comp...

Episode #31: Cultivating Strong Friendships

24 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast I sit down with friend Jamie Davis and roommate Mary Kate Brelsford to talk about how to seek out, develop, and maintai...

Episode #30: Off Season Thoughts

17 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the podcast, I share my own thoughts and feelings as I transition from what most would call a successful competition seaso...

Episode #29: Social Media Q&A

12 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast, I answer all your questions sent in on IG. Want to know when I’m competing next, what my last meal is, or where I'm ...

Episode #28: New Year, New Me

03 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It’s new year fit friends! On this week’s episode I talk about goal and resolution setting for the new year, how to do it, and what I have in the ...

Episode #27 Part 2: Booty Building with Silken Smooth

17 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Silken Kennedy is a trainer at UFC gym Costa Mesa, CA. She combines a variety of workout styles to get her clients results, and is known for her amazi...

Episode #27 Part 1: Booty Building with Silken Smooth

17 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Silken Kennedy is a trainer at UFC gym Costa Mesa, CA. She combines a variety of workout styles to get her clients results, and is known for her amazi...

Episode #26 Part 2: Growth Mindset

11 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Schleich is an engineering manager at a controls automation firm based in Irvine, California. His work involves coaching, building confidence, a...