JAMIE ARICK

Today's guest is Jamie Arick, IFBB Bikini Pro, mom, wife, businesswoman, and someone whose life has taken her through some pretty unexpected chapters. She has a bachelor's degree in Business Management and 15 years of experience in sales and sales leadership, but she sees her most important roles as the ones she holds at home—as a mom to her 14-year-old son, Connor, and her 6-year-old stepdaughter, Oaklynn, and as a wife. She grew up playing volleyball and has always had an athletic side, but her bodybuilding journey didn't begin until 2023 when she stepped onstage for the first time at the Dexter Jackson Classic. Since then, she's experienced wins, setbacks, an offseason, a wedding, changes in coaching, motherhood, and the challenge of balancing a career and family with the demands of bodybuilding. And this year, after winning her Masters class and overall at the Nevada State, she headed to Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh after being one placing away from her pro card at universe and took it home in Pittsburgh . But there's a lot more to Jamie's story than bodybuilding. She's been open about navigating divorce as a young woman, being a single mom, aspects of her childhood, as well as more recently being diagnosed with depression.   Quick recap This was a podcast interview between Celeste and Jamie Eric, an IFBB Bikini Pro who recently won her pro card at Master's Nationals in Pittsburgh after placing one spot away from her pro card at Universe. Jamie shared her journey from a single mother in her 20s to becoming a competitive bodybuilder, discussing how her athletic background in volleyball helped transition her mindset to competing. She explained how bodybuilding transformed her relationship with food and nutrition, moving from casual drinking and eating to a structured approach that improved her overall health. Jamie also discussed the impact on her family, particularly her husband who provides extensive support during competitions, and how her parents' initial skepticism about her chosen sport eventually turned into support after she achieved her goals. They discussed Jamie's journey from her childhood growing up in a Baptist preacher household to becoming a professional bodybuilder. Jamie shared how her parents' divorce and addiction issues didn't derail her successful career in sales and bodybuilding, explaining that both parents were intelligent and influential in positive ways despite the challenging circumstances. They discussed her brief marriage at 21 and subsequent divorce by 24, which she attributed to immaturity rather than her family background affecting her marriage outlook. Jamie described her role as a stepmom to her husband's 18-month-old daughter and later his 8-9 year old son, finding the transition seamless due to her previous experience with the younger child. The conversation covered Jamie's recent diagnosis of depression and how medication has significantly improved her mental health, leading her to publicly share her experience to help others recognize similar symptoms. They discussed her viral Instagram story about leaving a job due to her employer's wife being uncomfortable with her fitness content, where Jamie refused to make her account private, ultimately leading to her resignation. Jamie detailed her bodybuilding career progression, including her decision to leave her previous coach and join Fit Body Fusion, working with coach Drew for her pro preparation. She described her recent pro card win at Masters Nats after coming second at Universe, explaining how she used a "what if" mindset to convince herself to compete again despite her disappointment. The interview concluded with Jamie's current training focusing on glute development and her goals for pro competition, including potentially competing at the Tampa Pro show, while maintaining her active sponsorships with Global Formulas, Toxic Angels Bikinis, and Rogers Rice.   Stage Preparation and Performance Routine Celeste interviewed Jamie Eric about her stage preparation routine. Jamie shared that her husband texts her encouraging messages before her shows, reminding her to think of performing as if it's just for him, which helps with her stage nerves. Jamie explained that her husband handles all aspects of her DIY protein routine and show logistics, reflecting his entrepreneurial mindset of striving to be the best at whatever endeavor they pursue. <h3 id="51e1436b-75dd-4cbc-8570-77467f71f787" data-indent="0" data-toc-id="51e143