In today’s episode of Bikinis After Babies, we are sitting down and sharing the details, mindset shifts and emotional journey as we make our return to the stage this month! This episode covers Mandy’s plans to compete in Arkansas September 12th after more than two years away, while Gillian’s shares the story of her experience at her recent show in Oklahoma, the first show of her 2026 Pro Bikini season after a year-long building season and under the guidance of a new coach. Through this conversation, Mandy and Gillian share strategies and insights into the physical and the mental side of competing, how to handle past experiences when your body, feedback, and expectations do not all line up and what it takes to present your physique after months of hard work, sacrifice and dedication.
The episode is a reminder that while preparing to compete is hard, the growth, health, and discipline behind it are invaluable, even when placements do not go as hoped. Listen in as we get honest about prep timelines, hormone recovery after IVF, stage-day nerves, and how much of bikini competition comes down to timing, presentation, and judging panel dynamics. Whether you yourself compete or plan to one day or just want the real story behind what goes into a prep and show day, this episode is packed with perspective and authentic emotion.
We hope that you enjoyed this episode and if so, we would LOVE it if you would rate, subscribe, and leave us reviews on how this podcast has helped you 💕 We’d also love to hear from you about future topics you would like us to discuss so please leave us a comment or reach out to us with your questions and suggestions!
About Momshell Method Fitness:
Ready to embark on your fitness journey? We would love to help you reach any fitness goal from losing the baby weight to crushing your competition goals!
Follow this link to schedule a discovery call with one of our team members and learn how Momshell Method Fitness can provide you with the tools you need to be successful with customized nutrition and training plans for busy moms →
http://bit.ly/loseweightgetsexy
Contact your hosts:
Mandy Rochon
Facebook: Mandy Rochon
Gillian Hughes, IFBB Bikini Pro
Facebook: Gillian Hughes
Mandy’s Posing Sessions
Posing with Gillian Hughes, IFBB Bikini Pro
Nuethyx Formulations Supplements →
(Use code “Momshell” to save 10% off your order)
(Use code “GILLIAN” or code “MANDY” to save 10% off your order)
(Use code “GILLIAN10” to save 10% off your order)
(Use code “MOMSHELL” to save 10% off your order)
(Use code “momshell” to save 15% off your order)
Our Amazon storefront- fitness outfits, more supplements, beauty items and competition needs →
https://amzn.to/46GL1nd
What is Bikinis After Babies?
Bikinis After Babies is the one and only podcast where real moms talk about their bodybuilding contest experiences. We are sharing the inside scoop, the nitty-gritty, the hardships and the victories as we navigate the rigors of competition prep while juggling family and careers. We’ll be joined by IFBB bikini pros who share their incredible stories of managing many responsibilities as athletes while defying stereotypes as women who compete in bikinis after babies!
Whether you’re a new mom thinking about stepping on stage for the first time, or a mom looking for inspo and insight on how to manage contest prep as a busy mom, this podcast offers helpful tips and inspiring stories for moms with big goals!! Make sure to rate, subscribe, and leave us a review to let us know how much this podcast has helped you 💕
About Momshell Method Fitness:
Ready to embark on your fitness journey? We would love to help you reach any fitness goal from losing the baby weight to crushing your competition goals!
Follow this link to schedule a discovery call with one of our team members and learn how Momshell Method Fitness can provide you with the tools you need to be successful with customized nutrition and training plans for busy moms → http://bit.ly/loseweightgetsexy
Mandys Posing Sessions
1:1 In Person (KC Posing Studio) → https://bit.ly/inpersonposingwithmandy
1:1 Virtual Posing → https://bit.ly/virtualposingwithmandy
Posing with Gillian Hughes, IFBB Bikini Pro
1:1 In Person (St Louis Posing Studio) → https://bit.ly/stlposingwithgillianifbbpro
1:1 Virtual Posing → https://bit.ly/virtualposingwithgillianifbbpro
Contact your hosts:
Mandy Rochon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandyrochonfitness/
Facebook: Mandy Rochon
Gillian Hughes, IFBB Bikini Pro
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillianhughes_momshell/
Facebook: Gillian Hughes
Momshell Method Fitness Supplements → https://www.momshell-method-fitness.myshopify.com
(Use code “BAB” to save 15% off your order)
Toxic Angelz Bikinis → https://toxicangelzbikinis.com
(Use code “GILLIAN” or code “MANDY” to save 15% off your order)
Squeeze Me Skinny Waist Trainers → https://www.squeezmeskinny.com
(Use code “MOMSHELL” to save 10% off your order)
The Shoe Fairy competition heels → https://www.shoefairyofficial.com
(Use code “momshell” to save 15% off your order)
Labwork and Personalized Recommendations: Practitioner Depot: https://bit.ly/practitionerdepotxmomshell (Use code “momshell” to save 5% off your order)
Our Amazon storefront- fitness outfits, more supplements, beauty items and competition needs → https://amzn.to/3zySJ4C