Atlas Podcast

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined once again by Team Atlas Lifestyle & Posing coach Victoria Schmidt for a wide ranging conversation covering her experience competing at the 2026 Fit Model Olympia, the feedback she received, and whether she plans to compete again.
We break down the Fit Model Olympia results, the judging criteria, why genetics play such a significant role at the highest level, and what makes the division so important for the future of bodybuilding. We also dive into the Bikini Olympia results, sharing my thoughts on the top placings, judging decisions, and how th...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined by Team Atlas Lifestyle & Posing coach Victoria Schmidt for a wide ranging conversation on her upcoming Fit Model debut at the Toronto Pro, what makes this new division so exciting, and the details that will separate the best from the rest on stage. We break down why stage presence, confidence, and truly owning your space may matter more in Fit Model than in any other division, along with why this category is bringing many athletes back to competing.
We also dive into practical coaching topics like getting stage le...

Atlas Podcast #30 | IFBB Pro Sabra Young & James Ayotte
In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined once again by IFBB Bikini Pro and Team Atlas coach Sabra Young for a wide ranging conversation covering everything from the 2026 Arnold Classic Bikini results to the mindset athletes need to handle both winning and losing at the highest level.
We break down the Arnold placings in detail and dive into the judging logic behind the placings. From there, we get into how athletes tie their self worth to placings, why that mindset can destroy long term progress, and ho...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined by IFBB Bikini Pro and Team Atlas coach Sabra Young for a conversation covering Olympia experiences, judging momentum, and the realities of contest prep at the highest level.
We break down topics like dietary fats in prep, evolving bikini standards, glute density trends, and the future of the Fit Model division, along with the mindset and lifestyle required for long term success in bodybuilding.
We also dive into hormones, PED misconceptions, and practical coaching insights that shape athlete progress over time.
To close, I share the fu...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined once again by IFBB Bikini Pro and Team Atlas coach Sabra for a wide ranging conversation covering everything from the new Olympia points system to the evolution of the Fit Model division.

We dive deep into why the revamped qualification process will raise the standard of competition, the challenges of peaking athletes at massive shows like the Olympia, and how the prestige of earning that stage spot is being restored.

Sabra and I also discuss the fine line of co...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined by IFBB Bikini Pro and Team Atlas coach Sabra Young for a brutally honest—and funny—conversation on everything from glute development and judging trends to the harsh realities of contest prep.
We start with a recap of the 2025 New York Pro, breaking down why glute density is becoming the dominant factor at the top level—and what that means for shorter versus taller athletes going into the Olympia. Sabra and I also talk about coaching dynamics, athlete psychology, and the challenge of managing body image and self-doubt during p...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with licensed therapist, counselor, and Team Atlas posing coach, Lina Gharapetian, for an in-depth discussion on the mental and emotional challenges athletes face in bodybuilding.
We dive into the psychological side of competition, breaking down how to build emotional resilience, manage anxiety during prep, and shift from a perfectionist mindset to one that prioritizes progress and long-term success. Lina shares her expertise on how competitors can develop a strong, balanced mentality and avoid common mental pitfalls that derail their journey.
We also cover the importance of posing...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with IFBB Bikini Pro Sabra and talk about the realities of coaching, building a business, and balancing life as a mom. We cover the challenges of starting from the ground up, staying accountable post-show, and why reverse dieting is crucial for both performance and health. Sabra shares the importance of connecting with clients, building trust, and handling setbacks without letting imposter syndrome take over. Plus, we chat about some of the wild side quests that come with running a business and navigating life as competitors and coaches. Expect laughs...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with my long-time friend and renowned coach, Chris Gurunlian, to discuss the exciting new Fit Model division recently announced by Tyler Manion. We dive deep into the evolution of bodybuilding categories, exploring how this new division aims to provide a more attainable and entry-level option for aspiring competitors while growing the sport as a whole.
Chris shares his personal journey, from skepticism to full support, reflecting on how new divisions like Men’s Physique and Wellness initially faced criticism but ultimately flourished. Together, we analyze the potential impact of...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with Bikini Olympia Champion Ariana Brothers to reflect on her post-Olympia thoughts and discuss what’s next in her competitive career. We dive into your questions, exploring topics like whether you should tell your coach if you’ve deviated from your plan, how to determine if you’re truly ready to compete, and when postponing a show might be the better option. Ariana and I highlight the importance of honesty in the coach-athlete relationship, explaining how withholding details—like untracked refeeds—can disrupt your prep and compromise your results.
We al...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined by Bikini Olympia Champion Isa Pecini for an in-depth look at her final preparations leading into the 2024 Olympia. As we gear up for the big event, we share our insights on maintaining peak conditioning while managing stress, the challenges of peaking at the perfect time, and how she’s balancing her training and diet just two weeks out from the stage. We discuss the 'less is more' approach to peaking an athlete and the strategies we’ve implemented to ensure Isa’s physique is dialed in for the biggest competit...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with top Olympian Ariana Brothers as she opens up about her journey in the bodybuilding world, the ups and downs, and what it truly takes to succeed at the highest level. Ariana shares her personal struggles, from feeling lost after tough competitions to making a pivotal decision to switch coaches in pursuit of winning the Bikini Olympia title.

We dive into her previous challenges with peaking, trusting the process, and how small changes completely transformed her look on stage. We also reflect on the importance of...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with IFBB Pro Prescilla Deschenes, an athlete I’ve had the privilege of coaching for nearly three years. Prescilla opens up about her journey from amateur to pro, sharing the discipline, mindset shifts, and personal challenges she faced along the way. We discuss what it really takes to act like a pro before you even earn the title, including the importance of posing practice, balancing aesthetics, and the mental game behind achieving success in bodybuilding.

Prescilla also reflects on overcoming an eating disorder and how competing he...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined by Claire for an insightful discussion on a variety of topics. We explore the logistics and challenges of in-person consultations during the busy competition season. We also dive into the intricacies of online check-ins, sharing how our team continues to produce top athletes year after year, even when managing multiple shows across different time zones.

Additionally, Claire and I talk about training and nutrition for athletes during pregnancy, highlighting the balance between staying active and ensuring a healthy pregnancy. We cover the importance of po...

In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, Victoria Schmidt and I discuss the Toronto Pro, highlighting our athlete Maxine Somov, who won the Pro Bikini class and qualified for the 2024 Olympia. We dive into why she will be a top bikini athlete, focusing on both her physical and mental attributes. Additionally, we cover various topics, including my plan to clone myself, lol. We hope you enjoy the discussion!

The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube
Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple
Google Podcast: bit.ly...

In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we welcome back Victoria Schmidt for an in-depth conversation about self-respect—what it means, its importance, and how it profoundly influences everything and everyone around you. We hope you enjoy the discussion!
The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube
Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple
Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com
James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com
Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl &
@teamatlaslifestyle
James on Fa...

In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we welcome back Victoria Schmidt for an in-depth conversation about self-respect—what it means, its importance, and how it profoundly influences everything and everyone around you. We hope you enjoy the discussion!
The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube
Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple
Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com
James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com
Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl &
@teamatlaslifestyle
James on Fa...

In this podcast, recorded in January 2024, we discuss various subjects with Isa Pecini. We delve into Isa's future competing plans and goals, as well as her past struggles with anorexia. From my coaching perspective, we also analyze Isa as an athlete and we compare her previous preparations to the methods we currently use for her offseason, preps, and peak weeks. Isa shares her emotional journey, from the highs of winning to the lows of losing the Olympia. This podcast was particularly enjoyable for me because Isa is a very kind and genuine person. It also marks her first English...

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, we dive into the world of weight management and body optimization with Kelley Wright, MD, and IFBB Bikini Pro. With her 25 years of medical experience, Dr. Wright illuminates the science and myths about Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Ozempic, and Wegovy. We share personal stories, discuss the effects of hormones like leptin and ghrelin, highlight the true benefits, and clear up myths, such as muscle loss and 'Ozempic face.' Furthermore, Dr. Wright offers insights into the specific challenges bodybuilders face, from reading bloodwork and managing liver enzymes to balancing hormones. The conversation also covers...

In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we are joined by Olympia and IFBB Pro Judge Rudy Jambrosic. We discuss various topics, including Rudy's extensive experience in the sport, his history as a competitor, his preferred category to judge, strategies for interpreting judges' feedback, the key criteria judges consider in the bikini division, the significance of posing, the importance of the overall look of a bikini athlete, and a discussion on the elusive "it" factor. Please let us know in the comments section on YouTube if you have any questions or if you enjoyed this episode with Rudy! Thank...

In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we cover the following topics: Do we select athletes with the best potential and understanding what 'potential' means, becoming a coachable athlete, the requirements for joining Team Atlas, the reasons behind my price increase, ADHD/Adderall, and Lina’s therapy sessions. We hope you enjoy it!

The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle Stay Connected: Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com Team Atlas on In...

In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we discuss key topics: Should you consider working with a new coach if your current one hasn't changed your diet for a long period? We explore the reasons behind body weight plateauing, the signs that indicate a need for increased food intake, how to properly plan and when to end a competition season, the average measurements and body fat percentages for bikini athletes, and the pros and cons of online versus in-person coaching. We hope you enjoy it!

The Atlas Podcast is available on:
 
YouTube: bit.ly/A...

In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we discuss transitioning from being an amateur to an IFBB pro, the importance of beauty for a bikini athlete, the necessity of choosing a reputable suit company, selecting suit colors for different skin tones, and maintaining bodybuilding as a constant during hard times. We hope you enjoy it!

The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube

Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify

Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple

Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas W...

In our latest episode of the Atlas podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. LeBlanc, a former chemical engineer turned renowned plastic surgeon. We dive into a range of fascinating topics, including:

1. Dr.LeBlanc's unique journey from chemical engineering to medicine.

2. Dr.LeBlanc's extensive experience as a surgeon, including the number of breast augmentations performed.

3. Insights into the duration and cost of breast augmentation surgery.

4. How to determine the appropriate size (ccs) for implants.

5. Balancing patient desires with ethical considerations and realistic outcomes.

6. The choice...

In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we discuss maximizing your offseason, reverse dieting, binge eating after shows, athletes cheating the system when signing up for shows, and dealing with loose skin in competitions. We hope you enjoy it!

The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube

Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify

Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple

Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com

...

In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, we discuss relationships and bodybuilding, supporting partners, the differences between alpha females and males, and leading in relationships. We hope you enjoy it!

The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube

Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify

Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple

Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com

James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com 

Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl & @teama...

In this episode of the Atlas podcast, we explain why it's crucial to assess an athlete's training intensity and form, and how we do it at Team Atlas. We also explore the distinctions between bikini and wellness coaching, coaching both men and women, and the characteristics of our easiest and most challenging clients. Additionally, we discuss the topic of breast implants and competing in the bikini category. The topic of discussing breast implants and competition can be somewhat taboo, but let's look into the statistics in case there are any disputes surrounding this subject.

Top 10 O...

In this episode, I'm joined by my executive assistant, Claire Huysseindijan, and we discuss her role on Team Atlas and more!

The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube

Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify

Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple

Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com

James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com

Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl & @teamatlaslifestyle

1. What First-Time Competitors Need to Know. 2. The Pros and Cons of Hiring an Affordable Coach. 3. Do Athletes Need to Starve Themselves? Debunking Myths. 4. Competing in 10 Shows to Qualify for the Olympia - Is It Worth It? 5. The Evolution of the Bikini Category in Bodybuilding. 6. The Importance of Peak Week: Carbing Up and Show Day. The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle Stay Connected: Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl & @teamatlaslifestyle James...

In this episode, we discuss:

1. What First-Time Competitors Need to Know.

2. The Pros and Cons of Hiring an Affordable Coach.

3. Do Athletes Need to Starve Themselves? Debunking Myths.

4. Competing in 10 Shows to Qualify for the Olympia - Is It Worth It?

5. The Evolution of the Bikini Category in Bodybuilding.

6. The Importance of Peak Week: Carbing Up and Show Day.

The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube

Spotify: bit.ly...

In this episode, we discuss: - Genetics' role in competition and achieving pro status. - A spotlight on Isa Pecini: her changes and mindset. - Exploring the entrepreneur mindset: what sets us apart? - The real pros and cons of entrepreneurship. - What it takes to be a top-level coach. The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle
Stay Connected: Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl & @teamatlaslifestyle James on Facebook: https...

In this episode, we address:

• Reverse Dieting: An exploration into its significance and implementation.

• Beginning in Coaching: Essential considerations for those aspiring to the profession.

• Becoming a Coach: Key strategies and guidelines for achieving coaching success.

• Bikini Athlete Posing: Determining the best time to start learning how to pose.

• Belt and Waist Trainers: Evaluating their efficacy and best-use practices.

The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPo...

Atlas Podcast Episode 1: Getting to Know Fitness & Competition

Jump into the first episode of the Atlas Podcast with hosts James Ayotte and Victoria Schmidt! In this kick-off episode:

• James and Victoria share a bit about themselves.

• They chat about Isa Pecini's time at the Texas and Klash shows.

• They give some tips and tricks on handling a big coaching team.

• Plus, hear their thoughts on the right mindset needed to compete in fitness.

The Atlas Podcast is available on: YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube Spotify: bit.ly/A...