In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Jessica McLaughlin, an active duty officer in the U.S. Air Force and former NFL Cheerleader for the New York Jets. During the 2024 season, Jessica claimed three overall NPC titles and placed 5th at the 2024 Ben Weider Natural Pro Qualifier before earning her IFBB Pro card at the 2025 North Americans.

Jessica shares her journey as a natural competitor, how her faith influences her approach to bodybuilding, and the lessons she’s learned about discipline, patience, and perspective both on and off the stage. We also talk about her transition from cheerleading to bodybuilding, balancing military life with prep, and how she keeps her priorities aligned with her values.

TOPICS COVERED

-Being a natural competitor

-Competing as a Christian

-Nailing your reverse

-Overcoming instant gratification

-The importance of early posing practice

-Using a dance background to enhance presentation

-Keeping perspective on what’s truly hard

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_sbk/

TIME STAMPS

1:00 introduction

5:00 competing as a Christian

10:17 perspective on bikini division

13:18 focus for off season

20:57 growing from 2021 to 2024

24:56 advocating for staying natural

31:18 the pressure to keep up

37:31 lessons from bodybuilding

40:17 red hair on stage & posing

51:33 getting comfortable in heels

61:29 being an NFL cheerleader

66:08 joining the air force

72:54 balancing the military and bodybuilding

86:55 advice for competitors

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