BEN YOSEF: Where do we even start!? [laughs] So, when the cover for this issue of Natural Bikini first released you were a Bikini Amateur and Evening Gown Pro. Since then, you have earned your Bikini Pro Card and even competed as a Pro in Bikini! And also made your Evening Gown Pro Debut! All in 2022! How are you feeling about your 2022 IPL season?

MEGAN ROARK: I feel amazing about my 2022 season! Since my first IPL competition, I knew I was coming back for my Pro Card in Bikini. A pandemic and a baby later, I finally achieved that goal. Even though I placed 5th in Pro Bikini, I was so excited to be on that stage!

     For 2023, I am focusing more on building muscle and furthering my education in fitness and nutrition. I am excited to bring a new package the next time I hit the stage!

BEN: Love it! You have certainly come a long way! And it was awesome having you make your Pro Debut in that lineup! So, a little throwback here! [laughs] The May 2021 California Championship was the moment where I was like geez, Megan is really progressing. Of course, it would be a year and a half and a couple shows later before you nailed that Pro Card, but I saw the tide shifting for you at that 2021 show. You placed 3rd in a stacked Bikini Open Class A. Which is very respectable, although I’m sure not quite as high a placement as you would have liked. What was it like for you competing at that show? And of course, you would earn yet another victory in Bikini Mommas, taking the Under One Year Old class as well as the Overall title. Since the beginning you have been like the queen of Bikini Mommas! Taking tons of 1st place spots and Overall titles. What is it like being so victorious in this division and setting that example for mothers? Also, what sort of things did you do differently to start turning that corner with your physique and presentation?

MEGAN: I LOVE the Bikini Mommas division.   Before I was even pregnant, my goal was to do Bikini Mommas 0-1. I think it is so inspiring. I was ok with 3rd in that Open class because I did a lot of hard work to get on that stage while my daughter was 11 months. I started prep with Kat Ryan when my daughter was 5 months. She really helped me build muscle while still being able to nurse. Having a coach who gave me a customized meal plan was the best thing for me! I did a lot of workouts from home and also took my daughter on a lot of long walks. I felt good about the balance of being a mom and being part of a competition prep.

     My first show, I have to admit, I knew NOTHING about posing. I panicked once I was in California for my show. I had no idea how much went into it. I have studied and studied videos on how to pose. I would get on the stair climber and watch competitions to see each competitor’s style. I would say that at this point, I am self-taught and have work to do. But I’ve been helping a lot of women with posing along the way. Also, a show day is the best you will look and feel. Regardless of how you place, you are so proud of yourself for getting there! That confidence boost absolutely shows on the stage!

BEN: What was the feeling like in Sacramento at the West Coast Pro/Am last October, finally earning that Bikini Pro Card? And was it a tough decision to hop on stage with the Pros for your Pro Debut? That was a tough Pro class by the way! And what was it like for you in the Pro class?