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April 19th, 2026

393. Women Who Did: Competed in Mrs. America, featuring Brenda

  1. 393. Women Who Did: Competed in Mrs. America, featuring Brenda Esther Avant 35:29

Brenda Ridgley never imagined herself competing in a pageant, but a chance conversation in 2020 led her to enter Mrs. America and step far outside her comfort zone.

In this episode of the To Your Health podcast, Brenda shares what it looked like to go from an immediate “no” to fully committing, including six months of preparation, hiring a coach, and navigating the vulnerability of putting herself out there in a completely new way.

We also talk about what surprised her most about the experience, the supportive community she found, and how the process ultimately inspired her to write a book and build a platform centered around connection and women’s friendships.

Brenda Ridgley is the Connection Connoisseur. A Mindvalley certified life coach, author, speaker, and girlfriend guru, Brenda loves helping women who seek Clarity, find success, and discover joy through connection. Her mission is to support women who have lost themselves in their roles as wife, mother and professional and help them connect to their passions, purpose and people. Through her retreats, workshops, Coaching, and podcast ~ Find Your Lady Tribe, Brenda helps women connect and communicate with respect, Love, and trust.

https://www.wholeyou-niverse.com/

https://www.facebook.com/brendaridgleyconnections

https://www.facebook.com/groups/savetheworldsister

Tune in each week for practical, relatable advice that helps you feel your best and unlock your full potential. If you’re ready to prioritize your health and level up every area of your life, you’ll find the tools, insights, and inspiration right here. 

Check out Esther’s website for more about her speaking, coaching, book, and more: http://estheravant.com/

Buy Esther’s Book: To Your Health: https://a.co/d/iDG68qU

Esther’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esther.avant

Esther’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estheravant/

Learn more about 1:1 health & weight loss coaching: https://madebymecoaching.com/coaching 

Esther Avant Health & Weight Loss Coach

Esther Avant is a health industry veteran with over 17 years of experience in fitness, nutrition, and wellness related roles. She is a certified sports nutritionist, personal trainer, wellness coach, and owner of EA Coaching, which has provided holistic health & lifestyle coaching since 2015.

Her mission is to help women live their happiest, healthiest, and most confident lives and to change the fact that the majority of women are so preoccupied with their weight and bodies that they never fully pursue their passions. She knows that if more women prioritized their health, they’d be able to unleash the confidence and focus they all need to leave their mark on the world

Esther is also a boy mom and Navy wife who has lived and traveled all over the world while running her EA Coaching.