Podcast Summary: Living The Red Life – Episode with Whitney Jones

Release Date: August 4, 2025
Episode Title: 3x Ms. Olympia Champion on Winning While Broken w/ Whitney Jones
Host: Rudy Mawer (Ray Gutierrez)

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of Living The Red Life, host Ray Gutierrez sits down with Whitney Jones, a three-time Ms. Olympia Champion, entrepreneur, author, and dedicated mother. Whitney shares her extraordinary journey of entering the competitive fitness world at an atypical age, overcoming numerous physical challenges, and building a multifaceted career—all while maintaining her role as a single parent.

Late Start and Overcoming Physical Challenges

Whitney Jones begins by highlighting her unconventional entry into the fitness arena. At [00:00], she reveals, “I was 34 getting into this sport, and at 34, that is not normal. Most of the people I'm competing against are in their 20s.” This late start was accompanied by severe physical setbacks, including breaking nearly every bone in her body and undergoing 18 surgeries. Despite these challenges, Whitney defied the odds, becoming the first mother to win the Olympia title in any division—a fact she discovered only after her victory.

Notable Quote:
“I should have never been a pro athlete. I should have never qualified for Olympia.” — Whitney Jones [14:16]

Motivation: Competing Against Herself

Whitney emphasizes that her drive stemmed from a personal desire to compete against herself rather than impressing judges or peers. This internal motivation is a recurring theme throughout her story.

Notable Quote:
“I competed not to impress the judges. I did it to compete against myself.” — Whitney Jones [14:16]

She discusses how this mindset allowed her to push beyond her perceived limitations, stating, “when you're looking at and judging your level of success, that's on you” [14:47].

Early Life and Self-Discovery

Whitney reflects on her upbringing in Arizona, highlighting the values instilled by her parents—richness in love and family rather than financial wealth. Growing up with two older brothers, Whitney was constantly challenged to develop new skills, fostering her resilience and work ethic.

Notable Quote:
“I was born in Mississippi, but we moved out to Arizona when I was really young... we were rich in love and that we had all the basic necessities in life.” — Whitney Jones [03:47]

These early experiences laid the foundation for her ability to navigate life’s challenges and carve out her own path.

Athletic Journey: From Daunting Dares to Olympia Champion

Whitney’s athletic prowess was cultivated through relentless challenges posed by her brothers. She describes how attempting feats like cartwheels and aerials without formal training honed her determination and visual learning skills.

Notable Quote:
“I would spend days trying to learn this skill and just eat it and, like, face plant and just literally kind of destroying myself.” — Whitney Jones [07:58]

Her foray into fitness competitions began as a dare, leading her to discover a passion for physique competitions and eventually specializing in breakdancing routines. This unexpected niche became a significant factor in her success.

Notable Quote:
“It's like a beauty pageant with muscles, honestly.” — Whitney Jones [10:00]

Despite entering the sport without prior interest, Whitney quickly became immersed, leading to her qualification and eventual victory at the Olympia.

Achieving Success Against the Odds

Whitney attributes her success to having no expectations and focusing solely on self-improvement. Her approach allowed her to excel despite the physical injuries that should have sidelined her career.

Notable Quote:
“I truly believe my success in this specific area of my life as an athlete, I was successful because I had zero expectations.” — Whitney Jones [13:19]

She shares remarkable stories of competing with severe injuries, including a broken neck and a torn ACL, yet still securing a world championship title.

Notable Quote:
“I've had 18 surgeries. Even before I won my first world championship title, I broke my neck.” — Whitney Jones [14:16]

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Business Acumen

Transitioning from athletics, Whitney delves into her entrepreneurial spirit, which was evident from her early hustles like car washing and babysitting. Her passion for fitness led her to open her own gym despite having no prior experience.

Notable Quote:
“I just knew there is a purpose... I don't know what the path is or why I'm going this direction.” — Whitney Jones [18:15]

Within a year and a half, she successfully established her own fitness center, demonstrating her ability to pivot and thrive in new ventures.

Whitney also discusses her current focus on Whitney Jones Productions, which organizes major fitness competitions in Arizona, particularly catering to amateurs and youth. Her commitment to empowering the next generation is a testament to her dedication beyond personal achievements.

Authorship and Empowerment

In January 2025, Whitney published her book, "When Broken", after a four-year writing journey. The book centers on empowerment, motivating readers to overcome obstacles and reject a victim mentality.

Notable Quote:
"Whatever obstacles you're facing, you have the option to be a victim or to overcome and be a sense of motivation to go..." — Whitney Jones [21:38]

Her experiences have resonated deeply with athletes and individuals striving to triumph over personal hardships, reinforcing her message of resilience and self-belief.

Balancing Personal Life and Legacy

As a single mother of two boys, Whitney emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family while managing multiple business ventures. She underscores the significance of creating a lasting legacy through her diverse roles as an athlete, entrepreneur, and author.

Notable Quote:
"I did not let life's circumstances dictate who I was going to be. I dictated who I was going to be." — Whitney Jones [21:38]

Her narrative serves as an inspiration for listeners to take control of their destinies, regardless of the challenges they face.

Conclusion

Whitney Jones’ story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness through self-motivation and resilience. From overcoming severe injuries to building successful businesses and authoring an empowering book, Whitney embodies the essence of Living The Red Life—living with passion, purpose, and perseverance.

Closing Quote:
"I will be creating my own legacy, which is to be determined because there's so many things I still want to accomplish." — Whitney Jones [22:22]

This episode not only chronicles Whitney's remarkable achievements but also offers valuable lessons on self-belief, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passions.