Katie Austin | How She Got the Sports Illustrated Cover (After 4 Tries!) & Why She Swears by 20-Min Workouts!

#844. After hitting it off last weekend at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit event, Kaitlyn and Katie Austin are back together—this time in LA—for a real, raw, and refreshing conversation! Katie opens up about her inspiring path from college athlete to SI Rookie of the Year (with her best friend, no less!), and how years of rejections led to the “yes” that changed everything.

They talk about the power of female friendships in a competitive industry, finding your confidence after feeling lost in your 20s, what it really takes to prep for a major photo shoot (hint: no crash diets here), and Katie’s passion for helping women feel strong, not restricted. Plus, growing up with her mom—fitness legend Denise Austin—and how that shaped her approach to food, movement, and mindset today.

This is one of those episodes that’ll leave you smiling, motivated, and ready to eat the damn bagel.

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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 

• (4:35) Katie shares how she finally landed the Sports Illustrated cover — after four years of “no.” A vulnerable and inspiring story of perseverance and rejection turned into success.
• (23:55) The “70% Rule” that changed Katie’s mindset on fitness, food, and life. This practical philosophy helps her stay consistent without aiming for perfection.
• (30:40) Why Katie swears by 20-minute workouts and how she actually fits them into her day. Her take on efficient movement that works for real schedules and real people.

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