Pursuit of Wellness

Ep. 191: This episode includes discussion of infertility and pregnancy loss—please listen with care. Today’s episode is a special conversation with Dr. Molly Burrets, a clinical psychologist and professor at USC, about the deeply personal and often invisible experience of reproductive grief. Dr. Molly struggled with infertility herself, facing miscarriage, a TFMR, and ultimately pursuing IVF abroad. Having made it through to the other side, she shares what these experiences taught her—about grief, resilience, and what it means to be truly supported. Anyone navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, or supporting someone through it will get a lot from this conversation. ____________________ Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Dr. Molly’s Instagram click here! Sponsored By: - Get $100 credit toward your Function membership—only for the first 1,000! Sign up at functionhealth.com/pow. - Sleep cooler & lounge lighter this summer. Get 40% off at cozyearth.com with code PURSUIT—comfort you’ll feel instantly. - Try the healthiest red meat on the planet. Visit mauinuivenison.com/pow to access our favorite cuts—limited supply, wild-harvested, stress-free. - Upgrade your kitchen with non-toxic, modern cookware from Caraway. Get 10% off at carawayhome.com/Mari10 or use code MARI10—exclusively for our listeners. - Sleep better with Eight Sleep. Get $350 off Pod 4 Ultra at eightsleep.com/pow with code POW. - Experience clear, radiant skin with CLEARSTEM. Visit clearstem.com/pow for 20% off your first purchase of science-backed, holistic skincare. - Get better sleep, smoother hair, and glowing skin with Blissy. Use code POWPOD for 30% off at blissy.com/POWPOD. ____________________ Show Links: - For free resources or to work with Dr. Molly visit drmollyburrets.com - Boost your energy and focus with Bloom Sparkling Energy—a zero-sugar, 10-calorie drink with prebiotics, lychee, and natural caffeine. Topics Discussed: 00:00:00: Intro & trigger warning 00:01:45: Welcome 00:03:07: Molly’s personal story 00:04:02: Starting her family later in life 00:04:40: First miscarriage 00:05:13: TFMR (Termination for Medical Reasons) 00:07:29: Choosing IVF for genetic testing 00:10:07: IVF in Mexico vs. U.S. 00:17:56: Success with final embryo 00:20:18: Private Instagram for IVF updates 00:21:34: Setting boundaries during IVF 00:22:55: Lack of education around IVF 00:23:56: Molly's support during her struggles 00:25:37: Setting boundaries with pregnant women 00:31:39: Thoughts on viral clip about infertility 00:42:56: Group etiquette around fertility conversations 00:45:33: Competitive feelings among women around pregnancy 00:50:18: Helping friends through miscarriage 00:47:21: Struggles with secondary infertility 00:49:10: Time gap between kids 00:50:18: Healing relationship with body during pregnancy 00:52:52: Marital strain and vulnerability during infertility 01:03:11: Postpartum mental health red flags 01:05:54: Body image shifts during pregnancy 01:09:46: Grieving after abortion 01:12:06: Bittersweet emotions after conceiving through IVF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 190: This week, I’m sharing something really special: the gender of our baby. After keeping it quiet (and editing out so many slips!), I’m finally letting you in on how Greg and I found out—and how it felt in that moment. I also open up about some of the emotional challenges I’ve been facing, especially around body image and identity as my pregnancy progresses. There’s also a bit of travel talk, reflections on IVF, and updates on how I’m caring for my mental and physical wellness right now. If you’re pregnant, trying, or just curious, I hope this episode makes you feel seen. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! Sponsored By: Shop non-toxic, modern cookware at Carawayhome.com/MARI10 and get 10% off your next purchase—exclusively for our listeners. Take 20% off your first purchase of CLEARSTEM’s pore-safe, anti-acne, anti-aging skincare at clearstem.com/POW. Find natural relief with Foria’s organic period care. Get 20% off your first order at foriawellness.com/POW or use code POW. Save 15% on BON CHARGE’s Red Light Face Mask at boncharge.com with code PURSUIT—your at-home skincare upgrade starts here. Start your brand or scale your side hustle with Shopify, the platform trusted by millions. Launch yours today at shopify.com/mari. Try David Protein Bars with 28g of protein, 0g sugar, and only 150 calories. Buy 4 cartons, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/POW. Show Links: Bloom Pop is coming soon—prebiotic soda in crave-worthy flavors like Shirley Temple and strawberry cream. Bloom Greens is your daily scoop of gut health support—packed with 38 superfoods to help reduce bloat, boost energy, and aid digestion. Topics Discussed 00:08: Introduction 00:43: Recent trip to New York & dogs 8:09: 15 weeks pregnant now 8:40: Struggles with body image changes 9:58: Triggering by gym experience 12:43: Pregnancy reflections & self compassion 17:05: Preparing for trip to Europe 18:10: Getting back into weight lifting 18:40: Gender reveal! 24:05: Q&A 29:10: Baby name (Welsh) 30:13: Nursery plans & decor 32:55: Still drinking Bloom Greens during pregnancy 33:12: First trimester symptoms 36:42: Launching Bloom Pop soda on July 4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 189: Just days before her due date, Olivia Adriance joins us to share what it’s really like being pregnant as a content creator. We break down the pressure to stay productive even during pregnancy and how she’s navigating unsolicited advice with more intention than ever. Olivia also opens up about taking a two-month break from Instagram during her first trimester — a decision that helped protect her peace. It’s a conversation full of honesty, humor, and of course pregnancy cravings! Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Olivia’s Instagram click here! Sponsored By: Cook cleaner with Caraway—save 10% on non-toxic, ceramic cookware at carawayhome.com/MARI10. Safer materials, smarter kitchens, easy returns. Get 20% off your first CLEARSTEM order at clearstem.com/POW—clinically-backed skincare that targets acne and aging, without clogging pores. Experience natural period relief with Foria. Visit foriawellness.com/POW for 20% off organic, CBD-powered comfort melts and soothing salves. Transform your skincare routine in just 10 minutes a day—save 15% at boncharge.com with code PURSUIT at checkout. This is your sign to start that summer side hustle—launch your business today at shopify.com/mari. It’s easier than ever. Get your 5th carton free at davidprotein.com/POW—each David bar has 28g protein, 0g sugar, and only 150 calories. Show Links: Subscribe to Olivia’s Substack: Extra Scoop Shop Olivia’s Ebooks Support digestion, fight bloat, and boost energy with Bloom Greens—38 superfood ingredients in one delicious daily scoop. Topics discussed: 00:00:00: Intro 00:00:15: Welcome  00:01:27: How Olivia’s routine has changed since pregnancy 00:03:13: How Olivia’s love for healthy food started 00:06:44: The process behind creating and shooting a recipe 00:09:36: Food styling 00:16:07: Postpartum 00:19:32: How Olivia found out she was pregnant 00:23:21: Olivia’s pregnancy announcement 00:28:40: Unsolicited pregnancy advice 00:31:16: Pregnancy irritability 00:33:47: Pregnancy workouts 00:44:02: Pregnancy nutrition 00:48:45: Olivia’s cookbook 00:49:21: Pregnancy food hyperfixations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 188: In this episode, Greg and I are finally sharing the full story behind my pregnancy—from our IVF journey and emotional HCG scare to what it felt like watching the embryo transfer in real time. We talk about stepping back from social media, what I learned from two months offline, and how that reset helped my mental health. We also answer your questions about body image, relationship shifts, and how we’re preparing for birth, parenting, and life as a growing family. This one’s deeply personal, wildly honest, and full of moments we’ll never forget. Come listen in—I’m so excited to share this with you. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Greg’s Instagram click here! Sponsored By: Get $100 toward Function Health — the most advanced at-home lab testing. First 1000 only: functionhealth.com/pow Get 20% off Foria’s all-natural Relief Melts & Salve at foriawellness.com/POW or with code POW at checkout. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/POW and get on your way to being your best self. Sleep deeper & wake refreshed with Dream Recovery. Get an exclusive discount at dreamrecovery.io using code PURSUIT15 at checkout. Get $30 off your first Wildgrain box—plus free croissants in every box—at wildgrain.com/POW or use code POW. Skip the grocery store markup—shop Thrive Market for 30% off your first order plus a free $60 gift at thrivemarket.com/POW. Buy 4 cartons of David Protein Bars, get the 5th free—exclusively at davidprotein.com/POW. High protein, no sugar, no junk. Show Links: For a human-safe approach to home cleaning, support friend-of-the-show Branch Basics. Support digestion, fight bloat, and boost energy with Bloom Greens & Superfoods—38 ingredients packed into one delicious daily scoop. Topics discussed: 00:00:14: Mari back in the studio 00:00:55: Two month hiatus for social media 00:05:35: Embryo ranking 00:06:48: Embryo transfer 00:07:42: Finding out they’re expecting 00:12:18: Can the animals sense the pregnancy? 00:13:17: The pregnancy doesn’t feel real 00:14:50: How has your relationship evolved throughout the pregnancy? 00:23:07: Any reason for having to go through IVF? 00:24:00: Body image and pregnancy 00:26:54: Do you recommend IVF? 00:27:43: Baby’s nursery 00:29:34: Where’s Lulu? 00:30:02: Pregnancy cravings 00:32:41: Will you do IVF for future babies? 00:33:16: Biggest lesson learned giving up social media 00:36:42: Sharing your baby online 00:42:07: How thinking has shifted since expecting 00:43:37: Eating liver 00:44:09: How Mari’s workouts have changed 00:45:19: How many kids do you want? 00:45:43: How did we find out the gender 00:47:02: Birthing plan 00:48:23: Still a firm believer in pomegranate juice and seeds? 00:48:41: Home birth? 00:49:08: Transfer success advice 00:51:06: Progesterone shots 00:52:03: Due date 00:52:05: Bloom prenatal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 187: I’ve been holding onto this news for what feels like forever, and I’m finally ready to share—I’m pregnant. In this solo episode, I’m walking you through how I found out, the emotional whirlwind that followed, and what it’s been like living with a 1% chance of success. From the embryo transfer to the first ultrasounds, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the journey so far, including what I’ve been doing to stay grounded through it all. If you’re going through something uncertain or hoping for your own miracle, I hope this conversation makes you feel a little less alone. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Pursuit Network’s Instagram click here! Sponsored By: Shop non-toxic cookware at carawayhome.com/MARI10 or use code MARI for 10% off. Enjoy free shipping, easy returns, and a 30-day trial. Save 15% at boncharge.com with code PURSUIT and experience science-backed beauty with the Red Light Face Mask. Get better sleep, skin & hair with Blissy. Use code POWPOD for 30% off at blissy.com/POWPOD. Start your summer side hustle with Shopify. Build your brand today at shopify.com/mari—your business, your way. Sleep better with Eight Sleep’s Pod 4 Ultra. Get $350 off with code POW at eightsleep.com/pow. Get $100 toward Function Health — the most advanced at-home lab testing. First 1000 only: functionhealth.com/pow Show Links: Learn more about the Pursuit Network and how to join here Build strength, balance & self-love with The EMPWR Podcast Explore peak performance & brain health on The Neuro Experience Find joy, healing & real talk on For the Healthy Hoes Support gut health, immunity, and glowing skin with Bloom Colostrum—a 3-in-1 blend of colostrum, collagen, and probiotics. Topics Discussed 00:00:09: Welcome  00:04:51: Starting a podcast network 00:06:12: Embryo transfer 00:09:44: Two week waiting period 00:16:11: Finding out I’m pregnant 00:19:38: Low hCG 00:22:21: 1% chance of viable pregnancy 00:24:06: hCG rising 00:29:48: First ultrasound 00:32:21: Graduating from IVF clinic 00:39:09: Pregnancy symptoms 00:42:32: Exercise and nutrition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The host shares an honest and emotional update on her IVF journey, discussing the ups and downs of treatment and social media pressures. She recounts a wild wedding in Mexico, focusing on community support and her journey of sobriety. The conversation dives into personal fitness transformations, lessons on self-love, and maintaining balance during life's challenges. Listeners also get insights into the importance of nurturing relationships amidst health journeys, and the comforting power of shared experiences during tough times.

Join Mari and Greg as they celebrate the launch of their new soda, inspired by classic flavors like Shirley Temple. They share behind-the-scenes tales from Expo West and discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship. The duo also opens up about navigating IVF and the pressures of imposter syndrome in their professional lives. Balancing careers and personal aspirations is tricky, but their honest conversation offers valuable insights on maintaining relationships and staying grounded while pursuing big dreams.

Ep. 184: In this solo Q&A, I’m giving you all the IVF updates—what’s working, what’s frustrating, and the little rituals I never expected to care about (yes, Arnold is involved). I’ll share the one wellness rule I swore I’d never follow, why I’m suddenly rethinking caffeine and ice water, and how I’m handling the emotional side of this process. Plus, we need to talk about baby names—because I think I’ve decided, but now I’m second-guessing everything. Let’s chat!Leave Me a Message - click here!For Mari’s Instagram click here!For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here!For Mari’s Newsletter click here!Sponsored By: Get the most comprehensive look at your body with Function Health—over 100 advanced lab tests covering hormones, metabolism, fertility, and more. Skip the waitlist at functionhealth.com/a/mari-llewellyn. Save time, eat better, and make grocery shopping effortless with Hungryroot. Get 40% off your first box plus a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/pow with code POW. Optimize your metabolism with Lumen, the handheld device that helps you understand your body and fuel it better. Get 20% off at lumen.me/POW. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/POW and get on your way to being your best self. Show Links: Dr. Mindy Pelz on the Truth About Birth Control, Hormones, Cortisol, Fasting & Cycle Syncing Bloom Creatine fuels muscle hydration, strength, and cognitive function—perfect for daily wellness, recovery, and energy. Elevate your routine with every scoop. Topics Discussed 00:00:09 Welcome 00:00:42 Laser hair removal 00:01:12 Why are you avoiding ice cold drinks 00:02:29 Nail color 00:03:17 Progesterone shots during IVF 00:03:57 Bloom Pop 00:05:20 Thoughts on IUI 00:06:24 Baby names 00:07:29 Thoughts on dairy 00:07:59 Benefits of pomegranate juice and seeds 00:08:48 How to avoid stressing during vacation without wellness routine 00:13:20 Intermittent fasting 00:14:23 Was sharing life on social media hard in the beginning? 00:15:49 favorite places in Jackson Hole 00:16:15 Where to go for husband’s birthday in Austin? 00:16:34 Go-to haircare 00:16:55 House decorating updates 00:18:39 Hardest part about IVF 00:19:52 Mari and Greg’s summer plans 00:21:12 How to turn off thoughts and worries before bed 00:21:51 Creatine 00:22:02 Where are the expert guests? 00:22:47 Welsh family 00:26:21 Do you have a stylist? 00:26:37 Lymphatic drainage massage recommendations in L.A 00:27:25 Arnold 00:27:39 Church service 00:27:50 Ghee 00:27:58 Skin update 00:28:22 Sourdough recipe 00:28:50 What did you eat in the beginning of your fitness journey? 00:29:48 Next big purchase 00:30:15 When did you fully dedicate yourself to growing your business?  00:31:10 Shows or movie recommendations 00:31:43 How to overcome being self conscious and embrace content creation  00:32:18 Wellness trend you cannot get behind 00:32:25 Favorite travel destinations 00:32:48 Do you ever drink? 00:33:07 Do you recommend the Cocker Spaniel breed? 00:34:21 Are you friendly with your neighbors? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 183: For this Girl Chat, we’re joined by Hannah Chody—content creator, entrepreneur, and all-around style expert. She’s built a loyal following for her effortlessly chic fashion and sharp business insights, but today, we’re going deeper. Hannah breaks down the secretive process of buying a Birkin, gives us an inside look at her Lake Como wedding—including what she’d do differently—and shares how she made the leap from Wall Street to entrepreneurship. Plus, we get into her family’s legacy with Garrett Popcorn and how she revived an Austin cult-favorite nut milk brand. It’s a fun and fascinating convo about style, business, and going after what you really want in life.Leave Me a Message - click here!For Mari’s Instagram click here!For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here!For Mari’s Newsletter click here!For Hannah’s Instagram click here!Sponsored By: Upgrade your wardrobe with luxury essentials at a fraction of the price. Shop Quince for high-quality cashmere, silk, and more—50–80% less than similar brands. Get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/pow. Turn your home into a sanctuary with Cozy Earth’s ultra-soft bedding and bath essentials. Get 40% off at cozyearth.com/pursuit with code PURSUIT. Ditch the toxins and switch to safe, effective cleaning with Branch Basics. Get 15% off at branchbasics.com/POW15 with code POW15. #branchbasicspod Upgrade your sleep with Dream Recovery. Get deeper rest and glowing skin with their innovative sleep essentials. Use code PURSUIT15 at dreamrecovery.io for an exclusive discount. Upgrade your protein game with Maui Nui—100% wild-harvested, stress-free venison packed with clean, nutrient-dense protein. Supplies are limited, so grab my favorite cuts now at mauinuivenison.com/POW. Show Links:Boost your energy and focus with Bloom Sparkling Energy—zero sugar, natural caffeine, and prebiotics for a refreshing lift without the crash.Topics Discussed 00:00:00 Welcome 00:00:41 Hannah’s background 00:02:37 The grind at Goldman Sachs 00:08:09 Biggest shift from NYC to Austin 00:10:31 Tips on making new friends 00:13:58 How Hannah met Chad 00:16:34 9+ year relationships 00:21:18 Hannah’s engagement 00:23:10 Hannah’s wedding 00:24:39 Some of Hannah’s favorite wedding things 00:27:28 Things to avoid during wedding planning 00:28:40 Day of wedding advice 00:29:54 How Hannah became a content creator 00:34:34 How to handle online criticism  00:37:28 Hannah’s personal style 00:41:30 Lore of a Birkin bag 00:44:55 How to get a Birkin bag 00:52:48 The food in Europe vs. the food in the U.S 00:55:23 Fronks 00:59:41 Tom Ford eye shadow dupe? 01:18:00 Has Hannah had work done? 01:02:43 How would Hannah style Taylor Swift? 01:04:25 Emotional and logistical wedding tips for brides  01:05:23 Tips for exchanging vows 01:06:18 Designer items to splurge on on a budget 01:07:33 What made Hannah join the family business 01:09:13 Skincare and beauty must haves 01:11:06 How to stand out in a saturated industry? 01:14:16 What to invest in for a luxury style on a limited budget Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 183: Small changes can lead to life-changing results. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the small, everyday shifts that had the biggest impact on my health, mindset, and overall well-being. From transforming my sleep routine to upgrading my nutrition, fitness, and daily habits, I’ll share what truly made a difference in my journey. These aren’t overwhelming overhauls—they’re simple tweaks that created long-term success. Whether your focus is weight loss, energy levels, mental clarity, or self-discipline, these tips can help you see big results too. Tune in to learn how to make small changes that add up to a healthier, happier life!Leave Me a Message - click here!For Mari’s Instagram click here!For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here!For Mari’s Newsletter click here!Sponsored By: Find all-natural support for period discomfort with Foria’s Relief Collection. Get 20% off your first order at Foriawellness.com/POW or use code POW at checkout. Get fresh, artisanal carbs hassle-free with Wildgrain’s bake-from-frozen subscription box. Get $30 off your first box + free croissants in every box at Wildgrain.com/POW or use code POW at checkout. Upgrade your snack game with MASA—made from just three real ingredients, no seed oils or additives. Get 20% off at MasaChips.com/discount/MARI20 with code MARI20. Show Links: Bloom Greens & Superfoods makes gut health easy. With 30+ powerful ingredients, it helps relieve bloat, support digestion & boost energy—all in a delicious daily scoop. Make the switch to non-toxic cleaning with Branch Basics. Get 15% off at BranchBasics.com/POW15 with code POW15. Topics Discussed 00:00:09:05: Introduction 00:02:36:01: How you can improve sleep 00:07:17:06: How to improve nutrition 00:17:33:20: How to improve fitness 00:22:07:18: How to reduce toxins  00:24:13:20: How to improve happiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices