The EMPWR Podcast

When Mari said, “No one’s coming to save you—you have to save yourself”, this became the catalyst for her incredible journey from rock bottom to building Bloom Nutrition and inspiring millions around the world. In this episode, I sit down with Mari to unpack her transformation—from battling mental health struggles and self-doubt, to losing 90 pounds, to turning a $5 PDF fitness guide into a thriving wellness empire. Mari opens up about the raw truth behind her success, the lessons she’s learned in scaling a business with authenticity, and how she’s now navigating the new chapter of motherhood with intention and grace. This conversation is real, unfiltered, and deeply inspiring. Mari’s story is proof that with passion, perseverance, and self-belief, you can rewrite your entire life. SHOWNOTES:Sam’s LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD *50% off all labs on both sites* https://blokes.co/samcfitpod https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod   Timeline | SAMCFIT Just head to timeline.com/SAMCFIT to get started. EightSleep | EMPWR Head over to https://www.eightsleep.com/empwr and use the code EMPWR to get $350 off your veryPod 5 Ultra. EMPWR by Sam App | *free 7-day trial* https://www.empwrbysam.com/ My Macro Guide: https://samcfit.com/macro-guide-only Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   Follow SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Follow MariInsta: @marillewellyn  TikTok: @marillewellynYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PursuitOfWellnessPodcast Topics discussed: 00:00:00 – Intro & Trigger warning 00:01:26 - Pursuit Network 00:05:22 –Childhood & Trauma 00:07:06 – College rebellion; partying & blackouts 00:09:43 – First self-harm; BPD diagnosis, rock bottom 00:12:39 – Quitting meds cold turkey 00:14:04 – Turning point: “save yourself, mental shift 00:21:40 – Learning macros 00:22:20 – 90 lbs weight loss year: The year of transformation 00:26:07 – Before/after picture goes viral 00:27:03 – $5 PDF guides; first business mechanics 00:30:08 – Bloom idea & formulation 00:33:12 – Family planning season 00:36:37 – Fertility struggles 00:39:43 – Emotional toll of infertility 00:41:10 – IVF journey 00:44:00 – Pregnancy mindset & body-image shift 00:47:52 – Pregnancy training & nutrition  00:51:00 – Hopes & values for baby boy; parenting intentions 00:54:17 – Keeping work simple during pregnancy; closing reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ian and I break down the four non-negotiables for achieving real, sustainable health and fitness results. Whether you’re frustrated with not seeing progress despite working hard, or you’re just looking for a clear blueprint to follow, this conversation lays out exactly what may be missing in your routine.Together, we cover the fundamentals of nutrition, fitness and progressive overload, the importance of sleep and recovery, and the ultimate “secret sauce”, consistency. This episode isn’t just about workouts and macros—it’s about building a lifestyle that actually sticks. If you give yourself three months and apply these principles, you’ll see and feel a transformation. SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ Clearstem | SAMCFIT Go to www.clearstem.com/SAMCFIT for 15% off. Cozy Earth | code: SAMCFIT Head to www.cozyearth.com for 40% off! REMI | code: SAMCFIT Go to www.shopremi.com/SAMCFIT for up to 50% off your custom night guard. David’s Protein: http://davidprotein.com/samcfit Caraway | code: SAMCFITCarawayhome.com/samcfit EMPWR by Sam App | *free 7-day trial* https://www.empwrbysam.com/ My Macro Guide: https://samcfit.com/macro-guide-only Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   Follow SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Hatch Restore 3 Sam’s Nutrition Coach | James FreeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/27healthandwellness Topics discussed: 00:00 Intro + Life update 03:08 The foundation of nutrition, key principles  10:11  Macro Tracking + examples of under-eating or misjudging intake 13:07 Protein Intake + food quality (fear of eating protein, whole foods vs processed foods) 15:31  Meal prep + consistency (cheat meals, balancing indulgences while staying on track)21:27 Progressive overload basics 27:10 Tracking body composition changes 29:00 Muscle fatigue vs. failure and debunking the myth that lifting heavy makes women bulky32:25 Training frequency & at-home options 38:25 Why sleep is a game-changer 41:14 Recovery tools & strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angelo Keely, Co-founder and CEO of Kion, shares his incredible journey from a near-death experience to becoming a powerhouse in wellness. He dives into the importance of essential amino acids for muscle building, energy, and healthy aging. Angelo emphasizes how personalized nutrition can support individuals through hormonal changes. He also provides practical tips on optimizing protein intake and hydration while discussing the role of quality supplements. Throughout the conversation, he inspires listeners to take control of their health with informed dietary choices.

Today on The EMPWR Podcast, we’re joined by Harry and Brett– best friends, former college athletes, and the voices behind The Meat Mafia Podcast. From their own health transformations to launching a platform that challenges mainstream nutrition norms, these two are on a mission to empower people to think differently about their food, and where it comes from, and ultimately, to become the CEO of their own body. We get into: the path from athletics and burnout to entrepreneurship and metabolic health, Brett’s experience navigating an autoimmune disease and getting off all medications by taking his health into his own hands, why the meat industry has been so misunderstood (and what most people get wrong), hot takes on the carnivore diet, vegan diet, seed oils, and what “clean eating” really means, the food system, decentralization, and taking your health into your own hands, and building a brand (and a mission) with your best friend. We also talk about the “good, better, best” framework when it comes to sourcing meat, and how to apply that same mindset to the way you consume and make choices with food in everyday life. If you’re passionate about clean eating, but also believe in balance, and if you're questioning what’s actually healthy, or just want to feel more grounded in your choices… this one’s for you. SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ Boncharge | code: SAMCFIT15 https://boncharge.com/ Cozy Earth | code: SAMCFIT for 40% cozyearth.com Manukora Manuka Honey | code: SAMCFIT for 15% off http://manukora.com/samcfit EMPWR by Sam App | *free 7-day trial* https://www.empwrbysam.com/ My Macro Guide: https://samcfit.com/macro-guide-only Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs Noble Origins | code: EMPWRHead to https://nobleorigins.com/ and get 20% of your first order   Follow SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Cal Newport’s book “Deep Work”https://a.co/d/gVhb4Qg Follow Brett & Harry: Insta: @meatmafiabrett  https://www.instagram.com/meatmafiabrett Insta: @meatmafiaharry https://www.instagram.com/meatmafiaharry/?hl=en Topics discussed: 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Brett’s story 07:05 – Impact on family eating habits, removing seed oils, prioritizing grass-finished meats 10:32 – Harry’s Story  14:36 – Animal-Based Diet & Endurance  17:47 – Carnivore vs. Animal-Based  19:40 – Meat Quality & “Good, Better, Best”  22:28 – Grocery Store Strategies  26:10 – Eggs & Raw Milk  “Swill milk” problem, pasteurization, nutrient loss, industrial motives. 32:37 – Veganism & Nutrient Deficiencies  35:55 – Eating Animal-Based with Family  39:12 – Seed Oils & Metabolic Health  43:04 – Sugar, Carbs & Metabolic Flexibility  46:48 – Dining Out & Travel Eating  50:15 – Meal Prep & Simplicity  54:26 –Biggest Myths About Meat  59:15 – Food System & Personal Responsibility  01:03:52 – Final advice for improving diet quality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big news… we’re doing an IRONMAN! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the full behind-the-scenes of how we’re balancing training with parenting and work, how Sam’s feeling with more carbs and calories, her current supplement lineup, our game plan for sleep and recovery, and the fears (and excitement) that come with tackling something this big. We also get into some of your questions: current macros, thoughts on alcohol, moderation when it comes to treats, gamechangers for a strong core and abs, favorite long run listens, go-to non-toxic makeup and home products, and so much more. If you’re curious about endurance training, love a peek behind the curtain, or just want some honest convo about big goals and real life… you’ll love this one! SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD *50% off all labs on both sites* https://blokes.co/samcfitpod https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod  Branch Basics | code: EMPWR https://branchbasics.com/EMPWR Caraway | code: SAMCFIT Carawayhome.com/samcfit Manukora honey | code: SAMCFIT https://manukora.com/samcfit Promix Supplements | code: SAM https://promixnutrition.com/?dt_id=1140742 EMPWR by Sam App | *free 7-day trial* https://www.empwrbysam.com/ My Macro Guide: https://samcfit.com/macro-guide-only Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   Follow SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Sam’s Nutrition Coach | James Free Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/27healthandwellness Topics discussed: 00:00:00: Intro 00:01:14: Coaching, new nutrition plan, and NYC Marathon training approach 00:03:58: Ironman 00:06:08: Running preferences, the mental/spiritual side of Ironman training 00:08:13: Announcing Dubai Ironman participation and timing in relation to family planning 00:13:22: Ironman training plan 00:17:09: Ironman fears; drowning and being properly fueled 00:18:17: Ian’s Ironman experience 00:20:58: Nutrition plan progress, carb intake, societal views on carbs for women, and nutrient timing 00:26:07: Updated supplements, importance of electrolytes, sleep priority, recovery tools 00:34:53: Excitement/nerves about training together 00:39:38: Tips on dealing with muscle soreness 00:40:46: Engagement ring 00:41:20: Haircare products for running (pre and post), long run music recommendations 00:42:35: Non toxic products 00:43:14: Starting a YouTube channel, defined abs 00:44:59: Self control with sweet treats 00:46:32: Alcohol habits, quitting reasons, moderation mindset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by breakouts despite doing everything right, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Danielle and Kayleigh, founders of the cult-favorite brand @clearstemskincare, for a powerful conversation on healing your skin from the inside out. We dive into the real root causes of acne (like gut health, hormones, and stress!) and the myths still holding so many women back from the clear, confident skin they deserve. We also cover: how to simplify your skincare routine when traveling, clean beauty musts (and what to avoid), the truth about Botox + fillers, skin-supportive habits that go beyond products, and their personal routines + Clearstem go-to’s. This episode is full of the kind of insights you won’t hear in your average skincare convo, because your skin is a reflection of what’s happening beneath the surface. SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Clearstem | code: SAMCFIT https://clearstem.com/SAMCFIT  Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ LMNT:drinklmnt.com/SAMCFIT David’s Protein: http://davidprotein.com/samcfit Vitaclean | code: SAMCFIT https://vitacleanhq.com/ EMPWR by Sam App | *free 7-day trial* https://www.empwrbysam.com/ My Macro Guide: https://samcfit.com/macro-guide-only Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   Follow SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Follow ClearstemInsta: @clearstemskincarehttps://clearstem.com/ Follow Danielle + Kayleigh Insta: @danielle.the.acne.guru  https://www.instagram.com/danielle.the.acne.guru/ Insta: @kayleigh.christina  https://www.instagram.com/kayleigh.christina/ Danielle and Kayleigh’s go-to makeup brands and products: Trish McEvoy Gorgeous® Foundation Annie Lawless Forget The Filler Skin-Plumping Line-Smoothing Foundation Make Beauty Diffusion Dew Radiant Skin Tint Priia Loose Mineral Foundation Haus Labs TRICLONE™Skin Tech Foundation Rose Inc Softlight Skin-Smoothing Liquid Foundation Topics discussed: 00:11 – Intro  01:14 – The holistic approach: anti-acne + anti-aging 02:28 – How inflammation shows up differently (acne, aging, eczema) 03:00 – Danielle’s personal acne journey 05:06 – Kayleigh’s acne journey & meeting Danielle 10:22 – Acne, confidence & the emotional toll 14:25 – Natural alternatives to Accutane  15:19 – Spironolactone: pros, cons & side effects 16:47 – Elimination diet for acne  18:53 – Supplements that trigger acne  23:03 – Bio-individuality: finding your unique triggers 27:25 – Pore-clogging ingredients explained + CLEARSTEM checker tool 31:15 – Favorite non-comedogenic foundations & makeup tips 35:55 – How CLEARSTEM products were created 39:01 – Bounce Back serum, HydroGlow & bakuchiol vs retinol 42:18 – The CLEAR Kit routine + exfoliation tips 45:51 – CLEARSTEM = anti-aging + anti-acne 46:25 – Roast or Toast skincare trends  51:21 – What empowerment means to Danielle and Kayleigh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ian and I sit down with Josh and Katy Whalen, founders of JOI + BLOKES, to talk about something that’s more common than people think, but far from normal: the loss of sex drive. Josh opens up about his personal health crisis that nearly cost him his marriage. After being dismissed by traditional doctors, he discovered his low libido was actually caused by low testosterone levels, something only uncovered through deep lab work and the help of a functional health practitioner. Katy shares her own story about post-kids hormonal shifts, and how it inspired her to launch JOI, a women-focused solution built alongside BLOKES. Together, they created a nationwide service that brings advanced lab testing right to your doorstep. Clinicians come to your home, draw blood, and walk you through your results, giving you an actionable plan (complete with supplement support) to restore your vitality. If you’ve ever felt like something’s “off” but your doctor says you’re fine, this episode is for you. Discover how getting to the root cause can completely change your life, and your relationships. SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Joi + Blokes Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD *50% off all labs on both sites* https://joiandblokes.com/ Cozy Earth | code: SAMCFIT for 40% cozyearth.com Maui Nui Venison | code: SAMCFIT ⁠http://mauinuivenison.com/samcfit Manukora Manuka Honey | code: SAMCFIT for 15% off http://manukora.com/samcfit EMPWR by Sam App | *free 7-day trial* https://www.empwrbysam.com/ My Macro Guide:https://samcfit.com/macro-guide-only Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   Follow SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Follow Josh + Katy + Joi + Blokes:@joiwomenswellness @getblokes @katy_whalen@whalen_joshua Topics discussed: 00:00:00: Introduction 00:01:01: How Joi + Blokes started 00:03:16: Just for men at first 00:04:42: Fertility struggles 00:08:05: How Joi became a part of Blokes 00:09:29: Hormone imbalances affecting relationships 00:10:51: Marriage counseling and lack of sexual desire  00:12:09: Traditional doctors and counselors not addressing low testosterone 00:15:43: Holistic provider that changed everything  00:20:24: Making healthcare more preventative 00:21:47: Medical device sales and pharmaceutical sales 00:24:47: Views on healthcare system 00:26:02: How Sam has changed her health with lab work results 00:31:36: Structure of Joi + Blokes 00:33:50: Listening to the patient 00:37:31: How to convince younger people to do more lab work 00:39:34: You can’t put a price tag on health 00:40:26: Shingles 00:42:08: Lab work done at home 00:42:46: Peptides 00:50:27: GLP-1s  00:52:10: Avoiding loss of muscle mass while on GLP-1s 00:54:26: Benefits of micro dosing GLP-1s 00:56:55: Sermorelin 00:58:40: What’s next  01:00:30: Smart Supplement Packs  01:03:44: Rapid fire Q&A Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“How do you actually grow as a content creator?” In this episode, I’m sharing what it looked like to build my brand from the ground up, starting while I was still working full-time in pharmaceutical sales. From posting recipes and workouts on Stories with barely any followers, to getting my first brand deal, launching a fitness app, and working with a management team, I’m walking you through the real behind-the-scenes of content creation, business growth, and everything in between! This episode is packed with practical takeaways and honest answers to your biggest questions, plus, I’m sharing the systems I use to plan and edit content, how I structure my day, and why I’ve never bought a follower (and never will!) If you’re serious about creating content, building community, or showing up online in a way that’s real… this one’s for you! Let this episode be the permission you needed to start messy, stay committed, and grow something you’re proud of, all while remembering your WHY. SHOWNOTES: Sam’s Calendar: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/c8f74e9f-25ed-11f0-963f-0242ac110029 Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ Boncharge | code: SAMCFIT15 https://boncharge.com/ Caraway | code: SAMCFIT carawayhome.com/samcfit Promix Supplements | code: SAM https://promixnutrition.com/?dt_id=1140742 EMPWR by Sam App | *free 7-day trial* https://www.empwrbysam.com/ My Macro Guide: https://samcfit.com/macro-guide-only Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   Follow SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Follow IanInsta: @ianschinelliYouTube: https://www.instagram.com/ianschinelli/ Topics discussed: 00:00:00: Introduction 00:00:24: Highly requested episode 00:01:56: How Sam's content creator journey started 00:04:38: Sam's first piece of content 00:06:29: Early content strategy 00:07:55: Seeing the value in her content 00:09:40: Moments of hesitation 00:12:06: The reel that went viral 00:14:28: Fitness coaching 00:15:32: Content creation picking up 00:16:41: Tips for growing social media 00:18:17: Authenticity 00:18:45: Sam's mission that keeps her going 00:21:09: Content planning 00:26:05: Hard work, busy life 00:27:40: Balancing working out, family, businesses and content creation 00:28:35: First brand deal 00:31:53: Be picky with brands you want to work with 00:34:18: Management company 00:35:34: Pressure to look a certain way 00:38:48: Burned out 00:39:07: Online community 00:41:52: Editing skills 00:42:24: Haters 00:43:25: How to get sponsors 00:44:20: Quality 00:45:14: Use AI to learn 00:46:39: Remember your why Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I’m joined by the amazing Stefany Bare! Mama, entrepreneur, and author, we chat about all things wellness, motherhood, marriage, entrepreneurship, and faith. Stefany shares how she balances it all. From career and family life, multiple moves, what inspired her children’s book, and how her relationship with God has shaped her marriage and motherhood. Plus, we dive into her supplement stack, favorite workouts, and her honest take on navigating chaos with grace. It’s a powerful reminder that you can lead with purpose, stay grounded in your values, and still show up fully in every season. You won’t want to miss this one. SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Joi + Blokes Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD *50% off all labs on both sites* https://joiandblokes.com/ Cozy Earth | code: SAMCFIT for 40% cozyearth.com Branch Basics | code: EMPWR ⁠https://branchbasics.com/EMPWR⁠ David’s Protein: http://davidprotein.com/samcfit EMPWR by Sam App | *free 7-day trial* https://www.empwrbysam.com/ My Macro Guide: https://samcfit.com/macro-guide-only Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   Follow SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Follow StefanyInsta: @stefany.bareBlog: https://stefanybare.com/ Topics discussed: 00:00:00: Introduction 00:01:03: Welcome 00:04:50: Abrupt exit of Nashville 00:11:08: How to navigate through hardship as a family 00:14:02: Navigating a marriage while being entrepreneurs 00:21:05: Stefany's background 00:24:54: Passion for health and fitness 00:26:19: Go-to supplement stack 00:28:59: Macros and nutrients 00:32:47: How to approach struggles with food and kids 00:36:09: Stefany's passion for food blogging 00:38:51: Disconnecting from social media 00:41:34: Military 00:45:53: Strengthening their faith 00:50:35: Stefany's children's book 00:54:26: How to instill food being fuel in kids 00:56:22: Ninja Cremi 00:57:53: What's next? 01:33:00: What empowerment means to Stefany 01:01:47: This or that game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the heartfelt journey of motherhood, tackling everything from pregnancy experiences to the realities of postpartum recovery. Discover personal insights on home birth, managing mom guilt, and the vital need for self-care. The conversation flows into balancing fitness with parenting and nurturing supportive relationships. Join in on the discussion about finding confidence in motherhood and navigating the beautiful chaos of raising little ones. It's an honest, uplifting look at this transformative role.