The EMPWR Podcast

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.

Today I’m chatting with Albert Matheny - RD, performance nutritionist, and founder of PROMIX - all about what’s actually in your food and how to fuel your body in a way that feels good and supports your goals. Albert has degrees in Exercise Physiology, Human Nutrition, and Human Performance, and he seriously knows his stuff. We get into why you might be crashing after meals (even “healthy” ones), how to read labels without overthinking it, and the sneaky ingredients like gums and sugar alcohols that could be messing with your gut. We also talk protein, hydration, carbs, blood sugar, and how to make better choices without overcomplicating your routine. This one’s packed with info and super actionable, especially if you want to feel more energized, clear, and strong day to day! ___________________ SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Caraway | code: SAMCFIT carawayhome.com/samcfit Cozy Earth | code: SAMCFIT cozyearth.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 AlbertInsta:@albertmatheny ____________________ Topics discussed: 00:00:00: Intro 00:01:14: Welcome  00:02:05: How Albert got into the health and wellness space 00:12:03: Kid friendly products  00:12:54: Deciding to create a supplement brand 00:17:40: Coming up with flavor profiles 00:20:34: No-go ingredients in supplements (gums, sugar alcohols) 00:32:00: Nutrition labeling laws 00:34:38: Supplement recommendations for women 00:40:51: Body recomp 00:42:57: Albert V 00:43:50: Albert’s wife supplement stack 00:49:29: Bioindividuality  00:51:56: Carbs 00:55:15: rewarding yourself 01:02:31: Nutrient timing 01:06:46: LISS vs HIIT 01:13:22: What’s the future for PROMIX? 01:15:07: What does empowerment mean to Albert? 01:17:09: Love it or leave it game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Q&A episode, I’m joined by Ian for a deep, honest conversation about all things relationships! From the raw to the real to the funny, we covered all your questions from blending families & co-parenting dynamics, divorce & healing, intimacy & sex, navigating different love languages, how we work through disagreements, parenting styles & relationships with exes, knowing when it might be time to walk away, plus, we wrap it all up with a fun rapid-fire Q&A round! Whether you’re navigating a tough season with your partner, wondering if you’re in the right relationship, or simply looking to grow and build healthier connections, this one’s for you. SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Cozy Earth | code: SAMCFIT https://cozyearth.com Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD *50% off all labs on both sites* https://blokes.co/samcfitpod https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod  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: Intro 00:00:53: Welcome 00:02:19: Advice on blending a family 00:07:11: How did you know you were ready to commit after divorce? 00:13:33: How do you split up household chores? 00:17:49: How to prevent feeling like roommates? 00:21:17: Love languages 00:25:19: Faith 00:29:47: How to work through and handle a big argument? 00:34:44: Parenting styles 00:38:39: Do you have a relationship with the other's ex? 00:42:07: How to know when to walk away from a relationship/marriage? 00:48:56: When is Ian going to propose? 00:49:45: Do we want more kids? 00:52:20: Rapid fire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by someone I’ve been looking forward to having on for so long, Dr. Shannon Ritchey! She’s a mom, strength training expert, Physical Therapist, 200 hour trained yoga teacher, personal trainer and founder of Evlo Fitness, a fitness app that’s changing the game, and a voice I deeply respect in the fitness space. I’ve always loved how she cuts through the noise with science-backed info and a realistic, sustainable approach to building strength, especially for women. If you’re tired of trendy “fitspo” and quick fixes, this convo is going to resonate. We dive into the real stuff: why body composition matters more than the number on the scale, how much protein women actually need, and what it really takes to build lean muscle (yes, even if you’re lifting from home with dumbbells!) We also get into Dr. Shannon’s journey from physical therapy to fitness coaching, her take on being “skinny fat” and why muscle is the long game, how often women actually need to train to see results, her thoughts on heavy lifting and training to failure, what her workouts look like before, during, and after pregnancy, plus, the top 3 fitness myths she wants women to stop believing. She even takes us through what she eats in a day and how she fuels her full, busy life. This episode is packed with practical tips, a grounded perspective, and tons of encouragement for women who want to feel strong, empowered, and in control of their fitness journey! ____________________ Topics discussed: 00:00:20: Intro 00:01:30: How Dr. Ritchey started her career 00:05:12: Pregnancy workouts 00:10:36: Dr. Ritchey’s body comp journey 00:13:36: Body recomposition and diet  00:19:14: Emotional eating 00:23:26: Gentle consistency 00:26:25: Debunking bulking myths 00:31:26: The aesthetics and strength of body recomposition  00:33:21: Lifting heavy vs. light/lifting to failure 00:41:59: Heavy lifting and metabolic health 00:43:11: Progressive overload 00:45:49: Body weight exercises 00:50:26: Progressive overload length 00:54:18: Finding the right exercise 00:56:15: Squats 01:02:54: Core exercises 01:06:36: Constrained total energy expenditure model 01:10:54: What empowerment means to Dr. Ritchey  01:11:46: Love it or Leave it game ____________________ SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ BONCHARGE | code: SAMCFIT15 https://boncharge.com/ Branch Basics | code: EMPWR https://branchbasics.com/EMPWR 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 Dr. ShannonInsta: @dr.shannon.dpt Evlo :https://evlofitness.com/ Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedrshannonshow/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is here, and with it comes travel, unpredictable schedules, and kids home from school. In this episode, Ian is joining me behind the mic to dive into how to stay consistent with your fitness, nutrition, and mindset… even when life gets a little chaotic! We’re sharing real-life strategies for navigating the summer season with confidence, including: How to approach nutrition during summer travel (macros, whole foods, enjoying the treats without the guilt), Tips for airport snacks, eating out, and using an Airbnb kitchen to your advantage, Why movement matters on vacation (even if it’s tossing your kids in the pool or a quick 20-minute bodyweight workout), How to get back on track after indulging (no crash diets, just respect for your body and routine), Our biggest non-negotiables, mindset tips, and healthy habits that make this a sustainable lifestyle. Plus, we’re recapping our HYROX Europe trip: Berlin, Switzerland, and our favorite meals, views and moments! Whether you’re traveling, juggling kids at home, or just trying to stay consistent this summer… this episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement to help you keep showing up for yourself. ___________________ SHOWNOTES: Sam’s Travel LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/194b8d85-40a2-11f0-aab2-0242ac110016 Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD *50% off all labs on both sites* https://blokes.co/samcfitpod https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod   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: Intro 00:00:18: Welcome 00:02:10: Europe recap 00:16:59: Prioritizing fitness and nutrition while traveling 00:26:33: Travel supplements 00:28:16: How to bounce back after a night or day of overindulging 00:35:49: How to stay on track with fitness with kids? 00:43:02: Mindset, fitness and nutrition tips for the busy Moms 00:52:03: Alcohol while vacationing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, I sit down with my other half, Ian, for one of the most personal and powerful conversations we’ve had on the podcast to date. Ian opens up about his journey to becoming a Navy SEAL, what it actually took to survive Hell Week and BUD/S, and how the mental and physical demands of that lifestyle shaped who he is today. But this isn’t just about military life. It’s about what happens after. We talk about the emotional cost of high performance, how he learned to push through when everything in him wanted to quit, and what it looked like to rediscover identity, purpose, and presence in life beyond the uniform. We also dive into our relationship- how we’ve grown through the challenges, what it’s like being in a partnership where both people have strong, driven energy, and how we’ve navigated family, vulnerability, and love through some very real life transitions. This conversation is honest, raw, and filled with perspective- for anyone working through change, chasing personal growth, or learning how to do hard things without losing themselves in the process. If you’ve ever questioned your own resilience, struggled to find balance, or just needed a reminder that transformation is possible no matter where you start, this episode is for you. ____________________ 00:00:00: Intro 00:00:20: Welcome  00:02:27: The mental toughness and physical capabilities of being a Navy SEAL 00:04:37: How do you know you want to be a SEAL?  00:07:18: SEAL training  00:14:02: Are you born with mental toughness or is it built? 00:18:34: Moments of wanting to quit during SEAL training 00:24:56: Shifting mindset   00:29:20: Deployment is tough on family life 00:34:26: Advice for a SEAL wanting a family 00:40:26: Emotional tolls  00:42:53: Transitioning from being a SEAL to becoming a civilian  00:45:45: Divorce  00:47:24: PTSD  00:48:32: Working out as an outlet  00:51:35: Mental toughness SHOWNOTES: Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD *50% off all labs on both sites* https://blokes.co/samcfitpod https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod   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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices