I honestly cannot believe I’m sitting here recording this episode as a mom.

In this episode, I’m sharing the full story of Cai’s birth from start to finish. The anxiety leading up to labor, the moment the hospital told me not to come because they were at capacity, the induction process, contractions, getting the epidural, and the unexpected turn that led to an emergency C-section.

This experience changed my perspective on birth, control, and motherhood in ways I never could have predicted.

After going through IVF and everything it took to get pregnant, I thought I had an idea of how birth would go. But labor has a way of reminding you that some things are simply out of your control.

I talk about the mental side of preparing for labor, the pain and intensity of contractions, the moment I realized something wasn’t right, and the emotional second I heard Cai cry for the first time.

Even though things didn’t go according to my original plan, the moment I saw him made every single part of the experience worth it.

If you’re pregnant, thinking about becoming a mom, or just curious about what birth is actually like, this episode is the full, honest story.

_____

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In this special solo episode, I’m recording from home (comfy in bed, laptop in hand!) to catch you up on everything happening in my life right now. At 26 weeks pregnant, I’m reflecting on how my journey is unfolding, the emotional and spiritual connection I feel with my baby, and how this sacred season is shifting my approach to health, career, and even this podcast.

I share the highs and lows of pregnancy so far, from nesting mode and hypnobirthing classes to my first pelvic floor therapy session (and the wild stats I learned about strength training while pregnant). I also talk about why I’m making some changes to Pursuit of Wellness during this time, how I’m thinking about maternity leave, and what you can expect from the show moving forward.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to balance wellness, work, and life while preparing for motherhood, this one’s for you.

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Topics Discussed

00:00 – Recording from home & reconnecting with the POW community

01:00 – Pregnancy updates: 26 weeks, Aspen trip, and feeling good

02:30 – Nesting season: nursery prep, learning, and baby anticipation

03:30 – Career reflections: stepping back from Bloom & redefining success

05:00 – The future of POW: shifting to solo episodes and slowing down

07:00 – Lessons from IVF, gratitude, and mindset growth

08:30 – Birth prep: hypnobirthing, pelvic floor therapy & what she’s learned

10:30 – The benefits of strength training during pregnancy

11:15 – Embracing quiet routines, rest, and the joy of slowing down

11:50 – Final thoughts: gratitude, flexibility, and what’s next

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Ep. 199 - Motivation fades, but discipline lasts. In this mash-up, Mari, Sami Spalter, Tom McCarthy and Michael Chernow dive into one of the most important questions for anyone chasing growth: how do you stay consistent when motivation runs out? This episode blends real stories, practical strategies, and inspiring lessons around the theme of discipline as self-love. From the power of small wins to the “Three C’s” of transformation—Commitment, Confidence, and Courage—this episode gives you the tools to create lasting change in fitness, mindset, and life.

This episode is packed with encouragement, actionable steps, and wisdom to help you recommit to your goals, show up for yourself, and keep going—even when it’s hard. Whether you’re working on your health, your career, or your mindset, you’ll walk away with tools to create wins every day and become the person you want to be.

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Sponsored By:

Upgrade your kitchen with Caraway’s non-toxic cookware. Visit http://carawayhome.com/WELLNESS10 or use code WELLNESS10 for 10% off your next purchase.

Hungryroot makes healthy eating easy! Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at hungryroot.com/POW with code POW.

The first 1,000 to join at http://functionhealth.com/POW or use gift code POW at sign-up get a $100 credit toward their membership.

Blissy is offering 60-nights risk-free PLUS an additional 30% off when you shop at Blissy.com/POWPOD.

Experience skincare that targets acne and aging—without clogging your pores. Get 20% off your first order at clearstem.com/POW with code POW.

Topics Discussed

00:00:08: Motivation vs. Discipline - building habits that stick (Solo)

00:03:40: CrossFit, accountability, and discipline as self-love (Sami Spalter)

00:11:06: Fitness teaching work ethic & pandemic walking

00:15:34: Mindset shift – leaving victim mentality behind (Tom McCarthy)

00:18:08: Visualization & subconscious reprogramming

00:22:42: Steps after visualization – focus, story, action

00:25:43: Identity shift – becoming an “athlete” & sobriety story

00:29:29: Discipline & asking for help – structured daily plan

00:38:27: Fitness in sobriety – daily wins, 3 C’s: Commitment, Confidence, Courage (Michael Chernow)

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Ep. 198: This week’s mashup brings together powerful insights from Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Dr. Andy Galpin, and JJ Virgin on one of the most talked-about topics in fitness: creatine for strength training. We’ll unpack why muscle is your most important organ for longevity, clear up the biggest myths holding women back from using creatine, and explore how building strength can transform your body, mind, and confidence. You’ll hear practical strategies for getting started at any age, from first squats to advanced lifting, along with surprising benefits for mood, bone health, and aging powerfully. Tune in for expert advice that will leave you inspired to get stronger and feel unstoppable.

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Experience skincare that targets acne and aging—without clogging your pores. Get 20% off your first order at http://clearstem.com/POW with code POW.

Supportive, flattering & unbelievably comfortable — find your perfect SKIMS bras and underwear at http://skims.com/pow.

Enjoy pure, great-tasting water with AquaTru’s reverse osmosis purifiers. Get 20% off at http://aquatru.com with code POW.

Save 15% on the BON CHARGE Red Light Face Mask and more at http://boncharge.com with code PURSUIT at checkout.

Upgrade your morning brew with Lifeboost—clean, low-acid, organic coffee. Get 10% off at http://lifeboostcoffee.com/POW with code POW.

Breathe easier with Jaspr, the commercial-grade air scrubber that’s quiet, powerful, and sleek. Get $400 off with code POW at http://jaspr.co/pow.

Show Links:

Boost muscle, strength, and focus with Bloom Creatine—formulated to support women’s wellness, workouts, recovery, and daily energy.

Strength Training Secrets for Women: Protein, Ozempic, and Aging Powerfully with Celebrity Nutrition Expert & Fitness Hall of Famer JJ Virgin

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon on Muscle, Creatine & the Links between H. Pylori & Acne | Part 2

Why Women Are Training Wrong: Fix Hormones, Build Strength & Recover Smarter w/ Dr. Andy Galpin Part 1

Topics Discussed

00:08 - Welcome & episode overview

00:58 - Why creatine matters for women (Ep. 133: JJ Virgin)

02:20 - Water retention concerns explained

04:30 - Finding the right creatine dosage

06:15 - Creatine & strength training for pregnancy and healthy aging

08:40 - Encouraging parents to lift weights

12:26 - Beginner strength training progression & foundational exercises

14:30 - Muscle quality vs. muscle size

18:24 - “Muscle mommy” movement & cultural shifts in women’s strength training (Ep. 165: Dr. Andy Galpin)

26:19 - “Strengthspan”, muscle mass benefits & brain health

30:15 - Creatine safety & performance vs. health

34:55 - Debunking bloating concerns for women

38:36 - Creatine for women: cycle, pregnancy & brain health (Ep. 163: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon)

42:30 - When to start & who benefits most from creatine

44:20 - Protein and training as muscle foundations

45:27 - Muscle’s metabolic role & chronic disease prevention

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Ep. 197: On this episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I’m joined by Samantha Christine (SAMCFIT), a certified nutrition coach and the host of The Empower Podcast. We talk through her journey from a hospital birth that didn’t go as planned to a powerful, peaceful home birth years later. Sam shares what it took to rebuild her life after divorce, how she learned to advocate for herself in pregnancy, and the silent struggle she faced in those first weeks as a new mom. This episode is raw and full of wisdom for anyone navigating motherhood or major life transitions.

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Ep. 196:  Welcome back to POW. Today we have an amazing episode all about non-toxic living. You’ll hear from top experts sharing practical advice on addressing mold exposure, microplastics, and hidden household dangers that can affect your health. Having this podcast and speaking to incredible experts like Allison Evans, Mike Feldstein, and Dave Asprey has truly helped me embrace non-toxic living in a balanced way. Whether you’re curious about improving air quality, balancing hormones naturally, or seeking clearer skin, this episode is packed with insights to help you create a healthier sanctuary at home. Tune in for inspiration and actionable tips to enhance your non-toxic journey!

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Sponsored By:

Upgrade your kitchen with Caraway’s non-toxic cookware. Visit http://carawayhome.com/WELLNESS10 or use code WELLNESS10 for 10% off your next purchase.

Get better sleep, hair and skin with Blissy and use POWPOD to get an additional 30% off at http://blissy.com/POWPOD

The first 1,000 to join at http://functionhealth.com/POW or use gift code POW at sign-up get a $100 credit toward their membership.

Maui Nui delivers wild-harvested, nutrient-rich venison straight to your door. Order now at http://mauinuivenison.com/POW. Supply is limited so don’t wait!

Breathe easier with Jaspr, the commercial-grade air scrubber that’s quiet, powerful, and sleek. Get $400 off with code POW at http://jaspr.co/pow.

Show Links:

Support your gut, skin & immunity with Colostrum & Collagen Peptides, a 3-in-1 formula featuring probiotics and grass-fed collagen.

Topics Discussed

00:08 - Introduction

02:20 Understanding preservatives in baby products (Ep. 110: Allison Evans)

04:03 What’s in Branch Basics & how to use it

06:50 Pregnancy, mold exposure & candida

10:32 Coffee enemas

12:40 Clean eating

17:24 Clean living for kids: eczema, epigenetics & detox tools

21:07 Where to start with Branch Basics & removing hidden toxins

22:37 Getting sick from toxic air: respiratory & autoimmune flare-ups (Ep. 145 Mike Feldstein)

23:39 Mold exposure & mycotoxin testing

25:35 Air awareness: indoor & outdoor pollution

28:30 Ventilation tips & how cooking pollutes indoor air

34:35 Pets as a source of indoor toxins

38:15 How bad air quality affects people differently

40:32 The rise of mold awareness

47:48 Early mold exposure, food mycotoxins & the mold–Lyme connection (Ep. 100: Dave Asprey)

51:30 Coffee mold toxins & how to find mold-free beans

56:26 How mold exposure disrupts hormones & weight

59:30 Animal protein & why quality matters

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Ep. 195: Planning our babymoon, prepping for Europe, and reflecting on the wild changes pregnancy brings—I cover it all in today’s solo episode. I’m in a more grounded, grateful place than ever, and I’m finally letting myself enjoy it. From recent ultrasound updates to the decision to take a break from social media during our trip, this one feels like a deep exhale. I also talk about how pregnancy is reshaping my body and mind, and how that shift is changing the way I show up for myself. If you’ve been moving through your own shifts lately, I hope this episode reminds you you’re not alone. And don’t forget—Bloom Pop is here!

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Sponsored By:

The first 1,000 to join at functionhealth.com/POW or use gift code POW at sign-up get a $100 credit toward their membership.

Sleep cooler all summer long. Visit cozyearth.com and use code PURSUIT for 40% off sheets, loungewear, and more.

Experience skincare that targets acne and aging—without clogging your pores. Get 20% off your first order at clearstem.com/POW with code POW.

Now at Target! Shop Branch Basics in-store or online, or get 15% off at branchbasics.com/POW15 with code POW15.

Upgrade your morning brew with Lifeboost—clean, low-acid, organic coffee. Get 10% off at lifeboostcoffee.com/POW with code POW.

Show Links:

Girl Chat: Fi’s ER Trip & Her New Man!

Bloom Pop Prebiotic Soda delivers bold flavor and real gut health benefits with clinically-backed prebiotics and no junk ingredients.

Topics Discussed

00:08 Introduction

00:42 Upcoming Europe babymoon & travel prep

03:40 IVF fears, ultrasound relief & early movement

04:30 Baby brain, shifting boundaries & parenting values

12:30 Birth mindset and delivery preferences

13:43 Big Mama TikTok trend and body image / tall girls/women

16:19 Pregnancy body changes, confidence & workout shifts

19:33 Finding a great doula through referrals

21:40 Birth preferences & early parenting values

28:40 Early pregnancy & designing the nursery

31:20 Pregnancy nutrition, raw milk & backyard chickens

37:55 Dog concerns with a new baby

39:15 Stroller and car seat preferences

40:35 Maternity leave & baby names

41:19 Boob size preferences

41:40 Starting the baby registry

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Ep. 194: Things get even juicier in part two of this girl chat with Fi. We’re talking everything from painful cysts to coconut lube regrets (yes, really), plus how Fi’s journey with semaglutide has evolved—from tough side effects to finding balance. We also unpack body image, food freedom, and the wild impact of “skinny” culture on social media. On a lighter note, Fi shares how real estate is actually lighting her up, and we reflect on what it means to build a fulfilling life in your thirties. Whether you’re navigating your own transformation or just here for the girl talk, this episode is for you.

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Sponsored By:

Upgrade your kitchen with Caraway’s non-toxic cookware and get 10% off at carawayhome.com/WELLNESS10 with code WELLNESS10—risk-free trial included.

Clear your skin from within with CLEARSTEM. Get 20% off your first order at clearstem.com/POW using code POW.

Experience next-level comfort with SKIMS. Shop now at skims.com/pow & select “podcast” to support Pursuit of Wellness.

Get 20% off your first order of Foria’s all-natural period relief at foriawellness.com/POW or use code POW at checkout.

Clean, safe water starts at home. Take 20% off your first AquaTru purifier at AquaTru.com with code POW.

Experience deeper, smarter sleep with Eight Sleep. Get $350 off the Pod 4 Ultra at eightsleep.com/pow with code POW.

The new normal in health starts here. Visit functionhealth.com/POW and use code POW for a $100 credit.

Show Links:

Girl Chat: Fi’s ER Trip & Her New Man! (Part 1)

Solo: Navigating My First IVF Appointment & Fertility Challenges

Boost focus and energy with Bloom Sparkling Energy—zero sugar, natural caffeine, and feel-good ingredients in a refreshing 10-calorie can.

Topics Discussed

00:08 Introduction

00:44 The Bartholin cyst ordeal

11:59 Q&A

12:23 ACOTAR & fantasy book recs

14:09 Ozempic side effects & mindset shift

26:40 Body image & SkinnyTok

29:38 Wellness journeys & burnout cycles

35:19 Life updates in real estate

36:35 Helping Bloom staff relocate

38:33 Control vs. freedom in new seasons

39:36 European trip logistics chaos

40:30 Liver King’s arrest & POW throwback

42:13 Turning 30 & feeling good

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Ep. 193: It’s been a season of change, and in this episode, Fi and I are getting into what it really looks like to walk away from what’s comfortable in order to make space for something better. We talk about that weird in-between stage—when you’ve decided to leave, but don’t know what’s next—and how we’ve both been sitting with that uncertainty in our own ways. Fi opens up about her breakup, the emotions that caught her off guard, and how she’s learning to listen to herself more deeply. Whether you’re navigating endings, glow-ups, or something in between, this one’s for you.

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Sponsored By:

Upgrade your kitchen with Caraway’s non-toxic cookware. Visit carawayhome.com/WELLNESS10 or use code WELLNESS10 for 10% off your next purchase.

Hungryroot makes healthy eating easy — 40% off your first box + a free item for life at hungryroot.com/POW with code POW.

Visit dreamrecovery.io and use code PURSUIT15 for an exclusive discount on products that support deeper sleep and better recovery.

Maui Nui delivers wild-harvested, nutrient-rich venison straight to your door. Order now at mauinuivenison.com/POW. Supply is limited so don’t wait!

Bake-from-frozen sourdough, pasta & pastries — ready in 25 minutes. Visit wildgrain.com/POW for $30 off your first box + free croissants in every box.

The first 1,000 to join at functionhealth.com/POW or use gift code POW at sign-up get a $100 credit toward their membership.

Whether you’re launching a side hustle or building the next big brand, Shopify makes it simple to start and scale. Visit shopify.com/mari to make it happen.

Show Links:

Bloom Pop delivers bold, bubbly flavor with real gut health benefits—made with clinically-backed prebiotics and no junk.

Topics Discussed

00:52: Fi’s lore

00:23: Life updates since Fi’s last appearance

02:45: New boyfriend reveal

03:49: Personal growth after breakup

05:05: Dating a baseball coach long-distance

09:30: Golfing as a couple

10:05: Golf and real estate networking

12:25: Your partner shouldn't hate you

13:43: Baseball season and relationship logistics

14:21: Pregnancy holidays and birth planning

19:24: Mari’s baby ultrasound and health update

22:30: Gender reveal & cupcake fail

24:50: Ridiculous baby purchases

25:40: Mari’s formula ingredient rabbit hole

31:48: Fi’s Bartholin cyst

34:26: Symptoms and progression

38:20: ER treatment of cysts (to be continued)

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Ep. 192: Pregnancy has shifted a lot in my life, but one thing that hasn’t changed is my love for wellness. In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing how my workouts, nutrition, and self-care routines have evolved now that I’m 16 weeks along. From what I’m eating (spoiler: still all about protein) to the skincare swaps I’ve made, I walk you through a typical day and answer your most asked Q&As. Whether you’re pregnant or just looking for a wellness reset, this one’s for you.

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Sponsored By:

The first 1,000 to join at functionhealth.com/POW or use gift code POW at sign-up get a $100 credit toward their membership.

Get better sleep, hair and skin with Blissy and use POWPOD to get an additional 30% off at blissy.com/POWPOD

Get 20% off your first order at foriawellness.com/POW or with code POW at checkout. You’ll thank me later.

Whether you’re launching a side hustle or building the next big brand, Shopify makes it simple to start and scale. Visit shopify.com/mari to make it happen.

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.

Save 15% on the BON CHARGE Red Light Face Mask and more at boncharge.com with code PURSUIT at checkout.

Show Links:

Packed with 38 superfood ingredients, this delicious daily scoop supports digestion, reduces bloat, and boosts energy—meet Bloom Greens.

Bloom Colostrum blends colostrum, collagen peptides, and probiotics to support gut health, immunity, and radiant hair, skin, and nails.

Crush soda cravings with Bloom Pop—crafted with clinically-backed prebiotics and better-for-you ingredients for a bold, gut-friendly boost.

Topics Discussed

00:09 Welcome and pregnancy update

01:00 Second trimester routines and eating shifts

02:05 Current what I eat in a day

2:53 Breakfast foods and supplements

08:30 Salads, sandwiches, and lunch staples

09:14 Favorite snacks and protein smoothies

09:45 Dinner staples and eating salmon

10:50 Dessert cravings and sweets aversions

11:25 Thoughts on caffeine and matcha

12:20 Pregnancy workouts, mindset shifts, and daily movement

18:22 Skincare, stretch marks, and natural beauty routines

23:03 Pregnancy cravings and food inspiration

23:50 Favorite workout clothes while pregnant

24:30 Pregnancy nutrition, nausea, and food changes

26:14 Acne triggers and skincare

30:12 Workout structure and timing

31:06 Tracking baby with app

32:29 Not riding during pregnancy

34:19 Postpartum weight and body image

35:15 GLP-1, past weight loss, and future plans

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