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

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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!

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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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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.

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

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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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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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Topics Discussed:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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Get your 5th carton free at davidprotein.com/POW—each David bar has 28g protein, 0g sugar, and only 150 calories.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Buy 4 cartons of David Protein Bars, get the 5th free—exclusively at davidprotein.com/POW. High protein, no sugar, no junk.

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For a human-safe approach to home cleaning, support friend-of-the-show Branch Basics.

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