Episodes

  • My IVF Experience & Results: Real & Unfiltered

    My IVF Experience & Results: Real & Unfiltered
    Jan 30 2025
    Ep. 170: In this episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I’m sharing the highs and lows of my IVF journey - including the unexpected twists during my egg retrieval recovery and how I’m managing the hormone crash afterward. From daily injections to nearly running out of medication and even fainting post-retrieval, I’m opening up about the challenges that caught me off guard. I’ll also talk about the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for embryo updates, the practical steps I took to stay organized, and how Greg and I navigated this process together as a team. If you’re curious about IVF or considering it yourself, this episode dives into the details no one talks about. Let’s get into it! 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: CLEARSTEM offers clean skincare that targets both acne and aging without harsh chemicals or pore-clogging ingredients. Get 20% off your first order at CLEARSTEM.com with code POW. Discover your best skin with this innovative, holistic approach to skincare! Unlock unparalleled health insights with Function Health. With over 100 advanced lab tests—including hormones, metabolism, and toxins—Function offers the tools you need to optimize your wellness journey. Skip the 400,000+ waitlist at functionhealth.com/a/mari-llewellyn and take control of your health today! Refresh your wardrobe for the new year with Quince! From cozy Mongolian Cashmere sweaters to premium activewear, Quince offers luxury-quality pieces at 50–80% less than other brands. Shop now at quince.com/pow for free shipping and 365-day returns. Make clean, pure water a priority in your life with AquaTru! Their purifiers use 4-stage reverse osmosis technology to remove 15x more contaminants than ordinary filters, including PFAS, microplastics, and more. AquaTru fits every home with countertop and under-sink options—no installation required. Save 20% today with code POW at AquaTru.com! Show Links: Elevate your daily routine with Bloom’s 3-in-1 Colostrum & Collagen Peptides Topics Discussed 00:00:34:03: Intro 00:01:32:12: LA fires 00:03:17:12: IVF journey recap 00:05:11:10: First shot 00:09:11:16: Running out of medicine 00:15:15:14: Morning shots 00:16:40:07: Not exercising during injection cycle 00:17:37:16: Traveling during injection cycle 00:18:45:07: Advice for doing IVF w/o partner 00:20:54:06: Egg retrieval 00:22:25:07: Post egg retrieval 00:35:25:04: Genetic testing on embryos 00:36:17:00: How long did you try before doing IVF? 00:38:36:08: How can family/friends support? 00:39:45:20: Why were you a good candidate for IVF? 00:40:26:21: Is it scary? 00:41:13:10: Anything you wish you knew before doing IVF? 00:41:56:13: When did you start to feel uncomfortable? 00:42:10:12: Cost of IVF 00:43:03:14: Why do you bloat? 00:43:30:13: Did you consider surrogacy? 00:44:21:17: Being holistic, were you scared to take medicine? 00:45:06:19: Do you regret sharing so much online? 00:45:56:22: Can you select the gender of the embryo? 00:46:42:00: Fresh or frozen transfer? 00:46:45:13: OHSS syndrome? 00:47:06:18: Taking Bloom greens during IVF 00:47:23:06: Church 00:48:31:06: IUI
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    52 mins
  • Sobriety, Fitness, Gratitude: The Tools That Built Michael Chernow’s Life

    Sobriety, Fitness, Gratitude: The Tools That Built Michael Chernow’s Life
    Jan 27 2025
    Trigger warning: Addiction and self-harm Ep. 169: On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I sit down with Michael Chernow, founder of Creatures of Habit, to hear his incredible journey from addiction to thriving entrepreneur. Michael shares how discipline, fitness, and nutrition helped him rebuild his life. We talk about gut health, daily habits, and finding balance, plus his inspiring perspective on the role of prayer and gratitude in personal growth. Listen now to learn how small, intentional steps can help you transform your 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 Michael’s Instagram click here! For Kreature of Habit’s Instagram click here! Sponsored By: Upgrade your kitchen with Caraway’s non-toxic cookware. Save $150 when purchasing a cookware set, plus take an additional 10% off with our exclusive code PURSUIT at Carawayhome.com/PURSUIT. Cook safely and stylishly with Caraway—non-toxic cookware made modern. Discover BON CHARGE’s science-backed beauty and wellness products, including the Red Light Face Mask for glowing, youthful skin in just 10 minutes a day. Visit boncharge.com and use code PURSUIT to save 15%. Make healthy eating effortless with Hungryroot, your personal shopper and nutritionist in one. Get 40% off your first box PLUS a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/pow with code POW. Kick off 2025 with a clean and healthy home using Branch Basics! Their Ultimate Starter Kit has everything you need for a toxin-free routine. Get 15% off your order and free shipping on select items at BranchBasics.com/POW15 with code POW15. Make this year your cleanest yet! Show Links: Check out the Kreatures of Habit podcast It’s amazing to see everyone loving the new Bloom energy drink! Our new flavor, Juicy Orange, just came out and it’s absolutely delicious. As a thank you, we’re giving our listeners exclusive access to 20% off our best selling flavors. Head to Amazon to grab yours today! Parasites 101: Do You Have Them? How They Affect Us & How To Kill them Why Women Are Training Wrong: Fix Hormones, Build Strength & Recover Smarter w/ Dr. Andy Galpin Part 1 Dr. Andy Galpin's Secrets to Strength Training, Sleep Hacks, & Recovery Tools Part 2 Topics Discussed 00:00 Intro 02:00 Trigger warning 02:15 HRV 03:00 Worm Queen 04:27 Blood work 06:10 Heroin overdose 06:30 The world of wellness 08:42 Eliminating alcohol 09:51 Michael’s recovery story 23:56 The man who changed Michael’s life 25:13 Recovery program 30:54 Praying 36:38 Fitness and recovery 40:17 The 3 Cs 42:38 Fitness and pain 45:13 Sleep 48:39 Most people quit 55:01 How his restaurant career started 59:13 The Meatball Shop 01:02:14 Seamore’s 01:04:27 Kreatures of Habit 01:14:38 Gut health 01:18:24 Gut cleanse diet 01:22:30 What does wellness mean to you?
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Top Tips For Starting A Business: How We Started Bloom

    Top Tips For Starting A Business: How We Started Bloom
    Jan 23 2025
    Ep. 168: In this episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I’m sitting down with my husband and Bloom co-founder, Greg, to share the story of how we turned our scrappy startup into a thriving business. We’ll dive into our entrepreneurial journey, from selling PDF workout guides and resistance bands to scaling Bloom into a wellness powerhouse with millions of products sold. Along the way, we’re sharing lessons learned, mistakes made, and tips for starting your own business. Whether you’re dreaming of launching a side hustle or building an empire, this episode has something for you. Tune in for inspiration, actionable advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at our path to success! 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:  If you are ready to start your entrepreneurial journey, head to shopify.com/mari and see how easy it is to bring your idea to life. Whether it is a side hustle or a dream business, there is no better time to start than now! Show Links: How I Transformed My Life: 90 Pounds Down with Discipline and Goal Setting Check out the Strength by Mari app Bloom Colostrum Bloom Greens Bloom Sparking Energy Bloom Creatine Topics Discussed 00:00:09:00: Introduction 00:01:04:00: How Greg sets business goals 00:01:44:00: Their business story 00:03:17:00: Their first product 00:05:09:00: First website 00:06:52:00: First physical product 00:09:45:00: Finding a warehouse 00:10:40:00: The reason behind their first products 00:11:51:00: Social media 00:13:59:00: Advice for running paid ads on social media 00:15:55:00: Mari’s social media community 00:18:10:00: Starting Bloom Nutrition 00:21:36:00: Launching pre-workout 00:24:40:00: Shopify 00:27:17:00: Launching greens 00:29:41:00: Community feedback 00:32:58:00: Product with subscription 00:23:57:00: Advice for getting started 00:36:29:00: Advice for someone with a 9-5 wanting to start a business 00:37:57:00: No end goal in mind
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    41 mins
  • Michelin Star Chefs: Why Food Quality Matters w/ Phillip & Margarita

    Michelin Star Chefs: Why Food Quality Matters w/ Phillip & Margarita
    Jan 20 2025
    Ep. 167: What does it take to turn a single idea into 24 thriving restaurants—and grow into the best version of yourself along the way? On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, we’re exploring the transformative power of passion, discipline, and creativity with two culinary visionaries. They share the lessons they’ve learned building their empire, the role wellness plays in their success, and how they’ve overcome challenges to stay connected to their dreams. Tune in for inspiration, practical tips, and a deeper look at the connection between personal growth and professional achievement. 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 Margarita’s instagram click here! For Phillip’s Instagram click here! Sponsored By: Jumpstart your health with Lumen, the world’s first handheld metabolic coach. Measure your metabolism through your breath and get personalized guidance to optimize your nutrition, workouts, and more. Visit lumen.me/POW for 20% off your purchase. Upgrade your sleep with Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheet set for unmatched softness and cooling comfort. Visit cozyearth.com/pursuit and use code PURSUIT for 40% off. If you get a post-purchase survey, please say you heard about Cozy Earth from this podcast! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Start your journey to better mental health and get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/POW. This episode is sponsored by Rocket Money. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com/POW today. Show Links: Make your reservation today at Sushi by Scratch Downtown Austin Check out all of the other Sushi by Scratch locations Find all of Margarita & Phillip’s restaurants online at: @sushibyscratchrestaurants @nadcburger @pastabaraustin @pastabarla @wolfandwheatatx Keep an ear out for the Not a Damn Chance podcast - COMING SOON Topics Discussed 00:00 Introduction 01:41 Pandemic challenges in California 03:04 Five-week pop-up in Austin 04:51 Joe Rogan’s role in their success 11:50 Deciding to put down roots in Austin 17:35 How their passion for food began 29:00 Balancing creativity w/ demands of running multiple restaurants 36:35 How they became 100% owners 44:58 Why chefs have a reputation for drinking 01:03:43 Restaurant recommendations & favorite experiences
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Dr. Andy Galpin's Secrets to Strength Training, Sleep Hacks, & Recovery Tools Part 2

    Dr. Andy Galpin's Secrets to Strength Training, Sleep Hacks, & Recovery Tools Part 2
    Jan 16 2025
    Ep. 166: In this episode, I’m wrapping up my conversation with Dr. Andy Galpin, one of the leading experts on fitness and human performance. We’re diving into the science behind training for both longevity and peak performance, exploring how to balance strength, endurance, and recovery in a way that works for your unique needs. Dr. Galpin shares actionable advice on progressive overload, recovery strategies, and optimizing your fitness for long-term health. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to take things to the next level, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in now to learn how to train smarter, not harder, and build a foundation for lasting wellness! 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: Own your health with Function Health! Skip the 400,000+ person waitlist by visiting functionhealth.com/a/mari-llewellyn. That’s functionhealth.com/a/mari-llewellyn to take control of your health today. Ready for a junk-free start to 2025? Head to thrivemarket.com/pow and get 30% off your first order—plus a FREE $60 gift! Get cozy in Quince’s high-quality wardrobe essentials. Go to Quince.com/pow for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Show Links: Listen to Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin Learn more about Dr. Galpin’s innovative sleep solution Absolute Rest Topics Discussed 00:00 Introduction 03:21 What interests you most about performance and optimization? 05:32 Coaching program 10:39 Training recommendations for athletes and general population 12:30 Goals for their athletes 15:23 Can you lose fat, gain muscle without suffering? 17:53 No unrealistic expectations 22:17 Cooks and bakers analogy 26:40 Advice for someone starting fitness journey 29:54 Optimal time of day for training? 31:36 Schedule for fighters 33:01 Training in the evening 35:14 Exercise snacks 37:20 Fidgeting 39:00 N.E.A.T (Non-exercise activity thermogenesis) 41:30 Figure skater’s training and diet 42:34 Equestrian clients 43:56 Advice for women who want muscle, but are afraid of weight training
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    59 mins
  • Why Women Are Training Wrong: Fix Hormones, Build Strength & Recover Smarter w/ Dr. Andy Galpin Part 1

    Why Women Are Training Wrong: Fix Hormones, Build Strength & Recover Smarter w/ Dr. Andy Galpin Part 1
    Jan 13 2025
    Ep. 165: How do you define peak performance? Today Dr. Andy Galpin, world renowned human performance scientist, joins us to explore what it means to optimize your body and mind - whether you’re an elite athlete or just starting your health journey. We discuss how to remove performance anchors, the surprising overlap between athlete and non-athlete needs, and why systems and sustainability matter more than perfection. This episode is so packed with insights that we split it into two parts. This episode is so packed with insights that we split it into two parts—don’t miss part one now and stay tuned for part two this Thursday! 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: Experience the benefits of red light therapy for skin rejuvenation, fine lines, and acne scars. BonCharge’s Red Light Face Mask is lightweight, portable, and fits seamlessly into your routine. Go to boncharge.com and use code PURSUIT to save 15%. Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant. Safe for anywhere on your body, it’s clinically proven to block odor for 72 hours. Get 15% off with promo code POW at Lumepodcast.com/POW! #lumepod #sponsored Upgrade your sleep with Blissy’s silk pillowcases, dermatologist-tested to reduce fine lines and keep your skin and hair hydrated. Shop at blissy.com/powpod and use code POWPOD for 30% off plus a 60-night risk-free trial. Make grocery shopping simple with personalized, healthy meal and grocery recommendations delivered to your door. Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/pow with code POW. Topics Discussed 00:00 Introduction 01:06: Welcome 03:21: What interests you most about performance and optimization? 05:32: Coaching program 10:39: Training recommendations for athletes and general population 12:30: Goals for their athletes 15:23: Can you lose fat, gain muscle without suffering? 17:53: No unrealistic expectations 22:17: Cooks and bakers analogy 26:40: Advice for someone starting fitness journey 29:54: Optimal time of day for training? 31:36: Schedule for fighters 33:01: Training in the evening 35:14: Exercise snacks 37:20: Fidgeting 39:00 N.E.A.T (Non-exercise activity thermogenesis) 41:30: Figure skater’s training and diet 42:34: Equestrian as client 43:56: Advice for women who want muscle, but are afraid of weight training
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    47 mins
  • Solo: Navigating My First IVF Appointment and Fertility Challenges

    Solo: Navigating My First IVF Appointment and Fertility Challenges
    Jan 9 2025
    Ep. 164: This week, I’m opening up about my first IVF appointment and sharing the details of my fertility journey so far. From navigating the emotional ups and downs to the mental health tools that have helped me stay grounded, I’m bringing you along for the ride. Plus, I’m answering your questions about IVF prep, lifestyle changes, and even my dream of getting a pony—because sometimes, it’s okay to just want one! Tune in for a candid conversation about hope, resilience, and the road to parenthood. 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: Treat yourself to freshly baked goodness with Wildgrain, the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for artisanal breads, pastries, and pastas. Customize your box to fit your lifestyle, including gluten-free and plant-based options. Get $30 off your first box plus free croissants in every box at Wildgrain.com/POW or use code POW at checkout. Enjoy healthy, delicious, and ethical red meat with Maui Nui Venison, the only stress-free, 100% wild-harvested meat on the market. Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s the perfect clean snack or meal addition. Get 15% off your first order, including snacks, broth, and subscriptions, at mauinuivenison.com/POW with code POW. Supplies are limited, so secure your membership today! Say goodbye to uncomfortable shapewear and hello to Honeylove! With targeted compression and flexible boning, Honeylove sculpts and supports while staying comfortable all day long. Start the new year off right with Honeylove. Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/POW. After your purchase, let them know we sent you! Upgrade your oral health routine with the new Quip 360 oscillating toothbrush! Scientifically proven to remove 11x more plaque than a manual brush, it’s ultra-quiet, stylish, and features a built-in timer for a perfect clean every time. Just for Pursuit of Wellness listeners, get 20% off sitewide, plus a free travel case and countertop stand at getquip.com/pow. Free your mouth today! Show Links: Get the Superhuman App Mari loves for staying positive and grounded on her walks. Enjoy a 14-day free trial and 60% off with the code POW Everyday Products That Are Making You Sick, Fatal Conveniences, Living Plant Based, Invisible Toxins and Ways to Detox Your Life with Darin Olien Topics Discussed 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:20 - General fertility update 02:52: First IVF appointment 04:57: IVF schedule 10:49: Infertility is increasing 11:34: Advice for infertility 13:27: Superhuman App 14:40: Q&A 14:58: Are your chicken eggs better than past experiences with other eggs, sensitivity wise? 15:25: Prepping body for IVF 16:23: What made you decide to do IVF? 20:48: How many horses do you have? 21:17: Hardest thing about being present online? 22:58: Update on interior design team 27:40: Top 3 tips for 20 year old on professional development 29:02: Balancing seeing Greg’s family vs. hers over holidays 29:59: Thoughts on sauna while trying to conceive 30:46: Non-toxic athletic wear 31:17: Have you ever done plastic surgery or would you consider it? 31:44: NFR 32:52: Did you know that Greg was “the one”?
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    34 mins
  • Dr. Gabrielle Lyon on Muscle, Creatine & the Links between H. Pylori & Acne | Part 2

    Dr. Gabrielle Lyon on Muscle, Creatine & the Links between H. Pylori & Acne | Part 2
    Jan 6 2025
    Ep. #163 On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon returns to share insights on muscle health, hormone balance, and optimal nutrition strategies. Together, we discuss my own acne journey and the role of H. Pylori, which Dr. Lyon helped diagnose, and when antibiotics are beneficial. We explore supplements like creatine and colostrum for muscle retention, fertility, and metabolic health, along with practical ways to improve kids' nutrition—covering everything from healthy school lunches to creating positive habits at home. Finally, we dive into topics like Ozempic, fasting, and the crucial role of protein in building a strong foundation, especially for women. 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. Gabrielle Lyon’s Instagram click here! For Dr. Gabrielle Lyon’s podcast click here! Show Links: Bloom Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate EP. 74 - Why Protein & Muscle Are So Important + Ozempic (the truth) Weight Lifting & Fat Loss w/ Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Sponsored By Visit cozyearth.com/pursuit and use my exclusive 40% off code PURSUIT. if you get a post purchase survey, say that you heard about Cozy Earth from this podcast Take the next step to improving your health: go to lumen.me/POW to get 20% off your Lumen. That is lumen.me/POW for 20% off your purchase. Visit Carawayhome.com/POW you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase.This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/POW or use code POW at checkout. It's time you own your health. To join Function Health, go to functionhealth.com/pow and use code POW100 to skip the waitlist. Available up to 1,000 listeners. Show Links Bloom Colostrum Bloom Creatine Topics Discussed 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:33 - Welcome back Dr. Gabrielle Lyon 00:01:58 - Mari’s acne journey and H. Pylori 00:05:22 - Time and place to use antibiotics 00:07:54 - Testing for H. Pylori 00:08:24 - Rebuilding your gut 00:10:03 - Creatine and beneficial supplements 00:12:50 - Creatine and muscle effects 00:15:56 - Who benefits most from creatine 00:19:03 - Fad bodies & body composition 00:20:06 - Muscle = longevity 00:22:36 - Fertility rates 00:26:25 - Navigating advice and eliminating distraction 00:29:08 - Advice on how to start and eliminating the chaos 00:34:53 - Cough explosion 00:35:34 - Dr. Gabrielle Lyon’s personal experience 00:36:58 - Educating children around nutrition 00:40:01 - Building a child’s diet and school lunches 00:43:19 - Leading by example 00:44:17 - Fasting for women 00:48:05 - Health advice for Ozempic
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    55 mins