The EMPWR Podcast

Two weeks out from my wedding and I'm sharing everything I've changed about my routine that's made me feel and look better than when I was training for an Ironman. This isn't another "do more" episode. I talk about why I cut my workouts down to 30-40 minutes and 4 days a week, how romanticizing my mornings transformed my mindset, why I'm reconsidering caffeine completely, the hypnobreathwork practice that's grounding me, how I'm using light, sound, and smell to calm my nervous system at home, the skincare products that are actually giving me a glow, why my body lost inflammation the moment I stopped overtraining, and why I think the pressure to be a "perfect bride" is the biggest trap on social media. This applies to any woman, not just brides. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro trailer 1:07 - Welcome: two weeks out from the wedding 2:00 - Why doing less has done more for me 2:30 - What I'm covering today: workouts, skincare, mindset, and how I'm showing up daily 2:45 - Romanticizing my daily habits and making them feel fun 3:00 - Mornings: why the first 30 minutes matter 3:16 - Why I stopped looking at my phone and social media first thing 4:00 - Why I barely scroll Instagram anymore 4:30 - What my mornings actually look like now: eye patches, silence, grounding 5:30 - Nervous system: what I've been doing differently 5:41 - Limiting caffeine and what happened when I cut it out 7:07 - Breathwork: the hypnobreathwork app that changed things (Mastry by Francesca) 9:00 - Creating a calm home atmosphere 9:55 - Light, sound, and smell: the three things I'm focusing on 10:48 - Ambient lighting: color-changing bulbs, lamps, no overhead lights 12:14 - Salt lamps and why I love them 15:55 - Sound: piano jazz playlists and background music throughout the day 17:00 - Smell: non-toxic candles (Flamingo Estate, Primally Pure) 18:00 - Essential oils, lavender, and diffusers at night 19:00 - Body butter: the Neom products making my skin glow 20:00 - Morning and nighttime moisturizing routine 20:30 - Fitness: why this one surprised me 21:00 - What happened when I stopped Ironman training (the inflammation I lost) 21:30 - Why 6-7 days of high intensity creates inflammation in most women 22:00 - What I'm doing instead: bridal body workout, 4 days, 30-40 minutes 24:00 - You don't need 90 minutes in the gym to see results 25:00 - After the wedding: building muscle and eating more 30:00 - Walking for steps instead of extra cardio 31:00 - Skincare: why I'm so happy with my skin right now 31:30 - EZ Gel under eyes and Sculptra 32:00 - My top 5 must-have skincare products 33:00 - Clearstem Bright Me Up Toner 33:30 - InnBeauty Eye Cream 34:00 - Golden Hour Retinol Drops from Complexion 34:45 - Rhode Glazing Milk 35:30 - Red light therapy face mask: how I use it and why 36:56 - My nighttime wind-down routine: shower, skincare, PJs, essential oils, music 39:00 - Mouth tape, eye mask, brown noise, and the Hatch 39:30 - Sleep: why I'm aiming for 9 PM bedtime and 7.5-8 hours 40:30 - Nutrition: I'm not in a crazy deficit 41:00 - Sticking to whole foods and three meals a day 46:30 - A day in the life of what I eat: breakfast, lunch, and dinner 50:00 - Mindset: the most important part of my bridal routine 50:45 - Creating boundaries and saying no to more 51:30 - Saying no to brand deals and social events 53:00 - The pressure to be a perfect bride and social media comparison 55:00 - These habits aren't just for brides, they're for any woman 56:30 - What's coming: wedding content, honeymoon, and more Thank you to our sponsors: Ka'Chava: Plant-based nutrition shake with 25g protein, greens, and adaptogens. Get 15% off your first order with code SAMCFIT. https://www.kachava.com/ Thrive Market: Clean, healthy groceries delivered to your door. Get $20 off your first 3 orders at https://thrivemarket.com/SAMCFIT iRestore Face Mask: Red light therapy face mask with 360 medical-grade LEDs for collagen, fine lines, and clearer skin. Use code SAMCFIT at checkout for a discount. https://www.irestorelaser.com/ AquaTru Shower: Filtered shower head that reduces chlorine and contaminants for healthier skin and hair. Get 20% off with code SHSAM. 30-day money-back guarantee. https://aquatru.com/ Caraway: Premium ceramic-coated cookware with a non-stick surface and easy cleanup. Use code SAMCFIT for an extra 10% off. https://www.carawayhome.com/ Rula: Find licensed therapists and psychiatrists who accept your insurance. Average $15 copay per session. Get started at https://rula.com/SAMCFIT Sam's LINKS: ELEVATE App by Sam | free 7 day trial: https://www.elevatebysam.com/ My Macro Guide: https://samanthachristine.co/nutrition-guides Running Programs: https://samanthachristine.co/running-guides How I romanticize my home: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4544846 The skincare products I recommend: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4552627 Hypnotherapy app that really works: https://mastryexperience.com/hypnobreathwork-app/  Dinner jazz playlist I recommend in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWWKeNBqaIy5U?si=dBREKoC1Rj6sll416dIh8A&utm_source=copy-linkπ=cSivamvQQZqSG Follow Sam: Insta: @samcfit_ YouTube: @samantha_christine #bridalroutine #weddingprep #preweddingroutine #lessismore #doingless #overtraining #inflammationinwomen #nervoussystem #groundingroutine #morningroutine #breathwork #hypnobreathwork #skincareroutine #glowyskin #ambientlighting #bodybutter #redlighttherapy #workoutroutine #liftingforwomen #30minuteworkout #bridetobe #weddingwellness #mindset #socialmediapressure #selflove #empwrpodcast #wellnesspodcast #womenswellness #fitnessjourney #womenover30 #romanticeyourlife Learn more about your ad choices. 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We talk red flags, exes, and why you should never settle for less! I sat down with Ian three days after his vasectomy reversal to answer the questions you've been sending in. This Q&A covers dating red flags, the non-negotiables I refused to break, co-parenting with our exes, blended family life, and what it actually takes to rebuild after divorce. Three years ago we both said we didn't want a relationship. I also said I'd never date a military man. This is the honest version of how that turned out, plus the questions I get asked most: how you know when you've found your person, why you should never settle, when to walk away from red flags in the talking stage, and what I'd tell myself before any of it happened. We also get into the reversal itself, including why he got a vasectomy after his divorce, how we made the decision together, and the odds nobody tells you about. Timestamps: 0:00 - The questions you sent in 1:40 - Three days post-op (and why he can't work out for a month) 5:00 - Three years ago we said we didn't want a relationship 5:24 - The conversation in Destin that changed everything 6:20 - Why both our shields were up 7:04 - What we're covering today 7:16 - Why Ian got a vasectomy after his divorce 8:06 - How we knew we were ready to try for a baby 9:47 - Getting help at home, and why we stopped feeling guilty 11:02 - How Ian feels about the house manager situation 14:57 - How soon we're trying (and the wedding day timing) 15:18 - Finding a specialist and what the reversal involved 16:13 - The odds nobody tells you about 17:29 - Do we want one baby or more? 17:35 - How the kids reacted 18:29 - What my last relationship taught me about what I needed 20:11 - What I had to fix in myself first 21:04 - How we handle disrespect: call it out, talk it out 22:10 - Has the spark faded? An honest answer 23:49 - Never stop dating each other 29:17 - Do we talk to each other's exes? 29:51 - Where our co-parenting relationships stand now 32:01 - Making sure every child feels equally loved 33:22 - Being a step-parent without replacing anyone 33:53 - The day she started calling me mom 35:32 - Do we discipline each other's kids the same way? 36:00 - Will a new baby make the kids feel left out? 37:26 - Building our own traditions around theirs 41:32 - How do you know when you've found your person? 41:49 - Advice for anyone dating in their 20s and 30s 43:15 - My top 10 non-negotiables (and the one I broke) 43:40 - Should you make the first move? 44:53 - The red flags to walk away from 45:04 - What we're most excited about 45:53 - Wedding update 46:27 - What we'd tell ourselves before the divorces 47:10 - The person who brings out your worst self 47:40 - Stand firm in your values Thank you to our sponsors: Thrive Market: Get $20 off your first 3 orders at: ⁠https://thrivemarket.com/SAMCFIT⁠ Oak Essentials: Get 15% off your first purchase at ⁠https://oakessentials.com/⁠ with code: SAMCFIT Shopify: Start your free trial at ⁠https://shopify.com/samcfit⁠ Cash App: New users get $10 when you sign up and send $5 to a friend within 14 days at ⁠https://cash.app/⁠ with code: FAMILY10 Remi Night Guards: Get up to 50% off custom-made night guards at ⁠https://www.remiclub.com/⁠ with code: SAMCFIT Dream Recovery: Get 15% off at ⁠https://dreamrecovery.io/⁠ with code: SAM15 Sam's LINKS: ELEVATE App by Sam | free 7 day trial: ⁠https://www.elevatebysam.com/⁠ My Macro Guide: ⁠https://samanthachristine.co/nutrition⁠ Running Programs: ⁠https://samanthachristine.co/running-programs⁠ Follow Sam: Insta: @samcfit_ YouTube: @samantha_christine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Cameron Chesnut is one of the most sought-after facial plastic surgeons in the world, and honestly, this is the episode I've been waiting eight months to record. He operates on ONE patient a day, says no to about 80% of the people who reach out to him, and looks at every single procedure as a metabolic event. We get into all of it: what he actually thinks about Botox (his answer surprised me!), why filler is basically a semi-permanent implant, the study where lip filler had migrated to the base of the nose in 49 out of 50 patients, why he refuses opioids and benzos in his OR, and the two "unsexy" things he says matter more than any treatment you could buy. I also asked him about my own Botox, my lip filler that migrated, and what I should be doing before my wedding in September. Plus a rapid fire round at the end that I did not expect to end on creatine. Timestamps: [1:32] - His mom the dietitian who was 40 years ahead of everyone  [4:37] - The red flags he saw in training  [7:39] - How little nutrition med school actually teaches (about 12 hours)  [10:19] - Why recovery deserves as much attention as the surgery itself  [12:24] - Pre-hab: how he lowers your inflammatory load before you ever arrive  [13:01] - The photo screening process (he says no to about 80%) [14:48] - "I want a brow lift" - why the answer is usually something else  [17:48] - If you're in your 30s or 40s thinking about eyelid surgery, pause  [18:47] - Transformation vs. rejuvenation (this reframed everything for me)  [20:01] - "When I look in the mirror, I don't look how I feel"  [22:27] - The starter pack for your 20s and 30s [23:34] - The non-negotiables: sleep, blood sugar, and his CGM  [26:09] - Microneedling and lasers: collagen vs. elastin  [28:01] - When a device promises you a facelift, run! [30:26] - The biases that push people toward the wrong treatment  [32:12] - Botox: is it as toxic as people say? What it actually does  [34:00] - Facial expression as human communication (and how babies read your face)  [36:14] - When he DOES use Botox  [38:32] - My own Botox history and wanting to stretch my sessions [39:47] - Do the patches and at-home rollers actually work?  [42:01] - Filler is a semi-permanent implant, not a temporary one  [43:02] - Migration, encapsulation, and the 20-year-old filler he removed  [45:24] - The study: filler at the base of the nose in 49 of 50 patients  [46:46] - PRF and PRP: the more natural route  [48:40] - Dark circles and what's actually causing them [50:54] - Sculptra and biostimulators through a surgeon's eyes  [54:38] - Switching gears: does diet change how you age?  [55:38] - His anesthesia protocol: no opioids, no benzodiazepines  [58:16] - Why good sleep beats hyperbaric and red light combined  [1:02:16] - Does a collagen supplement actually do anything?  [1:03:18] - Red light therapy and my surgery on Friday [1:05:08] - Stem cells and fat transfer explained [1:10:10] - Before and afters, and why celebrities get such a bad rap  [1:13:05] - Social media, beauty trends, and buccal fat  [1:14:58] - RAPID FIRE  [1:17:44] - Why he's had female patients on creatine for 12 years  [1:19:17] - What does empowerment mean to you?  [1:20:52] - Where to find Dr. Chesnut and how to start the process Follow Dr. Cameron Chesnut:  Instagram: @chesnut.md  Clinic 5C: https://clinic5c.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Jones Road Beauty: Get a FREE full-size mascara with your first purchase at https://jonesroadbeauty.com/ with code: EMPWR AquaTru: Get 20% off your purifier at https://aquatru.com/ with code: SAM Remi Night Guards: Get up to 50% off custom-made night guards at https://www.remiclub.com/ with code: SAMCFIT Clearstem Skincare: Get a FREE Mini Hydro Glow Plumping Moisturizer when you spend $75+ at https://clearstem.com/SAMCFIT/ with code: SAMCFIT Lola Blankets: Get 40% off select products at https://lolablankets.com/ with code: SAMCFIT Sam's LINKS: ELEVATE App by Sam | free 7 day trial: https://www.elevatebysam.com/  My Macro Guide: https://samanthachristine.co/nutrition-guides/ Running Programs: https://samanthachristine.co/running-guides/ Follow Sam: Insta: @samcfit_  YouTube: @samantha_christine #facialplasticsurgery #antiaging #botox #filler #fillermigration #sculptra #microneedling #skincare #collagen #regenerativemedicine #stemcells #fattransfer #redlighttherapy #ketones #creatine #bloodsugar #longevity #metabolichealth #functionalmedicine #agingracefully #empwrpodcast #womenshealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He grew up on ketchup sandwiches in a town with no stoplights, survived abuse, and nearly lost his mom to an overdose at 16. Now at 31, Matt Johnson has 1 million followers, has run across Texas twice, just finished his third Ironman, and is preparing to do seven full-distance triathlons in seven days to raise $300K for veterans. He looks like the fittest person you've ever seen, and he's one of the few willing to show you what's actually going on underneath. In this episode, Matt exposes the hypocrisy most of the fitness industry won't talk about: people chasing aesthetics while their blood work is screaming. Sky-high blood pressure, elevated heart and liver markers, chest pain after a warm-up jog, all happening inside a body that looks perfect on the outside. Blood work doesn't care how you look. It tells the truth when the mirror won't. This conversation covers everything from rock bottom to his biggest mission yet. Timestamps: 0:00 - The health scare nobody saw coming 2:00 - How Matt accidentally became a content creator 4:00 - Coaching Jelly Roll & the Nelk Boys 6:00 - Growing up in extreme poverty in small-town Iowa 7:00 - Ketchup sandwiches & his mom working two jobs 8:45 - The abuse, being locked in a room for 10 hours 9:00 - His mom's overdose at 16 & needing to escape 11:00 - Hitting 1 million followers & buying his mom a car 12:30 - Transitioning out of the military & finding fitness 15:00 - His brother's tragedy & discovering David Goggins 17:00 - "We have the same story" — the book that changed everything 20:30 - Military discipline applied to fitness 24:00 - The marathon that changed his life & the coach who believed in him 26:00 - Maxing out a credit card to chase a dream: "I'll either die with this debt or figure it out" 27:30 - His mom giving him her only credit card with $10K 28:30 - First Ironman on a $1,000 bike from Mexico 30:00 - Eating 8,000 calories a day & 1,100 carbs on the bike 36:00 - Ironman vs. ultra training: which is harder? 37:00 - Running 150 miles a week to train for Texas 38:00 - The hardest part of triathlon training nobody talks about 42:00 - Project 7: seven triathlons in seven days for veterans 44:00 - "Any fit person can run 100 miles" — and how he proved it 48:00 - How he actually trains: only lifting once a week 55:00 - The health crisis: sky-high blood pressure, heart markers, & chest pain 58:00 - "A lot of influencers are unhealthy as shit and don't share that" 1:02:00 - Going sober by accident & why he's staying sober 1:06:00 - Starting counseling & why men don't talk about it 1:07:30 - Growing up a pathological liar & choosing radical honesty 1:10:00 - "I just never thought I couldn't" — the mindset behind it all 1:12:00 - Building a legacy for kids he doesn't have yet 1:14:00 - "What a blessing it is to suffer for other people" 1:16:30 - What empowerment means to Matt right now Thank you to our sponsors: Shopify: Start, manage, and grow your online business with an all-in-one ecommerce platform. Customizable storefront, secure checkout, and built-in selling tools so you can focus on creating products while Shopify handles the technical side. Start your free trial at: ⁠https://shopify.com/samcfit ⁠ Cash App: It's never too early for your kids to start saving. New Cash App customers can earn $10 with code FAMILY10 at sign-up when they spend $5 to a friend within 14 days. Download Cash App and sponsor your teen's account today. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partners. Visit ⁠http://cash.app/legal/podcast⁠ for full disclosures. Dream Recovery: Find everything from mouth tape to weighted blankets at https://dreamrecovery.io/SAM15 and use code SAM15 for 15% off.Kane Footwear: Try my favorite recovery shoes at: ⁠https://kanefootwear.com/empwr⁠ for free shipping. Remi: Try Remi risk-free. Go to ⁠https://shopremi.com/samcfit⁠ and use code SAMCFIT for up to 50% off your night guard. Caraway: Visit ⁠https://carawayhome.com/samcfit⁠ or use code SAMCFIT at checkout for an additional 10% off your next purchase. Sam's LINKS: ELEVATE App by Sam | free 7 day trial: ⁠⁠https://www.elevatebysam.com/⁠ My Macro Guide: ⁠⁠⁠https://samanthachristine.co/nutrition-guides⁠ Running Programs: ⁠⁠https://samanthachristine.co/running-guides⁠ Follow Sam: Insta: @samcfit_ YouTube: @samantha_christine Follow Matt: Insta: @mattjohnson__ YouTube: Matt Johnson #empwrpodcast #mattjohnson #bloodwork #fakefitness #fitbutunhealthy #fitnessindustry #fitnesshypocrisy #warningsigns #ironmantraining #ironmantriathlon #ultrarunning #runningtexas #enduranceathlete #overtraining #bloodworkresults #healthyvsfit #aestheticsvshealth #bodyaesthetics #davidgoggins #sobriety #soberlife #mentalhealth #mensmentalhealth #counseling #transparencymatters #militarytocivilian #veteranscharity #fitnessmotivation #fitnessjourney #womenover30 #wellnesspodcast #healthpodcast #podcast #realconversations #disciplineovermotivation #healthandfitness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The EMPWR Podcast you'll learn how this single broccoli-derived molecule can transform your gut health, detox microplastics, fight inflammation, and potentially extend your lifespan. The story starts with a cancer diagnosis that sparked a mission to find real solutions, not just supplements that claim to work, but ones backed by rigorous science and actual bioavailability. We cover: • What sulforaphane actually does in the body (explained simply) • How microplastics are affecting your hormones, fertility, and heart health • Why most "broccoli supplements" on the market don't contain any actual sulforaphane • The gut-healing connection • How sulforaphane promotes BDNF for brain health and neuroprotection • Berberine Elite as a fasting mimetic and how it compares to GLP-1 agonists • Sleep Elite for methylation issues (MTHFR) and serotonin support • Real protocols: how to start dosing, what to combine, and what to expect CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro: Why sulforaphane matters 01:23 The Mara Labs origin story: Maura's cancer diagnosis 14:02 Nrf2 pathway: How sulforaphane activates your body's master detox switch 19:26 Microplastics: Fertility, heart disease & endocrine disruption 23:04 The Netflix doc & what plasticizers do to your hormones 26:42 Glyphosate, gut bacteria & why your broccoli supplement might be useless 37:33 Inflammation, pain relief & brain health (BDNF explained) 41:40 Sulforaphane for autism: The 30% improvement study 50:58 Autophagy without fasting: How sulforaphane mimics fasting benefits 58:58 Berberine Elite vs GLP-1s: The fasting mimetic that preserves muscle 1:03:55 Electrolytes, sleep & methylation (MTHFR) 1:15:46 Athletic performance & recovery: Why Olympians use sulforaphane 1:24:02 Product protocols & the Mara Labs 100-day guarantee Thank you to our sponsors: Clearstem Skincare - Get a FREE Mini Hydro Plumping Moisturizer when you spend $75+. Use code SAMCFIT at https://www.clearstem.com Tiami Mattress - 35% off sitewide through July 10th (4th of July event). No code needed. Shop at https://www.tiami.com/ Aqua Tru - 20% off any countertop water purifier with code SAM at https://www.aquatru.com Dream Recovery - 15% off mouth tape, blue light glasses & sleep gear with code SAM15 at dreamrecoverybio.com Remi Night Guards - Up to 50% off custom night guards with code SAMCFIT at https://shopremi.comsamcfit/ BioOptimizers - 15% off + free gifts with code SAMCFIT at https://bioptimizers.com/ Kion 0 20% off essential amino acids with code SAMANTHA at http://www.getkion.com/samantha Kane Footwear - Free shipping on recovery shoes at http://kanefootwear.com/empwr Mara Labs - 25% off sitewide (Broccoli Elite, Berberine Elite, Geo Perfect, Sleep Elite) with code SAMCFIT at http://www.maralabs.com Sam's LINKS: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/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 Sam: Insta: @samcfit_ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Find Mara Labs: https://mara-labs.com #EMPWRPodcast #Sulforaphane #Biohacking #GutHealth #Longevity #MaraLabs #BroccoliElite #Nrf2 #Microplastics #Berberine #Autophagy #CancerPrevention #Detoxification #BrainHealth #FitnessPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo Q&A episode, I’m answering your questions on everything from ADHD, anxiety, and time management to body recomposition, cardio, weight training, and what life looks like right now behind the scenes. I share some of the struggles I don’t talk about often, including how ADHD impacts my day-to-day life, why structure and time blocking are essential for me, and how I navigate anxiety during busy seasons. We also dive into training for my first 70.3 Ironman, body recomposition versus cutting, how much cardio you actually need, and why lifting heavy can sometimes make you feel “puffy” before you see results. Plus, I’m sharing updates on wedding planning, summer travel, future family plans with Ian, and what’s coming next after this season of endurance training. What we cover: 00:00 Introduction and summer life updates 01:42 Honduras retreat recap and wellness travel experiences 04:15 Ironman training updates and open water swimming 06:04 ADHD, perfectionism, and managing anxiety 09:32 Family plans, fertility conversations, and future motherhood 12:31 Body recomposition vs. cutting: what's the difference? 15:35 How much cardio do you actually need? 17:19 Why lifting heavy can make you feel puffy 20:08 My current makeup and beauty favorites 21:34 Summer travel plans, Ironman, and my bachelorette trip 23:50 Motivation versus discipline and staying consistent 26:38 What happens if you overeat on weekends? 28:57 Honeymoon plans and what’s next after wedding season Thank you to our sponsors: KINSYN: https://kinsyn.com/empwr Code: SAMC for 20% off your first subscription Jones Road Beauty: https://jonesroadbeauty.com/ Code: EMPWR for a free full-size mascara with your first purchase Remi - Custom Night Guards: https://shopremi.com/SAMCFIT Code: SAMCFIT for up to 50% off Magnesium Breakthrough by BIOOptimizers: https://bioptimizers.com/samcfit Code: SAMCFIT for 15% off Sam's LINKS: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/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 #fitness #health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3 months out from my wedding and smack in the middle of Ironman training so yeah, this era is a LOT. In this solo episode I'm pulling back the curtain on everything I'm doing right now to feel my best walking down that aisle: the workouts, the nutrition, the recovery stack, the skincare treatments, and how I'm protecting my mental space through all of it. What we cover: 00:00 Introduction 02:18 Wedding planning updates: why I hired a wedding planner, what's been worth outsourcing, and how planning is going so far 05:40 My bridal era: embracing more feminine energy and approaching this season with intention 07:43 How I'm preparing physically for my wedding while training for an Ironman, including my current training routine and fitness goals 22:05 My nutrition and recovery routine right now: high-protein, high-carb eating, recovery priorities, and the habits helping me stay consistent 32:44 How I'm hydrating during training and what I'm focusing on to support performance and recovery 37:25 My beauty and skincare routine right now: every treatment I've done this year plus my current AM and PM skincare routine 46:08 Bridal fashion updates: dress shopping, reception dress plans, and finding the right look for each event 47:16 Protecting my mental health during a busy season: setting boundaries, creating mental space, and balancing it all Thank you to our sponsors: Branch Basics - Cleaning products: https://www.target.com/ The Magnesium Breakthrough by BIOoptimizers: https://bioptimizers.com/samcfit Code: SAMCFIT for 15% off Remi - Night mouth guards: https://shopremi.com/samcfit Code: SAMCFIT for up to 50% off Paleovalley - Bone Broth Protein: https://paleovalley.com/samcfit Code: SAMCFIT for 15% off AquaTru - Water purifier: https://aquatru.com/ Code: SAM for 20% off Sam's LINKS: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/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 Sam: Insta: @samcfit_ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Products & Resources Mentioned: Loombox Red Light Therapy https://thelumebox.com/ ClearStem Bright Me Up Toner https://clearstem.com/products/brightmeup INN Beauty Extreme Cream (face + under eye) -https://www.innbeautyproject.com/products/extreme-cream Rhode Glazing Milk https://www.rhodeskin.com/ Complexions Golden Hour (gentle retinol) https://complexionnashville.com/products/golden-hour Pro-Mix Whey Protein & Collagen https://promixnutrition.com/ Hydro Jug (40oz) https://www.thehydrojug.com/collections/traveler-40oz Redmond's Real Salt https://redmond.life/collections/real-salt Electrolytes: Pro-Mix, Bloom Hydration, Cure, LMNT https://promixnutrition.com/ https://bloomnu.com/ https://www.curehydration.com/ https://drinklmnt.com/collections/salt Bridal fashion inspo: Revolve + Meshki https://www.revolve.com/ https://meshki.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one's for the military families, the military spouses, and anyone who has ever wondered what it actually takes to become, and stay, a Navy SEAL. In honor of Memorial Day, Ian is in the hot seat. Sam kicks things off sharing her own mini Navy SEAL experience at a PLT summit in Montauk -45- degree water, burpees in the sand, and a whole new level of respect for the man she's marrying. Then Ian takes over, and the conversation goes deep. They get into why Ian became a SEAL in the first place (hint: it wasn't for the reasons you'd expect), what it felt like to watch 220 men enter BUD/S training and finish with only 36, and how much of making it as a SEAL is truly mental versus physical. Ian opens up about the emotional disconnect that comes with returning home from deployment, the toll it took on his marriage, and why deployment often felt more like an escape than a hardship. He also talks about the identity crisis that hits when you leave the teams, why no civilian job can fill that void and what it means to repurpose yourself after the most elite career in the world. They also get into raising kids with military values, what Ian wants to pass down and what he doesn't, and the jaw-dropping story of how Ian and Sam's dad unknowingly crossed paths on a mission in Africa years before Ian and Sam ever met. If you've ever wanted to get inside the mind of a SEAL, this is the episode. _____ Sam's LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/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 Sam: Insta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine _____ Thank you to our sponsors! Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code SAM to get UP TO $300 off today! Sign up for your one dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/samcfitStart your new morning ritual & getup to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code SAMCFIT at mudwtr.com/SAMCFIT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the thing you've been dealing with for years could be fixed in 12 weeks? In this Q&A episode, Ian and I are back answering your questions with zero prep and zero filter. I'm sharing my full update on the 12-week gut healing protocol I did with practitioner Amy Williams, what we found in my bloodwork, and what it actually felt like to cut caffeine, strip back to whole foods, and rebuild from the inside out. I lost 4 to 5 pounds of pure inflammation, my painful bloating episodes are completely gone, and I genuinely feel like a different person. We also get into managing food noise and cravings, my current macros, how to stay lean while lifting heavy without bulking, and the blood work markers every woman should be checking if she's always tired and running on empty. Ian and I talk about how we balance training with kids, how we make it work as a couple who spends every waking hour together, and what I'd tell anyone feeling defeated in their relationship right now. Plus our full running shoe breakdown, top home gym equipment picks, and yes, a full wedding update. We saw the venue, survived the catering tasting, and we are four months out. It's all coming together. If you've been wanting a real, unfiltered episode that covers everything from your gut to your gains to your relationship, this one's for you. _____ Sam's LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/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 Sam's Favorite Running Shoes: https://liketk.it/5m3PV Try Rythm Bloodwork rythm.health/samc Follow Sam: Insta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine _____ Thank you to our sponsors! Use code EMPWR for 20% off at curehydration.com — or find it on Amazon. Head to AquaTru.com now and get 20% off your purifier using promocode SAM Head to cozyearth.com and use my code SAMCFIT for an exclusive 20% off Use code EMPWR for 15% off the Premium Starter Kit at BranchBasics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the thing you thought was keeping you clean was actually making you sick? In this episode, I sit down with Kristina Velkova and Sara Douglas, the co-founders of Vitaclean, a revolutionary vitamin C filtered shower head company that's changing the way we think about water, skin health, and wellness. Their story starts with a shocking discovery: sludge in their London shower that was wreaking havoc on their skin and hair. What began as a personal problem turned into a mission to help people experience cleaner, healthier water without spending thousands on full house filtration systems. We dive into the difference between hard water and soft water, how chlorine, minerals, and sediment in your shower water could be causing your dry scalp, eczema, acne, brittle hair, and skin irritation, and why filtering your shower is just as important as filtering your drinking water. Christina and Sarah share the science behind vitamin C filtration, how their triple filtered technology works, and why their innovation is different from every other shower filter on the market. This conversation gets real about the wellness routines that actually matter, from hair syncing your workouts to jaw release massages, red light therapy, breath work, and why showering should feel like a spa experience every single time. We also talk about stretching out wash days, protecting color treated hair, and the simple daily rituals that keep your skin glowing and your hair thriving. If you've ever dealt with unexplained skin issues, hair breakage, or felt like your expensive products weren't working, this episode will change the way you think about your water. Your shower should be restoring you, not depleting you. Let's make that happen. About Vitaclean:Vitaclean is a female founded wellness company specializing in vitamin C filtered shower heads that remove chlorine, sediment, and impurities while infusing water with skin and hair nourishing vitamins. Founded by Kristina Velkova and Sara Douglas after discovering sludge in their London shower, Vitaclean has helped thousands achieve healthier skin, hair, and scalp through clean, filtered water. Find Vitaclean:Website: https://vitaclean.coInstagram: @vitaclean_officialTikTok: @vitacleanUse code SAMCFIT for 20% off their Starter Kits at https://vitaclean.co _____ Sam's LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/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 Sam:Insta: @samcfit_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine _____ Thank you to our sponsors! Treat yourself to the flavor and nutrition your body craves. Go to kachava.com and use code SAMCFIT for 15% off your first order. Visit Carawayhome.com/EMPWR to take an additional 10% off your next purchase or use code EMPWR at checkout. Head topaleovalley.com/samcfit (https://paleovalley.com/promos/empwr-multi-product-page) for 15% off your first purchase. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/SAMCFIT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if optimism is not about pretending everything is fine, but about learning how to stay strong when life gets hard? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Deepika Chopra, also known as The Optimism Doctor, to talk about what real optimism actually is and why it matters so much for our mental health, relationships, parenting, and everyday lives. We unpack the difference between optimism and toxic positivity, how to regulate your emotions in hard seasons, and why resilience is a skill you can build. This conversation hit home for me because it is not just about mindset. It is about how we move through grief, fear, uncertainty, motherhood, health struggles, and personal growth without losing ourselves in the process. We also talk about manifestation, affirmations, purpose, visualization, and the small daily rituals that can help us feel safer, stronger, and more grounded. If you have ever felt stuck in negative thought loops, overwhelmed by life, or unsure how to keep going through hard things, this episode is for you. Dr. Deepika Chopra is a clinical health psychologist, behavioral scientist, visual imagery expert, and author of The Power of Real Optimism. Known as The Optimism Doctor, she helps people build resilience, emotional strength, and hope through science-based tools and practical mindset work. Follow Dr. Deepika Chopra Instagram: @drdeepikachopra Website: Dr. Deepika Chopra official site Book: The Power of Real Optimism Podcast: Looking Up with Dr. Deepika Chopra _____ Sam's LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/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 Sam:Insta: @samcfit_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine _____ Thank you to our Sponsors! Go to https://AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code SAM Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code EMPWR at https://branchbasics.com/EMPWR #branchbasicspod Go to https://CLEARSTEM.com/SAMCFIT and use code SAMCFIT at checkout for 15% off your first order. Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code samcfit for up to 20% off. Use code SAMCFIT at checkout for 20% off starter kits at https://vitaclean.co. Miraval Resorts - Book a stay and start your journey toward Life in Balance at Miraval Resorts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I used to think being smaller meant being better. That if I could just control my body, I would finally feel confident, happy, and enough. But the truth is, that mindset kept me stuck. In this episode, I sit down with Senada Greca to talk about what actually changed everything. From growing up in Albania with limited resources, to moving to the US and facing bullying, to struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, and body dysmorphia, her story is powerful and deeply relatable. What makes this conversation different is that it is not about quick fixes or extreme routines. It is about shifting your mindset, healing your relationship with your body, and building real strength from the inside out. We break down why so many women feel stuck in cycles of restriction, overtraining, and frustration, and what it actually takes to create lasting change. If you have ever felt like you are doing everything right but still not seeing results, this episode will change the way you approach fitness, nutrition, and self-worth. _____ Sam's LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/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 Sam:Insta: @samcfit_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine _____ PaleoValley Head to https://paleovalley.com/samcfit for 15% off your first purchase. Fond Bone Broth Go to https://fondregenerative.com/samcfit code SAMCFIT for 10% off your first order Ka’Chava Go to https://kachava.com and use code SAMCFIT for 15% off your first order. Just ThriveSave 20% on your first order at https://justthrivehealth.com/SAMCFIT with code SAMCFIT Vitaclean Use code SAMCFIT at checkout FOR 20% OFF STARTER KITS at https://vitaclean.co Miraval Book a stay and start your journey toward Life in Balance at Miraval Resorts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Choi: content creator, endurance athlete, and one of the most inspiring voices in the running community. Matt's journey is anything but linear. From playing college football to losing his job during the pandemic, he found running as a form of therapy and self discovery. What started as a casual four mile run turned into marathons, ultramarathons, and a thriving online community built around pushing limits and doing hard things. We dive deep into running for beginners, fueling your body, strength training for runners, and recovery. Matt breaks down how to start running if you've never done it before, the walk jog method that actually works, how to choose the right shoes, and why you don't need to have it all figured out to just start. We talk about fueling during long runs, the importance of electrolytes, carb loading before races, and why eating enough is non negotiable if you want to avoid injury. We also get into the mental side of running: why it's more about mindset than mileage, how running became therapy for both of us, and what it takes to show up even when it's hard. Matt opens up about the New York City Marathon controversy, how he handled the backlash, and what he learned from taking accountability in a very public way. We also talk about his next challenge: transitioning into triathlons and taking on a 70.3 Ironman. This conversation is raw, real, and packed with practical advice for anyone who's ever thought about lacing up their shoes and just going. Whether you're training for your first 5k or your tenth marathon, this episode will remind you that you don't need permission to start, you just need to show up. _____ About Matt Choi: Matt Choi is a content creator, endurance athlete, and former college football player known for his authentic approach to running and fitness. After losing his job during the pandemic, Matt discovered running as a form of therapy and self challenge. He's completed over 40 marathons, multiple ultramarathons including the Leadville 100, and has built a loyal community by sharing his journey of pushing limits and doing hard things. Matt is currently training for triathlons and continues to inspire thousands to start running and chase their goals. Find Matt: Instagram: @matchchoi_6 TikTok: @matchchoi_6 YouTube: Matthew Choi _____ Sam's LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/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 Sam: Insta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine _____ Caraway visit https://Carawayhome.com/EMPWR you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase Remi Go to https://shopremi.com/SAMCFIT and use CODE SAMCFIT to get up to 50% off at checkout Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code samcfit for up to 20% off Just Thrive Save 20% on your first order at https://justthrivehealth.com/SAMCFIT with code SAMCFIT Air Doctor Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code SAM to get UP TO $300 off today! Dream Recovery Head to https://dreamrecovery.io code SAM15 Topics discussed: 00:00:00 From College Football to Running: Matt's Origin Story 00:04:57 The Murph Challenge & First Intro to Distance Running 00:10:38 First Marathon Attempt & Learning Through Failure 00:15:33 Getting a Coach & Breaking Sub-3 Hours 00:22:36 Shoe Guide: What Runners Need to Know 00:31:59 Fueling for Runners: Gels, Timing & Race Day Nutrition 00:40:37 Strength Training for Runners 00:47:48 Recovery Essentials: Sleep, Massage & Staying Ahead of Injuries 00:52:24 Leadville 100 & The NYC Marathon Controversy 00:54:25 The NYC Marathon Ban: What Happened & Moving Forward 01:04:21 Next Challenge and Goals 01:11:20 What Empowerment Means & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices