Pursuit of Wellness

Breastfeeding has been such a meaningful part of this season for me and it also challenged me in ways I did not expect.In this episode, I’m opening up about my breastfeeding journey and the mental load that came with it. From the early days of colostrum, cluster feeding, and pumping to navigating oversupply and constant feeding schedules, I quickly realized how much of my life started to revolve around breastfeeding.I talk about the anxiety of leaving the house, planning everything around feeds, and the pressure I put on myself to keep up. Even simple things like driving alone with Cai or going to a class felt overwhelming when I was constantly thinking about milk, timing, and whether he had enough.We also get into the emotional side of it all the guilt, the comparison, and how breastfeeding impacted my mental health more than I expected. I share what led me to introduce formula, start weaning, and how that decision helped me feel more present, balanced, and like myself again.I also touch on real-life moments, navigating outings, and the confidence that slowly comes with doing hard things for the first time as a new mom.If you’re breastfeeding, combo feeding, weaning, or just trying to figure out what works for you, I hope this episode makes you feel less alone.You’re allowed to choose what’s best for you._____Leave Me a Message click here! (https://sayhi.chat/pursuitofwellness)For Mari's Instagram click here! (https://www.instagram.com/marillewellyn/?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU%3D)For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast's Instagram click here! (https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofwellnesspodcast/)For Mari's Newsletter click here! (https://marillewellyn.com/)For Mari's TikTok click here! (https://www.tiktok.com/@marillewellyn?lang=en) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm back and so excited to reconnect with you all! In this episode, I'm answering your questions about motherhood, postpartum life, and everything in between. From the chaos of breastfeeding and pumping to the reality of finding help, managing relationships, and navigating the fourth trimester, I'm getting real about what these first three months with Cai have actually been like.I talk about the mental load of exclusive breastfeeding, why I decided to start combo feeding, and how that choice gave me my life back. I also open up about the guilt, the fog, the anxiety around leaving the house, and the pressure to bounce back while your body is literally feeding another human.We also dive into building a village when you don't have family nearby, the importance of finding the right help, how my relationship with Greg has shifted, and why I'm finally stepping back into my fitness routine without the rush.This episode is unfiltered, honest, and full of the things I wish someone had told me before becoming a mom. If you're postpartum, pregnant, or just curious about what this season really looks like, I hope this brings you comfort, clarity, or at least a little solidarity._____Leave Me a Message click here! (https://sayhi.chat/pursuitofwellness)For Mari's Instagram click here! (https://www.instagram.com/marillewellyn/?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU%3D)For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast's Instagram click here! (https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofwellnesspodcast/)For Mari's Newsletter click here! (https://marillewellyn.com/)For Mari's TikTok click here! (https://www.tiktok.com/@marillewellyn?lang=en) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. _____ 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 Mari’s TikTok⁠ click here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Fi’s Instagram click here! 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 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: 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 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. Andy Galpin’s Instagram click here! For JJ Virgin’s Instagram click here! Sponsored By: 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 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 Sam’s Instagram click here! Sponsored By: Transform your bedtime routine with Cozy Earth. Get 40% off at http://cozyearth.com using code PURSUIT at checkout. Hungryroot makes healthy eating easy! Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at http://hungryroot.com/POW with code POW. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at http://betterhelp.com/POW and get on your way to being your best self. Build your dream brand with Shopify. Start selling today at http://shopify.com/mari. It’s never been easier to get started. Bake-from-frozen sourdough, pasta & pastries — ready in 25 minutes. Visit http://wildgrain.com/POW for $30 off your first box + free croissants in every box. Sleep smarter with Autopilot by Eight Sleep. Get $350 off Pod 4 Ultra at http://eightsleep.com/pow with code POW. Show Links: Train with Sam & explore her programs at https://samcfit.com/ Support gut health, immunity & glowing skin with Colostrum & Collagen Peptides, Bloom’s 3-in-1 formula with probiotics. Topics Discussed 00:10 - Welcome & guest introduction 02:10 - Balancing motherhood, career & fitness 03:48 - Experience of her first (hospital) birth 05:11 - Why she chose home birth for her second 06:45 - How doulas support & empower birth choices 09:30 - Switching from birth center to home birth & choosing a midwife 12:07 - Preparing for unmedicated birth 16:04 - Sam’s experience of home birth 19:28 - Pain vs pressure & intuitive delivery 23:00 - Handling judgment around home birth 24:01 - Mari’s birth planning: holistic vs hospital 25:19 - Postpartum anxiety, support & communicating needs 33:55 - Prenatal perineal massage 35:35 - Pressure to “bounce back” 37:20 - Breastfeeding & body changes 38:11 - Working out after birth: realistic timelines 40:25 - High Rocks & endurance sports 47:14 - Building a blended family with Ian 52:38 - Time-blocking & daily structure 52:50 - Fitness for kids 55:39 - Healthy eating for kids Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! 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 Allison’s Instagram click here! For Mike’s Instagram click here! For Dave’s Instagram click here! 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! 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 Mari’s TikTok click here! 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 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 Fi’s Instagram click here! 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices