The EMPWR Podcast

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

What if the bloating, stomach pain, and exhaustion you've been dealing with for years weren't just something to manage, but a signal that something deeper was going on?
In this episode, I'm getting vulnerable and sharing the full story behind my gut health journey: the decade of symptoms I couldn't explain, the tests I finally took, and the protocol that's changing everything. For years, I dealt with intense bloating, stomach pain, gas, constipation, and acne. I cut out gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods. I took food sensitivity tests, did blood work, and tried everything I could think of. But nothing fully worked. And the hardest part? Showing up on social media every day to talk about health and wellness while quietly struggling on the inside.
After hitting my breaking point, I reached out to my friend Amy Migdalia, a gut health specialist, and we ran comprehensive testing: a full blood panel, stool test, and MRT food sensitivity test. The results? H. pylori, low stomach acid, dehydration, and a depressed immune system. The pieces finally started to make sense. We dove into what H. pylori is, how it thrives in low stomach acid environments, and why I chose a natural protocol over antibiotics to eradicate it and address the root cause.
I walk you through the 12 week protocol I'm following: cutting out caffeine, cinnamon, bananas, oats, broccoli, cauliflower, protein powders, protein bars, and all processed foods. I'm focusing on whole foods only, taking 25+ pills a day including digestive enzymes, antimicrobials, probiotics, prebiotics, and binders. Ian even cut out caffeine and energy drinks with me to support me through it, which has been huge.
Only three weeks in, and I'm already feeling like a different person. No bloating. No stomach pain. No gas. No flare ups. More sustained energy. Clearer skin. It's wild how much better I feel already, and we're just getting started. If you've ever struggled with gut issues, felt like nothing was working, or wondered if there's more going on beneath the surface, this episode is for you. Your gut isn't just part of your health. It is your health.
_____
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
Follow Amy:
https://www.instagram.com/amymigdalia?igsh=dXE4djhjeWV6aHNw
_____
PaleoValley
Head to https://paleovalley.com/samcfit for 15% off your first purchase.
Miraval Resorts
Book a stay and start your journey toward Life in Balance at Miraval Resorts.
Branch Basics
Get 15% off at https://BranchBasics.com with our code EMPWR
Fond
Go to https://fondregenerative.com/samcfit for 10% off your one-time order with code SAMCFIT
AquaTru
Go to https://AquaTru.com for 20% off your purifier using promo code SAM
Kane
Check them out at kanefootwear.com, no code needed
_____
Topics discussed:
00:00:00 Welcome & The Struggle Behind the Scenes
00:00:33 Vegas HYROX Race & Hitting a PR
00:06:15 Calvin Harris Concert & Late Night Adventures
00:07:36 LA Podcast Recording & Meeting Dream Guests
00:14:09 A Decade of Gut Health Issues & Symptoms
00:24:33 The Testing Process: Blood Panel & Stool Test
00:26:33 The H. Pylori Diagnosis & What It Means
00:28:40 Food Sensitivities & Cutting Out Caffeine
00:34:02 The Caffeine Withdrawal & Day-to-Day Reality
00:37:01 The 12-Week Protocol: Supplements & Whole Foods
00:39:40 Week 3 Results & Feeling Like a Different Person
00:44:03 Final Thoughts & Community Support
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the fear of not being enough, the pressure to do it all perfectly, were the exact things keeping you from stepping into the version of yourself you're meant to become?
In this episode, I sit down with Olivia Adriance: content creator, recipe developer, soon to be cookbook author, and founder of an upcoming beauty brand built on skin nourishing ingredients. Olivia's journey is anything but linear. From working in corporate accounting to quitting her job during the pandemic to pursue content creation full time, she's built a thriving community around effortless, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free recipes that actually taste good and don't take hours to make.
We dive deep into her story, her philosophy on food, and what it really takes to build a brand rooted in passion. Olivia opens up about how she healed her cystic acne through diet, why she started sharing recipes on Instagram, and what it was like to post into the void for 18 months before anything took off. We talk about going viral, navigating imposter syndrome, working with your spouse, and why healthy eating isn't the end goal but the catalyst to unlock your life.
We also get into the behind the scenes of her upcoming physical cookbook with 100 brand new recipes, how she's been developing a clean beauty line for the past eight months, and why she's only pouring her energy into projects she's truly passionate about. From recipe development to working with management, this episode is packed with real talk for anyone building something from scratch.
If you've ever felt stuck between who you are and what you do, or you're trying to balance motherhood, career, and showing up as your best self, this episode is for you. Olivia is proof that you don't need to have it all figured out to keep moving forward. You just need passion, persistence, and the courage to share your story.
_____
About Olivia Adriance:
Olivia Adriance is a content creator, recipe developer, and founder known for her gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free recipes that make healthy eating effortless and delicious. With a background in corporate accounting, Olivia left her career to pursue content creation full time, growing her community to over 1 million followers. She's currently working on her first physical cookbook and launching a clean beauty brand focused on skin supportive color cosmetics.
Find Olivia:
Instagram: @oliviaadriance
Website: oliviaadriance.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
_____
Clearstem
Go to https://clearstem.com/SAMCFIT and use code SAMCFIT at checkout for 15% off your first order.
Just Thrive
save 20% on your first order at https://justthrivehealth.com/SAMCFIT, code SAMCFIT.
Remi
Go to https://shopremi.com/SAMCFIT code SAMCFIT to get up to 50% off at checkout.
Kion
Visit https://getkion.com/samantha for 20% off.
Wild Grain
Visit https://wildgrain.com/SAMCFIT.
Dream Recovery
Visit https://dreamrecovery.io code SAM15.
Topics discussed:
00:00:00 Welcome & The Power of Healthy Eating
00:01:47 From Corporate Accounting to Content Creator
00:05:35 Overcoming Fear & Embarrassment: The Early Days of Posting
00:08:21 18 Months of Grinding: The Road to Going Viral
00:13:38 Viral Recipes & Hitting 100K Followers in a Month
00:28:00 Healing Acne Through Food: The Gluten, Dairy & Sugar-Free Journey
00:32:55 Simple, Flavorful & Healthy: The Recipe Philosophy
00:46:17 Motherhood, Identity Crisis & Postpartum Survival
01:08:50 Launching a Beauty Brand: Skin-Supportive Color Cosmetics
01:21:08 Empowerment & Unlocking the Best Version of Yourself
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the fear of being perceived, the pressure to do it all perfectly, and the weight of staying comfortable were the exact things keeping you from stepping into the life you're actually meant to live?
In this episode, I sit down with Michael Smoak: content creator, speaker, communication coach, and one of the most authentic voices in the personal development space. Michael's journey is anything but linear: from losing 60 pounds and transforming his body to losing his father and transforming his soul, he's built a life rooted in evidence, faith, and doing the hard things most people avoid.
We dive deep into confidence, communication, and courage. We talk about overcoming body image issues, the power of public speaking, why most people lack confidence, and how doing hard things in one area of your life bleeds into every other area.
This conversation gets vulnerable. Michael opens up about caring for his dying father, the grief that followed, and how that season became the catalyst for his biggest growth. We talk about showing up for yourself when life is falling apart, the difference between motivation and discipline (and why devotion matters more than both).
We also get into modern dating, why so many people are struggling to find their person, and what it really means to build a life worth inviting someone into. Michael shares why he believes men are failing women, and what he's learning about himself in this season of solitude and travel.
From fitness and fat loss to faith and fear, this episode is raw, real, and packed with truth bombs. Michael doesn't sugarcoat anything, and that's exactly why this conversation matters. If you've ever felt stuck, scared, or unsure of your next step, this episode will remind you that where your fear is, there your task is.
_____
About Michael Smoak:
Michael Smoak is a content creator, communication coach, known for his raw, authentic approach to personal development. With a background in professional sales and a passion for helping people break through fear and step into their purpose, Michael has built a loyal following by sharing real talk on confidence, fitness, faith, and doing hard things. He's currently living nomadically across the U.S. and building a life devoted to impact.
Find Michael:
Instagram: @higherupwellness
Podcast: Higher Up Wellness Podcast
_____
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
_____
Wayfair
Head to https://wayfair.com to explore all things home.
Kane Footwear
Check them out at kanefootwear.com, no code needed.
Fond Bone Broth
GET 10% off your first order with code SAMCFIT! Go to https://fondregenerative.com/samcfit
Kachava
Re-wild your nutrition at https://kachava.com and use code SAMCFIT. New customers get $20 off an order of two bags or more.
Caraway
Visit https://carawayhome.com/samcfit for an additional 10% off your next purchase, code EMPWR.
Remi
Go to https://shopremi.com/SAMCFIT code SAMCFIT to get up to 50% off at checkout.
_____
Topics discussed:
00:00:31 Breaking Through on Social Media
00:07:15 From Bullied Kid to Marathon Runner: Building Confidence
00:09:04 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
00:11:22 World Record Holder: The 100-Mile Relay Story
00:16:56 Loss of His Father: The Greatest Thing That Ever Happened to Him
00:21:23 Your Misery Is Your Ministry
00:24:32 The Communication Challenge
00:33:18 Sales Degree Changed His Life
00:46:40 Where Your Fear Is, There Your Task Is
00:50:03 Why He's Single & The Fall of Modern Dating
01:04:36 60-Pound Transformation: How He Lost the Weight & Found His Blueprint
01:21:48 Stacking the Deck in Your Favor
01:23:53 What Empowerment Means: Living Like You're Going to Die
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the products you're using to clean your home, wash your clothes, and freshen the air are the very things quietly disrupting your hormones, draining your energy, and keeping you from feeling your best?
In this episode, I sit down with one of the co-founders of Branch Basics, a non-toxic cleaning company that's helping families across the country ditch harmful chemicals and create healthier homes. This conversation is eye-opening, practical, and full of simple swaps you can make today that will actually change how you feel.
We dive into the real story behind Branch Basics: how a college friend's debilitating pain, PCOS, and thousands of ovarian cysts led to the discovery that what we spray, wash, and breathe in our homes matters more than we think. From fragrance and cleaning products to laundry detergent and pesticides, we break down the hidden chemicals lurking in everyday products and how they're affecting our hormones, our fertility, our skin, our sleep, and even our kids.
If you've ever felt like something was off but couldn't figure out why, or you've been wanting to make the switch to cleaner products but didn't know where to start, this episode is for you. Your home should be your safe haven. The place where your body restores, repairs, and thrives. Let's make that happen.
_____
About Branch Basics:
Branch Basics is a non-toxic cleaning company co-founded by three women passionate about helping people live healthier lives. Their mission is simple: remove harmful chemicals from your home with safe, effective, and easy-to-use products. Their hero product is a plant-based concentrate that replaces dozens of conventional cleaners, making the switch to non-toxic living simple and affordable.
Find Branch Basics:
Website: https://branchbasics.com
Instagram: @branchbasics
Head to https://branchbasics.com/EMPWR20 for 20% off Starter Kits on BranchBasics.com Code EMPWR20
_____
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.
Just Thrive
save 20% on your first order at https://justthrivehealth.com/SAMCFIT
with code SAMCFIT
Lagoon
Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/SAMCFIT and use code SAMCFIT for 15% off your first purchase.
Vitaclean
Head to https://vitaclean.co and use code SAMCFIT for 20% off their Starter Kits.
Dream Recovery
Shop https://dreamrecovery.io and use code SAM15 for 15% off
_____
Topics discussed:
00:00:00 Welcome & Kelly's Journey to Non-Toxic Living
00:09:00 Marley's Story: From Kidney Disease to Food as Medicine
00:11:40 The Hidden Box That Changed Everything
00:13:30 Allison's PCOS Reversal & The Summer That Started It All
00:16:30 Why Cleaning Products Are More Toxic Than You Think
00:19:35 The Branch Basics Concentrate: One Product for Everything
00:24:00 Fragrance-Free Living & The Laundry Detergent Wake-Up Call
00:26:25 Natural Deodorant, Body Odor & The Detox Effect
00:33:55 Stain Removal Secrets & Oxygen Boost Magic
00:36:16 Natural Pest Control & Canceling Your Exterminator
00:38:50 The 90/10 Lifestyle: Botox, Balance & Not Living in Fear
00:42:59 Hormone Disruptors, PCOS & The Pottenger's Cats Study
00:44:55 You Don't Know How Good You Could Feel
00:49:56 The Challenge: Get Toxic Products Out of Your House Today
00:50:42 Where to Find Branch Basics & Closing Thoughts
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices