The EMPWR Podcast

• Fertility, PCOS & Period Loss: The Hidden Epidemic in Fit Women | ft. Dr. Natalie Crawford

  This is one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had on The EMPWR Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Natalie Crawford — fertility physician and hormone expert — to unravel the truth about hormone health, period loss, PCOS, fertility struggles, and the dangerous undercurrent of underfueling in high-performing women. Whether you're planning to get pregnant, struggling with PCOS, or simply want to feel better in your body, this episode is a wake-up call every woman needs to hear. Guest Bio: Dr. Natalie Crawford is a fertility physician at Fora Fertility in Austin, Texas who knows that trying to understand your body and your hormones can be exhausting and overwhelming in the world of medical misinformation and contradicting opinions. She started the As a Woman Podcast to educate and empower, giving people access to the knowledge she's acquired on health and fertility from the comfort of their home. Resources & Mentions: – Dr. Natalie Crawford’s Podcast: As a Woman – Preorder Dr. Crawford’s Book: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book – Fora Fertility Clinic: https://www.forafertility.com/ Follow Dr. Natalie Crawford: Instagram & YT: @nataliecrawfordmd Website: www.nataliecrawfordmd.com _____ Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD *50% off all labs on both sites* https://blokes.co/samcfitpod https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod   Clearstem Go to https://clearstem.com/SAMCFIT and use code SAMCFIT at checkout for 15% off.  Vitaclean Head to  https://vitaclean.co and use code SAMCFIT for 20% off their Starter Kits. Caraway Visit https://Carawayhome.com/samcfit you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase. 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 Topics discussed: 00:00:00 – Intro  00:01:28 – Impact of nutrition on hormone health 00:02:19 – Most important daily nutrition habits for hormonal balance 00:06:52 – Samantha shares losing her period for 13 months 00:09:07 – Why healthy fats are critical for hormone production 00:09:52 – Advice for busy, under-fueled women not seeing results 00:12:07 – Sleep as the foundation for hormone balance 00:14:21 – Navigating sleep misalignment with partners 00:16:00 – Tools & supplements to improve sleep (melatonin, noise apps) 00:18:11 – Must-have daily supplements for hormone support 00:19:44 – Importance of bloodwork: especially vitamin D & deficiencies 00:23:51 – Deep dive: PCOS – what it is, symptoms, and diagnosis 00:30:14 – Lifestyle and food interventions for PCOS 00:33:10 – How muscle building & movement reduce inflammation 00:35:03 – Training without losing your period again 00:38:10 – Tracking ovulation & reading body signs 00:41:17 – Primary culprits for rising fertility challenges 00:42:27 – Why some women get pregnant after stopping IVF 00:44:42 – Egg quality vs quantity: what you can and can't change 00:46:12 – Lifestyle shifts that boost metabolic and egg health 00:52:52 – Preparing to try: what active women should do 1 year out 00:55:00 – How long before trying should you stop birth control? 00:56:02 – Using body cues + basal temperature to track cycles 00:58:06 – Most women only track after struggling: why that's too late 01:00:02 – Fertility testing & advocacy: when to seek help 01:02:39 – MTHFR gene: what it means for folate & pregnancy 01:04:02 – Methylated folate vs folic acid for birth defect prevention 01:05:23 – Miscarriage risks without proper folate supplementation 01:08:14 – Low progesterone and miscarriages: how it works biologically 01:10:33 – Inflammatory foods, sugar, and alcohol's role 01:13:00 – Removing toxins and endocrine disruptors at home 01:15:12 – Household changes to protect children's long-term health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Honesty Hour: Spicy Truths

  In this raw and unfiltered episode Ian and I sit down for a much-needed Honesty Hour—a candid conversation about life, love, parenting, training, and everything in between. From late-night trail runs and house hunting to tattoos, Ironman prep, and how we really keep things spicy, no topic is off limits. Listeners will hear heartfelt stories about blended family life, navigating past divorces, and the lessons learned in building a healthy, communicative partnership. They also tackle questions from the audience—covering relationship communication, prepping for 20+ mile runs, thoughts on alcohol, and the realities of working and training as a couple. Whether you’re here for the fun banter, relationship wisdom, or fitness tips, this episode is packed with laughter, honesty, and vulnerability. _____ Spicy light bulb Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ Grow Therapy Visit GrowTherapy.com/SAMCFIT today to get started.  Puori Go to puori.com/SAMCFIT and use the code SAMCFIT at checkout for 20% off. The code even works on already discounted subscriptions. AquaTru | code: SAM Head to AquaTru.com now and get 20% off your purifier. Manukora Head to Manukora.com/SAMCFIT to save up to 31% plus get $25 worth of free gifts with the Starter Kit. _____ SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/SamcfitLight bulb 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 Ian:Insta: @ianschinelli Topics discussed: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:01:19 – NYC Trip with Kids & SEAL Swim Recap 00:03:52 – Upcoming Travels & Events 00:06:28 – House Hunting Preferences 00:09:16 – Miscommunication in Relationships 00:14:46 – Tattoo Meanings 00:18:00 – Getting Her Period Back & Training Updates 00:20:02 – Training Together: Challenges & Joys 00:22:24 – Alcohol: Why They Stopped Drinking 00:28:24 – Do You Ever Get Bored of Each Other? 00:29:27 – What Made You Get Divorced? 00:33:01 – Fear of Remarriage? 00:34:47 – Long Run Prep Routine 00:38:00 – Weighted vests and final questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Inside Mari Llewellyn’s Journey: Fitness, Fertility, and Bloom Nutrition

  When Mari said, “No one’s coming to save you—you have to save yourself”, this became the catalyst for her incredible journey from rock bottom to building Bloom Nutrition and inspiring millions around the world. In this episode, I sit down with Mari to unpack her transformation—from battling mental health struggles and self-doubt, to losing 90 pounds, to turning a $5 PDF fitness guide into a thriving wellness empire. Mari opens up about the raw truth behind her success, the lessons she’s learned in scaling a business with authenticity, and how she’s now navigating the new chapter of motherhood with intention and grace. This conversation is real, unfiltered, and deeply inspiring. Mari’s story is proof that with passion, perseverance, and self-belief, you can rewrite your entire life. SHOWNOTES:Sam’s LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD *50% off all labs on both sites* https://blokes.co/samcfitpod https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod   Timeline | SAMCFIT Just head to timeline.com/SAMCFIT to get started. EightSleep | EMPWR Head over to https://www.eightsleep.com/empwr and use the code EMPWR to get $350 off your veryPod 5 Ultra. 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 SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Follow MariInsta: @marillewellyn  TikTok: @marillewellynYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PursuitOfWellnessPodcast Topics discussed: 00:00:00 – Intro & Trigger warning 00:01:26 - Pursuit Network 00:05:22 –Childhood & Trauma 00:07:06 – College rebellion; partying & blackouts 00:09:43 – First self-harm; BPD diagnosis, rock bottom 00:12:39 – Quitting meds cold turkey 00:14:04 – Turning point: “save yourself, mental shift 00:21:40 – Learning macros 00:22:20 – 90 lbs weight loss year: The year of transformation 00:26:07 – Before/after picture goes viral 00:27:03 – $5 PDF guides; first business mechanics 00:30:08 – Bloom idea & formulation 00:33:12 – Family planning season 00:36:37 – Fertility struggles 00:39:43 – Emotional toll of infertility 00:41:10 – IVF journey 00:44:00 – Pregnancy mindset & body-image shift 00:47:52 – Pregnancy training & nutrition  00:51:00 – Hopes & values for baby boy; parenting intentions 00:54:17 – Keeping work simple during pregnancy; closing reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• 4 Non-Negotiables for Real Fitness Results

  In this episode, Ian and I break down the four non-negotiables for achieving real, sustainable health and fitness results. Whether you’re frustrated with not seeing progress despite working hard, or you’re just looking for a clear blueprint to follow, this conversation lays out exactly what may be missing in your routine.Together, we cover the fundamentals of nutrition, fitness and progressive overload, the importance of sleep and recovery, and the ultimate “secret sauce”, consistency. This episode isn’t just about workouts and macros—it’s about building a lifestyle that actually sticks. If you give yourself three months and apply these principles, you’ll see and feel a transformation. SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ Clearstem | SAMCFIT Go to www.clearstem.com/SAMCFIT for 15% off. Cozy Earth | code: SAMCFIT Head to www.cozyearth.com for 40% off! REMI | code: SAMCFIT Go to www.shopremi.com/SAMCFIT for up to 50% off your custom night guard. David’s Protein: http://davidprotein.com/samcfit Caraway | code: SAMCFITCarawayhome.com/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 SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Hatch Restore 3 Sam’s Nutrition Coach | James FreeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/27healthandwellness Topics discussed: 00:00 Intro + Life update 03:08 The foundation of nutrition, key principles  10:11  Macro Tracking + examples of under-eating or misjudging intake 13:07 Protein Intake + food quality (fear of eating protein, whole foods vs processed foods) 15:31  Meal prep + consistency (cheat meals, balancing indulgences while staying on track)21:27 Progressive overload basics 27:10 Tracking body composition changes 29:00 Muscle fatigue vs. failure and debunking the myth that lifting heavy makes women bulky32:25 Training frequency & at-home options 38:25 Why sleep is a game-changer 41:14 Recovery tools & strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Essential Amino Acids for Fat Loss & Energy with Angelo Keely

  This week on EMPWR, we're joined by Angelo Keely, Co-founder and CEO of Kion, for an eye-opening deep dive into the world of essential amino acids and why they’re so much more than just a supplement buzzword. From building muscle and boosting energy to supporting skin, brain function, and healthy aging, amino acids are foundational to overall wellness, and Angelo breaks it all down in a way that’s practical, science-backed, and empowering. Angelo shares his unique journey, from growing up in a health-conscious family to a life-altering near-death experience at 16 that led him to rebuild his body through nutrition, meditation, yoga, and breath work. That pivotal healing journey ultimately inspired him to build a company rooted in true health optimization. We explore: why essential amino acids matter (especially for women!), how to support your body with better protein intake, Angelo’s personal wellness rituals and daily routines, tips for staying energized and healthy while managing business and family, and the power of manifestation and creating a life that feels aligned. Whether you’re a wellness pro or just curious about how to feel stronger, more energized, and empowered in your body, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you inspired to take your health to the next level. SHOWNOTES: Visit ⁠getkion.com/samantha⁠ for 20% off Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD *50% off all labs on both sites* https://blokes.co/samcfitpod https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod   Timeline | SAMCFIT https://www.timeline.com/samcfit LMNT: drinklmnt.com/SAMCFIT Beam Kids | code: SAMC http://shopbeam.com/SAMC Vitaclean | code: SAMCFIT https://vitacleanhq.com/ 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 SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Follow Angelo & KION: Insta: @kion https://www.instagram.com/kion Topics discussed: 00:00:00: Intro 00:01:19: Angelo's story 00:18:49: Starting Kion & supplement philosophy 00:23:08: Amino Acids vs. Protein explained 00:41:17: Whole Foods vs. Supplements debate 1:06:01: Science & Studies on Aminos 1:13:05: Empowerment through nutrition, how amino acids fit into sustainable wellness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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