Podcast
Pursuit of Wellness
Hosted by Mari Llewellyn & Pursuit Network · EN
Mari Llewellyn is the transformation queen. Since 2018, Mari has been on an evolving journey with all things health and wellness. Inspired by her own pursuit of wellness, Mari is diving deeper into topics such as optimal living, nutrition, exercise, longevity, mental health, childhood trauma, relationships, and more. Radical honesty, goal-setting, and self-discipline all helped Mari transform and finally feel at home in her body. But Pursuit of Wellness is really about working from the inside out, learning to believe in yourself, and knowing that you are WORTH the time and energy to become your best self. Mari is on a mission to find the best health hacks from experts, as well as tips from her closest friends and family. In addition, you’ll hear solo episodes from Mari herself, discussing her own struggles and triumphs along the way. As a listener you can expect real and raw conversations with Mari that go more than skin deep. Tune in to the Pursuit of Wellness for a weekly dose of inspiration and insight and that is like a little nudge from a friend to keep going, to keep doing the work, and to keep transforming into the best version of you.
74episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
GIRL CHAT: No Filter w/ Fi: GLP-1s, Motherhood & the Hard Conversations
Yesterday01:00:30Summary readyFi is back for the first time in nearly a year, and this episode feels like the best kind of best-friend catch-up — nothing off limits. Fi gets fully honest about going off her GLP-1 medication, thinking she'd cracked the code, only to have the food noise come back full force and gain everything back in two months flat. She breaks down what she did wrong the first time, what Oprah's book Enough shifted for her, and how she's approaching round two differently. Mari opens up about an emotional spiral she had the day before recording — staring at Cai and being blindsided by grief and anger about her own childhood — and the two get into one of the most raw conversations the show has had about parenthood, the past, and what it means to protect your kid the way you wished someone had protected you. They also finally tell the real story of their friendship — the codependency, the hard conversation, the awkward in-between — plus Fi's booming real estate career, her baseball player boyfriend who actually shows up, CO2 laser updates, internet mom-shamers, and one nap they catastrophically destroyed together. _____ 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! To work with Fi click here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Q&A: Parenthood Changed Everything… Here’s What We Didn’t Expect (Part 2 with My Husband)
3w ago00:31:00Summary readyIn this Part 2 episode with my husband Greg, we get real about what actually happens after the baby arrives. The emotional shifts, the unexpected challenges, and the moments that completely reshape how we see life, marriage, and even our careers. We talk about what surprised us most about newborn life, how becoming parents impacted our relationship, and why the changes were way more mental and emotional than we ever expected. Greg opens up about when it finally “clicked” for him as a dad, and I share what it feels like to experience both the deepest joy and the most intense fear at the same time. We also get into: How parenthood changed our outlook on life and business The reality of decision-making as new parents The emotional weight of raising a child and wanting to do everything right Marriage dynamics after a baby Our thoughts on having more kids and growing our family The truth about building a business during different seasons of life Advice for anyone starting in content creation and why “cringe” is actually your advantage Dog training, routines, and managing a household with a newborn How we got through hard business seasons and what keeps us going This episode is honest, unfiltered, and a continuation of a conversation so many couples are navigating but not always talking about openly. If you’re a new parent, thinking about becoming one, or just curious about how life really changes, this one 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 Mari’s TikTok click here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Repost: The Truth Behind Fillers & Botox: What You Need to Know About Safety, Longevity, and Results - Dr. Cameron Chesnut, MD
3w ago01:14:05Summary readyOn today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I sit down with Dr. Cameron Chesnut, a plastic surgeon with a passion for blending functional medicine and progressive thinking in his practice. We dive into his unique approach to patient care, focusing on everything from nutrition and peak performance during medical school to the latest in regenerative medicine, including stem cells and red light therapy. Dr. Chesnut shares insights into popular procedures like CO2 laser treatments, fillers, and lymphatic drainage massages, while also emphasizing the importance of educating patients and turning down unnecessary surgeries. We explore the balance between aesthetics and wellness, and what true health means in this evolving field. 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. Cameron Chesnut’s Instagram click here! For Dr. Cameron Chesnut’s Tik Tok click here! Sponsors: Bite is offering our listeners 20% off your first order. Go to trybite.com/POW or use code POW at checkout to claim this deal. That’s trybite.com/POW. Sleep is the foundation of health, and there is nothing better than waking up feeling refreshed and ready to attack the day. Use code POW for 20% off your order at dreamrecovery.io Visit clearstemskincare.com and use code POW at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Again, that’s code POW for 20% off your first purchase on clearstemskincare.com. Jaspr is offering an exclusive deal – get $400 OFF with code POW at checkout on jaspr.co. Again, that’s code POW at jaspr.co for $400 OFF your Jaspr air purifier! Topics Discussed 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:48 - Growing up as a creative and athletic kid 00:04:43 - Nutrition in medical school 00:05:59 - Sleep deprivation 00:08:00 - Remaining at peak performance 00:12:17 - Dr. Cameron’s process with his patients 00:16:01 - Protocol before operating and anesthesia 00:17:53 - Procedure length 00:19:48 - Understanding the use and legality of stem cells 00:22:22 - How stem cells actually work 00:24:57 - Red Light Therapy 00:27:07- Skin Rejuvenation 00:28:29 - CO2 Laser 00:33:04 - Nonsurgical options and fillers 00:39:43 - Migrating filler and filler misconceptions 00:43:45 - Lymphatic drainage massages and Sculptra 00:47:40 - Upper “bleph” 00:50:16 - Turning down patients 00:51:42 - Dangers of before and after pics 00:57:33 - Most common procedure 00:59:09 - Fat transfers 01:05:02 - Working with celebrities and the importance of educating patients 01:08:44 - What wellness means to Dr. Cameron Chesnut Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Parenthood, Marriage & Household Roles with my Husband
4w ago00:42:57Summary readyMari sits back down with her husband Greg for their first real conversation since welcoming baby Cai, and they don't hold back. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode and it covers everything they've been quietly navigating over the last four and a half months.They talk about what it actually looks like when two entrepreneurs have a baby. The identity shifts, the separate journeys, the roles that don't come with a manual. Mari opens up about struggling to show up online when she doesn't fully know who she is right now, the pressure she feels from online narratives about what a "good" dad looks like, and how motherhood has completely rewritten how she shows up for herself and her friendships. Greg gets honest about picking up his personal brand while Mari slowed down, his longtime insecurity around reading, and how becoming a dad pushed him to finally commit to books and why it's changing everything.They also get into: navigating colic, baby gadgets that actually helped, why they're both figuring this out in real time, and the philosophy book Mari is currently reading that's making her rethink people-pleasing, trauma, and forgiveness.Raw, real, and genuinely funny, this is the conversation you didn't know you needed._____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
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How I’m Getting Strong Again After Pregnancy and C-Section Recovery
Apr 1300:35:34Summary readyI’ll be honest, postpartum has challenged me in ways I never expected and this season of fitness looks nothing like my first journey.In this solo episode, I’m sharing my real postpartum fitness update, what’s working for me, what has felt hard, and how I’m approaching weight loss, strength, nutrition, and recovery after pregnancy, a C-section, and breastfeeding.I talk about why I personally found it difficult to lose weight while breastfeeding, how my mindset has shifted since becoming a mom, the exact training split I’m following right now, what I’m eating, the supplements I’m loving, and why I’m being transparent about exploring peptides and possibly GLP-1s.This is not about bounce back culture. For me, it’s about feeling strong, energized, confident, and more like myself again so I can show up better for my son, my family, and me._____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
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Motherhood Q&A: Finding Yourself After Baby and New Mom Anxiety
Apr 600:25:28Summary readyBeing a new mom is beautiful and messy and sometimes completely overwhelming.In this episode, I'm getting real about the mental side of early motherhood. From the fear of driving Cai alone for the first time to pulling over on the side of the road in downtown Austin while he screamed, I'm sharing the moments that knocked my confidence and the small wins that slowly built it back up.I talk about the pressure I put on myself to get out of the house, the guilt I feel when I take time for myself, and how hard it is not to compare my experience to what I see other moms doing on social media. I also open up about the resentment I didn't expect to feel toward Greg, the biological differences that hit you like a truck postpartum, and why I had to learn to accept that our roles just aren't the same.We're also diving into the little things that are helping me feel more like myself again, working out three times a week, going to baby music class, saying yes to outings even when they scare me, and reminding myself that every rep counts.I answer your questions about formula, sleep routines, guilt, and how I'm handling Cai's fussy moments without losing my mind. This episode is honest, unfiltered, and full of the stuff I wish someone had told me before becoming a mom.If you're postpartum, struggling, or just trying to find your footing in this new identity, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone and that it's okay to still be figuring it all out._____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
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My Breastfeeding Journey & Mental Health
Mar 3000:26:41Summary readyBreastfeeding 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
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Q&A: Breastfeeding, Postpartum Recovery, Mental Health, and Balancing Life After Baby
Mar 2300:46:33Summary readyI'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
SummaryMy Birth Story
Mar 1600:42:10Summary readyI 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
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Pregnancy Week 26: Pelvic Floor Therapy, Fish Eggs & Workouts
Sep 400:15:06Summary readyIn 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
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