Pursuit of Wellness Podcast: "Girl Chat w/ Fi: Dating, Ozempic, New Job & Austin Life"

Release Date: February 6, 2025

In this engaging episode of Pursuit of Wellness, host Mari Llewellyn welcomes back her close friend Fi for a candid and heartfelt Girl Chat. The conversation delves into various facets of personal growth, career transitions, health journeys, and evolving relationships, offering listeners a deeply relatable and inspiring dialogue.

1. Career Transitions and Real Estate Aspirations

The episode kicks off with Fi sharing her significant career shift into the real estate industry. She discusses the rigorous process of obtaining her real estate license in Texas, highlighting the extensive coursework and examinations required.

• Fi: "Texas is 180 hours of coursework to learn, and then there's two exams at the end. I've been taking all the courses, and I've done four out of the six course tests." ([02:10])

Fi expresses her excitement about joining a local brokerage and shadowing experienced agents, emphasizing her preference for hands-on learning. She reflects on the bustling Austin real estate market, noting its growth as people move from cities like LA.

• Fi: "It's a great market to be in and it's just completely new." ([04:15])

Mari acknowledges Fi's dedication and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal well-being.

2. Navigating Personal Relationships and Breakups

A substantial portion of the conversation revolves around Fi’s recent breakup and her evolving perspective on dating. Fi opens up about her desire to keep her new relationship private, hinting at fresh beginnings.

• Fi: "I have been dating. That's what I'm gonna say." ([11:59])

They discuss societal pressures on women to maintain perfection in relationships, drawing parallels between Fi's experiences and high-profile breakups like that of Matt James and Rachel Kirkconnell.

• Fi: "It feels like your entire life is on pause because you're living in this countdown." ([01:03])

Fi shares her insights on avoiding relationships that trigger anxiety and the importance of finding partners who understand her background and emotional needs.

• Fi: "I need someone who gets it and has been there." ([25:29])

Mari and Fi explore the dynamics of past relationships, the struggle to change partners, and the significance of aligning life goals and values.

3. Health Journey with Semaglutide (Ozempic)

Fi discusses her ongoing use of semaglutide (Ozempic) as part of her wellness routine, detailing how it has positively impacted her physical and mental health.

• Fi: "The mental aspect and the food noise aspect has completely just really changed my life and I can't imagine going back to how I thought before." ([28:28])

She explains her strategy to transition to a maintenance dose, ensuring long-term sustainability without dependency.

• Fi: "I plan to be on a low dose of it, a maintenance small dose for as long as I can." ([30:19])

Mari commends Fi’s balanced approach, highlighting the importance of maintaining health without compromising well-being.

4. Embracing New Hobbies and Healing the Inner Child

Fi shares her newfound passion for adult ballet classes in Austin, emphasizing how the discipline and focus required have contributed to her personal growth and emotional healing.

• Fi: "It's the first physical activity I think I've done in a long time that I'm not doing for aesthetics." ([34:10])

The conversation touches on the significance of engaging in activities that nurture the soul rather than merely serving superficial purposes. Both Mari and Fi reminisce about their past interests and how they are rediscovering joy through new pursuits.

5. Reflecting on Past Experiences and Burnout

Mari and Fi reflect on their intense work history with Bloom, discussing the burnout that led to their move to Austin. They candidly talk about the challenges of maintaining a high-octane lifestyle and the relief of stepping back to focus on personal well-being.

• Mari: "We were riding a high for a while until we finally were like, so burnt out." ([47:20])
• Fi: "Moving to Austin, just like leaving LA and kind of leaving that go, go, go. We were like, wait a minute." ([48:08])

Fi draws parallels between her current real estate endeavors and the skills she honed at Bloom, recognizing the resilience and work ethic developed during intense periods of growth.

6. Spirituality, Mindfulness, and Letting Go

The dialogue shifts towards spiritual practices, with both Mari and Fi discussing the role of prayer and gratitude in their lives. They share how these practices help manage stress, foster community, and cultivate a sense of control over their circumstances.

• Mari: "It's like a community. It's positive. I feel like I'm letting go control." ([51:20])
• Fi: "Every night when I'm in bed, I don't pray to anyone, but I kind of say something to myself." ([52:50])

This segment underscores the importance of finding inner peace and strength through mindful practices, especially during challenging times.

7. Balancing Social Life and Personal Energy

Fi discusses her shift towards more selective social activities, favoring low-energy engagements like cycling or walking with friends over high-energy outings. This change reflects her commitment to conserving energy and prioritizing well-being.

• Fi: "It's kind of like exercise. Like we're cycling and getting coffee or we're going on a walk on the lake and getting coffee." ([51:26])

Mari and Fi celebrate their deepening friendship, appreciating the safe space they provide for each other amidst their individual transformations.

• Mari: "When I'm with you, I can genuinely just be a girl." ([39:03])

8. Embracing Change and Future Aspirations

As the episode nears its end, Mari and Fi acknowledge the continuous evolution of their lives. They express gratitude for past experiences while looking forward to future endeavors with optimism and determination.

• Fi: "Time at Bloom definitely taught me work ethic and that I am capable of a lot more than I think I am." ([48:46])

Mari reflects on their shared journey, emphasizing the importance of growth and the courage to embrace new paths.

Notable Quotes

• Fi on feeling like life is on pause during IVF:
  "It feels like your entire life is on pause because you're living in this countdown." ([01:03])

• Fi on the impact of semaglutide (Ozempic):
  "The mental aspect and the food noise aspect has completely just really changed my life and I can't imagine going back to how I thought before." ([28:28])

• Fi on avoiding anxiety-inducing relationships:
  "I need someone who gets it and has been there." ([25:29])

• Mari on letting go of control through prayer:
  "It's like a community. It's positive. I feel like I'm letting go control." ([51:20])

Concluding Insights

This episode of Pursuit of Wellness masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with profound reflections on growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Mari and Fi's open-hearted conversation provides valuable insights into balancing career ambitions, personal health, and meaningful relationships. Their journey serves as an inspiration for listeners striving to transform into their best selves through honest dialogue and continuous self-improvement.

For more inspiring conversations and wellness tips, tune in to Pursuit of Wellness and embark on your own journey towards optimal living.