Pursuit of Wellness – Episode: Vaginal Cysts & Ozempic (Part 2 w/ Fi) Release Date: July 21, 2025
In this heartfelt and informative episode of the Pursuit of Wellness podcast, host Mari Llewellyn continues her candid conversation with guest Fee in part two of their "Girl Chat." The episode delves deep into Fee's harrowing experience with vaginal cysts, her journey with Ozempic, and her transition into a real estate career. Through radical honesty and personal anecdotes, Mari and Fee explore themes of health, wellness, mental health, and body image, providing listeners with both empathy and insights.
1. Fee’s Harrowing Experience with Vaginal Cysts
The conversation kicks off with Fee detailing her severe struggle with vaginal cysts that necessitated an emergency room visit. She shares the physical agony and emotional vulnerability she felt during this ordeal.
- Fee [00:46]: “Apparently, like, 3% of women get them, so I'm obviously blessed. This is 2%.”
Fee describes the initial ER visit, the pain she endured, and the sensitive nature of the treatment. She recounts the discomfort of interacting with a male doctor and the intense pain management process she underwent.
- Fee [02:56]: “It was the worst pain I've ever felt in my life.”
Fee opens up about her emotional state, including embarrassment and panic attacks triggered by extreme pain, highlighting the often-overlooked psychological impact of such medical issues.
- Fee [03:19]: “I was crying, screaming... I think I was having a panic attack.”
2. Medical Treatment and Recovery
Fee explains the medical interventions she received, including antibiotics and steroid shots, and the subsequent return of the cysts, which led to a second, more intense treatment session with her gynecologist.
- Fee [05:05]: “I was in so much pain. I was like, laughing. Because that's so...”
She expresses gratitude toward the medical staff and her mother, who came to support her, underscoring the importance of a strong support system during medical crises.
3. Impact on Personal Life and Mental Health
The episode explores the profound effects of Fee’s medical condition on her personal life, including her anxiety about sexual activity and the broader implications for her body image and self-esteem.
- Fee [07:44]: “Bartholin cysts, you are not alone, period.”
Mari and Fee discuss how such intimate health issues can serve as a reality check, emphasizing the importance of not taking one's health for granted.
4. Fee’s Journey with Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Transitioning from her medical experience, Fee shares her experiences with Ozempic (Semaglutide) for weight management. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced, including significant side effects like hair loss and excessive weight loss that went beyond her intentions.
- Fee [16:33]: “Don’t do that. I think there are healthier ways to go about it.”
Fee emphasizes the importance of responsible usage, highlighting her decision to reduce her dosage and frequency to maintain a healthy balance without debilitating side effects.
- Fee [18:29]: “Like, it is an addiction and I think it's such a good tool for people dealing with that.”
5. Body Image, Wellness, and Social Media Influence
Mari and Fee delve into the impact of social media on body image, particularly criticizing creators like Liv Schmidt and the resurgence of Skinny Talk. They express concern over the unrealistic and potentially harmful standards set by such content, especially for young and impressionable audiences.
- Mari Llewellyn [28:26]: “From the beginning, when I started posting about my journey... it was always about the way I felt.”
The conversation underscores the importance of promoting body positivity and individual wellness over societal expectations of thinness, advocating for a more holistic approach to health.
6. Fee’s Transition into Real Estate
Shifting gears, Fee discusses her newfound passion for real estate. She shares her initial apprehensions about entering a new field and how joining an incredible team has transformed her experience. Fee highlights the fulfillment she finds in helping clients relocate, particularly those moving to Austin from other regions.
- Fee [37:37]: “I'm helping them find something they need... when I close the deal for them and get them the place they really wanted... it is so fulfilling.”
Mari and Fee celebrate Fee’s success and adaptability, emphasizing how her organizational skills and passion for helping others have made her real estate career both rewarding and manageable.
7. Recent Events: Liver King’s Arrest
Towards the end of the episode, Mari and Fee briefly touch upon the Liver King's recent arrest, reflecting on his influence and their own interactions with him during past podcast episodes. This segment adds a layer of current events to the discussion, showcasing the dynamic nature of wellness influencers.
- Mari Llewellyn [42:07]: “Everyone was really mad at me for doing that interview.”
8. Closing Remarks and Support
In their concluding moments, Mari and Fee reaffirm their support for each other and reflect on overcoming recent challenges, including Fee’s medical ordeal and her professional growth. The episode wraps up with a message of resilience and self-worth, aligning perfectly with the podcast’s mission to inspire and support listeners in their wellness journeys.
- Fee [42:29]: “I have a cute man, I like my job.”
Notable Quotes
- Fee [02:56]: “It was the worst pain I've ever felt in my life.”
- Mari Llewellyn [28:26]: “From the beginning, when I started posting about my journey... it was always about the way I felt.”
- Fee [37:37]: “I'm helping them find something they need... it is so fulfilling.”
Key Takeaways
- Empathy and Support: Fee’s openness about her medical struggles provides a deep sense of empathy and highlights the importance of support systems during health crises.
- Responsible Health Management: The discussion on Ozempic underscores the need for cautious and informed use of weight management medications.
- Influence of Social Media: The critique of body-focused social media content emphasizes the impact such platforms have on individual wellness and body image perceptions.
- Career Transition: Fee’s successful transition into real estate serves as an inspiring example of adaptability and pursuing new passions.
- Resilience: The episode reinforces themes of resilience, self-worth, and the continuous pursuit of personal wellness.
This episode of Pursuit of Wellness offers a blend of personal storytelling, practical insights, and thoughtful discussions on contemporary wellness issues, making it a valuable listen for anyone interested in holistic health and personal growth.