The EMPWR Podcast

I'm turning 36, and I'm sharing everything - every procedure I've had done, the decisions that changed my life, and the rules I live by now that I wish I knew at 26. This is my birthday Q&A: no filter, no holding back, just real answers to the questions you've been asking.

Timestamps:

0:00 - I feel better at 36 than I did at 26

2:00 - Why this birthday hits different

3:30 - The confidence that comes with getting older

4:00 - Quitting corporate & taking the leap of faith

5:00 - My relationship with...

In this episode of The EMPWR Podcast you'll learn how this single broccoli-derived molecule can transform your gut health, detox microplastics, fight inflammation, and potentially extend your lifespan. The story starts with a cancer diagnosis that sparked a mission to find real solutions, not just supplements that claim to work, but ones backed by rigorous science and actual bioavailability.

We cover:

• What sulforaphane actually does in the body (explained simply)

• How microplastics are affecting your hormones, fertility, and heart health

• Why most "broccoli supplements" on the market don't contain any actual sulfor...

Kenzie built 4 fitness studios by 25, here's how she did it. In this episode, she breaks down the real difference between Pilates and weight training for body recomposition, why she opened True Form and The Format from scratch, and how pregnancy changed her entire approach to fitness and nutrition.

 Timestamps:

0:00 - Meet Kenzie: 4 studios at 25

4:22 - From college dancer to Pilates studio owner

8:45 - Why Pilates alone won't change your body

16:24 - The truth about body recomposition (what nobody tells you)

22:31 - Training to failure vs. training to f...

In this solo Q&A episode, I’m answering your questions on everything from ADHD, anxiety, and time management to body recomposition, cardio, weight training, and what life looks like right now behind the scenes. I share some of the struggles I don’t talk about often, including how ADHD impacts my day-to-day life, why structure and time blocking are essential for me, and how I navigate anxiety during busy seasons.

We also dive into training for my first 70.3 Ironman, body recomposition versus cutting, how much cardio you actually need, and why lifting heavy can...

In this episode, I’m joined by Roxie Nafousi for such an honest conversation around self-worth, manifestation and personal transformation. Roxie shares the highs and lows of her journey, from navigating addiction and depression to rebuilding her relationship with herself, and the mindset shifts that helped her move through those seasons. We dive into why manifestation starts with believing you’re worthy, the power of gratitude, and how becoming aligned with yourself can help you create the life you desire.

What we cover:

00:00 Introduction

01:41 Roxie’s journey through addiction, healing, and how she discov...

3 months out from my wedding and smack in the middle of Ironman training so yeah, this era is a LOT. In this solo episode I'm pulling back the curtain on everything I'm doing right now to feel my best walking down that aisle: the workouts, the nutrition, the recovery stack, the skincare treatments, and how I'm protecting my mental space through all of it.

What we cover:

00:00 Introduction

02:18 Wedding planning updates: why I hired a wedding planner, what's been worth outsourcing, and how planning is going so far

05:40...

Sperm counts have dropped 60% in 60 years and if nothing changes, they could reach zero by 2045. Yet we still only talk about women when it comes to fertility. In this episode, I sit down with Ronit Menashe and Vida Rahim, the founders of WeNatal, to have the conversation the fertility world keeps skipping.

In this episode, we cover:

Why 50% of miscarriages and infertility are linked to male factor sperm quality

The truth about microplastics, BPA, and phthalates destroying fertility

What "Trimester Zero" is and why the 100 days before conception matter most

This one's for the military families, the military spouses, and anyone who has ever wondered what it actually takes to become, and stay, a Navy SEAL.

In honor of Memorial Day, Ian is in the hot seat. Sam kicks things off sharing her own mini Navy SEAL experience at a PLT summit in Montauk -45- degree water, burpees in the sand, and a whole new level of respect for the man she's marrying. Then Ian takes over, and the conversation goes deep.

They get into why Ian became a SEAL in the first place...

What if every symptom you've been dismissed for actually had an answer?

Mila Magnani spent over a decade being told her acne, facial hair, irregular cycles, and fatigue were just genetics, just stress, just part of being a woman. It wasn't until her body completely broke down during COVID that she finally got real answers, and decided to find her own solution.

In this episode, Mila takes us all the way back to age 11, where her symptoms first started, through years of birth control, spironolactone, an IUD, a PCOS diagnosis, hypothyroidism, iron deficiency, and a...

What if the thing you've been dealing with for years could be fixed in 12 weeks?

In this Q&A episode, Ian and I are back answering your questions with zero prep and zero filter. I'm sharing my full update on the 12-week gut healing protocol I did with practitioner Amy Williams, what we found in my bloodwork, and what it actually felt like to cut caffeine, strip back to whole foods, and rebuild from the inside out. I lost 4 to 5 pounds of pure inflammation, my painful bloating episodes are completely gone, and I genuinely...

In this episode, I sit down with Micaela Riley, a functional nutritionist and women's health specialist who transformed her own life after years of struggling with PCOS, Hashimoto's, hypothyroidism, SIBO, and leaky gut. Her story starts at 14 years old when a quick doctor's appointment led to birth control, weight gain, hair loss, exhaustion, and a decade of being told she just wasn't working out enough or eating little enough. What followed was years of over exercising, under eating, and chasing answers that traditional medicine couldn't provide.

We dive deep into what actually worked: reverse dieting, eating more...

What if the thing you thought was keeping you clean was actually making you sick?

In this episode, I sit down with Kristina Velkova and Sara Douglas, the co-founders of Vitaclean, a revolutionary vitamin C filtered shower head company that's changing the way we think about water, skin health, and wellness. Their story starts with a shocking discovery: sludge in their London shower that was wreaking havoc on their skin and hair. What began as a personal problem turned into a mission to help people experience cleaner, healthier water without spending thousands on full house filtration systems.<...

What if the thing you thought you could control was actually the thing keeping you trapped?

In this episode, I'm getting more vulnerable than I ever have before. I'm sharing my full story with my eating disorder, disordered eating, and body dysmorphia. From my childhood and the way food was framed in my home, to college when everything spiraled, to the years I spent restricting, binging, and purging in secret. This is the part of my story I've never fully told, and honestly, preparing for this episode brought up a lot of emotion. But I knew it...

What if optimism is not about pretending everything is fine, but about learning how to stay strong when life gets hard?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Deepika Chopra, also known as The Optimism Doctor, to talk about what real optimism actually is and why it matters so much for our mental health, relationships, parenting, and everyday lives. We unpack the difference between optimism and toxic positivity, how to regulate your emotions in hard seasons, and why resilience is a skill you can build.

This conversation hit home for me because it is...

In this episode, Ian and I are sitting down for a full Q&A covering everything you've been asking about: fitness, nutrition, training, wedding planning, business, motherhood, and all the behind the scenes of our lives right now. This one is honest, practical, and packed with real answers to the questions flooding my DMs.

We dive into the biggest mistakes women make when trying to lose body fat, why under eating and over training is keeping you stuck, and how reverse dieting and lifting weights are the real game changers. We talk about macros, fasting, snacking, electrolytes...

I used to think being smaller meant being better. That if I could just control my body, I would finally feel confident, happy, and enough.

But the truth is, that mindset kept me stuck.

In this episode, I sit down with Senada Greca to talk about what actually changed everything. From growing up in Albania with limited resources, to moving to the US and facing bullying, to struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, and body dysmorphia, her story is powerful and deeply relatable.

What makes this conversation different is that it is not about...

In this episode, Sam and Ian sit down to recap their four-day stay at Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona — a luxury, all-inclusive, adults-only wellness retreat that turned out to be way more transformative than they expected. This one is personal, fun, and packed with real talk about relationships, mindfulness, goal-setting, and what happens when you're forced to put your phone in a bag.

They kick things off with a 90-day intention check-in — something Sam does every quarter to look back at her goals and make sure she's living with purpose. From there, they dive deep into ever...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

What if the secret to a lasting relationship isn't perfection, but choosing each other every single day, even when life gets messy, busy, and blended?

In this Valentine's Day episode, Ian and I are pulling back the curtain on our relationship: how we keep the spark alive, navigate life as a blended family, handle conflict, blend finances, and stay best friends through it all. We're also giving you a wedding update: From our venue and vision to the design details, music, florals, and why we're skipping the traditional bridal party.

We answer your most-asked relationship...

What if the bloating, fatigue, skin issues, and brain fog you've been dealing with aren't separate problems at all, but symptoms of one root cause you've been overlooking?

In this episode, I sit down with Tina Anderson, attorney-turned-entrepreneur and co-founder of Just Thrive, a research-based gut health company that's completely disrupting the probiotic industry. Tina spent years in the pharmaceutical world before realizing that Western medicine was focused on treating symptoms, not preventing disease or addressing root causes.

We dive deep into why gut health is more compromised now than ever before: From glyphosate in...

What if the secret to feeling more productive, centered, and present isn't doing more, but structuring your day with intention?

In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my full day: from my 5 a.m. wake-up to my nighttime wind-down routine. This isn't a highlight reel. It's the real, unfiltered look at how I balance being a mom, running a business, training for a 70.3, creating content, coaching clients, and showing up for my family. All while protecting my energy and staying grounded.

I walk you through my non-negotiables: my morning meditation and red...

What if the fear of not being enough, the pressure to have it all figured out, and the weight of past trauma were actually the very things keeping you from becoming who you're meant to be?

In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Shields: content creator, founder of Dibs Beauty, wife, mom, and one of the most real, grounded voices in the wellness and beauty space. Courtney's journey is anything but linear. From blogging for three years without making a dollar to co-founding a brand now sold in every Ulta across the country, she's built her...

What if the number on the scale isn't the real measure of progress, and the fear of getting "bulky" is the exact thing keeping you from the strong, toned body you actually want?

In this episode, Ian and I are breaking down everything you need to know about body recomposition: what it actually is, how to do it, and why it's one of the most empowering transformations you can make for your body and your confidence.

We answer the most common questions I get in my DMs: How often should you lift? What macros should...

What does it take to serve your country, compete in pageants, build a business, and stay true to yourself — all at the same time?

In this episode, I sit down with Kellie Sbrocchi — a Naval Academy graduate, active duty HR officer, pageant competitor, speaker, podcaster, and content creator. Kelly is redefining what it means to balance a demanding career while unapologetically chasing your passions. From competing in Miss California USA and Miss Ohio USA to building a platform that empowers women to embrace their multi-passionate identities, she's proving that you don't have to choose between who you are...

The start of a new year often comes with big pressure — big goals, big plans, and big expectations. But how many times have you started strong in January only to feel off track or burned out by February?

In this episode, I’m sharing the simple framework my partner and I use to create goals that actually stick. Instead of relying on motivation or unrealistic resolutions, we walk through a sustainable blueprint that turns intention into daily action.

We start with reflection — not to judge ourselves, but to gather data. What worked last year? What felt h...

What if the fear of getting "bulky" is the exact thing keeping you from the strong, toned body you actually want?

In this episode, I sit down with two absolute powerhouses — Brooke and Sydney Wells — twin sisters, CrossFit Games athletes, and two of the strongest women I know. Brooke is a 10-time CrossFit Games competitor and entrepreneur, while Sydney is a former D1 track athlete turned elite CrossFit competitor. Together, they're redefining what it means to be strong, capable, and confident in your own skin.

We talk about the myth of "bulky," why lifting weights won...

What if the reason you’re “doing everything right” and still not seeing results… is because you’re actually eating too little?
In today’s episode, I sit down with my longtime coach and friend Jamie Free to unpack the real reasons women struggle with fat loss, strength, energy, and body confidence — and why most diets fail you long before you think you failed them.

Jamie has coached everyone from athletes to perimenopausal women to busy moms, and today we dive deep into what actually works when you're trying to look strong, feel strong, and nourish your body with...

Every year, the holidays bring the same overwhelm — endless gift guides, flash sales, and a million options that leave you more confused than inspired. Not this year.

In this episode, I'm sharing my ultimate 2025 wellness gift guide — curated with intention, quality, and real-life use in mind. These aren't just random products I found online. Every item is something I personally use, love, and have in my home. From the gym girly to the wellness babe, the non-toxic queen to the cozy gal — I'm breaking down my favorite gifts by category so you can find the perfect present (or tre...

I used to think bloating, fatigue, and breakouts were just “normal.” But when Amy explained what was actually happening in my gut—it changed everything.

In this episode, functional nutritionist Amy Migdalia shares how she rebuilt her health after surgery wrecked her gut microbiome. From chronic bloating and acne to yeast infections and fatigue, her story proves how deeply gut health impacts every system in the body—and how healing is possible.

We break down everything your doctor probably never told you about gut health: stool testing, hormones, inflammation, blood sugar, stress, and what’s really beh...

This year stretched me, challenged me, grounded me, and changed me in every way possible — and today, I’m opening up about all of it. 

In this cozy, honest, and emotional Thanksgiving-week conversation, Ian and I sit down to reflect on the past year — the hardest moments, the proudest wins, and the lessons that shifted everything for us as individuals, partners, and parents.

We talk about the beauty of slowing down, the chaos of moving, setting new traditions in our new home, training for races together, regaining my period after two years, the identity shifts in our...

I get asked in my DMs every day about my skin routine, Botox, and filler — so today, I’m breaking it all down with one of my favorite humans, Beth Higney, founder of Complexion and an advanced aesthetic provider I’ve known for over a decade.

Beth and I go way back — we met when I was just starting out in the pharmaceutical world, and she’s been guiding me through every stage of my glow-up ever since. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what really works for aging gracefully, inside and out. From the myths...

I used to think “stress” was just mental — until I learned it’s the root cause of almost every hormonal, digestive, and inflammatory issue we face today. In this conversation with Dr. Josh Axe, we unpack the real reasons your body is breaking down — and how to finally heal it from the inside out.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Josh Axe, one of the world’s leading experts in functional and natural medicine. If you’ve ever looked up a natural remedy or gut-healing tip, chances are you’ve encountered his work — from Eat Dirt and Ancient R...

It’s been a season — moving houses, marathon prep, wedding planning, launching a new program — and somehow keeping the kids, workouts, and business afloat.

In this solo Q&A, I’m getting real about what it looks like to juggle all the things without losing yourself in the process.

From marathon training and moving into our dream home, to navigating motherhood, building my business, and staying grounded through change — I’m answering your questions about fitness, mindset, nutrition, and balance.

This is one of those cozy, girl-chat style episodes — raw, real, and hopefully encouraging. I...

I never thought about my air quality until this conversation. In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Mike Feldstein, founder and CEO of Jaspr, to explore the invisible world of the air we breathe—and how it could be silently sabotaging your health, energy, and longevity.

We breathe 20,000 times a day, yet most of us have no idea what’s in our air. From mold and VOCs to toxins from furniture and cleaning products, the hidden pollutants inside our homes can trigger fatigue, brain fog, allergies, and even chronic illness.

Mike breaks down why indo...

Every year, Halloween used to kick off my spiral — candy, family gatherings, food guilt, and the endless “I’ll start again in January” loop. Not this year.

In this episode, Ian and I sit down right before our big move and marathon weekend to talk about how the holiday season doesn’t have to derail your health, your goals, or your peace of mind. I open up about my past struggles with binge eating, body dysmorphia, and the years I spent stuck in the guilt–restrict–repeat cycle… and how tracking macros and healing my mindset changed everything.

I can’t believe I get to finally say this out loud… we’re engaged!! In today’s episode, I’m joined by my fiancé (!!!) Ian, and together we’re reliving every detail of the proposal — from how he secretly planned it to the moment I realized what was happening (spoiler: I was completely shocked).

We’re opening up about everything — how it really went down at the coffee shop where we had our very first date, why having the kids there made it so special, and what this next chapter means to us after both having walked through divo...