The EMPWR Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

This week, we’re joined by someone I’ve been looking forward to having on for so long, Dr. Shannon Ritchey! She’s a mom, strength training expert, Physical Therapist, 200 hour trained yoga teacher, personal trainer and founder of Evlo Fitness, a fitness app that’s changing the game, and a voice I deeply respect in the fitness space. I’ve always loved how she cuts through the noise with science-backed info and a realistic, sustainable approach to building strength, especially for women. If you’re tired of trendy “fitspo” and quick fixes, this convo is going to resonate. We dive into the real stuff: why body composition matters more than the number on the scale, how much protein women actually need, and what it really takes to build lean muscle (yes, even if you’re lifting from home with dumbbells!) We also get into Dr. Shannon’s journey from physical therapy to fitness coaching, her take on being “skinny fat” and why muscle is the long game, how often women actually need to train to see results, her thoughts on heavy lifting and training to failure, what her workouts look like before, during, and after pregnancy, plus, the top 3 fitness myths she wants women to stop believing. She even takes us through what she eats in a day and how she fuels her full, busy life. This episode is packed with practical tips, a grounded perspective, and tons of encouragement for women who want to feel strong, empowered, and in control of their fitness journey! ____________________ Topics discussed: 00:00:20: Intro 00:01:30: How Dr. Ritchey started her career 00:05:12: Pregnancy workouts 00:10:36: Dr. Ritchey’s body comp journey 00:13:36: Body recomposition and diet  00:19:14: Emotional eating 00:23:26: Gentle consistency 00:26:25: Debunking bulking myths 00:31:26: The aesthetics and strength of body recomposition  00:33:21: Lifting heavy vs. light/lifting to failure 00:41:59: Heavy lifting and metabolic health 00:43:11: Progressive overload 00:45:49: Body weight exercises 00:50:26: Progressive overload length 00:54:18: Finding the right exercise 00:56:15: Squats 01:02:54: Core exercises 01:06:36: Constrained total energy expenditure model 01:10:54: What empowerment means to Dr. Ritchey  01:11:46: Love it or Leave it game ____________________ SHOWNOTES: Sam’s LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ BONCHARGE | code: SAMCFIT15 https://boncharge.com/ Branch Basics | code: EMPWR https://branchbasics.com/EMPWR Promix Supplements | code: SAM https://promixnutrition.com/?dt_id=1140742 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 Dr. ShannonInsta: @dr.shannon.dpt Evlo :https://evlofitness.com/ Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedrshannonshow/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is here, and with it comes travel, unpredictable schedules, and kids home from school. In this episode, Ian is joining me behind the mic to dive into how to stay consistent with your fitness, nutrition, and mindset… even when life gets a little chaotic! We’re sharing real-life strategies for navigating the summer season with confidence, including: How to approach nutrition during summer travel (macros, whole foods, enjoying the treats without the guilt), Tips for airport snacks, eating out, and using an Airbnb kitchen to your advantage, Why movement matters on vacation (even if it’s tossing your kids in the pool or a quick 20-minute bodyweight workout), How to get back on track after indulging (no crash diets, just respect for your body and routine), Our biggest non-negotiables, mindset tips, and healthy habits that make this a sustainable lifestyle. Plus, we’re recapping our HYROX Europe trip: Berlin, Switzerland, and our favorite meals, views and moments! Whether you’re traveling, juggling kids at home, or just trying to stay consistent this summer… this episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement to help you keep showing up for yourself. ___________________ SHOWNOTES: Sam’s Travel LINKS: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/194b8d85-40a2-11f0-aab2-0242ac110016 Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD *50% off all labs on both sites* https://blokes.co/samcfitpod https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod   Promix Supplements | code: SAM https://promixnutrition.com/?dt_id=1140742 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 IanInsta: @ianschinelliYouTube: https://www.instagram.com/ianschinelli/ ____________________ Topics discussed: 00:00:00: Intro 00:00:18: Welcome 00:02:10: Europe recap 00:16:59: Prioritizing fitness and nutrition while traveling 00:26:33: Travel supplements 00:28:16: How to bounce back after a night or day of overindulging 00:35:49: How to stay on track with fitness with kids? 00:43:02: Mindset, fitness and nutrition tips for the busy Moms 00:52:03: Alcohol while vacationing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the EMPWR Podcast! Today, we are joined by Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East and her husband, Andrew East. We're diving into a little bit of everything, from their incredible journeys in elite sports to building a family and navigating the complexities of life together. Shawn opens up about her transition from gymnastics, the identity crisis that followed her Olympic career, and how she found a new sense of self with Andrew's support. We chat about their unique experiences with Hope Sports, a nonprofit dedicated to building homes for families in need, and how it brought them together. Andrew also shares his own transition from a football career to becoming an entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. We get into the cornerstones of intentional connection and communication, and maintaining a healthy relationship while balancing work and family life. If you've ever wondered how to navigate life after sports or how to keep a relationship thriving amidst the wild ride of parenting, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt moments.   __________________________________   This episode is brought to you by “Dream Recovery” URL: https://dreamrecovery.io/   This episode is brought to you by Blokes + Joi Wellness https://blokes.co/samcfitpod     https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod     CODE: SAMCFITPOD     50% off all labs on both sites         EMPWR by Sam App: https://www.empwrbysam.com/   Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   1:1 Coaching: https://www.samcfit.com/coaching-details-1     Follow Samantha Christine!  Insta: @samcfit_    Follow Shawn Johnson East! Insta: @shawnjohnson Follow Andrew East! Insta: @andrewdeast   Produced and Edited by "The Cast Collective" in Nashville, TN! Visit us today at https://www.thecastcollective.com Email: info@thecastcollective.com Follow The Cast Collective! Instagram: @TheCastCollective Twitter: @TheCastCollective     About Shawn Johnson East: Shawn Johnson East is a retired American gymnast, renowned for her achievements in the sport. She gained international fame as a member of the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she won a gold medal in the balance beam and earned silver medals in the team, all-around, and floor exercise events. Johnson East was also the 2007 All-Around World Champion and a five-time gold medalist at the Pan American Games. Since retiring, she has become an entrepreneur, social media influencer, and advocate for healthy living. As a wife, mother, and motivational figure, she continues to inspire others to pursue their passions and reach their potential. About Andrew East: Andrew East is a retired American football player, known for his career in the NFL as a long snapper. He played for several teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and many others. Beyond football, Andrew has become a successful entrepreneur, social media influencer, and advocate for fitness and family. As a husband to Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East and a father, Andrew continues to inspire others with his positive outlook on life, his commitment to health and wellness, and his dedication to balancing family and personal growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the EMPWR Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into women's health with Katy Whalen, co-founder and CEO of Joi + Bloke's Wellness. We cover everything from hormones and blood work to supplements and personalized wellness solutions, all with the goal of helping women feel strong, balanced, and in control of our health! Katy shares her personal health journey, and how her experiences led her to redefine proactive healthcare and create a brand that gives women access to the tools and knowledge they need to take charge of their well-being. We discuss common symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and hormonal imbalances, and how getting the right blood work done can provide clarity and solutions. If you've ever felt "off" but didn’t know where to start, this episode is for you. Exciting update: Since recording this episode, I have gotten my period back! I can't wait to share the tools, support, and the incredible mission behind Katy's brand with you all in this episode!   __________________________________   This episode is brought to you by Blokes + Joi Wellness https://blokes.co/samcfitpod     https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod     CODE: SAMCFITPOD     50% off all labs on both sites         EMPWR by Sam App: https://www.empwrbysam.com/   Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   1:1 Coaching: https://www.samcfit.com/coaching-details-1     Follow Samantha Christine!  Insta: @samcfit_    Follow Katy Whalen! Insta: @katy_whalen     Produced and Edited by "The Cast Collective" in Nashville, TN! Visit us today at https://www.thecastcollective.com Email: info@thecastcollective.com Follow The Cast Collective! Instagram: @TheCastCollective Twitter: @TheCastCollective     About Katy Whalen: My long journey through infertility, miscarriages, IVF, and finally giving birth to my little boy left me feeling fatigued, hormonal, overweight, and struggling with brain fog. After all the help I received through my fertility struggles, I felt abruptly abandoned by the system. Who was going to help me feel like “me” again? I got help through Blokes, the men’s side of our business, which my husband had started after his own hormonal struggles. Diving deep into my biomarkers, balancing my hormones and using these cool little tools called peptides made me feel alive again. Now I actually had the energy to take care of these babies that I worked so hard to have. I wanted other women to feel this way too, and so, Joi was born. Joi is a place where women can find answers, manage their health holistically, and truly start to feel like themselves again (looking better too is just an added bonus!). Because, you know what? We deserve to feel our best from the inside out.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to The EMPWR Podcast! Today, I’m sharing the biggest takeaways from my fitness and nutrition journey — the ups, the downs, and everything in between. Over the last five to seven years, I’ve learned so much, and today I’m diving into some of the key lessons that have helped me along the way. I’ll talk about why prioritizing whole foods over processed options has been a game-changer, the power of meal prepping, and how to simplify tracking your macros. Plus, I’m debunking the idea that lifting heavy weights will make women bulky, and chat about why strength training is a must with my approach to fitness. Throughout the episode, I’ll be sharing practical tips for overcoming common struggles, staying consistent, and celebrating the small wins that keep us motivated. We'll also dive in to a Q&A segment with everything from protein intake to intermittent fasting and building confidence. If you’re just starting your fitness journey or you’re looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you stay on track and crush your health goals. Let’s get into it! __________________________________ This episode is brought to you by Blokes + Joi Wellness
Head to choosejoi.co and use code SAM for X% off your first order   EMPWR by Sam App: URL: https://www.empwrbysam.com/   Running Programs: URL: https://samcfit.com/running-programs   1:1 Coaching: URL: https://samcfit.com/coaching-details-1   Follow Samantha Christine!  Insta: @samcfit_    About Samantha Christine: Hi, I’m Samantha Christine—a boy mom, Certified Nutrition Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Fitness Entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in the health and wellness space. But here's the thing—I wasn’t always athletic. Growing up in the arts, I was more into singing and dancing than lifting weights or running races. The idea of hitting the gym or playing sports felt intimidating. It wasn’t until after college that I made the decision to prioritize my health, and once I joined a gym, I was hooked. The more I moved my body, the more I realized how empowering it was to challenge myself in new ways. In 2018, I ran my first half marathon, and that was the beginning of my love for endurance events. Since then, I’ve completed multiple half marathons, a full marathon, and several Hyrox races. Along the way, I created my own hybrid training programs and fell in love with coaching others to reach their fitness goals, discovering how movement can be both a physical and mental transformation.  As I continued to train and push my limits, I also realized the powerful role nutrition plays in how we feel and perform. This led me to dive deeper into the science of fueling our bodies, and in 2023, I became a Certified Nutrition Coach. Now, I help others not only train harder but also eat smarter, so they can perform at their best. This will be a place for us to connect, learn, and grow together, building a community of like-minded individuals on a mission to feel better, live healthier, and empower each other every step of the way.   Produced and Edited by "The Cast Collective" in Nashville, TN!  Visit us today at https://www.thecastcollective.com  Email: info@thecastcollective.com  Follow The Cast Collective on Instagram & Twitter!  Instagram: @TheCastCollective  Twitter: @TheCastCollective   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m back for a solo episode! This week we're getting deep and diving into a topic that many women can relate to, but often feel alone in discussing: the journey of losing and regaining a menstrual cycle. I'm opening up for the first time about my own experience of losing my period for 13 months and the emotional and physical challenges that came with it. I discuss the impact of stress, training, and nutrition on hormonal health, and how I learned to listen to my body’s signals. From my history with birth control to the stress of intense marathon training, I reflect on the lessons learned and the importance of prioritizing health over aesthetics. Whether you're experiencing similar struggles or just looking to understand more about women's health, this one's for the girls and a reminder that your cycle is a vital sign of your overall health. __________________________________ This episode is brought to you by “Dream Recovery” URL: https://dreamrecovery.io/   EMPWR by Sam App: URL: https://www.empwrbysam.com/   Running Programs: URL: https://samcfit.com/running-programs   1:1 Coaching: URL: https://samcfit.com/coaching-details-1   Follow Samantha Christine!  Insta: @samcfit_    About Samantha Christine: Hi, I’m Samantha Christine—a boy mom, Certified Nutrition Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Fitness Entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in the health and wellness space. But here's the thing—I wasn’t always athletic. Growing up in the arts, I was more into singing and dancing than lifting weights or running races. The idea of hitting the gym or playing sports felt intimidating. It wasn’t until after college that I made the decision to prioritize my health, and once I joined a gym, I was hooked. The more I moved my body, the more I realized how empowering it was to challenge myself in new ways. In 2018, I ran my first half marathon, and that was the beginning of my love for endurance events. Since then, I’ve completed multiple half marathons, a full marathon, and several Hyrox races. Along the way, I created my own hybrid training programs and fell in love with coaching others to reach their fitness goals, discovering how movement can be both a physical and mental transformation.  As I continued to train and push my limits, I also realized the powerful role nutrition plays in how we feel and perform. This led me to dive deeper into the science of fueling our bodies, and in 2023, I became a Certified Nutrition Coach. Now, I help others not only train harder but also eat smarter, so they can perform at their best. This will be a place for us to connect, learn, and grow together, building a community of like-minded individuals on a mission to feel better, live healthier, and empower each other every step of the way.   Produced and Edited by "The Cast Collective" in Nashville, TN!  Visit us today at https://www.thecastcollective.com  Email: info@thecastcollective.com  Follow The Cast Collective on Instagram & Twitter!  Instagram: @TheCastCollective  Twitter: @TheCastCollective   LINKS YOU'LL LOVE: Meal Prep Essentials: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/51fbfc78-b261-11ef-b821-0242ac110028 Blue Light Blockers - Dream Recovery: Code “SAM15” https://dreamrecovery.io/products/dream-blue-light-glasses Red Light - Lumebox: Code “SAMCFIT” https://thelumebox.com/pages/lb68/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=3&affid=2501&discount=samcfit Walking Pad: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/0bf6fc37-a076-11ef-8706-0242ac110014 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to The EMPWR Podcast! This week, I’m sitting down with Amy Migdalia, a nutritional therapy practitioner and the founder of Restor3 Your Health, to dive into all things clean living—because what we put in and on our bodies matters more than we think. Amy shares her journey from the fitness industry to becoming a passionate advocate for clean eating and non-toxic living. We break down the hidden dangers in everyday products, from seed oils and refined sugars to ultra-processed foods and household toxins, and why being mindful of these choices can make a huge difference in your overall well-being. You’ll walk away with practical tips on how to swap out harmful products, make healthier nutrition choices, and find balance when it comes to diet, exercise, and hormone health. If you’re looking to create a healthier home, fuel your body better, and make informed choices for long-term wellness, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it! __________________________________ This episode is brought to you by “Dream Recovery” URL: https://dreamrecovery.io/   EMPWR by Sam App: URL: https://www.empwrbysam.com/   Running Programs: URL: https://samcfit.com/running-programs   1:1 Coaching: URL: https://samcfit.com/coaching-details-1   Follow Samantha Christine!  Insta: @samcfit_    Follow Amy Migdalia! Insta: @amymigdalia     Produced and Edited by "The Cast Collective" in Nashville, TN!  Visit us today at https://www.thecastcollective.com  Email: info@thecastcollective.com   Follow The Cast Collective!  Instagram: @TheCastCollective  Twitter: @TheCastCollective     About Amy Migdalia: I was and still am a Jesus-loving wife to my husband and mom to my children. Before that, I was a Texas-raised daughter of Cuban immigrants who loved to play sports, even playing in college, where I received a scholarship to play softball. When I was in college, that is when I thought I was not only healthy but also knew what “being healthy” really meant. I was sadly mistaken. By my sophomore year in college, I had gained a little weight and was dealing with newfound acne that began to plague my face.  I had never dealt with this before and just chalked it up to hitting puberty a little later than most girls. By the time I reached grad school, (yes, I am an attorney who chose the stay-at-home mom life) I had had enough. My solution was to go on medication and enlist myself in a fitness show to get “healthier.”  My short round of Accutane, coupled with my extremely rigorous, competition diet, rendered me temporary results that I loved.  However, once the show was done and normal life and eating returned, I gained the weight back and still dealt with the same issues I had been dealing with prior.   So, what did I do? Well, I ignored it. I got married, graduated from law and business school, moved out of state to be with my husband who plays in the NFL, and had children. It wasn’t until around 9 months postpartum after having my second child that I realized I wasn’t as healthy as I had always thought. It was in that moment that I knew there had to be a better way, a sustainable way. There had to be answers and root causes of what was going on. I began to research and read every kind of book on health and wellness. Surprisingly, my journey began with my environment where I went around the house determined to swap just about every toxic product in our home for cleaner, non-toxic ones.   Once I was in a good place with my environment, I started to learn about food and how healing and nourishing it could be. I began to notice real changes when I started to pay attention to the quality and sourcing of my foods and when I became intentional about putting real food in my body. I coupled that with proper supplementation and detox practices, and a year later I had lost all my baby weight, my face cleared up, my body felt great, and I had so much energy. To put it simply, I had my life back. It was filled with vitality. I wasn’t just surviving each day but looking forward to thriving each day (something I hope I can help you achieve as well!).     LINKS YOU'LL LOVE: Meal Prep Essentials: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/51fbfc78-b261-11ef-b821-0242ac110028 Blue Light Blockers - Dream Recovery: Code “SAM15” https://dreamrecovery.io/products/dream-blue-light-glasses Red Light - Lumebox: Code “SAMCFIT” https://thelumebox.com/pages/lb68/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=3&affid=2501&discount=samcfit Walking Pad: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/0bf6fc37-a076-11ef-8706-0242ac110014 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to The EMPWR Podcast! In this episode, I’m sharing 12 simple habits that have completely changed the game for my mental and physical well-being. These aren’t drastic life overhauls—just small, realistic changes that have helped me feel better and stay on track when it comes to health and wellness.  From meal prepping and better sleep to daily affirmations and meditation, I’ll break down what’s worked for me and why consistency always beats perfection. Plus, I’m challenging you to pick one or two habits to focus on this month—because small shifts can lead to big results!  I’ll be sharing personal stories, practical tips, and insights to help you feel more energized, focused, and empowered every day. Let’s do this together! __________________________________ This episode is brought to you by “Dream Recovery” URL: https://dreamrecovery.io/   EMPWR by Sam App: URL: https://www.empwrbysam.com/   Running Programs: URL: https://samcfit.com/running-programs   1:1 Coaching: URL: https://samcfit.com/coaching-details-1   Follow Samantha Christine!  Insta: @samcfit_    About Samantha Christine: Hi, I’m Samantha Christine—a boy mom, Certified Nutrition Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Fitness Entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in the health and wellness space. But here's the thing—I wasn’t always athletic. Growing up in the arts, I was more into singing and dancing than lifting weights or running races. The idea of hitting the gym or playing sports felt intimidating. It wasn’t until after college that I made the decision to prioritize my health, and once I joined a gym, I was hooked. The more I moved my body, the more I realized how empowering it was to challenge myself in new ways. In 2018, I ran my first half marathon, and that was the beginning of my love for endurance events. Since then, I’ve completed multiple half marathons, a full marathon, and several Hyrox races. Along the way, I created my own hybrid training programs and fell in love with coaching others to reach their fitness goals, discovering how movement can be both a physical and mental transformation.  As I continued to train and push my limits, I also realized the powerful role nutrition plays in how we feel and perform. This led me to dive deeper into the science of fueling our bodies, and in 2023, I became a Certified Nutrition Coach. Now, I help others not only train harder but also eat smarter, so they can perform at their best. This will be a place for us to connect, learn, and grow together, building a community of like-minded individuals on a mission to feel better, live healthier, and empower each other every step of the way.   Produced and Edited by "The Cast Collective" in Nashville, TN!  Visit us today at https://www.thecastcollective.com  Email: info@thecastcollective.com  Follow The Cast Collective on Instagram & Twitter!  Instagram: @TheCastCollective  Twitter: @TheCastCollective   LINKS YOU'LL LOVE: Meal Prep Essentials: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/51fbfc78-b261-11ef-b821-0242ac110028 Blue Light Blockers - Dream Recovery: Code “SAM15” https://dreamrecovery.io/products/dream-blue-light-glasses Red Light - Lumebox: Code “SAMCFIT” https://thelumebox.com/pages/lb68/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=3&affid=2501&discount=samcfit Walking Pad: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/0bf6fc37-a076-11ef-8706-0242ac110014 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The EMPWR Podcast, I’m joined by the man behind the scenes and my biggest supporter, Ian Schinelli for a long overdue Q&A episode! You guys sent in your questions over on Instagram, and Ian is putting me in the hot seat; covering everything from how we met and our first impressions of each other, to the ways we prioritize fitness, nutrition, and personal time while balancing busy lives. We also get into some deeper topics, like what motherhood has taught me, the mindset shifts I had to make as a beginner in my fitness journey, and what a typical day in my life looks like. Plus, Ian shares some of his own insights from his time in the military, his experience as a Navy SEAL, and how he approaches health and discipline in everyday life. If you’ve ever wondered how we navigate life as a couple, stay on track with our goals, or find balance in the chaos, this episode is for you. Tune in for some fun, unfiltered conversation, and a peek behind the scenes of it all! ____________________________________ This episode is brought to you by “Dream Recovery” URL: https://dreamrecovery.io/   EMPWR by Sam App: URL: https://www.empwrbysam.com/   Running Programs: URL: https://samcfit.com/running-programs   1:1 Coaching: URL: https://samcfit.com/coaching-details-1   Follow Samantha Christine! Insta: @samcfit_ Follow   Ian Schinelli Insta: @ianschinelli   About Ian Schinelli: Ian Schinelli is a former Navy SEAL, athlete, father, and mentor committed to discipline, service, and personal growth. Raised in a military family, Ian moved frequently before settling in Chicago, where he developed a passion for soccer. His dedication earned him an athletic scholarship to a university in Nashville, TN. After college, he enlisted in the Navy, seeking the challenge and purpose of serving at the highest level. He went on to complete BUD/S training and deployed three times with the SEAL Teams. After transitioning to civilian life, Ian remained deeply connected to the SEAL community, supporting organizations like the Navy SEAL Foundation and participating in the annual New York City SEAL Swim to honor fallen SEALs and raise awareness. As a former BUD/S instructor, he now mentors aspiring special operations candidates, instilling resilience and leadership in the next generation. An athlete at heart, Ian thrives on pushing his limits, competing in Hyrox races, CrossFit competitions, Ragnar and Spartan races, IRONMAN 140.6 and most recently the NYC marathon. Beyond fitness and service, his greatest role is being a father to his daughter, leading by example through integrity, perseverance, and grit.   Produced and Edited by "The Cast Collective" in Nashville, TN! Visit us today at https://www.thecastcollective.com Email: erin@thecastcollective.com Follow The Cast Collective on Instagram & Tiktok! Instagram: @TheCastCollective Tiktok: @castcollective Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first episode of The EMPWR Podcast! I’m your host, Samantha Christine, and I’m so excited to finally share this with you!   In this highly anticipated debut episode, I’m opening up about my journey—how I got started, the challenges I’ve overcome, and what you can expect from The EMPWR Podcast. This project has been in the works for a long time, and I’m thrilled to create a space for deeper conversations beyond social media. I’ll be sharing my struggles with ADHD, my college experiences, and the pivotal moments that led me to prioritize fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness. I’ll also explain why EMPWR holds such a special meaning for me and how this podcast will be different from my fitness app and Instagram content. You can look forward to insightful discussions, personal stories, and inspiring guests from the health and wellness space. This is just the beginning of an incredible journey of growth, learning, and empowerment!   Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!   This episode is brought to you by “Dream Recovery” URL: https://dreamrecovery.io/   EMPWR by Sam App: URL: https://www.empwrbysam.com/   Running Programs: URL: https://samcfit.com/running-programs   1:1 Coaching: URL: https://samcfit.com/coaching-details-1   Follow Samantha Christine!  Insta: @samcfit_    About Samantha Christine: Hi, I’m Samantha Christine—a boy mom, Certified Nutrition Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Fitness Entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in the health and wellness space. But here's the thing—I wasn’t always athletic. Growing up in the arts, I was more into singing and dancing than lifting weights or running races. The idea of hitting the gym or playing sports felt intimidating. It wasn’t until after college that I made the decision to prioritize my health, and once I joined a gym, I was hooked. The more I moved my body, the more I realized how empowering it was to challenge myself in new ways.   In 2018, I ran my first half marathon, and that was the beginning of my love for endurance events. Since then, I’ve completed multiple half marathons, a full marathon, and several Hyrox races. Along the way, I created my own hybrid training programs and fell in love with coaching others to reach their fitness goals, discovering how movement can be both a physical and mental transformation.   As I continued to train and push my limits, I also realized the powerful role nutrition plays in how we feel and perform. This led me to dive deeper into the science of fueling our bodies, and in 2023, I became a Certified Nutrition Coach. Now, I help others not only train harder but also eat smarter, so they can perform at their best. This will be a place for us to connect, learn, and grow together, building a community of like-minded individuals on a mission to feel better, live healthier, and empower each other every step of the way.   Produced and Edited by "The Cast Collective" in Nashville, TN!  Visit us today at https://www.thecastcollective.com  Email: info@thecastcollective.com  Follow The Cast Collective on Instagram & Twitter!  Instagram: @TheCastCollective  Twitter: @TheCastCollective Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices