The EMPWR Podcast

• From SEAL Life to Real Life: Discipline, Identity & Growth After the Military

  In this special episode, I sit down with my other half, Ian, for one of the most personal and powerful conversations we’ve had on the podcast to date. Ian opens up about his journey to becoming a Navy SEAL, what it actually took to survive Hell Week and BUD/S, and how the mental and physical demands of that lifestyle shaped who he is today. But this isn’t just about military life. It’s about what happens after. We talk about the emotional cost of high performance, how he learned to push through when everything in him wanted to quit, and what it looked like to rediscover identity, purpose, and presence in life beyond the uniform. We also dive into our relationship- how we’ve grown through the challenges, what it’s like being in a partnership where both people have strong, driven energy, and how we’ve navigated family, vulnerability, and love through some very real life transitions. This conversation is honest, raw, and filled with perspective- for anyone working through change, chasing personal growth, or learning how to do hard things without losing themselves in the process. If you’ve ever questioned your own resilience, struggled to find balance, or just needed a reminder that transformation is possible no matter where you start, this episode is for you. ____________________ 00:00:00: Intro 00:00:20: Welcome  00:02:27: The mental toughness and physical capabilities of being a Navy SEAL 00:04:37: How do you know you want to be a SEAL?  00:07:18: SEAL training  00:14:02: Are you born with mental toughness or is it built? 00:18:34: Moments of wanting to quit during SEAL training 00:24:56: Shifting mindset   00:29:20: Deployment is tough on family life 00:34:26: Advice for a SEAL wanting a family 00:40:26: Emotional tolls  00:42:53: Transitioning from being a SEAL to becoming a civilian  00:45:45: Divorce  00:47:24: PTSD  00:48:32: Working out as an outlet  00:51:35: Mental toughness SHOWNOTES: 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/

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• Sleep Tips for Moms, Night Owls & Everyone In Between with Todd Anderson

  We’re back with Todd Anderson, founder of Dream Recovery, for a deep dive into all things SLEEP. If you’ve ever laid awake at night staring at the ceiling, struggled with staying asleep, or felt like your energy is constantly drained no matter what, this one’s for you. We opened up the floor to your most pressing questions and cover everything from insomnia, hormones and nighttime routines to sleep myths, travel hacks, and how to navigate rest in seasons of life like motherhood or shift work. Here’s a glimpse of what we tackle in this episode: What to do if you wake up wide awake at 2:30am, how to reset bad habits like staying up too late (even if you’re an early riser), melatonin vs magnesium, foods that can help (or hurt) your sleep, how anxiety and your cycle affect your rest, tips for navigating pregnancy sleep and sleep in your 30s + 40s and beyond, thoughts on naps, sleep trackers, light exposure, and the verdict on sleeping naked. Whether you're a new mom, a night owl, a biohacker, or just someone who wants to feel rested again… hit play, take a deep breath, and get ready to build your best night of sleep yet. 00:00:00: Intro 00:01:04: Recommendations for insomnia 00:04:30: Issues falling back asleep at night 00:07:19: 4-7-8 breath work 00:09:27: Reducing blue light 00:12:55: Circadian rhythm versus sleep drive cycle 00:15:12: The role of caffeine 00:19:00: How to create a sleep schedule for people with inconsistent schedules 00:23:05: How to avoid jet lag 00:26:40: Sleep advice for new moms 00:28:48: Mattress topper recommendations 00:29:15: Keeping it cool while sleeping 00:33:31: Sleeping nude 00:35:58: Bedsheet recommendations 00:38:28: Castor oil 00:42:05: Period cycle and sleep quality 00:45:15: Bedroom set up for ideal sleep quality 00:49:26: Nasal strips 00:52:10: Benefits of wearing both nasal strips and mouth tape 00:56:24: Does mouth tape actually work? 01:00:10: If you're stranded on an island, what item for optimal sleep would you bring? SHOWNOTES: 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 ToddInsta: @toddanderson42_YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/toddanderson42_/

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• Answering Your Top Macro Questions: Beginner Tips, Body Recomp, Reverse Dieting & Restaurant Tricks

  After seeing so many DMs after sharing our first episode on the science of macros, I knew we needed a dedicated Q&A follow-up. Today, I’m answering your most-asked questions about tracking macros, hitting protein goals, navigating busy weeks, and finding that balance between structure and flexibility. We’re covering: How to know if you’re eating the right amount of protein, what it means if you’re always hungry, if it’s okay to go over your fats or carbs, tips for beginners who have never tracked before, how to build muscle and lose fat (and if it’s even possible at the same time), reverse dieting, intuitive eating, restaurant tracking hacks and more! Plus, I’m giving you a little life catch-up… a 24-hour trip to NYC with Ian for the Navy SEAL Foundation, upcoming travels (hello HYROX Berlin + Swiss Alps!), and how I’ll be prepping for the NYC marathon training. This one is for anyone who’s curious about macros, feeling stuck, or just wants to feel more confident and empowered in how they fuel their body. Let’s get into it! ____________________ 00:00:12: Updates 00:07:20: How do I know if I'm eating the right amount of protein for my goals? 00:09:08: Are my macros off if I'm always hungry? 00:12:30: Is it made going over my fats and carbs as long as I hit my protein? 00:15:16: Recommendations for someone new to tracking macros? 00:18:28: Tracking macros seems obsessive 00:21:53: What is reverse dieting? 00:25:42: Can you build muscle and lose fat at the same time? 00:27:28: Other protein besides chicken? 00:30:37: Carbs don't make you gain weight 00:32:43: How do you track when eating out? 00:34:42: How do I know if I should be in a deficit or a surplus? 00:37:04: Are calories or macros more important? SHOWNOTES: 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

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• You Asked, We Answered: Real Talk on Love, Lessons & Life Together

  Today I’m joined once again by the man behind it all, Ian, to dive deeper into all things relationships! Because let’s be honest, living a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about workouts and nutrition… it’s also about cultivating healthy, supportive relationships. From communication to co-parenting, we’re opening up and answering your questions about what makes a partnership work, grow, and stay grounded. From our favorite memories together to how we handle tough conversations, we’re opening up about what it’s really like behind the scenes. We cover listener-submitted questions like: What advice do we have for introducing kids to a new partner? How do we handle disagreements? Who’s the better cook? Who said “I love you” first? Plus, we share the biggest challenge we’ve faced in our relationship so far, what we’ve learned from one another, and how we stay grounded and empowered through it all. Whether you’re in a relationship, navigating co-parenting, or just love hearing the real stuff, this one’s for you! ____________________ 00:00:00: Intro clip 00:00:22: Intro 00:02:20: How do you prioritize fitness in your relationship? 00:05:39: How do you prioritize nutrition in your relationship? 00:08:53: Something you’re doing now that you haven’t done in prior relationships? 00:10:52: What is your favorite memory together so far? 00:13:36: Any advice for introducing your kids to your significant other (and their kids)? 00:15:47: Favorite healthy meal/snack to make together? 00:18:05: How to handle disagreements/tough conversations? 00:23:17: What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you as a couple? 00:24:46: Do you push/motivate each other to stay on track with fitness and nutrition? 00:27:06: Who said “I love you” first and how? 00:28:13: When did you know you were in love? 00:29:31: Favorite things that help relax after a long day 00:30:29: Checking in with each other 00:33:07: How to manage eating out and traveling while staying healthy? 00:36:42: How to know when to leave an unhappy relationship? 00:40:09: What is one thing that annoys Ian about Sam and vice versa? 00:42:34: Favorite type of date night/weekend activity? 00:45:34: What does empowerment mean to you in this relationship? 00:49:08: A game of Who’s More Likely…? SHOWNOTES: 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/   Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   Follow SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine

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• Instagram Q&A: The Hardest Part About Divorce, Period Update, Friendship Breakups & Body Composition Myths

  In this solo Q&A episode, I’m answering your most-asked questions- from fitness and nutrition to motherhood, mindset, and all the real-life stuff in between. Whether you’re trying to make body composition changes from home workouts, navigating nutrition changes, or just looking for practical ways to stay consistent when life gets hectic, this one covers a lot! I share my personal take on creatine (and when to take it), alcohol, how I plan my days, my hair care routine post-gym, the low down on castor oil wraps, NAD benefits and a cycle/period update. I also open up about how I’ve navigated changes in friendships, handled the tougher sides of divorce, and what helped me most as a postpartum mom. If you’re in a season of rebuilding, rebalancing, or just looking for guidance that meets you where you’re at, this episode is for you! ____________________ Topics Discussed 00:00:00: Intro 00:00:54: Life updates 00:04:56: How to change body composition at home 00:08:36: Cycle/period update 00:09:36: Where to plan the day? Paper/planner/phone? 00:11:23: Botox/fillers 00:12:33: Tips for freshly postpartum moms 00:14:30: How to avoid making legs bulky 00:15:43: Favorite foundation and mascara 00:16:36: Weekly workouts 00:19:26: How to cope with avoiding putting babies to sleep at night post divorce? 00:22:08: Biggest tips to see abs 00:24:25: Gas station meal 00:26:15: How to move on from friends? 00:29:14:: Do you finish the meals you post? 00:30:31: Hair routine after working out 00:31:47: Do you drink alcohol? 00:33:05: Creatine truths/myths 00:35:30: Castor oil wraps  00:37:13: NAD (nasal spray) benefits 00:38:16: Best time of day to eat carbs? 00:39:44: Tips for an exercise enthusiast when life gets in the way? 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/   Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   Follow SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Links mentioned:My GIANT calendar - https://amzn.to/42wBDkc My Castor Oil & Wrap - https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/adc6f4ae-0b85-11f0-a9e3-0242ac110009 My hair care favorites - https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/75f11de5-c85c-11ef-92c5-0242ac110017

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