The Mind of an Ultramarathon Runner: Matt Choi on Mental Strength and Endurance

Ep. # 150 On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, Fi and I share a big announcement. We dive into a girl chat covering everything from friendship dynamics to navigating work stress and personal growth. We discuss balancing friendships with professional life and share updates on my fertility journey, including new insights and how I'm processing it all. Fi opens up about her dating life, exploring standards, self-assurance, and what’s next career-wise. We touch on big transitions and life in our thirties, unpacking the pressure to have it all figured out and how we're embracing self-discovery. Wrapping up, we chat about the future and the importance of empathy, boundaries, and personal growth along the way. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Fi’s Instagram click here! Topics Discussed 00:00:00 - Welcome back to another girl chat! 00:01:48 - Big announcement 00:04:33 - Friends vs coworkers 00:08:48 - Navigating friend groups 00:14:51 - Personal growth 00:19:16 - Mari’s fertility updates 00:20:15 - Fi’s dating life 00:31:33 - Self discovery and communication 00:34:32 - Transitions and standards 00:39:50 - Geritol and fertility chat 00:45:03 - Bitch sesh 00:46:26 - Fi on tour Sponsored By:  To join Function Health, go to functionhealth.com/pow and use code POW100 to skip the waitlist. Available up to 1,000 listeners. Unlock your brain’s full potential FREE for 30 days by going to brain.fm/POW Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS a free item in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/POW So, if you want to stay on track with your health this holiday season, go to lumen.me/POW to get 15% off your Lumen. That is lumen.me/POW for 15% off your purchase. Lumen makes a great gift, too!.

Ep. 149 On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I sit down with Dr. Marty Makary, a healthcare advocate, surgeon, and New York Times best-selling author, to dissect the complex web of our current healthcare system and its impact on everyday health. Dr. Marty pulls back the curtain on major blind spots in healthcare, from women's health to food safety issues like food dyes and seed oils in baby formula. We dive into the powerful effects of chronic illness and lifestyle choices, discussing the influence of school lunch programs, hormone disruptors, and the hidden dangers of ultra-processed foods. Dr. Marty also shares how cultural obedience within the healthcare system can delay necessary change and offers practical steps for optimizing family health, especially for children. This episode is an eye-opener on preventative care, the root causes of chronic issues, and the importance of community and purpose in maintaining overall well-being. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Dr. Marty Makary’s Instagram click here! Sponsored By:  Jaspr is offering an exclusive deal – get $400 OFF with code POW at checkout or go to Again, that’s code POW at jaspr.co for $400 OFF your Jaspr air purifier! Visit BetterHelp dot com slash POW today to get 10% off your first month. That’s betterhelp.com/POW Treat yourself to the best bras and shapewear on the market and save up to 50% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/POW this month only. Inventory is limited and the sale ends soon so don’t miss their best deals of the year. After you purchase, they’ll ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you.  Go to boncharge.com and use coupon code PURSUIT to save 15%. That’s boncharge.com and use coupon code PURSUIT to save 15% Visit clearstemskincare.com and use code POW at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Again, that’s code POW for 20% off your first purchase on clearstemskincare.com. Show Links: Blind Spots (Book)  The Italian Store Topics Discussed  00:00:00 - Introduction  00:01:32 - Inspiration behind Blind Spots  00:03:04 - Major blindspots in healthcare 00:05:24 - Blindspot in women's health 00:10:34 - Puberty 00:16:58 - Dr. mentality around modern ideas 00:23:37 - Medical revolution 00:26:33 - Implications of C-sections 00:33:54 - Helping microbiome of newborns 00:36:03 - Seed oils in formula 00:37:21 - Food dyes and Kellogg’s 00:40:33 - Spreading the word to vulnerable populations 00:42:10 - US food 00:47:21 - Advice for children’s diets 00:48:54 - First steps to take towards getting healthy 00:51:03 - Wellness to Dr. Marty

Ep. # 148 On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I sit down with ultra marathoner and content creator Matt Choi to dive deep into his journey from childhood challenges to becoming an ultra-marathon runner. Matt shares how he rebuilt his identity after leaving American football, and the powerful influence David Goggins had on his mindset and approach to life. We get into the raw realities of running, from the importance of nutrition and intuitive eating to the unexpected, like pooping your pants mid-race! Matt also opens up about how running has shaped his mental space, his discipline in content creation, and his advice for new runners. Whether you're into fitness or just looking for inspiration, this conversation is full of motivation and insight! Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Matt Choi’s Instagram click here! For Matt Choi’s YouTue click here! For Matt Choi’s TikTok click here! Sponsored By:  Visit cozyearth.com/pursuit and use my exclusive 40% off code PURSUIT to give the gift of luxury this holiday season. Jaspr is offering an exclusive deal – get $400 OFF with code POW at checkout or go to Again, that’s code POW at jaspr.co for $400 OFF your Jaspr air purifier! Go to ThriveMarket.com/POW for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! That’s ThriveMarket.com/POW  Head to Manukora.com/POW to get $25 off the Starter Kit, which comes with an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook! That’s Manukora.com/POW for $25 off your Starter Kit. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/POW. That’s RocketMoney.com/POW. Show Links: Can’t Hurt Me Topics Discussed 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:08 - Matt Choi’s childhood 00:04:37 - Rebuilding his identity 00:06:57 - Influence of David Goggins 00:14:51 - Reasons for running away 00:17:09 - Diving into ultra marathons 00:21:55 - Mari doing the milestone 00:23:44 - Nutrition and intuitive eating 00:28:35 - Eating before or after running  00:29:58 - Running locations 00:33:06 - Pooping your pants while racing 00:34:07 - Food during ultras 00:36:58 - Courtney Dauwalter and other big names in ultras 00:38:53 - Content creation  00:40:35 - Maintaining discipline 00:43:57 - How running has affected his overall life 00:45:23 - Headspace while running  00:47:46 - Advice for new runners 00:49:58 - Content goals and evolution 00:54:43 - Behind the scenes 00:58:29 - Fake running 01:00:11 - Austin run clubs 01:04:01 - Wellness to Matt

In this POWerful Moment from Episode #47, Ella Halikas shares a transformative moment from her journey, recounting how being let go from a job ignited her pursuit of modeling dreams. Despite struggling with confidence and facing multiple rejections, she embraced failure as a vital teacher, ultimately achieving her goal of becoming a Sports Illustrated model.  Listen or watch the full podcast here:  On Apple click here!  On Spotify click here!

Ep. 147 On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I sit down with Dr. Cameron Chesnut, a plastic surgeon with a passion for blending functional medicine and progressive thinking in his practice. We dive into his unique approach to patient care, focusing on everything from nutrition and peak performance during medical school to the latest in regenerative medicine, including stem cells and red light therapy. Dr. Chesnut shares insights into popular procedures like CO2 laser treatments, fillers, and lymphatic drainage massages, while also emphasizing the importance of educating patients and turning down unnecessary surgeries. We explore the balance between aesthetics and wellness, and what true health means in this evolving field. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Dr. Cameron Chesnut’s Instagram click here! For Dr. Cameron Chesnut’s Tik Tok click here! Sponsors: Bite is offering our listeners 20% off your first order. Go to trybite.com/POW or use code POW at checkout to claim this deal. That’s trybite.com/POW. Sleep is the foundation of health, and there is nothing better than waking up feeling refreshed and ready to attack the day. Use code POW for 20% off your order at dreamrecovery.io Visit clearstemskincare.com and use code POW at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Again, that’s code POW for 20% off your first purchase on clearstemskincare.com. Jaspr is offering an exclusive deal – get $400 OFF with code POW at checkout on jaspr.co. Again, that’s code POW at jaspr.co for $400 OFF your Jaspr air purifier! Topics Discussed 00:00:00 - Introduction  00:02:48 - Growing up as a creative and athletic kid 00:04:43 - Nutrition in medical school 00:05:59 - Sleep deprivation 00:08:00 - Remaining at peak performance 00:12:17 - Dr. Cameron’s process with his patients 00:16:01 - Protocol before operating and anesthesia 00:17:53 - Procedure length 00:19:48 - Understanding the use and legality of stem cells 00:22:22 - How stem cells actually work 00:24:57 - Red Light Therapy 00:27:07- Skin Rejuvenation 00:28:29 - CO2 Laser 00:33:04 - Nonsurgical options and fillers 00:39:43 - Migrating filler and filler misconceptions  00:43:45 - Lymphatic drainage massages and Sculptra 00:47:40 - Upper “bleph” 00:50:16 - Turning down patients 00:51:42 - Dangers of before and after pics  00:57:33 - Most common procedure 00:59:09 - Fat transfers 01:05:02 - Working with celebrities and the importance of educating patients 01:08:44 - What wellness means to Dr. Cameron Chesnut

Ep. 146 On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I’m joined again for the 4th time with my husband and Bloom co-founder, Greg, to explore the ups and downs of building a business as partners in life and work. We’re sharing our biggest insights on business advice, our journey with Bloom, and all the ups and downs of marketing strategy, community engagement, and finding our unique angle in an oversaturated market. Greg also opens up about his experience with ADHD and how he’s turned it into a strength, while I talk about balancing masculine and feminine energy in the workplace. From content creation and influencer marketing to personal growth and daily routines, this episode is packed with tips on making it work both in business and in life. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Greg’s Instagram click here! Show Links: Bloom Energy Drink Sponsors: Honeylove is not just supporting women, it's empowering women. Treat yourself to the best bras on the market and save 20% Off at honeylove.com/POW. Use our exclusive link to get 20% off - honeylove.com/POW to find your perfect fit. After you purchase they ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you. Elevate your comfort, elevate your style, with bras that empower your lifestyle of flexibility. Cozy Earth provided an exclusive offer for my listener’s today. Up to 40% off site wide when you use the code “PURSUIT” at cozyearth.com. It's time you own your health. To join Function Health, go to functionhealth.com/pow and use code POW100 to skip the waitlist. Available up to 1,000 listeners. Visit clearstemskincare.com and use code POW at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Again, that’s code POW for 20% off your first purchase on clearstemskincare.com. Topics Discussed -  00:00:00 - Introduction  00:00:58 - LA Trips 00:01:42 - Business advice 00:02:52 - Bloom updates  00:04:37 - Working with your significant other 00:11:40 - Turning ADHD into a strength  00:15:43 - Schedule management  00:19:24 - Daily activities that move the needle  00:26:40 - Oversaturated market and creative ideas 00:30:56 - Importance of school and PDF Guides 00:35:42 - Dealing with hate 00:37:27 - Bloom partnerships  00:39:14 - Original “dream” and overcoming fear 00:44:07 - Doing things differently  00:45:17 - Forecasting trends as a leader  00:47:14 - Advice for a corporate girly 00:48:45 - We NEED cool Bloom Energy Drinks!  00:49:04 - Selling the product before testimonials  00:49:32 - Masculine and Feminine energy in business

Ep. #145 On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I sit down with Jaspr founder Mike Feldstein to explore the crucial topic of air quality and its impact on our health. We discuss everything from mold exposure and detox protocols to the importance of air purifiers in maintaining a healthy living space. Mike shares insights from his book, You Are What You Breathe, and we dive into how air pollution can affect everything from skin health to chronic conditions like migraines and brain fog. We also talk about creating toxin-free environments for vulnerable populations like babies and pets, and Mike gives tips on improving air quality in our homes. Plus, we explore the concept of “Zoochosis” and how living in confined spaces can affect both animals and humans alike. Let’s jump in! Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For POW Brand Promo Codes click here! For Mike Feldstein Instagram click here! For Jaspr Instagram click here! Show Links: Jaspr - Oct 28- 11/05 code POW for 40% off, $400 off Code POW jaspr.co  Ryan Blaser home testing in Austin Oura Ring Sponsors:  Get cozy in Quince's high-quality wardrobe essentials. Go to quince.com/pow for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. That’s quince.com/pow to get free shipping and 365-day returns.  Go to boncharge.com and use coupon code PURSUIT to save 15%. That’s boncharge.com and use coupon code PURSUIT to save 15%. Sleep is the foundation of health, and there is nothing better than waking up feeling refreshed and ready to attack the day. Use code POW for 20% off your order at dreamrecovery.io Visit Carawayhome.com/PURSUIT to see all of our favorite products and the cookware we use to make cooking easy for even the most amateur home chefs. Plus, take an additional 10% off your next purchase. This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/PURSUIT or use code PURSUIT at checkout. Caraway. Non- Toxic cookware made modern. SuppCo is currently in beta and users can get 100% FREE access by going to supp.co/POW. Podcast listeners will also get early access to SuppCo’s founding membership when it launches in early 2025. Topics Discussed 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:48 - Mike’s background 00:05:39 - Symptoms from air pollution 00:06:42 - Mold exposure and detox protocol 00:09:58 - Mari’s skincare journey and H Pylori protocol 00:11:36 - The importance of an air purifier and basic air awareness 00:16:03 - Air quality and assessing air awareness 00:18:44 - Cooking and toxins in the air  00:20:02 - Where to put your Jaspr 00:21:04 - Pets and air toxins 00:24:46- Symptoms showing up differently in different people 00:26:46 - Mold and air quality testing and awareness 00:35:12 - Sleep benefits and Jaspr sleep study 00:42:16 - Air filtration and best practices for babies  00:46:53 - Zoochosis and living in cages 00:48:01 - Mike’s book “You Are What You Breathe”  00:49:20 - Jaspr homes 00:51:53 - Housing issues in different countries 00:53:36 - Mike’s community in Cuernavaca  00:56:16 - Benefits of Jaspr and upcoming sale 01:01:20 - Wellness to Mike

Ep. #144 In this solo episode, I’m sharing personal updates and a Q&A, chatting with you about my life beyond the usual wellness talk. We’ll cover everything from my recent trip to F1 with Aston Martin and horse girl activities to work updates and fertility insights. I’ll also touch on my journey with nutrition, mental health, and the little things that inspire me daily. Plus, I’ll share tips for staying motivated, exciting Thanksgiving plans, and even my thoughts on healing generational trauma. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For POW Brand Promo Codes click here! Sponsors: For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/POW to start your subscription. You heard me - free Croissants in every box - and $30 off your first box when you go to Wildgrain.com/POW. That’s Wildgrain.com/POW, or you can use promo code POW at checkout. Visit www.geometry.house and use code POW at checkout for 15% off your purchase. www.geometry.house use code POW for 15% off your first order Visit clearstemskincare.com and use code POW at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Again, that’s code POW for 20% off your first purchase on clearstemskincare.com. Show Links: 4th And Heart Ghee  The Holistic Psychologist  Sami Spalter  Sami Spalter Episode  Bloom Colostrum  Clearstem Hair Care - Use Code POW for 20% off Revolve Red Top Topics Discussed 00:00:00 - Introduction   00:00:34 - Going to F1 with Aston Martin   00:01:46 - Horse girl activities   00:03:40 - Work updates & fertility   00:07:57 - Ghee recommendations   00:08:11 - Tips for staying motivated   00:09:38 - Where is Fi?   00:10:02 - Healing generational trauma   00:11:40 - Fertility and body changes   00:12:11 - Health space recommendations   00:12:51 - Nutrition updates   00:14:12 - Thanksgiving excitement   00:14:57 - Little Mari   00:16:55 - Austin life and mental health   00:19:49 - Barrel racing and riding style   00:22:27 - Hair care routine   00:23:47 - Healing acne scars   00:24:36 - Doula and homesteading   00:25:10 - New products at Bloom   00:25:33 - Trotting and cantering   00:26:56 - Starting a podcast and dream guests   00:29:46 - Sea moss and body insecurities   00:30:38 - Staying inspired   00:31:11 - Coffee order and marathon running   00:32:16 - IV drips   00:32:36 - Red’s personality   00:32:59 - Overcomplication of the wellness space   00:34:26 - Drinking your greens and supplement routine

In this POWerful Moment from Episode #108, Dr. Josh Axe shares insights on the profound connection between mindset and physical health. He recounts a pivotal moment from his past that transformed his self-perception and led him to a successful medical career. By discussing concepts like neuroplasticity and the placebo effect, Dr. Axe illustrates how our beliefs and thoughts can significantly impact healing and overall well-being.  Listen or watch the full podcast here:  On Apple click here!  On Spotify click here!  On Youtube click here!

Ep. #143 On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I sit down with Kendall Toole to explore her fitness journey, from her start as a child actor to becoming a Peloton instructor. We dive into her experience with OCD, the challenges of the college drinking culture, and how she’s navigated negative self talk. Kendall opens up about facing imposter syndrome, overthinking, and embracing growth through pain. We also discuss the power of community, breathwork, and how she found her purpose in helping others find theirs. Kendall’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and redefining wellness, and it's a conversation you won't want to miss. Tune in to be inspired and empowered to find your own strength through life’s challenges. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Kendall’s Instagram click here! For The Wholeheartedly Pod click here! For POW Brand Promo Codes click here! Show Links: NKO: Kendall’s Mental Health Fund  Andrew Huberman “What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health” Sponsored by: Bite is offering our listeners 20% off your first order. Go to trybite.com/POW or use code POW at checkout to claim this deal. That’s trybite.com/POW.  Visit clearstemskincare.com and use code POW at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Again, that’s code POW for 20% off your first purchase on clearstemskincare.com.  AquaTru comes with a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee and even makes a great gift… Today my listeners receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Just go to AquaTru.com/POW - that’s AquaTru.com/POW  and automatically receive 20% off any Aqua Tru water purifier. That’s 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com/POW.  Get cozy in Quince's high-quality wardrobe essentials. Go to Quince.com/pow for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. That’s Quince.com/pow to get free shipping and 365-day returns. Topics Discussed 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:31 - Women in fitness 00:04:23 - Kendall’s start in fitness 00:07:51 - The evolution of an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder diagnosis 00:10:01 - College lifestyle and drinking culture 00:15:42 - Gen Z viewpoint 00:17:01 - Kendall’s experience and navigating negative thoughts 00:22:55 - Kendall’s personal journey and getting to Peloton 00:25:54 - Peloton audition process 00:27:05 - Dealing with imposter syndrome 00:31:47 - Changes during covid 00:33:53 - Incorporating mental health content 00:36:38 - Being authentic and connecting with people 00:39:20 - Motivating and empowering 00:41:22 - Your pain is your purpose 00:42:19 - Leaving Peloton 00:44:48 - Quitting vs Evolving 00:48:53 - Importance of community 00:49:39 - Breathing techniques 00:54:20 - What wellness means to Kendall