The EMPWR Podcast

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't turn you into a bodybuilder overnight, and how strength training actually creates the lean, toned look most women are chasing. We also dive deep into their training — what it's really like to train 4–5 hours a day, eat over 3,000 calories, fuel with 400+ grams of carbs, and still be the leanest they've ever been. This conversation is raw, real, and so empowering. From body dysmorphia and comparison to recovery, rest days, supplements, and believing in yourself — Brooke and Sydney share the mindset and strategies that have carried them to the top of their sport. If you've ever been afraid to pick up heavy weights, eat more carbs, or take up space in the gym — this episode is for you. Strength isn't just physical. It's mental, emotional, and deeply empowering. _____ About Brooke Wells:Brooke Wells is a 10-time CrossFit Games athlete, entrepreneur, and founder of While on Earth, a premium shoe and apparel company. Known for her resilience, work ethic, and passion for performance, Brooke has inspired millions through her athletic journey and is now transitioning into the next chapter of her career. About Sydney Wells:Sydney Wells is a former D1 track athlete and CrossFit Games competitor who brings her own unique story of transition, growth, and strength to the fitness world. Known for her grit and competitive spirit, Sydney continues to push the limits of what's possible in sport. Find Brooke & Sydney:Instagram: @brookewellss & @sydneywellsWhile on Earth: https://whileonearth.co _____ Sam's LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit 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 Sam:Insta: @samcfit_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine _____ Joi Women's Wellness | code: SAMCFITPODGet 50% off all labs and 15% off supplements at https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpodTimelineHead to https://timeline.com/SAMCFIT to get 20% off. FableticsGo to https://Fabletics.com/SAMCFIT and sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. LagoonHead to https://lagoonsleep.com/SAMCFIT and use code SAMCFIT for 15% off your first pillow. Cozy EarthHead to https://cozyearth.com and use my code SAMCFIT for up to 20% off. _____ Topics discussed: 00:00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Brooke and Sydney Wells 00:13:43 Training Like Elite Athletes: Hours, Recovery & Sleep 00:16:39 Debunking the 'Bulky' Myth: Why Lifting Won't Make You Huge 00:20:27 Eating 3,000+ Calories: Fueling Performance with Carbs 00:07:20 The Twin Advantage: Competition, Support & Living Together 00:03:35 HYROX Worlds Qualifier: Competing with Zero Training 00:23:35 Body Image, Bulky & Dealing with Internet Trolls 00:31:21 Recovery Secrets: Sauna, Stretching & Red Light Therapy 00:40:17 Brooke's Retirement & While On Earth Launch 00:48:29 Empowerment & Believing in Yourself Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 without restriction. We talk openly about body dysmorphia, disordered eating, the pressure of social media, and how both men and women struggle with shame around food and physique. I even share parts of my own eating disorder past, including what still triggers me and how I’ve learned to work with my body instead of against it. _____ About Jamie Free:Jamie Free is a nutrition coach, CrossFit gym owner, and athlete with nearly 20 years of experience helping people transform their relationship with food and their bodies. He owns CrossFit Trivium in Brentwood, Tennessee, and Mad Apple CrossFit in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and specializes in working with athletes, everyday women, moms, and anyone looking to build sustainable, long-term health. Find Jamie:Instagram: @27healthandwellnessCrossFit Trivium: Brentwood, TNMad Apple CrossFit: Fort Wayne, IN _____ Sam's LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit 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 Sam:Insta: @samcfit_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine _____ Dream Recovery | code: SAM15https://dreamrecovery.io/ CarawayThe holidays are closer than ever, so make sure you order by December 15th to get their gift (or yours) underneath the tree in time! Visit https://Carawayhome.com/samcfit to take advantage of this limited-time offer for up to 25% off your next purchase.  Eight SleepHead over to https://eightsleep.com/empwr and use the code EMPWR to get $350 off your very Pod 5 Ultra. The best part is that you still get 30 days to try it at home and return it if you don’t like it. Cozy EarthHead to https://cozyearth.com and use my code SAMCFIT for up to 20% off. RemiGo to https://shopremi.com/SAMCFIT and use CODE  SAMCFIT to get up to 50% off your nightguard at checkout.  _____ Topics discussed: 00:00:20 Welcome & Introduction to Jamie Free 00:05:03 Why Most Diets Fail: The Restriction Problem 00:06:14 Body Dysmorphia & Disordered Eating: Breaking the Silence 00:13:17 The Psychology of Food & Body Image 00:17:07 Aesthetics vs Performance: Finding Your Balance 00:19:29 Macros Explained: Calories, Body Composition & How You Feel 00:26:01 Protein Power: Why It Matters & How to Hit Your Goals 00:33:31 Carbs, Fats & Timing: What Your Body Actually Needs 00:37:08 Real Food vs Processed: The Ingredient Quality Conversation 00:43:19 Fueling for Longevity: Jamie's Top Advice & Iron Man Prep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 treat yourself) without the stress. This episode is your one-stop shop for thoughtful, health-forward gifts that actually make a difference — because the best gifts aren't just things. They're tools that help the people you love feel better, live cleaner, and show up stronger. Gift categories covered: The Gym Girly — supplements, activewear, fitness tools & my app The Wellness Babe — red light therapy, cold plunge, blood work & recovery essentials The Non-Toxic Queen — clean skincare, cookware, home products & air purifiers The Cozy Gal — sleep essentials, soft jammies, blankets & all the comfort vibes If you've been stressing about what to buy this year — this episode will make your life so much easier. Let's make gifting intentional, meaningful, and fun again. _____ Products & Brands Mentioned: The Gym Girly:- Promix Supplements (Madagascar Vanilla Whey, Cinnamon Swirl, Creatine, Electrolytes, Debloat) | code: SAM- Hume Health Scale | code: SAMCFIT for 20% off - EMPWR by Sam App | code: EMPWR20 for 20% off annual membership (only if purchased the month of December!) - Oner Active (code: SAMC), Ptula (code: SAMCFIT), Vitality activewear (code: SAM10) The Wellness Babe:- Bon Charge Red Light Face Mask | 25% off site-wide - Joi Women's Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD for 50% off labs & 15% off supplements- Cold Creek Tubs | code: SAM for discount- Wellness Journal by Papier The Non-Toxic Queen:- CLEARSTEM Skincare (Bounce Back Serum, Hydraglow Moisturizer, Brighten Me Up Toner, Matcha Eye Patches) | code: SAMCFIT for 15% off- Caraway Cookware, Knife & Utensil Sets, Bamboo Cutting Boards at https://Carawayhome.com/samcfit- Branch Basics Cleaning Products | code: EMPWR for 15% off at https://BranchBasics.com- Jaspr Air Purifier | code: EMPWR for discount The Cozy Gal:- Cozy Earth (Pajamas, Sheet Set, Bubble Blanket) | code: SAMCFIT for up to 40% off at https://cozyearth.com- Dream Recovery Mouth Tape & Eye Masks | code: SAM15 for 15% off- Lagoon Pillows (Chinchilla pillow)- Anthropologie Icon Glasses _____ Sam's LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit 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 Sam:Insta: @samcfit_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine _____ Bon Charge25% off site-wide — no code needed CLEARSTEMUse code SAMCFIT at checkout for 15% off at https://CLEARSTEM.com Dream Recovery | code: SAM15https://dreamrecovery.io/ _____ Topics discussed: 00:00:00 Welcome & Holiday Gift Guide Introduction 00:03:50 The Gym Girlie: Supplements & Fitness Essentials 00:07:34 The Gym Girlie: Quality Activewear Brands 00:08:34 Bond Charge Red Light Face Mask 00:09:49 Clear Stem Skincare for Winter 00:11:21 The Wellness Babe: Recovery & Self-Care Tools 00:14:48 The Wellness Babe: Journaling & Mindfulness 00:16:09 The Non-Toxic Queen: Clean Skincare & Home Products 00:18:27 Dream Recovery Mouth Tape for Better Sleep 00:20:00 The Non-Toxic Queen: Kitchen & Home Essentials 00:23:41 The Cozy Gal: Comfort & Sleep Essentials 00:27:42 The Cozy Gal: Fun Finishing Touches 00:29:02 Wrap Up & Holiday Wishes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 behind your symptoms. This conversation is honest, empowering, and might change how you think about food, supplements, and your body for good. In this episode, we discuss: How painkillers and antibiotics wrecked Amy’s gut Why bloating, gas, and acne are not normal What stool tests actually reveal about your health How stress shuts down digestion (and how to fix it) The link between gut health, hormones, and energy Why women need to stop skipping breakfast How eating too late disrupts sleep and metabolism The truth about plant-based protein and probiotics What your bloodwork really says about your gut Amy’s step-by-step approach to true healing If you’ve ever felt “off” and couldn’t explain why—this episode will give you answers. Your gut isn’t just part of your health. It is your health. _____ Sam’s LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/SamcfitEMPWR 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 Sam:Insta: @samcfit_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine _____ Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD*50% off all labs on both sites*https://blokes.co/samcfitpodhttps://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod   Branch BasicsHead to ⁠https://BranchBasics.com ⁠and use code EMPWR for 15% off your Premium Starter Kit.  Cozy EarthHead to https://cozyearth.com and use my code SAMCFIT for up to 20% off. AquaTruHead to https://AquaTru.com now and get 20% off your purifier using promocode SAM. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee or your money back. LagoonGo to https://LagoonSleep.com and receive $25 off every Lagoon pillow, $60 off two, or $160 off four - no code needed. CareaYou can try Carea Premium for free for 6 months with the code SAMCFIT- link the redeem the offer & download the app. Just head to https://apps.apple.com/redeem/?ctx=offercodes&id=6742656074&code=SAMCFIT _____ Topics discussed:00:00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Gut Health 00:01:59 Amy's Personal Gut Health Journey 00:05:57 Understanding Stool Tests vs Blood Work 00:10:31 What Stool Tests Reveal About Your Gut 00:13:29 Common Gut Issues: Bloating, Gas & IBS 00:21:26 The Probiotic Problem 00:23:58 Stress, Digestion & the Nervous System 00:27:13 Protein Shakes, Plant-Based Protein & Gut Dysfunction 00:32:12 Cooked vs Raw Foods for Easier Digestion 00:43:13 Blood Sugar, Insulin & Fat Storage 00:44:35 Carbs, Starches & Sweeteners: What to Avoid 00:50:14 Meal Timing: Why Eating Late Hurts Your Gut 01:00:22 Coffee, Caffeine & Alcohol: The Gut Disruptors 01:07:32 Hydration, Electrolytes & Water Intake 01:11:13 Holiday Eating Tips & Healthy Swaps 01:14:29 Working with Amy: Programs & Resources 01:18:41 Final Thoughts: Common Doesn't Mean Normal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 careers, and the moments with our kids that we never want to forget. This episode is equal parts fun, heartfelt, nostalgic, and grounding — the perfect listen for Thanksgiving week._____Sam’s LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/SamcfitEMPWR 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 Sam:Insta: @samcfit_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine _____Dream Recovery | code: SAM15https://dreamrecovery.io/ CLEARSTEMHow to claim your free Hydration Heroes Mini Kit from CLEARSTEM: Go to CLEARSTEM.com, add the Hydration Heroes Mini Kit plus $75 of other CLEARSTEM products to your cart, and enter code EMPWRHH at checkout — the kit is yours for free! Offer ends December 2nd. CarawayVisit https://Carawayhome.com/samcfit to take advantage of this limited-time offer for up to 20% off your next purchase.BUBS NaturalsFor A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code SAMCFIT at https://Bubsnaturals.com TimelineMy friends at Timeline are offering 20% off, just for my listeners. Head to https://timeline.com/SAMCFIT to get started. FabeleticsHead to https://Fabletics.com/SAMCFIT and sign up as a VIP to get eighty percent off everything.Jones Road BeautyFrom November 18th - December 1st, get up to 20% Off at https://jonesroadbeauty.com for their first ever Black Friday Sale! 00:00:00 Welcome & Thanksgiving Traditions 00:03:51 The Year of Yes: Reflecting on Growth 00:04:33 Getting Engaged & Moving In Together 00:07:07 Managing Stress During the Move 00:12:30 Fitness Milestones: Marathon Training & HYROX 00:14:42 Learning to Slow Down & Get Her Period Back 00:16:55 Growing Emotionally & Communicating Better 00:18:22 Career Transitions & Working Together 00:23:45 What Their Relationship Taught Them 00:28:16 Career Highlights & Building Community 00:37:46 Precious Moments with the Kids 00:42:48 New House Traditions & Looking Ahead 00:47:20 Hardest Challenges & What They Taught Us 00:50:09 The Best Thing That Happened: Getting Engaged 00:50:53 Thanksgiving Food & Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices