Girl Chat: Entrepreneur Of The Year, IVF, Fi's Ozempic Update & Controversial Guests

Mari Llewelyn
This is the pursuit of Wellness podcast and I'm your host, Mari Llewelyn.

Hi, guys. Welcome back to the show. I am here today with Fiona. Hello. Hi.

We're here for another girl chat episode. Before we hop in, I wanted to say a couple things. Firstly, thank you guys so much for the support on our new colostrum and collagen peptides product. It's been kind of flying off the shelves, especially on Amazon. I was like, pretty surprised at how just like, excited everyone was and how, like, it's selling out at this point.

So if you didn't hear my update last time, we just released a colostrum. What is so special about this? And you guys know how intense I am about sourcing. So when the team said, hey, I think we should make a colostrudrum, I was like, I agree, but it has to be sourced very well. So this is sourced from family dairy farms here in the US.

And we use a carbs first process, which means the baby cows get their supply of colostrum first. And we only use additional colostrum, which is kind of a cool thing because I know, like, you know, there's obviously corrupt companies in the US who take colostrum when they shouldn't. So I really love that approach. And then we use grass fed collagen, obviously, which is great for her skin and nails. Colostrum is really good for gut health, immunity.

I know you really like it. Yes. I was gonna say I have like, we've been traveling a bunch and I have some travel coming up, so I put some in my iced coffee this morning and I'm gonna do it every day and bring it on my trip too. Because your girl's a little beat down right now. Yeah, you should.

Yeah, you're kinda not doing well. You should take this with you. I'm gonna. Yeah, I know. I was even gonna.

Fiona
I was maybe gonna put it in a little ziploc bag, but I should probably leave it in the container. Cause like either one. I mean, they'll probably check it, but it'll get through fine. And then, um, this is going to be really great for me and Greg to rebuild our gut after this whole antibiotic, uh, process that we're on right now. A journey.

Mari Llewelyn
So, yeah, thank you so much for the support. And it's still available on Amazon and our website, I believe. And today we're just going to give you guys. I mean, we have kind of some exciting updates. We're going to do a Q and a where we kind of go back and forth asking each other questions and.

Yeah. So where should we begin? Like, so much has happened. Yeah, I mean, just in the last week, we were traveling a bunch and a lot of exciting stuff in LA, if you want to talk about that. We got back from LA two days ago and, yeah, honestly, peak of my career, probably.

Greg and I won Entrepreneur of the year for the Los Angeles area. Entrepreneur of the year is like a very prestigious award for any entrepreneur. I knew it was a big deal, but I didn't realize how big of a deal until we were at the event. So I think I've been telling you guys about the process, but we've gone back to LA for the judging for, yes, speed round interviews. It's been a very long process of filling out forms and going on Zoom calls and judging.

And, you know, we were up against the best entrepreneurs in the LA area, and LA is the entrepreneurship capital of America. So it was definitely competitive. We were in there with brands like Dave's hot Chicken, Colt, Gaia, Tower 28. What were some other ones that really stand out for people? There were some financial firms.

Fiona
Oh, La FC, the football club. The football club, yeah. Owned by Will Ferrell. Um, so basically they said there were more applicants than any year ever. So I think it was over 200 applicants, narrowed down to about 20 finalists or something.

It might have been a couple more than that. Like, in the first 30. Yeah, 30 finalists. And then how many winners? Eleven winners.

Mari Llewelyn
Eleven winners. So to win your first time is apparently pretty unheard of and quite unique. So I wasn't fully expecting us to win. However, like, I'm not a very competitive person in general. I'm competitive with myself, but not really other people.

This was the first time that I was like, oh, I want to win. I want to win. I was going to be sad, like, if I didn't win. And it was this big event. It was at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

It was black tie. So I think that's our first time ever being in black tie together. I don't know if I've ever been in black tie. I don't think either or anything. It was so cute, though.

Fiona
The whole team, like, a couple of people on the team came and it was so cute. Like, everyone was all dressed up in their gowns and I was like, wow. We usually just see each other. Like, I know most dressed up we get is, like, jeans. Seeing the team in the.

Mari Llewelyn
It was really cute and everyone was kind of nervous and excited and we bought a table to celebrate with the team. Like, you don't necessarily have to do that. But we wanted the team there. And when we arrived at the Beverly Hills Hotel and just seeing everyone in black tie at this beautiful venue, it was pretty insane. We go in.

We go to the step and repeat. We're taking photos. Greg's in his tux. Leo's in his tux. Fi's in her gown.

The team is there. The venue's stunning. It's my first time at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Me too. Wow.

Amazing. It was beautiful. I kind of get it now. And it was busy. Like, people had brought their parents, their kids.

Like, it was clearly a really big deal, beautiful event. And then they take you into the banquet hall, and there's different tables for each company. So our table had, like, a bloom nutrition sign. It had the LA business journal, where we had a full spread of the greens, which was really cool. And I was just, like, really emotional and just, like, taking it all in.

Fiona
Yeah, I feel like it hit us, like, right when we sat down and they played this first video. You guys kind of just, like, what makes entrepreneurship, like, what it is and why it's so powerful? I look over, and Mario and Greg are like. I was sobbing. Tearyot.

It was really cool. It was really, really cool. I think what was so special about it? And Greg and I have talked a lot about it since. Entrepreneurship is a very lonely life, and I feel like it's only very recently in the last year that I really feel like I have a community and I have friends.

Mari Llewelyn
I know that sounds silly, but for the first three years of bloom, Greg and I didn't leave the house, and I pretty much just had Greg. And you become quite isolated because you're doing this thing that no one else can relate to. You're working long hours. You never really clock out. The pressure is insane, you know, like, even Greg and I are still kind of weird about staying out to a certain time.

Like, saying yes to everything, especially for Greg, really difficult. And also, you know, I'm front facing. I'm a little bit more public, so I get more recognition than Greg does. For Greg, as the CEO, he is constantly telling everyone on the team they're doing an amazing job. You know, it's his job to lead them and congratulate them and hype them up.

No one really ever tells Greg he's doing a good job. Yeah, you don't really get a lot of recognition in that world, I feel like. And you're so focused on, like, great something. Like, something sold out, or you had, like, a huge end cap at target, but then it's like, okay, that was awesome. Like, onto the next thing, because we have a million other things going on and you don't really take the time.

Fiona
Like, you don't really get the time to actually sit there and clap for yourself or have other people clap for you. Such a good point. Like, Greg and I, we honestly need to get better at celebrating because whenever something amazing happens, we just keep going, you know, even when, you know, our deal went through with nutribull, like, we just kind of continued. And it's very rare that we stop and look back at everything we've done. And I think in that moment, it was like, holy crap, this is the moment.

Mari Llewelyn
You know, it's not everything we've worked for, but it's nice to have this room of other successful entrepreneurs and to just recognize entrepreneurship. And I don't mean to talk about Greg too much, but he, you know, fee obviously knows him very well. And for anyone who's met him, Greg is the textbook definition, not textbook definition. Greg is an entrepreneur. Like, that is who he is to his core.

And I watched him from college years, you know, really struggle academically and kind of have a very bad relationship with school and always kind of felt like he was less than because he struggled so much. To watch him grow and be this incredible leader, an incredible CEO and grow this company together has been insane. And I 100% would not be here right now without him. And for me, when I was in that event, like, yes, it was incredible for me as well, but I felt so, like, happy for Greg and so proud of him to be recognized for something that I feel like is just innate to who he is anyway. Yeah, it was really, really cool.

And then we watched the intro video. I'm sobbing, crying already. And then they basically tell us they're going to be announcing winners throughout the evening from 730 to 930, basically to prevent people leaving, leaving. So they're doing these, like, fun videos on each company. We'd filmed interviews beforehand when we did the judging on green screens, so they were showing all the videos of our answers and this really cool video.

And will Ferrell's up there and it was hilarious. He didn't come to the event, by the way, because I personally think it was intentional because it would have drawn too much attention. But his whole team was there for La Soccer club. It was really, really cool. And then they go to announce the first winner, and the guy on the microphone goes, this company is based on transformation, women's health, positivity.

And if anyone's been on my instagram and seen the video of me and Greg. My face. I'm so serious. And in my head, I was, wait, which other company here is about that? Is anyone else about women's health?

Like, am I. It can't be about us. Like, this has to be about someone else. Like, who else has a transformation? Like, I'm going through my brain.

And then he goes, Greg Levescher and Mari Llewellyn of bloom nutrition. And it was just, like, crazy. It was surreal. We were the first people. We were caught off guard.

Yeah. Like, it happened really fast, and we. Were all just like, I think everyone there was caught off guard, even the judge on the stage, because. So a little bts tea for you guys. We were told to have a 1 minute speech ready, and I had some bullet points.

I don't think greg prepped at all, but I knew I would have to give this speech. So when they announced us, greg and I go up on stage. We hold our trophies, we take a photo with the judge, and then I'm ready to give my speech, but the judge kind of indicates that we should leave the stage. And under my breath, I was like, should we not say something? Like, shouldn't we be giving a speech?

And the guy goes, no. So I got down and went back to the table, and we were all like, oh, that was weird. I was like, what happened? I know, I know. He told me to come back down, and I was like, okay.

So then they announce the next winner, and the next winner gives his speech, and we're all like, wait, what? And then the judge on stage goes, bloom, come back. Like, we messed up. So Greg and I had to go back on stage and give a speech. And you made the best of it.

Fiona
Yeah, yeah, yeah. And Marc's like, we're back. Yeah. I was like, we're back on the stage. Hi.

Mari Llewelyn
But also, the way the microphone was on the stage, it was a bendy microphone. I know. I can't stop talking about this. I'm just so embarrassed. There was, like, a see through podium and a bendy microphone.

I didn't realize it bent, so I crouched, and I'm tall. I'm five'ten. I crouched all the way down to the microphone. I gave my whole speech like this. Oh, guys, thanks so much.

Fiona
Bent in half. Bent in half. And I didn't stand up really once, so that was embarrassing. But either way, the speech was really cute. It was so.

Mari Llewelyn
Yeah. Like, really all night, really magical. Like, all of us were crying and hugging, and it was just, like, insane.

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And then we did a nine hour photo shoot the next day. Yeah. Yeah. Ellie was a whirlwind. That was a lot.

It was a whirlwind. It was really fun. But, yeah, we needed to do this photo shoot because we have a new product coming. That's the one I've been talking about so much, guys, that's on the way. Late July.

So we did a full photo shoot for that. We were on set for, what, 9 hours? Yeah, in Woodland Hills. We got so much content done. It was really productive.

And then we went to Taverna Tony, which is our favorite greek restaurant. Best dip. Malibu. Yeah. I ate way too much, but it's okay.

I was actually just telling. I ran into a girl who was a fan at a coffee shop, and she was, like, telling me about, you know, her listening to the podcast and it helping her with food mindset and stuff. And I was like, yeah. Like, I have. Sometimes I have days where I definitely go off the rails and, like, you just get back on.

It's okay. She brought up Ozempic. She was like, all my friends are on Ozempic. Yeah. I was like, yeah, I get it.

I get the feeling of questions about that. You did? I was assuming you would a little bit. Wait, you got to send me them so I can ask you. Okay.

Sorry. I kind of just talked for a while. What are your updates, other than breaking your back and, um. Oh, my God. Yeah, guys, I hurt my back somehow.

Fiona
I wasn't even ex. Like, I don't know what I did. I don't know if I slept weird. We carry these big backpacks everywhere we go with us. We've been traveling a lot, and I tend to overpack mine.

Like, I just stuff it. Maybe it's my backpack, I don't know. But your girl, it gets better for a day. And then, like, this morning, I don't know what happened? I laid on a heat pad all day yesterday on the couch.

Like, did not move from the couch. Laid on a heating pad all day. I was, like, in so much pain. Yeah, it was not fun. So I don't know what's wrong with that, but we're gonna work on it.

Mari Llewelyn
I would assume it's just travel. Yeah. I felt a little better this morning. And then I went on a long walk with my dog and I got back home and I was just. I got in the shower and I was like, I couldn't bend over.

Fiona
Like, I couldn't pick up my body wash. I was like, oh, that's bad. So I don't know what that is. We're gonna have to figure that out. Loved LA.

I was actually in LA the weekend right before, so I was in LA for my best friend's wedding that weekend, and then I came back for two days and then we flew back to LA. So we had some big interviews the two days here in Austin. So the wedding was beautiful. My friend Sydney got married to her love of her life, John, and it was really cute. I can't believe my friends are getting married.

I mean, obviously you got married two years ago. You were a bridesmaid, too. I was a bridesmaid. That was my first time being an official bridesmaid. I was kind of your bridesmaid.

I got ready with you and helped you, but that was my first time getting a matching dress and walking down the aisle, which I actually felt like I did a good job. I was really nervous. I get really nervous about stuff like that. I tend to black out. And I got to my seat and I was like, did I just walk so fast?

And everyone was like, no, it was great. I'm like, I felt like I was sprinting, trying not to trip either. Imagine you being on Sports Illustrated Runway. Oh, I can't even imagine doing. I would totally black out.

I don't know how those girls, at least they're barefoot. I was in these big old heels with a long dress that kept getting stuck a little bit. And I was like, I'm going to eat it down the aisle. But I didn't. It was great.

It was a really cute trip. Yeah, kind of same old, same old. I have some travel coming up. I'm going to Italy at the end of the month, so I'm very excited. Don't you leave in a couple days?

Next Wednesday? Okay. Like a week and a half? Yeah, yeah, yeah. But I'm very excited.

Kenny and I are going to Italy. He's never been to Italy. I studied abroad there, so, like, and I haven't been back since I studied my junior year. So very excited. Fi is flying from Europe to New York and meeting me on Long island.

Mari Llewelyn
And if you've been following me for a while, you know, the north fork in Long island is, like, me and Greg's stomping ground. It's, like, where we. We've been going our whole relationship. So it's like, a. And it's where Greg's parents live.

It's, like a very special place to us. So fi's never been, so she's coming, and we're gonna celebrate her birthday and 4 July and all the things. So gonna be very cute. I've been to Long island. Just never, like, further than, like, I don't know where my mom's from.

Fiona
Long island. I'm so bad about it. I don't know where she's from on Long island. I've never been up to, like, the forks. Yeah, the hamptons.

Like, I've never been to the Hamptons or anything like that. So I'm very excited to. So I'm gonna show her around, like, north Fork Orient Greenport. We'll go to the vineyards. We'll go lunch.

Mari Llewelyn
We'll go do all the things. Fireworks. We'll do a day trip to the hamptons. It'll be nice. And what's that?

Durya's. Durya's. Now I see it everywhere. The lobster cob. Seeing it everywhere.

Yeah, it's famous. I did go there. I know. I want some rose. Hopefully I can drink by then.

I know. A little antibiotic update. My round of the antibiotics ends Wednesday, and then I take a 24 hours break, and then I go on the parasite cleanse. I've noticed a big difference in my skin. I feel like, well, I have makeup on right now, but it's flat.

Like, the bumps are gone. It's just, like, red. It's not, like, inflamed anymore. No. And there's no, like, I used to wake up every day with a new zit, and that isn't happening as much.

And I feel like everything's flat and, like, red. So it's healing, which is pretty cool. My biggest fear is that it comes back, but we'll see how the parasite cleanse goes, and then we go into the rebuild phase. And I think I told you guys I was, like, experimenting eating eggs again after not eating them for, like, a long time. Yeah.

Fiona
How's that going? I don't think it's really. I don't know. I think I. I tried it.

Mari Llewelyn
I think I had them, like, a couple times, and it made me break out, I think. And I asked doctor Gabrielle, and she said to just hold off. Yeah. Probably until, like, you're, like, clear. Until you do a test and it says it's gone.

Yeah. Like, you don't. Even if you're fighting it with medicine, you don't want to, like, be feeding it something that's. Or it's making it irritated. Right.

Fiona
It's not the eggs. It's like, what you. It's the h pylorian stuff that's like. Yeah. Reacting to it.

Mari Llewelyn
Yes. It's not your actual natural body. You know what I mean? Yeah, I agree. So I need to wait till it's actually gone, which is sad, because I love my eggs, but hopefully, by the time my chickens are laying.

Fiona
So I was just gonna say, I'll be ready. There you go. Do you know what I mean? Yeah. And then a little fertility update, which is pretty exciting.

Mari Llewelyn
I wasn't sure if I was gonna share this because I'm not sure if it's too early, but I just feel like, why not share with the group? Because I've been sharing everything anyway, so, obviously, I'm not pregnant yet. And, you know, I was seeing a fertility clinic here in Austin, and to be honest, I didn't have the most amazing experience. Like, I just felt like it wasn't very individualized. A couple things happened that I wasn't super happy with, and my friend Taylor used to work for an amazing fertility clinic in New York called Rmay.

R m a n y. So it's in New York, and they're apparently, like, the best of the best. So I was like, you know what? Why don't I just have a call with them? Let's see what happens.

And I really am so happy I did, because we were just chatting about my situation, and, you know, Greg's sperm analysis test and my tests and everything looks really good. And she asked me, you know, how many kids do you want to have in the future? And I said, two or three. And she was like, well, you know, if you want to have more kids in the future, you might want to consider IVF anyway, just so you have embryos ready to go, and you don't have to go through this stressful period of time again, because it really has been. I mean, I feel okay now, but the ups and downs of this journey have been insane, and for me and Greg.

So to have some control and a plan and to know that at any moment I could choose to have another child is really comforting. So my plan is to continue to try naturally through the summer. And then fi and I went through the calendar and found an open window of time because, technically, I need about two to three weeks in order to do IVF and to make embryos. So we've kind of loosely planned for October. We're gonna, you know, freeze Greg's sperm, and I'm going in in July, and we're gonna go talk to them.

But it is so comforting to me to have the October date set, because now I know, hey, if this doesn't happen for me in October, I have this plan. Plan B. Plan B. Maybe not the best phrase for that one, but plan C. Plan C.

So, anyway, I just wanted to give an update on that. And, you know, if I do go through with IVF the same way I've been transparently sharing about everything, fertility, I'd love to continue because I think IVF. I don't know. Like, I would want to watch that. As someone who was trying to get pregnant, I would love to hear more about that.

I talked to my mum about it yesterday, and she actually met with the father of IVF when she was trying with me in London, the guy who sort of, like, invented it. Wow. Which I was like, what? She didn't end up doing it because she got naturally pregnant, but she had such a hard time having me. She had an ectopic pregnancy.

She had multiple miscarriages. Like, awful that she ended up seeing this guy. So I thought that was really interesting. Yeah. But anyway, guys, I'll keep you updated on that.

We'll see how it goes. Apparently, IVF is quite challenging on the body, which is why I sort of was hesitant for a while. But you got to do what you got to do. So any girls listening that have done IVF, let us know. Let us know.

Like, I'd love to hear your experiences. For some reason, our voice message system is down at the moment, but we're going to get it back up and running. And if anyone's willing to share, like, I'd love to hear how you felt when you did IVF and what the sort of side effects were. Apparently, I'm going to be really bloated and really angry, so that'll be fun.

We'll see who wants to hang out with me during that time. Should we hop into our q and a? Yes.

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The first one I saw that I wanted to ask you. Mm hmm. 4Ft. What kind of wedding, if any, do you envision having? Oh, that's a cute question.

Fiona
I have always kind of felt like I will have, I would say, like, under 150 people, which is considered a small wedding, not like an intimate wedding. An intimate wedding would be like friends and family, but probably like around 100 to 150. When I lived in LA, I used to think, like, Malibu or something like that. But now that I've moved, I definitely don't want to have it there. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Mari Llewelyn
I think I looked at Malibu and it was really expensive. It was really expensive. Just like, which I get, like, it's beautiful and it's California, so very expensive. But I think, like, I'd love to do one here in Austin. I think it's nice to be local to your venue.

Fiona
You can go out and see it. It's just, like, a lot easier. I know, like, Sydney did hers in California because John's from California and their venue is gorgeous, but, like, they had to fly back from New York a bunch because they moved to New York. So I just think local would be nice. I think Austin has a lot of really cool venues, so probably here.

I don't really know a ton of details past that. What, the vibe? Definitely, like, modern, clean. Mm hmm. Maybe a little bit of color.

I don't want, like, all neutrals. I know that, like, colorful. But there's one specific venue in Austin that I really love that's like, a very. Almost like a modern farmhouse look. I like that look.

Like, I prefer that over, like, garden fairy tale or over. I feel like I had some southern castle. Yeah, like, a little southern, but, like, clean. Like, kind of like a blank canvas that we can do whatever we want to it. So cute.

And, like, I think for, like, a dress. Like, classic. Nothing crazy. I'm not really into, like, beaded or, like, sparkle. Like, very simple.

Mari Llewelyn
I feel like you found a designer you liked, right? I do. I found one. They're called kaya, I think. Australian brand.

Fiona
They actually just had a pop up here in Austin, and I wanted to go so bad, but I was like, okay, I should wait till I'm engaged to go try on letting dress. Yes. We had to stop her. Yeah, she did. I just, like, wanted to see them in person, but it's fine when we get.

They have, like, a New York showroom, so I'll probably go. Yeah, but they have gorgeous dresses, and they're very basic and, like, not basic, but just, like, timeless to me. Like, classic, timeless. That's, like, the vibe I like. So, yeah.

Hot topic, would you ever consider bringing on a doctor who is against vaccines? Oh, we have done that. Yeah. Yeah. We've had a couple guests talk about it.

Mari Llewelyn
I think Doctor Rabin was one of them. A brain doctor. Amazing episode, if you want to go listen. And not all vaccines necessarily, but, like, certain ones. Certain ones, yeah.

Like, I.

You know, I think a lot about this, honestly, with the. The way the Internet is right now, and I'm definitely not one of those people who wants to build my career on controversy and negativity. I think there's some people out there who do that, and it's just a bad vibe. Like, reality is we live in a modern society. There's processed food and toxins everywhere.

Like, I'm not perfect. I can't avoid everything. And I think bashing brands and bashing people is just, like, a negative way to be. Like, I don't want to exist in that fashion. However, I love information, and I love hearing other people's perspectives, and I've learned a ton, like, listening to other people.

So if I were to bring on someone about vaccines, it would be from pure curiosity and not a place of wanting to cause, like, an uproar or controversy. Like, I don't want to create negativity. I just want to sort of be open. I feel like one of the things we talk a lot on the podcast are, like, bio individuality. Like, what works for one person might not work for other people.

Yeah. And, like, everyone should be allowed to make their own choices. Yeah, but make an informed choice. Like, know the information. Yeah.

I mean, I just keep thinking about the episode we just recorded with callie means, which probably hasn't come out yet. No, not yet. But you guys are gonna freak out. This guy, I mean, he used to be a consultant for big food and big Pharma, and he was literally in the meetings figuring out how to convince people to buy processed food and take medications. So to hear that perspective and just hear the facts and the economics of it was, like, really eye opening.

And I like the fact that he wasn't necessarily preaching. He was just like, this is the information that I know. Do with it what you will. Yeah. Good question.

Yeah. Um, okay. Oh, can you give us an update on the ozempic? Yes. I actually was just thinking about this this morning.

Fiona
So, to be honest. I mean, I, like, I feel good for the most part. After, like, injection days, I definitely feel a little run down. Like, nothing major, but, like, just not 100%. Like, definitely a little tired.

Sometimes my stomach can feel a little, like, uneasy, but nothing drastic. Like, I know I've seen some drastic things people experience. Nothing crazy, to be honest. I feel like. I.

Like, I've lost a couple pounds, but, like, I haven't seen anything crazy. So it's always very interesting to me when I meet people or, like, see on the Internet, people that are like, I lost 30 pounds in a month. I'm like, how? You really must have. I don't know.

And I know if you have kind of more to lose, it's easier at the beginning, and you kind of lose more. But I have not experienced that. I think I've lost a couple pounds, and I feel good, but I have not felt a drastic weight change. If anything, I'm like, okay, waiting. But at the same time, I know it is a medication that's, like, you have to be on it for some time.

Like, I don't think it's, like, a do it for three months and then just get off of it. Like, it is. Your body has to get used to it. And also, like, I was talking with you about it. Like, the dosing, like, at least the place I went through was very conservative dosing.

Like, the first three months are still, like, just enough that your body's getting used to it, which, again, everyone's bodies react differently. Maybe someone that's a little more, like, insulin sensitive, like, would have more drastic weight change. It definitely has, like, affected my appetite. I feel like I pretty much have a normal appetite throughout the day, but towards the end of the day, I'm a lot more full. Like, by dinner time, I'm like, oh, I'm still kind of full from lunch feeling.

Mari Llewelyn
You're, like, digesting stuff. Yeah, because you digest exactly. Like, I think I still have food in my stomach, whereas, like, before I would was just an empty pit. Could eat forever. So.

Fiona
But I do think, like, the mindset stuff's been helpful. I plan to be on it for probably a couple more months, see how it goes. But, yeah, like, overall, really good. Again, like, I would talk to your doctor and see if you're a good candidate for it. Just because you see everyone on it doesn't mean you need to be on it.

But also, like, if you're interested in it, check it out. Like, yeah, I was gonna say that as well, guys, for anyone listening, and the only reason I say this is I've had a couple people reach out or people say things. Even the coffee girl this morning mentioned it. Just because you're listening and FIa is taking it or someone that you love is taking it doesn't mean that you necessarily should. And just to give another perspective, like, from my point of view, you know, I was.

Mari Llewelyn
Someone asked me, if you had had ozempic back when you did your fitness journey, would you have taken it? When I was 250 pounds, and my answer is no one. I couldn't really afford to do it back then. But number two, like, I wouldn't have learned all the things I had to learn to get to where I am. Like, I wouldn't have the work ethic.

I wouldn't have the nutrition knowledge. I wouldn't understand weightlifting. But you're a different situation because you've been trying and doing all the right things for years and years and years. So I just want to say, guys, just because we're talking about it transparently on the show and Fi's opening up, she's not recommending that you guys do it and that it's like this. And clearly, from what you're saying it's not a magic drug.

Fiona
That's, like, where I'm struggling the most with it is, like, I feel like maybe some people are having that experience, but I feel like I'm working out and having to eat just as healthy as I was before. Like, I really don't feel like it's, like, a cheat code by any means. And, like, I see I follow a couple girls, like, on TikTok that have been on it that, like, they feel the same way, and, like, they. They think it supports them a little bit, but they still are having to work out more than they ever had, you know? Like, it.

It definitely requires work, at least in my experience. Again, everyone's different, so the weight is not just, like, falling off of me. Yeah. And if you guys are listening and you haven't tried first to clean up the diet, focus on whole foods, move your body. Like, if you haven't done that first, I don't think this is the right path for you yet.

I also have an interesting perspective, I want to add. So since I announced that I've been on it, whenever I post a photo now, I get comments or DM's like, oh, my gosh, the Ozempic's working. Like, wow, I can really tell. You look so great. I've, like, literally lost, like, five pounds.

Like, I have not lost anything crazy, to be very honest. And so, like, when people say that, I'm like, I actually don't think I look that. I mean, maybe it's just me. I don't think I look that different. But I think because people now know I'm on it, they're like, oh, like, you've lost so much weight.

And I'm like, no, I really haven't. And I think it's interesting. I just want to add that, like, I I'm like, I don't know. It's a little weird being on the backside of it. And I do have to admit, like, in a way, it is a little frustrating when I still feel like I'm eating well and working out, and now people are just being like, oh, you look great.

Like, the Ozempic's working. And I'm like, like, I'm doing so much work still, too. And I don't know. Like, I just don't think, unfortunately, I think, like, our society right now because it's such a new thing, and it's. I don't know.

I think Ozempic's pr is really bad. Like, I think they need a new pr. I just think people think it's like an escape. Like an escape. Like a, like, oh, you want to take the easy way out?

Mari Llewelyn
Well, then they have good pr. I get, I guess they have. I think that the reality is not as amazing as people think. Yeah. I don't know.

Fiona
I just, like, part of me, it makes me feel a little, like, weird. Like people, like, people think I'm trying to take the easy way out or that, like, now if I lose weight, it was just because of the Ozempic. Yeah. And it's like, that's not the case. And it's a little, like, I don't know, kind of sucks a little bit, but it is what it is.

Then again, I've been working out and eating healthy for a while and have been struggling. And, you know, I see girls that have pcos and a lot of other things that, like, they really can't, and then they take this and it falls off of them. So I don't know. It's an interesting dynamic, but I don't regret it. And, like, I'm happy to be on it and we'll see how it goes.

Mari Llewelyn
Yeah. You know? Yeah, I guess that also comes with sharing about it. Yeah, exactly. And I know a lot of people keep it private, which I also totally get, to be honest.

Like, yeah. The messages I get sometimes now I'm like, oh, maybe I should have just kept it myself. But it's fine. I think it's great that you're sharing it. And even if it doesn't work out the way we want it to, at least, you know, people are hearing that it's really a cultural phenomenon.

Fiona
It is. It's pretty insane. Like, I'm seeing other supplement companies create, like, yeah, ozempic like products, which is not something I would do, but, yeah, it's interesting. I, to be honest, like, as someone who's on it, I don't know if it's good or bad. I really don't know.

I really don't know, to be honest. That's okay. We'll just have to see. This one's kind of random, but what is your current favorite recipe? Oh.

Mari Llewelyn
Oh, my God. I feel like you share a little, like, you have, you don't share as much like, the food you're making now. So, yeah, my recipes aren't as crazy anymore. But one thing I've been obsessed with, there's these noodles on Amazon. I'll put the link in the bio that are made of sweet potato.

Like, pure sweet potato. They're like glass noodles. And I'll do that with soy sauce. And sriracha and shiitake mushrooms and bok choy and green onion and steak on top. It's like a little ramen bowl.

Crazy. That sounds really good. It's insane. It's insane. Try those.

Yeah, yeah. Order them immediately. Yeah, I'm gonna get that link, too. Yeah, I've been making, like, an asian y dish too. We've been getting.

Fiona
So I, like, love trader Joe's frozen food, but it's full of lots of stuff, like the orange chicken and there's, like, a broccoli and beef one. So Kenny and I have been trying to, like, make an alternative version. So I've been getting from Trader Joe's, like, shredded beef, and then I mix it with, like, frozen broccoli or fresh broccoli if I have it on top of a little rice, and I'll use, like, a little coconut aminos and sesame oil and just like, a little stuff. It is so good. Kenny has been requesting it.

He's like, can we start making this every week? It's so good. And it's obviously, it's not, like, as tasty as the super syrupy version I'd get that's frozen, but, like, I feel a lot better eating it and I feel good after it, so that's, like, what we've been making. That's a nice swap out. I appreciate that.

Inspired by trader Joe's, you know? Yeah. And those frozen meals. You just gotta check what's in them guys. Cause it has, you know, you never really know.

Yeah. Um. Why do your parents not listen to your show? I don't know. Kathy does.

Kathy asked a really funny question. She did? Yeah. What? She said, would you ever consider building a compound with puppies, horses, chickens, and babies?

Mari Llewelyn
I mean, I'm not gonna say no to that, obviously. Kathy wants to come live on the compound. That's what I'm getting. I'm getting that vibe, too. You both looked stunning at the EY awards.

Give the fit and glam rundowns, please. You want me to go first? Sure. So the green dress, the famous green dress was from MacDougall, and it's. I think it's called the spaghetti strap sequined dress.

And actually, my friend from high school who lives in Austin showed me, and she was like, this would be perfect. I was like, oh, yes. So I rush ordered it to LA because it wasn't going to come to Austin on time. Got it in LA, sent it to a team member's house, had it ubered to the office. I tried it on.

It fit me like a square. Like, it was like a spongeBob square. Like, not flattering at all. So we rushed to get it tailored overnight, got it in time, and it fit perfectly. So that was, like, a really good move.

It's by McDougall. I'm so glad I wore it. I wanted to wear something that was. Very bloom, like, green, embroidered, beaded. Yeah.

Flowers, like, very bloom vibes, and it was a hit. Definitely stood out. And then glam. I did makeup with Carly Fisher, who's incredible. She does, like, huge celebrities in LA.

She's so talented, and I feel like she just gets, like, what my face looks good with. She just, like, understands the assignment. And then Hailey Heckman did my hair. She did an incredible, like, hollywood waves. Gorgeous.

Yeah. That was actually, like, a good wedding hairstyle. I know. I loved it. Yeah.

Like, a soft, like, straight with, like, the waves in the lower part. Yeah. And that was me. Oh, my shoes were Geoffrey Campbell. Very cute.

Yeah. My dress was from, I think it's called Norma Kamali. Yeah, if I'm saying that correctly, alpha revolve. I was trying to find something that was, like, you know, like, tasteful and, like, work appropriate, but still, like, cute. You know, I ordered it last minute.

Fiona
I just wanted something black, simple. It came in, fit me so great. Was so, like, stretchy and comfy. I have to tell you, they make it in a couple colors, too. But, like, I've read all the reviews, and people, like, I wore this to a wedding.

Was great. So. Got it. Loved it. I don't know what brand heels I had on, but they were comfortable.

Wait, so funny. So, we get to the office, so, like, we pack our separate. I packed very lightly for this trip. Like, I was like, I packed my dress. I packed it.

Outfit for the shoot. Like, I was like, I got my. Whatever. Three outfits I need for this trip. Yeah, that's it.

So, we get to the office, and I guess Mari, like, was talking to one of the gals, Lindsay, that was coming to the event, and, like, what? Like, oh, like, what kind of dress did you get? And then she's like, oh. And I wasn't there at this moment, but I guess Lindsey pulled it up, and it's the dress I brought. And Mari's like, oh, oh, I think Fiona has the same one in the same.

Both black, like, the same exact dress. And Mari and Lindsay, like, run in the office that I'm in, and they're like, Lindsey has the same dress as you. And I was like, oh, no. Oh, no. I was like, it's the only one I brought.

And I was like, I. At first, I was like, oh, no. We're at this little table. We're gonna look so weird wearing. We were like, we're gonna look like waitresses at the event.

Like. And I offered Lindsey my backup dress, but Lindsey's also, like, five foot two, and I'm five foot ten, so I don't think it would have worked out. So at first, I was like, do you have any other options? And then later, I texted her, and I was like, lindsay, wear the dress. Like, it's a great dress.

It's a black, plain dress. I'm like, we are totally different heights. Like, people probably won't even think it's the same dress. Yeah. And even though, like, who cares?

Mari Llewelyn
Yeah. And she ended up finding another dress that looked beautiful on her anyways, so it all worked out. But I was like. I was like, there must be 2000 black dresses on revolve. Yeah.

Fiona
Like, how did we get the same one? She's like, I thought the same thing. Like, it's good for work. It was comfy. I was like, she should keep it for something else.

Oh, yeah. No, I mean, it's a great dress. When I got bought it, I told my mom right away, I was like, do you have any black tie weddings? Because you should wear this dress. Yeah, it's not that expensive, right?

No, it was under $200. Mine wasn't that bad. Mine was, like, 300. Really good. I tried a MacDougall dress for.

For a wedding. I think at some point, like, a beaded pink one. It was gorgeous. It just, like, it wasn't the right vibe for the wedding. But their dresses are gorgeous.

Mari Llewelyn
Yeah. So, yeah, that was my look. And then I just did my own hair and makeup. I did straighten my hair, which, like, I actually have it straight today. I never really straighten my hair anymore.

I liked it straight. Thank you. I know I was going for the Jen Ann, and it kind of swoops into your face. A mission achieved. Yeah.

Fiona
I was trying to do the nineties Jenn black dress. Just slay big slime. Cute. It was really fun. What about this one?

When's the last time you tried something new for the first time? Oh, kind of recently. Probably at the raunch. Oh. Is it, like, a health question, or is it, like, in general?

They literally just said, what's the last time you tried something new? I feel like I'm pretty down for new stuff in general. Like, yes, I get stuck in my routine, but, like, when I went to the ranch, I tried new activities. I tried new styles of riding. I feel like I'm down for new things.

I don't know. Last time I tried something, I asked that question. I'm sitting here, and I'm like, I don't know, to be quite honest. You went on the lake yesterday. Okay.

Yeah. That was my first time going on the lake here in Austin. But I didn't, like, wakeboard or anything. I was just, like, on a boat. It was so fun, though.

Mari Llewelyn
That was a big thing for me when I went wakeboarding. Yeah, I know. I gotta try that also. The lake here is so beautiful. I know.

Fiona
It was so nice. I literally just laid on one of those little lily pads they put out, like, in the water. It was so nice. Were you guys, like, stalled or were you moving? We were stalled.

We went to a little. There's, like, an inlet. It's, like the party area, basically. I've seen it all the boats tie up and just, like, everyone talks to everyone. It was really fun.

Mari Llewelyn
I've never been in the inlet. Yeah, it was. It was interesting. I mean, I so little back. So I had left.

Fiona
I flew back from LA that morning. I got. Woke up at 04:00 a.m. got on a. 06:00 a.m.

flight. Got back for our friend's birthday here, and I was so tired, but I, like, rallied, and, like, I was very chill. Like, a lot of people were off in the water, like, talking to everyone. I was, like, tanning on the boat. I got off at one point, but, like, I was chilling, and then they all went out that night, and I was like, I'm gonna stay home.

Mari Llewelyn
Did you drink? Yeah, but, like, I, like, sipped on two, like, seltzers, like, all day. Like, everyone was, like, taking shots. I was like, I'm good. I was like, I woke up at 04:00 a.m.

Fiona
they're like, oh, like, okay, never mind. No. William, the birthday boy, was like, I can't believe you even came. Like, he thought it was really nice that I came, so. Oh, that's you.

I tried. Sweet. Yeah, I think I'm asking you a question now. Yeah, maybe one more h and m. Yeah, I don't like your questions for me.

Oh, okay. Sorry. Baby names you like but would never personally use. Need ideas for a baby girl? Oh, I have some.

Mari Llewelyn
Let me pull my notes. You like, but you won't use. Yeah. Are you positive you won't use them? If I'll make.

I'll make sure. Okay. I'm pretty positive on the ones I want to use. Okay. Okay.

Oh, I have some good ones. Junie. Nala. Oh, Willa.

There's one welsh name that I'm obsessed with. I might still save it, actually.

I love the name Soleil. I was definitely gonna call my baby that, but I think I just know too many soleils now. It means sun in French. I think it's gorgeous. Solen.

Oh, the next one's actually one that you're thinking of using, so I won't say it. Oh, okay. I love the name indie. Oh, that is a cute name. Amelie.

Addie. Mm hmm. Orly. Nella. Nellie.

Nellie. I said Nellie twice. Nell. Millie. We both like the e wall.

Fiona
Like the. The e's. Yes. My kids are definitely all gonna have e names. Same.

Hopefully me and Kenny get married, but. Like, actually, no, mine's not. I like the. Oh, yeah, yeah, you're right. I like Kenny's last name's Hansel.

Put that out there. Whatever. I sure remember. He probably will. Love.

And, like, that's for you, babe. Like his. Kenny. Hansel. Like, it just sounds really nice.

Like, I like an E. Hansel. So those are the names I'm looking at. I have a list somewhere in all my thousands of notes, but I don't know which ones I like yet, so I'm not going to share them. Okay.

Mari Llewelyn
Yeah, I'm hearing some really. People are getting really bold with their names, their baby names. Yeah, I think there's, like, the whole. I'm not trying to shame anyone, but the whole, like, naming, like. Like a.

Fiona
Like a. An item. What's the word? Like a noun. Like a thing?

Yeah, like rock or, like. Like, I just don't. I don't know. Like, what was whimsy. That's still, like, a name, though.

Like. Yeah. Stone. Like, there. There are a lot of names like that, which, like, I get it.

Mari Llewelyn
They're like the cool, stormy, like a thing. Thing. Apple. I don't know. Yeah, like, I've seen, like, I know, I know.

Fiona
There's, like, a. Some celebrity is a kid named Apple like that. Gwyneth. I get it. Like, it is cute.

I just. I don't know. Maybe it grows on you after a while. I've just never really been into that. But I also.

I like, like, kind of funky names. Like, I'm definitely not, like, a super classic name. No, me neither. Like, I don't think my daughter's name will ever be, like. Like, Sofia Richie named her daughter Eloise.

Yeah. Which actually is a classic name, but I think it's. But it's different. It's cute. Like, it's not.

Like, I don't want to say. I'm not gonna start naming names. People are gonna be like, that's my name. But just like a basic, normal name. Does that make sense?

Yeah, my kids are definitely gonna have, like, kind of cute, fun names, but I'm not gonna name her, like, yeah, rock. I mean, stone. I grew up with a very unique name. Like, I never knew anyone called Mari ever. It's a welsh name, so I never hurt anyone with it.

Mari Llewelyn
And honestly, growing up, I hated it because I felt like everyone said it wrong or I stood out, and now I love, love, love my name, so it took me a long time. Yeah. But I love a unique name that still sounds like a name. Yeah. You know, and I had the same thing, like, when Shrek came out.

Fiona
Like, ruined my life quite literally. Like, every boy in school was like. Are you an ogre? I'm like. Like, literally.

No, it was awful. But. And I. You know, it's funny, like, my parents always like, it's a beautiful name. Like, growing up, I really did not like my name.

And now, like, whenever I tell anyone, they're like, that's such a beautiful name. Like, people think, and fi is such a cute nickname. So I've grown to like it. I think the shrek thing just really threw a. By the way, guys, my mum's name is Fiona, which I don't think we've ever mentioned.

Mari Llewelyn
It's a very british name. And my mum went by Fifi growing up. Really? My friends kind of called me that growing up. Now it's just fee.

Fiona
Yeah, like, more. So Fifi growing up. So funny. I know, I always. Whatever people call me that.

I had one girl that used to call me Fifi the kitty. What? I was like, I hate cats. First of all, why Fifi the kitty? I don't know, cuz she'd be like, you sound like.

It sounds like a cat. Like it sounds like a poodle or something. I don't know, like. Sounds like a. Like an animal name.

Mari Llewelyn
Oh, Fifi. People used to call me Mars bar. Oh, yeah? Yeah. No, but it's grown on me or ma.

Like, I went through a stage where Greg only called me ma, really? For like college years. Yeah. And everyone at college called me mad. Interesting.

I don't love it. I've always called you Mari. I know. It's like two syllables. It doesn't take that long.

More. Okay, I have another question. Okay. What do you think is gonna be the next big trend in the wellness fitness space. Oh, right.

I think carnivores really having a moment, but, like, that's, like, right now. Like, animal protein's really having a moment. I think maybe to me, this is a trend, but I almost wonder if my for you page or my algorithm is very, like, you. Focus me focused. I think people are really going back to ancestral roots.

Grounding, almost, like, simplifying everything. Like, let's go back to the way we started on earth. Like, go outside, barefoot, whole foods, meat, fruit, veg, limited processed things, getting in the sun, swimming in bodies of water, raising animals. Maybe that's just the direction I'm leaning, but I feel like things are going that way. I feel like along with that, as a society, I feel like people are becoming a lot more aware of ingredients.

Fiona
And there's brands like sweetgreen who are, you know, switching from seed oils. Like, I'm hoping for our children and just, like, the future that, like, as a world, country, I would say, you know, country world as everyone that we're, like, trying to lean more back into, like, natural stuff and not this crazy processed, like, I would love if processed food just, like, stopped. It won't. I know it won't, because it makes too much money. But the trend that I think is going to happen, and I already see it happening.

Mari Llewelyn
People are getting their information from podcasts and experts in the field rather than their doctor. Yeah. And I feel like a little bit of that is not great because people are getting their information from, like, TikTok or perhaps people who have very skewed opinions. But I think people are becoming more of their own advocate when it comes to health and tuning into information that's a bit more, like, specialized, so. Or maybe you listen to Doctor Mindy pels and learn all about hormones, and then you listen to someone else when it comes to gut health, and you go for experts in the field, like fertility, gut health, bacteria, mold, whatever it may be.

And I think people are finding their own information rather than relying on their doctors. Hopefully nothing against doctors. I know they serve such a fantastic purpose, but I think you have have to do your own research outside of the doctor's office and be your own advocate, because everything's funded. Like, even doctor's offices are funded by Big Pharma. They want to give you prescriptions that you don't need.

That's just the bottom line. So, yeah, I think people are becoming more, like, self resourceful, I guess. Yeah. Love it. Okay, guys, that is it for me.

And fi, I really hope you enjoyed this girl chat episode. Thank you fi for joining of course was so fun. And don't forget to hit the subscribe button. Hit follow. Leave us a review.

It really, really helps us grow the show and continue bringing you guys amazing episodes. We have some really good ones coming. We post every Monday and Thursday, so don't miss out and we'll see you on the next one. Bye bye. Thanks for joining us on the Pursuit of Wellness podcast.

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It is not a substitute for individual medical and mental health advice and does not constitute a provider patient relationship. As always, talk to your doctor or health team.

Girl Chat: Entrepreneur Of The Year, IVF, Fi's Ozempic Update & Controversial Guests

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1: Opening and Updates

2: Entrepreneur of the Year

3: Health and Medication Updates

4: IVF Journey

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