Mari Llewellyn And Michaela Phillips Launch The Pursuit Network
Mari Llewellyn, through her own 90 pound weight loss and beyond, has become a wellness expert.
She has built an empire helping her listeners of her podcast, the Pursuit of Wellness, has built her supplement brand Bloom Nutrition with her husband, Greg LaVecchia, and founded her own fitness app, Strength By Mari.
Now, she and podcasting producer and expert Michaela Phillips are launching the Pursuit Network, a new media company with a curated lineup of wellness-driven shows hosted by top wellness influencers and fitness experts. The network aims to 'redefine how wellness conversations are heard and shared,' she said.
Their shows include Llewellyn's own show, Pursuit of Wellness, alongside For the Healthy Hoes hosted by Ri Turner and Sunset Tim, which has honest conversations about intentional living. It also includes The EMPWR Podcast by Samantha Christine, which is approachable and rooted in real-life experiences, and The Neuro Experience podcast hosted by Louisa Nicola, which makes complex topics around brain health digestible.
'We chose these creators because they're more than hosts, they're community builders,' said Llewellyn. 'They show up with care and consistency, creating spaces where people feel safe to learn, grow, and just be, even in the in, between.'
Mari Llewellyn
Things have changed since she first started the Pursuit of Wellness podcast in 2023. 'My ultimate goal was to expand the conversations I was having,' she said. 'The podcast became a way for me to explore these topics on a deeper level by speaking with incredible experts, people I may never have had the chance to sit down with otherwise.'
From health experts to airtime with doctors, the podcast has covered everything from women's hormone health to food quality, to muscle growth, weight loss, mental health and motivation.
Llewellyn still interviews experts, but as of late, hosts solo episodes, where she shares her IVF journey. 'One of the things I love most about podcasting is how it evolves with you,' she said. 'There are natural ebbs and flows, sometimes I'm really focused on high, level wellness education, and other times I'm more introspective, sharing my personal journey.'
Phillips notes that the community that Llewellyn has cultivated is what has helped guide the podcast new network. 'We really listen. Mari listens. Our team listens. We read every comment, we survey, we see how people are responding, and what's incredible is how supportive the audience is,' she said. 'It's never just a one, way street, it's a real conversation.'
The Pursuit of Wellness podcast with Mari Llewellyn
The duo wanted to elevate other voices they believed in, which is what led to the podcast network. Llewellyn cites Bloom Nutrition's influencer program. 'We're able to help creators do what they do best,' she said. 'I'm just passionate about platforming other people and helping them tell their stories, too.'
Phillips felt that the Pursuit of Wellness 'could tell a bigger story.' That was the start of their business plan for The Pursuit Network. 'That's when we started asking: What if we took this blueprint and expanded it?' said Phillips. 'What if we built a new kind of media company, one designed for modern talent, offering strategic content development, brand partnerships, and business growth opportunities beyond just podcasting?'
When it comes to podcast networks, they saw a gap in that space. 'There isn't a space fully dedicated to supporting creators who are focused on bettering themselves and their communities,' said Llewellyn. 'Under Pursuit, you'll find a diverse range of shows and creators covering health and wellness, self, improvement, personal growth, relationships, mental health and business.'
Mari Llewellyn and Michaela Phillips
The problem with traditional podcast networks, says Llewellyn, is that they 'scale rapidly and onboard a large number of shows,' she said. What makes The Pursuit Network different is that they're focused on quality over quantity. 'We want to build a tightly knit group of creators who feel heard, supported, and empowered. Our approach is about fostering a true community.'
Meanwhile, the Pursuit Network will be hosting live events in cities across the country this year. 'There's something special about being in the same room, sharing those moments in real life, and we're really looking forward to making that happen,' said Llewellyn, who plans on bringing on more fertility experts and IVF specialists on the show.
'Women's health is still a huge priority for me, and as I plan to step into pregnancy and motherhood, and I know the podcast will naturally grow alongside my journey,' she said. 'I love making my platform a reflection of what I'm experiencing in my life.'
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Mari Llewellyn And Michaela Phillips Launch The Pursuit Network
Mari Llewellyn and Michaela Phillips, co-founders of the Pursuit Network Mari Llewellyn, through her own 90 pound weight loss and beyond, has become a wellness expert. She has built an empire helping her listeners of her podcast, the Pursuit of Wellness, has built her supplement brand Bloom Nutrition with her husband, Greg LaVecchia, and founded her own fitness app, Strength By Mari. Now, she and podcasting producer and expert Michaela Phillips are launching the Pursuit Network, a new media company with a curated lineup of wellness-driven shows hosted by top wellness influencers and fitness experts. The network aims to 'redefine how wellness conversations are heard and shared,' she said. Their shows include Llewellyn's own show, Pursuit of Wellness, alongside For the Healthy Hoes hosted by Ri Turner and Sunset Tim, which has honest conversations about intentional living. It also includes The EMPWR Podcast by Samantha Christine, which is approachable and rooted in real-life experiences, and The Neuro Experience podcast hosted by Louisa Nicola, which makes complex topics around brain health digestible. 'We chose these creators because they're more than hosts, they're community builders,' said Llewellyn. 'They show up with care and consistency, creating spaces where people feel safe to learn, grow, and just be, even in the in, between.' Mari Llewellyn Things have changed since she first started the Pursuit of Wellness podcast in 2023. 'My ultimate goal was to expand the conversations I was having,' she said. 'The podcast became a way for me to explore these topics on a deeper level by speaking with incredible experts, people I may never have had the chance to sit down with otherwise.' From health experts to airtime with doctors, the podcast has covered everything from women's hormone health to food quality, to muscle growth, weight loss, mental health and motivation. Llewellyn still interviews experts, but as of late, hosts solo episodes, where she shares her IVF journey. 'One of the things I love most about podcasting is how it evolves with you,' she said. 'There are natural ebbs and flows, sometimes I'm really focused on high, level wellness education, and other times I'm more introspective, sharing my personal journey.' Phillips notes that the community that Llewellyn has cultivated is what has helped guide the podcast new network. 'We really listen. Mari listens. Our team listens. We read every comment, we survey, we see how people are responding, and what's incredible is how supportive the audience is,' she said. 'It's never just a one, way street, it's a real conversation.' The Pursuit of Wellness podcast with Mari Llewellyn The duo wanted to elevate other voices they believed in, which is what led to the podcast network. Llewellyn cites Bloom Nutrition's influencer program. 'We're able to help creators do what they do best,' she said. 'I'm just passionate about platforming other people and helping them tell their stories, too.' Phillips felt that the Pursuit of Wellness 'could tell a bigger story.' That was the start of their business plan for The Pursuit Network. 'That's when we started asking: What if we took this blueprint and expanded it?' said Phillips. 'What if we built a new kind of media company, one designed for modern talent, offering strategic content development, brand partnerships, and business growth opportunities beyond just podcasting?' When it comes to podcast networks, they saw a gap in that space. 'There isn't a space fully dedicated to supporting creators who are focused on bettering themselves and their communities,' said Llewellyn. 'Under Pursuit, you'll find a diverse range of shows and creators covering health and wellness, self, improvement, personal growth, relationships, mental health and business.' Mari Llewellyn and Michaela Phillips The problem with traditional podcast networks, says Llewellyn, is that they 'scale rapidly and onboard a large number of shows,' she said. What makes The Pursuit Network different is that they're focused on quality over quantity. 'We want to build a tightly knit group of creators who feel heard, supported, and empowered. Our approach is about fostering a true community.' Meanwhile, the Pursuit Network will be hosting live events in cities across the country this year. 'There's something special about being in the same room, sharing those moments in real life, and we're really looking forward to making that happen,' said Llewellyn, who plans on bringing on more fertility experts and IVF specialists on the show. 'Women's health is still a huge priority for me, and as I plan to step into pregnancy and motherhood, and I know the podcast will naturally grow alongside my journey,' she said. 'I love making my platform a reflection of what I'm experiencing in my life.'
Yahoo
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43 best fitness gifts for the active person in your life
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals . We all know that person whose fitness obsession might as well be a personality trait (maybe, just maybe, that person is me …). Whether they're always lifting weights at the gym, training for their next race, cruising through new routes on their bike or mastering new yoga poses, it may seem like they have their health and wellness routine on lock. How do you even begin to approach what to give them to support their healthy hobby? With the boom in the health, wellness and fitness industries over the last few years, you're in luck. There are dozens of new gym-friendly accessories, portable nutrition supplements, recovery tools, health-and-fitness wearables and comfy kicks out there to strengthen every stage of their fitness journey. 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This foldable fitness mat is supportive, comfortable and incredibly packable. When it's folded, it also doubles as a step stool, yoga block or meditation seat. It's available in plenty of colors, so you can pick your perfect gift. (It also made our list of best exercise mats.) $88 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $88 at Macy's OURA Oura Ring 4 $499 Fitness tracking has a nice ring to it this season. The Oura smart ring is sleek, disguised as a regular ring and comes in four available finishes. But it doesn't just look pretty, it also collects valuable data and insights so you can better understand your sleep, heart rate, body temperature, activity readiness and more. $499 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $499 at Target Darn Tough Vermont Darn Tough Socks $28 Hikers know that picking the right sock can make or break their time on the trail. Darn Tough's socks are made with merino wool and provide a performance fit for no slipping, bunching or blistering. And, with Achilles cushioning, they're super comfy too. $28 at Amazon Hydrow Hydrow Wave Rower $1,445 $1,695 Save $250 Bring the on-the-water rowing experience to their home. The Hydrow Wave Rower's crystal-clear touchscreen display transports you around the world into different aquatic experiences. Even better: The rower is designed to make indoor rowing feel like you're on the water with its electromagnetic drag technology. It's offered in five unique colors so your friend can make a bold statement. $1,445 at Amazon Cotopaxi Cotopaxi Fleece 5-Panel Hat $40 Hat's off to your friend who hits the slopes. Cotopaxi's Fleece 5-Panel Hat stays fresh season after season with anti-pilling fleece. Plus, it's made from 100% recycled polyester so they can enjoy sustainably minded shade and style as they embrace their mountain adventure. $40 at Amazon Amazon Fulton Insoles $52 Insoles used to be clunky, but they've come a long way! Fulton is bringing orthotics into the modern age with renewable cork. Simply slip these insoles into your shoes or sneakers to maximize your performance and comfort. $52 at Amazon WTHN WTHN Acupressure Mat Set $78 Hard workouts deserve dedicated recovery. WTHN's Acupressure Mat has 200 gentle stimulators that activate points across the body to foster deep relaxation, as well as better relief for stress and pain. The experience can take a little getting used to, but once your recipient gets accustomed to the experience, they'll be forever grateful for this therapeutic gift. $78 at WTHN Comrad Socks Comrad Running Crew Compression Socks $16 We all used to joke about getting socks for the holidays, but for the active person in your life, they are truly a treat! Comrad's performance-centric socks have moisture-wicking mesh to keep feet dry and cool, impact zone cushioning for comfort and targeted compression to stabilize ankles and provide arch support on training days. $16 at Comrad Socks Amika Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo $28 Get out of here, grease! This dry shampoo absorbs sweat, oil and odor so your recipient can make the gym-to-office timeline even quicker on busy mornings! $28 at Amazon Brrrn Brrrn Board+ $349 Maybe you remember the slide boards from the '90s? The Brrrn Board+ is the upgraded version offering a fun and functional way to cross-train from the comfort of home. 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OXB Sweatproof Jewelry was created to make that possible — offering high-quality and good-looking jewelry that won't be ruined or discolored after wearing it during a workout. This personalized bar necklace is the perfect gift for practically any jewelry lover and it can even be engraved with a fitness-focused mantra. Think: "Stronger," "Keep going," or "Do hard things." $98+, depending on chain length at OXB Sweatproof Jewelry The Entire Gym The Entire Gym $749 For anyone who wants a compact, portable home gym that includes a jump rope, weights (adjustable dumbbells and barbell totaling 53 pounds fully assembled), resistance bands, agility cones and even a Bluetooth speaker, The Entire Gym does the trick. Unlike most home weight sets that are too big and bulky to easily move around, this full-body home gym solution packs up into a rollable case so it's easy to use it inside or out. It takes a little practice to change between weights (especially changing between the dumbbells and barbell), but once you get the hang of it, it's a high-quality option that makes HIIT workouts a breeze. $749 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $699 at The Entire Gym Oceanfoam Wave Ball Rollers 3-Pack $18 To massage the bottoms of the feet or to pinpoint spots on the back or legs, a foam roller may not do the trick. For more targeted muscle relief, gift these Wave Ball Rollers from Oceanfoam. Each ball is made from 15% bloom algae pellets that are removed from the ocean to help clean the water and air. $18 at Oceanfoam Your go-to shopping guide: See all of our gift guides in one spot. We've got gift ideas for all the different people in your life — men, women, kids, you name it.
