Welcome back to The Bry & Samua Show — and welcome to 2026. If the last few years have felt like five years crammed into two… you’re not alone.

In this episode, Bry and Samua sit down for a real, unfiltered conversation about starting a new year when life doesn’t “reset” on January 1st — and when plans can be rewritten overnight.

We talk about the “before COVID / after COVID” feeling, how time has felt distorted since 2020, and why years like 2018 and 2019 feel like a different lifetime. As always, the conversation moves from deep reflection to laughter and nostalgia — the kind that makes you feel like you’re sitting with friends.

Yes… we talk NSYNC vs Backstreet Boys, first concerts, lawn seats, parking lot chaos, and the moment your favorite songs suddenly land on the oldies station. We also talk about the power of live music — not just arena shows, but small venues — and why shared experiences matter for mental health.

But this episode isn’t just nostalgic. It’s about how to move forward when life is heavy.

Bry is currently walking through a leukemia diagnosis that arrived suddenly in early November — and it changed everything. If you’ve ever had life flip upside down without warning, you’ll understand the core theme of this episode:

You can’t always control what happens — but you can choose how you respond.

Bry shares what it’s like to enter a new year without a clear timeline, while waiting for a bone marrow transplant, navigating treatment, and balancing rest with the desire to stay strong.

This part of the conversation is for anyone facing a health crisis, major uncertainty, sudden life disruption, or emotional exhaustion and pressure to “stay positive.”

We keep it real: you can still have hope without pretending it’s easy, and you can still plan without turning your plan into a prison.

We talk about New Year’s resolutions and why the all-or-nothing mindset usually fails. Instead of treating January 1st like a reset button, we suggest using the new year as a checkpoint: what worked, what didn’t, and what you want more or less of.

One key truth: When you fall off — don’t quit. You don’t need to wait until next year or next Monday. You restart from where you are, with the energy you have. Samua shares how this shows up in endurance training — celebrating progress even when the plan isn’t perfect. Consistency isn’t perfection. Consistency is resilience.

We explore family dynamics and boundaries, especially when people don’t show up the way we hope. Boundaries don’t always mean cutting people off; sometimes they’re quiet, practical, and intentional.

We also reflect on the “Let Them” idea — including the harder part: letting people love and support you. Healing isn’t just about cutting people off. It’s about learning how to be okay inside yourself, regardless of what others choose.

2026 doesn’t have to be perfect. It can be a year of intention, growth, healing, and grace.

Choose one thing to grow in — a habit, a boundary, a class, a conversation, or a step.
Small steps add up.

Drop a comment:
• Are you making New Year’s resolutions this year?
• What’s one thing you want to grow in during 2026?
• Has life ever rewritten your timeline?

If this episode made you feel less alone: Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs encouragement.

We’re excited to be in 2026 with you — choosing to keep moving forward together. 💛

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome back to The Bry & Samua Show — we’re Bri and Samua, and if you’re new here, this is your seat at the table for real-life conversations: the messy stuff, the funny stuff, the heartbreaking stuff, the “how is this even happening?” stuff… and the moments that remind you you’re stronger than you think. We’ve been sharing episodes around the Dopey Challenge and the Disney race world because it’s been consuming our time, our energy, our calendars, our group texts, and honestly our sanity (in the most fun and chaotic way). But today’s episode is different. This one is deeper. It’s more personal. It’s the kind of conversation that reminds you why this podcast exists in the first place. Because life doesn’t pause just because you finally launched the thing you’ve been talking about forever. We had been planning and talking about starting this podcast for a long time — literally since August 2024 — and like most people, we kept pushing it off for “good reasons.” Work, kids, schedules, travel, the million plates we’re juggling… all the normal stuff that makes you say, “We’ll do it next month.” Then we finally etched it in stone. We were like, no more delaying. We’re launching. We’re recording. We’re posting. We’re showing up. And then… the day we launched, BS hit — and yes, that’s ironic because our initials are literally B.S. and we have truly dealt with a lot of BS in life. But in this episode, the BS isn’t just “life chaos” or “things not going as planned.” It’s not a scheduling issue or a stressful week or even a disappointing moment. It’s the kind of thing that knocks the breath out of you. In this episode, Bri shares how what seemed like a stubborn sore throat turned into something no one expects to hear: leukemia. What followed was a whirlwind: hospital stays, the Cleveland Clinic, intense treatment, living inside a routine that feels like Groundhog Day, being surrounded by numbers and labs and medications, and still trying to hold onto yourself — your humor, your hope, your identity — while your body is fighting a battle you didn’t see coming. If you’re here because you or someone you love is going through a health crisis, cancer treatment, leukemia treatment, or a diagnosis that feels impossible — we want you to know right now: you’re not alone. And if you’re here because you feel like life has been heavy, disappointing, exhausting, or unfair… if you feel like you’re struggling to keep your head above water… you’re also not alone. This is what we’re about: telling the truth about life, without sugarcoating it — and also without losing the ability to laugh, connect, and keep moving forward. What this episode is really about Yes, we talk about leukemia. We talk about the shock of hearing it out loud. We talk about the hospital reality and how quickly the Cleveland Clinic moved once they identified what was happening. We talk about what it’s like when your body suddenly becomes a numbers game — platelets, labs, white blood cells, and waiting on “good enough” numbers to go home. But we also talk about bigger things: The difference between real resilience and toxic positivity Why you’re allowed to cry, rage, fall apart, and still be strong Why “life is good” doesn’t mean “life is perfect” How friendships and family can carry you through the worst moments How sometimes the thing you thought you were training for… prepared you for something else entirely Why you have to advocate for your health when you know something isn’t right Why hard moments don’t mean you’re failing — they mean you’re human This episode includes humor, honesty, raw feelings, and the kind of truth you usually only share with your closest people… except we’re sharing it here because we know someone out there needs it.

New episodes drop every 2 weeks - hit follow and let's cut the BS together!

How do you know if you’re injured — or just sore?

And what should runners actually be doing to recover during marathon training?

In this episode, we break down injury vs soreness, smart recovery strategies, supplements that truly matter (and which ones don’t), and how to survive back-to-back race weekends like the Disney Dopey Challenge.

From protein intake, creatine, electrolytes, carb loading, and race-week packing, to recovery tools like foam rolling, sauna, ice baths, magnesium, and cross training, this episode cuts through the noise and brings practical, experience-backed advice.

Whether you’re training for your first marathon or tackling Dopey, this episode helps you stay healthy, strong, and mentally grounded — without overcomplicating running.

🎽 Topics Covered:

Injury vs soreness: how to tell the difference

Recovery strategies during marathon training

Supplements runners actually need

Carb loading mistakes to avoid

What to pack for race weekend

Recovery between back-to-back races

Post-race mental & physical recovery

🎧 If you’re training smart and want to stay healthy — this episode is for you.

Share this with a runner who’s always ‘just sore.’

If this helped your training, hit subscribe.

Drop a comment if you’re training for Dopey.

CHAPTERS:

1. Injury vs Soreness: Why It Matters

2. When to Scale Back Training

3. Protein, Creatine & Recovery Nutrition

4. Supplements Runners Actually Need

5. Electrolytes, Sodium & Hydration Myths

6. What to Pack for Race Weekend (Dopey Edition)

7. Body Glide, Blisters & Recovery Tools

8. Compression Socks: Do They Help?

9. NSAIDs, Fish Oil & Natural Anti-Inflammation

10. Heat vs Ice: What Actually Works

11. Carb Loading: What Most Runners Get Wrong

12. Recovery Between Back-to-Back Races

13. Post-Marathon Recovery & Mental Reset

14. Final Advice: Enjoy the Experience

marathon recovery

injury vs soreness running

dopey challenge tips

running supplements

creatine for runners

marathon nutrition

carb loading marathon

running recovery tips

cross training for runners

foam rolling recovery

#MarathonTraining

#DopeyChallenge

#RunningRecovery

#InjuryPrevention

#RunnerLife

#RunDisney

#MarathonTips

#HealthyRunning

Come for the laughs, stay for the truth bombs! New episodes drop every 2 weeks - hit follow and let's cut the BS together!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If you’re training for the Disney Dopey Challenge, thinking about running your first race, or just trying to figure out why running hurts so much sometimes… this episode is your new best friend.

In this conversation, Bry & Samua welcome their first official guest — Dr. Leo Kormanik, sports chiropractor, former pro runner, running coach, and host of MindBody Marathon. Together, they break down everything beginner and intermediate runners need to know before stepping into a Disney race weekend.

We cover:
• How to start running without getting injured
• The #1 mistake people make with running shoes
• Running form basics (and why most people run “wrong”)
• Shoe drop vs. stack height — finally explained
• What to do when you’re sore but not injured
• The truth about the Dopey Challenge early mornings
• Training strategies: back-to-back long runs, hills, fartleks & treadmill work
• How to survive the “balloon lady” cutoffs without panicking
• Carbo-loading the right way (and the wrong way Disney suggests)
• Supplements that actually matter during training
• Recovery tools: KT tape, magnesium, compression, hot/cold therapy
• Why trail running might be better than asphalt for your body
• What to pack for race weekend (including things runners ALWAYS forget)

This episode blends expert advice, real-life running stories, and the usual Bry & Samua chaos — so expect coaching gems, Disney race nostalgia, and several hilarious detours (including a ghost story… yes, really).

If you’re training for Dopey, dreaming of your first 5K, or just love running talk mixed with humor and honesty, this one's for you.

• Disney Dopey Challenge

• Disney marathon tips

• RunDisney training

• Beginner running advice

• Running shoe mistakes

• How to start running

• Injury prevention for runners

• Balloon ladies Disney race

• Dopey pacing strategy

• Half marathon training

• Marathon nutrition

• Running form tips

• Back-to-back long runs

• Disney race weekend prep

• Sports chiropractor running advice

• Mental tips for runners

• How to pick running shoes

• Disney 5K 10K half full

• Creatine for runners

• Dopey challenge beginners

Come for the laughs, stay for the truth bombs! New episodes drop every 2 weeks - hit follow and let's cut the BS together!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Running 48.6 miles for fun?! 😅 In this episode of The Bry and Samua Show, we spill all the tea on the runDisney Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World—crazy early wake-ups, Disney costumes, balloon ladies, and how two women who hate running keep signing up for marathons anyway. 🎢🏃‍♀️✨

Ever wondered what it’s really like to run 4 races in 4 days at Disney World? 👀

Welcome to our deep dive into the runDisney Dopey Challenge — 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon (48.6 miles!) during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

In this episode of The Bry and Samua Show, we chat about:

• How two girlfriends who hate running keep signing up for races 😂

• What the Dopey Challenge is and how it started

• The truth about signing up for runDisney races (it’s giving Taylor Swift ticket stress)

• Why costumes are basically the most important part of any Disney race

• Our favorite past race costumes (bellhops, Barbies, Dalmatians & more)

• Training for Dopey using the Jeff Galloway run-walk method

• The infamous balloon ladies and what happens if they catch you 😬

• What it’s like to run through the Disney parks, character stops, backstage areas & all

• Doing races at Walt Disney World vs Disneyland

• How running together (and suffering together) has strengthened our friendship

• Why Disney races are perfect even if you’re not a “real runner”

Whether you’re:

• Dreaming of your first runDisney 5K or 10K

• Nervously eyeing a half marathon or the full Dopey Challenge

• A Disney adult who loves costumes and medals

• Or just here for the chaos, laughter, and girlfriend storytelling…

…this episode will give you a real behind-the-scenes look at Disney races, training, and why doing hard things with your friends can be life-changing. 🏃‍♀️🏰💛

Thinking about doing a runDisney race?

Start here:

👉 Go to rundisney.com to check race weekends, registration dates & distances

👉 Consider starting with a 5K or 10K if you’re new

👉 Look up Jeff Galloway run/walk training plans if you don’t want to run nonstop

👉 Start planning your costume early… because yes, it matters 😂

If you’re doing Dopey or thinking about it, let us know in the comments!

We’d love to cheer you on, swap costume ideas, or even meet up at the expo or at a race weekend someday.

Connect with us 💬

📲 Instagram & Facebook: @bryandsamuashow

🌐 Website: bryandsamua.com

Tag us in your runDisney costumes, medals, or training runs so we can share the love and maybe feature you in a future episode.

If this episode made you laugh, dream a little bigger, or consider doing something dopey (in the best way 😉), don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share with a friend who loves Disney or hates running but somehow keeps doing races anyway.

🏃‍♀️✨ See you at the start line… and in the next episode.

Come for the laughs, stay for the truth bombs! New episodes drop every 2 weeks - hit follow and let's cut the BS together!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

🎙️ Welcome to The Bry & Samua Show — “Life Be Lifing: Friendship, Faith & Finding Ourselves Again”

After over a year in the making, Bry and Samua finally sit down for the very first episode of The Bry & Samua Show! In this heartfelt and hilarious conversation, they open up about how their 15-year friendship began — through church, motherhood, autism advocacy, Disney races, Keith Urban, and plenty of laughter. This isn’t just a podcast — it’s a community. Pull up a chair, grab your drink of choice (margarita, mocktail, or coffee!), and feel right at home as we talk about real life, real lessons, and real friendship.

👉 Subscribe and turn on notifications — new episodes drop every two weeks! 🎧 Listen everywhere podcasts are available: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google | Amazon | iHeartRadio

⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Bry & Samua Show

01:00 – Why this podcast took a year to create

03:30 – How Bry & Samua met through church

06:30 – Naomi’s autism diagnosis and the power of community

08:50 – Fundraising, small group memories & real friendship

10:30 – The American Idol moment and discovering Keith Urban

12:15 – From Indiana road trips to Disney half-marathons

16:20 – When life “life’d” hard: rebuilding through purpose

18:00 – Lessons from autism advocacy and giving back

20:00 – Friendship tested: toxic ties & reconnection

22:30 – Real talk: trust, honesty, and grown-woman friendships

25:00 – Why the world needs open conversations again

27:00 – The mission behind The Bry & Samua Show

💬 What You’ll Hear How faith, family, and friendship shaped this show Candid talk about autism, motherhood, and purpose Why “Life Be Lifing” became their motto

Building community through laughter, truth & resilience Why authentic conversation matters now more than ever

🌟 Join the Conversation We’d love to connect with you!

💌 Follow & interact: @BryAndSamuaShow

💬 Comment below — what topic do you want us to cover?

#TheBryandSamuaShow #lifebelifing #realtalkpodcast #womensupportingwomen #faithandfriendship #lifestylepodcast #friendshipgoals #autism

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.