Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys

Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 201 W/Marybeth Brush

In this episode of Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Marybeth Brush for a raw and relatable conversation about motherhood later in life, the pressure to "do it all," and the reality of building a career while raising a toddler. Marybeth shares her journey to becoming a mom at 42, including pregnancy after loss, navigating motherhood as an entrepreneur, and the constant balancing act between business, family, and self. From returning to work just weeks after a C-section to the ongoing challenges of daycare, patience, and letting go of control, this episode is filled with honesty, humor, and moment.ts every mom will recognize. Together, Nikki and Marybeth dive into the guilt, the expectations, and the truth that none of us really know what we're doing and that's okay. This conversation is a powerful reminder that motherhood isn't about perfection, it's about connection, support, and learning as you go. You can find her at marybethbrush.exprealty.com If you've ever questioned whether you're doing it "right," this episode is for you.

Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 200 W/Taj Simrit

In this unique and thought-provoking episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Taj Simrit, joining from Greece, to bring a rare and powerful perspective on parenthood, personal growth, and healing. Taj shares his deeply personal journey from corporate life and fatherhood to divorce, loss, and ultimately, transformation. Through years of travel, self-reflection, and spiritual practice, he opens up about the mistakes he made as a partner and parent, and the intentional work it took to rebuild himself from the inside out. This conversation explores themes of forgiveness, accountability, and the long road to self-awareness. Taj speaks candidly about repairing his relationship with his son, learning to let go of ego, and the importance of taking responsibility for your life, no matter your past. While this episode steps outside the traditional motherhood lens, it offers something incredibly valuable: a reminder that growth is always possible, healing takes time, and it is never too late to become a better version of yourself. This is a conversation about perspective, redemption, and the power of doing the inner work. Come ready to reflect, rethink, and see parenting and life through a different lens. You can find his book and more information about his travels at tajsimrit.com [http://tajsimrit.com]

Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 199 W/Susan McKeown

In this honest and empowering episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Susan McKeown, a pediatric nurse practitioner of over 40 years, author, and mom, for a conversation that every parent needs to hear. From the raw and chaotic reality of early motherhood to the pressure moms place on themselves to "get it right," Susan brings both professional insight and lived experience to the table. She reminds us that there is no perfect way to parent, only doing the best we can with what we have. Together, Nikki and Susan dive into the importance of self care, setting boundaries in the postpartum period, and building a strong support system across every area of life. They tackle the truth about mom guilt, the unrealistic expectations fueled by social media, and the power of flexibility in navigating the ever changing seasons of parenting. Susan also shares deeply personal moments, including the heartbreak of loss and the challenges of supporting children through life's hardest realities, offering wisdom on how to show up with love, honesty, and without regret. This episode is a powerful reminder that motherhood is messy, beautiful, exhausting, and worth it and that you don't have to do it alone. You will feel seen, supported, and reminded to give yourself the same grace you give everyone else. You can find her at beyondthefirstdance.com

Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 198 W/Cindy Eich

In this deeply moving episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Cindy Eich, a mom of four, grandmother, and author of Love Goes Further, to share a story that will stay with you long after the episode ends. Cindy opens up about her journey through motherhood, from becoming a young mom and navigating life without a built-in village, to experiencing the joy of raising a busy, sports-filled family. But her story takes a profound turn as she shares the unimaginable moment her daughter Kendall was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. What follows is a powerful testament to resilience, love, and living with intention. Cindy shares how Kendall chose to focus on life, setting a goal to visit all 50 states, and how that purpose transformed not only her journey, but the entire family's perspective. Through humor, connection, and unwavering determination, Kendall showed what it truly means to create a meaningful life, even in the face of the unimaginable. This episode is about grief, but more importantly, it is about love that endures, perspective that shifts everything, and the reminder that even when life doesn't go as planned, it can still be deeply beautiful. You will laugh, cry, and walk away seeing motherhood, and life, through a more meaningful lens. You can find her at lovegoesfurther.org

Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 197 W/Edi Matsumoto

In this heartfelt and unexpectedly joyful episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with artist and former nurse practitioner Edi Matsumoto, creator of Otter Therapy, a whimsical art collection transforming iconic figures into playful sea otters. But this conversation goes far beyond art. Edi shares her journey from nearly 30 years in healthcare to finding healing and purpose through creativity, and how her work is rooted in bringing comfort, laughter, and connection to others. Together, Nikki and Edi dive into the fascinating world of sea otter moms—some of the hardest-working mothers in the animal kingdom—and uncover powerful parallels to human motherhood, especially for single moms. From the relentless balance of self-care and caregiving to the importance of community and support, this episode is a beautiful reminder that motherhood, while often overwhelming, is also deeply resilient, connected, and full of meaning. You will laugh, learn, and walk away with a new appreciation for both mama otters and mamas everywhere. You can find her art and learn more about her at edimatsumoto.com [http://edimatsumoto.com]