Have you ever felt both connected and conflicted by the place you came from?

In this episode of It’s Both, I sit down with my longtime friend Thomas to unpack our shared experiences growing up in youth group — the joy, the community, the creativity... and the fear-based teachings that left deeper marks than we realized.

Through real stories and honest storytelling, we explore the emotional complexity of faith, belonging, and identity. Thomas, who now works in mental health and is deeply connected to music and art, shares how those early experiences shaped his worldview — and how he’s been reconstructing his beliefs ever since.

This is a conversation about holding multiple truths, about embracing both the beauty and the harm, and about what it looks like to find your personal growth journey in the gray areas between faith and freedom.

Whether you're deconstructing, healing, or just wondering what to do with the mixed feelings of your past, this episode is full of authentic conversation, emotional resilience, and a reminder that you’re not alone in the complexity.

Key themes:

- Navigating life’s gray areas between faith and doubt

- The lasting impact of youth group experiences

- Mental wellness, emotional intelligence & questioning authority

- Found family, self-discovery, and creative healing

- The power of vulnerability in storytelling

If you’ve ever felt stuck between what you were taught and what you believe now, this one’s for you.
Tune in for a deeply human, heartfelt episode that makes space for embracing contradictions — and finding peace in the in-between.

- Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts

- Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box

- Start your own podcast with Riverside

- Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off

- It's Both on Instagram

- It's Both on Youtube

- It's Both on Spotify

Thank you again for listening and remember, life isn't either/or, it's both.

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

Have you ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders, trying to balance your career ambitions with the demands of motherhood? You're not alone! Join host Nikki P as she dives deep into the emotional complexities of being a working mom in this heartfelt episode of It's Both. Together with guest Heather, they navigate the gray areas of parenting and professional life, shedding light on the real stories behind the struggles of working mothers everywhere.

As they explore the emotional tug-of-war that comes with holding multiple truths, Nikki and Heather share authentic conversations that resonate with anyone trying to find their footing in life's complexities. Heather opens up about her personal growth journey, revealing the guilt she often feels when away from her children for work, and how societal pressures can amplify those feelings. This episode is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to embrace contradictions and that navigating life’s gray areas is part of the journey.

Throughout their conversation, they highlight the importance of community support and open communication between partners, emphasizing that the evolving identities of parents require constant reassessment. From the judgment faced by working mothers to the emotional resilience needed to manage complex emotions, this episode is packed with insights that encourage listeners to embrace their unique experiences.

- Discover the emotional intelligence required to balance career and motherhood.

- Learn how to navigate the complexities of parenting and professional life.

- Understand the importance of vulnerability in storytelling and its role in emotional healing.

- Explore personal growth strategies for when you're feeling stuck.

- Gain insights into the necessity of community support in the journey of parenthood.

This mental health podcast invites you to reflect on your own experiences, reminding you that parenting is not one-size-fits-all. Through humor and honesty, Nikki and Heather encourage you to acknowledge the emotional challenges that come with being a working mom. Tune in to this enlightening episode of It's Both and discover how to navigate the delicate balance between professional aspirations and personal fulfillment. It’s time to embrace the bothness of your life and find joy in the journey!

- Follow, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts

- Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box

- Start your own podcast with Riverside

- Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off

- It's Both on Instagram

- It's Both on Youtube

- It's Both on Spotify

Thank you again for listening and remember, life isn't either/or, it's both.

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

If you are having thoughts of suicide, experiencing a crisis, or just need to talk to someone, reach out to the 988 Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also visit the 988 website.

Have you ever felt the weight of grief while simultaneously experiencing moments of joy? This paradox is at the heart of our latest episode of "It's Both," where host Nikki P. engages in an authentic conversation with Annie Paraison about navigating the complexities of loss and the profound emotional resilience that can emerge from it. Annie opens up about her personal journey, sharing real stories of losing significant figures in her life. Through her experiences, she reveals how holding multiple truths can lead to profound self-discovery and growth.

As they delve into this emotional terrain, Nikki and Annie explore the gray areas of life, emphasizing the importance of community support during times of grief. They discuss how vulnerability in storytelling can foster deeper connections with others, allowing for a more honest exploration of conflicting feelings and thoughts. This episode is not just about grief; it's about finding balance in mental health and embracing the contradictions that life presents.

Listeners will gain insights into how to manage complex emotions and the transformative nature of loss. Annie highlights the necessity of being intentional in processing emotions, encouraging listeners to embrace their vulnerability as a pathway to emotional healing and personal growth. The conversation underscores the significance of being present with pain while also recognizing the beauty that persists in life, illustrating how life’s complexities can coexist.

Key takeaways include:

- Understanding the importance of community support during grief.

- Embracing the paradox of feeling broken yet capable of joy.

- Learning how to manage complex emotions and navigate life's gray areas.

- The role of vulnerability in building personal capacity and emotional intelligence.

- Practical advice on supporting oneself and others through the grieving process.

- Recognizing the beauty that can emerge from loss and the journey of emotional healing.

Tune in to "It's Both" and discover how navigating grief can lead to unexpected joy and deeper connections with those around you.

- Connect with Annie

- Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts

- Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box

- Start your own podcast with Riverside

- Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off

- It's Both on Instagram

- It's Both on Youtube

- It's Both on Spotify

Thank you again for listening and remember, life isn't either/or, it's both.

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