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.

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

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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!

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

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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

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

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Have you ever wondered how childhood friendships evolve into the complex relationships we navigate as adults? In this episode of "It's Both," host Nikki P. invites her long-time friends Lacey and Audrie to dive deep into the intricacies of adult friendships. Together, they explore the emotional resilience required to maintain connections over time and distance, sharing real stories that highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in life's complexities.

Join Nikki, Lacey, and Audrie as they reflect on their childhood memories, revealing how those formative experiences shaped their adult lives and friendships. Through authentic conversations, they discuss the challenges of making new friends as adults and the delicate balance between personal needs and the expectations of others. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into navigating life's gray areas, filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt anecdotes that resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the ebb and flow of friendships.

As they delve into the anxiety that often accompanies life transitions, the trio emphasizes the necessity of having friends who truly understand their journeys. They share their struggles with conflicting feelings and thoughts, showcasing the vulnerability in storytelling that makes their connection so relatable. With each personal growth journey, they illustrate how holding multiple truths can lead to deeper emotional intelligence and a more fulfilling support system during tough times.

Listeners will walk away with valuable takeaways, including:

• The importance of nurturing long-lasting relationships while navigating adulthood

• Insights on how to manage complex emotions in friendships

• Strategies for finding balance in mental health through supportive relationships

• Ways to embrace contradictions in our personal lives and friendships

• The role of emotional healing in building personal capacity

This episode of "It's Both" is not just a conversation; it's an exploration of what it means to truly connect with others in an ever-changing world. Tune in for a dose of honesty, vulnerability, and the shared experiences that remind us all of the beauty and challenges of adult friendships. Don't miss this opportunity to reflect on your own relationships and discover the power of authentic connections!

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

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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.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of life, struggling to hold multiple truths at once?

Join host Nikki P in this heartfelt episode of "It's Both," where she delves into her personal journey navigating life's gray areas. With authenticity and vulnerability, Nikki shares the real stories behind her experiences as a parent, partner, and professional, all while trying to maintain her mental wellness. This episode is a safe space for honest storytelling, where listeners are invited to reflect on their own conflicting feelings and thoughts amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Nikki candidly discusses the challenges of being a present parent to her three young children, the demands of nurturing a marriage, and the pressures of juggling professional responsibilities. As she explores the tension between self-care and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement, she emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and resilience in the face of adversity. Life isn’t about finding a perfect roadmap; it's about embracing contradictions and learning to navigate the complexities that come our way.

Throughout this episode, Nikki invites you to join her on a personal growth journey, fostering a community of shared learning and support. Together, you'll uncover how to manage complex emotions and build personal capacity while recognizing that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. By sharing her struggles, Nikki creates a space for listeners to relate, reflect, and grow, reminding us that we are not alone in our experiences.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

- Understanding the importance of holding multiple truths in our lives.

- Exploring the complexities of parenting, relationships, and work.

- Recognizing the weight of awareness and its impact on mental health.

- Finding balance in navigating emotional resilience and well-being.

- Embracing vulnerability in storytelling as a pathway to self-discovery.

- Building a supportive community through shared struggles and honest conversations.

Whether you're seeking guidance on how to manage conflicting thoughts or simply looking for relatable content that speaks to your own journey, this episode of "It's Both" is a must-listen. Tune in and discover the beauty of life's complexities and the power of authentic conversations. Let’s embrace the chaos together!

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

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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.

What does it truly mean to embrace vulnerability in today’s world of masculinity? Join host Nikki P. as she delves into an authentic conversation with Devon, a stay-at-home dad, who shares his real stories of navigating life's complexities and the evolving role of fathers in modern society. In this engaging episode of "It's Both," we tackle the challenging yet rewarding journey of self-discovery, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence and understanding one's inner child amidst societal pressures.

Devon opens up about his experiences, reflecting on the traditional notions of masculinity and how they often clash with personal values and emotions. He shares his struggles with workplace dynamics and assertiveness, illustrating the conflicting feelings that many men face today. This episode is about holding multiple truths and understanding how to manage complex emotions while building personal capacity for growth.

Throughout their conversation, Nikki and Devon emphasize the need for honest storytelling and emotional resilience as essential tools for navigating life's gray areas. They explore how societal expectations shape men’s experiences, and how the journey toward self-acceptance is a continuous one, filled with both challenges and triumphs.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

- The evolving role of fathers and the importance of emotional connection in parenting.

- How to embrace contradictions and find balance in mental health.

- Insights on navigating workplace dynamics while staying true to oneself.

- The significance of self-discovery and understanding one's inner child.

- Strategies for developing emotional intelligence and resilience.

If you’re looking for a mental wellness podcast that dives deep into the heart of vulnerability, emotional healing, and the complexities of masculinity, this episode is for you. Tune in to "It's Both" and join Nikki and Devon as they advocate for a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be a father today—one that celebrates authenticity, emotional depth, and the beauty of embracing life’s contradictions.

- Listen to The Imperfect Dads Podcast

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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.

What happens when the life you built no longer fits the person you’re becoming?

In this episode of It’s Both, Nikki P sits down with Janice Holland, The Trauma Teacher — a therapist, mother, and woman who spent years in a marriage shaped by cultural expectations and spiritual ideals. Together, they unpack the deeply human experience of staying in something that looks “right” on the outside, but feels misaligned on the inside.

Janice shares her journey of navigating a conservative Christian upbringing, the weight of perfectionism, and the moment everything changed: when her husband came out as gay. What follows is an honest, layered conversation about identity, emotional health, and the messy, brave path of self-discovery.

They talk about:

- The tension between spiritual ideals and emotional truth

- The cost of ignoring your intuition

- Letting go of the fantasy to embrace reality

- How redemption can look different than we expect

🎧 Tune in for real talk, real healing, and a reminder that it’s okay for things to be both hard and freeing.

- Get Connected with Janice Holland, The Trauma Teacher

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Have you ever felt a whirlwind of emotions while navigating the beautiful chaos of parenting? Join host Nikki P. in this enlightening episode of "It's Both," where she engages in authentic conversations with guests Amy Merritt Campbell and Hannah Wohltjen. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of parenting young children, revealing how it often means holding multiple truths at once. From joyful moments to frustrating challenges, this episode resonates with every parent who has experienced the conflicting feelings that come with raising kids.

Throughout this captivating discussion, the trio shares:

- Personal stories that highlight the chaos of daily life and the balancing act of work and family responsibilities.

- Insights into the guilt that often accompanies the dual roles of parenthood and professional life.

- Thought-provoking reflections on evolving dynamics with family, friends, and coworkers, emphasizing the need for connection and validation.

- How the lessons learned in parenting can enhance leadership skills, illustrating the overlap between personal growth and professional development.

- The importance of embracing the messiness of parenting and practicing self-compassion in this journey.

The conversation encourages listeners to explore their own emotional resilience and to understand that feeling both joy and frustration is part of the human experience. As Nikki, Amy, and Hannah delve into the emotional healing that comes from honest storytelling, they invite you to reflect on your own journey of self-discovery.

Whether you're a seasoned parent or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable insights into finding balance and understanding the complexities of life. Tune in to discover how embracing conflicting thoughts and feelings can lead to profound personal well-being and growth.

Join us for an episode that promises to be both relatable and uplifting, as we explore the intricate dance of parenting and the many lessons it teaches us about life and ourselves.

- Learn more about Elevate Consulting

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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.