One year ago, I pressed record for the first time and almost talked myself out of it.

I wondered who would listen. I questioned whether my voice mattered. I debated adding one more thing to an already full life.

And yet, here we are one year, 52 episodes, and thousands of downloads later.

This anniversary episode is a reflection on how Struggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All with Nikki began, how it evolved, and what this journey has taught me about consistency, courage, and showing up before you feel ready.

From my daughter playing the intro on her guitar, to me singing it myself, to a professional intro, and now no intro at all...this podcast has grown because I grew.

In this episode, I share: • How starting imperfectly changed everything • Why consistency builds confidence • What happens when moms give themselves permission to use their voice • And why if I can do this so can you

If you have been waiting for a sign to start something that matters to you, this episode is it. Subscribe now and share with your mom friends.

For years, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it but now I finally understand why our family struggles in big systems.

We are not a fan of big organizations. And it has nothing to do with size… it has everything to do with being seen and valued.

From schools to sports, we have learned that our kids thrive in smaller environments where they are known, valued, and intentionally developed not treated like a number. Watching my daughter struggle in a massive sports organization while my son thrived in a small, hands-on one made this painfully clear.

And here’s the realization that hit me hardest: This is the same reason so many people choose to shop small.

Small businesses offer connection. They remember your name. They care about the outcome.

In this episode, I talk about: • Why big organizations often prioritize volume over value • How this shows up in youth sports and education • The emotional toll of watching your child be overlooked • And how this mirrors the way moms feel in large systems too

This episode is for any parent questioning whether “bigger” is really better and learning to trust that choosing smaller, more intentional spaces can make all the difference.

We say we “lost our purpose.” We say we “lost our passion.” But what does that really mean?

This week, after a conversation with my son’s friend’s mom, something hit me hard: Most moms cannot answer a simple question…

If you had two hours completely to yourself what would you do?

Not for your kids. Not for your spouse. Not for your job. Not for your house.

For YOU.

The truth is, most of us cannot answer because we have spent so long taking care of everyone else that we forgot how to listen to our own desires.

In this episode, we go deep into: 💛 Why moms lose their sense of purpose 💛 Why high-achieving women feel disconnected from themselves 💛 The invisible identity loss that happens in motherhood 💛 How to begin finding your spark again

If you feel disconnected from who you are or what you want this episode is your mirror, your guide, and your reminder that you are still in there.

Why do high-achieving moms give everything they have… and still feel invisible?

This week, I talked to several pharmacist moms who are brilliant, talented, educated, and experienced yet feel undervalued, unfulfilled, and stuck. And the truth is: they are not alone.

In this episode, we are diving into: 💛 Why moms burn out even when they love their families 💛 Why high-achieving women lose their sense of purpose 💛 Why we feel guilty wanting more 💛 The pressure to “do it all” 💛 And the real reason so many women feel unvalued

This episode is for every mom who feels unseen, exhausted, and ready for something more. You deserve to build something of your own. You deserve fulfillment again. And you are not stuck.

And join my side hustle coaching https://www.pharmdunleashed.com/side-hustle-coaching if you are ready for more.

Why do moms keep saying yes… even when we are exhausted? Even when we know we do not have time? Even when it means more late nights and more chaos?

This week, one tiny yes spiraled into a full-on heat press marathon...numbers, logos, sponsor patches, everything. My husband was frustrated. I was overwhelmed. And yet… the end result surprised me.

One grateful coach. An unexpected business opportunity. And a six-year-old girl running across a soccer field proudly wearing the jersey I made.

In this episode, I share the chaotic, funny, frustrating, beautiful story that helped me finally understand: ✨ Saying yes is not the problem. ✨ Saying yes without intention is.

If you have been saying yes to everything and wondering why you are exhausted, this episode is going to hit home.

This episode starts with a Target run that turned into one of the most emotional moments of my entire motherhood journey.

My kids, without being asked, reminded, or nudged, asked if they could go buy Thanksgiving gifts for each other… with their own money.

My middle son even pulled out his birthday gift card and said he’d split it evenly so everyone could pick something for each other.

And in that moment, standing in the middle of Target, it hit me: Maybe I’m doing something right.

In today’s episode of Struggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All with Nikki, I share: 💛 The Target moment that stopped me in my tracks 💛 Why moms rarely pause to honor their quiet wins 💛 The surprising reminder that our kids really are watching us 💛 And the truth we all need: you’re doing better than you think

If you’ve ever doubted yourself or wondered if all the chaos, driving, teaching, reminding, and loving is even working… this episode is your reminder that it is.

Click the button to subscribe if you want to hear more like this episode.

This week, I returned to my alma mater, Purdue University, for the College of Pharmacy Advisory Council meetings and something incredible happened.

When I shared my story of helping pharmacist moms create side hustles to earn extra income and rediscover their purpose, something shifted.

Several women came up to me afterward and said, “That’s exactly how I feel.” “I want that too.”

These conversations reminded me of the exact moment I realized I was made for more. I had the title, the career, the paycheck but I didn’t have fulfillment. I felt stuck, unseen, and tired of going through the motions.

That’s when I decided to take everything I knew as a pharmacist and build something of my own something that gave me freedom, purpose, and passion again.

💛 In this episode, I’m sharing:

• How I reconnected with Purdue after vowing I’d never go back

• The moment I realized I wasn’t the only one craving more

• Why so many pharmacist moms are ready to rewrite their story

• And how you can use your degree to build a life that lights you up again

If you’re a pharmacist, healthcare worker, or just a mom who’s ready to stop feeling stuck and start creating something that’s yours I’d love to help you map it out.

🎯 Book your free call with me at www.talktonikkiw.com and let’s find your purpose together.

Around this time last year, I did something that changed my life.

I got on a plane, left my family at home, and went to my first-ever live event The It’s Her Turn Summit by Cathy Heller.

It was the first time I had truly put myself first. I didn’t know anyone there. I didn’t know what to expect. But what I found was transformation...the kind that only happens when you take a leap of faith and choose you.

That weekend, I stood in a room full of women chasing purpose and possibility, and Christina Perri performed “A Thousand Years.” The lyrics hit me like a wave because in that moment, I realized… I had waited a thousand years to love myself.

That trip changed everything. My confidence, my business, my health, and my sense of worth. It was the turning point that led me here...to the woman I am today.

💛 Inside this episode, I share:

• The fear I felt before leaving my family for the first time

• The moment I stopped asking for permission and started choosing myself

• How that one decision reshaped my life, my business, and my purpose

• And the reminder that every mom needs to hear: you are enough

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to put yourself first this is it. Subscribe now and send this episode to every mom you know!