What does it mean to live authentically when the world tells you otherwise? In this episode of It’s Both – Conversations on the Gray Areas of Life’s Messy Middle, host Nikki P sits down with Paula Stone Williams, pastor, author, and international keynote speaker, to explore the complexities of gender identity, faith, and belonging. Paula shares her journey of transition and self-discovery, opening up about the losses, the joys, and the resilience required to live fully in truth. Together, Nikki and Paula discuss how privilege, misogyny, and bias shape experiences, why narrative and proximity are key to understanding, and how we can all hold multiple truths in our own lives. This heartfelt conversation is about more than transition—it’s about embracing contradictions, navigating life’s complexities, and remembering that authenticity and compassion can change everything. You’ll hear: - Why “everyone is in a state of becoming” - How misogyny and gender bias continue to show up in daily life - The role of privilege and proximity in building empathy - Why Paula rejects the idea of a “dead name” - How to practice courage, vulnerability, and emotional resilience in your own journey Resources & Links: - Connect with Paula Stone Williams (https://paulastonewilliams.com/buy-paulas-book/) - Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-both/id1811385185) - Join the Courageous Living Group Transformation (https://nikkip--janiceholland.thrivecart.com/cl-group-transformation/) - Sign up for Hungryroot (https://www.hungryroot.com/r/39ILXJPY) and get $50 off your first box - Start your own podcast with Riverside (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=nicole-piispanen) - It's Both on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/itsbothpodcast/) - It's Both on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ItsBothPodcast) 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 mean to belong when your story starts in a refugee camp? In this powerful episode of It’s Both, host Nikki P sits down with Abdikadir, who shares his journey from spending 14 years in a Kenyan refugee camp to building a new life in the United States. Abdi opens up about the dual emotions of fear and excitement, the weight of leadership as the eldest sibling, and the complexities of navigating identity, culture, and safety in a new country. Together, they explore the messy middle of immigration, family responsibility, and resilience — and what it means to hold both gratitude and grief at the same time. Listeners will hear: - The resilience shaped by 14 years in a refugee camp - The burden and privilege of being a role model for younger siblings - How community support and compassion help refugees heal and thrive - Why navigating life’s gray areas is essential to belonging and emotional resilience - The ongoing importance of open-mindedness, mental health awareness, and gratitude This is a story of hope, courage, and the bothness of being human. Whether you’re navigating cultural identity, family responsibilities, or the weight of uncertainty, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone. 🎧 Tune in now to hear Abdi’s story — a conversation about resilience, bothness, and the power of community. - Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-both/id1811385185) - Join the Courageous Living Group Transformation (https://nikkip--janiceholland.thrivecart.com/cl-group-transformation/) - Sign up for Hungryroot (https://www.hungryroot.com/r/39ILXJPY) and get $50 off your first box - Start your own podcast with Riverside (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=nicole-piispanen) - It's Both on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/itsbothpodcast/) - It's Both on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ItsBothPodcast) 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.

Ep. 17 Divorce isn’t just an ending — it’s a beginning. In this episode of It’s Both, I’m joined by Olivia Howell and Jenny Dreizen, co-founders of Fresh Starts Registry, a support network helping people rebuild their lives after divorce, breakups, and major life transitions. We talk about what it really means to navigate life’s gray areas during a divorce or breakup — holding both relief and grief, freedom and fear — and how to move forward with clarity, courage, and community. Olivia and Jenny share their personal journeys, the stigma they’re breaking, and why healing isn’t linear. Whether you’re considering divorce, in the messy middle, or finding your footing after a breakup, this conversation offers emotional resilience, practical resources, and permission to imagine a life you love. You’ll learn: - The power of support systems during separation or divorce - Why navigating life’s gray areas is key to emotional resilience - How to embrace contradictions in your healing process - Why humor and joy matter in hard seasons - Practical tools for starting over after a relationship ends This episode is for anyone seeking honest storytelling, permission to pause, and real tools for navigating big transitions. Resources & Links: - Learn more at freshstartsregistry.com (http://freshstartsregistry.com)& on Instagram: @freshstartsregistry (https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/) - Join the Courageous Living Group Transformation (https://nikkip--janiceholland.thrivecart.com/cl-group-transformation/) - Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-both/id1811385185) - Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box (https://www.hungryroot.com/r/39ILXJPY) - Start your own podcast with Riverside (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=nicole-piispanen) - It's Both on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/itsbothpodcast/) - It's Both on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ItsBothPodcast) 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.

Ep. 16 In this solo episode of It’s Both, host Nikki P. opens up about navigating the messy middle of life- when doing hard things meets the need for stillness. Three months into launching the podcast, she reflects on the personal growth journey of juggling work, parenting, creativity, and major life changes—while also practicing emotional resilience and self-care in real time. From the pressure of a nonstop to-do list to the challenge of truly being present, Nikki shares how she’s learning to hold multiple truths: you can be productive and also deeply need rest. She invites listeners to explore their own “bothness” and to try one simple, powerful practice—pausing to ask yourself, What do I need right now? Whether you’re in the messy middle, navigating life’s complexities, or trying to reconnect with yourself in the middle of chaos, this episode offers validation, real talk, and permission to take a breath. You’ll hear: - How to know when to push through vs. when to pause - Why we resist rest even when we need it most - Practical ways to check in with your mind, body, and soul - The role of boundaries in building emotional resilience - How embracing contradictions can shift your daily life Listen in for an honest storytelling moment that will help you feel less alone in the tension of doing and being. Thank you again for listening and remember,  life isn't either/or, it's both. - Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-both/id1811385185) - Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box (https://www.hungryroot.com/r/39ILXJPY) - Start your own podcast with Riverside (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=nicole-piispanen) - Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha (https://www.ausha.co) - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off - It's Both on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/itsbothpodcast/) - It's Both on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ItsBothPodcast) - It's Both on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/7KYLGul54qb4uKnfGkkrMm?si=61d28d900d6a422f) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ep. 15 What does it take to lead with authenticity in spaces that weren’t built for you? In this episode of It’s Both, Nikki P. sits down with Dawn Stone—also known as The Conflict Chick—for an honest conversation about navigating life’s gray areas in the workplace as a Black woman, leader, and mentor. Together, they explore the emotional resilience required to thrive in corporate culture, especially when facing microaggressions, imposter syndrome, and the emotional toll of doing hard things in rooms where you're often the only one. This episode dives into what it means to hold multiple truths in professional life: the grief and joy of mentorship, the tension between vulnerability and boundaries, and the real stories that often go unspoken in leadership. Whether you're sitting in the messy middle of your career or learning how to hold emotional tension with grace, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and inspired. 💬 In this episode, you’ll hear: - How mentorship fosters confidence and emotional growth - The impact of racism, sexism, and ageism on Black women in leadership - Daily rituals and reframes for burnout and imposter syndrome - Why healing isn’t linear and conflict can be a place of connection - What it means to embrace contradictions in career, identity, and voice This is a personal transformation podcast rooted in vulnerability, courage, and truth. Tune in to It’s Both—your space for real stories of being human—and learn how to lead without losing yourself. - Get Connected with Dawn Stone, The Conflict Chick (https://theconflictchick.com) - Get Dawn's new book Unburdened here (https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=ihFPnYtIMZoEFBXlyhlSkwzSsVMQXi4uALZXvHgpfxn) - Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box (https://www.hungryroot.com/r/39ILXJPY) - Start your own podcast with Riverside (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=nicole-piispanen) - Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha (https://www.ausha.co) - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off - It's Both on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ItsBothPodcast) - It's Both on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/7KYLGul54qb4uKnfGkkrMm?si=61d28d900d6a422f) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ep. 14 Have you ever felt like your body was shifting, but no one gave you the tools—or the language—to navigate it? In this episode of It’s Both, host Nikki P. sits down with life coach and menopause specialist Susie Beaumont for an authentic conversation about navigating life’s gray areas during perimenopause and menopause. With honesty and vulnerability, Susie shares her personal growth journey from corporate lawyer to menopause advocate, and the emotional toll of anxiety, depression, and feeling dismissed by medical professionals. Together, they hold space for the full spectrum of this life stage—holding multiple truths like empowerment and exhaustion, grief and relief, vulnerability and courage. You’ll hear real strategies for managing hormonal shifts, advocating for your health, and building emotional resilience through it all. 💬 In this episode, you’ll explore: - How menopause impacts mental health and identity - Why self-discovery and emotional resilience are vital during transition - Navigating HRT, healthcare gaslighting, and women’s health stigma - Reclaiming agency through self-advocacy, movement, and nutrition - What it means to embrace contradictions and honor your body’s wisdom This conversation is for anyone in the messy middle—wondering how to feel their feelings, redefine purpose, and reconnect with themselves. Whether you're in it now or preparing for what's ahead, this is a powerful episode about healing isn't linear—and that menopause may just be the beginning of something deeper. - Get Connected with Susie Beaumont at Thrive (https://www.instagram.com/yourthrive.co?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MmJjcTh0ZDVxMGdp) - Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box (https://www.hungryroot.com/r/39ILXJPY) - Start your own podcast with Riverside (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=nicole-piispanen) - Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha (https://www.ausha.co) - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off - It's Both on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/itsbothpodcast/) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ep. 13 What does it really mean to love someone who feels impossible to love? In this episode of It’s Both, host Nikki P. sits down with pastor and recovery leader Steve Lefebvre for an honest conversation about the emotional tension that comes with loving difficult people. Together, they unpack the complexities of boundaries, grace, and the emotional toll of showing up in relationships that stretch us. Steve shares how recovery reshaped his faith journey and taught him to practice emotional resilience while holding space for compassion and accountability. This episode explores the push and pull of how to hold emotional tension — the grief and growth, the pain and transformation — that lives at the heart of our most challenging connections. 💬 What you’ll hear: - The emotional complexity of loving difficult people - Why boundaries in relationships matter for your own healing - The role of non-toxic faith journeys and community in reclaiming grace - How vulnerability and courage are essential for true intimacy - What it takes to do hard things in love, with both strength and softness Whether you're recovering from relationship wounds, navigating complex emotional dynamics, or trying to redefine what connection means, this episode is for you. Through real stories of being human and honest storytelling, Nikki and Steve invite you into a conversation that holds both challenge and hope. Tune in to It’s Both—a personal transformation podcast that celebrates the messy middle—and discover how navigating life’s gray areas can lead to deeper, more authentic relationships. - Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-both/id1811385185) - Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box (https://www.hungryroot.com/r/39ILXJPY) - Start your own podcast with Riverside (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=nicole-piispanen) - Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha (https://www.ausha.co) - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off - It's Both on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/itsbothpodcast/) - It's Both on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ItsBothPodcast) - It's Both on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/7KYLGul54qb4uKnfGkkrMm?si=61d28d900d6a422f) 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.

Ep. 12 What happens when friendships shift, fade, or grow in unexpected ways? In this episode of It’s Both, host Nikki P is joined by her friend LaKreasha Scharcklet for an authentic conversation about the emotional complexity of adult friendships. Together, they explore how grief and joy can coexist, especially during life transitions like parenthood, moving, marriage, and personal growth. As they reflect on their own friendship journey, Nikki and LaKreasha unpack the messy middle of relationships—how to hold multiple truths, embrace contradictions, and navigate life's gray areas when connection feels hard. This episode is a vulnerable and courageous look at the tension between letting go and holding on. 💬 Key themes: - How friendships evolve through different life stages - What it means to grieve distance while celebrating growth - Setting emotional boundaries with compassion and clarity - The role of proximity, safety, and communication in friendship - Real stories of being human in the middle of transition Whether you're facing the loss of a friendship, feeling stuck in one, or trying to love better in the complexity, this conversation offers emotional resilience, personal transformation, and deep honesty. If you're looking for a mental health podcast that meets you in the gray areas of connection, this episode is for you. - Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-both/id1811385185) - Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box (https://www.hungryroot.com/r/39ILXJPY) - Start your own podcast with Riverside (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=nicole-piispanen) - Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha (https://www.ausha.co) - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off - It's Both on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/itsbothpodcast/) - It's Both on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ItsBothPodcast) - It's Both on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/7KYLGul54qb4uKnfGkkrMm?si=61d28d900d6a422f) 🎧 Tune in now to explore the personal growth journey of navigating adult friendship — with all its contradictions, complexities, and beauty. 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.

Ep. 11 What happens when the work that fuels your purpose also drains your energy? In this episode of It’s Both, Nikki P sits down with Corey, as he shares his honest story of navigating burnout, toxic work environments, and the deep emotional toll of helping professions. From his time serving homeless youth and the LGBTQ+ community to finding a workplace that finally honors his well-being, Corey opens up about what it really takes to stay in the work without losing yourself in it. Corey’s stories are a testament to the emotional complexities of meaningful work. This conversation is a powerful exploration of emotional resilience, self-advocacy, and the very real personal growth journey that comes with caring deeply — for others and for yourself. This episode also explores the importance of navigating life’s gray areas. In the episode you’ll hear: - What burnout actually feels like in helping work - The importance of honest storytelling in leadership - How trauma impacts caregivers - Why humor and daily rituals can be survival tools - And how finding a supportive job can shift everything Whether you’re in a helping profession, on the edge of burnout, or simply trying to hold multiple truths in your day-to-day life, this episode offers real stories, authentic conversation, and a reminder that your well-being matters. Join us for this impactful episode of "It's Both" and embark on a journey of embracing life’s complexities while learning to prioritize your own well-being. Tune in now and let’s navigate this together! - Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-both/id1811385185) - Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box (https://www.hungryroot.com/r/39ILXJPY) - Start your own podcast with Riverside (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=nicole-piispanen) - Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha (https://www.ausha.co) - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off - It's Both on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/itsbothpodcast/) - It's Both on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ItsBothPodcast) - It's Both on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/7KYLGul54qb4uKnfGkkrMm?si=61d28d900d6a422f) 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.

Ep. 10 Have you ever felt the weight of multiple emotions colliding within you—grief, gratitude, sadness, and strength—all at once? In this raw and personal episode of It’s Both, host Nikki P. opens up about the losses she faced over the past year, from the emotional impact of losing nonprofit funding to the grief of a close friend’s unexpected move. Through honest storytelling and authentic conversations, Nikki explores the emotional complexity of holding multiple truths—how joy and pain, purpose and exhaustion, gratitude and grief can all coexist. This episode invites listeners into the messy middle, where emotional resilience is built not by bypassing pain, but by feeling it fully. Nikki reflects on the importance of emotional intelligence, the power of vulnerability and courage, and the strength that comes from community support during personal transitions. Whether you’re navigating life’s complexities, processing loss, or simply trying to manage big emotions, this conversation offers gentle companionship and space to heal. 💬 Key themes include: - What it means to feel two things at once - The reality of grief and loss in professional and personal life - Why healing isn’t linear—and that’s okay - How to build emotional resilience while honoring your emotions - The role of mental health and motherhood in Nikki’s story - Encouragement for your own personal growth journey If you’ve ever wondered how to keep showing up when everything feels heavy, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone. It’s Both is a mental health podcast that embraces the nuance of being human—offering real stories, emotional depth, and practical insight for those learning to live in the in-between. - Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-both/id1811385185) - Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box (https://www.hungryroot.com/r/39ILXJPY) - Start your own podcast with Riverside (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=nicole-piispanen) - Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha (https://www.ausha.co) - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off - It's Both on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/itsbothpodcast/) - It's Both on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ItsBothPodcast) - It's Both on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/7KYLGul54qb4uKnfGkkrMm?si=61d28d900d6a422f) 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.