Have you ever felt like the world is shifting beneath you, but no one handed you the manual? In this episode of It’s Both, Nikki P is joined by life coach and menopause specialist Susie Beaumont for an authentic conversation about navigating life's gray areas during perimenopause and menopause. Susie shares her personal growth journey—from being a corporate lawyer to becoming a menopause coach—and the emotional complexities she faced along the way, including anxiety, depression, and the deep frustration of being dismissed by healthcare providers. Together, Nikki and Susie explore what it means to hold multiple truths: to feel empowered and exhausted, hopeful and overwhelmed, all at the same time. With a mix of vulnerable storytelling and emotional intelligence, Susie offers real strategies for managing big emotions, reclaiming agency, and embracing contradictions in one of life’s most transformative stages. Whether you’re in the thick of this shift or simply seeking real stories about being human, this conversation is a grounded reminder that menopause is not the end—it’s a doorway to something new. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why menopause impacts both mental health and identity - How Susie reframed her experience into personal growth podcast worth sharing - The role of self-discovery and emotional resilience during hormonal shifts - Insights into HRT and the cultural stigma around women’s health - Why self-advocacy and community support are essential - How to listen to your body and manage complex emotions with grace Why menopause deserves a place in your faith journey and conversations around purpose Whether you're deep in this transition or standing at its edge, this episode is for anyone who wants to get unstuck, find clarity, and build a life grounded in compassion and curiosity. - 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.

What does it really mean to love someone who feels impossible to love? In this episode of It’s Both, Nikki P sits down with pastor Steve LeFebvre to explore the emotional complexities of loving difficult people, setting healthy boundaries, and finding grace in messy relationships. Through authentic conversation and vulnerable storytelling, Steve reflects on his journey through recovery, faith, and the deep emotional work of holding compassion and responsibility at the same time. Together, they unpack: - How recovery teaches us emotional intelligence and the power of loving from a distance - Why intimacy and connection require both vulnerability and boundaries - The gravitational pull of relationships, even when they’re painful - The role of faith journeys and community support in learning to love well - The importance of choosing grace over resentment — for others and for yourself This episode is for anyone wrestling with relationship tension, trying to heal from complicated love, or learning to show up with both strength and softness. Whether you’ve been the one giving too much or protecting your peace, you’ll find yourself in this conversation. Tune in to discover how emotional resilience, self-discovery, and compassion can coexist — and how we can all grow through the contradictions of love. - 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.

What happens when friendships shift, fade, or grow in unexpected ways? In this episode of It’s Both, Nikki P is joined by her friend LaKreasha Scharcklet for an authentic conversation about the emotional complexities of adult friendships. From the grief of losing connection to the joy of intentional reconnection, they explore how friendships evolve through life transitions like moving, marriage, parenthood, and personal growth. Together, they reflect on how to hold multiple truths — celebrating milestones while also grieving distance, setting healthy boundaries while still leaving space for grace. This episode dives deep into emotional intelligence, vulnerability in storytelling, and the power of navigating life’s gray areas with compassion. Whether you're feeling stuck in a friendship, processing the end of one, or trying to show up better in your relationships, this honest storytelling invites you into the bothness of what it means to love and lose. What you'll hear in this episode: How friendships shift during life transitions Why grief and joy often coexist in evolving relationships Tips for setting boundaries and managing big emotions How proximity, safety, and communication impact connection Stories about being human, vulnerable, and real in friendship - 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.

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.

Have you ever felt the weight of multiple emotions colliding within you, leaving you questioning how to navigate life's gray areas? Join host Nikki P in this personal episode of "It's Both," where she opens up about her journey through loss over the past year. As a nonprofit leader dedicated to preventing family homelessness, Nikki shares the emotional toll of losing funding, which led to job losses for her team, and the sadness of her best friend's unexpected move. Through her honest storytelling, she explores the complexities of holding multiple truths, illustrating how gratitude for past experiences can coexist with profound sadness. Nikki's narrative is not just about loss; it's a powerful exploration of self-discovery and emotional intelligence. She emphasizes that grief comes in many forms, regardless of its scale, and that it's essential to acknowledge these feelings. This episode advocates for embracing contradictions, encouraging listeners to cultivate resilience and compassion in their lives. By sharing her real-life mental health stories, Nikki invites you to reflect on your own emotional landscape, reminding us all that it’s okay to grieve and that our shared humanity can help us navigate even the toughest times. - Discover the importance of holding multiple truths in our emotional experiences. - Learn how to manage big emotions and navigate the complexities of grief. - Engage in authentic conversations about loss and personal growth. - Explore the emotional intelligence needed to embrace life's contradictions. - Find inspiration in vulnerable storytelling that highlights our shared human experience. - Understand the impact of external circumstances on personal relationships and mental health. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while sadness can be isolating, it is also a universal experience that connects us all. Tune in to "It's Both" for an enriching journey that emphasizes the power of vulnerability and the strength found in community. Whether you're on a faith journey or simply looking to understand life's complexities, this mental health podcast offers insights that resonate deeply. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your own personal growth journey and learn how to build emotional resilience through honest storytelling. - 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.

Have you ever felt both connected and conflicted by the place you came from? In this episode of It’s Both, host Nikki P. sits down with longtime friend Thomas to unpack the emotional complexity of growing up in youth group. Together, they explore the beauty and brokenness of those formative years—the found family and creativity, as well as the fear-based teachings and lasting impact of religious upbringing. Through honest storytelling and authentic conversations, Nikki and Thomas dive into the messiness of spiritual deconstruction and how childhood belief systems shape adult identity. Thomas, now a mental health professional and artist, shares how he’s been navigating life's gray areas between faith and freedom, finding peace in holding multiple truths and rediscovering his own spiritual path. 💬 Key Themes: - The emotional weight of religious trauma and spiritual reconstruction - Growing up in youth group: joy, fear, belonging, and disillusionment - The intersection of mental health and spirituality - How vulnerability in storytelling fosters healing - The role of emotional intelligence in unlearning shame - Found family and redefining belonging - Self-discovery and embracing contradictions in the process Whether you're questioning your past, navigating a faith journey, or reflecting on your personal growth, this episode offers real stories, relatable insights, and a sense of community for anyone who’s ever felt the tension of belief and doubt. Tune in to It’s Both—a mental health podcast that celebrates the nuance of being human—and discover how life’s complexities can lead to connection, freedom, and healing. - 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.

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 (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.

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 (https://988lifeline.org). Have you ever felt moments of joy rise up in the midst of deep grief? In this episode of It’s Both, host Nikki P. is joined by Annie Paraison for a deeply moving and authentic conversation about navigating grief, emotional healing, and what it means to hold multiple truths in seasons of loss. Annie shares real stories from her journey of losing several significant people in her life—and the unexpected ways that grief opened the door to self-discovery, community, and even joy. Together, Nikki and Annie reflect on the paradox of grief: how pain and beauty can live side by side, and how honoring that complexity can lead to transformation. Through honest storytelling and vulnerable conversation, this episode explores the emotional and relational work required to process grief in a healthy way. Whether you’re grieving a loved one, a version of yourself, or the life you thought you'd have, this episode creates space to reflect, connect, and begin to heal. 💬 Key Themes Include: - The power of community support during loss - How to manage complex emotions while staying present - The transformative nature of loss and what it can reveal - Building emotional resilience through authenticity and reflection - What it looks like to embrace contradictions in grief and daily life - Why emotional intelligence is essential in healing - The freedom found in acknowledging the feeling of sorrow and joy at the same time This conversation is a gentle, honest invitation to lean into life’s complexities and learn to be okay with not being okay. If you’re searching for a mental health podcast that offers true companionship while navigating life's gray areas, this episode is for you. 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 (https://www.lovebeforeall.com/) - 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.

Have you ever wondered how childhood friendships survive adulthood’s chaos — or why some don’t? In this heartwarming and honest episode of It’s Both, Nikki P. sits down with her longtime friends Lacey and Audrie to explore the deep, complicated beauty of long-distance friendships and the emotional growth that comes with evolving relationships. Through authentic conversations and vulnerable storytelling, the trio shares real stories of growing up together, navigating friendship transitions, and reconnecting after years of change. They dive into what it means to be holding multiple truths: joy and grief, distance and closeness, independence and longing — all at once. You’ll hear how these women reflect on their personal growth journeys, discuss the awkwardness of making friends as adults, and speak openly about the emotional intelligence it takes to maintain connection despite shifting life seasons. 💬 Key Takeaways Include: - Why childhood friendships carry lasting impact - The emotional highs and lows of growing apart and reconnecting - How to hold space for conflicting feelings in adult relationships - The role of emotional connection in friendships during life transitions - How to embrace life’s complexities and the grief of change - The value of stories about being human as a tool for healing - Why building emotional resilience matters in long-term connection This episode is more than a conversation — it’s a reflection on who we were, who we’re becoming, and how friendship holds us through it all. If you're seeking a mental health podcast that speaks to the heart of navigating life’s gray areas with grace and humor, this one's 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) 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 stretched thin between being present for everyone else and still trying to stay connected to yourself? In this heartfelt episode of It’s Both, host Nikki P. shares an honest reflection on what it means to navigate motherhood and identity in a world that expects women to carry it all. From the pressure to perform and “hold it together” to the deep inner work of reclaiming rest and voice, this conversation is a lifeline for anyone trying to balance emotional burnout, parenting in the gray, and the desire for true connection. Through authentic conversations and honest storytelling, Nikki explores the challenge of holding multiple truths — love and exhaustion, gratitude and grief, ambition and depletion — while resisting the urge to pick one narrative over the other. 💬 In this episode, you’ll hear: - How to feel your feelings without guilt or shutdown - The emotional toll of overwhelmed working moms and invisible labor - What realistic self-care looks like when you're running on empty - How emotional resilience is built through softening, not striving - Why navigating life’s gray areas opens the door to personal transformation This episode reminds us that healing isn’t linear, and growth often begins in the quiet tension between “too much” and “not enough.” If you're tired of surface-level conversations and looking for a mental health podcast that holds space for life’s complexities, this is your moment to exhale. Because 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.