Claim OwnershipStruggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All with Nikki
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Welcome to “Struggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All,” the podcast for powerhouse moms who are managing family, career, and dreams, all while navigating the chaos of daily life. Hosted by Nikki, a full-time professional, mom of three, and entrepreneur, this show brings you candid conversations about real-life struggles, actionable parenting tips, and insights on nurturing ambition amidst the challenges of motherhood.
From balancing work deadlines and side hustles to fostering independence in our kids, we cover it all. Tune in for weekly episodes that remind you you’re not alone in this journey—and help you build resilience, empowerment, and strength. If you’re a mom with big goals and a busy life, join us as we embrace the struggle, find the strength, and juggle it all together.
From balancing work deadlines and side hustles to fostering independence in our kids, we cover it all. Tune in for weekly episodes that remind you you’re not alone in this journey—and help you build resilience, empowerment, and strength. If you’re a mom with big goals and a busy life, join us as we embrace the struggle, find the strength, and juggle it all together.
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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.
If this episode hit home subscribe to my podcast.
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.
Subscribe if you would like 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!
When I left Purdue University in 2006, I vowed I’d never go back.
Not because I didn’t love it...my six years there gave me some of the best memories of my life but because the way it ended left me heartbroken. I wanted to forget it all and start fresh. So I did.
But sometimes, God has a way of bringing you right back to the place you thought you’d left behind… not to relive the pain, but to rewrite the story.
In this episode of Struggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All with Nikki, I share how my journey came full circle:
💛 Returning to my alma mater for the first time in over a decade
💛 Reconnecting with classmates who still remembered me by name
💛 Being invited to serve on Purdue’s Dean’s Advisory Council
💛 And being chosen as a speaker for the upcoming Leadership & Innovation Forum
What once felt like a closed chapter is now a new beginning and proof that God’s timing is always perfect.
If you’ve ever tried to run from a part of your past, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the place you swore you’d never return to becomes the very place you’re meant to rise from.
It’s the question every parent hears at least once a weekend:
“So… how many games do you have today?”
And honestly? I never know how to answer.
Between three kids, five soccer games, two tennis matches, diving practice, and coaching toddler soccer it’s a full-time job just keeping track of who’s playing where.
This weekend alone, we had seven games, two practices, and about a hundred snack breaks in between. 😅
In this episode of Struggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All with Nikki, I’m talking about the beautiful chaos of being a sports parent and the real burnout that comes with it.
💛 Inside, I share:
The endless weekend routine of games, matches, and practices
How our kids are starting to notice the toll it takes on us
When to ask the hard question: “Are we doing too much?”
And why saying no sometimes teaches our kids more than saying yes ever could
Because the truth is, we all want our kids to succeed but not at the cost of their joy (or our sanity).
Have you ever hit a point where you just wanted to quit...on everything?
The business. The activities. The endless to-do list.
Last week, I was there.
I prayed and asked God, “Am I even supposed to be doing all this?”
And then… He answered.
That same afternoon, my daughter walked into my office holding a huge bouquet of roses and tulips...my favorites. It was from one of my clients, completely unexpected, with a note thanking me for everything I’d done to help them. 🌷
The next day? A new discovery call booked.
An email from a potential client ready to start.
By the end of the week, my kids and I toured a new school they absolutely loved.
It was like God was saying:
“Don’t give up. You’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing.”
In this week’s episode of Struggle & Strength, I’m sharing the story of how a week that began with exhaustion turned into one filled with affirmation, gratitude, and divine reminders that we’re on the right path even when it feels impossible.
💛 Inside, you’ll hear:
The real emotions behind wanting to quit everything
The moment God showed up and reminded me to keep going
How to recognize divine affirmations in your own life
A message of hope for every mom who’s carrying too much
Because sometimes, when you’re ready to quit… that’s when God sends you flowers. 🌸
Being a mom, wife, and entrepreneur sometimes feels like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—blindfolded. 🔥
You’re balancing work, kids, business, relationships, and trying to keep it all from crashing down.
And lately? I’ve been there...deep in the exhaustion, wondering, “Is it even worth it?”
In this episode of Struggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All with Nikki, I’m opening up about what it feels like to be pulled in every direction taking on new clients, investing in programs, driving kids from one activity to the next and still feeling like there’s never enough time.
💛 Inside, I share:
The truth about overwhelm that no one talks about
Why we keep saying yes even when we’re drowning
How to recognize when you’ve hit your limit
And the mindset shift that helps you step off the unicycle and finally breathe again
If you’ve ever looked at your calendar and thought, “I can’t keep doing this,” this episode will remind you...you’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry it all to be enough.
Subscribe to listen to more episodes like this.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly fighting for your kids at school, on the field, or in the classroom...you’re not imagining it.
This year alone, I’ve had to step in when:
A teacher marked an assignment as missing even though it was fully completed.
A soccer coach skipped the very skills and agility training we signed up for.
My youngest was stuck sitting next to disruptive kids in class with no control.
And for the first time ever, my kids told me they’d rather be homeschooled.
In this episode of Struggle & Strength, I’m opening up about the exhausting reality of why moms always have to advocate and the powerful analogy that reframes it all:
💡 Advocating for your kids is like being their attorney in the courtroom of life. You’re not fighting for special treatment. You’re making sure their voice is heard, the facts are clear, and they get a fair shot.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is this always on me?” this episode will remind you that while advocacy is hard, it’s also one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids.
At my kids’ tennis practice this week, I heard something unfold that hit me right in the heart.
One coach complimented a mom’s daughter, calling her a future rock star. Amazing, right? But another mom walked away upset because her daughter didn’t get the same praise. She felt like her child was just as good, maybe even better, and she couldn’t understand why nothing was said about her.
It made me realize just how often we, as moms, fall into the trap of comparison...not just for ourselves, but through our kids.
In this episode of Struggle & Strength, I’m opening up about:
💔 Why we tie our worth as moms to how our kids perform
💔 How comparison steals the joy from parenting (and from our kids too)
💛 A healthier way to celebrate effort and progress instead of perfection
💛 The reminder that your child’s path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s
If you’ve ever caught yourself comparing your child to someone else’s or comparing yourself to another mom this episode will remind you that your worth isn’t defined by applause, trophies, or grades. Your journey doesn’t have to look like hers.
Growing up, I never felt good enough. My mom never told me she loved me, and I often felt like her love was conditional...tied to whether or not I met her expectations. I promised myself I’d never repeat that pattern with my kids.
And yet… here I am, realizing that in different ways, I’m still passing down the weight of expectations.
In this episode of Struggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All with Nikki, I open up about the struggle so many parents face: wanting our kids to succeed in sports, school, and life...while fearing that we’re pushing them so hard that the joy disappears.
💡 Inside, I share:
How fear of the future drives us to over-pressure our kids
Why achievement doesn’t equal unconditional love
The difference between instilling greatness vs. creating stress
A new way of celebrating effort, progress, and joy
If you’ve ever worried that you’re expecting too much from your kids or felt torn between cheering them on and criticizing every misstep this episode will help you breathe, reflect, and reset.
Have you ever thought about starting a side hustle or business of your own but stopped because you didn’t know what to sell or how to begin?
That’s exactly why Russell Brunson (the creator of ClickFunnels) launched OfferLab and it’s one of the best opportunities I’ve ever seen for moms who want to start something of their own without the overwhelm.
Here’s why:
It’s free to join (for now!)
You don’t need your own product or service
You can build an offer in less than a minute
You earn commissions on every sale from your link
You can even earn from bringing others in under you
And if you want to go deeper, there’s an optional certification for just $497 that includes training on how to build, market, and promote offers like a pro.
💡 This episode will help you understand why OfferLab is a no-brainer for moms who want to test the waters of online business without risking anything.
👉 Join OfferLab free today through my exclusive link: https://bit.ly/offerlab4me
What if you finally sat down to write the story that’s been on your heart and not only finished it, but published it on your own terms?
In this episode of Struggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All with Nikki, I sit down with author and self-publisher Shilo Creed (pen name for Claire Fulton), creator of the Plunge series...stories she describes as “Pilgrim’s Progress meets Marvel.”
Shilo opens up about her journey as a mom, writer, and entrepreneur learning the ins and outs of self-publishing. We talk about:
Why she chose self-publishing over traditional routes
The biggest lessons she’s learned about marketing as an author
How she balances the heart of writing with the business side of publishing
Encouragement for moms who dream of writing a book but feel stuck or overwhelmed
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to write a book one day,” this episode will inspire you to start before you’re ready and to own your story every step of the way.
👉 Connect with Shilo Creed:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566544635158
Read the Plunge Series on BookFunnel: https://www.tactical-press.com/plunged-22571
I’m in good shape. I eat clean. I run most days. I have a four-pack on top and toned obliques… but no matter what I do, the stubborn C-section pouch below my belly button won’t budge.
And I know I’m not the only mom feeling this.
In this episode of Struggle & Strength, I’m opening up about my personal journey with the “mom pouch”—how three back-to-back C-sections left me with a challenge I can’t out-discipline. This isn’t about getting skinny. It’s about confidence, healing, and showing my kids what perseverance looks like.
💡 Inside, I share:
Why eating clean + running still didn’t change this area
The new strategy I’m testing with food and workouts
How I’m reframing this pouch as progress, not shame
Why moms need to stop feeling alone in this struggle
If you’ve ever sighed in the mirror and wondered why your hard work isn’t “showing up” the way you hoped, this one’s for you.
Reach out if you need help: www.talktonikkiw.com
Four weeks.
Four states.
Four very tired parents.
From California for my daughter’s national diving competition, to Missouri for my dad’s 80th, to New York for my high school reunion, and finally Florida for the brand-new Universal Studios Epic theme park...we did it all.
And here’s the truth: we did it all for the kids… and put our sanity on the line in the process.
In this episode, I’m sharing:
The reality of “parent vacations” (early mornings, late nights, and all-day kid entertainment)
How theme park upsells test every ounce of your willpower
The sweet surprises that reminded me I am doing something right as a mom
And why, even exhausted, I wouldn’t trade these memories for anything
If you’ve ever needed a vacation from your vacation...this one’s for you.
This summer was full of travel, memories, and chaos and as much as I loved it, I have to admit… I felt a huge sense of relief when my kids went back to school this week.
And then immediately? Mom guilt.
If you’ve ever felt torn between loving time with your kids and craving the structure of school and work routines, this episode is for you. I share the chaos of our summer travels, the guilt that comes with wanting space, and the powerful shift that helped me reframe guilt as balance.
Because the truth is our kids don’t just need us to be there, they need us to be whole. And sometimes, that means celebrating the rhythm that comes when school starts again.
💡 If you’ve ever wrestled with summer mom guilt, this episode will help you breathe, release the pressure, and remember...you’re not selfish, you’re human.
Need Help Book A Call www.talktonikkiw.com
This summer was full of travel, memories, and chaos and as much as I loved it, I have to admit… I felt a huge sense of relief when my kids went back to school this week.
And then immediately? Mom guilt.
If you’ve ever felt torn between loving time with your kids and craving the structure of school and work routines, this episode is for you. I share the chaos of our summer travels, the guilt that comes with wanting space, and the powerful shift that helped me reframe guilt as balance.
Because the truth is...our kids don’t just need us to be there, they need us to be whole. And sometimes, that means celebrating the rhythm that comes when school starts again.
💡 If you’ve ever wrestled with summer mom guilt, this episode will help you breathe, release the pressure, and remember you’re not selfish, you’re human.
Need to talk: book a call www.talktonikkiw.com
Four weeks.
Four states.
Two very tired parents.
From California for my daughter’s national diving competition, to Missouri for my dad’s 80th, to New York for my high school reunion, and finally Florida for the brand-new Universal Studios Epic theme park...we did it all.
And here’s the truth: we did it all for the kids… and put our sanity on the line in the process.
In this episode, I’m sharing:
The reality of “parent vacations” (early mornings, late nights, and all-day kid entertainment)
How theme park upsells test every ounce of your willpower
The sweet surprises that reminded me I am doing something right as a mom
And why, even exhausted, I wouldn’t trade these memories for anything
If you’ve ever needed a vacation from your vacation...this one’s for you.
Need Marketing Help? Book a call Talk to nikki book now
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