Claim OwnershipA Heart That Beats for Home
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© 2025 A Heart That Beats for Home
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Hey friend! I’m Nikki Smith—wife, mom of three, entrepreneur, and host of A Heart That Beats for Home. Over the years, God has used marriage, motherhood, business, and everyday life to stretch me, grow me, humble me, and draw me closer to Him. This space is a reflection of the journey I’m still on—growing, learning, and leaning into much-needed grace. I have a heart to keep investing intentionally in my marriage of 26 years with the man God has given me as a partner and best friend, to walk faithfully toward the season of empty nesting, and to grow deeper in relationship with my adult and soon-to-be adult children. More than anything, I’m passionate about drawing closer to my Heavenly Father—truly knowing Him in a way that is real and active in my everyday life—and reflecting Him in all my relationships, actions, and plans.
Each episode is a real, hope-filled conversation about the things that matter most: building strong families, walking faithfully in the gift of marriage, parenting intentionally through every stage, and keeping Christ at the center of it all. Alongside my own story, you’ll hear from amazing guests who share a deep passion for nurturing strong families where Jesus is glorified. Their wisdom, vulnerability, and encouragement will remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.
Whether you’re single, newly married, raising little ones, building a business, or walking through a new season, you’re welcome here. This is a space for women who love their families fiercely and want to lead with purpose—honoring God in the roles He has placed us in, faithfully shepherding the souls in our homes, and nurturing an environment that reflects the fruit of the Spirit and a life that glorifies Him.
One day at a time, may we become women who cultivate hearts that beat for home.
Thanks for being here,
Nikki
74 Episodes
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We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Today I get to sit down with a dear friend of mine, Debbie Neal. For years, I’ve known Debbie as a woman of incredible drive and determination — a true leader, a go-getter, and someone who has inspired so many through her work and her example. But today’s conversation isn’t about her professional achievements. It’s about something far more personal — the way God has been working in her home and heart over the past several years. Debbie an...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. What if the season you’re calling a drought is actually sacred training? I sat down with actress and creator Masey McLain for a candid, deeply encouraging conversation about conviction, calling, and the new feature film Soul on Fire—where she portrays Beth O’Leary. From growing up a pastor’s kid to turning down roles that crossed personal lines, Masey traces the steady thread of choosing God first and letting the work follow. We go...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Some days the kitchen sparkles; an hour later, it’s crumbs and cups and quiet frustration. I share candid stories from 23 years of motherhood and 26 years of marriage, the Scriptures that steady me, and the simple habits that reset a house’s tone when everyone feels stretched thin. We unpack the honesty of “I want to grow but I’m busy,” then map desire to obstacles we can actually change: screen and sleep hygiene, thin spiritual rhythms,...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. What happens when you lose everything but discover what truly matters? In this deeply moving conversation, Andrea Hryszczuk shares the harrowing yet hope-filled story of watching her family home burn completely to the ground in May 2020. The fire began unexpectedly in their garage during pandemic lockdown, with the family unaware for crucial minutes as flames engulfed their truck and spread toward the house. Andrea recounts the terrifyin...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. What if your darkest moment became the spark that illuminated your greatest purpose? John O'Leary was just nine years old when curiosity led to catastrophe – an explosion that left him with burns on 100% of his body and a 1% chance of survival. Yet from those ashes rose an extraordinary story of resilience, purpose, and profound gratitude that now touches millions. In this deeply moving conversation, John takes us beyond the headlines of...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Have you ever had a season of life that looked nothing like you planned? That's exactly what happened during my summer break from the podcast. What I expected to be a peaceful time of preparation transformed into a rollercoaster of unexpected challenges, profound grief, beautiful celebrations, and deep life lessons. When God nudged me to take a summer podcast break, I struggled with the decision. I'd committed to showing up consistently ...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Summer beckons – that magical time when routines relax and possibilities unfold like wildflowers. But how do we make these precious months truly matter? Instead of approaching summer with the typical achievement-oriented mindset that dominates the rest of our year, what if we shifted our focus to growth? Not the kind measured in completed checklists or Pinterest-worthy activities, but genuine expansion in relationships, rest, adventure, ...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Lamoris and Megan Crawford return for a candid, humorous, and deeply insightful conversation about keeping the spark alive in marriage through busy seasons, kids, and ministry demands. The Crawfords don't hold back as they share their family hierarchy—God first, spouse second, kids third, then ministry—and how this ordering has sustained their relationship for almost two decades. "We found that as kids exit the homes, the spouses didn't ...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. From the projects of Chicago to the cornfields of rural America, Lamoris and Megan Crawford's love story defies cultural expectations while illuminating the transformative power of covenant marriage. Their journey began at Olivet Nazarene University where two worlds collided – his marked by inner-city hardship and her steeped in traditional religious values that initially rejected their relationship. What makes their story extraordinary ...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. The invisible weight of mental load is crushing marriages silently - creating resentment where there once was partnership. Continuing with a candid exploration of household management,I delve deeper into why the mental burden of maintaining a home can fall unevenly and how couples can recalibrate their approach through genuine connection. Drawing from Dr. Morgan Cutlip's groundbreaking book "A Better Share," I shares six practical strate...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Have you ever found yourself wondering how you spent an entire day feeling completely exhausted yet somehow accomplished "nothing"? The mental load you're carrying might be the answer, and you're not alone in feeling its weight. In this candid exploration of mental load, I dive into Dr. Morgan Cutlip's illuminating book "A Better Share" and unpack the hidden burden that many of us—especially mothers—carry silently every day. This isn't j...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Watching your child walk across the college graduation stage is a moment filled with contradictory emotions – fierce pride alongside the bittersweet realization that a significant chapter is closing. After navigating four transformative years of college parenting, I'm pulling back the curtain on what this journey really feels like from a mother's perspective. Remember that gut-wrenching college drop-off day? I describe it as "excruciatin...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed despite everything in your life looking "fine" on paper? This raw, unscripted episode emerged from my own struggles. Sitting in my bedroom with a makeshift recording setup, no makeup, and desperately needing a shower, I share honestly about my current season of diminished capacity. Menopause symptoms have left me crying unexpectedly, feeling overwhelmed by normal responsibilities, and quest...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Alex Woldhuis never expected to be sitting in a hospital room while doctors told her that her three-year-old son Nick had leukemia. What began as puzzling symptoms—persistent low-grade fevers, unusual fatigue, and mysterious spots under his skin—rapidly escalated into a diagnosis that would transform their family's life. With remarkable candor, Alex shares the raw emotional journey from those first alarming signs through the chaotic first...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. In this fun continuation of my conversation with my 20-year-old daughter Olivia, we peel back the layers of what has made our family relationships strengthen through the ups and downs of life. Olivia shares her beautiful philosophy that "your success is my success, and your failure is my failure," revealing how this mindset has shaped her role as both a middle child and a natural cheerleader within our family. From creating elaborate bir...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Dive into this heartfelt episode where we explore the canvas of marriage, navigating between being roommates or soulmates. Host Nikki Smith shares personal insights and lessons learned over 25 years of marriage and parenting, drawing inspiration from the book “Reconnected: Moving from Roommates to Soulmates.” With relevant anecdotes and practical tips, this episode encourages active engagement, less reliance on technology, and a return to...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Dana K. White, the creative genius behind "A Slob Comes Clean." Dana opens up about her journey from a theater arts teacher to a stay-at-home mom, sharing how her struggles with home organization propelled her into a successful writing career. With her books "Decluttering at the Speed of Life" and "How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind," Dana offers a refreshing perspective on finding b...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Our guest, Kristina Weir, bravely shares her journey through two major health battles, beginning with being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 30 years old. As Kristina recounts the whirlwind of emotions and the dismissal she faced, we reflect on the unexpected blessings that can arise from such challenges. Now a mother of two grown sons, Kristina offers a heartfelt perspective on embracing life's trials with grace and using them ...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. What if some of the most powerful tools you have as a parent are simply your words, your ears, and your prayers? In this episode, you'll discover how focusing on character traits like diligence, responsibility, and kindness can build stronger, nurturing relationships with your kids, rather than merely celebrating their accomplishments. The impact of our words as parents is monumental, and learning to choose them wisely can create an envir...
We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback. Shannon Blas joins us on an enlightening journey through the midlife transition as children leave the nest. With her engaging insights, discover how Shannon found purpose and fulfillment beyond motherhood, inspiring all of us to redefine our own paths. This episode offers a promise of renewed independence and personal growth, as we explore how to nurture a fulfilling life that empowers both ourselves and our adult children. Engage in a m...
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