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

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🎧 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.

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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.

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

- Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box

- Start your own podcast with Riverside

- Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off

- It's Both on Instagram

- It's Both on Youtube

- It's Both on Spotify

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

- Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box

- Start your own podcast with Riverside

- Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off

- It's Both on Instagram

- It's Both on Youtube

- It's Both on Spotify

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, I sit down with my longtime friend Thomas to unpack our shared experiences growing up in youth group — the joy, the community, the creativity... and the fear-based teachings that left deeper marks than we realized.

Through real stories and honest storytelling, we explore the emotional complexity of faith, belonging, and identity. Thomas, who now works in mental health and is deeply connected to music and art, shares how those early experiences shaped his worldview — and how he’s been reconstructing his beliefs ever since.

This is a conversation about holding multiple truths, about embracing both the beauty and the harm, and about what it looks like to find your personal growth journey in the gray areas between faith and freedom.

Whether you're deconstructing, healing, or just wondering what to do with the mixed feelings of your past, this episode is full of authentic conversation, emotional resilience, and a reminder that you’re not alone in the complexity.

Key themes:

- Navigating life’s gray areas between faith and doubt

- The lasting impact of youth group experiences

- Mental wellness, emotional intelligence & questioning authority

- Found family, self-discovery, and creative healing

- The power of vulnerability in storytelling

If you’ve ever felt stuck between what you were taught and what you believe now, this one’s for you.
Tune in for a deeply human, heartfelt episode that makes space for embracing contradictions — and finding peace in the in-between.

- Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts

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- Start your own podcast with Riverside

- Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off

- It's Both on Instagram

- It's Both on Youtube

- It's Both on Spotify

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

- Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box

- Start your own podcast with Riverside

- Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off

- It's Both on Instagram

- It's Both on Youtube

- It's Both on Spotify

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.

Have you ever felt the weight of grief while simultaneously experiencing moments of joy? This paradox is at the heart of our latest episode of "It's Both," where host Nikki P. engages in an authentic conversation with Annie Paraison about navigating the complexities of loss and the profound emotional resilience that can emerge from it. Annie opens up about her personal journey, sharing real stories of losing significant figures in her life. Through her experiences, she reveals how holding multiple truths can lead to profound self-discovery and growth.

As they delve into this emotional terrain, Nikki and Annie explore the gray areas of life, emphasizing the importance of community support during times of grief. They discuss how vulnerability in storytelling can foster deeper connections with others, allowing for a more honest exploration of conflicting feelings and thoughts. This episode is not just about grief; it's about finding balance in mental health and embracing the contradictions that life presents.

Listeners will gain insights into how to manage complex emotions and the transformative nature of loss. Annie highlights the necessity of being intentional in processing emotions, encouraging listeners to embrace their vulnerability as a pathway to emotional healing and personal growth. The conversation underscores the significance of being present with pain while also recognizing the beauty that persists in life, illustrating how life’s complexities can coexist.

Key takeaways include:

- Understanding the importance of community support during grief.

- Embracing the paradox of feeling broken yet capable of joy.

- Learning how to manage complex emotions and navigate life's gray areas.

- The role of vulnerability in building personal capacity and emotional intelligence.

- Practical advice on supporting oneself and others through the grieving process.

- Recognizing the beauty that can emerge from loss and the journey of emotional healing.

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

- Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts

- Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box

- Start your own podcast with Riverside

- Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off

- It's Both on Instagram

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- It's Both on Spotify

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 evolve into the complex relationships we navigate as adults? In this episode of "It's Both," host Nikki P. invites her long-time friends Lacey and Audrie to dive deep into the intricacies of adult friendships. Together, they explore the emotional resilience required to maintain connections over time and distance, sharing real stories that highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in life's complexities.

Join Nikki, Lacey, and Audrie as they reflect on their childhood memories, revealing how those formative experiences shaped their adult lives and friendships. Through authentic conversations, they discuss the challenges of making new friends as adults and the delicate balance between personal needs and the expectations of others. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into navigating life's gray areas, filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt anecdotes that resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the ebb and flow of friendships.

As they delve into the anxiety that often accompanies life transitions, the trio emphasizes the necessity of having friends who truly understand their journeys. They share their struggles with conflicting feelings and thoughts, showcasing the vulnerability in storytelling that makes their connection so relatable. With each personal growth journey, they illustrate how holding multiple truths can lead to deeper emotional intelligence and a more fulfilling support system during tough times.

Listeners will walk away with valuable takeaways, including:

• The importance of nurturing long-lasting relationships while navigating adulthood

• Insights on how to manage complex emotions in friendships

• Strategies for finding balance in mental health through supportive relationships

• Ways to embrace contradictions in our personal lives and friendships

• The role of emotional healing in building personal capacity

This episode of "It's Both" is not just a conversation; it's an exploration of what it means to truly connect with others in an ever-changing world. Tune in for a dose of honesty, vulnerability, and the shared experiences that remind us all of the beauty and challenges of adult friendships. Don't miss this opportunity to reflect on your own relationships and discover the power of authentic connections!

- Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts

- Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box

- Start your own podcast with Riverside

- Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off

- It's Both on Instagram

- It's Both on Youtube

- It's Both on Spotify

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 overwhelmed by the complexities of life, struggling to hold multiple truths at once?

Join host Nikki P in this heartfelt episode of "It's Both," where she delves into her personal journey navigating life's gray areas. With authenticity and vulnerability, Nikki shares the real stories behind her experiences as a parent, partner, and professional, all while trying to maintain her mental wellness. This episode is a safe space for honest storytelling, where listeners are invited to reflect on their own conflicting feelings and thoughts amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Nikki candidly discusses the challenges of being a present parent to her three young children, the demands of nurturing a marriage, and the pressures of juggling professional responsibilities. As she explores the tension between self-care and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement, she emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and resilience in the face of adversity. Life isn’t about finding a perfect roadmap; it's about embracing contradictions and learning to navigate the complexities that come our way.

Throughout this episode, Nikki invites you to join her on a personal growth journey, fostering a community of shared learning and support. Together, you'll uncover how to manage complex emotions and build personal capacity while recognizing that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. By sharing her struggles, Nikki creates a space for listeners to relate, reflect, and grow, reminding us that we are not alone in our experiences.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

- Understanding the importance of holding multiple truths in our lives.

- Exploring the complexities of parenting, relationships, and work.

- Recognizing the weight of awareness and its impact on mental health.

- Finding balance in navigating emotional resilience and well-being.

- Embracing vulnerability in storytelling as a pathway to self-discovery.

- Building a supportive community through shared struggles and honest conversations.

Whether you're seeking guidance on how to manage conflicting thoughts or simply looking for relatable content that speaks to your own journey, this episode of "It's Both" is a must-listen. Tune in and discover the beauty of life's complexities and the power of authentic conversations. Let’s embrace the chaos together!

- Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts

- Sign up for Hungryroot and get $50 off your first box

- Start your own podcast with Riverside

- Manage & distribute your podcast with Ausha - use code: T4XJWQNTUQ to get $30 off

- It's Both on Instagram

- It's Both on Youtube

- It's Both on Spotify

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.