The Balancing Act: Highs, Lows & Lessons

Nikiya Jeffries

The Balancing Act with NikiMarie is where real life meets reflection. Each episode dives into the highs, lows, and lessons that shape our daily lives, exploring topics like mental health, purpose, relationships, and personal growth. Hosted by NikiMarie, a Mental Health Advocate and Radio Personality for Nassau Community College Radio Station, 90.3 WHPC, the show blends heartfelt storytelling with practical insight. NikiMarie reminds us that balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence, peace, and learning to give ourselves grace along the way.

  1. 31 May

    S02 E05: Navigating Parenting in the iPhone Generation

    In this episode of The Balancing Act: Highs, Lows, and Lessons, host NikiMarie takes an honest and relatable look at what it means to raise children in a world filled with smartphones, social media, and constant digital connectivity. While technology has created incredible opportunities for learning, communication, and entertainment, it has also introduced new challenges for families striving to stay connected with one another. Parenting is about much more than providing love and protection. It is about helping children grow into independent, confident, and responsible adults who can make sound decisions, solve problems, and successfully navigate life on their own. In today's fast-paced world, that responsibility includes teaching children how to develop a healthy relationship with technology while building strong communication skills, emotional awareness, resilience, and self-confidence. Drawing from personal experiences and everyday observations, NikiMarie explores the importance of consistency, quality time, accountability, and being fully present with the people we love. She also shares practical ways families can gradually reduce their dependence on electronic devices without feeling disconnected from the modern world. If you have ever struggled with screen-time battles, wondered how to strengthen family relationships, or questioned how technology is shaping the next generation, this conversation is for you. Most importantly, it serves as a reminder that children don't need perfect parent(s), they need parents who are present, engaged, and willing to grow alongside them. For more episodes and conversations from The Balancing Act, visit our website. Explore topics on parenting, mental health, personal growth, relationships, and finding balance in everyday life. https://www.thebactpodcast.com Hosted by NikiMarie, a Mental Health Advocate and Radio Personality for Nassau Community College Radio Station, 90.3 WHPC. The Balancing Act explores the highs, lows, and lessons of everyday life, reminding listeners that balance comes from presence, peace, and giving yourself grace.

  2. 14/12/2025

    S02 E04: The Voice That Shapes Your Self-Esteem

    In this episode of The Balancing Act Highs Lows and Lessons, NikiMarie explores the quiet but powerful role self esteem plays in every part of our lives. From the inner voice shaped in childhood to the pressure of society and comparison, this conversation looks at where our beliefs about ourselves begin and how they follow us into adulthood. With honesty and compassion, NikiMarie unpacks how low self esteem shows up in our mental health, relationships and daily choices and how we can begin rewriting those messages with intention and truth. This episode is an invitation to slow down reclaim your voice and return to yourself with grace. Hosted by NikiMarie, a Mental Health Advocate and Radio Personality for Nassau Community College Radio Station, 90.3 WHPC. The Balancing Act explores the highs, lows, and lessons of everyday life, reminding listeners that balance comes from presence, peace, and giving yourself grace.

  3. 24/11/2025

    S02 E03: Breaking the Cycle: Healing While Raising Children

    Welcome back to The Balancing Act. Today’s episode is one every parent should hear. Niki invites listeners into a raw and honest conversation about parenting while healing, something so many people experience but rarely admit out loud. It is the tiredness you feel before the day even begins. It is carrying emotions you never had time to unpack while still pouring love into your children. It is doing everything for your family while quietly trying to rebuild yourself. In this episode, Niki opens up about her own healing journey and the powerful moments her children witnessed along the way. They saw her vulnerable. They saw her take care of her mental health. They saw her grow. And those moments became lessons: that strength is not silence, that emotions are real, and that healing is something you are allowed to choose for yourself. Listeners will explore the emotional weight parents carry, the instinct to give more when you already feel empty, and the truth that children feel everything even when you say nothing. Niki also explains how small, intentional moments can interrupt generational patterns and create a home where emotions are understood instead of feared. This episode is heartfelt, comforting, and truly transformative. If you are a parent who keeps going even on your heavy days, this conversation will speak directly to you. Tune in and let yourself breathe. Hosted by NikiMarie, a Mental Health Advocate and Radio Personality for Nassau Community College Radio Station, 90.3 WHPC. The Balancing Act explores the highs, lows, and lessons of everyday life, reminding listeners that balance comes from presence, peace, and giving yourself grace.

  4. 01/11/2025

    S02 E02: Social Connections and Support Systems

    In this episode of The Balancing Act: Highs, Lows, and Lessons, I dive into the relationships that shape our lives. We explore how to cultivate meaningful connections, spot toxic dynamics, and set boundaries that protect your energy and emotional well-being. Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, the people around you either lift you up or drain your spirit. I share practical strategies to strengthen supportive relationships, navigate difficult ones, and create space for growth, joy, and peace. By the end, you have the tools to build a support system that empowers you to thrive. Tune in and learn how to surround yourself with people who lift you up and respect your space. Hosted by NikiMarie, a Mental Health Advocate and Radio Personality for Nassau Community College Radio Station, 90.3 WHPC. The Balancing Act explores the highs, lows, and lessons of everyday life, reminding listeners that balance comes from presence, peace, and giving yourself grace.

  5. 18/10/2025

    S02 E01: Running on Empty: The Hidden Cost of Hustle

    Ever felt like you’re doing everything right, showing up, grinding hard, hitting goals, yet somehow you’re still exhausted, anxious, or disconnected? You’re not alone. What happens when success starts to feel like survival? In this raw and reflective episode of The Balancing Act, NikiMarie explores burnout, the pressure to perform, and the real meaning of balance, reminding us that peace isn’t found in perfection but in permission to pause. From sleepless nights and silent breakdowns to the constant chase for perfection, this episode is your reminder that rest isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. Tune in as we explore how to recognize burnout before it breaks you, how to release the pressure to always perform, and how to find real balance in a world that glorifies the grind. If you’ve ever said, “I just need to make it through this week,” this one’s for you. Hosted by NikiMarie, a Mental Health Advocate and Radio Personality for Nassau Community College Radio Station, 90.3 WHPC. The Balancing Act explores the highs, lows, and lessons of everyday life, reminding listeners that balance comes from presence, peace, and giving yourself grace.

  6. 06/08/2023

    S01 E10: Dealing with Grief & Reflecting on Highs, Lows and Lessons

    In life we have challenges and we often try to search for answers from within but some times we just need to reach out. On this episode of the balancing act, I am taking a moment to say thank you to my listeners for coming back. But I am also reflecting on the loss my family and I are still dealing with today and may always feel. It's an emptiness that just feels so unnatural. Tune in as I give you an update on my career now and also what we are dealing with in our family. Hosted by NikiMarie, a Mental Health Advocate and Radio Personality for Nassau Community College Radio Station, 90.3 WHPC. The Balancing Act explores the highs, lows, and lessons of everyday life, reminding listeners that balance comes from presence, peace, and giving yourself grace.

  7. 20/01/2022

    S01 E09: Be Led by The Dreams in Your Heart, Not the Fear in Your Mind

    ”I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave person does not feel afraid, but is the one who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela On this episode. NikiMarie talks about parenthood and how we should include our children in conversations pertaining to in-person and or virtual learning. As we know, COVID numbers have increased, decreased and increased again. We have been on a rollercoaster journey with COVID and other variants forming. NikiMarie talks about how you can lead not with fear but have an intelligent, researched based conversations with your kids or our youth in general. We have all had to adapt and pivot since the pandemic first started. Let's keep that positive mindset and make sure our kids, educators and parents can be helpful to each other. Teaching children to overcome their fears is no easy task. This is a natural phase that children go through, but a complicated one. You’ll need plenty of patience. As a parent, teaching children to overcome their fears can be frustrating. Fears can be irrational. Often, nothing you say seems to help your child get over their anxiety. You may be at a loss as to what to try next. Children sometimes develop a fear of certain situations or objects which, to our adult eyes, don’t seem threatening at all. This occurs across all cultures. Listen to this full episode. The information may be helpful to you or to someone you know. #childrenmentalhealth #educators #fear Hosted by NikiMarie, a Mental Health Advocate and Radio Personality for Nassau Community College Radio Station, 90.3 WHPC. The Balancing Act explores the highs, lows, and lessons of everyday life, reminding listeners that balance comes from presence, peace, and giving yourself grace.

  8. 23/09/2021

    S01 E08: How To Balance Life's Highs and Lows

    I want to send out a little positivity to those who may be feeling the highs and the lows. It’s good to have a balance between negatives and positives. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons. Do a daily crossword puzzle, plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language. Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills: Try One-Minute Stress Strategies, do Tai Chi, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress. https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health https://linktr.ee/nikimarieradio https://www.instagram.com/nikimarie_radio/ Hosted by NikiMarie, a Mental Health Advocate and Radio Personality for Nassau Community College Radio Station, 90.3 WHPC. The Balancing Act explores the highs, lows, and lessons of everyday life, reminding listeners that balance comes from presence, peace, and giving yourself grace.

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The Balancing Act with NikiMarie is where real life meets reflection. Each episode dives into the highs, lows, and lessons that shape our daily lives, exploring topics like mental health, purpose, relationships, and personal growth. Hosted by NikiMarie, a Mental Health Advocate and Radio Personality for Nassau Community College Radio Station, 90.3 WHPC, the show blends heartfelt storytelling with practical insight. NikiMarie reminds us that balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence, peace, and learning to give ourselves grace along the way.

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