Walk With Me Mom: Burnout to Balance

Nicki Bradley

Walk With Me Mom: Burnout to Balance is a podcast for moms raising autistic children who are struggling with burnout, guilt, and overwhelm. Hosted by Nicki an autism mom who’s been there, each episode offers practical tips, mindset shifts, and heartfelt support to help you navigate the chaos and create more balance in your life. Whether you're dealing with meltdowns, managing fear, or learning to release guilt, this podcast is here to help you find peace, reclaim your time, and get back to feeling like you again. With a focus on actionable strategies, self-care, and real-world advice, Walk With Me Mom: Burnout to Balance is your safe space to heal, grow, and thrive. Ready for more personalized support?  I offer a 60-minute Balance Starter Session to help you create a plan that works for YOU and your unique challenges. Visit www.walkwithmemom.com or email me at info@nickibradley.com  to learn more and book your session today.    

  1. 10/15/2025

    13|Tasting the Challenge: Navigating Food Sensitivities with Your Autistic Child

    Hey, amazing moms! In Episode 13 of Walk With Me Mom: From Burnout to Balance, host Nicki gets real about the challenges of navigating food sensitivities with autistic kids. From mealtime meltdowns to texture aversions, Nicki shares her journey with her non-verbal son’s love for crunchy, spicy foods and her daughter’s hard pass on “funny smells.” This episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt encouragement to help you survive the dinner table battles and plant seeds for progress. Key Takeaways: Sensory needs are real.Respect comfort foods.Exposure without pressure.Get creative, but keep it simple.Celebrate small wins. Let go of guilt.Nicki reminds us not to grow weary in doing good. Every small effort—every grape, every patient moment—is seen by God. Your consistency is planting seeds for a harvest, even if it’s not visible yet. Call to Action: Reflect tonight: What small win can you celebrate at the dinner table? A new food touched? A calm meal?Need support? Nicki offers one-on-one coaching for autism moms navigating food challenges or sensory issues. Email info@nickibradley.com or visit www.walkwithmemom.com to book a session.Join the community: Connect with other moms in the Walk With Me Mom Private Community Group at www.walkwithmemom.com.Spread the love: Share this episode with another autism mom to support her journey.Tune in Next Week: Episode 14 will dive into building routines that work for you and your child. Don’t miss it! Stay amazing, keep planting those seeds, and know you’re not alone on this journey. Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe! Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com

    13 min
  2. 10/08/2025

    12|Finding Joy

    Hey, amazing moms! In Episode 12 Nicki dives into the heart of finding joy in the everyday moments of raising autistic kids. This quick 10-minute episode is all about spotting those small, soul-filling moments of connection—whether it’s a high-five on the basketball court, a giggle during a bike ride, or a quiet moment in a blanket fort. Nicki shares personal stories about her son’s love for the outdoors and her daughter’s imaginative world, reminding us that joy often lives in the small stuff, not perfection.    Key Takeaways: - Joy isn’t always loud or picture-perfect—it’s in the quiet, messy moments of connection.   - Pause and ask yourself nightly: “Where did I feel connection today?” This simple question can help you notice and grow those joyful moments.   - For tough days, know you’re not alone—joy will come, even if it’s quieter than expected.   Faith Encouragement:   Inspired by Zechariah 4:10, Nicki reminds us not to overlook small beginnings. Those little moments of joy are holy ground, and God rejoices with you in them.    Call to Action:   - Tonight, reflect: “Where did I feel connection today?” Write it down or pray over it.   - Feeling overwhelmed? Nicki offers one-on-one coaching for autism moms. Email her at info@nickibradley.com or visit www.walkwithmemom.com to book a session.   - Join the *Walk With Me Mom* Private Community Group at www.walkwithmemom.com to connect with other moms.   - Share this episode with another autism mom to spread the joy!   **Tune in Next Week:**   Episode 13 will explore Navigating Food Sensitivities with Your Autistic Child. Don’t miss it!   Stay amazing, keep leaning into the small moments, and we’ll walk together again soon.   Website: www.walkwithmemom.com   Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe! Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com

    12 min
  3. 09/30/2025

    11|Silent Signals: Seeing the Signs We Miss

    In this heartfelt episode, Nicki dives into the art of noticing the silent signals our non-verbal autistic children send every day. Through a personal story about her son’s disrupted evening walk and the meltdown that followed, Nicki shares how she learned to decode his unspoken needs by following his lead. This episode is a reminder to slow down, stay curious, and honor the unique ways our kids communicate—even without words. Nicki also offers a moment of faith-based encouragement, referencing Galatians 6:9, and invites listeners to join her coaching sessions or the Walk With Me Mom Community Group for support. Key Takeaways: ·        Non-verbal autistic children communicate through routines, behaviors, and subtle cues. ·        Missing these signals can lead to meltdowns, but reflecting and observing can uncover their meaning. ·        Parenting is about learning your child’s unique language, not just teaching them ours. ·        You’re not failing—you’re sowing seeds of trust and love, even in the hardest moments. Resources Mentioned: ·        Personalized Coaching: Book a one-on-one session with Nicki to create tailored strategies for your family at www.walkwithmemom.com. ·        Walk With Me Mom Community Group: Join a judgment-free space for autism moms to connect, share, and grow together at www.walkwithmemom.com. Call to Action: ·        Share this episode with another autism mom who might need encouragement to spot those silent cues. ·        Visit www.walkwithmemom.com to book a coaching session or join the community. ·        Tune in next week for an episode on finding joy in everyday moments with your autistic child. Quote of the Episode: “Being a mom to a non-verbal autistic child is not about teaching them our language. It’s about learning theirs.” Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe! Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com

    13 min
  4. 09/17/2025

    10|Rising Again: Building Resilience as an Autism Mom

    Hey, amazing autism moms! In Episode 10 of Walk With Me Mom: From Burnout to Balance, Nicki dives into resilience—how to bounce back from tough days raising kids on the spectrum or with ADHD. Discover how to rise stronger without losing yourself in the chaos. What’s This Episode About? Tough days are real when raising autistic kids. Nicki shares her journey parenting her non-verbal son, whose silent struggles can feel like a mystery, and her daughter with ADHD, whose whirlwind energy brings its own challenges. From meltdowns to missed cues, she opens up about the guilt and helplessness of tough moments and how she learned resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about adapting and finding strength. Key Moments Personal Story: Nicki gets raw about a tough week juggling her son’s sensory overload and her daughter’s focus struggles, learning to embrace messy days.Practical Tip: Try the Resilience Reset PracticeFaith Encouragement: Find strength in Psalm 147:3, trusting God to heal your heart on hard days.Connect with Us Share: Email your resilience win to info@nickibradley.com.Join: Connect at facebook.com/walkwithmemomcommunity.Book: Schedule a Balance Starter Session at walkwithmom.com/book-session.Up Next Episode 11: “Silent Signals: Seeing the Signs We Miss.” Stay Amazing: Keep walking, mama—you’ve got this! 💙     Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe! Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com

    14 min
  5. 09/10/2025

    09|Standing Strong: Advocating for Your Autistic Child Without Burning Out

    Hey, amazing autism moms! In Episode 9 of Walk With Me Mom: From Burnout to Balance, Nicki dives into the exhausting yet essential world of advocacy. Learn how to stand strong for your autistic child—whether it’s fighting for a communication device or tailored school supports—without burning out. Key Moments Personal Story :Nicki opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of advocating for her son’s AAC device and her daughter’s IEP social plan, juggling meetings, emails, and daily life while battling burnout and guilt.Practical Tip: Discover the Advocacy Anchor Plan—a simple strategy to focus on one goal, find an ally, pace your efforts, and release the outcome. Nicki shares how she used this to secure her son’s device and support her daughter’s needs.Faith Encouragement : Lean into Isaiah 40:31 for strength to keep fighting, with a prayer to renew your energy in advocacy battles.Use the Advocacy Anchor Plan: Focus: Pick one key goal (e.g., “Secure a sensory break for my child”).Ally: Connect with a supporter (therapist, teacher, or friend).Pace: Break tasks into small steps (e.g., 10-minute email drafts).Release: Celebrate your effort, not just the outcome.Connect with Us Share Your Story: Tried the Advocacy Anchor Plan? Email Nicki privately at info@nickibradley.com.Join the Community: www.walkwithmemom.comBook a Session: Feeling drained by advocacy? Schedule a 60-minute Balance Starter Session at www.walkwithmemom.com to create a personalized plan Spread the Love Know an autism mom who needs advocacy tools? Share this episode with her! Subscribe to Walk With Me Mom: From Burnout to Balance on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and leave a review to help more moms find us. Up Next Tune in next week for Episode 10, where we’ll explore resilience—how to bounce back from tough days as an autism mom. You don’t want to miss it! Stay Amazing: Two is better than one, and a community is better than none. Keep walking, mama—you’ve got this! 💙  https://www.nickibradley.com/ Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe! Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com

    13 min
  6. 09/03/2025

    08|Autism We Have A Runner (Dealing with Elopement)

    In this heartfelt episode, Nicki dives into the challenging topic of elopement in autistic children—a reality for 50% of autism families. She shares personal stories, practical safety tips, and emotional support for moms navigating the fear and vigilance of keeping their kids safe. Nicki opens up about the heart-stopping fear of her non-verbal son’s wandering tendencies, the emotional toll of constant vigilance, and the isolation that can come with it. She highlights the mental and relational strain elopement places on families. Key Points: Create a Safety-First Environment: Use high locks, door alarms, and safety fences. Teach boundaries with visual aids or cues like “stop” signals for non-verbal kids.Teach Safety Skills with Social Stories: Use repetitive, visual stories to teach safe behaviors, like asking before going outside.Build a Community Safety Net: Share an elopement plan with family and neighbors, equip kids with ID bracelets, and work with therapists to address triggers.  Emotional Support: Nicki acknowledges the anxiety and guilt moms feel, encouraging self-compassion and faith. She shares Psalm 121:7–8 for comfort and suggests a simple prayer to ease fears. Community Call-to-Action : Join the Walk With Me Mom Private Community Group visit www.walkwithmemom.com, email safety plan updates to info@nickibradley.com, or book a 60-minute Balance Starter Session to create a personalized safety strategy. Takeaway: Small, practical steps like adding a lock or ID can make a big difference in keeping autistic kids safe while easing the emotional burden on moms. Next Episode: Advocacy—how to stand strong for your kids without burning out.   Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe! Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com

    15 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Walk With Me Mom: Burnout to Balance is a podcast for moms raising autistic children who are struggling with burnout, guilt, and overwhelm. Hosted by Nicki an autism mom who’s been there, each episode offers practical tips, mindset shifts, and heartfelt support to help you navigate the chaos and create more balance in your life. Whether you're dealing with meltdowns, managing fear, or learning to release guilt, this podcast is here to help you find peace, reclaim your time, and get back to feeling like you again. With a focus on actionable strategies, self-care, and real-world advice, Walk With Me Mom: Burnout to Balance is your safe space to heal, grow, and thrive. Ready for more personalized support?  I offer a 60-minute Balance Starter Session to help you create a plan that works for YOU and your unique challenges. Visit www.walkwithmemom.com or email me at info@nickibradley.com  to learn more and book your session today.