Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys

Nikki Brooker
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Motherhood is hard. We don't allow moms to be real about their feelings, frustrations and needs. You can read about child psychology and human development but the REAL stuff comes when you live it. The mamas you will hear from in this podcast are real. They have struggled, had their share of hard times but also amazing mama moments. These interviews are meant to inspire, educate and entertain while giving you the opportunity to hear things that will make you think, "I get it."

  1. 1d ago

    Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 203 W/Anette DeMattio

    Anette DeMattio  In this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Anette DeMattio for a deeply moving conversation about motherhood, trauma, resilience, and the hidden emotional cost of always being "the strong one." A six time cancer survivor, wellness coach, and author of Too Strong for Your Own Good, Anette shares how surviving childhood cancer shaped her life, identity, relationships, and journey into motherhood. Together, Nikki and Anette talk about the pressure so many women feel to constantly give, carry, achieve, and care for everyone else while quietly neglecting themselves in the process. Anette opens up about surviving repeated cancer diagnoses, pregnancy loss, infertility struggles, and the emotional toll of living in survival mode for years. She shares how motherhood ultimately became one of the experiences that helped her reconnect with herself and begin healing emotionally, not just physically. This episode is a powerful reminder that strength is not about carrying everything alone. Nikki and Anette explore the importance of slowing down, listening to your body, processing trauma, and allowing yourself to receive support instead of always being the supporter. Whether you are navigating motherhood, burnout, chronic stress, grief, or your own healing journey, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and encouragement for anyone who feels exhausted from trying to hold it all together.

    37 min

  2. Jun 22

    Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 202 W/Brian Dixon

    Brian Dixon, a Colorado-based adventurer, author, and speaker, joined us to talk about something many women feel but can't always name: when something is "off" with the man they love. For 20 years, Dixon lived a successful life on paper, but underneath, he had drifted out of alignment. After a painful divorce and a life-changing wake-up call, he faced a truth many men avoid: he hadn't failed, he had drifted. At 50, he chose a different path. He reconnected with himself, chased a dream, and flew a paraglider solo off Lookout Mountain at 52, proving the fire wasn't gone, just buried. Today, Dixon speaks openly about what happens when men realign: more presence, more honesty, and deeper connection. His message is simple: Wake up. Realign. Move forward. You can find him at GoWithDixon.com.

    36 min

  3. Jun 15

    Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 201 W/Marybeth Brush

    In this episode of Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Marybeth Brush for a raw and relatable conversation about motherhood later in life, the pressure to "do it all," and the reality of building a career while raising a toddler. Marybeth shares her journey to becoming a mom at 42, including pregnancy after loss, navigating motherhood as an entrepreneur, and the constant balancing act between business, family, and self. From returning to work just weeks after a C-section to the ongoing challenges of daycare, patience, and letting go of control, this episode is filled with honesty, humor, and moment.ts every mom will recognize. Together, Nikki and Marybeth dive into the guilt, the expectations, and the truth that none of us really know what we're doing and that's okay. This conversation is a powerful reminder that motherhood isn't about perfection, it's about connection, support, and learning as you go. You can find her at marybethbrush.exprealty.com  If you've ever questioned whether you're doing it "right," this episode is for you.

    39 min

  4. Jun 8

    Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 200 W/Taj Simrit

    In this unique and thought-provoking episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Taj Simrit, joining from Greece, to bring a rare and powerful perspective on parenthood, personal growth, and healing. Taj shares his deeply personal journey from corporate life and fatherhood to divorce, loss, and ultimately, transformation. Through years of travel, self-reflection, and spiritual practice, he opens up about the mistakes he made as a partner and parent, and the intentional work it took to rebuild himself from the inside out. This conversation explores themes of forgiveness, accountability, and the long road to self-awareness. Taj speaks candidly about repairing his relationship with his son, learning to let go of ego, and the importance of taking responsibility for your life, no matter your past. While this episode steps outside the traditional motherhood lens, it offers something incredibly valuable: a reminder that growth is always possible, healing takes time, and it is never too late to become a better version of yourself. This is a conversation about perspective, redemption, and the power of doing the inner work. Come ready to reflect, rethink, and see parenting and life through a different lens. You can find his book and more information about his travels at tajsimrit.com

    28 min

  5. Jun 1

    Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 199 W/Susan McKeown

    In this honest and empowering episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Susan McKeown, a pediatric nurse practitioner of over 40 years, author, and mom, for a conversation that every parent needs to hear. From the raw and chaotic reality of early motherhood to the pressure moms place on themselves to "get it right," Susan brings both professional insight and lived experience to the table. She reminds us that there is no perfect way to parent, only doing the best we can with what we have. Together, Nikki and Susan dive into the importance of self care, setting boundaries in the postpartum period, and building a strong support system across every area of life. They tackle the truth about mom guilt, the unrealistic expectations fueled by social media, and the power of flexibility in navigating the ever changing seasons of parenting. Susan also shares deeply personal moments, including the heartbreak of loss and the challenges of supporting children through life's hardest realities, offering wisdom on how to show up with love, honesty, and without regret. This episode is a powerful reminder that motherhood is messy, beautiful, exhausting, and worth it and that you don't have to do it alone. You will feel seen, supported, and reminded to give yourself the same grace you give everyone else.  You can find her at beyondthefirstdance.com

    35 min

  6. May 25

    Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 198 W/Cindy Eich

    In this deeply moving episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Cindy Eich, a mom of four, grandmother, and author of Love Goes Further, to share a story that will stay with you long after the episode ends. Cindy opens up about her journey through motherhood, from becoming a young mom and navigating life without a built-in village, to experiencing the joy of raising a busy, sports-filled family. But her story takes a profound turn as she shares the unimaginable moment her daughter Kendall was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. What follows is a powerful testament to resilience, love, and living with intention. Cindy shares how Kendall chose to focus on life, setting a goal to visit all 50 states, and how that purpose transformed not only her journey, but the entire family's perspective. Through humor, connection, and unwavering determination, Kendall showed what it truly means to create a meaningful life, even in the face of the unimaginable. This episode is about grief, but more importantly, it is about love that endures, perspective that shifts everything, and the reminder that even when life doesn't go as planned, it can still be deeply beautiful. You will laugh, cry, and walk away seeing motherhood, and life, through a more meaningful lens. You can find her at lovegoesfurther.org

    35 min

  7. May 18

    Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 197 W/Edi Matsumoto

    In this heartfelt and unexpectedly joyful episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with artist and former nurse practitioner Edi Matsumoto, creator of Otter Therapy, a whimsical art collection transforming iconic figures into playful sea otters. But this conversation goes far beyond art. Edi shares her journey from nearly 30 years in healthcare to finding healing and purpose through creativity, and how her work is rooted in bringing comfort, laughter, and connection to others. Together, Nikki and Edi dive into the fascinating world of sea otter moms—some of the hardest-working mothers in the animal kingdom—and uncover powerful parallels to human motherhood, especially for single moms. From the relentless balance of self-care and caregiving to the importance of community and support, this episode is a beautiful reminder that motherhood, while often overwhelming, is also deeply resilient, connected, and full of meaning. You will laugh, learn, and walk away with a new appreciation for both mama otters and mamas everywhere. You can find her art and learn more about her at edimatsumoto.com

    26 min

  8. May 11

    Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 196 W/Lori Taggart

    In this episode of Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Lori Taggart, a longtime banker, Harley rider, mom of four, and proud "Gigi" to nine grandchildren, for a conversation that feels like sitting down with someone who just gets it. From raising kids far from home as a military spouse to navigating motherhood without a built in support system, Lori shares what it really looked like behind the scenes. The loneliness, the pressure, the moments of wondering if she was doing it right, and the beautiful, unexpected ways community showed up when she needed it most. This episode is a powerful reminder that motherhood was never meant to be done alone. Lori talks about finding support in unlikely places, learning how to accept help, and even creating systems of support for other moms when she saw a need. You'll also hear honest reflections on parenting through every stage, from raising little ones while feeling completely overwhelmed, to letting go as your kids become adults and realizing you can't fix everything for them anymore. And maybe most importantly, this conversation gently reminds us that no mom has it all figured out. There is no perfect way to do this. There is only your way, your kids, and the willingness to keep showing up and learning along the way. If you've ever questioned yourself as a mom, felt alone in the process, or needed permission to let go of perfection, this episode is for you.

    32 min
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About

Motherhood is hard. We don't allow moms to be real about their feelings, frustrations and needs. You can read about child psychology and human development but the REAL stuff comes when you live it. The mamas you will hear from in this podcast are real. They have struggled, had their share of hard times but also amazing mama moments. These interviews are meant to inspire, educate and entertain while giving you the opportunity to hear things that will make you think, "I get it."

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