Pink Nest Podcast

Nika Brunet Milunovic
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Pink Nest Podcast: This is a tiny, honest home for unpolished conversations about work, creativity, mental health, and all the messy but really raw bits of life. We don’t cut out the pauses, we keep the humanness. No edits. No filters. Just real talk. From events and backstage secrets to burnout, motherhood to mentorship, entrepreneurship to neurodivergence and new ideas, these are the conversations you won’t hear on the main stage. Let's talk life!

  1. 3D AGO

    Breaking Barriers: Trans Inclusion, Global Trans Charter & Advocacy in Music with Saskhia Menendez

    What does it take to walk into an industry that wasn't built for you and then turn around and rebuild it so others don't have to fight the same battles? In this episode of the Pink Nest Podcast, Nika sits down with Saskhia Menendez, internationally recognised music industry leader, Brit Awards voting member, and one of the most powerful advocates for trans inclusion in the creative industries today. Saskhia's journey began with a teacher who recognised her singing talent, a small moment that opened a door into a world she would go on to transform. As a multiracial trans woman navigating the music industry, she faced the kind of intersecting challenges that don't come with a roadmap. Rather than stepping back, she stepped forward, building initiatives, creating frameworks, and refusing to let the absence of representation become the end of the story. At the heart of this conversation is the Global Trans Charter, a landmark initiative Saskhia created to protect trans and non-binary individuals working in and around the music industry. She talks about how it was born, how success in inclusion work is measured through data and accountability, and what it really means to hold a seat at the table as a Brit Awards voting member with the responsibility to advocate for better representation every time that vote is cast. This is also an honest conversation about the harder parts of advocacy, the backlash, the resilience it demands, the exhaustion that can come with fighting for change in systems designed to resist it. Saskhia speaks with clarity and grace about intersectionality, the persistent problem of misogyny in music, and why mentorship for emerging artists in marginalised communities is not optional, it is essential. And through it all, her message remains: stay authentic, ask for help, and don't stop. Because a truly inclusive music industry, one where all voices are heard and all people can flourish, is not a dream. It is a direction. IN THIS EPISODE * How a teacher's recognition sparked Saskhia's journey into music * Her experience navigating the industry as a multiracial trans woman * The creation and impact of the Global Trans Charter * How to measure success and accountability in inclusion initiatives * What it means to be a Brit Awards voting member and advocate for representation * Backlash in advocacy, how to face it and keep going * The importance of mentorship for emerging artists in marginalised communities * Intersectionality and why it is central to meaningful advocacy * Misogyny in the music industry, naming it, addressing it, dismantling it * What a truly inclusive music industry looks like and how we get there * Messages of hope for everyone striving for change. Links Listen to Saskhia's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5kMWsoBQPh7Y5qgM5hgZJh Global Trans Charter (sign up & info): https://linktr.ee/theglobaltranscharter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mizsaskia/ ☕ This podcast runs on coffee and quiet confidence that different minds build better worlds. Buy me a coffee : https://buymeacoffee.com/nikabrunet. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more impactful conversations like this one! ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pink Nest.

    24 min

  2. MAR 31

    "It Costs Nothing to Be Kind": Realistic Optimism, AI & Community with Cedric Sounard

    What does it look like to stay hopeful without being naive and to lead with kindness in a world that often rewards speed and certainty over honesty and care? In this episode of the Pink Nest Podcast, Nika sits down with Cedric Sounard, entrepreneur, community builder, and self-described realistic optimist, for a conversation that is thoughtful, a little fiery, and deeply human. Cedric traces the through-line from a curious, trustful childhood into a career that spans sales, philosophy, technology, and large-scale events. He shares how realistic optimism has shaped the way he builds relationships, supports others through mentorship, and navigates an increasingly complex world without losing his sense of possibility along the way. At the heart of this conversation is AI. Cedric calls it our new swiss knife, but is it really? Together, Nika and Cedric explore its transformative potential, the uncomfortable unknowns, and why scenario-based thinking matters far more than pretending anyone has this fully figured out. They also reflect on how short-form media is reshaping attention, how events can bridge cultures and industries in uniquely powerful ways, and what it means to connect meaningfully across languages and backgrounds. But the thread that runs through everything? Kindness and transparency. Not as soft skills or nice-to-haves, but as the core infrastructure of better leadership, stronger communities, and more human organisations. "It costs nothing to be kind." Carry that with you. IN THIS EPISODE * How childhood curiosity and trust shaped Cedric's worldview and professional path * What realistic optimism really means and how it shows up in practice * His journey across sales, philosophy, education, and tech events * AI as our new Swiss knife, the potential, the risks, and the unknowns * Insights from working around AI summits and defence contexts * Why scenario-based planning matters more than certainty * The role of mentorship in entrepreneurship and why no one builds alone * How community building and events create connection that nothing else quite can * Short-form media, changing attention spans, and the future of how we connect * Connecting meaningfully across cultures and languages * Why kindness and transparency are not optional extras but essential leadership qualities. ☕ This podcast runs on coffee and quiet confidence that different minds build better worlds. Buy me a coffee : https://buymeacoffee.com/nikabrunet. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more impactful conversations like this one! 🌐 WEBSITE: https://pinknestpodcast.com 📷 INSTAGRAM: @pinknestpodcast ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pink Nest Podcast.

    29 min

  3. MAR 24

    Spinning on a Spectrum: Championing Neurodiversity & Inclusivity in Music with Sandy Maclarty

    What does it take to look at an industry you love and decide, this could be kinder, more inclusive, more human and then actually build something to change it? In this episode of the Pink Nest Podcast, Nika sits down with Sandy Maclarty, Glasgow DJ, producer, and the heart behind Spinning on a Spectrum, for a conversation that is honest, warm, and quietly extraordinary. Sandy's story begins long before the decks. A challenging childhood and a life-altering accident could have closed doors. instead, they opened one. Music became his language during recovery, a way of making sense of the world when words weren't enough. And that deep, personal relationship with music is exactly what makes everything he's built since so meaningful. Spinning on a Spectrum was born from Sandy's encounter with the charity Attitude is Everything, and its mission is beautifully simple: to make the music scene genuinely accessible for neurodivergent and disabled artists and audiences alike. Not a niche night. Not a tokenistic gesture. A real, vibrant event where everyone belongs and where the only thing that matters is the music. Sandy opens up about the challenges of the first year, the emotional weight of feeling responsible for attendees' wellbeing, and what it really means to scale something built on such a personal foundation. He also reflects on the feedback that keeps him going. "this is such a unique night", and why inclusivity in music isn't charity. It's recognition of potential that has always been there. This episode sits right at the intersection of everything Pink Nest stands for, neurodiversity, community, mental health, and the quiet power of creating spaces where people feel truly seen. IN THIS EPISODE * How Sandy's childhood and a life-altering accident shaped his relationship with music * Music as a language and a lifeline during recovery * The encounter with Attitude is Everything that sparked Spinning on a Spectrum * The mission, making the music scene accessible for disabled and neurodivergent artists * What Sandy wants his events to feel like and why that matters * Highlights and challenges from the first year of running inclusive events * The emotional responsibility of caring for attendees' mental health * What scaling up really means when something is this personal * The impact that goes far beyond fundraising * Self-care in the DJ world, how Sandy looks after himself * Why inclusivity in music is about recognising potential, not offering charity Sandy's Links INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesandman_dj/ & https://www.instagram.com/spinnin_on_the_spectrum/ ☕ This podcast runs on coffee and quiet confidence that different minds build better worlds. Buy me a coffee : https://buymeacoffee.com/nikabrunet. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more impactful conversations like this one! 🌐 WEBSITE: https://pinknestpodcast.com 📷 INSTAGRAM: @pinknestpodcast ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pink Nest Podcast.

    28 min

  4. MAR 17

    Unlocking Leadership Potential with LEGO & the Power of Self-Forgiveness with Alan Richards

    What if one of the most powerful leadership development tools you've ever encountered came in a small plastic brick? And what if the most important quality any leader could cultivate had nothing to do with strategy, performance, or productivity but with the ability to forgive themselves? In this episode of the Pink Nest Podcast, Nika sits down with Dr. Alan Richards, founder of Tangencia, for a conversation that is thoughtful, surprising, and deeply human. Alan brings a rare combination to his work, rigorous academic grounding and real-world industry experience, and the result is a coaching philosophy that bridges the gap between theory and practice in ways that actually land. He opens up about the childhood freedom that quietly shaped his approach to leadership, the cultural nuances he's encountered working with organisations across the world, and why the distance between what we teach in academia and what leaders actually need in the room is still a gap worth closing. At the heart of this conversation is something unexpected: LEGO. Alan shares how LEGO Serious Play has become one of the most transformative tools in his leadership work, unlocking creativity, fostering genuine collaboration, and giving people a language for ideas they struggle to put into words. Playful on the surface. Profoundly serious underneath. And then there's the moment that stayed with us most. Alan's quiet, compelling reminder that great leaders aren't the ones who always get it right, they're the ones who make decisions with the information they have, learn from what follows, and don't let guilt slowly erode their confidence over time. "Forgive yourself. Learn from it, but forgive yourself. You didn't do anything wrong. You did what you could in the time you could with the information you had." Carry that with you. IN THIS EPISODE * How childhood freedom shaped Alan's philosophy on leadership and learning * The story behind Tangencia and Alan's journey from academia to industry * What LEGO Serious Play is and why it works so powerfully in leadership development * Breakthrough moments Alan has witnessed using LEGO in training rooms * The hybrid model of learning and why it's changing executive coaching * Balancing depth with urgency how to design training that actually sticks * Cultural differences in leadership and why they're often less pronounced than we assume * How to design programmes that work across diverse cultures and organisations * The evolution of training from passive delivery to interactive, engaging experiences * Why self-forgiveness is one of the most important tools any leader can develop * The role of nature and personal life in sustaining professional well-being Get in touch with Alan! LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tangencia/ ☕ This podcast runs on coffee and quiet confidence that different minds build better worlds. Buy me a coffee : https://buymeacoffee.com/nikabrunet. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more impactful conversations like this one! 🌐 WEBSITE: https://pinknestpodcast.com 📷 INSTAGRAM: @pinknestpodcast ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pink Nest Podcast.

    31 min

  5. MAR 10

    "I Accidentally Became an Expat": Postpartum Depression, Motherhood & Self-Care with Nikki Steele O.

    What happens when motherhood looks nothing like you expected and you're living thousands of miles from home when it hits? In this episode of the Pink Nest Podcast, Nika sits down with Nikki Steele Osborne, Scottish expat and parenting coach, for a conversation that is honest, tender, and long overdue. Nikki's story begins in Scotland, where her childhood shaped a warm, deeply social personality, one that would eventually carry her across multiple countries and into a life she never quite planned. "I accidentally became an expat," she laughs. But behind the adventure of building a life abroad was a much harder, quieter story: navigating postpartum depression in a country far from her support network, in a season of life that no one had fully prepared her for. She opens up about what postpartum depression really looked like for her, not the version we see in campaigns, but the slow, confusing, 18-month reality of it. She talks about guilt, about expectations, about the moment she realised that self-care didn't need to be complicated, it just needed to be real. And she shares the resources she's created to help other parents feel less alone in their own journeys. This conversation is a reminder that the most powerful thing we can do for each other is simply tell the truth. Because somewhere between the heartbreak and the healing, we discover who we truly are. IN THIS EPISODE * How growing up in Scotland shaped Nikki's identity and social nature * What it really means to "accidentally" become an expat * The realities of building a sense of home across multiple countries * Postpartum depression, what it looked like, and what made it so hard to name * Why the experience lasted 18 months and what finally shifted * The guilt that quietly shadows so many new parents * How expectations shape and sometimes shatter our parenting experience * Why self-care needs to be simple, sustainable, and guilt-free * The resources Nikki has created to normalise parenting struggles * Why open conversations about mental health change everything. ☕ This podcast runs on coffee and quiet confidence that different minds build better worlds. Buy me a coffee : https://buymeacoffee.com/nikabrunet. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more impactful conversations like this one! 🌐*WEBSITE:* https://pinknestpodcast.com 📷*INSTAGRAM:* @pinknestpodcast ℹ️*DISCLAIMER:* This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pink Nest Podcast.

    35 min

  6. MAR 3

    From High-Functioning Imposter to Soul Fire: Andy Casey on Purpose, Mindset & the Power of Choice

    What happens when someone who looks successful on the outside is quietly falling apart on the inside? In this episode of the Pink Nest Podcast, Nika sits down with Andy Casey, coach, music lover, and recovering high-functioning imposter, for a conversation that is equal parts honest, warm, and deeply human. Andy opens up about how his childhood experiences quietly shaped the person he became, and how the relentless pursuit of success slowly pulled him away from the things that mattered most, his family, his passions, and himself. The moment he realised he was missing out on precious time with the people he loved became a turning point he couldn't ignore. From finding his footing through fitness and mindset work, to untangling the self-doubt that plagues so many high achievers, Andy's story is one of coming home to yourself. He also talks about music, a lifelong thread running through his life that never stopped calling him back and why reconnecting with what lights you up is not a luxury, it's a necessity. At the heart of this conversation is a message Andy returns to again and again: you always have a choice. No matter where you are or how stuck you feel, the next step is always yours to take. If you've ever felt like a fraud despite your achievements, struggled to balance ambition with the life you actually want to live, or simply lost touch with who you are beneath the roles you play, this one's for you. IN THIS EPISODE * How Andy's childhood shaped his identity and the masks he learned to wear * The hidden cost of chasing success and what it nearly cost him at home * The pivotal moment he realised he was missing his family's most important moments * How fitness became a gateway to self-discovery and clearer thinking * The mindset shifts that changed everything for Andy * Imposter syndrome in high achievers, what it really looks like and why it's so hard to name * Music as a lifelong companion, source of joy, and mirror for the soul * How reconnecting with passion and purpose changes the trajectory of your life * Why choice is the most powerful tool any of us has. ☕ This podcast runs on coffee and quiet confidence that different minds build better worlds. Buy me a coffee : https://buymeacoffee.com/nikabrunet. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more impactful conversations like this one! 🌐 WEBSITE: https://pinknestpodcast.com 📷 INSTAGRAM: @pinknestpodcast ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pink Nest Podcast.

    35 min

  7. FEB 24

    Navigating the Live Music Landscape with Maiju Talvisto

    What does it really take to lead with integrity in one of the most chaotic, high-energy industries in the world? In this episode of Pink Nest, Nika sits down with Maiju Talvisto, a live music executive with nearly two decades of experience working with top artists and shaping festival culture, for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about leadership, identity, and what it means to build something meaningful in the music industry. Maiju takes us back to the childhood experiences that quietly shaped her leadership style, and shares how she found herself ,almost by accident carving out a career at the heart of live music. From managing the creative chaos of high-pressure productions to navigating the deeply male-dominated landscape of the festival world, her story is one of resilience, clarity, and staying true to your values even when the industry pushes back. Together, Nika and Maiju dig into the real conversations the events world often avoids: the disproportionate emotional labor carried by women in event settings, the ethical responsibilities of leaders in fast-moving environments, and why smaller festivals are crying out for structural support. Maiju also shares insights from her book, a resource written to bridge the knowledge gap for the next generation of event professionals, and reflects on why understanding your own values isn't just a nice-to-have, it's the foundation of everything. Whether you're an event professional, a festival lover, a woman navigating a tough industry, or simply someone who believes leadership should be kinder and more conscious, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: * How childhood shapes the leaders we become * Finding your path in the live music industry (even when it's unexpected) * What ethical, transparent leadership actually looks like on the ground * The unique pressures and emotional labor women carry in event spaces * Why cultural programming must evolve to reach younger audiences * The funding crisis facing smaller festivals, and what needs to change * Maiju's book and why she felt compelled to write it. ☕ This podcast runs on coffee and quiet confidence that different minds build better worlds. Buy me a coffee : https://buymeacoffee.com/nikabrunet. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more tools for beautifully different brains. 🌐 WEBSITE: https://pinknestpodcast.com 📷 INSTAGRAM: @pinknestpodcast ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pink Nest Podcast.

    27 min

  8. FEB 17

    Building Community & Unforgettable Experiences with Valentina Ruffoni

    What does it take to turn a childhood love of connection into a thriving career and a whole community in the events industry? In this episode, Nika sits down with Valentina Ruffoni, seasoned event professional, industry advocate, and founder of the Pie Network, a growing community created by event professionals, for event professionals. Valentina's story is one of passion, intentionality, and the belief that every experience, no matter the size, has the power to leave a lasting mark on people's hearts. From organizing her very first prom to navigating the world of cruise ships, Valentina's journey into events was anything but ordinary. She shares how those early experiences shaped her understanding of what it means to truly connect people and why that sense of belonging became the foundation for everything she's built since. Together, Nika and Valentina dig into the real challenges facing event professionals today: the lack of clarity in job descriptions, the urgent need for salary transparency, and why so many talented people in this industry are left guessing their worth. Valentina pulls no punches on what needs to change and how communities like Pie Network are helping to fill that gap. They also get into the art of creating unforgettable experiences, why it's never accidental, why consistency is the secret weapon most people overlook, and how showing up, again and again, is what separates good from extraordinary. Whether you're an event professional looking for your people, someone curious about community building, or just fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes of every great gathering this conversation is for you. ---------------------------------------- IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: * How Valentina's childhood passion for connection laid the groundwork for her entire career * Why organising a prom was the spark that launched her into the events world * What working on cruise ships taught her about hospitality, resilience, and people * The vision behind Beyond the Event and why community matters more than ever for event professionals * What it really takes to create experiences that people never forget * Why clarity and transparency in job postings are non-negotiable for a fairer industry * The case for salary transparency and why it's not just a nice-to-have * How the Pie Network is building meaningful connections among event professionals * Why consistency is the most underrated tool for personal and professional growth. ☕ This podcast runs on coffee and quiet confidence that different minds build better worlds. Buy me a coffee : https://buymeacoffee.com/nikabrunet. 📌 Don't forget to subscribe for more amazing episodes and inspiring guests! *🌐 WEBSITE:* https://pinknestpodcast.com *📷 INSTAGRAM:* https://instagram.com/pinknestpodcast *CALM NEST COLLECTIVE:* https://calmnestcollective.com * DISCLAIMER:* This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pink Nest Podcast.

    30 min
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About

Pink Nest Podcast: This is a tiny, honest home for unpolished conversations about work, creativity, mental health, and all the messy but really raw bits of life. We don’t cut out the pauses, we keep the humanness. No edits. No filters. Just real talk. From events and backstage secrets to burnout, motherhood to mentorship, entrepreneurship to neurodivergence and new ideas, these are the conversations you won’t hear on the main stage. Let's talk life!

Information

  • Creator
    Nika Brunet Milunovic
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Nika Brunet Milunovic
  • Show Website
    Pink Nest Podcast