PODCAST · kids
Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys
by Nikki Brooker
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."
Episodes
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 218 W/Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval
What happens when you've spent your entire career caring for others, only to find yourself facing a life changing health challenge of your own? On this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Dr. Tiffany Troso Sandoval, a mother of three, medical oncologist, author, and…
more -
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 217 W/Katie Trexler
Can you love being a mom with your whole heart and still need something more? In this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with former Denver news anchor, public relations professional, author, and mom Katie Trexler for a raw conversation about motherhood, career, identity, and...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 215 W/Sylvia Alvarez
On this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Sylvia Alvarez, Founder and Executive Director of the Housing and Education Alliance and author of It's Hard to Kill a Bougainvillea: From Slavery to the American Dream. Sylvia shares the extraordinary story of her mother…
more -
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 215 W/Lizette Espinosa
On this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Lizette Espinosa, a mom, attorney, entrepreneur, and creator of Zooby, a baby monitor designed to give parents greater peace of mind while driving. Lizette shares honestly about the exhaustion and isolation of early motherhood,...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 214 W/Gina Schrek and Lea Costello
On this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Gina Schrek and Lea Costello for a candid, funny, and refreshingly real conversation about motherhood, stress, burnout, healing, and the impossible expectations women often place on themselves. Lea shares the story behind her...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 213 W/Zumrut Vardar
What happens when you're raising children while also caring for aging parents, all while trying not to lose yourself in the process? In this episode of Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with international guest Zumrut Vardar, joining us all the way from Istanbul, Turkey, for an honest...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 212 W/Zach Zachman
What happens when men are taught to stay silent, hide their struggles, and figure life out on their own? In this powerful episode of Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Zach Zachman, founder of Be Men, a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to helping men become healthier, more connected,...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 211 W/Christianne Meneses Jacobs
Motherhood doesn't come with a manual, and even if it did, every child would rewrite it. In this heartfelt episode of Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with educator, author, and mom Christianne Meneses Jacobs to talk about the realities of raising children, balancing career and…
more -
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 210 W/Dr. Victoria Vaughn
On this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Dr. Victoria Vaughn for a heartfelt and often hilarious conversation about motherhood, reinvention, love after divorce, and finding yourself again later in life. After spending decades as an educator, dean, wife, and mother, Dr....
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 209 W/Lisa Skinner
Welcome to our 5th year of Podcast interviews! 209 weeks of insight, laughter, tears, and lived experience. We are beyond thankful for everyone who has been a part of this! On this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Lisa Skinner for a powerful and deeply personal...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 208 W/Dr. Erika Horwitz
On this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with psychologist, author, and motherhood researcher Dr. Erika Horwitz for a heartfelt conversation about the beauty, complexity, and lifelong impact of motherhood. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, her doctoral research,...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 207 W/JoAnne Chitwood
On this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with JoAnne Chitwood for an honest and heartfelt conversation about motherhood, caregiving, and the lessons that come from walking alongside families during life's hardest moments. With more than 40 years of experience as a hospice...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 206 W/Paola Brown
On this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Paola Brown for an honest conversation about motherhood, chronic illness, and the journey toward finding true health for both herself and her family. Living in rural Idaho with her husband and three children, Paola shares how…
more -
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 205 W/Kristen Jenson
On this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Kristen Jenson for a courageous and incredibly important conversation about protecting children in today's digital world. As the author of the internationally recognized book Good Pictures Bad Pictures, Kristen has spent years...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 204 W/Shauna Hull
On this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Shauna Hull for a deeply honest conversation about motherhood, identity, and navigating life through unexpected challenges and transitions. Shauna opens up about the realities of balancing family, personal growth, and the...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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,...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 195 W/Shannon Harrell
What happens when motherhood doesn't look anything like you expected? In this episode of Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Shannon Harrell, a mom of four, including triplets born prematurely, to talk about the reality behind the highlight reel. From navigating infertility and…
more -
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 194 W/Beth Leeds
In this inspiring episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki sits down with Beth Leeds, an 84-year-young author, activist, and mama whose life is a testament to the power of positivity, purpose, and taking action. From advocating for change as a child to building businesses as a single mom and...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys Episode 193 W Rachell Walk
In this powerful episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, host Nikki Brooker sits down with Rachell Walk to unpack a motherhood journey tht is as raw as it is resilient. From the emotional toll of infertility and societal pressure to a traumatic birth that led to years of painful complications....
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 192 W/Chandra Thomas
In this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki Brooker chats with longtime teacher and mom-of-two Chandra Thomas. They dive into the highs and lows of motherhood — raising kids without nearby family, teaching through isolation, navigating a child's ADD diagnosis, and breaking generational...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 191 W/David Hampson
David Hampson is a multi company business owner and author of a book called Rainbow Gold. He advises people on how to run a business. He believes that enjoying the journey is the most important part of owning a business but that doesn't always happen. This happens because of the grind and the…
more -
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 190 W/Dr. Marina
Dr. Marina is an OBGYN in Ottawa Canada in practice for over 35 years and about 3 years ago her daughter graduated from medical school. She was asked by her daughter to pay to freeze her eggs. What a request! In this episode of Let's Be Real Mama Journeys, Nikki Brooker sits down with Dr. Marina,...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 189 W/Tara Turnure
Tara Turnure is a mama of twins as well as a singleton who created a beauty wellness brand called Beauty Drip. She was a model and FOX sportscaster on the sidelines! She is an influencer and has created her own brand so that all women can feel her best. As a FOX News sportscaster, she has worked...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 188 W/Laurie Jacobson
Laurie Jacobson is in a small town in Virginia and is a step mom who is semi-retired and a certified health coach. She has done a lot about nutrition, chef work, yoga and has written a book called Unexpected Awakening about her time at a Buddhist Monastery. Laurie did not have kids of her own but...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 187 W/Carol Moss
Carol Moss is an empty nester and loves it. She is the co-owner of One Flesh Ministries working with her husband to help couples in marriage coaching and relationship building. She was 21 when she had her first baby and he passed away at the age of 34. He was a child of special needs but with her...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 186 W/Jean Doolittle
Jean Doolittle is the owner of Southglenn Montessori Preschool in Littleton, Colorado. Her preschool is a mixed grade preschool of ages 3-6 year olds. She is also starting a new program for adults called Womens Roots (stay tuned)! She started young and had her first at the age of 19. She didn't...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 185 W/Dr. Gertrude Lyons
Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a life coach focusing on families couples and the transformational journey of mothering. She leads retreats, is a speaker and an author. Her book, Rewrite the Mother Code. Her book was born out of lived experience as a lifelong learner and student along with her personal...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 184 W/Dr. Dean Rudoy
Dr. Dean Rudoy is a clinical psychologist, author and educator. He is an advocate for lived experience and how we can share stories to help others in learning from other people's experiences and also the lessons we have learned. Children are all created with a gift. Unfortunately, oftentimes…
more -
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 183 W/Allison Bray
Allison Bray is the founder of My Motherhood Agenda, a line of planners designed for all things included in motherhood. The foundation of their business is that self care is important and essential to be integrated into the lives of moms. Reminding them to take care of themselves is really...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 182 W/Stella Falkner
Stella Falkner is a 2-time founder who believes in maternal mental health and the wellness that support can change and save lives. Her experience of being a first time mom compounded with experiencing trauma, she experienced mental health challenges that made her determined to help other moms.…
more -
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 181 W/Abbey Stone
Abbey Stone is a mama in Colorado and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a mama of 2 ages 4 and 6. She moved to Colorado in 2011 as a travel nurse (from Tennessee). Her mama journey was a little different than she thought it would be because she was induced with her first. She had her second in a...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 180 W/Terry Iverson
Terry Iverson is a dad of 3 who has worked in the manufacturing sector for over 45 years. His career has focused on mentoring younger people. In 2012 he started a new organization called ChampionNow. This organization is meant to teach kids and parents that the perception of manufacturing in our...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 179 W/Diane Cherico
Diane Cherico is in Midland Park, New Jersey and a therapeutic massage therapist and mother of 2. She started the journey of massage when she had to leave her abusive husband (and father of her kids). She wanted to be a registered nurse but didn't have the money or time to go to school for it.…
more -
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 178 W/Chris Livezey
Chris Livezey is an author, speaker and mindset coach. He is also a real estate investor. He was born and raised in the Philadelphia area but now lives in Florida. Back in 1999 he set the goal to be a motivational speaker and took the path to be an investor so he can go out and change lives. His...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 177 W/Melissa Rod
Melissa Rod is a budding author, a nanny who married her last employer who had a little boy. Her book is about a man she thought was her dad but wasn't. Her mom doubled down and said she was switched at birth! This caused her to write a book about her experience. When she started nannying for her...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 176 W/Toni King
Toni King is a Texan mom who has a goal to help the world navigate medicare. She has experienced being a part of the "sandwich generation" where we are caring for our kids and also our parents. She was talking to a gentleman who was confused about his benefits and his experience made her realize...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 175 W/Stacy Price
Stacy Price is a Colorado native and the mother of two angel babies. She splits her time between Colorado and Virginia, working as an accountant and volunteering with several nonprofits, including serving as a Director on YANA's Board. Stacy experienced her first pregnancy loss at 22 and, due to...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 174 W/Caroline Kalicki
Caroline Kalicki's focus is making moms to be the best human they can be (not just mom). "Where are YOU on that list of things you are doing." If you don't take care of YOU first, there is no room to take care of others. Her wife and her took 5 years just to have her first. It was a long,...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 173 W/Katie Dwyer
Katie Dwyer is a mom of a very big spirited 8 year old named Hazel Rose. She lives in NYC and today released her third album! She runs participation classes for babies and mamas. She is working on building confidence in children through music. She writes all of her own music that she sings. She...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 172 W/Yara Ortiz
Yara N. Ortiz is the owner and CEO of Bookkeeping Consulting Services and founder of Money Moves with Yara, and is a mama. She is a financial consultant working with small businesses and nonprofits to get their books in order. She's also a master personal financial coach who works with single…
more -
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 171 W/Sabrina Wright-Hobart
Sabrina Wright-Hobart is an advocate for women in crisis through the Crisis Center and also a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed at 37 years old and has been a huge advocate for care for women experiencing that diagnosis. She has always dedicated her life to nonprofit support with mamas…
more -
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 170 W/Julie Vera
Julie Vera is a mom of two and the host of the Mom Walk Collective, a free space for mamas to walk, get to know each other and walk together. She has started a consulting business where she helps moms who need some operational efficiencies in their own businesses. She wants moms to set up a path...
-
Let's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 169 W/Mackenzie Kryzer
Mackenzie Kryzer has a 9 month old daughter and is adjusting to working full time for AllHealth Network working in the substance use/mental health world. She is in Colorado but moved from Minnesota and wasn't really sure she wanted to be a mom all of her life. She was born with a 10% chance of...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
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."
HOSTED BY
Nikki Brooker
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys have?
Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys currently has 216 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys 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...
How often does Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys release new episodes?
Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys publishes regularly with 216 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys?
You can listen to Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys?
Let's Be Real: Mama Journeys is created and hosted by Nikki Brooker.
URL copied to clipboard!