Struggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All With Nikki

Episode 34: Mom Guilt Never Takes a Vacation: Finding Relief (and Rhythm) When the Kids Go Back to School

This summer was packed with travel, memories, and chaos and as much as I loved it, I have to admit… I felt a huge sense of relief when my kids went back to school.
And then? The mom guilt hit.
If you’ve ever felt torn between loving every moment with your kids and craving the structure that school and routines bring, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of our summer travels, the guilt that comes with wanting space, and the powerful mindset shift that helped me reframe guilt as balance.
Because the truth is...our kids don’t just need us present, they need us whole. And sometimes that means celebrating the rhythm, peace, and productivity that comes when school is back in session.
💡 If you’ve ever wrestled with summer mom guilt, back-to-school transitions, or balancing motherhood with your own needs, this episode will help you breathe, release the pressure, and remember: you’re not selfish...you’re human.

Episode 35 – My C-Section Pouch: The Struggle No One Talks About

I’m in good shape. I eat clean. I run most days. I have a four-pack on top and toned obliques… but no matter what I do, the stubborn C-section pouch below my belly button won’t budge.
And I know I’m not the only mom dealing with the mom pooch after pregnancy and C-sections.
In this episode of Struggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All with Nikki, I’m opening up about my personal post-C-section recovery journey...how three back-to-back C-sections left me with a challenge I can’t out-discipline. This isn’t about getting skinny. It’s about body confidence, healing after motherhood, and showing my kids what perseverance looks like.
💡 Inside, I share:
Why eating clean + running still didn’t change my lower belly area
The new nutrition and workout strategy I’m testing for C-section recovery
How I’m reframing my C-section pouch as progress, not shame
Why moms need to stop feeling alone in their fitness and body confidence struggles
If you’ve ever sighed in the mirror, felt frustrated with your mom pooch, or wondered why your hard work isn’t showing up the way you hoped...this episode will remind you that you’re not broken, you’re not alone, and your body is stronger than you think.
👉 Want to connect? Reach out at www.talktonikkiw.com

Episode 36 – Writing Your Story, Owning Your Future: An Interview with Author & Self-Publisher Shilo Creed

What if you finally sat down to write the story that’s been on your heart and not only finished it, but published it on your own terms?
In this episode of Struggle & Strength: Moms Balancing It All with Nikki, I sit down with author and self-publisher Shilo Creed, creator of the Plunge series...stories she describes as “Pilgrim’s Progress meets Marvel.”
Shilo opens up about her journey as a mom, writer, and entrepreneur learning the ins and outs of self-publishing. We talk about:
Why she chose self-publishing over traditional routes
The biggest lessons she’s learned about marketing as an author
How she balances the heart of writing with the business side of publishing
Encouragement for moms who dream of writing a book but feel stuck or overwhelmed
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to write a book one day,” this episode will inspire you to start before you’re ready and to own your story every step of the way.
👉 Connect with Shilo Creed:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566544635158
Read the Plunge Series: https://www.tactical-press.com/plunged-22571