Send us a text Sometimes the people who shape us most profoundly aren't the ones we're born to, but those who choose us. My grandmother Claudy—who passed away on June 27th—wasn't my biological grandmother, but she created a space in her heart and her home that made biology irrelevant. Connect! Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickiekrommingahill Smorgasboard Arts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smorgasbordarts Join the mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/g5hikj Support! Purcha...
Aug 12, 2025•8 min•Season 2Ep. 54
Send us a text Have you ever wondered where your deepest insecurities originate? Today's breakthrough therapy session revealed a stunning connection between my recurring abandonment dreams and childhood experiences I'd never questioned. What childhood "normal" might be affecting your adult relationships? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out—I'd love to hear your story of uncovering and healing old patterns that no longer serve you. Connect! Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...
Jun 03, 2025•17 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Send us a text Turning fifty has never felt so liberating! I've recently celebrated this milestone birthday and can't wait to share how different the reality of fifty feels compared to what I expected. Remember all those "over the hill" jokes about forty? Well, fifty has proven to be even better—a time of self-acceptance, growth, and exciting new beginnings. Connect! Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickiekrommingahill Smorgasboard Arts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smorgasbo...
May 28, 2025•8 min•Season 2Ep. 52
Send us a text h Discover the secret to finding joy in the everyday as I embark on a journey inspired by Ross Gay's "The Book of Delights." What if the key to happiness lies in the small, often-overlooked moments of our daily lives? Join me as I recount whimsical sights like French bulldogs seemingly driving cars and the sheer delight of impromptu adventures and dance parties. These small joys have the power to transform our mental wellness, helping us to navigate chaos and uncertainty with a re...
Feb 18, 2025•21 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Send us a text Nickie's unexpected experience with an accidental cocktail sparks a reflection on sobriety and personal concerns around mistakes. The episode encourages listeners to consider how they approach perceived failures in their lives, reminding them that mistakes are often more about perception than reality. Connect! Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickiekrommingahill Smorgasboard Arts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smorgasbordarts Join the mailing list here: http://e...
Feb 11, 2025•15 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Send us a text Nickie’s return to the podcast unveils her struggles with chronic illness, isolation, and grief. Through vulnerability and reflection, she explores themes of support, identity, and the redefinition of success during dark times. • Acknowledging months of hiding and isolation • The impact of chronic illness on work and self-worth • The sudden loss of a family member and its emotional toll • Navigating the process of applying for disability • The importance of community support durin...
Feb 04, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Send us a text Can the way parents talk about their own bodies shape their children's self-esteem for years to come? Witness the lasting effects of generational attitudes toward body image as I share personal memories from my childhood, like the shopping trips with my mom where her self-criticism left a deep imprint on my own body perceptions. From the pressures of the dance and theater worlds to the suffocating societal standards that dictate our self-worth, I recount my journey to self-accepta...
Jul 09, 2024•12 min•Ep. 48
Send us a text Ever felt the need for a fresh start but didn't know when or how to begin? Join me, as I share my story of celebrating a midyear "Happy New Year" on June 20th, aligned with the summer solstice. This new beginning is my way of reducing stress and refocusing on the things that truly bring me joy, like podcasting, writing, and painting. Hear about my bold decision to go part-time at my job to make room for these passions and the meaningful experience of being a speaker at the Sisterh...
Jul 02, 2024•14 min•Ep. 47
Send us a text Have you ever felt like you're not quite good enough, even when your achievements say otherwise? My friend Leanne Slama knows that feeling all too well. Join us as we reminisce about our days at Valleyfair Amusement Park and share some laughs over our various roles. Still, the heart of our chat is Leanne's incredible journey to earning her doctorate despite her battle with imposter syndrome. Listen as we celebrate her success and discuss how she overcame self-doubt to reach her go...
Jun 04, 2024•38 min•Ep. 46
Send us a text Imagine being a student teacher grappling with the chaos that follows a devastating tornado. In this episode, Chris Karki and I recount the challenges of navigating a path back to normalcy amidst such destruction, from the practical hurdles of resuming classes in FEMA trailers to the emotional toll of witnessing a transformed landscape. Chris opens up about her stress and breakdowns, highlighting the resilience required to overcome such adversity. The discussion brings to light th...
May 28, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 45
Send us a text I'm aging, but don't call me old! As I stand on the precipice of my 49th birthday, I can't help but intertwine the nostalgic celebration with a candid conversation about aging. Numbers may define our years, but they don't capture the essence of our spirits. Don't forget to check out the amazing jewelry at Jenson Natural Jewlery. Use code NICKIE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase! https://www.jensonnaturaljewelry.com/ Connect! Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...
May 22, 2024•11 min•Ep. 44
Send us a text Use code NICKIE20 to receive 20% off your purchase at https://www.jensonnaturaljewelry.com/ Connect! Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickiekrommingahill Smorgasboard Arts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smorgasbordarts Join the mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/g5hikj Support! Purchase Nickie's book! "Things I'm Thinking About; A Daughter's Thoughts on the Loss of Her Mom" https://www.amazon.com/Things-Im-Thinking-About-daughters/dp/165731958X Buy me a coffee...
May 07, 2024•28 min•Ep. 43
Send us a text Sobriety often emerges quietly, tucked away from public view, but in today's discussion, Zoe and I invite you into the intimate realm of our sober journeys. Our dialogue dances around the pursuit of clarity without the crutch of alcohol and the journey towards mental well-being. We swear off easy categorizations and explore the nuances of living soberly on our terms, cherishing the achievements that defy society's standards of success. It's a conversation about the challenging int...
Apr 30, 2024•55 min•Ep. 42
Send us a text When Patty Mathews sent me a heartfelt card six weeks after my mother's passing, little did we know it would spark a conversation about the layers of healing and the true fabric of support. It's these moments that Patty and I unwrap in this latest episode. Battling a health crisis can feel like navigating a labyrinth in the dark, but suppose we flip the script and call it a 'health project'? We explore this perspective shift and its profound psychological impact, weighing the bala...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 41
Send us a text In an emotionally rich episode, Kris opens up about her niece's battle with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and how an inspiring exchange with Dr. Doris Taylor turned personal loss into a life-affirming mission. Kris' entrepreneurial story evolves into a tale of triumph, infusing her handcrafted pieces with intent and compassion. As we traverse this journey, we uncover the potential to heal, inspire, and make peace with life's most challenging moments through loving perseverance a...
Apr 17, 2024•29 min•Ep. 40
Send us a text When Kristine Jenson opens up about the raw journey of loss and rebirth that sculpted her life, you can't help but be drawn into the emotion of her narrative. Her intimate connection with nature, and the solace found in yoga and meditation, map out a path of resilience— a journey I am both humbled and honored to share with you. As her personal story unfolds, you'll discover the transformative power of grief as Kris turns her deepest sorrow into a source of support and hope for oth...
Apr 09, 2024•42 min•Ep. 39
Send us a text Join me as I return from my unplanned hiatus to share the profound lessons learned from my own encounters with loss. The landscape of grief is complex, and in this episode, I peel back the layers of emotion that surround my dad's hospice care, the lasting sorrow from my mom's passing, and the collective mourning of losses within my beloved communities. I confront the duality of celebrating longevity while pre-grieving an inevitable farewell, and I extend an invitation to you to em...
Mar 26, 2024•18 min•Ep. 38
Send us a text Join me as I open my heart to you about the anniversaries of my mother's passing and my father's cancer diagnosis, sharing the raw edges of loss and the societal pressures to wear a mask of positivity. This conversation extends a gentle hand to those who seek to comfort others, illuminating the delicate art of emotional validation. Learn through my insights how to craft supportive interactions that honor and respect the emotional landscapes of those we care about. Whether empathiz...
Feb 20, 2024•14 min•Ep. 37
Send us a text With her upcoming book "Self-Love Shenanigans: The Awesome Journey to Unleashing Your Confidence," Trista unravels how to turn the quest for self-acceptance into an adventure rather than a chore, promising a read as engaging as it is transformative. Wrapped in the warmth of her candid storytelling, Trista shares how her strategies shaped her self-view and rescued her marriage—proof that the personal is indeed powerful. As the anticipation for her book grows, she extends an invitat...
Feb 13, 2024•42 min•Ep. 36
Send us a text When Sam Monk walked into my life during a theatre program, little did I know that we'd be here today, celebrating his engagement to Derek! Sam's path from educator to a passionate photographer and now a devoted fiancé is a story that resonates with the courage and authenticity we all aspire to embody. Additionally, we acknowledge the cornerstone of any significant life shift: support. The LGBTQ community's journey is underscored by the strength of solidarity, and the concept of '...
Jan 30, 2024•39 min•Ep. 35
Send us a text When Annie Fitzgerald graced our studio with her serene aura and vibrant artistry, we knew it was going to be a conversation to remember. A healer in every sense, Annie brings her expertise as a sound healer, reiki practitioner, and astrology guide into a harmonious blend with her soulful music career. Together, we celebrate the journey from indie stages in New York City to the nurturing music community of Minneapolis, reveling in the memories, transformation, and the undeniable p...
Jan 23, 2024•52 min•Ep. 34
Send us a text On today's episode, I share with you a story of theatre rejection. A familiar story for those of us who work in this business, but a challenge just the same. In the fall of 2012 I was promised a job in the ensemble of "Joseph..." that never came to fruition. It was devastating to me. Join me as I describe what happened, and what I think should have been done instead. Connect! Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickiekrommingahill Smorgasboard Arts Instagram: https://www...
Jan 17, 2024•27 min•Ep. 33
Send us a text Leadership, they say, is a journey, not a destination. My guest, Jeff Mauk, and I open our hearts to discuss the raw, transformative instances that have redefined our approach to leadership, diving into the challenges that test our mettle and the moments of vulnerability that lead to personal growth. Book referenced during today's episode: https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Line-New-Preface-Staying/dp/1633692833/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580712021956&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019676&hv...
Jan 09, 2024•57 min•Ep. 32
Send us a text At the top of the year, I reflect on the pure joy hidden in life's simplest moments and the anticipation that lights a spark within. Join me as we turn the pages of the calendar and our own lives, sharing how the pursuit of happiness can be as simple as circling dates for future adventures and embracing the coziness of community. Try this Happiness Hack! Upcoming Book Club: https://www.facebook.com/events/1202514383872911 Join my Winter Support Group Here: https://www.facebook.com...
Jan 02, 2024•15 min•Ep. 31
Send us a text Celebrate with me as I mark a momentous occasion on "Heal and Grow with Nickie"—my first year of sobriety! This special episode isn't merely a recount of my experiences—I offer up hope to those who are thinking about living an alcohol-free life. Join me as we shatter the silence surrounding sobriety and embrace the empowerment that blooms from each of our unique recovery journeys. Connect! Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickiekrommingahill Smorgasboard Arts Instagra...
Dec 20, 2023•29 min•Ep. 30
Send us a text Navigating the emotional undercurrent of the holiday season can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when you're dealing with the heartache of losing a loved one. Drawing from my own voyage through grief, I open up about how my holiday traditions have transformed since I lost my mother. From setting an extra place at our festive table to honoring her memory with Starbucks coffee, I'll share candidly about the range of emotions I grapple with during this time of year - and th...
Dec 12, 2023•24 min•Ep. 29
Send us a text In this episode, we'll journey through the shadows as my friend, Eric Paulson, tumbles into a parent's worst nightmare - navigating a child's drug addiction. It's a raw, emotional rollercoaster that shatters the misconception of addiction being a character flaw. We walk with him on this tumultuous journey, overlooking the warning signs, dealing with the stark reality, and the grueling path to recovery. It's a testament to resilience, love, and the power of forgiveness. Al-Anona; h...
Dec 05, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 28
Send us a text Have you ever felt pressured to achieve perfection, only to find the pursuit exhausting and unfulfilling? What if we told you that embracing your imperfections and living a 'Bronze Medal Life' could be the key to authenticity, balance, and happiness? Join us on a journey of self-discovery in our chat with the dynamic Colleen Lindstrom, a successful broadcaster turned devoted mom and caregiver, who advocates passionately against the cycles of perfectionism. We kick off by sharing a...
Nov 21, 2023•52 min•Ep. 27
Send us a text So many times I hear (especially from the older generation,) "I don't want to bother you." Here's the thing, friends. You are NOT a bother. I am NOT a bother. We are humans who need help. Connect! Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickiekrommingahill Smorgasboard Arts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smorgasbordarts Join the mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/g5hikj Support! Purchase Nickie's book! "Things I'm Thinking About; A Daughter's Thoughts on the Loss of ...
Nov 14, 2023•11 min•Ep. 26
Send us a text Strap in for an adventure on the tightrope of faith and action. You will hear me recount an amusing episode from my theater life, where I crafted an audacious costume and belted out a song with lyrics on a recipe card, all in an attempt to bag a role. This anecdote serves as a stepping stone on my journey of self-discovery and reinvention, and it offers a real-life lesson on the fundamental balance between faith and action. Join my Winter Support Group here: https://www.facebook.c...
Nov 07, 2023•15 min•Ep. 25
