Episode 38: What Ends With Us?

This week on Her Audacity, Samantha joins us to share her story, from discovering the lump that led to her diagnosis to navigating treatment and the unexpected realities of life after cancer. We talk about the emotional toll of survivorship, the impact cancer can have on relationships and mental health, and why the support people need doesn't end when treatment does. Samantha also shares how her experience inspired her to create Beyond Negative, a platform dedicated to helping young adults feel seen and supported through their own cancer experiences. It's an honest conversation about the parts of cancer we don't often hear about, finding connection through sharing our stories, and learning to appreciate the life we have in front of us.

We've officially made it to 40 episodes of Her Audacity! This week, Ceci and Nikki are catching up on life and reflecting on the expectations we grew up with, the pressure to please others, and how those experiences continue to shape the way we express ourselves. From finding our personal style and showing up authentically on social media to navigating friendships and learning how to communicate through difficult conversations, we're talking about the things we're still figuring out as adults. It's an honest, lighthearted conversation about personal growth, embracing who we are, and giving ourselves and others room to change along the way.

What does starting over look like when you leave with nothing? We're joined by Alexa, a domestic violence survivor and single mother who shares her journey of leaving an abusive relationship with her eight-month-old daughter and rebuilding their lives. From navigating family court and learning to trust herself again to finding financial independence and creating a peaceful home, Alexa opens up about the challenges of starting over and the people who helped her along the way. It's an honest conversation about motherhood, resilience, and finding hope in a future you once couldn't imagine. Follow Alexa on TikTok at @advocate_with_alexa.

We're answering a listener question that sparked a meaningful conversation about the things we learned growing up in the FLDS and how those experiences continue to shape our lives today. We talk about raising sons to become good men, recognizing and challenging beliefs we've carried into adulthood, and how the examples we set as parents influence the next generation. We also reflect on the parts of our childhood we're grateful for, from learning to sew and cook to discovering our creativity within a very restrictive environment. It's a conversation about perspective, personal growth, motherhood, and recognizing that we have the opportunity to decide which lessons and traditions we want to carry forward. And we'd love to hear your answer, too: What parts of your upbringing are you keeping, and what ends with you?

This week, Ceci and Nikki welcome author, artist, and speaker Sarah Shoulak, whose memoir, Dead Serious: How Death Made Me Laugh at Life, explores the experiences that shaped her perspective on life, loss, and personal growth. Sarah shares what it was like growing up with a strong outward sense of confidence while struggling with her self-esteem, how people-pleasing influenced her relationships, and what she's learned about setting boundaries and discovering who she really is. Together, we talk about breaking old patterns, navigating adult friendships, finding your own beliefs, and learning to communicate in healthier ways. We also explore the beauty of finding love that feels safe, the importance of personal accountability, and why growth is something we continue working on throughout our lives. It's a conversation filled with honest reflections, relatable experiences, and a little humor about the things we figure out along the way. Support Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmarieshoulak Follow Her Audacity: https://www.instagram.com/heraudacitypod/

This week, we’re answering a listener question: What’s your biggest fear? The answer comes back to abandonment and the fear of losing the people she loves and the fear of someone staying when they no longer truly want to be there. We talk about where those fears come from, how growing up in the FLDS shaped the way we learned to communicate, and how those patterns have followed us into friendships, marriages, and adulthood. We also get into difficult conversations, honesty, taking accountability, feeling like you’re “too much,” and finding the people who give you room to fully be yourself. And because this conversation started with a question from one of you, we’re passing it back: What’s your biggest fear, and how have you learned to work through it?

Season Two is here, and we’re starting with a catch-up. Ceci and Nikki sit down to talk about what has changed since Season One, what they’ve learned from sharing their stories publicly, and what they want Her Audacity to become moving forward. From grief and changing friendships to motherhood, business, community, and learning to be fully present in the life you’ve created, this conversation is about where they are now, and the women they’re becoming along the way. Season Two will bring more stories, more guests, more friendship, and a lot more opportunities for you to be part of the conversation. This week, we want to hear from you: What do you want us to talk about this season? Send us your questions, the topics you want us to revisit, or something you’ve always wanted to ask.

In this episode of Her Audacity, Ceci and Nikki talk about the importance of slowing down, making time for friendships, and creating more meaningful in-person connections in everyday life. From spontaneous farmers market mornings to conversations about loneliness, community, and intentional living, the episode reflects on how powerful simple moments with people can be. They also announce the end of Season One as the podcast takes a summer break before returning in September with new plans, fresh energy, and exciting changes for Season Two. The episode closes with gratitude for their guests, listeners, and the community that has grown around the podcast.

In this episode of Her Audacity, Ceci and Nikki sit down with Melissa, founder of Solo Woman Traveling, to talk about how traveling alone can completely transform the way women see themselves and their lives. Melissa shares how turning 30 and realizing she was waiting for life to happen pushed her to book a solo trip to Europe, an experience that eventually changed everything from her confidence to her career and even where she lives today. The conversation explores fear, identity shifts, starting over, and why so many women put themselves last for years before finally choosing themselves. Together, they talk about the courage it takes to step outside of routine, leave behind survival mode, and create experiences that bring inspiration, clarity, and freedom. From solo travel and motherhood to healing after restrictive environments, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the most life-changing thing you can do is simply say yes to yourself.

Ceci and Nikki talk about the in-between stage of building a business, the moment where growth requires taking risks before you feel fully ready. They open up about navigating slower seasons, redefining their vision, and preparing for what’s next, both in business and in life. They also share the decision to pause the podcast for the summer, using it as a chance to reset, enjoy their families, and come back stronger with a clearer direction and new ideas. The conversation expands into deeper themes, what it means to build a full life, balancing motherhood with personal identity, and the belief that women can create lives that hold both family and ambition. They reflect on healing, relationships, and how personal growth shifts the way they show up in friendships, family dynamics, and creative work.