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A Heart That Beats for Home — Kids & Family
A Heart That Beats for Home

Hey friend! I’m Nikki Smith—wife, mom of three, entrepreneur, and host of A Heart That Beats for Home. Over the years, God has used marriage, motherhood, business, and everyday life to stretch me, grow me, humble me, and draw me closer to Him. This space is a reflection of the journey I’m still on—growing, learning, and leaning into much-needed grace. I have a heart to keep investing intentionally in my marriage of 26 years with the man God has given me as a partner and best friend, to walk faithfully toward the season of empty nesting, and to grow deeper in relationship with my adult and soon-to-be adult children. More than anything, I’m passionate about drawing closer to my Heavenly Father—truly knowing Him in a way that is real and active in my everyday life—and reflecting Him in all my relationships, actions, and plans.

Each episode is a real, hope-filled conversation about the things that matter most: building strong families, walking faithfully in the gift of marriage, parenting intentionally through every stage, and keeping Christ at the center of it all. Alongside my own story, you’ll hear from amazing guests who share a deep passion for nurturing strong families where Jesus is glorified. Their wisdom, vulnerability, and encouragement will remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.

Whether you’re single, newly married, raising little ones, building a business, or walking through a new season, you’re welcome here. This is a space for women who love their families fiercely and want to lead with purpose—honoring God in the roles He has placed us in, faithfully shepherding the souls in our homes, and nurturing an environment that reflects the fruit of the Spirit and a life that glorifies Him.

One day at a time, may we become women who cultivate hearts that beat for home.

Thanks for being here,

Nikki

Copyright: © Nikki Smith

Latest Episodes:

59. Menopause, Mom Life, and My 5pm Wednesday Meltdown Apr 03, 2025

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Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed despite everything in your life looking "fine" on paper? This raw, unscripted episode emerged from my own struggles.
Sitting in my bedroom with a makeshift recording setup, no makeup, and desperately needing a shower, I share honestly about my current season of diminished capacity. Menopause symptoms have left me crying unexpectedly, feeling overwhelmed by normal responsibilities, and questioning my ability to keep all the balls in the air. The irony? Much of what's overwhelming me consists of beautiful things—my children growing independent and pursuing their dreams, exactly as I've raised them to do.
I explore how my default response to overwhelm is overconsumption—frantically seeking answers through endless podcasts, books, and expert advice. But this behavior only amplifies the noise instead of bringing peace. Drawing from a book about digital detoxing, I reflect on how we've become a culture that immediately turns to Google instead of sitting with our questions or seeking wisdom through prayer and stillness.
The heart of this episode centers on the profound difference between happiness (which depends on circumstances) and joy (which transcends them). When we feel ourselves losing stability, it's often because we've allowed our joy to become dependent on external validation, perfect performance, or maintaining control. True joy—the kind the Bible refers to when it says "the joy of the Lord is my strength"—remains steady even when life feels chaotic.
To the mothers feeling overwhelmed today: You are not alone. The work you do matters profoundly, even on days when you feel you're failing. We're all imperfect humans raising imperfect humans, but we do so under the guidance of a perfect parent who offers endless grace.
Take a moment today to quiet the noise, open your Bible, and remember that what you're doing matters—even when you can barely keep your head above water.

Reconnected: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human by Carlos Whitaker:

https://amzn.to/4lebDkP

Story Behind the Hymn - It Is Well With My Soul:

https://www.staugustine.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2014/10/17/story-behind-song-it-well-my-soul/985525007/

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58. Beauty From Ashes Story - Walking Through Fire: A Mother's Story of Faith During Childhood Cancer with Alex Woldhuis Mar 27, 2025

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Alex Woldhuis never expected to be sitting in a hospital room while doctors told her that her three-year-old son Nick had leukemia. What began as puzzling symptoms—persistent low-grade fevers, unusual fatigue, and mysterious spots under his skin—rapidly escalated into a diagnosis that would transform their family's life. With remarkable candor, Alex shares the raw emotional journey from those first alarming signs through the chaotic first days of treatment, when within hours they faced blood transfusions and learned their little boy would need surgery and chemotherapy the very next day.
Behind every medical crisis lies a deeply human story, and Alex's narrative reveals both the crushing weight of childhood cancer and the surprising strength parents discover within themselves. What makes her perspective truly unique is her deliberate choice to reject fear-based living despite the diagnosis. Against conventional advice, she allowed Nick to continue swimming, attending events, and experiencing childhood joys whenever he felt well enough—decisions that helped preserve his emotional wellbeing alongside his medical treatment. The practical wisdom she offers about advocating for your child within medical systems provides invaluable guidance for any parent navigating a health challenge.
Perhaps most powerful is Alex's spiritual journey through this ongoing trial. Having previously endured significant personal losses, including the death of her sister at a young age, Alex approached Nick's diagnosis with an unexpected peace and profound faith perspective. "I know you're not wasting my pain," she prayed, believing purpose would emerge even from suffering. This faith has transformed her parenting approach with all three children, incorporating daily gratitude practices and intentional conversations about God's presence even in hospital rooms. For anyone walking through darkness—whether a medical crisis or any profound challenge—Alex's story offers a compelling testament to how community support, parental advocacy, and unwavering faith can create moments of beauty even in life's most difficult seasons.

Book:

https://amzn.to/3DYHR2D

Suggested Follows for Information:

https://www.instagram.com/dagmarabeine?igsh=eGFjeHFlcHY3MGNj

https://www.instagram.com/draonline?igsh=MXRmcGt3d2JqMnAxbQ==

https://www.instagram.com/seasonjohnson?igsh=MXZ0dWNnNWx4aDc1ag==

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57. Real Talk About Sibling Relationships with Olivia Smith - Part 2 Mar 20, 2025

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In this fun continuation of my conversation with my 20-year-old daughter Olivia, we peel back the layers of what has made our family relationships strengthen through the ups and downs of life.
Olivia shares her beautiful philosophy that "your success is my success, and your failure is my failure," revealing how this mindset has shaped her role as both a middle child and a natural cheerleader within our family. From creating elaborate birthday celebrations to attending basketball games with homemade signs and team-colored overalls, her commitment to celebrating her siblings has helped weave the fabric of our family's supportive culture.
We dive into the evolution of sibling relationships from childhood squabbles to adult friendships, particularly exploring how Olivia and her older sister have navigated their changing dynamic as they've grown. Through vulnerable late-night conversations and the willingness to express their feelings honestly, they've discovered that unlike friendships that might fade, siblings are "the ones who are going to be walking alongside you" through every season of life.
The conversation takes a touching turn as we discuss fostering relationships despite age gaps, with Olivia sharing how she's built a meaningful connection with her younger brother by participating in his interests—from fishing trips to golf cart rides—guided by the wisdom that "I'll never regret doing things with him." We also explore the foundation of our family's relationship repair through consistent apologies and refusing to let conflicts remain unresolved.
Whether you're struggling with sibling tensions, seeking to build stronger family bonds, or simply wanting to create more celebration in your home, this conversation offers genuine insights from a family that's learning to navigate life's complexities together—with plenty of coffee dates, sushi dinners, and unfiltered love along the way.

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56. Navigating Anxiety and Finding Joy with Olivia Smith Mar 13, 2025

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What happens when fiery mother-daughter personalities collide under one roof during the college years? Nikki Smith and her 20-year-old daughter Olivia pull back the curtain on navigating this delicate transition with raw honesty that will resonate with any parent of young adults.
Olivia, currently balancing nursing school with weekend hospital shifts that fully cover her tuition, shares her journey from a kindergartener with severe separation anxiety to a confident nursing student finding her way. Their conversation explores the unique challenges of having an adult child living at home – where parents must thread the needle between respecting growing independence while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Mental health takes center stage as both mother and daughter candidly discuss Olivia's experiences with anxiety and depression. From the exhaustion of an overthinking mind that "feels like running a marathon mentally every single day" to practical strategies like gratitude journaling and therapeutic conversations, they offer wisdom born from years of trial and error. Parents will find tremendous value in Nikki's admission that she had to move from a "get over it" mentality to learning how to validate feelings first – "I'm sure that feels extremely overwhelming" – before problem-solving together.
Educational paths form another fascinating thread as they discuss Olivia's journey through various school environments before finding her perfect fit in homeschooling. Their experience demonstrates how allowing children to find their best learning environment – sometimes against conventional wisdom – can transform academic struggles into success.
The episode concludes with heartfelt advice from Olivia to her younger self and others battling similar challenges: "Don't let your anxiety and depression become who you are." This powerful reminder that we are more than our mental health struggles offers hope to listeners in similar situations. Join us next week as this intimate conversation continues, exploring Olivia's gift for relationships and building connections.

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55. Roommates or Soulmates? A Marriage Check-In. Mar 06, 2025

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Dive into this heartfelt episode where we explore the canvas of marriage, navigating between being roommates or soulmates. Host Nikki Smith shares personal insights and lessons learned over 25 years of marriage and parenting, drawing inspiration from the book “Reconnected: Moving from Roommates to Soulmates.” With relevant anecdotes and practical tips, this episode encourages active engagement, less reliance on technology, and a return to meaningful, intentional communication.
Listeners can expect to uncover 11 characteristics that signal a drop into roommate territory and discover timely strategies for reconnecting with their partners. Reflecting on the essential role of daily life-giving conversations, Nikki introduces the "10-minute rule" — a simple way to spend quality time focusing on deeper emotional exchanges.
This episode also addresses the challenges of modern relationships, including the pitfalls of gentle neglect often caused by distractions like social media and busy schedules. It shines a light on nurturing your union to ensure it remains vibrant and alive, empowering couples to prioritize their bond above the chaos of life.
Join us for a discussion filled with actionable advice that can transform your relationship dynamics by rediscovering the essence of love and partnership!

Reconnected - Moving from Roommates to Soulmates in Marriage:

https://amzn.to/3QJnTvz

Downloadable Resource Guide:

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Reconnected-Study-Guide-gray.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawIusghleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYreffCli8ckYU4Aiq8kbMCzsSvDBtdJN4UtQTqYkdnE4Mk8AIB3BL50XA_aem__G-jQMghC_fgf3nnnuqIRw

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54. Jesus Doesn't Care About Your Messy House with Dana K. White Feb 27, 2025

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Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Dana K. White, the creative genius behind "A Slob Comes Clean." Dana opens up about her journey from a theater arts teacher to a stay-at-home mom, sharing how her struggles with home organization propelled her into a successful writing career. With her books "Decluttering at the Speed of Life" and "How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind," Dana offers a refreshing perspective on finding beauty amid life's chaos. Her candid insights reveal how embracing imperfections can lead to profound personal and spiritualgrowth and inspire others to tackle the clutter in their lives.
Explore the realities of maintaining a tidy home as we uncover practical strategies for decluttering and organization. Debunking the myth that daily maintenance requires perfection, we highlight how simple tasks like consistently doing the dishes can make a big difference. Dana introduces the concept of a "clutter threshold," offering valuable advice on starting with visible spaces to regain control.
We challenge societal pressures and the misconception that a perfect home equates to a perfect life. Dana's latest book, "Jesus Doesn't Care About Your Messy House," questions the notion that cleanliness is tied to spiritual worth. We emphasize the importance of vulnerability, urging listeners to find peace in imperfection and to seek help when needed. As we wrap up, our focus shifts to cultivating strong families by fostering kindness and creating warm, accepting home environments. Join us on this journey to discover how embracing the mess can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life.

You can Find Dana at - https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/

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53. Beauty From Ashes Story: Kristina Weir - Looking for God Winks in the Depths of Suffering Feb 20, 2025

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Our guest, Kristina Weir, bravely shares her journey through two major health battles, beginning with being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 30 years old. As Kristina recounts the whirlwind of emotions and the dismissal she faced, we reflect on the unexpected blessings that can arise from such challenges. Now a mother of two grown sons, Kristina offers a heartfelt perspective on embracing life's trials with grace and using them as a springboard for personal growth and to uplift.

Kristina’s experience with breast cancer sheds light on the profound role that helpers and a supportive network can play in our darkest moments. A simple act of kindness from another survivor illustrates the power of shared experiences and the comforting reassurance they can bring, showcasing the beauty of human connection.
Striking a balance between traditional and holistic medicine, Kristina reveals how she managed her cancer treatments and inspired her oncologist along the way. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and gratitude, reminding us of the beauty that can emerge from life's ashes.

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52. Cheers, Ears, and Prayers: 3 Concepts for Supporting Our Children Through the Tween, Teen and Adult Years Feb 13, 2025

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What if some of the most powerful tools you have as a parent are simply your words, your ears, and your prayers? In this episode, you'll discover how focusing on character traits like diligence, responsibility, and kindness can build stronger, nurturing relationships with your kids, rather than merely celebrating their accomplishments. The impact of our words as parents is monumental, and learning to choose them wisely can create an environment where children feel valued and understood.
Communication is often the linchpin in navigating conflicts, particularly between parents and children. Drawing lessons from the book of Proverbs, I share personal anecdotes and insights into handling tricky situations. Encouraging our kids to self-reflect and understand the importance of maintaining a calm spirit can prevent escalation and strengthen the parent-child bond. This episode is a reminder of the value of fostering an open space where children are comfortable discussing both the easy and tough topics, reinforcing the importance of effective communication in parenting.
Lastly, hear about the role of prayer in parenting. Discover how integrating prayer can be a powerful tool to guide and support your children through life's challenges.

Praying the Scriptures Books:

For Children-

https://amzn.to/42QmOt1

For Teens:

https://amzn.to/3CEMcrg

For Adult Children:

https://amzn.to/3CADdY8

For Your Marriage:

https://amzn.to/42UyT0C

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51. The Midlife Edit with Shannon Blas - Part 2 Feb 06, 2025

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We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback.

Shannon Blas joins us on an enlightening journey through the midlife transition as children leave the nest. With her engaging insights, discover how Shannon found purpose and fulfillment beyond motherhood, inspiring all of us to redefine our own paths. This episode offers a promise of renewed independence and personal growth, as we explore how to nurture a fulfilling life that empowers both ourselves and our adult children.
Engage in a meaningful conversation about building new social connections and rediscovering forgotten passions. Shannon sheds light on her journey back to interior design and the joy it brings, showing that midlife isn't about slowing down but exploring exciting opportunities. Whether it's through exercise, pickleball, or heartfelt coffee meetups, we delve into the power of maintaining a vibrant social life and the graceful navigation of evolving family dynamics.
Finally, we tackle the transformative stage of menopause with positivity and empowerment. Learn how to embrace this phase as an opportunity for growth, supported by practical tips to enhance communication with loved ones. Shannon offers wisdom on taking small, impactful steps toward personal improvement, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to thrive in midlife. Join us as we celebrate the journey toward a more fulfilling and connected life.

You can find Shannon @ www.shannonblas.com

Menopause Symptom List:

Menopause Symptoms Explained - an excerpt from “Next Level: Your guide to Kicking A*^, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause - by Stacy T Sims
“You have hormone receptors on every organ in your body so when your hormone start swinging and declining every part of your body is affected. We hear a lot about certain symptoms, like hot flashes and body composition changes and obviously your menstrual cycle becomes more regular, but there are common symptoms associated with menopause. Here is a fairly comprehensive list of what you make experience during this time in your life. We can’t promise that we can make every single symptom go away, but we sure can make things a whole lot better!”
Hot flashes
Lightheadedness
Headache
Irritability
Depression
Feeling unloved
Anxiety
Mood changes
Sleepless
Unusual, tiredness or fatigue
Backache
Joint pain
Breast tenderness
Loss of mojo or motivation
Increased in breast size
Muscle pain
New facial hair
Dry skin, itchiness
Crawling feelings on the skin (formication)
Tingling, pins and needles sensation in extremities
Decreases sexual sensation/trouble with orgasm
Low libido
Dry vagina, thinning vaginal walls
Painful it uncomfortable intercourse
Increased urinary frequency
Urinary incontinence
Increased gas and bloating
Bleeding gum
Brittle nails
Hair, thinning or loss
Heart palpitations
Burning tongue
Hearing loss and or tinnitus

Functional Doctor Recommendations:
Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald @ Larimar Med in St. Charles, Il
https://larimarmed.com
Stacey Caler, NP @ Wellness Refinery in Roscoe, Il
https://www.wellnessrefineryclinic.com
Dr. Megen McBride in Encinitias, Ca
https://www.drmegenmcbridend.com
WorldLink Medical Provider Locator:
https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com
Recommended Books:
Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401969925/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_KZEHAMHFSWTW2SMWEX2B?linkCode=ml2&tag=heartthatbeat-20
Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod:
https://amzn.to/4geFgyx
Doing Life With Your Adult Chil

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50. The Midlife Edit with Shannon Blas - Part 1 Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback.

Unlock the secrets to navigating midlife transitions with grace as we share a heartfelt conversation with my dear friend, Shannon Blas. We reflect on our 20-year journey from young motherhood to embracing the empty nester phase. Shannon generously opens up about her experiences, highlighting the importance of nurturing relationships with adult children and the profound life changes that follow their departure from the nest.
Explore the empowering world of hormone health and functional medicine with us as we address the common challenges faced by midlife women. Shannon shares her personal success with BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy), emphasizing the need to seek out personalized solutions that go beyond conventional Western medicine. Discover how defining your "really good day" through journaling and the Midlife Edit course can foster self-awareness and well-being, empowering you to take control of your health with confidence and clarity.
Dive into practical strategies for embracing midlife changes, from gratitude journals and intermittent fasting to decluttering your living space and finding joy in physical activities. We also discuss the evolving demands of parenting, offering tips for maintaining supportive relationships with adult children as you step into this new life chapter. Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, encouragement, and the tools to navigate midlife with a positive and empowered mindset.
You can find Shannon @ www.shannonblas.com
Functional Doctor Recommendations:
Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald @ Larimar Med in St. Charles, Il
https://larimarmed.com
Stacey Caler, NP @ Wellness Refinery in Roscoe, Il
https://www.wellnessrefineryclinic.com
Dr. Megen McBride in Encinitias, Ca
https://www.drmegenmcbridend.com
WorldLink Medical Provider Locator:
https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com
Recommended Books:
Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401969925/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_KZEHAMHFSWTW2SMWEX2B?linkCode=ml2&tag=heartthatbeat-20
Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod:
https://amzn.to/4geFgyx
Doing Life With Your Adult Children- Keep Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out by Jim Burns:
https://amzn.to/4girECG
Next Level by Stacy Sims:
https://amzn.to/4aF4Rzz
Recommended Podcast:
Labs to have done for BHRT:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-made-fitz-show/id1607565676?i=1000658431452

JOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow Along @ - https://www.instagram.com/nikkicronksmith/

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