Tis the Season

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Nikki & Brie Show – "Buddy vs. The Elf"

Release Date: December 16, 2024

---

Introduction

In the episode titled "Buddy vs. The Elf," hosts Nikki Garcia and Brie Bella (also known as Cathy) delve deep into personal stories, emotional support, and community connections. Joined by their friend Buddy, the trio creates an intimate space where listeners feel heard, validated, and motivated. The episode not only showcases their authentic selves beyond the cameras but also emphasizes the power of shared experiences and mutual support during challenging times.

---

Opening Conversations: Embracing the Season

The episode opens with Nikki addressing common rumors and misconceptions, establishing a tone of honesty and transparency. However, the main content begins around the 2-minute mark, shifting focus to the festive season.

Buddy:
"Hey everyone. Welcome back to the Nikki and Brie Show. And Tis the season."
(02:38)

The hosts discuss the holiday season's demands and joys, sharing anecdotes about maintaining routines and managing stress. They emphasize the importance of staying connected, both with loved ones and within their community.

---

Caring for Chickens: A Lighthearted yet Insightful Discussion

One of the standout segments features a humorous yet heartfelt conversation about caring for chickens. Buddy shares his misadventures in the chicken coop, highlighting the challenges and unexpected moments that come with animal care.

Buddy:
"Fluffy always when I'm feeding them will be like right on my feet. And so I was like, okay, you know, I think she—"
(04:15)

The discussion evolves into reflections on animal behavior, environmental concerns, and the emotional bonds between humans and their pets. The hosts use this segment to draw parallels between caring for animals and nurturing personal relationships, emphasizing patience and understanding.

---

Environmental Concerns: The Battle Against Destruction

As the conversation progresses, Nikki and Brie shift to more serious topics, addressing environmental issues impacting their community. They discuss the invasive beetle threatening Napa Valley's trees and the broader implications of deforestation and climate change.

Cathy:
"People were telling me this gross ass deadly beetle for the trees has come into Napa Valley and it attacks the old trees and it makes them hollow inside."
(08:07)

The hosts express concern over the loss of natural beauty and the dangers posed by weakened trees in storm-prone areas. They advocate for community action and reforestation efforts, urging listeners to participate in preserving their local environment.

---

Listener Voicemails: Sharing Pain and Finding Strength

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to listener voicemails, where individuals share their personal struggles, particularly focusing on separations and divorces. Nikki, Brie, and Buddy respond with empathy, encouragement, and shared wisdom, fostering a sense of solidarity among their audience.

Voicemail from Miranda (13:03)

Miranda shares her experience of going through a separation after nine years of marriage, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on her and her child.

Miranda:
"Your message was so beautiful. ... I just couldn't help but just feel for you and just send my heart, my thoughts out to you."
(13:08)

Cathy's Response:
"Miranda, that was so beautiful. You brought tears to my eyes. ... I'm so sorry, too."
(15:03)

Voicemail from Haria (30:21)

Haria, reflecting on three years of healing post-divorce, expresses gratitude for the show's message and shares her guiding philosophy centered around love.

Haria:
"There's only one language, the language of the heart. There's only one religion, the religion of love."
(43:28)

Cathy's Response:
"Amen Haria. ... You are so much stronger than you think."
(43:31)

Voicemail from Lauren (42:04)

Lauren from Oahu, Hawaii, recounts her recent separation and the solace she found in the podcast, encouraging others to trust their inner alignment despite external chaos.

Lauren:
"Just having that inner alignment and knowing on the inside is everything."
(21:03)

Cathy's Response:
"Laurie, your words were so beautiful and so correct."
(22:31)

---

Coping Mechanisms: Strategies for Healing and Growth

Throughout the episode, the hosts share their personal coping strategies for dealing with emotional pain and stress. Cathy discusses her nutrition regimen, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical health to support mental well-being.

Cathy:
"I have to sip on bone broth. And I was really good about sipping on bone broth or drinking bone broth."
(30:21)

She also highlights the significance of music, particularly gospel songs, in providing comfort and strength during difficult times.

Cathy:
"One Bread, One Body by John Foley. That is my jam."
(33:00)

Buddy contributes by sharing insights from a movie that inspired him to confront his emotions head-on.

Buddy:
"You're either going to cry now or later, so I might as well cry now."
(38:18)

The hosts collectively emphasize the necessity of acknowledging and expressing emotions rather than suppressing them, advocating for healthy outlets like journaling, prayer, and physical activity.

---

Community Support and Future Plans

Nikki and Brie discuss the impact of listener interactions, reinforcing the importance of community and mutual support. They express gratitude for the shared stories and outline their intention to continue featuring listener voicemails in future episodes to maintain this supportive environment.

Cathy:
"We're going to keep going more and more into these voicemails because I think we all need it together."
(47:30)

Additionally, they hint at upcoming episodes featuring experts like Carrie, a co-parenting specialist, to provide further assistance to single mothers navigating similar challenges.

---

Conclusion: Collective Healing and Love

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their commitment to fostering a community where listeners feel empowered and connected. They encourage embracing love, forgiveness, and personal growth as tools for overcoming adversity.

Buddy:
"It's amazing to see your growth, like, what you do."
(45:26)

Cathy:
"We love you all and hope the holiday season continues to be so amazing for you."
(47:47)

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing that through shared experiences and collective support, individuals can find strength and resilience even in the face of life's toughest challenges.

---

Notable Quotes

1. Buddy (02:38):
   "Tis the season to spread some love, have some fun."

2. Cathy (08:07):
   "People were telling me this gross ass deadly beetle for the trees has come into Napa Valley and it attacks the old trees and it makes them hollow inside."

3. Miranda's Voicemail (13:08):
   "You put words to the expressions that I've been feeling... I just couldn't help but just feel for you and just send my heart, my thoughts out to you."

4. Haria's Voicemail (43:28):
   "There's only one language, the language of the heart. There's only one religion, the religion of love."

5. Buddy (38:18):
   "You're either going to cry now or later, so I might as well cry now."

6. Cathy (47:47):
   "We love you all and hope the holiday season continues to be so amazing for you."

---

Final Thoughts

"Buddy vs. The Elf" is a poignant episode that transcends typical podcast conversations by fostering deep emotional connections and providing a platform for listeners to share their vulnerabilities. Nikki, Brie, and Buddy masterfully balance humor with heartfelt discussions, creating an environment where healing and personal growth are not only possible but encouraged. This episode serves as a testament to the power of community and the enduring human spirit during the holiday season and beyond.

Transcript

[Nikki Bella]

You know, at the Nikki and Brie show, we're always killing rumors, like who's dating who and who will be on the next season of your favorite show. Here's one rumor that needs to be squashed. The idea that Discover isn't widely accepted. Truth is, Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. Don't pay attention to every rumor out there. It pays to Discover. Based on the February 2024 Nielsen report. Learn [e-mail] credit card.

[Brie Bella]

Hey, Fidelity, how can I remember to invest every month?

[Nikki Bella]

With the Fidelity app, you can choose a schedule and set up recurring investments in stocks and ETFs.

[Brie Bella]

Oh, that sounds easier than I thought.

[Nikki Bella]

You got this?

[Brie Bella]

Yeah, I do. Now, where did I put my keys?

[Nikki Bella]

You will find them where you left them.

[Brie Bella]

Investing involves risk, including risk of loss. Fidelity Brokerage Services, llc. Member NYSE SIPC.

[Cathy]

Today's episode is sponsored by Xfinity. Okay, I need to tell you all why I love Xfinity Internet so much. It is like a major not want in our household, but a need. So this time of year, I'm all about the holiday music, and I can only play my holiday music with Xfinity Internet when there's no Internet connection or the connection isn't stable or strong. There is no vibes or music playing in my house. So that is such a must for me. Because it's crazy when I think of how much I do off my phone, even in my home, whether it's the apps I use for bedtime, it's apps that I use for music that I love. Everything is always coming from my phone, and I always need a strong connection on top of that. It's also for my security cameras. Not only is it important to have Internet, but it's important to have a reliable Internet. And that's Xfinity.

[Buddy]

Right? And it's amazing the power that it has to connect so many devices under one roof. You can have 10 people on different devices, all under Xfinity Internet, and it all works. Works. Incredible.

[Cathy]

And what more do you need? Right?

[Nikki Bella]

Nothing more.

[Cathy]

And that's why everyone. It's very important to stay reliably connected.

[Buddy]

That's right. Even when everyone is online at once.

[Cathy]

Exactly.

[Buddy]

So learn [e-mail] I feel like she got really upset. Like, she was like, wow.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah.

[Buddy]

I was, like, watching. And I'm like, oh, no. This is the Nikki and Brie Show. Hey, everyone. Welcome back to the Nikki and Bri Show. And Tis the season.

[Cathy]

Yeah. Tis the season, girl.

[Miranda]

That's Right.

[Buddy]

Tis the season to spread some love, have some fun. I know. I've been doing both. What about you?

[Cathy]

I've been jolly.

[Buddy]

Have you been jolly?

[Cathy]

I've been jolly and I've been. You know. Tis the season for me of. I've been doing double workouts.

[Buddy]

Good for you.

[Cathy]

Right?

[Buddy]

Yeah. I. Yesterday, everyone. So you know, I saw rain coming in and I. I don't even know what you call this, but I. You had to see me out there with my. In the chicken coop, grabbing plywood on a ladder. Almost killed myself. Like putting plywood above it, like doing these things on the side. I mean, I don't know.

[Cathy]

Girls are spoiled. I love it. They're spoiled.

[Buddy]

And let me tell you something. I literally like, I feel like they're my puppies in a way. Like, I mean they're chickens, but they feel more than just chickens to me. Even though they won't let me pet them. I actually have to tell you the other day, look at my hand. My hand is. Because Fluffy always when I'm feeding them will be like right on my feet. And so I was like, okay, you know, I think she.

[Nikki Bella]

She's ready to just get a little brev.

[Buddy]

So I go down and I pet her. She jumps up and tries to peck my face. So Buddy and I are in the coop cleaning it. So I scream so loud and I like threw my head back and like my hand.

[Cathy]

What a. I was shocked. You feed her top notch and she.

[Buddy]

But she's scared. Like, you know, I feel like these poor chickens have been through a lot. Buddy looks at me and he kind of runs to like the coupe door. And I was like, what the. My hat went flying and I was like, Fluffy, I thought like, you're always by me feet. Like you were ready for me to pet you. No, she was not.

[Cathy]

And I don't know what it is about chickens when they peck it freaked. Freaking scary.

[Buddy]

You've seen my chickens can fly.

[Cathy]

Yeah.

[Buddy]

I don't know if that's all chickens, but these. Some of them get some air.

[Cathy]

They do.

[Buddy]

She got beyond close to my face.

[Cathy]

That would freak me out. I feel like, oh God.

[Buddy]

I wasn't expecting it cuz I was like a. And the way she. She almost like crawled at my like took a nice little hop off my knee to my face.

[Cathy]

They do kind of get like demon possessed a bit. It's wild.

[Buddy]

No, she didn't get demon possessed.

[Cathy]

No. But like how like a chicken can move. It's like weird.

[Buddy]

Like a mini dinosaur. Yes. They move like T. Rexes, like with their legs and how they go.

[Cathy]

You meant like they were like from dinosaur ages?

[Buddy]

No, but I look like at a chicken and I look at their like beaks and their legs and it's looks a little prehistoric to me.

[Cathy]

No, when I look at a crocodile, that looks prehistoric to me. When I look at a chicken, it does not.

[Buddy]

There's parts of a chicken for sure that look prehistoric.

[Cathy]

Like the feet.

[Buddy]

Because have you seen like a pterodactyl and a T. Rex? So kind of look at a chicken.

[Cathy]

Okay. I mean, I. I get.

[Buddy]

I mean, when I see like when a chicken lifts its foot up and I see like the claws and how everything is, I'm like, all right, that's like not modern day.

[Cathy]

That.

[Buddy]

Yeah, that's prehistoric looking.

[Cathy]

Evolutionized, of course.

[Buddy]

You know.

[Cathy]

Yeah, I get what you mean. Yeah, the feet are creepy. So they're not creepy, they're just. They're for sure creepy. So if it started to run up my leg and then claw my face, I would try to peck at my face. Ew. That's. Yeah.

[Buddy]

So like I couldn't.

[Cathy]

So a prehistoric foot with a prehistoric beak running up my leg and trying to peck at my face. Yeah. Damn right.

[Buddy]

But do you think because I rescued them from like a fight club, I'm just like, they're never gonna want to hug me?

[Cathy]

Well, I mean, that'd be messed up in their part, but maybe give them time.

[Buddy]

Yeah.

[Cathy]

Because those girls are like living life, but like give them time. It takes time. So.

[Buddy]

Okay. I just don't, you know, obviously, obviously.

[Cathy]

She'S like, don't touch me. Yeah, you can look, but you can't touch. You know what I mean?

[Buddy]

Yeah, I know. And you know what? Tinkerbell's laying eggs now.

[Cathy]

Oh, nice.

[Buddy]

Tinkerbell decided to lay eggs under the ramp. The chicken ramp.

[Cathy]

Oh.

[Buddy]

So I don't know if like the other hens wouldn't let her in side the coop to lay the eggs, but jeez. So Buddy found them and four. So he grabbed them. But then I feel like she got really upset. Like she was like, wow.

[Cathy]

It was really good impression.

[Buddy]

Yeah. I was like watching and I'm like, oh, no. I'm like. And Buddy's like looking at me and I'm like, what? I mean, they're not fertilized. We gotta take them.

[Cathy]

There's no dude in the pen.

[Buddy]

So sad.

[Cathy]

That's messed up.

[Brie Bella]

Maybe.

[Cathy]

And then I left one for her.

[Buddy]

To just sit on. And yeah, like, obviously she needed like a mom.

[Cathy]

That's so sad.

[Buddy]

You know, this is the thing.

[Cathy]

I'm very empathetic. Animals now. I get so sad for them.

[Buddy]

I mean, you and I were almost in tears because for some reason Napa Valley's cutting down trees.

[Cathy]

We need only the Lorax. We do need a Lorax.

[Buddy]

No, it's the power lines. I swear.

[Cathy]

Some are power lines, but a lot super old breed. And you don't understand. I. People were telling me this gross ass deadly beetle for the trees has come into Napa Valley and it attacks the old trees and it makes them hollow inside. So these trees are pretty much dead. And with our winds and our storms, they can literally fall and kill people.

[Buddy]

Who poo to the beetle.

[Cathy]

So the Lorax needs to come in and beat the Beatles ass and get it out of Napa Valley to save our trees.

[Buddy]

Honestly.

[Cathy]

But what I'm saying. And I. I think Napa Valley would be on top of this. And this is something that you and Brian should look into. And I could help out because we know there's an organization here. I'm sure is. I'm hoping they're replanting these trees.

[Buddy]

They need to.

[Cathy]

Because when I'm driving down Highway 29, I'm like, wait, the magical trees are leaving one by one? Please, let's get on this and replant. Because I've already been sad. It's happened in my park and three magical trees that I just sit in my coffee spot and how I stared at them. All three of them got attacked by the beetle, bug, whatever thing, and they're gone. And it makes me really sad.

[Nikki Bella]

Well, on the other day, what I.

[Buddy]

Saw is just trees getting cut in half because of these power lines. And I'm like, is this the life we want? Trees cut in half? Power lines that are actually causing fires in California. Oh. Which makes me sad about everything going on in Malibu with all those fires. But it's just like, you know, I don't know, maybe it's. I was gonna go live on ig, but then I'm like, I don't know. I don't really sound educated enough.

[Cathy]

You gotta. It's just enough with the social.

[Buddy]

I know, but also the monarch butterfly is about to go on the endangered species.

[Cathy]

No, wait. Which you haven't seen as many over the years.

[Nikki Bella]

You guys, this is due to pesticides.

[Buddy]

Don't get me started. No, actually, let's start. No, I'm kidding. I won't.

[Cathy]

That's like a whole other episode.

[Buddy]

But the monarch butterfly is very important. And we. We have to at some point. I just wish we could.

[Cathy]

But I do feel like people actually are becoming more aware about a lot of things as of late, which is a beautiful thing. And I think it's going to take a little bit more time. But I do feel that people who, you know, didn't know about it weren't educated on it. I feel like now they're starting to realize that. I noticed it when we were in Brawley and people were talking about things that they never had and they literally live in an ag town. But now they're more aware and they're like, wait, this has been affecting me and my family. These are the things that need to change. And these are farmers, right? So I agree slowly but surely. And I think the more that we all pray together and the more that we just have hope, it'll bring more positivity into the world and it'll create better juju and energy so we can all figure this out for sure. So I agree.

[Buddy]

I like that. Put the positive vibes out there.

[Cathy]

Positive vibes out there.

[Buddy]

Well, Nikki and I thought it'd be really fun because especially ever since she's been back, we have gotten tons and tons of voicemails and we're like, we, you know, there has to be a point. We got to clean up that, you know, answer machine. You want to know something funny? I was at an antique store three weeks ago.

[Cathy]

There was an answer machine.

[Buddy]

They had a 90s section. A 90s section. To see the answer machines and telephones, like you remember, like the fun ones, like, I mean they had Saved by the Belt posters, New kids on the Block.

[Cathy]

You had to see some stuff.

[Buddy]

I was like, like this isn't it.

[Cathy]

I mean,'90s baby store, that's.

[Buddy]

But I was like, oh, it'd be kind of fun to get an answer machine. And like we play but you know, that's like my life, right? I was thinking, love it.

[Cathy]

But we thought it'd be really fun.

[Buddy]

To answer some voicemails. So we are going to play bunch.

[Nikki Bella]

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[Stephanie]

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[Brie Bella]

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[Buddy]

All right, I say we hit that first voicemail hey Nikki Hey Bri, this.

[Lauren]

Is Miranda from Georgia. I am in my own season of going through a separation at the beginning of August after nine years of marriage. It's been very difficult and a hard decision that I had to choose. I also only have one child as well. I just totally relate to you more than you know. I just couldn't help but just to feel for you and just send my heart, my thoughts out to you. Honestly, you made me feel so validated and so heard and so seen. You put words to the expressions that I've been feeling. And what I was thinking and what I wanted to encourage you with was I heard someone say recently that our life is like a cup that gets spilled over and whatever spills out of it is what we put inside of it. And so seeing you go through this difficult time and us here, you handle it with grace and compassion and love and light and peace shows everything that you have stored up inside of you through all these years and how hard you've worked on the person that you are. Because when you got spilled over, what's coming out is nothing but radiant peace and love and compassion and kindness and I just really commend you for that. And it speaks tremendous volume in a world that we live in where everyone seeks revenge and just like wants to feel validated like you are handling things such in a beautiful way and it just is. I don't know. I really can't even give enough credit to how beautiful and how impactful this message was. So thank you for sharing your heart. Yalls relationship, you and your sister is beautiful and amazing and I wish you nothing but the best over the holidays. I know they're going to be hard. I feel that. But I'm here with you. You're not alone. I'm inspired by you. I'm motivated by you. Thank you so much for just sharing a little piece of your story in Your heart with us today.

[Buddy]

Oh, my God. Miranda, that's.

[Cathy]

Miranda, that was so beautiful. You brought tears to my eyes. And I loved everything you said about the cup and the overflowing and putting it back in and all of that. Your message was so beautiful. Thank you so much. I really needed to hear that. And.

[Buddy]

And I'm sorry, too. What you're going through, it's always hard.

[Cathy]

Oh, my gosh.

[Buddy]

So hard.

[Cathy]

Very hard. I'm so sorry. And, you know, it's funny what I've realized as time has gone by and it's only hasn't even been that long, and anyone that's come up and given me advice who's been through it is, like, just in time. Trust me, it'll all be better. You're just in the thick of it. You're in the worst of it. And, you know, day by day, I do see as time goes by, things, you know, will get better, and you have the days where they, you know, get worse. And so I. I'm going to pray for you and send you a lot of love, because the one thing that I have realized is all the prayers, like, were so powerful for me, and they continue to be. And I've been so much better for praying for other people because so many people have been praying for me. And I seen what it's done, and I know what it's done. And just also, Miranda, thank you. Because it was really hard to even share a little bit of things, but when I hear, like, you've been heard, and it felt great to relate to someone, and I've had a lot of that feedback that it makes me do what I do and makes me proud of what I do. If there. If in any way I could be there for someone or to know, like, you're not alone or.

[Buddy]

Right.

[Cathy]

Here's, you know, all of that. So thank you. Because what I've realized going through this is, like, support and love is everything. And from family, from friends, and then from people that you just know through podcasting, social media, on the streets. And it means a lot.

[Nikki Bella]

It does.

[Buddy]

There's 8 billion people on this planet, and for some reason, you could feel so alone when you're going through something tough. And I find it incredible that podcasting gives you this kind of outlet to really just connect with people on a whole different level. I mean, the way like the reality show did. But podcasting is more intimate, and I feel like, because we hear from our listeners more.

[Cathy]

Right?

[Buddy]

And then it's nice that we can.

[Cathy]

Share and we're not edited here. And on top of it, I think it's kind of funny because it's like what we talk about with Xfinity right in our opening up. It's true connection here. Like, we just truly get to connect, and it's a beautiful thing. And going through this, I have realized so many people, especially women. I mean, I can't even believe through.

[Buddy]

It, going through it. How many people have stopped you.

[Cathy]

Yeah.

[Buddy]

When we're out and about and want to tell you their story and say what they're going through. And it's heartbreaking to me because I'm like, I can't believe how many people are going through it.

[Cathy]

Yeah.

[Buddy]

Who don't have broken marriages in these broken relationships and have been disappointed by, like, what the outcome was with, you know, their significant other. And it's mind blowing.

[Cathy]

Yeah. Well, Miranda, a lot of prayers to you. And again, thank you so much for your voicemail. That was so beautiful. And sharing your story and your wisdom. Thank you so much.

[Haria]

Hi, Nikki. Hi, Brie. I just got done listening to the podcast where Nikki is back, and I'm very emotional, so if I cry, I'm so sorry. But I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your experience in the best way that you could without, you know, just with love and just wishing nothing but the best and also making me feel a little less alone. I will now be divorced for three years. I now I sit here and I listen to your podcast and I listen to your message, and it is so beautiful to listen to you and to hear what you have to say, and you just have the most amazing heart, and I only can aspire to be just as strong and loving and steadfast as you are.

[Buddy]

Oh, that was really sweet.

[Cathy]

Oh, that was really sweet message.

[Buddy]

Really sweet.

[Cathy]

My gosh, I feel like I'm gonna end up crying here. This has become like Kumbaya Session 1. Thank you for your message. Yeah, that was.

[Buddy]

Thank you so much. And hearing the pain in your voice, too. So I just hope whatever you're going through and what you have gone through, I know it's been three years that, you know, you're healing and you feel all the love, because I want you to feel that. But, yeah, thank you so much for calling it.

[Cathy]

Definitely. And I also want to tell you that you are stronger than you think, and it is hard, this situation. And I think what. What was the best for me was the disconnecting from so much and facing a lot and. And to have been doing the work for so many years leading up that helped prep me and give me a great foundation. But I just want you to know that you are so much stronger than you think. And also, you know, in our strongest moments, we definitely have been super weak moments. And we just have to figure out how we get through that and what. What do we do and who do we need to lean on and what do we need to bring into your. Into our life and surround ourselves with and what can feed our soul, make us strong? And I've dedicated myself to that the past few months and it. It truly helps. And still don't have a day without tears, but you know, for sure we will all get there. And you're even three years into it. And I just know that situations like this or divorce or whatever, maybe it takes a piece of you. It takes a piece of your heart that will never grow back or never be replaced, but it's. How do we make that piece of you that's gone strong and, you know, so thank you.

[Buddy]

Yeah. Thank you so much.

[Jocelyn]

Hi, Nikki and Bree, My name is Lauren and I am calling from Oahu, Hawaii. First off, I just love you both so much. Yeah, I've been a fan for quite a few years now and just really respect and admire everything you both do and what you stand for and yeah, just really, really admire you both. I just really wanted to call and the message specifically for Nikki, I as well am going through a separation and it fairly recent and it's hard. It's really hard. And I think the episode that was just put out was so important and I really appreciated it and it hit home and it is just an important message and nice for people to feel not alone during what is essentially a very lonely and unknown time. And something too that has helped me or is helping me during this time is just remembering that it's the right choice and that no matter how messy things are on the outside, just having that inner alignment and knowing on the inside is everything. So hold on to that. Love you both so much and take care and thank you for everything that you're doing.

[Haria]

Okay, bye.

[Buddy]

Oh, thank you, Lauren.

[Cathy]

Oh, Lauren, that. Thank you so much again. Wow, these are all amazing.

[Buddy]

Feeling the love.

[Cathy]

Feeling the love and you know, also hearing the pain, you know, in other people. But it's nice that we can all share that together and get through all this together. And Lauren, your words were so beautiful and it's true about the choice and, you know, following your intuition and knowing you know what is right and even though it's hard, but to stick with it. And I Mean, everything you said was just so beautiful and so correct, and so thank you for sharing that with us. And it's just. It's beautiful and it's hard, especially, I think, this time of year, but it'll be better, especially when, you know, it was the right one.

[Buddy]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

And we're all lucky to have each.

[Buddy]

Other to lean on.

[Cathy]

We are. That is for sure. Right. And that we're all going, you know, through something and so that we can be with each other and learn from each other and get wisdom from each other and help each other grow and. And that's the beauty. You know, it's crazy because you look at things that are bad, and I think what I've learned is just, I look, this. The past few months has made me really reflect on, like, my entire life because I've had bad things happen to me. So it made me really sit and be like. Like, why have all these things happened to me? But what I've realized now in life, when things come my way and they're not right, they're not good or they're bad, and whatever it may be, I'm going to sit and try to find the beauty in it and the learning lesson, because I feel like, okay, God put this on my path for a reason. So what am I supposed to learn here? What am I supposed to take? What tool from life am I supposed to take here to conquer this and overcome it and make my path brighter and better, and then I'm able to share this with others and bring them here, too. And that's what I learn, have learned, is no more dwelling, no more this. Take the pain and go through it and know that that's okay. Like, it's okay to be sad, and it's okay to be angry, and it's okay to be all these emotions. But what tools from life can I bring right now into this situation? You know, to grow from it and. And make it better and be stronger and know that that's a ripple effect to the people around me in life, whether that's family, children, friends, strangers. You know, you just. You never know. And so. And sometimes I feel like things happen to us because we are supposed to help others in that way. And I can't, you know, believe the amount of women that have come to me. And it's been pretty amazing to sit and have some incredible conversations with people and, you know.

[Buddy]

Yeah. And I do believe.

[Cathy]

Not feel alone.

[Buddy]

Right. And I do believe that, you know, when they say God only puts us through what we can handle.

[Cathy]

Yeah.

[Buddy]

I Believe that.

[Cathy]

I agree with you.

[Buddy]

I really believe that.

[Cathy]

Oh, thank you so much. These have been such beautiful voicemails.

[Jocelyn]

Just calling to let you know that the Charles Schultz Museum is in Santa Rosa. So it's in your back door. You guys should take the kids. Super fun.

[Cathy]

Hope you're loving Napa.

[Lauren]

I hope all is well.

[Jocelyn]

Thanks. Bye.

[Buddy]

Thank you, Jocelyn. Yes. So we, we keep meaning to go.

[Cathy]

I know we don't because the kids.

[Buddy]

Love the Santa Rosa airport because they get to see all the Charlie Brown characters.

[Cathy]

So I looked it up because I was going to take Mateo on Thanksgiving. The. The museum she's talking about. It just seems more for adults or like Birdie might enjoy it.

[Buddy]

More historic. It's like more the history on.

[Cathy]

Yeah. Which like, I. We would go there and we would love it. Have like original drama drawings and all that stuff. But when I was like looking through the gallery, I'm like, I don't know if Mateo would, you know, quite love this yet. Yeah, I feel like they need to create like a Charlie Brown park where it's more kid friendly or not a part or whatever. But because he's just, I mean, Mateo is obsessed with Charlie Brown. I got him a few Charlie Brown things for Christmas and even like the shirt of Charlie Brown, but he. Oh, he loves Charlie Brown. We even got some holiday stuff. Charlie Brown. Well, obsessed.

[Buddy]

Well, what's interesting is I hear, and I don't know how you figure this out, but Santa Rosa, supposedly for like the big fans, there's like a scavenger hunt thing, like hidden characters throughout Santa Rosa and people go find them.

[Cathy]

Wow.

[Buddy]

I don't know. There's something you have to look.

[Cathy]

I've been wanting to just book a flight out of Santa Rosa now because of the Charlie Brown statues. Mateo's seen them, but he wasn't attached to Charlie Brown like he is now. And now, I mean, he loves Charlie Brown and Snoopy. So Snoopy has, you know, a new series on Apple tv.

[Buddy]

Oh, I love that.

[Cathy]

Oh, you buddy will love it. Because it's a. He has Snoopy Goes to Space series and then there's another Snoopy one because you know what I've now realized? It went from the obsession of Charlie Brown that turned into Snoopy and Woodstock. So that is called Peanuts.

[Buddy]

Yeah, that's been around for a while.

[Cathy]

No, I, I know, but meaning, like now getting to know the old fashioned stuff and it's like, oh, because everyone became obsessed and they started calling everything Peanuts instead of just Charlie Brown stuff. But. But yeah, Mateo loves the series. So you should have Buddy watched. They're really cute.

[Buddy]

I will.

[Cathy]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

When Brian and I travel, we have a huge checklist of the things that we love. And for the holidays, we are looking to travel with our family and extended family, a lot of cousins, let me tell you, because we aren't a one size fits all style of a family. And that's what I love about Airbnb. I get to pick the destination, the size of the home, and all the things that we really love, which we all know. Me, Chef Brie, I need a cook for everyone. And Brian loves to feel immersed into whatever town, city we're in. He wants to be part of the community. And these are all the reasons why Brian and I love to travel. We like to see different communities, different cultures, but we want to be completely immersed in it. And we also want to be able to cook their foods and have the whole family under one roof. Being able to end the night in a living room with the movie on and then having our own beds. And our biggest thing that we love about traveling, we've had some incredible host and hostess, and that makes the travel even better, which is exactly what I want to give to people traveling to my home. I want them to be able to cook a nice meal with their family, sleep in cozy beds, and I want to be that super host with five stars that you pick on Airbnb. So it's something to think about. When you're traveling to a new place and you're leaving your place, it makes sense to Airbnb it. If you host while you're away, it's basically like you're making money while you're spending money. Kind of genius if you think about it. So don't leave money on the table the next time you're out of town. When you're away, your home could be an Airbnb. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much@airbnb airbnb.com host and who knows, maybe one day Brian and I will be in your kitchen.

[Stephanie]

Now, AT T Mobile get four 5G phones on us and four lines for 25 a line per month when you switch with eligible trade ins. All on America's largest 5G network.

[Brie Bella]

Minimum of 4 lines for 25 per line per month with auto pay discount using debit or bank account. $5 more per line without autopay plus taxes, fees and $10 device connection. Charge phones via 24 monthly bill credits for, well, qualified customers. Contact us before canceling entire account to continue bill credits or Credit stop and balance on a required finance agreement due bill Credits end if you pay off devices early ct mobile.com.

[Cathy]

Hi, this is.

[Haria]

Stephanie from South Carolina. Welcome back Nikki. I wish you all the best. I just would love to have your gospel playlist and also I'd love to know what help things you did during this time to see the clarity. I'd love to hear more about that. Thanks.

[Cathy]

So you know nutrients wise when it's funny because people I think my divorce attorney called it the 90210 diet. But everyone knows when people go through divorce everyone just gets so skinny. It's crazy. Which is sad, right? And so I knew during that time because I did get real thing because you just have no appetite. But I told myself like you can't just go days without eating. Like you have to sip on bone broth. And I was really good about sipping on bone broth or drinking bone broth. What you get so many nutrients from that. And then I'm obsessed with, I'm going to say it wrong Amra Colostrum. Is it Amra, that brand that everyone's freaking out over?

[Buddy]

I think so.

[Cathy]

It's been amazing. I put that in my water and then on my tongue every morning along with my electrolytes that are. Is it LMNT? Brie? Yeah, yeah.

[Buddy]

LMNT huh.

[Cathy]

And then I love also with my ag1 greens which is real good. So I always have that big old water every morning. And then of course I take. You know what I really like is AG1 has their own vitamin D with like K or something drops. You just put one drop on your tongue or whatever and you got your vitamin D in for the day. And I get my vitamin C. So that's always was like my morning routine because I will admit I am not the biggest green eater. So I definitely have to get powdered greens in my drink. And then I would put in which I haven't redone it yet, which maybe I should have. But then I was using the well company's collagen. I just. There was so many incredible reviews about it. And then I also got the well companies she does a collagen evening like almost hot chocolate elixir.

[Buddy]

Oh, you love that.

[Cathy]

I do that every night with like a Juno gummy which is just plant based even though I've been out of the Juno. But so I've been getting all of that different stuff and I have to say like I really have seen a difference like in my skin and my body, my insides, they just everything felt like it Was glowing. And I was just going to bed a lot earlier. And so when it comes to gospel music, it's hard because I just listen. I don't listen to just like, I create playlist, I guess. But a few I'll give you because I could go on for a while about this, but One Bread, One Body by John Foley. That is.

[Buddy]

That's your.

[Cathy]

Yeah, that's my jam. That is my song. I will listen to it 10 times a day even. Anytime I start to feel upset, angry, anxiety, whatever that, you know, goes to. Whatever's going, like, what's been going on, I put that in. And for me, one. His voice is incredible. But also the meaning of it, it just. It brings me back to, like, okay, it's about this one world of all of us under God, under Jesus, you know, for me, of what I believe in. And this is Catholic. It's part of the Catholic CDs or music or whatever. But, like, so it brings me back to a place of love and peace. Of, like, this isn't my. Like, I don't get judgment here. Like, I just have to continue to be a good person. Like, it gives me that feeling, like, everything. The what would Jesus do? Moments for me. Yes. Good perspective of, like, what would Jesus do? I'm gonna just breathe. I'm gonna shine love and light. So that has been, like. I'm sure if we were to look at, like, in the past few months, how many hours favorite or, you know, the most played, honestly. And then another one that really helped me. And I really liked Harry Connick Jr's version. But I also love Kitty Cleveland. She was great. But, like, be not afraid. I would have to listen to that song on repeat in, like, my darkest moments of the past few months, like, after lawyer calls or when things would come out in the media, I. I would have to literally listen to that on repeat. And the lyrics of that song got me through so much because it just made me feel like God was talking directly to me. And I love that. Yeah. And just telling me, don't be afraid. You're going to be okay. I'm always ahead of you. Just grab my hand and I will bring you to rest. And that's because I. I remember in that time just feeling like. Like my soul just needs to rest. Like, I'm going through so much stress, anxiety, sadness, heartbreak, anger. Like, everything you're feeling, exhausting. It's exhausting. And that's why we don't eat. That's why people don't eat in this. And so. And and you also realize, especially as a parent, but just even when it comes to anything you ever had control of, finances, parent, whatever, you lose it all. Like, you have no control of anything. Because now then the law comes in or the government, whatever it might be. So I needed, like, that song brought me back of, like, okay, he's holding my hand. He's in front of me, and he's gonna. He's. He. God has this. So that song, like, all the time. And even when I hear it now, it takes me back to, like, the really dark moments. And then Brie will know this one. This one just really made me feel my grandfather a lot. But on eagle's Wings because. And we played that at my grandfather's funeral. But my grandfather always loved that song at church, and the Catholic church always will sing that song. And it's just a beautiful gospel song.

[Buddy]

And what's the other one? I was like, Hill Song, Hillside.

[Cathy]

Well, we love Oceans. Oceans was another one. Oceans, I play all the time. Oceans, I would even play even before all this happened all the time. But even more so, like, I would always hit up Oceans.

[Buddy]

I feel like that one would calm me down when I'd see certain things and get fired up.

[Cathy]

Well, and, you know, I got a. Such a beautiful text from Alicia Fox and Victoria Crawford, I should say. And she brought that up. She sent me a beautiful message, and she goes, do you remember our song Oceans? And you just keep playing that and keep yourself in a good place. And I was like, look, it gives me chills. It was so beautiful because she introduced us to that song when we were, remember, on a cast trip. And Bella. Yeah. Oceans is always there. And then there's a few more that I can't think of the name of, but I need to put it up because there's. They help get me through.

[Buddy]

You should put up your little list.

[Cathy]

I should.

[Buddy]

And the Nikki and Brie show. Ig.

[Cathy]

Yeah. Stories. I agree. And, you know, I've. You got. Also, you have to work out in these times. Like, I have to tell you, like, anything that keeps blood flow or helps you fight through anxiety and stress. So maybe that's yoga. I know for me, cardio, like, in moments, I kind of feel anger, stress, or I just need a release. I would do a lot of cardio power walks anytime I could go do something, because you also kind of feel weak, so lifting weights didn't feel good.

[Buddy]

Right.

[Cathy]

But to run on a treadmill or an elliptical or to go power walk outside and have this playlist and, you know, I It was needed and it was. And like, we talked before. Not that I know. Bri gets so fired up that that was just like. I feel like when you go through things like this, like you don't want to increase sugar, fried food, anything that would, like, shift your mood. And that's. I wanted to keep myself as pure as possible, just to feel this and get through it. And I truly feel that it helped me be stronger for sure. Journaling, praying a lot, asking for people to pray for me.

[Buddy]

Because this is the thing. If you numb it, at some point in your life, you have to feel it.

[Nikki Bella]

You have to move on.

[Cathy]

100.

[Buddy]

I don't know if anyone ever saw the movie Shop Girl with Claire Danes. I loved it. But there is this line she said in there, you know, because remember, she's with the older guy and whatever, it's wasn't. The relationship wasn't right. But she's like, you're either going to cry now or later, so I might as well cry now. And that hit me. And that actually when I saw it, that made me do moves in my life that I was too scared to do or I knew the situation would be too uncomfortable to, like, deal with. It made me do it because I'm like, she's 100, right?

[Cathy]

Yeah.

[Buddy]

I just gotta cry now.

[Cathy]

You do.

[Buddy]

I'm going to cry late no matter what. The breakup's happening.

[Cathy]

Totally.

[Buddy]

So we just got to do it now because this relationship isn't working.

[Cathy]

Right.

[Buddy]

And so. And that hit me in my 20s and I just remember that line. I was like, damn, Totally.

[Cathy]

No, and I agree. You do? And. And honestly, I felt like disconnecting, even from, like just going out to dinners and stuff. Right? Yeah. With you guys, it was just great. I needed to. I wanted to be home and cozy. And when I would put Mateo to bed and I would go make my tea, my well company evening elixir, and I would, you know, put on a happy movie or te TV show or something. Something that just made me feel really good. And so. Yeah, that's good. Yeah, that was my thing.

[Nikki Bella]

When Brian and I travel, we have a huge checklist of the things that we love. And for the holidays, we are looking to travel with our family and extended family, a lot of cousins, let me tell you. Because we aren't a one size fits all style of a family. And that's what I love about Airbnb. I get to pick the destination, the size of the home, and all the things that we really love, which we all know. Me, Chef Brie, I need to cook for everyone. And Brian loves to feel immersed into whatever town, city we're in. He wants to be part of the community. And these are all the reasons why Brian and I love to travel. We like to see different communities, different cultures, but we want to be completely immersed in it. And we also want to be able to cook their foods and have the whole family under one roof. Being able to end the night in a living room with the movie on and then having our own beds. And our biggest thing that we love about traveling, we've had some incredible host and hostess, and that makes the travel even better, which is exactly what I want to give to people traveling to my home. I want them to be able to cook a nice meal with their family, sleep in cozy beds, and I want to be that super host with five stars that you pick on Airbnb. So it's something to think about. When you're traveling to a new place and you're leaving your place, it makes sense to Airbnb it if you host while you're away. It's basically like you're making money while you're spending money. Kind of genius if you think about it. So don't leave money on the table the next time you're out of town. When you're away, your home could be an Airbnb. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how [e-mail] host and who knows, maybe one day Brian and I will be in your kitchen. It's better over here.

[Stephanie]

Now, at T Mobile, get four 5G phones on us in four lines for $25 a line per month when you switch with eligible trade ins, all on America's largest 5G network.

[Brie Bella]

Minimum of 4 lines for $25 per line per month with auto pay discount using debit or bank account, $5 more per line without autopay plus taxes and fees and $10 device connection charge phones via 24 monthly bill credits for wealth qualified customers. Contact us before canceling entire account to continue bill credits or credit stop and balance on a required finance agreement due bill credits end if you pay off devices early.

[Cathy]

CT mobile.com so, Bri, I think we have time. One more voicemail.

[Buddy]

Yeah.

[Haria]

Hi, Nikki. Hi, Bree. This is Haria calling from Houston, Texas. I just wanted to say thank you again for sharing your experience in the best way that you could share it. It just reminded me that here I am three years later, still healing, still figuring out how to be the best version of a mom that I can be from my little Boy, he's three years old. You are just so strong, and I admire you so much. I've watched WWE since a very, very young age, and I have followed and listened to you and Bre my whole life. And you know, what an inspiration it would be to meet you and just get to share my story with you. And I hope I do get the opportunity one day. But even if I don't, just leaving this voicemail is enough because I just feel so heard and so I don't feel alone. And it's crazy that after three years, I stumbled upon this podcast and I'm like, this is what I needed to hear today. I wanted to share something with you, something that I've lived by, and it is. There's only one language, the language of the heart. There's only one religion, the religion of love. Live in love. Love lives by giving and forgiving. Self lives by getting and forgetting. Fill your life with love.

[Buddy]

Wow.

[Cathy]

Oh, Amen Harya.

[Buddy]

Yes. I mean, that's how we do our inspiration and affirmation.

[Nikki Bella]

That's a great model.

[Cathy]

And thank you so much for your voicemail. I can't even, you know, begin to express how much these all mean to me. And just you all hearing how you've been heard, and. And I do hope we get to meet one day and we could talk in person about your story. And I'm just so sorry what you've gone through and what you continue to go through. And, you know, I know with my moms, I feel you. I don't think co parenting will ever be easy. You know, it's. It's our kids, and I think it's always going to be a struggle because we love them and we miss them so much. And, you know, especially as the moms, we are just bonded in such a different way. They grew inside us, you know, and so I feel for you. I do, and I pray for all of you so much. And that inspiration, that quote, what you live by, was just so beautiful. And see, it's so true that when we can try to live and lead with love, I'm telling you, it brings you strength. And even though it's time, those times you. You are angry and you want to handle it a different way, we. You. You go and you calm yourself down and you do it with love. It's like the results for yourself are far beyond right. The reward is strength, you know, and so I've lived that, and. And I feel that, but I feel for all of you because I know the pain I'm going through right now. And I know. So I know exactly how you all feel. And it just breaks my heart for you all.

[Buddy]

Breaks my heart, too. But I will say, you know, just being close to. To it with you, it's. It's amazing when you do the work and you open yourself up to. This is what I'm going through. And let's see how we can make it the best possible way we can. And it's incredible to see your growth, like, what you do.

[Cathy]

Thank you.

[Nikki Bella]

And so.

[Buddy]

And that's why I think it's so important, like, here on the podcast, you do talk about it once in a while and, like, give people updates because, you know, you see how many women are listening.

[Cathy]

I agree.

[Buddy]

And are feeling it. And they, you know, they don't get to go on platforms and talk about it. And a lot of times I do see where you guys all feel alone. I get that. And so I think. I think it's really great.

[Cathy]

I agree. Because I feel that as long as, you know, I'm talking about my journey when I'm going through as a woman and as a mom, that's, you know, I'm like, I want to do that, and I want to help people in that way. And that's why I feel like, Bri, we should. On one of our episodes coming up, we should bring Carrie on. Because as I'm doing my sessions with Carrie, her perspective on, like, co parenting and the days I don't have, Mateo, like, Carrie's really helped me to stay strong in those days and also prep those days and make them about me. Where these days can be amazing and this is how we're going to work on it. And she's really helped me in such a short period of time to stay as strong as I can in those days. They're still definitely hard, but Carrie's also helped me and how I talk with Mateo about having two homes now and, you know, seeing it in that way. And so I think we should bring Carrie on because just how she taught how, how she explains things or talks about things, and I feel like how much I've taken from it, that everyone can take something from it and it can truly help people because it's helped me so much. And just hearing a few of these voicemails, I'm like, you know what? We need to bring her on, because I think it'd be great. I think it would be amazing. And I think it would help all of us single moms out who are navigating co parenting and having our young children Half the time. Because it's not easy, especially when they're young and, you know, especially when you're also going through heartache. So it's. It's not easy. And I think it'll be. I would love to give that gift to everyone, to just have Carrie give all of that wisdom and advice and make it an episode.

[Buddy]

I love that.

[Cathy]

Yeah, I love that. And I do. And I want to be here for all of you the best way that I can. And also, you all are here for me because just hearing some of your wisdom in these voicemails, it helps me. I take away something, makes you feel stronger and just how they all felt, seen and heard. Yeah, you just made me feel that way.

[Buddy]

Yeah.

[Cathy]

Especially because in this world, like, I'm sure this episode alone will go make some headlines and I'll be in a clickbait form, and it won't be for how beautiful, magical what we all just shared was. You know, that's the unfortunate thing about the media. But let's take that away, right? Let's just put our love eye goggles on and look what we all just got out of this. Because that's the important part. Not the clickbait part. This part right here. I agree with you. What we all are going to take away from today's episode. And I just want everyone to know I love you all so very much, and I hope the holiday season continues to be so amazing for you. Please continue to call us at 833GARCIA 2. I promise we're going to keep going more and more into these voicemails because I think we all need it together. And that's why Bri and I are here, is to have this strong connection with you all. To be here for you all, to share the wisdom that we know, but also to gain wisdom from all of you and just all be seen and heard. Like, we've heard the theme for today. So we love you all and.

[Buddy]

Yeah, yes, we do love you all. And if you do want to see videos of this episode, you can find them on the Nikki and Brie Show, IG page, Tick Tock, Facebook, and also the Nicki and Brie show is on Sirius XM Stars 109, Oprah.

[Cathy]

And don't forget the Traders Season 3 premieres on January 9th on Peacock. Yes, I am a part of it. It is wild. I'm gonna continue to remind you guys every day until it airs and when it's airing. And just everyone have a great holiday season. Can't believe Christmas Eve and Christmas is next week, Bri. And then we go into New Year's.

[Buddy]

I know you guys, we only have.

[Cathy]

A little bit time left to 2024, which is a perfect time for those resolutions.

[Buddy]

That's right. So enjoy this crazy week and make sure to stop and get a little.

[Cathy]

Hot cocoa, a little hot toddy, or one of those. Let us.

[J]

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[Miranda]

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