Podcast Summary: The Nikki & Brie Show – "Christina Perri: Twilight to Toddlers"

Release Date: March 6, 2025
Host/Author: SiriusXM
Episode Duration: Approximately 27 minutes

Introduction to Christina Perri

In the latest episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, hosted by Nikki and Brie Garcia from SiriusXM, listeners are treated to an insightful and heartfelt conversation with multi-platinum singer-songwriter Christina Perri. Known for her emotionally resonant songs that have touched millions globally, Christina brings a fresh perspective as she delves into her journey beyond the music charts—including her foray into motherhood and authorship.

A Thousand Years: From Twilight to Motherhood

Origins of "A Thousand Years"

Christina Perri begins by recounting the genesis of her iconic song, "A Thousand Years," originally written for the 2011 film Twilight. Reflecting on her deep connection to the Twilight series, she shares:

“I was a Twilight fan, I have to admit... I wrote this song for the movie and it was like very specific” (00:35).

Initially intended for the wedding scene, the song's placement shifted to the film's credits, sparking unexpected popularity among fans.

Evolution into a Wedding Anthem

The song quickly transcended its cinematic origins, becoming a beloved fixture at weddings worldwide. Christina observes:

“Everybody's walking down the aisle to... this song that everybody's doing their first dance to” (04:58).

This widespread adoption led Christina to witness her creation playing a pivotal role in significant life moments, blending her personal milestones with her artistic legacy.

Transition to Motherhood and Lullabies

As fans celebrated marriages to her music, Christina herself embraced motherhood, prompting a natural evolution of her artistry:

“When you become a mom, like, your whole world changes... I don't want to pretend that like, this didn't just happen” (03:40).

Balancing her career with motherhood, she began composing lullabies, culminating in a lullaby record for her daughter Carmela. This shift was met with enthusiastic reception, as fans began introducing her lullabies into their own households.

Creating "A Thousand Years": The Children's Book

Inspiration and Concept

Nikki and Brie express excitement over Christina's transition into authorship with her children's book, "A Thousand Years." Christina elaborates on the inspiration behind the book:

“It's just the most natural progression... it's just the gift that keeps on giving” (05:22).

She aimed to extend the song’s legacy into a literary form, making it accessible and relatable for a younger audience.

Collaboration with Illustrator Joy

A significant aspect of the book's creation was her collaboration with illustrator Joy, who had followed Christina on Instagram and knew her family personally:

“Joy was already a fan of me as a Mom... she was drawing the pictures, like, as me” (06:21).

This personal connection ensured that the illustrations authentically mirrored Christina's life, portraying a relatable and modern mother figure.

Personal Touches and Relatability

Christina emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the book, ensuring that the main character reflects real-life nuances:

“The mom in the book is... not super skinny... has tattoos and is wearing jeans and a T-shirt... very older, Millennial” (06:21).

These details aim to resonate with contemporary parents, bridging Christina's musical legacy with her personal experiences.

Balancing Career and Motherhood

Personal Anecdotes and Challenges

Christina candidly discusses the balancing act between her professional endeavors and her role as a mother:

“I don't know how they did such a good job... I feel so lucky that I get to have a babysitter sometimes” (10:54).

She acknowledges the exhaustion that comes with juggling multiple roles, sharing moments of vulnerability and resilience.

Strategies and Support Systems

Highlighting the importance of support, Christina credits her ability to manage with the help she receives:

“When I'm working, I have help... I have two babysitters because my husband works” (10:58).

This reliance on a support network underscores the collaborative effort required to maintain both her career and family life.

Embracing the Mom Mental Load

Christina delves into the concept of the "mom mental load," discussing how it permeates her daily life:

“Mentally, you never turn it off. The mom mental load is... Christmas magic... worked... walking around going, we winned” (11:00).

Her honest portrayal of the constant cognitive demands highlights the unseen efforts of motherhood, resonating with many parents balancing similar responsibilities.

Stories from the Stage

Opening for James Blunt

Christina reminisces about her early days performing live, particularly her experience opening for James Blunt:

“I was doing my first show... my family's so big... I had to rent a venue... it was my first official big hometown show” (18:24).

She shares a humorous and poignant story about her song "Jar of Hearts" captivating an unexpected audience member, turning a routine performance into a memorable moment of personal vindication.

Impact of Personal Experiences on Career

The episode delves into how Christina's personal heartbreak influenced her songwriting and career trajectory:

“All of a sudden I see him... I'm singing Jar of Hearts right to him. It was the best feeling I ever had” (21:00).

This moment of confronting her past through music exemplifies the intersection of her life experiences and artistic expression.

Inspiration and Affirmations

Christina's Mantras

Towards the end of the episode, Christina shares personal affirmations that guide her daily life:

“You are loved. You are lovable” (23:12).

These simple yet powerful affirmations serve as a cornerstone for self-love and positivity, emphasizing their importance in her journey as both an artist and a mother.

The Importance of Self-Love

Christina discusses the necessity of treating oneself with the same kindness afforded to her children:

“I try to treat ourselves like, lovingly, like we do our kids... my inner monologue... be nicer to me” (24:16).

This approach underscores the vital role of self-compassion in maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Conclusion and Future Plans

As the episode draws to a close, Christina expresses her excitement for future projects, including potential additional children's books inspired by her music. Nikki and Brie reciprocate the enthusiasm, highlighting the seamless blend of Christina’s artistic talents with her personal life.

“I'm so excited one to read it to our kids... singing songs, I'm reading books” (22:25).

The hosts and Christina also engage in lighthearted banter about attending Super Bowl events in Philadelphia, reinforcing the camaraderie and genuine connection between them.

Christina's "A Thousand Years" children's book is slated for release on April 1, eagerly anticipated by fans and families alike. Listeners are encouraged to follow Christina on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on her latest endeavors.

Notable Quotes

• Christina Perri (00:35): “I was a Twilight fan, I have to admit... I wrote this song for the movie and it was like very specific.”

• Christina Perri (05:22): “It's just the most natural progression... it's just the gift that keeps on giving.”

• Christina Perri (10:54): “When I'm working, I have help... I have two babysitters because my husband works.”

• Christina Perri (21:00): “I'm singing Jar of Hearts right to him. It was the best feeling I ever had.”

• Christina Perri (23:12): “You are loved. You are lovable.”

Final Thoughts

The Nikki & Brie Show episode featuring Christina Perri offers a profound glimpse into the multifaceted life of a celebrated artist. From chart-topping hits inspired by personal experiences to the tender moments of motherhood and authorship, Christina's journey is both inspiring and relatable. Her honest discussions about balancing career and family, coupled with her unwavering dedication to creating meaningful art, provide listeners with valuable insights and heartfelt moments.

For fans of Christina Perri and those navigating similar life transitions, this episode serves as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the beauty of evolving one's passions to encompass all facets of life.

Listen to the full episode to experience the warmth, humor, and depth of Christina Perri’s story as shared with Nikki and Brie Garcia.