The Nikki & Brie Show

Episode: Get Curious & Stay Kind
Date: October 9, 2025
Platform: SiriusXM

Episode Overview

This episode is a heartfelt solo show hosted by Brie Garcia, as Nikki is away with her son Mateo ticking off “hot air balloons in Albuquerque” from his five-year-old bucket list. Brie uses this space to reflect on the recent passing of legendary conservationist Jane Goodall, sharing how Goodall’s lessons of curiosity, compassion, and kindness have inspired her personally and shaped her gardening journey and YouTube series, “Hi, My Name is Bri.” The episode explores themes of environmental consciousness, finding soulful fulfillment, and the importance of small, loving actions. Brie answers listener gardening questions and closes with encouragement to pause, connect with nature, and pursue your own meaningful difference in the world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context: Brie Flies Solo (01:53)

• Nikki is away for her son’s birthday wish, so Brie takes the reins solo.
• Upcoming episodes will reunite the sisters and include Philly weekend recaps.

2. Honoring Jane Goodall (03:00–13:13)

• Brie is deeply moved by the recent loss of Jane Goodall, a “beautiful soul.”
• She recounts the famous footage of Jane Goodall embracing a released chimpanzee in Tanzania:

  “He looks at her and he gives her the most beautiful, sincere hug you could ever visually see... so much love and respect in that hug.” (04:55)

• Goodall’s legacy? Teaching that humans, animals, and planet are interconnected:

  “We’re part of [nature]. We’re not apart. ... Human being, animal, and planet. … We all have to connect to truly thrive.” (06:06)

• Goodall’s voice was quiet, yet “loud”—she inspired through patience and observation, urging people to simply “go sit and observe,” wherever you are.
• Brie highlights how Jane made science accessible and empathetic, putting “hope into action.”

3. The Power of Curiosity (09:25–13:13)

• Jane’s encouragement of curiosity was transformative for Brie’s approach to life and sustainability.
  • Curiosity led Brie to research what she consumes—leather, food, pesticides—prompting a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

  “There’s a beauty to being curious, and then there’s a bigger beauty to diving into your curiosity.” (10:35)

• Brie’s ongoing curiosity is core to her personal and public journey:

  “I never stopped diving into that curiosity, researching, teaching myself, learning, just learning, learning, learning. And I’m actually really proud where I’m at.” (11:18)

4. Bringing Compassion Into Daily Life (13:13–17:00)

• Jane Goodall inspired small, local acts of compassion, not just grand gestures.
• Brie’s mantra: Everyone can make a difference—start at home, be it by tending a garden, protecting pollinators, or supporting community projects.

  “She didn’t need you to go to the forest of Africa to feel like you’re making a change. ...She really encouraged you to do the small things.” (13:25)

• Brie shares a story about her community and the “rockstar” mailman as an example of everyday human compassion.
• True soul nourishment comes from connection with nature and others, not material possessions:

  “What will feed your soul is going to a park bench, sitting, listening to the birds, hearing people laugh.” (16:08)

5. Practical Gardening Encouragements (17:00–23:00)

• Brie challenges listeners: Take 10 minutes this week, no phone, just observe nature—see what you hear and what curiosity sparks.
• Reminds listeners: You can't save everyone, and that's okay. Focus on doing your personal best.

  “I’m just Bri...I can only do my best, and my best is good enough.” (23:30)

• Brie’s mission is to be an “Earth warrior,” using her platforms for environmental causes.

6. Finding Joy & Meaning in the Holidays (27:31–29:09)

• The holidays are an opportunity to reconnect, practice gratitude, and focus on family rather than consumerism:

  “Who gives a shit about gifts and all the different things? It’s really about who do I need to see? Who do I need to reconnect with? What do I need to be thankful for?” (28:24)

• Brie encourages celebrating youthful joy (like trick-or-treating, dressing up) and reflecting on the blessings of the year.

7. Lessons in Kindness and Influence (29:40–31:00)

• Jane Goodall taught Brie that strength can come from loving, kind words—not anger.

  “You don’t have to have fighting words to make something feel strong. ...You can make a lot of change with just loving, kind words.” (29:43)

• Brie aspires to inspire through kindness and happiness, led by example.

8. Q&A: Gardening with Brie (31:30–41:55)

What Makes Your Garden Special? (31:30–33:58)

• “The love I put into it...[my] daughter singing to the tomatoes, the kids with their hands in the dirt, neighbors helping out…it’s a place of connection.”

Soil for Gardens (38:56–40:35)

• Brie uses organic soil mixed with compost—tells amusing stories about her learning curve. Emphasizes local nurseries and worms as signs of healthy soil.

Easiest Plants to Grow (40:35–41:15)

• Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce. Struggles more with root veggies like carrots and onions.

Gardening in Hot Climates Like AZ (41:15–45:00)

• Use shade and freeze cloths, pick region-appropriate plants, citrus does well, consider greenhouses for tropical fruits.

Supporting Drainage with Recycled Materials (46:35–48:00)

• Brie hasn’t needed to use cans/bottles, but knows people who do—reminds gardeners that good drainage is key.

9. Listener Challenge & Call to Action (48:00–51:01)

• Encourages everyone to try at least 10 minutes of silence and observation in nature—journal if inclined—and see what curiosity or inspiration emerges.
• Recommends Jane Goodall’s The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall & Douglas Abrams.

10. Closing Inspiration (51:01–51:30)

• Brie shares a signature Jane Goodall quote:

  “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Jane Goodall (51:25)

• Brie wraps the episode by reminding listeners to find their joy, take care of themselves during the holidays, and do what they can to bring kindness and hope into the world.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Jane had one of the quietest, loudest voices you had ever heard. Her quietness is that she really wanted you to observe, have patience, and feel nature.” (06:55)
• “If zombies were going to attack America, you all better come to my house because I will protect you. I feel like I could beat up some zombies. I know how to grow some food. So I got some really great life skills.” (15:00)
• “If you feel like you don’t know what that [happiness] is, that means because you’re not allowing yourself. So you gotta go get nature. Just go get it.” (21:54)
• “I’m an Earth warrior. I feel like I was put on this planet to fight for the earth and that is my path.” (23:45)
• “None of that [shopping, material things] will feed your soul...Truly feeding your soul is being in silence, quietness and really figuring out what you need.” (48:10)
• “If I can just give one person a little hope, to love animals and to believe in sustainability and gardening...then I feel like I’ve done it all.” (50:30)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:53] – Brie’s solo intro, Nikki & Mateo’s Albuquerque adventure
• [03:00] – Introduction of Jane Goodall’s legacy
• [05:00] – Recounting the famous chimpanzee hug video
• [06:06] – Humans as part of nature, not separate
• [10:35] – Curiosity and self-education
• [13:25] – Compassion in everyday life; gardening as activism
• [16:08] – What really feeds the soul
• [23:30] – Letting go of saving everyone, doing your best
• [28:24] – The true meaning of holidays: connection and gratitude
• [29:43] – Kindness as a force for change
• [31:30] – Listener Q&A: What makes Brie’s garden special
• [38:56] – Listener Q&A: Soil tips and local resources
• [41:15] – Listener Q&A: Gardening in Arizona/Hot Climates
• [46:35] – Listener Q&A: Drainage practices in gardening
• [48:00] – Weekly challenge: ten minutes in nature
• [51:25] – Jane Goodall’s quote and closing inspiration

Final Thoughts

Brie’s solo episode resounds with warmth, authenticity, and grassroots empowerment. She honors Jane Goodall’s gentle, transformational legacy, encourages listeners to foster curiosity and compassion in their own small ways, and celebrates how ordinary acts can lead to extraordinary fulfillment. This episode is perfect for those seeking inspiration to slow down, reconnect with nature, and contemplate what kind of difference they want to make in their world.