The Nikki & Brie Show – “Golden Opportunities”

SiriusXM, September 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Nikki and Brie Garcia (formerly Bella Twins) invite listeners into a candid conversation about daily hiccups, Nikki's exhilarating wrestling return, the value of vulnerability, lessons from parenting, and golden moments—from K-pop movies to entrepreneurial ventures. The twins sprinkle inspiration and laughter throughout, encouraging listeners to embrace new chapters, face setbacks with grit, and celebrate their authentic selves.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life’s Unexpected Hiccups (03:18–07:17)

• Nikki’s Fire Department Scare: The episode kicks off with Nikki recounting an emergency at her home, where a fire and carbon monoxide alarm went off, prompting the fire department to show up. The cause? A long-overdue air conditioning filter change.
  • Nikki learns basic home maintenance:

    "I didn't realize how easy it is to change your air conditioning filter." (05:06 – Nikki)

  • Brie teases about the impending bill for the fire department’s visit, respecting the funny side of adulting.
  • This segues into Nikki reflecting on travel delays and the exhaustion following her latest wrestling appearance.

2. Parenting and Well-being Hacks (07:17–07:49)

• Brie shares about helping her son Buddy with growing pains using magnesium salt baths, a tip Nikki vows to try with her own son.
• The sisters bond over the small victories and challenges of motherhood, underscoring everyday resilience and adapting routines for their children’s needs.

3. Nikki’s Wrestling Comeback—Preparation, Nerves & Growth (07:49–16:50)

• The Last-Minute Match with Asuka:
  Nikki describes finding out about her Monday Night Raw match against Asuka with minimal notice, triggering a whirlwind of preparation, nerves, and logistical hurdles.
  • On age, preparation, and the challenge:

    "At our age, it's not, like, just quickly to, like, lean out." (08:49 – Nikki)

  • She details her strategic approach: binge-watching Asuka matches during travel, reaching out to peers like Jason Jordan, Natalya, and TJ Wilson, and maximizing her training in the short window.
  • Brie expresses pride:

    "You've kind of just thrown yourself into the roster and into this division, which has to be scary because it's different from our era... almost 42 years old, that's tough." (13:07 – Brie)

  • Nikki on wrestling for growth, not glory:

    "I'm showing a lot of vulnerability... It's made it more fun for me. I don't have the pressure of being the longest reigning Divas Champion... I'm actually having a lot of fun because there isn't a high expectation of me. So I get to go put an expectation out there." (14:11 – Nikki)

  • Audience Chants:
    Nikki recounts the thrill of hearing "Let's go Asuka! Let's go Nikki!" chants and feeling the love from crowds and the acknowledgment from peers of two women in their 40s still stealing the show.

4. Ego, Legacy & Vulnerability (16:50–21:27)

• Brie passionately challenges the notion of “protecting your legacy”:

  • "When people say protecting your legacy... that is all ego. We’re not living life to protect our legacies. We already created them...Ego will seriously hold you back from life." (16:51 – Brie)

• Nikki reflects on her journey of letting go of ego and finding fulfillment in effort, not outcomes, deflecting online critics who focus on her win/loss record over her personal growth and example.

5. Social Media Drama & Backstage Camaraderie (19:30–25:51)

• The twins mock recent wrestling rumors, clarify friendships backstage (including with Wade Barrett), and highlight the camaraderie and fun inside the women's locker room.
• Nikki beams about the current WWE RAW women’s division, mentioning her connections with talents like Ivy, Maxine, Raquel, Rhea, Iyo, Bayley, and her anticipation for Natalya's return.
• Fun rumors about Nikki only dating 20-year-olds:

  • "I'm not just into 20 year olds... But it was just like, you know what I mean? Fun. It's like all the fun locker room talk." (25:16 – Nikki)

6. K-Pop, Movies & the Power of “Golden” (28:02–32:33)

• Both sisters rave about discovery and heartfelt connection to the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters.
  • Nikki uses the song "Golden" as her pump-up theme for matches and her comeback:

    "After watching it this past weekend with Teo... this is my theme of my comeback. It's 'Golden,' the golden song." (28:32 – Nikki)

  • They share the inspiring story of the film’s creator, Maggie Kang, whose journey breaks age and industry barriers.
  • Brie highlights the underdog achievement:

    "What's been incredible is that 'Golden' has been pretty much number one on the Billboard charts for so long... actually making history." (31:44 – Brie)

  • Both women praise stories of late-blooming, resilience, and breaking molds, suggesting these guests for future podcasts.

7. Light Warriors, Entrepreneurial Spirit & Bonita Bonita Wine (32:45–41:59)

• Nikki and Brie liken their roles to "light warriors," aiming to inspire and battle negativity with positivity.
• Brie recounts an encounter with former Golden State Warrior Baron Davis in their Napa Valley tasting room, praising entrepreneurial mindset transitions from sports to business.

  • "It's really neat when we cross paths with other athletes... Kind of the same career in these weird ways… to have the same feeling with so much." (37:54 – Brie)

• Updates on the Bonita Bonita wine venture, including plans to plant roses in memory of their Nana and aspirations to own the tasting room building.

8. Soccer Mom & Life Learnings (42:03–47:00)

• Brie narrates her wild experience as a youth soccer coach, comparing practices to a “Royal Rumble.”
• Nikki’s son Mateo expresses his ambivalence about soccer, preferring structure and drills over chaotic scrimmages.
• Both agree not to push their kids into unwanted activities, emphasizing creativity and outside play.

9. Hard Work, Parenting & Affirmation (46:07–52:33)

• Heartfelt moment: Nikki’s son tells her she’s best at “hard work,” making Nikki melt and reflecting the importance of modeling resilience.

  • "I go, but what do you think mommy's good at? And he goes, hard work. You work really hard, and you work a lot. And I was like... it made me like, melt." (46:33 – Nikki)

• Nikki shares advice from wrestling producers—don’t let one failure (or critics) deter you from using your best moves or trying again:

  • "He goes, no, you will hit it tonight, and you're going to hit it damn good. Just because there was one night where [it] didn’t work does not mean that you are going to stop doing that." (47:43 – Nikki)

• Both tie these lessons back to the themes of K-Pop Demon Hunters: resilience, authenticity, and silencing shame.

10. Inspiration/Affirmation: Lyrics from “Golden” (50:05–52:33)

• Nikki reads favorite lines from "Golden" to inspire listeners:

  • “Waited so long to break these walls down, to wake up and feel like me. Put these patterns all in the past now and finally live like the girl they all see.” (50:53 – Nikki)

• Reflection: Embrace your authentic self, let go of shame, and remember that perfection isn’t necessary for acceptance or success.

11. Shoutout to the Bella Army (53:23–53:36)

• Nikki thanks her loyal fanbase—the Bella Army—for unwavering support through her wrestling journey and podcasting comeback.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On vulnerability and growth:
  • “It takes a lot of courage to go out there in front of a live crowd and millions of viewers... to put yourself out there and see your growth." (14:11 – Nikki)
• On letting ego go:
  • "Ego will seriously hold you back from life, living it, and all the fun things, the chances that you will take." (16:51 – Brie)
• On resilience after criticism or failure:
  • “Just because there was one night where [the move] didn't work does not mean that you are going to stop doing that... Sometimes it just doesn't work. We just kept going.” (47:43 – Nikki)
• On authenticity:
  • “Put these patterns all in the past now and finally live like the girl they all see.” (51:11 – from "Golden," quoted by Nikki)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:18 – Nikki’s fire department story & home maintenance mishaps
• 07:17 – Parenting hacks & magnesium baths
• 07:49 – Wrestling prep: Nikki vs. Asuka, nerves, and reflections on age
• 13:07 – Brie’s perspective on Nikki’s comeback
• 16:50 – Brie’s discussion of ego, legacy, and vulnerability
• 19:30 – Wrestling rumors, social media drama, and backstage friendships
• 25:10 – Locker room life; refuting dating rumors
• 28:02 – K-pop movies, “Golden” as a comeback anthem, and underdog stories
• 32:45 – Light warriors & inspirational pop culture
• 35:44 – Fireside chat with Baron Davis: athlete-entrepreneur crossover
• 41:59 – Bonita Bonita updates & Nana’s memorial roses
• 42:03 – Youth soccer “Royal Rumble”
• 46:07 – Heartwarming moment with Nikki’s son
• 47:43 – Wrestling wisdom: push through failure and critics
• 50:53 – Affirmation from “Golden”: breaking down personal walls
• 53:23 – Nikki’s heartfelt thanks to the Bella Army

Tone & Language Notes

The episode maintains the sisters' trademark warmth, candidness, and humor—full of sisterly teasing, life lessons, and motivational energy. Nikki and Brie generously balance self-deprecating anecdotes (“I didn’t know how to change a filter!”), gratitude for each other and their fans, and motivational tidbits for anyone pursuing audacious goals at any stage of life.

Practical Takeaways

• Stay curious and keep learning—even home skills can save you a headache (and money).
• Preparation, reaching out for help, and doing the work matter more than waiting for conditions to be perfect.
• Vulnerability is a strength, especially when challenging your comfort zone or public identity.
• Letting go of ego to embrace joy rather than just protect reputation can open the door to deeper fulfillment.
• Life is about continual reinvention; age, setbacks, and critics are just part of the story.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is a testament to resilience, the joy of embracing new challenges, and the courage to pursue growth—on public stages or at home. Through laughs, heart-to-hearts, and golden anthems, Nikki & Brie invite listeners to live authentically, lift one another up, and never let fear—or dirty filters—slow them down.