The Nikki & Brie Show — "Gratitude, Ghosts & Great Pumpkin Cake"

Date: November 27, 2025
Podcast Host: SiriusXM
Hosts: Nikki & Brie Garcia

Episode Overview

In this special Thanksgiving-themed episode, Nikki and Brie Garcia take listeners into their world with heartfelt reflections on gratitude, the wonders (and worries) of motherhood, prepping for WWE Survivor Series, and funny family traditions. The sisters also delve into ghost stories, holiday style tips, and share listener messages about gratitude before ending on an inspiring note. Expect laughter, moments of warmth and nostalgia, and a touch of spookiness!

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Thanksgiving Traditions, Gratitude, and Family Moments

• Opening Reflections (00:51-02:01):

  • The sisters express gratitude for each other, their listeners, and the podcast’s growth.
  • Lighthearted debate about Thanksgiving wardrobe (browns vs. winter whites).

  "Well, Nikki, I am very grateful for you, for all of our listeners, and for this show still going." — Brie (00:59)

• Holiday Style & Shopping Feels (02:01-03:20):

  • Nikki and Brie chat about transitioning into winter wardrobes: "browns" for Thanksgiving, "whites and creams" for December, and the pull between wanting new things and simply shopping their own closets.
  • Planning wardrobe for New Year’s and sharing items from their closets.

Prepping for Thanksgiving & Survivor Series

• Thanksgiving Plans (04:16-06:08):

  • Brie’s excitement for the parade, especially a float that looks like her dog Winston.
  • Reflections on watching the Thanksgiving Parade with family and kids—new traditions forming for the next generation.
  • Nikki’s anticipation for Survivor Series means sacrificing holiday indulgences.

  "This one's going to be so different for me because I'm going straight into a title match... so I will not be having carbs." — Nikki (07:49)

• Food Splurges & Traditions (07:52-09:31):

  • The sisters debate vegan and traditional versions of family favorite recipes.
  • Brie’s favorite is pumpkin cake; Nikki’s is pumpkin pie (with vegan ice cream).

Wrestling, Travel, & Sisterhood Support

• Survivor Series Prep (09:31-10:45):

  • Family—dad, Ezekiel, Jamie, and Pierce—are all coming to support Nikki.
  • Brie will keep Nikki motivated through chats, as training and wellness take center stage.

  "I'm going to keep my eye on the prize... everything that makes me the best version of myself as I step into that ring." — Nikki (10:10)

Practicing & Spreading Gratitude

• Reflecting on Blessings (14:01-16:49):

  • Brie recounts making "grateful wreaths" with her children.
  • Nikki lists things she's thankful for—her son, teachers, family support, WWE opportunities, the women in her locker room, and the “Bella Army” fanbase.

  "I'm grateful for the women in the locker room. They've been such a blessing of, like, just getting those laughs again... It's just, like, the best locker room I've ever been a part of." — Nikki (15:19)

• Memorable Fan Interactions (16:21-17:08):

  • A touching story about a fan giving Nikki birthday roses and a special depuffing eye product for both sisters, illustrating the deep reciprocal connection with their fandom.

  "A Bella Army member just waiting there with a bouquet of roses going, I want your birthday week to start out just perfect." — Nikki (16:11)

Motherhood Stories: Kids, Santa, and the Magic (or Mystery) of Holidays

• Cute & Comedic Parenting Moments (18:41-24:01):

  • Nikki and Brie navigate kids’ questions about Santa, the meaning of Christmas, and teeth-fairy antics.
  • Birdie’s attempts to “test" Santa, and Buddy’s concern for Santa’s head on the fireplace—both highlight the magic and mischief of holiday parenting.

  "I would like Santa to get me an American Airlines plane ticket... to North Pole. And I go, well, I don't know if we could go to the North Pole. And he goes, how about the South Pole?" — Nikki (19:06)

• Nightmares & Childhood Fears (22:18-26:52):

  • The sisters share stories about their kids’ nightmares—giant spiders, vampires, and seeing “eyeballs” in the hallway. The anecdotes lead to confessions of parental jumpscares and reminiscing about their own childhood fears.

  "Mateo's done that to me before when we've been in bed, and he goes, mom, who's the man in the corner?... and you get that, like, fire rush. And it's like, ding. Like, that throb sensation. And I'm like, do I want to look? I'm like, who am I about to fight?" — Nikki (24:47)

Ghost Stories & Haunted Hotels

• Ghostly Encounters (26:52-29:10):

  • Nikki and Brie swap tales of staying in haunted hotels—including a chilling night at the Alamo—and a story about a haunted theater in Staten Island.

  "That has been the worst I’ve ever felt of a place being haunted, ever.” — Nikki, on staying near the Alamo (26:57)

  • Ghost tours, moving objects in hotel rooms, and creepy local legends make for a lively, spooky segment amid the Thanksgiving warmth.

Listener Gratitude Messages & Games

• Sharing the Love (33:09-34:33):

  • The sisters read fans’ DMs expressing thanks for family, health, and confidence inspired by Nikki & Brie, as well as love for their community, the “Bella Army.”

  "You've both inspired me since I was 15 and I'm grateful to exist in the same time frame." — Listener DM (33:43)

• Family Thanksgiving Game — "Turkey" (35:01-39:26):

  • Nikki & Brie play a lighthearted trivia game, working together to answer Thanksgiving-themed questions and spell "TURKEY."
    • [35:37] Fun fact: Americans eat about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving day.
    • [36:09] Discussion about traditional side dishes, pop culture, and football trivia (and mix-ups about the Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions).
  • Laughter and light sibling rivalry ensue.

Listener Voicemail & Inspiring Afffirmation

• Heartfelt Voicemail (41:02-41:57):

  • Emma, a devoted listener, shares how the twins inspire strength, confidence, and joy, deeply moving both sisters.

  “Your podcast and your guys’s incredible, incredible journeys… have truly inspired so many people, including myself.” — Emma (41:12)

• Affirmation & Motivation (42:16-43:17):

  • Nikki shares an inspirational Serena Williams quote:

  “I really think a champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they recover when they fall.” — Nikki quoting Serena Williams (42:45)

  • Brie encourages Nikki as she heads into Survivor Series in San Diego, and Nikki shares one more powerful reminder:

  “Champions don't show up to get everything they want. They show up to give everything they have.” — Nikki (43:19)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Gratitude:
  "I'm grateful for Mateo and his health and all that. I'm grateful for his teachers. … I'm grateful for my family who’s been, like, my support system the past year." — Nikki (14:57)

• On Parenting & Holiday Magic:
  "Do I want to look? I'm like, who am I about to fight?" — Nikki, on her son seeing a "man in the corner" at night (24:47)
  "Birdie wants to test me in a way… whatever she put on that list, I do not know and will not be there in front of the fireplace come Christmas. And then she'll give me that look…" — Brie (21:31)

• On Ghost Encounters:
  "That has been the worst I’ve ever felt of a place being haunted, ever.” — Nikki, about the Alamo (26:57)

• On Motivation for Upcoming Challenges:
  “Champions don't show up to get everything they want. They show up to give everything they have.” — Nikki (43:19)

Important Timestamps

• [00:51] Main episode begins: Nikki & Brie on what they’re grateful for, Thanksgiving wardrobe chat.
• [05:06] Nikki recounts visiting NYC, Sherri Shepherd Show & Macy’s Parade float talk.
• [07:49] Nikki gearing up for Survivor Series, skipping Thanksgiving carbs.
• [14:01] Brie discusses gratitude crafts with her kids; Nikki shares her gratitude list.
• [16:11] Nikki’s touching story about a Bella Army fan bringing her flowers at the airport.
• [19:06] Parenting comedy: Mateo asks for a plane ticket to the North Pole from Santa.
• [24:47] Nikki recounts creepy bedtime moment with her son (“Who’s the man in the corner?”).
• [26:57] Nikki and Brie swap haunted hotel stories (Alamo anecdote).
• [33:09] Reading listeners’ gratitude DMs.
• [35:01] Thanksgiving “Turkey” trivia game.
• [41:02] Inspired voicemail from listener Emma.
• [42:45] Serena Williams affirmation; Nikki & Brie discuss resilience and competition.
• [43:19] “Champions don’t show up…”—Nikki’s final motivational quote.

Tone & Language

Warm, candid, and easygoing—Nikki and Brie’s banter is filled with jokes, sibling affection, and encouragement. The episode is honest and heartfelt, with real talk about motherhood, motivation, family, and the power of gratitude, sprinkled with laugh-out-loud moments and the occasional spooky twist.

Summary

This episode serves up a perfect pre-holiday blend of gratitude, heartfelt confession, and family cheer—plus ghost stories, kids’ shenanigans, and a good-natured game. Nikki & Brie invite listeners into their world, offering laughter, some teary moments, and a strong reminder to count our blessings and give our all—on Thanksgiving and beyond.