The Nikki & Brie Show

Episode: She Really Started the Party
Date: October 16, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Nikki and Brie dive deep into their recent experience at the Environmental Media Awards (EMMA) in Los Angeles. They discuss the importance of environmental activism, share moving stories from the awards ceremony, and reflect on the powerful presence of indigenous Amazonian women fighting for their land. The sisters also explore themes of empowerment, motherhood, and the power of making even small changes for the planet. As always, the episode is peppered with their trademark warmth, humor, candid sisterly banter, and a few heartfelt, inspiring moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. EMMA Awards Experience

(01:54–04:45)

• Brie recaps their recent trip to Los Angeles to present at the Environmental Media Awards (EMMA).
  • “They announced there at them awards that I am one of their newest [board] members. So that was really exciting.” (01:54, Brie)
• Nikki shares her first impressions:
  • The scale of the event surprised her, and she found herself inspired by the collective hope and activism present, especially in Hollywood.
  • “It was just amazing.... I was super, super impressed and inspired and had a lot of hope because I think sometimes we're so focused, like we hear so much bad. But then I really loved hearing from their perspectives of like how much good is really going on…” (03:30, Nikki)

2. What Is ‘EMMA’ and The Green Seal?

(04:45–05:40)

• Brie explains that the Environmental Media Association (EMMA) awards a "green seal" to TV shows and movies that follow strict sustainability protocols.

  • “Emma, they have a green seal… There’s so many huge movies, TV shows. It means there was no plastic. I mean, there’s like, it’s a huge packet of things, and they have people go there and inspect.” (04:45, Brie)

• Brie expresses her desire to bring sustainability (like refillable bottles) into the wrestling industry.

  • “They should for sure have, like, their own bottles with their names on it. Kind of like how Love Island does.” (05:44, Nikki)

3. Impactful Moments from the Awards

(06:15–07:35)

• The sisters highlight Rainn Wilson’s impactful speech after winning the ‘EMMA for Ongoing Commitment’:

  • He shifted from social media “ranting” to real-world action:
    • “Instead of just going off on people, why don’t I go, like, get up and make a change?...Go make a change. Let’s go do something. I really like…his acceptance speech so much.” (07:01, Nikki)

• Discussion on activism:

  • Nikki reflects: “You don’t have to be an activist to make a change…We can make changes that are little changes [that] make a really big difference.” (07:35, Nikki)

4. The Amazon: Awareness and Urgency

(10:35–13:24)

• Nikki and Brie express concern about public awareness of the Amazon’s significance.
  • “I would love to…do surveys with kids and be like, what is the Amazon? I would love to know what they would say back to me and its purpose.” (10:35, Nikki)
• The sisters explain the Amazon’s vital role as the “lungs of the earth,” and the ongoing battle to protect it from exploitation.
• Discussion on the 400+ indigenous communities who are the “original stewards of the land.” (13:29, Brie)
  • “To this day, indigenous people are still teaching us how to be one with the land…” (13:29, Brie)

5. Meeting Indigenous Amazonian Leaders & Movie ‘Yanuni’

(14:28–18:13)

• Nikki describes being moved by the presence of Yanuni (the indigenous woman featured in the upcoming documentary), even though Yanuni didn’t speak English.
  • “You felt every word from her, even not knowing what she was saying… I was just like…how are we even fighting this?” (14:52, Nikki)
• The risks faced by indigenous activists:
  • “They've tried to kill her… six or seven times…the documentary that's getting released shows this on film a few times.” (15:52, Nikki)
  • “...in the beginning [of the trailer], she talks about the Amazon is our mother and she has the cure.” (16:28, Nikki)
• Personal connection: Yanuni asks Nikki and Brie for help in her fight, especially for women’s rights and protection.
  • “Her energy… she spoke a lot for women… she talked about women from different cultures…” (17:12, Nikki)

6. Reflections on Purpose & Getting Uncomfortable

(18:44–20:13)

• Brie encourages listeners to seek purpose and embrace discomfort for personal growth:

  • “The best part of living is getting a little uncomfortable and doing things that you would never do…because that’s why we’re here, and that gives you purpose and meaning.” (19:56, Brie)

• Nikki is inspired to expand her own activism beyond what she ever expected:

  • “I never thought my life, like, I would all of a sudden be like, oh, my gosh, I want to help the women of the Amazon. I want to help the indigenous people.” (20:28, Nikki)

7. Environmental Action—Big & Small

(25:19–27:06)

• Brie reminds listeners how everyday actions, such as emailing senators or signing petitions, really do make a difference.

  • “The biggest thing is really, you know, when people are like, just send the email to the senator… that actually, that does something.” (25:19, Brie)

• Nikki and Brie strongly criticize trophy hunting and urge for leaving untouched wild spaces alone.

  • “Can we just leave some things untouched?” (27:30, Nikki)

8. Hope for the Next Generation & The Power of Positivity

(28:38–28:51)

• Rainn Wilson’s reflection that the younger generation often feels hopeless about climate change was especially impactful to Nikki.

  • “He’s on a mission to bring hope back into the younger generation. And I…haven’t heard someone talk like that or bring awareness to that alone.” (28:38, Nikki)

• Despite the challenges, positive progress is being made:

  • Nikki shares: “There’s so much POS positive going on, which they were clapping and cheering for…” (28:51, Nikki)

9. Food, Outfits, and Fun at the EMMA Awards

(29:54–34:06)

• Humorous and relatable stories about allergies, hangovers, vegan food (from Crossroads, LA), and wardrobe choices.
• Nikki and Brie share their insecurities and laughs about their outfits and getting ready (or not!) for a big event.
  • “Girl, you own it. And I’m like, okay, I’m gonna own it. Which I told myself, I’m gonna own it.” (32:55, Brie and Nikki)

10. Party Energy & Generational Observations

(33:01–35:19)

• Reflecting on generational differences on the dance floor and their own lively “party starter” energy.
  • “You really started the party.” (27:27, Nikki recalling feedback post-event)
  • “When you hear Fat Joe say, turn the mic on. I mean, do you not sprint to the dance floor? Sprint every time.” (34:48, Brie and Nikki)

11. On Being Inspirational and Uplifting to Others

(36:02–39:50)

• Emotional recount of a heartfelt compliment Nikki received about her resilience and lightness, even through tough times.
  • “I have never seen anyone hold themselves like you going through what you've gone through ever in this industry. [...] You’ve inspired me. And every time I see you, I just want to hug you.” (36:21–37:02, Paparazzi member to Nikki)
• Listener story: how Nikki’s book and presence helped a young girl recover from trauma.
  • “If God is not good, I don’t know what.” (39:40, Nikki)

12. Family & Motherhood Stories

(45:14–48:27)

• Cute stories about their kids' perceptions of their jobs, showing the funny and tender side of being working moms.
  • “Mateo goes, well, you know what my mom does? [...] She’s a wrestler.” (46:10, Nikki)

13. Closing Inspiration & Affirmation

(52:10–54:52)

• Nikki reads a poem about the Amazon generated by ChatGPT, invoking the interconnectedness and vital role of the rainforest.
  • “The Amazon, the heart of the earth. The Amazon, a living breath that circles the world. The lungs of our planet…” (52:30, Nikki)
• Brie shares a quote from Chief Seattle: “The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to Earth.” (54:10, Brie)
• Final reflection: “Sometimes we have to go out into nature and just sit still for 10 minutes...write down what you hear, what you feel. But we just need to be reminded.” (54:49, Brie)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Environmental Action:
  “You don’t have to be an activist to make a change… We can make changes that are little changes make a really big difference.”
  – Nikki (07:35)

• On Indigenous Women’s Fight:
  “Her presence on stage… and I was so inspired and was like, okay, I’m right in her train. Like, I want to be on that train… she spoke a lot for women…not just about her tribes. And she fights for all those women.”
  – Nikki (17:12)

• On Hope and the Next Generation:
  “The one thing [Rainn Wilson] realized in this world...is the younger generations have lost hope. They truly feel that what our generations and older have just ruined this world and that’s it for them. And how he’s on a mission to bring hope back...”
  – Nikki (28:38)

• On Embracing Discomfort:
  “The best part of living is getting a little uncomfortable and doing things that you would never do...because that’s why we’re here, and that gives you purpose and meaning.”
  – Brie (19:56)

• On Personal Connection:
  “It’s rare you meet people who come into your path who ask you, like, we need your help…how do you ignore that?”
  – Brie (17:53, 20:13)

• On Cycling Inspiration:
  “You gave me the strength to [get through] whatever situation they were in, they got through.”
  – Brie (38:39)

• On Interconnectedness:
  “But the Amazon isn’t just theirs. It belongs to all of us…when the Amazon thrives, the world does too.”
  – ChatGPT poem, read by Nikki (53:03)

• On Nature and Belonging:
  “The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to Earth.”
  – Brie quoting Chief Seattle (54:10)

Memorable Moments

• Brie going off-script, bringing the “Brie mode” party energy to the EMMA stage, with feedback: “You really started the party.” (27:27)
• The encounter with Yanuni, the indigenous leader, and the powerful call to action she made to Nikki and Brie. (16:47–18:14)
• Heartfelt story of Nikki’s book inspiring a young trauma survivor, meeting unexpectedly in Air One. (39:17–39:40)
• Humorous takes on hangovers, party generations, and owning bold fashion choices. (32:55, 34:48)
• Nikki reading ChatGPT’s poem about the Amazon, followed by chills and laughter about AI’s “poetic” skills. (52:30–53:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:54 – Brie recaps the EMMA experience, Board invitation
• 03:30 – Nikki’s impressions and hopefulness
• 04:45 – EMMA’s Green Seal explained
• 07:01 – Rainn Wilson’s speech and call to real action
• 10:35 – Amazon awareness in younger generations
• 13:29 – Indigenous stewardship and statistics
• 14:52 – Yanuni’s presence and impact
• 15:52 – Dangers faced by indigenous activists
• 16:28 – Power of “the Amazon is our mother” statement
• 17:12 – Women’s rights and indigenous advocacy
• 18:44 – Reflection on discomfort and personal growth
• 25:19 – Everyday actions that drive environmental change
• 27:30 – Critique of trophy hunting, need for untouched wild spaces
• 28:38 – Rainn Wilson on hope for the next generation
• 32:55 – Affirming fashion and party energy
• 34:48 – Dance floor generations and nostalgia
• 36:21–37:02 – Compliment for Nikki’s resilience
• 39:17–39:40 – Story of Nikki’s book helping a trauma survivor
• 46:10 – Mateo’s pride: “She’s a wrestler.”
• 52:30 – ChatGPT's Amazon poem
• 54:10 – “The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to Earth.” – Chief Seattle quote

Tone and Feel

• Warm, open, and unapologetically authentic
• Inspirational with practical action steps
• Full of sisterly love, humor, and laughter
• Reflective, deeply personal, and hopeful about change and resilience

For anyone who missed the episode, this summary captures the blend of fun, emotional resonance, actionable messages, and empowering stories that make The Nikki & Brie Show such a unique listen—just as if you’d joined them for happy hour yourself!