Blunt But Brilliant

Tary is out this week, so Nikki takes the opportunity to tell her story about why she finally had to go "no contact" with her father. Get ready for the decades long heartbreaking story of the downfall of a family due to one man's alcoholism, narcissism and mental illness. Unfortunately, the harassment continues, and Nikki gives an update of the latest scheme that her father has implemented to try...

We know that it can hurt when someone doesn't like you. Maybe you did something to offend them, they're jealous, or there may not be a reason at all. How do we get past the hurt or humiliation of another person not liking us? Listen to this episode for tips and coping tools on how to deal with this type of situation. Instead of worrying about why another person doesn't think that you're their cup...

Is there anyone else, other than us, that needs to debrief their Christmas holiday? We need to vent! The too much of everything really got to us this year, and we have things to say. If someone sends you an RSVP to an event, and you don't respond, please don't show up last minute and expect us to accommodate you! Ok, that feels better. HO, HO, HO...ughhhhhhhh. Join us in venting out all of your ho...

There's nothing we want more in a relationship than accountability. How do we admit we were wrong and not take a huge hit to our ego? The more accountable we are for our actions, the more people will trust us. Saying we're sorry, then changing the inappropriate behavior so that it doesn't happen again goes a long way with our friends, coworkers and loved ones. We also discuss the other side of acc...

What is the difference between practicing idiot compassion versus wise compassion? Idiot compassion is when you're more focused on avoiding conflict and feeding your own ego. Wise compassion acts with courage and wisdom to address the root cause of another's suffering. Wise compassion gets to the heart of the issue instead of staying surface oriented and placating or enabling the other person. Idi...

Sleigh bells are ringing, and Santa is coming! In this episode, Nikki and Tary talk about their families' Holiday traditions in the 1980's and how it compares to their current traditions with their growing families. Christmas can also be a hard time for families and kids that are dealing with addictions, depression or illness. Nikki shares her "Christmas Trauma" that formed the way she celebrates...

We have a gut feeling that a lot of people out there need to hear this. Intuition used to be thought of as some kind of mystic psychic thing that people didn't really understand. Well, it's not magic...it's science! Albert Einstein thought intuition to be a "sacred gift" and "the only real valuable thing". He also believed that while the rational mind is a useful servant, intuition is the source o...

Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that makes us feel connected to others. Interestingly, it also can make us feel more empathetic and plays a role in fidelity. In this episode, we reference many different studies that show how oxytocin seems to help us stay monogamous in our relationships, improve mental health, combat addictions and feel connected to our loved ones. We'll tell...

There is a big misconception out there that you have to be nice in order to be kind. Not true! Women, especially, have a tendency to be nice even when they're in danger emotionally or physically, and we are here to give you permission to STOP BEING NICE. Being nice is very surface oriented where being kind comes from a place of genuine care, empathy, compassion and a desire to act in another perso...

We are going down the Dark Romance rabbit hole, and we invite you to join! Dark Romance culture is exploding on BookTok, and we are here for it. Listen while we discuss the different genres, themes and dating culture that involves anti-heroes such as uber masculine bikers, mob bosses and more. Dark Romance books can get VERY SPICY, and so does this convo, so try not to clutch those pearls too tigh...

Self expression is an active way to show others our true personality. We can do this in many different ways such as art, sports, personal style, or just doing anything we love. This episode gives you suggestions on how to find your authentic true self and why it's so important for your overall health. Stop masking your amazing unique personality, and show the world who you really are! Nikki and Ta...

Are you tired of talking about the weather or what you do for a living? Are you an introvert that feels tortured by small talk? We've got you! In this episode, you'll learn how to ask the right questions in awkward social settings to cut through the small talk and really get to know people. Magical questions are questions that everyone wants to answer and everyone wants to hear the answers. You ca...

Having healthy boundaries is the best way to have healthy relationships in all aspects of your life including romantic relationships, friendships and work, but it can be a confusing concept. In this episode, Tary and Nikki talk about 7 different types of personal boundaries, how to set them and how to protect them. You'll learn what to do and what not to do when someone violates your boundary. Let...

Decision making is a part of our everyday lives, but sometimes we just get stuck. The third option is a technique Tary and Nikki have been using for a while to help the decision making process go easier. The option to do nothing is also a valid position to take, and we'll tell you why and how to do it properly. Be prepared to step out of your box, get creative, and make decisions like a boss! Tary...

This is the second installment of our Toxicity Series. If you are, have been, or might be involved in a toxic relationship...this episode is for you. Nikki and Tary explore the signs and symptoms of a toxic relationship and also give ideas on how to extract yourself from these situations if needed. Trigger warning: Talk of physical, mental, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse in the last 5 m...

Toxic people are all around us. They can be our partners, coworkers, family members or friends. Even WE can be toxic sometimes. This episode takes a look at how to identify a toxic person, how to deal with a toxic person and what to do if we discover that we are the toxic person. Nikki also tells a relatable story about a work incident that will now forever be referred to as "The Bell Situation",...

Welcome to Blunt But Brilliant! Get to know your cohosts on this "Meet and Greet" with Nikki and Tary. We share who we are, how we met, and where we hope to take this podcast. We also talk a little bit about our tried and true method of problem solving and decision making we call "The Third Option". We love suggestions and comments, so follow our Facebook page, and let us know what you're thinking...