Hot Messes, Big Visions

This week we're joined by Nicole Retter, founder of PAM (Personal Admin Manager), one of New Zealand's top-ranked apps and a product built entirely from lived chaos. Nicole takes us right back to the origin story: COVID, a husband who couldn't use either arm, two preschoolers, a piece of 4x2 wood wedged against a bedroom door, a panic attack, and then a concussion that gave her 12 months on the co...

What would you actually do if your baby choked right now? In this episode, we sit down with Charlotte from And Breathe First Aid, a paediatric ICU nurse with over a decade of experience and the founder of NZ's only parent-specific first aid education. We talk about the gap between knowing first aid and actually being able to act in a crisis, why choking is less common than you think (and what to d...

Nobody talks about the bit in between. Not the exciting launch, not the "we made it" moment. Just the long, unglamorous stretch where you're building something real while running on broken sleep and blind faith. That's where Nikki and Sophia are right now, and this episode they're not pretending otherwise. From midnight wake-ups and toddlers who insist on driving the car, to turning 41 wondering i...

Renata Wiles is the founder of ROAM with Kids, an app that helps NZ parents find places to go with their kids, complete with parent reviews, age-based filters, and local events. What started as a dodgy Google map she built to stop answering the same DMs is now live across New Zealand and just landed in Brisbane. In this episode, Renata gets refreshingly honest about what building a business with s...

This week nearly broke us. Between daycare chaos, burnout, building a business with two young kids, and trying to hold it all together… something had to change. In this episode, we’re getting real about: the messy moment that pushed us to the edge the reality of daycare (and why it’s not working for so many families) taking space, burnout, and what happens when you finally stop why we rebuilt ever...

This week we're getting real about the one thing every mum talks about needing but almost never actually gets: rest. We kick off with a stat that'll make you laugh (and cry) — the average mum works the equivalent of 2.5 full-time jobs when you combine paid work, childcare, and household labour. Oh, and the weekend? Sold to us as rest. TGIF indeed. From white-knuckling a weekend full of activities...

Camping with preschoolers is not for the faint-hearted. In this episode, we unpack the beautiful chaos of family camping trips, the sleep deprivation, emotional meltdowns (from kids and adults), post-surgery recovery, and the strange parenting phenomenon where you swear never again … only to start planning the next trip days later. We share honest reflections on marriage under pressure, parenting...

No one warns you that parenthood can change your body, your energy, and even your motivation — and that it’s not because you’re lazy, failing, or “not coping well enough.” In this episode of Hot Messes, Big Visions , Nikki and Sophia talk honestly about the parts of parenthood that rarely get said out loud: hair loss, hormone shifts, emotional exhaustion, and the quiet loss of motivation so many p...

But you have childcare… why are you still tired? ” We got asked this recently and honestly, it stopped us in our tracks. In this episode of Hot Messes, Big Visions , we unpack why having childcare doesn’t magically make parenting easy, why so many parents still feel exhausted even with support , and how modern parenting has quietly turned tiredness into a personal failure. Spoiler: it’s not. We ta...

Christmas is often painted as a time to slow down and soak it all in — but for many parents, it can feel anything but restful. In this episode of Hot Messes Big Visions , Nikki and Soph reflect on the reality of parenting through the holiday season. From managing Christmas expectations and cultural traditions to hosting, working, and navigating the chaos that comes with kids at home, this conversa...

In this lively conversation, Nikki and Soph discuss the chaos and challenges of December, particularly around Christmas. They share personal anecdotes about holiday preparations, the stress of managing children's expectations, and the realities of parenting during the festive season. The conversation touches on the pressures of gift-giving, the complexities of family traditions, and the humorous y...

In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the ups and downs of trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while juggling the joys of life. Join us as we explore the comedic yet relatable struggles of exercise, indulgence, and the irresistible pull of the beach during the summer. Discussing RNZ article: How Grandparents feel being the go-to childcare: https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/relationsh...

In this episode of Hot Messes Big Visions, hosts Nikki and Sophia share their experiences as parents navigating the chaos of family life. They discuss their messiest moments, the importance of community support, and the challenges of finding reliable childcare. The conversation touches on self-care, body image, and the realities of parenting, including bedwetting and discipline strategies. Through...

In this conversation, Nikki & Soph discuss the challenges of parenting, including the impact of daylight savings on their energy levels, Nikki's decision to quit a job for family commitments, and the ongoing identity crisis that comes with motherhood. They share personal experiences of postpartum struggles, the difficulty of balancing exercise with parenting, and humorous messy moments, such a...

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the challenges of solo parenting, the emotional toll it takes, and the practical aspects of managing children's toys and sleep routines. They share personal anecdotes about transitioning to bunk beds, the farewell of cube storage, and the ongoing struggles with sleep training. The conversation highlights the need for control in chaotic parenting situations a...

In this episode of Hot Messes, Big Visions, hosts Nikki and Sophia share their experiences as parents and entrepreneurs, discussing the chaos of balancing work and family life. They delve into the messy moments of parenting, the guilt associated with taking time off, and the importance of building a supportive community. The conversation highlights the challenges of postpartum life, the evolution...

In this episode, Nikki & Soph discuss their experiences at a recent conference, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity for parents. They explore the challenges of balancing motherhood with personal identity, the realities of sleep deprivation, and the mental health struggles that come with parenting. The conversation is filled with humor and relatable messy moments, highlighting the ups and...

Summary In this episode of Hot Messes Big Visions, hosts Nikki and Sophia share their chaotic parenting experiences, discussing the messiness of family life, the importance of community support, and the challenges of balancing personal identity with motherhood. They reflect on their own parenting journeys, the need for breaks, and the joy of building a supportive village for parents. Takeaways Bui...