#62: What do you get when you mix a corporate layoff, pregnancy hormones, and a dream of Italian citizenship? Nikki Maffey’s life.

In this episode, Nikki drops some major news (spoiler: she’s pregnant!) and gives us a peek into her journey from working toxic corporate jobs to owning her own business. We’re talking about the terrifying reality of layoffs (three days after closing on a house?!), why everything really does work out in the end, and how becoming a mom is both exciting and scary as hell.

Plus, we bond over our shared fears of birth (hello, The Birth Hour Podcast), chat about Nikki’s maternity leave plans, and dive into how she’s navigating the big identity shift that comes with motherhood. And don’t worry, we still keep it light with rapid-fire questions like her least favorite design trend and a hilarious round of Fck, Marry, Kill* featuring ClickUp, Dubsado, and Showit.

Whether you’re a business owner, a soon-to-be mom, or just love a good life pivot story, this episode is packed with real talks and inspo from a woman who has been there and is DOING that.

Connect with Nikki on Instagram at www.buzzandbanterstudios.com

Find what you need in the episode:

00:00 – The birth control breakup: going off the pill and what happened next
05:04 – Cycle tracking but make it a team sport (partner tips included)
09:25 – Corporate life vs. entrepreneurship: which one actually wins?
10:34 – Taking big risks while you still have the audacity
14:45 – When corporate culture is not giving—escaping toxic workplaces
17:33 – Mental blocks and the shit no one tells you about getting unstuck
20:17 – Nikki’s officially trying to be Italian (citizenship process, incoming)
29:01 – Nikki’s plans for growing her fam
32:41 – When your Oura Ring knows you’re pregnant before you do
35:11 – Pregnancy hormones but make them chill—why Nikki feels calmer than ever
37:24 – Birth stories, fears, and why Taylor went down the Birth Hour rabbit hole
41:22 – How Nikki’s prepping for maternity leave without financial panic
47:07 – How to keep your personal identity when “mom” isn’t your whole personality
49:33 – Why there’s no one right path—figuring out what works for you
53:34 – How your personal style actually plays into your brand (yes, really)
57:40 – Announcing big news to your audience without spiraling
59:26 – Managing anxiety, finding peace, and getting real about what matters