In this episode of Smashed Oranges, we sit down with Nikkie Ruud Ripka, a pioneer in early childhood arts education and the founder of Fine Arts Express. With over 30 years of experience in early childhood instruction, Nikkie shares her passion for integrating music, dance, drama, art, and yoga into learning experiences designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. She discusses how the fine arts serve as powerful tools for emotional regulation, social development, and self-expression, helping young children build confidence and essential life skills in a fun and engaging environment. Nikkie takes us behind the scenes of Fine Arts Express, revealing how her unique approach fosters creativity while supporting early childhood development. She explores the importance of movement, storytelling, and hands-on art experiences in nurturing young minds and highlights the role of the arts in shaping resilient, expressive, and emotionally aware children. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply passionate about early learning, this conversation will leave you inspired by the incredible impact of the fine arts in early childhood education. You can find Nikkie at: instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fineartsexpress/ Register for her program Fine Arts Express here: https://diversitydpa.com/fine-arts-express/ Don’t miss this insightful episode! Follow Smashed Oranges on your favorite podcast platform and social media to stay updated on future episodes and inspiring conversations. instagram: @smashed.oranges tiktok: @smashed.oranges YouTube: @SmashedOranges ​

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about emergency childbirth and may be triggering for some viewers. In this episode, Maddie and Omari share their deeply personal birth story, detailing their experience with an emergency C-section and preterm delivery. At 36 weeks and 4 days, their son was born healthy, but the journey was not without its challenges. They candidly discuss the trauma of an emergency C-section, the physical and emotional recovery process, and the role of a supportive partner during and after childbirth. Through their firsthand perspectives, Maddie and Omari offer a heartfelt exploration of how navigating the unexpected together can deepen a relationship. Whether you're preparing for parenthood or supporting someone through childbirth, this episode provides relatable insights, valuable advice, and a story of resilience and connection. LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more candid conversations about motherhood. Every subscriber helps us bring fresh content and build this amazing community. 🔗 Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content: 📸 Instagram: @smashed.oranges 🎥 TikTok: @smashed.oranges 📹 YouTube Shorts: @smashedoranges

In this heartfelt episode of Smashed Oranges, we explore the profound duality of life—welcoming new life while saying goodbye to family members. Join us as we open up about navigating the loss of loved ones to terminal illness the same year a baby is born. We dive into the passing of generations and how the experience of death brings a new appreciation and vibrancy to life. From learning to stay present in moments of joy and sorrow to finding beauty in life’s contrasts, we reflect on how grief and love can coexist. Whether you're dealing with loss, embracing new beginnings, or simply exploring the complexities of motherhood and family, this episode will resonate deeply. Themes include: - The duality of joy and heartbreak - Staying in the moment during life’s extremes -How death gives life more color and meaning -Navigating generational transitions We’d love to hear your thoughts—how have you managed life’s most bittersweet moments? Share in the comments below! 🌟 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. 🎧 Tune in every Monday for an honest, raw, and uplifting conversation.

Navigating Friendship and Motherhood: Changes, Challenges, and Connection In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the evolving dynamics of friendship after becoming a mom. From juggling coffee chats with toddlers in tow to forming new bonds with fellow moms, we unpack it all. Join us as we share personal stories, discuss the unspoken realities of limited capacity, and offer tips for finding meaningful relationships in this new chapter of life. Join us as we discuss:

• How motherhood changes pre-baby friendships
• The art of making new "mom friends" and fostering connections
• Navigating guilt, grief, and joy in evolving relationships
• Tips for balancing time, expectations, and self-care

Whether you're a new mom, a seasoned parent, or simply curious about this journey, this episode offers raw, relatable insights to inspire and encourage. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more honest conversations about motherhood, connection, and personal growth. Your turn! Share your friendship experiences in the comments—how have your relationships shifted since becoming a parent? Instagram: @smash.oranges Tiktok: @smashed.oranges Youtube: ‪@SmashedOranges‬ #MomLife #FriendshipGoals #ParentingJourney #MotherhoodPodcast #NewMom #ParentingSupport

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into some spicy, thought-provoking, and totally relatable opinions about motherhood that don’t always make it into mainstream conversations. From balancing personal ambitions with parenting to questioning traditional roles and debunking myths about “perfect parenting,” we’re sharing it all—raw and real. Here’s what we discuss: Why motherhood doesn’t have to define your entire identity. Dads don’t “babysit”—they parent! Not loving every moment with your kids doesn’t make you a bad mom. Setting boundaries with kids: sanity saver or controversial? Why “organic only” is overrated and how to manage realistic expectations. This episode is packed with laughs, heartfelt stories, and some hard truths about what it means to be a modern mom. 👉 We’d love to hear from YOU! Share your spicy or controversial mom opinions in the comments. Let’s build a community of moms who aren’t afraid to keep it real! LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more candid conversations about motherhood. Every subscriber helps us bring fresh content and build this amazing community. 🔗 Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content: 📸 Instagram: @smashed.oranges 🎥 TikTok: @smashed.oranges 📹 YouTube Shorts: @smashedoranges #MotherhoodUnfiltered #ControversialOpinions #HotRichMomsPodcast #ModernParenting #MomLifeRealTalk

Sleepless nights are a rite of passage for every new mom, and in this episode, we’re getting real about it. From the first-year challenges of newborn sleep to our experiences with sleep training, we share how those exhausting nights impacted us physically and emotionally. We’ll also dive into the coping skills we learned, the strategies that worked for us, and the little things that helped us navigate the ever-changing stages of infant sleep. If you’re in the trenches of sleepless nights, this one’s for you—we’ve been there, and we’ve got your back.

From embracing the scars that tell our stories to redefining beauty in the chaos of motherhood, this conversation is a heartfelt blend of honesty, encouragement, and empowerment. We dive into the raw reality of postpartum body image and the emotional and physical challenges of c-section recovery. Tune in for real talk, relatable moments, and a reminder that you’re never alone in this journey. Alberta Perinatal Mental Health - https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=1084229&serviceAtFacilityID=1133760 There are many resources for postpartum depression, including:

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for free, 24/7 access to professional counselors Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free access to a trained crisis counselor Postpartum Support International: Call or text "Help" to 1-800-944-4773 for information, resources, and support groups Pacific Post Partum Support Society: Call 1-855-255-7999 or 604-255-7999 (in the Lower Mainland) for support Counseling and therapy: Can help parents address their feelings, thoughts, and actions Local resources: Ask a healthcare professional, find a local health center, or reach out to local organizations Support groups: Look for new moms' groups, breastfeeding support groups, or a baby café