Hot Messes, Big Visions

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 small kids actually looks like. We're talking one-handed pram-pushing while replying to emails, working until 1am for almost a year, and sitting with a resignation email in her drafts for three months before she finally hit send.We also talk about the thing nobody says out loud: that "flexible working" doesn't really exist for parents. That the juggle is real. That this week might just be a write-off. And that the only way through is building your own village.Big conversation. Lots of laughs. A genuinely messy moment at the end.New episodes drop every week. Follow wherever you listen, and find us at thevillageco.nz.Find your village at: TheVillageCo.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 and face paint in the shed, to the concept of a 'switch-off moment' (hint: it used to happen at daycare drop-off), we unpack the reality of modern motherhood — the mental load, the mum guilt, the constant spinning of plates — with humour, honesty, and zero judgement.We also ask the uncomfortable question: when was the last time you genuinely rested? The answer might surprise you (Fiji, 2021, before the second kid arrived).In This Episode[00:00] The 2.5 jobs stat — why weekends don't count as rest[02:00] Weekend activities and the reality behind 'making memories'[03:47] Managing kids' boredom without losing your mind[05:00] Planning excursions in a busy city — chicken nuggets in the air fryer FTW[07:34] Switch-off moments: what happened to just… not thinking?[09:00] The challenge of rest — binge-watching Netflix used to be a valid activity[11:59] The trend of mums actually taking time for themselves (gasp)[13:28] Mum guilt vs. dad guilt — spoiler: not the same thing[15:14] The mental load and calendar management — spinning plates edition[17:57] When was the last time you genuinely rested?[20:00] Messy moments, face paint, and kids in the shed[23:00] Kids' creative play — beautiful chaos[25:00] Language, boundaries, and honest parenting conversations[27:00] The importance of rest — what the research actually says[28:30] Reflecting on balance and closing thoughtsFind your village at: TheVillageCo.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 parents experience after having kids.This isn’t about fixing yourself.It’s about understanding what’s actually happening — and realising you’re not alone.• Why hair loss after kids is more common than we admit• How hormones impact motivation, mood, and energy• Why “rest” doesn’t always fix exhaustion• The guilt parents carry for not bouncing back• Why this isn’t a personal failure — it’s a support gap• How naming the reality can be the first reliefIf you’ve ever thought “Why am I still so tired?” or “What’s wrong with me?” — this episode is for you.🎧 New episodes every week💛 Share this with a parent who needs to hear itIn this episode, we talk about:Find your village at: TheVillageCo.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 conversation explores why the holidays can feel so overwhelming.We talk honestly about:the pressure to create the “perfect” Christmasexpectations vs reality during the holidayscultural differences in how Christmas is celebratedparenting exhaustion and holiday burnoutbalancing work and family lifethe gaps in childcare and support for parentsAs we look ahead to the year to come, we also share what we’re excited about, what we’re planning for the platform, and how we hope to better support parents moving forward.If Christmas left you feeling tired, overstimulated, or quietly thinking “was that even a holiday?” — you’re not alone. This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all, and that parenting through the holidays is hard for so many families.Chapters00:00 Welcome & reflecting on the holidays02:40 Christmas expectations vs reality05:14 Cultural Christmas celebrations08:36 Holiday exhaustion with kids14:07 Finding routine after the holidays19:13 Parenting, work & work-life balance23:34 Evolving childcare needs25:54 Looking ahead to what’s nextHot Messes Big Visions is a podcast about parenting, identity, work, and modern family life — told honestly, without pressure to have it all together.Find your village at: TheVillageCo.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/relationships/family/how-grandparents-feel-about-being-the-go-to-childcare Find your village at: TheVillageCo.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 as dealing with an ant infestation and the challenges of keeping a clean home. The conversation highlights the complexities of modern parenting and the shared experiences that come with it.TakeawaysDaylight savings can significantly affect energy levels.Quitting a job can be a difficult yet necessary decision for family.Parenting often leads to an identity crisis as roles shift.Postpartum life can bring unexpected challenges and changes.Finding time for exercise is tough when balancing parenting and work.Messy moments are a common part of family life.It's important to share parenting struggles with others.Maintaining a clean home can be overwhelming with young children.Food rules in the house can be hard to enforce with kids.Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs. Chapters00:00 Surviving the Week: Daylight Savings and Fatigue05:11 The Transformation: Life Changes After Kids12:19 Messy Moments: Ant Infestations and Parenting ChaosFind your village at: TheVillageCo.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 of parenting perspectives, and the necessity of self-care for parents. Through their candid stories, they emphasise that parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs, and it's okay to seek help and support along the way.Find your village at: TheVillageCo.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn 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.TakeawaysBuilding your dream doesn't need to be polished.It's okay to ask for help and take breaks.Parenting is a constant struggle that requires adaptation.Community support is essential for parents.Messy moments are a part of real life parenting.You don't need to have it together to be going somewhere.Finding balance as a parent is crucial.The village concept helps alleviate parenting pressures.Parenting can be both rewarding and challenging.You're not alone in your parenting journey.Sound Bites"It's okay to ask for help.""It's a constant struggle.""You're not alone."Chapters00:00 Welcome to Hot Messes Big Visions11:31 The Reality of Parenting18:40 Building a Supportive Community34:40 The Reality of Parenting46:17 The Importance of Self-CareFind your village at: TheVillageCo.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.