Rodeo Mamas Corral

09/29/2026

Hey everyone!

My name is Nikki.

I am the face behind this page, the podcast and the absolute chaos around here. I haven't introduced myself in a while and though that today, my birthday, would be a good day to do it.

Here are some random things about me:

-I absolutely hate wearing a cowboy hat. Despite competing in rodeos for decades, I didn't even own a hat for 15 years. How? I wear a helmet. Yes, I'm made fun of. No, I don't care what you think about it.

-I have ADHD, anxiety and have the attention span of a squirrel. Actually, the squirrel might have me beat.

-I love rodeo, but I love the people, their stories and how they make me feel more.

-Aside from rodeo and roping calves my favorite thing is spending time in the kitchen baking and canning whatever my heart desires. I also have almost 2 gallons of homemade vanilla brewing from 6 different countries and varieties of vanilla beans.

-I like to talk. A LOT. If you ever see me in the grocery store and don't want to be stuck there for 45 minutes-pretend you didn't see me and run the other way. Never make eye contact.

-I am laid back, chill and ready to go with the flow until I'm not. And then the switch is almost immediate-and in that case-LOOK OUT!

-I am also NOT a morning person. If you ever see me in the morning, and I look like I'm ready to fight with a raccoon, turn the other way and remember that I have a husband who has to wake up to that every single morning.

-I have some big dreams, and still not sure how I'm going to get there but I know I'm meant to be in the rodeo community; helping, sharing and doing what I love.

09/28/2026

09/25/2026

This week’s episode is up!

Nanci Bean Carlton is always one of my favorites to talk to. She has mom experience from all sides and always has something inspiring to say. If you’ve met her kids-you’ve seen just how talented and determined they are and I don’t believe that’s by chance.

Her dedication to motherhood is evidenced every day through her children’s success, the love of their talents, and her own little farm, complete with a white picket fence, where she finds peace.

Go take a listen on Apple or Spotify!

Link in bio.

09/23/2026

Mamas!

I am looking for podcast guests who would be willing to share their stories and talk about the following:

-infertility
-postpartum depression
-pelvic floor dysfunction
-miscarriage/loss
-divorce/separation
-loss of a parent

These are heavy topics, but ones that are widespread and not well talked about. My goal here is to share the good along with the bad, and help others find a safe space and know they aren’t alone. 💕

09/21/2026

As a mom, I'm constantly evaluating myself to see how good I am doing as a mom. And frankly-I fail a lot of the time.

I often lay awake at night thinking about all the ways I flubbed up that day.
-I was too hard on them.
-I let them watch too much TV.
-I didn't say "I love you" enough.
-Their lunch wasn't what they wanted.
-I fought about something that truly doesn't matter.
-I said something I didn't mean.
-I told them I'd "think about it," then never followed through.
-I was late.
-I did something I swore I'd never do, like call myself fat in front of them.
-I swore too many times.
-I criticized them for being kids.

And the list goes on and on.

I don't think I'm alone with this. I know other moms do it too. And I think there's a balance that has to happen. One in which we reflect so we can do better but also give ourselves grace because there is no manual.

This year in particular, I've had a lot of regrets and a lot of things I wish I could go back and do differently. I'm giving myself grace because I'm human, but as our rodeo season officially concluded yesterday, I've been thinking a lot about what we've learned and what I've gleaned from others in the last several months. My big take aways this year are to love my kids more, criticize less, and let this sport be fun again. So, if nothing else gets done this winter, I'll be working on self-love and self-regulation so that I can show up as the mom my kids deserve next season.

09/19/2026

Episode 8 of the podcast is now available on Spotify and Apple!

is a firecracker and graciously shared some of the hardest parts of her life. From losing her youngest brother last year, to becoming her dad's primary caregiver in the same time frame; Kayla really has had some moments when she's felt alone. Rodeo has given her a bit of levity through it all.

One of the reasons I started this podcast was to give rodeo moms a platform to share their stories. Hearing others' stories from those who are going through similar things often helps us find strength.

Take a listen, and feel free to share your stories as well!

You never know who needs to hear it.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kayla-merritt-working-through-the-hard/id6788231303?i=1000790599749

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/34Rv7XMgUTt8Xvslq1NWGc?si=GfMOd3KOSIuWekvDAssw5A

09/18/2026

We all have rules. As parents, we tend to have rules that are non-negotiable, and rules that are "more like guidelines."

I want to know, what are your non-negotiables?

09/17/2026

IYKYK!

Anyone else feeling it? 😬