Nikki Boyer
NIkki Boyer is a three time Emmy® award-winning TV host, producer, actress and podcaster. She created, hosted, and is Executive Producer of the breakout Wondery podcast, Dying for Sex, which won the 2021 Ambie Award for Podcast of the Year --- and was named one of Apple’s favorite podcasts of 2020. Now Nikki is hosting a show called Near Death with her friend Reverend Peggy, who she met in the hospital while her best friend was dying. Follow her on Twitter here, on Instagram here.
Describe Near Death in ten words or less.
It’ll help you feel a little less afraid of death.
Can you tell us about Molly, who was the subject of your first podcast Dying for Sex?
Molly was my best friend who was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer and decided to do something bold by leaving her marriage of 15 years to go on a sexual journey. The series peels back the layers of her experience, and we learn that Molly isn’t just grappling with breast cancer: she's also dealing with trauma from her past. Along the journey, we explore larger themes that affect all of us -- like healing, forgiveness and what we do with the time we have left.
How did working with Molly teach you about yourself and the world?
Working with Molly forever changed my life and my world. Having a front row seat during her brave battle, and being allowed to tell her story was the most meaningful experience of my career. Dying for Sex deepened my love of storytelling, and pushed me to create content that is both meaningful and entertaining.
Were you surprised to win the Ambie? Why do you think Dying for Sex struck such a chord?
I was IN SHOCK. I knew we had made a powerful show, but I had no idea it would resonate with Podcast Academy voters the way it did. Sometimes, when you are consumed with something it’s difficult to see how it’s going to be received. My fellow nominees were absolutely amazing and I quite literally assumed another series would take the big award home. I was back in St.Louis visiting my family during the COVID-era virtual awards show, and I was on Zoom in the basement of my brother’s house watching the show. When we won, I had a visceral reaction of shock and heard all of my family members screaming upstairs. It was an epic moment in my life.
How is Near Death different / why will fans of Dying for Sex like it?
Near Death was born from Dying for Sex. In fact, Reverend Peggy was Molly’s chaplain. I met her while she was guiding Molly through the process of death. She was amazing, safe, funny and real, something I didn’t know a chaplain could be. She absolutely breaks the mold. I wanted to know more about her… so I asked… and asked some more. Reverend Peggy understands that death can be scary and agreed it would be incredibly powerful to create a show to help people have those uncomfortable, end-of-life conversations - and hopefully make them a little less afraid of death. Near Death is an extension of the beautiful conversations that Molly and I had at her bedside, and my hope is to allow Molly’s bravery around death to inspire others to be a little less fearful of the one thing that will happen to all of us.
How would Molly review Near Death? What would she say?
She’d love it. Absolutely! She’d also demand to be the third host of the show, which would be amazing. ;)
What do you hope people get out of listening to Near Death?
Peace. Laughter. Bravery. A New love for GIn.
Tease your favorite part of the show. What should we be excited to hear?
If you were expecting a sad, depressing podcast about death... this isn't it!
Reverend Peggy and I also discuss supernatural experiences, (yes, in the hospital). We discuss the beautiful baby blessings, death bed weddings and trans patients as well as family drama and trauma cases. The spiritual care that takes place in the hospital is not just for the patients, it’s also for the staff. We also talk about the unique and unexpected cases that may or may not require an exorcism.
Where were you on the spirituality scale before you started Near Death, and where are you now?
Prior to Near Death my spirituality was way above average. Now… through the roof!
Any good listener interactions you could share with us?
The DM’s and comments we’re receiving are proof that Near Death is hitting people right in the feels. So many listeners are expressing that this show is exactly what they need. With so much collective grief, people are often looking to feel less alone and our show creates space for that connection. Other people say they are inspired to have these conversations with their loved ones after hearing our show. We hope this show allows people to laugh and cry all while learning how to deal with uncomfortable feelings.
One of my favorite comments to date: “Literally changing me with your podcast. I have experienced extreme anxiety around dying and you started this series EXACTLY when I was looking for something. Thank you so so so much for having these conversations”
Why are you the perfect host for these shows?
Peggy and I have a great friendship and our natural chemistry and familiarity is disarming. Peggy has witnessed nearly 2000 people die and her perspective on death is fascinating and grounding. Our willingness to dig into the uncomfortable conversations makes a great recipe for a fun, deep and thoughtful show. Peggy and I walked Molly home together which created a spiritual bond. I’m excited to share that with all of you.
Did you ever feel like Molly was with you (in any way) while you were making Near Death?
I feel her around me ALL THE TIME. During our first recording a hummingbird appeared outside of the studio window. That was her… I am convinced!
If you were tasked with making another podcast—don’t worry about the logistics or whether or not anyone would like it…your budget is $1M—what would it be?
I’d call it LIFESAVER. I’d love to give life changing surgeries to people and help them live healthier lives.
Self-care ritual: Baths! I take a bath everyday. I feel that water can figuratively wash away the stuff that may not be serving us. Plus, I love a good exfoliation.
Thanks, Nikki!