December 09, 2025

Overcoming Comparison, Identity in Christ, and Confidence with Nicole Renard (Nicole the Nomad): From Pageants and Next Level Chef to Motherhood

24 minutes

On this episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore sits down for a candid conversation with Nicole Warren Renard, also known as Nicole the Nomad. Nicole’s journey has taken her through pageants, the Miss America stage, social media influence, and even to competing on Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay. But beneath the highlight reel, Nicole opens up about the ever-present challenge of comparison—whether it's sizing herself up against others, herself from different seasons of life, or the high-pressure environments of televised competitions and motherhood.

What’s Inside:

Facing Comparison in High-Pressure Environments: Nicole reflects on feeling like the "least experienced, least qualified" contestant on Next Level Chef, and how self-doubt and comparison can trip us up—even in the most exciting opportunities.
Identity and Confidence: Discover how grounding her worth in Christ empowered Nicole to compete in both pageants and cooking shows without letting failure or criticism define her.
Comparison in Motherhood: Nicole shares honestly about the struggles of comparing herself to other moms on social media, and even to her pre-mom self. She offers practical ways to keep your heart and mind anchored in truth during big life transitions.
Practical Tips for Freedom from Comparison:
- Breath prayers and staying in constant conversation with God
- Practicing gratitude to shift focus away from “not enough”
- Setting healthy boundaries with social media
- Keeping an eternal perspective during mundane or behind-the-scenes seasons
Life Skills and Pageant Myths: Nicole debunks stereotypes about the pageant world, explains how it developed her confidence and skills, and how she focused on the positive outcomes rather than just winning.
Holistic Health & Rhythms: Nicole shares the value of consistency and structure in daily routines for mind, body, and soul health.
Faith in the Everyday: Learn how Nicole incorporates prayer and scripture into her daily life, even as a busy new mom, modeling an abiding relationship with God for her daughter.

Favorite Quotes:

“At the end of the day, if all of that was stripped away, nothing I do or don't do changes the fact that I'm a human created with purpose and that I have value that is given to me through Christ.”
“I'm quick to give up on myself and say, well, I don’t know what else it could be… And I compare myself to that.”

We Talk About:

The mental game of competition and why comparison can knock out even the most talented contestants
How gratitude can’t coexist with complaining, and practical ways to cultivate a grateful heart
Why embracing every season—including the “unseen” work of motherhood—is building an eternal legacy

Sponsored by:
WeShare Christian Medical Health Sharing — health care designed with your peace of mind. Get a free, no-obligation quote and waive the $149 application fee by going to: www.weshare.org/heather

Connect:
Find Nicole on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more as Nicole the Nomad. Get recipes, travel guides, and more at Nicole the Nomad’s website.

Next Steps:

Sign up for Compared to Who?'s 40 Day Journey or grab the 40 Day Body Image Workbook on Amazon.
Leave a 5-star review and share this episode if it encouraged you!

Remember:
You can stop comparing—and start living!

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By Heather Creekmore - Christian Body Image Author and Speaker

4.8

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