Between Hope and Heartbreak
by Nicole Coates
Ep 36 When Empty Nest & Estrangement Collide: Healing, Identity, and…
About this podcast
Between Hope and Heartbreak is a podcast for moms walking through the pain of estrangement, family separation, and broken relationships with their children.
Host Nicole Coates shares honest reflections, stories, and encouragement for navigating emotional distance, disconnection, and the grief that comes when love feels one-sided.
If you’re longing for healing, restoration, and peace while trusting God with your family, you’re not alone. There’s still hope — even in the heartbreak.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 36 episodes
- Ep 36 When Empty Nest & Estrangement Collide: Healing, Identity, and Rediscovering Joy (with Pamela Henkelman) · 29 min · Episode 36Nicole interviews Pamela Henkelman—empty nest coach and host of the Midlife Momma Podcast—about the overlap between empty nesting and estrangement, and the identity shift moms…
- Ep 35 From Estrangement to Reconciliation: A Christian Mother’s Journey of Healing · 33 min · Episode 35In this deeply honest and faith-filled episode, we explore estrangement, healing, and reconciliation from a Christian mother’s perspective. A powerful interview with Sally…
- Ep 34 Estranged Moms and the Holidays | Finding Joy, Faith, and Hope in Hard Seasons · 14 min · Episode 34The holidays can deepen the ache of estrangement. In this episode, Nicole Coates shares how estranged moms can navigate the holiday season with honesty, faith, and gentleness…
- Ep 33 Waiting on God During Estrangement | Christian Encouragement for Moms · 21 min · Episode 33Waiting can feel unbearable—especially in estrangement. In this episode, Nicole Coates shares why these seasons are sacred and how God works in the waiting, even when nothing…
- Ep 32 Hope in the Valley of Estrangement: God’s Promises for Weary Moms · 16 min · Episode 32In this episode, Nicole opens up about the deep valleys so many estranged moms find themselves in—those seasons where heartbreak, confusion, and grief collide. Using Billy…
- Ep 31 When the Unthinkable Happens: Lynne’s Story of Faith in Estrangement · 32 min · Episode 31In this heart-to-heart episode, I sit down with Lynne Berry as she shares her emotional journey through estrangement. Lynne opens up about the moment she found out her son had…
- Ep 30 How to Handle Estrangement During the Holidays (A Faith-Based Perspective) · 20 min · Episode 30In this episode, Nicole begins with a personal anecdote about an introverted mishap at the Boise Co-op. Nicole then transitions to a heartfelt discussion on preparing for the…
- Ep 29 When Tension Comes Out in Your Words · 14 min · Episode 29In this episode, Nicole Coates talks about passive-aggressive comments with compassion and honesty—reminding listeners that we all fall into these patterns sometimes. Instead of…
- Ep 28 The Invisible Rules of Estrangement · 10 min · Episode 28In this episode, we explore the emotional complexities faced by parents dealing with estrangement from their children. We discuss the invisible rules and shifting standards…
- Ep 27 From Messy Middle to New Beginnings · 7 min · Episode 27In this first solo episode of 'Between Hope and Heartbreak,' I discuss the evolution of the podcast from 'Motherhood in the Messy Middle', highlight the decision to focus solely…
- Ep 26 Robin’s Farewell and the Future of Motherhood and the Messy Middle · 39 min · Season 2 Episode 6Robin announces her departure from the show to focus on her holistic wellness practice, while Nicole prepares to continue the podcast, focusing on supporting mothers dealing with…
- Ep 25 Halloween Episode · 34 min · Season 2 Episode 5This week, they discuss their approaches to Halloween traditions, from costume planning to navigating trick-or-treating with neurodivergent children. Learn about the unique ways…
- Ep 24 Learning to Live with Estrangement: Finding Peace and Purpose · 38 min · Season 2 Episode 4This episode focuses on navigating estrangement, managing difficult emotions, and seeking personal growth, all while maintaining honesty and hope. They share practical tips on…
- Ep 23 Estrangement, Grief & Community · 31 min · Season 2 Episode 3In this heartfelt episode of 'Motherhood and the Messy Middle,' hosts Robin and Nicole delve into the complex topic of grief, especially in relation to estrangement. They share…
- Ep 22 Estrangement, Grief, and the Power of Community · 27 min · Season 2 Episode 2In this episode of 'Motherhood and the Messy Middle,' hosts Robin and Nicole dive into the complexities of estrangement and grief, especially as they pertain to motherhood and…
- Ep 21 Fresh Starts & Full Hearts: Launching Season Two · 37 min · Season 2 Episode 1Join Robin and Nicole in the second season of 'Motherhood and the Messy Middle.' This episode sets the stage for a season filled with themed miniseries on challenging topics such…
- Ep 20 Holy Interruptions: Finding Growth in Life’s Detours · 24 min · Season 1 Episode 20In this episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, hosts Robin and Nicole discuss the unexpected detours life can take, such as job loss and general uncertainty. They dive into…
- Ep 19 Reflecting on 9/11: Memories, Motherhood, and Healing Connections · 31 min · Season 1 Episode 19In this episode of 'Motherhood and the Messy Middle,' hosts Robin and Nicole delve into their personal memories of September 11, 2001, discussing how the traumatic event has…
- Ep 18 Hormonal Balance, Wellness Tips, and the Balance Your Body Method · 33 min · Season 1 Episode 18In this episode of Motherhood in the Messy Middle, hosts Robin and Nicole explore the real challenges women face in midlife—hormonal imbalances, weight changes, and the pursuit…
- Ep 17 The Mental Load of Travel: Why Family Trips Feel Like Full-Time Jobs · 27 min · Season 1 Episode 17In this episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, Robin and Nicole dive into the complexities of planning family travel. They discuss how managing trips can feel as challenging…







