Between Hope and Heartbreak

Nicole 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 face when a long-held role changes.In this conversation, Pamela shares:The shift from a directing role to a supporting role with adult childrenHow to process transitional grief Why it’s important to ground your worth in Christ instead of your children’s choicesHow to listen with empathy + validation (without equating it to agreement)Finding fresh purpose in a new season—even if you “do it scared”They also touch on:Long-distance parenting + limited grandchild contactProdigals and prayerFamily strain and political divisionQuick Links: Pamela + Resources🌿 Website: https://www.pamelahenkelman.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phenkelman/ 🎧 Podcast: The Midlife Momma PodcastSupport the showConnect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps other moms find the support they’ve been praying for. This podcast is created for moms walking through estrangement — a place to be understood, encouraged, and reminded you’re not alone. If you’re looking for deeper connection and support, come join us inside Between Hope & Heartbreak, a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here

In this deeply honest and faith-filled episode, we explore estrangement, healing, and reconciliation from a Christian mother’s perspective. A powerful interview with Sally Harris, a mom who has walked the painful road of estrangement and experienced reconciliation with her daughter.Sally shares her personal journey through heartbreak, surrender, and spiritual growth, offering encouragement to moms navigating adult child estrangement, emotional grief, and the long road toward healing. Together, we talk about the importance of faith, self-worth, forgiveness, and surrounding yourself with safe, supportive community.This episode is especially for mothers who are asking:How do I hold onto hope when reconciliation hasn’t happened yet?What does healing look like even if my child is distant?How can my faith sustain me through estrangement?Sally also shares about her retreats, YouTube resources, and community spaces created specifically to support estranged moms in their healing journeys. You can find all of Sally’s resources and upcoming retreats at https://sally-harris.com.00:00 – Personal update & explanation for podcast absence 02:03 – Introduction to Sally Harris 03:57 – Beginning the conversation on estrangement 05:26 – Sally’s personal journey through estrangement 07:15 – Reconciliation, healing, and reflection 18:48 – The courage to “go first” in hard conversations 19:20 – Listening well and understanding different perspectives 20:42 – The power of community and shared experiences 21:43 – Preparing emotionally and spiritually for reconciliation 22:20 – Forgiveness, self-reflection, and personal responsibility 23:26 – Retreats as spaces for healing and connection 26:14 – New initiatives and faith-based resources for estranged moms 27:38 – Holding onto hope and visualizing healing 29:16 – Surrounding yourself with safe people 30:44 – Navigating advice and honoring individual healing paths 31:31 – Final encouragement & how to connect with SallySupport the showConnect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps other moms find the support they’ve been praying for. This podcast is created for moms walking through estrangement — a place to be understood, encouraged, and reminded you’re not alone. If you’re looking for deeper connection and support, come join us inside Between Hope & Heartbreak, a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here

The 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. Through the story of Mary and the unexpected realities of motherhood, Nicole offers encouragement for mothers carrying grief, unanswered prayers, and disrupted dreams. You’ll hear practical ways to protect your heart, set healthy boundaries, stay connected to safe community, and allow joy to exist without guilt—even in the midst of loss.00:00 Embracing Joy and Grace00:10 Embroidery Adventures and Holiday Preparations01:59 Reflecting on Motherhood and Mary05:50 Finding Joy in Unexpected Places08:03 Navigating the Holidays with Estrangement09:18 Practical Tips for the Holiday Season12:48 Concluding Thoughts and Holiday WishesSupport the showConnect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps other moms find the support they’ve been praying for. This podcast is created for moms walking through estrangement — a place to be understood, encouraged, and reminded you’re not alone. If you’re looking for deeper connection and support, come join us inside Between Hope & Heartbreak, a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here

Waiting 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 seems to change. Through Scripture and the story of Hagar, you’ll find hope for the wilderness you’re walking through.Mentioned in this episode: Finding Hope in the Heartbreak: A Prayer Workbook for Moms of Estranged or Distant Kids • Digital download: HERE • Amazon: HERE Timestamps 00:00 The Holiness of Waiting 00:28 Life Updates and Media Encounters 01:36 Emotional Aftermath and Reflections 04:26 Introduction to the Prayer Workbook 05:17 The Importance of Reading the Bible 09:02 Biblical Examples of Doubt and Faith 14:50 God's Patience and Guidance 16:34 Finding Peace in the Wilderness 20:49 Conclusion and EncouragementSupport the showConnect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps other moms find the support they’ve been praying for. This podcast is created for moms walking through estrangement — a place to be understood, encouraged, and reminded you’re not alone. If you’re looking for deeper connection and support, come join us inside Between Hope & Heartbreak, a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here

In 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 Graham’s powerful reminder that “mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys,” she shares how God uses the lowest places to grow resilience, faith, and hope.Nicole also shares practical steps for staying rooted in faith during hard seasons and highlights resources in her community, including devotionals and an online support group for moms facing estrangement. This episode is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and trust that God meets you in the valley, not just on the mountaintop.God is with you: “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9God will give you rest: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28God will give you peace: “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” —Philippians 4:7God will work all things for good: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God…” —Romans 8:28God will renew your strength: “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength…” —Isaiah 40:31God gives wisdom when you ask: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” —James 1:5God will comfort you in your pain: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” —2 Corinthians 1:4God’s love will never leave you: “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God…” —Romans 8:39God will finish what He started in you: “God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work…” —Philippians 1:600:00 Introduction and Inspirational Quote00:20 Personal Update and Thanksgiving Reflections02:24 Navigating Estrangement with Faith04:19 God's Promises and Finding Hope07:09 Practical Steps and Encouragement15:28 Conclusion and Community SupportSupport the showConnect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps other moms find the support they’ve been praying for. This podcast is created for moms walking through estrangement — a place to be understood, encouraged, and reminded you’re not alone. If you’re looking for deeper connection and support, come join us inside Between Hope & Heartbreak, a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here

In 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 moved out of the country—something she didn’t even know was happening—and the wave of shock, confusion, and grief that followed.She talks honestly about the misunderstandings that were never cleared up, the ache of being separated from her son and granddaughter, and the layers of emotion that come with trying to make sense of something so heavy. But woven through all of it is Lynne’s faith. Her willingness to grow, seek counsel, and stay rooted in prayer is such a powerful reminder of God’s presence in our hardest seasons.You’ll also hear how the community—Between Hope and Heartbreak—has held her, encouraged her, and helped her keep going when she felt alone. Lynne’s story will speak to any mom walking this road, offering comfort, encouragement, and the reminder that hope is still alive, even here.Join us for a real, tender, faith-filled conversation about navigating estrangement while still choosing love, healing, and forgiveness.00:00 A Shocking Revelation00:20 Introducing Lynne Barry01:34 Lynne's Estrangement Journey Begins03:16 The Impact on Family Dynamics04:42 Navigating Faith and Relationships07:30 Coping with the Pain of Estrangement10:28 A Mother's Resilience14:48 Reflections on Misunderstandings16:26 A Letter and Counseling17:33 Navigating Communication Challenges19:57 The Emotional Toll of Estrangement22:35 Finding Hope and Faith27:03 Community Support and Prayer30:13 Final Thoughts and GratitudeSupport the showConnect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps other moms find the support they’ve been praying for. This podcast is created for moms walking through estrangement — a place to be understood, encouraged, and reminded you’re not alone. If you’re looking for deeper connection and support, come join us inside Between Hope & Heartbreak, a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here

In 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 emotional challenges of the holiday season, particularly for those experiencing estrangement. Nicole emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to grieve unmet expectations while still practicing gratitude. She also provides practical advice on handling sensitive family interactions and encourages listeners to lean on their faith, praying for peace and discernment. The episode concludes with a hopeful message about trusting in God's miraculous capability to bring reconciliation and peace.00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitches01:06 Personal Update: The Kombucha Quest04:12 Navigating Thanksgiving and Holiday Challenges05:41 Coping Strategies for Estrangement During Holidays11:05 Praying for Peace and Guidance14:03 Encouragement and Faith in Miracles17:27 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the showConnect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps other moms find the support they’ve been praying for. This podcast is created for moms walking through estrangement — a place to be understood, encouraged, and reminded you’re not alone. If you’re looking for deeper connection and support, come join us inside Between Hope & Heartbreak, a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here

In 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 shame, Nicole focuses on why these moments happen and how they can become opportunities for healing, clarity, and healthier communication.She shares how passive-aggressive reactions often come from unspoken hurt or fear, especially in strained or estranged relationships, and offers simple, faith-filled guidance for moving toward peace and connection.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:“Why Everyone’s Cutting Everyone Off” by Rachel HaackEpisode Breakdown: 00:00 — Understanding Passive-Aggressive Patterns 00:18 — Gentle Intentions from Nicole 00:40 — Common Phrases We All Use 01:55 — Emotional Impact 03:56 — Healing + Healthier Communication 05:35 — Faith, Peace, and Perspective 12:14 — Closing EncouragementSupport the showConnect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps other moms find the support they’ve been praying for. This podcast is created for moms walking through estrangement — a place to be understood, encouraged, and reminded you’re not alone. If you’re looking for deeper connection and support, come join us inside Between Hope & Heartbreak, a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here

In this episode, we explore the emotional complexities faced by parents dealing with estrangement from their children. We discuss the invisible rules and shifting standards parents feel they must navigate, the importance of making personal changes, and the frustration of not being able to demonstrate that progress. The conversation touches on the necessity of letting go of impossible standards and the role of faith and self-healing in this journey. The episode encourages respectful dialogue and offers resources for those seeking community while navigating similar experiences.00:00 Introduction: The Struggle for Perfection00:18 Invisible Rules of Estrangement01:25 The Frustration of Unmet Standards03:04 The Importance of Letting Go04:30 Navigating Boundaries and Expectations07:42 Seeking Guidance and Healing09:10 Conclusion and Community ResourcesSupport the showConnect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps other moms find the support they’ve been praying for. This podcast is created for moms walking through estrangement — a place to be understood, encouraged, and reminded you’re not alone. If you’re looking for deeper connection and support, come join us inside Between Hope & Heartbreak, a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here

In 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 on estrangement, and share my personal experiences. Discover past episodes that delve deep into my story, and learn about the community built around this theme. I invite listeners to share ideas and engage in meaningful conversations. This episode also emphasizes the importance of faith and finding hope through Jesus while navigating the difficult journey of estrangement.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:03 Recap of Previous Episode00:19 Transition to Solo Podcast01:25 New Podcast Name: Between Hope and Heartbreak01:31 Episodes on Estrangement02:30 Community and Future Plans03:26 Call for Audience Engagement04:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement04:39 Disclaimer and Personal Journey06:04 Closing RemarksSupport the showConnect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps other moms find the support they’ve been praying for. This podcast is created for moms walking through estrangement — a place to be understood, encouraged, and reminded you’re not alone. If you’re looking for deeper connection and support, come join us inside Between Hope & Heartbreak, a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here