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 children
• How to process transitional grief 
• Why it’s important to ground your worth in Christ instead of your children’s choices
• How 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 contact
• Prodigals and prayer
• Family strain and political division

Quick Links: Pamela + Resources

🌿 Website: https://www.pamelahenkelman.com/

📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phenkelman/

🎧 Podcast: The Midlife Momma Podcast

Support the show

Connect 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 Sally

Support the show

Connect 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 Grace

00:10 Embroidery Adventures and Holiday Preparations

01:59 Reflecting on Motherhood and Mary

05:50 Finding Joy in Unexpected Places

08:03 Navigating the Holidays with Estrangement

09:18 Practical Tips for the Holiday Season

12:48 Concluding Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

Support the show

Connect 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 Encouragement

Support the show

Connect 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 1:9

God will give you rest: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28

God will give you peace: “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” —Philippians 4:7

God 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 8:28

God will renew your strength: “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength…” —Isaiah 40:31

God gives wisdom when you ask: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” —James 1:5

God will comfort you in your pain: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” —2 Corinthians 1:4

God’s love will never leave you: “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God…” —Romans 8:39

God will finish what He started in you: “God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work…” —Philippians 1:6

00:00 Introduction and Inspirational Quote

00:20 Personal Update and Thanksgiving Reflections

02:24 Navigating Estrangement with Faith

04:19 God's Promises and Finding Hope

07:09 Practical Steps and Encouragement

15:28 Conclusion and Community Support

Support the show

Connect 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 Revelation
00:20 Introducing Lynne Barry
01:34 Lynne's Estrangement Journey Begins
03:16 The Impact on Family Dynamics
04:42 Navigating Faith and Relationships
07:30 Coping with the Pain of Estrangement
10:28 A Mother's Resilience
14:48 Reflections on Misunderstandings
16:26 A Letter and Counseling
17:33 Navigating Communication Challenges
19:57 The Emotional Toll of Estrangement
22:35 Finding Hope and Faith
27:03 Community Support and Prayer
30:13 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Support the show

Connect 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 Glitches

01:06 Personal Update: The Kombucha Quest

04:12 Navigating Thanksgiving and Holiday Challenges

05:41 Coping Strategies for Estrangement During Holidays

11:05 Praying for Peace and Guidance

14:03 Encouragement and Faith in Miracles

17:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show

Connect 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 Haack

Episode 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 Encouragement

Support the show

Connect 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 Perfection

00:18 Invisible Rules of Estrangement

01:25 The Frustration of Unmet Standards

03:04 The Importance of Letting Go

04:30 Navigating Boundaries and Expectations

07:42 Seeking Guidance and Healing

09:10 Conclusion and Community Resources

Support the show

Connect 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 Introduction

00:03 Recap of Previous Episode

00:19 Transition to Solo Podcast

01:25 New Podcast Name: Between Hope and Heartbreak

01:31 Episodes on Estrangement

02:30 Community and Future Plans

03:26 Call for Audience Engagement

04:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

04:39 Disclaimer and Personal Journey

06:04 Closing Remarks

Support the show

Connect 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