Between Hope and Heartbreak

Ep 36 When Empty Nest & Estrangement Collide: Healing, Identity, and Rediscovering Joy (with Pamela Henkelman)

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/ [https://www.pamelahenkelman.com/] 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phenkelman/ [https://www.instagram.com/phenkelman/] 🎧 Podcast: The Midlife Momma Podcast [https://www.pamelahenkelman.com/podcast] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500834/support] Connect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole [https://www.instagram.com/heygirl.itsnicole/] And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. [https://www.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, [https://between-hope-and-heartbreak.circle.so/checkout/basic-level] a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here [https://between-hope-and-heartbreak.circle.so/checkout/basic-level]

Ep 35 From Estrangement to Reconciliation: A Christian Mother’s Journey of Healing

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 [https://www.sally-harris.com/], 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 [https://www.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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500834/support] Connect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole [https://www.instagram.com/heygirl.itsnicole/] And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. [https://www.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, [https://between-hope-and-heartbreak.circle.so/checkout/basic-level] a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here [https://between-hope-and-heartbreak.circle.so/checkout/basic-level]

Ep 34 Estranged Moms and the Holidays | Finding Joy, Faith, and Hope in Hard Seasons

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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500834/support] Connect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole [https://www.instagram.com/heygirl.itsnicole/] And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. [https://www.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, [https://between-hope-and-heartbreak.circle.so/checkout/basic-level] a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here [https://between-hope-and-heartbreak.circle.so/checkout/basic-level]

Ep 33 Waiting on God During Estrangement | Christian Encouragement for Moms

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 [https://stan.store/Nicole_Coates/p/the-shameless-audacity-of-a-praying-mom-]  • Amazon: HERE [https://a.co/d/7t9aPDX]  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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500834/support] Connect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole [https://www.instagram.com/heygirl.itsnicole/] And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. [https://www.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, [https://between-hope-and-heartbreak.circle.so/checkout/basic-level] a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here [https://between-hope-and-heartbreak.circle.so/checkout/basic-level]

Ep 32 Hope in the Valley of Estrangement: God’s Promises for Weary Moms

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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500834/support] Connect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole [https://www.instagram.com/heygirl.itsnicole/] And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com. [https://www.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, [https://between-hope-and-heartbreak.circle.so/checkout/basic-level] a faith-centered community for estranged moms-Join here [https://between-hope-and-heartbreak.circle.so/checkout/basic-level]