Between Hope and Heartbreak
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
34 episodes
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...
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Episode 34
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14:00
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...
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Episode 33
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21:15
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 inspirat...
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Episode 32
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16:26
Ep 31 When the Unthinkable Happens: Lynne’s Story of Faith in Estrangement
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 happenin...
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Episode 31
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32:04
Ep 30 How to Handle Estrangement During the Holidays (A Faith-Based Perspective)
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 ex...
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Episode 30
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19:44
Ep 29 When Tension Comes Out in Your Words
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 m...
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Episode 29
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13:50
Ep 28 The Invisible Rules of Estrangement
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 chan...
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Episode 28
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10:07
Ep 27 From Messy Middle to New Beginnings
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 ...
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Episode 27
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6:44
Ep 26 Robin’s Farewell and the Future of Motherhood and the Messy Middle
Robin 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 estrangement. They reflect on their deep virtual friendship, the ...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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38:37
Ep 25 Halloween Episode
This week, they discuss their approaches to Halloween traditions, from costume planning to navigating trick-or-treating with neurodivergent children. Learn about the unique ways they create a fun, inclusive, and stress-free Halloween experience...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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34:14
Ep 24 Learning to Live with Estrangement: Finding Peace and Purpose
This episode focuses on navigating estrangement, managing difficult emotions, and seeking personal growth, all while maintaining honesty and hope. They share practical tips on grounding yourself in the present moment, the power of prayer, and t...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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37:56
Ep 23 Estrangement, Grief & Community
In 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 personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the multi-layered na...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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31:23
Ep 22 Estrangement, Grief, and the Power of Community
In 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 midlife. Robin and Nicole discuss their personal experie...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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26:47
Ep 21 Fresh Starts & Full Hearts: Launching Season Two
Join 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 as estrangement, difficult conversations, holidays, and personal ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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36:33
Ep 20 Holy Interruptions: Finding Growth in Life’s Detours
In 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 the concept of 'holy interruptions' and how these moments, althoug...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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24:12
Ep 19 Reflecting on 9/11: Memories, Motherhood, and Healing Connections
In 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 shaped their lives and worldviews. As they share their distinct experi...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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30:30
Ep 18 Hormonal Balance, Wellness Tips, and the Balance Your Body Method
In 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 of overall wellness. Through personal stories and practica...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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33:23
Ep 17 The Mental Load of Travel: Why Family Trips Feel Like Full-Time Jobs
In 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 as running a small business, from logistics and schedules to mana...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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27:17
Ep 16 Navigating the Emotional Weight of Back to School
In this episode of 'Motherhood and The Messy Middle,' Robin and Nicole explore the emotional complexities of the back-to-school season. They discuss the mix of excitement and anxiety that accompanies sending children back to school, varying par...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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27:58
Ep 15 Surviving the Summer Sizzle: Strategies for Moms
In this episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, hosts Robin and Nicole discuss the challenges moms face during summer when routines collapse, and the home is always bustling with kids. Sharing personal anecdotes, they explore strategies for...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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27:01
Ep 14 Navigating Estrangement: A Journey of Heartbreak and Hope - Part 2
In this episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, Robin and Nicole continue their deep dive into the complexities of estrangement. They discuss the emotional layers, offer compassionate support, and share small steps forward for thos...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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27:39
Ep 13 Navigating Estrangement: A Journey of Heartbreak and Hope - Part 1
In this vulnerable conversation, Nicole opens up about her personal journey of navigating the heartbreaking estrangement from her oldest daughter.Together, they explore what estrangement really means, the emotional toll it takes—not just...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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28:39
Ep 12 Why Do Family Gatherings Feel So Complicated?
⚠️ Trigger Warning:This episode includes discussion of domestic violence and the loss of a parent. Please take care while listening. If these topics are sensitive or activating for you, feel free to skip this one or listen when yo...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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33:15
Ep 11 Ever feel like you’re meant for something bigger?
Embracing More: Navigating Gratitude and Desire in Motherhood and MidlifeIn this heartfelt episode of 'Motherhood and the Messy Middle,' Robin and Nicole tackle the complex interplay between gratitude and the desire for more in the jour...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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23:13
Ep 10 My Pants Don’t Fit and I Might Cry — Navigating the Body Shifts No One Warned Us About
Perimenopause, mood swings, weight gain, and unexpected chin hairs—welcome to the midlife plot twist no one warned us about. In this honest and hilarious convo, Nicole and Robin unpack the physical and emotional shifts of perimenopause and meno...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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24:09