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
28 episodes
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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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
Ep 9 Holding Space – What It Really Means and Why It’s So Hard to Do
You’ve heard the phrase “holding space”… but what does it actually look like in the chaos of motherhood, midlife, and messy emotions?In this episode, we’re diving deep into the powerful, misunderstood, and often uncomfortable practice of...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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24:48
Ep 8 Why Is Friendship So Hard in Midlife?
Friendship wasn’t supposed to be this complicated.But somewhere between school drop-offs, emotional overload, and trying to keep up with everyone's needs… it’s easy for friendships to fall to the bottom of your never-ending to-do list.
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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31:21
Ep 7 Grieving the Past While Embracing the Present
Do you miss a season that’s already slipped away-when your kids were smaller, life was slower, or you felt more like you? In this tender episode, we talk about the bittersweet ache of motherhood transitions and how to hold space for bo...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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25:39
Ep 6 Reclaiming Your Spirit in the Chaos of Motherhood
Motherhood has a way of pulling us in every direction-except inward. In this episode, we’re talking about what it looks like to reclaim your spirit when life feels messy, loud, and exhausting. Because what sustains us in the thick of midlife an...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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24:22
Ep 5 Mental Health in Motherhood—When It’s You, When It’s Your Child
What do you do when your mental health is struggling—and so is your child’s?In this vulnerable and powerful episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, we’re talking about what it means to parent through anxiety, depre...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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30:23
Ep 4 When Your Child’s Path Looks Different Than You Expected
What happens when your child’s life path, diagnosis, or identity doesn’t match the future you dreamed of?In this honest, episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, we talk about what it’s like to parent a child whose journey—be...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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19:35