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