Between Hope and Heartbreak

Embracing More: Navigating Gratitude and Desire in Motherhood and Midlife In 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 journey of motherhood and midlife. They explore the societal pressures on women to remain content and avoid 'taking up too much space,' while encou...

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 menopause, from body image to hormone havoc. You’re not alone—and you’re not losing your mind. Probably. 😉 💛 Grab Robin’s free midlife guide: robinswellnest.m...

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 holding space—for our kids, our friends, and ourselves. Holding space means showing up with presence, not pressure. It’s sitting in the discomfort without trying...

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. In this heart-opening episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle , we dive into the real talk about why making—and keeping—friendships as moms in midlife can...

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 both grief and gratitude. Nicole shares what it’s like to parent four kids across four life stages, and Robin reflects on her most sacred season of motherhood. Togeth...

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 and motherhood isn’t just strategy, structure, or even sleep-it’s soul. Robin and Nicole unpack the power of prayer, the practice of meditation, and the beaut...

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, depression, trauma, grief, and recovery —while navigating your own emotional challenges at the same time. We explore:  💛 Mothering through anxiety, PTSD, perimenopause, and grief  💛...

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—because of neurodivergence, mental health, or other challenges—looks different than expected. Whether you’re raising a child with special needs, or simply holding space for...

What if motherhood was never just about them… but also about you? In this episode, we open up about stepparenting, infertility, trauma, healing, and the unexpected ways motherhood transforms us . From living room wrestling matches to late-night tears, we're naming the real stuff—and the growth it brings. For the mom navigating big feelings, growing kids, and wondering if she’s doing enough… t...

What if the space between who you were and who you’re becoming isn’t a problem to fix—but a place to grow? In this heart-level conversation, we dive into identity, perimenopause, parenting tweens/teens, and the holy tension of the "middle." It’s raw, real, and redefining. For every mom navigating grief, growth, or just straight-up chaos… you’re not alone. This messy middle is making you....

What happens when two moms—who’ve never met in real life—slide into each other’s DMs and build a soul-deep friendship rooted in faith, honesty, and a shared heart for helping other moms? This podcast. 💛 In our very first episode, we (Robin & Nicole) introduce ourselves, share how this unexpected connection became a calling, and invite you into the community we were longing for—a virtual villa...