In the Middle

This week on In The Middle , Vykky closes out Season 1 with a conversation many of us need to hear: rest is not a reward for productivity—it’s a requirement for sustainability. In a culture that celebrates hustle, achievement, and always being “on,” it’s easy to believe rest is something we earn after the work is done. But what happens when the work is never done? Whether you're building a career,...

It's hard to believe we're already halfway through the year. In this episode of In the Middle, Vykky shares a powerful mid-year check-in inspired by her recent read, The 12 Week Year. Instead of focusing on what hasn't happened yet, she encourages listeners to take stock of where they are, get honest about what's holding them back, and make a plan for the next six months. Through five thought-prov...

In this episode of In the Middle, Vykky answers real-life questions about comparison, confidence, friendships, social media, faith, motivation, resilience, and navigating modern womanhood. From struggling to put yourself out there, feeling emotionally exhausted by friendships, questioning internet “experts,” and wondering why social media can leave us feeling emptier than before, this episode is a...

Adult friendship looks so different than it used to. In this episode of In the Middle, Vykky Howard shares honest and practical thoughts on what it really means to be a good friend as an adult while balancing careers, marriage, motherhood, exhaustion, healing, busy schedules, and everyday life. She reflects on the importance of intentionality, giving people grace in busy seasons, staying connected...

Things started feeling easier when I stopped trying to manage everything in my head. In this episode of In the Middle , Vykky shares the real-life systems, routines, mindset shifts, and “unlocks” that are helping her navigate life as a working mom, wife, corporate leader, and creator with more ease and less mental overload. From meal planning and outsourcing to household systems, vacation spreadsh...

In Part 2 of this series, Vykky shifts the conversation from navigating corporate America to designing a life that actually aligns with who you are. After unpacking the realities of visibility, leadership, and strategy in Part 1, this episode focuses on what comes next: how to make intentional decisions about your career without losing yourself in the process. From redefining ambition to understan...

In this episode of In the Middle , Vykky dives into one of the most honest conversations women—especially Black women—need to have about success in corporate America. Inspired by the recent conversations around Emma Grede, remote work, hustle culture, motherhood, and ambition, this episode goes beyond the headlines to unpack a bigger truth: corporate America does not feel the same for all of us. V...

A relaxing vacation in Hawaii takes a scary turn when Vykky experiences sudden eye pain, blurred vision, and an emergency room visit that leaves her questioning her eyesight. In this episode of In the Middle , she shares the full story of what happened, from a hot tub incident to hours of uncertainty, and how the experience forced her to reflect on how quickly life can change. Beyond the moment it...

If you’ve been feeling stuck, questioning your next move, or trying to figure out what God is doing in this season… this episode is for you. In this listener-submitted Questions That Need Answers episode, Vykky is answering some of the real, unfiltered questions that have been coming up in conversations, DMs, and honestly… her own life too. From knowing when it’s time to pivot versus stay consiste...

We all say we want to be consistent… but actually becoming consistent? That’s where most people fall off. In this episode of In the Middle , Vykky breaks down what it really takes to build consistency in your everyday life—and why it’s one of the most underrated ways to start winning. This isn’t about motivation or doing things perfectly. It’s about creating habits, systems, and mindsets that help...

Why Consistency Matters (Part 1) explores why consistency isn’t just about discipline; it’s something our brains, our lives, and our faith are wired to crave. In this episode, Vykky breaks down the deeper truth behind consistency and why it builds trust—first with yourself, and then with others. She unpacks how showing up repeatedly shapes your identity, strengthens your confidence, and creates st...

What does it really look like to grow through life while you’re in the middle of it? In this special 20th episode of In the Middle, Vykky takes a moment to reflect on the journey so far and shares 20 powerful lessons she’s learned as a woman navigating life, faith, relationships, and purpose. From ambition and comparison to boundaries, discipline, and rest, this episode is filled with honest, rapi...

Sometimes the most frustrating changes to our plans end up being the exact thing we need. In this episode of In the Middle , Vykky shares a real-time reflection after an unexpected travel delay forced her to slow down, stay longer in Napa, and confront something she didn’t realize about herself, how tightly she holds onto control. What started as a disrupted plan quickly became an opportunity to r...

In the final installment of the Hidden by God series, we explore the third truth of a hidden season: preparation . When you’re hidden, it can feel slow, thankless, and even confusing. But what if this season isn’t punishment or delay, what if it’s training? In this episode, Vykky reflects on how God uses hidden seasons to prepare your whole person: mind, body, spirit, and character. Drawing from p...

What if the season that feels quiet… overlooked… or even frustrating… isn’t rejection — but reinforcement? In Part 2 of Hidden by God, Vykky unpacks the deeper truth behind hidden seasons. This isn’t about being sidelined. It’s about being safeguarded. Strengthened. Supplied. If you’ve been wondering why doors feel slow, visibility feels delayed, or recognition feels absent — this episode reframes...

Feel like you’re being overlooked? Delayed? Tucked away while everyone else is being seen? In Part 1 of this 3-part series, Vykky shares the three truths about hidden seasons: when God has you hidden, it’s protection, provision, and preparation. This week, we’re unpacking truth #1: it’s protection. Hidden seasons shield you from premature exposure. They protect your development. They refine your d...

We talk about red flags all the time… but what about the green ones? In this episode, Vykky shifts the focus to the green flags she’s no longer ignoring - in friendships, the workplace, romantic relationships, and most importantly, within herself. From friends who celebrate you out loud and leaders who explain the “why,” to emotional security in marriage and learning to celebrate progress over per...

After the Shift, part 2, following When the Ground Starts to Shift, c ontinues the conversation on navigating layoffs, uncertainty, and unexpected transitions with honesty, faith, and wisdom. In this episode, Vykky shares her personal layoff story unfolding in the middle of physical injury, and walks through what it looks like to stay prepared, proactive, and spiritually grounded when things fall...

In the first of a two part episode of 'In the Middle', Vykky discusses the emotional and practical aspects of navigating layoffs. She shares her personal experiences, insights on recognizing early signs of layoffs, and the importance of preparation and emotional resilience. Vykky emphasizes that being proactive and aware can empower individuals to handle potential job loss more effectively, and sh...

In this episode of In the Middle , we’re talking about setting boundaries — especially if you’re a recovering people pleaser. Vykky shares how reaching a breaking point of feeling misunderstood and quietly disappointed led her to realize that boundaries weren’t something she could keep avoiding. Through personal stories and practical examples, Vykky explores how resentment is often a delayed respo...

In this episode, Vykky launches a new series titled "Questions That Need Answers," where she addresses listener inquiries and shares her thoughts on various topics. From Druski to reinvention, Vykky hits on a variety of relevant topics! Follow the podcast on   / inthe_middlepod   &   / inthe_middlepod   Follow Vykky on   / vykkyhoward   &   / vykkyhoward  

We’re a few weeks into January—so let’s check in. How are you really doing? If you’ve been feeling behind, unmotivated, or unsure how to take the next step, this episode is for you. Today’s conversation is about obedience, responsibility, and what it means to stop playing small when God has already entrusted you with the vision. In this episode Vykky discusses the tension between waiting and movin...

In this episode, Vykky discusses the complexities of New Year's resolutions, emphasizing the importance of mindset, the company we keep, and the way we speak to ourselves. She encourages listeners to set goals at any time of the year and to focus on personal growth through positive self-talk and surrounding themselves with supportive individuals. Practical strategies for effective goal setting and...

Burnout isn’t a personal failure, it’s a systems issue. In this episode, Vykky unpacks the truth about burnout, why it disproportionately impacts women, and how naming it can be the first step toward healing. Drawing on research, lived experience, and faith-forward perspective, she reframes burnout as something to be understood, not internalized. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or s...

Adult friendships require more intention, honesty, and discernment than most of us were ever taught. In this episode of In the Middle , Vykky explores how to navigate adult friendships, from making new connections, to maintaining healthy, reciprocal relationships, to recognizing when a friendship has run its course. Inspired by a recent milestone birthday, this conversation addresses loneliness, c...