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Motherhood and the Messy Middle

Motherhood and the Messy Middle
Author: Robin and Nicole
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© 2025 Motherhood and the Messy Middle
Description
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.
From late-night prayers to early-morning carpool runs… from perimenopause to parenting adult children—we’re diving into the conversations no one’s having, but everyone’s living.
This space is for the moms doing too much with too little. For the women who love fiercely, lead with heart, and are ready to reclaim calm, connection, and purpose.
We’ll talk about it all—faith, energy, burnout, balance, hormones, and hope—and weave something sacred together.
Welcome to your virtual village.
23 Episodes
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Send us a text 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 nature of grief, whether through the loss of a loved one or a significant life change. Throughout the discussion, they explore the importance of connection, community, and finding ways to lighten the emotional load through spiritual practic...
Send us a text 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 experiences with estrangement, the challenges it brings, and the importance of creating supportive, judgment-free spaces. They introduce the concept of a virtual village to help women feel seen and connected. The episode also highlights Nicole's commu...
Send us a text 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 growth. Robin and Nicole provide life updates, reflecting on the transitions they've navigated, from new jobs to supporting their families. With honest, real conversations and a touch of humor, this episode invites you to be part of their...
Send us a text 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, although disruptive, can lead to spiritual and emotional growth. Nicole shares her recent experience of both she and her husband being laid off on the same day and how her village of friends and faith provided crucial support. Robin reflects on ...
Send us a text 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 experiences of that day—one from a homeschooler's perspective and the other from a sophomore in college—they explore the broader implications of national grief, retaliation, and the need for compassionate understanding. Through open dialogue, t...
Send us a text 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 practical advice, Robin introduces her Balance Your Body Method, a holistic approach combining meditation, mindset, movement, and mindful nourishment. They break down the role of blood sugar management, the power of community support, and share tangible s...
Send us a text 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 managing meltdowns and emotions. The hosts share personal stories and practical tips on how to prepare mentally and emotionally for travel, delegate responsibilities, and maintain sanity amidst the chaos. They also touch on the challenges of ...
Send us a text 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 parenting styles, and the logistical challenges involved. They delve into the different ways families handle school preparation, the impact of structure on mental health, and the inherent need for balance. With personal anecdotes, the hosts ...
Send us a text 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 managing sensory overload, creating small structured routines, and setting realistic expectations to maintain mental health. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging and addressing personal thresholds for better self-care. Listener...
Send us a text 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 those experiencing distance or silence with their children. Nicole opens up about her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of community and the strength found in vulnerability. The episode highlights the launch of Nicole's new online space, Be...
Send us a text 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 on moms, but on the entire family and the spiritual lessons God continues to teach in the midst of deep grief. Robin and Nicole emphasize the importance of holding space for hard emotions while still making room for hope. They also highlight t...
Send us a text ⚠️ 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 you feel emotionally safe. In this episode of 'Motherhood and the Messy Middle', Robin and Nicole explore the complex emotions and dynamics that surface during family gatherings. From joy and nostalgia to tension and drama, family events can stir a mix ...
Send us a text 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 encouraging listeners to embrace their desires for more purpose, passion, and fulfillment. Robin shares pe...
Send us a text 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.myflodesk.com/start-here — simple shifts for your hormones, energy, and sanity. Thank...
Send us a text 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 to fix it. But in a culture that pushes us to hurry up, hold it together, and mov...
Send us a text 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 feel so hard. Nicole and Robin open up about their own friendship journeys-what’s worked...
Send us a text 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. Together, we explore what it means to honor the past while still embracing the beauty (an...
Send us a text 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 beauty of meeting God right where you are-without guilt, perfection, or pressure. Wheth...
Send us a text 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 💛 How mental health struggles can show up in children—even the very young ...
Send us a text 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 a different kind of motherhood, you’ll find support and hope here. ✨ Topics we exp...