Back-to-school season can feel like a tug-of-war—part excitement, part emotional exhaustion. In this episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, Robin and Nicole talk openly about the mental and emotional weight that comes with sending kids back to school.

From supply list chaos and shifting schedules to the bittersweet moments of watching your kids grow, they share personal stories and practical ways to manage the stress. You’ll hear how different families approach school prep, the effect of structure on mental health, and why finding balance matters more than perfection.

They also dive into the impacts of standardized testing, the nostalgia of first-and-last-day school photos, and the mix of joy and ache that comes with each transition. With humor, empathy, and real-life examples, Robin and Nicole remind moms that they’re not alone in navigating this season—and that the “messy middle” can still hold beauty.

Summer can be a beautiful season… but for moms, it can also feel like a perfect storm—no school routines, constant activity, and sensory overload from all sides. In this episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, Robin and Nicole get real about the challenges of surviving summer when your house is full, your patience is thin, and the heat won’t let up.

From creating small, flexible routines to setting realistic expectations for yourself (and your kids), they share practical tips to protect your mental health, manage overwhelm, and embrace the imperfect moments. You’ll also hear why waterpark passes might be the ultimate Christmas gift and how shared calendars can save your sanity.

Whether you’re battling the blazing sun, juggling work and camps, or just trying to enjoy the chaos without losing yourself, this episode offers the encouragement and tools you need to not just survive—but find pockets of joy in the summer sizzle.

In this powerful continuation of Episode 13, Motherhood and the Messy Middle co-hosts Robin and Nicole go deeper into the emotional terrain of estrangement between parents and children—specifically what healing, growth, and hope can look like when you're still living in the ache of disconnection.

Nicole shares how her relationship with God shaped the way she loves her daughter from afar, how she's learned to parent through grief, and why surrender, prayer, and emotional honesty matter now more than ever.

Whether you’re wrestling with silence, setting boundaries, or learning how to live again after being cut off, this episode is for you. You’ll leave feeling less alone and reminded that even in heartbreak, healing is holy work.

In Episode 13 of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, Robin and Nicole hold nothing back in this deeply personal conversation on estrangement between a mother and child. Nicole shares her own story of being cut off from her oldest daughter, the emotional unraveling that followed, and how identity, faith, and motherhood intersect in the ache of disconnection.

They explore what estrangement really means, the invisible grief it brings, and the shame many mothers carry in silence. Through raw vulnerability, they discuss how to hold both heartbreak and hope, and what it means to love like Jesus even when your child walks away.

This episode is for any parent navigating distance, silence, or emotional disconnection with a child. You’ll walk away with comfort, understanding, and the reminder: you are not alone.

In this episode of 'Motherhood and the Messy Middle,' hosts Robin and Nicole dive into the complex emotional terrain of family gatherings. They explore how such events bring joy, connection, and nostalgia, but also tension and unresolved dynamics. Robin reflects on her own recent family reunion, discussing the deep emotional layers and influences of her family's complex history, including experiences of loss, addiction, and sobriety. Nicole shares her contrasting experience of minimal family gatherings and the impact on her children. The conversation touches on the importance of presence, perspective, and emotional resilience in navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood and midlife.

In the whirlwind journey of motherhood, many of us often grapple with the complex dance between gratitude for what we have and the yearning for more—more purpose, more passion, more of being ourselves. The podcast "Motherhood and the Messy Middle," hosted by Robin and Nicole, dives deep into this delicate balance, reminding us that desire is not a sign of discontent but a testament to being alive.

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. 😉

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 move on... it’s no wonder we struggle.

Together, we unpack what it means to hold space imperfectly but intentionally—how empathy, stillness, and presence can be more healing than solutions. We also talk about why it's so much easier to do this for others than for ourselves, and how to begin shifting that.

If you're in a season where emotions are high, time is short, and you're carrying more than your share—this conversation is for you.

This one’s tender. Truth-filled. And might just give you the breath you didn’t know you needed.

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

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.

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.

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. Whether your spiritual walk feels strong, shaky, or somewhere in between, this conversation is your reminder that you don’t have to “have it all together” to connect with God. You just have to start.

What if you’re parenting a child struggling with their mental health—while also battling your own? This episode offers real talk and gentle support for the messy middle of motherhood, where healing and heartbreak often go hand-in-hand.

When your child’s path looks different than you imagined—because of a diagnosis, identity, or detour—motherhood can feel isolating. In this episode, we explore grief, grace, and unconditional love in. Listen in for hope and real talk in the messy middle.

In this first episode of Motherhood & The Messy Middle, Nicole Coates and Robin from Robin’s WellNest share the heart behind the podcast. We’re talking about what it means to navigate motherhood when you’re no longer raising littles—but your kids still very much need you. From parenting teens and young adults to wrestling with identity, perimenopause, faith, and burnout—we’re going there.

This episode is your invitation to join us for honest conversations, soul care, wellness tips, and real talk about motherhood, mental health, and inner fitness in the “in-between” years.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, alone, or just ready for something real—you’re in the right place. Let’s walk this season together.

What if the in-between of motherhood isn’t just something to survive—but something sacred? In this episode, we explore how growth, identity, and faith take shape in the stretch between who you were and who you’re becoming.

This season may feel messy, but it’s where the real transformation happens.

What happens when your story takes a turn you never expected? In this episode, we open up about disappointment, surrender, and finding purpose in the painful parts of motherhood. Whether you're navigating estrangement, unmet expectations, or grief, you're not alone.