The Midlife Momma Podcast - Empty nest mom, Parenting adult children, Midlife transition, Christian mom
Welcome to The Midlife Momma Podcast, the go-to resource for empty nest moms ready to embrace the next chapter of life with confidence and purpose! Join me, Pamela Henkelman, a certified Empty Nest Coach and proud momma of five, as we navigate this transformative journey together. Each week, we dive into essential topics that matter most to midlife moms, including: * Setting and maintaining boundaries * Rediscovering your life’s purpose * Mastering effective communication with adult children * Strengthening your marriage in the empty nest season * Leaning on faith to guide your journey Follow The Midlife Momma Podcast now to join a community of...
234.The Grief No One Warned Empty Nest Moms About with Author Lisa Appelo
Why does letting go of our children hurt so much, even when they're exactly where they're supposed to be? In this episode, Pamela sits down with author Lisa Appelo to discuss her new book, God of Comfort, and the very real grief that accompanies the transitions of motherhood. Together, they explore why empty nest grief is often misunderstood, how God meets us in our sorrow, and what it looks like to trust Him as our roles as mothers change.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Lisa's Book: God of Comfort here
Lisa's Instagram here
Free G...
233. Will My College Student Keep Their Faith? with Author Paul Worcester
Sending your child to college is one of the biggest transitions of motherhood, especially when you're wondering if they'll continue to follow Jesus once they're on their own. In this episode, Pamela talks with author Paul Worcester about how parents can encourage their college students to develop a faith that lasts. You'll learn practical ways to support your child, pray with confidence, and trust God as they begin this new chapter.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Paul Bible Study for College Students: Thrive here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Ap...
232. Why Dropping Your Child Off at College Hurts So Much
Dropping your child off at college is one of the most emotional milestones of motherhood. In this episode, Pamela shares six reasons this transition hurts so much and offers biblical encouragement to help you navigate the grief, trust God with your emerging adult, and embrace this new season with hope.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review + Rate podcast here
Follow Pamela on Instagram here
<...231. When Your Adult Child Walks Away from God: Hope from Zach Williams’ Parents
What do you do when your adult child walks away from faith? In this hopeful conversation, I’m joined by Steve and Jenia Williams, parents of Christian artist Zach Williams and authors of God’s Heart for the Prodigal. After walking through more than a decade of heartbreak and prayer for their wandering son, they share biblical encouragement and hope for moms loving a prodigal adult child.
HELPFUL LINKS:
William's Book: God's Heart for the Prodigal here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach...
230. How to Stay Emotionally Steady During Conflict with Your Adult Child
Conflict with an adult child can leave a mom feeling hurt, anxious, and unsure how to respond. In this episode, Pamela shares six practical ways to stay emotionally steady during seasons of tension, distance, or misunderstanding. Learn how to process your emotions, lean into God's presence, listen with empathy, and become the kind of mom who creates safety and connection even in difficult conversations.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Rev...
229 How to Let Go of Mom Guilt and Parenting Regrets in the Empty Nest with Author Laurie Davies
Do you struggle with guilt over past parenting mistakes? In this conversation, author Laurie Davies shares why so many empty-nest moms carry regret and how God invites us to lay down the burdens we've been holding for far too long. If you're ready to release guilt and regret, embrace grace, and find freedom in Christ, this episode is for you.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Laurie's Website here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
228. How to Be a Peaceful Mom of Adult Children: 6 Ways to Let Go and Trust God
Are you exhausted from worrying about your adult children? In this episode, Pamela shares six practical ways to become a more peaceful mom by letting go of expectations, managing emotions, and learning to trust God with the people you love most. If you're ready to let go of fear and experience more peace in the adult-child years, this episode will encourage your heart.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review + R...
227. Trusting God in the Waiting Seasons of Motherhood with Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright
Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, granddaughter of Billy Graham, joins me to talk about her new book, God Won’t Leave You There, and the powerful lessons empty-nest moms can learn from Joseph’s story. We discuss trusting God through family pain, waiting seasons, broken relationships, and the challenges of surrendering our adult children to Him. If you’re carrying heartbreak or unanswered questions in motherhood, this conversation will remind you that God is still working behind the scenes.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Anne Graham Lotz website here
Rachel-Ruth Wright on Instagram here
New book: God Won...
226. When Families Become Estranged and How Healing Begins with Therapist Rachel Haack
Family estrangement can leave moms feeling heartbroken, confused, and unsure where to turn. In this episode, therapist Rachel Haack shares insight into the family dynamics that often lead to distance, the role of differentiation, and practical ways parents can create space for healing and repair. If you're longing for reconciliation with your adult child, this conversation offers wisdom and hope for the journey.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Cozy Earth Code: MOMMA for 20% off, shop here
Rachel Haack's website here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified E...
225. When Your Adult Child Goes No Contact: Understanding Family Estrangement with Tania Khazaal
In this heartfelt conversation, family estrangement expert Tania Khazaal shares her personal journey from estrangement with her own mother to reconciliation and healing. Together, we explore why adult children sometimes pull away, what emotional safety looks like in family relationships, and how moms can respond with emotional confidence and the right language.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Tania Kazhaal's website and resources here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review + Rate podcast here
224. When an Adult Child Cuts You Off: Hope and Healing for Estranged Moms with Nicole Coates
What do you do when your relationship with your adult child is marked by distance or estrangement? In this episode, estranged mom mentor Nicole Coates shares her personal story of estrangement with her oldest daughter and the emotional and spiritual journey that followed. We talk about heartbreak, identity, healing, and how God led Nicole to start a ministry for estranged moms.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Cozy Earth Code: MOMMA for 20% off: shop here
Nicole's Devotional, Finding Hope in the Heartbreak here
Nicole's Online Community: Between Hope and Heartbreak here
Free Guide: J...
223. When Your Adult Child Pulls Away: Understanding Estrangement and What to Do Next
Estrangement with an adult child is one of the most painful and confusing experiences a mom can face. In this episode, we’re talking about what estrangement really is, what it isn’t, and how it often develops over time. You’ll learn how to navigate this season with clarity and a steady heart.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Christian Parenting's Moms, Dads & Grads Gift Guide here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review...
222. What Every Mom Needs: Finding Peace When You Feel You Have to Hold It All Together with Author Nicole Suvar
If you’ve been holding everything together and feeling the weight of it, this conversation is for you. Author Nichole Suvar joins me to talk about her book, I Don’t Have to Hold it All Together, and how God’s original design still leads us to real peace. We talk about the pressure we carry, the places we seek peace, and what it means to finally rest in God rather than striving. This one will meet you right where you are.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Cozy Earth Website here 20% off Discount Code: MOMMA
Nichole's Book I...
221. What Every Mom Needs: Parenting Teens & Adult Kids at the Same Time with Courtney Doyle
HELPFUL LINKS:
Cozy Earth Website here 20% Off Discount Code: MOMMA
Connect with Courtney here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review + Rate podcast here
Follow Pamela on Instagram here
Follow Pamela on Facebook here
Pamela's website with free resources here
220. What Every Mom Needs: Healing from Mother Wounds with Best-Selling Author, Melanie Shankle
In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Pamela sits down with author Melanie Shankle to discuss healing from the wounds many women carry from their relationships with their mothers. Together, they explore how those experiences shape us, how faith plays a role in healing, and what it looks like to move forward with grace. This episode offers encouragement for any mom ready to stop carrying the past and step into freedom.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Melanie's book, Here Be Dragons here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty N...
219. What Every Mom Needs: Navigating the Shift When Your Mom Ages with Sharon Schneider
There comes a moment in midlife when the roles begin to shift, and the woman who once cared for you now needs care from you. In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with a very special guest, my own mom, to talk about the realities of aging and the beauty of honoring our parents. If you’re navigating changing roles with your parents or wondering how to walk this season with grace, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching...
218. When a Prodigal Comes Home: Encouragement for Moms of Wayward Adult Children with Judy Douglass
Watching an adult child walk away from faith can be one of the most painful experiences a mother faces. In this episode, author and podcast host Judy Douglas shares the story of her prodigal child’s return and the hope she discovered while waiting on God. If you are praying for a wandering child, this conversation will encourage you not to give up.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Prayer for Prodigals Website here
Prayers for Prodigals Facebook Page here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nes...
217. When Your Adult Child Rejects God: 6 Ways to Love Them Like the Father Does
What do you do when your adult child no longer believes in God and is captured by the world? In this episode, we look at the father in the parable of the prodigal son and uncover six powerful ways to love your wayward adult child with grace, trust, and hope. If you’re a Christian mom struggling with fear, guilt, or frustration, this conversation will encourage you to release control, guard your heart, and trust God with your child’s story.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Christian Parenting's Moms, Dads & Grads Guide here
Free Guide: Journaling Throu...
216. When Your Child’s Rebellion Is Really Grief: Blended Families with Pastor Inés Franklin
Pastor Inés Franklin joins Pamela to talk about the hidden grief many children carry when families change because of divorce, remarriage, or other transitions. They discuss how unresolved loss can look like rebellion, why spiritual pressure often backfires, and how parents can disciple their children through empathy instead of control.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Ines' Website here
Ines' book, Blended and Blessed here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Rev...
215. When Your Adult Child Walks Away: Overcoming Shame as a Christian Mom
When your adult child walks away from the faith, heartbreak is only part of the story. Shame often follows close behind. In this episode, Pamela shares six biblical perspective shifts to help Christian moms release guilt, trust God with their wandering child, and rest securely in their identity in Christ. If you’re carrying shame about a prodigal son or daughter, this episode will help you breathe again.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Christian Parenting Moms, Dads & Grads Gift Guide here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching wit...
214. How to Love Your Empty Nest Mornings with Author Jennifer Dukes Lee
What if learning to love your morning could change the way you experience the empty nest? Pamela talks with Jennifer Dukes Lee about her book How to Love Your Morning and how empty nest moms can create grace-filled morning rhythms, renew their mindset, and experience God’s mercy at the start of each day.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Get Jennifer's Book, How to Love Your Morning here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
R...
213. Seven Ways Your Intimacy with God Deepens as You Grow Older
Does your relationship with God feel different in midlife? In this episode, Pamela shares 7 ways intimacy with God deepens as you grow older, especially in the empty nest season. If you’ve moved from striving to surrender, from performance to peace, this conversation will affirm the beautiful maturity happening in your faith.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Christian Parenting's Easter Bundle here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review + Rate podcast here
F...
212. How to Find Peace When Life Changes with Author Autumn Schoeck
Author Autumn Schoeck joins Pamela to discuss what it means to find peace in Christ during empty-nest transitions. If you’ve been feeling unsteady in this season, this conversation will help you anchor your identity, peace, and sense of belonging in Him.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Autumn's book, This Feels Like Home: Inspiration for Finding Peace here
Autumn's website here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review + Rat...
211. A Simple Prayer Framework for Empty Nest Moms Who Are Tired of Worrying
Worry doesn’t disappear when our kids grow up; it just changes shape. In this episode, Pamela shares a simple, grace-filled prayer framework from Philippians 4:6 to help empty nest moms move from worry to peace. If you’re tired of carrying anxiety, guilt, and unanswered questions, this gentle conversation will remind you that God isn’t asking you to try harder. He’s inviting you closer.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Christian Parenting's Easter Bundle here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take th...
210. Good Daughtering in the Empty Nest: Caring for Aging Parents and Loving Adult Children Well with Dr Allison Alford
In this episode, Pamela talks with Dr. Allison Alford about her book Good Daughtering and the emotional tension many empty nest moms feel in midlife. As we care for aging parents and learn new ways to relate to our adult children, guilt and pressure can quietly take over. This gentle conversation explores how to redefine what it means to be a “good daughter,” set healthy boundaries, and walk through this season with grace instead of obligation.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Buy Good Daughtering here
Dr Alford's website here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief...
209. Why Communication Breaks Down in the Empty Nest and How to Fix It with Counselors Chris & Jamie Bailey
When the kids leave home, many couples discover they don’t know how to talk anymore. Christian marriage counselors Chris and Jamie Bailey share practical, faith-filled insights on improving communication in empty-nest marriages, so couples can move from roommates to meaningful connection.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Chris & Jamie's website here
Free Guide: Marriage Awareness Worksheet here
Free Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review + Rate podcast here
Follow Pamela on Instagram here
Follow Pamela on Facebook her...
208. When Your Empty Nest Marriage Feels Like Roommates: 6 Ways to Reconnect
Does your empty nest marriage feel more like roommates than partners? In this episode, we talk about why connection often fades after the kids leave home and share six practical, grace-filled steps to help you reconnect emotionally, physically, and spiritually with your husband. It’s not too late to grow close again.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Christian Parenting's Morning Minute here
Free Guide: Marriage Awareness Worksheet here
Free Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review + Rate podcast here
Fol...
207. Praying Together in the Empty Nest: Rebuilding Spiritual Intimacy as a Couple with Bob and Pamela Henkelman
When the house gets quieter, many couples realize they’ve drifted spiritually. In this special episode, I sit down with my husband, Bob, a pastor and fellow empty nester, to talk honestly about praying together as a couple. We share why praying together matters, why it can feel awkward, and simple ways to begin rebuilding spiritual intimacy in the empty nest.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Marriage Awareness Worksheet here
Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review + Rate podcast here
<...206. Six Ways to Strengthen Your Empty Nest Marriage When You Feel Like You’re Growing Apart
When the kids leave home, many women are surprised by an ache they didn’t expect; distance in their marriage. The house is quieter, the roles have changed, and the connection with your husband can feel strained or fragile. In this episode, Pamela shares 6 grace-filled ways to strengthen your empty nest marriage when you feel like you’re growing apart. Through faith-based wisdom, Scripture, and gentle reflection, you’ll learn how awareness, prayer, and intentional love can help rebuild connection and restore hope.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Christian Parenting's Morning Minute here
Free Guide: The Marriag...
205. Six Questions Every Empty Nest Mom Should Ask to Discover Her God-Given Purpose
What’s your purpose now that your kids have left home? The empty nest often brings big questions about identity, meaning, and what God is doing next. In this episode of Empty Nest, Coach Pamela Henkelman shares six faith-filled questions to help moms rediscover their God-given purpose after motherhood.
Rooted in Scripture and real-life wisdom, this conversation will encourage you to see the empty nest not as an ending, but as an invitation to trust God and step confidently into your next season.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Free...
204. Finding Your Purpose in the Empty Nest with Author Julie Lefebure
What does purpose look like after the kids leave home? Author, speaker, and host of the Encouragement for Real Life podcast, Julie Lefebure, joins Pamela for a heartfelt conversation about discovering purpose in midlife. Julie shares her personal journey, her connection with God, and how God used writing, speaking, and even grandparenting to reshape her calling.
If you’re feeling unsure, stuck, or craving clarity in this season, this episode will help you see your life with fresh hope.
HELPFUL LINKS:
CP Morning Minute here
Julie's Free Resources her...
203. Embracing Aging: Six Strategies for Confidence and Peace in Midlife
Aging doesn’t mean you’re fading; it means you’re deepening. In this encouraging episode, Pamela Henkelman shares six faith-filled strategies to help midlife moms embrace aging with confidence and purpose.
Learn how to accept your season, walk in God-given confidence, harness your wisdom, and step into the most productive years of your life. You’ll come away encouraged, grounded, and reminded that God isn’t finished with you yet.
HELPFUL LINKS:
CP 's Morning Minute here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Free Connection...
202: 200 Episodes of Faith, Family & the Empty Nest: Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Ahead with Hope
We’re celebrating our 200th episode as Pamela Henkelman reflects on the beautiful journey of The Midlife Momma Podcast, from the early days of recording with trembling hands to becoming a global community of Christian empty nest moms who love their adult children with grace and trust God in the transition.
Join Pamela as she shares the podcast origin story, God’s faithfulness, listener transformations, the most impactful episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and the powerful lessons learned from walking alongside moms in this tender season of life.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Journ...
201. #1 Top Episode of 2025: Healing the Rift: Restoring the Relationship with Your Son/Daughter-in-Law with Kathy Cunningham
When the relationship with your son or daughter-in-law is strained, the ripple effects can touch every corner of your heart. Suddenly, the connection with your child feels fragile, your role as a mom feels uncertain, and even time with your grandkids can feel out of reach.
In this powerful, hope-filled conversation, Counselor Kathy Cunningham joins me to unpack what really happens when these relationships break down, and how healing is absolutely possible. Kathy offers practical tools, biblical wisdom, and deep compassion as she guides us through the very first step a mom should take when reconciliation feels...
200. #2 Top Episode of 2025: Why Talking to Your Adult Kids Feels So Hard and How to Fix It!
Ever walked away from a conversation with your grown child thinking, “What just happened?” You’re not alone, Momma. Communication in the empty nest can feel tricky. The roles have changed, emotions run deep, and sometimes the words just don’t land the way we hoped.
In this highly downloaded episode, Pamela unpacks ten common barriers that make conversations with adult children so challenging, and shares practical, grace-filled solutions to overcome each one.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Free Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coac...
199. #3 Top Episode of 2025: Avoid These 10 Phrases: What Not to Say to Your Adult Child
As moms, our words carry incredible power, especially with our adult children. We never intend to hurt them, but sometimes, without realizing it, what we say can sound like guilt, criticism, or disapproval.
In this listener-favorite episode, Pamela unpacks ten common phrases that can unintentionally wound your grown kids and offers loving alternatives that build connection instead of conflict. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation wishing you’d said it differently, this episode is for you.
HELPFUL LINKS:
End of Year Gift to Christian Parenting here
Fre...
198. #4 Top Episode of 2025: Letting Go of Control: Trusting God with Your Adult Children
What happens when your child’s choices take them down a path you didn’t expect, and you can’t fix it? In this heartfelt replay of one of our most-loved episodes, Pamela shares how to release the need to control your adult children and find peace in trusting God’s plan instead. Learn practical, faith-filled steps to trade worry for worship, surrender for strength, and fear for freedom.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Free Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Qui...
197. How to Talk to Your Adult Kids with Respect (Even When You Disagree)
When your adult kids come home for the holidays, tough conversations can pop up fast. In this episode, Pamela shares how to talk with your grown children respectfully, even when you disagree. Learn how to listen without judgment, value the relationship over being right, and model Christ’s love in every conversation.
HELPFUL LINKS:
End of Year Gift to Christian Parenting here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Free Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review + Rate podca...
196. Glory All Around: Finding Gratitude in Every Season
In this special Thanksgiving Day episode of The Midlife Momma Podcast, Pamela invites you to pause, breathe, and look for God’s glory all around you. Through the simple beauty of a sunrise and the practice of gratitude, she reminds us that even in the hard places of parenting adult children, God’s presence never leaves.
You’ll discover why gratitude is such a powerful antidote for a weary momma’s heart, how it helps us see God more clearly, and how writing down our thanks strengthens our faith.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Gu...
195. When the Holidays Don’t Look the Same: Finding Peace with Your Adult Children
Hey Momma, are your holiday expectations stealing your joy? In this episode, we’ll talk about how to let go of what “should be” and embrace what is. Learn six grace-filled ways to stay flexible, find peace, and keep connection at the heart of your holidays. Even when things look different, God’s goodness is still all around.
HELPFUL LINKS:
CP Christmas Gift Guide here
Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here
Free Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review...
