Your nEXt Chapter with Dr. Nicole | Healing From Divorce and Traumatic Transitions

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s conversation, Dr. Nicole sits down with dating and relationship expert Bela Gandhi to unpack the realities of dating in midlife and after divorce. From unlearning fairy tale narratives to confronting the beliefs that keep women stuck, this discussion challenges the idea that love is something you wait for instead of something you intentionally choose.Together, they explore how mindset shapes relationship outcomes, why familiar patterns often lead to unhealthy choices, and what it really takes to break cycles and choose differently. This conversation offers clarity on redefining standards, identifying what a good partner truly looks like, and stepping into dating with confidence, self-awareness, and certainty.Song of the week: Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here by Deborah CoxTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:01:50 – Introducing our guest, Bela Gandhi00:11:04 – Episode Sponsor Break00:12:32 – Reprogramming your mind 00:16:26 – “Why did I stay?”00:19:29 – Letting go of the “one soulmate” belief00:21:46 – You are already complete00:37:47 – Choosing to rescue yourself00:45:06 – Familiarity vs. true compatibility00:48:12 – Yes00:48:50 – Connect with Bela GandhiKey Takeaways:“Nobody is coming to rescue you, you are the one who gets to rescue yourself.”“Our brains ignore red flags when we need clarity the most, which is why we can end up choosing the wrong partners.”*Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? Apply today and get on the waitlist for when the doors re-open.  bit.ly/yncapplyEpisode Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by Your Next Chapter LLC. Need a speaker? Book Dr. Nicole, TEDx and keynote speaker, to speak on life transitions, healing, and growth. Email [email protected] with “Speaker Request” to get started.About Our GuestBela Gandhi is a dating and relationship expert, entrepreneur, and founder of Smart Dating Academy. She is the creator of the GPQ™ (Good Partner Qualities) process, a proven system designed to help individuals build healthier relationships and find lasting love. Known as the “Fairy Godmother of Love,” Bella combines data, mindset, and practical strategy to guide people toward meaningful connection, with zero divorces among her married clients.Connect with Bela:Web: https://smartdatingacademy.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communitySupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s conversation, Dr. Nicole sits down with physician, coach, and communication expert Dr. Maiysha Clairborne to unpack the emotional and practical realities of co-parenting after divorce and separation. Dr. Maiysha shares her journey of becoming a single mother and how acceptance became a key turning point after separation.Together, they explore moving through disappointment, redefining expectations, and choosing cooperation over conflict for the sake of a child’s well-being. This conversation offers guidance for communicating with intention, releasing control, and showing up with clarity in co-parenting.Song of the week: If I Could by Regina BelleTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:02:27 – Introducing our guest, Dr. Maiysha Clairborne00:03:39 – Honoring motherhood and co-parenting journey00:05:55 – Navigating grief after relationship endings 00:09:06 – Episode Sponsor Break 00:17:21 – Setting co-parenting agreements 00:19:51 – Not passing hurt onto children 00:22:05 – Co-parenting without legal conflict 00:26:11 – Healing, therapy, and communication tools 00:27:35 – Protecting children from parental conflict 00:34:20 – Children adapting across two homes 00:40:27 – Importance of community support 00:41:38 – Agreement00:42:30 – Connect with Dr. Maiysha Key Takeaways:“I can’t be the best mom that I can be if I’m in a relationship that is causing me pain and suffering.”“Hurt people hurt people, but they don't have to.”*Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? Apply today and get on the waitlist for when the doors re-open.  bit.ly/yncapplyEpisode Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by Your Next Chapter LLC. Need a speaker? Book Dr. Nicole, TEDx and keynote speaker, to speak on life transitions, healing, and growth. Email [email protected] with “Speaker Request” to get started.About Our GuestDr. Maiysha Clairborne is a Family Medicine Physician, consultant, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of The Mind Re-Mapping Company. She specializes in helping organizations create inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces through trauma-informed training and leadership development. Connect with Dr. Maiysha:Web: https://mindremappingacademy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMaiysha/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communitySupport the show

Send us Fan Mail“A long marriage is not the same as a healthy marriage.”In this week’s conversation, Dr. Nicole sits down with attorney, policy consultant, and advocate Sudria Twyman to unpack the deeper truth behind no-fault divorce and the freedom it represents. Sudria offers both historical and legal context, revealing how marriage has not always been rooted in love, but in contracts, control, and preservation of status.Song of the week: Blame It on Me by Chrisette MicheleTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:02:54 – Introducing our guest, Sudria Twyman00:05:10 – What is no-fault divorce00:06:55 – The history of marriage as contract and property00:15:02 – Why no-fault divorce is being challenged00:19:05 – Debunking the “easy divorce” narrative00:21:38 – Rethinking the “ideal” family 00:23:14 – Divorce rates and misunderstood statistics00:24:56 – Financial realities of divorce00:28:23 – Married but not truly in relationship00:35:00 – Caution when using AI in legal matters00:37:47 – Vigilance00:38:52 – Connect with Sudria Twyman Key Takeaways:“Just because people were married doesn’t mean they were in a relationship.”“No fault divorce allows someone to end a contractual legal relationship that no longer serves them.”*Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? Apply today and get on the waitlist for when the doors re-open.  bit.ly/yncapplyEpisode Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by Your Next Chapter LLC. Book Dr. Nicole, TEDx and keynote speaker, to speak on life transitions, healing, and growth. Email [email protected] with “Speaker Request” to get started.If this podcast has impacted you, you can support its continued creation with a gift from the heart. Visit buymeacoffee.com/doctornicolepod.About Our GuestSudria Twyman is a policy consultant, reproductive justice advocate, and co-host of the Political Pour Up Podcast. She is a former Reproductive Rights and Health Counsel at the National Women’s Law Center, where she focused on advancing gender justice and shaping policy around reproductive rights, fetal personhood, and the intersection of law, religion, and healthcare.Connect with Sudria Twyman:IG: https://www.instagram.com/politicalpourupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudriatwyman/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communitySupport the show

Send us Fan Mail“Sometimes the loudest truth in your life doesn’t shout. It whispers until you’re finally ready to listen.”In this week’s episode, Dr. Nicole shares a powerful solo reflection on the stages of knowing, the quiet internal journey that happens long before any life-changing decision is made. She opens up about her personal story, revealing how intuition, surrender, and subtle shifts in behavior led her to the truth she could no longer ignore.She walks through the four stages of knowing, The Whisper, The Release, The Drift, and The Silence, showing how clarity unfolds over time and why many stay stuck even when they already know what needs to change. This episode speaks to anyone holding onto something that no longer aligns, struggling between what is and what they know deep down.If there’s a quiet voice you’ve been trying to silence, this is your reminder to trust it. The peace you’re looking for may be on the other side of letting go.Song of the week: How Will I Know by Whitney HoustonTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:02:20 – The cost of choosing and why it’s worth it00:05:27 – Stage 1: Spiritual Knowing (The Whisper)00:08:09 – Decisions are made long before action00:10:35 – Episode Sponsor Break00:13:10 – When you first knew00:14:10 – Stage 2: Surrender Knowing (The Release)00:19:58 – Getting honest with yourself00:24:50 – Stage 3: Behavioral Knowing (The Drift)00:27:00 – Choosing self00:33:10 – Choosing truth over pretending00:39:42 – Stage 4: The Quiet Departure (The Silence)00:46:40 – From knowing to doing00:48:00 – False hope keeps you stuck00:50:52 – Stop rescheduling joy00:52:30 – Trust yourselfKey Takeaways:“Pay attention to what you stop pretending, that is the beginning of your mind catching up.”“The sunk costs are not worth the cost of my joy.”“When we stay in the knowing and we don't move to the doing, we are rescheduling joy.”It’s Dr. Nicole’s birthday month and she’d love it if you bought her a “cup of coffee” to support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/drnicolepod*Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? Apply today and get on the waitlist for when the doors re-open.  bit.ly/yncapplyEpisode Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Your Next Chapter LLC. Book Dr. Nicole, TEDx and keynote speaker, to speak on life transitions, healing, and growth. Email [email protected] with “Speaker Request” to get started.About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communitySupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s conversation, Dr. Nicole sits down with Dr. Melba Mota, educator, author, and founder of Called and Kept Collective LLC, to talk about the cost of staying silent and the journey back to your voice. Dr. Melba shares how being silenced from a young age shaped her life, and how years of doing everything for everyone else left her tired, empty, and unseen.Song of the week: The Voice Within by Christina AguileraTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:01:17 – Episode Sponsor: Your Next Chapter LLC00:02:55 –  Introducing our guest, Dr. Melba Mota 00:05:06 – How women lose their voice00:07:36 – Teaching children to use their voice00:10:24 – Silence trains acceptance of the unhealthy00:12:22 – Self-silencing in relationships00:19:08 – Silence, Survival, Stewardship00:28:05 – Not losing yourself in the name of faith 00:38:05 – Book: Silence and Survival 00:40:41 – “My divorce is not final” 00:44:06 – Faith 00:44:57 – Connect with Dr. MelbaBook Giveaway 🎉- The first 2 individuals to DM Dr. Nicole “born and still here”on Facebook or Instagram will receive a FREE copy of Dr. Melba’s book, Silence & SurvivalKey Takeaways:“God gives you so many warnings before destruction.”*Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? Apply today and get on the waitlist for when the doors re-open.  bit.ly/yncapplyEpisode Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Your Next Chapter LLC. Book Dr. Nicole, TEDx and keynote speaker, to speak on life transitions, healing, and growth. Email [email protected] with “Speaker Request” to get started.About Our GuestDr. Melba Mota is the founder of Called & Kept Collective, LLC, where she blends education, writing, and faith-based formation. With over 17 years in education and a doctorate in education, she brings a grounded, real-world approach to healing and personal growth. Her work helps people move from silence and survival into stability and stewardship, learning boundaries, identity, and self-worth in life transitions.Connect with Dr. Melba Mota:IG: https://www.instagram.com/silencesurvivalstewardship Book: https://www.amazon.com/Silence-Survival-Dr-Melba-Mota/dp/B0GRTRCKPN?ref_=ast_author_mpbAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communitySupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s conversation, Dr. Nicole sits down with Kim Costa, award-winning realtor, speaker, and CEO of Lifestyle Foundations, to talk about alignment, authenticity, and the powerful connection between your inner life and your physical space. Kim shares her personal journey through misalignment in her career, relationships, and environment and how a series of wake-up calls led her to rebuild her life around what truly fits who she is becoming.They explore how your home reflects your identity, healing, and next chapter. Kim shares her “stay, go, or renovate” approach and Wheel of Life framework to help assess what’s working and what needs to change across key areas of life.If life looks fine on the outside but feels misaligned within, this episode invites you to pause, reconnect, and realign your life and space.Song of the week: Home by Stephanie MillsTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:02:32 –  Introducing our guest, Kim Costa00:06:21 – Living outside your true identity00:16:11 – Your home reflects who you are becoming00:21:50 – The 8 areas of life (Wheel of Life)00:26:24 – Spiritual alignment shapes the home you need00:28:40 – Why you shouldn’t rush major decisions00:37:49 – Connection: Who you allow into your space matters00:39:39 – Connect with Kim CostaKey Takeaways:“Alignment is recognising how you were made, your personality, your values, and what you want to do in your next phase of life.”*Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? Apply today and get on the waitlist for when the doors re-open.  bit.ly/yncapplyAbout Our GuestKim Costa is a Top 5% Realtor® in Atlanta and creator of The Wheel House Method, helping high-achieving women align their homes with their next chapter. She supports women through transitions such as divorce, career changes, and midlife shifts with intentional, values-based decisions. Kim is the author of Live in Your Wheel House (March 2026) and host of the Live in Your Wheel House podcast.Connect with Kim Costa:Web: https://lifestylefoundations.com/lp-supp/IG: https://www.instagram.com/kim.e.costa/FB: https://www.facebook.com/kimecostarealtor/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimecosta/Book (Pre-Order): https://lifestylefoundations.com/lp-supp/#order-bookAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communitySupport the show

Send us Fan MailConstantly putting others first can look like love, but over time, it can cost you your well-being.In this week’s conversation, Dr. Nicole sits down with Dr. Jattu Senesie to talk about pathological altruism and how the habit of always saying yes can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and self-abandonment. They unpack how high-achieving women are often conditioned to prioritize everyone else, how this behavior is rewarded, and why it becomes so difficult to choose yourself without guilt.If you have ever found yourself overextended, constantly available, or wondering why you feel drained while  doing “good” for others, this episode is a reminder that caring for yourself is not selfish. As you reconnect with your humanity, you create space to live, serve, and show up from a place that is whole.Song of the week: Cranes in the Sky by SolangeTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:01:30 – Introducing our guest, Dr. Jattu Senesie00:03:53 – What is pathological altruism?00:15:49 – Signs you may be a pathological altruist00:17:27 – “How can I inconvenience myself?” mindset00:26:55 – Clarity comes after rest00:29:20 – You cannot pour from an empty tank00:32:33 – Intentional well-being: The “7 joy activities” practice00:38:55 – Gaining energy, creativity, and clarity00:40:11 – Learning to do less00:42:54 – Humanity00:45:16 – Connect with Dr. JattuKey Takeaways:“If you're saying yes to them, you very well are saying no to something for yourself.”*Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? Apply today and get on the waitlist for when the doors re-open.  bit.ly/yncapplyAbout Our GuestDr. Jattu Senesie is a Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist turned transformational success coach and self-proclaimed recovering pathological altruist. She helps mission-driven professionals create intentional, sustainable lives by aligning high achievement with personal well-being. After retiring from clinical medicine at 35, she now supports early-career professionals, especially those in service-oriented fields, who feel overwhelmed or on the brink of burnout. Through coaching, workshops, and speaking, she equips her clients with the tools to care for themselves as deeply as they care for others.Connect with Dr. Jattu:Website: essenceofstrength.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/dressenceofstrengthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jattu/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communitySupport the show

Send us Fan Mail*Disclaimer: The opinions shared in this episode are rooted in lived experience and are not intended to diagnose any individuals mentioned or not mentioned.Trying to make sense of a relationship that feels confusing, draining, and inconsistent can leave you questioning everything, including yourself. And if you’re honest, you may have called it love when it was really survival.In this bonus “reflections” episode, I’m sharing thoughts that came from sitting with my own story a little longer. After my conversation with Katherine Miura on narcissistic and emotional abuse, there were things I couldn’t leave unsaid. I talk about what it looks like when trust is slowly built just to be used against you, how love bombing can feel like a dream but is really the beginning of a nightmare, and why the cycle of hope and disappointment can keep you holding on far longer than you ever planned.I also get real about patterns like future faking, emotional withdrawal, and the quiet, subtle ways emotional abuse shows up. No yelling. No obvious chaos. Just confusion, self-doubt, and a slow shrinking of who you used to be. If you’ve ever found yourself doing the most to fix something that was never yours to fix, this episode will meet you right there and gently point you back to yourself.Topics Covered: 00:00:00 – Episode Snippet 00:03:18 – Reflecting on Episode 62: Narcissistic abuse 00:04:44 – Not recognizing abuse in real time 00:06:27 – Trust built to be used against you 00:10:03 – Playing the victim to gain sympathy 00:11:43 – When “love” is really manipulation in disguise00:15:19 – “Generosity” that’s actually a calculated setup 00:20:33 – Public generosity vs private neglect 00:23:23 – Why  don’t you just leave? 00:29:39 – Future faking as a control tactic 00:33:31 – Accountability reveals the truth 00:34:48 – The need to be the center of attention 00:37:39 – Your birthday becomes their victim story 00:39:59 – Abuse by deception defined 00:43:11 – A help to recognize the signsKey Takeaways:“You don't freaking know what you're going through until you're on the other side of it.”Episode Mentioned: Recognizing and Surviving Narcissistic Abuse (w/ Katherine Miura) *Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? Apply today and get on the waitlist for when the doors re-open.  bit.ly/yncapplyAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communitySupport the show

Send us Fan MailBeing stuck between staying and leaving can feel like living in constant tension within yourself.In this week’s conversation, Dr. Nicole sits down with Betsy Pake, certified master coach and host of The Art of Living Big podcast, to talk about the clarity needed to make life-changing decisions in relationships. They unpack why high-achieving women can lead powerfully in their careers yet feel stuck in their personal lives, the internal conflict behind indecision, and how beliefs, patterns, and past experiences shape the choices we struggle to make.If you have ever felt paralyzed trying to figure out the “right” decision, this episode is a reminder that clarity doesn’t come from overthinking, but from reconnecting with who you truly are.Song of the week: Hard Place by H.E.R.Topics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode Snippet00:01:14 – Introducing our guest, Betsy Pake00:04:11 – Betsy’s journey to her work00:07:37 – Conflicting beliefs women carry00:10:02 – Disorientation and lack of direction00:11:43 – Ad: Join the R&R Collective™00:13:05 – Clarity through letting go of inherited beliefs 00:15:24 – Clarity starts with self-awareness00:20:38 – No perfect decision00:21:28 – Brain filters through focus and emotion00:24:30 – Align beliefs with future vision00:26:52 – All it takes is a mustard seed00:29:41 – Indecision is internal conflict00:30:38 – Heal to break cycles00:34:30 – Own your part00:36:37 – Your choices are shaping who you’re becoming00:39:40 – Honor past versions of you00:42:49 – Reclaim yourself00:43:31 – Connect with BetsyKey Takeaways:“Whatever it is that you're doing today is creating a version of you.” “If you don’t like who you’re becoming, it’s your responsibility to do something about it.”*Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? The doors have reopened and will close again on 4/1/26. Apply today! (The deadline to apply is 3/23.) bit.ly/yncapplyAbout Our GuestBetsy Pake is a certified master coach, speaker, and writer with over 12 years of experience helping women expand their potential. Using trauma-informed care and neuroscience-based techniques, she supports women through midlife transitions, marital challenges, and major life decisions. She is the creator of The Navigate Method and host of the weekly podcast The Art of Living Big.Connect with Betsy:Website: https://betsypake.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsypake/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail*Disclaimer: The opinions shared in this episode are rooted in lived experience and are not intended to diagnose any individuals mentioned or not mentioned.Surviving narcissistic abuse can feel like losing yourself piece by piece.In this week’s conversation, Dr. Nicole sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Katherine Miura to talk about narcissistic abuse, manipulation, and the patterns that keep people trapped in toxic relationships. They unpack love bombing, trauma bonds, and the emotional confusion that often leaves survivors questioning their own reality.If you have ever felt drained, isolated, or unsure how a relationship became so painful, this episode is a reminder that awareness is the first step toward healing. As you reclaim your voice, you begin rebuilding the parts of yourself that were slowly worn down.Song of the week: Smiling Faces Sometimes by The Undisputed TruthTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode Snippet00:05:06 – Katherine’s journey and turning point00:06:45 – Brainwashing behind narcissistic abuse00:11:38 – Abuse by deception00:16:53 – Predator-prey relationships  00:19:01 – Uncovering the narcissist’s mask00:23:31 – Why victims are often not believed00:26:17 – What causes narcissism?00:29:40 – How narcissists manipulate couples therapy00:39:20 – Curb your empathy00:46:13 – What love bombing looks like in relationships00:48:13 – Setting boundaries and rebuilding yourself00:49:35 – Stop becoming your own abuser 00:51:01 – Healing the inner child00:55:40 – Awareness00:56:23 – Connect with KatherineKey Takeaways:“Narcissistic abuse destroys you piece by piece until you become dependent on the person hurting you.”“Abuse by deception works because we trust like sheep without a brain.”*Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? The doors have reopened and will close again on 4/1/26. Apply today! (The deadline to apply is 3/23.) bit.ly/yncapplyAbout Our GuestKatherine Miura is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and survivor of narcissistic abuse. Through her private practice and educational work, she helps survivors recognize manipulation, break trauma bonds, and rebuild healthy relationships grounded in self-awareness and healing.Connect with Katherine:Website: https://www.katherinemiura.comQuora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Katherine-Miura-LMFT-AuthorAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communitySupport the show

Send us Fan MailPerforming for love will keep you exhausted. Choosing yourself will set you free.In this week’s conversation, I sat down with Siobhan Middleton to talk about breaking free from good girl conditioning and stepping into grown woman energy. We unpack people-pleasing, performance-based love, and the power of accountability in healing after divorce.If you’ve been shrinking to be chosen or praised, this episode is your reminder-  you don’t need permission to choose yourself. As you release who you had to be, you begin gathering the life and love aligned with who you truly are.Song of the week: Free by Jill ScottTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode Snippet00:04:11 – From corporate layoff to calling00:08:48 – Accountability is part of healing00:12:40 – Abuse, awareness & owning your growth00:16:33 – Therapy, Support & Real-Time Healing00:20:28 – The roots of “Good Girl” conditioning00:24:25 – Performance, praise, and conditional love00:28:37 –  Defining Grown Woman Energy00:31:57 – The cost of choosing yourself00:35:16 – 3 truths every grown woman must know00:36:14 – Releasing & Gathering 00:39:43 – Freedom00:40:32 – Connect with Siobhan Key Takeaways:“All women deserve to be free. It is your birthright. Even if it has been stripped away, it’s up to you to reclaim it, and it is possible.”We’re welcoming 10 new women to our membership community, the R&R Collective™ on 4/1/26. Apply today! (Deadline to apply is 3/23.) bit.ly/yncapplyAbout Our GuestSiobhan J. Middleton is a life coach and founder of Freedom Is the Lifestyle. After transitioning from corporate America in 2013, she established a platform dedicated to helping women unlearn “good girl” conditioning and step into their full womanhood. Through coaching, retreats, and digital content, she equips women with the tools to set healthy boundaries, make empowered choices, and cultivate lives rooted in freedom and self-trust.Connect with Siobhan:IG: https://www.instagram.com/siobhanjmiddleton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@siobhanjmiddletonFree Resource:  https://l1nq.com/zsId6 About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communityYour nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigatingSupport the show

Send us Fan MailHey Loyal Listeners (and new listeners too)!There are 2 ways you can help me reach more high-achieving women who are out here trying to navigate life transitions on their own:Leave us a 5-star rating and review. If you’re listening to this in the Apple Podcasts app, click the 3 dots in the upper right corner, click “Go to Show”, scroll all the way down until you see “Ratings & Reviews” and click there. This will take you to the screen where you can both give the podcast a 5-star rating AND write a review. Please be sure to do both, as positive ratings and reviews help new listeners find the podcast.Share the podcast with a friend. Word of mouth is good, but people will forget to take action. The best way to share the podcast is to share the direct link to the show. Put it in the group chat. Text it to your bestie or a coworker. From the Apple Podcasts app click the 3 dots in the upper right hand corner and click the share button. You can share the show or specific episodes. Remember-- this podcast is not just about divorce. It’s for high-achieving women navigating disruptive life transitions, which includes divorce but also caregiving, parenting, career transitions, midlife, health challenges and more!I can't wait to see you on 3/9 for Season 4! 🎉Support the show

Send us Fan MailIt's not too late hang out with us TONIGHT (2/13/26) for our 2nd annual virtual Galentine's Day party! Join us on Zoom at 7:30 pm ET for music, laughter, bonding, sharing, journaling and good old fashioned girl time! No need for makeup, hair appointments or fancy clothes! Come in your favorite PJs or sweats. I'll see you soon! *Registration is required.To register: bit.ly/YNCGAL26Support the show

Send us Fan MailLaughter on the other side of betrayal is not delusion. It is evidence that healing took place where destruction tried to settle.In this week’s season 3 finale, I am talking about infidelity with honesty, humor, and a healed heart, and showing what it looks like to be on the other side of betrayal without bitterness.Together we walk through the shock, the spiral, the anger, the grief, and the clarity that follows, and we name the truth that healing does not erase the story, it just rewrites the ending.If you are recovering from infidelity or still wrestling with decisions you never asked for, I hope this conversation reminds you that your worth is intact, your joy can return, and God knows how to rebuild what lies tried to destroy.God writes new chapters after infidelity, and the healing speaks louder than the lies ever could.Song of the week: Heard it All Before by Sunshine AndersonTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode Snippet00:01:05 – What healing looks like00:03:10 – Heard It All Before00:06:51 – Infidelity is a common and painful reality00:08:41 – Stage 1: The discovery phase00:11:37 – Shock, disbelief, and connecting the puzzle pieces00:15:44 – Stage 2: The spiral phase 00:20:28 – Information overload and unwanted answers00:21:25 – Stage 3: Anger at spouse, paramour, and self00:29:18 – Stage 4: Grief, loss, and mourning the marriage00:32:46 – Stage 5: Clarity and the fork in the road00:33:50 – The power of making a decision00:36:46 – Reclaiming worth and releasing responsibility00:38:12 – Healing after infidelity is possibleKey Takeaways:“Infidelity cuts deep, and in my opinion, it is the deepest betrayal.”“Anger can turn you into someone you don’t recognize if you’re not careful.”worthy, and there is deserving love ahead of you.”Join us for our Galentine’s Day Event!! bit.ly/YNCGAL26About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communityThe doors for our new membership community, the R&R Collective™ will reopen in 2026. Join the waitlist today! https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/u4ehbbody9Your nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigating divorce while walking in her Christian faith.Support the show

Send us Fan Mail“God can meet you in the ashes just as powerfully as He meets you in the altar.”In this week’s conversation, I sat down with Ashley Stancil, licensed counselor and author, to explore the quiet courage required to choose joy after divorce, to release guilt with compassion, and to trust that God can meet us in the ruins as well as the redemption.Together we unpack why perfectionism makes divorce feel like failure, how our Christian beliefs influence the decision to stay or leave, and why forgiveness must begin with ourselves before we can extend it to anyone else.If you are rebuilding, questioning, or rediscovering who you are beyond marriage, I hope this conversation reminds you that grace is not a reward you earn. Grace is what makes the rebuilding possible.Song of the week: I Choose by India.Arie feat. Bonnie RaittTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode Snippet00:03:22 – Gendered guilt: why women carry more00:06:43 – The myth of “staying for the kids”00:08:51 – Forgiveness beginning with self00:11:40 – Shattering the perfectionism00:15:07 – Turning disappointment into deposits00:18:10 – What role did faith play in staying?00:21:26 – When God didn’t authorize the marriage00:25:01 – The promise vs. the process00:28:54 – Remarriage, faith, and uncertainty00:31:24 – Working with couples after divorce00:37:18 – Healing is a “dirty work”00:43:26 – Grace00:44:17 – How has the R&R Collective been for you?00:45:23 – About the book: Mended Pieces00:46:31 – Connect with AshleyKey Takeaways:“The blessing in being a woman is that we believe in community… connections and community of other women that help fill that void of wanting to feel a sense of connection.”“God still works miracles. He’s still a God of restoration even though my marriage was not restored.”About Our GuestAshley J. Stancil is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Counselor based in Austin, Texas. She specializes in helping adolescents and adults build resilience through life’s challenges, drawing from her experience in addiction, trauma, marital counseling, and supporting families with special needs children. Ashley believes in the power of self-care, perspective, and evidence-based strategies to help people move from feeling stuck to feeling capable and supported.Connect with Ashley: Email: [email protected]: https://l1nk.dev/Ma8SM Psychology Today: https://sl1nk.com/Wn48GAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coThe doors for our new membership community, the R&R Collective™ will reopen in 2026. Join the waitlist today!   https://yournexSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail“Some dreams expand us, and some dreams diminish us. Wisdom is knowing when to release the ones that keep you small.”In this solo episode, Dr. Nicole explores the delicate terrain between healthy dreams that propel us forward and unhealthy dreams that tether us to people, timelines, and identities that keep us small. We’ll reflect on how hopeful visions can quietly become bondage, how faith intersects with reality, and why releasing a dream often requires grief, forgiveness, and an honest reckoning with who we are becoming.If you’ve ever held on to a dream that no longer served you or struggled to let go of a future you once cherished, this episode will remind you that release is not failure — it is sacred courage. And on the other side of letting go is the freedom to dream again, this time with alignment, clarity, and room for what’s next.Song of the week: A Dream by DeBargeTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:01:36 – Healthy vs unhealthy dreams00:04:06 – When dreams become bondage00:08:22 – Dreams that kept us in toxicity00:12:04 – When dreams rely on others00:13:59 –  Letting go of dreams that no longer serve00:18:29 – Healthy dreams honor selfhood00:20:18 – Acknowledging the loss00:21:27 – Forgiving past versions of self00:23:24 – Ability to dream again00:25:27 – Reclaiming the right to dream00:27:10 – Dreams that awaken purpose00:30:16 – Thank you for listening across seasons of lifeKey Takeaways:“Allow yourself to sit in that space of having to release something that you thought you would be able to hold on to for the rest of your life.”“Some of the dreams that are in your future are too big for you to hold on to the dreams that no longer serve you.”“The dreams that keep us in bondage are the dreams that keep us asleep. The dreams that set you free are the dreams that wake you up to the possibility."About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coThe doors for our new membership community, the R&R Collective™ will reopen in 2026. Join the waitlist today!   https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/u4ehbbody9Your nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigating divorce while walking in her Christian faith.Support the show

Send us Fan Mail“God often gives a word before He gives understanding, so the heart learns to listen before it learns to define.”In this episode with Tajala Battle-Lockhart, we explore what she calls her “re-season,” a deeply personal journey that began after the end of a 23-year marriage and unfolded through grief counseling, faith, reflection, and intentional stillness. Taj shares how releasing her mother’s ashes, shedding titles, and spending three years in sacred isolation helped her reset her life from the inside out to become who she was always meant to be.If you’ve ever found yourself at the end of a chapter you didn’t choose or felt called to start over without knowing how, this episode will remind you that your re-season can begin the moment you decide to make room for what’s next.Song of the week: Feeling Good by Nina SimoneTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet01:25 – Introducing our guest, Tajala “Taj” Battle-Lockhart03:03 – What is a re-season?07:16 – Making room through letting go10:25 – Words matter13:06 – Key “re-words” on the healing journey16:27 – The reveal: Daughter mirrors blind spots18:17 – Learning self-reassurance20:06 – The role of isolation in healing22:32 – Pouring into others with more intention25:10 – Relaunching “Phenomenal Young Women/Men”28:32 – Start with honesty31:03 – Ambushed by grief33:31 – Protecting space, energy, and peace36:01 – Our children are watching our healing38:00 – Anchoring42:00 – Connect with Tajala BattleKey Takeaways:“We have to be cautious of the words that we use, because it can be misleading, and somebody that we're trying to provide a message to can be fed incorrectly.”About Our Guest:Tajala “Taj” Battle-Lockhart, CHE, CSCC, is a Licensed REALTOR, Certified Hospitality Educator, College & Career Advisor, and award-winning Nonprofit Executive. With over 26 years of experience, she helps students, families, and professionals prepare for their future with confidence. Through her work in education, real estate, and community programs, Taj is committed to empowering people to grow, rebuild, and move forward.Connect with  Tajala Battle:Web: https://www.tajconsultingevents.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/tajala.battle/IG: https://www.instagram.com/tajconsultingevents/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coThe doors for the R&R Collective will reopen in 2026. Join the waitlist today!   https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/u4ehbbody9Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m joined by  Ta’Donna Nagle, a Wealth Alignment Coach and Financial Educator for a faith-rooted conversation about money, worthiness, and alignment. We talk about how many high-achieving women end up building lives that look successful on the outside but feel exhausting on the inside, and how spending, saving, or overworking can quietly become ways we cope with being out of alignment.Ta’Donna shares her own journey out of corporate America, what it really means to build wealth in alignment with the life you want, and why learning to be a gracious receiver is just as important as being a giver. If you’re questioning your relationship with money, this conversation will meet you right where you are and gently invite you into something more aligned.00:00:00 – Episode Snippet00:02:36 – Introducing our guest, Ta’Donna Nagle00:06:05 – Wealth misalignment is the real issue00:07:53 – The “pretty prison” of success 00:17:58 – Scarcity mindset and how it impacts every area of life00:22:22 – Learning to be a gracious receiver00:25:18 – Parents shape early money beliefs00:29:04 – Faith and money are deeply connected00:35:47 – Belief plus aligned action creates results00:40:46 – Alignment00:41:37 – Connect with Ta’Donna NagleKey Takeaways:“Sometimes you have to move with what looks like delusional faith.”About Your GuestTa’Donna Nagle is a Wealth Alignment Coach, financial educator, host of the Aligned for Wealth podcast, and Founder and CEO of Legendary Wealth Builders. With over 20 years of experience in finance, she helps individuals build wealth with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Connect with Ta’Donna:Web: https://www.legendarywealthbuilders.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/Legendary_wealthbuilders/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tadonnanagle/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Sponsor offer: Ready to look and feel better in 2026? Book a complimentary Fitness Breakthrough session w/ Dr. Dianah TODAY: https://bit.ly/FitBossFreeSessionDr. Dianah is an ER physician, elite fitness and weight loss coach, and menopause wellness expert who guides women from feeling drained and exhausted to being fit, fierce and fabulous!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our Email Community Join our community to receive our newsletters and to be the first to hear about exciting announcements and opportunities to connect.The doors for the R&R Collective will reopen in 2026. Join the waitlist today!   Support the show

Send us Fan MailLoving yourself after loss isn’t selfish, it’s the work that makes everything else possible.In this episode, I’m joined by my amazing daughters, Diara and Danielle, for a conversation that is very close to my heart. We flip the tables as they step into the role of interviewers and invite me to reflect on what it has looked like to lose myself in a long marriage and slowly find my way back home to me.I share honestly about how being a high achiever can sometimes hide what’s unraveling beneath the surface, how false optimism kept me holding on longer than I should have, and what this season of loving myself, telling the truth, and choosing reality has required. We also talk about motherhood, grief, becoming an empty nester, and learning who I am beyond the roles I’ve held for decades. If you’re standing at the edge of a new season after divorce or an unexpected life shift, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to rediscover yourself, reclaim your worth, and begin writing your next chapter with clarity and grace.Song of the week: Protector  by BeyoncéTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode Snippet00:02:45 – Welcoming our guest hosts, Diara & Danielle00:04:53 – Losing oneself in a marriage00:09:39 – Shared rose-colored glasses within family00:13:16 – How’s living alone for the first time as an adult?00:18:29 – How divorce changed views on love, marriage, and loyalty00:26:49 – Loyalty should not hurt yourself00:33:22 – Dating after betrayal and the role of therapy00:40:09 – Break repeating relationship patterns00:43:10 – Knowing yourself before entering relationships00:46:02 – Believe what people show you and don't settle00:47:56 – How motherhood changes priorities00:51:39 – Know yourself before marriage00:53:49 – Honest communication and checking in00:56:27 – SurrenderKey Takeaways:"We all had on some form of rose-colored glasses, and I think we all found our truth in divine timing."About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Sponsor offer: Ready to look and feel better in 2026? Book a complimentary Fitness Breakthrough session w/ Dr. Dianah TODAY: https://bit.ly/FitBossFreeSessionDr. Dianah is an ER physician, elite fitness and weight loss coach, and menopause wellness expert who guides women from feeling drained and exhausted to being fit, fierce and fabulous!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our Email Community Join our community to receive our newsletters and to be the first to hear about exciting announcements and opportunities to connect.The doors for the R&R Collective will reopen in 2026. Join the waitlist today!   https://yournextcSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m speaking with Deidra Kindred, a registered nurse turned entrepreneur, about how her two divorces became the spark for transformation and self-discovery.Deidra shares how leaning on faith, setting boundaries, and embracing her own chrysalis season allowed her to step fully into a life that reflects her values, her joy, and her authenticity.If you’ve ever felt pressured to fit someone else’s vision, questioned your worth, or wondered if freedom and purpose are possible after loss, this episode will remind you that it is and that your light can shine brighter than ever.Song of the week: Black Butterfly by Deniece WilliamsTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode Snippet00:01:05 – Advertisement:  Fitness Breakthrough session w/ Dr. Dianah00:05:55 – When culture dims a high-achieving woman’s light 00:11:10 – Not every woman is made for marriage00:17:03 – Selfish or self-protective00:25:47 – The chrysalis: protecting oneself during seasons of change00:49:03 – Connect with Deidra KindredKey Takeaways:"All women are not to beg to be married. Just because you're a woman doesn't mean you're supposed to be married."About Our GuestDeidra A. Kindred is a registered nurse with over 25 years of experience and the founder and lead care manager of Your Healthcare Nurse Advocates. She is dedicated to patient advocacy, education, and making healthcare less confusing and more human, blending clinical expertise with compassion and clear communication.Connect with Deidra:Web: https://yournurseadvocates.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/deidrakindred/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deidra-kindred-rn-bsn-lnc-ccm-bcpa-ceo-a45435a5/ About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our Email Community Join our community to receive our newsletters and to be the first to hear about exciting announcements and opportunities to connect.The doors for the R&R Collective will reopen in 2026. Join the waitlist today!   https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/u4ehbbody9Sponsor offer: Book a complimentary Fitness Breakthrough session w/ Dr. Dianah TODAY: https://bit.ly/FitBossFreeSession  Dr. Dianah is an ER physician, elite fitness and weight loss coach, and menopause wellness expert who guides women from feeling drained and exhausted to being fit, fierce and fabulous!Support the show

Send us Fan Mail"You can be broken, messy, and still rise stronger than you ever imagined."In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Stella Safo, Founder of Just Equity for Health, about standing up in the face of challenges and finding purpose through hardship.We talk about the difficult spaces she has navigated, including a toxic work environment, gender discrimination, workplace abuse, fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, and raising her two children, while still working to create positive change in healthcare. If you have faced setbacks, felt overwhelmed by life’s pressures, or are trying to make sense of your own difficult seasons, this episode will remind you that resilience, hope, and small steps forward can still light the way.Song of the week: Rise Up by Andra DayTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode Snippet00:01:21 – Advertisement: Ready to take charge of your health? Get a free session with Dr. Diana Lake at bit.ly/fitbossfreesession00:05:20 – How early experiences shape who we become00:09:53 – The emotional toll of speaking out against injustice00:28:29 – Protecting your fertility before the window closes00:36:20 – Digging deep: practical strategies for resilience00:39:27 – Love00:41:14 – Connect with Dr. Stella SafoKey Takeaways:"There is something radical about my existence, and I refuse to allow this world to break that and to take that from me in a way where I make myself small."About Our GuestDr. Stella A. Safo is a Ghanaian-American board-certified HIV primary care physician and public health practitioner with extensive experience in care model design for health systems and industry. She is the founder of Just Equity for Health, where she leads work centered on advocacy, education, and equitable care delivery.Connect with Dr. Stella:Web: https://justequityforhealth.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/justequityforhealthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellasafo/*Sponsor offer: Book a complimentary Fitness Breakthrough session w/ Dr. Dianah TODAY: https://bit.ly/FitBossFreeSession Dr. Dianah is an ER physician, elite fitness and weight loss coach, and menopause wellness expert who guides women from feeling drained and exhausted to being fit, fierce and fabulous!About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our Email Community Join our community to receive our newsletters and to be the first to hear about exciting announcements and opportunities to connect.Your nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges andSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail"The journey is going to continue to shape your character and who you are in this world."In this episode, I’m speaking about the often-overlooked middle where faith is tested, identity is stretched, and growth quietly takes root.I share how the middle can feel disorienting, heavy, and deeply uncomfortable, yet it is also the place where God does His most transformative work. Through honest reflection, we’ll talk about facing hard truths, releasing what you thought your life would look like, and choosing to trust God even when the path forward isn’t clear.If you’re standing in transition, carrying unanswered questions, or trying to make sense of your own in-between season, this episode will remind you that the middle is a sacred part of your journey. Song of the week: The Journey by H.E.R. Topics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode Snippet00:01:53 – Healing is ongoing00:04:54 – Why the middle matters more than the ending00:06:28 – Join the R&R Collective waitlist00:09:00 – The middle: the place between what was and what will be00:15:00 – When truth shatters what you thought you knew00:19:56 – Who's gonna care for me? 00:21:37 – Living in the middle season00:25:39 – Dreaming while afraid00:28:14 – God’s will may differ from desire00:30:58 – Seeing the light after the middle00:33:17 – The journey serves a purpose00:34:30 – Your journey reveals character00:37:14 – Your journey reveals your commitment to growth00:39:29 – Stay on the journeyKey Takeaways:"Our journey has a purpose. Your journey reveals your character, your journey reveals your convictions, and your journey reveals your commitment to growth.""There are always decisions that we need to make in our lives and things that we need to do to grow and to evolve into the absolute best versions of ourselves." About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our Email Community Join our community to receive our newsletters and to be the first to hear about exciting announcements and opportunities to connect.The doors for the R&R Collective will reopen in 2026. Join the waitlist today!   https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/u4ehbbody9Your nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigating divorce while walking in her Christian faith.Support the show

Send us Fan Mail"Reinvention in midlife isn’t about starting over, it’s about stepping fully into the version of yourself you were always meant to be."In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Joy’El Ballard, board-certified OB/GYN, menopause and midlife strategist, and business coach, about what it looks like to reinvent yourself in midlife.Dr. Joy’El shares how she courageously left a thriving medical career, trusted God through change, and let go of perfectionism and the need to always be “the strong one.” She opens up about redefining her identity and discovering a bigger purpose beyond what she had imagined.If you’re ready for a new career, mindset, relationship, or simply a new way of showing up, this episode will inspire you to trust yourself, embrace change, and step boldly into your next chapter.Song of the week: New Attitude by Patti LabelleTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:01:48 – Introducing our guest, Dr. Joy’El Ballard00:03:30 – Dr. Joy’El’s bold leap into midlife coaching00:08:47 – Letting go of perfectionism00:13:05 – Our purpose evolve with us00:17:17 – Midlife shifts and the rising trend of “gray divorce”00:22:10 – Rethinking marriage and life after autopilot00:25:36 – Therapy and self-care for caregivers00:29:26 – The concept of a “jug of joy”00:32:42 – Why is midlife a fabulous time to reinvent ourselves?00:36:50 – Alignment00:40:10 – Where to find Dr. Joy’El BallardKey Takeaways:"When you walk into something new that requires leaving something."About Our Guest:Dr. Joy’El Ballard, known as The Menopause Mogul, is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Business Coach for Black women 40 and over. Through her Menopause Mogul online coaching program, she empowers women to reclaim their energy, clarity, and confidence during menopause, helping them launch businesses and create lives on their own terms.Connect with Dr. Joy’El Ballard:Web: https://www.drjoyel.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/drjoyelIG: https://www.instagram.com/drjoyelYT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUuhQ4ypjI6vXmCI86pPKALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoyelballard/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our Email Community Join our community to receive our newsletters and to be the first to hear about exciting announcements and opportunities to connect.The doors for the R&R Collective will reopen in 2026. Join the waitlist toSupport the show

Send us Fan MailFinding real love starts with learning how to love yourself first. Healing, rebuilding confidence, and opening your heart after heartbreak can feel daunting, but it’s also where the most beautiful stories begin.In this episode, I’m speaking with Heidi B. Friedman, attorney and  author of Love Lessons: 104 Dates and the Stories That Led Me to True Love, about what she discovered through the often messy, funny, and revealing process of dating after divorce.Heidi shares how saying yes to new experiences, breaking old rules, and stepping beyond her comfort zone led her to unexpected connections, and ultimately, to her husband. If you’ve ever wondered how to start again or feared it’s too late for love, this conversation is your gentle nudge to keep your heart open, trust the process, and be brave enough to let love find you.Song of the week: Real Love by Mary J. BligeTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:01:56 – Introducing our guest, Heidi Friedman00:03:25 – Choosing independence and self-worth00:07:05 – Letting go of the “Fixer” Mindset00:12:19 – Dating as a journey of self-discovery00:15:12 – Researching lasting love through interviews with couples00:17:10 – Writing Love Lessons to guide her children00:21:09 – Taking turns supporting each other in love00:23:21 – Open heart and open mind00:27:55 – Let luck play a role in love00:30:06 – Break rigid dating rules00:36:19 – Biggest lesson: Don’t settle00:41:10 – Be brave00:42:40 – Where to find Heidi and her book Key Takeaways:"What therapy did for me was create an awareness about my inability to see that I was worthy of an equal partner who I could rely on and who can support me."About Our Guest:Heidi B. Friedman is an accomplished attorney, author, and partner at a leading law firm specializing in environmental law and ESG-based counseling. After 104 dates and nearly a decade of single life, she found love again and penned her debut book, Love Lessons, sharing wisdom from her journey of rediscovery. Connect with Heidi B. Friedman:Web: https://heidifriedman.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/lovelessons104Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ViNW35LJ75ilXd360YqclAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our Email Community Join our community to receive our newsletters and to be the first to hear about exciting announcements and opportunities to connect.The doors for the R&R Collective will reopen in 2026. Join the waitlist today!   Support the show

Send us Fan MailSometimes, God’s call to purpose comes in the form of heartbreak. Sometimes, the very thing that breaks you is the very thing that awakens you to your deepest potential.In this episode, I’m speaking with Paula Hollis, a transformational speaker, author, and certified life transitions coach, about how loss can become a catalyst for purpose, intentionality, and legacy.Paula shares her personal journey from the heartbreak of losing her husband to discovering renewed strength and direction, offering practical steps for moving from grief to growth. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by grief or uncertain how to move forward, this conversation is a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, you can honor the love you have lost, lean on God’s strength, and move forward with intentionality.Song of the week: For Every Mountain by Kurt CarrTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:02:53 – Introducing our guest, Paula Hollis00:06:02 – A love story rooted in faith and divine orchestration00:09:40 – Praising God in pain00:13:46 – Serving from a place of healing00:16:25 – Living with daily reminders of God’s grace00:19:26 –When God transforms loss into ministry00:23:21 – The “Ivory Yes”00:28:56 – Book: The Journey from Grief to Growth00:37:37 – Facing a new reality00:41:13 – Book: The G.I.F.T. in Grief 00:44:29 – Clarity00:46:05 – Connect with Paula HollisKey Takeaways:"The loss of my husband represents a renewed sense of purpose, launching in me intentionality and a sense of legacy, not just what I leave behind, but what I’m living right now."About Our Guest:Paula Hollis, “The Acronym Queen,” is a transformational speaker, author, and certified life transitions coach. She helps women move from grief to growth and from life transitions to transformation through her books, coaching, and pH Academy. Drawing from her 30-year marriage and personal loss, Paula speaks with warmth, wisdom, and authenticity, anchoring her message in faith, family, and legacy.Connect with Paula Hollis:Web: https://paulahollis.com/; https://www.coachlinks.paulahollis.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/iampaulahollisAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coJoin our Email Community Join our community to receive our newsletters and to be the first to hear about exciting announcements and opportunities to connect.The doors for the R&R Collective will reopen in 2026. JoSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSometimes, the greatest breakthroughs begin in the moments we feel most broken. When life falls apart, what comes next isn’t just about survival. It’s about remembering your strength and choosing to rise again.In this episode with Dr. Dianah Lake, we explore how mindset and movement can help you rebuild your life from the inside out. Dr. Diana shares her powerful story of rediscovery after divorce, from heartbreak and exhaustion to healing through therapy, faith, and fitness. Her journey reminds us that reclaiming your rhythm starts with one small decision to care for yourself.If you’ve ever felt weighed down by expectations or afraid to start again, this episode will remind you that your next chapter begins when you choose yourselfSong of the week: Free Mind by TemsTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:02:06 – Introducing our guest, Dr. Dianah Lake00:03:49 – Dr. Diana’s story of heartbreak and discovery00:08:22 – The weight of doing it all00:11:00 – Fitness as a healing tool00:13:05 – The silent struggle of high-achieving women00:17:01 – Were capable of far more than we believed00:21:46 – The ripple effect of self-care00:26:11 – Fitness as emotional release00:29:23 – What do you make your pain mean?00:31:55 – It’s not genetics, it’s behavior00:33:26 – Learning from what you once allowed00:35:00 – The lesson: Discovering capability00:38:16 – Purpose born from experience00:40:11 – The deal breaker: Violence00:42:47 – Abuse doesn’t discriminate00:44:00 – Abundance: The Oath of Manifestation00:46:58 – Connect with Dr. DianahKey Takeaways:“In life, we’re either running away from pain or moving toward pleasure. It’s human behavior, avoiding what hurts and chasing what feels good.”About Our Guest:Dr. Dianah T. Lake, also known as Dr. Di, is an emergency medicine physician, best-selling author, speaker, and wellness expert. She’s the founder of Dr. Di Fit Life, where she helps women live healthier and more balanced lives through a holistic approach to fitness, self-care, and wellness. As an autism parent advocate and fitness competitor, Dr. Di uses her experience and voice to inspire others to take charge of their health and well-being.Connect with Dr. Dianah T. Lake:Web: https://drdifitlife.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrDiFitness/IG: https://www.instagram.com/DrDiFitLifeAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coThe doors for the R&R Collective will reopen in 2026. Join the waitlist today!   https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.coSupport the show

Send us Fan MailFreedom doesn’t just happen, it’s a choice to release what no longer serves you and make space for what God is trying to do next.As Your nEXt Chapter celebrates its first birthday, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons this year has taught me about freedom, healing, and the courage it takes to start again. This episode is an invitation to release the weight of the past and reclaim your rhythm.Through the language of music, I’m sharing five powerful steps that have guided me on my own journey, from tuning your instrument and surrendering the mix, to cleaning the record, singing a new song, and finding your harmony. Each one is a reminder that healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about learning to flow with God’s grace and truth.If you’ve ever felt stuck replaying old stories or settling for what feels safe, this conversation will remind you that you can choose freedom. You can sing something new.Song of the week: Shackles by Mary MaryTopics Covered:00:00:00 – Episode snippet00:02:11 – Celebrating one year of Your nEXt Chapter00:05:32 – What freedom really looks like in your healing journey00:06:33 – Step 1: Tune Your Instrument 00:09:27 – Stop settling for less00:12:12 – Step 2: Surrender the Mix 00:17:02 – Step 3: Clean the Record 00:19:04 – How replaying past only prolonged the pain00:23:57 – Step 4: Sing a new song 00:26:29 – Stop boxing yourself in00:27:12 – Step 5: Find Your Harmony00:32:02 – Freedom looks good on you00:33:47 – Recap: The Five Steps to FreedomKey Takeaways:"Your freedom begins with your truth.""Surrendering is acknowledging that there is a higher power who knows better, who does better, and who's working it all out for your good.""As a God girl, my form of surrender largely has to do with letting go and giving it over to God. Nobody can fix it like God can fix it.""You were made to shine, you were made to thrive, you were not made to just settle. So when you're doing anything other than that, you are settling. You can't be free when you're settling.""You cannot trust everybody, not everybody can be and should be trusted with your heart. But there are so many amazing people out here who can."About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coSign up TODAY to be a Founding Member in the R&R Collective:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/waitlistYour nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigating divorce while walking in her Christian faith.Support the show

Send us Fan MailSome chapters begin in pain but end in power.At just 29 years old, Lisa Satchell was diagnosed with breast cancer — an unexpected detour that tested her faith, stripped away her control, and redefined what healing truly means. In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Nicole and Lisa talk about surrender, vulnerability, purpose, and how God can turn even the most difficult diagnosis into divine redirection.Lisa opens up about her journey through diagnosis, double mastectomy, and the deep lessons learned along the way — from learning to ask for help to finding joy again in unexpected places (like meeting the Jonas Brothers!). This episode is a reminder that miracles aren’t always the absence of pain, but the presence of God’s grace through it.Song of the week: Healed by Donald LawrenceTopics Covered:(00:00:00) Episode snippet(00:02:30) Introducing our guest, Lisa Satchell(00:04:20) Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis at 29(00:08:55) Finding faith in the face of fear(00:13:10) The moment she knew God would use her story(00:16:42) Symptoms women should never ignore(00:21:30) The power of vulnerability and asking for help(00:27:18) Friends, capacity, and grace in relationships(00:31:40) Understanding purpose beyond your profession(00:38:12) When God redirects your plans(00:44:10) How suffering strengthens compassion(00:47:55) Redefining what healing looks like(00:53:05) Lisa’s next chapter and her devotional-in-progress(00:56:20) Final reflections: consistency and perseveranceKey Takeaways:“I didn’t need to be special in this way — but I realized God chose me for a reason. And if I’m going through it, He’s going to heal me and use it.”“If it’s getting harder, it might mean you’re closer to your breakthrough.”About Our Guest:Lisa K. Satchell is a storyteller, community builder, and digital content creator passionate about helping others live with faith and purpose. A breast cancer survivor, author of Living Single, and host of the Purpose Looks Good podcast, Lisa inspires others to find beauty in the hard places and trust God’s plan even when life doesn’t look like the plan.Connect with Lisa K. Satchel:Book: Living Single Social Media: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube: @LisaKSatchell About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coSign up TODAY to be a Founding Member in the R&R Collective: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/waitlistYour nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as sSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSome pain cannot be polished away with a bubble bath or a vacation. It runs deeper, beneath the masks, the makeup, and the curated perfection. It hides behind “I’m fine” and teaches us to smile even when our world is falling apart.In this episode with Lynda Carmouche, we have an honest conversation about the hidden cost of polished pain, the pressure to appear strong while silently struggling, and the power of giving yourself permission to heal without apology. Lynda shares how high-achieving women often mask their wounds in the name of resilience, and how true healing begins when we stop performing and start telling the truth about our pain. This episode is a reminder that freedom begins with authenticity and the courage to sit in what hurts. Song of the week: Not Gon’ Cry by Mary J. Blige Topics Covered:(00:00:00) Episode Snippet(00:02:12) Introducing our guest, Lynda Carmouche(00:03:28) What is performative perfectionism?(00:08:34) The root of polishing pain(00:11:43) How childhood conditioning leads to emotional unwellness(00:13:21) Loyalty to secrecy(00:17:09) When polishing serves a purpose(00:20:06) Polishing that becomes a prison(00:22:41) Peel back the layers to find peace(00:25:39) Check on the strong ones (00:26:39) Authenticity starts with you (00:29:05) Learn to sit in discomfort instead of numbing it(00:33:01) Healing spaces are about prioritizing yourself(00:35:45) Soul care attacks the core(00:37:18) The difference between self-care and soul care(00:39:22) Permission(00:40:00) Connect with Lynda CarmoucheKey Takeaways:"Sometimes, we lose ourselves because we call the polishing ‘success’."“If we show up with all of our battle scars and talk openly and honestly about those, it gives other people permission to do the same.”About Our Guest:Lynda Carmouche is a licensed therapist, consultant, best-selling author, and unapologetic truth-teller who exposes the hidden cost of burnout and polished pain. For nearly three decades, she’s helped high achievers who seem successful yet struggle beneath the surface.  Through her practice, book Polished Pain, and podcast, she inspires people to drop the mask, face burnout, and choose freedom without apology.Connect with Lynda Carmouche:Web: www.Lyndacarmouche.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/lyndacarmouche/Book: https://www.lyndacarmouche.com/polishedpainAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coNEW membership community coming soon! Join our email list to learn more: https://yournextchapter.Support the show

Send us Fan MailPain isn’t always easy to see. Sometimes it hides in silence, in hurtful words, or in love that feels unsafe. Abuse isn’t just about bruises; it’s also about control, manipulation, and fear disguised as care.In this episode with Dr. Yamika Head, we have a deeply honest conversation about the realities of abuse, how it can exist behind success, within high-achieving women, and under the mask of strength. Dr. Head shares how she endured violence during her medical training, why she stayed silent for years, and how therapy and reflection helped her reclaim her voice. This episode is a reminder that abuse has no profile and that healing begins when silence ends.Song of the week: I Didn't Know My Own Strength by Whitney HoustonTopics Covered:(00:02:22) Introducing our guest, Dr. Yameika Head(00:04:15) Intimate partner violence(00:05:46) Dr. Head’s journey with intimate partner violence(00:10:19) What do you think made you stay? (00:12:58) The cycle of abuse and manipulation(00:14:33) Success and education don’t make you immune(00:17:58) The pressure to stay silent and appear strong(00:22:19) The cultural weight of the “strong Black woman” mindset(00:26:42) Early warning signs of control and isolation(00:29:35) You deserve love(00:33:01) Her calling in child abuse pediatrics(00:35:29) Strength(00:36:44) Connect with Dr. Yameika HeadKey Takeaways:"It doesn’t have to be daily for it to be abuse.""You don’t have to save the world. You can find someone who will love you for who you are and cherish you."“We who are givers and healers often attract people who take advantage of that.”“People always say, ‘If that ever happened to me, I’d leave.’ But when it happens, it’s not that simple.”About Our Guest:Dr. Yameika Head is a board-certified pediatrician and full Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, specializing in Child Abuse Pediatrics. With over 15 years of experience, she’s dedicated to providing compassionate care for children and families facing trauma. As a survivor of intimate partner violence, Dr. Head uses her platform to empower women, advocate for victims, and promote healing and resilience.Connect with Dr. Yameika Head:Web: www.dryameikaconsulting.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/headdixonyameika/ FB:  https://www.facebook.com/yameika.headdixon/Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coGet our Email newsletter: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communitySupport the show

Send us Fan MailA narcissist doesn’t just test your patience, they test your understanding of yourself, your resilience, and your ability to stay grounded. True freedom comes from learning the patterns, expecting the games, and refusing to allow their chaos to define your choices or diminish your worth.In this episode, I sit down with Alex Mack, a survivor of narcissistic abuse and certified family court strategist, to explore how women can protect themselves and reclaim their lives after leaving relationships with high-conflict individuals. Drawing on her personal experience and professional expertise, Alex walks through practical strategies for preparing financially, emotionally, and legally when facing divorce or separation from a narcissist. Song of the week: I Want It Back by Tye Tribbett and G.A Topics Covered:(00:01:32) Welcoming our guest, Alex Mack(00:04:00) From abuse survivor to God-led purpose(00:08:51) God can use pain for reinvention(00:11:36) Why strategy matters with a narcissist(00:14:21) Protect yourself legally(00:18:48) Prepare before you leave(00:27:31) What not to do when preparing to be in court(00:31:31) Family court isn't the place for you to be heard(00:35:42) Assemble your avengers(00:38:17) Watch out for isolation(00:41:33) The word “But”(00:45:48) Connect with Alex MackKey Takeaways:"Creating narc proof strategies and narc proof agreements is important because one of the things they love to do is exploit loopholes and try and work in the grey area.""Family court isn't the place for you to be heard; it's to get what you want. It's very important not to bring a mindset of trauma dumping into court or into your documents."About Our Guest: Alex Mack is the founder of Exodus Strategy, where she helps survivors of narcissistic abuse face the family court system with clarity and confidence. As both a survivor and an expert with a law degree, Alex equips women with practical tools like her CLEAR Method and StrongHER framework to strengthen their legal communication, protect their children, and reclaim their freedom. She believes family court is not just about paperwork but about breaking free from manipulation and building a new life with strength and strategy.Connect with Alex Mack:Web: www.exodusstrategyconsultants.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/exodus_strategy_consultants/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcsurvivoradvocateDomestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coGet our Email newsletter: Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhen God carries you through the fire, He is not only rescuing you. He is refining you for the life that waits beyond the ashes.In this solo episode, I share how God carried me through the end of my 28-year marriage and revealed the lessons that prepared me for life after divorce. Drawing strength from scripture, prayer, and community, I walk through the five C’s of divine preparation and how they showed up in my own journey. If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared, or uncertain about your next step, this conversation is a reminder that God is already preparing you for what’s ahead.Song of the week: He's Preparing Me by Daryl ColeyTopics Covered:(00:03:15) He is preparing me(00:05:43) A 28-year marriage, hard truths, and the choice to divorce.(00:09:25) Calling: The nudge from God to move(00:15:15) How whispers from God grow into undeniable signs(00:21:06) Counsel: Wise people who provide guidance(00:26:21) Clarity: The truth revealed in God’s timing(00:28:02) Clarity may arrive painfully(00:31:33) Courage: Strength to act in faith(00:34:38) Community: People who walk beside you in the journey(00:37:13) You are never alone(00:40:42) God is directing your nEXt chapter(00:41:00) Our upcoming membership community!*Get the printable companion guide → https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/ep42Key Takeaways:"When God is prompting me to make changes in my life, the calling that He often sends as a signal is discomfort.”“Our job is not to let these whispers or these pebbles turn into boulders but to listen to that inner voice, to listen to that higher power that is trying to tell us to shift directions.”"God put people in my life long before I knew that I would need them in this way.”About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB: https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail newsletter: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communityYour nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigating divorce while walking in her Christian faith.Support the show

Send us Fan Mail"The habits that once helped us survive can also hold us hostage. Healing begins when we forgive ourselves for who we had to be, release the roles that no longer serve us, and create new habits that lead us to peace, purpose, and power."In this first episode of Season 3 with Nakeia Homer, we open a new chapter of healing and growth by uncovering how the survival habits that once kept us safe can also keep us stuck, and how simple daily practices help us reclaim peace, power, and purpose. Tune in as we explore practical tools to release expired roles and relationships and take concrete steps from merely surviving to truly thriving in life’s next chapter.Song of the week: Healing by India ArieTopics Covered:(00:02:05) Introducing our special guest, Nakeia Homer(00:04:04) How Nakeia’s healing journey started at age 10(00:08:37) When survival habits start to hurt instead of help(00:12:45) Taking back control(00:15:41) Why self-forgiveness and boundaries go hand in hand(00:19:31) Letting go and editing your life(00:24:47) Divorce reframed as freedom and safety(00:28:05) Acceptance: Witnessing the reality(00:36:03) Practical ways to live out acceptance(00:39:59) Courage(00:41:00) Connect with Nakeia HomerKey Takeaways:“We are reclaiming our purpose, we are reclaiming our peace, and we are reclaiming our power every time we engage in a healing habit.”“Acceptance is noting who your friend is and then deciding how the friendship is going to be from that moment on.”About Our Guest: Nakeia Homer is a Well-Being Educator, Amazon Best-Selling Author, and founder of Heal & Grow Daily, a community that helps people prioritize their healing and growth. She’s passionate about guiding others to care for their well-being, step into their brilliance, and show up as their best selves. Through her books, workshops, and speaking, she inspires people to practice self-love, create healthy habits, and live with purpose.Connect with Nakeia:Web: https://nakeiahomer.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/nakeiahomer/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ly4H4w2Tr1VAup7U6ynVj?si=eb8339b8f0d94161About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB: https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail newsletter: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communityYour nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigating divorce while walking in her Christian faSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the Season 2 finale of Your Next Chapter with Dr. Nicole. This episode closes an amazing season filled with healing, growth, and self-discovery. At the end of the episode, I will share when Season 3 will begin. You will not want to miss what is coming next. For now, take this time to reflect on everything we have covered and get ready for a fresh and inspiring new season. Thank you for being part of this journey. ____________________________________________________________________________In relationships and the busyness of life, we can lose sight of our own preferences, desires, and joys. Taking yourself on a date is a way to reclaim your independence, rediscover your passions, and affirm your worth.In this episode of Your nEXt Chapter, I’m closing out Season 2 with a heartfelt solo conversation on the power of becoming your own best friend and intentionally creating moments that celebrate you. Along the way, I’m unpacking the myths and judgments I used to hold about dining solo, how dating myself has deepened my healing after divorce, and why nobody can date you better than you. After you listen, be sure to watch the reel that captures my date: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMl-0dUsGhc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Song of the week: Me, Myself and I by BeyoncéTopics Covered:(00:04:19) Dating yourself requires intentionality(00:09:56) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:11:09) Push comfort zones with solo activities(00:13:29) Dining alone confidently(00:19:39) Freedom is contagious(00:22:34) Reset and reclaim yourself(00:24:00) Self-care is not selfish(00:26:20) Set a date, plan fun, and dress up(00:30:00) Journal after your date to reflect(00:32:03) Let go of pain and live fullyKey Takeaways:“Nobody’s gonna date me better than I can date myself.”“I am that empowered woman who has no problem taking herself on a date.”Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Join our email community: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communityWeb: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: hello@yourSupport the show

Send us Fan MailDivorce may close one door, but it need not close the heart. Healing takes time, support, and faith. Healing invites us to carry forward the good, leave behind the bad, and say yes to new beginnings with courage and grace.In this episode with Dr. Lisa and Tony Goudy, we talk about finding love again after divorce and what it looks like to say “yes” to a new season of partnership. Dr. Lisa and Tony share their journeys from prior marriages to divorce, healing, and building a strong friendship that led to marriage as well as the launch of their new podcast, Saying Yes Again. We explore the complexities of healing, the fears around commitment, and how vulnerability and faith create space for hope and new beginnings. Song of the week: Wait for Love by Luther VandrossTopics Covered:(00:02:27) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Lisa Carter Goudy and Tony Goudy (00:04:53) Dr. Lisa and Tony’s story of finding love again(00:10:26) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:11:39) Why “life partner” felt safer(00:20:28) Letting go of guilt(00:27:07) Children just want to see you happy(00:35:33) Advice for men: Courage(00:36:10) Advice for women: Grace(00:37:22) Connect with Dr. Lisa and Tony GoudyKey Takeaways:"When it’s time and you know you’ve met the right person, lo and behold, I said yes again."Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Our Guests: Dr. Lisa Carter Goudy and Tony Goudy are the heart behind Saying Yes Again, a platform built on healing, faith, and second chances at love. After Dr. Lisa’s 25-year marriage ended in divorce, she found love again with Tony, a poet and sales professional from Erie, PA. Now based in Atlanta, they share their story to encourage others rebuilding after heartbreak.Connect with Dr. Lisa Carter Goudy and Tony Goudy:Web: www.sayingyesagain.comIG: www.instagram.com/sayingyesagainFB: www.facebook.com/sayingyesagainAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Join our email community: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communityWeb: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: Support the show

Send us Fan MailPhotos reveal what words cannot fully capture. They hold memories that fade from our minds but live forever in images, telling stories of joy, struggle, growth, and transformation without needing explanation.In this episode with Jendayi Asha, we talk about how photography becomes a mirror for transformation when storytelling leads the way and what it looks like to rebrand your life. Jendayi walks us through her journey from capturing everyday memories to creating brand photography that honors identity, transformation, and truth. We explore how intentional visual storytelling can empower women to be seen, reclaim confidence, and reintroduce themselves to the world. Tune in as we learn how to reinvent and embrace our authentic selves.Song of the week: I’m Coming Out by Diana RossTopics Covered:(00:02:21) Introducing our special guest, Jendayi Asha(00:07:17) More than a photo shoot(00:09:29) Real conversations change everything(00:10:21) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:22:13) The real block: Comparison(00:24:50) Editing ourselves(00:27:30) Reclaim the hidden parts of yourself(00:34:14) Legacy through photography(00:40:00) Permission (00:40:54) Connect with Jendayi AshaKey Takeaways:"Reinvention doesn’t mean abandoning everything; sometimes it’s about carrying forward the best parts and letting go of what no longer serves you."Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Our Guest: Jendayi Asha is a creative consultant and entrepreneur specializing in blending aesthetics with strategy to create impactful, purpose-driven brands. She leverages her expertise in photography, branding, and design to help women-centric businesses tell authentic stories that resonate deeply with their audiences. Connect with Jendayi Asha:Web: https://www.jendayiasha.com/; https://jacandhoney.myflodesk.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/jendayiasha/FB: https://www.facebook.com/jacandhoneyAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE! Connect with Dr. Nicole:Join our email community: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communityWeb: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.Support the show

Send us Fan MailClosure is often framed as a moment, a conversation, an apology, or a confession that helps tie up the loose ends of a painful story. Many of us wait for it, chase it, or even plead for it, believing that healing can’t happen until we hear certain words from the person who hurt us. But what happens when that moment never comes?In this episode, I’m opening up about one of the hardest truths I’ve had to face: healing without closure. We talk about what it means to move forward when the conversations, apologies, and explanations never come. If you’ve ever been left with more questions than answers, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll explore how closure doesn’t always come from people, but how God gives us everything we need.Song of the week: Before I Let Go by Frankie Beverly And MazeTopics Covered:(00:01:12) Welcome to Your nEXt Chapter Podcast(00:06:09) What do you do when you don't have closure? (00:10:00) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:11:13) No apology, no explanation(00:13:45) Why do we believe that we need closure? (00:16:57) Closure is a myth(00:19:35) You already have the closure(00:22:08) Only God can fix him(00:26:00) Where I stopped digging(00:27:23) Peace rooted in God(00:28:45) Healing comes from God(00:31:53) In God, even pain has a purpose(00:34:00) God's peace transcends all understanding(00:37:16) A devotional is coming(00:38:00) Join my email community: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/community(00:39:44) Don’t delay letting goKey Takeaways:“Sometimes disrespect is all the closure you need.”“Sometimes we think we want the answers, we think we wanna know everything but when God is not allowing you to know the full story, it is for your good. It is for your own protection.”Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Join our email community: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communityWeb: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: [email protected] the show

Send us Fan MailSometimes, relationships reach a point where staying together no longer feels like the healthiest choice. The struggles and hurt start to outweigh the good. It’s hard to accept, but leaving can be the first step to healing and finding happiness again. Letting go isn’t giving up, it’s choosing what’s best for you.In this episode with Rhonda Gipson-Willis, we talk about finding peace and healing after divorce. Rhonda shares her journey of leaving a nearly 30-year marriage before turning 50, revealing the doubts, spiritual battles, and courage it took to choose herself. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and real talk about finding your peace after divorce and how your next chapter can be your best one yet.Song of the week: Finding Peace by Summer WalkerTopics Covered:(00:02:14) Introducing our special guest, Rhonda Gipson-Willis(00:03:06) Rhonda’s divorce journey(00:10:11) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:13:41) He does not know me(00:22:20) Alone but not lonely(00:29:16) Be a radical receiver(00:37:43) Peace over principle(00:43:10) Become who you desire to be(00:44:24) Connect with Rhonda Gipson-WillisKey Takeaways:"I think a healed person is a threat to an unhealed person because when you're healed you require more." Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Our Guest: Rhonda Gipson-Willis is a Breakthrough Coach who helps women find peace, purpose, and themselves again after life’s toughest transitions. After walking away from a 30-year marriage at 50, she turned her pain into a mission, guiding women from survival mode to true healing. Through her course The Peace Blueprint and her community The Peace Academy, Rhonda offers a safe space to heal, grow, and come home to who you really are.Connect with Rhonda Gipson-Willis:Web: https://beacons.ai/rhondagipsonwillisFB: https://www.facebook.com/RgipwilIG: https://www.instagram.com/rgipsonwillisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shiftqueenAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Join our email community: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/communityWeb: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: [email protected] the show

Send us Fan MailHealing requires doing the work to restore your heart, your identity and your sense of self, not just so you can date again, but so you can live again with boundaries, clarity, and confidence. It’s about building a life so full and honest that love becomes a beautiful addition, not a desperate need.In this episode with April Nowlin, Certified Divorce Recovery and Relationship Coach, we talk about what it really means to heal after heartbreak. April shares her story with honesty, opening up about the shame, patterns, and childhood pain she had to face. We talk about timing, triggers, setting boundaries, and why healing doesn’t happen in isolation. If you’ve ever questioned if love is still possible after loss, this episode is for you.Song of the week: Falling in Love Again by Dojo CutsTopics Covered:(00:02:09) Introducing our special guest, April Nowlin(00:04:09) Divorce recovery is real healing(00:07:01) Three divorces and a pattern I couldn't see(00:10:03) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:12:11) How do we heal our hearts?(00:16:33) Why do we need to heal?(00:18:11) When do we need to finally be healed?(00:21:24) Healed enough(00:24:08) Stuck in shame and guilt(00:29:25) The value of a circle of care(00:33:31) Are you ready to love again?(00:41:05) Grace(00:42:00) Connect with April NowlinKey Takeaways:"Divorce is a death, but it’s not a death sentence."Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Our Guest: April Nowlin is a Certified Divorce Recovery and Relationship Coach. She’s dedicated to helping women heal from the trauma of heartbreak, build a life they love and prepare for the love they deserve. Drawing from her transformative journey as a three-time divorcée, she offers invaluable insights into navigating life after heartbreak with resilience and strength. As a bestselling author, speaker, podcast host, and workshop leader, April connects with audiences through relatable storytelling, humor, and authenticity. Connect with April Nowlin:Web: https://www.aprilnowlin.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/theaprilnowlin/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@aprilnowlinAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: [email protected] the show

Send us Fan MailWhen life looks perfect on paper but feels empty in your spirit, something has to shift. Because at the end of the day, a house is not a home if love, honesty, and presence are missing. It's not about the life that looks good. It's about the one that feels good.In this episode with Nicole Bridges Rhodes, we talk about what it really means to start over. From the outside, Nicole’s life looked picture-perfect, but behind the scenes, things were falling apart. She opens up about the moment everything changed in her first marriage, what gave her the strength to take action, how she began rebuilding from the ground up and navigating a wonderful career and life transition. We talk about pivots, healing, second chances, and the beauty of learning to love again, starting with yourself.Song of the week: A House Is Not a Home by Luther VandrossTopics Covered:(00:01:29) Introducing our special guest, Nicole “Nikki” Bridges Rhodes(00:04:42) Behind the picture-perfect marriage(00:09:38) Time to stop and protect my peace(00:10:00) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:18:52) Releasing blame and finding peace(00:20:44) What prepared Nikki to love again?(00:33:50) Jump in when it's time(00:37:10) A house isn't always a home(00:40:08) Persevere(00:41:18) Connect with Nicole “Nikki” Bridges RhodesKey Takeaways:“You have to let go and let love find you.” Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Our Guest: Nicole Bridges Rhodes is a creative entrepreneur and the owner of New Vision Interiors and Events in Seattle. She brings heart and experience from her life as a financial advisor, wife, and mom of two. Born in Harlem and raised in Baltimore, Nicole’s love for design started when she was a child redecorating her own room. Now, she helps people create beautiful homes and special events they can enjoy.Connect with Nicole Bridges Rhodes:Web: https://newvisioninteriorsliving.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/newvisioninteriorsandeventsIG: https://www.instagram.com/newvisioninteriorsBook: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Design-Collection-Curated-Interiors/dp/1667868799About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: Support the show

Send us Fan Mail*Trigger Warning*- This episode contains stories about death, grief and loss (and also triumph). Your story lives inside you, even when life feels uncontrollable. Writing it lets you take back control, share your lessons, heal your heart, and light the way for others.In this episode, my friend and fellow pediatrician, Dr. Jasmine Zapata, shares her powerful story, from losing her brother to giving birth to a micro-preemie during medical school. Now a public health leader, author, publisher and founder, she talks about how pain gave her purpose, how writing became her healing tool, and how she helps others do the same. Tune in as we explore how your story can inspire healing, create connection, and ignite lasting change.Song of the week: Life & Favor (You Don't Know My Story) by John P. Kee & New Life Topics Covered:(00:02:56) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Jasmine Zapata(00:04:42) A tragedy strikes before MCAT(00:08:24) Grief and a possible new life(00:10:03) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:12:16) Crisis in pregnancy(00:17:51) Why Dr. Jasmine stepped into public health(00:23:34) The moment writing became a calling (00:33:42) Reshaping the narrative(00:35:17) Start with a purpose-driven outline(00:37:17) The magic behind Motivational MD Publishing (00:42:28) Writing Dr. Nicole’s book- Chapter 1: Accept your reality(00:50:02) Purpose(00:51:29) Connect with Dr. Jasmine ZapataKey Takeaways:“Every single one of us has a unique story, and the way that we tell our stories impacts people in different ways.” Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability, and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St., 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Our Guest: Dr. Jasmine Zapata is a doctor, author, and book coach who helps people write and publish their books quickly and easily. She has helped over 200 people share their stories and make an impact. She also speaks across the country, works with big groups and uses her faith to inspire others to turn their message into something powerful.Connect with Dr. Jasmine Zapata:Training: https://imreadytolaunch.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drjasminezapata/Email: [email protected] Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023, she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB: https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn life’s complex stages, many of us wear masks so often that we forget who we are. But true strength comes when we bravely unmask, letting go of pretense to reveal our authentic selves. Only then can we heal, grow, and connect deeply with others. In this episode with my friend and fellow physician, Dr. Allison Agwu, we explore the concept of the “masquerade,” the ways high-achieving women often hide their true feelings behind perfect images, especially in marriage and career. We share our stories of wearing masks and how we found the courage to choose honesty and true happiness. If you’re tired of keeping up appearances, this conversation reminds you that it’s okay to take off the mask and be fully seen and free.Song of the week: This Masquerade by George Benson (1976)Topics Covered:(00:02:10) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Allison Agwu(00:03:21) From hiding behind a mask to authentic living.(00:07:20) “I am not happy.”(00:10:02) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:11:49) Why black women carry heavy loads(00:14:28) Understanding how I contributed to the problem(00:15:41) The concept of perpetual stress(00:19:07) Marriage is not a destination(00:24:00) Will you ever get married again? (00:29:00) Parenting 101: Making kids feel loved before the world does(00:32:46) Choose you(00:34:00) Truth: Be honest about your truth (00:37:01) Connect with Dr. Allison AgwuKey Takeaways:“The impetus to leave was watching my children watch us. It was costing me to appropriately model for my children what was right for them.”Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability, and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St., 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Our Guest: Dr. Allison Agwu is a passionate doctor who helps both kids and adults stay healthy, especially those living with HIV. She works at Johns Hopkins University and leads important programs that ensure people receive the care they need. She also started ASK Agwu Consulting to teach others about staying healthy in fun and simple ways. Outside of work, Dr. Agwu is a mom who loves fitness, Afrobeat music, and dancing. She brings love, energy, and joy to her patients, teaching, and family time.Connect with Dr. Allison Agwu:IG: https://www.instagram.com/dralligee/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-agwu-8432ab124/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: [email protected] the show

Send us Fan MailNext Chapters aren’t just about divorce. No matter where you are in life, we all have new paths to walk and sometimes all we need is a community of real people who get it, who lift us up, and who remind us we’re going to be ok.In this bonus episode, I share about Cuisine and Conversations, our first in-person event. 🎉 It was a very special evening where 20 women came together to dine, connect, and support each other through various life transitions. Hear from Kia and Rayna, two beautiful attendees about their experience and how the event impacted them. I hope it encourages you to know you’re not alone in your nEXt chapter. And I hope you’ll join us for Part 2! (Join our email list: bit.ly/joinYNC)Topics Covered:(00:01:00) The “Cuisine and Conversations” event experience(00:05:30) Unity in diversity(00:07:05) More in-person gatherings are coming(00:08:05) Conversations with Kia(00:10:09) Prompts unlocked unexpected emotions and stories(00:12:34) “I'm not alone”(00:14:18) Do not be afraid(00:16:08) Conversations with Rayna(00:18:35) Transparency breaks isolation(00:21:55) We are all givers(00:23:22 Discover your true calling(00:26:54) We all have different next chapters(00:37:01) Join our community at https://bit.ly/joinYNCKey Takeaways:"As a self-proclaimed high achiever, I want people to understand that going through a next chapter doesn't have a zip code, income bracket, or degree qualification.""Despite different generations, professions, and educational backgrounds, we all found this common thread of connection. The commonality was that we were all givers, sometimes even at our own expense.""It's OK to be nervous, but don't be afraid. Fear prevents you from moving forward."“When you go through things you think you’re going through that journey alone. Some of the same things I struggle with, they were saying the same thing.”Be the first to find out about the next event- Join our FREE Community!Go to bit.ly/joinYNCAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023, she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB: https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: [email protected] nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigating divorce while walking in her Christian faith.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhen you own your power you don’t settle for less than you deserve. It means standing up for what’s right and making decisions that align with your divine purpose. Because self-love starts when you stop making excuses for being unhappy and begin to really listen to your own heart.In this episode with Netta Fei, we explore the powerful connection between self-worth, self-love, and the choices we make in relationships. Netta Fei shares how her journey through a 20-year marriage shaped her debut novel, A Most Useful Betrothal, and gave her the courage to reclaim her voice. Together, we unpack the quiet truths we overlook, the signs we ignore, and the healing that begins when we stop conforming and start loving ourselves again.Song of the week: Young Love by Cleo SolTopics Covered:(00:02:15) Introducing our special guest, Netta Fei(00:03:30) Incompatibility in marriage(00:06:28) Understanding your decision-making process(00:10:00) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:12:07) Death sentence for a relationship(00:16:46) Is unhappiness in your DNA? (00:21:58) Book: The Most Useful Betrothal(00:25:24) Owning your goddessness(00:33:16) How do we harness our divine feminine energy?(00:39:16) True: To thine own self be true(00:40:23) Connect with Netta FeiKey Takeaways:"I wasn't loving myself. I was loving conformity. I was pleasing the beliefs of my upbringing."Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Our Guest: Netta Fei is a heartfelt storyteller and the founder of True Self Society, a community where women of color are encouraged to reconnect with their true selves and divine feminine energy. She’s the award-winning author of A Most Useful Betrothal and brings warmth, wisdom, and real-life insight from her journey as a preacher’s kid, corporate leader, and Southern Black woman. Connect with Netta Fei:Web: https://nettafei.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/NettaFei/IG: https://www.instagram.com/nettafei/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: [email protected] the show

Send us Fan MailBouncing back isn’t about returning to who you were. It’s about rising into who you were always meant to be, with grace, strength, and renewed purpose.In this episode with Dr. Stem, we talk about what it really means to bounce back and find your true path. From her journey from Zimbabwe sent to the U.S., to becoming a Bounce Back Coach, Dr. Stem shares how moments of compassion and clarity led her to a life of purpose. You'll learn about the power of listening to others, honoring your natural gifts, and choosing a path that aligns with who you are, especially after life throws you a curveball.Song of the week: Survivor by Destiny's ChildTopics Covered:(00:02:00) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Stem Mahlatini(00:04:05) How Dr. Stem discover her gift(00:07:12) Doubt can be your fuel(00:10:03) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:14:10) Listen to what others see in you(00:22:40) Divorce is a shift(00:24:21) Giving him and ourselves grace(00:29:23) Jeremiah 29:11(00:32:18) Peace(00:34:33) Clarity(00:35:37) Connect with Dr. StemKey Takeaways:“Divorce is an opportunity to walk into not a new season, but a true season.”Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.Reminder: A Weekend for Me Retreat (Podcast Sponsor)If you're navigating a life transition and are ready to step into your nEXt chapter with clarity and confidence, I invite you to register for A Weekend For Me—Dr. Sherita’s signature retreat October 2–5 in Grand Cayman, designed for busy women to indulge in radical self-care, reconnect with their dreams, and map out a future they love. Get $250 off with code AWFMNEXTCHAP. Register now → bit.ly/AWFM-YNCAbout Our Guest: Dr. Sithembile “Stem” Mahlatini is a licensed psychotherapist, coach, speaker, and trainer who helps women overcome fear, self-doubt, and stress so they can thrive in life, work, and business. Through her coaching and workshops, she brings HOPE (Helping Other People Excel) by guiding women to live stress-free and pursue what matters most.Connect with Dr. Stem:Web: https://www.drstemmie.com/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@DrStemBeEncouragedEmail: [email protected] Free E-book: https://www.drstemmie.com/optin-fear-be-gone-overcoming-self-sabotageAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSometimes we must release our own plans to make space for the beautiful future God has prepared for us. Healing begins the moment we let go of what we thought life should be and open our hearts to a new future.In this episode, I talk through five lessons that have shaped my healing journey after divorce. From giving myself permission to feel, to learning how to trust God with the unknown, this conversation is a reflection on what healing has really looked like for me. It’s honest, faith-filled, and a reminder that moving forward doesn’t have to mean having it all figured out.Song of the week: Healing by Kelly PriceTopics Covered:(00:01:30) Joy after the storm(00:04:09) Healing is circular(00:05:27) Step 1: Release the plans you had for your future(00:09:56) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:11:09) Step 2: Examine your roles and acknowledge your feelings(00:15:42) Step 3: Forgive myself(00:17:46) Step 4: Forgiving him(00:21:04) Step 5: Embracing a new vision(00:24:49) To be an example for what is possible(00:27:35) I love the idea of you!Key Takeaways:"You aren't gonna be able to heal until you let go of what you thought your life was gonna look like.""There's a grieving process that goes along with releasing the life you planned."Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.Reminder: A Weekend for Me Retreat (Podcast Sponsor)If you're navigating a life transition and are ready to step into your nEXt chapter with clarity and confidence, I invite you to register for A Weekend For Me—Dr. Sherita’s signature retreat October 2–5 in Grand Cayman, designed for busy women to indulge in radical self-care, reconnect with their dreams, and map out a future they love. Get $250 off with code AWFMNEXTCHAP. Register now → bit.ly/AWFM-YNCAbout Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: [email protected] nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigating divorce while walking in her Christian faith.Support the show

Send us Fan MailLeading with love doesn’t necessarily mean being soft. It means being strong enough to show up, even when it’s hard. Love isn’t always easy. It can hurt. It can feel heavy. But it’s always worth it. When people feel loved, they feel safe. And when they feel safe, they start to heal. In this episode, I talk to my pastor and friend, Reverend Vernon Ware, about the power of leading with love, especially in hard seasons like divorce. Reverend Ware shares why love should be at the center of ministry, even when it’s hard or costly. He opens up about his own divorce journey, the challenges of being a pastor, and how showing real love can bring healing. This is a deep, honest talk about faith, leadership, and the kind of support people need from the church.Song of the week: Love's in Need of Love Today by Stevie WonderTopics Covered:(00:02:11) Introducing our special guest, Rev. Vernon Ware(00:04:13) Ministry requires love(00:07:59) What is the cost for love?(00:10:03) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:14:30) Covering before correction(00:21:31) How can churches better support marriages and those facing divorce?(00:31:18) Why pastors need mental health training(00:38:45) The cost of ignoring your mental health(00:44:58) Embrace yourself, the journey, and God(00:49:08) Connect with Rev. Vernon WareKey Takeaways:"If you do not love, then you haven't done anything.”Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Our GuestRev. Vernon R. Ware is the Senior Pastor of Faith AME Church in Laurel, MD and a clinically licensed therapist with over a decade of experience in counseling and community engagement. Vernon helps couples and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues. He also works with companies, schools, non-profits, and community groups to teach them about mental health and help them improve how they work with others. With degrees in theology, counseling, and accounting, he bridges faith and mental health to inspire lives and strengthen communities. Connect with Rev. Ware:FB (Message in the Music): Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1122525309137612FB: https://www.facebook.com/vernon.wareYT: https://www.youtube.com/@messageinthemusic9947About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSomeone can mean well and still hurt you deeply. Good intentions don’t erase harmful actions. You’re not wrong for speaking up just because others don’t understand the pain behind your strength.In this episode with Dr. Marie Ramas, she opens up about the challenges she faced in her marriage, the pressures of trying to be the "perfect" Christian wife, and the deep emotional struggles that stemmed from neglect, guilt, and constant self-doubt. Tune in as she shares her journey of healing, learning to set boundaries, and ultimately rediscovering her worth and purpose beyond the constraints of her marriage.Song of the week: Still Standing by John EltonTopics Covered:(00:02:03) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Marie Ramas(00:03:26) How Dr. Ramas’ marriage led to divorce (00:09:13) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:13:50) Abuse is abuse(00:20:22) Christianity and Divorce(00:25:55) The D.R.E.A.M. Framework(00:32:15) How financial abuse show up in a marriage(00:36:06) Good traits can be used against you(00:38:35) Entering into your Phoenix Chapter(00:41:09) Boundless(00:41:39) Connect with Dr. Marie RamasKey Takeaways:"The more I learned and healed, the less he liked me, and the more vitriol I experienced."Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.About Our GuestDr. Marie-Elizabeth Ramas is a dedicated family physician, activist, consultant and healthcare leader with over a decade of experience providing full-scope family medicine in both rural and urban communities. She is deeply committed to breaking down barriers to care and helping individuals and families achieve their best health. Connect with Dr. Marie:IG: https://www.instagram.com/drmramas/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: [email protected] nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigating divorce while walking in her Christian faith.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEvery woman is born with a crown, not made of gold, but of glory, woven by God and placed gently on her head the day she took her first breath. But somewhere along the way, many of us begin to forget. Life teaches us to trade our crowns for survival. We shrink ourselves for love, stay too long in places that hurt, and give our power away to feel wanted.In this episode with Nefertiti Wade, we explore what it means to reclaim your identity after divorce. She opens up about the heartbreak of her marriage ending, the challenge of passing her licensure exam, and the faith that sustained her. Tune in as she reflects on losing her crown, finding herself, and why healing, community, and living unapologetically are key to holding on to it.Song of the week: Can’t Give Up Now by Mary MaryTopics Covered:(00:01:08) Cuisine & Conversations Event(00:02:53) Introducing our special guest, Nefertiti T. Wade(00:04:11) Losing yourself in marriage(00:06:41) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:16:25) The symbolism of the crown(00:19:18) Love yourself unconditionally(00:22:59) Be whole before entering a relationship(00:25:01) Be the best version of you(00:28:21) Live life unapologetically(00:29:30) Connect with Nefertiti WadeKey Takeaways:“Allow yourself to grieve, because divorce is a form of death.”Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.Cuisine & Conversations (In-person event)Join us for our FIRST in-person event on Saturday 6/7/25 at 6:30 pm in the DMV! To purchase your ticket, go to https://bit.ly/ync6725. Ticket sales end 5/7/25.About Our GuestNefertiti T. Wade is an author, counselor, educator, and speaker passionate about helping women heal, grow, and reclaim their identity. Drawing from her own journey through divorce, she inspires others through her book Reclaiming Your Crown and her work in education and counseling. A devoted mother and woman of faith, Nefertiti empowers women to find peace, purpose, and unconditional self-love.Connect with Nefertiti:Web: https://reclaimingyourcrownbook.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/nefwade/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nefertiti-wade-a67ab440/ About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: Support the show

Send us Fan MailPsychological safety is essential in all relationships, but in marriage, it’s sacred. It’s more than love—it’s refuge. A space where masks come off, truth is safe, and even in conflict, your heart is held, not harmed. Without it, love becomes performance. With it, love becomes home.In this episode with my biz bestie Dr. Maiysha Clairborne, we talk about what it means to feel safe in your relationship—emotionally, mentally, and psychologically. Dr. Maiysha explains the key signs of psychological safety, why it matters in intimate relationships, and how to trust what your body is telling you when something feels off. If you’ve ever wondered why you struggle to speak up or feel unseen in your relationship, this conversation is for you.Song of the week: When I'm in Your Arms by Cleo SolTopics Covered:(00:01:19) Cuisine & Conversations Event!(00:02:16) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Maiysha Clairborne (00:04:07) What is psychological safety?(00:07:18) When hurt people hurt people (00:09:58) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services(00:12:28) Psychological safety in marriage(00:19:20) Hear the signals in your body(00:24:45) Unsafe ≠ abusive(00:30:00) No is a complete sentence(00:33:58) Phrases to communicate your boundaries(00:40:27) Intuition(00:41:50) Connect with Dr. Maiysha Clairborne Key Takeaways:"Someone who's psychologically unsafe is not automatically abusive. The people who may not be safe are well-meaning people."Podcast Season SponsorOur Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.Cuisine & Conversations (In-person event)Join us for our FIRST in-person event on Saturday 6/7/25 at 6:30 pm in the DMV! To purchase your ticket, go to https://bit.ly/ync6725. Ticket sales end 5/5/25.About Our GuestDr. Maiysha Clairborne is a Family Medicine Physician, consultant, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of The Mind Re-Mapping Company. She specializes in helping organizations create inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces through trauma-informed training and leadership development. Connect with Dr. Maiysha:Web: https://mindremappingacademy.com/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrMaiyshaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMaiysha/About Your HostDr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!Connect with Dr. Nicole:Web: https://yournextchapter.co/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_coFB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.coEmail: Support the show