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When 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 Vandross

Topics 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 Rhodes

Key Takeaways:

“You have to let go and let love find you.”

Podcast Season Sponsor

Our 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/newvisioninteriorsandevents

IG: https://www.instagram.com/newvisioninteriors

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Design-Collection-Curated-Interiors/dp/1667868799

About Your Host

Dr. 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_co

FB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.co

Email: hello@yournextchapter.co

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*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 Zapata

Key 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 Sponsor

Our 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.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drjasminezapata/

Email: hello@drjasminezapata.com

About Your Host

Dr. 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_co

FB: https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.co

Email: hello@yournextchapter.co

Send us a text

In 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 Agwu

Key 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 Sponsor

Our 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 Host

Dr. 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_co

FB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.co

Email: hello@yournextchapter.co