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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

Send us a text

*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

Send us a text

Next 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/joinYNC

Key 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/joinYNC

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

Your 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.

Send us a text

When 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 Sol

Topics 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 Fei

Key Takeaways:

"I wasn't loving myself. I was loving conformity. I was pleasing the beliefs of my upbringing."

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:

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 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

Bouncing 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 Child

Topics 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. Stem

Key Takeaways:

“Divorce is an opportunity to walk into not a new season, but a true season.”

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.

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-YNC

About 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/@DrStemBeEncouraged

Email: drstem14@gmail.com

Free E-book: https://www.drstemmie.com/optin-fear-be-gone-overcoming-self-sabotage

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

Send us a text

Sometimes 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 Price

Topics 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 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.

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-YNC

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

Your 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.

Send us a text

Leading 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 Wonder

Topics 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 Ware

Key Takeaways:

"If you do not love, then you haven't done anything.”

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

Rev. 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/1122525309137612

FB: https://www.facebook.com/vernon.ware

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@messageinthemusic9947

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