Midlife with Brooke

Brooke Oniki
  • 5.0 (37)
  • Self-Improvement

Midlife with Brooke – All Things Relationship, Health and Emotional Well-being is the go-to podcast for women of faith navigating the messy, beautiful middle years. With gospel-centered tools, real-life stories, and a whole lot of heart, Brooke helps you strengthen your relationship with God, reconnect with yourself, and love your people better—without losing your mind. If you're ready for more peace, less anxiety, and practical ways to show up with purpose, you’re in the right place.

  1. 2d ago

    Breathe Into the Stretch: Learning to Stay Present in Uncomfortable Relationships

    We live in a world designed for comfort — same-day delivery, instant answers, and climate-controlled rooms. But what happens when that instinct for ease bleeds into our most important relationships? In this episode, Brooke explores what it means to expand your zone of relational discomfort and why staying in the hard moments might be the most loving thing you can do. Drawing on a yoga metaphor that will stick with you, Brooke unpacks what it looks like to "breathe into the stretch" — not just on the mat, but in the conversations you've been avoiding, the friendships you've been pulling back from, and the moments with your kids where your instinct is to fix, escape, or shut down. In this episode, you'll hear: Why our brains are wired to run from relational discomfort — and why running is costing us more than we realizeThe difference between protecting your child and protecting yourself from watching them hurtA powerful coaching example about a woman who kept hanging up on her sister — and what happened when she was challenged to stay on the lineBrooke's personal story about her son Connor's devastating basketball season, and the quiet message that steady, ordinary love sendsHer cousin Julie's experience navigating grief after losing her husband — and the profound truth that we can't take someone else's pain away Practical tools to expand your zone of discomfort: Notice the urge before you act on itUse your breath — slow it downAsk one more question before you reactLook for the grain of truth in what stings mostShow up the morning after — love them the same, let the sun rise Discomfort in a relationship isn't a sign something is wrong. It's often a sign something real is happening — something worth staying for. Stay Connected With BrookeGet weekly encouragement, emotional wellness tools, and podcast extras: Join the Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f7o6w8 Learn MoreBook a free session, read the blog, get more free content at: www.brookeoniki.com

    18 min

  2. Jun 1

    The Power of Knowing Someone's Story-Supporting your LGBTQ Loved One

    What does it look like to love someone when their path unfolds differently than you expected? In this heartfelt conversation, Brooke sits down with Sandra Rhees and her son Jeremy to talk about their family's experience navigating faith, family relationships, and Jeremy's journey as a gay, active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeremy shares his experience of recognizing he was different, coming out to his family and friends, and learning to reconcile his faith with his sexual orientation. Sandra offers a parent's perspective on adjusting expectations, building trust, and choosing connection over fear. Together, they discuss: Jeremy's journey of discovering he was gayHow his parents responded when he came outThe importance of trust in parent-child relationshipsNavigating faith when questions don't have easy answersExperiences with church leaders and serving a missionWays friends, family members, and ward members can create a greater sense of belongingWhy curiosity and understanding matter more than assumptionsHow open communication develops over timeExtending grace to ourselves and others as we learn One of the most powerful themes throughout this conversation is the importance of truly getting to know people. When we take time to hear someone's story, labels become less important and relationships become stronger. Whether you have an LGBTQ family member, friend, neighbor, or ward member—or simply want to become a more compassionate disciple of Christ—this episode offers thoughtful insights about love, trust, and human connection. Key TakeawaysTrust creates safety for honest conversations.Understanding grows when we ask questions and listen.People are more than a single label or characteristic.Grace allows relationships to flourish even when perspectives differ.Christlike love begins with seeing people as individuals and learning their stories. Resources MentionedQuestions From The Closet podcastCharlie BirdJared Halverson Stay Connected With BrookeGet weekly encouragement, emotional wellness tools, and podcast extras: Join the Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f7o6w8 Learn MoreBook a free session, read the blog, get more free content at: www.brookeoniki.com

    38 min

  3. May 22

    Three Tips for Family Reunions, Vacations and Gatherings

    Family reunions. Holidays. Summer trips. Long weekends with adult children, in-laws, and extended family. Sometimes they’re full of connection and joy. Sometimes they come with stress, hurt feelings, unmet expectations, or that one conversation that catches you off guard. In today’s episode, I’m sharing three simple tools to help you show up differently at family gatherings this summer. Instead of trying to manage everyone else, we’ll talk about how to manage you. Because when you feel more grounded, everything changes. In this episode we discuss: Why regulating your nervous system matters more than managing the eventA story about a mother who thought criticism was coming—but discovered connection insteadHow “manuals” (unspoken expectations) create frustration at family eventsThe birthday cake story and what it teaches us about curiosity and compassionWhy curiosity often works better than controlHow deciding who you want to be before you arrive can completely change your experienceSimple ways to stay connected, grounded, and present during summer gatherings Questions to consider before your next gathering: What tends to activate me?How will I care for myself if that happens?What expectations am I carrying?Who do I want to be when I walk into the room? You don’t need a perfect family gathering to create a meaningful one. Sometimes the win is simply this: I showed up as the person I wanted to be. If you’re heading into a family reunion, wedding, vacation, or difficult conversation this summer and want a little extra support, Brooke also shares an invitation for short-term coaching sessions to help you prepare and feel more grounded. Listen in and let’s make this summer feel a little lighter, calmer, and more connected. Stay Connected With BrookeGet weekly encouragement, emotional wellness tools, and podcast extras: Join the Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f7o6w8 Learn MoreBook a free session, read the blog, get more free content at: www.brookeoniki.com

    14 min

  4. May 18

    The Hidden Reason You Don’t Feel Like Starting

    Today we’re talking about a fascinating concept: our brains resist state changes. When we’re sitting, we don’t want to stand. When we’re home, we don’t want to leave. When we finally start cleaning, we suddenly don’t want to stop. This isn’t because you’re lazy or unmotivated. Our brains love familiarity, efficiency, and conserving energy. In this episode we discuss: • Why transitions feel hard • Why resistance doesn’t mean something is wrong • How momentum creates motivation • Simple hacks to help you move through resistance • Why accountability and community help us follow through We’ll talk about real-life examples like exercise, cleaning, bedtime routines, procrastination, and even recording podcasts. Questions to think about this week: Where are you interpreting normal resistance as a problem? What if resistance isn’t evidence that you shouldn’t do something but simply evidence that you’re changing states? If this episode helps you, share it with a friend. I’m so grateful you’re here and part of this community! Stay Connected With BrookeGet weekly encouragement, emotional wellness tools, and podcast extras: Join the Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f7o6w8 Learn MoreCoaching, resources, and offerings for midlife women: www.brookeoniki.com

    20 min

  5. May 11

    Three Coaches. Three Powerful Relationship Shifts

    Today’s episode is a special conversation with two fellow relationship coaches, and . Together, we talk about some of the most powerful tools we use with clients to create healthier, more connected relationships. We discuss: Why black-and-white thinking creates disconnectionHow curiosity softens judgmentWhat nervous system regulation has to do with communicationWhy defensiveness makes hard conversations harderHow to stay grounded when emotions run highThe difference between supporting someone and trying to control themWhy personal responsibility changes relationshipsHow to create emotional safety with spouses, adult children, and loved ones This conversation is full of practical examples, honest experiences, and tools you can begin practicing right away. One of my favorite reminders from this episode: You don’t have to agree with someone to stay connected to them. We also talk about: The “zone of resilience”Moving from judgment to curiosityAllowing others to be fully humanWhy repair matters more than perfectionThe lifelong work of emotional growth If you’ve ever felt stuck in conflict, overwhelmed by feedback, or unsure how to navigate difficult relationships with more peace and steadiness, this episode will give you plenty to think about. I’d love to hear what resonated most with you. Send me a message or share this episode with a friend who might need it today. You can reach Tanya Hale at: www.tanyahale.com You can reach Jane Copier at: www.jane-copier.com Learn MoreCoaching, resources, and upcoming offerings: www.brookeoniki.comShare the EpisodeIf this episode helped you, share it with a friend who might need it too.

    51 min

  6. May 5

    7 Ways to Have a Better Mother’s Day

    Mother’s Day can bring up a wide range of emotions—joy, gratitude, disappointment, even resentment. Wherever you find yourself on that spectrum, this episode offers a thoughtful and empowering way to approach the day differently. In this episode, I share 7 practical ideas to help you create a Mother’s Day that feels meaningful and enjoyable to you—without relying on anyone else to get it “just right.” We’ll talk about: Why thinking of it as “Mothering Sunday” can shift everythingHow to reflect on the people who have “mothered” you throughout your lifeWhy motherhood may have transformed you more than anyone elseHow to take ownership of your day instead of waiting to be celebratedThe value of acknowledging both your “highs” and “lows” as a momHow gratitude and intentional connection can change your experienceWhy it’s okay to feel disappointed—and what to do with thatLetting go of comparison and learning to be yourself fully as a mother You’ll walk away with a new perspective on Mother’s Day—one that allows for more peace, more intention, and more joy, no matter what your circumstances look like. If you’ve ever felt let down, overlooked, or unsure how to feel on Mother’s Day, this episode will give you tools to support yourself and create a day that reflects what you truly want. Stay Connected With BrookeGet weekly encouragement, emotional wellness tools, and podcast extras: Join the Newsletter. This will give you information for "Six Months to Strong." https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f7o6w8 Learn MoreBook a free coaching consultations, get free resources, and offerings for midlife women: www.brookeoniki.com

    41 min

  7. Apr 27

    Staying Close When Beliefs Change: A Conversation with Tucker Boyle

    In this episode, I’m joined by Tucker Boyle for a beautiful and honest conversation about faith journeys, faith crisis, and how to stay connected to the people we love when their beliefs begin to shift. Tucker shares his own experience of moving through a difficult faith crisis while serving as a seminary teacher and church leader, and how that journey helped him understand faith, questions, nervous system regulation, and Jesus in a deeper way. We talk about what often happens inside parents when a child shares doubts or steps away from the faith tradition they were raised in. Fear can rise quickly, and when our nervous system goes into fight, flight, or shutdown, it becomes much harder to respond with curiosity, compassion, and love. Tucker offers such wise insight on how to create safety in these conversations, how to repair when we respond from fear, and why our relationship with our children does not have to be dependent on believing the same things. We also talk about: How faith can change and mature over time Why questions are not a threat to God What young adults often need when they share a faith struggle How parents can regulate their own fear before responding Why “at least stay close to Jesus” may not land the way we hope How to build connection in new ways when religious intimacy changes How Jesus can still be present in every stage of the journey This conversation is tender, thoughtful, and full of hope. Whether you are navigating your own faith questions or loving someone who is, I think you’ll find comfort and guidance here. Resources MentionedYou can learn more about Tucker at: Harmony Road Retreats: harmonyroadretreats.com Tucker Boyle: tuckerboyle.com CTAIf this episode helped you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend who may need a little more peace and hope in their relationships right now. If you want to join me in "Six Months to Strong" join my newsletter to learn all about it! Join the Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f7o6w8

    54 min

  8. Apr 20

    What Comes Next? Learning to Trust Yourself in Midlife-A Conversation with Kolette Hall

    What do you do when life doesn’t turn out the way you expected? Whether you're navigating loss, preparing for an empty nest, or simply wondering “what’s next for me?”—this conversation will meet you right where you are. In this episode, I sit down with life coach Kolette Hall, who shares her powerful story of becoming a young widow, raising her son, and learning—again and again—how to move forward without having the whole plan. Together, we explore what it really means to trust yourself, how to recognize God’s guidance in your life, and why you don’t need clarity about the future to take your next step. This is a conversation about identity, grief, growth, and possibility—and how to create a life you love, even when it looks different than you imagined. What You’ll Learn:Why you don’t need to know the full plan to move forwardHow to trust your “inner knowing” (even if you’ve doubted it before)The difference between a “red light” and a “green light” in decision-makingA powerful way to process grief without judgmentHow to support others who are grieving (without saying the wrong thing)Why your past decisions weren’t mistakes—even if they were hardHow to begin creating what’s next in your life with confidence Key Takeaways:You can trust the step you took—and still choose a new step nowGrowth often comes through the hard things, not in spite of themYou are allowed to want something new, even in midlifeGod’s guidance is often quiet, simple, and already presentYou don’t need certainty—you just need willingness A Simple Practice to Try:Start noticing your “red lights” and “green lights” in small, everyday decisions—what to wear, what to say yes to, what to pause on. The more you practice, the more you’ll begin to trust yourself. Stay Connected With BrookeGet weekly encouragement, emotional wellness tools, and podcast extras: Join the Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f7o6w8 Learn MoreBook a free coaching consultations, get free resources, and offerings for midlife women: www.brookeoniki.com

    1h 11m
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5
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Midlife with Brooke – All Things Relationship, Health and Emotional Well-being is the go-to podcast for women of faith navigating the messy, beautiful middle years. With gospel-centered tools, real-life stories, and a whole lot of heart, Brooke helps you strengthen your relationship with God, reconnect with yourself, and love your people better—without losing your mind. If you're ready for more peace, less anxiety, and practical ways to show up with purpose, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Brooke Oniki
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Brooke Oniki
  • Show Website
    Midlife with Brooke

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