Dirty Laundry: The Divorce Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In a no-fault legal system, the emotional breakdown of a marriage rarely translates into a courtroom victory. This discussion examines the evolution of divorce law since 1985 and the persistent human need for accountability in the wake of betrayal. We explore the concept of the "third person" in contemporary relationships—the addictions, fixations, or domestic habits tha...

Send us Fan Mail The holidays are over, and January is officially "Divorce Month." If the mental load of the season finally pushed you to a breaking point, you aren't alone. We’re discussing why this time of year marks so many endings—and how to ensure your new beginning starts with dignity. 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse—a time for energy, courage, and breaking through old patt...

Send us Fan Mail Discovering a six-year secret life while four months postpartum is a reality no one prepares for. Stephanie the honest facts of navigating a high-conflict divorce, the struggle of being a self-represented mother in family court, and the courage required to rebuild from scratch. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily r...

Send us Fan Mail Is it harmless flirting or a micro-betrayal? We’re breaking down the messy grey areas of modern relationships—from secret DMs and the "validation trap" to where you should actually draw the line with exes. Is it harmless flirting or a micro-betrayal? We’re breaking down the messy gray areas of modern relationships—from secret DMs and the "validation trap" to wh...

Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of our sit-down with survivor and advocate Cait Alexander, we go beyond the abuse to the fight for justice. Cait reveals the shocking details behind the recent allegations against Toronto club promoter Mark Holland and why she is leading a class-action lawsuit against the Federal Government of Canada. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are...

Send us Fan Mail Cait Alexander joins us to share her story of surviving an attempted murder on July 31, 2021. What started as a "Hallmark" relationship during the pandemic quickly turned into a fight for her life. In this episode, Cait breaks down the specific patterns abusive partners follow, often called the "Dark Triad" of narcissism and psychopathy. She explains why victim...

Send us Fan Mail Most people make critical mistakes in the first 72 hours after deciding to divorce - and we're here to reveal exactly what you should do instead. We expose why hiring a lawyer immediately could be your biggest mistake, how to protect yourself without losing your home or children, and the step-by-step process that actually saves families time, money, and heartache. Disclaimer:...

Send us Fan Mail Canada's family court system is weaponizing children against domestic violence victims - and Member of Parliament Lisa Hepfner is fighting to stop it with Bill C-223, the Keeping Children Safe Act. She reveals how abuse allegations can get you labeled an "alienator" and result in your children being forcibly removed, why women are being advised NOT to report domesti...

Send us Fan Mail Family lawyer and reform advocate Maryam Manteghi returns to expose how judicial bias and outdated court practices are systematically failing abuse survivors. She reveals why educated victims face unique challenges, how false equivalencies between mothers and fathers ignore basic science, and why the groundbreaking Alawalia case could revolutionize financial justice for domestic v...

Send us Fan Mail Family lawyer and UN advocate Maryam Manteghi joins to expose how coercive control and digital surveillance are reshaping family court. She explains why many victims aren’t believed, how “reactive abuse” is used against women, and why timelines not snapshots help judges see the full pattern. From hidden devices to trauma-informed reform, Maryam shares the tools every survivor and...

Send us Fan Mail Co-parenting coach Jay Skibbens reveals his extraordinary journey of discovering through DNA tests that none of his three children were biologically his - and why he chose to remain their father. After years of toxic co-parenting and a devastating paternity fraud discovery, Jay transformed his pain into purpose, becoming a leading voice for divorced parents navigating high-conflic...

Send us Fan Mail When trust breaks down, even good intentions can start to feel like control.  In Part 2 with Zach Watson, we explore how couples can rebuild trust by replacing reminders with real ownership, and why running a simple “boring meeting” can change everything. Zach explains how to close the communication loop, set boundaries that stick, and turn recurring frustrations into shared syste...

Send us Fan Mail When the mental load starts to pile up, even the strongest relationships begin to crack. Zach Watson joins us to unpack how small, unseen responsibilities, remembering appointments, managing the household, anticipating needs that add up to burnout and resentment. He shares the real story behind his viral Mental Load series, how he and his wife rebuilt trust after separation, and w...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with therapists Rebecca Webster and Pablo Alvarez of Connection Counselling to break down how attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, disorganized, secure) show up during separation and divorce, and what actually helps. We cover emotional regulation vs flooding, why boundaries matter, and why not bad-mouthing the other parent is non-negotiable if you wan...

Send us Fan Mail Celebrity relationships spark the conversation, but this episode focuses on real-life divorce. We cover how professionals should stay neutral (realtors, accountants, teachers, coaches), why sale proceeds often sit in trust without a signed separation agreement, and how to protect privacy and reduce conflict. You’ll hear practical tips on selling the matrimonial home, managing expe...

Send us Fan Mail Back-to-school can be one of the hardest times for divorced parents navigating co-parenting and custody schedules. This episode unpacks how to handle teacher emails, homework, extracurriculars, and sick-day pickups while keeping kids out of the conflict. Learn what to add to your parenting plan so school routines run smoothly in two homes and co-parenting after divorce feels less...

Send us Fan Mail Natalie Reisman shares her story of leaving a marriage that no longer worked, even after years of trying to make it better. She opens up about the breaking points, the struggle to trust herself, and what it took to finally walk away. Natalie also talks about co-parenting three kids, starting over, and finding a new love she never thought she’d have again. Disclaimer: The views and...

Send us Fan Mail Author and coach Kate Anthony joins Amanda and Alex to talk about her book The D Word and why so many women are unhappy in marriage. She lays out her famous “it’s not your f***ing job” list, from mothering your partner to sacrificing your needs and explains how boundaries are the key to breaking free of toxic dynamics. Kate also dives into weaponized incompetence, narcissistic abu...

Send us Fan Mail Trauma-informed consultant Trish Guise explains what coercive control really is and why slapping the label narcissist on every toxic ex can miss the bigger danger. She breaks down the early red flags, how coercive control continues after separation, and why family courts so often fail to protect survivors. Trish also shares how shifting the focus from the victim to the abuser chan...

Send us Fan Mail Legally Nik explains how to handle co-parenting when your ex is toxic or even a narcissist. She breaks down the difference between the two, the signs to look for, and why parallel parenting can be a lifesaver. Nik shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, not engaging in conflict, and protecting your children’s well-being while keeping your own peace. Disclaimer: The vie...

Send us Fan Mail Psychologist and author Dr. Kerry McAvoy talks about what it’s really like to date after leaving a narcissist. She shares how abuse shapes trust, the red flags to watch for, and the importance of rebuilding self-worth before starting something new. Kerry also reflects on her own experiences and offers practical advice for creating healthy, lasting connections. Disclaimer: The view...

Send us Fan Mail Tina Swithin spent years in a legal battle to protect her children from an abusive ex-husband. She explains how the family court system can fail survivors, why custody battles can drag on for years, and the emotional toll it takes. Tina also shares how she turned her fight into advocacy, helping other parents protect their children and themselves through her work with One Mom’s Ba...

Send us Fan Mail Parenting after leaving an abusive relationship can feel impossible, especially when the other parent is controlling, rigid, and vindictive. Co-parenting coach Chantal Contorines explains why true co-parenting often isn’t possible with a coercive controller, and how to shift to parallel parenting to protect yourself and your kids. She shares strategies for boundaries, preparing be...

Send us Fan Mail Jasvinder Sanghera was just 16 when she escaped a forced marriage planned since childhood. Disowned by her family, she rebuilt her life while campaigning to change laws and protect others from honour-based abuse. In this conversation, she shares her own story, the tragic loss of her sister, and the creation of Karma Nirvana, a charity that has saved countless lives. Disclaimer: Th...

Send us Fan Mail It’s Toxic Summer. Psychotherapist Lauren LaRusso shares how her husband’s affair ended her marriage and changed the direction of her work. She explains what “intimate betrayal” really means, the misconceptions around why affairs happen, and how people can start to heal. Lauren also talks about co-parenting after infidelity, why some couples stay together while others don’t, and t...