The Conscious Divorce

Break Free from Co-Parenting Chaos Discover how to transform conflict into calm control with effective boundary-setting. Discover why setting boundaries feels impossible and offers practical steps to regain your peace. Learn the difference between requests and boundaries, and how to craft scripts that hold your ground. Understand emotional flooding and how to manage it, plus explore the five level...

Most conflicts don't destroy relationships; our habitual responses do. Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling shape every connection, from marriage to parenting. Understanding and breaking these patterns can transform your relationships and life. In this episode, I unpack Dr. John Gottman's research, revealing how these "horsemen" kill intimacy and trust. Discover how sarcasm and cri...

Discover how to transform co-parenting conflicts into cooperation with practical insights. Learn how simple strategies like the BIFF communication framework and predictable rituals can create a calm, child-focused environment. Explore the power of small adjustments in turning chaos into peace. Uncover the secrets to clear communication, the importance of emotional boundaries, and how parallel pare...

Discover the “preparation gap” in divorce. Learn to organize, document, and prepare emotionally to secure your future. Start now for peace tomorrow. 02:27 The Preparation Gap 05:11 Why Preparation Matters 06:22 Strategic Thinking in Divorce 08:15 Research on Divorce Outcomes 11:14 Ari's Story 14:05 Practical Steps for Preparation 17:10 Importance of a Divorce Coach 19:26 David's Story 23:12 Mindse...

Let’s explore the transformative realities of gray divorce, revealing why ending a long-term marriage can be the start of a powerful new chapter. If you're navigating or contemplating a divorce after 50, this is essential listening. I unpack the rise in gray divorce rates and explain how second and third marriages carry higher risks of dissolution. Discover how the stakes differ, from financial up...

Let’s break down one of the most common and misunderstood questions: “When should I start dating again?” The answer isn’t about time, it’s about clarity, self-awareness, and emotional readiness. If you’ve ever felt the urge to download a dating app but weren’t sure why, this episode will help you understand what’s really driving that decision and how to avoid repeating the same relationship patter...

The Smarter Divorce: Inside the Power of Mediation — Join Guest Caroline Melkonian, Certified Workplace and Family Mediator, together with Host Justin Milrad, MBA from Emory University, Certified Divorce Coach®, Financial Planner, author of You 2.0: Divorce; A Better Way Forward, and host of The Conscious Divorce Podcast. In this insightful episode of The Conscious Divorce, they explore how mediat...

This episode explores how small acts of grace in post-divorce relationships can shape your children's sense of safety and trust. You'll learn about the science behind kindness between ex-partners and its impact on child development. I also offer practical steps for showing up in meaningful ways without compromising boundaries. If you're navigating a difficult co-parenting relationship, this episod...

In this episode of the Conscious Divorce Podcast, we tackle asset division in divorce. Discover the Vitamix Principle, where small, sentimental items can cause big conflicts. Learn to separate sentimental from market value and address this early. We'll discuss everything from real estate to digital assets, with state-specific insights. I'll share practical solutions for non-divisible items and rea...

In this episode, I want to talk to you about something important: how we often push ourselves too hard, feeling exhausted and barely getting by. What if the key to transforming your life is to treat yourself like a valuable racehorse? I'll share insights into the hidden barriers that keep you stuck and offer a simple plan to help you rebuild and find your purpose again. You'll learn how stress can...

Today we're diving into one of the most crucial conversations you'll have during your divorce journey: talking to your kids. We'll explore the psychological impacts of divorce on children, provide age-appropriate scripts, and share strategies to minimize trauma and build emotional security. Join me as we navigate this challenging transition with empathy, resilience, and love. 02:24 Talking to Your...

Divorce can feel like a battle over custody, finances, and who was “right.” But in this episode, I challenge the idea that winning in court means winning in life. I break down research on high-conflict divorce, co-parenting outcomes, children’s long-term wellbeing, mental health during divorce, and the financial mistakes many people make during litigation. If you’re going through divorce or naviga...

Most people don't realize Valentine’s Day is less a cause of relationship problems and more a mirror revealing what's already broken. If you’re navigating heartbreak, separation, or divorce this episode helps you decode what Valentine’s Day exposes about your relationship and your emotional state and how to turn it into an opportunity for growth. 00:00 Introduction: Valentine's Day and Relationshi...

In this episode of the Conscious Divorce Podcast, I dive deep into the challenges and strategies of protecting kids through divorce. As a parent, navigating co-parenting with a narcissist co-parent can be daunting, but it's crucial to focus on what's best for the children. I share insights on how to manage parental alienation and ensure your kids thrive despite the circumstances. Join me as I expl...

In this episode of The Conscious Divorce Podcast , I sit down with Connie Howard , founder of What If Wealth , to talk about how real financial modeling helps people make confident decisions during divorce and major life transitions. We explore why “even” settlements aren’t always equal, the true cost of keeping the family home, how inflation quietly erodes spousal support, and why cash flow matte...

In this episode, I delve into the transformative journey of 'winning the future' beyond the confines of divorce battles. Through compelling stories and research, I emphasize the significance of focusing on long-term goals, emotional health, and effective co-parenting. I share strategies for rebuilding identity, achieving financial stability, and fostering peace post-divorce. This episode highlight...

In this episode of the Conscious Divorce Podcast, I delve into the transformative power of divorce mediation. If you're at a crossroads, contemplating divorce, or seeking a path that prioritizes your children's well-being and your financial future, this episode is for you. I share insights from my years in the mental health field, guiding you through the mediation process, its benefits over litiga...

In this episode of the Conscious Divorce Podcast, I dive into the transformative journey of navigating divorce with intention and awareness. We explore how to approach this life transition not as an ending, but as a launch pad for the life you're meant to live. Join me as I discuss the financial wake-up call that everyone considering divorce should hear before taking action. 01:53 The Importance o...

Most New Year’s resolutions fail, not because you lack discipline, but because the system is broken. In this episode, let's explore why traditional goal setting doesn’t work and shares a proven, science-backed approach to building habits that actually stick. You’ll learn how identity-based habits, emotional regulation, and simple systems can help you create sustainable change in your health, caree...

Join Justin Milrad and Jill Kaufman as they delve into the emotional complexities of navigating the holiday season post-divorce. Discover actionable strategies to transform this challenging time into an opportunity for growth and connection. Whether you're facing your first holiday alone or seeking to redefine family traditions, this episode offers insights on self-work, co-parenting, and finding...

When I went through my divorce, I made a painful mistake: I focused on lawyers, paperwork and logistics, and I told myself I would deal with the emotional fallout later. In this episode, I share why that choice cost me time, money and peace of mind, and why your first call in divorce should be to a divorce coach, not a lawyer. I talk about how a divorce coach helps you think clearly, avoid costly...

The holidays can feel overwhelming after a separation or divorce, but they don’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with co-parenting coach Jeanne Drake Ward to talk about how we can navigate holiday stress, communicate more effectively, support our kids, and create new traditions that actually bring joy. We talk about: ✨ Managing emotions during the holidays ✨ Common co-parenting mistakes...

In this episode, let's discuss the common mistakes people make during divorce, emphasizing that these errors are human rather than gendered.

In this episode of the Conscious Divorce Podcast, host Justin Milrad delves into the transformative journey of divorce, challenging societal norms that equate marriage with success and divorce with failure. Through personal stories and professional insights, Justin explores how divorce can be a courageous step towards self-discovery and growth. He shares the concept of "You 2.0," a framework for e...

Summary In this episode of the Conscious Divorce Podcast, host Justin Milrad and guest Lisa Lisser discuss the critical transition from marriage to co-parenting after divorce. They explore how parents can redefine their partnership in raising children, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the children's well-being and creating a functional co-parenting relationship. Lisa shares insights on na...