The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast

Zawn Villines, feminist activist and writer, is back on the show! Together we tackle the offensive and ableist ways that neurodiversity is often used to excuse abusive behavior. Zawn makes it clear that being neurodivergent does not mean someone is inherently abusive. In fact, neurodivergent individuals are more often the victims rather than the perpetrators of abuse. In this episode, we dive into...

Dr. Amelia Kelley, a trauma-informed therapist and author, joins me to explore the nuances of ADHD in women, discussing how it often goes unnoticed and untreated. We tackle the complex question, "Do I have trauma or ADHD?"—exploring whether childhood trauma manifests as ADHD or if living with ADHD contributes to traumatic experiences.  Plus, we uncover the superpowers of ADHD, the fascinating link...

I am kicking off a new series for August all around neurodivergence in relationships. With my amazing lineup, we delve into topics like ADHD, autism, and other spectrum disorders within a family and how they might affect various aspects of your divorce.  This week I wanted to take a few moments to introduce the series to you. Throughout the month, you'll hear from incredible guests like: Dr. Ameli...

What are your divorce dealbreakers? In the final installment of my divorce mindset reset series, I share why knowing your dealbreakers is important before you enter into your divorce proceedings. I discuss the work required to determine what they are and offer insight into why you should stick to them as you move through your divorce.  Overall, knowing your dealbreakers helps you prioritize what m...

Have you ever wondered how to navigate the tricky balance between what's legal and what's fair in a divorce? I dive into Step Six of the 7-Step Divorce Mindset Reset, focusing on distinguishing between these crucial aspects.  You'll hear advice on processing emotions through appropriate channels, documenting evidence of legal matters, and working with a coach or other professional to streamline wh...

Shifting to a strategy mindset during your divorce is a game-changer and that's the topic of this podcast episode. No longer are you trying to convince your partner to see things your way or understand your point of view. Instead, you're embracing radical acceptance and moving forward with a clear plan. When you adopt a strategy mindset, you can set clear goals and easily make decisions. You're ta...

Radical acceptance means completely accepting a situation, circumstance, or challenge without necessarily approving or agreeing with it. In this installment of the 7-Step Divorce Mindset reset, I share why this concept is especially crucial in the divorce process. Embracing radical acceptance is one of the most powerful things you can do. It's revolutionary yet fundamental. It's about letting go o...

We're diving into the importance of self-care throughout your divorce process. Practicing self-care at this juncture is essential for managing the emotional and physical challenges you're going through. Self-care builds emotional resilience, helping you maintain mental well-being and decision-making ability, while also reducing stress and supporting your physical health. In this episode, I share s...

Divorce is a lengthy, emotionally demanding, and taxing process, taking about a year on average . In this episode, I share why practicing patience and managing expectations can help you navigate the journey peacefully and easily.  You'll also hear: The questions to ask your divorce attorney or mediator about specific procedures and waiting periods in your state  Why trusting the process and establ...

We continue our month-long series centered around my 7-Step Divorce Mindset Reset by discussing the creation of a vision statement for your divorce. This was something I did at the beginning of mediation with my ex-husband. A vision statement sets your intention for the divorce process. When things feel like they are going off the rails, you can return to your vision statement to stay grounded and...

Today, we kick off a month-long series centered around my 7-Step Divorce Mindset Reset. If you've decided to get a divorce, it's time to start focusing on the immediate mindset shifts necessary to navigate this challenging period. Along with physically, financially, and legally divorcing, emotionally divorcing your spouse is crucial: "If you're done, be done." I've crafted these seven steps to hel...

Anne Wintemute, Co-Founder of Aimee Says , joins me on the podcast this week. Aimee is an AI-powered advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence. This fascinating and powerful AI tool helps individuals gain the support and validation they need. We uncover how Aimee can act as your advocate and lower the barrier to access vital resources. More than just a Google search, Aimee operates i...

We're digging into the emotional rollercoaster divorced dads face, including why they're at higher risk for suicide and the heavy societal and psychological burdens weighing them down. Dr. Eran Magen is a Stanford University-educated expert, holding an M.A. in education and a Ph. D. in psychology. He is also the founder of DivorcedDads.org. Together we talk about the importance of dads having a su...

Sharon Pope, a Master Life Coach, and Relationship Expert, joins me to dive into why more women are opting out of their marriages, the historical context of marriage dynamics, and the challenges modern couples are up against. Sharon's mission is to equip women and men with the tools to improve, heal, or let go of their struggling marriages. We'll also tackle relationships' social, legal, and emoti...

Dr. Sarah Schewitz returns to the podcast to talk about pathological love relationships. Dr. Schewitz helps us understand what this type of relationship is, how to know if you're in one, why these types of relationships can be so devastating, and what is necessary to recover and heal.  Dr. Sarah Schewitz is a licensed psychologist specializing in love and relationships. She is the founder of the s...

For over six years, I've managed a Facebook group for women contemplating whether to stay in or leave their marriages. Recently, I made the very tough decision to close the group. In this bonus solo episode, I address the issues that led to the group's closing. I further share about the rules and guidelines that were in place, the challenges of managing a large community, and my response to group...

We're talking about tenderness and holding space with Heather Plett, author of the award-winning book The Art of Holding Space: A Practice of Love, Liberation, and Leadership and the recently released book Where Tenderness Lives: On Healing, Liberation, and Holding Space for Oneself . Heather opens up about her experience of dealing with divorce, co-founding the Center for Holding Space, and autho...

Oftentimes, we wrap our identities in this one thing - like marriage. What happens when it's over? This week, Nikki Spoelstra (Nikki Spo) joins me to discuss the transformative power of self-discovery through life's most challenging moments. Nikki and I cover a range of important topics, including how self-esteem is built through self-knowledge, strategies for managing thoughts about divorce, emph...

"Therapy is dead," says this week's podcast guest, Dawn Wiggins. In this episode, we get to the heart of why Dawn says therapy isn't always the answer and, instead, how somatic and homeopathic techniques help individuals heal from various forms of trauma.   Dawn is a trauma-informed licensed marriage and family therapist and integrative healer who helps women turn the traumatic journey of divorce...

We are talking about a really important topic this week: grief. Grief is shocking in divorce. My guest Barri Leiner Grant, is a grief specialist and educator who joins me to help us understand how to process the grief we feel over an ended marriage. Barri divorced after a 17-year marriage and helps name grief and grieving for others who have experienced losing an imagined future. Putting the G-wor...

Sadie Marie of Divorced and Happy joins me for a conversation about why life after divorce is the BEST, and her path of personal growth, self-discovery, and relationships. Sadie Marie empowers divorced men and women globally to embrace the exciting, playful - and even spicy - life that awaits them after divorce.  Our conversation is multifaceted, from feeling disempowered in marriage to reclaiming...

I am thrilled to welcome Susan Hyatt, a Master Certified Life Coach, Bestselling Author, and TEDx Speaker. Susan is on a mission to disrupt the age and wage gaps— all the gaps that hold women back. Her work (and this conversation) empowers women, particularly those in midlife, to embrace their prime with fervor and enthusiasm. Together, we discuss female empowerment, self-discovery, and the journe...

Discover how laughter can lighten the weight of divorce in this week's episode. When your whole world feels on fire, bringing levity to divorce can be like a breath of fresh air. My guest this week, Andrea Rappaport, knows a thing or two about imparting humor in one's life while navigating difficult situations. Andrea is a recovering comedian who is the co-host of the top-ranked Apple podcast, How...

Tami Wollensak returns to the show! She shares more about divorcing and the nuances of keeping, selling, or refinancing your home. Tami is a licensed mortgage loan originator and a 28+ year industry veteran. She has discovered her passion in helping divorcing individuals navigate their home equity solutions and mortgage options while going through the most challenging time. Grab your notebook and...

Licensed Psychologist Dr. Justine Weber is on the show this week as we explore the complex journey of healing after leaving an abusive relationship. Her recent book is, "How the F*ck Do I Heal From This?" and the title (and content) is a favorite of mine! In the book and during our conversation, Dr. Weber walks us through understanding narcissistic abuse and how to put your life back together afte...