The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast

In this episode, Brooke sits down again with Michelle Mitchell for a conversation on "getting it right" in co-parenting and coaching. They trace Michelle's own journey — from her early co-parenting years and first classes back in 2013–2014, through training with Brooke, to becoming a coach herself — and use it as a mirror for where many listeners are today. The conversation moves through the evolu...

In this insightful interview, Oona Metz, author of 'Unhitched,' shares her expertise on the emotional journey of divorce, the gender dynamics involved, and practical strategies for navigating this challenging life transition. Discover how to turn divorce into a transformative experience and support your mental health through support groups and self-care. If you're ready for structure instead of ch...

In this insightful interview, Sol Kennedy discusses the innovative AI-powered co-parenting app, Best Interest, designed to reduce conflict and improve communication between high-conflict parents. Brooke Olsen explores the platform's features, challenges, and the importance of personal growth in co-parenting. If you're ready for structure instead of chaos, go to https://disengage.highconflict.net/n...

In this episode, Ron Platt from NASDF shares a comprehensive overview of resources and initiatives designed to support families navigating divorce and single parenthood. Discover innovative programs, legal reforms, and community support systems aimed at reducing conflict, financial stress, and intergenerational poverty. If you're ready for structure instead of chaos, go to https://disengage.highco...

In this episode of the High Conflict Co-parenting podcast, Brooke Olsen and Bryan Power discuss how breakups can serve as catalysts for personal growth and healthier relationships. They delve into attachment theory, exploring how different attachment styles impact relationships and parenting. Bryan shares his personal journey through a challenging breakup and the insights he gained about attachmen...

Summary In this episode of the High Conflict Co-parenting Podcast, host Brooke Olsen speaks with Dr. Alissa Jerud about her book, Emotion Savvy Parenting. They discuss the importance of emotional regulation for parents, the role of somatic awareness, and the need for connection with children. Dr. Jerud introduces her ART framework (Acceptance, Regulation, Tolerance) and the CARE skills for managin...

In this episode of the High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast, Brooke Olsen and Michelle Mitchell discuss the role of AI in co-parenting, emphasizing its limitations as a tool for emotional regulation and communication. They explore the relational dynamics of high conflict situations, the importance of self-reflection, and the need for nuanced understanding in co-parenting relationships. The conversat...

In this powerful episode, Brook Olsen is joined by attorney and author Kerrie Droban Zhivago to unpack the terrifying yet often hidden reality of dealing with a partner who exhibits psychopathic traits. Drawing from her book Surviving a Psychopath , Kerrie shares hard-earned insights on how to recognize psychological abuse, protect yourself in court, and begin the long road to emotional recovery....

In this episode, Brook Olsen welcomes Dr. Donald Gordon, founder of the Center for Divorce Education and creator of Children in Between , to discuss how parents can reduce conflict and protect their kids during and after divorce. With decades of research and real-world experience, Dr. Gordon shares how even small shifts in communication, emotional regulation, and mindfulness can make a lasting imp...

In this episode, Brook Olsen sits down with attorney, mediator, and DivorceWave founder Tamara Rowles to explore divorce as a spiritual journey and an opportunity for self-reinvention. Together, they dive into how high-conflict separations—while painful—can also become a gateway to growth, self-awareness, and long-term peace. Tamara shares how mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and intentiona...

In this episode, Brook Olsen is joined once again by Dr. Craig Malkin, author of Rethinking Narcissism , to explore the lesser-known counterpart to narcissism: echoism . Through the lens of Greek mythology and modern psychology, they unpack how those who fear being "too much" often find themselves entangled in toxic dynamics with narcissistic partners. Dr. Malkin explains how echoism—marked by sel...

In this episode, Brook talks with conscious relationship coach Annmarie Chereso about how to break free from unconscious patterns that fuel conflict—especially in co-parenting. Annmarie shares her personal journey through divorce and how parts work and nervous system regulation helped her reclaim her power. They explore the role of self-awareness, compassion, and learning to respond from presence...

In this episode of the High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast , Brook Olsen sits down with therapist and author Christian Van Norberg to explore the power of radical listening —a practice that goes beyond active listening to foster deep connection and emotional regulation. They discuss how presence, curiosity, and internal awareness can help you disengage from conflict, stay grounded, and support your...

In this episode, Brook sits down with family law attorney Kelli Avallone to unpack the tricky dynamics of covert narcissism in custody battles and high-conflict divorces. They explore why labeling a co-parent as a narcissist can backfire, how courts really view psychological evaluations, and why focusing on evidence-based behavior is more effective than diagnosis. Kelli shares what covert narcissi...

In this episode, Brook sits down with divorce coach Kate Anthony to unpack the mindsets that truly help during divorce, especially in high-conflict co-parenting situations. They discuss why emotional reactions can backfire, how to shift from wanting "fairness" to focusing on what's legal and strategic, and the importance of boundaries and radical acceptance. With practical tips and compassionate a...

In this episode, Brook welcomes back Ross Rosenberg, author of The Human Magnet Syndrome and The Codependency Revolution, to dive deeper into the concept of Self-Love Deficit Disorder (SLDD)—a groundbreaking reframing of codependency. Together, they unpack how early attachment trauma shapes relationship dynamics, leading many into repeated cycles of caretaking, emotional depletion, and entanglemen...

In this episode, Brook speaks with John Riley from Gentle Response about the impact of body language in high-conflict co-parenting. They explore the ACE method—Appearance, Communication, and Engagement—and how small adjustments in posture, tone, and presence can de-escalate tense situations, whether in court, mediation, or daily interactions. Brook and John also discuss the power of self-awareness...

In this episode, Brook Olsen welcomes conflict engagement specialist and bestselling author Dana Caspersen to discuss how conflict can be an opportunity for growth rather than a problem to avoid. Dana shares insights from her book Conflict Is an Opportunity and explores how our mindset and belief systems shape the way we handle difficult situations. They dive into the power of shifting attention,...

In this episode, Brook welcomes Karen McEnany, The Good Divorce Coach, to discuss how setting the right foundation in divorce can significantly impact long-term outcomes. Divorce inherently carries conflict, but the way we navigate the early stages—our initial conditions—can determine whether the process will be calm, moderately contentious, or high-conflict. Brook and Karen explore how parents ca...

In this episode Brook and his guests Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry from the podcast Been There Got Out discuss the notion of High Conflict Detox. This is where a person/parent is stuck deeply in the habitual cycle of conflict and the nervous system maintains a high level of chronic activation. In order to break the cycle one must endure the discomfort of disengagement, develop a self awareness of t...

In this episode Brook has guest Rich Carr author of Surprised: The Science and Art of Engagement. Rich brings a bright and engaging look at how we as humans respond or react to an outside stimulus and in understanding the workings of the various part of the brain dictate how you will engage in or disengage with that stimulus. In high conflict or for that matter any relational interaction, getting...

In this episode Brook has esteemed guest, researcher, professor and author of the Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Steven Porges. Brook and Dr. Porges have a robust and educational conversation about how the vagus nerve influences the fear response, social connections and emotional regulations. It is important to understand the functional brain response in order to cognitively intervene for self regulation....

In this episode Brook has guest Elaine Taylor-Klaus, Author and Co-Founder of Impact Parents. Brook and Elaine have a robust conversation about parenting a child that is  neurodivergent and the challenges that go with the behaviors with being ADHD or on the spectrum of Autism. Deep in the discussion the conversation move in the direction of generational repetition and as adults having similar diag...

In this episode Brook and his guests Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry from the podcast Been There Got Out discuss the notion of High Conflict Detox. This is where a person/parent is stuck deeply in the habitual cycle of conflict and the nervous system maintains a high level of chronic activation. In order to break the cycle one must endure the discomfort of disengagement, develop a self awareness of t...

In this episode Brook and his guest  Derrick Chevalier discuss in depth the interconnection between negotiation in divorce and custody and first understanding what is on the playing field and who the players are first, before setting sail in the process. Getting yourself settled and using your unique knowledge of the situation in order to knit together the solution and the proper delivery system i...