We Chat Divorce Podcast

We’re kicking off Divorce Summer School with one of our most powerful and timely past episodes—now more relevant than ever. This conversation with marriage and relationship exit strategist, Tonya Carter dives deep into the emotional side of divorce: how to stop second-guessing, start trusting yourself, and build the confidence to take control of your financial future. If you're stuck in fear or se...

Paying for college is stressful—add divorce to the mix, and it gets even more complicated. In this episode, Karen sits down with college planning expert Vicki Vollweiler to unpack what divorcing parents need to know about the FAFSA process, financial aid, and protecting both your future and your child’s dreams. Vicki brings her unique expertise at the intersection of personal finance, college plan...

In this eye-opening episode of We Chat Divorce, we welcome Kara Chrobak, a Colorado-based family law attorney who brings deep insight into high-net-worth divorce, complex asset division, and marital agreements. Kara recently launched her own practice—Bespoke Law LLC—after over 15 years in big law. What we talk about with Kara: Why mediation sometimes feels more like pressure than resolution—and ho...

Should you take the lump sum or stick with monthly support payments? In this episode, Catherine and Karen unpack one of the most misunderstood yet consequential decisions in divorce: alimony buyouts. Together, they demystify how these lump sum payments are calculated, who truly benefits, and what hidden pitfalls can jeopardize your financial future. From passive income projections to payout timing...

Welcome to another behind-the-scenes episode of Divorce Explored, your unfiltered look at what really happens inside My Divorce Solution. In this episode, Catherine and Karen tackle the five most common — and misunderstood — money questions they hear from individuals considering or starting the divorce process. If you’ve ever wondered: "Can you just take a quick look at our agreement?" "Doesn’t my...

In this empowering and heartfelt episode, Catherine and Karen sit down with Dr. Tara Egan, founder of Egan Counseling & Consulting, to discuss the emotional and practical realities of co-parenting through divorce—especially in high-conflict situations. With over two decades of experience and her own personal journey through divorce, Dr. Egan shares real-world strategies that prioritize peace, prot...

In this empowering episode of We Chat Divorce, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew unpack the viral “Let Them” theory popularized by Mel Robbins—and apply it to the high-stress, emotionally charged context of divorce. While “letting them” can sound passive, Catherine and Karen reveal how it’s actually a strategy grounded in smart decision-making and emotional control. Learn how to let go of react...

In this insightful episode of We Chat Divorce, we sit down with New York matrimonial law expert Jacqueline Newman to uncover the real story behind cryptocurrency in divorce. From the early days of “Bitcoin parties” to high-stakes cases involving millions in crypto, Jacqueline shares her experience dealing with digital assets during complex marital dissolutions. Whether you're navigating a high-ass...

In this powerful episode, Jenny Stevens joins Karen and Catherine to explore how to manage emotions and make smart financial decisions during one of life’s most difficult transitions—divorce. Jenny shares her personal journey from being a breadwinner navigating her own divorce, single parenting, cancer diagnosis, and career change, to becoming a coach who helps others turn life’s adversities into...

If you’ve ever stared at a four-figure legal invoice and thought, “Where did my money go?” — this episode is for you. In this episode, Catherine and Karen break down the true cost of divorce and share how to spot red flags, avoid wasteful spending, and build a lean, efficient legal team. You'll hear about real-life examples of inflated invoices, underused experts, and clients who got burned by not...

In this powerful episode of WeChat Divorce, hosts Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan welcome Samantha Boss, high-conflict divorce coach and certified mediator, to discuss what a real parenting plan should look like—and why the standard legal templates aren’t nearly enough. Drawing from her personal experience and professional work with divorcing parents, Samantha shares why parenting plans must...

Hosts: Catherine Shanahan, CDFA & Karen Chellew, Legal LiaisonPresented by: My Divorce Solution You’ve done the work, your mediation date is approaching—and your spouse has barely provided more than a screenshot or two of their accounts. What now? In this episode, Catherine and Karen take you behind the scenes of what happens when mediation is scheduled but the documents just aren’t there. They wa...

In this empowering episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan welcome financial powerhouse Laura Webb, founder of Webb Investment Services and an advocate for women’s financial empowerment. Together, they dive deep into the emotional and practical barriers that keep women from owning their financial lives — and how to overcome them. From personal money stories to professional...

In this episode of WeChat Divorce, co-founders Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan unpack the themes from Time Magazine’s viral article, “When Having It All Becomes Wanting a Divorce” by Ada Calhoun. They explore the emotional and financial realities facing Gen X women navigating midlife questions, career shifts, and marriage fatigue. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, K...

In this powerful episode, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with Imago Relationship Therapist Colleen Kowal to explore the emotional complexities of marriage, divorce, and co-parenting. Drawing from her personal journey and years of professional experience, Colleen shares how relationship dynamics can lead to disconnect—and more importantly, how intentional conversations, discernment,...

In this episode, Karen and Catherine discuss the financial impact of starting divorce from the courtroom versus the kitchen table — and why preparation is everything, especially in high-conflict and high net worth cases. They break down costly mistakes, emotional traps, and the importance of data-driven decisions over emotional reactions. Mentioned in the Episode: AMG National Trust article on fin...

In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen and Catherine sit down with Shannon McGorry, a PCC-level ICF-accredited coach and founder of Love Strength and Grace. Shannon shares her personal divorce journey and how it led her to empower women through coaching. She helps women redefine their future—personally and professionally—by activating their Female Genius. Key Takeaways: 🔹 The Power of the Pivo...

In this episode of Divorce Explored, Karen and Catherine dive into a timely AARP article, "Financial Checklist for Remarrying After 50." Together, they unpack the essential financial considerations and emotional conversations you should have before saying "I do" again—whether you're 50 or not. Drawing from their personal experiences and professional expertise, they explore topics like: ✅ Exchangi...

In this episode of We Chat Divorce, hosts Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with Nicole Farhat, a Certified Divorce Coach and former My Divorce Solution (MDS) client. Nicole shares her personal journey through divorce and how MDS empowered her with financial clarity, saving her thousands in legal fees while securing a successful financial outcome. From skepticism about her spouse’s par...

Tax season comes around fast, and for those navigating divorce, tax decisions can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan break down the key considerations you need to keep in mind when filing your taxes before, during, or after divorce. Key Takeaways: ✔️ Filing Status Matters – Understanding the differences between filing jointly, married filing separately, head o...

Divorce is a life-changing legal and financial process, but understanding your rights and financial landscape can make all the difference. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, we sit down with top divorce attorney and award-winning author, Bree Sullivan Howell, Esq., to discuss financial clarity, courtroom strategies, and common pitfalls in divorce settlements. Bree shares insights from her 20+ yea...

Divorce is already an emotionally charged and financially challenging process—but what happens when the industry itself makes things even harder? In this episode, Karen and Catherine pull back the curtain on the divorce process, shedding light on inefficiencies, costly mistakes, and systemic issues that can leave individuals feeling powerless. They discuss why so many divorcing individuals struggl...

Navigating co-parenting after divorce is challenging, especially when it comes to balancing custody, finances, and communication. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, we sit down with attorney Nicole Kobis to discuss how to create a strong parenting plan that prioritizes the well-being of children while maintaining financial stability. Nicole brings her legal expertise in family law, mediation, and...

Divorce isn’t just about ending a relationship—it’s about reclaiming your financial future. In this episode, we explore how to navigate the emotional and financial challenges of divorce while setting yourself up for long-term independence. What We Cover: The importance of assessing your financial position before making any major decisions How to understand and differentiate between assets & liabil...

In this insightful episode, Karen and Catherine are joined by dating and relationship expert Bela Gandhi to explore the world of second chances in love and finances after divorce. Bela shares her expertise on how to approach dating with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and prioritize emotional and financial well-being. Together, they discuss how to rebuild after divorce, recognize red flags in r...