The Divorce Doctor

Sometimes, healing after a divorce can feel impossible. For many women, marriage was presented to us as the fulfillment of all of our hopes, dreams, desires, and personhood. Our guest this week, Martha Bodyfelt, shares that when she got married, she had this picture of herself and her husband as a “power couple” who were going to grow old gracefully together. But, when cracks started to appear and divorce became necessary, she shared that she felt as if her entire identity and sense of self crumbled like a cookie.

To move forward, she had to get curious and start asking herself questions about what she liked, what she wanted, and what made her feel alive. This sense of curiosity led her to discover a love for pastry cooking and start to dream about a future that could be beautiful and full–even without a husband. Since her own journey of discovery, she has helped countless other women find freedom from the feeling of being stuck in a marriage fantasy and move into a place of self-discovery, connection to self, and purpose after divorce.

Martha Bodyfelt is a certified divorce recovery coach who teaches divorced women how to break free from the patterns that keep them stuck so they can feel fulfilled, have more fun, and live fearlessly. In the past 5 years, she has professionally coached over 100 women using the LionHeart Method, a no-BS, empowering solution that helps women recover from divorce pain and thrive in a matter of weeks, not years. Martha has also served as a divorce expert contributor to the Huffington Post, Elephant Journal, Psychology Today, and Thrive Global, where her advice has impacted over 10 million divorced women.

Learn more about Martha by visiting her website at https://marthabodyfelt.com/ 

And if you want your own Divorce Goddess Recovery Guide AND want to discover the real reason you’re feeling stuck after divorce–head over to https://marthabodyfelt.com/ and sign up. You won’t regret it! 

“Amicable” is not a word that many divorcees use to describe their divorce processes. However, Jessica Klingbaum has gone through not just one, but two divorces that both ended amicably on good terms. So, how did she do it? That is the question we explore on this week’s podcast.

Jessica’s first marriage ended when her husband was caught having an affair, and although that was emotionally devastating for Jessica, it was important to her that they end their divorce on good terms for the sake of their two kids. Through humility and hard work on both sides, along with Jessica’s own positive attitude and strength, she and her ex remain friends. Her second marriage didn’t end quite so dramatically. Instead, she came to the realization a couple of years in that she was feeling depressed, anxious, and just kind of blue all of the time. She had to ask herself if she wanted her kids to experience their last years at home with a mom who was not herself, or a mom who was joyful and full of life–and she and her husband made the hard choice to end the marriage for the sake of their individual happiness.

Jessica is a former Emmy-nominated TV producer, co-founder of the online digital media community exEXPERTS, and co-host of the podcast Divorce etc... Jessica is also a certified aromatherapist and devoted advocate of essential oils, which she began using after getting divorced in order to relax and find calm amid the chaos. Her story is one you will want to be sure to listen to, as she has lots more wisdom to share with us about journeying divorce well.

Learn more about Jessica by visiting her website at www.exexperts.comYou can also find her on social media:@exexperts (IG)www.Facebook.com/exexperts

AND, if you visit the website or listen in to the podcast, you can get access to FREE content on 

exexperts.com and our Divorce etc...podcast.  A new app is coming soon  with an opportunity to meet others who GET IT and live events to access the exEXPERTS - both T.H. & Jessica and our vetted divorce professionals.

Ellen Bruno has journeyed all across the globe as a documentary filmmaker, bringing awareness to many humanitarian and human rights injustices. But one of the most exhilarating and treacherous journeys she has ever taken was her journey of divorce.

Ellen herself had divorced parents and she shares that it was a very difficult and emotionally fraught experience for her growing up. So when she and her husband were heading towards divorce, Ellen was determined that this divorce process and aftermath would be a better experience for her own children. However, things didn't go as she hoped. As Ellen shares her story, she explains the power of recognizing that sometimes, all you can do is your best and let go of the rest–and that doing so can lead to so much freedom to move forward in healthy, energized ways.

You don’t want to miss this week’s podcast. Not only does Ellen share with us her own story and experiences, but she also shares a little about the documentary film she directed and produced as a result of her divorce experience called “Split.” It’s a film that every parent and kid of a divorced family should watch, as it centers on interviewing and exploring the feelings and experiences of 12 children of divorced parents. And, she has another film coming out–“Split 2”–which is set to be just as insightful and powerful as the first.

Learn more about Ellen by visiting her website at http://www.splitfilm.org/ 

T.H. Irwin is always moving forward. Throughout her lifetime, she’s had to reinvent herself several times both personally and professionally, and through this process, she has learned how to evolve and grow through every challenge. She has a background in marketing, strategy, experiential events, and community development, and is also the co-founder of Ex Experts with her current partner. She’s been single, married, divorced mom, and now in a partnership again, and she shares her story with us  this week on the podcast.

T.H. has such a moving story. She shares with us this week that her husband’s mistress saved her life because she was able to finally get the push she needed to leave the marriage. And while the divorce was necessary and turned out for the best, it was a long, heartrending, expensive process that T.H. doesn’t shy away from sharing with us. And after things were finalized, T.H. went through an even longer process of healing from the hurt and the trauma of her marriage, and she shares with us what that healing journey was like, and how she’s found a sense of self-confidence she’s never had before.

You won’t want to miss this week’s conversation with T.H. It is eye-opening, inspiring, encouraging, and is sure to remind you that no matter what you may be going through, you have what it takes to keep moving forward.

Learn more about T.H. Irwin by visiting her website at www.exexperts.com. Or, visit them on Facebook, Instagram, or catch their Podcast on most major streaming platforms.

If you visit their website, be sure to check out the FREE content on it, and keep your eyes out for a new app coming soon that’ll provide an opportunity to meet others who GET IT!

This is the question that Susyn Reeve first asked herself when she was 14 years old, and it is a question that continues to guide her work and life today. Throughout the years, Susyn has come to understand that a loving relationship with yourself builds the foundation of every other relationship in your life. Her work is rooted in helping others deeply apply this concept to their lives.

In 1997, Susyn was internally battling deep self-loathing, the belief that there was something wrong with her and that there was no escape from the recurrent misery, isolation, and shame she had felt during much of her life. She knew something needed to change in her own heart so she could live a life open to love and happiness in the future. So, she began this deep healing work to move from a mindset of “I’m Not Enough” to “I Love Me.” That journey was transformative for her, and now she works to help others do the same.

Susyn offers individual and group workshops focused on combining deep heart healing and creative expression to move people from places of shame to places of bold self-acceptance. She’s even offering a free resource to listeners of this week’s podcast because she wants everyone to begin the powerful journey of self-love in their own lives!

Learn more about Susyn by visiting her website at https://susynreeve.com/ 

What is the hardest part about divorce? 

For Alexandra Eva-May, it was dealing with feelings of shame and self-worth. After the divorce, it became learning how to live alone and foster a sense of independence. Knowing that her story could benefit others going through a complicated and traumatic divorce, she wrote Her Awakening: One Woman’s Journey to Healing After Divorce, available on Amazon. Alexandra didn’t stop there, however. You can find her on her podcast Heal and Thrive After Heartbreak, and you can also find her on Instagram. 

Alexandra believes that despite the trauma divorce can bring, it will eventually become something greater if you just have hope. She went from feeling worthless to realizing that she can survive hard things and that the view from the other side is beautiful.

She is determined to help others in their path to healing from divorce, despite what the inner voice says about being “too young,” “too invested,” or “too broken.” 

Alexandra Eva-May is a writer, blogger, motivational speaker, mental health advocate, and divorcée who is on a mission to help others on their healing journey after divorce. You can often find her on her blog or Instagram, sharing how she healed from her own split. She is in constant pursuit of peace, light, and happiness and works to motivate others to seek the same.

Learn more about Alexandra Eva-May by visiting her website at https://www.thesplendidpath.com/ 

after her divorce in 2017, it felt like Stella Papadopoulos’ world had fallen apart. At age 60, after 25 years of marriage, she felt stuck. She knows many, many women find themselves in this exact same situation and started working to help them. Stella used her savvy business skills and can-do attitude to build her business from the ground up and has recently self-published “I’m Getting Divorced Where Do I Start?” on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Im-Getting-Divorced-Where-Start-ebook/dp/B088X66JVZ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1591720921&sr=8-1] . Along with this, she uses all of her experiences to help women facing divorce reclaim their life. She is now launching a program called “Starting Your Second Act,” which will include a video course (Breakup to Breakthrough), 1:1 consulting, and more.

Her philosophy is: You know what you want, need, and deserve. Now it’s all about figuring out your willingness to go after it. You don’t know where it will lead, but you know you need to start somewhere. You are at the right place!

Stella is focused on shattering the myth that it is too late to start over and demonstrates that you can create a new life after 40, or 50, or in her case, 60!

She seeks to walk alongside you as you rediscover the inspired, enthusiastic woman you wanted to be before you became the emotional glue of the household and took responsibility for everyone’s challenges. Your second act can be better than your first. It’s time to remember the dreams you abandoned along the path to adulting.

You can learn more about Stella by visiting her website at Inspirationsbystella.com or by checking out her YouTube channel.

After experiencing the divorce of her parents at the age of 3, Bella decided she wanted to become a voice for the people out there who also have been through a divorce. She has become an advocate for many. Although she believes every story is different, she is using her words on her website to help those who have also experienced a divorce. She believes that she did not have the skills to properly cope with the effects of divorce, so her life now is dedicated to showing others how to cope, speak about their story, and to find comfort that many out there are going through similar situations.   Her posts on her BLOG [https://www.akidwithtwohomes.com/]  share the experiences she has dealt with. Many are the struggles of conflict, handling holidays with two homes, and navigating how society deals with divorced children. In her well-written words, she often validates the feelings of children of divorced parents and shares her experience with forgiveness. Bella’s words, whether written or spoken, have brought hope, encouragement, and truth to those who are also known as “kid with two homes.”

Want to hear more from Bella? Check out her blog! It is free and accessible: https://www.akidwithtwohomes.com/

Everyone resonates with a story like Tiphany Kane’s. Tiphany grew up in a patriarchal family dictated by religion. Though she left the church at 20, the relationship foundations she learned stayed with her. Tiphany went above and beyond to make her marriage work, and abuse wasn’t enough to make her leave.

After a life-changing event, Tiphany realized that her marriage was toxic and needed to end. As she faced the financially devastating journey of divorce, Tiphany realized how important it is to also keep her family intact. It hasn’t been easy, but Tiphany has done her best to keep her children and their father on good terms.

Today, Tiphany looks back and is glad she had the foresight to see that abuse is complicated, and more often than not, it’s hard to make “the decision” to leave. Through the twists and turns, she’s developed an empowering message on handling abuse and making the most out of co-parenting.

Learn more about Tiphany by visiting her website at https://tiphanykane.com/

Interested in self-love? She also offers a free guide that shows simple ways to practice self-love.

https://www.subscribepage.com/loveandlifeselflove

When asked to describe her divorce in one word, this week’s podcast guest, Michelle Sarao, said “necessary.” Michelle felt she had no room to breathe, reflect, or grow up in her marriage, but it wasn’t until a few years after her divorce that she was able to see this. 

Outside of her marriage, Michelle was able to see herself in a new light and pursue healing in deeply impactful ways. Her message to listeners is: if you’re in the thick of it, have faith and trust in yourself and those who have gone before you; you are not alone and you will get through it.

Michelle Sarao is the founder of Divorce Rx and is a professional organizer who focuses on the unique needs of divorcing and divorced families. She combines her professional background as an educator and organizer with her personal background as a child of divorce and a divorced mother of three to help families organize their homes and lives when transitioning from one home to two. Michelle passionately believes that when children are in an environment that is organized and calm, it translates into a feeling of predictability and safety at a time when they need it most. Her passion for her work stems from the desire to help parents show up for themselves and their children during divorce in a way that makes them proud.

Learn more about Michelle by visiting her website at www.divorce-rx.com or following her on Instagram @divorce_rx and Facebook @MichelleSarao/Divorcerx

As a special gift to our listeners, Michelle is offering 50% off a Power Hour (a one-time virtual organizing session valued at $75) or 25% off any organizing packages (three or six sessions - these are virtual or in-person).

Gabby Gast found herself in a marriage that wore her down. Her ex made her believe that no one would love her like he would because of her cystic fibrosis. Over the years, Gabby outlived her life expectancy and they expanded their family by adopting two beautiful children. Gabby continued to build a career for herself; this allowed her to focus on the beautiful parts of life and less about her marriage.

It wasn’t until a holiday trip that Gabby was able to see all the aspects of her marriage and the abusive tendencies her ex displayed. With her children in mind, Gabby knew it was in everyone's best interests to end the marriage.

Now Gabby works as a co-parenting and blended family coach, where she dedicates her energy to ensuring that family can still be connected even after divorce.

Gabby’s story is inspiring and incredibly raw. 

Learn more about Gabby at her website https://www.gabbygast.com/

If you’re a step-parent, you know how complicated that relationship can feel. For starters, society tells us stepparents are evil and someone to be despised. Changing our roles as bonus parents begins with the language we use and the consideration we employ as we speak to and about our children. It’s a layered dynamic, but that doesn’t have to mean it’s bad. 

This week’s podcast guest, Christina McGhee, reminds us to play the long game, and not to get caught up in the short haul. Merging histories requires mindfulness and withholding our judgements and assumptions. Whether you feel like you’re a pro, or messing up everyday, just remember - where you are right now isn’t where you will always be, and you can always recalibrate.

Christina McGhee is a speaker and divorce parenting expert who believes divorce doesn't have 

to equal devastation for families. While splitting up is undeniably hard, with the right kind of information and support, she thinks parents can be children's absolute best resource as life changes.  

As a coach with 20+ years of experience, Christina is dedicated to providing parents with the tools and practical support they need to get it right for their kids. She is also the author of the highly acclaimed book, Parenting Apart: How separated and divorced parents can raise happy and secure kids. 

As a child of divorce and as a bonus mom (aka step-mom), Christina has had plenty of opportunity to practice what she preaches.  Together she and her husband have four “adultish” children (2 bonus, 2 bio). During her tenure as a hands-on parent, she acquired extensive on-the-job training as a chauffeur, negotiator, short-order cook, scheduler extraordinaire and finder of all things lost.

Learn more about Christina by visiting her website at https://www.divorceandchildren.com or following her on social media:

IG : @christina_mcghee

FB: @divorceandchildren

Li: @christinamcghee

If you’ve ever been betrayed, you understand the utter shock and devastation of being blindsided. Betrayal is terribly painful, and though no one wants to study betrayal, this week’s podcast guest did exactly that.

Debi Silber experienced two betrayals back to back. It began with a really painful family betrayal, and a couple years later it happened again. This time it was her husband. After looking at the two experiences Debi couldn’t help but wonder, what is the common denominator?

This question set Debi on a journey to understand what holds us back, what helps us heal, and what happens to us physically, mentally, and emotionally when the people closest to us lie, cheat and deceive? Debi found 3 groundbreaking discoveries that changed her health, her family, her business, and her life, and she’s sharing her wisdom with us today.

Dr. Debi Silber is the founder of the PBT (Post Betrayal Transformation) Institute and is a holistic psychologist, a health, mindset and personal development expert, the author of Trust Again, and is a 2-time #1 International bestselling author of The Unshakable Woman and From Hardened to Healed: The Effortless Path to Release Resistance, Get Unstuck and Create a Life You Love. Her recent PhD study on how we experience betrayal made 3 groundbreaking discoveries that change how long it takes to heal. In addition to being on FOX, CBS, The Dr. Oz Show, TEDx (twice) and more, she’s an award-winning speaker and coach dedicated to helping people move past their betrayals as well as any other blocks preventing them from the health, work, relationships, confidence, and happiness they want most.

Learn more about Debi by visiting her website at https://thepbtinstitute.com/ and be sure to take her ‘Healed or Hardened’ Quiz here. You can also follow Debi on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Attaching our identity to the labels and expectations handed to us, like “good wife” and “loving mom,” can cause us to lose our sense of self. 

It wasn’t until this week’s podcast guest, Brittany Churchill, went through her divorce that she realized just what she had been giving up in her marriage. As Brittany puts it, she was placed on this earth to be Brittany. If she couldn’t actively live into who she was unmistakably made to be, she was denying the very reason she was given life. Though it was hard for her to envision what her future would look like outside of her marriage, she knew it would be harder for her to stay. 

Brittany Churchill is an author, speaker, entrepreneur and single mom of two kids with a big heart to help women awaken to their worth and tap into their personal power. While getting divorced, moving states, and going back to work full-time, she wrote her first book called Tap In Not Out: How overwhelmed moms can reclaim peace, cultivate a better life and thrive. She has developed her own TAP IN Method based on her book and divorce healing which she guides women through their inner blueprint to ignite a more fulfilling life.

Learn more about Brittany Churchill by visiting her website at https://www.thebrittanychurchill.com/  and learn more about the TAP IN Method here https://bit.ly/TAPINMethodIntroVideo.

Harmony was living the “dream.” She and her husband met as yoga teachers and were traveling the world exploring their practice together. Once they finally settled down, Harmony began to hear the first whispers that something wasn’t right.

Though she felt unfulfilled in her marriage, separating from her husband would mean jeopardizing their business and her belonging in the yoga community. But eventually that didn’t matter anymore. When she finally admitted she would rather die than live one more day this way, she knew it was time to choose herself.

This week’s podcast guest, Harmony Slater, shows us how courageous it is to step out and choose a life of alignment.

Harmony is one of only a few Certified Ashtanga Yoga Teachers in North America. She is a Certified Wellness and Life Coach, and Host of the Finding Harmony Podcast. She has shared her experiences around practicing yoga through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond in the books: 'Yoga Sadhana for Mothers' and 'Strength and Grace: A collection of Essays by Women of Ashtanga Yoga.' She has a wealth of knowledge to offer listeners based on her personal experiences of facing the many difficult challenges life has brought her way.

Connect with Harmony for a free 30-minute coaching session by visiting her website at harmonyslater.com and follow her on instagram @harmonyslateryoga. 

After her second divorce, Renee Bauer found herself compartmentalizing her life. On the outside, she was a professional and successful attorney, but on the inside, the shame and self-doubt were becoming too much to handle. 

When Renee finally started talking, she realized that telling her story helped to destigmatize the shame she felt, along with the shame others felt too. 

This week’s podcast guest, Renee Bauer, is a divorce attorney, author, and host of the Happy Even After Podcast. She is committed to educating and empowering women to use their divorce as an opportunity to create a life they love. Having gone through 2 divorces herself and having lived in the shame of it all, it's her mission to remove the stigma of divorce so no one has to suffer in silence. Renee is convinced that when we follow our intuition, it will all work out exactly the way it's supposed to, and we too can be happy, even after the divorce.

Learn more about Renee Bauer by visiting her website at www.msreneebauer.com and check out her free mini video course called ‘First Steps to Freedom.’

https://course.thedcourse.com/free-video-opt-in1614706932884 

Are you living in your comfort zone? What would happen if you stepped beyond it? It takes courage to be vulnerable, and vulnerability is necessary for transformation. That’s why I’m so excited to have Jennifer Ciplet as my guest this week to talk about how her divorce journey has shown her what it means to truly be herself and allowed her to lead a life of authenticity. That can be your story, too.

Jenn is interested in the personal and societal transformations that are possible when we step out of our comfort zones, approach life with courage and curiosity, and lead with our best selves forward. She is a Certified Divorce Coach and the co-founder of Avail Divorce. After 14 years of marriage with 3 children, Jenn and her husband divorced 3 years ago.

Learn more about Jenn and Avail Divorce by visiting her website at https://availdivorce.com. 

Jenn and her team at Avail are getting ready to release a new Co-Parenting App that helps modern families stay organized and on the same page with tools like in-app communication, shared expense tracking, photos, videos, and more! Sign up using the link below today and you’ll be notified when the app becomes available. https://availdivorce.com/co-parenting-app

Ilyssa Panitz decided to create and become the first Divorce Journalist by combining her personal experience with divorce with her professional background.

Ilyssa was not only frustrated by the process but noticed no one else in per profession was covering “divorce” on a daily basis the way they do: politics, business, medical, entertainment, sports & weather. So Ilyssa decided to start a column that would cover every and any angle of “divorce” to help people survive and thrive from what can be a difficult time: emotionally, mentally & financially.

Since its inception in September 2020, Ilyssa’s work has expanded to a nationally syndicated radio show called, “The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz” that can be heard every Saturday on CRN Digital Talk Radio, Spotify, iTunes, and Google Podcasts.

How do you know if you are experiencing financial abuse? Are you kept out of the loop on your finances, given a small amount of money to pay for groceries, and made to feel guilty for asking for more? These are signs you may be experiencing financial abuse in your marriage. If any of this resonates, there are resources for you, and this week’s podcast guest, Stacey Francis is here to share them and empower you. 

Stacy is a nationally-recognized financial expert and the President and CEO of Francis Financial, a boutique, fee-only wealth management, financial planning and divorce financial planning firm. Francis Financial specializes in serving women, with a focus in working with those who have gone through divorce or lost a spouse. She is also the founder of Savvy Ladies™, a nonprofit that has provided free personal finance education and resources to over 15,000 women. When Stacy is not being interviewed on CNBC, the WSJ and Kiplinger, or being recognized as a top wealth advisor by Forbes, Investment News and the Financial Planning Association, she is hosting Financially Ever After, a podcast focusing on women, money and divorce.

Learn more about Stacey by visiting her website at www.francisfinancial.com/contact/ for a complimentary consultation. She can answer any questions you may have and make sure you are on the path to living a financially secure life.

Did you hear a small voice whisper to you that you shouldn’t marry the person you married? It’s easy to ignore our intuition. But when we do, it can lead to so much anger and resentment. We knew better, but now here we are. 

This week’s podcast guest, Tonya Carter, shares about the anger and powerlessness she felt immediately after her divorce. It wasn’t until she decided to take back her power and rewrite the narrative that she found her purpose and fulfillment in life. According to Tonya, too often we put periods where only commas belong.  

Tonya Carter is an author, speaker & Relationship Transformation Coach. Her speciality is helping women navigate through the process of uncoupling by providing ‎support, advice, resources and tools that will help mitigate interruptions in their business, work ‎performance and household obligations. ‎

She has written a book titled Divorce Your Story: A Woman’s Guide to Heal & Thrive after Divorce and ‎also facilitates a 12 week Masterclass that walks women through the process of overcoming divorce ‎and healing.‎

She also has a podcast called The Reinvent U Podcast, which focuses on mindset, emotions, finances, ‎health, faith, love, parenting and building meaningful relationships where she helps others become the best version of themselves ‎in their personal lives, families and professional environment. ‎

Tonya is from Atlanta where she resides with her two children‎.

Learn more about Tonya Carter by visiting her website https://www.tonyacarter.com/, following her on Instagram @mstonyaspeaks, and download your free copy of 7 Ways to Recover.

Sometimes leaving can be hard. This week’s podcast guest Marie Fraser was married to a man with narcissistic personality traits for 27 years, which ended in a seven-year acrimonious divorce. Marie’s experience navigating her difficult marriage and being a mother to a child with special needs highlighted how lonely and isolating divorce can feel, especially when all others see is a pretty privileged life. Her advice to us is that we know ourselves better than anyone else. We can be our own best friend. 

Marie’s previous career in corporate management equipped her to redesign her life and now she practices as a clinical hypnotherapist, transformational therapist and certified life coach. No matter what hell we’ve gone through, Marie encourages us that we can still experience a full and wonderful life. 

Learn more about Marie Fraser by visiting her website at www.mariefraser.com and following her on Instagram @mariefraser__. 

Take her quiz “Are You Over Your Ex” and check out her Masterclass while you’re there.

Have you ever stayed in a relationship because you thought you had to? Maybe you didn’t think you had other options, or you didn’t trust you would be okay on your own. This week’s podcast guest, Vasavi Kumar, shares vulnerably about the journey she’s taken after her divorce to finding and loving herself. The day she realized she didn’t need a man to confirm her worth, she saw her life through fresh eyes. Now Vasavi uses her life’s experiences to help other women find freedom in their own adventurous selves, too.

Vasavi is a Visibility and Confidence Coach, and Founder of the Real Rich community. Through her membership community and podcast, Being Human with Vasavi, she helps entrepreneurs feel more confident on camera and clear in their creative process. She’s been featured in the Wall Street Journal, FOX, VH1, and was a regular on NBC’s Kansas City Live as the “Keepin’ It Real” guru. 

For more from Vasavi and to learn more about how you can stop hiding and start shining in your business, stop by her Instagram @mynameisvasavi or vasavikumar.com. 

What beliefs were instilled in you that you had to unlearn in your divorce? This week’s podcast guest, Paulette Rigo, describes what it is like to come to terms with living the life that you've chosen, not the life that others want for you. As a dancer, Paulette was taught that the show must go on. The idea that you should never let others see you sweat communicated another message to her: stay silent. 

After confronting these harmful internalized beliefs, Paulette began creating a life that was congruent with her desires. She is a Credentialed Mediator, Certified Divorce Coach, Trauma Informed Recovery Coach, Career Transition Specialist, Book Writing Coach, Speaker, Host and Author. Her new book, Better Divorce Blueprint, and its accompanying workbook, along with the No Matter What card deck, Thriving in Chaos Project Podcast, Best Life Ever Private Island Retreats and Better Divorce Academy, are all tools she created and utilizes to help her clients create an optimal divorce experience and the new life chapter they deserve and desire.

It is Paulette’s personal 8.5 year litigated and appellant experience and expertise that makes her so skilled in allowing her clients to stay in control, stay out of court (if possible), and maintain their dignity. She helps them create the right team of professionals from the early stage of contemplation, to the necessary final steps of healing using practical tools, inspiration and a proven wellness model.

Learn more about Paulette by visiting her websites at betterdivorceacademy.com and bettercareerproject.com

Be sure to check out her book, Better Divorce Blueprint and the accompanying workbook.

And for our listeners, Paulette is offering a free digital version of the NO Matter What deck of 52 inspirational cards.

Follow Paulette on Instagram @betterdivorceacademy, Twitter @paulettegloria, and Facebook @paulettegloriarigo

Did your husband leave you? Whether you had a feeling something was decaying in your marriage, or you were blindsided, the feelings in the aftermath are the same. It’s easy to feel like you don’t know where to go or what to do.

That is exactly how this week’s guest felt when her husband left her. Julie Starr, author of Your Husband Left, Now What? is an award winning social issues advocate for human rights and environmental protection. Julie has long been a dreamer and a doer. Trained first as a professional dance therapist (a 4 year degree from York University in Toronto), Julie moved into life coaching, founding Possibility Life Coaching for Women. 

Today, Julie works intimately with individuals and groups of women who have experienced a husband leaving and are eager to move through the grief to live their better life. Julie's been there, done that! 

Right now Julie is generously offering a free 30 min clarity call for anyone who wants to consider where they are, where they want to go, and what’s getting in the way. 

Learn more by visiting her website at https://possibilitycoaching.net/about-julie/ 

Divorce is painful and our upbringing can play a huge role in how our family and friends choose to respond to our pain. This week’s podcast guest, Karen Chellew, shares her story of navigating divorce in a religious setting, and how she worked through her questions on her own and with her kids.

The feelings we face during a divorce are complicated and it’s easy to let guilt and shame convince us that we don’t deserve what’s ours in the negotiation process. People rarely talk about all the overwhelming legalities and financial decisions that need to be made in a divorce. What you want more than anything is a trusted guide who has your back and who understands what it’s like to walk in your shoes. 

Karen is a true gift to anyone going through this process. She is the Co-Founder of My Divorce Solution, a team that includes a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) who can develop your financial portrait, the quintessential financial document any couple needs to make clear financial decisions for their future. As a Legal Liaison, Karen helps support your legal team and facilitates connections with critical resources. With her team’s combined professional and personal experience, they are uniquely qualified to assist clients through the divorce process.

Learn more about Karen Chellew by visiting her website at https://mydivorcesolution.com/  and following her on social media:

Instagram - @mydivorcesolution

Twitter - @mydivorcesolution

Facebook Group - We Chat Divorce Financially Speaking - https://www.facebook.com/groups/mydivorcesolution/ 

Be sure to join her for the 2021 Mrs. to Me Summit held October 22, 2021 – October 24 at Hilton Head Island, SC. For more information visit https://mydivorcesolution.com/mrs2me-summit-2021/ 

This week on The Divorce Doctor Podcast, I interviewed Michele Traina. After marrying the person from her first long-term relationship, Michele knew it wasn’t going to last. As a performer, she felt more of a rush during her on-stage appearances rather than on her wedding day.

Michele shares how her attraction to a coworker pushed her to look inward and discover what she wanted from intimate relationships. From that point, Michele knew divorce was the best course of action. Her fearlessness brought her to a life of creative fulfillment and peace with her ex.

Learn more about Natasha by visiting her website at www.divorcediariesshow.com  

This week on The Divorce Doctor Podcast, I sat down with Natasha C. Dewhirst. After surviving a traumatic childhood, Natasha lived with PTSD and after repeating relationship patterns during her marriage she developed Chronic Fatigue and needed a wheelchair. 

During the interview, Natasha shares her journey on how she divorced her husband, healed herself from Chronic Fatigue and is now on a mission to support women who live in a constant state of survival and burnout due to faulty childhood beliefs and dysfunctional relationships.

Learn more about Natasha by visiting her website at https://natashacarltondewhirst.com/ 

Did you resonate with Natasha’s story? Take her quiz to see if you’re close to burning out. http://bit.ly/burnoutreset 

On this week’s episode of the Divorce Doctor Podcast, I spoke with Tiffany Harnsongkram. She helps divorcees find the courage to survive and thrive through divorce without guilt and shame. Tiffany is the founder of From Divorce to Destiny, which is a conscious divorce platform where she offers coaching and education. 

In this interview, Tiffany reveals the transformation she had to make when she was only granted 30% custody of her daughters. Tiffany discovered the flaws in the legal system and how she could be the best mother when she wasn’t around as much as she planned. It’s an inspiring story that has an incredible resolution.

Learn more about Tiffany by visiting her website at https://www.fromdivorcetodestiny.com/

While most divorces will have a catalyst event that leads to the divorce, such as addiction or infidelity, Kiki had a different experience. For some, divorce happens from within. We don’t hear from them often, but we should. Kiki’s divorce came when she and her ex-husband realized that they loved each other but were also growing apart.

This week on The Divorce Doctor Podcast, I interviewed Kiki Orr. A novice blogger and host of Just Bloom, a podcast that reminds all of us it’s never too late to find happiness. Kiki’s divorce allowed her to bloom into a new woman, one that refuses to settle and finds validation in her heart.

Learn more about Kiki by visiting her website at https://www.kikiorr.com/ 

Tracy Malone’s divorce was described to her as, “the most tortured” in her town’s history by her judge. After seven hearings and a slew of false allegations, Tracy was legally removed from her narcissistic ex, but their relationship left her with lessons she would never forget. From this she became a coach, author, and founder of NarcissisticAbuseSupport.com. Tracy takes pride in making lemons out of lemonade and sharing it with everyone!

This week on the Divorce Doctor Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Tracy. She fearlessly dives into her experience with narcissism within her family and marriage. Tracy’s presence is calming, assuring, and inspiring. Her insight proves that you can heal from narcissistic abuse with the right support. 

Learn more about Tracy by visiting her website at https://narcissistabusesupport.com/

There you can also find support if you are or know someone who is experiencing narcissistic abuse.

Life moves fast, and sometimes you may feel like you have no power in the direction of it’s flow. True freedom is recognizing that you always have autonomy over your life, and that you can and should make the decisions that work best for you.

Janine Wirth, the trauma whisper, is an internationally recognized trauma expert, licensed psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and business coach. She helps women worldwide heal and create impact fun and financial freedom.

In this episode, Janine and I discussed her marriage at 19 years old, the power of learning to enjoy your own company, and giving your children a childhood they won’t need to recover from.

Learn more about Janine by visiting her website at https://janinewirth.com/ 

It can be hard to do what’s best for yourself. It takes time, hope, and a whole lot of courage to make the leap toward a more fulfilling life. My recent guest on the Divorce Doctor Podcast shows us a beautiful example of what it takes to show up for yourself.

“Joyologist” Tricia Huffman is on a mission to inspire you to claim your joy and own who you are.  While living out her first dream as a touring sound engineer, she saw that everyone, including the people we think “have it all” often still don’t feel fulfilled enough and fight doubts, fears, and worries everyday. With her unique background and knowledge in self-care and wellness, and the entertainment world, she first created her “Joyology” to keep artists healthy, grounded and inspired in body and mind while on tour. She works with everyone from Grammy Award winning artists to stay at home moms, to become and commit to the person they know they are capable of being deep down and keep them in integrity with who they want to be in the world and most importantly for themselves.

In this episode, Tricia and I discussed the experience of coming to terms with the fact that someone who you really love may not always be the right match for you, and how to find the courage to believe in yourself.

Learn more about Tricia by visiting her website at https://yourjoyologist.com/

“Opposites attract, but they don't last.”

I’m always inspired by the wonderful guests I get to have on The Divorce Doctor. The wisdom my guests are able to share, what they gained through their divorce, is truly inspiring. You never know where an experience like divorce can take you. My recent guest, Regina DeMeo, is certainly an example of that.

Regina has been helping families in the DC area with family law issues for over 20 years. Since 2007, she has also practiced mediation and collaborative divorce. For two years, she hosted a TV show to help families tackle major issues. In 2012, she became a legal commentator for Sirius XM and in 2013 she appeared on Good Morning America. The past 10 years, she has been a frequent guest lecturer at law schools, and in 2019 was an adjunct professor at the GW University Family Law Clinic. She's been featured in The Washington Post, as well as Bethesda Magazine. She's frequently quoted in the media as an expert in family law, who candidly shares her own experience going through the divorce process and the challenges of being a single mom.

On this episode of The Divorce Doctor, Regina and I discuss how her divorce led her to finding her biological father. Her story is certainly inspiring and unique.

Learn more about Regina by visiting her website at www.reginademeo.com 

“My ex is my greatest teacher.”

When you’re going through divorce, it can be hard to see the light at the end of this dark, lonely, and agonizing tunnel. You may start to wonder where you went wrong, how you never saw it coming, and regret every second leading up to now. But what if every breakdown you had with your ex was exactly the breakthrough you needed?

Karen Stanley was a single mom for eight years and she finally experienced real love after dealing with abuse, going through divorce, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and repossession of her car all while raising two kids alone. After struggling with self-worth and attracting the wrong partner time and time again, she wondered if she could use similar strategies that she used in business to create a plan to build her self-worth with easy to implement actionable steps. So she built a plan and it worked and she shares it with others in her book, The Single Mom’s Guide to Creating the Life You Want. 

On this episode of The Divorce Doctor, Karen and I discuss how her painful breakdown with divorce actually became her greatest breakthrough. Her story of struggle and survival serves as a light to those stuck in the darkness of divorce.

Learn more about Karen by visiting her website at https://mrskarenstanley.com/ 

“What will people think?”

Divorce is often painful and can feel like something or someone we loved has died. Our dreams are dashed, our futures uncertain, and our belief in love or ourselves is questioned. But perhaps the most painful part of the process is breaking the news to others: What will they think of the perfect, little family they believed us to be? How will our children handle this new arrangement?

Diane Sorensen is the creator of the Beauty in Behavior parent coaching program and podcast and holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and Behavioral Science. With over 30 years of experience in the field of early childhood education, Diane strongly believes that when a child acts out, they are presenting us with an opportunity for growth - both for our children and for ourselves. Her mission is to change how parents react to what traditionally has been labeled “bad behavior”.

On this episode of The Divorce Doctor, Diane and I discuss the pain of divorce, ignoring the signs, and how she dealt with the awful thought of people knowing the truth. Her story provides hope that while divorce can be filled with grief, it can also be filled with beauty.

Learn more about Diane by visiting her website at www.dianesorensen.net

“Healing Through Divorce”

There came a time in every divorcee’s marriage when they realized that enough was enough. Some people know sooner than others, yet simply knowing divorce is an option doesn’t make the timing of divorce any easier or more straightforward. Sometimes following through with a divorce needs a little more planning, preparing, or bravery.

Karen Millon is an author, podcast host, and transformational life coach on a mission to inspire and help people heal from divorce, breakups, and to eliminate roadblocks in their lives so they can thrive romantically and professionally. She offers over 22 years of entrepreneurial experience to the table as well as 15 years dedication to helping others heal from the pain of divorce.

On this episode of The Divorce Doctor, Karen and I discuss the work of healing, EMDR therapy, and her personal experience with divorce. Her story is proof that deciding to divorce takes time. 

Learn more about Karen by visiting her website at www.healin.net

“Conflict is inevitable, combat is optional.”

Every couple will encounter conflict during their relationship. Big or small, conflict is bound to happen, but we have the power to choose how we deal with it. In this episode of The Divorce Doctor, Rosemarie Farrante teaches us that divorce can be amicable despite its heavy nature.

Rosemarie Farrante is an attorney licensed in New York and Connecticut who focuses her practice on non-adversarial divorce, through mediation and the collaborative divorce process. Rosemary’s goal is to make a positive impact on the divorce process. She founded Divorce Resource Connecticut to provide public education and awareness and support to those contemplating divorce.

On this episode of The Divorce Doctor, Rosemarie and I discuss her work as a divorce attorney as well as her personal experience with divorce. Her story provides hope that divorce doesn’t have to be as messy as you might usually think.

Learn more about Rosemarie by visiting her website at http://www.divorcemediationct.com/ 

“You're stronger than you believe and you're worth it.”

If you’ve kept up with The Divorce Doctor, you’ll know that I often ask my guests what they would say to their pre-divorced self if they could go back and tell them something. I’m so often inspired by the responses I get, including this one one. So many of us feel powerless once we realize we need to end our marriage. But no matter what, you have the strength to get through it. You have power, you’re worth it, and again, you will get through it.

Catherine Shanahan is the co-founder of My Divorce Solution, a company whose mission is to transform an experience they know far too well from a difficult one into an empowering one. As an experienced certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA) and legal liaison, Catherine and her co-founder Karen stand strong by their commitment to ensure no one divorces without the opportunity of financial clarity.

On this episode of The Divorce Doctor, Catherine and I go over the empowering lessons she’s learned through her divorce, and how it inspires the work she does today. I’m so grateful to have had her as a guest on the show and thoroughly enjoyed our talk!

Learn more about Catherine by visiting her website at https://mydivorcesolution.com/

“Different is okay, it’s not bad.” 

In today’s episode, Douglas Brown and I discuss how life changes post-divorce. Life will have some adjustments, and it might not look like we pictured, and that’s okay. Embracing the differences can help you create a life that makes you happy!

In an age of ambivalence, avoidance and anesthesia, Douglas Brown recognizes a need to slow down, be centered, and get mindful of who we are. Douglas has a Master's of Social Work from NYU. He employs a balanced mind, body, and spirit approach to support clients facing substance abuse, struggles, anxiety, depression, life changes, career moves, relationship issues, grief, and general life transitions. He's an accredited running coach, and previously worked in advertising, media, and technology. 

You can learn more about Douglas here: https://www.agoodplacetherapy.com/

“It was terrifying to have to make it on my own to have to start looking at finances on my own, but it was liberating.” 

In today’s episode, Barbara Huson and I discuss wealth and power during divorce, and how to overcome those feelings of being dependent on your ex. We discuss how to feel empowered after divorce, and taking back your life. Divorce can be this huge opportunity to completely change your life. 

Barbara Huson (previously known as Barbara Stanny), is the leading authority on women, wealth and power. As a bestselling author, financial therapist, teacher & wealth coach, Barbara has helped millions take charge of their finances and their lives. Barbara's background in business, her years as a journalist, her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, her extensive research, and her personal experience with money give her a unique perspective and makes her the foremost expert on empowering women to live up to their financial and personal potential. 

Barbara Huson has been featured on Good Morning America, The View, Extra, The O'Reilly Report, and many times on CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox News, PBS and NPR, as well as the New York Times, and USA Today.

Barbara is the author of 7 books:

You can learn more about Barbara and her work at www.Barbara-Huson.com

Read more about her book, Rewire for Wealth - https://www.barbara-huson.com/rewire-for-wealth/

Oftentimes when you’re going through a divorce, you realize that your ex-spouse was your best friend, and then you find yourself going through a major life change without anyone by your side. This can lead to internalizing these issues and creating more stress for yourself. In today’s episode, my guest Daniel Herrold and I discuss friendships post-divorce and why they are so important. 

Daniel Herrold is the co-creator of Divorced Over 40. It is an amazing in-person and virtual community of divorced women and men. This community provides support through content on its social media channels, as well as hosts events with a specific intention of fostering and cultivating friendships. There are over 10,000 strong virtual tribes that have been formed in over 50 cities across 7 countries worldwide. Daniel is a proud, smart, and wise divorced dad of three daughters. And he lives in Tulsa and is really dedicated to changing the stigma of divorce.

Learn more about Daniel Herrold, and Divorced Over 40 by visiting his website at divorcedover40.com

Often, as women, we are told that our bodies are to serve a purpose. We’re told that we are here for man’s pleasure, to carry children, to raise them, keep the perfect house, have the perfect job...etc. Simply, we’re told we’re not here for our own self-expression, pleasure, or happiness. But that’s just not true. In today’s episode, Dr. Valerie Rein and I discuss Patriarchy Stress Disorder, and how we can change the future for generations to come. 

Dr. Valerie Rein has discovered Patriarchy Stress Disorder (PSD) and created the only science-backed system for helping women achieve their ultimate success, happiness, and fulfillment by healing the intergenerational trauma of oppression. She holds an EdM in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University and a PhD in Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. Her bestselling book, Patriarchy Stress Disorder: The Invisible Inner Barrier to Women’s Happiness and Fulfillment has been heralded by Amazon reviewers as "the most important body of literary work of our modern times" and "perhaps the most important book of the century for women." Her cutting-edge programs have helped thousands of women shift from survival to thriving and master the game of "How good can it get?" in their work and personal lives.

Here are some great opportunities to get connected with Dr. Valerie:

Subscribe to Dr. Valerie's Thriving Notes when you download the first chapter of her book or book resources. Follow her on Instagram -- or on Facebook - feel free to tag and DM her! She love tags and hashtags, hers are #patriarchystressdisorder and #thethrivingexperience -- follow them for updates. Come out and play with us live at our legendary free virtual retreat, The Thriving Experience! Learn more and register here.  

Dr. Valerie Rein has discovered Patriarchy Stress Disorder® (PSD) and created the only science-backed system for helping women achieve their ultimate success, happiness, and fulfillment by healing this collective, generational trauma of oppression.

Listen to Dr. Valerie's conversations with women leaders about PSD on her podcast.

As a gift, Dr. Rein would like to give you the first chapter of her book, Patriarchy Stress Disorder. Download the first chapter here: https://www.drvalerie.com/book

“The truth is, those relationships can be incredibly beautiful.” 

Being a parent is tough, being a step-parent can be even more challenging. Life after divorce for those families can be impossible, but maybe they shouldn’t always be. For our children, the more love the better. So how do we navigate the waters of step-parenting after divorce and self-care?

Today, Jeff McMahon and I discussed self-care for step-parents on this episode of The Divorce Doctor Podcast.  Jeff believes the future of health is not belonging to a gym or following some new and crazy diet every month, but more follows the principle of “living life in the majority”. This refreshing approach of getting people results without being miserable and sacrificing a lot has made him a sought-after consultant and mentor for top online entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and influencers.

Be sure to check out Jeff’s FB Group where he has a FREE 5 day challenge of creating your best online dating profile. 

Learn more about Jeff McMahon by visiting his Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2632311580365810

Often, when we are going through a trying experience, it’s challenging to see that the pain, confusion, and emotions are not permanent. It’s really important to remember that even though it feels like these feelings are going to last forever, they are only temporary. They are not a permanent state. It’s also important to follow your own desires, find what brings you joy, and to make the decision to put yourself first. 

Today, Laura Sprinkle and I discussed the joy in choosing yourself first on this episode of The Divorce Doctor Podcast. My dear friend Laura is an affiliate partnership strategist who specializes in working with digital course creators. She also hosts the Laura Sprinkle Show, which is an amazing podcast helping people thrive through business. She's the co-author of the bestselling anthology and the author of two books, one is about gut health and one being a children's book. She lives in Portland, Maine with her daughter and is happily divorced.

As a gift, Laura would like to offer you her FREE Affiliate Program Starter Kit

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Caitlin Padgett, author of Drink Less Be More: How to Have a Great Night (and Life!) Without Getting Wasted on the Divorce Doctor Podcast. Caitlin is a transformational life coach for women who struggle with alcohol. Her combined expertise in psychology, nutrition, fitness, harm reduction, and holistic health have helped to craft her unconventional approach, called “Redefining Sobriety.” 

In our interview, we discussed Caitlin’s journey through her divorce, her struggles with alcohol and other substances, and how she learned to love herself through it all. 

You can find out more about Caitlin by visiting her website at http://redefiningsobriety.com/.

After getting divorced did you ever struggle to manage your own feelings of overwhelm while also supporting your kids? Do you remember that moment when you were left all by yourself for the very first time? 

It’s challenging work, navigating these big changes and emotions. We so desperately want to put on a strong front for our kids, but doing so can make taking care of ourselves feel impossible. 

As a worldwide speaker, coach and educator, Sue DeCaro, has been featured in Psychology Today, Thrive Global and hosts the podcast, Conscious Parents, Thriving Kids. She teaches us how to truly tap into our hearts and process our emotions.The internal space inside us all is the space we first need to connect with in order to connect to anyone around us, including our kids. 

Sue describes her divorce as eye-opening, as it revealed just how emotionally resilient she was. This strength really took shape as she watched herself courageously navigating her divorce with honesty and the help of her community. 

If you find yourself overwhelmed, Sue wants you to know, it’s not just you. This is hard, but you are equipped to make it through, and you’ll be stronger as a result.

Learn more about Sue Decaro by visiting her website at www.suedecaro.com and http://www.decaroparentcoaching.com. 

You can also download her Mindfulness e-book at https://bit.ly/Mindfulnessebook 

Karen McMahon, my recent guest on The Divorce Doctor Podcast, uses the word “brutal” to describe her divorce. Nevertheless, she would do it all over again. 

Karen is a certified relationship and divorce coach and the founder of Journey Beyond Divorce. After recognizing that the agony of her dissolving marriage had led her on a transformational journey into an incredible new life, Karen leads a team of divorce coaches and supports men and women around the world to become calm, clear, and confident as they navigate divorce. Karen is the host of the acclaimed Journey Beyond Divorce podcast. She is the co-author of Stepping Out of Chaos: Turning Pain to Possibility and the creator of Journey Beyond Divorce, an exclusive 12-step divorce recovery program.

I’m so happy to have had Karen on the show.

Divorce can be a messy process. But as we’ve learned from previous guests on the show, it can also be incredibly empowering. When you go through such a drastic change, it’s inevitable that you learn something important about yourself. From the moment you realize something isn’t working, all the way through the aftermath, trusting who you are and deciding to do what’s best for you can be uncomfortable, but life-altering.

This week on the Divorce Doctor podcast, I got to chat with Wendy Sterling. Wendy is the leading divorce-recovery specialist and founder of the Divorce Rehab. Wendy helps divorced women go from, “I do to,” to “I did,” to “I'm done,” and confidently create a roadmap they designed for what's next. Wendy is a certified professional coactive coach from the Co-active Training Institute certified by the International Coaching Federation. She has her own podcast, The Divorced Woman's Guide, and she is also an advanced data healer and really a champion of all people.  

How often do you ignore your intuition? Especially in relationships, we can find ourselves ignoring our gut feelings and trying our best to piece back together a relationship that wasn’t meant to be. The way we deal with conflict in our lives is so important. Understanding your reactions to high stress, especially within your relationships is definitely worth taking a deep look into.

In this episode of the Divorce Doctor Podcast, I sat down with LiYana Silvers. LiYana is the author of Feminine Genius, The Provocative Path to Waking Up and Turning on the Wisdom of Being a Woman. She does private transformational coaching, and she has a high touch, low cost online community called the Deep End. Her work has been featured in the likes of Huffington Post, Forbes. Jezebel, Thrive Global, Hustle, Emerging Women, and Yoga Journal. 

I’m thrilled that the Divorce Doctor podcast has resonated with so many of you. I remember after my divorce, how much it helped me to know that I wasn’t alone. Having that support truly made a difference in the aftermath of my divorce and onward. This is why I started this podcast, wrote my book, Light at the Other Side of Divorce: Discovering the New You, and started Afterglow. I truly appreciate the community we’ve created.

This week's episode of the Divorce Doctor podcast will be a little different. I’ve decided to be vulnerable and share my own experience of divorce. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous to interview myself. It’s been 12 years since my divorce, but my story still brings up a lot of different emotions for me. But if there’s anything I know, it’s the importance of vulnerability.

I’m thrilled that the Divorce Doctor podcast has resonated with so many of you. I remember after my divorce, how much it helped me to know that I wasn’t alone. Having that support truly made a difference in the aftermath of my divorce and onward. This is why I started this podcast, wrote my book, Light at the Other Side of Divorce: Discovering the New You, and started Afterglow. I truly appreciate the community we’ve created.

This week's episode of the Divorce Doctor podcast will be a little different. I’ve decided to be vulnerable and share my own experience of divorce. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous to interview myself. It’s been 12 years since my divorce, but my story still brings up a lot of different emotions for me. But if there’s anything I know, it’s the importance of vulnerability.

When it comes to relationships, a lot of us jump to the idea of compatibility. But do we understand the nuance of that term? 

It doesn’t have to mean a “matching set'' dynamic, or finding the perfect piece to your puzzle. Your partner doesn’t have to save you, fix you, or complete you. In fact, when a relationship turns towards reliance - complete reliance - you’re not experiencing compatibility, but codependency. It’s not about you, your partner, your family, or happiness- it’s about saving the marriage you believe you need, even if you don’t. 

In this episode of The Divorce Doctor Podcast, Terri Cole and I dive into codependency and boundaries through both marriage and divorce. Terri is both a licensed psychotherapist and has been a global relationship and empowerment expert for over two decades, working with clients from stay-at-home moms to celebrities and CEOs. Not only that, but Terri has a gift for making psychological concepts accessible to everyone, inspiring thousands through her blog, social media platform, signature courses, and her popular The Terri Cole Show podcast.

Many of us dream of the perfect, harmonious relationship. Each person is there to support one another equally, help each other become the best versions of yourself, and maintaining the relationship feels effortless. Sometimes we want this kind of relationship so badly, that when our gut is telling us something’s off we ignore it in the hope that we’re in the wrong. Although listening to that gut feeling may be terrifying, it can also be extremely freeing.

Jessica Butts and I discussed the euphoria of finding yourself again on this episode of The Divorce Doctor Podcast. Jessica is the creator and CEO of Front Seat Life. She's a Myers-Briggs expert. She's a life business coach for intuitive women. She's a therapist, she's an author. She's a keynote speaker podcaster, and she brings so much love and heart to everything she does. She is an ENFJ, truth teller, F-bomb dropper, a lover of all things Maui, and fiercely dedicated to helping you become unapologetically who you are.

In this episode, Jessica and I discuss her sense of freedom as a result of her divorce, and the experience of restoring her individuality.

Leaving a long term relationship can be terrifying. You might question whether it’s the right decision, find yourself betting on how much longer you can last in it, or questioning who exactly you are without that person around anymore. This process can be time-consuming and laborious, but Jill Sherer Murray teaches us that while it is at times a terrifying, heart-wrenching process, the reward of knowing that you can be happy no matter what will always be worth it. 

In this episode of the Divorce Doctor Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with award-winning author and journalist, TEDx speaker, and founder of “Let Go For It,” Jill Sherer Murray. Jill works through her brand “Let Go For It” to help women let go of whatever’s holding them back so they can live the life they’ve deserved all along.

In our discussion, Jill and I discuss the ordeal of trusting yourself enough to let go of relationships that are holding you back. We also discuss the importance of choosing yourself, and why it shouldn’t be considered a selfish or inconsiderate act!

“You cannot heal the pain by avoiding it. You have to look at it. It doesn't stay around forever, but the more you push it down or shove it down or avoid it, it's just going to get bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger.”

When you have children together, navigating divorce comes with an extra set of challenges. Not only are you handling your own emotional pain, but you feel responsible for your child as well.  All in all, the most important thing to remember is that it all comes back to love, which is what I discussed with my recent guest on the Divorce Doctor Podcast, Heather Chauvin. 

Heather is a leadership coach who helps ambitious, overwhelmed women conquer their fears and become leaders at work and home. She is the host of the Mom Is In Control Podcast where she reveals her most vulnerable truths about womanhood, marriage, parenting, living through stage 4 cancer and running a successful business without burning out.  Her first book, Dying to be a Good Mother, is available where all books are sold.

In this episode, Heather and I discuss the motherhood side of divorce, and how to cope with the feelings of pain and loss.

Have you ever heard of a divorce attorney's own journey through divorce? Without someone deciding to be vulnerable and share that story with us all, we can be quick to assume that a personal divorce would feel like standard practice for a professional. But that’s just not the case.

I recently had a conversation with Susan Guthrie, a family and mediation attorney and owner of Divorce in a Better Way. Susan shared personal stories from her own divorce which beautifully paints the picture that everyone going through a divorce experiences the same emotions and seasons. 

But Susan’s perspective has created a greater hope that you can have a better divorce. In my most recent episode of The Divorce Doctor, Susan and I discuss how to recognize when a marriage won’t work, what it’s like to get back to work if you weren’t working before the divorce, and how to care for yourself throughout the process. Susan shares a lot of great insight that you won’t want to miss!

This week on The Divorce Doctor I had a fantastic conversation with Tina Swithin. Tina is the author of the Divorcing a Narcissist: One Mom’s Battle series as well as the founder of One Mom’s Battle. 

Tina takes us through her journey of surviving a “Category Five Divorce Hurricane”. Her divorce story takes the term “high-conflict” to a completely new level and twists and turns through the dramatic landscape of a custody battle with an individual diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Tina acted as her own attorney while living in a women’s shelter and now works to educate and advocate for other families navigating divorce and custody battles. Listen in to learn more about the grit and courage that Tina tapped into to make it through her harrowing divorce.  

On this week's episode of the Divorce Doctor Podcast, I spoke with Alexandra Jamieson. Alexandra is an award-winning and best selling author. She also co-created and co-starred in the hit documentary Supersize Me. Her most recent credit is her book Radical Alignment, a guide for productive and empathy based communication.

In our discussion, Alexandra walked me through the beginning, middle, and aftermath of her divorce. We discussed the phenomenon of ignoring red-flags in relationships before you’re prepared to address them, taking ownership of yourself, and the value of clear communication. She shared how she went all in when she started dating post-divorce. She shares valuable lessons with  humor and wit. 

When we think of divorce, we rarely associate it with anything positive. Anger, sadness, resentment, all of these feelings are often attached to the idea of a relationship ending. But this doesn’t always have to be the case, as exemplified by my recent guest on the Divorce Doctor podcast: Ben Heldfond.

Ben is the co-author of Our Happy Divorce, a book that he and his ex-wife, Nikki DeBartolo, wrote about their journey through divorce and how it brought them closer together. He talks about the importance of putting your kids first and how you can actually connect and stay close even after a divorce.

In my talk with Ben, we discuss the genesis of Our Happy Divorce and the soul-searching that often comes from the experience of divorce.

Do you struggle with saying “no?” There can be so much pressure on us, especially as women, to be “people pleasers.” More often than not, the people pleasing tendency creates chaos in our lives. That’s when we learn the importance of making ourselves a priority.

Nancy Levin is a master coach and bestselling author of several books, including her latest, Setting Boundaries Will Set you Free. Formerly the event director at Hay House for over a decade, Nancy is the creator of 11 Life Coach Academy and Destination Me, offering in-depth coaching and training programs designed to support students and clients to make themselves a priority by setting boundaries.

In my talk with Nancy on The Divorce Doctor podcast, we discussed the importance of recognizing our autonomy, which can be terrifying. Nancy’s story is a lesson in shifting the people-pleasing mindset so you can be a better advocate for yourself.

I was curious how the woman who Oprah describes her work as revolutionary and groundbreaking would explore her experience of divorce. I was thrilled to interview Dr. Shefali.

The institution of marriage is pretty strange when you think about it. We’re encouraged at a young age to commit to another person through a government issued contract for the rest of our lives, and if we decide we change our minds it's difficult and taboo to leave. There doesn’t seem to be any other lifetime commitment with similar “rules,” so why is it this way with a marriage?

Dr. Shefali and I recently discussed this phenomenon on the Divorce Doctor Podcast. Dr. Shefali is a New York Times bestselling author and wisdom teacher, helping women transform their lives through mindful living.

In the interview, Dr. Shefali and I discuss how society pressures women into maintaining a perfect image, which is harmful for everyone involved. Dr. Shefali believes that divorce can be a wonderful opportunity for women to defy societal expectations and take charge of their own growth. 

Life is all about changes. There are seasons with small, subtle changes that feel fairly easy to navigate, and there are seasons with so many changes that life feels dizzy. The beauty in the latter, however, is how much we can learn about ourselves and develop into even greater people along the way.

That’s why I love Rha Goddess so much - she has an incredible skill set of walking people through these life changes. Rha is the author of The Calling: The Three Fundamental Shifts to Stay True, Get Paid, Do Good. She offers a unique perspective on divorce as someone who has not personally walked through it herself, but has helped others along their journey through divorce. 

Rha and I talked about the importance of vision, self-care, getting to know your limits and what you need in each moment. I truly believe you will gain a lot of valuable insight from our conversation.

It’s so easy to think of a comedian as someone who makes us laugh, but what happens when they need someone to cheer them up? I think my next podcast guest will be a great example that everyone goes through things, but anyone can overcome them and even thrive on the backend.

I had the opportunity to chat with an old friend, Judy Gold. Judy has stand up specials on channels like HBO and Comedy Central, and she's even appeared on the late show with Stephen Colbert and the tonight show. I could go on - but you get the point: she’s awesome!

Judy has also been through her own divorce, but how she managed to move through it with kids was an incredible example to me of how it can be done. I loved having Judy on the show and laughing our way through the topic of divorce. We were vulnerable. We shared the hurts, the pain, the struggle. But we also discussed how she became an even better person and what she learned about herself along the way.

I cannot tell you how many hours I watched Sex and the City analyzing the foursome’s every move to understand how relationships work. Did you spend hours watching it too?

I was so excited to have a chance to interview the creator of Sex and the City Candace Bushnell for my Inaugural Podcast! 

It felt like such a huge gift learning from the woman who taught a generation about dating to hear her take on divorce. 

A critically acclaimed author, journalist, and television producer, Candace Bushnell shares her candid wisdom she gained from her divorce in our discussion on the Divorce Doctor.

As I’m sure all of us know, or at least find out at some point in our lives, relationships can be draining. Sometimes you can find yourself putting so much energy and effort into someone who may not end up being worth it in the long run. For those of us who’ve experienced this, it can be one of the most exhausting endeavours we could ever allow ourselves to bother with. Some may say the effort’s worth it, some may disagree. My recent guest of the Divorce Doctor Podcast, Candace Bushnell, argues for the latter.

Candace is the international best-selling author of 10 books, including Is There Still Sex in the City?, Sex in the City, and Summer and the City. Sex in the City, published in 1996 was the basis for the HBO hit series, and two subsequent blockbuster movies.

I loved having Candace on the how to share her insights about the contract of marriage. We discuss the necessity of thinking long and hard before putting so much of your energy into a man, dealing with your spouse's emotional immaturity, and how you can take your divorce as an opportunity to find your voice.