Dirty Laundry: The Divorce Podcast

Send us Fan MailYour attachment style shapes everything — how you fight, how you grieve, how you date after divorce, and how you co-parent with someone you're no longer in love with. And most people have no idea what theirs is until something breaks.In this encore episode, Alex and Amanda dig into the four attachment styles with a therapist and attachment expert — anxious, avoidant, disorganized, and secure — and explore how each one shows up in the specific context of divorce and post-divorce life. They cover why secure attachment in a marriage doesn't guarantee secure attachment after it ends, how to recognize your patterns without using them as an excuse, and what the research actually says about whether attachment styles can change.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIn this encore episode, Michelle joins Alex and Amanda to talk about what dating actually looks like as a single mom in New York, the impossible time math of fitting dating into a life that already includes a daughter and a comedy career, why she gave up hiding who she was for men a long time ago, and what three things automatically make someone a red flag. Funny, honest, and deeply relatable.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailJessica Frew's first marriage looked like a great fit from the outside. Then she found something on their computer. Her husband Steve was gay — and couldn't yet admit it to himself.In this encore episode, Jessica shares the seven years of gradual mourning that followed, the affair that finally ended the marriage, and how she and Steve built a co-parenting relationship so intentional that they now host a podcast together alongside her current husband Matt. She also talks about the work she does with women through the Betrayed Badass Society — and the trust gut challenge she gives every single one of them, because rebuilding self-trust after betrayal starts with what you want to eat for lunch.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailBetsy Pake is a master coach, speaker, and founder of the Navigate Method. She has also lived this question herself for nearly a decade before finally getting clear. In this episode she talks about what keeps women stuck, why taking accountability for where you are is actually empowering rather than letting anyone off the hook, how to calibrate for action rather than words when you're trying to figure out if someone is really willing to change, and the difference between settling and choosing — and why that distinction changes everything.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailEmotional intelligence isn't something you either have or you don't. It's a skill. And it might be the most important one you can build when you're navigating divorce, co-parenting, and figuring out who you are on the other side of a relationship.Kristen Harcourt — business coach, speaker, podcast host, and emotional intelligence expert — joins Alex and Amanda to talk about what EQ actually looks like in practice: how to regulate your emotions in real time during a difficult co-parenting conversation, how to spot self-abandonment in dating after divorce, why the goal isn't to stop having emotions but to stop reacting to everything, and how self-compassion is the foundation of all of it. She also shares her own experience going back into the dating world after 25 years and what that journey taught her about attachment styles, boundaries, and choosing herself first.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailThe engagement ring meant everything when he gave it to you. Now it's sitting in a drawer and you're not sure what to do with it. Sell it? Save it for your kids? Or turn it into something that finally feels like yours?Jessica of Jessica Jewellry joins Alex and Amanda to walk through every stage of the post-divorce jewelry journey, from the woman who calls fresh out of a split wanting it gone immediately, to the one a decade later who's ready to redesign it into something that represents exactly where she is now. They also get into the lab grown diamond market, why the value of those stones has dropped dramatically, and why pausing before making any big decisions is the only advice that matters.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailAfter the most difficult experience of his life, Chris Coulter spent a decade speaking with more than 2,000 parents who were struggling to understand what was really going on with their teenagers. What he found was a consistent gap — parents dismissing warning signs as normal adolescent behavior, and teenagers who wouldn't open up to the people who loved them most.In this episode Chris talks about his daughter Maddie, what he learned in the years that followed her passing, and the organization he built called The Mentor Well. He walks through the Teen Signal Check — a free five-minute tool that gives parents a clear green, yellow, or red — and explains why he believes mentorship, not parenting or therapy alone, is often the relationship where a struggling teenager will finally feel safe enough to talk.Find Chris and the Teen Signal Check at thementorwell.com.🇨🇦 Support is always available:Suicide Crisis Helpline — Call or text 9-8-8 (free, confidential, 24/7)Kids Help Phone — Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 (free, confidential, 24/7 for youth and young adults)Hope for Wellness Helpline (Indigenous communities) — Call 1-855-242-3310 or chat at hopeforwellness.ca (available 24/7 in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut)Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailShe spent 27 years married to her abuser. She was a domestic abuse counselor the entire time. And she still didn't recognize what was happening to her until year 20 of her marriage.Dr. Christine Cocchiola — licensed social worker, professor, therapist, survivor, and protective mom — joins Alex and Amanda to talk about coercive control as the foundation of all abuse, not just the violent incidents we're taught to look for. She explains the dark tetrad of personality traits that drive abusive behavior, why she tells protective parents not to take their children to therapy with a coercive co-parent, what counter-parenting is and how abusers use it to fracture a child's attachment to the safe parent, and what practical tools parents can use when their kids come home dysregulated after a visit.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailOver half of all criminal cases in Canada involve intimate partner violence or sexual assault. And those are the exact cases being quietly pushed to the bottom of the pile when courtrooms run out of time and resources.In part two of her conversation with Alex and Amanda, Kathryn Marshall breaks down how trial stacking is working against abuse survivors, what the Hockey Canada trial revealed about how the criminal court system treats victims, why she believes Zoom court has eroded accountability, and exactly what she is asking the federal government to do — before she has to drag them through every court in the country to get it done.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailHundreds of domestic violence and sexual assault cases are being thrown out before they ever get to trial. Abusers are walking away with no criminal record and nothing on their file. And survivors are being silenced in the process.Kathryn Marshall of Marshall Law is suing the federal government over it. In this episode she breaks down exactly how the justice system is failing abuse survivors, why she now tells some clients to skip criminal court entirely, and what it actually looks like to take the government to court.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Alex and Amanda get candid about the reality of Mother's Day — why it so often becomes the most exhausting day of the year, why divorced moms are doing something categorically different from married moms who think a solo weekend qualifies as the same experience, and why giving yourself permission to skip the celebration entirely is not only valid but sometimes the healthiest choice. They also get into mom judgment, the mental load of co-parenting versus counter-parenting, AI and homework, and what it actually means to launch your kids into adulthood in 2025.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailStepmoms are expected to show up like a parent, step back like a stranger, and never complain about any of it. Jamie Simkins — licensed therapist, stepmom coach, and stepmom twice over — has been there herself. In this episode from the vault, she gets into the real dynamics of blended family life: navigating a high conflict bio mom, connecting with stepkids before ever trying to discipline them, why stepdads get to be heroes while stepmoms become the scapegoat, and why she calls being a stepmom a spiritual experience.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailOne in three Canadian girls has experienced childhood sexual abuse. One in eight boys. These aren't abstract numbers — they're children in classrooms, on hockey teams, in families across the country.Ismena Toscan is 15 years old. She is a survivor, the founder of the Hula Hoop Initiative, the author of two children's books on body autonomy and personal safety, and someone who has already spoken at the House of Commons in support of the Keeping Children Safe Act. In this episode she talks about why preventive education has to begin long before anything goes wrong, what the hula hoop concept teaches young children about their own boundaries and personal space, why she chooses the word survivor over victim, and what parents can do right now to build the kind of open relationship that makes children feel safe enough to speak up.This one is for every parent, every educator, and every person who believes children deserve to feel safe.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailMae Scott joins Alex and Amanda to share the full story of escaping her abusive, narcissistic ex‑husband, a respected lawyer who was eventually sentenced to 12 years to life in prison. This episode goes inside the escalating violence, the therapist who warned her she had to leave immediately, and the five felony charges that finally led to his conviction. Then we walk through the part no one talks about: the nine‑month, $100,000 battle for supervised visitation, the foreclosure, and the judge who ordered Mae to pay her abuser $550 a month in spousal support while raising three kids on $54,000 a year.In this episode, we cover:- How abusers hide behind a perfect public image and professional status while terrorizing their families at home- Why a marriage counselor told Mae, “You and your children have to leave”- What really happens when you call the police for the first time after years of abuse- The smear campaign: wild accusations filed in court documents with zero evidence- How the family court system can punish survivors (foreclosure, no support, massive legal costs)- The nine months and $100,000 it took to secure supervised visitation for her children- What Mae wants other survivors to know about documenting abuse and planning to leaveMore 👇If you’re searching for stories about domestic violence survivors, divorcing a narcissist, abusive lawyers, family court failures, coercive control, or financial abuse, this conversation with survivor and advocate Mae Scott is for you.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIn part two of this conversation, Philip breaks down the legislation that came out of that loss — Keira’s Law Law, passed unanimously across all party lines — and what it actually does to change how judges are trained on domestic violence and coercive control. He also gets into why reunification therapy has no standardized training, no governing body, and no consistent methodology, why the Department of Justice's own HELP Toolkit confirms abuse is relevant to parenting but that knowledge still hasn't trickled down to the front lines, and what he would say to a victim who is afraid to come forward because they've already seen the system fail.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Alex and Amanda sit down with Philip Viater, a family lawyer with 17 years of experience at VP Family Law Group, for one of the most candid conversations about the failures of family court we've ever had. Philip breaks down why parental alienation is predominantly used as a defense against abuse rather than a genuine diagnosis, why he views it as junk science not recognized by the DSM, and why the moment someone raises it in his cases he considers it a red flag. He also explains the concept of institutional betrayal trauma — what happens when a victim turns to psychologists, judges, social workers, and child protection services for help and gets re-victimized by the very systems designed to protect them.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Alex and Amanda sit down with family lawyers Sean Valentine and Ryan Osbourne — co-creators of I Do Prenup, an app that lets couples generate a real marriage contract in hours for a fraction of traditional legal costs. They break down who actually needs a prenup and why the answer is basically everyone, what three things must be included in any agreement, why couples who do prenups have lower divorce rates, what happens when grandma and grandpa are the ones demanding it, and why infidelity clauses — no matter how satisfying they sound — are completely unenforceable.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Alex and Amanda sit down with Dale and Annabel, the duo behind We Are More Than Moms, to talk about why the postpartum identity shift is so disorienting, how they built a thriving community for career-driven women who refuse to shrink themselves after having kids, and why the early parenting years are such a genuine test of a relationship. Dale also shares what it was like growing up as a child of divorce — including years in a nesting arrangement — and how that experience made her more intentional about her own marriage. Annabel gets into navigating the holidays with multiple sets of divorced parents, and both share why authenticity online matters more than ever in a space full of curated perfection.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailMost couples don't fall out of love dramatically. They just slowly stop paying attention to each other — until one day they look up and realize they're running a household with a stranger.In this episode, Alex and Amanda sit down with marriage coach Monica Tanner to talk about why the advice you've been given — don't sweat the small stuff, compromise, just let it go — might actually be accelerating the drift. Monica introduces the idea of skillful communication over lazy communication, explains why there's always a desire underneath every complaint, and walks through her relational reckoning tool for couples who aren't sure if there's still enough to save.They also get into roommate syndrome, how to talk about sex without it becoming a battleground, the difference between compromise and collaboration, and why getting what you asked for from your partner can sometimes feel worse than not getting it at all.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIf you're in a controlling relationship, start writing everything down — today. Not someday. Today.Family lawyer Maryam Manteghi explains exactly how a journal becomes the foundation of a coercive control case, why abusers follow a predictable playbook, and what women can do right now to protect themselves whether they're ready to leave or not.Coercive control isn't one dramatic event. It's a pattern — and you can't prove a pattern you never documented.Maryam also breaks down domestic mischief as a criminal charge, how to document safely while still in the home, why financial independence is the most important thing a woman can have, and what the Emergency Birkin actually means legally.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailCoercive control and family violence finally have a legal price tag in Canada — and the Supreme Court decision that could make it permanent is coming any day.For the first time in Canadian history, a judge looked at twenty years of coercive control inside a marriage and said — that has a dollar amount. Family lawyer Maryam Manteghi breaks down the Alawalia case, the new tort of family violence, and why the Supreme Court of Canada's imminent decision could change divorce forever for abuse survivors.The existing torts were never built for what coercive control actually does to a person. Justice Renu Mandhane priced it anyway. The Court of Appeal overturned it. Now it's at the Supreme Court and the decision is coming any day.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailAnger makes you call your lawyer over nothing. Guilt makes you waive spousal support you're owed. And everyone walks into family court thinking they're about to win something — which is precisely when things go sideways.In this solo episode, Alex and Amanda get into the mechanics of emotional sabotage in divorce: how guilt leads to lopsided concessions, why anger turns a $300 problem into a $1,000 phone call, and the surprisingly pervasive myth that there's a winner and a loser waiting at the end of litigation. They also take on the 50/50 custody conversation directly — who's really asking for it and why, and what it actually costs children when parents fight for a schedule built around optics rather than reality.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailMP Melissa Lantsman breaks down Bailey's Law (Bill C-225) and why making intimate partner murder automatic first-degree murder could save lives. From shocking statistics to the emotional Parliament vote with Bailey McCourt's family in the gallery, this conversation reveals the reality behind Canada's intimate partner violence epidemic and what we can actually do about it.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIn this special re-run episode, hosts Alex Howard and Amanda Silver step out of the interviewer chairs and into the spotlight. They share the personal stories and professional philosophies that shaped Dirty Laundry, from Amanda’s "Golden Rule" for high-conflict communication to the surprising thrill-seeking hobbies they hide behind their professional veneers. This is an editorial look at the human side of divorce mediation, exploring how to maintain "family wellness" and personal sanity while navigating life's biggest transitions.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailAnna Sonoda returns to detail the Four Stages of Grooming: Flattery, Favoritism, Forbidden Fruits, and Fear. We examine the clinical hallmarks of "Relate and Elevate"—tactics used by predators to bypass boundaries by acting as a peer or a confidant. We also address the sobering reality that 82% of child sexual abuse occurs in the home of either the child or the individual responsible.We discuss tactical tools for parents, including the development of a "Safety Squad," the distinction between secrecy and privacy, and building an internal "Weird-dar" in children to recognize behavior that does not fit family standards.Listen to the full guide on Audible: Duck Duck Groom by Anna Sonoda: https://www.audible.ca/pd/Duck-Duck-Groom-Audiobook/B0CLYXYTVRDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailLicensed clinical social worker Anna Sonoda discusses the clinical and practical realities of childhood sexual abuse prevention. Moving beyond the "stranger danger" myth, we explore the psychological tactics used to target families and the unique challenges of parenting in a digital age. This is a factual, dignified look at how parents can recognize predatory patterns before they escalate.Listen to the book:Duck Duck Groom by Anna Sonoda: https://www.audible.ca/pd/Duck-Duck-Groom-Audiobook/B0CLYXYTVR Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIn a no-fault legal system, the emotional breakdown of a marriage rarely translates into a courtroom victory. This discussion examines the evolution of divorce law since 1985 and the persistent human need for accountability in the wake of betrayal. We explore the concept of the "third person" in contemporary relationships—the addictions, fixations, or domestic habits that can erode connection—and consider whether modern marriage requires the clarity of a formal business contract. From the privacy of mediation to the nuances of marriage contracts, we address how to navigate a difficult transition with dignity and perspective.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailThe holidays are over, and January is officially "Divorce Month." If the mental load of the season finally pushed you to a breaking point, you aren't alone. We’re discussing why this time of year marks so many endings—and how to ensure your new beginning starts with dignity.2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse—a time for energy, courage, and breaking through old patterns. From the "conscious uncoupling" of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow to the practical benefits of mediation over the courtroom, we’re looking at how to disentangle a shared life without the unnecessary drama. Whether you’re navigating the "no more Santa" phase of parenting or the logistics of a legal separation, the goal is the same: showing up as a person you’ll be proud of five years from now.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailDiscovering a six-year secret life while four months postpartum is a reality no one prepares for. Stephanie the honest facts of navigating a high-conflict divorce, the struggle of being a self-represented mother in family court, and the courage required to rebuild from scratch.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIs it harmless flirting or a micro-betrayal? We’re breaking down the messy grey areas of modern relationships—from secret DMs and the "validation trap" to where you should actually draw the line with exes.Is it harmless flirting or a micro-betrayal? We’re breaking down the messy gray areas of modern relationships—from secret DMs and the "validation trap" to where you should actually draw the line with exes.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIn Part 2 of our sit-down with survivor and advocate Cait Alexander, we go beyond the abuse to the fight for justice. Cait reveals the shocking details behind the recent allegations against Toronto club promoter Mark Holland and why she is leading a class-action lawsuit against the Federal Government of Canada.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailCait Alexander joins us to share her story of surviving an attempted murder on July 31, 2021. What started as a "Hallmark" relationship during the pandemic quickly turned into a fight for her life.In this episode, Cait breaks down the specific patterns abusive partners follow, often called the "Dark Triad" of narcissism and psychopathy. She explains why victims often "freeze" instead of fight, and why leaving is statistically the most dangerous time in a relationship.We also discuss the failure of the justice system. After nearly killing her, Cait’s abuser was released on just $500 bail. She shares how she is now suing the government to demand change.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailMost people make critical mistakes in the first 72 hours after deciding to divorce - and we're here to reveal exactly what you should do instead. We expose why hiring a lawyer immediately could be your biggest mistake, how to protect yourself without losing your home or children, and the step-by-step process that actually saves families time, money, and heartache.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailCanada's family court system is weaponizing children against domestic violence victims - and Member of Parliament Lisa Hepfner is fighting to stop it with Bill C-223, the Keeping Children Safe Act. She reveals how abuse allegations can get you labeled an "alienator" and result in your children being forcibly removed, why women are being advised NOT to report domestic violence, and the billion-dollar reunification therapy industry profiting from custody reversals.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailFamily lawyer and reform advocate Maryam Manteghi returns to expose how judicial bias and outdated court practices are systematically failing abuse survivors. She reveals why educated victims face unique challenges, how false equivalencies between mothers and fathers ignore basic science, and why the groundbreaking Alawalia case could revolutionize financial justice for domestic violence survivors. From strategic timeline building to leveraging tort law, Maryam shares advanced tools every advocate should know to build stronger cases and push for trauma-informed reform.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailFamily lawyer and UN advocate Maryam Manteghi joins to expose how coercive control and digital surveillance are reshaping family court. She explains why many victims aren’t believed, how “reactive abuse” is used against women, and why timelines not snapshots help judges see the full pattern. From hidden devices to trauma-informed reform, Maryam shares the tools every survivor and advocate should know to build safer, stronger cases.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailCo-parenting coach Jay Skibbens reveals his extraordinary journey of discovering through DNA tests that none of his three children were biologically his - and why he chose to remain their father. After years of toxic co-parenting and a devastating paternity fraud discovery, Jay transformed his pain into purpose, becoming a leading voice for divorced parents navigating high-conflict situations.Jay shares raw insights about being raised by a single mom without knowing his father, the addictive nature of toxic relationships, and the moment he discovered the truth about his children's paternity when they were 3 and 18 months old. Despite the betrayal, he legally formalized his role as their father and now coaches hundreds of divorced moms through similar co-parenting challenges, offering a unique perspective as someone who's "been to hell" and found a way forward.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailWhen trust breaks down, even good intentions can start to feel like control. In Part 2 with Zach Watson, we explore how couples can rebuild trust by replacing reminders with real ownership, and why running a simple “boring meeting” can change everything.Zach explains how to close the communication loop, set boundaries that stick, and turn recurring frustrations into shared systems that actually work. We unpack why “chore play” misses the point, how culture still rewards men for doing the bare minimum, and what it really takes to balance visible and invisible labor at home.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailWhen the mental load starts to pile up, even the strongest relationships begin to crack.Zach Watson joins us to unpack how small, unseen responsibilities, remembering appointments, managing the household, anticipating needs that add up to burnout and resentment.He shares the real story behind his viral Mental Load series, how he and his wife rebuilt trust after separation, and what the Fair Play Method taught him about equity, empathy, and accountability.We dive deep into how to stop “helping” and start owning 100%, close the “last 20%” gap, and finally share the mental and emotional weight that keeps most couples stuck.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with therapists Rebecca Webster and Pablo Alvarez of Connection Counselling to break down how attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, disorganized, secure) show up during separation and divorce, and what actually helps. We cover emotional regulation vs flooding, why boundaries matter, and why not bad-mouthing the other parent is non-negotiable if you want secure, resilient kids. You’ll hear practical guidance on co-parenting, the danger of using kids as emotional support, litigation vs mediation, and how to avoid panic decisions (like giving up decision-making) when you’re dysregulated.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailCelebrity relationships spark the conversation, but this episode focuses on real-life divorce. We cover how professionals should stay neutral (realtors, accountants, teachers, coaches), why sale proceeds often sit in trust without a signed separation agreement, and how to protect privacy and reduce conflict. You’ll hear practical tips on selling the matrimonial home, managing expectations about equity, handling school catchment issues, sharing info with kids’ coaches/teachers, and setting clear co-parenting communication so children aren’t caught in the middle.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailBack-to-school can be one of the hardest times for divorced parents navigating co-parenting and custody schedules. This episode unpacks how to handle teacher emails, homework, extracurriculars, and sick-day pickups while keeping kids out of the conflict. Learn what to add to your parenting plan so school routines run smoothly in two homes and co-parenting after divorce feels less overwhelming.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailNatalie Reisman shares her story of leaving a marriage that no longer worked, even after years of trying to make it better. She opens up about the breaking points, the struggle to trust herself, and what it took to finally walk away. Natalie also talks about co-parenting three kids, starting over, and finding a new love she never thought she’d have again.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailAuthor and coach Kate Anthony joins Amanda and Alex to talk about her book The D Word and why so many women are unhappy in marriage. She lays out her famous “it’s not your f***ing job” list, from mothering your partner to sacrificing your needs and explains how boundaries are the key to breaking free of toxic dynamics. Kate also dives into weaponized incompetence, narcissistic abuse, and the ways patriarchy shapes relationships, giving women tools to finally stop carrying it all.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailTrauma-informed consultant Trish Guise explains what coercive control really is and why slapping the label narcissist on every toxic ex can miss the bigger danger. She breaks down the early red flags, how coercive control continues after separation, and why family courts so often fail to protect survivors. Trish also shares how shifting the focus from the victim to the abuser changes everything in custody and safety planning.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailLegally Nik explains how to handle co-parenting when your ex is toxic or even a narcissist. She breaks down the difference between the two, the signs to look for, and why parallel parenting can be a lifesaver. Nik shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, not engaging in conflict, and protecting your children’s well-being while keeping your own peace.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailPsychologist and author Dr. Kerry McAvoy talks about what it’s really like to date after leaving a narcissist. She shares how abuse shapes trust, the red flags to watch for, and the importance of rebuilding self-worth before starting something new. Kerry also reflects on her own experiences and offers practical advice for creating healthy, lasting connections.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailTina Swithin spent years in a legal battle to protect her children from an abusive ex-husband. She explains how the family court system can fail survivors, why custody battles can drag on for years, and the emotional toll it takes. Tina also shares how she turned her fight into advocacy, helping other parents protect their children and themselves through her work with One Mom’s Battle.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailParenting after leaving an abusive relationship can feel impossible, especially when the other parent is controlling, rigid, and vindictive. Co-parenting coach Chantal Contorines explains why true co-parenting often isn’t possible with a coercive controller, and how to shift to parallel parenting to protect yourself and your kids. She shares strategies for boundaries, preparing before you leave, safeguarding your relationship with your children, and navigating ongoing conflict while building a safe and stable home.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

Send us Fan MailJasvinder Sanghera was just 16 when she escaped a forced marriage planned since childhood. Disowned by her family, she rebuilt her life while campaigning to change laws and protect others from honour-based abuse. In this conversation, she shares her own story, the tragic loss of her sister, and the creation of Karma Nirvana, a charity that has saved countless lives.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.