The After Wife Podcast

“No Closure, No Answers”In Part 2 of our Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage breakdown by Belle Burden, we move past the shock… and into what comes next.Because the truth is—👉 you don’t always get answers👉 you don’t always get accountability👉 and you definitely don’t always get closureSo what do you do then?In this episode, we’re talking about:why the hardest part of divorce isn’t always the ending—it’s the lack of explanationhow patterns, upbringing, and emotional avoidance shape relationships long before they fall apartthe reality of power, money, and control—and how it shows up when everything is on the linethe pressure to “take the high road”… and who that really protectsparenting through heartbreak while trying to hold everything togetherand the question no one wants to ask:👉 Is divorce harder than death?We also get into the shift that changes everything:👉 when you stop asking why👉 and start asking what nowBecause closure isn’t something you’re given.👉 It’s something you create.

EPISODE 19 DESCRIPTION (UPDATED)“Was I Married to a Stranger?”This week on The After Wife, we’re diving into the viral memoir everyone is talking about — Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden.From Oprah to Drew Barrymore to every podcast in your feed… this book is everywhere — and for good reason.We’re unpacking the moment a marriage stops feeling like a relationship… and starts feeling like a transaction.👉 The slow build of power and control👉 Financial dynamics that don’t feel like control… until they do👉 What happens when someone rewrites reality👉 And the hardest question of all:Were you ever in the same relationship as the other person?We also talk about:Why “I didn’t leave, I changed residences” hits so hardActing like everything is fine while everything is falling apartThe truth gap — when you get words but no answersAnd why closure isn’t always something you get… it’s something you have to createThis episode isn’t just about a book.It’s about that moment when everything clicks — and nothing makes sense.

You Can’t Pour From EmptyWomen’s Health, Hormones & Co-Parenting RealityLast episode, we talked about taking care of our homes and cars.This one?We’re talking about taking care of ourselves.Because when your body is off… everything feels harder.In this episode, we’re having the conversation most women aren’t having out loud:The exhaustion that doesn’t go awayHormones that feel like they’re running the showHealth symptoms that get dismissedThe mental load of trying to figure it all outWe break down:The gap in women’s health research (especially after childbearing years)Important screenings you may be overlookingSigns of low iron that are often missedPerimenopause symptoms no one prepares you forGLP-1 medications — without shame, hype, or judgmentAnd most importantly — how all of this impacts:Your patienceYour emotional regulationYour ability to co-parent without burning outBecause you’re not just tired.You might be:under-supportedhormonally overwhelmedphysically depletedAnd trying to co-parent on top of that?That’s a lot.This episode is your reminder:Taking care of your health isn’t selfish — it’s foundational.

House, Not a Husband — Home & Household Essentials for Single MomsRunning a household solo can feel overwhelming — especially when no one ever taught you the basics.In this episode of The After Wife, we’re breaking down the real-life skills that make single-mom life easier: the tools you actually need, the home habits that prevent expensive problems, and the small things that save time, money, and stress.We’re talking:The hand and power tools that cover 90% of home needsPlumbing mistakes that can cost thousands (yes, we’re talking about what not to flush)Seasonal home maintenance every homeowner should knowFree help you can get from places like AutoZoneBasic car maintenance every woman should feel confident doingAnd the homeowners insurance perks many people don’t realize they already have access toBecause confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything — it comes from knowing enough to take care of yourself and your home.This episode is about self-reliance, not perfection.You don’t need a husband.You just need the right tools.

Episode: When Support Gets LoudHow Family & Friends Can Complicate Co-ParentingSupport isn’t always helpful.In this episode of The After Wife, we talk about something most people avoid — how well-intentioned family and friends can accidentally make co-parenting harder instead of easier.We break down:Why outside opinions can escalate conflictHow “just trying to help” can keep chaos aliveThe difference between validation and interferenceWhy regulation matters more than confrontationHow to reset boundaries without burning bridgesIf you’ve ever felt more stressed after venting…If advice from people who love you has made things worse…If you’re trying to co-parent while protecting your peace…This episode is for you.

🚩 EPISODE 15 IS LIVE 🚩🎙️ Love Bombs and Lies: Romance ScammersRomance scams don’t start with money.They start with attention, validation, and connection — and they often show up when you’re already exhausted, healing, or dealing with co-parenting chaos.In this episode of The After Wife, we break down:• How romance scams actually work• Why smart, emotionally aware women are targeted• What it means when they don’t ask for money• The long-game tactics, money mule setups, and grooming patterns• How ongoing ex chaos can make anyone more vulnerable• Why you don’t need a diagnosis, proof, or shame to walk awayIf you’ve ever thought:“I didn’t lose money, but something felt off”“I should’ve known better”“I feel embarrassed for trusting someone”This episode is for you.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.📩 Stories welcome — anonymous or not.Because life after wife? It’s just getting started.#TheAfterWifePodcast #RomanceScams #DatingAfterDivorce #CoParentingChaos#TrustYourInstincts #EmotionalSafety #RedFlags #HealingNotHustling

Episode 14 — When the Chaos Comes BackThe new year starts with hope… and then real life shows up.In this episode of The After Wife, we’re talking about what happens after the fresh-start energy fades — when co-parenting issues resurface, boundaries get tested, and people who thrive on control sense vulnerability.We dive into:Why January often brings conflict instead of calmHow grief and loss sharpen clarity (and why “knowing the things” matters more than ever)The familiar patterns that reappear in co-parenting — just dressed up in a new calendarWhy some personalities escalate when they sense stress or weaknessHow to stop explaining, start enforcing, and protect your peacePractical strategies for responding — not reacting — including structured communication and tools that help keep emotions out of the equationThis episode isn’t about being louder, tougher, or more accommodating.It’s about clarity, preparedness, and choosing peace on purpose.And at the end, we tease our next episode — child support — and invite you to send us any questions you have. No judgment. No topic off-limits.Because peace doesn’t maintain itself — it has to be protected.

2025 tried us.It taught us.It stripped us down to the truth.And instead of pretending it was all “worth it” or slapping on toxic positivity, we’re actually talking about:• what surprised us• what exhausted us• what grew us• what finally brought us peace• the wins we’re carrying forward• and the boundaries we’re taking into 2026This episode isn’t about resolutions you’ll forget by February.It’s about clarity, momentum, and choosing yourself — unapologetically.If you survived a year that changed you…If you’re closing chapters without bitterness but with boundaries…If you’re done explaining why peace matters…This one’s for you. 🖤🎧 Streaming now on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyBecause life after wife?It’s just getting started.

🎙️ NEW EPISODE IS LIVE: Cuffing Season — Divorced Mom Edition 💕❄️🔥Cuffing season is HERE… which means the DMs get weird, the apps get chaotic, and somehow we’re all dating like teenagers with a mortgage and joint-custody schedules. 😂In this episode, we’re breaking down:✨ Why cuffing season hits different after divorce✨ Our night at a Date Cleveland singles event with 100+ people✨ Why dating again feels like being 16… but with back pain✨ The FULL guide to 15 types of guys you’ll meet (yes, including the Weekender, the Ghost, and the Holiday Cuffer)✨ And why the “Actually Decent Guy” is basically a unicornIf you’re dating again, thinking about dating again, or laughing at the idea of dating again… this one’s for you. 💅💘🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify📱 @theafterwifepodcast💌 [email protected]

The holidays hit different after divorce — and we’re talking about all of it. The joy, the chaos, the guilt, the freedom, the loneliness, the peace… and the pure comedy of trying to keep it together while co-parenting, juggling schedules, navigating finances, dodging nosy relatives, and pretending we didn’t forget the elf on the shelf. Again.In this episode, we ditch the Hallmark expectations and get real about what the season actually looks like when you’re a divorced mom rebuilding her life — imperfectly, honestly, and sometimes hilariously. From gift-giving drama and custody schedules to creating new traditions, hosting Friendsmas for your fellow single moms, and finding the one thing that keeps you sane, this is your permission slip to make the holidays yours.It’s part empowerment, part therapy, part Bad Moms energy… and fully The After Wife.Grab your coffee or your wine — we’ve got stories to tell.

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this week we’re pulling back the curtain on something that isn’t talked about enough — coercive control. It’s the kind of abuse that doesn’t always leave bruises, but it leaves deep, invisible scars.We break down what coercive control really looks like — emotional, financial, digital, and psychological manipulation — and share how it seeps into everyday life. From walking on eggshells to the system that still doesn’t recognize the harm, we’re sharing our own stories and the truths too many survivors know too well.💜 This episode is for anyone who’s ever thought, “Is this really abuse?”If it’s hurting your soul — it’s enough.💜 National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)💜 Text START to 88788💜 The Journey Center: 24-Hour Helpline 216.391.4357 (HELP)💜 Local shelters offer legal protection and housing💜 This month, we honor:The ones still in silenceThe ones who made it outThe ones who didn’tYou are not crazy.You are not alone.You are not to blame.💜 You are stronger than you think.

Dating after divorce isn’t for the faint of heart — but it is for the brave, the curious, and the slightly unhinged (in the best way). In this episode of The After Wife, we’re diving into the emotional chaos and unexpected comedy of getting back out there. From dating apps and “situationships” to romance scammers and first-date red flags, we’re covering it all — the awkward, the empowering, and everything in between.We’ll talk about:Dating in your 40s — and how it feels like you’re a teenager againWhich dating apps are worth your time (including one just for single parents)Nine non-negotiable rules for dating after divorceSafety tips for meeting new people (hello, Google Voice and group chats!)How to spot scammers, avoid burnout, and have fun againBecause you’re not starting over — you’re starting from experience.

Family court is the one place you hope you never have to spend much time — but for many of us, it’s unavoidable. In this episode of The After Wife, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to navigate the system: the endless pretrials, the magic-show distractions, and the emotional toll it takes — especially for survivors of abuse.We’ll talk about:The difference between dissolution and divorce — and why most survivors end up in divorceThe slow grind of pretrials and attorney conferences where nothing seems to move forwardHow discovery delays and document requests can be used as control tacticsWhy family court is the only court that expects you to stay in contact with your abuser — and judges you for itKylie’s personal experience of being asked by a magistrate if she could forgive her abuserThe role of GALs — the good, the bad, and the expensiveThe reforms we wish we could see, including accountability, trauma-informed training, and a shift to focus on children’s best interestsBecause the process isn’t just broken — it’s exhausting. And if you’ve ever felt like you were losing your mind in the middle of it, you are not alone.

Parenting plans aren’t just legal paperwork — they’re the blueprint for how you’ll co-parent after divorce. In this episode of The After Wife, we’re breaking down what every solid parenting plan should include, the details you might overlook, and the clauses we wish we had added the first time around.We’ll cover:The must-have sections: schedules, exchanges, communication, and decision-makingLong-term planning for curfews, driving, travel, and social mediaGuidelines for new partners and overnight staysHow to handle make-up parenting time fairlyWhy specificity matters (and can save you thousands in legal fees later)Because a good plan isn’t just about avoiding conflict — it’s about protecting your peace and giving your kids consistency.DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as legal advice but is sharing experiences regarding impacts of the shared parenting plan.

New backpacks, fresh notebooks… and the whirlwind of getting kids ready for a new school year while juggling two households. In this episode of The After Wife, we’re diving into the back-to-school season when you’re co-parenting — from navigating supply lists and open houses to making sure teachers know your family’s situation without oversharing.We’ll talk about:Why communication with teachers, nurses, and school staff matters more than you thinkHelping kids manage transitions between two households during the school yearTackling extracurricular sign-ups without a scheduling meltdownKylie’s story of how stress showed up in her son as headaches and stomachaches — and how she learned to focus on her son staying in schoolBoundaries, expectations, and keeping the focus on your kids’ success (not your ex’s drama)Because back to school should be about our kids growing — not about grown-ups acting like kids.

Telling people you’re divorcing or separating can feel harder than the divorce itself. In this episode, we talk about why saying it out loud is so difficult — even to yourself — and the reasons so many of us stay silent about our struggles until it’s all over. From friends and family to coworkers, we share how to set boundaries, handle reactions, and own your story without shame. Whether you’re ready to make the announcement or still working up to it, this episode will help you navigate the conversations on your terms.

Parenting after divorce isn’t just hard — it’s a complete identity shift. In this episode, we’re talking about how we’re showing up for our kids through the mess, the healing, and the hard choices.We get into:💬 Creating emotional safety and honest communication🔁 Breaking generational cycles and modeling healthy boundaries📅 Becoming the default family organizer — and what that really looks like🎉 Finding joy in the chaos (pizza rolls + kitchen dance parties, anyone?)❤️‍🩹 How healing ourselves helps us be the moms they actually needBecause the truth is — we’re not just raising kids. We’re rewriting the story for the next generation.🎧 Stream now on Apple Podcasts + Spotify📲 Follow us @TheAfterWifePodcast📬 Email: [email protected]#TheAfterWife #DivorcedMoms #ParentingAfterDivorce #CycleBreakers #MomLife #TheAfterWifePodcast #HealingMoms #SingleMomStrong

Healing isn’t pretty — but it is powerful. In this episode, we get real about what healing after divorce actually looks like. From therapy and music to pickleball and reclaiming your peace, we’re sharing the messy, empowering, deeply personal steps we’ve taken to rebuild.We talk about letting go of shame, breaking cycles, and why healing isn’t just for us — it’s for our kids, our future, and our sanity. Plus, we introduce a new segment: “The One Thing That Keeps Me Sane” — because yes, we all need one.Whether you’re in the thick of it or finding your way out, this one’s for anyone choosing growth over bitterness and peace over pretending.Here is where you can reach Kylie's life coach:https://lisecolucci.com/

You’ve signed the papers, packed the boxes, or maybe you just made the decision — and then it hits you: that first night alone. In this episode, we’re getting real about that moment when the silence is deafening, the pizza rolls are your dinner, and your brain starts to play the greatest hits of what if’s.We’re sharing our own first-night-alone stories — the good, the bad, and the unexpected moments of freedom that come with it. Because no matter how you get there, that first night is a huge step in reclaiming your life.If you’ve been there — or you’re facing it now — we hope this episode makes you feel less alone and a little more empowered. Because while that first night might feel scary, it’s also the start of something brand new.

In this premiere episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and kicking off The After Wife with the stories behind our divorces — and the freedom, fear, and fierce clarity that came after. We’re sharing what led us to walk away, what we wish we’d known sooner, and why the end of a marriage was just the beginning of something real.This isn’t a pity party. It’s real talk for women who are done pretending, done shrinking, and ready to reclaim their peace — one unfiltered conversation at a time.Grab your wine or your coffee — we’ve got stories to tell.