The Divorced Girl Smiling Podcast

Are you divorcing a narcissist? Even if the person isn't a true narcissist (meaning he/she has been diagnosed), people getting divorced can show narcissistic tendencies, given the stressful, scary situation. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney and partner, Renee Read, who talks about divorcing a narcissist from the legal perspective. Renee offers some great tips to help minimize costs and get the best possible outcome.

As everyone gets older, I'm starting to see posts on Facebook and other social media outlets about an ex passing away. This has got to be so painful, so my guest and I decided to address it in this episode. My guest is high conflict divorce coach, Cherie Morris, and Cherie and I talk about what people might be feeling and thinking, and things you can do to help yourself and of course, your kids.

It's one of the biggest issues in so many divorce cases: Should I or can I afford to keep the house? Stacey Ellison is a CDLP® and a Divorce Mortgage Planner, who lists 5 myths about keeping the house in your divorce. 

That first Mother's Day during divorce can be so emotional! That's why my guests and I (we are all divorced moms) decided to talk about the emotions you might be feeling as the day approaches. My guests are Mimi Sullivan and Carolyn Bilyak, co-founders of Rebranding Divorce-The Ready for More Community, and we have so many wonderful nuggets of advice that will help you feel less stressed and even excited for Mother's Day and other holidays during and after divorce.

It's really hard. You go from being married to acting like strangers, or even worse, enemies. Ever wonder why your ex is being so cold and mean? My guest in this episode is divorce attorney turned divorce and decision coach, Karen Covy. We address the reasons he/she is acting the way they are and we offer advice on what to do.

Every divorce is difficult, but when you add infidelity into the mix, things can get more heated. That means legally, as well. My guest in this episode is Texas based divorce attorney, David Heiman, who explains how an affair can impact a divorce case. David also offers advice to those who are in this situation.

It's a pretty scary thought: You're thinking about divorce or going through one, and you're not sure if you will have to split your inheritance. That's what this episode is all about. My guest is New Orleans based divorce attorney, Zara Zeringue, who offers a look into this very important aspect of divorce and offers advice on keeping what you feel is yours!

When it comes to divorce, one of the most stressful aspects is the house: should we sell it? Should we rent? should we buy a new place? Realtor, Real Estate Collaboration Specialist-Divorce, and Certified Divorce Specialist, Megan Sullivan is our guest, and she explains some of the mistakes she's seen divorcing couples make in a divorce and how to avoid making them. 

Is my ex hiding cryptocurrency? That's a question divorcing people are asking more and more lately, as crypto investments continue to grow. My guest in this episode has been a crypto expert for over a decade. His name is Chris Groshong and he's the founder of her company, Coinstructure. Chris offers advice on finding crypto, as well as the importance of making sure it's valued accurately. 

"The 5 Love Languages" is a famous book by Gary Chapman. In this episode, my guest, Divorce Coach, Justin Milrad and I talk about the 5 love languages, as they pertain to your divorce. Our discussion might help you feel validated, and understand what went wrong, and what you can do to make your future relationships better!

We all want the same things for our kids: we want them to be self-confident, loving, and emotionally healthy, right? My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, Sharon Oberst DeFala, who has been working with divorcing families for decades. Sharon shares her wisdom and insight about how to ensure your kids grow up healthy and happy, even during divorce and of course, after divorce.

Feeling like your kids are blaming you for the divorce? Feel like they think Dad can do no wrong? My guest in this episode is Kristen Noel, Divorce Coach and Co-founder of The Intuitive Divorce. We talk about how you might be feeling and what you can do. 

Emotional support is so important during and after divorce. That might mean many things, including therapy, friends, family, or a divorce coach. Debra Alper is a Divorce and Recovery therapist, who says support groups are the way to go to have an overall much better divorce experience, and to have a happy, healthy life after. Learn more by listening or read the article on this subject here!

If you are thinking about divorce or going through one, this episode will help you see mistakes others have made both in the mediation and litigation processes. My guest is divorce attorney, Megan Beck, who offers her expertise based on former clients. We hope it will help prevent you from making these mistakes! 

Divorce can feel stressful, sad and scary. But have you ever thought about the upside of this huge life transition? Brian James is a divorce mediator, and our discussion focuses on the opportunities divorce creates to rediscover yourself. We also offer tips on how to create a life you love after divorce.

What is an amicable divorce? People often think if you are in a financially complex divorce that it's impossible to be amicable in the process, but that's actually not true. My guest is Erin Bodendorfer, divorce attorney and partner at Katz & Stefani, and she offers us a look at amicable divorce: what that means, what it looks like, and tips if you want to try to have one.

When you finally get to the place where you have a divorce agreement, it can feel like a huge relief. But before you sign on the dotted line, there are certain things you shouldn't overlook. My guest is Karen Chellew of My Divorce Solution, the well-known financial preparation platform for divorce, and Karen offers 5 things you should not overlook. 

This is a comprehensive discussion about child support and spousal support, also known as Alimony, or Maintenance. My guest is  Minnesota based divorce attorney, Kathryn Murphy, who explains what these are and answers questions you might have.

If you have questions related to the financial aspect of your divorce, you are going to love this episode! Financial Divorce Advocate and CDFA®, Sue Plisch lists some common questions people getting divorced have, and then offers her advice on each one. Our goal is to empower you financially!

Are you going through a divorce and menopause or perimenopause at the same time? Oftentimes, this is the case, and women don't know if a change in hormones might be the cause of their unhappiness in the marriage, or if the marriage is causing the unhappiness in their life. My guest in this episode is Brittany Baker, LCSW and therapist, who talks about menopause and perimenopause, and how hormone changes can affect a marriage and contribute to divorce. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/divorce-menopause-or-perimenopause-when-life-transitions-collide/

Every divorce is difficult, but can you imagine getting divorced as a celebrity or someone who is in the public eye? It brings a whole new set of issues to the table. My guest in this episode is Jeff Abood, a divorce attorney who has represented many high-profile clients. He talks about what the issues are, and how to handle them. Also included: the benefits of mediation for high-profile divorce. 

Going back to work after divorce? Or, are you going to start dating soon? Perhaps you just feel like you need a makeover for your closet. This is such a fun and interesting conversation about the power of what you wear, and how it can help your self-confidence and make you feel beautiful, especially after divorce. My guest is Suzanne Bernie, a personal stylist who has worked with Rod Stewart and Elizabeth Hurley! 

HOW you get divorced not only sets the tone for the process, but can impact your divorce outcome and post-divorce life. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, Jessica Zadjura, who explains the divorce processes: litigation and mediation. We also have a conversation about pros and cons of each. 

"I can't meet anyone." "There are no good guys out there." "I hate dating." These are things I hear from divorced women way too often! Well, listen to this episode and things might change! My guest is Dating after Divorce Coach, Laurie Gerber, who offers 5 ways to increase your chances of finding love.

Are you feeling panicked or anxious or fearful during your divorce? If so, we understand, and this is a great episode for you. Divorce can feel chaotic, but my guest, Lisa Schnitzer, a professional divorce concierge, can help take the panic, fear and anxiety out of your life by helping you get organized and restore control. In this episode, we offer tips to get started.

What is a holistic divorce? Collaborative Divorce Attorney and Mediator, Rosemarie Ferrante explains in this episode, and we talk about the benefits of a holistic divorce and how it can increase your chances of having a good outcome and the best possible post-divorce life.

Change isn't easy, and it takes guts to take steps to change your life. Michèle Heffron is a life, love and relationships coach who is no stranger to change, and getting out of her comfort zone. We talk about why change is so scary, and how to not only cope, but to embrace it.

Coparenting is so important, yet anger, resentment and hurt feelings can make healthy coparenting so difficult. My guests in this episode are divorce mediators (and sisters!) Lizzie Stevenson and Martha Heywood. These wonderful women offer healthy coparenting tips that will help you put your children first.

One of the scariest parts about getting divorced is figuring out if you are gonig to stay in your home, and if so how you can financially make that work. There's also the decision of "Should I buy a new home or should I rent?" My guest in this episode is Rebecca Turley, Realtor, who offers her thoughts and so much wonderful advice. 

If you are living with or leaving an alcoholic, this is a great episode for you! My guest is Amber Hollingsworth, Licensed Drug and Addiction Counselor, who offers insight into what the addict is thinking and feeling, along with tips on getting the person to get help.

Do you know what the most important asset you have in divorce is? It's not your home or your car or your 401K, it's time. My guest in this episode is Hirsch Serman, a financial divorce coach and divorced dad, and this conversation is so inspiring, you're going to love it!

Dating after divorce can feel frustrating and disappointing. My guest in this episode actually wrote a book about some of her unbelievable dating stories and she shares them in this episode. This isn't all doom and gloom, though. It's lighthearted, funny, and meant to inspire you that from every date, you learn something.

"I never loved you," "You're going to regret divorcing me," "No one will ever want you." These are just some of the very cruel things people might say during divorce. My guest in this episode is Joanne Litman, Financial Advisor and divorced mom, and we discuss why people say these things and why if you hear "I never loved you," that's simply not true.

"Starting over after divorce at 50" is heavily searched in Google, and understandably so! It can feel scary to start over at an older age. My guest in this episode is Juli Walton, LCPC, and we talk about fresh starts, reinvention, and living your authentic life after 50. Read the article here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/how-to-move-on-after-divorce-in-your-fifties/

What does it mean to be emotionally savvy? My guest in this episode is Katherine E. Miller, Divorce Attorney and author of her new book "The Emotionally Savvy Divorce." Katherine shares some of the key takeaways in her wonderful divorce advice book, with the goal of helping you have the best divorce outcome. 

Most people think that if they are getting divorced, the first thing to do is call a divorce attorney. While divorce attorneys are definitely needed, my guest says there's someone you should call first: a divorce mediator. Michael Cohen, divorce mediator, explains why in this episode, and offers tips on achieving the best possible divorce outcome. Read Michael's article on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/why-every-couple-considering-divorce-should-talk-to-a-mediator-before-a-lawyer/

One of the most painful questions people ask after becoming separated is: How can I ever learn to trust again after being betrayed? My guest in this episode is Divorce Coach, Jenine Marie Powell, who address the question and offers advice on how to get to a place of peace, and move on to healthy relationships in the future.

Some states require a separation period before you can officially get divorced. North Carolina is one of those states and my guest is Divorce Attorney, Whitney Butcher, who talks about the law and offers advice on those thinking of separating or who are already separated. 

Getting divorced requires the couple to walk away with a parenting plan, which might sound comforting. But what happens when life changes and that parenting plan is no longer working? My guest in this episode is Divorce Mediator, Erik Feig. Erik and I give examples of life changes and how they might affect your parenting plan, as well as how to create a plan that can adapt. 

People going through a divorce often feel like they've lost their purpose in life. They just don't know what they are supposed to do now or who they are. My guest is Phil LaGiglia, and both Phil and I have been where you are. We talk about how to find that purpose again and the fact that life is going to be wonderful again. Read the article we wrote on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/lost-your-purpose-in-life-one-things-for-sure-its-wonderful/

It's very common for women getting divorced to feel scared and intimidated by having to now manage their own finances. My guest in this episode is Leah Hadley, Founder of Intentional Divorce Solutions, Mediator, and CDFA®, who addresses: fear of paying your own bills, understanding the stock marketing, planning for retirement and tax issues. This conversation will help you feel a lot better! 

Let's be honest. Financial fears might be the biggest fear for those getting divorced, especially if you've never managed your money. My guest in this episode is Financial Advisor, Pete Mullins, CDFA®, who offers tips to help ease your anxiety and empower you to feel confident when it comes to managing your own finances and making good financial decisions.

"I just want to get through the divorce," is a common statement people make. My guest in this episode is divorce coach, Mardi Winder, who explains that although we understand how you feel, that's just not enough. Mardi talks about strategies and mindset to set you up for the best possible post-divorce life. Read Mardi's article on this topic: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/2-things-that-matter-and-why-just-getting-through-a-divorce-is-not-good-enough/

Many people choose mediation as a way to get divorced in hopes that it will cost less, go fairly quickly, and result in a better coparenting relationship. My guest in this episode is divorce mediator, David Louis, who talks about some of the obstacles to effective communication that can hinder the mediation process. 

When people going through a divorce start thinking about custody and parenting time, things can feel stressful and scary. After all, we all want to spend time with our kids and be a part of big life decisions for them. My guest in this episode is Andrea Friedman, divorce attorney and partner at Friedman & Friedman. Andrea explains the differences between sole and joint custody, and talks about options in parenting time. 

"Life is a balancing act," says Amanda Campbell, my guest in this episode. You're a mom, you work, you have kids, you have family and friends, and trying to balance it all can feel overwhelming. Same with your financial life. Amanda Campbell is a financial advisor and offers advice on spending and saving in a smart way--in other words, balancing your financial wellbeing. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/balance-mindfulness-and-money/

Splitting up assets in a divorce can get complicated, especially when there are retirement accounts involved. My guest in this episode is Divorce Attorney, Liz Felt Wakeman, who offers information and advice on making sure things are fair and equitable, and that you don't make mistakes that could cost you down the road. 

Can you mediate a high-net-worth divorce? My guest in this episode is high net-worth divorce mediator, Mara Linder, who says not only "can" you mediate a high-net-worth, high-asset divorce, but that there are many, many advantages to doing so. Mara explains the benefits of mediation, and offers tips to a better outcome and post-divorce life. 

Divorce is always difficult, but it gets even more challenging, both emotionally and practically, when you are living in another country, and/or you live in the U.S. but are from another country. My guest in this episode is Keren Asher, an Israeli based divorce attorney and worldwide divorce coach, who helps coach people all over the world if they are divorcing in a foreign country. Keren offers insight and tips into these situations, and also talks about divorce laws in Israel.

A huge part of the stress that goes with divorce is change. There are so many changes going on in divorce and for most people, it feels overwhelming. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, Catherine Becker Good, who talks about some of the major changes in divorce. Catherine and I offer tips on coping with those changes.