The Divorced Girl Smiling Podcast

No one wants to be in an emotionally abusive relationship, or an addictive relationship. So, why is it not so uncommon that people get into these kinds of relationships? One big reason is that people don't even realize they are in or heading into one. My guest in this episode is Relationship and Recovery Therapist, Debra Alper. Debra and I discuss 5 signs that you might be in one or headed there. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/5-signs-you-are-in-or-are-heading-into-an-addictive-or-emotionally-abusive-relationship/

It sounds intimidating and overwhelming, but it really isn't! My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, Jessica Zadjura, who has answers to your questions about retirement accounts, pension plans, and other assets in divorce. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/retirement-accounts-pension-plans-and-divorce/

Being your best self in divorce has so many benefits. Not only will it give you a better divorce outcome, but it will help you in self-love, and in your post-divorce life. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, Sharon Oberst-DeFala, who offers tips on how to be your best self, as well as a story that will inspire you! Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/a-great-example-of-how-to-be-your-best-self-in-divorce/

If you know your divorce needs to happen, but you're not sure what to do to prepare, before telling your spouse officially that you want a divorce, this is a great episode! My guest is divorce attorney, Ardené Fox, who offers advice on how to prepare for the start of your divorce. 

It's so wonderful when parents can put their differences aside and be there in a peaceful, loving way for their kids. Unfortunately, not all divorcing couples are able to do this. So, if you are someone going through a divorce who has a difficult and toxic ex, this is a great episode for you. My guest is divorce attorney, Matt Butts, who offers 3 tips for coparenting with a toxic ex. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/3-tips-for-coparenting-with-a-toxic-ex/

If you want to get calm or stay calm during your divorce, this is a great episode for you! My guest is divorce coach, Cherie Morris, who offers 5 somatic techniques to get you to a better, calmer, more rational place, so you can not only make better decisions during your divorce, but so you can have a better quality of life! Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/recovering-from-divorce-through-somatic-practice/

I had never heard of insight mediation before this podcast, but I'm so glad I know about it now! Wait until you listen to this episode! My guest is divorce mediator, Melissa Wheeler-Farag, who uses insight mediation in her practice; a method that is shown to give divorcing couples a better result, and a better co-parenting relationship. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/insight-mediation-what-it-is-and-how-it-can-help-your-divorce/

Why is it important to empower yourself as much as possible in divorce? Because you will make smarter, better decisions, you will have less anxiety, and you will have a better outcome by far! My guest in this episode is Divorce Attorney, Catherine Becker Good, and we are giving you 7 steps you can take to empower yourself in the divorce process. You're going to love this one!

If you are going through a divorce (or are already divorced) and you need some inspiration and empowerment, this is a great episode for you! My guest is Hannah McKitrick, Wellness Coach and Retreat Leader, and we have 7 things we swear by, that we think will help you get happier and healthier. 

What a great conversation! Life, Love and Divorce Coach, Michèle Heffron is my guest, and we talk about so many things that we think you are thinking about and wondering about as a divorced woman over 40, 50 or 60. Topics include: figuring out what you want to do now, and finding love at an older age. 

The divorced woman is juggling a lot of things, including her home, health, kids, dating, aging parents, and so much more! My guest in this episode is real estate agent, Staci Yesner, and wait till you hear this conversation! It's so vulnerable and relatable! We hope it's both validating and inspiring! https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/make-your-house-a-home-after-divorce/

What is a guardian ad litem (a GAL)? If you've never been through a divorce, you might never even have heard the term. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, Colleen Breems, a partner at Beermann, who is also a guardian ad litem. Colleen explains the role of a GAL, and answers so many questions you probably have. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-is-a-guardian-ad-litem/

What does equitable distribution mean? If you've never been through a divorce, you probably don't know. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, John McKnight. John explains equitable distribution and offers some insight into dividing assets in divorce, and how the divorce process works. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-is-equitable-distribution-in-a-divorce/

Every divorce case is unique, and so are the reasons people get divorced. My guest in this episode is Dr. Ginny Wright, Discernment Counselor Master Practitioner and Therapist, who gives us a look at both the hard and soft reasons people decide to get divorced. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/the-top-reasons-for-divorce-understanding-hard-and-soft-reasons/

One of the scariest parts of getting divorced is being alone. In fact, many people decide not to get divorced because they fear this. If this is you, you are going to LOVE this episode! My guests are Catherine Shanahan, CDFA® and Karen Chellew, (both divorced) and the founders of My Divorce Solution. We offer tips, and we hope you will feel inspired from this conversation.

In the wake of the Megan Kerrigan Andy Byron Coldplay kiss cam cheating incident, I was wondering, is it going to be possible for them to mediate their divorce? My guest is Divorce Mediator, Brian James and he says yes. We get into how these kinds of cases differ from other divorces, and we offer tips for those getting divorced from a cheater. 

If I was getting divorced now, one of my biggest sources of stress would be my beloved dog. Is he going to be OK? Will I get custody of him? Am I going to have to share custody? This is a great episode for dog lovers. My guest is Karis Nafte, a dog and pet mediator, dog behavior consultant, author and speaker. Karis answers all the questions you might have. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/professional/karis-nafte-founder-who-keeps-the-dog/

Divorce attorney, Joi Fairell tells it like it is, and in this episode, she shares insights into the divorce process, and answers so many questions you might have if you are newly separated or in the middle of your divorce. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/how-is-child-support-calculated-in-georgia/

It's not easy being married to someone who is controlling. But it might be even more difficult to divorce a controlling spouse. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, Tiffany Hughes, who offers tips for going through a divorce when your soon-to-be-ex has a controlling personality. 

I'm a big fan of marriage therapy, but so often, I hear that it didn't work for couples and they ended up divorced. My guest in this episode is Ann Cerney, a Marriage Intensive Therapist, who shares her stories about couples who went to her for marriage intensive therapy, and the success they had. We explain what marriage intensive therapy is, and then talk about what goes on in the process and how it's different than traditional marriage therapy. Trying to save your marriage? This is a great episode for you! Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-is-marriage-intensive-therapy-and-is-it-for-us/

So many times, women getting divorced have no idea what their life is going to look like after. That can feel scary, depressing, and sad, but my guests in this episode--who both went through divorces say life after divorce can be wonderful! Mimi Sullivan and Carolyn Bilyak are full of inspiration and tips for your post divorce life! Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/3-words-that-can-help-you-build-your-post-divorce-life/

Online dating can feel so frustrating and disappointing, that you might be asking, "Is this really worth it?" My guest in this episode is dating after divorce coach, Laurie Gerber, and Laurie and say yes! We will offer you tips that will inspire you to keep trying if you want to find real, meaningful love. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/is-online-dating-worth-it-you-decide/

When people are first getting divorced (or thinking about one), they start googling. Actually, now they ask AI, as well. My guest in this episode is Hirsch Serman, Financial Divorce Coach and divorced dad, who found out just what information people are searching for. We reveal 10 things people want to know and then offer our advice. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/google-trends-for-divorce-topics-what-people-search/

Do you have divorce guilt? My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, Katherine Miller, who explains why people getting divorced feel guilt and shame, and what the difference between the two is. We also offer tips for those feeling guilt and shame. 

When going through a divorce, it's hard to picture your life after, especially pertaining to happiness. My guest in this episode is Joanne Litman, financial advisor and divorced mom, and Jo and I talk about happiness after divorce, specifically what you need and don't need to be happy. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-you-need-and-dont-need-for-happiness-after-divorce-and-how-to-move-on-after-divorce/

No one likes to be uncomfortable, but with divorce, you are going through so many changes and well, it's uncomfortable! Time to get comfortable being uncomfortable! But that's a good thing! My guest in this episode is Ron Platt, divorced dad and co-founder of the National Association for Single and Divorced Families (the NASDF.) Ron and I tell our divorce stories of feeling uncomfortable and some things we did to get comfortable. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/get-comfortable-being-uncomfortable-and-other-advice-on-love-and-divorce/

One of the biggest mistakes people make in divorce is waiting until they are officially divorced to hire a financial planner/investment firm. My guest in this episode is Peter Mullins, CDFA® and Vice-president at Vestor Capital, who explains what exactly a financial plan is, and how you can benefit by consulting with a financial advisor (especially a CDFA®) before or during your divorce. I am a client of Pete's (have been for a long time) so this is personal for me! 

Do you sometimes feel like you're never going to be happy again? Think again! My guest in this episode is divorce coach, Mardi Winder-Adams, who explains all the wonderful things that happened to her during and after divorce that she didn't expect. Of course, I tell my stories, too! Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/the-unexpected-benefits-of-divorce-that-women-dont-talk-about-but-should/

What a great episode this is! With my guest, divorce attorney, Theresa E. Viera, we offer tips for those in the thick of your divorce. These include: remembering you're not at war, being cautious of those who call themselves "experts," and making sure you give yourself the option of changing your name back after divorce-even if you haven't made a decision on that yet. 

It's a heartbreaking situation that causes unbearable pain for the victim, and for the kids. I'm talking about parental alienation. My guest in this episode is divorce mediator, Michael Cohen, who explains what parental alienation looks like, how parents might be doing it without even knowing, and specifically how it hurts everyone involved. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/how-alienation-of-a-child-from-a-parent-hurts-everyone-involved/

Every divorce case is unique, and so is every divorce case that involves some kind of alcohol use or abuse. My guest in this episode is Chris Beck of Soberlink, who talks about the differences between sobriety and recovery, and how each one affects the divorce process and of course, the parents and children. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/sobriety-and-recovery-key-differences-and-how-they-affect-divorcing-parents/

Meditation and mediation are two entirely separate practices. That said, not only are they only separated by one letter, but they are related a lot more than you might think. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney and mediator, Erica Speraw, who offers a look into each, and the benefits of doing both during divorce. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/mediation-vs-meditation-not-as-unrelated-as-you-might-think/

Hurt people hurt people. We've all heard that statement. But what happens when a person decides to have an affair just to get revenge on their spouse? My guest is Brittany Baker, LCSW, a therapist who explains why people have revenge affairs (and affairs not for revenge) and why hurting someone this way is a really bad idea. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/revenge-affairs-why-people-have-them-and-why-its-a-bad-idea/

Having a strategy is always wise in any goals you have, and that includes a good divorce outcome. My guest in this episode is Tracy Coenen, Forensic Accountant and the founder of the Divorce Money Guide and the Divorce Strategy Guide. Tracy offers tips for planning and implementing a strategy that will help you get the best possible divorce outcome and post-divorce life. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/planning-for-a-divorce-lets-talk-strategies/

Online dating can feel frustrating, disappointing, and hopeless. But it doesn't have to be that way! My guest in this episode is online dating coach, Alyssa Dineen, who offers tips for online dating that we hope will leave you feeling inspired and ready to mingle! Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/how-to-be-successful-in-online-dating-5-tips/

When I got divorced, my kids were 3 and 5, and college was not something I was thinking about. But I feel like I blinked and they were at the age when they started applying to schools. College was not in my divorce agreement, and we had to go back to court a few times to sort things out. But you can avoid that! My guest in this episode is Vicki Vollweiler, College Planning and Financial Aid Expert. Vicki offers tips on college planning, and talks about what it looks like to add college to your divorce agreement, regardless of your kids' current ages. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/the-importance-of-including-college-in-your-divorce-agreement/

No one wants to be divorced, and divorce can feel painful and devastating and hopeless. But believe it or not, divorce creates so many opportunities I bet you haven't even thought of. My guest is Liesel Darby, divorce mediator and coach, and we talk about the opportunities you might not even realize that are now at your fingertips. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/recognizing-opportunities-created-by-divorce/

Divorce is so painful, but we all have to remember that it's painful for the kids, too. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney and children's book author, Anna Krolikowska, who offers 10 things your kids might be thinking during divorce and how to handle it. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/divorce-and-kids-10-things-they-might-be-thinking/

So many people decide that divorce is the right decision, but they decide before having all the information they need. My guest in this episode is Kimberly Miller, J.D., LMFT, CDC®, who is the founder of her divorce education platform, PartWise. Kimberly offers a glimpse into what to expect and how to educate yourself so that you are prepared. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/when-is-it-time-for-a-divorce-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-decide/

What a fun but also important conversation about being in a relationship or dating men who don't have a lot of money. My guest is financial advisor, Amanda Campbell, CDFA®, CFP®, AIFF®, AAMS®, and together, we offer some relationship red flags for men who might not have a lot of money. By the way, there are a lot of wonderful men who don't have a lot of money, but we tell you what to watch out for! Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/there-are-men-with-no-money-and-then-there-are-men-with-no-money/

We all want our children to grow up happy and healthy, and going through a divorce might cause you to worry that they won't. My guest in this episode is Katharine Rupp, divorce attorney and Judicial Education Coordinator for OurFamilyWizard. Katharine offers insight as to what your children can learn--both good and bad from the choices you make during and after your divorce. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/children-and-divorce-3-things-they-will-learn/

When is a bad time to sell your ring? What frame of mind should you be in when selling your rings? Where shouldn't you sell your rings? And what shouldn't you do with the money you get from your rings? These are all questions that we address in this episode about what NOT to do with your wedding rings. My guests are Matt and Anne Gabel, co-founders of MJ Gabel diamond and ring buyers. I sold my wedding rings to Matt and Anne! 

Grieving a divorce is key in healing and moving on. My guest in this episode is Divorce Coach, Lisa Lisser, who explains many forms grieving can come in. We also offer tips on healing from grief. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/divorce-grief-its-complicated/

Self-compassion and self-love: two very important things needed for someone going through a divorce. My guest is Juli Walton, LCPC, therapist and mediator, who talks about each of these, their differences, and what the benefits are of each. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-is-self-compassion-and-how-is-it-different-than-self-love/

It might sound like a small thing, but it's not: the words you use when communicating with your ex, both in mediation and during your divorce. My guest in this episode is divorce mediator, Erik Feig. Erik and I discuss using certain words that might affect the outcome of your divorce-both in a good and not so good way. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/divorce-mediation-advice-words-have-power/

What is a personal mission statement? We discuss that in this episode. My guest is divorce coach, Andra Davidson, who talks about how to create one, and the many benefits it will provide-including a better divorce experience and outcome. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-is-a-personal-mission-statement-why-you-need-one-during-divorce/

Are you a highly sensitive person? Not sure? My guest in this episode is Sue Bruckner, a Holistic Relationship Coach and founder of Tribe Rising, a community for highly sensitive women. Sue offers signs of highly sensitives, along with reasons to embrace and even celebrate being one! Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/highly-sensitive-person-symptoms-and-strengths/

I am not Okay. That is something that almost every person who has ever been through a divorce has said. My guest in this episode is Darlene Taylor, a divorce and co-parenting coach, who says it's perfectly normal to feel that way. Darlene has wonderful advice if you are feeling this way. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/i-am-not-okay-heres-our-advice/

It's hard not to sit around and think about your ex, what went wrong, what you "should" have done, and what he's doing now. My guest in this episode is divorce coach, Jenine Marie Powell, who offers tips on how to stop thinking about your ex--how to get out of the "ex zone" and position yourself for a better life ahead. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/how-to-stop-obsessing-over-an-ex-5-tips/

There are so many podcasts about what to say during mediation, but this episode focuses on what NOT to say! My guest is divorce mediator, Ellen Feldman, who shares some things she's heard in her almost 20 years of mediating, that she says NOT to say. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-not-to-say-during-mediation-part-2/

What does it mean and what does it look like to "give away your power" in the divorce? Divorce Coach, Karen Covy offers 7 ways you might be giving away your power and you don't even realize it! This is a can't-miss episode for those who want the best possible divorce outcome (which we all know you do!) Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/are-you-giving-away-your-power-in-your-divorce/