The Divorced Girl Smiling Podcast

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/

What is healthy co-parenting? What does that look like during your divorce and in your every day life after divorce? High-conflict and co-parenting divorce coach, Cherie Morris explains, and offers tips that will leave you feeling inspired, and that will help you see that co-parenting, even with someone you have a lot of resentment and anger towards, is entirely possible! Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/the-ultimate-act-of-love-for-your-kids-healthy-co-parenting/

Every divorce is hard. But things can get a lot more emotional--especially during the legal process if one person is leaving the marriage for someone else. My guest in this episode is Amelia Warchal, Divorce Attorney for Klein Law Group in South Florida. Amelia has advice, both for those who have been left and those who are leaving for someone else. 

Are you wondering if your marriage can be saved? If so, Discernment Counselor Master Practitioner, Dr. Ginny Wright might be able to give you some insight into whether or not it's possible. Ginny is my guest in this episode and she talks about things she hears in discernment counseling sessions that leads her to believe the marriage can work, or that divorce is probably imminent. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/can-my-marriage-be-saved-it-depends/

If you are getting divorce and you are thinking of selling your home and/or buying a new home, this is a great episode for you! My guests are Debbie Glickman and Tami Levy of Glickman Levy Residential (@properties) who together bring 16 years of real estate experience to the table. Love these women and you will too, as they give us myths and truths about real estate and divorce.

I get so many emails from people getting divorced who ask if divorce is a sin. Why? Because their religious leaders, family and community tell them it is. My guest on this episode is Michèle Heffron, Life, Relationships and Divorce Coach, and you're going to love our conversation about this! We also talk about Michèle's idea to have a "Tea Pause." I had no idea what that was and love it! 

It's a question I hear time and time again from people getting divorce: Will I be able to keep my home in the divorce? My guest in this episode is Jeff Landers, CDLP®, CDFA®, and author who has dedicated his career to helping people stay in their homes if that's what they want. Jeff has so much knowledge and many wonderful tips. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/homeownership-after-divorce-the-emotions-and-financial-reality/

It's something I've heard from hundreds of divorced women over the years: My ex moved on two seconds after we separated, meaning he was seeing someone else. It can feel shocking, hurtful, infuriating and unfair. My guest in this episode is T.H. Irwin, co-Founder of exExperts and wow, do we get into this topic! We talk about why men move on so quickly, and offer tips on how to cope if it happens to you. 

Supervised Visitation has a really negative connotation. But there's a lot you might not know! My guest in this episode is Trina Nudson, JD, CDC, divorce attorney, mediator and founder of her co-parenting program, BeH20. Our discussion is dedicated to what you need to know about supervised visitation, which Trina calls "supervised parenting time" since no parent should have to "visit" their children. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/10-things-to-know-about-supervised-visitation/

Who better to talk about the differences between men and women when it comes to coping with divorce than a divorced woman and a divorced man? My guest is Justin Milrad, a divorced dad who is a Certified Divorce Coach. This is such wonderful insight for women going through a divorce to get a glimpse into what your soon-to-be ex might be thinking and feeling. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/men-and-divorce-everything-a-woman-should-know/

Divorce is hard and the outcome is so important! That's why my guest and I want to warn you about 10 mistakes people make so that you can avoid making them. My guest is divorce attorney, Tiffany Hughes, who offers 12 years of experience and a lot of great tips! Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/10-big-divorce-mistakes-you-really-dont-want-to-make/

What happens when three women-all divorce professionals who all happen to have gone through a divorce get together and talk divorce? A lot of: wisdom and tips, and a little bit of laughter. My guests in this episode are Catherine Shanahan, CDFA and Karen Chellew, who are the co-founders of their amazing divorce financial preparation process called My Divorce Solution. Learn more here: https://mydivorcesolution.com/

Most divorce cases are complicated and stressful. But divorce can get a lot harder when one of the parties has a substance abuse issue. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, Catherine Becker Good. Catherine offers insight and advice for cases that involve substance abuse. 

Divorce is not a word that should be used lightly. What I'm saying is, once you say "Maybe we should get divorced", be prepared because you've opened the door. Maybe that door needed to be opened. My guest in this episode is Divorce Mediator, Michael Cohen. Michael and I talk about what can happen to a relationship when someone threatens divorce. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-can-happen-when-someone-is-threatening-divorce/

Being around negative people, especially a spouse or ex-spouse can feel toxic and exhausting. In this episode, my guest is Joanne Litman, financial advisor and divorced mom. Jo and I talk about what negative people do and say, and we offer tips on coping with and not letting the negativity stand in your way. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/my-partners-negativity-is-draining-me/

What is a high net-worth divorce? My guest in this episode is Turner Thornton, divorce attorney and partner at Varghese Summersett, who explains. We also discuss ways someone going through a divorce might try to hide money during one of these complex divorces. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-is-a-high-net-worth-divorce/

Custody battles can turn ugly fast, especially when one party is being falsely accused of something. That can include being falsely accused of drinking and/or being intoxicated around the kids. My guest in this episode is Chris Beck of Soberlink. Chris and I talk about what you can do to protect yourself. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/when-someone-is-falsely-accused-of-drinking-around-the-kids/

Ever been in an on-again off-again relationship? Also known as "situationships," they can be toxic and really bad for self esteem. My guest in this episode is dating coach, Alyssa Dineen. Alyssa and I talk about the signs that your relationship might fit into this category and we offer tips for avoiding falling into this kind of situation. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/ever-been-in-an-on-again-off-again-relationship/

What do we mean by "difficult conversations?" Telling your spouse you want a divorce, asking your spouse to move out, conversations that come up in mediation, every money conversation. My guest in this episode is divorce coach, Mardi Winder-Adams, who offers 4 great tips on how to have these conversations to get what you want and maintain a good co-parenting relationship. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/4-tips-to-having-difficult-conversations-with-your-ex/

Co-parenting isn't the easiest thing to do. And, it gets a lot more difficult when your ex decides he isn't speaking to you! It can feel frustrating, infuriating and hopeless, and your kids are probably going to feel it, too. My guest in this episode is Nikol Sotos, a divorce attorney and Judicial Education Coordinator for OurFamilyWizard. Nikol offers advice on what you can do if you're in this situation. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/my-ex-wont-talk-to-me-makes-co-parenting-pretty-darn-difficult/

When two people sit down and just talk about our divorces-the mistakes we made and what we learned, I think that's a pretty powerful thing for those facing divorce. So, that's exactly what I did in this episode with my guest, Phil LaGiglia, Mortgage Lender and divorced dad. This is such an authentic, honest conversation, and I think you'll benefit from our advice!

Divorce brings significant change to the lives of your children, and in this episode we talk about something that might help them cope with all the changes and feel some stability. What is it? It's WHO is it: your nanny. My guest in this episode is Brynn Ungerleider, founder of Premier Nanny Network, who offers reasons why sharing a nanny will benefit your kids during and after the divorce. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/5-benefits-of-divorced-parents-sharing-a-nanny/

One of the hardest parts about divorce is that you have to face so many changes! The good news is, if you look at change in the right way, you will learn to accept and even like the changes! My guest in this episode is Liesel Darby, Mediator and Divorce Coach, who offers tips on handling change with grace, courage and an open mind. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/tips-for-handling-change-during-and-after-divorce/

Blending families and moving in together is so exciting! But have you ever thought about how your dog is going to feel (and behave) during the transition? My guest in this episode is Karis Nafte, Certified Dog Behavior Therapist and Pet Mediator, who offers tips on making sure your dog adapts to your blended family. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/blending-families-moving-in-together-and-the-dog/

Divorce is hard, no matter what the situation is. But divorce gets a lot more stressful and frustrating if you are divorcing a narcissist. My guest in this episode is divorce coach, Lisa Lisser, who describes the characteristics of a narcissist, and then offers tips on dealing with that person through your divorce. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/5-tips-to-keeping-your-sanity-when-divorcing-a-narcissist/

Divorce can feel incredibly stressful when it comes to finances and spending money. My guest in this episode is Financial Divorce Coach and divorced dad, Hirsch Serman, who offers 9 ways to save money in your divorce. 

Going back to work can feel stressful and scary, especially during or after divorce, or if you haven't worked in awhile. My guest in this episode is Amy Ratnow, founder of ALR Connections, her company that helps women with job skills and helps them get jobs! Amy, who was a stay at home mom for many years before going back to work, reveals 5 job search tips that will have you feeling motivated and empowered! Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/5-job-search-tips-for-women-going-through-a-divorce/

If you are getting divorced and you have kids, this is a great episode for you! My guest is Colleen Breems, divorce attorney and partner for Beermann, LLP. Colleen explains child support in detail and offers a guide to everything you might want and need to know. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/child-support-definition-and-your-guide-to-illinois-child-support/

Money can be such a source of stress during and after divorce. I get it. I have been there. My guest in this episode is financial advisor, Amanda Campbell. Amanda and I talk about where the anxiety is really coming from, and how to live comfortably and literally stress-free when it comes to money-no matter how much or how little a person has. 

What's your divorce strategy? Do you want to hire a "shark" and battle things out in court? Do you want a good divorce outcome that leads to a wonderful post-divorce life? If you chose the latter, this is a great episode for you. My guest is divorce mediator, Erik Feig. Erik offers some great advice on what to think about when you're first starting the divorce process, or even if you're in the thick of it. 

During and after divorce, finances can feel intimidating. There are countless women who have never invested their own money, never had a financial plan done, and never had a budget. There is no shame in that and it's never too late to learn! My guest in this episode is Financial Advisor, Craig Richman, who offers financial tips for divorced women. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/budgeting-and-investing-for-divorced-women/  Disclosure: Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®. Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

If your ex is difficult, disrespectful and/or toxic, that makes it pretty hard to co-parent with him or her. But Divorce Coach and co-parenting coach, Cherie Morris says there IS a way and in this episode, she shares her advice and tips. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/difficult-disrespectful-and-toxic-how-to-coparent-with-this-person/

If you are selling your home after divorce, you might be feeling all kinds of emotions you didn't expect: sadness, fear, resentment, and at the same time a tinge of excitement. My guest in this episode is Maci Chance, real estate agent for Live. Laugh. Denver, and certified divorce professional. Maci experienced firsthand the emotions of selling her marital home. This episode is inspiring and touching, and will give you so many wonderful tips if you are selling your home during or after divorce. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/selling-the-house-after-divorce-letting-go-and-moving-forward/

What is possible after divorce? A happy, healthy life! That's what I talk about in this episode with my guest, divorce coach, Julie Danielson. Julie and I, who both went through a divorce, discuss ways to heal through divorce. We also talk about getting yourself in a good place to start dating, figuring out if you would actually date yourself, and debunking that myth: I'm too old, no one's going to want me.