The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast

Kate Anthony, CPCC
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Nov 20, 2025 • 43min

Episode 345: How to Communicate With Your Ex (Without Losing Your Mind) with the Pros at Talking Parents

If you've gone through divorce, are contemplating it, or you're smack in the messy middle, you already know: one of the hardest parts isn't the paperwork. It's learning how the hell to communicate with your ex. This is someone you likely have a lot of emotional heat with: toxic, irritating, disappointing, or all of the above and communication might even be one of the reasons you're not together anymore. And if you share kids? The communication doesn't end just because the relationship does. You still have to find a way to talk calmly, clearly, and with as much emotional self-protection as possible. That's why I brought on today's guests:Tessa Noel and Heather Ruiz from Talking Parents, a platform designed to reduce the chaos, conflict, and emotional landmines that come with co-parenting. Tessa is a certified divorce transition coach and a co-parent who's lived through a brutally high-conflict divorce. Heather brings 20+ years of communications and leadership experience, and her own co-parenting journey, to the work she does shaping Talking Parents' mission. At the end of the day, healthy communication isn't about fixing your ex, it's about reclaiming your power and creating the calm your kids need. ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. What you'll hear about in this episode: The biggest mistakes people make when they first start co-parenting with a difficult or high-conflict ex (11:45) Real-life communication patterns that support healthier outcomes for kids (16:00) How boundaries changed everything for Tessa and why Heather says they're essential to set early, even when things feel amicable (23:45) Tessa's children's book Stella's Two Homes and how it helps kids navigate two-household families (28:45) Learn more about Tessa Noel and Heather Ruiz: Tessa Noel is a certified divorce transition and recovery coach with extensive knowledge in multiple life coaching frameworks. She holds a degree from California State University of San Marcos and has firsthand experience in the family courts of California. Tessa is also a co-parent with two children. In her free time, she loves to take them on adventures around their home state of California. With over 20 years in marketing and communication, Heather Ruiz is at the forefront of software services as TalkingParents Marketing Director, shaping the narrative around a pivotal time when digital platforms are redefining how co-parents coordinate, collaborate, and care for their children. Resources & Links: Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Talking Parents Talking Parents on Facebook Talking Parents on Instagram Talking Parents on LinkedIn Talking Parents on TikTok Talking Parents on YouTube Tessa on Instagram Stella's Two Homes =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-345-how-to-communicate-with-your-ex-without-losing-your-mind-with-the-pros-at-talking-parents/
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8 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 50min

Episode 344: Parenting Plans, Support, and Legal Truths with Renee Bauer

This episode is all about parenting plans, spousal support, and the biggest legal truths people miss when they're divorcing with kids. I'm joined by award-winning divorce attorney and My Next Chapter's legal expert, Renee Bauer, who brings over two decades of family law experience to this conversation. We get into how courts are shifting toward shared parenting, why some parenting plans need two pages and others need fifty, and the real story behind modern alimony. We also talk about the legal roadmap inside My Next Chapter and why having good information early can save you time, money, and heartache. ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. What you'll hear about in this episode: How custody language has shifted from "visitation" to shared parenting and why that shift matters (3:23) What happens when someone demands 50/50 but can't follow through (8:18) Why parenting plans range from simple to extremely detailed and how to know what level your family needs (25:23) How My Next Chapter pulls legal, financial, and emotional guidance together so you're not navigating alone (30:23) The big things Renee wishes people understood before hiring a divorce attorney (35:08) How alimony has changed in recent years and why lifetime support is rarely on the table anymore (43:08) Learn more about Renee Bauer: Renee Bauer is an award-winning divorce attorney, published author, and the legal expert at My Next Chapter. As the founder of Happy Even After Family Law in Connecticut, she's spent over two decades helping people navigate divorce with dignity and confidence. Renee is also a sought-after speaker and advocate for reshaping how we think about divorce — not as failure, but as a chance to rewrite your next chapter with intention. Resources & Links: Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! My Next Chapter - Use code DSG to receive $30 off your first month Episode 342: From Uncertainty to Clarity with Tamara Frankfort Odinec and Shari Joseph of My Next Chapter Renee's websiteRenee on Instagram =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-344-parenting-plans-support-and-legal-truths-with-renee-bauer/
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Nov 5, 2025 • 49min

Episode 343: Healing, Resilience, and Redefining Life After Divorce with Dr. Marianna Strongin

If you've ever found yourself in that painful in-between of "I can't stay, but I don't know how to move forward," my hope is that this episode will feel like a big exhale. I'm joined by Dr. Marianna Strongin, licensed clinical psychologist, child of divorce, and the mental health expert at My Next Chapter, where she and I have been collaborating to support people through every stage of divorce. In this episode, we talk about finding your footing in uncertainty - as a parent, as a partner letting go, and as a person rebuilding a life. Marianna and I explore co-parenting dynamics, the fear of staying and leaving, teaching kids to trust and use their voice, and using mindfulness to stay with yourself instead of spiraling into "what ifs." We also discuss how returning to your values becomes a grounding compass, and how self-trust rebuilds slowly, one honest step at a time. You don't have to rush or have it all figured out, but do you get to take the next right step toward a life that feels like yours again. ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. What you'll hear about in this episode: How being a child of divorce informed Marianna's work (2:40) Why values work clears everything up, especially when you're stuck (16:06) Mindfulness as a here-and-now practice (not perfectionism) (17:36) The My Next Chapter coaching platform and why expert collaboration matters (23:11) Co-parenting and rooting every decision in your child's wellbeing + teaching kids to use their voice and advocate for themselves (29:49) Rebuilding after divorce by asking: "What do I want?" and starting small (41:38) Learn more about Dr. Marianna Strongin: Dr. Marianna Strongin is a licensed clinical psychologist who treats adults for Mood and Anxiety Disorders. In addition, Dr. Strongin treats relationship, financial, family and workplace problems. Through exploration of feelings, behaviors and life choices Dr. Strongin helps clients become STRONGER and more confident individuals. Dr. Strongin serves as an adjunct supervisor at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, where she mentors and supervises the next generation of mental health professionals. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, CNN, Forbes, and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). In addition, Dr. Strongin writes a weekly column for Survivornet called Strong in Cancer, offering valuable mental health advice for the cancer community. She also advises various mental health startups, contributing her expertise to innovative approaches in the field. Resources & Links: Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! My Next Chapter - Use code DSG to receive $30 off your first month Dr. Marianna's websiteDr. Strongin on Instagram @Strong_in_therapy @drmariannastrongin =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-343-healing-resilience-and-redefining-life-after-divorce-with-dr-marianna-strongin/
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Oct 30, 2025 • 39min

Episode 342: From Uncertainty to Clarity with Tamara Frankfort Odinec and Shari Joseph of My Next Chapter

I'm thrilled to welcome back two women I absolutely adore:Tamara Frankfort Odinec and Shari Joseph, the powerhouse duo behind My Next Chapter, an expert-led platform and community that supports people at every stage of divorce. When they first joined me, the platform was just getting started. Now, they've built something extraordinary: a vibrant, growing community with nearly a thousand members, expert guidance across legal, financial, and emotional topics, and a new premium option designed to help you move from uncertainty to clarity. We dig deeper into what's new with My Next Chapter and how it's evolving into a go-to resource for anyone contemplating divorce, navigating the thick of it, or rebuilding life afterward. ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. What you'll hear about in this episode: How My Next Chapter has grown into a thriving expert-led community supporting people at every stage of divorce from "divorce curious" to rebuilding with confidence (2:30) Shari's firsthand insights on navigating a high-conflict divorce and how creating My Next Chapter has helped her heal in real time (15:36) The power of community and shared stories in breaking isolation, finding validation, and designing life intentionally after divorce.(18:53) Learn more about Tamara Frankfort Odinec: Tamara Frankfort Odinec has spent the past 25 years at the forefront of technology and marketing in various leadership roles, most recently as the founder of My Next Chapter, an expert-led platform and community for people going through every stage of divorce. Tamara also founded and runs Monty Media, an app development company that creates innovative apps for adults and kids, leveraging new technologies. Prior to this, Tamara led successful entrepreneurial endeavors for brands such as Real Simple Magazine and American Express and served as Chief Marketing Officer of Flywheel Sports. Tamara lives in New York City with her three kids and is happily divorced. Learn more about Shari Joseph: Shari Joseph is a global brand marketing leader with extensive experience in digital partnerships and social media communications. She is President and co-creator of My Next Chapter, an innovative content and community platform offering resources and support for every stage of divorce. Shari is also the founder and CEO of Smart Digital, LLC, a brand marketing and communications consultancy supporting clients across PR, social media, influencer marketing, and creative campaigns that build online presences and drive engagement. Before starting her consultancy, Shari was VP, Global Digital Partnerships at American Express. She drove the company's global digital strategies, starting with the very first tweet from @americanexpress. Shari lives in the NYC area and recently started her next chapter as a single mom of two. Resources & Links: Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! My Next Chapter - Use code DSG to receive $30 off your first month My Next Chapter on Instagram @mynextchapterofficial =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-342-from-uncertainty-to-clarity-with-tamara-frankfort-odinec-and-shari-joseph-of-my-next-chapter/
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Oct 23, 2025 • 44min

Episode 341: The Angry Woman's Guide To Embodying Change With Arianne MacBean

Arianne MacBean writes, "Your anger is the spark of your inner fire." As outlined in her upcoming book, Tough Shit: The Angry Woman's Guide to Embodying Change, that spark is something every woman deserves to honor. This week she joins me for a conversation that's all about reclaiming that fire and learning how to channel it into transformation. Arianne is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles with a certificate in somatic psychotherapies and practices. We talk about the power of anger as a tool for self-knowledge, how the patriarchy taught us to suppress it, and why embracing it is one of the most radical acts of self-compassion a woman can take. Arianne also shares how her background as a dancer and choreographer shaped her somatic therapy work and how tuning into the body allows us to uncover what's really beneath our anger: fear, sadness, hurt, and ultimately, truth. This conversation is such a beautiful reminder that anger isn't something to fix, it's something to feel, follow, and transform. ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. What you'll hear about in this episode: Why anger is powerful information, not something to suppress (3:32) How somatic therapy connects movement, body awareness, and emotional healing (5:36) Ways to use anger as armor and as a guide toward deeper healing (13:20) The surprising history behind the phrase "tough shit" and Arianne's reclamation of it (19:30) That there are men actually doing the inner work on themselves, facing hard truths, and learning to show up differently in relationships (34:35) Learn more about Arianne MacBean: Arianne MacBean is a Somatic Psychotherapist, writer, and educator. She taught dance at the middle, high school, and college levels for over twenty years and was the Artistic Director of The Big Show Co., an LA-based dance-theater group. She holds a BA in Dance from UCLA, a Double MFA in Dance & Writing from California Institute of the Arts, and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She works with individuals and couples to heal from trauma, learn healthy communication skills, and trust the body's wealth of wisdom. Resources & Links: Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Pre-Order Arianne's book, Tough Shit: The Angry Women's Guide to Embodying ChangeArianne's websiteArianne on Instagram Arianne's Substack =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-341-the-angry-womans-guide-to-embodying-change-with-arianne-macbean/
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Oct 16, 2025 • 35min

Episode 340: Feminism, Divorce, and The Legacy of Judy Blume with Rachelle Bergstein

Judy Blume and feminism? Yes, please. Add in divorce… and we got ourselves a cool (albeit, a bit different) podcast episode this week! I'm thrilled to welcome Rachelle Bergstein to the show, a lifestyle writer, bestselling author, and editor whose work explores the intersections of style, pop culture, and family. Her latest book, The Genius of Judy, takes us on an intimate and unflinching journey through Judy Blume's life and legacy, examining how her stories have shaped generations of women and girls while challenging cultural norms around gender, sexuality, and growing up. Throughout this episode, we explore Judy's willingness to tell the truth when others wouldn't, along with her ability to normalize the experiences and emotions of childhood. We also discuss what her work continues to teach us about liberation, identity, and the messy, beautiful realities of life. ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. What you'll hear about in this episode: Judy's groundbreaking decision to write honestly about divorce, adolescence, and growing up (1:58) How It's Not the End of the World helped normalize divorce for children in the 1970s (16:10) The feminist brilliance of Judy Blume's book Forever (8:30) How the feminist movement influenced Judy's work (18:21) Learn more about Rachelle Bergstein: Rachelle Bergstein is a lifestyle writer, bestselling author, and editor, focused on style, pop culture, and families. Her work has appeared in the New York Post, The New York Times, NPR, and more. She is the author of three books: Women from the Ankle Down, Brilliance and Fire, and The Genius of Judy. She lives with her husband and son in Brooklyn. Resources & Links: Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Rachelle on InstagramRachelle's SubstackRachelle's book, The Genius of Judy Blume Judy Blume books as mentioned in this episode: It's Not the End of the WorldForever Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.Just as Long as We're Together Superfudge (part of the Fudge series) =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-340-feminism-divorce-and-the-legacy-of-judy-blume-with-rachelle-bergstein/
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Oct 9, 2025 • 55min

Episode 339: Military Marriage and Divorce with Heather Sweeney

We're pulling back the curtain on military marriage and divorce, a world built on service and sacrifice but also one that silences and sidelines the spouses, most often women, who hold everything together while their partners serve. I'm thrilled to welcome Heather Sweeney to the podcast for this conversation, one I've been wanting to have for years. She's a writer, former military spouse, and the author of the upcoming memoir Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military Marriage. Heather shares what it's really like to build a life around someone else's career, the toll of deployments, and the barriers military spouses face when seeking support. We also talk about losing your sense of self, navigating a system built on patriarchy that's designed to keep spouses dependent and invisible, and finding the strength to step into life on your own terms after divorce. Please know that this episode isn't just for military spouses. It's for anyone who has ever felt invisible in their own relationship or wondered what might happen if they stopped holding everything together. ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. What you'll hear about in this episode: The unexpected ways military life might erode a spouse's identity and independence (2:27) An inside look at reintegration after deployment and the obstacles couples face when learning to live together again (6:50) The systemic roadblocks military spouses deal with when seeking support or counseling (11:22) The weight military life adds to an already struggling marriage (34:29) How some military marriages can thrive when there is solid communication and support (45:07) Learn more about Heather Sweeney: Heather Sweeney is the author of the memoir Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military Marriage, which is about her journey from being overshadowed by her husband's military career to rediscovering herself as a single mother approaching middle age. She writes essays about divorce, life as a military spouse, parenting, and women's health, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, HuffPost, TODAY.com, Newsweek, Business Insider, Good Housekeeping, Healthline, and Military.com, among many others. She lives in Virginia with her boyfriend, two college-aged kids, and their geriatric Labrador retriever. Resources & Links: Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Heather's website Heather's book, Camouflage Heather on Instagram Heather's Substack Military OneSource =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-339-military-marriage-and-divorce-with-heather-sweeney/
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Oct 2, 2025 • 35min

Episode 338: Divorce, Money, and Self-Worth with Shari Rash

We are diving into one of the most challenging and emotional parts of divorce, money. Money is not just numbers on a spreadsheet; it is safety, freedom, self-worth, and often a whole lot of shame. Today I'm joined by Shari Rash, a nationally recognized financial advisor and money mindset expert. She hosts Everyone's Talkin' Money, named a Top 4 money podcast by The New York Times with more than 24 million downloads, and is known for turning complex financial topics into real-life conversations that help women claim their worth and build lasting wealth. Shari does not give cookie-cutter "skip the latte" advice. She brings real talk with no bro speak and no shaming, helping you unpack old money stories, release shame, and step into financial confidence. She reminds you that it is on you now, and that that's a good thing. Take that power, understand what you have, and work with it. This conversation will help you build clarity and confidence to manage your money before, during, and after divorce. ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. What you'll hear about in this episode: How to shift your money mindset and simplify finances so decisions feel less overwhelming (2:58) Deep seated money beliefs that keep you stuck and how to challenge them so you feel capable and in control (6:12) The first steps to releasing money shame and rebuilding confidence (13:17) The subtle ways money shapes your daily choices and self worth after divorce (22:27) Common money myths and the truths women need to hear in this stage of life (23:16) Learn more about Shari Rash: Shari Rash is a nationally recognized financial advisor, money mindset expert, and the host of Everyone's Talkin' Money—named a Top 4 money podcast by The New York Times, with over 24 million downloads. Shari breaks down complex financial topics into real-life conversations that empower women to own their worth and build lasting wealth. She's been named a 2024 Best Wealth Manager and Advisor Under 40 by InvestmentNews. Resources & Links: The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube!Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch Everyone's Talkin' Money Podcast Shari on Instagram Shari on TikTok Shari on Facebook Shari on YouTube =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-338-divorce-money-and-self-worth-with-shari-rash/
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Sep 25, 2025 • 36min

Episode 337: SOLO Episode - How I Learned the Communication Skills That Changed My Life

If you've ever felt like you "just weren't born a good communicator," I want to stop you right there. Most of us are not born with these skills, instead we learn them, often the hard way. I know, because when someone asked me at my book launch, "Where did you learn to communicate?" I blanked and said I was "just born with it." The truth? Communication is something I studied, practiced, and worked at for years. In this solo episode, I walk you through the communication tools that changed everything for me. These skills didn't save my marriage, but they did save my divorce. They made co-parenting possible (because he'd learned these skills too), built the foundation for healthier friendships and relationships, and became the backbone of the work I do with my clients. This isn't about becoming perfect or never messing up, it's about learning how to really listen, how to be heard, and how to create connection instead of disconnection. And yes, it's a practice. In this episode, I share: How I learned communication skills the hard way Why Imago therapy can be a useful communication model, but not a solution for abuse The power of listening for feelings underneath words, not just the words themselves How feedback loops, timing, and permission are key to being heard Why I-statements, mirroring, and empathy create deeper connections in every kind of relationship ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Resources & Links: Don't forget to grab the free worksheet to help you get started with active listening, I-statements, and more. Download the Communication Worksheet Mentioned in This Episode at: KateAnthony.com/communicate The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube!Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-337-solo-episode-how-i-learned-the-communication-skills-that-changed-my-life/
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Sep 18, 2025 • 49min

Episode 336: Breaking Patterns, Choosing Power: Dating After Divorce with Jennie Young

I'm excited to welcome back Jennie Young to the podcast. Jennie is here to talk about dating after divorce and how to protect yourself from getting tangled in the patterns you worked so hard to get yourself out of. She's the creator of the Burned Haystack Dating Method — a sharp and fiercely feminist approach to spotting danger early in the dating process, and the author of the upcoming book Burn the Haystack In our conversation, Jennie and I dig into the realities of dating after divorce: from spotting danger in seemingly "safe" profiles to challenging the patriarchal scripts that keep women waiting to be chosen. Plus, we talk about shifting into the seat of choice, what it looks like to feel genuinely comfortable being single, and how these changes ripple out into raising kids with healthier expectations. ✨ Podcast episodes are available in two formats - audio and video! If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. What you'll hear about in this episode: Jennie shares her origin story and the ah-ha moment that led to creating The Burned Haystack Dating Method (2:31) The feminist philosophy behind Burned Haystack and how it flips the traditional "pick me" script (5:33) Why green flags can actually be red flags in disguise: from love bombing to performative sensitivity (15:25) The importance of being comfortable (and even happy) being single before re-entering dating (32:44) What the "extinction burst" in the toxic manosphere means, and why starving it of attention is essential (35:09) How to shift the messaging for our kids so they grow up with healthier expectations and values (42:39) Learn more about Jennie Young: Jennie Young is the creator of Burned Haystack Dating Method, a dating method grounded in applied rhetoric and feminist praxis. It is designed to combat many of the challenges of dating in a market that is too frequently mediated by misogynistic and patriarchal structures. She holds a Ph.D. in rhetoric and discourse studies from Case Western Reserve University and a satire writing certificate from Second City Chicago. Her work has been published in McSweeney's, Ms. Magazine, HuffPost, and others and covered by major media outlets such as The New York Times, Newsweek, RollingStone, and others. Resources & Links: ALL NEW: The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are Now Available on YouTube! Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch Jennie's book Burn the HaystackJennie's Substack, Burned HaystackJennie's website Jennie's Facebook Group Jennie on Instagram Episode 317: Burned Haystack Dating Method with Jennie Young Episode 325: They Helped Me Find Love—Now They're Interviewing Me About It! With Alyssa Dineen and Jennie Young =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-336-breaking-patterns-choosing-power-dating-after-divorce-with-jennie-young/

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