The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast

We’re always going through some kind of loss, celebration, or change in our lives. Joining me to discuss the importance of ritual during times of great transition is Day Schildkret. Day is internationally known for the creation of Morning Altars, beautiful pieces of impermanent art. He is also the author of Hello, Goodbye: 75 Rituals for Times of Loss, Celebration, and Change.  A conversation about divorce is a conversation about endings. In order to begin again, it is important to mark this transition. Putting things in order through ritual can be healing. It helps you to feel resourced, reoriented, supported and witnessed. Learning how to let go and honor what once was, through ritual, is such an important topic. I hope you truly enjoy this conversation.  “Endings are valuable. The better you can end something, the better you can begin something new.” Show Highlights Why Day says, “You have to change with change.”  And what it means to participate in ending something, such as a relationship or marriage. (7:52) Endings need more from us than just going through the threshold. (10:02) Ritual: what it is and how it helps. (11:26) Why you need witnesses for endings as much as you do for beginnings. Witnesses affirm you are not alone and also acknowledge that change is happening. (12:17) Life transitions: we need to mark the places where we are turning, if we don’t we still think we are on the same path. (15:54) Day talks about Morning Altars and how divorce and grief inspired him to start this practice of creating impermanent art from nature. (23:51) Rituals always have a beginning, middle, and end. They are contained and allow the space for grief, uncertainty, and emotion.  They encourage wholeness. (29:20) Day talks us through one of the divorce rituals from his book Hello, Goodbye: 75 Rituals for Times of Loss, Celebration, and Change. (31:31) There is a right and wrong time to do a ritual. If you are in the heat of a divorce or transition, it may not be the right time. (35:07) The importance of moving from grievance into grief. (38:47) Learn more about Day Schildkret: DAY SCHILDKRET is internationally known for Morning Altars and has inspired tens of thousands of people across the globe to heal and connect with nature, art and ritual. BuzzFeed calls Day's work, “a celebration of nature and life.”   Day's first book, Morning Altars: A 7-Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit through Nature, Art and Ritual (The Countryman Press/WW Norton) ignited an international movement with a practice that renews and redeems our relationship to the living world. He recently launched the inaugural cohort of the year-long Morning Altars Practitioner Training & Certification with 100 students from five different continents. Day has an ever-growing and active audience of 64k followers on Instagram, over 25k on Facebook.  Day has taught workshops and created large-scale installations at Google, The 9/11 Memorial Plaza, The Hammerstein Ballroom, The Andy Warhol Foundation, California Academy of Sciences, 1440 Multiversity, Lakewood Historic Cemetery, Wellspring Conference, The Culture Conference, Wisdom 2.0 Conference, Wanderlust Festival, The Assemblage, The Alchemist Kitchen, Butte College, Naropa University, the ReImagine End-of-Life Festival, and many others.   Day’s art is on permanent exhibition at the California Museum of Oakland and had been featured in the store windows at ABC Carpet and Home in NYC. Day has appeared on NBC, CBS, in the award-winning SoulPancake YouTube video series and in a stop-motion animated film on UpliftTV. His work has been featured in BuzzFeed, Vice, Well+Good, My Modern Met, Spirituality & Health Magazine.  Resources & Links:Show notes and resources can also be found at: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/rituals-for-times-of-loss-celebration-and-change-with-day-schildkret/  --------------- Submit your questions about divorce or whether you should stay or go, here! Day’s websiteDay’s book Day on InstagramDay on Facebook TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: SOBERLINK Proof. Protection. Peace of Mind. The Soberlink remote alcohol monitoring system consists of a portable breathalyzer with wireless technology for real-time results. With proven use as the leading choice in child custody cases since 2011, we are the only system that combines: Court-admissibility in all 50 states Facial recognition Tamper detection Easy-to-read Advanced Reporting™ Trust the Experts in Remote Alcohol Monitoring Technology™ to support the best interests of the child in your Family Law cases.

There is no one better to talk about the healing process of divorce than Dr. Elizabeth Cohen, aka the Divorce Doctor. She is a clinical psychologist, the author of Light at The Other Side of Divorce: Discovering the New You, and a true expert on the topic of how to heal and thrive during divorce. The last time Elizabeth joined me on the show, we discussed the importance of processing your emotions. This time we dig even deeper and talk about how healing is a slow, steady, and often imperfect process. We also explore how to become the most loving ally to yourself. —— Don’t forget, next week I’m doing a three-part workshop in my Facebook group entitled: So You’ve Decided to Get a Divorce: WHAT NOW? The vital steps you need to take to move forward with confidence and clarity. RSVP to the invite here. Don’t miss out! (Available only to members of the SISOSIG Community) Show Highlights No matter what you’re feeling now, you have the ability to move through difficult times and actually heal. (7:28) Healing is a slow, steady process where you take micro-moments towards change. (12:22) We discuss the first steps to identifying and working through your emotions. (14:48) Loving yourself again means realizing that you and your needs matter. (24:31) If self-love is a hard concept at the moment, think of it as moving from self-loathing to a feeling of neutrality with yourself. (26:56) Toxic environments require you to shut down your feelings. It is not your fault. (30:55) Tools to continue to heal through divorce, including the “Sacred Pause” or writing yourself a love letter. (31:28) Learn more about Dr. Cohen: Dr. Cohen, a  clinical psychologist, is the author of, Light at The Other Side of Divorce: Discovering the New You which debuted at #1 on Amazon in popular psychology. She is the CEO and founder of the online divorce course and membership Afterglow: The Light at the Other Side of Divorce. Dr. Cohen is the CEO of the Center for CBT in NYC. Dr. Cohen’s online course teaches women how to heal, grow and thrive after divorce no matter how difficult the process has been. Dr. Cohen received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Boston University. She was the recipient of the prestigious American Psychological Foundation Research Award for her research on the emotional effects of 9/11. She has been featured on the Tamron Hall Show, the Wall Street Journal,  NBC News, Women’s Health, Huff Post, Thrive Global, Daily Beast, and Good Housekeeping. Dr. Cohen is a weekly contributor to Psychology Today with her “Divorce Course” column. Dr. Cohen’s Divorce Doctor podcast which shares people’s divorce stories hit 10,000 downloads in only 3 months. Resources & Links:Join Kate’s Free Live Workshop on January 17, 18, and 19th. All you have to do is be in her Facebook  Dr. Cohen’s book Dr. Cohen’s website Dr. Cohen on Facebook Dr. Cohen on Instagram TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?   An online coaching program designed to help you make the right decision about your marriage…once and for all.  In this groundbreaking online coaching program, you’ll unlock the support, education and deep transformational work you need to finally answer to your most burning question: should I stay or should I go?

Earlier this week on The Divorce and Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie, she and I spoke about how to have the most difficult conversation of your life with someone: the “I want a divorce,” conversation. Today, Susan joins me to discuss what happens next. Together we explore some of the things you should do right after having the talk, including how to build your divorce team and considerations for divorce proceedings or mediation.  Susan Guthrie is nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law and Mediation Attorneys in the country. She has been helping individuals and families navigate separation and divorce for 30 years. Susan provides online divorce mediation and legal coaching services to select clients around the world. If you missed part one of our conversation, visit Susan’s website to listen! - - - - -  Also: I want to hear your story and answer your questions! My work and my podcast are all about bringing you the most and best information possible on the subjects of divorce, escaping and healing from abuse, creating healthy boundaries and relationships, and helping you make the most informed decision on whether to stay or go. So, what questions do you have about divorce, or deciding to stay or go? Leave me a message, it can be anonymous, that I’ll play on the air, and I’ll answer your question on an upcoming episode. Show Highlights Why is January “divorce month”? (11:20) What is the first thing you should do after you share with your spouse that you want a divorce? (14:50) The biggest fallacy in the divorce process is that building a good team is going to cost you more money. (16:08) If the end goal is that you want to mediate, what is the correct path? (23:26) The key to collaborative or mediated divorce is working together. (28:33) Some approaches to divorce mediation and building a mediation team. (34:06) When you rush into your divorce and the emotions are high, you make your divorce take longer. (43:21) A reasonable expectation of a timeline for your divorce. (46:36) Learn More About Susan: Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law and Mediation Attorneys in the country, has been helping individuals and families navigate separation and divorce for 30 years. Susan provides online divorce mediation and legal coaching services to select clients around the world. As a leading dispute resolution professional, Susan is honored to serve on the Executive Council of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Section of Dispute Resolution as the Membership Officer and to be a Co-Chair of the Mediation Committee.  After a year and half of co-hosting the award-winning podcast, Breaking Free: A Modern Divorce Podcast, which reached over 3 million listeners, Susan recently launched her fresh and inspiring new podcast, The Divorce and Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie, Esq. which debuted on iTunes “Top Podcasts” List for self-help podcasts. Divorce & Beyond is focused on pulling back the curtain on the mysteries of the divorce process and bringing tips and resources to help people to thrive and shine in their new future beyond divorce.  Susan has been featured in and on media outlets such as CNBC, Market Watch, News Nation,  Forbes, the ABA’s Just Resolutions Magazine, Thrive Global, Medium, and many more. She is licensed to practice law in the States of California and Connecticut as well as before the Supreme Court of the United States. Resources & Links:Information and links may also be accessed at: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/after-the-talk-how-to-prepare-for-your-divorce-with-susan-guthrie-esq Send Kate your questions or share your story, here.Join Kate’s Free Live Workshop on January 17, 18, and 19th. All you have to do is be in her Facebook Group to participate. Private Coaching with Kate Anthony Susan’s websiteSusan on InstagramThe Divorce and Beyond Podcast: WE NEED TO TALK: How to Have the Most Difficult Conversation of Your Life with Kate Anthony TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE DIVORCE SURVIVAL PROGRAM As one of the pioneers of the divorce coaching industry, I’ve been helping women (most of whom are moms) navigate the divorce process for the last decade. AND NOW, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, ALL OF MY DIVORCE WISDOM IS AVAILABLE IN ONE ONLINE PROGRAM. This program is 100% for you if… You’re a mom looking for a clear roadmap to a divorce that won’t destroy your kids You’re looking for answers and a roadmap You understand that divorce is a long game You’re willing to put away your boxing gloves You want this to be a respectful and collaborative process in service of your kids You understand that divorce is, first and foremost, an emotional process and you’re ready to ‘go there’ Are you ready to learn from one of the world’s top divorce experts and set yourself on the path towards the best possible outcome? YEAH, Y’ARE!!!

This week, Kimberly Nelson returns to the show! We are talking about financial infidelity including how to recognize it and what to do if you find it’s happening to you. Kimberly shines a light on some of the red flags of someone being financially deceitful, why it’s important to exercise your financial agency, and explains why being aware of your finances matters for your divorce.  As an Advisor at Coastal Bridge Advisors, Kimberly Nelson focuses on bringing clarity and control to her clients’ financial lives. She works with them to create a strong foundation for financial health through innovative, objectives-based wealth planning solutions with an emphasis on marriage dissolution and transition.   There are numerous types of infidelities; emotional, sexual, and relational. And there is financial infidelity, which is very hard to undo and recover from. Listen to this episode to hear how you can avoid it and what to do if you think it’s happening to you. Show Highlights What is financial infidelity, anyway? (5:29) Why it is important to have financial agency and know what is going on with your finances. (9:24) Check and keep tabs on your credit report. You can pull your credit report for free, three times a year. Kimberly shares how. (13:13) Signs that you might be a victim of financial infidelity. (17:28) You know you want to get a divorce: is stashing cash for your divorce financial infidelity? (23:04) What to do if you suspect financial infidelity and how to have a conversation with your spouse. (33:12) If your divorce goes to trial, proof of financial infidelity will be crucial.  This documentation is key. (43:07) Is it worth hiring a forensic accountant? (47:00) Learn more about Kimberly: Kimberly has been working with high-net-worth divorcees in the LA area for more than 15 years. She understands the challenges women face when navigating an overwhelming bevy of attorneys, accountants, insurers, and other advisors during the dissolution process. She values the strong relationships she builds with her clients and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of their lives, believing that ongoing successful wealth oversight requires collaboration between investor and advisor.  She became a CFA Charter holder in 2012 and maintains a steadfast dedication to both her education and that of her community around financial matters. She’s actively involved in the financial literacy efforts of the Los Angeles Center for Law & Justice (LACLJ) and serves as a board member and treasurer of Grades of Green, a non-profit that works to instill environmental awareness in the minds of elementary school students. Resources & Links:Information and links can also be found at: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/financial-infidelity-with-kimberly-nelson/ Private Coaching with Kate AnthonyKimberly on Linkedin Kimberly’s websiteDivorce, Debt, and the Pandemic with Kimberly Nelson TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?   An online coaching program designed to help you make the right decision about your marriage...once and for all.  In this groundbreaking online coaching program, you’ll unlock the support, education and deep transformational work you need to finally answer to your most burning question: should I stay or should I go?

This week Michelle Dempsey-Multack returns to the show! She joins me to talk about how to survive the holidays pre- or post-divorce.  If you’ve gone through a divorce within the last 12 months or are about to start the divorce process, you are emotionally and financially spent. So, how can you get through the holiday season and feel content with the here and now?   If this is your first Christmas alone or last holiday as a single-family unit, this episode will offer advice about how to create new holiday traditions, how to set boundaries, and how to take care of yourself during this highly emotional and uncertain time in your life.  Michelle is a writer, coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and host of the Moms Moving On Podcast. As a divorced, co-parenting, and remarried mother, nothing makes Michelle happier than being able to guide other women as they move on through the divorce process, and helping them turn their divorce lemons into lemonade - just like she did. A native New Yorker, Michelle now resides in Miami with her husband, Spencer, and each of their daughters, Bella and Jolie.  There is no right or wrong answer for getting through the holidays during or after divorce. Do what feels right.  Lean into whatever it is you are feeling; whether it is good or bad. And remember, it’s just a season and will be over before you know it. Show Highlights A simple reminder that Christmas and New Year’s Day are just days on a calendar. (6:41) Identifying your definition of happiness. (8:33) How you can take the parts of a holiday that feel special to you and make new traditions. (11:58) The importance of creating space to make new traditions and to heal. (14:18) Once children have had to separate their parents in their minds, it can sometimes be really confusing to see them together. (16:45) It’s not always best for kids for parents to do holidays together right after divorce. Michelle shares some of the things that are best, like not being made to bear the weight of your sadness. (17:55) Your job at this juncture is to take care of yourself and your children. Period. (20:19) Waking up alone on Christmas morning can be painful and hard. Michelle offers some suggestions for getting through those moments. (24:33) How to set boundaries about conversations about your divorce during holiday get-to-gethers. (33:45) Disparity in incomes: it’s perfectly acceptable to teach children the value of money and what gifts you are able to afford. (37:48) Learn More About Michelle: Michelle Dempsey-Multack is a writer, coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®), and host of the Moms Moving On Podcast. As a divorced, co-parenting, and remarried mother, nothing makes Michelle happier than being able to guide other women as they move on through the divorce process, and helping them turn their divorce lemons into lemonade – just like she did. A native New Yorker, Michelle now resides in Miami with her husband, Spencer, and each of their daughters, Bella and Jolie. Resources & Links:Information and links can also be found at: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/surviving-the-holidays-with-michelle-dempsey-multack Private Coaching with Kate Anthony Michelle’s website Michelle on Instagram Michelle on Facebook Mom’s Moving On Podcast TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE DIVORCE SURVIVAL PROGRAM As one of the pioneers of the divorce coaching industry, I’ve been helping women (most of whom are moms) navigate the divorce process for the last decade. AND NOW, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, ALL OF MY DIVORCE WISDOM IS AVAILABLE IN ONE ONLINE PROGRAM. This program is 100% for you if… You’re a mom looking for a clear roadmap to a divorce that won’t destroy your kids You’re looking for answers and a roadmap You understand that divorce is a long game You’re willing to put away your boxing gloves You want this to be a respectful and collaborative process in service of your kids You understand that divorce is, first and foremost, an emotional process and you’re ready to ‘go there’ Are you ready to learn from one of the world’s top divorce experts and set yourself on the path towards the best possible outcome? YEAH, Y’ARE!!!

Everyone is talking about the holiday season. Well, this week we are talking about peak dating season - which is coming up in ten days. Bela Gandhi re-joins me on the podcast to talk about what peak dating season means and how to maximize it. Plus, if you’re feeling resistant or somewhat cynical about dating, like me, Bela shares some advice to help you (and me) work through those feelings.  Bela Gandhi is a dating/relationship expert, founder of Smart Dating Academy, TEDx speaker, and a media personality who has been featured on most national/local media outlets including Good Morning America, Steve Harvey, the Today Show, Kelly Clarkson, Access, ABC, NBC, Fox, and more. Bela is often referred to as the Fairy Godmother of Dating. And she is! Every time I talk to Bela, I feel confident and am re-energized about dating.  Join us for a fun and insightful conversation! Show Highlights Cynicism about dating and what “dateable” means to you. (6:47) What we think of and focus on will grow - if you think everyone is going to be awful, you will be drawn towards the partners who fulfill those prophecies. (9:10) How to maximize peak dating season. (10:29) Dating app communication: Bela shares when it’s appropriate to drop the conversation! (15:53) You want to be with someone who likes you just a little bit more than you like them. (18:09) Why video dating can save you a lot of disappointment and a lot of time. (19:01) Some advice about using dating apps and online dating sites. Quick tip: “Pick one app and get started!” (21:28) Dating profile pictures do’s and don’ts. (29:35) There is no substitute for time in the dating process. (43:44) Learn More About Bela: Bela Gandhi is a dating/relationship expert, founder of Smart Dating Academy, TEDx speaker, and a media personality who has been featured on most national/local media outlets including Good Morning America, Steve Harvey, the Today Show, Kelly Clarkson, Access, ABC, NBC, Fox, and more.  After she graduated (with dual degrees in Finance and German from the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign), Gandhi worked in mergers and acquisitions for Arthur Andersen in Chicago for a year before joining her family's chemicals manufacturing company (CCC), where she divided her time between Chicago and Europe helping to expand the business. When the Gandhi family sold its business to Fortune 500 company Akzo Nobel, she was asked to remain its leader, and became Akzo Nobel Non-Stick Coating’s Global Vice President of Housewares. But even as she quickly climbed the corporate ladder, Gandhi had a feeling that her career would one day be taking a sharp turn in a different direction – because she discovered her love of matchmaking and providing dating advice.  She launched her Smart Dating Academy in 2009. Smart Dating Academy has quickly become one of the nation's top date coaching firms - and teaches busy, successful professionals to jump start their dating lives successfully.  Smart Dating Academy is described by its clients “like going to Harvard Business School, but for dating and relationships.”  SDA’s coaches become personal trainers for their clients’ love lives – helping them to navigate the ever-changing world of online & in-person dating.  The SDA coaching program is results-oriented and fun - which helps you to clarify who is right for you, stop old dating patterns, and use technology the RIGHT way. Clients become positive and enthusiastic about dating / relationships again and find love!  Bela attends more weddings than she can count, and loves love.  Resources & Links:Links and information may also be found at: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/maximize-peak-dating-season-with-bela-gandhi/ Private Coaching with Kate Anthony Smart Dating Academy Bela on Instagram Bela on Facebook Bela on Twitter TODAY'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: SOBERLINK Proof. Protection. Peace of Mind. The Soberlink remote alcohol monitoring system consists of a portable breathalyzer with wireless technology for real-time results. With proven use as the leading choice in child custody cases since 2011, we are the only system that combines: Court-admissibility in all 50 states Facial recognition Tamper detection Easy-to-read Advanced Reporting™ Trust the Experts in Remote Alcohol Monitoring Technology™ to support the best interests of the child in your Family Law cases.

Lindsey Ellison returns to the show this week. You know her as the author of MAGIC Words: How To Get What You Want From a Narcissist. She has a new book out called Blessons of a Breakup. In this episode, both Lindsey and I share some of our unique experiences with healing from trauma, codependency, or co-addictive relationships. We also explore love addiction and being love avoidant, including what it is, and how it manifests. For those of you new to Lindsey, she is a relationship coach and founder of Start Over Coaching, Inc. She helps people navigate their divorce or break-up and also helps people break free from narcissistic abuse.  Our conversation was healing and beautiful for me; I hope it is for you as well.  Show Highlights Lindsey shares a personal story of resurfaced codependency and the emotional triggers that manifested. (5:23) What Lindsey learned at The Meadows and how it informed her choice to break up with someone she truly loved due to their copendendent and co-addictive relationship. (11:00) Being unprepared for the pain of a breakup and in deep pain of grief. (14:32) Love addiction: what it is and how it shows up in relationships. (15:39) A love addict's greatest fear is abandonment and an underlying fear of intimacy. (18:03) Love addiction versus love avoidance. (18:38) Why Lindsey says the spiritual process matters to the healing of a broken heart. (32:11) “Our ego is the CEO of all things from the past. Our spirit is only right now.” (41:38) Why Lindsey wrote her book Blessons of a Breakup. (42:44) Learn more about Lindsey: Lindsey Ellison is a relationship coach and founder of Start Over Coaching, Inc. She helps people navigate their divorce or break-up and also helps people break free from narcissistic abuse. Her newest book, MAGIC Words: How to Get What You Want from a Narcissist, offers a step-by-step formula on how to create a communication plan and provides a script of empowering “magic” words that can neutralize the power struggle.    Resources & Links:Resources can also be found at: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/blessons-of-a-breakup-with-lindsey-ellison Private Coaching with Kate Anthony Lindsey’s websiteLindsey on Facebook Lindsey on Twitter Lindsey on YouTube

Rhonda Noordyk joins me to discuss her customized strategy women can use for financial wellness before, during, and after divorce. Often not having experience around household finances during marriage leads women to financial injustice post-divorce. In this episode, Rhonda shares her passion for helping women achieve financial justice and financial wellness. Rhonda is the Founder and CEO of The Women’s Financial Wellness Center, is the host of the podcast, Divorce Conversations for Women, a public speaker, and a CDFA-credentialed financial expert, who understands that divorce can be a complicated and painful journey. Join us for this empowering conversation. Show Highlights Why women need education about financial wellness. (7:04) Why Rhonda believes the divorce system is broken. (11:49) Women need to show up, ask questions, and be sure they are getting fair and equitable property and income. (13:32) The biggest financial challenge for women going through a divorce. (15:57) There is a difference between even and equitable. (17:50) A deep dive into creating a budget. It’s not just about figuring out what you need for child support. (21:21) Negotiating and how the acronym ANOT (acknowledge, naturally, obviously, the ask) can help. (22:46) Women see a 41% decrease in their standard of living after divorce! (25:47) We, as women, must be willing to be uncomfortable and ask for what we need, and still be respectful and firm, all at the same time. When we learn how to do that, it is extremely powerful. (33:23) Financial abuse can continue after divorce. (40:58) Changing your mindset around money and how your budget can be empowering (and not restrictive). (45:09) Learn More About Rhonda Noordyk: Rhonda Noordyk, CDFA®, CDS™ | Founder & CEO - Understanding that divorce can be a complicated and painful journey, Rhonda Noordyk left the financial industry in 2014 to pursue her passion of helping women achieve financial justice in their divorce. She hoped to offer a different kind of divorce experience; one that led to empowering moments and living a happy and fulfilled life, post-divorce.  Cue the Women's Financial Wellness Center! Designed to help women find a better way to maintain financial wellness throughout and after a woman’s divorce, Rhonda uses her knowledge, passion, and experience to build leading-edge strategies that help her clients stay three steps ahead at all times. With the intention to create a safe place for women - especially those in a vulnerable position - to find their paths, their voices, and the financial confidence they need to lift themselves out of seemingly hopeless situations, Rhonda works to change the narrative of her clients’ divorce experiences.  Instead of feeling overwhelmed and lost in the process, Rhonda works to develop strategies that help women move through and out of their marriage into a new life filled with endless possibility. With a vision to open Women’s Financial Wellness Center branches throughout the country, Rhonda hopes to help even more women figure out what is best for themselves and their families. In April 2020, Rhonda and her team opened a second location in Madison, WI. They are currently in the process of opening five more locations to reach even more women and assist them in realizing their financial goals. Since starting the Women’s Financial Wellness Center, Rhonda has successfully alleviated financial vulnerability for thousands of women.  In addition to being the Founder & CEO of The Women’s Financial Wellness Center, Rhonda hosts a podcast called Divorce Conversations for Women. Her dynamic and inspirational style leaves women with a sense of empowerment.  To connect with Rhonda directly, email her at Rhonda@wfwcllc.com. Resources & Links: Women's Financial Center website Women's Financial Center on Facebook Rhonda on Twitter Rhonda on LinkedIn Rhonda on Instagram TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE DIVORCE SURVIVAL PROGRAM As one of the pioneers of the divorce coaching industry, I’ve been helping women (most of whom are moms) navigate the divorce process for the last decade. AND NOW, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, ALL OF MY DIVORCE WISDOM IS AVAILABLE IN ONE ONLINE PROGRAM. This program is 100% for you if… You’re a mom looking for a clear roadmap to a divorce that won’t destroy your kids You’re looking for answers and a roadmap You understand that divorce is a long game You’re willing to put away your boxing gloves You want this to be a respectful and collaborative process in service of your kids You understand that divorce is, first and foremost, an emotional process and you’re ready to ‘go there’ Are you ready to learn from one of the world’s top divorce experts and set yourself on the path towards the best possible outcome? YEAH, Y’ARE!!!

Tina Swithin returns to the show this week! You know her as the leader of One Moms Battle, whose mission is to raise awareness and educate family court professionals on post-separation abuse as it relates to co-parenting and the family court system.  She is also a fierce advocate for survivors and change in the family court systems. In fact, through her work, she has been able to get the month of November to be declared Family Court Awareness Month in eight states to date. If you're eventually going to be entering the family court system, you must listen to this episode. It will help you to understand what the family court is designed to do, and enable you to prepare yourself to do battle within the court system—which is not designed to protect you.  Join us for this incredible conversation about family court awareness. Show Highlights Family Court Awareness Month is an opportunity for survivors to raise awareness at a community level. (2:20) The family court system is abusive. (5:24) How we can come together to increase awareness. (7:43) The disconnect between family court and other judicial systems. There is no regulation or checks and balances. (11:09) Very few states have required trauma-informed or domestic violence training for family court judges. (14:54) We examine how judges become appointed family law judges. (17:05) Tina’s family court system reform wish-list, including why we need judicial accountability and focus on prioritizing child safety. (21:00) Even with the reality of our present-day court system, children have a better chance of being healthy members of society if you are able to leave a toxic marriage. (35:07) What you can expect when advocating for yourself in the family court system. (43:24) Learn more about Tina Swithin Tina Swithin survived a “Category Five Divorce Hurricane” while acting as her own attorney in a high-conflict custody battle that turned her family’s life upside down for over a decade.  Known for her internationally recognized blog, “One Mom’s Battle” and her book series, "Divorcing a Narcissist," Tina helps survivors to navigate the family court system against narcissists and other toxic individuals. In 2020, Tina launched two major projects: The High Conflict Divorce Coach Certification Program and a nationwide campaign, Family Court Awareness Month.   The mission at Family Court Awareness Month is to raise awareness and shine a spotlight on one of the most important branches of our judicial system; the family court system. The very system that was established to govern family law cases and make decisions that are “in the best interest” of children, has some undeniable shortcomings that warrant conversations, solutions and ultimately, change.   The mission at Family Court Awareness Month is fueled by the desire for a family court system that is trauma-informed and educated on domestic violence, coercive control and post separation abuse. To truly act in the best interest of children, our family court system needs to incorporate empirical data and research into their decisions and rulings.  Resources & Links: Family Court Awareness One Mom's Battle Tina on Facebook Tina on Instagram Tina on LinkedIn TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?   An online coaching program designed to help you make the right decision about your marriage...once and for all.  In this groundbreaking online coaching program, you’ll unlock the support, education, and deep transformational work you need to finally answer your most burning question: should I stay or should I go? JOIN THE SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO FACEBOOK GROUP

This week I am talking all about healthy relationships with Dr. Akua K. Boateng. Dr. Akua answers the question, “What the hell does a healthy relationship look like?” We explore the mechanics of developing a healthy relationship with Self and also learn the steps to reconnecting with your intuitive guidance.    Dr. Akua K. Boateng is a sought after mental health and relationship expert. With over 14 years experience in clinical practice and education, she specializes in an integrative approach to treating anxiety, trauma, relationship issues and other emotional concerns.  She is the founder & CEO of Boateng Psychotherapy & Consultation, where she counsels individuals and couples as well as partners with organizations in the integration of emotionally aware practices and initiatives. In the media, Dr. Akua has contributed to media outlets such as CNN, The Washington Post, Huff Post, Black Enterprise, Refinery29, Philadelphia Inquirer,  Slate Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and others. Her genuine, empathic voice adds to the growing culture of mental health awareness. Show Highlights Reconnecting with your intuition and sense of self; also why you may have lost it in the first place. (8:15) You need time, safety, and a safe place to begin to lean towards repair and integration. (16:47) Why you can’t heal within an abusive relationship. (17:53) What does a healthy relationship even look like? Interdependence. Consistency. It does not look like pain and harm. (22:56) The shift in cultural dialogue about mental health within the last five to ten years. (33:35) Is the trope, “you can’t love another until you truly love yourself,” true? (36:21) Everyone has a blind spot. A healthy partner helps you see your blind spot and approach it with the utmost kindness and compassion. (38:26) A therapist’s job during couples therapy. (42:15) Sometimes the healthiest place you can be is not together. (45:21) Couples should not pursue therapy when active abuse is occurring. (48:17) Top conflicts that Dr. Akua sees in her couples work. (48:35) Learn More About Dr. Boateng: Dr. Akua K. Boateng, a native of California, is a licensed psychotherapist with an emphasis in individual and couples therapy. With over 13 years of experience in clinical practice and education, she specializes in an integrative approach to treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, intergenerational trauma and several other emotional concerns.  In 2015, after sharpening her expert approaches for clients with other facilities, Dr. Boateng opened a Philadelphia-based private practice and consultation firm, Boateng Psychotherapy & Consultation. She now works with clients to take ownership of their emotional health, become aware of unhealthy patterns and work toward a more authentic existence. Dr. Boateng is a sought after mental health expert and consultant, partnering with organizations to support the integration of emotionally aware practices and initiatives into their operations. Resources & Links: Should I Stay or Should I Go - Money Survey by Kate Anthony and Amanda Steinberg Www.Akuakboateng.comDr. Akua on Instagram Dr. Akua on Twitter Dr. Akua on Facebook TODAY'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: SOBERLINK Proof. Protection. Peace of Mind. The Soberlink remote alcohol monitoring system consists of a portable breathalyzer with wireless technology for real-time results. With proven use as the leading choice in child custody cases since 2011, we are the only system that combines: Court-admissibility in all 50 states Facial recognition Tamper detection Easy-to-read Advanced Reporting™ Trust the Experts in Remote Alcohol Monitoring Technology™ to support the best interests of the child in your Family Law cases. JOIN THE SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO FACEBOOK GROUP