Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast
Karen McMahon
The Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast is your trusted companion through every stage of divorce—emotional, legal, financial, and parental. With over nine years of impactful episodes, this top-ranked podcast supports men and women navigating the challenges of divorce, especially those facing high-conflict dynamics, co-parenting struggles, emotional overwhelm, or legal uncertainty.
Hosted by Karen McMahon, Certified Divorce Coach® and founder of Journey Beyond Divorce, the show offers strategic guidance, expert interviews, and real-life stories designed to help listeners move from confusion and chaos to clarity and confidence. Each episode is packed with insight and inspiration to help you make informed decisions, protect your children, safeguard your finances, and heal emotionally—so you can create a life you truly love post-divorce.
If you’re on the fence about whether to stay or go, have just been told your marriage is ending, or are actively working through the messy middle of litigation, negotiation, or co-parenting, this podcast meets you where you are. You’ll learn how to emotionally regulate through triggers, explore your divorce process options (mediation, collaboration, litigation, arbitration), and prepare to work effectively with legal and financial professionals. Topics include how to gather your financials, navigate custody issues, and negotiate complex decisions around property, retirement assets, and business valuations.
For those already in the process, episodes offer real-time guidance on how to cope with personality disorders in your co-parent, how to protect your children from toxic dynamics, and how to negotiate settlements strategically. You’ll hear from certified divorce financial analysts, attorneys, parenting coordinators, therapists, and coaches who share proven tools and tips. Professionals in the divorce field—including family law attorneys, therapists, and financial experts—also listen in to better support their clients and stay up-to-date on best practices.
And when the divorce is final? The podcast continues to serve as a roadmap for building your next chapter. Learn how to close out the financial and legal loose ends—such as QDROs, life insurance, beneficiary changes, and estate updates—while beginning to design a life aligned with your values, goals, and inner peace. Episodes cover healing from betrayal trauma, understanding your emotional patterns, rediscovering your identity, and navigating the complexities of post-divorce dating and parenting.
This podcast also answers the most searched divorce-related questions, including:
How do I co-parent with a narcissist?
What are the steps in the divorce process?
Should I litigate or mediate?
What is a QDRO and do I need one?
How do I protect my kids emotionally?
What is the role of a certified divorce financial analyst?
How do I move on after infidelity or betrayal?
Listeners benefit from expert-vetted strategies, free resources, and supportive insights grounded in both experience and compassion. The Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast is more than just content—it’s a lifeline. Whether you're seeking calm in the storm, tools to advocate for yourself, or support rebuilding your life, each episode helps you grow stronger, wiser, and more empowered.
Subscribe today and begin your journey beyond divorce with guidance you can trust.
www.jbddivorcesupport.com/podcast
Hosted by Karen McMahon, Certified Divorce Coach® and founder of Journey Beyond Divorce, the show offers strategic guidance, expert interviews, and real-life stories designed to help listeners move from confusion and chaos to clarity and confidence. Each episode is packed with insight and inspiration to help you make informed decisions, protect your children, safeguard your finances, and heal emotionally—so you can create a life you truly love post-divorce.
If you’re on the fence about whether to stay or go, have just been told your marriage is ending, or are actively working through the messy middle of litigation, negotiation, or co-parenting, this podcast meets you where you are. You’ll learn how to emotionally regulate through triggers, explore your divorce process options (mediation, collaboration, litigation, arbitration), and prepare to work effectively with legal and financial professionals. Topics include how to gather your financials, navigate custody issues, and negotiate complex decisions around property, retirement assets, and business valuations.
For those already in the process, episodes offer real-time guidance on how to cope with personality disorders in your co-parent, how to protect your children from toxic dynamics, and how to negotiate settlements strategically. You’ll hear from certified divorce financial analysts, attorneys, parenting coordinators, therapists, and coaches who share proven tools and tips. Professionals in the divorce field—including family law attorneys, therapists, and financial experts—also listen in to better support their clients and stay up-to-date on best practices.
And when the divorce is final? The podcast continues to serve as a roadmap for building your next chapter. Learn how to close out the financial and legal loose ends—such as QDROs, life insurance, beneficiary changes, and estate updates—while beginning to design a life aligned with your values, goals, and inner peace. Episodes cover healing from betrayal trauma, understanding your emotional patterns, rediscovering your identity, and navigating the complexities of post-divorce dating and parenting.
This podcast also answers the most searched divorce-related questions, including:
How do I co-parent with a narcissist?
What are the steps in the divorce process?
Should I litigate or mediate?
What is a QDRO and do I need one?
How do I protect my kids emotionally?
What is the role of a certified divorce financial analyst?
How do I move on after infidelity or betrayal?
Listeners benefit from expert-vetted strategies, free resources, and supportive insights grounded in both experience and compassion. The Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast is more than just content—it’s a lifeline. Whether you're seeking calm in the storm, tools to advocate for yourself, or support rebuilding your life, each episode helps you grow stronger, wiser, and more empowered.
Subscribe today and begin your journey beyond divorce with guidance you can trust.
www.jbddivorcesupport.com/podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 17, 2025 • 46min
Co-Parenting Through Coercive Control: Responding with Power, Protecting with Love featuring Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW
Coercive control doesn’t end with separation—and when children are involved, the stakes are even higher. In this compelling episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon sits down with Dr. Christine Cocchiola, a leading expert and passionate advocate in the field of coercive control, to explore how this invisible form of abuse continues to impact families long after the relationship ends. Together, they unpack how emotional abuse often flies under the radar, the lasting harm it causes to both parents and children, and how protective parents can navigate the ongoing manipulation with clarity, strength, and love. If you've felt trapped in a battle where your integrity and your child’s well-being are constantly under attack, this conversation offers validation—and a way forward. Dr. Cocchiola shares powerful insights on how to stay emotionally grounded, respond without reactivity, and support your child’s healing without gaslighting yourself or them. She explores the role trauma plays in behavioral issues and emphasizes the importance of becoming a consistent source of safety and truth in your child’s life. This episode introduces a strategy to help you lead with intention: Predict what your children may have heard, Prepare your grounded response, and Protect both yourself and your child. It’s not just about recognizing the harm—it’s about rising to meet it. Your steady, loving presence may be the most powerful tool your child has—and the clearest reflection of your own healing and hope. Connect with Dr. Christine: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCocchiola/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perfect-prey-podcast/id1704962170 Resources Mentioned in this episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg A word from our sponsor: Let’s talk about sleep... especially during those hot summer nights. If you’ve ever tossed and turned, sweating through your sheets, you’re not alone. That’s why I’m so excited to share Cozy Earth with you. I personally use their bamboo sheets, and they’ve completely transformed how I sleep—cooler, more comfortably, and without waking up in a sweat. The fabric is naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, which means better rest for you. Their All Day Tee is a favorite in my house—soft, breathable, and perfect for staying cool during busy days. And don’t even get me started on the Studio Pant Collection—comfort and style in one perfect piece. Even better? You can try it all risk-free. With a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty on bedding, you have nothing to lose—and so much sleep to gain. ✨ Upgrade your summer. Go to cozyearth.com and use code JBD for 40% off their best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more. You’ll feel the difference from night one.
Jun 12, 2025 • 43min
Mastering Communication During High Conflict Divorce Without Letting Emotions Take Over with Deborah Donenfeld
In this episode, I sit down with midlife transformation coach Debra Donenfeld of Photosynthesis Coaching, who brings 14 years of coaching experience and a deeply soulful yet no-nonsense approach to helping people thrive through major life transitions. Together, we explore how to communicate effectively during high conflict divorce, even when emotions are running high and your ex seems to know exactly how to push your buttons. If every text, email, or conversation feels like walking through a minefield, this episode is for you. You’ll learn the real reason to keep your cool—not to “be the bigger person,” but to stay grounded in your power. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The #1 reason to keep your cool—even when your ex is throwing verbal grenades Why focusing on behavior instead of content is the key to de-escalating conflict The power of the pause: a simple technique to create space between reaction and response How to shift out of victim mode and into self-empowerment Practical communication strategies you can use with your ex, your children, and even yourself We also talk about the critical role of self-awareness, how to stop taking the bait, and how to avoid emotional hijacking in moments of tension. Check the show notes - Debra is offering a free 45-minute consultation for listeners ready to step into calm, confident communication during this challenging chapter. This episode is full of wisdom, tools, and compassionate guidance to help you reclaim your voice—and your peace—during high conflict divorce. Connect with Deborah: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdonenfeld/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosynthesiscoaching/ Free 45-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/deborahdonenfeld-photosynthesis/45min Resources Mentioned in this episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg A word from our sponsor: Let’s talk about sleep... especially during those hot summer nights. If you’ve ever tossed and turned, sweating through your sheets, you’re not alone. That’s why I’m so excited to share Cozy Earth with you. I personally use their bamboo sheets, and they’ve completely transformed how I sleep—cooler, more comfortably, and without waking up in a sweat. The fabric is naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, which means better rest for you. Their All Day Tee is a favorite in my house—soft, breathable, and perfect for staying cool during busy days. And don’t even get me started on the Studio Pant Collection—comfort and style in one perfect piece. Even better? You can try it all risk-free. With a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty on bedding, you have nothing to lose—and so much sleep to gain. ✨ Upgrade your summer. Go to cozyearth.com and use code JBD for 40% off their best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more. You’ll feel the difference from night one.
Jun 6, 2025 • 34min
Two Homes, Two Fathers, One Powerful Story of Resilience with Author and Retired Judge, Anthony J. Mohr
On this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon welcomes retired Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mohr for a powerful conversation about the long-term impact of divorce on children. Drawing from his personal experience growing up with two very different dads—his successful, conservative stepfather and his charismatic, unpredictable Hollywood actor father—Anthony offers a unique perspective on what it’s like for kids to live in two homes after divorce. Now an author of the memoir Every Other Weekend, Anthony shares how his childhood shaped his identity and ultimately influenced his nearly 30-year career on the bench. This episode explores the emotional challenges children face navigating dual households and highlights how resilience, awareness, and intentional parenting can shape a more stable future for kids of divorce. Connect with Anthony: www.anthonyjmohr.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyJMohr Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-mohr-5b0169213/ Resources Mentioned in this episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg A word from our sponsor: Let’s talk about sleep... especially during those hot summer nights. If you’ve ever tossed and turned, sweating through your sheets, you’re not alone. That’s why I’m so excited to share Cozy Earth with you. I personally use their bamboo sheets, and they’ve completely transformed how I sleep—cooler, more comfortably, and without waking up in a sweat. The fabric is naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, which means better rest for you. Their All Day Tee is a favorite in my house—soft, breathable, and perfect for staying cool during busy days. And don’t even get me started on the Studio Pant Collection—comfort and style in one perfect piece. Even better? You can try it all risk-free. With a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty on bedding, you have nothing to lose—and so much sleep to gain. ✨ Upgrade your summer. Go to cozyearth.com and use code JBD for 40% off their best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more. You’ll feel the difference from night one.
Jun 6, 2025 • 52min
Divorce Without Destruction: The Secret Sauce of Diplomacy + Boundaries with Acclaimed Master Attorney Mediator, Hesha Abrams, Esq.
What if you could navigate your divorce with calm, clarity, and even collaboration, no matter how high the conflict? In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon sits down with internationally renowned mediator and author of Keeping the Calm, Hesha Abrams, to explore how to stay grounded, communicate effectively, and maintain your personal power during a high-conflict divorce. Together, they dive into the emotional and practical challenges of divorce, including handling custody battles, negotiating financial settlements, and co-parenting with a difficult ex. Hesha shares proven strategies for emotional regulation, boundary-setting, and productive negotiation that can help you stay calm, protect your well-being, and create more peaceful outcomes for you and your children. You’ll learn how diplomacy and firm boundaries can work together to shift power dynamics, de-escalate conflict, and keep communication focused and intentional. Whether you’re just beginning your divorce journey or already in the thick of it, this conversation offers tools to help you protect your peace and make empowered decisions throughout the process. Hesha Abrams is an internationally acclaimed master attorney, mediator, negotiator, and deal-maker with over 30 years of experience resolving complex and high-profile disputes. She has worked with companies such as Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook, IBM, and Verizon, and is known for mediating the landmark case involving the secret formula for Pepsi. Her work spans from multinational corporations to individuals navigating deeply personal conflicts, bringing clarity, resolution, and peace to even the most challenging situations. Connect with Hesha: Holding The Calm - The Book: www.holdingthecalm.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hesha-abrams-esq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeshaAbramsHoldingTheCalm YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcPngGiIF-GlC8w1l3sH8A Resources Mentioned in this episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg
Jun 3, 2025 • 45min
The Stay or Go Divorce Decision: How to Determine if Your Marriage is Over with Sharon Pope, Certified Master Life Coach
In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, Karen McMahon is joined by master life coach and relationship expert Sharon Pope to explore one of the most difficult questions in a marriage: Should I stay or should I get a divorce? Sharon shares her proven decision-making framework designed to help women gain clarity and confidence when facing the possibility of divorce. Together, they discuss the emotional weight of deciding to leave a marriage, how to navigate the fear of divorce, and why self-awareness is essential in making the right choice for your future. Whether you're dealing with a high-conflict relationship, struggling to rebuild trust, or feeling stuck in a toxic marriage, this episode offers valuable insights and tools. Learn how to approach the decision to divorce with intention, and discover pathways to either healing your relationship or making a peaceful, empowered exit. Connect with Sharon: FREE video series: Calming Your Constant Marriage Indecision. No more paralyzing indecision or fear of regret; just a clear, realistic path toward happiness - SharonPopeFreeTraining.com Website - https://www.sharonpope.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@sharonpopecoach Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SharonPopeCoach Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharonpopecoach/ TikTok - http://tiktok.com/@sharonpopecoach Sharon's Latest Book - https://stayorgobook.com/ The Loving Truth Podcast - https://sharonpope.com/podcast/ Resources Mentioned in this episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg
May 23, 2025 • 50min
The Art of Divorce Negotiation: Leverage What Your Spouse Values Most with Brenda Bridges, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)
Divorce negotiations can feel like a battlefield—two people locked in conflict, each fighting to protect what matters most. But what if you stopped viewing your ex as the enemy and started seeing the process as a strategic game—one where understanding, clarity, and emotional regulation could actually help you get better results? In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce podcast, I’m joined by Brenda Bridges—Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Divorce Coach, and Mediator. Brenda has not only helped countless clients navigate the financial and emotional complexities of divorce—she’s lived it. After experiencing her own financially devastating divorce, she made it her mission to help others avoid the same mistakes by approaching divorce strategically instead of emotionally. Together, we explore how negotiating during divorce doesn’t have to be driven by fear, anger, or reactivity. We talk about the importance of understanding your spouse’s values—what they truly care about—and how using that insight can completely shift the way you approach settlement discussions. Whether it’s financial security, time with the kids, or protecting their image, knowing what drives them can give you a surprising amount of leverage. We also dive into what it means to regulate your emotions, communicate with intention, and stay grounded during mediation or high-conflict negotiations. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a tug-of-war, always bracing for the next blow, this conversation offers a new perspective—one rooted in strategy, self-awareness, and the belief that you can walk away from divorce with clarity, confidence, and a future you’re excited about. This episode is for anyone ready to stop playing defense and start negotiating from a place of strength and insight. Because when you understand the emotional and financial landscape of divorce, you can make smarter choices and protect what truly matters to you. Connect with Brenda: Website: https://bridgingdivorcesolutions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgingdivorce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgingDivorce/ "New Normal" Post Divorce Checklist: https://mailchi.mp/bridgingllc/jtzu34jo7l Resources Mentioned in this episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg
May 19, 2025 • 41min
Navigating Divorce with Neurodiversity: Insights and Strategies with Diane Dempster, Co-Founder of ImpactParents
Divorcing when neurodiversity is in the mix—whether you're co-parenting with a neurodiverse ex or raising a neurodivergent child—can add layers of complexity and emotional intensity. In this episode of Journey Beyond Divorce, Karen McMahon sits down with Diane Dempster, parent coach and co-founder of ImpactParents.com, to explore how understanding neurodiversity can shift the entire divorce experience. Together, they unpack practical tools for managing emotional intensity, setting effective boundaries, and building resilience during one of life’s most stressful transitions. Diane shares powerful insights from both her personal and professional experience—offering guidance for creating calm in the chaos and supporting your kids (and yourself) through change. Whether you’re navigating high-conflict dynamics or seeking a better way to support your neurodivergent child, this conversation is filled with actionable strategies and deep encouragement. Connect with Diane: Free Gift: 12 Tips to Help Your Complex Kids: https://impactparents.pages.ontraport.net/top-twelve-tips-bonus Website: https://impactparents.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents/ Resources Mentioned in this episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg
May 11, 2025 • 10min
Celebrate YOU! – A Mother’s Day Reset After Divorce with Karen McMahon
Mother’s Day can stir up a lot—especially when you're navigating life after divorce. Maybe your ex’s voice is still echoing in your head, or your teens are too cool (or too cranky) to make plans. Maybe your kids aren't even with you this year. If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is here to help you mute the noise, return to yourself, and reclaim this day as something sacred and satisfying—no matter what it looks like on the outside. Together, we’ll explore how to celebrate yourself without apology, even if no one else is showing up the way you hoped. I’ll share what it means to be both realistic and radiant—from managing kids who are resistant or unavailable, to creating a solo tradition that fills your soul (including my own story of picnics, peace, and blooming flowers at the Arboretum). Because Mother’s Day isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. Whether you're feeling joyful, tender, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you to step into your power, choose your own joy, and design a Mother's Day that honors the incredible mom—and woman—you are. 🌸 Support this podcast: Free Gift: An exercise in self love and discovery - https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/blog/self-love-exercise Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
May 8, 2025 • 42min
Discover Spiritual Resilience After Divorce with Carrie Hopkins-Doubts, Spiritual Resilience Coach
Join Karen McMahon for a powerful and inspiring episode on spiritual resilience and transformation after divorce. In this heartfelt conversation, Karen is joined by Carrie Hopkins-Doubts, a seasoned Spiritual Resilience Coach and long-time member of the JBD team, who shares her wisdom on navigating grief, reclaiming your identity, and finding spiritual strength after the end of a marriage. Carrie dives into the essential elements of healing after divorce, guiding listeners on how to shift from heartbreak to healing. She emphasizes the importance of embracing your authentic self and leaning into spiritual resilience to not only survive divorce but to grow from it. Through personal stories of grief, recovery, and renewal, Carrie shows how self-compassion and support can empower your journey forward. Carrie is also the creator of the Rebuilding Your Life After Loss program, offered in both individual and group coaching formats. Her transformative courses are designed to help individuals reconnect with their heart, reclaim their personal power, and re-align with their deeper purpose—laying the foundation for the next meaningful chapter of life. Whether you're in the early stages of divorce or seeking deeper healing long after, this episode offers the tools and encouragement you need to experience lasting change. Discover how spiritual transformation can become the guiding force in your divorce recovery journey. To learn more about Carrie’s approach to grief, loss, and spiritual growth, visit her website and explore her programs focused on healing from the inside out. Connect with Carrie: Free Gift: Transitions and Transformations Course - https://bit.ly/43mWV3W Join the waitlist for Rebuilding Your Life After Loss - https://lifesnextchaptercoaching.mykajabi.com/waitlistrebuilding Website: https://lifesnextchaptercoaching.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifesnextchapter/ Resources Mentioned in this episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg
Apr 27, 2025 • 47min
Somatic Healing: Unlocking the Path to Emotional Freedom with Laurie James, Somatic Relationship Coach
In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon speaks with somatic healer and coach Lori James about the powerful role of somatic healing in recovering from the trauma of divorce. They explore how emotional pain from divorce and toxic relationships often becomes stored in the body, manifesting as anxiety, depression, and physical tension. Lori shares her own post-divorce healing journey and explains how somatic practices — such as breathwork, movement, and body awareness — can help individuals reconnect with their inner wisdom, process deep emotional wounds, and rebuild a sense of safety and empowerment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking divorce recovery tools, emotional resilience, and a deeper understanding of how the body holds and heals trauma. Discover practical strategies to support your emotional healing after divorce and begin moving forward with clarity and strength. Connect with Laurie: Free Gift: My free Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing: https://laurieejames.myflodesk.com/bgtsh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.james/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.james.79219754 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-james-8336a0168/ Website: https://www.laurieejames.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-freebird-midlife-divorce-heal/id1694026063 Resources Mentioned in this episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg
