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
Apr 12, 2024 • 38min
Voices of Celebration: How Divorce Taught This Woman to Set Boundaries and Trust Herself
Stephanie faced infidelity and broken trust during her marriage. As she began coaching, she realized her patterns and part in the disillusion of her marriage. Her work led her to healthier communication and behaviors in all her relationships. Listen as she shares her fears, struggles and the unexpected treasures found through coaching and leaning into her faith in God. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/reclaimyourmind Soberlink: www.soberlink.com/jbd
Apr 10, 2024 • 54min
HC Divorce Demystified: Shifting the Dynamic between You and Your High Conflict Spouse with Dr. Thomas Jordan, Ph.D.
Welcome to today's episode, where we delve into the profound impact family origins have on adult intimate relationships. We'll explore how the imprints of our family dynamics shape our approach to love, conflict, and connection, setting the stage for the patterns that unfold in our most intimate bonds. With insights from a seasoned psychologist and love life researcher, we aim to illuminate the unseen threads that link our past experiences to our present struggles, providing a roadmap for understanding and transformation. In this enlightening discussion, we invite you to recognize and learn from the patterns inherited from your family of origin. By examining these influences, we offer strategies to shift the dynamic with your high conflict person and lay the groundwork for healthier future relationships. Whether you're in the midst of a high conflict divorce or seeking to break the cycle of discord in your love life, this episode promises valuable insights and practical advice to navigate the journey toward healing and healthier relational dynamics. With me today is Dr. Thomas Jordan, a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and love life researcher based in New York City. He is on the faculty of NYU's Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis, author of Learn to Love: Guide to Healing Your Disappointing Love Life and founder of LoveLifeLearningCenter.com. Dr. Jordan specializes in the psychological treatment of disappointing love lives and has been studying them for over 30 years. More ways to connect with Dr. Thomas Jordan: Website: https://lovelifelearningcenter.com/ Emotional Divorce Recovery Article: https://lovelifelearningcenter.com/emotional-divorce-recovery/ Contact: drtmjordan@gmail.com 212-875-0154 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelifelearningcenter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.ThomasJordan/ Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/reclaimyourmind Soberlink: www.soberlink.com/jbd
Apr 5, 2024 • 20min
Your Support Team & Exploring Therapy vs. Coaching in High Conflict Divorce
Emerging from a high-conflict marriage can feel like stepping onto a battlefield, where every day presents new challenges and uncertainties. In these tumultuous times, the need for support is undeniable - but what form of support is best suited to your needs? Enter therapy and coaching: two pillars of assistance offering distinct yet powerful approaches to navigating the complexities of divorce. As you traverse this terrain, understanding the disparity between these two forms of support becomes crucial in making informed decisions about your well-being. But here's the real question: Do you have to choose between therapy and coaching, especially when finances are tight? Or could a blend of both provide the comprehensive assistance you require? Today, we embark on a journey to explore the unique skill sets brought forth by mental health experts and certified divorce coaches. By delving into their differences, we illuminate the path towards selecting the most fitting support system for your individual circumstances. Join us as we empower you to make wise investments in the support you need most, precisely when you need it. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/reclaimyourmind
Mar 20, 2024 • 47min
HC Divorce Demystified: Diffuse Tension and Resolve Conflict During High Conflict Divorce with Hesha Abrams
I am thrilled about today's conversation with Hesha Abrams, a brilliant mediator, negotiator and author of Holding The Calm, a book jam packed with strategies to minimize conflict, settle disputes and create a safe space for the most thorniest of individuals to feel heard and seen so they can find their way back to the negotiation table. I've asked Hesha to join us and custom tailor some of her advice to our JBD listeners who have made the courageous decision to leave your high conflict spouse and now after being bullied and intimidated by them, develop the skills needed to navigate your divorce conversations, & negotiations skillfully and successfully. You don't want to miss this one!! Hesha Abrams is an internationally acclaimed master attorney, mediator, negotiator, and deal-maker who, for 30+ years, has been renowned for her success in resolving high profile or difficult matters, including mediating the case over the secret recipe for Pepsi. She has worked with Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook, IBM, Verizon, and other large multinational companies, as well as individuals, inventors, and small businesses, creating deals and solving disputes. She has distilled her experience into a popular new book, "Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension", an insightful, practical, and easy to use toolkit to guide anyone to defuse tension, eliminate conflict, and make deals in their own lives. More ways to connect with Hesha: Book: https://www.holdingthecalm.com/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeshaAbramsHoldingTheCalm Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/reclaimyourmind Divorce 101: The Roadmap Your Need to Prepare for Your High Conflict Divorce: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/divorce101
Mar 18, 2024 • 25min
How to Create A Safe Exit Plan
How to Safely Plan Your Exit Strategy As a High Conflict Divorce Strategist, I will be speaking directly to and about just that - the high conflict dynamic and how it is so very different from your typical divorce. All divorce has conflict and some more than others. High Conflict marriages and divorce are in a realm of their own. So let's start at the beginning… In the early stages, knowing on a deep intuitive level and being ready takes time. Being ready and yet not being able to take action makes sense. After living in chaos and conflict, boldly making complex decision can feel impossible…this is normal. Before you can tell your spouse you've decided to leave the marriage, it is vital to develop a foundation of self trust, mental clarity and the ability to manage your emotional reaction. Then there are a lot of baby steps: what you say, when you say it, how you prepare to say it, what you do afterward, how you handle the kids and so on. This just scratches the surface…Which is why I have created Divorce 101, a smart start to enter your divorce on solid footing. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/reclaimyourmind Divorce 101: The Roadmap Your Need to Prepare for Your High Conflict Divorce: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/divorce101
Mar 12, 2024 • 53min
HC Divorce Demystified: Navigating the Storm: The Psychological Battlefield of Divorcing a Sociopath or Narcissist with Kerrie Droban-Zhivago
I'm excited to share today's conversation with you as my guest, Kerrie Droban-Zhivago, offers profound insights into the minds of sociopaths, psychopaths, and narcissists. For those of you undergoing high-conflict divorces, understanding these characteristics is crucial. As you know, these personalities can significantly impact the emotional and psychological well-being of their partners, often leading to highly contentious divorce proceedings. By educating oneself on the traits and tactics of these individuals, you will be able to better navigate the complexities of your circumstances. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions, establish boundaries, and pursue a path to healing and recovery. Kerrie's insights provide a roadmap for identifying these personality types and implementing strategies to protect oneself from their debilitating effects. Today's guest, Kerrie Droban-Zhivago, is an award-winning, critically acclaimed true crime author, accomplished criminal and matrimonial attorney and television journalist. She is an expert on criminal pathology, narcissistic personality disorder, and sociopathy and has a fascinating story of how she developed her expertise. More ways to connect with Kerrie: Website: https://www.kerriedroban.com/ Podcast Coming Soon: https://www.kerriedroban.com/podcast/ Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/reclaimyourmind Divorce 101: The Roadmap Your Need to Prepare for Your High Conflict Divorce: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/divorce101
Mar 8, 2024 • 46min
Voices of Celebration: I'm Healing From Regret, Resentment and Codependence and Living My Best Life!
When Maria reached out for support she was still resentful at her ex and regretting staying so long in a marriage that had been over for 2 years. Maria shares her journey to self awareness and acceptance of herself and her circumstances. In a short time, Maria developed an understanding of codependence and began shifting her behavior to more self loving and less fearful about what other's thought about her. Maria also shares her 'hot pepper moment' and the powerful impact our signature Emotional Energy tool had on both her healing and her new romantic relationship. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/reclaimyourmind Divorce 101: The Roadmap Your Need to Prepare for Your High Conflict Divorce: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/divorce101
Mar 5, 2024 • 50min
HC Divorce Demystified: Facing the Fire: Divorce Strategies with High Conflict Expert Bill Eddy
Our guest is none other than Bill Eddy, a leading expert in managing high-conflict personalities. As the pioneer in understanding and navigating the tumultuous waters of relationships with individuals exhibiting narcissistic or borderline traits, Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and practical wisdom. In this episode, we'll unravel the intricacies of his acclaimed book, "SPLITTING: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Narcissistic or Borderline Personality Disorder". If you're facing a high-conflict divorce, this conversation is an essential guide to maintaining your sanity and safety in the face of adversity. Bill Eddy, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of the High Conflict Institute, is a renowned figure in managing high-conflict personalities. He developed the influential High Conflict Personality Theory and has a rich background as both a Certified Family Law Specialist and a licensed clinical social worker. Bill's work extends beyond the courtroom and therapy sessions to the academic realm, serving as faculty at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University and a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle Law School. As an author of over 20 books and co-host of the podcast "It's All Your Fault," Bill's expertise is sought after worldwide, having lectured in over 35 U.S. states and 13 countries worldwide. His popular Psychology Today blog has garnered over 6 million views, making him a leading voice in understanding and navigating complex interpersonal conflicts. More ways to connect with Bill: Website: https://highconflictinstitute.com/solutions-for-individuals Splitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/reclaimyourmind Divorce 101: The Roadmap Your Need to Prepare for Your High Conflict Divorce: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/divorce101
Mar 1, 2024 • 19min
Design Your Alter Ego to Help Step Into Your Future Self!
High Conflict Divorce is hard and in the beginning you may struggle with self doubt and uncertainty. I found this mind hack a while ago and was fascinated by the concept. So here goes. Activating your alter ego engages a mind hack that can support you in creating the change you desire. The Alter Ego Effect, written by Todd Herman teaches you how to adopt a different mindset and get motivated by cooperating with an alter ego of your own. By implementing this mind-hack, you can awaken your hidden talents or certain skills that you are afraid to show and quiet down fears and other unhelpful emotions that keep you stuck. It is a powerful and effective tool to begin recreating the new you!! There are 5 key lessons in the book, I am going to quickly walk you through the basics of a few of them. One is to use the five categories of change to improve your life and find your alter ego. The second exercise is to give your unproductive, paralyzing emotions a different alter ego so that you can detach from those in difficult times. And finally align the attributes of your alter ego with your goals, and then access this super persona when you need them. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/reclaimyourmind Divorce 101: The Roadmap Your Need to Prepare for Your High Conflict Divorce: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/divorce101
Feb 27, 2024 • 20min
JBD Team Talks: I'm Losing My Mind! Honoring the mental and emotional toll of divorce
If you feel like you are losing your mind as you enter divorce, I want you to know that it's totally normal. Today I share what happens when you begin the journey through divorce and how your mental and emotional overload show up in your life. I discuss the changes you begin to see in yourself and why things like brain fog, ADD tendencies, short triggers, and memory problems arise in the short term. Tune in as I share what you can do to support yourself and what you are ill advised to do. Seeing the value and benefit in all things divorce is hard and yet when you are looking for the hidden gems, you learn more about yourself, grow in ways that bring value to all you do and set yourself up to be more effective and productive through and beyond your divorce. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/reclaimyourmind Divorce 101: The Roadmap Your Need to Prepare for Your High Conflict Divorce: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/divorce101 Extra Resources: The Divorce Landscape Episode: https://journey-beyond-divorce-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/divorce-roadmap-the-divorce-landscape - I encourage you to tune in to help with your mental and emotional health during the early stages of divorce.
