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
Feb 20, 2024 • 45min
Voices of Celebration: A journey of lost custody, heartbreak and healing
Geri was the primary parent for the entirety of her children's lives. During the four years of their court battle, dad never took the boys for an overnight...not even once. Yet she lost custody in an expensive, drawn out court battle. Listen as one woman tells her journey of heartbreak and healing, her court ruling on custody and the grief, personal growth and gifts that followed. 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
Feb 15, 2024 • 24min
JBD Team Talks: How to Tell The Kids in High Conflict Divorce
Telling the children about your impending divorce is always a fragile, emotional conversation. The general rule is both parents tell the children together, refer to the decision as mutual and assure them that they are loved and their lives with continue with limited change. However, when facing a high conflict divorce, such advice may be unwise and even dangerous. If you are expecting your high conflict ex to blame you, create undo chaos and emotional overwhelm and catastrophize your choice, telling the children together may not be in their (or your) best interest. Listen as Karen walks you through another, one that you don't typically hear and that may resonate as safer and more aligned with your reality. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call:http://rapidreliefcall.com Take the "Relationship Health Quiz" Quiz:https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/relationshiphealthquiz
Feb 14, 2024 • 13min
Valentine's Day: A Toast to You, The Star of Your Own Love Story!
Ah, Valentine's Day! That time of year when love is in the air, and heart-shaped chocolates seem to pop up everywhere. For some, it's a day of romance and roses. For others, it's more like a scene from a tragicomedy – minus the comedy. But fear not! If Valentine's Day feels like just another blip on the calendar, that's great. Carry on!! However, if you find yourself feeling a bit blue as heart-shaped balloons float by, here's an invitation to consider…why not turn the day into a celebration of the most enduring love of all – the love for yourself? After all, you are the one person who you can always count on and whom you would benefit from getting to know more deeply. You are beautifully unique and loving… with so much to offer, and who better to recognize that than, well, you? Why not make it a day to remember by creating your perfect Date with Yourself. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call:http://rapidreliefcall.com Take the "Relationship Health Quiz" Quiz:https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/relationshiphealthquiz
Feb 8, 2024 • 41min
Voices of Celebration: I Found My Truth and Authenticity Through My Divorce
Ann Margaret shares her struggles around faith and family when deciding whether or not to seek a divorce from her spouse of 19 years. As a devout Catholic, she needed to be 'right with God' and sought to understand if and how her desire to leave her marriage was aligned with her deep faith. She goes on to share her concerns for the impact the divorce would have on her children, the challenges of living under the same roof during Covid and keeping the 'secret' of the impending divorce from her kids until the school year ended. Finally, Ann Margaret had a huge fear of being alone and shares the unfolding journey of her dating and relationship life after divorce. Ann Margaret describes her divorce as amicable and post divorce co parenting relationship as respectful. She offers great wisdom and guidance around the power of coaching and the importance of tuning into and listening to the soft voice of intuition that is there to guide you. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call:http://rapidreliefcall.com Take the "Relationship Health Quiz" Quiz:https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/relationshiphealthquiz
Feb 1, 2024 • 42min
Special Guest: Discernment Counseling - An Alternative Approach to Deciding to Mend or End your Marriage with Brian Burns
Deciding whether to mend or end your marriage is a tender and complex decision. Today we speak with Brian Burns about Discernment Counseling and how it is a safe and gentle process that brings immense value to the couple during this difficult time. Brian walks us through how Discernment Counseling works, the reason it is a short term process, under 2 months and how it differs in many ways from Marriage Counseling. The goal of this approach is very simply clarity and confidence for each member of the couple. He explains how there is often a 'lean in' spouse and a 'lean out' spouse, how meeting with each individually and together makes the perfect recipe for both honesty and transparency. If you are having difficulty deciding to mend or end your marriage, this episode may be exactly what you are looking for!! Brian Burns has a Private Practice in Woodbury, MN. 23 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Specialize in working with couples in long-term, committed relationships who are at a crisis point in their relationship. Also experienced in "uncoupling" counseling, and healthy parenting in divorce. Podcast host - Bad Weather Podcast. Brian lives in Western Wisconsin with his wife of 28 years and the two pets. Raised four daughters who are now spreading their wings across the country and the world. More ways to connect with Brian: Website: https://www.mnrelationshiprepair.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-weather-podcast/id1667974583 Find a Discernment Counselor: https://discernmentcounselors.com/find-a-discernment-counselor/ More about Discernment Counseling: https://innovation.umn.edu/mncouplesonthebrink/whatisdiscernment/ Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call:http://rapidreliefcall.com Take the "Relationship Health Quiz" Quiz:https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/relationshiphealthquiz
Jan 30, 2024 • 56min
Special Guest: Divorce, Faith, and Three Little Hearts - One Man's Journey Through Divorce, Dating and Single Parenting with Chris Espinoza
Join me as I speak to a christian man about his journey through a high conflict marriage where he owns his part in the dissolution and shares the challenges of parallel parenting post divorce. Chris Espinoza of Men's Divorce Recovery speaks deeply about his recovery and healing journey and the vital role his faith played in keeping him tracking true to his desires to be the best dad and the best ex husband. Chris recently began dating, met the love of his live and is engaged and about to merge his three kids with her two kids and all that comes with that. This is a story of resilience, deep faith and the gift of healing that God has for us when we keep the focus on Him and our own healing and character refinement. More ways to connect with Chris: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mens-divorce-recovery/id1615813073 Website: https://www.mensdivorcerecovery.org/ Buy the book mentioned in this epsiode: https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Survival-Guide-Divorced-Men/dp/172669433X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1585599443&sr=8-2 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMensDivorceRecovery Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call:http://rapidreliefcall.com Take the "Relationship Health Quiz" Quiz:https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/relationshiphealthquiz
Jan 25, 2024 • 1h 5min
Special Guest: Breaking the Barriers of Parental Alienation - Strategies for Recognizing Signs and Restoring Connections with Charlie McCready
Parental alienation is a deeply complex and emotionally charged issue, where one parent, influences the child to reject or fear the other parent. This process distresses the alienated parent, who experiences profound loss and heartache. It also inflicts psychological harm on the child. The child, caught in the crossfire of adult conflicts, might develop issues with trust, guilt, and self-esteem, often carrying these emotional scars into adulthood. The alienated parent grapples with feelings of helplessness, grief, and frustration, sometimes leading to severe emotional and mental health challenges. In severe cases, this form of emotional abuse can create long-lasting rifts, affecting the child's ability to form healthy relationships in the future. It's crucial for the alienated parent to adopt a long-term perspective focused on healing and self-care. Healing oneself is not just a pathway to potentially rebuilding the relationship with the child; it's essential for leading a fulfilling life, irrespective of the outcome. This approach underscores the importance of patience, self-compassion, resilience and the relentless pursuit of personal growth and emotional balance. With us today is Charlie McCready, who has himself been an alienated parent for over 20 years. Charlie has taken his pain and his experienced to fuel his passion to support other parents to navigate this emotional storm with more hope, grace and perseverence by providing invaluable insights and effective strategies. Charlie has a comprehensive 9 step program to navigate the challenges of PA and rebuild relationships with your children. More ways to connect with Charlie: Website Facebook Group Instagram LinkedIn Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call:http://rapidreliefcall.com Take the "Relationship Health Quiz" Quiz:https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/relationshiphealthquiz
Jan 23, 2024 • 39min
Special Guest: The Power Trio - Unleashing Strength in Divorce Through Values, Habits, and Behaviors with Shannon McGorry
In the turbulent waters of high-conflict divorce, finding your anchor is essential for staying afloat. In this episode of "The Power Tria," we dive deep into how valuing your values, honoring your habits, and breaking down your behaviors can be the lifebuoy you need during this challenging journey. Discover the profound impact of aligning your actions with your core values. Today's guest will discuss a process of self-discovery, helping you identify what truly matters to you and how to use these values as a compass to navigate even the stormiest seas of divorce. You will also learn how your daily routines and habits can either empower or hinder your progress. And finally, we dive into behavior change and why letting go of destructive behaviors is crucial for your emotional well-being. We discuss actionable steps to break free from behaviors that no longer serve you, helping you reclaim your power and control. With me today is Shannon McGorry, a Certified Professional Coach, specializing in Divorce and Women's Empowerment. She is certified through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, is a woman of faith, a mom of two daughters, and a lover of yoga, the beach, being outside, and laughter. More ways to connect with Shannon: To access your Free Gift "Value Your Values Worksheet", email shannon@lovestrengthandgrace.com Instagram Website Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call:http://rapidreliefcall.com Take the "Relationship Health Quiz" Quiz:https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/relationshiphealthquiz
Jan 19, 2024 • 37min
Special Guest: Love Rehab - Transforming Toxic Bonds into Healthy Connections with Stephanie McPhail
Living in a toxic intimate relationship can feel like being caught in an emotional maze—depleting your energy, disorienting your sense of self, and clouding your judgment. The journey to disentangle from harmful behaviors and limiting beliefs, deeply ingrained in such relationships, often appears daunting, terrifying, and isolating. Today, I'm thrilled to have Stephanie on the show, a beacon of light for women embarking on this transformative journey. Stephanie specializes in guiding women from the murky depths of toxic love to the shores of healthy relationships and enriched lives. Tune in as we delve into her innovative approach to healing and get a sneak peek into her game-changing new podcast, Toxic Love Transformation. Stephanie is a Toxic Relationship Recovery Expert, certified Crisis Counselor, Certified Coach, and a Reiki Practitioner. She is also the author of "Being Loved Shouldn't Hurt", both a book and workbook. Stephanie specializes in helping professional middle-aged women to discover who they are and create their best lives after leaving a toxic relationship. She is also the host of the NEW Toxic Love Transformation Podcast!! More ways to connect with Stephanie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beinglovedshouldnthurt/ Podcast: https://toxiclovepodcast.com/ Book Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/beinglovedshouldnthurt/ Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Take the "Relationship Health Quiz" Quiz: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/relationshiphealthquiz
Jan 13, 2024 • 15min
Thoughts on Attitude, Gratitude and Intentionality as we Wrap Up 2023
Thoughts on Attitude, Gratitude and Intentionality as we Wrap Up 2023 If you're in any stage of divorce, it can feel especially lonely, unfair, tender, confronting…today I want to talk about the gift of Attitude and Gratitude! Charles Swindoll Quote: The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes" Gratitude: Focusing on what IS working / good and pleasing in your life… leads to a release of serotonin and dopamine, chemicals in the brain that are associated with happiness and pleasure. Acknowledging gratitude also decreases stress hormones. The short-term result is a reduction in anxiety and an improvement in mood. Rather than RESOLUTIONS - I invite you into a practice of daily Intentions **choosing your attitude going into the New Year** Share your deepest feelings of gratitude and your commitment to more life enhancing / possibility producing attitude. Create a daily practice - begin and end your day. Happy New Year!
