Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast

Karen McMahon

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Apr 24, 2025 • 47min

Cooperative Co-Parenting Strategies: Insights from Award-Winning Author Aurisha Smolarski

In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist, certified co-parenting coach, mediator, and award-winning author Aurisha Smolarski. Together, they explore effective co-parenting strategies after divorce, with a focus on creating stability and emotional security for your children. Aurisha shares actionable advice on how to shift from a romantic partnership to a cooperative co-parenting dynamic, while building a foundation rooted in communication, consistency, and connection. You’ll also learn how attachment theory can influence your parenting approach and what it takes to maintain a healthy relationship with your ex for the sake of your kids. Whether you're newly divorced or years into co-parenting, this episode offers expert guidance to help you feel more empowered, supported, and aligned with your children’s best interests. In this episode, my guest Aurisha Smolarski, LMFT—a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified co-parenting coach, mediator, and mother—shares her invaluable expertise. As the award-winning author of Cooperative Co-Parenting for Secure Kids: The Attachment Theory Guide to Raising Kids in Two Homes, Aurisha brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the table. She specializes in helping co-parents move from conflict to cooperation, make child-centered agreements, and create a secure two-home family system. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, Aurisha's insights will provide the guidance and support you need to navigate your co-parenting journey with greater confidence and peace.  Connect with Aurisha Smolarski: Free Communication Style Quiz: https://www.aurishasmolarski.com/ Buy the book Cooperative Co-Parenting for Secure Kids: https://www.aurishasmolarski.com/book/ Join Aurisha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooperativecoparenting/ 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
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Apr 18, 2025 • 47min

Understanding and Overcoming Sex and Porn Addiction in High-Conflict Divorces with Craig Perra, Sex and Porn Addiction Recovery Expert

In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, Karen McMahon sits down with Craig Perra, a global leader in sex and porn addiction recovery. Craig explores the deep-rooted causes of compulsive sexual behavior, especially in high-achieving men and women navigating high-conflict divorce. He shares how lack of self-love, shame, and isolation fuel addiction—and how accountability and community drive healing. For partners of sex addicts, Craig offers empowering insights and guidance on separating their self-worth from their partner’s behavior. Learn how to break toxic cycles, protect your children with healthy conversations about sexuality, and take real steps toward recovery. Connect with Craig: Website: https://mindfulhabithelp.com/ Book a call with Craig: https://mindfulhabithelp.com/book-a-call9273 Course Library: https://www.themindfulhabitonline.com/ Listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-afflictions-porn-addictions-with-craig-perra-sex/id556373664 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
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Apr 11, 2025 • 18min

What to Do After the Divorce Bomb Drops

The divorce conversation has happened—and now you’re still living together.** Tensions are high, emotions are raw, and the atmosphere at home feels like a ticking time bomb. In this episode, we unpack what to do *after* the divorce bomb drops—how to survive and even strategically thrive in the uncomfortable in-between of sharing space with someone you’re separating from. First things first: before anything escalates, it’s critical to understand your legal rights and quietly begin gathering financial documentation—especially if there’s a risk your spouse might hide or manipulate assets once they know you're serious.** We’ll also explore what it looks like to have the divorce conversation with your children—how to support them honestly without oversharing or putting them in the middle. You'll hear how to create emotional and physical boundaries that protect everyone involved. From separate bedrooms to shared parenting time, this episode is packed with real talk and practical strategies. You’ll learn how to stop walking on eggshells, communicate calmly, and lead with clarity rather than chaos. Even while still living together, you can begin laying the groundwork for a strategic, empowered divorce—one step, one boundary, one conversation at a time. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com  Join the Free Divorce Paralysis Workshop: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/overcoming-divorce-fear Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
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Apr 9, 2025 • 37min

Empower Your Divorce Journey: Do you want an ordinary or extraordinary life? with Kyera Kacey, Founder of LiberateHER™️

Disclaimer: This conversation includes discussions of sensitive topics such as rape and trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. In this empowering episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon sits down with Kyera T. Kacey, Author of Rich B$tch Money Goals and founder of LiberateHER™. Kyera shares her transformative journey of overcoming trauma, including sexual assault and two divorces. She emphasizes the power of personal responsibility, self-love, and authenticity in healing and growth. Kyera discusses how embracing these principles helped her overcome adversity and create a life aligned with her true self. With practical strategies for personal empowerment and navigating life's challenges, Kyera’s insights are a must-listen for anyone on the path of healing after divorce, seeking empowerment, and wanting to thrive despite life's struggles. Tune in for inspiration, actionable tools, and a roadmap to a more fulfilled, empowered life! The 9 Rich B$tch Principles are foundational habits that builds a Rich B$tch life. A Rich B$tch always: R -takes Responsibility (personal) I- Has Integrity in all she does C - holds Courageous Conversations H - Heals for the Highest Good B - Believes in herself I - Invests in herself T - Trusts herself C - Consciously Creates her life H - Is Heart-centered in her pursuit of success Connect with Kyera: Website: https://www.kyerakacey.com/ Rich B$tch Money Goals Membership: https://www.kyerakacey.com/rbe2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyerakacey/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-tch-Money-Goals-Energetic/dp/B0CM3JJ5GZ Resources Mentioned in this episode: Join the FREE April 16th Workshop: Overcoming Divorce Fear and Paralysis - https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/overcoming-divorce-fear Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
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Apr 3, 2025 • 49min

Divorce & the Financial Tug-of-War: Spenders, Savers and Surprises with Seattle Money Coach, Mikelann Valterra

Divorce often uncovers hidden money patterns that impact both your relationship and divorce negotiations. In this episode, we explore how your money personality—whether you're a spender or a saver—shapes your marriage and divorce. We dive into the deeper financial motivations that may be influencing your decisions and offer strategies to break free from limiting beliefs around money. Divorce isn’t just an ending; it’s an opportunity to reshape your financial future. Learn how to use this time of transition to create clarity, confidence, and joy in your financial choices. You can emerge from divorce with a healthier relationship to money. Join financial therapist, money coach, and author Mikelann Valterra, with over 25 years of experience, as she shares insights from her book Rise Above the Money Fog. Mikelann offers grounded and compassionate wisdom to help you navigate financial anxiety, whether you’re in a high-conflict divorce or rebuilding after separation. Connect with Mikelann: Take the Money Fog Quiz: https://seattle-money-coach.mykajabi.com/money-fog-quiz-ebook Website: https://www.seattlemoneycoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelannvalterra/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikelannSeattleMoneyCoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelannv/ Resources Mentioned in this episode: Join the FREE April 16th Workshop: Overcoming Divorce Fear and Paralysis - https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/overcoming-divorce-fear Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce A word from our sponsor: TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible.  We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd
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Apr 1, 2025 • 46min

Marriage at a Crossroads... Is It Fixable or Foundational Issues? with Relationship Coach, Dawn Smith

In this episode, expert coach Dawn Smith joins Karen McMahon to dive into marital conflict and how to navigate relationship challenges. With over a decade of experience understanding how men and women process emotions and make decisions differently, Dawn provides strategies for couples facing marriage issues. Dawn combines couples counseling with practical coaching to help partners break free from disconnection patterns, fostering deeper communication and understanding. Her actionable tools are especially helpful for couples at a crossroads or struggling with communication and conflict. Throughout the conversation, Dawn also explores how neurodivergent conditions, like narcissism and ADHD, can impact relationships and whether these issues are fixable or foundational. Her insights help couples determine whether the challenges they're facing can be worked through or if deeper, systemic issues exist. Dawn Smith, founder of Whole Life Solutions, has guided over 1,000 couples through complex transitions. With expertise in mental health, neuroscience, and relationship coaching, she empowers individuals and couples to find clarity and connection. Her work has been featured at TEDx and leading conferences. Connect with Dawn: $50 off an initial session - Mention JBD on initial consultation: https://wholerelationshipcoaching.hbportal.co/schedule/6749db6a41bd770019f400c1 Website: https://www.relationshipcoachdawn.com/ Whole Life Solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholelifesolutionscoaching/ Dawn Smith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationshipcoachdawn/ Resources Mentioned in this episode: Join the FREE April 16th Workshop: Overcoming Divorce Fear and Paralysis - https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/overcoming-divorce-fear Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce A word from our sponsor: TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible.  We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd
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Mar 28, 2025 • 38min

Divorce Changes Everything…Here’s How to Get It Right from Day One with Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Andrea Vacca

Divorce can disrupt every aspect of your life—your home, finances, and family dynamic. Clarity is key to navigating this challenge successfully. In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Vacca, a leading New York divorce attorney and expert in collaborative divorce, to explore essential steps for a smoother process. We discuss understanding your legal rights, organizing financials, initiating the conversation with your spouse, and co-parenting, especially while living under the same roof. It's about starting strong, staying child-focused, and minimizing conflict. Andrea also shares strategies for setting boundaries, improving communication, and avoiding court through a collaborative divorce approach. If you're feeling overwhelmed, know that with the right mindset, you can navigate this transition with confidence and dignity. Andrea Vacca is the founder of Vacca Law and Mediation, specializing in non-adversarial divorce and family law. A certified mediator and collaborative divorce attorney, she’s committed to helping clients achieve peaceful resolutions, protect their families, and move forward without unnecessary conflict. Resources Mentioned in this episode: FREE Pre-Divorce Checklist - https://www.vaccalaw.com/pre-divorce-checklist/ Join the FREE April 16th Workshop: Overcoming Divorce Fear and Paralysis - https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/overcoming-divorce-fear Learn more about Pre-Divorce Guidance: https://www.vaccalaw.com/pre-divorce-guidance/ A word from our sponsor: TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible.  We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd  
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Mar 25, 2025 • 59min

Beyond Narcissism: Understanding the Full Spectrum of Abuse with Abuser Intervention Specialist, Lundy Bancroft

In this episode, Lundy Bancroft, a renowned expert on narcissism, abusive relationships, and the family court system, reveals how abusive men manipulate both their partners and the legal system to maintain control. With over 30 years of experience working with abusers and training professionals, Lundy exposes the subtle and overt tactics used by high-conflict individuals to gain power in custody disputes and other legal battles. He shares eye-opening insights from his books, Why Does He Do That? and The Batterer as Parent, highlighting the systemic failures in family courts that often work in favor of abusers, despite clear evidence of harm. Lundy explains why survivors of abuse find themselves in difficult, uphill battles when trying to protect their children and the emotional toll this takes. Lundy also provides practical advice for mothers navigating high-conflict divorces and custody disputes, outlining critical steps to level the playing field and protect children from further harm. He dives deep into the biases within the legal process that enable dangerous individuals to gain access to their children, even when their behavior is abusive. Through this conversation, Lundy offers a powerful look into how the family court system operates, how survivors can reclaim their power, and the ways in which we can push back against a broken system. This episode is an essential listen for anyone dealing with narcissism, abuse, and the complexities of high-conflict divorce and custody battles.   Connect with Lundy: Book - Not To People Like Us: https://www.amazon.com/People-Hidden-Abuse-Upscale-Marriages/dp/B0009K75UO Book - When Dad Hurts Mom: https://www.amazon.com/When-Dad-Hurts-Mom-Witnessing/dp/0425200310 Book - The Batterer as Parent: https://www.amazon.com/Batterer-Parent-Addressing-Domestic-Violence/dp/1412972051 Book - Should I Stay or Should I Go?: https://www.amazon.com/Should-Stay-Relationship-Can-Should-be/dp/042523889X Book - Daily Wisdom: https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Wisdom-Does-That-Encouragement/dp/0425265102#:~:text=Book%20details&text=Lundy%20Bancroft%20expands%20on%20his,what%20is%20happening%20to%20you. Book - The Joyous Recovery: https://www.amazon.com/Joyous-Recovery-Approach-Emotional-Wellness/dp/0578464691 Book - In Custody: https://www.amazon.com/Custody-Carrie-Green-Novel/dp/B09BGLY3P8 Website: https://lundybancroft.com/ Listen to Lundy's BorderlinerNotes YT episode: https://youtu.be/ywsTdzkiPF0?si=TUOmWrBy1pH8u7n1   Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: 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: TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible.  We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd
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Mar 22, 2025 • 21min

Quit the Tug-of-War: How to End the High Conflict Divorce Battle

Divorce, especially in high-conflict situations, can feel like an endless emotional tug-of-war. In this solo episode, Karen dives into the struggles of trying to control a soon-to-be ex during divorce proceedings, whether it's about co-parenting, finances, or decision-making. Engaging in these battles only fuels the high-conflict personality and keeps you stuck in stress and frustration. Karen explains why divorce conflict intensifies when you “hold the rope” and offers a powerful framework for knowing when to fight and when to let go. Sometimes, the best move in high-conflict divorce is to disengage. By dropping the rope, you can regain your peace and energy, and focus on building a healthy future post-divorce. If you're ready to stop the emotional tug-of-war and take back control of your life, tune in to discover the power of letting go. This episode offers the tools to break free from unnecessary conflict and start creating a peaceful future after divorce. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Check out the JBD website: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/ Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com  Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
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Mar 19, 2025 • 58min

How to Keep the Marital Home: A Strategy Your Attorney Doesn’t Even Know with Real Estate Divorce Expert, Jeffrey Landers

One of the most emotional and financially complex decisions in divorce is what to do with the marital home. This property often represents security, stability, and normalcy—especially with children involved. However, the decision to keep or sell the marital home comes with significant financial and legal implications that many people, and even attorneys, may overlook. In this episode, we’ll explore the pros and cons of keeping the marital home, the risks of co-owning after divorce, and the challenges of selling or buying out a spouse’s share. We'll also discuss what the monied spouse should consider in a buyout, financial hurdles for the lesser-monied spouse, and key mortgage considerations. Plus, we'll touch on the role of alimony, child support, and how high interest rates impact real estate decisions in divorce. Join Jeff Landers, a divorce real estate expert with 40 years of experience, as he shares valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of the marital home during divorce—ensuring you make the best decision for your financial future. Connect with Jeff: How To Keep Your Martial Home So You Can Move On, Not Out®: https://divorcehousesense.com/ - Enter JBD at checkout for your $2 OFF coupon  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflanders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivorceHouseSense/ Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: 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: TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible.  We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd

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