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 28, 2023 • 49min
Divorce Roadmap: The Mediation Approach to Divorce
Mediation is a non-adversarial approach to divorcing outside of the court system. It is often considered a less expensive approach and is most definitely a less adversarial approach to divorce. Yet it isn't for everyone. If you have a high conflict marriage with a lack of ability to communicate, compromise, be transparent and keep the kids central in your decisions, mediation might not be the right path for you. Today's guest, Andrea Vacca, Esq is a mediation and collaboration attorney. She explains who is a good fit for mediation, how it differs from other avenues for divorcing and takes us through a typical mediation case from beginning to end. She also shares tips and questions for vetting the right mediator for you! You will be sure to know if this is the right fit for you and if so what to expect as you enter the mediation process. Contact Andrea here: Website VACCA FAMILY LAW GROUPOne Grand Central Place 60 E 42nd St #764 New York, NY 10165 Phone: 646-491-8818 Email: info@vaccalaw.com Contact Us to Schedule Your Free Introductory Call at 646-491-8818. Or find us on SM: facebook twitter linkedin instagram Request a Free Rapid Relief Call at www.rapidreliefcall.comFor more information on Journey Beyond Divorce visit: www.jbddivorcesupport.com
Feb 27, 2023 • 51min
Divorce and The Family Business: How to Protect Your Family's Future During and Post Divorce
We wrap up our Divorce and The Family Held Business Series with a critically important piece that is often overlooked or attended to only at the end of the divorce. In the chaos of negotiations and the emotional turmoil that accompanies divorce, there are critical conversations and decisions that need to be made around the business of your estate. Everything from changing beneficiaries and ensuring you have enough insurance coverage to exploring and updating other trust and estate issues. Consider also the estate planning and estate tax implications post divorce With us today is Lindsey Paige Markus, Esq. a respected attorney in trusts & estates and author of A GIFT FOR THE FUTURE - Conversations About Estate Planning. Licensed in Illinois, New York, and Florida, Lindsey has a national practice and leads her law firm, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.'s team of 25 trusts & estates practitioners. Request a Free Rapid Relief Call at http://rapidreliefcall.com/ For more information on Journey Beyond Divorce visit: www.jbddivorcesupport.com
Feb 22, 2023 • 45min
JBD Team Talks: How to Get Unstuck around Leaving Your Unhealthy Marriage
A common place people feel stuck in indecision is whether to continue trying to mend their marriage or to end it. In this podcast, Karen and Carrie talk about the limiting thoughts and behaviors that keep you stuck in indecision, what it costs you to stay there indefinitely, and some ways to start moving forward. The first thing is to give yourself permission to know what you know. How do you do that? Join us to hear about a powerful approach to gaining clarity, calm, and courage to hear the voice of your own inner wisdom. Request a Free Rapid Relief Call at For more information on Journey Beyond Divorce visit: www.jbddivorcesupport.com
Feb 20, 2023 • 55min
Divorce Roadmap: The Collaborative Approach to Divorce
Collaborative divorce is the newest 'kid on the block' when it comes to divorce. It is a process in which you and your spouse commit to staying out of the court system and working in a spirit of creative problem solving, transparency and trust. Beth Dalena, Esq. shares what a Collaborative Divorce looks like and who is a good couple candidate and who is not. We also explore the emotional, legal and financial benefits of divorcing outside the court system. Learn more about Beth Dalena, Esq. here: Family Law Attorney at Dalena & Bosch, LLC Dalena & Bosch 265 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Madison, NJ 07940 tel: 973 377-2066 fax: 973 765-0379 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalena_bosch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063749582366 Request a Free Rapid Relief Call at www.rapidreliefcall.comFor more information on Journey Beyond Divorce visit: www.jbddivorcesupport.com
Feb 17, 2023 • 1h 5min
Divorce and the Family Business: How to Avoid Delays and Disputes: Appraising Your Homes and Commercial Properties
One of the complexities involved in Divorce with a Family Business is the real estate holdings beyond the family residence. While many affluent families, in addition to their primary residence have vacation homes, when dealing with a family business, commercial real estate is often involved adding complexities to the overall financial picture. In either case, a residential or commercial appraiser is vital to assess the value of those properties. Choosing the right appraiser is key and today I am speaking to Michael Vargas who walks us through how to choose the right appraiser, what to expect and how to know you are receiving the best value for each property. Michael shares the critical importance of leaving emotions aside and receiving a non-biased valuation. Before we jump in - a little about Michael… Michael Vargas has over 25 years of diversified real estate experience with a focus on the appraisal and valuation of real estate in the NY Metropolitan Area. Michael is recognized as one of the most experienced professionals in the appraisal of New York area cooperative and condominium housing; and luxury, mansion and complex type residential real estate. Since forming Vanderbilt Appraisal Company in 2003, Mr. Vargas has been engaged to perform appraisal services for some of the area's most valuable, prestigious, high-dollar value residential properties from Manhattan and the Outer-Boroughs to Westchester County and the Hudson Valley region and as far east as the Hamptons. Michael and his team are also sought after for their expertise in comm including mixed use, retail, multi family development sites and shopping centers. Contact info: https://www.vanderbiltappraisal.com/ Request a Free Rapid Relief Call at http://rapidreliefcall.com/ For more information on Journey Beyond Divorce visit: www.jbddivorcesupport.com
Feb 15, 2023 • 46min
Voices of Celebration: My Faith Walk Through Divorce: From Fear to Freedom
Jodi recently emerged from a 2 year high conflict divorce. She and her family were integrally involved in a local community of faith and she shares how her practice of devotionals and prayer were a regular part of her life. Jodi shares how her faith at first kept her stuck in an unhealthy marriage as she believed that no matter how bad, God would fix things and divorce was not an option. Over time, she found a healthy support team, received counsel encouraging her that her experience of marriage was not what God had in mind and freed her to begin her journey to freedom. Jodi took a few years to educate herself about divorce , develop the skills to re-enter the work force and build a support team that would help her through the toughest of days...and there were many that included her kids' painful struggles. Now on the other side of divorce, Jodi talks about all she learned, the many ways she grew and the power of her faith to bolster her through the valleys and shepherd her to a better life! Request a Free Rapid Relief Call at www.rapidreliefcall.com For more information on Journey Beyond Divorce visit: www.jbddivorcesupport.com
Feb 13, 2023 • 57min
Divorce Roadmap: The Court Approach
Most people considering divorce assume that they have to 'litigate' in order to legally divorce. Today's episode explains what the court approach is and what it is not. Just because you divorce through the court system doesn't mean you will ever go to trial and litigate your divorce. There is also a lot of criticism around divorce court and attorneys that operate withint the court approach, "litigating attorneys". So why choose the court approach? When is it appropriate and when might a different approach be more appropriate. Wendy Samuelson, Esq. shares the benefits and protections of working within the court system to divorce. Wendy shares what litigating means, how the process typically unfolds and when and how it can offer protection and support. We also discuss how to hire a litigating attorney that is a good fit for you. Learn more about Wendy Samuleson here: Wendy B. Samuelson, Esq. Samuelson Hause, PLLC Divorce * Custody * Prenuptial Agreements * Mediation 300 Garden City Plaza, Suite 444 Garden City, New York 11530 phone: 516.294.6666 fax: 516.294.6622 web: www.SamuelsonHause.net email: WSamuelson@SamuelsonHause.net Request a Free Rapid Relief Call at www.rapidreliefcall.comFor more information on Journey Beyond Divorce visit: www.jbddivorcesupport.com
Feb 10, 2023 • 44min
Divorce and the Family Business: Finding Hidden Assets and Nefarious Financial Activities w/a Forensic Accountant
Today we are focusing more on the family finances, the red flags of fraud, and potential inappropriate spending common ways people try to hide money and how you, as the spouse of the business owner can begin to figure this and when you want to consider hiring a forensic accountant. Tracy Coenen has been investigating fraud for more than 25 years, but she didn't always want to be a forensic accountant. With a dream of one day being a prison warden, Tracy went to Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI to get a criminology degree. A class on financial crime investigations reminded her how much she loved Encyclopedia Brown books as a kid. She continued her criminology degree, but added accounting and economics courses so she could sit for the CPA exam… and here Tracy is, finding money in cases of corporate fraud, high net worth divorce, and other financial shenanigans. Contact Info:https://www.divorcemoneyguide.com https://www.instagram.com/divorcemoneyguide Free Giveaway: $100 off Divorce Money Guide with code: JOURNEY Request a Free Rapid Relief Call at http://rapidreliefcall.com/ For more information on Journey Beyond Divorce visit: www.jbddivorcesupport.com
Feb 6, 2023 • 49min
Divorce Roadmap: How to Choose The Best Legal Approach
One of the most important decisions you make in the early stages of divorce is the legal approach that will be most effective for your circumstances. You may find that each attorney you interview states that their approach is the right one for you. It can be overwhelming and scary to sort out what the different legal avenues are and how to discern what is best for you and your spouse. Today we talk with Bill Laufer, a 40 year veteran attorney in the matrimonial law arena whose firm specializes in family law and handles all 4 legal approaches: litigation, arbitration, mediation and collaboration. Listen as Bill walks us through the pro's and con's of each and how to make the best choice given the personalities and circumstances you are facing. William Laufer, Esq. Laufer, Dalena, Jensen, Bradley & Doran, LLC 23 Cattano Avenue Morristown, New Jersey 07960 Tel: 973-285-1444 Fax: 973-285-0271 www.lauferfamilylaw.com Request a Free Rapid Relief Call at rapidreliefcall.com/ For more information on Journey Beyond Divorce visit: www.jbddivorcesupport.com
Feb 3, 2023 • 1h 6min
Divorce and The Family Business: For the Affluent Women - How to Preserve and Enhance your Lifestyle During and Beyond Divorce
When it comes to dollars and sense there is much for the affluent wife to understand. However, it is your mindset that drives your success, not your understanding of the financial complexities which is why I asked Olivia Summerhill to speak to you! Olivia has a very specialized niche… She helps affluent women preserve and enhance their lifestyle after divorce, helping them gain control of their money situation and understand their wealth, goals, and values moving forward. Olivia's financial career began at JP Morgan Chase in 2012. She quickly developed a reputation for being an expert resource for high-net-worth families and invested her energy in getting certified in every area that could help her ultra high net clients. Olivia is a Certified Philanthropic Advisor, Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist, Behavioral Financial Advisor, and Certified Financial Planner, Certified Divorce Specialist, Money Coach, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. Check out Olivia here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviasummerhill/ https://www.summerhillfirm.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-do-what-i-do/id1546130936?i=1000503223534 Request a Free Rapid Relief Call at http://rapidreliefcall.com/ For more information on Journey Beyond Divorce visit: www.jbddivorcesupport.com
