Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast

Karen McMahon

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Mar 14, 2025 • 17min

Facing the Numbers: Laying the Groundwork for Financial Independence

Divorce can be terrifying, especially when you're the lesser-monied spouse facing financial uncertainty. If you’re worried about how you’ll support yourself or fear making the wrong financial decisions, you’re not alone. The anxiety of losing your lifestyle or not knowing where to begin is real. Financial security may feel like an uphill battle, but understanding where you stand today is the first step toward a future where you feel safe and in control. Join Karen McMahon, co-founder of Journey Beyond Divorce and host of this podcast, as she discusses how to gather critical financial information—even when it feels impossible. We’ll talk about surrounding yourself with the right experts and recognizing who truly has your best interests at heart. Karen will share insights on what realistic financial independence post-divorce looks like and how small, everyday cash leaks can quietly undermine your stability. If you’ve ever avoided budgeting, felt uncertain about investments, or wondered how your income will support your new life, this conversation is for you. Building your financial safety net isn’t just about numbers; it’s about reclaiming your confidence. Let’s take this journey together—one step, one decision, and one plan at a time. 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 12, 2025 • 1h 4min

Unpacking the Emotional Toll: A Deep Dive into Divorce Grief with Grief Coach, Shelby Forsythia

In this emotional episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon dives deep into the complex emotions of divorce grief with expert guest Shelby Forsythia, a grief coach, author, and founder of Life After Loss Academy. Together, they explore the often-overlooked and multi-layered grief that accompanies the end of a marriage and how it impacts individuals during and after divorce. Shelby shares her personal journey through grief, starting with the loss of her mother in 2013, and how this transformed her approach to loss and healing. She reveals how unresolved grief from past losses, such as the death of a loved one or the dissolution of a marriage, can resurface during difficult transitions, like divorce. In this episode, Shelby offers practical strategies for divorce recovery, including mindfulness tools, personal stories, and the importance of setting emotional boundaries with unsupportive loved ones. The discussion also covers how societal perceptions often ignore the grief that comes with divorce and why it’s essential to acknowledge and process these emotions to move forward. Shelby provides actionable steps to help those grieving during divorce find peace, build resilience, and rebuild a fulfilling life. Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is a compassionate grief coach and the creator of Life After Loss Academy, a powerful online course and community that supports individuals through life transitions such as divorce, death, and diagnoses. Featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine, Shelby has made it her life’s work to help others embrace grief as a teacher and create meaningful lives after major loss. Connect with Shelby: Free Workshop: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbyforsythia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbyforsythia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelbyforsyth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo34-FLEEdl7JSdzGisfr3w Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com  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 7, 2025 • 49min

Navigating Divorce with Emotional Resilience: The Forces That Hold Us Back with Empowerment Expert, Megan Dalla-Camina

In this episode, we dive into the transformative journey of navigating divorce with emotional resilience. We explore how societal expectations and limiting beliefs often shape our approach to divorce and healing. With practical strategies for building emotional strength, self-compassion, and empowerment, listeners will learn how to break free from outdated conditioning and embrace a future of personal growth. Whether you're at the beginning of your divorce journey or thriving post-divorce, this episode provides tools to move forward with confidence. Guest Megan Dalla-Camina, a globally recognized leader in women’s empowerment, shares insights from her work with over 10,000 women and her book Women Rising. Discover how to reclaim your power and rise above challenges to create a fulfilling life post-divorce. Connect with Megan: Contact: https://megandallacamina.com/ Take the Inner Critic Quiz: https://megandallacamina.com/innercriticquiz/ Women Rising Program: https://womenrisingco.com/program/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megandallacamina/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megandallacamina/ Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com  Reclaim Your Mind Program: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/reclaimyourmind 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 5, 2025 • 52min

Should You Share Custody of Your Dog? Making the Right Choice for Your Pet with Karis Nafte, Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant & Accredited Family Mediator

For those of us with furry friends, our pets ARE members of the family and when there is a breakup, how to handle them is complex and filled with an array of emotions.  Today we’re tackling the issue of pet custody during a breakup or divorce. I speak with Karis Nafte, a certified dog behavior consultant and accredited family mediator, who provides expert guidance on how to navigate this emotional process. We discuss the importance of putting your dog's needs first, common pitfalls to avoid, and the various options available to separating couples, including shared custody arrangements and visitation schedules. Karis also offers practical advice on how to reduce stress for your canine companion during this challenging time. We explore the common misconceptions surrounding pet custody, discuss how to make informed decisions that prioritize your dog's well-being, and delve into the pros and cons of shared custody arrangements. Karis also provides valuable insights into recognizing signs of stress in your dog and offers practical tips on how to support them through the transition. Whether you're considering divorce, in the midst of separation, or simply curious about pet custody issues, this episode offers essential information and expert advice. Karis Nafte is the founder and owner of Who Keeps the Dog, Pet Custody Mediation. With 25 years of experience as a dog behavior expert, she's a leading voice in the field of pet custody. Karis is the author of "Who Keeps the Dog: Navigating Pet Custody During Divorce" and has developed the first accredited pet guardianship education course for divorce professionals. Her work has been featured in major media outlets like The Washington Post, The New York Post, and ABC News.  Connect with Karis: Website: www.whokeepsthedog.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karis-nafte-cdbc-b4b9b81a6/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whokeepsthedog/ Buy The Book: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Keeps-Dog-Navigating-Custody/dp/1617812927 (The first 3 listeners to reach out to admin@journeybeyonddivorce.com will be gifted a FREE copy.) Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com  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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Feb 27, 2025 • 18min

How to Tell Your Spouse You’re Moving Forward with Divorce

Making the decision to divorce is one thing—telling your spouse is another. In this episode, I walk you through the emotional and practical aspects of this pivotal conversation. I know how overwhelming this moment can feel, which is why I want to help you prepare, not just with what to say, but how to say it with clarity and confidence. This is not a request or a debate—it’s your decision, and I’ll guide you in delivering it with strength and compassion. We’ll explore the key elements of timing, setting, and emotional preparedness, because how and when you share this decision can make all the difference. I’ll also help you anticipate their reaction—whether it’s shock, anger, or grief—so you can hold firm without getting pulled into unnecessary conflict. And if safety is a concern, I’ll offer ways to ensure you have the right support in place. This is a hard but necessary step, and you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re struggling with how to begin, feeling anxious about their response, or simply need reassurance that you can do this, this episode is for you. Let’s take this step together—with clarity, confidence, and care. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
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Feb 25, 2025 • 46min

Becoming The One To Find The One – Sacred Steps To Create Lasting Love with Intimacy Expert, Allana Pratt

In today's episode, we’re diving into an empowering conversation with intimacy expert and relationship coach Allana Pratt. If you’re navigating divorce, looking to heal emotionally, or seeking to rediscover yourself, Allana’s insights will guide you on your journey to finding love after divorce and creating deeper connections. Allana is a Certified Master Coach with over 5.6 million YouTube viewers and has been interviewed more than 800 times. Featured on Huffington Post, People Magazine, Forbes, CBS, ABC, FOX, TLC, and iHeartRadio, she has spent 20 years helping men and women embrace their worth and step into their personal power. Through her proven coaching programs and intimacy retreats, Allana shows how healing your heart and building a strong relationship with yourself leads to attracting a love that truly aligns with your growth, emotional intelligence, and soulful connection. Her authenticity and raw transparency make her a trusted guide on the path to healing and building a healthy, lasting partnership. Join us as Allana shares her wisdom and inspiration to help you create a fulfilling relationship, starting with the most important one—your relationship with yourself. Connect with Allana Listen to the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intimate-conversations/id1316222992 Website: www.AllanaPratt.com  Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/allanapratt/  Twitter: @allanapratt  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachallanapratt  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/allanapratt  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allana-pratt-36b5882 Free Gift: The Top 5 Mistakes That Destroy A Conscious Relationship: http://www.allanapratt.com/top5mistakes Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com  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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Feb 20, 2025 • 49min

Parenting Coordinators: The Secret Weapon for High-Conflict Co-Parenting

Co-parenting after divorce is hard enough—but when every decision turns into a battle, it can feel impossible. Are you stuck in a cycle of never-ending arguments over schedules, school decisions, or medical choices? Do your attempts at communication seem to fuel more conflict rather than resolve it? If you're navigating a high-conflict co-parenting dynamic, you may be wondering if there’s a way to break free from the chaos. In this episode, we explore an underutilized yet powerful resource: Parenting Coordinators—who they are, what they do, and how they can help you move from constant tension to a more peaceful co-parenting arrangement. We’ll dive into the complexities of parenting coordination, exploring how these professionals act as neutral facilitators to help parents make decisions, reduce conflict, and create a more stable environment for their children. What does a Parenting Coordinator actually do? When should you consider working with one? And how can they help enforce or modify a parenting plan without dragging you back into court? If you're feeling exhausted by the emotional toll of co-parenting disputes, this episode will give you insights into how a Parenting Coordinator might be the missing piece in your post-divorce journey. Joining us is Carolyn Kalos, a seasoned family lawyer, mediator, and parenting coordinator with over 25 years of experience in family law. Carolyn has seen firsthand the toll that ongoing conflict takes on parents and children, and she specializes in helping families find practical, sustainable solutions outside of court. From her work as a trial attorney to her extensive mediation and training experience, Carolyn brings a wealth of knowledge on navigating high-conflict parenting situations. Whether you're considering a Parenting Coordinator or simply want to understand your options, this conversation will offer valuable insights into making co-parenting smoother and less stressful. Tune in! Connect with Carolyn: Website: https://www.dfkfamilylaw.com/ More about Parent Coodinating: https://www.dfkfamilylaw.com/services/parenting-coordination/ Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com  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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Feb 14, 2025 • 7min

Valentine's Day for the Unattached

For some, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love. For others, it’s just another day on the calendar—one that can feel a little too loud when you’re single, divorced, or navigating life after a breakup. If that’s you, this episode is your invitation to laugh, let go, and see this day in a whole new light. Join me as we: ✅ Uncover the surprisingly weird and wild history of Valentine’s Day (trust me, it’s not what you think). ✅ Share funny and uplifting fables about freedom, fresh starts, and the beauty of moving on. ✅ Drop a few lighthearted truths about why being unattached is something to celebrate. Because here’s the truth: You’re not missing out. You’re creating something new. So whether today feels like just another Tuesday or a reminder of what used to be, this episode is for you. Let’s reclaim February 14th—on our terms. 🎧 Listen now and enjoy a few laughs along the way! Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
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Feb 12, 2025 • 48min

High-Net-Worth Divorce: Untangling the Finances and Preserving Stability with Donna S. Cates, CDFA®, CRPC®, Divorce Financial Mediator

"I'm dedicated to dispelling financial uncertainty for women and guiding them toward self-reliance." - Donna S. Cates Divorce is challenging, especially when significant wealth is involved. Dividing assets, valuing complex holdings, and ensuring financial stability for both parties requires specialized expertise. In this episode, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) Donna S. Cates provides insights into high-net-worth divorce, covering key topics such as equitable distribution, valuing businesses and real estate, tax implications, and strategies to secure your financial future. Whether you're in the midst of divorce or rebuilding afterward, Donna's advice will help you navigate this complex transition. Donna, with over 20 years of experience, is a leader in financial empowerment, particularly for women. As the founder of "Money Matters Wealth Solutions" and "Navigating Divorce," she provides expert financial planning and divorce mediation services. She’s also the bestselling author of Divorce Decoded and Financial Trendsetters. Join us for this crucial conversation on: Equitable vs. equal distribution of assets Valuing complex assets like businesses and intellectual property Tax implications and preserving wealth after divorce The benefits of working with a CDFA® during divorce If you're facing the challenges of high-net-worth divorce, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Donna: Free Gift: Surviving the Storm: Navigating Through Divorce with 5 Smart Financial Steps - https://go.moneymatterswealth.com/surviving-the-storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnacates Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMattersWealth; https://www.facebook.com/DivorceDivasAlabama/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnacates/    Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com  A word from our sponsors: Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process. We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd ======= 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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Feb 5, 2025 • 31min

Navigating the Outer Journey of Divorce: Building Stability and Support

In this episode, Karen McMahon explores the outer journey of divorce—navigating the practical challenges and taking actionable steps toward your new life. From deciding whether to stay or go, to understanding your legal rights, managing overwhelming emotions, and creating stability in your home, Karen offers guidance for the road ahead. Learn how to build a supportive team, including legal professionals, financial experts, and divorce coaches. Explore different approaches to divorce like litigation, collaboration, and mediation, and find the path that works for you. Karen also shares tips for navigating negotiations with grace and dignity, and how to prioritize self-care as you rediscover yourself after divorce. Tune in for actionable advice and support as you move forward with confidence after divorce. Journey Beyond Divorce Resources: Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com  A word from our sponsors: Soberlink is a revolutionary tool designed to support individuals in their journey to sobriety. As a leading provider of remote alcohol monitoring, Soberlink offers a secure and reliable solution that helps people stay accountable and transparent in their recovery process. We’re grateful for Soberlink’s commitment to enhancing the recovery process and providing valuable resources to our listeners. Learn more about how Soberlink can make a difference in your journey at www.soberlink.com/jbd ======= 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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