How Not To Suck At Divorce: Divorce Advice and Relatable Humor
Morgan Stogsdill and Andrea Rappaport
How Not to Suck at Divorce guides anyone who’s divorcing or even just considering divorce. Hosted by Morgan Stogsdill and Andrea Rappaport, the show delivers equal parts strategy, empathy, and humor.
Morgan Stogsdill is a powerhouse family law attorney and head of family law at the largest firm in the United States. She’s seen every curveball, knows the difference between drama and strategy, and helps clients avoid costly mistakes. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian, marketing pro, and divorced-then-happily-remarried mom who has made the exact painful mistakes we beg you not to repeat. Together, we’ve built a podcast that blends courtroom-level insight with compassionate, practical moves you can use the second the episode ends.
Our community is loyal, our guests are leaders, and our episodes are packed with value. In short: listening to How Not to Suck at Divorce will help you avoid major divorce mistakes.
We launched this show to fill the gap between “funny but fluffy” podcasts and “useful but soul-crushing” legal jargon. The goal: actionable empathy. With scripts, checklists, and boundaries ready, you’ll make fewer panic decisions and save money, time, and sanity.
What We Cover
Should I stay or should I go? Decision-making frameworks, acronyms, and step-by-step exercises for clarity.
Co-parenting and high-conflict personalities. We unpack narcissist dynamics, manipulation tactics, and non-reactive communication. (We even created a framework called “WTF” to help you remember it when your brain is on fire.)
The BIFF method and conflict de-escalation. With Bill Eddy of the High Conflict Institute, we translate his tools into real-world texts and emails you can send without blowing up your case.
Tech safety and AI mistakes. Steven Bradley, former FBI agent and digital safety expert (“Tech Cowboy”), explains how tech evidence, AI hallucinations, and smart device trails can help—or hurt—your case.
Prenups, financial transparency, and power dynamics. Guests like Katie Post share what to include, what to avoid, and how to start the conversation before things go off the rails.
That’s our recipe: expert interviews + practical tools + humor that keeps you breathing. Episodes are short enough for a dog walk but deep enough to change your next decision.
Who You’ll Hear
We curate guests who’ve sat in every chair—lawyers, therapists, digital forensics pros, financial planners, safety advocates, and survivors who turned their mess into a roadmap.
Bill Eddy (High Conflict Institute): BIFF and EAR techniques, parallel parenting, and communication guardrails.
Steven Bradley (former FBI “Tech Cowboy”): Digital breadcrumbs, evidence handling, and how AI can backfire in divorce.
Dr. Nadine Macaluso (therapist, trauma specialist): Love-bombing, trauma bonds, and healing after divorce.
Joanna Strober (Midi Health): Resilience, perimenopause, career pivots, and financial autonomy.
Core Topics
Divorce Strategy & Family Law: prenups, mediation vs. litigation, custody agreements, relocation, settlement strategy.
High-Conflict & Safety: coercive control, gaslighting, DARVO, BIFF vs. gray-rocking, protective orders, tech hygiene.
Co-Parenting & Parallel Parenting: calendars, school/holiday schedules, and communication protocols.
Money & Power: financial disclosure, tracing assets, budgeting, and managing fees.
Mindset & Mental Health: compartmentalizing, trigger management, boundary scripts, and choosing the right therapist or coach.
Our show is both resourceful and entertaining. You’ll laugh, take notes, and walk away feeling less alone. With 160+ episodes and weekly updates, How Not to Suck at Divorce has become a trusted resource worldwide.
Whether you’re in the middle of a divorce, just considering it, or rebuilding afterward, this podcast helps you breathe easier, protect your sanity, and avoid the mistakes that cost people the most.
You’ll get through this. We promise. You’ve got this… and we’ve got you.
Morgan Stogsdill is a powerhouse family law attorney and head of family law at the largest firm in the United States. She’s seen every curveball, knows the difference between drama and strategy, and helps clients avoid costly mistakes. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian, marketing pro, and divorced-then-happily-remarried mom who has made the exact painful mistakes we beg you not to repeat. Together, we’ve built a podcast that blends courtroom-level insight with compassionate, practical moves you can use the second the episode ends.
Our community is loyal, our guests are leaders, and our episodes are packed with value. In short: listening to How Not to Suck at Divorce will help you avoid major divorce mistakes.
We launched this show to fill the gap between “funny but fluffy” podcasts and “useful but soul-crushing” legal jargon. The goal: actionable empathy. With scripts, checklists, and boundaries ready, you’ll make fewer panic decisions and save money, time, and sanity.
What We Cover
Should I stay or should I go? Decision-making frameworks, acronyms, and step-by-step exercises for clarity.
Co-parenting and high-conflict personalities. We unpack narcissist dynamics, manipulation tactics, and non-reactive communication. (We even created a framework called “WTF” to help you remember it when your brain is on fire.)
The BIFF method and conflict de-escalation. With Bill Eddy of the High Conflict Institute, we translate his tools into real-world texts and emails you can send without blowing up your case.
Tech safety and AI mistakes. Steven Bradley, former FBI agent and digital safety expert (“Tech Cowboy”), explains how tech evidence, AI hallucinations, and smart device trails can help—or hurt—your case.
Prenups, financial transparency, and power dynamics. Guests like Katie Post share what to include, what to avoid, and how to start the conversation before things go off the rails.
That’s our recipe: expert interviews + practical tools + humor that keeps you breathing. Episodes are short enough for a dog walk but deep enough to change your next decision.
Who You’ll Hear
We curate guests who’ve sat in every chair—lawyers, therapists, digital forensics pros, financial planners, safety advocates, and survivors who turned their mess into a roadmap.
Bill Eddy (High Conflict Institute): BIFF and EAR techniques, parallel parenting, and communication guardrails.
Steven Bradley (former FBI “Tech Cowboy”): Digital breadcrumbs, evidence handling, and how AI can backfire in divorce.
Dr. Nadine Macaluso (therapist, trauma specialist): Love-bombing, trauma bonds, and healing after divorce.
Joanna Strober (Midi Health): Resilience, perimenopause, career pivots, and financial autonomy.
Core Topics
Divorce Strategy & Family Law: prenups, mediation vs. litigation, custody agreements, relocation, settlement strategy.
High-Conflict & Safety: coercive control, gaslighting, DARVO, BIFF vs. gray-rocking, protective orders, tech hygiene.
Co-Parenting & Parallel Parenting: calendars, school/holiday schedules, and communication protocols.
Money & Power: financial disclosure, tracing assets, budgeting, and managing fees.
Mindset & Mental Health: compartmentalizing, trigger management, boundary scripts, and choosing the right therapist or coach.
Our show is both resourceful and entertaining. You’ll laugh, take notes, and walk away feeling less alone. With 160+ episodes and weekly updates, How Not to Suck at Divorce has become a trusted resource worldwide.
Whether you’re in the middle of a divorce, just considering it, or rebuilding afterward, this podcast helps you breathe easier, protect your sanity, and avoid the mistakes that cost people the most.
You’ll get through this. We promise. You’ve got this… and we’ve got you.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 30, 2022 • 29min
48. I Think I Want a Divorce
We know that you're tired of pretending that everything is okay. We know that your gut that your marriage is not going to work. So, now what? If you have wondered: "What do I do if I think I want a divorce?" - this episode is for you. If you're considering divorce but don't know where to begin, this episode is for you. If you're just miserable in your marraige, but feel stuck, this episode is for you. This podcast was designed to give you information, entertainment and empathy as you embark on the divorce process. We know that divorce is hard. We know that it's a long and draining process. We also know that life is so much better on the other side. Don't give up. Everyone deserves to be happy. You've got this and we've got you.
17 snips
Dec 22, 2022 • 55min
47. Expert Tips to Get What You Want in Your Divorce Mediation
How do I pick the right mediator for my divorce? What does a mediator actually do? How long does mediation typically last? How do you know if you should even try mediation?? If you have ever wondered the above questions, this episode is MUST LISTEN! Morgan and Andrea discuss everything you didn't know that you need to know BEFORE embarking on the mediation process. Remembering that we are here to help you not SUCK at getting divorced! Mediation helps you step out of the court system to come to a more creative solution for disagreements in your divorce process. Keep that in mind. Take a listen to this episode and please message us with any questions! Hit us up on social media! http://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce You've Got This and We've Got You!
Dec 15, 2022 • 36min
46. Do NOT Finalize Your Divorce Before Listening to this Episode!
What do you need to lookout for towards the end of your divorce process?? Basically, that you aren't rushing the process. When we rush, we make mistakes. Here are a few PRO TIPS: 1) Print out your Martial Settlement Agreement and CIRCLE what doesn't make sense to you. CIRCLE to find a SOLUTION. Ask your attorney to go over all parts that you circled. 2) Understand all of the tax implications in your MSA. (Don't be caught by surprise) 3) If you're divorcing at the end of the year, evaluate whether it makes more sense (tax wise) to remained married until Jan 2nd of the following year. (could save you lots of money) And remember: The aggrevation is temporary. The terms of a MSA (Martial Settlement Agreement) are permanment. Please rate and review this show if it helped you! And follow us on Instagram! http://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce And Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/hownottosuckatdivorcepodcast TikTok http://www.tiktok.com/hownottosuckatdivorcepod And our website! http://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Oh, and YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/hownotosuckatdivorce
Dec 8, 2022 • 45min
45. A SOLUTION for Settling Expenses with Your Co-parent Post Divorce: The Onward App
Stop texting your EX!! (about money) The Onward app was created with co-parents and children in mind. Every parenting situation is different. For families with divorced or separated parents, there are financial burdens and situations that need to be resolved. That's where the Onward App steps in! The Onward App was created to make tracking, sharing and settling expenses as easy as possible. That way, you and your co-parent don't have to spend as much time stressing about finances and who bought what for your child when, but rather using that time to focus on your children. Both easy to use and free, you can download the Onward App on both Apple and Android phones on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Start using the app to track, share and settle expenses. Divorce sucks, we know that. How Not to Suck at Divorce is here to offer you SOLUTIONS and guidance so that you won't suck at getting divorced, or suck at life post divorce. Download Onward here: CLICK HERE! Resolve you expenses with ease. Stop texting your Ex. Move ONWARD and upward.
Dec 1, 2022 • 22min
44. "Oprah's" Favorite Things!! Morgan and Andrea's Holiday Gift Guide
What should you get your friends for Christmas or Hanukkah this year? What should you buy your divorced friends for Christmas or Hanukkah this year? Here's our "Oprah's" Favorite Things episode (Thanks to our FABULOUS guest, Bill Doherty, who once mentioned that we interviewed him better than Oprah did...we will forever think that we are in the same lane as the queen of daytime TV) This season, you FOR SURE want to get your hands on: 1. Chocolate Shakeology Protein Shake https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/chocolate-plant-based-vegan-shakeology-SHKCHVegan?referringRepId=971096 2. Fresh Overnight Mask https://www.sephora.com/product/fresh-floral-recovery-redness-reducing-overnight-mask-P479841?country_switch=us&lang=en&skuId=2535417&om_mmc=ppc-GG_18525596383_139024248461_pla-1211245547446_2535417_626611912078_9021768_c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoq-LjKzX-wIV03NvBB1OagOrEAQYAyABEgIrv_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds 3. Rose Forever Roses www.roseforever.com 4. MomSquad Clothing "Diva" Leggings https://momsquadclothing.com/collections/bottoms/products/diva 5. Pura Home Fragrance https://www.trypura.com 6. Williams Sonoma Truffle Popcorn Salt https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/regalis-black-truffle-popcorn-salt/ 7. Andrea's Giant Water Bottle https://a.co/d/34A4Pgc 8. Body Restore Shower Tabs https://a.co/d/fDF69VL 9. The Original Chicago Sauce https://hereheremarket.com/products/the-original-chicago-sauce?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6pvUu63X-wIVt2xvBB2J_AmEEAAYASAAEgIqQvD_BwE 10. One Piece Onesie https://www.onepiece.com/us For forth and SHOP, folks! Wishing you a very merry/happy holiday shopping season!!
Nov 24, 2022 • 56min
43. How to Survive the Holidays Without Your Kids with Lisa McGregor
How do you cope with the pain of not having your kids over a holiday? Coparenting is hard. Managing the weekends, weeks, and holiday weekends without your kids is harder. Our guest, Lisa McGregor, of The Unplanned Chapter, helps divorced mom through the next phase of their life. We list out ACTION STEPS that all moms can take is they are without they're kids over a holiday. We know that's it's not easy, but it's doable and we are here to help. Please join Lisa's group for support, information, and entertainment. Lisa, along with Andrea from our show, will be providing entertainmnet ALL DAY LONG!! http://www.facebook.com/theunplannedchapter And if you want to try Andrea's FAVORITE protein shake, come check it out here: It's a GAME CHANGER!! https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/chocolate-plant-based-vegan-shakeology-SHKCHVegan?referringRepId=2867305 Hang in there, friends. You've got this and We've Got YOU!
Nov 17, 2022 • 59min
42. Divorcing a Cult: An Inside Look at the FLDS with Dr Malissa Tigges
This episode digs into the trauma, mental, emotional and sexual abuse that went on in the FLDS cult, led by Warren Jeffs, and how it relates to the trauma that goes on in many marriages and divorces. This episode has been produced to support KidSide Miami. A charity which enables families in the family court system to recieve FREE therapy in the Miami Day county. PLEASE visit our special link TODAY (11/17) to donate to KidSide. Every donation goes DIRECTLY to helping a family work towards happier and healthier relationships with their children in the family court system. Donate HERE! How hard is it to leave a cult? What happened in the FLDS? What kind of abuse went on in the FLDS? Can you get a divorce in a cult?
Nov 10, 2022 • 50min
41. I Bought My Husband's Mistress Lingerie. With Author, Stacey Freeman
You read that correctly. I Bought My Husband's Mistress Lingerie. It's a brand new, emotional tell-all memoir, written by Stacey Freeman. This is a TRUE STORY, and yes, it's juicy. But it's also packed with hope and persceptive. PRE ORDER THIS BOOK HERE: Amazon This episode will leave you with your mouth and your heart open. Stacey's candor and transparency are inspiring. She waded her way through the nauesous feelings that come with a marriage that ends in infidelity. Have you wondered: How to get along with my ex husband's new girlfriend? How to help my kids get along their stepmother? How to heal from an affair? If so, this episode and book is EXACTLY what you've been looking for! And on OBSESSED: Skinny Pop Popcorn. Yes, Morgan is obsessed. And Andrea is currently eating out of bag of one right now...likely.
Nov 3, 2022 • 1h 1min
40. What if I Die During my Divorce? With Lauren Wolven
What happens if you die during your divorce process?? What happens to your children? What happens to your money? We are talking with Lauren Wolven, she’s a partner in Trusts and Estates with Levenfeld Pearlstein in Chicago, IL. Here’s the good news: There are several steps you can take to ensure that you’ve covered all of your bases, just in case you die during or soon after your divorce. We cover a lot of ground on this episode, including: 1. How do I change my power of medical attorney during a divorce? 2. How do I change my Life Insurance policy when going through a divorce? 3. How do I change my Will when I'm going through a divorce? **How Not to Suck at Divorce Pro Tip**: Don’t buy your Will template from Etsy. (this started as a joke, until we realized that it's actually possible) And remember, all roads lead back to hiring the RIGHT team to support you during your divorce process. The RIGHT divorce attorney, the RIGHT estate attorney, and the RIGHT podcast to help you along the way! Make sure you listen all the way to the end of the episode to hear some crazy stories about what some people leave as their final wishes! To get in touch with Lauren Wolven, please visit her at: LP Chicago Oh, and our OBESSION this week?? Andrea tells us all about her obsession with Mark and Graham! Their monogramed handbags are to die fo... nope, not gonna use that expression today! We love hearing from you! Email us at hello@hownottosuckatdivorce.com or dm us at: @hownottosuckatdivorce @theandrearappaport @divorceattorneychicago WE'RE ON YOUTUBE NOW! Check us out: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMSvrn9lrdJt8mY1i_1tFwg You can also reach out to us through our website: www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Please rate and review so our little show can reach more people xo
Oct 27, 2022 • 60min
39. Parental Alienation and Divorce with Dr. Malissa Tigges
Parental Alienation is not a fun topic but it's an important one for everyone who is considering or going through a divorce to understand so they can avoid it. Because it harms children and none of us want that. It also harms both parents and their relationships with their kids, not just the parent being alienated. Dr. Malissa Tigges is back. If you missed episode 37, Dr. Tigges is a licensed clinical and forensics psychologist with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and an evaluator. Parental Alienation is a buzzword thrown around in family court but today Dr. Tigges, Andrea and Morgan are going to break it all down. They will answer: 1. What is parental alienation? 2. How can we avoid parental alienation? 3. What are the two different types of alienation and how are they different? 4. What are the three levels of alienation? 5. What are the 17 strategies of alienation? 6. How parental alienation harms the kids (if you're the one alienating the other parent, trust us...you don't want to miss this part) 7. How can I help my child heal from parental alienation? 8. How parental alienation harms both parents 9. Can kids be taken away from a parent who is committing parental alienation? Morgan also shares advice she gives her own clients who are on both sides of parental alienation. *************** Special Segments Obsessed: Now onto something a little more comfortable. This week Morgan is obsessed with OnePiece at onepiece.com. It's a one-piece sweatsuit for women, men and kids. It's so cozy and makes the best gift. It's like a luxury adult onesie. We're not affiliated with OnePiece, Morgan is just obsessed and has been wearing them for years. Let's Be Positive: Andrea shares some things you can do with your children to reconnect and strengthen your relationship. **************** Here is where you can connect with Dr. Tigges: @drmalissatigges on instagram, tiktok and facebook Dr. Tigges is licensed in Florida but if you're not in Florida, your state may allow you to do telehealth with Dr. Tigges so if you need guidance, reach out! We love hearing from you! Email us at hello@hownottosuckatdivorce.com or dm us at: @hownottosuckatdivorce @theandrearappaport @divorceattorneychicago WE'RE ON YOUTUBE NOW! Check us out: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMSvrn9lrdJt8mY1i_1tFwg You can also reach out to us through our website: www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Please rate and review so our little show can reach more people xo The Podcast does not contain legal advice. The information provided on the Podcast and the resources available for download through the Podcast and/or in show notes is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, legal advice.
