The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast

Episode 271: Pathological Love Relationships with Dr. Sarah Schewitz

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Sarah Schewitz returns to the podcast to talk about pathological love relationships. Dr. Schewitz helps us understand what this type of relationsh...

Episode 270: On Closing My Facebook Group

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For over six years, I've managed a Facebook group for women contemplating whether to stay in or leave their marriages. Recently, I made the very tough...

Episode 269: Where Tenderness Lives with Heather Plett

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're talking about tenderness and holding space with Heather Plett, author of the award-winning book The Art of Holding Space: A Practice of Love, Li...

Episode 268: Reinventing Yourself After Divorce: Nikki Spo on Self-Discovery and Empowerment

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Oftentimes, we wrap our identities in this one thing - like marriage. What happens when it's over? This week, Nikki Spoelstra (Nikki Spo) joins me to...

Episode 267: Is Therapy Dead? with Dawn Wiggins

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"Therapy is dead," says this week's podcast guest, Dawn Wiggins. In this episode, we get to the heart of why Dawn says therapy isn't always the answer...

Episode 266: Putting the G-Word in the D-Word with Barri Leiner Grant

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are talking about a really important topic this week: grief. Grief is shocking in divorce. My guest Barri Leiner Grant, is a grief specialist and e...

Episode 265: Divorced and Happy with Sadie Marie

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sadie Marie of Divorced and Happy joins me for a conversation about why life after divorce is the BEST, and her path of personal growth, self-discover...

Episode 264: Big YES Energy with Susan Hyatt

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I am thrilled to welcome Susan Hyatt, a Master Certified Life Coach, Bestselling Author, and TEDx Speaker. Susan is on a mission to disrupt the age an...

Episode 263: The Power of Laughter in Divorce with Andrea Rappaport

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how laughter can lighten the weight of divorce in this week's episode. When your whole world feels on fire, bringing levity to divorce can be...

Episode 262: Home Equity Solutions in Divorce with Tami Wollensak

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tami Wollensak returns to the show! She shares more about divorcing and the nuances of keeping, selling, or refinancing your home. Tami is a licensed ...

Episode 261: "How the f*ck do I heal from this?" with Dr. Justine Weber

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Licensed Psychologist Dr. Justine Weber is on the show this week as we explore the complex journey of healing after leaving an abusive relationship. H...

Episode 260: Choose Her Every Day or Leave Her with Bryan Reeves

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Relationship coach and author Bryan Reeves joins me this week to discuss relationships, personal growth, and societal constructs. Bryan's journey from...

Episode 259: Healing from Narcissistic Relationships with Kerry McAvoy

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Psychologist and writer Kerry McAvoy joins me to discuss the challenges of being in a relationship with someone who has narcissistic personality disor...

Episode 258: Get Past Your Past with Jason VanRuler

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My guest, Jason VanRuler, shares his direct and honest approach to working with couples and offers a fresh perspective on overcoming past challenges a...

Episode 257: The Truth Behind MLMs with Tracy Coenen

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Forensic Accountant Tracy Coenen joins me for a conversation about the predatory nature of MLMs. In addition to investigating fraud for over 25 years,...

Episode 256: Exploring Attachment Patterns with Eli Harwood

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Eli Harwood, the Attachment Nerd, joins me on the podcast this week to talk about attachment theory, building deep connections, and her new book, Secu...

Episode 255: Discovering Identity Through Style with Jenny Eversole

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we are talking about reinventing oneself on the other side of divorce. Jenny Eversole founded Stylespace.com, an online professional stylin...

Episode 254: It's Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People with Dr. Ramani

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Most narratives around narcissism in relationships center on individuals with narcissistic personalities. My guest this week, Dr. Ramani, shifts the f...

Episode 253: Slay the Bully with Rebecca Zung

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode explores the research behind narcissism and how it should inform the way victims should approach negotiation with them. My guest i...

Episode 252: Somatic Healing with Laurie James

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I welcome Laurie James back to the show as we delve into somatic therapy, exploring its effectiveness in healing and discovering techniques...

Episode 251: Reflections on The Critic's Daughter with Priscilla Gilman

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me this week for an enlightening discussion with Priscilla Gilman, acclaimed author of the upcoming paperback release of her critically acclaimed...

Episode 250: Divorce Preparation: Beyond the Paperwork with Beverly Price

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Beverly Price of Her Empowered Divorce joins me to share invaluable insights on preparing for divorce beyond the standard paperwork and financial cons...

Episode 249: The Seven Divorce Dilemmas with Lesa Koski

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Lesa Koski, a seasoned attorney turned mediator, joins me in this week's podcast episode. We delve into the seven common dilemmas women often encounte...

Episode 248: Divorced Mom Moments with the exEXPERTS T.H. Irwin & Jessica Klingbaum

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

T.H. Irwin and Jessica Klingbaum, co-founders of the online platform exEXPERTS, return to the podcast this week to talk about divorced mom moments. Wh...

Episode 247: Break the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma with Dr. Mariel Buqué

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you familiar with the term intergenerational trauma? My guest, Dr. Mariel Buqué, explains intergenerational trauma as "shadows of emotional pain ...

Episode 246: Mental Health, Relationships, and Life's Transitions with Alessandra Torresani

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode focuses on the impact of significant life transitions on relationships and mental health, emphasizing the need for open communicat...

Episode 245: The Four Relationship Styles with Dr. Anita Knight Kuhnley

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know what your relationship style is? In this enlightening podcast episode, we delve into the fascinating world of relationship styles with Dr....

Episode 244: Coercive Control with Dr. Christine Cocchiola

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode revisits a fan-favorite conversation about coercive control with the incredible Dr. Christine Coccihola.  We explore how coercive...

Episode 243: Preparing for Divorce with Nicole Sodoma

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nicole Sodoma joins me on the podcast this week! Nicole is a marriage-loving divorce attorney, founder of Sodoma Law, and author of "Please Don't Say ...

Episode 242: Kate Unfiltered: Important Topics, Random Thoughts

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I have another solo episode for you this week and maybe a new series. Who knows. As we head into the holiday season, I'm diving into three essential t...

Episode 241: Family Court Awareness Month with Tina Swithin

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

November is Family Court Awareness Month. My friend and colleague, Tina Swithin, has dedicated the month of November to educating people about the fam...

Episode 240: Introducing The D Word: Making the Ultimate Decision About Your Marriage

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Solo episode alert!  This is more than any regular solo episode, though, because today I'm super excited to share a chapter from my upcoming book, Th...

Episode 239: Overcoming Barriers to Divorce with Heather MacKenzie of Hello Divorce

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we are tackling the daunting barriers that often prevent people from taking the first steps in the divorce process. Heather MacKenzie, Presiden...

Episode 238: Point C Divorce with Larry and Joni Jones

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we delve into the world of Point C Divorce. For well-intentioned parents caught in the complexities of family conflicts, Larry and Joni have de...

Episode 237: From Divorce to Debt Freedom with Patti Handy

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Patti Handy joins me on the podcast to discuss financial management after divorce and ways to regain financial stability. Patti is a Financ...

Episode 236: Love Every Day with Dr. Alexandra Solomon

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Alexandra Solomon returns to the podcast this week to discuss her new book, Love Every Day. Part of the book's premise is that love needs to be a ...

Episode 235: A Slowed Down and Strategic Approach to Divorce with Wendy Sloane

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wendy Sloane joins me to discuss the importance of slowing down the divorce process. Yes, once we've decided to leave and let our decision be known, i...

Episode 234: Healing from Relationship Betrayal with Michelle Mays

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michelle Mays, author of The Betrayal Bind: How to Heal When the Person You Love the Most Has Hurt You the Worst, joins me for an in-depth conversatio...

Episode 233: Gaslighting Recovery for Women with Dr. Amelia Kelley

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Amelia Kelley is back! You may remember her from the popular episode about being a highly sensitive person (HSP), strategies for self-care, and ho...

Episode 232: Breaking Free from Codependency with Vanessa Bennett

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Vanessa Bennett returns to the show this week! A highly regarded licensed holistic psychotherapist, clinical entrepreneur, mental health content creat...

Episode 231: The Legal Battle for Women's Sexual Freedom

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I am doing something on the podcast I don't normally do—featuring a story of someone within my community.  My guest, L, joins me for a c...

Episode 230: The Art of Money with Bari Tessler

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Your relationship with money is important to know and understand. Yet, most of us were not taught how to be in relationship with money. Throw in divor...

Episode 229: Understanding Coercive Control Dr. Emma Katz

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I am incredibly honored to be joined by Dr. Emma Katz this week on the podcast. Dr. Katz is a world-leading expert on coercive control. She is the aut...

Episode 228: Exposing Parental Alienation in Family Courts with Grant Wyeth

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I'm thrilled to introduce Grant Wyeth, a talented writer based in Melbourne and occasionally Sweden. He joined me to discuss the i...

Episode 227: Hello Divorce: Redefining the Divorce Process with Erin Levine

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I have yet to see an online divorce platform that is as in-depth as the award-winning platform Hello Divorce. Founder, attorney, and CEO, Erin Levine,...

Episode 226: Emotional Immaturity vs. Narcissism with Tony Overbay

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Every so often, I meet someone in my field with whom I hit it off amazingly. This week's guest, Tony Overbay, is an example of when that happens. Tony...

Episode 225: Grown Girl Divorce: Empowering Black Women Through Divorce with Kimberly A. Cook, Esq.

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The divorce experience isn't a cookie-cutter one for everyone. Sure, the process might look the same, but economics, culture, and race can impact how ...

Episode 224: The Best Interest of the Children: Unraveling Divorce Litigation with Michelle Dempsey-Multack

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My good friend and colleague, Michelle Dempsey-Multack, returns for a conversation about the challenges with divorce litigation and the best interest ...

Episode 223: The Science of Intuition with Dr. Carolyn Kurle

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode explores intuition and its role in decision-making with guest Dr. Carolyn Kurle. If we always followed our intuition, life would b...

Episode 222: Get Your Head Out of the Sand and Take Charge of Your Finances with Jennifer Lee

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is especially for the women who have had their heads in the sand about their finances.  That's okay because we've got you covered...

Episode 221: Parenting with Peace: Letting Go of Punishments and Finding Connection with Michelle Kenney

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you spend most of the time feeling like you are doing parenting all wrong? Are you often doling out punishments but really wish you had more connec...

Episode 220: Post-Separation Abuse and The Failure of the Family Court System with Zawn Villines

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Zawn Villines returns to the show this week. Together we explore how men use the family court system to continue to abuse women. Zawn shares the harro...

Episode 219: Divorce Tips From Kids with Grace Casper

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to divorce and our children, there are things that, as adults, we are not thinking about. Wouldn't it be great to understand a kid's per...

Episode 218: Hoovering: How Your Toxic Ex Can Suck You Back In with Dr. Heidi Brocke

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are talking about hoovering. If the term is new to you, hoovering is a tactic an ex-partner might use to suck you back into the relations...

Episode 217: Understanding Double Abuse® with Annette Oltmans

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Annette Oltmans, the founder of The M3ND Project, returns to the show to discuss Double Abuse®. Together, we explore what Double Abuse® is and how i...

Episode 216: Find Me the Money! with Tracy Coenen

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tracy Coenen returns to the show to talk about hidden money, secret spending, and how to win the money you deserve in your divorce. Tracy is a forensi...

Episode 215: The Secret to Getting Along, with Gabrielle Hartley, Esq.

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gabrielle Hartley returns to the show to discuss the secret to getting along with others! Gabrielle is co-chair of the American Bar Association Mediat...

Episode 214: Navigating Step-Family Relationships with Dr. Jeannette Lofas

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Dr. Jeannette Lofas joins me to discuss why the step-family unit differs entirely from a traditional family. She explains why the science, ...

Episode 213: A Conversation about the film Split UP: The TEEN Years with Christina McGhee and Ellen Bruno

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How will your choices about divorce affect your children now and in the future? The creator of the films Split and Split UP: The TEEN Years, Ellen Bru...

Episode 212: Your Divorce Roadmap: The Stages and Phases of Divorce

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Solo Episode alert!!  After over a decade of working with thousands of women, I've become really good at mapping out the entire divorce process and p...

Episode 211: Walking an Impossible Line: Talking Honestly with Your Kids About Their Other Parent

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"Mom, did Dad cheat on you?" If and when your child comes to you with questions about why you and your ex are divorcing, do you know how you plan to r...

Episode 210: SLAY Your Negotiations with a Narcissist with Rebecca Zung

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rebecca Zung returns to the show to share her expertise on narcissism and negotiation. Rebecca is a Narcissism Negotiation Expert, founder of the SLAY...

Episode 209: Sex Addiction, Cheating, and Betrayal with Dr. Rob

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is it sex addiction, or is he just a cheater? Does the distinction even matter? That is just one of the topics I discuss in this episode with my guest...

Episode 208: Misogyny in Motherhood and Marriage with Zawn Villines

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

65-75% of women say they would get divorced if they could, but the fear of post-separation abuse and the court system often prevent them from leaving ...

Episode 207: Selecting the Right Attorney for Your Divorce with Patrick Kilbane

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Attorney, CDFA, and author Patrick Kilbane joins me to discuss what you need to consider when selecting a divorce attorney. In this episode, we cover ...

Episode 206: Navigating Divorce When You Have Children with Special Needs with Josh Kershenbaum, Esq.

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, special needs consultant, advisor, and mediator Josh Kershenbaum, Esq., joins me to discuss navigating divorce when you have children with ...

Episode 205: Healing from Gaslighting with Dr. Amelia Kelley

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Merriam-Webster Word of the Year for 2022 was Gaslighting. Last year, the word experienced a 1,740% increase in lookups, yet there is still much t...

Episode 204: Take or Leave the House? With Tami Wollensak

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Thinking about keeping the house in your divorce? This week, Tami Wollensak joins me to talk about the things you need to consider when deciding wheth...

Episode 203: Empowering Victims to Have a Voice with Dr. Christine Cocchiola

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I welcome back Dr. Christine Cocchiola to discuss the importance of talking and educating about coercive control, domestic violence, and other a...

Episode 202: Anxious Attachment and How to Heal with Chris Rackliffe

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is going to change your life. Chris Rackliffe joins me for a profound conversation about anxious attachment and the three components of h...

Episode 201: Life After Betrayal with Lora Cheadle

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lora Cheadle has overcome the devastation of betrayal after learning about her husband's fifteen-year-long infidelity. In this episode, she joins me t...

Episode 200: The Mental Emotional Release Technique with Rich Heller

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're going to be talking about something called Mental Emotional Release (MER) with guest Rich Heller. The MER technique helps to release trig...

Episode 199: Discernment Counseling: The Better Option for Couples on the Brink of Divorce with Dr. Tom Murray

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week I welcome Dr. Tom Murray for a conversation about the difference between discernment counseling and couples therapy. Dr. Tom is an author, i...

Episode 198: The Sh!t They Don't Tell You About Divorce with Dawn Dais

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dawn Dais, author of The Sh!t No One Tells You… series joins me on the podcast to talk about the things nobody tells you about divorce. Her most rec...

Episode 197: Ask Me Anything

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I am back this week with another Q&A-style episode. Full disclosure, I didn't have a podcast episode prepared for this week because I'd been sick and ...

Episode 196: Listener Q&A: Finances, Decisions, and Co-Parenting

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I am back with a new episode this week and it is a listener Q&A! You've submitted your questions and stories on topics such as co-parenting, how to ma...

Episode 195: Episode Spotlight: Surviving the Holidays with Michelle Dempsey-Multack

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am re-sharing my episode featuring Michelle Dempsey-Multack which was all about how to survive the holidays pre- or post-divorce.  If thi...

Episode 194: Communication for Better Relationships and Love with Shaun Galanos

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week I welcome love coach Shaun Galanos to the show. Together we discuss communication tools for better relationships, modern dating, and love. S...

Episode 193: Keeping Your Kids Safe Online with Adam Dodge and Adriane Nada

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Adam Dodge and Adriane Nada join me for a conversation about how to empower your children to make good decisions online. Kids today understand how to ...

Episode 192: Protective Parenting with Dr. Christine Cocchiola

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Christine Cocchiola returns to the show to talk about coercive control and its impact on children. Dr. Cocchiola's goal, and the goal of this epis...

Episode 191: Domestic Violence Advocacy with Liz G. Bailey

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz Bailey joins me this week to share her experience leaving an abusive marriage and how that drives her passion for helping women rise up, thrive, a...

Episode 190: Becoming Your Own Forensic Accountant with Tracy Coenen

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tracy Coenen is a forensic accountant who has been investigating fraud for more than twenty-five years. This year she released the Divorce Money Guide...

Episode 189: Divorcing with Children with Special Needs with Mary Anne Hughes

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mary Ann Hughes is the proud mother of two sons on opposite ends of the autism spectrum. Today she joins me for a conversation about going through a d...

Episode 188: Solo Episode: One of our members was murdered last week

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

October 1st marked the beginning of domestic violence awareness month. On September 30th, I learned that a member of my Facebook community was murdere...

Episode 187: Couples Therapy and Abuse with Annette Oltmans

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Annette Oltmans returns to the show this week for an important conversation about going to couples therapy with an abuser. We discuss what therapy wit...

Episode 186: Codependence versus Interdependence with Vanessa Bennett, LMFT

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I'm often asked, "What does a healthy relationship even look like?" Vanessa Bennett, LMFT, author, holistic psychotherapist, and codependency expert, ...

Episode 185: Why Everyone Should Have a Pre-Marital Agreement with Monica Mazzei

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Before we dive into this week's show, I wanted to share that my group coaching experience, Grit & Grace, is open! If you are ready to create profound ...

Episode 184: High Conflict Legal Q&A with Susan Guthrie, Esq.

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are talking about the legal aspect of high conflict divorce. When it comes to divorce,  what most talk about from a legal sense isn't ap...

Episode 183: Solo Episode: Grit & Grace

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When women join book clubs, often, it's not about books. It's about being with one another, building each other up, and gaining a sense of comfort wit...

Episode 182: The Science of Stuck with Britt Frank

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Britt Frank is the author of The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward. Many of my listeners are stuck on the idea of w...

Episode 181: From Heartbreak to Happiness with Sara Davison

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are talking about life after divorce - specifically what it can look like and how it can feel.  Sara Davison is my special guest. During...

Episode 180: Financial Clarity and Your Divorce with Karen and Catherine, Founders of My Divorce Solution

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're talking about marital finances, divorce, and how gaining clarity around your finances can help inform your decision about whether you ...

Episode 179: Solo Episode! The Power of Community, Grit, and Grace

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I have a solo episode for you! I am talking about community, specifically why it is important for women to be in a community with one another. ...

Episode 178: From Toxic to Free with Heidi Brocke

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Heidi Brocke joins me for a discussion about toxic relationships and healing from them. Heidi is a toxic relationship awareness and healing specia...

Episode 177: Coercive Control with Dr. Christine Cocchiola

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are talking about a complex and insidious topic this week: coercive control. Dr. Christine Cocchiola, a Coercive Control Advocate, Educator, Resear...

Episode 176: Abuser. Narcissist. Sociopath. with Annette Oltmans

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are talking about the differences between narcissists, abusers, and sociopaths and why (or why not) those differences even matter. I rece...

Episode 175: Warning Signs: The Story of Chris Watts with Lena Derhally

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lena Derhally is back on the show! Last time we talked about social media narcissism and other harmful effects of using social media. This time she jo...

Episode 174: Don't Use These Terms! Words and Phrases to Avoid When Getting Divorced with Christina McGhee

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christina McGhee is back on the show! She joins me to talk about the language we use around divorce, co-parenting, and raising our children. The langu...

Episode 173: Overthinking About You with Allison Raskin

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Allison Raskin's book Overthinking About You is the first of its kind that talks about dating and mental health. This week, Allison joins me for a con...

Episode 172: A Kid with Two Homes with Bella Duncan

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what it's like being a child of divorced parents? This week, Bella Duncan of a Kid With Two Homes joins me to share her experie...