How Not To Suck At Divorce: Divorce Advice You Need To Hear - podcast cover

How Not To Suck At Divorce: Divorce Advice You Need To Hear

Morgan Stogsdill and Andrea Rappaporthownottosuckatdivorce.com
The only divorce podcast that's one part family law attorney and one part recovering comedian. We are dedicated to bringing you action steps, empathy, and a healthy side of snark. Morgan Stogsdill and Andrea Rappaport bring you divorce content that's resourceful, entertaining, packed with ACTION STEPS from EXPERTS, and most importantly, help listeners feel less alone. You'll get through this. We promise. You've got this..and we've got you. **Do not listen to this show if you don't have a sense of humor.
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Episodes

165. Crucial Action Steps When Divorcing an Abusive Partner (And a Story That Will Help You Understand Cohersive Control)

Andrea and Morgan talk with Laura Richards, host of That’s Where I’m At podcast, about navigating divorce when abuse is part of the marriage. Laura shares her story of leaving a relationship that looked perfect from the outside but was filled with covert control, manipulation, and emotional harm behind closed doors. Alongside Laura’s experience, Andrea and Morgan offer practical and legal guidance for protecting yourself during this challenging time. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to identif...

Aug 15, 202553 minEp. 165

164. Pre Divorce Action Steps For Leaving An Abusive Marriage (And a Personal Story That Inspired a Blockbuster Movie)

Abuse doesn’t always leave visible scars. If you’re in a marriage where your every move is controlled; whether it’s how you spend money, where you go, or who you see, you may be experiencing abuse without realizing it. In this episode, we’re giving you the 3 critical steps to take before you leave an abusive marriage, straight from a divorce lawyer’s perspective. Then, you’ll hear a riveting, eye-opening conversation with Dr. Nadine Macaluso—therapist, trauma-bond expert, and former wife of Jord...

Aug 08, 202544 minEp. 164

163. The Smartest Way to Tell Your Spouse You Want a Divorce

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20 Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing...

Aug 01, 202546 minEp. 163

162. What the #1 Divorce Podcast Wants You to Know

In today's episode, Andrea sits down (sans Morgan! She's out of the country!) to drop some real talk about the hard truths of divorce that no one wants to hear...but everyone needs to. From AI misinformation to expensive attorney mistakes, high-conflict communication, and the emotional fallout of lost friendships, this episode delivers clarity and comfort for anyone navigating the messy middle of divorce. As always...Absolutely NO fluff. No filter. Just the truth. And a whole lot of support. Wha...

Jul 25, 202527 minEp. 162

161. How Using Chat GPT Can Actually HURT Your Divorce Case- Learn What to do INSTEAD!

AI might be your late-night bestie, but should it be your divorce attorney? In this candid and insightful episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce , Morgan and Andrea welcome back crowd-favorite and former FBI agent Steven Bradley aka the Tech Cowboy to bust myths, deliver tough truths, and provide essential clarity around using AI like ChatGPT during divorce. From legal hallucinations to cringeworthy court moments, this episode will change how you think about AI’s role in your case (and possibly y...

Jul 18, 202540 minEp. 161

160. Preparing for Divorce/Custody Battle- What to Ask Your Attorney, How to Prep..

In this powerhouse episode, Andrea and Morgan welcome powerhouse attorney and metaphysical strategist Mia Poppe to help listeners emotionally and mentally prepare for the courtroom. Mia shares her toolkit for staying grounded during the most difficult moments of divorce—especially when “divorce psychosis” sets in. This raw, honest, and practical episode is packed with real-life strategies for surviving and thriving through litigation. What You’ll Learn: What “divorce psychosis” is and why it’s a...

Jul 11, 202557 minEp. 160

159. I Should Have Gotten Divorced Before I Got Married: An Inspirational Divorce Story

In this episode of How Not To Suck At Divorce, Heather McGinley, Emmy award-winning author and founder of The Happily Never After, shares her powerful story of growing up in a fundamentalist Christian family with 21 siblings and how her unconventional upbringing shaped her approach to relationships and divorce. She discusses the mistakes she made during her divorce process, including not interviewing multiple attorneys and failing to file for temporary support, while offering hope that life's mo...

Jul 04, 202549 minEp. 159

158. Take Back Power. Overcome Divorce Fear.

Fear. It’s the uninvited guest in every divorce and today, we’re dragging it into the light. Andrea and Morgan sit down with Crazy Ex-Wives Club host Erica Bennett, whose own divorce journey turned from heartbreak and confusion into a masterclass in emotional self-preservation. Erica shares how fear nearly derailed her decisions, how she clawed back her confidence, and why your fear is lying to you. From psychic readings to the art of “future tripping,” this episode is packed with hard truths, s...

Jun 27, 202558 minEp. 158

157. The Biggest "Pre Divorce" Mistakes And How to Avoid Them

Andrea and Morgan are diving deep into the emotional rollercoaster of pre-divorce decisions, from trial separations and nesting, to financial agreements and moving out. With personal stories, expert legal insight, and a healthy dose of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone standing at the edge of a marital crossroads. Whether you’re considering divorce or simply feeling unsettled, this episode will help you think three steps ahead and avoid the most common (and very costly) mistakes. W...

Jun 20, 202542 minEp. 157

156. How to Manage the Most Common Forms of Divorce Manipulation

When manipulation sneaks into your divorce, it’s not just annoying, it’s super dangerous. In this candid episode, Andrea and Morgan teach you how to spot the most common manipulation tactics used before and during divorce, and how to stop falling for them. With the unforgettable acronym WTF (Want, Three Steps Ahead, Facts), they walk you through real scenarios, including guilt-tripping about the kids, controlling family finances, and “let’s not use lawyers” setups. Plus, Andrea shares a personal...

Jun 13, 202528 minEp. 156

155. The ONLY Divorce Mediation Prep You’ll Need

Mediation doesn’t have to suck—but walking in unprepared absolutely does. In this solo power-packed episode, Andrea and Morgan deliver the exact roadmap you need before entering mediation. Whether it’s your parenting plan, finances, or both on the table, this episode walks you through every question to ask your lawyer, how to mentally prepare, and the secret negotiation strategies that’ll keep you calm, confident, and in control. What you’ll learn: The 4-part strategy to prep for mediation like ...

May 30, 202549 minEp. 155

154. But What if You DON'T Want the Divorce, What Do You Do??

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course So… your spouse wants a divorce and you don’t? Oof. That’s a brutal position to be in—and one we know all too well. In this candid, no-holds-barred episode, Andrea and Morgan dive into the exact steps you need to take—legally and emotionally—when divorce isn’t your idea, but it’s happening anyway. ...

May 23, 202551 minEp. 154

153. Coparenting with a "Narcissist" or Anyone High Conflict (Divorce Tips) with Bill Eddy

If you’ve ever fired off an angry text, regretted it immediately, or found yourself stuck in never-ending drama with your ex—this episode is for you. Andrea and Morgan sit down with the legendary Bill Eddy (lawyer, therapist, mediator, and creator of the BIFF method) to unpack exactly how to communicate with high-conflict people—without losing your mind (or your case). You’ll learn why your responses might be feeding the fire, what judges actually notice in emails, and the two acronyms that can ...

May 16, 202557 minEp. 153

152. The Role that Menopause and Perimenopause Plays in Divorce: a Conversation with Midi

Is it your ex… or your estrogen? In this honest, hilarious, and eye-opening episode, Andrea and Morgan sit down with Joanna Strober, founder and CEO of MIDI, to uncover how midlife hormone shifts can sabotage your divorce (and your sanity). They discuss why so many women feel like they’re losing their minds during divorce, how to actually get helpful care without expensive concierge clinics, and what might be missing from your divorce team. Spoiler: it might be estrogen and semaglutide. What you...

May 09, 202554 minEp. 152

151. Getting the Best Divorce Team (What's Worth Your $$, What's Not?)

In today's episode, Andrea and Morgan break down the divorce dream team —who you need, who you don’t, and where to invest your VERY hard-earned dollars. From therapists to forensic accountants and parenting coordinators, they give you the inside scoop on which players actually move the needle in your case. Plus, they get real (and a little savage) about online divorce coaches and overpriced fluff. If you're building your team or just starting out, this episode is your ultimate roadmap to not suc...

May 02, 202549 minEp. 151

150. The Easiest Way to Save Money in Your Divorce

Think saving money during divorce is impossible? Think again. In this episode, Andrea and Morgan serve up the real (and hilarious) talk on how to actually cut your legal costs without sacrificing your sanity—or your settlement. From bulletproof email tips to why paralegals are your secret weapon, they’re spilling the strategies that your wallet will thank you for. Bonus: Andrea might just be learning all the words to American Pie , so there’s that too. What you'll learn: How bullet-point emails ...

Apr 25, 202558 minEp. 150

149. How To Prepare to Divorce a "Narcissist" with Renee Swanson of the Covert Narcissism Podcast

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course In this episode on How Not to Suck at Divorce , Morgan and Andrea welcome Renee Swanson, host of the Covert Narcissism podcast, for a powerful conversation about planning your way out of an emotionally abusive marriage. Renee shares how she reclaimed her identity, protected her children, and gather...

Apr 18, 202554 minEp. 149

148. How Do I Know if I Need a Divorce, or if It’s Menopause/Perimenopause?

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce , Andrea and Morgan tackle the often-overlooked topic of how perimenopause and menopause can impact relationships and yep, that's right- divorce. They are joined by Dr. Heather Cushing, an MD who specializes in hormonal health, to discuss the effects of hormonal changes on women's moods, behavior, and marital dynamics. The conversation covers the confusion and frustration many women feel as they experience shifts in their bodies and emotions, which c...

Apr 11, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 148

147. Divorce and Separation Support for Those with Strong Ties to Faith and Religion

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce , we dive into the complex relationship between faith and divorce. Our guest, Bree Sullivan-Howell, a family law attorney and author, shares her personal journey and professional insights on navigating divorce when your Christian faith conflicts with the decision to separate. From understanding the Biblical perspective on divorce to overcoming the shame and judgment that often accompanies faith-based divorces, Brie offers a compassionate and practica...

Apr 04, 202550 minEp. 147

146. Special Needs Children & Divorce (What to do BEFORE You File)

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce , we dive into the complexities of navigating a divorce when you have a child with special or higher needs. We’re joined by Cari Pines, an attorney in LA who specializes in family law and has personal experience with raising special needs children. Cari shares her expertise on how to manage the legal and emotional challenges that come with divorce when your child requires extra care and attention. What you’ll learn: How to communicate effectively wit...

Mar 28, 202556 minEp. 146

145. High Conflict Divorce: How Do You Know if Your Child needs a GAL or AFC??

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce , we explore the complexities of hiring a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or an Attorney for the Child (AFC), two roles that are often involved when there are disputes over parenting time or custody. Special guest Randi Karmel, a seasoned attorney based in New York, shares her expert insights on when and why these professionals might be appointed in divorce cases and how they can impact your case. What you’ll learn: The roles and differences between a GAL an...

Mar 21, 20251 hr 15 minEp. 145

144. Does Your Divorce Need a Forensic Accountant?

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce , we dive into the world of forensic accountants and when you should—and shouldn't—bring one into your divorce case. Featuring expert Marie Ebersbacher, a senior managing director in forensic consulting, we explore how forensic accountants help uncover hidden assets, value businesses, and track income. We also share some wild, real-life stories, including one about a celebrity hairdresser's murder that has some SERIOUS financial implications! Hit pla...

Mar 17, 20251 hrEp. 144

143. The Best Time vs Worst Time to File for Divorce

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce , the hosts discuss the right and wrong times to file for divorce with the help of expert family law attorney Jacqueline Newman. They break down seasonal considerations, personal financial situations, and how to recognize when emotional readiness plays a crucial role in deciding whether or not to take the plunge. Jacqueline shares her professional advice on when to act and when it might be wise to wait, all while offering insight on the emotional, fi...

Mar 07, 202545 minEp. 143

142. Do I Need a Prenup? (Everything You Need to Know About Prenups to Avoid an Expensive Divorce)

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive into the world of prenuptial agreements (prenups) and why they might be something to consider for anyone entering a marriage, especially if you're coming into the union with significant assets or wealth. They cover everything from what goes into a prenup, who might need one, and how to navigate the conversation with your partner, to the importance of finding a good lawyer and ensuring fairness in the agreement. They also discuss some of the ...

Feb 28, 202542 minEp. 142

141. What You Need to Know about Your Divorce Custody Agreement Before You Sign

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce , we dive deep into the dreaded parenting plans (also called custody agreements, parenting schedules, or allocation judgments). They break down what really matters in these complex documents, from decision-making on medical care and extracurricular activities to holiday schedules and the right of first refusal. Andrea shares her personal struggles with her own parenting agreement and offers tips on how you can avoid the mistakes she made. Morgan prov...

Feb 19, 202551 minEp. 141

140. Divorce Anxiety: How to Handle the Inner Chaos and Uncertainty

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce , we dive into the overwhelming fear that often accompanies divorce and its impact on decision-making because lets face it - when we're fearful or scared we are NOT in our right minds. We’re joined by transformational coach Annmarie Chereso, who shares her expertise on how fear affects the brain and behavior during such a challenging time. Annmarie provides practical tools to manage fear, including a four-step method that helps individuals move from ...

Feb 10, 202557 minEp. 140

139. Divorce Deposition PRO TIPS!!!

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce , we're talking about the often intimidating process of being deposed during a divorce. We break down what a deposition is, how it works, and the importance of preparation to ensure you present yourself as a strong witness. Morgan, a seasoned divorce lawyer, walks listeners through key strategies for handling a deposition, including how to answer questions succinctly, when to ask for a break, and why staying calm is crucial. They also discuss the rol...

Jan 31, 202555 minEp. 139

138. How Getting Divorced Saved My Life

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce , Andrea opens up about her personal journey and how getting divorced legitimately saved her life. She shares her experiences of being in an unhealthy marriage, the physical toll it took on her, and the turning point that led her to take control of her life. Andrea also discusses the mistakes she made during her divorce process, including choosing the wrong lawyer and rushing into decisions without proper counsel. Despite these challenges, Andrea hig...

Jan 21, 202550 minEp. 138

137. Can I Pause or Stop my Divorce Process?!

In this episode, we dive into the complex decision of whether to pause your divorce process and explore the possibility of reconciliation. We discuss why some couples might reconsider divorce, the emotional and practical aspects to consider before making a decision, and the importance of having real, lasting change before hitting pause. We also touch on the legal steps involved in pausing or halting the divorce process, including options like the reconciliation calendar, and the financial and em...

Jan 11, 202528 minEp. 137

136. How Do I Know if it's Time to Get Divorced?

In this episode of How Not To Suck At Divorce, Andrea and Morgan talk about the tough question of whether to stay or go in your marriage. They walk you through the simple but powerful TALK acronym to help you gain clarity and confidence as you make this big decision in your life. They cover how therapy can help you unpack what's going on, the importance of understanding your emotional needs, how to assess the fun and love in your relationship, and why knowledge is key to moving forward. These st...

Jan 03, 202532 minEp. 136
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