Divorce provides a perfect opportunity to begin identifying and practicing new ways of thinking, being, and doing. Our Journey Beyond Divorce podcasts help you to navigate the shifting world that you currently inhabit, and utilize your struggles as stepping-stones that lead to inner strength, clarity, and confidence. If you are seeking personal one-on-one coaching visit www.JourneyBeyondDivorce.com.
The divorce conversation has happened—and now you’re still living together.** Tensions are high, emotions are raw, and the atmosphere at home feels like a ticking time bomb. In this episode, we unpack what to do *after* the divorce bomb drops—how to survive and even strategically thrive in the uncomfortable in-between of sharing space with someone you’re separating from. First things first: before anything escalates, it’s critical to understand your legal rights and quietly begin gathering finan...
Disclaimer: This conversation includes discussions of sensitive topics such as rape and trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. In this empowering episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon sits down with Kyera T. Kacey, Author of Rich B$tch Money Goals and founder of LiberateHER™. Kyera shares her transformative journey of overcoming trauma, including sexual assault and two divorces. She emphasizes the power of personal responsibility, self-love, and authentic...
Divorce often uncovers hidden money patterns that impact both your relationship and divorce negotiations. In this episode, we explore how your money personality—whether you're a spender or a saver—shapes your marriage and divorce. We dive into the deeper financial motivations that may be influencing your decisions and offer strategies to break free from limiting beliefs around money. Divorce isn’t just an ending; it’s an opportunity to reshape your financial future. Learn how to use this time of...
In this episode, expert coach Dawn Smith joins Karen McMahon to dive into marital conflict and how to navigate relationship challenges. With over a decade of experience understanding how men and women process emotions and make decisions differently, Dawn provides strategies for couples facing marriage issues. Dawn combines couples counseling with practical coaching to help partners break free from disconnection patterns, fostering deeper communication and understanding. Her actionable tools are ...
Divorce can disrupt every aspect of your life—your home, finances, and family dynamic. Clarity is key to navigating this challenge successfully. In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Vacca, a leading New York divorce attorney and expert in collaborative divorce, to explore essential steps for a smoother process. We discuss understanding your legal rights, organizing financials, initiating the conversation with your spouse, and co-parenting, especially while living under the same roof. It's abo...
In this episode, Lundy Bancroft, a renowned expert on narcissism, abusive relationships, and the family court system, reveals how abusive men manipulate both their partners and the legal system to maintain control. With over 30 years of experience working with abusers and training professionals, Lundy exposes the subtle and overt tactics used by high-conflict individuals to gain power in custody disputes and other legal battles. He shares eye-opening insights from his books, Why Does He Do That?...
Divorce, especially in high-conflict situations, can feel like an endless emotional tug-of-war. In this solo episode, Karen dives into the struggles of trying to control a soon-to-be ex during divorce proceedings, whether it's about co-parenting , finances, or decision-making. Engaging in these battles only fuels the high-conflict personality and keeps you stuck in stress and frustration. Karen explains why divorce conflict intensifies when you “hold the rope” and offers a powerful framework for...
One of the most emotional and financially complex decisions in divorce is what to do with the marital home . This property often represents security, stability, and normalcy—especially with children involved. However, the decision to keep or sell the marital home comes with significant financial and legal implications that many people, and even attorneys, may overlook. In this episode, we’ll explore the pros and cons of keeping the marital home , the risks of co-owning after divorce , and the ch...
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 ...
Karen McMahon and Shelby Forsythia explore the multifaceted grief of divorce, societal perceptions, and personal experiences. Shelby shares tools for navigating grief, setting boundaries, and finding support, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions to rebuild a fulfilling life post-divorce. The discussion includes strategies for dealing with unsupportive loved ones and recognizing the long-term impact of grief.
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 ...
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 ...
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,...
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...
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: Pare...
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...
"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 bu...
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 litigat...
Navigating the aftermath of narcissistic abuse, coercive control, and domestic violence can feel overwhelming. The scars left by these forms of abuse run deep, affecting self-esteem, causing isolation, and trapping survivors in cycles of fear. Even after separation, post-abuse struggles continue—often amplified by legal battles, financial control, or ongoing manipulation. For parents, children are often silent victims, suffering from the emotional fallout of abuse. In this episode, Sybil Cummin,...
In this episode, Karen McMahon explores the emotional challenges of high-conflict divorce and the vital inner journey that accompanies it. She dives into the intense emotional turmoil, self-doubt, and fear many face, offering practical guidance for navigating this difficult time with resilience and self-awareness. Karen discusses how to shift from victimhood to empowerment, overcome limiting beliefs, and move from resistance to proactive solutions. She emphasizes the importance of conscious resp...
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health challenges, including depression and suicide, that may be triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for support. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) , available 24/7. Your well-being matters, and help is always available. ===== Did you know that divorced dads are at a significantly higher risk for mental heal...
We’re kicking off the year with a refreshed website, new programs, and a wealth of resources designed to help you navigate the toughest divorce challenges. Whether you’re dealing with narcissism, manipulation, or other complex relationship dynamics, Journey Beyond Divorce is here to support you every step of the way. In this episode, co-founder, Karen McMahon, reflects on the lessons learned in 2024 – a year filled with uncertainty and personal challenges. You can expect to hear about the new di...
Divorce can be a catalyst for reinvention. This week, we welcome Heather Markel, a former corporate executive turned travel lifestyle coach and NYT-featured expert. Heather shares her personal journey of ditching the 9-to-5 to explore 39 countries, and how full-time travel helped her heal and rediscover herself. Discover the practical steps to afford this lifestyle, the benefits of nomadic living, and how to embrace personal growth on the road. Heather Markel is a Certified Professional Coach an...
Are you stuck in a cycle of conflict, feeling silenced, discouraged, and unheard by your spouse? This episode dives into a revolutionary way to approach these challenges with courage and clarity. We explore how technology, specifically AI, is helping individuals in high-conflict relationships find their voice, set boundaries, and navigate difficult conversations with confidence. If you've felt shut down or powerless, this conversation offers hope and a path forward. In this transformative discus...
Alcohol often plays a hidden role in divorce and relationship breakdowns. In this episode, we explore the impact of alcohol on emotional intimacy and how emotional sobriety can heal relationships. Our guest, Veronica Valli—psychotherapist, sobriety coach, and author—shares her powerful journey from addiction to emotional sobriety, offering practical tools for rebuilding trust and fostering deeper connections. What You’ll Learn: The Role of Alcohol in Divorce & Relationships : How alcohol hides e...
Divorce can feel like an overwhelming and never-ending process, but what if there were ways to make it go faster while ensuring a smoother transition to your new life? In this episode, we dive deep into strategies for speeding up your divorce without skipping the essential healing and personal growth needed for a successful new beginning. While it may seem like the ultimate goal is simply to sign the divorce papers and be done with it, the real work lies in how you handle the emotional and psych...
Divorce can be especially difficult when one partner has a serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or psychotic disorders. The mood swings, erratic behavior, and episodes of psychosis can make communication, decision-making, and co-parenting challenging, adding stress to an already complex process. For those navigating divorce, balancing compassion for a partner’s mental health with the need for personal safety is crucial. In this episode, we’re joined by Julie A. Fast, a leading expert...
Are you exhausted from putting everyone else’s needs above your own, especially in a relationship that feels like an emotional battleground? If you’re a people-pleaser navigating a high-conflict marriage or heading into divorce, you’re likely feeling stretched thin, frustrated, and maybe even a little lost. It’s a familiar story for those of us who, often without realizing it, start to sacrifice our own happiness for the sake of “keeping the peace” or avoiding conflict. But here’s the truth: the...
Welcome to another episode of Journey Beyond Divorce, where we tackle the often overwhelming journey of navigating through a high-conflict divorce. Today, we dive deep into the theme of Divorce and Uncertainty. Divorce inevitably brings a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties, leaving many feeling lost and overwhelmed. This episode is dedicated to helping you embrace these feelings and transform them into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. We will explore how to face your fears head-...
High Conflict divorce is challenging enough, but when it escalates to legal abuse, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. In this episode, we unpack what legal abuse looks like in the context of high-conflict divorce, where one party may use the legal system to exhaust, intimidate, and financially drain the other. Whether it's endless filings, false accusations, or unreasonable demands, legal abuse can turn a difficult process into a battle of attrition. But understanding the warn...
