Tracy Otsuka, host of the ADHD for Smart Ass Women Podcast, joins me for a conversation about how ADHD uniquely shows up in women. We dig into why it’s often overlooked or misunderstood because the symptoms don’t always match up with what you see in men. We break down the top three signs of ADHD, how hormonal changes play a role, and why embracing your strengths is way more effective than trying to "fix" your weaknesses. Tracy also opens up about the emotional toll ADHD can take and offers pract...
Sep 03, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tara McMullin, creator of What Works and the co-founder of YellowHouse.Media, shares her journey of receiving an autism diagnosis at 38 and its profound impact on her relationships. She explores the concept of 'biographical illumination,' revealing how understanding her diagnosis has brought clarity and validation to her life. Tara also discusses the intricate dynamics of 'masking' and emotional communication in relationships. Together, we explore the importance of recognizing and respecting per...
Aug 22, 2024•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Zawn Villines, feminist activist and writer, is back on the show! Together we tackle the offensive and ableist ways that neurodiversity is often used to excuse abusive behavior. Zawn makes it clear that being neurodivergent does not mean someone is inherently abusive. In fact, neurodivergent individuals are more often the victims rather than the perpetrators of abuse. In this episode, we dive into the myths around empathy deficits in autistic individuals and how patriarchy keeps these harmful mi...
Aug 15, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dr. Amelia Kelley, a trauma-informed therapist and author, joins me to explore the nuances of ADHD in women, discussing how it often goes unnoticed and untreated. We tackle the complex question, "Do I have trauma or ADHD?"—exploring whether childhood trauma manifests as ADHD or if living with ADHD contributes to traumatic experiences. Plus, we uncover the superpowers of ADHD, the fascinating link between hyperfocus and procrastination, and how neurodiversity and ADHD affect relationships. Tune i...
Aug 08, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast I am kicking off a new series for August all around neurodivergence in relationships. With my amazing lineup, we delve into topics like ADHD, autism, and other spectrum disorders within a family and how they might affect various aspects of your divorce. This week I wanted to take a few moments to introduce the series to you. Throughout the month, you’ll hear from incredible guests like: Dr. Amelia Kelley Tara McMullin Zawn Villines Tracy Otsuka These amazing women share their insights and strate...
Aug 01, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast What are your divorce dealbreakers? In the final installment of my divorce mindset reset series, I share why knowing your dealbreakers is important before you enter into your divorce proceedings. I discuss the work required to determine what they are and offer insight into why you should stick to them as you move through your divorce. Overall, knowing your dealbreakers helps you prioritize what matters most so you can maintain focus during your negotiations. You’ll hear: Why it is important to k...
Jul 25, 2024•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever wondered how to navigate the tricky balance between what's legal and what's fair in a divorce? I dive into Step Six of the 7-Step Divorce Mindset Reset, focusing on distinguishing between these crucial aspects. You'll hear advice on processing emotions through appropriate channels, documenting evidence of legal matters, and working with a coach or other professional to streamline what's pertinent for court. My goal is to help you approach your legal team with clear, legally signifi...
Jul 23, 2024•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Shifting to a strategy mindset during your divorce is a game-changer and that’s the topic of this podcast episode. No longer are you trying to convince your partner to see things your way or understand your point of view. Instead, you’re embracing radical acceptance and moving forward with a clear plan. When you adopt a strategy mindset, you can set clear goals and easily make decisions. You’re taking control of the situation and the proceedings in a way you haven’t been able to before. This shi...
Jul 18, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Radical acceptance means completely accepting a situation, circumstance, or challenge without necessarily approving or agreeing with it. In this installment of the 7-Step Divorce Mindset reset, I share why this concept is especially crucial in the divorce process. Embracing radical acceptance is one of the most powerful things you can do. It's revolutionary yet fundamental. It’s about letting go of the struggle over who you thought your partner was and truly accepting who they are. You’ll hear: ...
Jul 16, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast We're diving into the importance of self-care throughout your divorce process. Practicing self-care at this juncture is essential for managing the emotional and physical challenges you're going through. Self-care builds emotional resilience, helping you maintain mental well-being and decision-making ability, while also reducing stress and supporting your physical health. In this episode, I share some effective strategies to help you prioritize your well-being. You’ll hear: How to set boundaries ...
Jul 11, 2024•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Divorce is a lengthy, emotionally demanding, and taxing process, taking about a year on average. In this episode, I share why practicing patience and managing expectations can help you navigate the journey peacefully and easily. You’ll also hear: The questions to ask your divorce attorney or mediator about specific procedures and waiting periods in your state Why trusting the process and establishing routines can lead to a smoother experience The crucial role of self-care in managing stress and ...
Jul 09, 2024•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast We continue our month-long series centered around my 7-Step Divorce Mindset Reset by discussing the creation of a vision statement for your divorce. This was something I did at the beginning of mediation with my ex-husband. A vision statement sets your intention for the divorce process. When things feel like they are going off the rails, you can return to your vision statement to stay grounded and centered on how you want the process to go. Whether you create a mutual or individual statement, it...
Jul 04, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we kick off a month-long series centered around my 7-Step Divorce Mindset Reset. If you've decided to get a divorce, it's time to start focusing on the immediate mindset shifts necessary to navigate this challenging period. Along with physically, financially, and legally divorcing, emotionally divorcing your spouse is crucial: “If you’re done, be done.” I've crafted these seven steps to help you approach your situation in a healthy, strategic, and empowered way. Throughout July, I'll guid...
Jul 02, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Anne Wintemute, Co-Founder of Aimee Says, joins me on the podcast this week. Aimee is an AI-powered advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence. This fascinating and powerful AI tool helps individuals gain the support and validation they need. We uncover how Aimee can act as your advocate and lower the barrier to access vital resources. More than just a Google search, Aimee operates in multiple languages and is a groundbreaking initiative for empowerment. I am endlessly fascinated by...
Jun 27, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast We're digging into the emotional rollercoaster divorced dads face, including why they're at higher risk for suicide and the heavy societal and psychological burdens weighing them down. Dr. Eran Magen is a Stanford University-educated expert, holding an M.A. in education and a Ph.D. in psychology. He is also the founder of DivorcedDads.org. Together we talk about the importance of dads having a support system, staying connected with their kids, and building stronger emotional bonds. Eran drops so...
Jun 20, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sharon Pope, a Master Life Coach, and Relationship Expert, joins me to dive into why more women are opting out of their marriages, the historical context of marriage dynamics, and the challenges modern couples are up against. Sharon’s mission is to equip women and men with the tools to improve, heal, or let go of their struggling marriages. We’ll also tackle relationships' social, legal, and emotional sides, emphasizing the importance of open communication and intentionality. Featured topics: Wh...
Jun 13, 2024•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dr. Sarah Schewitz returns to the podcast to talk about pathological love relationships. Dr. Schewitz helps us understand what this type of relationship is, how to know if you’re in one, why these types of relationships can be so devastating, and what is necessary to recover and heal. Dr. Sarah Schewitz is a licensed psychologist specializing in love and relationships. She is the founder of the successful online psychology practice, Couples Learn, which was named by Forbes Health as one of the t...
Jun 06, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 decision to close the group. In this bonus solo episode, I address the issues that led to the group’s closing. I further share about the rules and guidelines that were in place, the challenges of managing a large community, and my response to group members' frustrations. I also reflect on boundaries, the importance of doing the work for personal g...
Jun 03, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, Liberation, and Leadership and the recently released book Where Tenderness Lives: On Healing, Liberation, and Holding Space for Oneself. Heather opens up about her experience of dealing with divorce, co-founding the Center for Holding Space, and authoring books that dive into these concepts. Our conversation reveals how embracing tenderness towards o...
May 30, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 discuss the transformative power of self-discovery through life's most challenging moments. Nikki and I cover a range of important topics, including how self-esteem is built through self-knowledge, strategies for managing thoughts about divorce, emphasizing the importance of setting limits on dwelling on the past, and so much more. Nikki is a breat...
May 23, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast “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 and, instead, how somatic and homeopathic techniques help individuals heal from various forms of trauma. Dawn is a trauma-informed licensed marriage and family therapist and integrative healer who helps women turn the traumatic journey of divorce into a force for healing, self-love, and joy through a tailored blend of holistic and scientifically s...
May 16, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 educator who joins me to help us understand how to process the grief we feel over an ended marriage. Barri divorced after a 17-year marriage and helps name grief and grieving for others who have experienced losing an imagined future. Putting the G-word in the D-word! Featured topics: Why do we grieve a divorce? (2:16) Shame is a complicating factor ...
May 09, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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-discovery, and relationships. Sadie Marie empowers divorced men and women globally to embrace the exciting, playful - and even spicy - life that awaits them after divorce. Our conversation is multifaceted, from feeling disempowered in marriage to reclaiming empowerment. We also touch on navigating divorce within friendships and pursuing genuine happiness. ...
May 02, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 and wage gaps—all the gaps that hold women back. Her work (and this conversation) empowers women, particularly those in midlife, to embrace their prime with fervor and enthusiasm. Together, we discuss female empowerment, self-discovery, and the journey towards embracing one's prime, including our sexuality (and I tell you guys something I haven’t tol...
Apr 29, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 like a breath of fresh air. My guest this week, Andrea Rappaport, knows a thing or two about imparting humor in one's life while navigating difficult situations. Andrea is a recovering comedian who is the co-host of the top-ranked Apple podcast, How Not to Suck at Divorce. Andrea and I look at the delicate balance between humor and seriousness in ...
Apr 18, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 mortgage loan originator and a 28+ year industry veteran. She has discovered her passion in helping divorcing individuals navigate their home equity solutions and mortgage options while going through the most challenging time. Grab your notebook and a pen - this episode is a notetaking one that busts some myths and provides expert advice on what qu...
Apr 11, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Licensed Psychologist Dr. Justine Weber is on the show this week as we explore the complex journey of healing after leaving an abusive relationship. Her recent book is, “How the F*ck Do I Heal From This?” and the title (and content) is a favorite of mine! In the book and during our conversation, Dr. Weber walks us through understanding narcissistic abuse and how to put your life back together after everything feels like it has fallen apart. Together, we explore everything from dealing with post-...
Apr 04, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Relationship coach and author Bryan Reeves joins me this week to discuss relationships, personal growth, and societal constructs. Bryan’s journey from military service to relationship coaching reveals insights into the power and necessity of connecting with emotions, especially for men. Many of Bryan’s insights are drawn from his work with couples and his book, “Choose Her Every Day or Leave Her,” focusing on choosing connection over disconnection, confronting one’s fears, and the transformative...
Mar 28, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast Psychologist and writer Kerry McAvoy joins me to discuss the challenges of being in a relationship with someone who has narcissistic personality disorder. We also delve into its effects on individuals and share insights on self-nurturing after the relationship ends. Kerry Kerr McAvoy is a psychologist and a writer who educates on social media about cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her book, Love You More, ...
Mar 21, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast My guest, Jason VanRuler, shares his direct and honest approach to working with couples and offers a fresh perspective on overcoming past challenges and building exceptional relationships. During our conversation, you’ll discover how to “Get Past Your Past” as Jason shares invaluable insights, emphasizing the importance of taking action and not seeking validation from others for your progress. We also discuss navigating resistance in relationships, dealing with differing narratives in divorce, a...
Mar 14, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
