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...
Feb 05, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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,...
Feb 02, 2025•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 27, 2025•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 24, 2025•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 22, 2025•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 17, 2025•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 12, 2025•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 08, 2025•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 06, 2025•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 20, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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-...
Dec 17, 2024•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 08, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast The holiday season, a time traditionally filled with joy and cheer, can become a daunting challenge for those navigating the complexities of divorce. Juggling family expectations, societal pressures, and personal turmoil can be overwhelming. In this episode, we delve into the unique struggles faced by individuals who are considering or going through a divorce during the holidays. From the delicate balance of maintaining appearances to the overwhelming responsibility of creating lasting memories ...
Dec 01, 2024•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast I’ve coached hundreds of people through the mend or end decision and there is understandably a lot of resistance because both the decision to end and the subsequent transition of divorce is overwhelming at best... Which is why i'm so excited to share today’s episode. It’s about an ideal BRIDGE from decision to action. We are exploring the concept of a Pre-Divorce Guidance package, which helps clients enter the divorce process feeling calm, educated, and clear. Andrea Vacca shares that the most e...
Nov 27, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the world of co-parenting, communication can often be one of the most challenging aspects, especially when tension and conflict are involved. Miscommunication, missed messages, or even hostile exchanges can complicate an already difficult process. This is where co-parenting apps step in, providing structured and secure communication that can minimize conflict and create a healthy space for parents to manage their responsibilities. With the help of these tools, co-parents can protect their pea...
Nov 21, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Representing yourself in divorce court is no easy task. There’s a lot at stake, and it can feel like you’re stepping into a battle unarmed. Without the backing of a lawyer, you're left to navigate complex legal processes, argue your case, and protect your rights. But, here's the thing—you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of representing yourself in court, from mastering legal jargon to preparing for the unexpected twists. It's a lot, but don't worry, t...
Nov 15, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Divorce can manifest in countless ways—ranging from the peaceful mutual decision to part ways to the hostile, never-ending battle full of legal maneuvers and court drama. In this episode, I’m joined by Lawrence H. Bloom, Esq., an old colleague and the man who invited me onto my very first podcast . Larry is now joining me with his new book, Blame Bloom: Diary of a Divorce Lawyer , a candid and insightful look at his 40 years of navigating the intricate world of New York Family Law. From the days...
Nov 12, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast When navigating the complexities of divorce, it’s easy to feel trapped in indecision, but often that indecision is rooted in fear. In this episode, Karen McMahon explores how fear-based decisions can feel safe in the moment but lead to complications down the road. We'll discuss the concept of the “safety bubble,” a powerful method that temporarily removes fear, allowing you to gain clarity and make decisions based on desire instead of fear. Decisions like whether to end or mend your marriage, ho...
Nov 11, 2024•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we delve into the transformative power of mindfulness when navigating the tumultuous journey of divorce. When hopes and dreams seem to crumble under the weight of reality, it can feel chaotic and overwhelming. This discussion focuses on how mindfulness helps you stay grounded in the midst of this turbulence, calming the mind and connecting with what truly matters. The episode provides tools for engaging with your emotions in a way that acknowledges them without allowing them to control you...
Nov 05, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Cara felt like a diminished version of herself as she came to the painful conclusion that she had to leave her 24 year marriage. She had been listening to the JBD podcast and knew she needed support to get stronger, find her voice and prepare herself prior to beginning her divorce journey. She signed up for the free coaching call and immediately enlisted a JBD coach. During the 18 months that followed, she began to realize the dysfunction she was living in and the debilitating impact it was havi...
Oct 29, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Parental alienation is one of the most heartbreaking and complex challenges parents can face during and after divorce. It leaves families fractured and kids caught in the middle, often feeling torn between two parents. In this episode, I dive deep into the court system's current approach to parental alienation and why it so often fails to protect children. If you’ve been alienated from your child or fear it may happen, this conversation is essential for understanding what’s at stake and how you ...
Oct 24, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re tackling what it’s like to experience a breakup or divorce in your 20s and 30s. Whether you’re a Millennial or part of Gen Z, breaking up in this phase of life brings unique challenges. From feeling the weight of being alone while your friends are still in relationships, to grieving the future you thought you’d have, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode we dive into the emotional rollercoaster of losing not just a partner, but also the vision of your future life together. We also talk...
Oct 21, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Part 3 of our series focuses on how to appreciate and benefit from the different voices in your head and their unique perspectives by using “The Brain Huddle”, a practice author Jill Bolte Taylor, PhD refers to as a “Power Tool for Peace”. The four voices or characters generated by four different types of neural tissue in our brains are somewhat stereotypical in their behavioral patterns which means that the more that you are willing to observe their responses/reactions to circumstances the more...
Oct 15, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast The neurons in our brains are not all alike. Our brains think and feel in four different ways, every one of us. We may be more aware of certain ways than others, and define ourselves by the ways of thinking that are habitual...which does not always serve us well, especially when navigating divorce and post divorce life. In today’s show, Part 2 of You’re Not Crazy: Exploring the Voices in Your Head , Lisa and Karen familiarize you with the four distinct thinking and feeling modes in your brain in...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast It is an all too human tendency to react to stressful situations in counterproductive ways, to attack out of intense emotion without a clear purpose, to accommodate long after it's healthy to do so, or to avoid addressing situations that are destructive. While these are rarely wise strategies, they are disastrous strategies prior to, in the midst of, and post divorce. During this episode and the following two Team Talks, Karen McMahon and Lisa Brick discuss an alternative approach to attacking, ...
Oct 03, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this uplifting episode, we dive into the exciting opportunity of visualizing and designing your new post-divorce life. I know how overwhelming it can be to think about the future when you're going through a major life transition, but today we’re flipping that script. We'll explore what it means to design a life you love—one that feels authentic, joyful, and full of possibilities. Whether you're unsure of where to start or feel like you're already on the path, this conversation will inspire yo...
Sep 30, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we explore the often-overwhelming financial aspects of divorce, a crucial topic for anyone navigating this life transition. Understanding your finances can lead to a fair and sustainable outcome, helping you take control even when emotions are running high. Episode Highlights The Importance of Financial Analysis : How assessing your financial situation can guide decision-making during divorce. Budgeting Strategies : Practical tips for creating a budget to avoid costly mistakes. ...
Sep 28, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we dive into effective strategies for communicating with young children (ages 3-7) during a divorce. We discuss how crucial it is to help children develop their emotional language, allowing them to articulate their feelings. By guiding them to use their words, parents can be a soothing presence, helping their children process emotions rather than suppressing them. We also explore the challenging behaviors that can emerge when young children lack a safe space to express their fee...
Sep 26, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this enlightening episode, we dive into the concept of emotional sobriety with the insightful Colleen Kachmann. Colleen, a recovery-certified Master Coach and author of *Life Off the Label: A Handbook for Creating Your Own Brand of Health and Happiness*, shares her expertise on how emotional sobriety can transform your life. Episode Highlights Understanding Emotional Sobriety The Seven Core Skills Practical Advice and Inspiring Examples Creating a Healthier, Happier Future Guest Spotlight: Co...
Sep 17, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
