Bent Not Broken: Starting Over After Divorce | Post Divorce Life

MaLinda Perry returns to the show to share powerful insights on divorce, blended families, and raising resilient children..An award-winning industry leader, Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, bestselling author, and founder of Happy Girls Don’t Do That, Melinda brings both professional expertise and personal experience as a third-generation child of divorce.In this episode, we discuss how divorce can be handled with maturity and intention — and how the choices parents make deeply impact their children’s future relationships.In This Episode:Why kids “see everything” during divorceThe fine line between love and hate — and why it’s a choiceHow to talk to children of different ages about divorceThe importance of apologizing to your kidsThe powerful 5:1 ratio (five positives for every negative)Why owning your part changes everythingHow to break generational divorce cyclesMaLinda reminds us: divorce doesn’t have to define your family’s future. With accountability, communication, and intentional parenting, it can become a healthier new beginning.Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.comfor coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

In this episode, I sit down with author and speaker Marita Littauer Tedder, co-author of Wired That Way, to explore how understanding personality differences can transform your relationships.Rooted in the classic four temperaments first identified by Hippocrates, we break down the four personality types—Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy, and Phlegmatic—and how they influence communication styles, emotional needs, conflict patterns, and attraction.We discuss: • Why opposites attract (and how to make it work) • How to identify personality traits while dating • The difference between personality types and personality disorders • How personality awareness can reduce conflict in marriage • Rebuilding confidence and identity after divorce • Living your best life after 60If you’ve ever felt misunderstood in your marriage, struggled in dating, or wondered why relationships feel hard, this episode offers practical tools for healthier communication and stronger connection.Resources MentionedWired That Way – Available on AmazonOnline personality profile: ThePersonalities.comBest Life Project: Best-LifeProject.comEnjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.comfor coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessLinkedIn: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

In this episode, I’m joined by Chattanooga divorce mediator, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and bestselling author Brenda Bridges, founder of Bridging Divorce Solutions.We talk about how to navigate divorce without destroying your finances — and why divorce doesn’t have to mean court battles, massive legal fees, or emotional warfare.Brenda shares:• The biggest financial mistakes people make during divorce • How a simple pension oversight cost tens of thousands in legal fees • When divorce mediation works — and when litigation is necessary • Why rushing divorce decisions can hurt your long-term financial future • The critical financial steps people forget after the divorce is final • How to divorce with dignity while protecting your assetsIf you’re considering divorce, going through separation, or rebuilding after divorce, this episode will help you make informed decisions about mediation, divorce finances, custody, and protecting your future.Oh Shit, I’m Getting Divorced: The Guide to Keeping Your Dignity and Dollars Bridging Divorce SolutionsEnjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessLinkedIn: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Six years after leaving an abusive relationship, Tiffiny Newton turned her pain into purpose. As founder of New Tide Consulting LLC and co-founder of Ignite Her Inc., she now empowers women to recognize emotional abuse, create safe exit strategies, and rebuild their confidence and independence.In this powerful episode of Bent Not Broken, Tiffiny shares her experience with love bombing, gaslighting, coercive control, trauma bonding, financial abuse, and the five times she tried to leave before finally escaping.You’ll learn:Early red flags of narcissistic and emotional abuseWhy trauma bonding feels like addictionHow to document patterns instead of chasing proofThe importance of defining your personal “line in the sand”How self-defense training helped her reclaim her powerTiffiny is also the author of Behind the Smile: The Unseen Signs of Emotional Abuse, a guide that helps loved ones understand why leaving isn’t simple — and how to support someone safely.If something feels off, it probably is. Words lie. Patterns don’t.Learn more about Tiffiny at https://www.tiffinynewton.com.Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessLinkedIn: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

What if the fire meant to break you actually refined you?In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Paquita Reddish, a survivor of domestic violence, depression, and deep personal struggle who transformed pain into purpose through faith, healing, and entrepreneurship. Paquita is the CEO of Blessed Divine Creations, LLC, a motivational speaker, and a devoted mother of three who is building legacy-centered spaces for Black women in business.Paquita shares the pivotal moment with her daughter that gave her the courage to leave an abusive marriage, the reality of emotional and verbal abuse, and why it often takes multiple attempts before women can safely leave. We talk candidly about major depressive disorder, hospitalization, and what healing truly looks like beyond the highlight reel.This conversation also explores how faith sustained Paquita in her darkest moments, why you don’t have to be fully healed to start building, and how entrepreneurship and creativity became part of her healing journey. Paquita’s story is a reminder that survival can turn into leadership—and that purpose is always within reach.If you’re feeling stuck, afraid, or unsure how to begin again, this episode is for you.Topics Covered:Leaving an abusive relationship and overcoming fearHealing from depression and traumaFaith as a foundation for resilienceBuilding a business while healingLegacy leadership and empowermentConnect with Paquita:LinkedIn & Facebook: Divine SolutionistFacebook: Blessed Divine CreationsWebsites: Coming soonThe fire doesn’t have to destroy you—it can refine you.Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessLinkedIn: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

In this episode, I’m joined by Karen Theimer, a Freedom Coach, Breathwork Facilitator, and wellness expert with nearly 20 years of experience helping women reclaim their confidence and sense of self.Karen shares her journey through divorce, a cancer diagnosis, burnout, and feeling stuck—and how those wake-up calls led her to healing through breathwork, mindset shifts, and holistic wellness. We explore confidence after 50, letting go of guilt and people-pleasing, regulating the nervous system, and why it’s never too late to start over.If you’re navigating life after divorce, struggling with self-worth, or craving clarity and freedom in your next chapter, this conversation offers practical tools and powerful perspective.Connect with Karenwww.karentheimer.comEnjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessLinkedIn: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

In this episode of Bent Not Broken, Deborah speaks with Lisa Johnson, co-founder of Been There, Got Out and a leading voice on high-conflict divorce and legal abuse.Lisa shares insights from lived experience and landmark legal work—her self-represented case, published in the Connecticut Law Journal, is now legal precedent, and her testimony helped expand domestic violence laws to include coercive control.Together, they unpack red flags of high-conflict divorce, financial abuse and hidden assets, choosing the right divorce attorney, post-separation legal abuse, and how to protect children from parental alienation. This episode offers clarity, validation, and hope for anyone navigating custody battles or an impossible ex.Resources:Been There, Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, and Staying Sane Under Insane CircumstancesWhen Your Ex Turns the Kids Against You (March 2026)Splitting by Bill Eddy (High Conflict Institute)DV LeapConnect:beentheregotout.com | Instagram: @beentheregotout | Podcast/YouTube: Been There, Got OutEnjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessLinkedIn: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now.

Today’s guest is Kira Hartley Klinger, an entrepreneur, author, and creative force whose journey proves it’s never too late to reinvent your life.Kira shares her powerful story of spending 23 years in a toxic marriage where she slowly lost her voice—learning to stay quiet to keep the peace. In this honest and inspiring conversation, she opens up about the moment she finally said “I’m done,” and what it took to rebuild her life, her confidence, and her sense of self.We talk about reclaiming your voice, leaving emotionally toxic relationships, and how entrepreneurship and storytelling became tools for healing and empowerment. Kira also shares how curiosity led her into the vintage fabric world, how community restored her confidence, and how creativity—through writing, building, and grandparenthood—became a source of joy and freedom.Connect with KiraBooks: Available on Amazon and in her Etsy shop Oddity (signed and personalized copies available)Etsy: DodOddityInstagram: @dododdityLinkedIn: Kira Hartley KlingerFacebook: Kira Hartley Klinger (Author Page)This episode is a reminder that your voice matters, your dreams aren’t over, and it’s never too late to say “I can” again.Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessLinkedIn: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now.Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

In this episode, Deborah sits down with Linda Grizzely, a financial wellness speaker, personal finance educator, and host of the Real Money, Real Life podcast.After divorcing following 23 years of marriage, Linda found herself navigating finances she hadn’t managed in years—conflicting advice, financial stress, and survival mode. That experience reshaped how she now supports women through a judgment-free, human-centered approach to money.Together, they explore why financial healing must be part of the divorce recovery process, how cash flow impacts confidence and decision-making, and why understanding your credit is one of the most empowering steps women can take after divorce.In this episode, you’ll learn:How divorce changes a woman’s financial realityWhy checking your credit score is empowering—not scaryHow to review your credit report and spot red flagsThe emotional impact of financial stress after divorceWhat cash flow really means—and why it matters more than incomeHow Linda’s “Me Money” approach supports self-care without guiltThis episode is a reminder that rebuilding after divorce isn’t just emotional—it’s financial too. With the right support, clarity and confidence are possible.Learn more at https://lindagriz.comEnjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessLinkedIn: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

In this powerful episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah sits down with Chris Cushing, a US Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of VA Victory, to discuss living authentically after divorce, navigating military life, and breaking free from societal expectations.Chris shares her honest journey of entering a marriage she knew wasn’t right, serving in the Air Force overseas in England, becoming an instant stepmom, and ultimately coming out and choosing truth over comfort. She opens up about listening to intuition, recognizing red flags, and leaving a marriage with integrity, safety, and compassion.This episode explores divorce recovery, LGBTQ+ identity, self-trust, blended family challenges, emotional healing, and rebuilding confidence after divorce. Chris also shares how her military training helped her stay calm under pressure and how living authentically led her to love, peace, and purpose.If you’re questioning your identity, ignoring your gut, or wondering if it’s too late to live truthfully, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and hope.You are not broken — you are becoming.Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessLinkedIn: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

In this inspiring episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce, host Deborah Griffiths speaks with Gail Showalter about divorce recovery, single motherhood, and reinvention after betrayal.Gail shares her powerful journey from a picture-perfect life to becoming a single mom of three after infidelity shattered her marriage. Through grief, financial uncertainty, and emotional isolation, she rebuilt her life step by step—returning to college, becoming a teacher, and later founding Single Moms Empowered Ed, a nonprofit that helps single mothers earn degrees and achieve financial independence.This conversation explores healing from emotional betrayal, navigating grief after divorce, rebuilding confidence, parenting as a single mom, and why education and job certification are critical for breaking cycles of poverty. Gail also shares insights from her work as a personality specialist, offering practical tools to improve parenting, relationships, and self-understanding.If you’re navigating life after divorce, starting over later in life, or feeling overwhelmed as a single mother, this episode is a reminder that healing, stability, and purpose are possible—one baby step at a time.Guest ResourcesWebsite: www.gailshowalter.comEmail (to request the Personalities for Parents chart): gail@gailshowalter.comBook: Living, Learning, Loving — available at Barnes & Noble and major retailersEnjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessLinkedIn: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

In this bonus coaching session, Coach Deborah unpacks the most powerful insights from her conversation with self-love coach Jonathan Aslay. Together, they explored how grief, divorce, trauma, and identity loss can disconnect us from our self-worth—and how rebuilding begins from within.This episode gives you simple, practical coaching tools to help you strengthen your emotional foundation and reconnect with your voice, boundaries, and inner clarity.In This Episode You’ll Learn: • Why rebuilding your identity starts with emotional scaffolding • The signs you’re dating from a wounded place • What sovereignty looks like in healthy relationships • How triggers reveal where healing is needed • Why feeling your feelings is essential—not optional • Daily practices to support self-love, grounding, and emotional awarenessIf you’re healing after divorce, emotional abuse, gaslighting, or years of self-abandonment, this coaching session offers clarity, direction, and compassionate guidance.Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: @BrokenToBoldnessFacebook: Broken to BoldnessLinkedIn: Broken to BoldnessRemember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.