What Actually Predicts Divorce (According to the Divorce Doctor)

What Actually Predicts Divorce (According to the Divorce Doctor)

July 20, 2026 · 40 min · Season 3

About this episode

Sue Palmer Cole, the divorce doctor, discusses the key factors that predict divorce beyond compatibility.

Sherlock built his method on reading behaviour before anyone spoke a word. Turns out marriages run on the same evidence. Sue Palmer Cole, the divorce doctor and founder of the Divorce Academy, joins Ben and Bob to break down what actually predicts whether a relationship survives, and it isn't compatibility. It's adaptability, communication style and how a couple handles conflict when it shows up. Sue walks through the real inflection points: the affair risk window during early parenthood, the brain rewiring that hits women in perimenopause, and why two thirds of divorces are instigated by women between 45 and 55. John Gottman's five to one ratio gets a mention, as does the difference between a couple leaning into a relationship versus leaning out of it. If you've ever wondered why some marriages adapt and others just accumulate silence, this one's for you. Divorce doctor:  https://www.divorce-doctor.com/meet-the-divorce-doctor/ Access the free tier or go deeper with exclusive paid challenges: https://www.omniscient-insights.com/axiom https://www.omniscient-insights.com/community-home MERCH -- https://the-deductionist.myspreadshop.co.uk/all E-SCAPE GAME…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ben Cardall, Bob

Guest: Sue Palmer Cole

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Divorce Academy, Divorce Doctor, Omniscient Insights, Robert John Collins Music

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