The Divorce Doctor

When children are part of the equation of how a divorce is handled, being intentional about doing what is best for them is so important. Divorce is traumatic for everyone involved and it can have a lasting effect on children, especially. That's a weighty responsibility when it comes to re-learning how to parent in the midst of, and after, a divorce. This week's guest, Sarah Armstrong, shares her powerful story of navigating divorce with her daughter's well-being at the forefront. It's incredibly easy for animosity between divorced parents to create a toxic environment for their children, and how children experience divorce remains with them for the rest of their lives. Through thoughtful intentionality, Sarah and her ex charted a course that made space for each of them to process and express their grief while doing their best to minimize trauma for their daughter. That hard work was rewarded a year later when Sarah's daughter described her parents' divorce as a "good one." When Sarah isn't traveling the world as a global business executive, she works to break down the stigma that surrounds divorce through her book, The Mom's Guide to a Good Divorce. I hope you enjoy hearing her story this week on the Divorce Doctor Podcast. Learn more about Sarah by visiting her website at momsguidetogooddivorce.com.

"Amicable" is not a word that many divorcees use to describe their divorce processes. However, Jessica Klingbaum has gone through not just one, but two divorces that both ended amicably on good terms. So, how did she do it? That is the question we explore on this week's podcast. Jessica's first marriage ended when her husband was caught having an affair, and although that was emotionally devastating for Jessica, it was important to her that they end their divorce on good terms for the sake of their two kids. Through humility and hard work on both sides, along with Jessica's own positive attitude and strength, she and her ex remain friends. Her second marriage didn't end quite so dramatically. Instead, she came to the realization a couple of years in that she was feeling depressed, anxious, and just kind of blue all of the time. She had to ask herself if she wanted her kids to experience their last years at home with a mom who was not herself, or a mom who was joyful and full of life–and she and her husband made the hard choice to end the marriage for the sake of their individual happiness. Jessica is a former Emmy-nominated TV producer, co-founder of the online digital media community exEXPERTS, and co-host of the podcast Divorce etc... Jessica is also a certified aromatherapist and devoted advocate of essential oils, which she began using after getting divorced in order to relax and find calm amid the chaos. Her story is one you will want to be sure to listen to, as she has lots more wisdom to share with us about journeying divorce well. Learn more about Jessica by visiting her website at www.exexperts.comYou can also find her on social media:@exexperts (IG)www.Facebook.com/exexperts AND, if you visit the website or listen in to the podcast, you can get access to FREE content on exexperts.com and our Divorce etc...podcast. A new app is coming soon with an opportunity to meet others who GET IT and live events to access the exEXPERTS - both T.H. & Jessica and our vetted divorce professionals.

T.H. Irwin is always moving forward. Throughout her lifetime, she's had to reinvent herself several times both personally and professionally, and through this process, she has learned how to evolve and grow through every challenge. She has a background in marketing, strategy, experiential events, and community development, and is also the co-founder of Ex Experts with her current partner. She's been single, married, divorced mom, and now in a partnership again, and she shares her story with us this week on the podcast. T.H. has such a moving story. She shares with us this week that her husband's mistress saved her life because she was able to finally get the push she needed to leave the marriage. And while the divorce was necessary and turned out for the best, it was a long, heartrending, expensive process that T.H. doesn't shy away from sharing with us. And after things were finalized, T.H. went through an even longer process of healing from the hurt and the trauma of her marriage, and she shares with us what that healing journey was like, and how she's found a sense of self-confidence she's never had before. You won't want to miss this week's conversation with T.H. It is eye-opening, inspiring, encouraging, and is sure to remind you that no matter what you may be going through, you have what it takes to keep moving forward. Learn more about T.H. Irwin by visiting her website at www.exexperts.com. Or, visit them on Facebook, Instagram, or catch their Podcast on most major streaming platforms. If you visit their website, be sure to check out the FREE content on it, and keep your eyes out for a new app coming soon that'll provide an opportunity to meet others who GET IT!

What is the hardest part about divorce? For Alexandra Eva-May, it was dealing with feelings of shame and self-worth. After the divorce, it became learning how to live alone and foster a sense of independence. Knowing that her story could benefit others going through a complicated and traumatic divorce, she wrote Her Awakening: One Woman's Journey to Healing After Divorce, available on Amazon. Alexandra didn't stop there, however. You can find her on her podcast Heal and Thrive After Heartbreak, and you can also find her on Instagram. Alexandra believes that despite the trauma divorce can bring, it will eventually become something greater if you just have hope. She went from feeling worthless to realizing that she can survive hard things and that the view from the other side is beautiful. She is determined to help others in their path to healing from divorce, despite what the inner voice says about being "too young," "too invested," or "too broken." Alexandra Eva-May is a writer, blogger, motivational speaker, mental health advocate, and divorcée who is on a mission to help others on their healing journey after divorce. You can often find her on her blog or Instagram, sharing how she healed from her own split. She is in constant pursuit of peace, light, and happiness and works to motivate others to seek the same. Learn more about Alexandra Eva-May by visiting her website at https://www.thesplendidpath.com/

After experiencing the divorce of her parents at the age of 3, Bella decided she wanted to become a voice for the people out there who also have been through a divorce. She has become an advocate for many. Although she believes every story is different, she is using her words on her website to help those who have also experienced a divorce. She believes that she did not have the skills to properly cope with the effects of divorce, so her life now is dedicated to showing others how to cope, speak about their story, and to find comfort that many out there are going through similar situations. Her posts on her BLOG [https://www.akidwithtwohomes.com/] share the experiences she has dealt with. Many are the struggles of conflict, handling holidays with two homes, and navigating how society deals with divorced children. In her well-written words, she often validates the feelings of children of divorced parents and shares her experience with forgiveness. Bella's words, whether written or spoken, have brought hope, encouragement, and truth to those who are also known as "kid with two homes." Want to hear more from Bella? Check out her blog! It is free and accessible: https://www.akidwithtwohomes.com/

When asked to describe her divorce in one word, this week's podcast guest, Michelle Sarao, said "necessary." Michelle felt she had no room to breathe, reflect, or grow up in her marriage, but it wasn't until a few years after her divorce that she was able to see this. Outside of her marriage, Michelle was able to see herself in a new light and pursue healing in deeply impactful ways. Her message to listeners is: if you're in the thick of it, have faith and trust in yourself and those who have gone before you; you are not alone and you will get through it. Michelle Sarao is the founder of Divorce Rx and is a professional organizer who focuses on the unique needs of divorcing and divorced families. She combines her professional background as an educator and organizer with her personal background as a child of divorce and a divorced mother of three to help families organize their homes and lives when transitioning from one home to two. Michelle passionately believes that when children are in an environment that is organized and calm, it translates into a feeling of predictability and safety at a time when they need it most. Her passion for her work stems from the desire to help parents show up for themselves and their children during divorce in a way that makes them proud. Learn more about Michelle by visiting her website at www.divorce-rx.com or following her on Instagram @divorce_rx and Facebook @MichelleSarao/Divorcerx As a special gift to our listeners, Michelle is offering 50% off a Power Hour (a one-time virtual organizing session valued at $75) or 25% off any organizing packages (three or six sessions - these are virtual or in-person).

If you're a step-parent, you know how complicated that relationship can feel. For starters, society tells us stepparents are evil and someone to be despised. Changing our roles as bonus parents begins with the language we use and the consideration we employ as we speak to and about our children. It's a layered dynamic, but that doesn't have to mean it's bad. This week's podcast guest, Christina McGhee, reminds us to play the long game, and not to get caught up in the short haul. Merging histories requires mindfulness and withholding our judgements and assumptions. Whether you feel like you're a pro, or messing up everyday, just remember - where you are right now isn't where you will always be, and you can always recalibrate. Christina McGhee is a speaker and divorce parenting expert who believes divorce doesn't have to equal devastation for families. While splitting up is undeniably hard, with the right kind of information and support, she thinks parents can be children's absolute best resource as life changes. As a coach with 20+ years of experience, Christina is dedicated to providing parents with the tools and practical support they need to get it right for their kids. She is also the author of the highly acclaimed book, Parenting Apart: How separated and divorced parents can raise happy and secure kids. As a child of divorce and as a bonus mom (aka step-mom), Christina has had plenty of opportunity to practice what she preaches. Together she and her husband have four "adultish" children (2 bonus, 2 bio). During her tenure as a hands-on parent, she acquired extensive on-the-job training as a chauffeur, negotiator, short-order cook, scheduler extraordinaire and finder of all things lost. Learn more about Christina by visiting her website at https://www.divorceandchildren.com or following her on social media: IG : @christina_mcghee FB: @divorceandchildren Li: @christinamcghee

Attaching our identity to the labels and expectations handed to us, like "good wife" and "loving mom," can cause us to lose our sense of self. It wasn't until this week's podcast guest, Brittany Churchill, went through her divorce that she realized just what she had been giving up in her marriage. As Brittany puts it, she was placed on this earth to be Brittany. If she couldn't actively live into who she was unmistakably made to be, she was denying the very reason she was given life. Though it was hard for her to envision what her future would look like outside of her marriage, she knew it would be harder for her to stay. Brittany Churchill is an author, speaker, entrepreneur and single mom of two kids with a big heart to help women awaken to their worth and tap into their personal power. While getting divorced, moving states, and going back to work full-time, she wrote her first book called Tap In Not Out: How overwhelmed moms can reclaim peace, cultivate a better life and thrive. She has developed her own TAP IN Method based on her book and divorce healing which she guides women through their inner blueprint to ignite a more fulfilling life. Learn more about Brittany Churchill by visiting her website at https://www.thebrittanychurchill.com/ and learn more about the TAP IN Method here https://bit.ly/TAPINMethodIntroVideo.

After her second divorce, Renee Bauer found herself compartmentalizing her life. On the outside, she was a professional and successful attorney, but on the inside, the shame and self-doubt were becoming too much to handle. When Renee finally started talking, she realized that telling her story helped to destigmatize the shame she felt, along with the shame others felt too. This week's podcast guest, Renee Bauer, is a divorce attorney, author, and host of the Happy Even After Podcast. She is committed to educating and empowering women to use their divorce as an opportunity to create a life they love. Having gone through 2 divorces herself and having lived in the shame of it all, it's her mission to remove the stigma of divorce so no one has to suffer in silence. Renee is convinced that when we follow our intuition, it will all work out exactly the way it's supposed to, and we too can be happy, even after the divorce. Learn more about Renee Bauer by visiting her website at www.msreneebauer.com and check out her free mini video course called 'First Steps to Freedom.' https://course.thedcourse.com/free-video-opt-in1614706932884

Ilyssa Panitz decided to create and become the first Divorce Journalist by combining her personal experience with divorce with her professional background. Ilyssa was not only frustrated by the process but noticed no one else in per profession was covering "divorce" on a daily basis the way they do: politics, business, medical, entertainment, sports & weather. So Ilyssa decided to start a column that would cover every and any angle of "divorce" to help people survive and thrive from what can be a difficult time: emotionally, mentally & financially. Since its inception in September 2020, Ilyssa's work has expanded to a nationally syndicated radio show called, "The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz" that can be heard every Saturday on CRN Digital Talk Radio, Spotify, iTunes, and Google Podcasts.

Did you hear a small voice whisper to you that you shouldn't marry the person you married? It's easy to ignore our intuition. But when we do, it can lead to so much anger and resentment. We knew better, but now here we are. This week's podcast guest, Tonya Carter, shares about the anger and powerlessness she felt immediately after her divorce. It wasn't until she decided to take back her power and rewrite the narrative that she found her purpose and fulfillment in life. According to Tonya, too often we put periods where only commas belong. Tonya Carter is an author, speaker & Relationship Transformation Coach. Her speciality is helping women navigate through the process of uncoupling by providing ‎support, advice, resources and tools that will help mitigate interruptions in their business, work ‎performance and household obligations. ‎ She has written a book titled Divorce Your Story: A Woman's Guide to Heal & Thrive after Divorce and ‎also facilitates a 12 week Masterclass that walks women through the process of overcoming divorce ‎and healing.‎ She also has a podcast called The Reinvent U Podcast, which focuses on mindset, emotions, finances, ‎health, faith, love, parenting and building meaningful relationships where she helps others become the best version of themselves ‎in their personal lives, families and professional environment. ‎ Tonya is from Atlanta where she resides with her two children‎. Learn more about Tonya Carter by visiting her website https://www.tonyacarter.com/, following her on Instagram @mstonyaspeaks, and download your free copy of 7 Ways to Recover.

Have you ever stayed in a relationship because you thought you had to? Maybe you didn't think you had other options, or you didn't trust you would be okay on your own. This week's podcast guest, Vasavi Kumar, shares vulnerably about the journey she's taken after her divorce to finding and loving herself. The day she realized she didn't need a man to confirm her worth, she saw her life through fresh eyes. Now Vasavi uses her life's experiences to help other women find freedom in their own adventurous selves, too. Vasavi is a Visibility and Confidence Coach, and Founder of the Real Rich community. Through her membership community and podcast, Being Human with Vasavi, she helps entrepreneurs feel more confident on camera and clear in their creative process. She's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, FOX, VH1, and was a regular on NBC's Kansas City Live as the "Keepin' It Real" guru. For more from Vasavi and to learn more about how you can stop hiding and start shining in your business, stop by her Instagram @mynameisvasavi or vasavikumar.com.

Did your husband leave you? Whether you had a feeling something was decaying in your marriage, or you were blindsided, the feelings in the aftermath are the same. It's easy to feel like you don't know where to go or what to do. That is exactly how this week's guest felt when her husband left her. Julie Starr, author of Your Husband Left, Now What? is an award winning social issues advocate for human rights and environmental protection. Julie has long been a dreamer and a doer. Trained first as a professional dance therapist (a 4 year degree from York University in Toronto), Julie moved into life coaching, founding Possibility Life Coaching for Women. Today, Julie works intimately with individuals and groups of women who have experienced a husband leaving and are eager to move through the grief to live their better life. Julie's been there, done that! Right now Julie is generously offering a free 30 min clarity call for anyone who wants to consider where they are, where they want to go, and what's getting in the way. Learn more by visiting her website at https://possibilitycoaching.net/about-julie/