The Separation Guide | A starting point for better separation and divorce

Title: Radical Intentionality and Post-Traumatic Growth with Aubrey BlancheIs it possible to experience divorce as a catalyst for growth rather than a sign of failure?In this incredibly candid and refreshing episode, DEI expert and "double divorced" advocate Aubrey Blanche joins Sabina Read to debunk the stigma surrounding multiple separations. Aubrey shares how they navigated two divorces with radical honesty, shifting the narrative from "everything is crumbling" to a process of intentional self-discovery and "post-traumatic growth."Together, they explore:Post-Traumatic Growth: How to use life’s biggest transitions as a springboard for becoming a stronger, more authentic version of yourself.The "Marty Ginsburg List": Why establishing clear non-negotiables (and "anti-lists" for deal-breakers) is the key to long-term compatibility.Separation in the Queer Community: Addressing the unique weight of "letting the community down" and the power of chosen family support.Relationship Anarchy: Using clear communication and boundaries to build connections that are additive, not just "filling a hole".Support in the Workplace: Practical advice for managers on how to support employees through a life crisis.Whether you are navigating your own separation or simply looking to build more intentional relationships, Aubrey’s "strategy-led" approach to life and love offers a roadmap for moving forward with dignity and hope.

Debunking narcissistic behaviours with Dr Ahona GuhaWhat is narcissism, really?In this powerful episode, psychologist and forensic expert Dr Ahona Guha joins Sabina Read to unpack one of the most misunderstood and emotionally loaded issues in separation and divorce.Together, they explore:How narcissistic traits show up in relationships and why the term is so often misusedThe difference between tendencies, traits and Narcissistic Personality DisorderWhat it feels like to be on the receiving end, and why “crazy-making” dynamics occurHow narcissism impacts parenting, conflict, co-parenting and the legal processPractical strategies for boundaries, communication and emotional regulationWhat hope and repair can look like, even when the relationship is over.If you’re navigating separation from a partner with narcissistic tendencies, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers clarity, compassion and practical tools to help you move forward.

Property is often the biggest asset in a separation – and one of the hardest to navigate. Should you sell the family home? Can you afford to stay? How do you avoid costly mistakes when emotions are running high?In this episode, host Sabina Read is joined by Evan Thornley, Co-Founder and CEO of Longview, and Jules Hewitt, Head of Customer Success at Agent Select, to unpack the complexities of property division during separation and divorce.Together they explore:The impact of soaring property prices on couples deciding whether to separate.Mistakes to avoid when buying or selling under pressure.How to find the right real estate agent (and what questions to ask).Strategies for staying on the “capital growth train” post-separation.The pros and cons of renting or “rentvesting” as a transitional step.Practical resources and tools to make better property decisions.Whether you’re separating, supporting someone who is, or simply wanting to future-proof your financial wellbeing, this episode is full of expert advice and practical tips to help you approach property decisions with clarity and confidence.

What are the signs a relationship has run its course - and how can you tell the difference between natural relationship challenges and something more? In this heartfelt and insightful episode, psychologist and host Sabina Read speaks with accredited divorce coach Bev Berelowitz about the deeply personal and often painful decision to separate.Bev shares her own experience of leaving her marriage, and the wisdom she’s gained from supporting others on their separation journeys. Together, they explore the power of trusting your gut, the role of fear, how to know when you’ve done “enough” to try to make it work, and how to reframe separation as a courageous, values-based choice rather than a failure.Whether you’re feeling stuck, wondering what’s next, or supporting someone who’s struggling, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope.

Superannuation is often overlooked in separation, but it’s a crucial asset that can significantly impact your financial future. In this episode, we break down the key things you need to know about super in separation—why it matters, common misconceptions, and how to approach it fairly and equitably.We explore the common fight-or-flight response in high-conflict separations, the importance of financial disclosure, and practical steps to take control of your super. From understanding your balance to consolidating funds and seeking professional advice, our experts share their top takeaways to help you make informed decisions.Plus, we discuss the bigger picture—how these conversations today can create long-term financial security and even drive generational change.If you’re navigating separation and want to ensure your financial well-being, this episode is a must-listen.Want to learn more? Join our free online event: Super in Separation: 5 Things You’ll Want to Know Before Finalising a Separation Agreement on Wednesday, 26th March, 12:00-1:00 PM (AEDT) via Google Meet.

Positive Co-parenting over the holiday season In this episode, Lisanne Iriks of the Co-Parenting Institute talks with Sabina Read about creating a positive co-parenting environment for your children during the holiday season. Whether the separation is relatively new or you are tackling your first Christmas as a separated family, Lisanne shares some ways to manage the emotions and changes to traditions over this time. She shares how to give yourself and your children a positive experience, creating new rituals for the future.

We’ve had ‘no-fault’ divorce in Australia since 1975. Unlike criminal law, there's not a guilty verdict. Your lawyer isn't fighting to 'win' - their job is to help you reach an agreement with your spouse over property and financial settlement and child arrangements. So is there really a place for escalating your matter to an inevitable court date, and who is actually benefiting when that happens? Is it time in Australia for a kind approach to Family Law? In this episode, we speak to Perpetua Kish from Balance Family Law and Angela Harbinson, CEO of The Separation Guide about: the role of the law in separation and divorce what kindness in Family Law looks like and how it benefits clients de-escalation and proactive communication between lawyers what to look for when choosing a lawyer who will avoid escalation possible points of escalation and how to avoid them the financial and emotional cost of escalation and going to court. Please subscribe for episodes about all aspects of separation and divorce in Australia. If you know someone who will find this podcast helpful, please share. The Separation Guide aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful. To find out more about how one of our Network Members could support your separation, take our free 3-minute Q&A. If you offer professional help and advice to people going through separation and divorce, Join the Network.

In this episode, Jack Whelan speaks with Heidi Rogers from Moving Mindsets, Tanya Hibberd from Aubrey Brown and Andrew Wilson, who is a Mediator with The Separation Guide, about the different types of family violence, how these can affect your separation, and some tips about what you can do if you find yourself facing family violence while also going through a separation. 

Jack Whelan, Barrister, Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner spoke with Dr Mandy-Jo Ellis from the Relationspace, Carolyn Devries, CEO of NEW Way Lawyers, Australia’s first not for profit law firm, and New Way Law Family Law expert practitioner Ryan Cropper to discuss some of the issues facing separating and divorced families in a pandemic. 

Today, we chat with Davide Di Pietro, Principal therapist at The Resilience Centre's Family Clinic, about communicating through separation. This practical conversation covers: Setting separation conversations up the right way Communication barriers Grounding strategies Psychological rigidity vs. psychological flexibility. 'The families that I've worked with where I've met them before the separation has occurred and been able to...walk through with them that whole process, it seems to go quite well.' Thinking about separation? Our 5-minute Q&A can help connect you with the right experts to guide you through the maze. For more free separation resources, go to theseparationguide.com.au. Read more about Davide and The Resilience Centre.

'When we have had a successful meeting with a client in this situation, the overall feeling they walk out with is hope. They see they have choices and that despite the change, there is room for a positive future ahead of them.' We chat with Steve Fort, Financial Planner and Director Invest Blue, about how to prepare for a new financial future. The transcript of this podcast is here. Thinking about separation? Our 3-minute Q&A can help connect you with the right experts to guide you through the maze. For more free separation resources, go to theseparationguide.com.au. If you offer professional help and advice to people going through separation and divorce, Join the Network.

We chat with Anna Cruckshank and Kate O'Grady of Aubrey Brown Lawyers about: Being stuck in the ‘escalation cycle’  Debunking divorce myths What it actually means to go to the family court The transcript of this podcast is here. Thinking about separation? Our 3-minute Q&A can help connect you with the right experts to guide you through the maze. For more free separation resources, head to theseparationguide.com.au. If you offer professional help and advice to people going through separation and divorce, Join the Network.