How to Survive a Break-up with Cole Zesiger

How to Survive a Break-up with Cole Zesiger

From Turning 30 Podcast by Emma Wilson

March 6, 2026 · 57 min

About this episode

Emma Wilson interviews breakup coach Cole Zesiger about navigating heartbreak and the complexities of relationships.

This week I'm joined by Cole Zesiger, a breakup and relationship coach who has helped over 2,000 people navigate heartbreak. After going through a divorce at 23 and jumping into a rebound relationship that also ended, Cole rebuilt his life from scratch and now teaches others how to do the same. He also just released his first book, Exes and No's: The Breakup Advice You Don't Want to Hear. This is one of the rare episodes where we have a male guest, and I loved getting Cole's perspective on breakups, rebounds, and what it actually takes to be ready for love again. What we cover: Why breakups are so devastating. It's not just losing the person, it's losing the entire future you imagined with them. The science behind heartbreak. Studies show that romantic rejection activates the same brain patterns as withdrawing from hard drugs. This explains why we do irrational things after a breakup. The truth about no contact. Why treating a breakup like a detox is often the fastest path to healing, and why it's also the best strategy if you genuinely want to get back together. Can you actually get back with an ex? Cole shares when reconciliation works, when it doesn't, and a story about a…

People in this episode

Host: Emma Wilson

Guest: Cole Zesiger

Topics covered

  • breakup advice
  • relationship coaching
  • heartbreak
  • rebound relationships
  • dating readiness

Keywords

  • breakup
  • heartbreak
  • relationship coach
  • rebound
  • dating

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Exes and No's: The Breakup Advice You Don't Want to Hear

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