The Divorced Girl Smiling Podcast

What does it mean to be living your best life during and after divorce? That's something that only you can answer. But, if you're someone who is trying to figure things out, my guests and I are here to help. They are financial advisors, Allison Alexander and Michael Goldstein of Savant Wealth Management. The three of us (all who went through divorces) talk finances-specifically how to live your best life no matter what your budget is. 

Feel like you're being judged by some people for getting divorce? Do you ever judge people? Everyone judges. It's just what we do, according to my guest, Brittany Baker, LCSW and therapist. In this episode, we talk about why people judge, how it feels to be judged, and what to do if you're feeling judged. 

If you are going through a gray divorce, this is a great episode for you! My guest is Patrick Wanzer, CPA, who is a Tax Representation Consultant who helps people with any issues they might have with the IRS. Patrick offers advice on avoiding tax problems and what to do if you have concerns about your taxes. 

We know you want a good divorce outcome and we wish that for you! That's why my guest and I offer 7 things you can do to get one! My guest is Wendy Hernandez, a veteran Arizona based divorce attorney and brand new author of her book, "Legally Ending Love." These 7 things are all in your control! You don't want to miss this! Get Wendy's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735440612

"The Ozempic Divorce." Heard of it? It's a hot topic right now, as people are going on GLP1s, losing weight and ending up divorced because the significant weight change affected their marriage. My guest in this episode is Divorce Coach, Jenine Marie Powell, who talks about this scenario and other weight-related issues and how they could change a relationship. But Jenine and I also get into your body during divorce, and what you can do to stay healthy.

Deciding what to do with your rings after divorce is hard. My guest in this episode is Anne Gabel, who has been a diamond and jewelry buyer since 2011. Anne shares her expert information to help you determine what your diamond is worth and if now is the right time to sell. 

This is a wonderful episode for someone who is just starting the divorce process. My guest is divorce attorney, David Heiman, and our comprehensive conversation starts with tips on filing for divorce. We then get into securing temporary orders, and give you a glimpse of what to expect in the divorce process. 

It's normal and understandable to be emotional during your divorce. But what happens if your emotions get the best of you in mediation or in court, or even while meeting with your attorney and making decisions? Emotions like anger, fear and resentment can cost you! My guest is divorce attorney, Katherine Miller, who explains what "regulating our emotions" looks like and why it's important for a better outcome and a better post-divorce life. 

Anger is a pretty powerful emotion. While it's understandable and normal to feel anger in divorce, it can be detrimental if you let it interfere with your decision making. My guest in this episode is divorce coach, Mardi Winder, and we talk about the effects of letting anger control you while you're trying to make decisions in your divorce. We also offer tips on managing anger and getting into the best headspace during your divorce. Read the article Mardi wrote on this topic here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/the-effects-of-anger-in-decision-making-during-divorce/

It's pretty normal to make mistakes during a divorce. But there are certain mistakes that if you make them, there's really nothing you can do to fix them. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, Catherine Becker Good. Catherine explains what these mistakes are and how to avoid making them.

Liz Felt Wakeman is a divorce attorney in IL. She is my guest in this episode, where she explains the changes in child support laws taking effect in January of 2027. We talk about how they might affect your case.

When I was first separated, and I met with a couple of divorce attorneys, I had no idea what to expect. Even more stressful, I didn't know what to ask. My guest in this episode is Tiffany M. Hughes, a Chicago based divorce attorney, who provides questions to ask and tells us why they are important, and how asking them can help you get a better outcome.

What is emotional manipulation and is it happening to you? What is coercive control and are you experiencing that? My guest in this episode is Debra Alper, LCSW, Divorce Strategist for the Legal Process and Divorce Recovery Therapist. Debra explains what these two awful things are, and how to know if you are a victim. She also provides tips for those in this situation, whether you are married to the person, going through a divorce, or already divorced.

Parental Alienation is heartbreaking for both parents and kids. If you think you might be a victim, listen to this episode. My guest is Divorce Coach, Kristen Noel, co-founder of The Intuitive Divorce, who explains the signs of parental alienation. We also provide tips for coping and talking to your kids and your spouse. 

When you are unfamiliar with the divorce process, it's easy to make mistakes. My guest in this episode is Divorce Mediator, Michael Cohen, who talks about common mistakes couples make in the early stages of divorce, and how to avoid making them. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/hiring-a-divorce-attorney/

Sex and They City, one of the all-time best shows, had a huge impact on women looking for love--women of all ages! This includes me and my guest, Jamie Gelb, who is in her thirties. In this episode, we talk about the women we adored: Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha, the decisions they made when it came to love, and how it might have impacted our decisions. 

Why does divorce take so long? It's a question almost everyone going through a divorce asks at one point in the process. When things seem to drag on, it can feel frustrating and stressful. My guest in this episode is Wisconsin based divorce attorney, Renee Read, who not only answers the question, but offers tips on how to speed things up. 

Selling your house in the divorce? My guest in this episode is Indianapolis-based Realtor, Cynthia Yosha-Snyder, CDRE®, who offers a lot of small tips and one really BIG one! 

Are you losing your health insurance in the divorce? My guest in this episode, Stephen Weinberger, has been an insurance professional for 17 years. He has answers to all your questions! 

These are the issues and fears and thoughts people going through a divorce are sharing with their divorce attorneys. My guest is Pennsylvania based divorce attorney, Christine Lombardo, who tells us what she's hearing and then addresses each one. Our discussion is meant to validate you, and give you some advice for those thoughts that are keeping you up at night!

Want the best possible outcome in your divorce? We know you do, and we want that too, which is why my guest, MC Skinner, a North Carolina based divorce attorney wants to share 5 things you need to be doing right now! We hope this inspires you and gives you hope not just for the divorce outcome, but for your post-divorce life. 

Are you in divorce litigation that you think might end up going to trial? If so, this is a great episode for you. My guest is divorce attorney, Richard Lebovitz, who gives us a look into what happens during a divorce trial. He also offers tips on preparing for trial and what you should and shouldn't do during the actual trial. 

It can feel so hurtful and painful when your ex starts dating someone so quickly after you separate--even if you are the one who wanted the divorce. My guest in this episode is Karen Covy, Divorce and Decision Coach, and we talk about what you might be feeling and how you can cope-especially how you can get your mindset to a place where you still make good decisions in the divorce.

Why would someone fear their spouse in a divorce? Possible reasons include: increased conflict, the spouse is acting like a bully, or he or she could get physical. My guest in this episode is high conflict divorce coach, Cherie Morris, and we talk through all of these possible reasons, and then offer advice on how to handle your fears. Read the article Cherie wrote on this topic here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/im-afraid-of-my-husband-particularly-who-he-might-become-in-the-divorce/

Do you feel like your ex might be hiding money in the divorce? If so, you might be considering hiring a forensic accountant. My guests in this episode are Catherine Shanahan, CDFA® and Karen Chellew, Co-founders of My Divorce Solution, who explain what exactly a forensic accountant does, and talk about when and when you don't need one. 

Financial advisors and CDFAs, Pete Mullins and Lauren Connelly share 4 questions they get asked often when working with people facing divorce. This episode will empower you and help you understand how financial planning can help you get a better divorce outcome and feel more in control of your money. 

Have you ever gotten an email and you just don't know how to take the tone of it? Is the person angry? Written communication can be tricky, especially when it comes to divorce. My guest in this episode is divorce mediator, Brian James, who offers tips for writing emails and sending texts to your ex during and after divorce. These might be game changers for the outcome of your divorce, and for your co-parenting relationship.

Every divorce is hard. But what happens when your faith community doesn't support your decision to end your marriage? That's what happened to author, Alisha Roth, a young mother with 4 children at the time. Alisha is our guest, and she shares her story, along with tips for those in this situation. By the way, the book is called "Courageous Divorce" and I read it in 3 days! 

The financial aspect of a divorce can be the most stressful part of this major life transition. Who better than to offer money management tips than my guest, Financial Divorce Coach, Hirsch Serman? These are game changers in helping you feel more calm and organized. 

If you are considering divorce, you have probably been thinking about it for a long time-months or even years. Making the decision to divorce takes time and a lot of thought. But there's something else that might help you make the best decisions for you and your kids: planning. My guest in this episode is NY based divorce attorney, Andrea Friedman, who talks specifically about the kind of planning that will help you make those really important decisions--everything from financial and real estate to parenting plans and lifestyle.

Parenting plans can be tricky. You don't want to have everything set in stone, yet you need to make sure there is structure. My guest in this episode is divorce mediator, Erik Feig, who offers tips on creating healthy parenting plans to benefit both parents and kids. 

Want to know the key to being successful in divorce mediation? According to my guest in this episode, the answer is: setting goals. David Louis is a divorce mediator, who talks about the importance of both the mediator and the participants in setting goals before each session. David also offers tips on how to determine the goals. 

Gray divorce continues to be on the rise. Why? We tell you in this episode. My guest is Divorce, Relationships and Life Coach, Michèle Heffron and we get into what to expect in a gray divorce, as well as tips for those in it or who are about to be in it. Read Michèle's article on the subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/gray-divorce-what-it-is-why-its-different-and-how-to-move-through-it-well/

Are you going through a divorce with teens, college-age kids or young adults? If so, this is a great episode for you, as my guest, Therapist, Fabianna Laby gives us a look into what these kids might be feeling, and how you can make things easier for both them and yourself. 

Financial decisions are so important in divorce, and oftentimes, people make mistakes for two reasons: they make the decisions with their emotions and they don't have the support they need to help them make decisions. My guest in this episode is Julia Shteynberg, Money Coach, who lists the three biggest mistakes she sees divorcing women make, and offers advice on how to correct them. 

Dating is hard for everyone. But it can be even more challenging if you are a high-achieving woman. We are talking about successful, driven, happy, healthy women who are constantly saying how hard it is to meet someone. My guest is Relationship Coach and Hypnotherapist, Mina Yang who has a lot to say to high-achievers on the subject of dating! And hypnotherapy? It's not what you think at all! Follow Mina on Substack: https://minayangtrue.substack.com/

The marriage of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce has everyone excited and happy, but while we hope their marriage lasts forever, the reality is, what happens if it doesn't? My guest is Divorce Attorney, Jeffrey Lance Abood, who talks about prenups, and the importance of mediation in a high-profile, high-asset divorce.  

Sometimes after going through a divorce, people lose sight of what a healthy relationship looks like. Maybe you've been treated so poorly in your marriage, you don't even remember what it feels like to be in a relationship free of toxicity. My guest in this episode is divorce recovery therapist, Juli Walton, LCPC, and she offers a look into what "healthy" is in relationships. We also offer tips for your for your next relationship. Read Juli's article on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/healthy-vs-unhealthy-relationships-how-to-recognize-the-difference/

This episode is a comprehensive discussion about child support and the issues that can come up in a divorce case. My guest is divorce attorney, Debbie Cohen, who answers so many questions you might have. Read Debbie's article on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/child-support-what-every-divorcing-parent-needs-to-know/

A divorce could be going relatively well, but the dynamics can dramatically change when one person gets into a relationship. This happens often, and we want to help you manage your feelings and make good divorce decisions, despite the hurt you are going through. My guest is Divorce Attorney, Sandra Fava, who has advice both for the person who is in the new relationship and the person whose ex just got involved with someone new. Read Sandra's article on this subject here:

https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/when-a-new-relationship-during-divorce-changes-everything/