Ever wondered why dating feels simultaneously easier and harder than ever before? In this illuminating conversation, dating expert Ilana Dunn pulls back the curtain on modern relationships with refreshing candor and practical wisdom.

Ilana shares her fascinating journey from heartbroken music industry professional to Hinge's social media maven to creator of the wildly popular "Seeing Other People" podcast. Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest setbacks—like being laid off during a pandemic—can become our greatest opportunities when we follow our authentic passion.

The digital dating landscape has completely transformed how we connect, but Ilana explains why having more options doesn't necessarily lead to more meaningful relationships. She offers invaluable insights on navigating dating apps effectively, identifying genuine compatibility beyond texting chemistry, and recognizing the most important green and red flags (spoiler: it's about how you feel, not superficial traits).

For those in relationships, Ilana shares the communication strategies that prevent small frustrations from becoming relationship-ending resentments. Her creative approach to maintaining excitement through intentional traditions like "date card days" demonstrates how simple thoughtfulness can keep long-term love thriving.

Perhaps most powerfully, Ilana provides compassionate guidance for those healing after breakups. Her advice on giving yourself permission to grieve, leaning on your support network strategically, and recognizing when you're truly ready to date again offers a roadmap through one of life's most challenging transitions.

Whether you're newly single after divorce, perpetually swiping without success, or seeking to strengthen an existing relationship, this episode delivers practical tools for finding and maintaining authentic connection in our complex digital world.

The traditional family law approach is being revolutionized, and this groundbreaking conversation between attorney Jonathan Merel and certified divorce coach Kristina Lindsay reveals exactly how. As possibly the nation's only family law firm with an in-house divorce coach, Merel Family Law is pioneering a more holistic approach to divorce representation that addresses both legal needs and profound emotional challenges.

Kristina shares her journey from domestic violence advocacy to high-conflict divorce coaching, explaining how she bridges critical gaps in client care. "What a divorce coach does is really we're an expert guide, to walk alongside somebody in the process," she explains, helping with boundaries, co-parenting strategies, and the overwhelming emotional burden that attorneys aren't trained to handle.

The episode takes a deep dive into the realities of high-conflict divorces, particularly those involving domestic violence. Kristina's certification in lethality risk assessment allows her to recognize when a situation might turn deadly – revealing shocking statistics like how strangulation history increases murder risk by 750%, and firearm access raises that risk to 1100%. She details the often-overlooked signs of dangerous situations and explains how technology has become both protector and weapon in modern divorce cases.

Perhaps most compelling is the discussion of trauma-informed approaches to divorce. "Being trauma informed really means thinking about...in the old way it was what's wrong with you and now it's what happened to you," Kristina explains. This perspective shift helps clients process their experiences, manage court appearances, and ultimately focus forward: "Where are we going to be in six months? Where are we going to be in five years?"

Ready to transform your understanding of the divorce journey? Listen now to discover why the future of family law demands more than just legal expertise – it requires compassionate, specialized emotional support for lasting healing.

Divorce stories dominate our screens, social media feeds, and cultural conversations—but why are we so captivated by celebrities splitting up or fictional marriages falling apart? In this fascinating exploration of divorce in pop culture, host Jonathan Merel welcomes attorney Mitchell Dean, a self-proclaimed pop culture expert, to dissect how Hollywood shapes our understanding of marriage dissolution.

Mitchell brings a unique perspective as both a practicing family law attorney and a pop culture enthusiast who's tracked celebrity breakups and divorce-themed entertainment for years. Together, they unpack the evolution of divorce portrayals across generations of film and television—from the groundbreaking drama of "Kramer vs. Kramer" to the comedic chaos of "War of the Roses" to the raw emotional honesty of Netflix's "Marriage Story."

The conversation delves into why celebrity divorces like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's generate endless headlines while actual world events struggle for attention. Mitchell offers intriguing insights into how these high-profile separations might influence everyday people considering divorce: "Divorce is becoming a much more comfortable thing for people to do, a much more liberating thing... whereas in the past, traditionally, you had to stick it out."

Perhaps most valuable is the reality check Mitchell provides about Hollywood versus actual divorce proceedings. While movies showcase dramatic courtroom confrontations, he explains how good attorneys work to "bring down the temperature" and find practical solutions. The episode explores how clients often arrive expecting "World War III" after consuming media portrayals that emphasize conflict over collaboration.

Whether you're fascinated by pop culture, considering your own relationship options, or simply curious about how entertainment shapes our perceptions, this episode offers thought-provoking perspectives on why divorce stories continue to captivate our collective imagination.

Subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts about the show! Join us next episode when we welcome Christina Lindsay, our in-house divorce coach, for another compelling conversation about navigating relationship transitions.

Breaking the mold of traditional legal content, the All Things Divorce Podcast launches with host Jonathan Merel and special guest Melissa Caballero Dunn sharing the remarkable journey of building Merel Family Law from the ground up. What began as a Jerry Maguire-style leap of faith during the 2009 financial crisis has flourished into one of Illinois' premier family law practices with over 20 attorneys and 30 team members.

This introduction offers listeners a glimpse behind the scenes of a truly modern law firm—complete with an in-house studio, Peloton room, lounge area, and children's rooms within their expansive 25,000 square foot office. While competitors retreated to remote work during the pandemic, Merel Family Law doubled down on creating a vibrant workspace where people genuinely want to be. This commitment to culture and quality talent has become their secret weapon in an industry often perceived as stuffy and outdated.

Looking ahead, the ATD podcast promises to deliver content that's anything but boring legal lectures. Future episodes will feature relationship experts, therapists, financial advisors, and entertaining segments on celebrity divorces. Whether you're navigating a divorce, contemplating your relationship, or simply curious about family dynamics, this podcast delivers practical insights wrapped in engaging conversation. Subscribe now for a fresh, honest take on all things divorce from professionals who've transformed how family law is practiced.