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Last time on the podcast she became a viral sensation because of some of her remarks. Erin Schaden, a family law attorney, divorce coach, and mediator, is back on the podcast and she's not holding back.  Great interview where we discuss various topics related to divorce and custody battles. Erin shares her insights on how unfortunately custody can be used as a weapon to hurt the other parent, the impact of false allegations in obtaining protective orders, and the manipulation of child support. We also discuss the importance of focusing on the best interests of the children and the need for maturity and accountability in divorce proceedings. We also explore the various aspects of domestic violence, gender bias in restraining orders, the impact of domestic violence on men, the perception of men and women in divorce, the role of emotional immaturity in divorce, the flaws in the divorce process, the potential negative impact of AI in divorce, and the importance of taking responsibility and creating safe spaces. 

• Custody battles can often become a tool for one parent to hurt the other, leading to negative consequences for the children involved.
• False allegations in obtaining protective orders can be used as a strategy to gain an advantage in custody disputes.
• Child support guidelines may not always be fair, and lower-income individuals can struggle to meet their financial obligations while maintaining a relationship with their children.
• It is crucial for parents to prioritize the well-being of their children and avoid using them as pawns in divorce proceedings. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects both men and women.
• Gender bias can exist in the process of obtaining restraining orders.
• Men can also be victims of domestic violence and face challenges in seeking help.
• Emotional immaturity can contribute to the breakdown of relationships.
• The divorce process can be flawed and lead to unnecessary conflict.
• Advancements in AI may not necessarily improve the divorce process.
• Creating safe spaces and promoting understanding can help improve relationships and prevent divorce.

This is an episode you do not want to miss!!

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In this episode, Dr. Daniel David, men's mental health expert, discusses the impact of narcissism and borderline personality disorder on children. He explains how children's identity development is affected when their needs are overshadowed by a narcissistic parent's need for attention and admiration. Dr. David emphasizes the importance of positive regard and mirroring in a child's development and the role of both mothers and fathers in providing nurturing and acceptance. He also discusses the challenges of mother enmeshment and the negative impact it can have on boys' ability to form healthy relationships in adulthood. This conversation explores the impact of unhealthy mother-son relationships, the influence of 90s parenting on these relationships, and the theme of control in narcissism and borderline personality disorder. It also discusses the need for assertiveness in passive children, mothers' understanding of child development, and the importance of letting go and allowing children to experience life.

 Takeaways

• Children's identity development is influenced by the positive regard and mirroring they receive from their parents.
• Narcissistic and borderline personality disorder parents often prioritize their own needs over their children's, leading to a deficit in the child's sense of self.
• Mothers and fathers play different roles in a child's development, with mothers providing nurturing love and fathers providing accepting love.
• Children who grow up with narcissistic parents may struggle to develop their own identity and may exhibit passive or people-pleasing behaviors.
• It is important for non-disordered parents to provide unconditional love and affirmation to their children, offsetting the negative impact of a narcissistic parent.
• Mother enmeshment can hinder a boy's ability to separate from his mother and form healthy relationships in adulthood. Unhealthy mother-son relationships can lead to enmeshment and hinder the son's ability to form healthy relationships with women.
• The overindulgence and overprotectiveness of children in the 90s has contributed to a generation of highly anxious and depressed individuals.
• Control is a central theme in narcissism and borderline personality disorder, with narcissistic parents seeking to maintain a positive image and borderline parents fearing abandonment.
• Encouraging assertiveness in passive children can help them develop their own voice and set boundaries.
• Mothers need to understand child development and the importance of letting go, allowing their children to develop their own identities.

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In this episode, I interview best selling author David Magee, author of ‘Dear William, A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love and Loss’. We delve into Magee's book 'Dear William,' which explores the importance of preparing children for life’s challenges as well as the struggles and recovery of an American family. Magee emphasizes the significance of vulnerability and honest conversations in relationships, as well as the need to break the cycle of brokenness while sharing personal experiences of addiction and mental health issues within his family. We also discuss the pressure parents feel to shape their children's lives and the importance of finding internal joy. In this conversation, Magee discusses his regrets as a parent and the importance of listening to children, while also emphasizing the role of being a mentor rather than dictating the path for children. David shares a powerful moment with his late son William, where they looked up at the stars on an extremely cold night in New Mexico and felt a deep connection to God. He also discusses the creation of the William McGee Center at Ole Miss and the upcoming movie adaptation of his book 'Dear William.' 

Takeaways

• Vulnerability and honest conversations are crucial in building strong relationships.
• Addiction and mental health issues are complex and require compassion and understanding.
• Parents should focus on internal joy and helping their children become the best versions of themselves, rather than trying to shape their lives according to societal expectations.
• Breaking the cycle of brokenness requires self-reflection, recognizing mistakes, and making changes. Parents should focus on cultivating relationships with their children and listening to them rather than making decisions for them.
• Being a mentor involves guiding and supporting children while allowing them to find their own path.
• Letting children struggle and take personal responsibility helps them develop resilience.
• Finding moments of connection with loved ones can be powerful and transformative.

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Paul Summers Jr., an author and longtime successful musician, shares how he navigated addiction, recovery, and the challenges of being a father. Growing up in Las Vegas, Paul found solace in music and played in various bands, including a punk rock band. However, his addiction to drugs and alcohol took a toll on his relationships and parenting. After hitting rock bottom, Paul sought help and embarked on a path of recovery. He fought for custody of his daughter and learned to navigate the legal system. Through perseverance and support, Paul rebuilt his life and became an advocate for fathers in similar situations. In this conversation, Paul Summers Jr. shares his journey as a father fighting for custody of his daughter and navigating the challenges of the legal system. He discusses the harm his daughter experienced, the reporting process, and the involvement of Child Protective Services. Paul also talks about being awarded sole custody and the difficulties he faced in receiving child support. He emphasizes the importance of emotional instincts and protecting his daughter. Paul shares his experiences in the courtroom and the need for accountability. He concludes by promoting his book, Hide & Seek, and website, www.paulsummersjr.com, as resources for other fathers and addicts in recovery.

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Fun interview with the very intelligent and highly entertaining, Dr. Lisa Paz. Dr. Paz is  a board-certified sex therapist, with a doctorate in Sexology, as well as a licensed Family Therapist. In this episode we discuss various topics related to sex and parenting. She emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate conversations about sex and body acceptance. Dr. Paz also addresses the impact of technology on kids' exposure to sexual content and the need for teaching consent. In the context of adult sexual issues, she highlights the role of mental and physical health in maintaining a satisfying sex life. Dr. Paz provides practical tips for improving communication and intimacy in relationships. Dr. Lisa Paz also discusses the importance of communication in parenting and how to talk to kids about sex. She emphasizes the need for open and honest conversations, providing age-appropriate information, and addressing any discomfort or fear parents may have. Dr. Paz also highlights the importance of navigating difficult conversations and building trust with children. She concludes by of course sharing a few intimacy tips for guys.

Takeaways

• Age-appropriate conversations about sex should start early and be incremental, building a foundation of knowledge and understanding.
• Parents should be the primary source of information about sex for their children, providing accurate information and discussing family values and expectations.
• Technology can expose kids to sexual content at a young age, making it crucial for parents to have open conversations about the consequences and responsibilities associated with sex.
• Consent is a vital aspect of healthy sexual relationships, and parents should teach their children the importance of obtaining and respecting consent.
• Body acceptance is essential in a culture that promotes unrealistic beauty standards, and parents can foster body acceptance by teaching their children about different body types and promoting a positive body image.
• Adults may experience sexual issues related to desire discrepancy, erectile dysfunction, and performance anxiety, which can be addressed through open communication, stress reduction, and seeking professional help.
• Sexual pleasure and intimacy in relationships can be enhanced by creating a low-stress environment, maintaining open communication, and prioritizing self-care and self-pleasure. Open and honest communication is crucial when talking to kids about sex.
• Parents should provide age-appropriate information and address any discomfort or fear they may have.
• Navigating difficult conversations requires empathy, active listening, and creating a safe space for children to express themselves.
• Building trust with children is essential for maintaining open lines of communication.

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What is it like growing up as a child of divorce? As a divorced parent, how can you be a better parent to your children? These are just a few of the questions answered by Bella Duncan as she gives us an inside look into her life. Bella, as the founder of www.akidwithtwohomes.com and @akidwithtwohomes on instagram,  shares her experience growing up as a child of divorce and the challenges she faced. She discusses the high conflict situation between her parents and the anxiety it caused her. Bella explains how she reached a breaking point and initiated a change in her family's dynamic. She highlights the importance of effective communication and the impact it had on her family's relationships. Bella also emphasizes the need for parents to put their children first and show respect for their co-parent. She encourages children of divorce to embrace their story and not feel ashamed.

Just a few of the topics discussed.

• What it was like growing up in “two homes” and how she felt about the situation.
• Experiencing high-conflict co-parenting as a child and how she changed the situation.
• Why effective communication is crucial in co-parenting and reducing conflict.
• Why children of divorce should not be labeled as 'broken' or feel ashamed of their family situation.
• How parents should prioritize their children's well-being and avoid putting them in the middle of conflicts.
• If children can tell if the parents are competing for their attention and love.
• How resilience, maturity, and responsibility can develop in children of divorce, but why  it is important for parents to provide stability and support.
• What it was like when her father remarried and how he provided a successful transition with open communication and love.
• What her parents did correct and where she believes they could have done better. 
• Why her father was and still to this day is so important to her.
• Tips for dads/parents who are co-parenting children.

Bella is such a beautiful soul and she has made it her mission to be an advocate for children of divorce. Thank you for coming on the podcast Bella!

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Everyone is self diagnosing their ex with Narcissism and Borderline Personality Disorder so it only makes sense to bring in an expert who can provide more information into these two disorders.  Dr. Peter Salerno discusses narcissism and borderline personality disorder, their nature, as well as if treatment is effective. Personality disorders are characterized by trait deficiencies and enduring patterns of behavior. Treatment for personality disorders requires specialized therapists who understand the unique challenges of working with this population. Diagnosing personality disorders can be challenging, as individuals with these disorders often manipulate assessments and screenings. There is a strong genetic component to personality disorders, although environmental factors can also play a role.  Points covered:

• What is NPD & BPD?
• Narcissist and projection
• Is it hereditary?
• In which gender is it more prevelant?
• Is therapy effective to treat these disorders?
• What are the biggest misconceptions?

Enjoy this very educational episode and hopefully it provides more insight.

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Great conversation with a past guest, Javin Foreman. Javin has devoted his life to helping others with his main focus on uplifting the next generation on young men. 

A lot of topics covered on this episode: 

• Biggest challenges facing fathers today
• What has happened to the family unit
• Why the divorce rate has tripled
• Government Incentives for staying married
• How social media has destroyed the family unit
• Talking to your children about race

Sit back listen in and feel free to leave a comment.

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Very insightful conversation with divorce coach and co-parenting expert, Erin Schaden. Erin has been a highly successful family law attorney for the last 28 years, sharing her wisdom and offering advice for those navigating the divorce process or struggling with co-parenting issues. We discuss the role of a divorce coach and the immense value one brings to the table.  How fathers can put themselves in a more favorable position with regards to settlement, alimony as well as child custody determination. Parental alienation being an epidemic. High conflict divorces and how personality disorders are generally at the root of them as well as who makes the best parent.

If you’re a father and you’re wondering how you can best prepare yourself for a more favorable custody decision - this episode is for you as Erin shares how states view as well as determine custody along with two upcoming trends that will impact custody as well as alimony.

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Sit back and buckle up - this interview with Men’s Mental Health Expert, Dr Daniel David. A no holds barred interview as we dive into a variety of subjects. Masculinity and how it’s being destroyed by both academia as well as modern psychology. What is toxic masculinity – you’ll love to hear Dr David’s reaction, ME TOO Movement and their agenda. Boys rebelling from their mother and why that’s healthy. Feminist desire to extinguish masculinity. What kids need from their mother and father. How family court is so unfair to fathers as it relates to custody. Parent alienation.  Toxic moms. Thoughts on Andrew Tate and why he has amassed such a following.

For over 25 years Dr Daniel David has had a highly successful practice specializing in working with men stuck in toxic relationships, addictions, self-sabotaging behaviors, and patterns that keep men trapped in life-controlling problems. One of his areas of focus is working with young adult men struggling to find their way in life & older adult men dealing with anger management, confidence issues, addiction recovery, and relationship problems.

Dr. David was the founder and executive director of a nonprofit agency and outreach program to street gangs in New York City.and has been recognized for his work by the New York City Mayor's office as well as the New York State Governor's office and NY State Senators.

He conducted his postgraduate training at the University of Oxford, England, as well as at Harvard Medical School.

Disclaimer

"As with any discussion concerning men's mental health, masculinity, and men's issues within the social environment, it is important to acknowledge that these discussions do not reflect anti-women sentiments. I personally believe that any parent who raises a boy and girl would not put down their son in order to raise their daughter. As a good parent would raise both a son and a daughter equally, society has a responsibility to help both men and women and not to displace or disadvantage men over women. I believe that it is important to advocate for women's rights while still advocating for helping men and improving men's mental health. Most topics I discussed have been vetted through consulting with female colleagues, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, lawyers, and female therapists who understand the big picture issues for both men and women in society and mental health. My views and opinions are intended to spotlight the ailments of society and the issues of boys and men and are not intended for clinical diagnosis and do not constitute therapeutic advice. Please consult your healthcare provider about treatment options that are available." ~ DPDavid