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Coercive control and family violence finally have a legal price tag in Canada — and the Supreme Court decision that could make it permanent is coming any day.

For the first time in Canadian history, a judge looked at twenty years of coercive control inside a marriage and said — that has a dollar amount. Family lawyer Maryam Manteghi breaks down the Alawalia case, the new tort of family violence, and why the Supreme Court of Canada's imminent decision could change divorce forever for abuse survivors.
The existing torts were never built for what coercive control actually does to a person. Justice Renu Mandhane priced it anyway. The Court of Appeal overturned it. Now it's at the Supreme Court and the decision is coming any day.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.

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Anger makes you call your lawyer over nothing. Guilt makes you waive spousal support you're owed. And everyone walks into family court thinking they're about to win something — which is precisely when things go sideways.

In this solo episode, Alex and Amanda get into the mechanics of emotional sabotage in divorce: how guilt leads to lopsided concessions, why anger turns a $300 problem into a $1,000 phone call, and the surprisingly pervasive myth that there's a winner and a loser waiting at the end of litigation. They also take on the 50/50 custody conversation directly — who's really asking for it and why, and what it actually costs children when parents fight for a schedule built around optics rather than reality.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.

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MP Melissa Lantsman breaks down Bailey's Law (Bill C-225) and why making intimate partner murder automatic first-degree murder could save lives. From shocking statistics to the emotional Parliament vote with Bailey McCourt's family in the gallery, this conversation reveals the reality behind Canada's intimate partner violence epidemic and what we can actually do about it.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.

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In this special re-run episode, hosts Alex Howard and Amanda Silver step out of the interviewer chairs and into the spotlight. They share the personal stories and professional philosophies that shaped Dirty Laundry, from Amanda’s "Golden Rule" for high-conflict communication to the surprising thrill-seeking hobbies they hide behind their professional veneers. This is an editorial look at the human side of divorce mediation, exploring how to maintain "family wellness" and personal sanity while navigating life's biggest transitions.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.

Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

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Anna Sonoda returns to detail the Four Stages of Grooming: Flattery, Favoritism, Forbidden Fruits, and Fear. We examine the clinical hallmarks of "Relate and Elevate"—tactics used by predators to bypass boundaries by acting as a peer or a confidant. We also address the sobering reality that 82% of child sexual abuse occurs in the home of either the child or the individual responsible.

We discuss tactical tools for parents, including the development of a "Safety Squad," the distinction between secrecy and privacy, and building an internal "Weird-dar" in children to recognize behavior that does not fit family standards.

Listen to the full guide on Audible: Duck Duck Groom by Anna Sonoda: https://www.audible.ca/pd/Duck-Duck-Groom-Audiobook/B0CLYXYTVR

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.

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Licensed clinical social worker Anna Sonoda discusses the clinical and practical realities of childhood sexual abuse prevention. Moving beyond the "stranger danger" myth, we explore the psychological tactics used to target families and the unique challenges of parenting in a digital age. This is a factual, dignified look at how parents can recognize predatory patterns before they escalate.

Listen to the book:

Duck Duck Groom by Anna Sonoda: https://www.audible.ca/pd/Duck-Duck-Groom-Audiobook/B0CLYXYTVR 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.

Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

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In a no-fault legal system, the emotional breakdown of a marriage rarely translates into a courtroom victory. This discussion examines the evolution of divorce law since 1985 and the persistent human need for accountability in the wake of betrayal. We explore the concept of the "third person" in contemporary relationships—the addictions, fixations, or domestic habits that can erode connection—and consider whether modern marriage requires the clarity of a formal business contract. From the privacy of mediation to the nuances of marriage contracts, we address how to navigate a difficult transition with dignity and perspective.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.

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The holidays are over, and January is officially "Divorce Month." If the mental load of the season finally pushed you to a breaking point, you aren't alone. We’re discussing why this time of year marks so many endings—and how to ensure your new beginning starts with dignity.

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse—a time for energy, courage, and breaking through old patterns. From the "conscious uncoupling" of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow to the practical benefits of mediation over the courtroom, we’re looking at how to disentangle a shared life without the unnecessary drama. Whether you’re navigating the "no more Santa" phase of parenting or the logistics of a legal separation, the goal is the same: showing up as a person you’ll be proud of five years from now.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.

Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

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Discovering a six-year secret life while four months postpartum is a reality no one prepares for. Stephanie the honest facts of navigating a high-conflict divorce, the struggle of being a self-represented mother in family court, and the courage required to rebuild from scratch.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.

Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.

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Is it harmless flirting or a micro-betrayal? We’re breaking down the messy grey areas of modern relationships—from secret DMs and the "validation trap" to where you should actually draw the line with exes.

Is it harmless flirting or a micro-betrayal? We’re breaking down the messy gray areas of modern relationships—from secret DMs and the "validation trap" to where you should actually draw the line with exes.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.

Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.