Divorce and Separation

It started with "I do" and ended with "It's over".

I sit down with Sarah Catherall, journalist and author of "How to Break Up Well: Surviving and Thriving After Separation" to talk about her "Chapter 2" and life after separation and divorce. Sarah shares her experiences of navigating the end of her marriage, raising her children, and creating a fulfilling new chapter in her life. 

Key Takeaways:

The Reality of Separation:

• Sarah discusses the moment her marriage ended and how she coped with the unexpected changes. She reflects on how the pressures of parenting, work, and life contributed to the breakdown of her relationship.  

Talking to Children About Divorce:

• Practical advice on preparing for and having the conversation with children about separation. 

Rebuilding After Divorce:

• Tips for maintaining connections with extended family and finding new ways to co-parent effectively.  

Dating and Repartnering:

• Sarah reflects on her early dating missteps after divorce and what she learned about introducing a new partner to her children.  
• Advice for taking it slow and respecting your children’s feelings during this transition.

Can you Break Up Well? Absolutely you can!

Resources Mentioned:   Sarah Catherall’s Book: How to Break Up Well: Surviving and Thriving After Separation. Buy in Australia  Here. Buy in New Zealand Here.

How to Tell Your Kids You Are Separating Buy Here.

This episode is brought to you by Simple Separation. For a stress-free, transparent approach to navigating separation, book a free consultation with their team today.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

Host: Nikki Parkinson

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Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Sign up to "How to Tell Your Kids You're Separating Program" HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Sarah Catherall

Connect on Instagram HERE.

Connect on Sarah's Website HERE.

Connect on LinkedIn HERE.

Connect on Sarah's Substack HERE.

Executive Producer and Editor: Tiffany Richmond. You can contact Tiffany via her website and on Instagram @tiff__richmond.

I sit down with Despina Mavridou, author of "Mum, Dad, Can You Hear Me?", about her personal experience growing up in the middle of her parents’ high-conflict divorce. Despina shares her powerful story from being a child used as a messenger between her parents to becoming a mediator and advocate for kids in similar situations. 

Key discussions:

• Despina opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of being caught in her parents' conflict and the toll it took on her as a child.
• The devastating effects of using children as messengers and the impact it has on their sense of responsibility and guilt.
• How parents can better support their children during separation by being mindful of their emotional needs and avoiding placing them in the middle of conflicts.
• Despina shares how her childhood shaped her adult relationships, including her fear of abandonment and the impact of divorce on her own marriage.
• Practical advice for parents navigating separation, including seeking help before mediation and focusing on the kids’ well-being.
• Despina’s hope that her book will give children a voice and help parents understand the long-lasting effects of divorce on their kids.

If you're navigating your own separation and wondering how to help your children through this difficult time, this conversation is a must-listen.

You can find Despina's book *Mum, Dad, Can You Hear Me?* on Amazon, in English, Portuguese, and Greek. 

Resources: - "Mum, Dad, Can You Hear Me?" by Despina Mavridou - Divorce and Separation Hub: www.divorceandseparationhub.com

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

Connect with Nikki Parkinson here

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Sign up to "How to Tell Your Kids You're Separating Program" HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Despina Mavridou

Connect on Instagram HERE.

Connect on Facebook HERE.

Buy "Mum, Dad, Can you Hear Me?" HERE.

Executive Producer and Editor: Tiffany Richmond. You can contact Tiffany via her website and on Instagram @tiff__richmond.

Nikki Parkinson talks to Christina Salvo, the CEO of Simple Separation about her divorce story, which began amicably but devolved into a ten-year legal battle. Christina highlights the complexities and emotional toll of prolonged court involvement.

Key discussions:

Systemic Flaws:

• Discusses the broken aspects of the family court system.
• Emphasises how financial constraints often prevent individuals from effectively advocating for their parental rights and needs.

Mediation Insights:

• Importance of mediation as a viable alternative to litigation.
• Christina shares her mission to support couples through mediation.
• Focus on the need for more comprehensive training around property settlements within mediation services.

Advice for Couples:

• Encourages maintaining a collaborative mindset to reduce emotional and financial strain during separation.
• Offers practical tips for effective communication and conflict resolution.

What is the Future of Family Law:

• Reflection on the evolving landscape of family law.
• Focus on creating supportive frameworks that prioritize the well-being of children and families.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Sign up to "How to Tell Your Kids you are Separating Program" Waitlist HERE.
2. Simple Separation

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

Connect with Nikki Parkinson here

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Sign up to "How to Tell Your Kids you are Separating Program" Waitlist HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Christina Salvo, CEO of Simple Separation

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Executive Producer and Editor: Tiffany Richmond. You can contact Tiffany via her website and on Instagram @tiff__richmond.

This episode is sponsored by Simple Separation. You can find our more about Simple Separation HERE.

In this solo episode, I am sharing a snippet of my personal story that's been unfolding in my life, offering you some valuable lessons along the way. While navigating this situation was far from easy, it tested all my divorce coaching skills and taught me a lot about the power of responsibility and response-ability.

In this episode, I share insights on:

• Responsibility vs. Response-Ability: Learn the key differences between these two concepts and how they can shift the way you approach difficult situations, especially with your ex-partner.
• Practical strategies to help you remain calm and composed, even when life throws curveballs.
• My personal reflections on how communication is at the heart of all our relationships, whether with your ex, your kids, or anyone else.

I introduce you to my three go-to tips for taking responsibility and response-ability:

1. Breath is your best friend.
2. The 24-Hour Rule.
3. Taking Radical Responsibility.

Resourses mentioned in this episode:

The 24-Hour Rule Podcast.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

Connect with Nikki Parkinson here

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Sign up to "How to Tell Your Kids you are Separating Program" Waitlist HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Executive Producer and Editor: Tiffany Richmond. You can contact Tiffany via her website and on Instagram @tiff__richmond.

What is a Certified Divorce Lending Professional and why do you need one on your team?

In this episode, Nikki is joined by Emile Flowers, a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP). Emile sheds light on the often overlooked aspect of divorce — mortgage planning. As a CDLP, Emily plays a crucial role in ensuring that divorcing clients are set up for success post-separation, particularly when it comes to housing and financial stability.

Emile shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a key player in the divorce lending field. She explains how crucial it is to involve a CDLP early in the divorce process to avoid issues like incorrect settlement agreements and financial pitfalls. Together, Nikki and Emily discuss the importance of bringing the right professionals into your divorce team, ensuring that both parties come out of the process financially secure.

Listen in to hear Emile's top tips.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

Connect with Nikki Parkinson here

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Sign up to "How to Tell Your Kids you are Separating Program" Waitlist HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Emile Flowers

Emile's Website.

Connect on Instagram here.

Email Emile HERE.

Executive Producer and Editor: Tiffany Richmond. You can contact Tiffany via her website and on Instagram @tiff__richmond.

This episode is sponsored by Simple Separation. You can find our more about Simple Separation HERE.

And exhale ...

Nikki sits down with Linda Vazin, a breathwork expert, to chat how breathwork can be a powerful tool for emotional healing during and after divorce. 

Nikki and Linda dive into -

• Why it's important to let yourself fully experience emotions like sadness and anger, rather than rushing through them.
• Breaking old patterns we inherit from our families.
• What makes transformational breathwork different?
• A favourite of Nikki's Reacting vs. responding.
• Taking responsibility for relationship patterns.
• How holding onto unresolved emotions can affect your physical health and how breathwork can release these stored emotions.

If you are going through a separation or divorce you will definiatly want to add Nikki and Linda's tips to your Toolkit. It's an episode is full of real-life wisdom and practical tips. 

Divorce and Separation Podcast offers valuable insights and practical tips for individuals navigating the challenges of separation, making it a resourceful guide for those seeking support during this emotional journey.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

Connect with Nikki Parkinson here

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Sign up to "How to Tell Your Kids you are Separating Program" Waitlist HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Linda Varzin

Connect witth Linda on Instagram.

Connect with Linda on her Website.

Connect with Linda on Facebook.

Executive Producer and Editor: Tiffany Richmond. You can contact Tiffany via her website and on Instagram @tiff__richmond.

Grief, healing, new beginnings, and the transformative power of separation and divorce — this episode covers it all.

Nikki sits down with best friends Diana Edwards and Nicola Dale from the "Over The Back Fence" podcast. These two powerhouse women share their personal experiences through their separation and divorce. In 2024, with 'grey divorces' on the rise, the question often asked is "What do you do when a long-term marriage comes to an end?" With decades of wisdom behind them, Di and Nicola share their lessons from ending their 36 and 25 year marriages.

Di opens up about the end of her 36-year marriage, sharing her two-year grieving process. 'I’ve closed that door on my past marriage, and I’ve walked through another into my new life,' she reflects. 

Nicola talks about the end of her 25-year marriage, how she navigated the heartache, found freedom and joy in being single, and eventually found love — only to face the pain of a public breakup after a high-profile, four-year relationship. How did she survive? With grace, integrity, and a wealth of insights that she shares with you in this episode.

Divorce and Separation Podcast offers valuable insights and practical tips for individuals navigating the challenges of separation, making it a resourceful guide for those seeking support during this emotional journey.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

Connect with Nikki Parkinson here

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Sign up to "How to Tell Your Kids you are Separating Program" Waitlist HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Di Edwards and Nicola Dale, Over the Back Fence Podcast

Connect on Instagram here.

Listen to Over The Back Fence Podcast here.

Executive Producer and Editor: Tiffany Richmond. You can contact Tiffany via her website and on Instagram @tiff__richmond.

This episode is sponsored by Simple Separation. You can find our more about Simple Separation HERE.

In this weeks episode we welcome back Clinical Pyschologist Ben Schiller to talk about schemas and how they impact the way individuals cope with divorce and separation. Ben explains what schemas are and practical strategies for recognising and managing these schemas to improve emotional regulation and decision-making. 

There are so many takeaways in this episode. 

Nikki and Ben talk about -

1. What Are Schemas?
2. Common Schemas in Divorce.
3. Coping Strategies for Managing Schemas.
4. Self-Soothing Techniques. Oh these are good - what is your Toolkit?
5. How to identify Your Triggers.

Plus so much more.

Divorce and Separation Podcast offers valuable insights and practical tips for individuals navigating the challenges of separation, making it a resourceful guide for those seeking support during this emotional journey.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

Connect with Nikki Parkinson here

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Sign up to "How to Tell Your Kids you are Separating Program" Waitlist HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Ben Schiller, Clinical Psychologist

Connect with Ben here.

Book an appointment here.

Email Ben here.

Executive Producer and Editor: Tiffany Richmond. You can contact Tiffany via her website and on Instagram @tiff__richmond.

This week we are kicking off Season 3 with Bella from A Kid With Two Homes. 

Nikki sits down with Bella Duncan, who shares her experiences growing up as a child of divorced parents. Together, they explore a topic that many parents struggle with: how to handle talking about your ex when your kids are around. Bella opens up about how overhearing her parents’ negative comments impacted her as a kid and how she eventually found ways to communicate her feelings. This is a must-listen for any parent wanting to protect their children’s emotional well-being during and after separation!

Divorce and Separation Podcast offers valuable insights and practical tips for individuals navigating the challenges of separation, making it a resourceful guide for those seeking support during this emotional journey.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

Connect with Nikki Parkinson here

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Sign up to "How to Tell Your Kids you are Separating Program" Waitlist HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Bella Duncan, A Kid With Two Homes

Connect with Bella here

Website

Instagram

Executive Producer and Editor: Tiffany Richmond. You can contact Tiffany via her website and on Instagram @tiff__richmond.

This episode is sponsored by Simple Separation. You can find our more about Simple Separation HERE.

In this episode Nikki Parkinson is joined by Mel Wilson, Journalist, co-host of The Juggling Act and author of Parenting in Progress, to discuss the complexities and personal transformations associated with co-parenting after divorce. Mel opens up about her personal post-separation experiences and shares her emotional journey of parenting post-divorce

Nikki and Mel chat - 

• Navigating the new norms of parenting post-separation and the immediate challenges of transitioning from a coupled life to single parenthood. 
• Lessons learned from children amidst the divorce.
• Redefining the concept of family and personal identity during such transformative periods.
• Strategies for managing emotional challenges in the early stages of separation.
• How to change the perceptions and stigmas around divorce.
• The impact of new relationships on co-parenting dynamics and personal recovery.

This episode offers an exploration of the trials and transformations associated with co-parenting after divorce. It underscores the importance of self-care, embracing change, and the positive growth that can arise from navigating through these challenging transitions.

Divorce and Separation Podcast offers valuable insights and practical tips for individuals navigating the challenges of separation, making it a resourceful guide for those seeking support during this emotional journey.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

Connect with Nikki Parkinson here

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Mel Wilson

Connect with Mel Wilson here

Website

Instagram

Linkedin

Facebook

Buy Parenting in Progress HERE.

Executive Producer and Editor: Tiffany Richmond. You can contact Tiffany via her website and on Instagram @tiff__richmond.