Divorce Happens

In this heartfelt episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell sits down with Vanessa Gordon, CEO and publisher of East End Taste, to discuss the three pivotal lessons she's learned during her divorce journey. Vanessa shares candid insights about navigating the emotional, financial, and legal complexities of divorce, shedding light on topics like the reality of divorce laws, the importance of financial independence, and the power of self-reliance. Together, Olivia and Vanessa explore the misconceptions around marriage and divorce, the value of a strong support network, and why it’s essential to trust your instincts and embrace fresh starts.

Vanessa’s story serves as a reminder that divorce, while challenging, is an opportunity for growth and transformation. She discusses practical advice for women entering marriage, including why every woman should have their own financial safety net and how to protect their dignity during difficult times. This episode is packed with empowering lessons and encouragement for anyone going through or contemplating divorce.

Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Divorce laws vary by state: Understand your local laws and don’t rely on common myths about marriage and divorce.
2. Prepare financially: Start saving and investing early, even if you believe your marriage is strong.
3. Trust your decision: If you've decided to divorce, remember the reasons that brought you to this point and trust your judgment.
4. Social media mindfulness: Be cautious about what you share online—it can impact your divorce process.
5. Support is key: Lean on friends, family, or colleagues who uplift and support you during this time.

For more from Vanessa, visit East End Taste Magazine or follow her on Instagram at @VanessaPGordon.

In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell welcomes Nikki Innocent, founder of the Inclusive Leadership Collective, to discuss the intersection of divorce and career. Nikki shares her expertise as a holistic career coach and leadership strategist, shedding light on how divorce impacts our professional lives and how workplace systems often fall short in supporting employees during this life-changing transition. Together, Olivia and Nikki explore actionable ways to manage career demands while navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of divorce.

From identifying safe spaces at work to building a supportive community, Nikki emphasizes the importance of giving yourself grace and permission to handle divorce in your unique way. Listeners will gain insights on how to communicate their needs, establish boundaries, and maintain authenticity in workplaces that may not always feel accessible. This episode is packed with empowering advice to help anyone juggling the complexities of divorce and work find their footing and reclaim their voice.

Learn more about Nikki on her Fresh Starts Profile: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/inclusive-leadership-collective

In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell dives into the intersection of divorce, menopause, and personal transformation with guest Sue May, the founder of Midlife Evolved, and a dedicated expert in supporting women through life’s major transitions. Together, they explore the rising phenomenon of "gray divorce," particularly among women over 45, and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when navigating both menopause and divorce simultaneously. Olivia and Sue unpack how hormonal shifts and self-reassessment during menopause can lead to profound life changes, including reevaluating relationships and making bold decisions for personal growth.

Sue also shares actionable advice for women seeking support during these transitional times, emphasizing the importance of building a network and reclaiming agency over their well-being. Whether you’re navigating divorce, menopause, or both, this episode is filled with encouragement, practical tips, and reminders that you’re never alone in these journeys.

Learn more about Sue May on her Fresh Starts Profile: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/midlife-evolved

In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell chats with HR consultant Tara Bodine, founder of True North People Consulting, to explore the critical intersection of divorce and the workplace. Tara shares expert insights on how employers and HR teams can create supportive environments for employees navigating divorce, a life transition that often impacts work performance and emotional well-being. From implementing compassionate policies to fostering open communication, Tara provides actionable advice for companies looking to build a culture of understanding and resilience.

Whether you’re an HR professional, a manager, or an employee going through a divorce, this episode offers valuable perspectives on balancing personal challenges with professional responsibilities. Learn practical strategies for navigating this transition with empathy and gain tools to advocate for yourself or others in the workplace. Don’t miss this engaging and informative conversation!

Learn more about Tara Bodine on her Fresh Starts Profile: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/true-north-people-consulting

In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell sits down with Renee Coleman, a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP) and residential mortgage lender, to discuss a vital yet often overlooked aspect of divorce—the mortgage. Renee shares her expertise on navigating the financial complexities tied to homeownership during and after a divorce, offering practical advice for individuals considering or going through this transition. From understanding the difference between being on the mortgage versus the title to the importance of pulling your credit report early, this conversation is packed with actionable steps for protecting your financial future.

Listeners will also learn how to build a strong support team, including a trusted lender, to navigate challenges like refinancing a home, dividing assets, and preparing financially for life post-divorce. Olivia and Renee delve into real-life scenarios, like managing equity buyouts, working with limited income, and planning strategically for homeownership post-divorce. Whether you're in the early stages of divorce or planning for the future, this episode provides essential insights to help you make informed decisions.

Get in touch with Renee on her Fresh Starts Profile: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/crosscountry-mortgage

In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell speaks with marketing expert Bethany Fiocchi Root, founder of Oceanview Marketing, about how to rebuild your professional brand after divorce. Bethany shares actionable strategies for creating a fresh start in your career or business, offering insights on redefining your goals, positioning yourself in the marketplace, and utilizing effective marketing techniques to grow your opportunities. With a focus on empowerment and clarity, Bethany explains how rebuilding your professional identity can be a transformative and rewarding process.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a professional seeking a new direction, Bethany’s advice is tailored to help you navigate this exciting chapter with confidence. As the founder of Oceanview Marketing, Bethany and her team provide on-demand marketing support, offering expert guidance on strategy and execution to help you achieve your goals with ease. Don’t miss this episode full of practical tips and inspiration to help you thrive post-divorce!

Learn more about Bethany on her Fresh Starts profile: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/oceanview-marketing

In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell sits down with Angela O’Brien, a professional organizer, Enneagram coach, and mom to a young adult with special needs. Angela shares her expertise on navigating the unique challenges of divorce for families with special needs, from managing disrupted routines to staying organized amid emotional and logistical chaos. She offers practical tips like creating triage bins for important papers, using scanner apps for digital files, and setting up easy-to-access systems to reduce stress during transitions.

Angela emphasizes the power of organization as a form of self-care, especially during life’s toughest moments. Whether it’s helping special needs parents stay on top of guardianship documents or offering virtual guidance for creating calm in the chaos, Angela’s advice is actionable and empowering. Don’t miss her inspiring insights and learn more about her work through her business, Your Space Reclaimed, and her podcast Especially Organized.

You can learn more about Angela on her Fresh Starts Profile: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/your-space-reclaimed

In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell sits down with professional astrologer Alice Smith to explore how astrology can offer guidance during the tumultuous process of divorce. Alice explains how understanding your birth chart and the dynamics between your astrological signs and those of your soon-to-be ex-partner can help you navigate this life transition with clarity and peace. They discuss how astrology sheds light on relationship patterns, highlights personal growth opportunities, and validates the transformative journey of divorce. Alice emphasizes the importance of recognizing life’s cycles, allowing space for healing, and embracing the lessons within each season.

The conversation also delves into practical ways astrology can support mental health during a divorce, from understanding your personal rhythms to pinpointing the unique challenges of this period. Alice shares how her readings provide clients with a profound sense of being “seen” by the universe, equipping them with tools to move forward intentionally. Olivia reflects on her own experience with astrologers during her divorce, affirming the power of astrology in bringing perspective and hope. Whether you’re contemplating divorce or in the midst of it, this episode offers insight and inspiration to approach the process with greater awareness and empowerment.

You can learn more about Alice Smith on the Fresh Starts Registry Expert Guide: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/alice-smith-astrology

In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell chats with portrait photographer Christina Gressianu about redefining your personal image after divorce. Christina specializes in working with women in transition, helping them capture empowering portraits that symbolize a fresh start. Together, they explore how photography can aid in reframing the story of your life, from dealing with the emotional impact of divorce to revisiting old family photos. Christina shares insights on how to navigate the challenges of letting go of past memories and using photography to reclaim your personal narrative.

They discuss the importance of feeling empowered and confident, especially through the lens of a photographer who makes you feel safe and valued. Whether it’s reimagining your wedding album or capturing your beauty in a boudoir session, Christina offers creative ways to help women embrace their new selves. This episode is full of practical advice, personal stories, and an empowering message: photography is more than just capturing an image; it’s a tool for healing and confidence-building.

Learn more about Christina on her Fresh Starts Profile: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/christina-gressianu-photographer

In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell sits down with Jo-Anne Suriel, founder of Energetic Well and a Fresh Starts expert, to discuss the transformative power of energy healing during divorce. Jo-Anne shares her expertise in Akashic Records, Reiki, and sound healing, offering insight into how these modalities can help individuals navigate the emotional and spiritual toll of divorce. Through her one-on-one Energetic Well Readings and group ceremonies, Jo-Anne provides a safe and supportive space for clients to access the wisdom of their soul’s journey, uncover root causes of challenges, and embrace practical solutions for healing and growth.

Jo-Anne explains the Akashic Records as a spiritual database containing the history of your soul across lifetimes, which can offer clarity and guidance during life’s most challenging transitions. With a blend of compassion, nature-based wisdom, and holistic practices, Jo-Anne encourages those going through divorce to trust in the process and find hope in the greater perspective of their soul’s path. If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, tune in to learn how energy healing can support your emotional resilience and self-discovery.

Learn more about Jo-Anne Suriel on her Fresh Starts profile: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/energetic-well