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.