One of the most common regrets we hear from women after divorce is this: "I wish I would've left sooner." In this episode, Sam and Leah dive into the raw and honest truth behind that statement. Inspired by a recent viral video where Sam asked women if—knowing what they know now—they would still wait until their kids turned 18 to leave, this conversation explores the real reasons so many moms stay longer than they wanted to.

From fear of breaking up the family to financial dependence and guilt, we unpack the emotional, practical, and societal pressures that keep women stuck—and why so many wish they had given themselves permission to leave sooner. Whether you're in it, through it, or somewhere in between, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the weight of this decision.

In this episode, we’re diving into a conversation that so many women need to hear — the money mistakes that happen inside toxic marriages. Whether it’s giving up financial control, trusting verbal promises, or ignoring red flags about hidden debt, too many women find themselves financially trapped and vulnerable when the relationship falls apart.

We’re breaking down the 10 most common money mistakes, sharing real talk about how to recognize financial abuse, and giving you empowering steps to start protecting yourself — whether you’re still in the relationship or already planning your exit.

Your financial independence is not just about money — it’s about your freedom, your future, and your peace of mind. You deserve to have both.

Tune in for a candid, supportive conversation that could change the way you look at love, money, and protecting yourself for the long haul.

In this powerful episode, Leah and Sam break down the long-term impact that a lack of boundaries can have on your children—and why this is one of the most important parts of healing after divorce. From emotional instability to toxic relationship patterns, your kids are absorbing everything. But here’s the good news: you have the power to model something different. Something healthier.

We’re diving deep into what your kids learn when boundaries are weak or non-existent, and how you can start shifting the dynamic today—not just for yourself, but for them. Whether you’ve struggled with over-explaining, giving in, or walking on eggshells, this conversation is your reminder that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Think being the calm, accommodating parent makes you look good in court? Think again. In this episode, we’re calling out the 5 boundary mistakes moms make when trying to survive a high-conflict co-parent—and how those choices are quietly impacting your kids.

From letting your ex call the shots to parenting out of guilt, these missteps might feel like the “right” thing in the moment, but they’re sending powerful messages to your child about power, self-worth, and relationships.

Tune in to learn:

• Why over-explaining your decisions backfires

• How letting guilt lead your parenting affects long-term accountability

• The hidden damage of always responding to conflict

• And the one mistake even strong moms don’t realize they’re making

This isn’t about shame—it’s about awareness. Because your kids are watching, and what you model matters.

As a divorced parent — especially in high-conflict situations — it’s easy to spiral into guilt when you can’t attend every game, recital, or school function. But missing a moment doesn’t make you a bad parent. It means you’re human. It means you're surviving.

In this compassionate and empowering episode, we unpack the most common false beliefs divorced parents tell themselves — and reveal the truth that brings peace, clarity, and perspective. From the fear that your child will think you don’t love them, to the pressure of overcompensating for a high-conflict ex, we’re dismantling the guilt and reminding you: your worth is not measured by your presence at every event.

You’ll walk away with:

• Practical language to use with your child when you can’t attend something

• Reassurance that your love is built on daily presence, not performance

• Tools to resist the toxic pressure to prove yourself

• A reminder that self-care, work, and survival are not failures — they’re part of responsible parenting

If you’ve ever beat yourself up for not doing “enough,” this episode is here to remind you that you already are.

In this raw and eye-opening episode, we unpack the subtle but deeply damaging patterns that quietly unravel marriages from the inside out — often long before the word “divorce” is ever spoken.

From dismissive communication and financial control to parenting criticism and emotional neglect, these silent shifts don’t always scream abuse, but they slowly chip away at connection, confidence, and self-worth. If you’ve ever felt “less than” in your relationship — less heard, less valued, less respected — this episode will hit home.

We cover:

• The power of micro-invalidations and how they breed resentment

• Why financial control isn’t just about money — it’s about dominance

• The emotional fallout of being undermined as a parent

• How intellectual superiority becomes a subtle form of abuse

• What happens when praise, affection, and appreciation disappear

Whether you’re healing after divorce or starting to recognize red flags in your relationship, this conversation will help you put words to what you've felt, trust your instincts, and remember what you deserve.

www.samandleah.com

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most unexpectedly heated topics in co-parenting: clothes. Sam’s TikTok video on this went viral and the comment section? Whew—let’s just say people had feelings.

We’re unpacking the strong opinions around whether or not parents should send clothes back and forth between homes, reading some of the wildest (and most relatable) comments, and sharing our own thoughts and experiences.

At the end of the day, it’s not really about the socks or the sweatshirt—it’s about control, communication, and what’s truly best for the kids. So let’s talk about it.

Think your custody order has your back? Think again.

In this episode, we’re giving you a sneak peek into one of our most important trainings inside The Next Chapter—and trust us, this one’s a game-changer.

Most parents are silently sabotaging themselves with their custody orders without even realizing it. We're breaking down the 3 most common (and costly) mistakes that can wreck your chances in court, give your ex unnecessary leverage, and leave you feeling powerless.

You’ll learn:

• Why being “nice” and flexible can backfire
  

• What has to be documented (even if it feels petty)
  

• How to spot the loopholes in your order before they blow up
  

No one tells you this—not your lawyer, not the judge, and definitely not your co-parent.

🎯 If you know your order has some gray areas, or you’ve been second-guessing how to enforce it, this episode is for you.

📣 Want the full training and support? Join us inside The Next Chapter and we’ll walk you through it, piece by piece. https://www.samandleah.com/services

If you’re navigating a high-conflict divorce or co-parenting dynamic, documentation isn’t just helpful—it’s critical. In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Bridget Bennett, Legal Strategist, Custody Specialist, and founder of Breaking Badass Coaching. With over 20 years in the legal field, Bridget is a Certified High Conflict Custody & Divorce Coach, a professional paralegal, and a fierce advocate for families affected by abuse and coercive control. She shares the most common (and costly) documentation mistakes she sees clients make—and how to avoid them. Whether you're working with an attorney or going pro se, this episode is packed with tips to help you protect yourself, advocate for your children, and show up stronger in family court.

Connect with Bridget: https://www.breakingbadasscoaching.com/

You’ve probably heard about divorce mediation—but do you really know what it is (and isn’t)? In this episode, we’re breaking down the biggest myths about mediation, especially the ones that keep so many moms from even considering it.

We’re talking about whether it only works if you get along, if it means compromising everything, and whether you still need a lawyer. If you're navigating divorce or co-parenting with a difficult ex, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a better understanding of whether mediation could work for you.

Let’s get real about what mediation actually looks like—and how it might just make this chapter a little less overwhelming.