Reinvent yourself after divorce, take control of your finances, and build a new life with confidence. If you’re navigating divorce, life transitions, or wondering how to reinvent yourself after divorce, this episode will give you clarity, direction, and hope.

In this episode, Lesa sits down with Melissa Broughton, founder of Busy Bee Advisors and creator of the One Hour Bookkeeper, who shares her powerful story of walking away from corporate life, facing a life-altering accident, and building a thriving business from her dining room table.

Together, they unpack what it really takes to reinvent yourself after divorce or any major life transition—how to find your “why,” create financial independence, and build a life on your terms. This episode is a must-listen if you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start taking your power back.

(00:00) Introduction to reinvention after divorce and life transitions

(02:15) Melissa’s unexpected path into accounting

(06:40) Corporate success without balance—and the breaking point

(10:20) Leaving her job and choosing a different path

(13:45) The life-changing accident that forced stillness and clarity

(18:30) Starting a business from scratch with no safety net

(23:10) How she built a successful bookkeeping company

(28:00) From burnout to purpose: discovering a new calling

(32:20) Creating a course and helping women build businesses

(36:45) Why “trying” isn’t enough—finding your true WHY

(40:10) The power of stillness during hard transitions

(44:00) Taking control of your finances after divorce

(48:15) Why financial knowledge = personal power

• Reinvention starts with clarity, not perfection
• A strong “why” is the difference between success and staying stuck
• Stillness can create the breakthrough you’ve been searching for
• Financial understanding is one of the most powerful tools after divorce
• You have more control over your future than you think

Melissa Broughton is the founder of Busy Bee Advisors and creator of the One Hour Bookkeeper program, where she teaches women how to build flexible, profitable bookkeeping businesses. After leaving corporate America and overcoming a major life setback, Melissa built a thriving business from home and now helps thousands of women create financial independence and freedom on their own terms.

• Melissa’s Course: https://1hourbookkeeper.com 3-Step Guide to Achieving Work Life Balance (Click HERE for the link to share)

Work with Lesa Koski: https://lesakoski.com

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How to get through hard times, navigate divorce, grief, and life transitions—this episode will help you find hope, faith, and strength when life falls apart. If you’re searching for how to get through hard times, especially after divorce, loss, or a major life transition, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

In this deeply moving episode, Lesa sits down with Edith Espinola, a realtor and life coach, who shares her powerful story of losing her husband suddenly during a separation and navigating grief, guilt, and identity loss.

Together, they unpack practical and spiritual tools to help you move forward—including gratitude, community, emotional release, self-love, forgiveness, faith, and surrender. If you're in the middle of something hard, this episode will remind you: you are not alone, and this season can lead to strength, healing, and hope.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to life transitions and hard seasons

(02:10) Edith’s story: loss, separation, and unexpected grief

(06:45) Navigating guilt, identity loss, and community breakdown

(10:30) The “dark night of the soul” and emotional overwhelm

(14:15) Why gratitude becomes a lifeline in hard times

(18:20) The power of community and sharing your truth

(22:10) Letting emotions move through you (and why it matters)

(25:30) Finding healing through movement, fun, and connection

(29:45) Relearning who you are after loss or divorce

(33:10) Self-love, forgiveness, and releasing shame

(37:20) Faith, surrender, and trusting the process

(41:00) Why hard seasons become your greatest growth

Key Takeaways:

• Gratitude can shift your focus and ground you during overwhelming seasons
• Emotional release (not suppression) is essential for healing
• Community and connection are critical during life transitions
• Self-love and forgiveness unlock growth after loss or divorce
• Faith and surrender create peace when life feels out of control

Guest Bio:

Edith Espinola is a realtor and transformational life coach who helps individuals navigate life’s most difficult transitions, including grief, divorce, and identity shifts. After experiencing the sudden loss of her husband during a separation, Edith rebuilt her life through healing, faith, and personal growth—and now guides others to do the same.

Resource Links:

• Connect with Edith Espinola: http://edithespinola.com
• Work with Lesa Koski: https://lesakoski.com
• Join The Comeback Community (Women 40+): (insert link)

Tags/Keywords:

how to get through hard times, divorce recovery, grief healing, life transitions, women over 40, faith and surrender, emotional healing, self love and forgiveness, navigating loss, personal growth after divorce

Finding hope in hard times, faith during divorce, and surrendering to God—this episode will help you navigate life’s most difficult seasons with strength and peace. If you're searching for hope in hard times, especially during divorce, health struggles, or emotional overwhelm, this episode is for you.

In this heartfelt solo episode, Lesa shares her personal journey through breast cancer, surrender, and faith—and how those hard seasons shaped her into a stronger, more grounded woman. Rooted in Romans 5:2–5, this conversation explores how suffering produces perseverance, character, and ultimately… hope.

If you're in the middle of something hard right now, this episode will remind you: this season is not breaking you—it’s shaping you. And there is hope waiting on the other side.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to getting through hard times with faith

(02:10) Why this episode was inspired by real-life struggles

(04:25) Reading and reflecting on Romans 5:2–5

(07:15) Understanding suffering, perseverance, character, and hope

(10:30) Personal story: navigating breast cancer and surrender

(15:45) The moment of letting go of control

(19:20) Why you can’t rush healing in hard seasons

(22:10) Learning to sit in suffering and trust the process

(25:00) Practical tool: “I’m safe, God’s got me” mantra

(28:40) Processing emotions after the crisis moment

(31:15) How hard times transform who you become

(34:00) Why this season is shaping—not breaking—you

Key Takeaways:

• Hard times are part of a process that leads to growth, strength, and hope
• Surrendering control to God creates peace during uncertainty
• You don’t have to “fix” everything—sometimes you just need to stay present
• Simple practices like grounding and prayer can calm you in overwhelming moments
• The hardest seasons often lead to the most meaningful transformation

Guest Bio:

This is a solo episode with Lesa Koski, divorce mediator, life coach, and host of Doing Divorce Different. Lesa helps women over 40 navigate divorce and life transitions with clarity, faith, and strength—guiding them to create a better life on the other side.

Resource Links:

• https://www.lesakoski.com/

Tags/Keywords:

hope in hard times, faith during divorce, surrender to God, Christian encouragement, divorce support for women over 40, emotional healing, overcoming adversity, midlife transformation, trusting God in hard seasons, mindset and faith, personal growth through struggle

Divorce anxiety, stress management, and nervous system regulation—this episode gives you real tools to feel calm and grounded during life’s hardest moments. If you’re navigating divorce anxiety or overwhelming stress, this conversation will help you regulate your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and find peace again.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with stress expert Lane Kennedy to talk about what actually works when you're in the middle of emotional overwhelm—whether it’s divorce, health scares, or life transitions. We break down how to calm your nervous system, why your body may feel stressed even when your mind doesn’t, and simple tools you can use immediately.

If you’ve ever felt anxious “for no reason,” struggled to slow down, or wondered how to truly feel better during hard seasons—this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to stress, anxiety, and life transitions

(03:45) Lane Kennedy’s journey into stress and nervous system work

(07:12) Why you feel stressed even when life seems “fine”

(12:30) The hidden impact of screens, overworking, and lack of recovery

(18:05) How your nervous system actually works (and why it matters)

(22:40) The importance of rest, recovery, and honoring your limits

(27:15) What to do in the moment of extreme anxiety (divorce, crisis, fear)

(31:20) Simple breathwork + mantra practice (“I am safe”)

(36:10) How to handle anxiety in the middle of the night

(41:45) Why you shouldn’t process emotions during peak anxiety

(45:30) Using movement (trampoline, walking, dancing) to release stress

(50:05) How to safely process emotions and past triggers

(55:20) Understanding your thoughts vs. reality

(59:10) The “What do I need?” method for emotional clarity

(01:03:40) Why healing takes time—and how to be patient with yourself

Key Takeaways:

• Your body can be stressed even when your mind feels calm—your nervous system doesn’t lie
• Recovery (not just exercise) is critical for reducing anxiety and long-term stress
• Simple tools like breathwork and mantras can regulate your nervous system in real time
• Movement (like walking, dancing, or even a trampoline) helps release stored emotional stress
• Healing isn’t instant—true transformation happens over time with awareness and compassion

Guest Bio:

Lane Kennedy is a stress management expert, functional nutritionist, mindfulness teacher, hypnotherapist, and DNA wellness practitioner. With over 15 years of experience, she helps high-achieving individuals regulate their nervous systems, reduce anxiety, and build sustainable wellness habits that support long-term health and emotional resilience.

Resource Links:

Lane Kennedy Website: https://lanekennedy.com/Home

Tags/Keywords:

divorce anxiety, stress management for women over 40, nervous system regulation, anxiety relief, breathwork for anxiety, mindfulness for stress, divorce support, emotional healing, midlife transformation, calming anxiety naturally, HRV stress, women’s wellness, life after divorce, mental health tools

Flat fee divorce mediation Minnesota, divorce cost Minnesota, and how to divorce without court—this episode breaks down everything you need to know about divorce mediation in Minnesota. Learn how flat fee divorce mediation Minnesota works, what it includes, and how to avoid costly attorney battles.

In this Saddle Up segment of Doing Divorce Different, Lesa Koski walks you step-by-step through her flat fee divorce mediation process in Minnesota. If you're worried about the cost of divorce, overwhelmed by the process, or looking for a more peaceful path forward, this episode gives you clarity and direction.

Lesa explains exactly what’s included in her full-service mediation—from parenting plans and financial agreements to filing guidance—so you can move forward with confidence. She also shares why mediation is often a more respectful, affordable, and effective alternative to traditional litigation.

If you want to avoid court, reduce conflict, and protect your future (and your kids), this episode is your roadmap to doing divorce differently.

(00:00) Introduction to flat fee divorce mediation in Minnesota

(02:10) Why divorce costs matter and how to reduce them

(04:30) What $5,800 flat fee mediation includes

(07:15) Legal information vs. legal advice explained

(10:05) Why AI alone isn’t enough for divorce

(13:20) The importance of guided communication during divorce

(16:00) What documents are included in your divorce paperwork

(19:10) Parenting plans and why they matter

(22:30) Mediation vs. hiring attorneys: key differences

(26:00) When attorneys are necessary

(29:15) The emotional and financial benefits of mediation

(32:40) How mediation helps you start your next chapter well

(35:10) DIY divorce course vs. full mediation

(38:20) Parenting Plan Blueprint explained

(41:00) Final thoughts: creating a better life after divorce

• Flat fee mediation gives you clarity, predictability, and cost control
• Divorce doesn’t have to be a battle—mediation creates a more peaceful path
• Communication during divorce directly impacts your future relationship (especially with kids)
• AI tools can help, but human guidance is critical for agreements and communication
• How you end your marriage sets the tone for your next chapter

Lesa Koski is a divorce mediator, attorney, and life coach based in Minnesota. With over 25 years of legal experience, she helps couples navigate divorce in a more peaceful, cost-effective way through mediation and coaching. Lesa is the host of Doing Divorce Different, where she empowers women over 40 to approach divorce with clarity, dignity, and strength.

https://www.lesakoski.com/

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Divorce advice, stay or go decisions, and co-parenting tools—this episode dives deep into how to navigate divorce with clarity and protect your kids. If you’re questioning your marriage, this conversation on divorce, relationships, and emotional healing will help you find your next step.

In this powerful episode of Doing Divorce Different, I sit down with master life coach, relationship expert, and 7-time bestselling author Sharon Pope to unpack one of the hardest questions women face: Should I stay or should I go?

We talk honestly about divorce, relationships, and the emotional toll of feeling stuck—and more importantly, what to do about it. Sharon shares practical tools for making the stay-or-go decision, how to stop trying to change your partner, and why doing your own inner work is the most powerful step you can take.

We also dive into one of the biggest concerns for women over 40 navigating divorce—your kids. You’ll learn how to support your children through divorce in a healthy way and why divorce doesn’t have to damage them—it can actually help them thrive.

If you’re navigating divorce, questioning your marriage, or trying to protect your kids through it all, this episode is a must-listen.

(00:00) Introduction to Sharon Pope and her story

(04:30) Why Sharon chose to help women navigate divorce

(08:15) Can divorce be peaceful? Rethinking the narrative

(12:20) The truth about loving someone and still leaving

(16:05) How divorce impacts children and generational patterns

(20:40) How to know if it’s time to stay or go

(26:10) Why “trying” in marriage often doesn’t work

(31:45) The power of working on yourself first

(37:20) Why you can’t change your partner (and what to do instead)

(42:10) The biggest mistake women make in relationships

(47:30) How to help your kids thrive through divorce

(52:00) A simple tool to reduce your child’s fear

(56:40) Teaching kids boundaries through divorce

(01:01:10) Doing what’s best for your kids—even when it’s hard

(01:06:00) Borrowed courage and finding support

(01:10:15) Final takeaway: You can do hard things

• You can love someone and still choose to leave the relationship
• The most powerful way to improve your marriage is to work on yourself
• Children don’t need perfect parents—they need emotionally aware ones
• Divorce done well can positively impact future generations
• You don’t need certainty—you need tools, support, and courage

Sharon Pope is a master life coach, relationship expert, and 7-time bestselling author who helps women navigate the difficult decision of whether to stay in or leave their marriage. With over a decade of experience, Sharon provides practical tools and emotional support to help women make empowered decisions, strengthen relationships, and create healthier futures for themselves and their families.

• Sharon Pope Website: https://sharonpope.com
• Sharon’s Book: https://sharonpopebook.com
• Lesa Koski Parenting Plan Course: (add your link)
• Doing Divorce Different Podcast: (add your link)

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Cost of divorce in Minnesota explained. Learn mediation vs attorney costs, real divorce expenses in Minnesota, and how to avoid high conflict and fees.

If you’re wondering about the cost of divorce in Minnesota, this episode breaks it down clearly and honestly. From attorney retainers to hourly billing, and how mediation compares, you’ll learn what divorce really costs—and why the process you choose matters.

In this Saddle Up Segment of Doing Divorce Different, Lesa Koski explains the cost of divorce in Minnesota, including attorney-led divorce vs mediation, real numbers, and what you’re truly paying for. If you want to reduce conflict, save money, and stay in control, this episode will help you understand your options and make a confident decision.

(00:00) Introduction to cost of divorce in Minnesota

(01:10) Why divorce costs feel overwhelming

(02:15) Attorney retainers and hourly rates explained

(04:00) Real cost of attorney-led divorce in Minnesota

(06:10) Hidden cost: paying for conflict and escalation

(07:45) How divorce mediation works differently

(09:10) Mediation costs vs attorney costs

(10:30) Flat-fee mediation and what it includes

(12:00) What you’re really choosing: cost, control, and conflict

(13:40) When attorneys are necessary

(15:00) Why mediation is often the better fit

(16:30) How to get started with a consultation

• Attorney-led divorce in Minnesota can cost $10,000–$25,000+ per person
• Mediation is often more cost-effective and reduces conflict
• Flat-fee mediation provides cost clarity with no hourly surprises
• The process you choose impacts time, stress, and long-term outcomes
• Many couples can resolve divorce respectfully without going to court

Lesa Koski is a Minnesota-based divorce mediator, attorney, and life coach who helps couples navigate divorce with clarity, dignity, and less conflict. With decades of legal experience and a passion for helping families, Lesa specializes in flat-fee mediation that guides clients step-by-step through the entire divorce process.

• https://www.lesakoski.com/

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Grief after divorce and loss is real. Learn how to rebuild your life with spiritual resilience, process grief, and move forward after major life transitions.

In this powerful conversation, Lesa Koski sits down with spiritual resilience coach Carrie Hopkins to explore grief beyond death—including divorce, life transitions, and identity shifts. If you’re navigating grief after divorce or loss, this episode will help you understand how to process emotions, create a safe space for healing, and begin rebuilding your life.

Together, they unpack the early stages of grief, why avoiding emotions can make things harder, and how spiritual resilience allows you to move forward—not move on—with strength and clarity.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to grief beyond death

(02:15) Carrie’s story: loss, divorce, and becoming a grief coach

(05:40) Understanding grief in life transitions

(08:30) Grief after divorce vs grief after death

(11:10) Why we avoid emotions and what happens when we do

(14:25) Step 1: Creating a safe space to feel your emotions

(18:10) Naming emotions and why it matters

(21:05) Step 2: Radical self-care during grief

(24:30) Why neglecting yourself makes grief harder

(27:15) Step 3: Making peace with the past

(31:20) Letting go of judgment and limiting beliefs

(35:10) The danger of idealizing relationships after loss

(39:00) Moving forward vs “moving on”

(42:00) How to begin rebuilding your life

Key Takeaways:

Grief is not just about death—it includes divorce, identity shifts, and life transitions

Avoiding emotions can intensify grief and lead to emotional or physical consequences

Creating a safe space to feel and express emotions is the first step toward healing

Radical self-care is essential to build capacity during difficult seasons

Healing comes from making peace with the past—not staying stuck in it

Guest Bio:

Carrie Hopkins is a spiritual resilience coach and founder of Life’s Next Chapter Coaching. She specializes in helping individuals rebuild their lives after loss, including divorce, bereavement, and major life transitions. Through her Rebuilding Your Life After Loss program, Carrie guides clients to reconnect with their inner strength and create a life they love after grief.

Resource Links:

Carrie Hopkins Coaching: Life’s Next Chapter Coaching

Rebuilding Your Life After Loss Program

Contact: [email protected]

Lesa Koski Mediation & Coaching: Lesakoski.com

Tags/Keywords:

grief after divorce, grief after loss, spiritual resilience, divorce healing, life after divorce, rebuilding after loss, emotional healing, grief coaching, midlife transitions, women over 40, divorce recovery, loss and healing

Minnesota divorce mediation explained step-by-step. Learn how divorce mediation works in Minnesota, avoid court, reduce conflict, and save money with a guided process.

If you’re in Minnesota and wondering how divorce mediation works, this episode walks you through the entire process—from consultation to finalization. Divorce mediation in Minnesota offers a calmer, more structured alternative to litigation, helping couples avoid court and move forward with less conflict.

In this episode, Lesa Koski explains how divorce mediation works in Minnesota, what to expect in each step, and why so many couples choose mediation over traditional divorce. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure what to do next, this will give you clarity and a path forward.

(00:00) Introduction to divorce mediation in Minnesota

(02:10) What divorce mediation actually is

(04:30) Why mediation feels scary (and why it works anyway)

(06:15) Step-by-step process of mediation in Minnesota

(09:40) Parenting plans and financial agreements explained

(13:20) How paperwork and filing works in Minnesota

(15:10) Why couples choose mediation over court

(18:00) Benefits for children and long-term relationships

(20:10) How to get started with mediation

• Divorce mediation in Minnesota allows couples to avoid court and stay in control of decisions
• A structured, guided process reduces conflict and overwhelm
• Parenting plans and financial agreements are created collaboratively
• Mediation is often more cost-effective than attorney-led divorce
• The way you handle divorce impacts your long-term relationship and your children

Lesa Koski is a Minnesota-based divorce mediator, attorney, and life coach who helps couples move through divorce with clarity, dignity, and less conflict. With decades of experience and a heart for guiding families through difficult transitions, Lesa combines legal knowledge with emotional support to create a calmer path forward.

• Schedule a Consultation
• Parenting Plan Blueprint

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Divorce and finances can feel overwhelming, confusing, and scary—but they don’t have to. In this episode, we break down divorce and finances, how to overcome fear, and how to build financial confidence after divorce. If you’re navigating divorce and finances, this conversation will help you feel more empowered, informed, and in control of your future.

In this episode, Lesa sits down with financial advisor and Certified Transition Specialist Kathleen Judge to talk about one of the biggest fears women face during divorce—finances. Together, they explore how your relationship with money is shaped, why so many women feel disconnected from financial decisions, and how to rebuild confidence step by step.

You’ll learn the three phases of financial transition, how to avoid costly mistakes, and how to align your finances with what truly matters most in your life. Whether you’re going through a divorce, preparing for one, or simply want to feel more confident with your money, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to divorce and financial fear

(03:45) Kathleen’s personal story and career transition

(08:20) Why women feel disconnected from finances

(12:10) Financial triage: what to do first in divorce

(18:30) The messy middle: emotions and decision-making

(24:15) Common financial mistakes to avoid

(28:40) Understanding assets, debt, and beneficiaries

(34:10) Aligning money with your values

(40:05) Creating a vision for your financial future

(45:20) Final thoughts and how to get support

Key Takeaways:

1. Financial fear during divorce is normal—and can be overcome with clarity and support
2. Avoid major financial decisions in the first 3–6 months (financial triage phase)
3. Understanding your assets, debts, and cash flow creates immediate empowerment
4. Your financial decisions should align with your personal values and life goals
5. Working with a financial advisor can prevent costly mistakes and provide peace of mind

Guest Bio:

Kathleen Judge is a financial advisor with Edward Jones and a Certified Transition Specialist. She specializes in helping individuals navigate major life transitions such as divorce, widowhood, and retirement. Kathleen is passionate about empowering women to understand their finances, build confidence, and create a secure financial future.

Resource Links:

1. Kathleen Judge (Edward Jones):
2. Doing Divorce Different Podcast
3. Lesa Koski Coaching & Mediation Services

Tags/Keywords:

divorce and finances, divorce financial planning, women and money, financial empowerment for women, divorce recovery, financial advisor divorce, budgeting after divorce, divorce coaching, midlife divorce, financial confidence, money mindset, women over 40 finances, divorce mediation, financial independence, life after divorce