Dumped & Divorced

Dating after heartbreak requires a keen eye for warning signs that could prevent future pain. In this candid conversation, two sisters unpack the sometimes complex, often hilarious world of relationship flags - from the bright green signals of a promising match to the crimson warnings that should have us running for the hills.

Drawing from their personal dating disasters, they share stories that will have you nodding in recognition or gasping in disbelief. There's the infamous "shrimp tail incident," where a date casually grabbed and ate the discarded shrimp tails off Maressa's plate, claiming it was a "delicacy." Then there's the supposedly "divorced" man who suggested hotel room "staycations" instead of home visits - only for her to discover later his wife was pregnant!

The sisters explore how we often ignore early warning signs when we're attracted to someone, distinguishing between quirky behaviors we can accept and serious red flags that should never be overlooked. They emphasize that controlling behaviors, dishonesty, and how someone treats others reveal fundamental character traits that won't improve with time.

Green flags get equal attention, with the sisters highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence, respect for boundaries, and shared values. They acknowledge that while perfect partners don't exist, certain standards should never be compromised. As they put it: "You cannot change anybody and you will not change anybody."

Listen in for an honest, sometimes hilarious conversation about navigating the dating landscape with your eyes wide open. Whether you're actively dating or taking a break from romance, you'll walk away with sharper instincts for spotting both warning signs and promising green flags in potential partners.

Send a text

A wedding venue deposit became the foundation for an extraordinary transformation when Maressa's fiancé called off their wedding just four months before the big day. Rather than wallowing in heartache and financial loss, she made a bold decision that would become a cornerstone of her healing journey.
  
  With the help of a compassionate wedding coordinator, Maressa redirected her non-refundable deposits toward a lavish 30th birthday celebration. The Great Gatsby-themed extravaganza came complete with a champagne tower, saxophonist, and nearly 80 supportive friends and family members who witnessed her phoenix-like rise from the ashes of heartbreak.
  
  This wasn't just any party – it was a symbolic farewell to her twenties, a decade largely defined by a relationship that ultimately wasn't meant to be. The celebration represented Maressa reclaiming her narrative, choosing joy amid disappointment, and discovering profound self-love along the way.
  
  Through this experience, Maressa learned valuable lessons about healing on her own timeline. She embraced the wisdom that proper recovery from heartbreak often takes years rather than months. Most importantly, she discovered the freedom that comes from no longer molding herself to meet someone else's expectations.
  
  "I am so happy with who I am as an individual," Maressa shares with conviction. "I don't need a damn man right now because I'm so content in my life and confident in myself." Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest setbacks create unexpected opportunities for growth, celebration, and self-discovery.
  
  Have you experienced a moment where disappointment transformed into something beautiful? We'd love to hear your story of resilience in the comments below.

Send a text

What happens when two sisters decide to bare their souls about heartbreak, healing, and the messy journey that follows? In this episode, we celebrate new goals and receiving our first fan mail while diving deep into the transformative power of life after relationship endings.

We explore a fascinating observation from a divorce lawyer about why women often thrive post-divorce. When you're no longer responsible for someone else's happiness, managing their emotions, or reminding them to take out the trash, you suddenly discover space to focus on yourself. This revelation has been particularly true for Natalie, who shares her journey of rediscovery after her relationship ended.

The conversation takes a vulnerable turn as we discuss the complex emotional landscape of grief and numbness. Six months after losing our father, we're navigating that delicate space between processing pain and protecting ourselves. Sometimes healing means sitting with apathy for a while before diving deeper into difficult emotions.

Against this backdrop of healing, we share the inspiring story of a friend who went from divorce to finding her perfect partner—proof that beautiful love stories can emerge from heartbreak. This sparks our discussion about dating apps versus organic connections, and the rare, immediate chemistry that feels like something from a romance novel.

By the episode's end, we're setting intentions for the week ahead: creating morning routines, continuing "sauna thoughts," training for races, and—most importantly—manifesting the relationships we truly deserve. Because if we can accidentally manifest a Jason "Bateman" commercial, surely we can manifest love that feels like magic.

Will you join us in manifesting better connections, deeper healing, and more authentic relationships? Listen, share, and let's grow together on this journey from heartbreak to wholeness.

Send a text

Getting knocked down repeatedly by life's challenges can make even the strongest person hesitant to open up again. This deeply personal episode explores the courage it takes to protect your peace when everything seems to keep changing.

Natalie vulnerably shares her hesitation about dating after divorce, revealing how therapy has helped her process the past while focusing on co-parenting three children. "I'm strong enough in all my relationships that if I have a feeling or instinct, I am emotionally and mentally stable enough to have that. But in beginning dating relationships, you're getting to know someone and trying to break through those barriers—and I don't think I want to do that right now."

The conversation flows naturally through boundaries—not just in romantic relationships, but with friends and family too. Both sisters agree on the importance of "friend breakups" when connections no longer serve you, likening these boundaries to the filter in Finding Nemo that slowly contaminated everything when it stopped working properly.

For listeners navigating co-parenting after divorce, Natalie offers wisdom gained through experience: "My biggest piece of advice would be to have patience and try to be the bigger person. When tensions are high, things get ugly. You've removed the love piece, so it's really hard to be objective." Her suggestion to stop taking things personally becomes a powerful tool—"It wasn't towards me, it was towards the situation."

Whether you're healing from heartbreak, setting new boundaries, or simply trying to stay afloat when grief keeps hitting in waves, this episode reminds us that protecting your peace isn't selfish—it's essential. As Natalie beautifully concludes, "If you stay objective, stay the course and keep your peace, it will get better."

Ready to hear more about rebuilding after loss? Subscribe now and join our community of listeners finding strength through shared experiences.

Send a text

Turning heartbreak into celebration, sisters Natalie and Maressa share the unforgettable story of "Mayo de Maressa" – the weekend that transformed what would have been Maressa's wedding day into a joyful adventure with friends. When Maressa's engagement ended just months before the wedding, her support system rallied around her and embarked on a weekend of responsible fun that culminated in a late-night hotel party and an unexpected fire alarm evacuation.

The sisters dive deep into how recovery from heartbreak looks different for everyone, with candid conversations about one sister's hoe phase, being proactive during casual encounters, and finding moments of connection even during difficult transitions. They don't shy away from discussing the importance of open communication and mutual benefit in any sort of relationship, comparing them to "group projects" where everyone needs to contribute equally for success.

The episode takes a poignant turn when the sisters discuss their mother's recent move from the family home – the last house their late father had lived in. This physical transition represents the closing of a significant chapter in their family's life, bringing both sisters to tears as Maressa shares the touching story of taking their father to see the new house while he had just got out of the nursing home.

Throughout their emotional rollercoaster, Natalie and Maressa emphasize the importance of mental health check-ins, acknowledging that healing isn't linear – some weeks you make progress, while others you simply survive. Their weekly reflection reminds listeners that it's okay to have moments of stagnation as long as you remain committed to the overall journey of growth and healing.

Ready to laugh, cry, and feel less alone in your own journey? Listen now and join the sisters as they navigate life's complexities with humor, vulnerability, and unwavering support for each other.

Send a text

Breakups can leave deep emotional scars, but what if you could turn that heartache into power? In our latest episode, we invite you to a candid conversation about resilience and reclamation after experiencing loss in relationships. Inspired by Mel Robbins' transformative work, we delve into how taking control of your life is essential to emotional healing.

We share key insights and relatable stories that underline the importance of recognizing what we can and cannot control in life, especially when it comes to other people's actions and emotions. With honesty and openness, we address how heartbreak can spark profound self-discovery, leading to pathways of growth and empowerment.

Listeners may also empathize with our discussions surrounding comparison and self-worth, two common struggles many of us face in today’s social media-driven world. As we unpack these concepts, we encourage everyone to prioritize their healing journey and focus on what truly brings them joy.

Join us as we explore practical tools for personal empowerment and growth. Subscribe to our podcast, engage with us online, and share your own experiences. Healing is a journey we all navigate in our unique ways, and we’re here to support each other every step of the way!

Send a text

What if the pain of a breakup could be your greatest teacher? Join us as we navigate the emotional labyrinth of heartache, sharing stories from our own lives that reveal how these tough experiences can spark incredible personal growth. We discuss the unexpected opportunity found in new beginnings, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about the transformative power of heartbreak. Learn how we’ve turned to "podcast therapy" to speak our truths and how literature has offered us solace, from popular non fiction books to the enchanting world of romance novels.

Through our journey, we've discovered the importance of prioritizing personal happiness after heartbreak. Transitioning from wild nights out to peaceful "hot girl walks", we’ve embraced healthier habits that have helped us rebuild. We explore how breakups parallel the stages of grief and how a shift in mindset can transform heartache into empowerment. By focusing on self-care, new hobbies, and supportive friendships, we’ve navigated the path to self-discovery and emerged stronger.

In this candid conversation, we also delve into the healing power of books, highlighting how stories can mend a broken heart and renew our faith in love. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while breakups can be painful, they also offer a chance for growth, connection, and even a good laugh. Join us as we celebrate the small things that leave a lasting impression and embrace the power of storytelling in overcoming heartbreak.

Send a text

Ever wondered how a stroll through Chicago's windy streets could lead to profound realizations about personal growth? From the Bean to deep-dish pizzas, our shared annual birthday escapade becomes more than just a trip—it's an anchor for reflection, laughter, and occasionally, a heartfelt tear or two. Despite missing out on recording in the vibrant city, we bring back stories of iconic landmarks and culinary indulgence, pairing them with the mixed reviews of our podcast debut. Addressing both cheers and critiques, we stand by our mission to protect those entwined in our narratives while embracing the diverse perspectives of our listeners. 

Journey with us as we navigate the tender terrain of relationships, heartbreak, and the quest for personal evolution. The emotional depth of breakups isn't easy to articulate, but it's a crucial part of feeling understood and validated. Sharing our own tales of resilience, we touch on the dreams of motherhood, the pressures of fertility, and the unexpected paths life sometimes offers. Reflecting on the importance of individuality within relationships, we discuss how our upbringing shapes our views and how journaling and therapy serve as allies in our growth. From the choice of divorce to the role of social media in finding community, we create a sanctuary of vulnerability and solidarity, offering support to anyone facing similar struggles.

Send a text

Ever wonder how heartbreak can actually fuel personal growth and self-discovery? Join us, Natalie and Maressa, as we kick off the very first episode of Dumped & Divorced. We're sharing our raw and real experiences of navigating the stormy seas of breakups that rocked our worlds back in 2022, offering you a glimpse into our journeys of healing and self-love. With a blend of humor and honesty, we recount our stories of a divorce and a broken engagement, all while emphasizing the importance of personal development and sibling support. We're here to provide solace for those enduring similar heartaches, and together, we delve into the therapeutic power of speaking our truths and embracing the single life.

In this episode, we also rewind the clock to explore the complex web of young love and the pressures that come with it. We reflect on our college years, where the vibrant world of life with no responsibilities collided with the challenges of long-term relationships. From communication struggles to the shadows that threatened our self-confidence, we open up about the lessons we've learned and how they've shaped our present-day selves. As we recount these pivotal moments, we're reminded of the strength found in self-awareness and the joy of growing into our true selves. We are beyond grateful for your support and can’t wait to share more in upcoming episodes.

Send a text

Ever found yourself in the aftermath of a breakup, wondering how to pick up the pieces and start anew? We've been there, tangled in the chaos of heartbreak and the struggle to find ourselves again. On Dumped & Divorced, we pour our hearts into stories of resilience and the messy, beautiful process of healing. Join us, Natalie and Maressa, as we candidly share the life-altering lessons we've learned on this rollercoaster journey. Our raw, unfiltered conversations are the kind you might have with your closest friend over a glass of wine.

Each episode, we challenge societal norms and embrace the empowerment found in rediscovery. Our show is more than a podcast—it's a community, a lifeline for anyone navigating relational trauma. Our experiences serve as a guide to overcoming hardships, offering a mix of humor, honesty, and hope. Whether you're nursing a broken heart or rediscovering your identity after heartbreak, tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and join a supportive network of listeners who lift each other up during life's darkest moments.

Send a text