In this inspiring episode, Leah Hadley welcomes visionary entrepreneur and bestselling author Maria Fontana to share her powerful story of reinvention after divorce. From building a multi-six-figure salon business at an early age to facing intense personal and financial struggles during her marriage and overcoming $700,000 in debt, Maria’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of inner work.

Maria discusses the challenges of leaving a dysfunctional marriage, breaking generational patterns, and starting over both personally and professionally. She highlights the importance of trusting your intuition, creating safe spaces for connection, and embracing self-compassion during difficult seasons.

Key Takeaways:

- Maria’s Early Career & Marriage: Starting a thriving business at 19, navigating cultural and familial expectations, and the impact of marrying to please others.

- Recognizing When to Take Action: Maria’s experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and reaching a tipping point after years of financial and emotional turmoil.

- Breaking Free & Rebuilding: Facing financial devastation including repossessed cars and lost homes, Maria shares step-by-step how she rebuilt her life, career, and self-confidence.

- The Power of Inner Work: How faith, self-trust, and supportive mentors helped Maria move past shame and embarrassment to reinvent her life. She details how embracing your intuition and energy can guide safe relationships and new opportunities.

- Season of Reinvention: Maria’s work today as an integrative healing practitioner and coach, helping entrepreneurs and leaders honor themselves and design their next season with soul alignment.

- Practical Advice: Insights on recognizing safe support systems, setting boundaries, trusting your gut, and focusing on personal resources to move forward after divorce.

Special VIP Audio Thread Access:

Email Maria directly at [email protected] for free access to her exclusive insights and resources.

Connect with Maria Fontana:

Website: www.mariafontana.com 

Email: [email protected] 

IG: @mariafontanaconsulting 

FB: MFConsulting

LI: Maria Fontana

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ 

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights 

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist. 

Welcome to another uplifting episode of Intentional Divorce Insights, hosted by Leah Hadley and featuring special guest Jackie Pilossoph, founder of Divorced Girl Smiling. This episode dives deep into the unexpected silver linings that can come from a divorce, focusing on empowerment, reinvention, self-discovery, and the importance of building a supportive community.

Key Takeaways:

- The Good That Can Come from Divorce: Jackie Pilossoph and Leah Hadley discuss how divorce can be a catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth, even in the face of fear, shame, and uncertainty.

- Financial Independence & Empowerment: The journey from financial fear to confidence is explored, including practical steps like opening bank accounts and managing investments for the first time. 

- Re-entering the Workforce: Jackie shares her experience of returning to work after divorce and how it led to increased confidence, new friendships, and a sense of accomplishment.

- Rebuilding Confidence After Divorce: A candid conversation about how divorce inevitably impacts self-esteem, but also opens the door for self-love, therapy, coaching, and rediscovering passions.

- The Power of Community and Friendships: Jackie offers practical tips for overcoming loneliness after divorce: start by befriending one person, join communities or classes aligned with your interests, and make a habit of getting out of the house—even for simple activities like coffee or a walk.

- New Opportunities for Love and Partnership: The episode explores how divorce creates the possibility of finding a more compatible partner—and how sometimes, the post-divorce partner better fits each person’s lifestyle and values. 

Connect with Jackie Pilossoph:

Website: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/ 

Email: [email protected] 

IG: @Divorced_Girl_Smiling

FB: Divorced Girl Smiling

LI:  jackie-pilossoph-0851814

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights 

 Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this insightful episode, host Leah Hadley welcomes Karen Covy—a “recovering lawyer,” respected divorce coach, mediator, author, and podcaster—to dive deep into decision making throughout the divorce journey. Together, they unpack the emotional and practical complexities of divorce, highlighting the value of intentional, empowered choices from the moment the idea of divorce surfaces through to life beyond the settlement.

Key Take Aways:

- How to Make Empowered Divorce Decisions: Karen Covy shares her unique exercises for identifying your values and priorities, and how to anchor your decision making—even when things feel emotionally overwhelming and fast-paced.

-The Importance of Intentionality Discover: Why stepping back and determining your big-picture goals early can help protect your peace and financial future, even when decisions are being made under pressure.

- Mindset and Moving Forward: The conversation explores the powerful mindset shift required to view divorce as a chapter—not your defining moment—and strategies to avoid common regrets.

- Communicating with Adult Children: Karen provides compassionate coaching for parents facing tough conversations with adult children and explains why clear boundaries and loving honesty are vital.

- Becoming the CEO of Your Divorce: Learn why you—not your attorney—are in charge of your divorce’s direction, and how assembling the right professional team (without overspending) creates the best path to your desired outcome.

- Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Leah and Karen discuss the financial pitfalls often missed without early expert help, and why getting advice too late can not only increase stress but also escalate legal and emotional battles.

Resources Mentioned: Free download: One-page Divorce Process Comparison Chart: https://karencovy.com/freechart/

Connect with Karen Covy:

Website: www.karencovy.com 

Email: [email protected] 

IG: @karencovylawyer

FB: @Karen A Covy

TikTok: @karen.covy

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ 

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights 

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist. 

For more valuable insights on navigating divorce with intention and clarity, be sure to subscribe to Intentional Divorce Insights and leave a review to help others discover empowering divorce. resources.

Welcome to a brand new season of Intentional Divorce Insights! In this powerful solo episode, Leah Hadley—certified divorce financial analyst and founder of Intentional Divorce Solutions—invites listeners to move beyond the “clinical” conversations around divorce and explore the unseen, often unspoken, costs that truly impact those going through this life change. If you’re facing divorce and feeling overwhelmed or isolated, this episode is for you.

Leah Hadley compassionately illuminates the five most devastating hidden costs of divorce—beyond what’s found on a legal bill—arming you with awareness so you can better protect yourself, your family, and your future.

Key Takeaways:

The “Quiet Thieves” of Divorce: Hidden costs that extend beyond legal fees and settlements.

Social Fallout: How friendships and family dynamics often fracture, leading to profound isolation at your most vulnerable.

Career Impact: Why divorce can quietly stall your professional life and what to watch for at work.

Financial Surprises: From asset appraisals to new living expenses and changes in insurance and tax status, it’s not just about the attorney's invoice.

Effects on Children: The long-term emotional toll on kids, especially in high-conflict splits.

Your Health Matters: How lingering, chronic stress from a difficult divorce impacts both emotional and physical well-being.

How to Prepare: Steps you can take now for emotional, financial, and practical readiness—including leaning on support systems and seeking professional guidance.

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ 

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights 

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist. 

For more valuable insights on navigating divorce with intention and clarity, be sure to subscribe to Intentional Divorce Insights and leave a review to help others discover empowering divorce resources.

In this heartfelt and practical solo episode, Leah Hadley, certified divorce financial analyst and founder of Intentional Divorce Solutions, wraps up Season 4 with a powerful discussion on embracing a financial fresh start after divorce. As the year ends, Leah invites listeners to reflect, reset, and take intentional steps toward a confident and empowered 2026.

Key Topics Covered:

- Season Reflection & Gratitude: Leah Hadley expresses deep thanks to both longtime and new listeners, reflecting on the emotional breakthroughs and practical guidance shared throughout the season.

- Why December is a Powerful Time to Reset: Discover why early December provides a unique opportunity for clarity and reflection, especially after a significant life transition like divorce.

- Steps to a Financial Fresh Start: Review Your Finances: Honest tips for reviewing where your money really went this year, identifying surprises, and assessing changing priorities post-divorce.

- Reset Your Earnings Power and Career Direction: Leah discusses how divorce impacts career confidence and earnings, and why it's okay (and powerful!) to want and ask for more.

- Prioritize Your Emotional Bandwidth: Learn how your emotional wellness is tied to your financial well-being and the importance of seeking support instead of going it alone.

- Common Post-Divorce Planning Mistakes: Leah Hadley highlights pitfalls such as waiting until January to make changes, setting goals without understanding your true cash needs, and underestimating the value of support.

- Guided Reflection Exercise: Leah leads listeners through thoughtful questions to help assess what they’re proud of, what drained them, and what kind of support and decisions can create more ease moving into the new year.

Special Workshop Invitation:

A FREE LIVE WEBINAR If you’re seeking to boost your earnings or shift your career in 2026, Leah invites you to the free "Earn With Intention" workshop, co-hosted with career expert Cindy Haba.

Monday, December 8, 2025 7:00 PM EST

Register HERE: https://www.watchherthrive.co/earn-with-intention 

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ 

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights 

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist. 

In this insightful episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Sam Asra, a specialist in high conflict divorce, particularly supporting fathers through the complexities of separation, custody battles, and parental alienation. Drawing from his own experience as a child of a tumultuous divorce, Sam Asra discusses the early warning signs of high conflict, the emotional drivers behind contentious divorces, and effective strategies to de-escalate and protect both finances and family relationships.

Key Topics: 

- Early Warning Signs of High Conflict Divorce: Sam Asra shares tell-tale signs such as refusal to cooperate in mediation, hostile language, and the tendency to take disputes to court unnecessarily.

- De-escalation Strategies: Insights on using soft skills ("fighting fire with water") rather than escalating arguments. Setting boundaries and clarifying non-negotiables help create a space for strategic, less emotional decision-making.

- Emotional Drivers of Divorce Conflicts: Discussion on common fears: loss of stability, fear of losing children’s love, and lack of control when courts dictate terms.

- Importance of the Co-Parenting Relationship: Leah Hadley candidly shares her evolution in prioritizing her co-parenting relationship, showing how adult children and future family events mean ex-partners remain in each other’s lives.

- Practical Techniques for Communication & Boundaries: Sam Asra explains the importance of direct and assertive communication, without aggression or passivity, and offers examples of how reframing requests (e.g., choices for pickup times) can shift the dynamic.

- Protecting Kids During High Conflict Divorce: Tips for parents on supporting the other parent’s involvement (when safe), facilitating open communication, and considering therapy for children.

Resource Spotlight:

Sam Asra offers a free training on “Five Essential Questions to Ask Your Lawyer” that can help save significant legal fees by ensuring you have the right legal support.

Find it on his website: https://www.fathersconnect.co/

Connect with Sam Asra:

Website: https://www.fathersconnect.co/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fathersconnect 

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this episode, host Leah Hadley welcomes self-empowerment coach Karen Krupp for a deeply honest conversation about navigating relationship uncertainty, personal growth, and finding clarity—both during and after divorce. Karen shares her personal journey through multiple divorces, how she reclaimed her financial independence, and the ways she now supports other women facing similar crossroads.

Key Topics Covered:

- Karen’s Story: Karen Krupp shares how her work as a massage therapist led to life coaching, her own experiences navigating unsupportive marriages, and how her challenges shaped her calling to help other women find confidence and clarity in their relationships.

- Making the Decision to Divorce: Karen candidly discusses the difficulty in reaching the decision to leave, the years of feeling unseen and unheard, what finally made her realize it was time—and how working with a coach helped her get clear.

- Breaking Through Shame & Isolation: Karen outlines the common barriers women face—shame, lack, and isolation—and how shifting these internal patterns is foundational to moving forward. She explains her coaching approach to helping women examine these beliefs and transition towards self-responsibility and empowered choices.

- Reclaiming Financial Independence: After growing up in a generation where men handled finances, Karen details how she learned to budget, bought her own home, and now relishes the empowerment of managing her money—encouraging other women to embrace financial independence too.

- Healing After Divorce: Karen reflects on what she learned from each of her marriages and why she’s currently enjoying focusing on herself—prioritizing her personal growth, family, friendships, and career over a new relationship.

- Coaching with Karen: Karen describes her embodiment-based, women-centered coaching—including breathwork, guided visualization, and practical tools for growth. She offers a special “Stay or Go Blueprint Call” for women grappling with relationship doubt.

Special Offer:

Karen is offering a 90-minute “Stay or Go Blueprint Call” for those needing clarity on their relationship crossroads. This stand-alone session helps you break free from confusion and plot your next steps.

Email Karen for more information.

Connect with Karen:

Email: [email protected] 

Website: www.karenkrupp.com 

IG: karenkrupplifecoaching

FB: Karen Krupp

LI:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenkrupp/

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights 

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist. 

In this heartfelt episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Patricia Villarreal, an experienced psychotherapist and leader of Holding Space for Psychological Wellness in Chicago. Together, they explore the emotional complexities of divorce and the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for healing.

Key Topics:

- Patricia’s Journey to Psychotherapy: Patricia Villarreal shares her lifelong connection to helping others, discussing her path from empathic child to founder of a thriving group practice focused on trust, safety, and authentic healing.

- The Importance of Trust & Emotional Safety: She breaks down how safety is fundamental to healing, particularly through major transitions like divorce. Without it, our nervous system remains on high alert, and we can’t examine or move through our pain constructively.

- Transparency and Co-Creating Safety: Learn how being authentic, honest—even vulnerable—as a therapist or support person lays the groundwork for genuine trust and growth in the healing process.

- Navigating Grief & Major Transitions: Patricia discusses the non-linear nature of healing from divorce, highlighting the need for self-compassion and recognizing grief not only in loss of loved ones but also in the endings of relationships and dreams for the future.

- Reconnecting with Personal Power: She offers practical ways to remember and reclaim your strengths, even when life feels overwhelming—reminding listeners of the value in their journey and how therapy can help reflect their own resilience back to them.

- Avoidance and the Accumulation of Emotional Clutter: A vivid metaphor about sweeping issues “under the rug” illustrates how avoidance might seem to help short-term but eventually limits our capacity to thrive emotionally and physically.

- Building Compassionate Inner Dialogue: Practical tips for recognizing and shifting negative self-talk are offered. Patricia Villarreal suggests mindfulness as a first step—paying attention to our inner narratives before we can transform them.

- Understanding Triggers and Boundaries: The conversation touches on the “triggers” we carry from past relationships, how these inner voices aren’t always ours, and the importance of distinguishing our reactions and needs in new relationships.

- Start Noticing Your Inner Dialogue: Begin paying mindful attention to how you speak to yourself, especially in tough moments. Writing thoughts down or sharing with a trusted friend can be powerful first steps on the path to self-compassion and positive change.

Connect with Dr. Patricia Villarreal:

Website: https://holdingspacepsych.com/ 

IG: @holdingspacepsych

FB: Holding Space for Pychological Wellness  

LI: Holding Space for Psychological Wellness

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

For more valuable insights on navigating divorce with intention and clarity, be sure to subscribe to Intentional Divorce Insights and leave a review to help others discover empowering divorce resources.

In this heartfelt solo episode, Leah Hadley, certified divorce financial analyst and founder of Intentional Divorce Solutions, invites listeners to step into the holiday season with intention.

Key Topics:

- Reframing Abundance: Leah Hadley challenges the traditional view that abundance is about having more money, success, or things, and instead encourages aligning your life, finances, and values to find fulfillment.

- Navigating Big Life Changes: The holidays can be especially tough after a divorce, a move, a job change, or the loss of a loved one. Leah Hadley shares personal stories and acknowledges the pressures that come with this season.

- The Power of a Gratitude Practice: Learn how focusing on what you already have—and what’s working—can shift your mindset from scarcity to peace. Leah Hadley introduces a simple three-part gratitude exercise for reflecting on finances, giving, and experiences.

- Intentional Spending & Gifting: Leah Hadley shares practical tips for simplifying your gift list and prioritizing meaningful experiences over material gifts. She encourages listeners to create a “heart list” instead of a traditional gift list, and to gift presence and connection rather than expensive presents.

- Values-Based Budgeting: Create a holiday budget that protects both your finances and your peace of mind, focusing on what feels right for you—especially important for those co-parenting or adjusting after divorce.

- Creating New Traditions: Life transitions are a perfect opportunity to intentionally craft new, meaningful holiday traditions, whether volunteering, hosting a brunch, or simply taking time for self-care.

- Mindful Generosity: Generosity goes beyond spending money; it’s about sharing your time, energy, and empathy—with others and with yourself.

- Modeling Intentional Choices: Leah Hadley emphasizes that your approach to the season shapes those around you, particularly children. Expressing abundance through gratitude and presence sets a powerful example.

Learn more about the Empowered Sisterhood! https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist. 

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, host Leah Hadley welcomes Tracy O’Malley, renowned Enneagram expert and leadership strategist. Tracy shares her personal journey through divorce, how the Enneagram transformed her relationship with her children, and the power of emotional vulnerability in overcoming resentment and building resilience. The conversation dives into financial challenges, navigating career changes post-divorce, and offers actionable advice for listeners currently facing similar struggles.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Tracy’s divorce story and the impact on her family

- Discovering and using the Enneagram as a tool for self-awareness, healing, and communication

- The importance of showing emotional authenticity to children during tough times

- Surviving a financial downturn and rebuilding after losing a home and business

- Tracy’s rock-bottom moment, going to rehab, and committing to personal growth

- Building a new career and identity after divorce

- Advice for women feeling stuck or overwhelmed in mid- or post-divorce

- The significance of keeping "your side of the street clean" and leading by example

- Tips for asking for help and finding support through difficult transitions

Join the Empowered Sisterhood! Learn more here: https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood 

Connect with Tracy:

Website: https://tracyomalley.com/ 

IG: @tracy_omalley   

FB: https://www.facebook.com/tracy.omalley 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-o-malley/

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ 

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights 

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist. 

For more valuable insights on navigating divorce with intention and clarity, be sure to subscribe to Intentional Divorce Insights and leave a review to help others discover empowering divorce resources.