What if you could navigate your divorce with calm, clarity, and even collaboration, no matter how high the conflict?

In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon sits down with internationally renowned mediator and author of Keeping the Calm, Hesha Abrams, to explore how to stay grounded, communicate effectively, and maintain your personal power during a high-conflict divorce.

Together, they dive into the emotional and practical challenges of divorce, including handling custody battles, negotiating financial settlements, and co-parenting with a difficult ex. Hesha shares proven strategies for emotional regulation, boundary-setting, and productive negotiation that can help you stay calm, protect your well-being, and create more peaceful outcomes for you and your children.

You’ll learn how diplomacy and firm boundaries can work together to shift power dynamics, de-escalate conflict, and keep communication focused and intentional. Whether you’re just beginning your divorce journey or already in the thick of it, this conversation offers tools to help you protect your peace and make empowered decisions throughout the process.

Hesha Abrams is an internationally acclaimed master attorney, mediator, negotiator, and deal-maker with over 30 years of experience resolving complex and high-profile disputes. She has worked with companies such as Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook, IBM, and Verizon, and is known for mediating the landmark case involving the secret formula for Pepsi. Her work spans from multinational corporations to individuals navigating deeply personal conflicts, bringing clarity, resolution, and peace to even the most challenging situations.

Connect with Hesha:

• Holding The Calm - The Book: www.holdingthecalm.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hesha-abrams-esq/      
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeshaAbramsHoldingTheCalm      
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcPngGiIF-GlC8w1l3sH8A

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg

In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, Karen McMahon is joined by master life coach and relationship expert Sharon Pope to explore one of the most difficult questions in a marriage: Should I stay or should I get a divorce?

Sharon shares her proven decision-making framework designed to help women gain clarity and confidence when facing the possibility of divorce. Together, they discuss the emotional weight of deciding to leave a marriage, how to navigate the fear of divorce, and why self-awareness is essential in making the right choice for your future.

Whether you're dealing with a high-conflict relationship, struggling to rebuild trust, or feeling stuck in a toxic marriage, this episode offers valuable insights and tools. Learn how to approach the decision to divorce with intention, and discover pathways to either healing your relationship or making a peaceful, empowered exit.

Connect with Sharon:

• FREE video series: Calming Your Constant Marriage Indecision. No more paralyzing indecision or fear of regret; just a clear, realistic path toward happiness - SharonPopeFreeTraining.com
• Website - https://www.sharonpope.com  
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@sharonpopecoach
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SharonPopeCoach
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharonpopecoach/
• TikTok - http://tiktok.com/@sharonpopecoach  
• Sharon's Latest Book - https://stayorgobook.com/  
• The Loving Truth Podcast - https://sharonpope.com/podcast/ 

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg

Divorce negotiations can feel like a battlefield—two people locked in conflict, each fighting to protect what matters most. But what if you stopped viewing your ex as the enemy and started seeing the process as a strategic game—one where understanding, clarity, and emotional regulation could actually help you get better results?

In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce podcast, I’m joined by Brenda Bridges—Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Divorce Coach, and Mediator. Brenda has not only helped countless clients navigate the financial and emotional complexities of divorce—she’s lived it. After experiencing her own financially devastating divorce, she made it her mission to help others avoid the same mistakes by approaching divorce strategically instead of emotionally.

Together, we explore how negotiating during divorce doesn’t have to be driven by fear, anger, or reactivity. We talk about the importance of understanding your spouse’s values—what they truly care about—and how using that insight can completely shift the way you approach settlement discussions. Whether it’s financial security, time with the kids, or protecting their image, knowing what drives them can give you a surprising amount of leverage.

We also dive into what it means to regulate your emotions, communicate with intention, and stay grounded during mediation or high-conflict negotiations. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a tug-of-war, always bracing for the next blow, this conversation offers a new perspective—one rooted in strategy, self-awareness, and the belief that you can walk away from divorce with clarity, confidence, and a future you’re excited about.

This episode is for anyone ready to stop playing defense and start negotiating from a place of strength and insight. Because when you understand the emotional and financial landscape of divorce, you can make smarter choices and protect what truly matters to you.

Connect with Brenda:

• Website: https://bridgingdivorcesolutions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgingdivorce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgingDivorce/  
• "New Normal" Post Divorce Checklist: https://mailchi.mp/bridgingllc/jtzu34jo7l

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg

Divorcing when neurodiversity is in the mix—whether you're co-parenting with a neurodiverse ex or raising a neurodivergent child—can add layers of complexity and emotional intensity.

In this episode of Journey Beyond Divorce, Karen McMahon sits down with Diane Dempster, parent coach and co-founder of ImpactParents.com, to explore how understanding neurodiversity can shift the entire divorce experience. Together, they unpack practical tools for managing emotional intensity, setting effective boundaries, and building resilience during one of life’s most stressful transitions.

Diane shares powerful insights from both her personal and professional experience—offering guidance for creating calm in the chaos and supporting your kids (and yourself) through change.

Whether you’re navigating high-conflict dynamics or seeking a better way to support your neurodivergent child, this conversation is filled with actionable strategies and deep encouragement.

Connect with Diane:

• Free Gift: 12 Tips to Help Your Complex Kids: https://impactparents.pages.ontraport.net/top-twelve-tips-bonus
• Website: https://impactparents.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents/

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg

Mother’s Day can stir up a lot—especially when you're navigating life after divorce. Maybe your ex’s voice is still echoing in your head, or your teens are too cool (or too cranky) to make plans. Maybe your kids aren't even with you this year. If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is here to help you mute the noise, return to yourself, and reclaim this day as something sacred and satisfying—no matter what it looks like on the outside.

Together, we’ll explore how to celebrate yourself without apology, even if no one else is showing up the way you hoped. I’ll share what it means to be both realistic and radiant—from managing kids who are resistant or unavailable, to creating a solo tradition that fills your soul (including my own story of picnics, peace, and blooming flowers at the Arboretum). Because Mother’s Day isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.

Whether you're feeling joyful, tender, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you to step into your power, choose your own joy, and design a Mother's Day that honors the incredible mom—and woman—you are. 🌸

Support this podcast:

• Free Gift: An exercise in self love and discovery - https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/blog/self-love-exercise
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 

Join Karen McMahon for a powerful and inspiring episode on spiritual resilience and transformation after divorce. In this heartfelt conversation, Karen is joined by Carrie Hopkins-Doubts, a seasoned Spiritual Resilience Coach and long-time member of the JBD team, who shares her wisdom on navigating grief, reclaiming your identity, and finding spiritual strength after the end of a marriage.

Carrie dives into the essential elements of healing after divorce, guiding listeners on how to shift from heartbreak to healing. She emphasizes the importance of embracing your authentic self and leaning into spiritual resilience to not only survive divorce but to grow from it. Through personal stories of grief, recovery, and renewal, Carrie shows how self-compassion and support can empower your journey forward.

Carrie is also the creator of the Rebuilding Your Life After Loss program, offered in both individual and group coaching formats. Her transformative courses are designed to help individuals reconnect with their heart, reclaim their personal power, and re-align with their deeper purpose—laying the foundation for the next meaningful chapter of life.

Whether you're in the early stages of divorce or seeking deeper healing long after, this episode offers the tools and encouragement you need to experience lasting change. Discover how spiritual transformation can become the guiding force in your divorce recovery journey.

To learn more about Carrie’s approach to grief, loss, and spiritual growth, visit her website and explore her programs focused on healing from the inside out.

• Free Gift: Transitions and Transformations Course - https://bit.ly/43mWV3W
• Join the waitlist for Rebuilding Your Life After Loss - https://lifesnextchaptercoaching.mykajabi.com/waitlistrebuilding
• Website: https://lifesnextchaptercoaching.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifesnextchapter/

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg

In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon speaks with somatic healer and coach Lori James about the powerful role of somatic healing in recovering from the trauma of divorce. They explore how emotional pain from divorce and toxic relationships often becomes stored in the body, manifesting as anxiety, depression, and physical tension.

Lori shares her own post-divorce healing journey and explains how somatic practices — such as breathwork, movement, and body awareness — can help individuals reconnect with their inner wisdom, process deep emotional wounds, and rebuild a sense of safety and empowerment.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking divorce recovery tools, emotional resilience, and a deeper understanding of how the body holds and heals trauma. Discover practical strategies to support your emotional healing after divorce and begin moving forward with clarity and strength.

Connect with Laurie:

• Free Gift: My free Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing: https://laurieejames.myflodesk.com/bgtsh
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.james/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.james.79219754
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-james-8336a0168/
• Website: https://www.laurieejames.com/
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-freebird-midlife-divorce-heal/id1694026063

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg

In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist, certified co-parenting coach, mediator, and award-winning author Aurisha Smolarski. Together, they explore effective co-parenting strategies after divorce, with a focus on creating stability and emotional security for your children.

Aurisha shares actionable advice on how to shift from a romantic partnership to a cooperative co-parenting dynamic, while building a foundation rooted in communication, consistency, and connection. You’ll also learn how attachment theory can influence your parenting approach and what it takes to maintain a healthy relationship with your ex for the sake of your kids.

Whether you're newly divorced or years into co-parenting, this episode offers expert guidance to help you feel more empowered, supported, and aligned with your children’s best interests.

In this episode, my guest Aurisha Smolarski, LMFT—a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified co-parenting coach, mediator, and mother—shares her invaluable expertise. As the award-winning author of Cooperative Co-Parenting for Secure Kids: The Attachment Theory Guide to Raising Kids in Two Homes, Aurisha brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the table. She specializes in helping co-parents move from conflict to cooperation, make child-centered agreements, and create a secure two-home family system. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, Aurisha's insights will provide the guidance and support you need to navigate your co-parenting journey with greater confidence and peace. 

Connect with Aurisha Smolarski:

• Free Communication Style Quiz: https://www.aurishasmolarski.com/
• Buy the book Cooperative Co-Parenting for Secure Kids: https://www.aurishasmolarski.com/book/
• Join Aurisha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooperativecoparenting/

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg

In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, Karen McMahon sits down with Craig Perra, a global leader in sex and porn addiction recovery. Craig explores the deep-rooted causes of compulsive sexual behavior, especially in high-achieving men and women navigating high-conflict divorce. He shares how lack of self-love, shame, and isolation fuel addiction—and how accountability and community drive healing.

For partners of sex addicts, Craig offers empowering insights and guidance on separating their self-worth from their partner’s behavior. Learn how to break toxic cycles, protect your children with healthy conversations about sexuality, and take real steps toward recovery.

Connect with Craig:

• Website: https://mindfulhabithelp.com/
• Book a call with Craig: https://mindfulhabithelp.com/book-a-call9273
• Course Library: https://www.themindfulhabitonline.com/
• Listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-afflictions-porn-addictions-with-craig-perra-sex/id556373664

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg

The divorce conversation has happened—and now you’re still living together.** Tensions are high, emotions are raw, and the atmosphere at home feels like a ticking time bomb. In this episode, we unpack what to do *after* the divorce bomb drops—how to survive and even strategically thrive in the uncomfortable in-between of sharing space with someone you’re separating from.

First things first: before anything escalates, it’s critical to understand your legal rights and quietly begin gathering financial documentation—especially if there’s a risk your spouse might hide or manipulate assets once they know you're serious.** We’ll also explore what it looks like to have the divorce conversation with your children—how to support them honestly without oversharing or putting them in the middle. You'll hear how to create emotional and physical boundaries that protect everyone involved.

From separate bedrooms to shared parenting time, this episode is packed with real talk and practical strategies. You’ll learn how to stop walking on eggshells, communicate calmly, and lead with clarity rather than chaos. Even while still living together, you can begin laying the groundwork for a strategic, empowered divorce—one step, one boundary, one conversation at a time.

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com 
• Join the Free Divorce Paralysis Workshop: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/overcoming-divorce-fear
• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce