Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast

In this episode of Journey Beyond Divorce, Karen McMahon sits down with Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFA®, CES™, President and CEO of Francis Financial, to unpack one of the most complex and often overlooked aspects of divorce: executive compensation. When income extends beyond a traditional paycheck to include RSUs, stock options, deferred bonuses, and long-term incentive plans, the financial landscape of divorce becomes significantly more complicated—and the stakes much higher.

Together, Karen and Stacy explore how these "golden handcuffs" function and why they are so frequently misunderstood, undervalued, or even missed entirely during divorce proceedings. They dive into how executive compensation is structured, where disclosure gaps tend to occur, and how to identify these assets through key documents like offer letters, vesting schedules, and compensation statements. Stacy also explains how marital versus separate property is determined using time-based calculations tied to the date of divorce, and why timing, vesting schedules, and tax implications can dramatically impact the outcome of a settlement.

This conversation brings clarity to critical decisions, including whether to divide future vesting shares or offset their value with other assets, and highlights a common and costly mistake around who is responsible for taxes on RSU income. Karen and Stacy also discuss real-world complications like job changes, buyouts of unvested compensation, and what happens to these assets in the event of death or disability. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of working with experienced legal and financial professionals who understand high-net-worth divorce and complex compensation structures.

Whether you are an executive navigating divorce or a spouse trying to understand the full financial picture, this episode offers essential insights to help you avoid costly mistakes, ensure proper disclosure, and make informed decisions that protect your long-term financial future.

Connect with Stacy:

• Website: https://francisfinancial.com/francis_team/stacy-francis/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrancisFinancialInc/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francisfinancialinc/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjYgEJi2EhaCd1pL58V78iA?view_as=subscriber
• Free Gift: We have seen first-hand the impact that a detailed Legacy Plan has on our clients and their loved ones. This experience inspired us to create our Legacy Planning Checklist. To make it easier, we've created a three-part Webinar which will take you through the checklist step by step to make sure you finish with confidence. Each session is hosted by Certified Financial Planners™ Stacy Francis and Natalie Colley, who share practical guidance, real examples, and tools to help you build your personalized legacy plan with clarity and confidence.
• Gift Link: https://francisfinancial.com/because-i-love-you-a-legacy-planning-companion/

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
• Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, I'm joined by Wendy Valentine for a really honest and uplifting conversation about something I see so often: how easy it is to get stuck after divorce and begin living smaller than you're meant to.

Wendy shares what it looked like when her life unraveled all at once. At 45, she was navigating divorce, unemployment, $150,000 in debt, chronic illness, menopause, and multiple losses. It was one of those moments where nothing looks the way you thought it would… and you're left wondering what now?

But what's so powerful about Wendy's story is what she chose to do next.

Instead of staying stuck in that place, she began to imagine a different version of her life, a version where she felt happy, healthy, and financially free. And step by step, she started moving toward it. Not perfectly, not all at once, but intentionally.

Over time, she rebuilt her confidence, paid off her debt, healed, bought an RV, and created a life that truly reflects who she is today. She now hosts The Midlife Makeover Show and supports women around the world in doing the same through her FREEDOM Framework.

In our conversation, we talk about how easy it is to stay trapped in old patterns and limiting beliefs, especially during and after divorce, and how bringing awareness to those patterns is often the first real step toward change. Wendy shares how practices like journaling, meditation, and even "acting as if" can begin to shift the way you see yourself and what's possible.

We also talk about the importance of clearing space—emotionally and physically—so you can reconnect with your own voice and begin to envision what you truly want next. And we explore how learning to trust yourself and set boundaries becomes the foundation for creating a life that feels more peaceful, aligned, and fully yours.

This conversation is such a beautiful reminder that divorce isn't just an ending—it can be a turning point. A moment where you begin to choose yourself in a deeper way and step into a new chapter with more clarity, intention, and self-trust.

If you've been feeling stuck or unsure about what comes next, this episode will meet you right where you are, and gently invite you to see what's possible from here.

Connect with Wendy:

• Website: https://wendyvalentine.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellowendyvalentine/
• Substack: https://wendyvalentine.substack.com
• Free Gift: Ready to thrive through divorce? These freebies are my gift to help you boost your joy, master your emotions, set bold boundaries, design the new you, and awaken your inner superhero. Grab one or grab 'em all!
• Gift Link: https://wendyvalentine.com/freebies

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
• Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

n this Voices of Celebration episode, I'm sitting down with Lauren, a woman who, for years, lived in that in-between space so many of you know all too well… where nothing is fully resolved, yet everything feels like it's on the line.

From the outside, her life looked successful. She was a business owner, had two homes, and was raising three children. But behind closed doors, she was carrying overwhelming debt, navigating constant uncertainty, and lying awake at night asking the same painful questions: What if I lose everything? What if my kids blame me? What if I never recover from this?

Lauren spent years trying to hold it all together—financially, emotionally, and as a mother—while also attempting to be fair, to protect her children, and to make sense of a process that felt anything but fair. It wasn't until she stepped into coaching that she finally had a space to put it all down… the fear, the pressure, the complexity, and the constant mental spinning.

Through that work, she began to shift. She learned how to separate what she could control from what she couldn't. She stopped looking to her ex or the legal system for closure. And instead, she started making decisions anchored in her values rather than her fear.

Her journey was anything but simple. She navigated incredibly complex financial challenges—from international tax issues to shared debt and business pressures—while also facing one of the most emotional decisions a parent can make: whether to sell the family home. The fear of how that decision might impact her children was real and deeply felt.

But what's so powerful about Lauren's story is not that everything worked out perfectly… it didn't. She didn't walk away with the financial picture she once imagined. What she did walk away with, however, was something far more meaningful.

She kept her business. She created a home that feels like hers. She rebuilt a more honest, grounded relationship with her children. And most importantly, she reclaimed her sense of self, her steadiness, and her freedom.

In our conversation, we talk about what it really takes to quiet the "monkey mind" when fear takes over, how to move out of rumination and into clarity, and what it looks like to set boundaries in a way that protects your energy without escalating conflict. We also explore the power of surrender—letting go of the hope that someone else will finally make things right—and choosing instead the path that gives you your life back.

Lauren's story is a reminder that even when divorce feels like it's taking everything from you, there is another side. A side where you are no longer stuck in the chaos. A side where you trust yourself again. A side where your life feels like your own.

If you've been carrying the weight of financial fear, emotional exhaustion, or the heartbreak of wondering how your choices will impact your children, this episode will meet you right where you are—and show you what's possible when you keep moving forward.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
• Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

Divorce isn't just something you go through—it's something you grow through. It's an emotional reorganization of your family, and how you navigate that transition matters more than most people realize.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Sarah Bren, clinical psychologist and attachment expert, for a powerful conversation about what our kids really need from us during divorce—and how we can show up in a way that helps them feel safe, secure, and deeply supported.

Because here's the truth: when a marriage ends, the emotional bonds in a family can feel shaken… but they don't have to be broken.

Through the lens of attachment theory, we talk about how to stay connected to your children—even in the middle of conflict or uncertainty—and how to lead your family with intention, compassion, and clarity.

We also explore the importance of building your emotional support team during divorce. Not just lawyers—but therapists, coaches, and professionals who help you stay grounded, regulated, and resourced so you can parent at your best.

In this episode, we cover: – How attachment theory becomes your roadmap for parenting through divorce – Ways to have emotionally safe, trust-building conversations with your kids – Why your child's unique emotional needs should shape your parenting approach – The difference between co-parent coaching and parallel parenting—and when each is helpful – How to know when you or your child might need additional emotional support – And how to create an "emotional ecosystem" that supports you, so you can show up fully for your children

Dr. Bren reminds us that secure attachment isn't about getting it perfect—it's about being present. And when you have the right tools and support, you can guide your children through this chapter in a way that builds resilience, trust, and emotional strength.

If you're navigating divorce and wondering how to protect your children while also taking care of yourself—this episode is for you.

Connect with Dr. Bren:

• https://upshurbren.com/
• https://drsarahbren.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/drsarahbren/?hl=en
• Podcast: https://drsarahbren.com/securely-attached-podcast

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg
• Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

Money has a way of stirring up a lot during divorce—fear, anger, uncertainty, and sometimes a deep sense of injustice. And when it comes to spousal support, those emotions can run even higher. Questions like Who pays? For how long? And what's actually fair? can quickly turn into battlegrounds if you don't understand how the process really works.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Anthony Diaz, also known as The Peacemaker—a family law attorney, mediator, and conflict resolution expert who has spent decades helping couples navigate divorce with greater clarity and far less conflict. Together, we unpack what spousal support really is, the factors courts consider, and how to approach these conversations from a place of calm strategy rather than fear or reactivity.

Spousal support is often one of the most misunderstood and emotionally charged aspects of divorce. Anthony helps bring clarity to the different types of support, the factors that determine whether support is awarded, how much is paid, and how long it may last. We also discuss how courts evaluate income and assets, when support can be modified, and why approaching these negotiations collaboratively often leads to far better long-term outcomes for both partners and their families.

If financial conversations with your spouse have been tense or triggering, this episode will help you better understand the landscape so you can stay grounded, think strategically, and make informed decisions rather than reacting from fear.

Anthony Diaz is not your typical divorce attorney. A Florida-based Family Law and Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator, and national conflict resolution expert, Anthony has dedicated his career to helping couples experience divorce in a more thoughtful and peaceful way. With a unique background as a former CPA and Assistant State Attorney, he brings both financial expertise and emotional intelligence to the process, helping families avoid unnecessary courtroom battles while creating solutions that support stability and respect. His philosophy is simple but powerful: even in divorce, peace is possible.

Connect with Anthony:

Anthony is offering a complimentary eBook to support you on your journey, which you can download at anthonydiazlaw.com/subscribe. To learn more about his work or schedule a consultation, visit anthonydiazlaw.com.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg
• Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, Karen McMahon sits down with relationship expert Alison Armstrong to explore how fundamental differences between men and women often fuel misunderstanding, conflict, and disconnection—both in marriage and during divorce.

Alison shares powerful insights into how men and women process the world differently, including the concept of single-focus versus diffuse awareness. She explains how testosterone supports a focused, task-oriented state of mind and why many men need transition time after work to shift from problem-solving mode into connection at home—a dynamic that is often misunderstood as distance or indifference.

The conversation also dives into how emotional dynamics affect men biologically, why many men need safety and time to access their feelings, and how both men and women frequently misinterpret each other's intentions—confusing hurt with disrespect.

Together, Karen and Alison discuss how shifting the questions we ask, assuming positive intent, and stepping out of punishment-based dynamics can dramatically change communication during and after divorce. They also highlight the importance of prioritizing children's wellbeing and creating healthier patterns moving forward.

Alison also shares resources from her work, including Lux and The Queen's Code, offering listeners practical tools for building greater understanding and connection.

If you've ever wondered why communication between men and women can feel so frustrating—and how to change that dynamic—this episode offers insight, compassion, and a new lens for navigating relationships with greater clarity.

Connect with Alison:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PAXPrograms
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnderstandMen
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheAlisonArmstrong/

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
• Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

In this powerful Voices of Celebration episode, Gail shares an honest and deeply personal journey from chronic self-doubt to grounded self-confidence.

For years, self-doubt shaped how she showed up in her marriage, her divorce, and her relationship with herself. Fear of conflict, second-guessing her decisions, and a lack of self-trust left her feeling small and uncertain about her future.

What makes Gail's story especially compelling is not just what she healed — but how she did it.

She speaks candidly about how coaching provided something she hadn't found elsewhere: practical strategies, real-time awareness, and tools that changed her behavior, not just her understanding. Instead of revisiting the past, she learned how to engage differently, interrupt old patterns, and rebuild confidence from the inside out.

One of the most powerful moments in this conversation is Gail's realization that the outcomes she feared most never came true. Rather than confirming her worst beliefs about herself, divorce became a turning point — a doorway to clarity, self-trust, and a deeper relationship with herself.

This episode is a celebration of growth, courage, and the possibility of real change.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
• Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon and guest Shana James explore the complex dynamics of masculine and feminine energies during the divorce process.

They discuss how imbalances in these energies can sabotage divorce decisions and offer frameworks to help listeners reclaim their power. Shana shares her expertise from 20 years of studying trust, connection, and emotional safety between men and women, diving deep into how these energies manifest in everyday situations.

This discussion offers insightful guidance on how to identify and balance these energies to improve confidence, boundaries, parenting, and future relationships. Whether you're currently navigating a divorce or seeking ways to enhance future relationships, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice.

Connect with Shana:

• https://www.instagram.com/shanajames/
• https://shanajamescoaching.com/podcasts/
• Email: [email protected]
• Free Gift: Book - Honest Sex: A Passionate Path to Deepen Connection and Keep Relationships Alive - https://honestsexbook.scoreapp.com/

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
• Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

When you're in a high-conflict divorce, the behaviors often feel indistinguishable. Gaslighting. Manipulation. Control. Chaos. Emotional whiplash. It's why so many people fixate on one question: Is my spouse a narcissist?

In this episode, I'm joined by licensed psychotherapist and narcissistic abuse expert Chelsey Brooke Cole to explore a deeper truth—when the impact on you feels the same, does the label actually matter?

We unpack what narcissistic abuse truly is, how it overlaps with other forms of emotional and psychological abuse, and why abusers and narcissists often behave in nearly identical ways during divorce. Especially when they're losing control. Especially when the legal process becomes another tool for domination, punishment, and destabilization.

This conversation is not about diagnosing your ex. It's about understanding patterns so you can stop internalizing blame, stop doubting your reality, and stop negotiating from fear. We talk about the internal experience of these dynamics—the fog, the shame, the fragmentation, the nervous system overload—and how those symptoms affect your ability to think clearly, make decisions, and advocate for yourself and your children.

Most importantly, we focus on what actually helps. How to protect yourself emotionally and strategically during a high-conflict divorce. How to anticipate predictable escalations. How to step out of reactivity and into steadiness. And how to begin rebuilding your sense of identity, self-worth, and agency after prolonged psychological control.

If you're divorcing someone who feels impossible, unpredictable, or emotionally dangerous, this episode offers clarity, validation, and a path forward rooted in reality—not labels.

Chelsey Brooke Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, certified partner trauma therapist, bestselling author of If Only I'd Known!, and a nationally recognized expert in narcissistic abuse and complex trauma. She has been featured in USA Today, Psychology Today, HuffPost, WKRN News 2, and FOX 26 Houston, and supports thousands of survivors through her clinical work, education, and trauma-informed programs.

This episode is for anyone navigating a high-conflict divorce who needs to understand what's happening, why it's so destabilizing, and how to move forward without losing themselves in the process.

Connect with Chelsey:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseybrookecole
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelseybrookecole
• Website: https://www.chelseybrookecole.com/
• Free ebook version of bestselling book, If Only I'd Known! How to Outsmart Narcissists, Set Guilt-Free Boundaries, and Create Unshakeable Self-Worth: https://us14.list-manage.com/survey?u=b1c7f3139f2ce732f0176d8e5&id=5e960f8627&attribution=false

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
• Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

What is it truly like for children growing up in divorced families? In this episode, I sit down with Bella Duncan, creator of A Kid With Two Homes, who gives us a rare and honest perspective on divorce from the child's point of view. Now an adult, Bella reflects on her own experiences and sheds light on the challenges kids often navigate silently when moving between two households.

We dive into the real, everyday experiences children face, including why birthdays and holidays can feel complicated, the pressure of loyalty conflicts, adjusting to different rules and routines, and how assumptions and resentment can quietly shape their feelings. Bella also shares the unexpected skills kids develop—like organization and decision-making—and how self-awareness and resilience can help them feel seen and supported.

Whether you're a parent, co-parent, or professional working with children of divorce, this episode offers insight into what kids really wish adults understood and practical ways we can do better. Bella's reflections are honest, relatable, and ultimately hopeful—reminding us that even in the middle of family transitions, children's voices matter.

Connect with Bella:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akidwithtwohomes
• Website:www.akidwithtwohomes.com
• Email: [email protected]

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
• Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
• Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod