Anyone else have a really tough December and struggle to find the strength to start again, again? Well, if this is you, take a listen to this episode.

Welcome to Season 3 of Livd Divorce Stories. We're kicking off 2026 with raw honesty about what it really takes to begin again when life leaves you feeling stuck, frozen, and overwhelmed. December was hard, and instead of powering through with forced resolutions, this episode is about acknowledging when you're paralyzed and finding the courage to take even the smallest step forward.

This isn't a pep talk. It's a breath. An exhale. A reminder that beginning again starts with a quiet mental decision, not a dramatic movie montage. Whether you're recovering from a relationship shift, an unexpected diagnosis, a deferred dream, or just the weight of life life-ing, you'll find practical tools for getting unstuck. From the power of a simple shower to the wisdom of half steps, this episode walks you through how to move forward when you don't have the strength for giant leaps.

You'll hear about the mental decision that sparks change, the importance of motion (even when it's just a crawl), and why kindness to yourself isn't a luxury, it's a strategy for survival. Because starting over isn't about strength. Sometimes it's just about remembering what carried you through before and going back there, one gentle step at a time.

3 Key Takeaways:

Soft Decisions Still Count: Beginning again starts with a mental decision, even if it's just a whisper. You don't need a dramatic breakthrough, just a quiet recognition that you can't stay where you are. That decision, even when shaky, is movement.

Half Steps Are Holy: Progress doesn't have to be perfect. A shower, a journal entry, crying in the car but still showing up, being honest when someone asks how you are, these aren't small wins, they're THE wins. Motion, even slow motion, creates momentum.

Kindness Is a Strategy, Not a Luxury: Giving yourself grace isn't weakness, it's wisdom. When fear gets loud, call it out, but don't let it keep you stuck. Avoidance strengthens the fear circuit, but gentle forward motion sets you free.

Books Discussed In This Episode

• The Bible
• Make Room For Joy

Join the Livd Community:⁠⁠ https://www.livd.co/membership⁠⁠

Subscribe to the Livd Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://www.livd.co/newsletter⁠⁠

Need Guidance? Learn about coaching packages here: ⁠⁠https://www.livd.co/coaching⁠⁠

Connect with Livd Stories:

IG: @livdstories

Website: ⁠⁠https://www.livd.co/⁠

What happens when everything you built your identity on—your marriage, your title, your carefully constructed life—falls apart? In this raw and transformative conversation, host Liv Lewis sits down with Monique Carkum Edwards, Esq., corporate attorney, pastor, and author of "The Snatchback," to explore the messy middle of separation, divorce, and life transitions.

After experiencing her own divorce in 2020 and a career-shaking layoff in 2024, Liv knows firsthand what it means to lose your anchor. Together, Liv & Monique dismantle the illusion that our worth is tied to roles like wife, mother, or executive, and reveal the dangerous equation society teaches us: do the right things, check the boxes, achieve happiness.

This episode tackles the uncomfortable truths about identity crisis, grief without timelines, and why the people who broke you aren't coming back to fix you. Monique introduces a groundbreaking framework distinguishing purpose (what you can't help doing), calling (the container for your purpose), and assignment (the temporary role or title)—explaining why your purpose is portable, even when everything else falls away.

5 Livd Truths for the Journey

1. You Are Not Your Job Title: Your purpose isn’t your position. Your assignment may change, but your purpose travels with you. Know the difference between your purpose, your calling, and your role—and don’t confuse any of them with your identity.
2. Be Your Own Hero: Waiting for an apology or a rescue? Don’t. Healing begins when you decide it’s time. The people who hurt you won’t fix it. You can—and you will.
3. Grief Doesn’t Clock Out: Grief moves in spirals, not straight lines. You’ll loop back before you leap forward. Let yourself feel it all. And find those who can sit with you in silence, not rush your healing.
4. Soul Work Before the Next Chapter: Before you jump into “what’s next,” tend to what’s now. Your soul needs care—journal, pray, cry, breathe. The glow-up starts inside.
5. You Weren’t Fired—You Were Launched: Sometimes the shake-up is divine. That “loss” was an induction into your next level. Disruption can be delivery in disguise.

Books Discussed In This Episode:

• The Snatch Back: Reclaiming Your Life One Truth
• A Hand To Hold

Connect With Monique:

• IG: @moniquecarkumedwards

Join the Livd Community:⁠ https://www.livd.co/membership⁠

Subscribe to the Livd Newsletter: ⁠https://www.livd.co/newsletter⁠

Need Guidance? Learn about coaching packages here: ⁠https://www.livd.co/coaching⁠

Connect with Livd Stories:

IG: @livdstories

Website: ⁠https://www.livd.co/

What do you do when staying in your marriage feels like losing yourself? Jaye Wilson knows that breaking point intimately. Behind what looked like a stable marriage was emotional abandonment, isolation, and a woman slowly disappearing. In this powerful episode, Jaye shares the moment she stood at a crossroads—literally contemplating stepping into traffic—and chose herself instead.

This isn't just a divorce story. It's a roadmap for women who feel trapped, unseen, and questioning if they'll ever feel whole again.

🎧 In this episode, Jaye reveals:

• The red flags she missed (and why hindsight showed her the marriage was doomed from the start)
• How emotional neglect shows up in everyday moments—and why it's a valid reason to leave
• The turning point: When her kids told her "Mommy, you glow different now"
• Practical steps for planning your exit when you feel stuck financially or emotionally
• How divorce became her rebirth—not a failure, but the beginning of her real life
• Finding your worth beyond wife and mother: Jaye's journey to building Melanated Moms and reclaiming her identity

This episode is for you if you're:

• Feeling emotionally abandoned in your marriage
• Struggling with the guilt of wanting to leave
• Worried about how divorce will affect your children
• Searching for divorce support and healing resources
• Ready to choose yourself but don't know where to start

Jaye reminds us: Your starting point doesn't determine your destination—you do.

Resources mentioned:Melinated Moms community: melanatedmoms.com

Connect with Jaye:

IG @melinatedmom

Join the Livd Community: https://www.livd.co/membership

Subscribe to the Livd Newsletter: https://www.livd.co/newsletter

Need Guidance? Learn about coaching packages here: https://www.livd.co/coaching

Connect with Livd Stories:

IG: @livdstories

Website: https://www.livd.co/

What if your deepest heartbreak cracked you open to the love you never thought you deserved?

In this no-filter conversation, love coach Shilpa Cacho gets radically honest about her journey from a rule-following “good Indian girl” to a woman who walked away from the marriage, family expectations, and identity that once defined her. After infidelity, shame, and hitting spiritual rock bottom, Shilpa rebuilt everything—starting with herself.

She moved across the country, faced the silence of disconnection, did the deep healing work most people avoid, and came out the other side in a soul-level love with a man eight years younger—and zero family approval. This isn’t a fairy tale. It’s a gritty, gorgeous reminder that it’s never too late to start again.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too broken, too complicated, or too late for love—this episode is your permission slip to hope again.

Takeaways

• Why healing your inner child and nervous system is key to attracting emotionally safe love

• How detachment makes you magnetic in dating (hint: it’s not about “not caring”)

• The difference between chasing validation and receiving devotion

• How to spot (and stop repeating) your relationship karma
• Why your shame doesn’t make you unlovable—it makes you human

What happens when you share a life—but not a last name? In this raw and deeply relatable episode, Zoë Nelson opens up about walking away from a long-term relationship that mirrored marriage in everything but legality. Fromraising kids to building a home, Zoë had it all—until it all startedunraveling.

She shares what it means to grieve a relationship that doesn’t get the same social support as “real” divorce, theemotional toll of invisible endings, and how she found strength in choosing herself. This is for every woman who’s ever mourned a breakup that left no legal trail—but tore through her life like a storm.

Three Takeaways:

1. “No ring doesn’t mean no grief.”Breakups without legal ties can still carry the emotional weight of a divorce—and deserve to be honored as such.
2. “Peace is a full sentence.”
   Zoë shares how she knew it was time to leave, even without a very dramatic incident—just a deep knowing that peace was no longer present.
3. “Healing requires visibility.”From therapy to community support, Zoë’s journey highlights how crucial it is for Black and Brown women to have safe spaces that acknowledge all forms of heartbreak.

Divorce doesn’t have to break you—or your bank. In this powerful and practical episode, we sit down with seasoned divorce mediator Joe Dillon to talk about a smarter, more empowering way to separate: mediation.

Especially for Black and brown women who are often sidelined by the legal system, mediation offers a more dignified path forward—one that protects your time, your money, and most importantly, your peace.

Joe shares insider tips, busts myths, and breaks down exactly how mediation works, who it’s for, and why more women are choosing this path over court.

3 Takeaways:

1. Mediation = Control + Clarity – You make the decisions, not a judge. Joe breaks down why that’s game-changing.

2. It’s Cheaper, Faster & Kinder – Learn how mediation reduces legal fees, emotional stress, and long delays.

3. It’s Built for Us – For women of color, especially, it’s a way to protect your mental and emotional wellness while reclaiming your power.

   
   

ABOUT JOE DILLION:

Joe is a pioneer in divorce mediation who has been helping couples navigate the end of their marriages with dignity and financial wisdom for over 17 years. As co-founder of Equitable Mediation Services, Joe combines his MBA in Finance with specialized training from Harvard, MIT, and Northwestern University to guide couples toward agreements that protect both their emotional wellbeing and financial futures.

His practice covers Washington, California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

As a child of divorce who witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of attorney-driven litigation on families, Joe brings personal experience that, combined with his professional expertise, enables him to help couples focus on creating agreements that work for everyone, especially the children.

Joe believes divorce doesn't have to be destructive. With the right guidance and expertise, couples can part ways amicably while protecting what matters most.

SOCIAL CONNECTION:

https://www.instagram.com/equitablemediation/

https://www.facebook.com/equitablemediation

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephfdillon/

In this soul-nourishing episode of Livd Stories, Liv Lewis sits down with beauty maven and industry shapeshifter Felicia Walker to talk about what happens when your titles — wife, fixer, doer — no longer fit. From the quiet power of stillness to the blur of heartbreak, Felicia opens up about her 15-year marriage, the unraveling, the rebirth, and the messy, radiant glow-up that followed. Whether you're mid-divorce, post-divorce, or just rethinking who you are and why — this one is for you.

Tune in to hear how Felicia turned exhaustion into wisdom, why letting things "cook" is a radical act of self-care, and what happens when we finally tell the truth — to ourselves.

5 Takeaways for Listeners

• 1. Stillness Isn’t Stagnation – Learn why doing “nothing” might be the most powerful move you can make when your world feels upside down.
  2. Blur is a Blessing – Discover why some moments are meant to be hazy — and how healing often hides in the fog.
  3. The Glow-Up is Internal First – Felicia shares how real transformation begins long before the outside world sees it — and what it truly means to redefine your identity on your own terms.
  4. You Don’t Need Permission to Evolve – Felicia and Liv break down how shedding old identities isn’t failure — it’s freedom. Especially for Black and brown women, unlearning who we were told to be is part of reclaiming who we really are.
  5. Your Pain Has Power – From blurred memories to boardroom wins, hear how sharing your “mistakes” can unlock connection, healing, and even your next big breakthrough. No experience is wasted when you own your truth.

Felicia's Book: Your Glow Guide

Not all stories come with a “World’s Best Dad” mug. As Father’s Day looms, Liv Lewis cracks open a conversation many avoid—but need. This raw, reflective episode gets real about the emotional fallout of growing up without a present or emotionally available father, especially as a Black woman.

With signature wit, warmth, and vulnerability, Liv shares her own story—from a “you’ve got the wrong number” first call to her estranged father, to navigating complex emotions with the help of therapy, prayer, and a deep love for her daughter. She weaves in insights from researchers like Abishag Israel Douglas and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford to break down how father absence can echo through our confidence, relationships, and even our drive to succeed.

Whether you’re lowkey dreading the holiday or just curious why you never ask for help, this one’s for you. It’s not about blame—it’s about truth, healing, and giving yourself the kind of love you didn’t get.

3 Soul-Hitting Takeaways:

• Mentors Matter. Father figures don’t have to be biological. Liv shouts out the uncles, pastors, coaches, and chosen family helping break generational cycles.

Book Recommendations :

1. The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner Focuses on breaking unhealthy emotional cycles, especially for women, and reclaiming personal power in relationships.
   

2. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller Explains how attachment styles—formed in early childhood—impact adult romantic relationships, and how to build more secure connections.

What does it really mean when people say “God hates divorce”? In this deeply honest and soul-nourishing episode of Livd Stories, we unpack that weighty phrase and the spiritual tension it can create—especially for those trying to honor their faith while facing the end of a marriage.

Joined by the wise and compassionate Pastor Craig Holiday, we dive into what scripture actually says (and doesn’t say) about divorce, challenging rigid interpretations and offering new ways to understand sacred texts like Mark 10. We also explore the historical context of Jewish thought from the schools of Shema and Hillel—giving richer meaning to what many have misunderstood for far too long.

I share my own story of wrestling with guilt, fear, and faith as I faced the possibility of divorce, and how my relationship with God evolved along the way. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever questioned their spiritual worth because of separation or divorce.

Together, we reframe divorce not as failure, but as a part of the complex, grace-filled journey of life. You’ll walk away with a deeper sense of compassion, permission to grow, and a renewed understanding of God’s unshakable love.

In this episode, we explore:

• Compassion over condemnation – Why we must view divorce through a lens of grace, not shame

• Spiritual growth in hard places – How faith can deepen even in the midst of heartbreak

• God’s unwavering love – A powerful reminder that divine love does not abandon us in our pain

This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of faith, heartbreak, and healing.

Divorce isn’t just an ending — it’s a reckoning, a rebirth, and a road to rediscovering yourself.
In this powerful episode of Livd Stories, we sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Tyshawn Thompson to explore the emotional landscape of divorce — the grief, the guilt, the shame, the unexpected clarity, and the potential for deep personal transformation.

Together, we move beyond the traditional five stages of grief and into the truth of what it really feels like — unpredictable, wave-like, and often catching us off guard. Dr. Ty shares how the pandemic stirred a global moment of reflection, pushing many to question the roles we play in our relationships and the stories we tell ourselves.

Takeaways from the episode:

1. Grief Comes in Waves: Grief isn't linear; it's an unpredictable journey with highs and lows. Recognizing this can help us better navigate the emotional turbulence of separation & divorce.
2. Mindful Self-Compassion is a Game-Changer
   Inspired by Dr. Kristin Neff, we talk about the power of treating yourself with the same grace you offer others.
3. Uncovering Shameful Behaviors: By examining early life experiences and societal pressures, we can uncover behaviors driven by shame and guilt, allowing for healthier patterns to emerge.
4. Empowerment Through Vulnerability: Embracing our vulnerabilities can lead to personal empowerment and resilience, turning the pain of divorce into a stepping stone for growth.
5. Therapy as a Tool for Transformation: Introspection and therapy support the healing process, enabling us to redefine our relationships and personal narratives post-divorce.

This episode is for anyone navigating divorce or life after heartbreak — a reminder that even in the midst of loss, you have the power to write a new chapter.

Books & Ideas Mentioned In This Episode:

Grief:

• The Good Grief Project
• ⁠Lessons of Loss: A Guide to Coping⁠
• Unfuck Your Grief: Using Science to Heal Yourself and Support Others

Mindful Self Compassion

• Why Self Compassion works better than self esteem
• Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

Give Myself Permission

• I Give Myself Permission: Take Risks. Be Imperfect. Live Boldly.