Modern Arizona

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Modern Divorce podcast, host Billie Tarascio delves into the controversial Ruby Franke case with guests Beth Griffith, a true crime podcaster, and Jennie Gage, a social media influencer. Both guests bring unique perspectives as former members of the Mormon church. They explore the intersection of religion, parenting, and the extreme measures that led to Ruby Franke's arrest. The conversation highlights the influence of Mormon doctrines and cultural practices on the case, offering listeners a deep dive into the complexities of faith and family dynamics.

Beth Griffith and Jennie Gage discuss their backgrounds and how
their upbringing in the Mormon church has shaped their understanding of the
Ruby Franke case. Jennie, who left the church amidst domestic violence
struggles, and Beth, who turned to true crime content after her volatile
upbringing, provide insights into the cultural and doctrinal aspects that may
have influenced Franke's parenting methods. They emphasize that while Ruby's
actions were extreme, they reflect certain teachings and cultural norms within
the church.

The discussion also covers the specific disciplinary actions
taken by Ruby Franke, such as removing her child's bed and withholding food,
and how these practices might be influenced by Mormon teachings on obedience
and discipline. Beth and Jennie delve into the concept of "milk before
meat" in Mormonism, where members are gradually introduced to deeper,
sometimes more radical, doctrines. They argue that Ruby's actions were not
isolated incidents but were deeply rooted in her religious beliefs and the
pressure to achieve "perfect obedience."

Lastly, the podcast touches on the role of mental health and
support within the Mormon community. Both guests express concern about the lack
of adequate mental health resources and the emphasis on religious solutions to
personal struggles. They suggest that Ruby Franke's extreme actions might have
been exacerbated by a lack of proper mental health support and the intense
pressure to conform to religious standards. Overall, this episode of Modern
Divorce offers a compelling examination of the Ruby Franke case through the
lens of former Mormon members, shedding light on the intricate ties between
religion, parenting, and personal well-being.

Send us Fan Mail

In the latest episode of the Modern Divorce podcast, attorney Billie Tarascio invites city council candidate Noah Mundt to unpack the intricacies of Gilbert, Arizona's political scene. Facing the stakes of an election where four candidates vie for two crucial seats, Mundt underlines the urgent need for non-affiliated voters to participate and curb the risks of voter disengagement.

Delving deeper, Mundt shares insights from his extensive background in municipal infrastructure, highlighting his pivotal roles in the Planning Commission and the Municipal Property Corporation for Water. Currently spearheading electric vehicle program developments at SRP, he showcases his expertise vital for supporting Gilbert's booming infrastructure needs.

The discussion also turns to pressing local issues like water management. Mundt champions a tiered billing system designed to foster conservation without overwhelming the average consumer, reflecting his commitment to sustainable practices in Gilbert’s utility management.

Rounding out their conversation, Mundt critiques the existing gaps in transparency and communication between Gilbert’s officials and its community. He advocates for a digital leap forward to enhance public engagement and decision-making, ensuring residents are more connected and informed.

Tune in to hear how Mundt plans to shape a more inclusive and responsive Gilbert, tackling both the ecological and administrative challenges of a growing city.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast we take a trip into the emotional and legal intricacies of divorce, with Modern Law attorney Chris Duren who joins host Billie Tarascio to talk about what happens in a divorce case behind the scenes. With over two decades of expertise in divorce litigation, Chris unveils the often-overlooked human elements that shape these legal battles. This episode explores how divorce isn't just legal proceedings; it's a life-changing event filled with emotional and financial complexities.

Episode Highlights:

• Inside Divorce Litigation: Explore how divorce cases are more than just legal disputes—they're rapid, intense battles that require swift, precise decision-making.
• Expertise in Action: Learn how Chris’s background in diverse legal fields enhances his family law strategies, offering clients holistic legal protection.
• Navigating Emotional and Legal Challenges: Gain invaluable insights into balancing aggressive legal tactics with sensitive client interactions during a divorce.

Chris shares insights from his extensive experience in real estate, business law, and estate planning, showing how these areas influence family law outcomes. This gives him a strategic advantage in handling cases, offering a comprehensive view that goes beyond traditional legal advice.

Why Listen?
Discover the strategies behind navigating the stormy waters of divorce with compassion and legal savvy. Understand the psychological impact of divorce and how it intersects with legal strategies. Whether you're a legal professional, someone undergoing divorce, or just curious about the field, this episode promises profound insights into managing one of life's toughest challenges.

Send us Fan Mail

Are you in court constantly battling a vindictive ex? How do you fight back and win? 

In this very important episode of the Modern Divorce podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Lisa Johnson, a high conflict parenting strategist and legal abuse expert. This discussion is essential listening for anyone caught in a divorce with an ex whose goal is to ruin you emotionally and financially.

Lisa shares her personal journey through a grueling nine-year legal struggle, providing a glimpse into the exact tactics that saved her time, money, and emotional distress. She also discusses the critical importance of emotional management and persuasive communication in court—skills that she mastered while representing herself against a relentless ex-spouse.

The episode also covers strategies for dealing with high-conflict individuals (aka Nuclear!), offering practical advice on adjusting your approach to ensure constructive negotiations. Lisa's expertise shines as she explains how to stay focused and effective in the face of legal and personal challenges.

Don't miss out on these expert insights—listen today to learn how to navigate your divorce proceedings with confidence and composure.

Find Lisa online at BeenThereGotOut.com to find out more. You can also email her direction at [email protected].

Send us Fan Mail

Should teens be allowed – by law – to decide which parent they should live with after a divorce? Legislators are looking at a bill in Arizona that may upset some divorcing parents who find themselves with no parenting time even though they are considered “fit parents.”

This episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, with host Billie Tarascio, features Laura Chapman, a seasoned family law attorney to talk about the realities of divorce, including a candid discussion into the proposed state legislation that would allow teens to choose which parent they live with - and why that may bring some unintended consequences with longterm effects. 

Laura's decade-long tenure in Maricopa County's courts informs her compassionate approach to guiding clients through the complexities of family law. As they explore the post-COVID landscape of family law practice, topics range from the virtues and challenges of virtual court appearances to the pivotal role of digital tools in client support.

The episode not only unveils Laura's professional ethos but also offers a glimpse into her personal life as a young single mother, from soccer matches with her daughters to engaging in fitness challenges. Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of modern family law, and reach out with inquiries or topic suggestions at [email protected].

Send us Fan Mail

In this eye-opening special edition episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Matson Browning, an expert in gang enforcement, to dissect the complexities of the Gilbert Goons case. Browning’s background brings much-needed clarity to the criteria for classifying what constitutes a gang, shedding light on the case's intricacies, including the controversy surrounding the police report and gang identification standards.

The discussion takes a critical look at local law enforcement's response to the Gilbert Goons, calling out systemic failures and advocating for more robust, proactive community protection measures. Browning emphasizes the importance of early intervention, particularly in schools, and the need for city officials to prioritize safety over image.

This episode underscores the gravity of gang violence in communities and the collective responsibility to confront these issues openly. As Matson and Billie highlight the necessary steps for community action and accountability, the episode serves as a wake-up call to listeners to stay informed and involved – not just in Gilbert, Arizona, but any locale where bullying and gangs are allowed to fester.

Stay tuned and engaged with the Modern Divorce Podcast for more insightful discussions where we look at local issues that connect with the law. Your feedback is crucial—like, download, and review, and let us know your thoughts on this significant community issue.
***

Find out more about Matt Browning and his wife Tawni

Matt & Tawni Browning are the neighbors you wave at each time that you pass in the car or maybe the couple you always see at your favorite restaurant, but the truth is...Matt & Tawni are much more.The authors of The Hate Next Door are sharing their experiences with the world.
https://www.mattandtawni.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Mixing up two families is no small task. Why are some people good at it, and others not so much?

In this episode of the Modern Divorce podcast with host Billie Tarascio, we’re cutting through the sugar-coated advice and serving up some honest wisdom with Lori and Dave Sims of Nacho Kids They’ve mastered the art of blending—not in the kitchen, but in life.

🎧 Listening highlights:

• Strategies to turn tension into togetherness that are realistic, not fairytale.
• The 'nacho' method that could be the key ingredient you’re missing.
• Stories from the Sims' own kitchen table proving that happiness in a stepfamily is not just an ideal, it's achievable.

Forget about the Brady Bunch: The Sims family talks in reality, and the struggles they had developing a method that worked.

You can find out more at NachoKids.com and at NachoKidsAcademy.com.

Send us Fan Mail

Modern Divorce host Billie Tarascio welcomes parenting coach and divorce expert, Christina McGhee, who shares her practical advice and top parenting strategies to help children through the monumental changes divorce brings.

This week’s episode starts with a powerful example, with McGhee emphasizing early and effective support for parents, and how it can dramatically improve outcomes for children. With plenty of personal reflections from the host, McGhee provides a key piece of advice: children must feel secure in sharing their emotions about the divorce.

With real-life anecdotes from McGhee’s coaching, listeners will hear how children have learned to speak openly about the experience as just another chapter in their lives.The episode also tackles the more challenging aspects of divorce, particularly high-conflict scenarios. The experts dissect how to manage continuous conflict and provide stability, which can be crucial for children's long-term adjustment.

For more divorce tools, you can find Christina McGhee online at  DivorceAndChildren.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, host Billie Tarascio digs into the world of family law for professional athletes, who have to closely guard their privacy and money matters during the legal process. She is joined by an expert in the field, family law attorney Rich Harris and founder of the Harris Law Firm in Colorado, who has built a unique system to protect his high-flying clients, emphasizing confidentiality and discretion as paramount concerns.

So how can an average person keep his or her money and marriage details private in a legal world that makes things public information?

The episode explores the ways it’s possible to manage public profiles and high-income levels during divorce or paternity cases. Harris details his processes, including a separate entry process and use of pseudonyms, to maintain utmost privacy even within his office. He also discusses the potential complexities in child support and asset division for athletes and high income earners, noting the importance of tailored strategies that consider fluctuating incomes and career longevity.

Pre and postnuptial agreements are underscored as crucial tools, with Harris advising proactive legal steps to establish paternity and parental rights. The impact of social media on family law disputes is also a focal point, where Harris advocates for cautious online behavior given the potential for posts to be used as evidence.

The takeaways for those of us who don’t have multi-million sports contracts are how to apply privacy controls over what can become public fodder in social media and through public information sources.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, host and family law attorney Billie Tarascio,  sits down with Natalie DiBernardo, a candidate for Mayor in Gilbert, the well-heeled Phoenix suburb at the crossroads of a public safety crisis after gangs of affluent teens terrorized their peers, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old.

DiBernardo shares her reasons for jumping into the race, emphasizing her strong roots in Gilbert a desire to better reflect the community's voice in local government.  In recent months, community members have loudly demonstrated their outrage in the city's response to gang violence, with the current mayor offering to step down at the end of her term.

The two discuss DiBernardo's key policy initiatives, including enhancing public safety in light of recent violence by the so-called "Gilbert Goons," promoting responsible urban growth, and improving infrastructure to match the town's rapid expansion. She highlights the necessity of bridging the communication gap between the government and its citizens, advocating for increased transparency and collaborative problem-solving sessions.

Bringing a personal touch to her political vision, DiBernardo shares her family's tragic experience with violence, underlining her commitment to addressing systemic issues within policing and public safety. Her approach centers on empathy, accountability, and community unity, aiming to steer Gilbert towards a future where leadership is responsive and inclusive of all residents' voices.

The episode not only outlines DiBernardo's strategies for tackling Gilbert's challenges but also serves as a call to action for residents to engage actively in their community's governance. It underscores the importance of leadership that is in tune with the community’s needs, advocating for a collaborative path forward in addressing the town’s growth and safety concerns.