The D Shift

Reproductive coercion is a form of abuse that often goes unnoticed, yet it can have lifelong emotional, physical, financial, and legal consequences. In this episode of The D Shift, Mardi Winder welcomes advocate Lynn Stroud for an important conversation about how reproductive coercion is used as a tool of power and control within unhealthy relationships.

Together they explore what reproductive coercion is, why it is so difficult to recognize, and how it differs from ordinary disagreements about family planning. The discussion examines behaviors such as birth control sabotage, pregnancy pressure, contraceptive interference, and other controlling actions that remove a person's ability to make informed decisions about their own body.

Mardi and Lynn also discuss why many survivors struggle to be believed, the challenges of addressing these issues within the legal system, and the importance of increasing public awareness. They emphasize that abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, education, financial status, or background, and that supportive, judgment-free conversations can make a tremendous difference for those seeking help.

This episode covers:

• What reproductive coercion is and why it is considered a form of abuse.

• Common warning signs that are often overlooked.

• How coercive control can affect reproductive choices and personal autonomy.

• Why many survivors do not immediately recognize what has happened.

• The importance of believing and supporting someone who discloses abuse.

• Why education, awareness, and healthy relationship conversations need to begin early.

If you or someone you know has experienced coercive or abusive behavior in a relationship, know that support is available and you do not have to face it alone.

About the Guest:

Drawing from her extensive lived experience with reproductive coercion, domestic abuse, and sexual assault, Lynn Stroud delves into cultivating a trauma-informed mindset and increased legal remedies for victims. She stresses the significance of listening without judgment, validating survivors' experiences, and recognizing the resilience that often emerges from adversity. Stroud addresses common misconceptions about trauma and emphasizes the need for ongoing education and awareness. She hopes to serve as a beacon of understanding and compassion, offering a roadmap for survivors, advocates, law enforcement, and beyond to increase their knowledge of reproductive coercion. By sharing her story, she hopes more listeners will recognize the warning signs and dangers of coercion, embrace knowledge, and actively seek out proactive change. Her hope is that one day we can collectively build a world where survivors are not only heard but supported in their paths to healing and empowerment.

To connect:

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

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/lynn-s-16878b6

Speaker: https://app.eventraptor.com/speaker-profiles/lynn-stroud

About the Host

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.

For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

For many people facing divorce, the idea of handling the process without an attorney can be appealing. It may seem like a way to save money, reduce stress, and maintain greater control. But is a do-it-yourself divorce really the right choice?

In this episode of The D Shift, host Mardi Winder is joined by former family law attorney and family court strategist Tracey Bee to explore the realities of self-represented divorce. Drawing on years of experience inside the family court system, Tracey explains when representing yourself may be a practical option, when additional guidance is essential, and when hiring an attorney is simply the safest path forward.

The conversation also examines common misconceptions about family court, the importance of understanding how judges approach cases, and why making informed decisions can have a lasting impact on both the divorce process and life afterward.

Whether listeners are considering a DIY divorce, preparing for mediation, or simply trying to better understand their legal options, this episode provides valuable insights to help them make more confident decisions.

In this episode, listeners will discover:

• When a self-represented divorce may be an appropriate option

• The warning signs that indicate professional legal support is needed

• Common mistakes people make when navigating family court

• Why understanding the likely legal outcome can improve negotiation and mediation

• How informed decision-making can reduce unnecessary conflict, cost, and stress

This practical conversation reminds listeners that every divorce is different, and choosing the right strategy begins with understanding both the opportunities and the risks before moving forward.

About the Guest:

Tracey Bee is the Founder of The Divorce Solutionist and a former family law attorney turned Pro Se Family Court Strategist. She focuses on helping people successfully navigate the complex Family Court system using strategy and not just the law.

For Tracey’s Wednesday 10-4pm ET calls: 862-800-7850

To connect:

Website: https://thedivorcesolutionist.com/

About the Host

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.

For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave an Apple Podcast Review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Divorce can leave people feeling like their future has already been decided, but what if the next chapter begins with a different way of thinking?

In this episode of The D Shift, host Mardi Winder welcomes transformational coach Therese Vita for a conversation about the powerful connection between mindset, limiting beliefs, and creating meaningful change. Together, they explore how subconscious thought patterns influence decisions, emotions, and outcomes, and why developing a clear vision for the future is an essential part of rebuilding after divorce.

Listeners will discover why so many people become trapped by their circumstances, how to recognize the beliefs that may be holding them back, and why lasting transformation requires both intention and action. The conversation also highlights the importance of shifting from simply reacting to life toward intentionally designing a future built on possibility rather than fear.

Whether navigating divorce, recovering from a significant life transition, or looking to create positive change, this episode offers practical insights to help listeners move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

In this episode, listeners will discover:

• How thoughts influence emotions, actions, and long-term results

• Why limiting beliefs often keep people stuck after divorce

• The difference between living by default and living by design

• Why vision without action is simply wishful thinking

• Practical ways to begin creating a more fulfilling future

This inspiring conversation reminds listeners that while they cannot always control life's circumstances, they can choose the mindset and actions that shape what comes next.

About the Guest:

Therese Vita is a transformational Executive, Leadership, and Life Success Coach with over 30 years of experience empowering high achievers to elevate their lives, their businesses and their impact. A former attorney, sales professional and private wealth advisor, she guides her clients to thrive through change, streamline their lives, make better decisions and create more time and balance so they can live with more ease, joy and fulfillment.

For Therese’s Mindset Self-Assessment Workbook: liveandleadboldly.com

To connect:

Website: https://www.theresevitacoaching.com/

About the Host

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.

For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave an Apple Podcast Review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Burnout is about far more than working long hours. Emotional stress, unresolved feelings, difficult relationships, and constantly putting everyone else's needs ahead of your own can slowly drain your energy until simply getting through the day feels exhausting.

Today, Mardi Winder welcomes vitality and high-performance expert, Dr. Lan Lu, for an insightful conversation about emotional burnout, energy management, and practical ways to restore your well-being.

Sharing her own experience of working in a demanding corporate career while struggling with chronic health issues, Dr. Lan shares how burnout became a turning point that inspired her to completely rethink health, vitality, and personal resilience. Together, she and Mardi discuss why divorce, career pressures, caregiving responsibilities, and unresolved emotions can all contribute to feeling emotionally depleted.

The conversation explores the importance of processing emotions rather than suppressing them, setting healthy boundaries, recognizing unhealthy relationship dynamics, and making self-care a priority instead of an afterthought. They also discuss how reframing divorce as a new beginning, rather than a personal failure, can help people move forward with greater confidence and purpose.

Whether you are navigating divorce, recovering from burnout, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, this episode offers practical insights to help you protect your energy, strengthen your resilience, and begin creating a healthier, more balanced life.

In this episode:

• What emotional burnout really looks like

• Why unresolved emotions can drain your energy

• How emotional healing supports physical well-being

• Recognizing unhealthy relationships and "energy vampires"

• Practical ways to restore energy through movement, self care, and intentional choices

• Building healthier habits that promote long-term vitality

• Creating a life with more balance, purpose, and resilience

About the Guest:

Dr. Lan Lu is a vitality and high-performance expert who helps business leaders, elite athletes, high-performing professionals, and health-conscious individuals overcome burnout and energy depletion so they can sustain peak performance and enjoy life. Through consulting, workshops, retreats, and assessments, she uncovers root causes, creates strategic action plans, and delivers embodied solutions that drive 10x faster results than traditional approaches.

For Dr. Lan’s gift of a meditation recording: https://myenergycrisis.com

To connect:

Website: https://www.vitality-alchemy.com/

LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lan-lu-281356401/

About the Host

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.

For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave an Apple Podcast Review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Leaving an abusive relationship is rarely as simple as walking away. Fear, shame, financial concerns, family expectations, and emotional manipulation often make the decision incredibly difficult. In this episode of The D Shift, Mardi Winder is joined by women's empowerment coach and podcast host Angeline Constantinou to discuss the realities of domestic abuse, emotional healing, and rebuilding life after trauma.

Angeline shares how she survived years of abuse, found the courage to leave, and ultimately transformed her pain into a mission to help other women reclaim their confidence and identity. Together, Mardi and Angeline explore the many forms abuse can take, including emotional, financial, psychological, and coercive control, while emphasizing that every person's journey is unique.

The conversation also highlights practical steps that can support healing, including developing a safety plan, seeking trusted support, challenging limiting beliefs, practicing self-care, and recognizing that recovery is a process rather than a single decision. They discuss why leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time, why financial abuse is so common, and why survivors should avoid sharing details publicly while legal proceedings are still underway.

Whether you are personally facing an abusive relationship, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand the challenges survivors experience, this episode offers encouragement, practical insights, and hope that life after abuse is possible.

Mardi and Angeline highlight:

• Understanding the many forms of abuse beyond physical violence

• The emotional impact of shame, guilt, and manipulation

• Financial abuse and unexpected financial challenges after divorce

• The importance of creating a safety and exit plan

• Rebuilding confidence and identity after trauma

• Why sharing your story can become part of the healing process

• Finding support through trusted professionals and community resources

About the Guest:

Angeline Constantinou knows the pain of feeling trapped and unheard. After breaking free from an abusive relationship, she made it her mission to help other women do the same. As a Women’s Empowerment Partner and founder of Let’s Break the Silence, she created a space for survivors to heal, rebuild confidence, and reclaim their future. She’s not just a coach or a speaker; she’s been there. And now, she’s here to remind women that they are stronger than their past, worthy of joy, and capable of creating a future on their own terms.

To connect:

Website: https://letsbreakthesilence.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angeline.constantinou/

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

About the Host

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.

For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave an Apple Podcast Review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

What if some of the products you use every day are quietly affecting your health, your sleep, your energy, and even your children's well-being?

Today, Mardi Winder talks with environmental health advocate Theresa Thomas to expose the hidden toxins that may be present in our homes and the simple steps families can take to reduce their exposure. Drawing on her own experience overcoming multiple chemical sensitivities, Theresa shares practical strategies that can help create healthier living environments for adults and children alike.

This episode explores how common household products, fragrances, cleaning supplies, laundry products, paints, carpets, and other everyday items can contribute to environmental exposures that many people never think about. Theresa explains why creating a healthier home does not have to happen all at once and how small changes can make a meaningful difference over time.

For individuals going through divorce or other major life transitions, this conversation offers an opportunity to consider how creating a fresh start can also involve fostering a healthier home environment. Whether you are moving into a new space, helping children adjust to change, or simply looking for ways to improve your family's wellbeing, Theresa provides practical suggestions that are both affordable and achievable.

In This Episode

• How chemical sensitivities can impact everyday life

• Common sources of hidden toxins in the home

• Why fragrances and scented products may affect health

• The importance of creating a low-toxin sleep environment

• Practical alternatives to conventional cleaning products

• What to consider when purchasing furniture, paint, and household items

About the Guest:

Drawing on her own journey of overcoming Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Theresa empowers mothers to uncover hidden toxins in their homes and yards, replacing harmful products with safe alternatives. She gives them strategies to reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals that weaken children’s immune systems, create behavioral issues, and cause constant health frustrations. The result is a healthy, happy, vibrant family life where kids return to their natural, cheerful, energetic selves.

For Theresa’s gift: kidssleepsmart.com

To connect:

Upcoming Book: From Toxic to Green: The New Parenting Guide for Maximum Family Health

[email protected]

Workshop last Monday of the month: Toxic Free Home Reset for Busy Mamas Toxic Free Home Reset for Busy Mamas

Website: https://fromtoxictogreen.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-thomas-from-toxic-to-green/

FB Profile: https://www.facebook.com/theresathomas.ca

FB Group - Going Green Together: www.facebook.com/groups/goinggreentogether/

IG: https://instagram.com/from_toxic_to_green

About the Host

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.

For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave an Apple Podcast Review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

What happens when ADHD, relationships, and divorce collide?

In this episode of The D Shift, Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach Mardi Winder sits down with ADHD coach and executive leadership expert Leanne Gawley to discuss how neurodivergence, particularly ADHD, can affect relationships, communication, organization, and the divorce process. Leanne shares her personal journey of being diagnosed later in life after her son was identified as having ADHD, and how that discovery transformed both her understanding of herself and the work she does today.

They explore why ADHD often presents differently in women than in men, why so many women go undiagnosed for years, and how common challenges such as overwhelm, time blindness, anxiety, emotional sensitivity, and organization can become even more pronounced during periods of major life transition.

Leanne offers practical strategies for managing the demands of divorce, including gathering documentation, working effectively with attorneys and professionals, breaking overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, and creating systems that work with your brain rather than against it.

This conversation is valuable whether you have been diagnosed with ADHD, suspect you may be neurodivergent, or simply find yourself struggling with overwhelm during difficult life transitions. Most importantly, Leanne reminds us that we are not alone, and that understanding how our brains work can be one of the most powerful tools for moving forward with greater confidence and self-compassion.

Mardi and Leanne explore:

• Why ADHD often looks different in women than in men

• The connection between ADHD, anxiety, and overwhelm

• How neurodivergence can impact relationships and communication

• Strategies for managing time blindness and procrastination

• How to work more effectively with attorneys and divorce professionals

• The importance of self-compassion during major life transitions

• Why community and support matter when navigating divorce and ADHD

About the Guest:

Leanne Gawley is the founder of The ADHD Advantage with Leanne Gawley, a Calgary-based coaching practice serving women in leadership and neurodivergent professionals and families. A former C-Suite finance executive and late-diagnosed woman with ADHD, Leanne knows firsthand how an ADHD brain can quietly complicate the things that look simple on paper: staying on top of deadlines, keeping files organized, and communicating clearly when emotions are running high. She brings her lived experience alongside her CPA, MBA, and ICF ACC credentials to help clients build systems that actually work for their brains, not against them.

Leanne is also a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional with deep roots in neurodiversity advocacy and workplace inclusion. She coaches virtually worldwide and is currently writing her first book, Brilliant and Wired Differently: The ADHD Advantage.

For Leanne’s gift: https://adhd.leannegawley.ca/

To connect:

website: www.leannegawley.ca

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lgawley/

Instagram: @leanne.gawley

About the Host

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching, and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset, and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.

For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave an Apple Podcast Review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Today, Mardi Winder talks with Joanna Shakti, founder of Ecstatic Intimacy, to explore the powerful role masculine and feminine energies can play in our relationships, our self-identity, and our ability to create lasting connections.

Joanna shares her personal journey from a successful corporate career in engineering and business to helping individuals and couples better understand the dynamics that influence attraction, intimacy, communication, and connection. She discusses how many high-achieving professionals spend much of their lives operating in achievement-focused, task-driven modes and how that can impact both emotional and physical intimacy within relationships.

Mardi and Joanna explore the difference between emotional and physical intimacy, why couples often find themselves stuck in the "roommate phase," and how greater self-awareness can help people reconnect with themselves and their partners. Joanna offers a unique perspective on understanding our natural tendencies, recognizing patterns that may be creating disconnection, and learning how to create healthier relationship dynamics.

Whether you are single, dating, married, divorced, or rebuilding your life after a major transition, this conversation offers valuable insights into understanding yourself more deeply and creating stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

In this episode:

• The difference between emotional intimacy and physical intimacy

• How masculine and feminine energies can influence relationship dynamics

• Understanding the "roommate" phenomenon in long-term relationships

• The impact of self-awareness on attraction and intimacy

• Why knowing yourself is essential to building healthy relationships

• The role of communication, vulnerability, and authenticity in creating deeper intimacy

About the Guest:

Joanna Shakti, The True Love Mentor and founder of Ecstatic Intimacy®, is smart, soulful, and a little bit spicy. You can’t miss her passion and warm playful style that both entertains and inspires. No other person on the planet possesses the experience, expertise and ability to transform lives in quite the way Joanna does. She, artfully and professionally, mixes masculine-feminine dynamics, leadership, spiritual awakening, engineering, and even Tantra, along with a whole lot of love, to lead singles and couples along the path of sacred love -- self love, romantic love, divine love -- so they may know the deepest of connections, pleasures, intimacies and joys available on this human journey.

For Joanna’s gift: https://zl262.isrefer.com/go/jumpstart/joanna/MW

To connect:

Website: https://ecstaticintimacy.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/EcstaticIntimacy

Instagram: instagram.com/joanna.shakti

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EcstaticIntimacyOfficial

About the Host

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.

For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave an Apple Podcast Review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

When life feels overwhelming, sometimes the most productive thing you can do is step away from the noise and create space to reconnect with yourself. In this episode, Mardi Winder sits down with Ellen Whiteside, owner of Sacred Grove Retreat Center and host of Mindset and Miracles, to explore the transformative power of retreats and why they can be especially valuable during times of change, loss, divorce, grief, or personal transition.

Ellen shares her journey from massage therapist to retreat center owner and discusses how a series of unexpected life events led her to create a sanctuary dedicated to healing, reflection, and personal growth. Mardi and Ellen talk about the importance of stepping away from daily responsibilities, disconnecting from constant distractions, and giving yourself permission to focus on your own needs for a change.

They also discuss the difference between group retreats and private retreats, the role of intentional practices such as journaling and meditation, and how rituals can help support personal transformation. Ellen explains how creating space for reflection can help people process major life changes and begin to envision what comes next.

The conversation also explores the power of mindset, personal responsibility, intuition, and the importance of choosing thoughts that support growth rather than limitation. Whether you are navigating divorce, grief, burnout, or simply feeling stuck, this episode offers valuable insights into creating the space needed for healing and renewal.

Mardi and Ellen discuss:

• Why retreats have become an increasingly popular tool for healing and self discovery

• The benefits of stepping away from daily responsibilities during major life transitions

• The difference between group retreats and private retreat experiences

• How journaling, reflection, and intentional practices support personal growth

• The connection between mindset and creating positive change in your life

• Why giving yourself permission to receive support is an important part of healing

• The value of creating time and space to reconnect with yourself and your future vision

• How small shifts in perspective can create powerful results

About the Guest:

Ellen Whiteside has been the owner of Sacred Grove Retreat Center, a sanctuary for transformation and soul-led living, for the past 20 years. She spent a year traveling through Europe, often hitchhiking, where she learned manifestation through trust, intuition, and receivership in real time. She is also a DreamBuilder coach through the Brave Thinking Institute and she hosts a radio show called Mindset & Miracles.

About the Host

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.

For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women

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Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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In this episode of The D Shift, Mardi Winder welcomes parenting expert, psychoanalyst, and author Erica Komisar to discuss how parents can minimize the emotional toll of divorce on their children. Drawing on more than three decades of clinical experience, Erica shares practical guidance for helping children feel secure, supported, and protected during one of the most significant transitions a family can face.

Together, Mardi and Erica explore the importance of emotional regulation, healthy co-parenting, grief, attachment, and why children should never become the messengers or emotional support system for their parents. They also discuss common mistakes parents make during divorce, how to navigate high-conflict situations, and why putting children's needs ahead of fairness can lead to better long-term outcomes.

Whether you are considering divorce, currently navigating it, or working to build a healthy co-parenting relationship, this conversation offers valuable insight into protecting your children while supporting your own healing.

Our talk focuses on:

• Why divorce is traumatic for children and how parents can reduce the impact

• The importance of emotional regulation during the divorce process

• How unresolved grief and anger can affect parenting decisions

• Why children should never be caught in the middle of parental conflict

• The dangers of oversharing adult problems with children

• How to support your child's grief without burdening them with your own

• Why consistency and stability matter during family transitions

• The challenges of high-conflict co-parenting situations

• What parents should consider before introducing a new romantic partner

• The realities of blended families and step-sibling relationships

• Why divorce should focus on children's needs rather than fairness between parents

About the Guest:

Erica Komisar, LCSW, is a clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, and parenting expert with over 30 years of experience in private practice. She is the author of Being There and Chicken Little: The Sky Isn’t Falling, and her third book on healthy divorce and parenting will be released in 2025.

Erica is a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal, The Institute for Family Studies, and The Dispatch, and has appeared on CBS, Fox News, and The Diary of a CEO podcast. She is the founder of Attachment Circles, serves on the advisory board of ARC (Alliance for Responsible Citizenship), and has spoken at the United Nations on child development and emotional health. She lives in New York City with her husband and three young adult children.

To connect with Erica:

Website: ericakomisar.com

About the Host

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.

For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave an Apple Podcast Review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.