The Divorce Podcast

Divorce can hit men hard – and many dads withdraw just when they need people most. For divorcing dads, that isolation isn't only painful – it can be dangerous.

Kate is joined by psychologist Dr Eran Magen, founder of Divorcing Dads, to explore why men are so much more at risk during separation – and the simple things that help them through it.

We talk about:

• Why divorced dads face a much higher suicide risk
• The particular challenges separated dads face, and the part society still plays in making them harder
• How a strong support network protects men's mental health
• A simple way to tell friends and family what's going on - and ask for what you need

This episode is for any dad going through separation – and for anyone who wants to better support the men they care about.

Trigger warning: this episode talks about poor mental health and suicide. If you're affected by anything discussed, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.

Meet Eran Magen

Dr. Eran Magen earned his M.A. in education and Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University and completed post-doctoral training in child psychology and population health. He is currently an assistant clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry. Eran is the founder of Divorcing Dads and Parenting For Humans, both of which support parents in building strong, collaborative and joyful relationships with their children. He is also the founder of EarlyAlert, which provides early suicide prevention support for students and veterans.

You can listen to Eran on the Divorcing Dads podcast and get in touch with him on LinkedIn.

More divorce resources

Need expert help right now?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.

Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?

Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.

Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on navigating separation with kindness and rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.

#EmotionalJourney

Think of every picture book your child has ever loved. How many show a family going through separation? Almost none - so what does that silence tell a child whose reality looks very different? 

Kate is joined by Elizabeth Rudnick, whose picture book First Night at Dad's was born from her own experience of separation. Together they explore the gap in children's literature around divorce, why the right story can make a real difference - and how to start the conversations that matter most.

We talk about:

• Elizabeth's personal story of separation and what it taught her about how children process change 
• Why so few children's books reflect the reality of separated families 
• The milestones we forget to mark - why a child's first night at dad's deserves the same acknowledgement as their first steps 
• Why the right book helps both child and parent through a tricky moment together 
• Practical tips for talking to your children about separation in an age-appropriate way

This episode is for any parent who wants to support their child through separation but isn't sure where to start - and for anyone who works with or cares for children going through family change. 

Meet Elizabeth Rudnick

Elizabeth Rudnick has worked in publishing for over two decades as a writer, editor, and agent. She has written more than thirty books including the Young Adult novel Tweet Heart, as well as numerous bestselling Disney novelisations such as Cinderella, Frozen, Moana, and Beauty and the Beast. First Night at Dad's is her first original picture-book. Elizabeth lives in North Carolina, with her son and their dog.

You can find First Night at Dad's on Amazon, and you can get in touch with Elizabeth on her website or on Instagram.

More divorce resources

Need expert help right now?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service - a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs.

Want ongoing support through separation?

Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on co-parenting and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.

Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on co-parenting, with practical guidance on supporting your children's wellbeing, talking to them in age-appropriate ways and building a cooperative co-parenting relationship that reduces conflict. Find it on Amazon today.

Want to stay organised as co-parents?

Download our free Parenting Plan template to help you and your co-parent agree on shared goals, routines and decision-making – with your children at the centre.

Try the amicable co-parenting app free for three months. Share calendars, track expenses and communicate clearly.
iPhone: Redeem your three months free via this link
Android: Download the app and create an account. At the paywall, choose your payment method, select 'Redeem code' and enter DIVORCEPODCAST.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.

#Coparenting

Becoming a step-mum comes with almost none of the roadmaps, support or community that biological mums get. If you're finding it harder than you expected, this episode will help you understand why - and what you can actually do about it. 

Kate is joined by Katie South, transformational coach and founder of Stepmum Space, to explore why stepfamilies struggle - and what it really takes to make them stronger. 

We talk about:

• Why advice like ‘love them as your own’ sets step-mums up to fail
• Why step-parents often feel powerless - and what to do about it' 
• How to have the important conversations early, before you're already deep in it
• The practical building blocks for creating stability and emotional safety at home

This episode is for anyone who is repartnering or has repartnered after separation, especially those navigating life as a step-parent or supporting a partner through it. 

Meet Katie South

Katie South is a UK-based transformational coach specialising in stepfamily dynamics and the relationship challenges that come after divorce. She is the founder of Stepmum Space, where she works with stepmums, divorced dads and step-couples navigating co-parenting conflict, boundary breakdown and emotional overload. 

Through her coaching and podcast, Stepmum Space, she helps couples move from blame and battle toward long-term stability. You can get in touch with Katie on her website. 

More divorce resources

Ready to take a practical next step?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service – a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs.

Want ongoing support through separation?

Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.

Kate's book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on co-parenting, with practical guidance on supporting your children's wellbeing. Find it on Amazon today.

Want to stay organised as co-parents?

Download our free Parenting Plan template to help you and your co-parent agree on shared goals, routines and decision-making – with your children at the centre.

Try the amicable co-parenting app free for three months. Share calendars, track expenses and communicate clearly.
iPhone: Redeem your three months free via this link
Android: Download the app and create an account. At the paywall, choose your payment method, select 'Redeem code' and enter DIVORCEPODCAST.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.

#Coparenting

Your values shape every relationship you have - so what happens to them during a separation?

Kate is joined by Katie Lancaster, an executive and leadership coach, to explore why holding onto your values during divorce can change everything about how you come out the other side. If you're trying to get through a divorce or separation in a kinder, calmer way, this conversation is full of practical tips to help you stay grounded.

We talk about:

• How to stay true to yourself in tough divorce negotiations - even when emotions are running high 
• The ABC technique (awareness, breathe, choose) for moving from reaction to response 
• Why self-compassion is a non-negotiable, not a nice-to-have 
• Why your divorce might not feel over even when the paperwork says it is

This episode is for anyone going through separation or divorce who wants to come through it feeling stronger, kinder and more like themselves.

Meet Katie Lancaster

Katie Lancaster is an ICF and CTI certified executive and leadership coach who helps senior leaders and teams perform better and find more meaning in their work. After starting her career at Boston Consulting Group in Munich and completing an MBA at IESE Barcelona, she held board-level roles at global communications agencies in London. She has also built her own consultancy, advises start-ups and is a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. 

You can learn more about Katie on her website and you can get in touch with her on LinkedIn.

More divorce resources

Need expert help right now?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.

Want ongoing support through separation?

Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.

Kate's book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on emotional readiness and timing, navigating separation with kindness, rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.

#EmotionalJourney

Mental health at work is hard to talk about - and for men, it can feel even harder, especially when divorce or separation is part of the picture.

In this episode, Kate is joined by Mel Sterling, Senior People Leader at Halfords, to talk about men's mental health at work - what to look for, what to say and why divorce is the missing piece in most workplace wellbeing strategies.

We talk about:

• How men's mental health often shows up differently at work - and what to look out for
• Why divorce and separation are still missing from most workplace wellbeing strategies
• The simple ‘ask twice’ technique that can change a conversation
• Who to talk to at work when you're going through separation - and what to ask for
• How employers can build a culture where people feel safe to speak up

This episode is for anyone navigating divorce or separation alongside work - and for the employers, HR teams and colleagues who want to better support the men around them.

Research referenced in this episode is from Priory Group's research on men and mental health.

Meet Mel Sterling

Mel Sterling is a Senior People Leader at Halfords, with a career spent shaping how some of the UK's biggest organisations look after their people. Across roles at Halfords, Holland & Barrett and Sainsbury's, she's led work on colleague wellbeing, inclusion and culture - partnering with executive teams to build environments where people feel supported, represented and able to bring their whole selves to work. She has a track record of making wellbeing and inclusion genuinely work in practice - not just on paper.

You can get in touch with Mel and read more about her work on LinkedIn.

More divorce resources

Ready to take a practical next step?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.

Want ongoing support through separation?

Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.

Kate's book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on emotional readiness and timing, navigating separation with kindness, rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.

Are you an employer looking to better support employees through relationship change?

To find out how amicable partners with organisations to provide expert support, book a discovery call.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.

#EmotionalJourney

Single parenting after separation is a lot – and so much of it goes unspoken.

Kate is joined by Orla Donoghue, coach and single mum, for an honest conversation about the realities of single parenting after divorce and things that help make it simpler. 

We talk about:

• How to get through the first year of being a single parent
• How to communicate with your co-parent and set boundaries 
• Why asking for help as a single parent is a sign of strength 
• Small, affordable ways to carve out time for yourself – without guilt 

This episode is for anyone navigating single parenting after divorce or separation – especially those who feel like they're carrying it all on their own. 

Meet Orla Donoghue

Orla Donoghue is a speaker, writer and coach, specialising in the realities of modern parenthood and life transitions. Drawing on her own lived experience as a single parent, she combines personal insight with practical strategies to help people navigate the emotional, social and logistical challenges of parenting alone. Orla’s work focuses on creating honest conversations, building support systems, and developing practical approaches that make both work and home life feel more sustainable.

You can get in touch with Orla through Solas Coaching website and you can listen to her podcast Single Parent Reset for more helpful advice

More divorce resources

Ready to talk through your co-parenting approach?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service – a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs.

Looking for guidance on managing child-related costs?

Kate's book amicable divorce includes a dedicated chapter on managing the day-to-day costs of raising children across two homes, from child maintenance to school trips, with frameworks for reaching fair agreements that prevent ongoing conflict. Find it on Amazon today.

Want to stay organised as co-parents?

Download our free Parenting Plan template to help you and your co-parent agree on shared goals, routines and decision-making – with your children at the centre.

Try the amicable co-parenting app free for three months. Share calendars, track expenses and communicate clearly.
iPhone: Redeem your three months free via this link
Android: Download the app and create an account. At the paywall, choose your payment method, select 'Redeem code' and enter DIVORCEPODCAST.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.

#Coparenting

Separation and a complete career change at the same time – sound overwhelming? For Libby Brodie, it was the start of something unexpected.

Kate is joined by Libby Brodie, celebrated columnist and founder of Bacchus and Brodie wine consultancy, to hear her story of navigating a marriage breakdown during lockdown – while simultaneously rebuilding her career from the ground up.

We talk about:

• How Libby navigated separation and job loss at the same time 
• The stories we tell ourselves – and why letting go of them can help you grow
• How two happy homes can be the best thing for your children
• Libby's tips for the trickiest parts of divorce - finances, co-parenting and communication 

This episode is for anyone going through a difficult chapter who needs a reminder that it's possible to come out the other side – not just okay, but genuinely thriving.

Meet Libby Brodie

Libby Brodie is an industry-renowned wine expert, celebrated columnist and founder of Bacchus & Brodie wine consultancy. As City AM's dedicated wine columnist, she's built a reputation as one of the UK's brightest female wine talents – contributing to Condé Nast Traveller, The Independent, Cosmopolitan and more.

Before wine, Libby was an award-winning theatre and film producer. When the pandemic closed every show overnight, she pivoted into the wine world – passing her Wine and Spirits Education Trust qualification with Distinction in just six months.

You can get in touch with Libby on Instagram and you can learn more about her work on Bacchus & Brodie website. You can also hear Libby talk about all things wine and wellbeing on her podcast ‘The Inner Table; The Art of Living Well’.

More divorce resources

Need expert help right now?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.

Want ongoing support through separation?

Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.

Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on navigating separation with kindness, rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.

#SeparationStory

In this episode, Kate is joined by Ebele Okobi, who has held senior roles at OpenAI, Meta and Nike. But in this conversation, it's her separation story that takes centre stage. And this one is different – you'll want to stay right till the end to find out why.

We talk about:

• The circumstances that led Ebele to the decision to separate
• How society can make it harder to do things kindly – both in divorce and co-parenting
• How Ebele’s children and friends responded to the news
• Why communication matters so much through separation
• How certain revelations can completely change the way you see your life and your relationship

There's a big reveal at the end – and it's worth the wait.

This episode is for anyone navigating separation and looking for a story of hope – and a reminder that there's not a single right way to do this.

Trigger warning: This episode touches on content some listeners may find distressing, including violence, murder, police brutality, racial discrimination and genocide. Please take care of yourself while listening.

Meet Ebele Okobi

Ebele Okobi is the principal of Revolutionary Projects, an advisor, board member and maker of good trouble with 25 years of experience leading global teams across tech, consumer brands and arts institutions. With a background spanning corporate law, policy and the C-suite – including roles at OpenAI, Facebook/Meta, Nike and Dr. Martens – she now focuses her energy on organisations that push towards joy, justice and better worlds.

More divorce resources

Need expert help right now?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.

Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?

Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists.Start your free trial here.

Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on navigating separation with kindness, rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.

#SeparationStory

Divorce is an emotional journey with legal and financial consequences – but what happens when the professionals helping you through it don't understand that?

Kate is joined by Annmarie Carvalho, award-winning therapist and former family solicitor, to explore why the emotional side of divorce matters just as much as the legal side – and what that looks like in practice.

We talk about:

• From solicitor to therapist – and why the emotional side of divorce drew Annmarie in
• How to spot a legal professional who truly gets the emotional journey
• Why the five stages of grief is a myth – and what healing post-divorce really looks like
• The skills that help you navigate divorce negotiations more effectively
• Practical tips to support your wellbeing during separation

This episode is for anyone going through separation who wants to feel more understood, more prepared and more in control of how they show up through the process.

Meet Annmarie Carvalho

Annmarie Carvalho is a multi-award winning therapist, trainer and public speaker. Before retraining to become a therapist, she was a family solicitor and mediator at Central London law firm Farrer & Co for over a decade.

Annmarie set up the therapy, training and coaching agency TCC in 2018 with a mission to provide better mental health support and improve psychological understanding amongst lawyers and those working in and around the legal profession.

Since then, she has worked therapeutically with hundreds of members of the legal profession and trained many more, with a goal to help those in the profession ‘stay sane’. Her first book ‘Staying Sane in Family Law’ is aimed at helping legal professionals better understand the psychological demands of family law work. 

You can learn more about Annmarie’s work on her website and you can get in touch with her on LinkedIn or on Instagram.

More divorce resources

Ready to take a practical next step? 

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. 

Want ongoing support through separation?

Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on emotional readiness, navigating separation with kindness and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.

#EmotionalJourney

Hal Cruttenden has found the funny side of divorce – most recently in his show 'Can Dish It Out But Can't Take It'. But in this conversation, he goes deeper and gets honest about what it's really been like.

Kate is joined by comedian Hal Cruttenden, who talks candidly about his own separation story – from infidelity to dating after divorce, and everything in between. 

We talk about:

• How separation affects your confidence and sense of self
• What lazy versus comfortable looks like in a relationship
• Why friendships matter so much during divorce
• Experiencing infidelity and how it shapes your co-parenting relationship going forward
• Dating after divorce and learning to enjoy your own company again

This episode is for anyone navigating separation who wants an honest, warm and at times funny perspective on what life on the other side can look like.

A quick note – this episode includes open discussion of poor mental health and depression, as well as sex. Please listen with care and out of earshot of children.

Meet Hal Cruttenden

Hal Cruttenden is a stand-up comedian, actor and podcaster. In his latest show, Hal Cruttenden: Can Dish It Out But Can't Take It, he discussed the devastation of his divorce - after 20 years of marriage his wife left him. Now, three years on, Hal is determined to stick it to The Man (as long as The Man doesn’t stick it back to him). Packed with hilarious pontificating on middle-aged dating, social media, the insanity of modern politics and the fragility of marriage, Hal talks about swapping supposed security and a silver anniversary, for dating apps and the unexpected shift of being offered life advice by your kids.

You can learn more about Hal and book a ticket to his show on his website. You can also follow him on Instagram, Facebook and X to hear more about his life post-divorce. 

More divorce resources

Need expert help right now?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.

Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?

Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists.Start your free trial here.

Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on navigating separation with kindness, rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.

#SeparationStory