Living across two homes doesn't have to feel like navigating a minefield — but it does take intention, communication, and a willingness to loosen your grip a little. In this episode of The Good Divorce Show, Karen McNenny gets practical about the day-to-day logistics of co-parenting, sharing real strategies that make life smoother for both parents and kids.

Karen introduces the "boomerang 🪃 folder" — a simple but powerful tool for keeping both co-parents in the loop on everything from permission slips to test grades — and explains why letting both parents celebrate (and address) school milestones together matters more than you might think.

She also tackles the gear question: how to handle belongings moving between homes without turning your kids into little luggage carriers.

From Sunday transition timing to flexible residential schedules, Karen makes the case that the best co-parenting plans aren't rigid — they're rooted in relationship. When Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty come to town, or a work conference throws the calendar off, a foundation of mutual respect means you can actually problem-solve instead of power-struggle.

At the heart of this episode is Karen's core philosophy: divorce is a family event first and a legal event second. Stabilize the family, protect the co-parent relationship, and the logistics — schedules, gear, transitions, and all — become so much more manageable.

📚 If you're enjoying the podcast, be sure to grab Karen's new book: The Good Divorce: How to End Your Marriage Without Ending Your Family

Strategy, Lending, and Faith with Jody Bruns

In this episode, host Karen McNenny sits down with Jody Bruns, founder of the Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP) designation and the Divorce Lending Association. With over 35 years in mortgage and finance — and having navigated her own divorce — Jody shares how she turned personal pain into a profession dedicated to helping divorcing homeowners make smarter, more strategic decisions about their most valuable asset.

Jody and Karen dig into why the family home is far more than a financial transaction — it's an emotional anchor, a symbol of stability for children, and often the most complex piece of a divorce settlement. Jody explains how her CDLPs are trained to ask the deeper "why" before ever pulling out a loan application, and she walks through the real risks of keeping a home you can't truly afford, illustrated by her memorable story of a baseball mom in Colorado who needed to hear an honest conversation about priorities.

The conversation gets into the nuts and bolts of divorce mortgage planning: the difference between a legal transfer assumption and a qualified loan assumption, how spousal support income affects mortgage qualification timing, why settlement agreement language can inadvertently block financing, and the complexity of 1031 exchanges during divorce. Jody also flags a key red flag for listeners: if a mortgage professional goes straight for a loan application without asking questions about your situation, walk away.

Jody recently published a devotional book, Anchored in Faith: A Devotional Journey Through Divorce, to support those navigating the emotional and spiritual dimensions of divorce. Listeners can find a CDLP in their area, access resources, and connect with Jody through the links below.

Links & Resources:

• 🔗 Jody Bruns: jodybruns.com
• 📸 Instagram: @jodybrunsofficial
• 🏠 Find a CDLP + Resources: https://www.divorcelendingassociation.com
• 🎙️ Jody's Podcast: Divorce, Real Estate and Mortgage Strategies
• 📖 Jody's Book: Anchored in Faith: A Devotional Journey Through Divorce

• 📘 Karen's Book: The Good Divorce: How to End Your Marriage Without Ending Your Family
• 🎓 Good Divorce Academy: Online community & classroom
• 💻 Work with Karen: thegooddivorcecoach.com

Author and solo‑parenting essayist Melissa Stevenson joins Karen to share the remarkable, nonlinear journey that reshaped her family after divorce. Melissa reflects on the years leading up to her separation, the unexpected reality of becoming a full‑time single parent when her children’s father moved out of state, and the emotional labor of creating stability during a time when nothing felt predictable. She describes the early conversations with her young kids, the importance of age‑appropriate honesty, and the quiet, daily work of building a home—literally and figuratively—where her children could feel safe, rooted, and held.

Now more than a decade later, Melissa’s story offers a hopeful look at how a post‑divorce family can evolve. She talks about her ex‑husband’s eventual return to Missoula, the slow rebuilding of trust, and the surprising joy of shared birthdays and holidays that her children’s friends can hardly believe are possible. Melissa also opens up about blending households with her current partner and the three‑kid constellation they now navigate together. Her journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the belief that divorce, handled with intention, can lead to a life that is not just repaired—but transformed.

Resources:

Order Karen’s new book: The Good Divorce 

Welcome to season 4 of The Good Divorce Show, where Karen McNenny discusses her journey into divorce coaching, the importance of focusing on family during divorce, and the launch of new initiatives, including the Good Divorce Academy and Karen’s upcoming book, The Good Divorce: How to End Your Marriage Without Ending Your Family. She emphasizes the need for a supportive community and education to navigate the complexities of divorce, aiming to change the narrative around it. 

📖 Order Karen’s new book: The Good Divorce 

In this conversation, Karen McNenny, a divorce consultant, discusses the importance of maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship post-divorce. She emphasizes the need for parents to create a supportive environment for their children, encouraging them to celebrate their other parent and share experiences. Through practical strategies like creating family photo collages, maintaining communication threads, and celebrating special occasions together, Karen illustrates how parents can foster a sense of unity and emotional well-being for their children amidst the challenges of divorce.

In this episode of The Good Divorce Show, Karen McNenny speaks with Rhonda Noordyk, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, about the financial aspects of divorce. They discuss the role of CDFAs, the importance of forensic accountants, and how women can navigate their financial stability post-divorce. Rhonda emphasizes the need for financial education, the role of vocational experts, and practical budgeting tips for those transitioning to single-income households. The conversation also touches on empowering women to take control of their finances and the importance of teaching financial literacy to children.

RHONDA NOORDYK

• www.linkedin.com/in/rhondanoordyk/
• podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disrupting-divorce-conversations-for-women/id1368648405
• womensfinancialwellnesscenter.com/
• www.facebook.com/wfwcdivorce/
• www.instagram.com/rhondanoordyk/
• www.youtube.com/c/RhondaNoordyk

In this episode of The Good Divorce Show, Karen McNenny speaks with Andrea Vacca, a collaborative divorce attorney and mediator, about the importance of non-adversarial divorce. They discuss Andrea's journey from traditional litigation to a more compassionate approach to family law, the impact of divorce on families, and the significance of choosing the right process for divorce. Andrea shares insights on rebuilding trust, the challenges people face in leaving unhappy marriages, and the role of professionals in supporting families through divorce. The conversation also includes case studies illustrating successful navigation of high-conflict situations and emphasizes the ripple effect of divorce on relationships.

ANDREA VACCA

- www.vaccalaw.com/

- www.facebook.com/VaccaFamilyLaw

- www.instagram.com/vacca_familylaw/

- www.linkedin.com/company/vacca-family-law-group/

- www.youtube.com/@andreavaccanewyork/

In this episode of The Good Divorce Show, host Karen McNenny speaks with Ed Vargo, a financial expert dedicated to empowering women through the complexities of divorce. They discuss Ed's personal experiences with divorce, the importance of financial literacy, and the emotional challenges faced during the divorce process. Ed shares transformative stories of women who have navigated their divorces and emerged empowered, emphasizing the need for knowledge and preparation. The conversation also highlights the role of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and the importance of finding the right support during this challenging time.

ED VARGO, CFP®, CDFA®, ChFC®, AIF®

• linkedin.com/in/edvargo
• https://enlightenher.com/

In this conversation, Karen McNenny, the Good Divorce Coach, discusses the transformative potential of divorce when approached with the right mindset. She emphasizes that divorce should not be viewed as a weapon but rather as a tool for positive change, particularly in the context of parenting and family dynamics. The discussion covers the adversarial nature of the legal system, the financial implications of divorce, and the importance of prioritizing family over finances. Karen advocates for a more dignified approach to divorce that focuses on the well-being of children and encourages personal growth. She concludes with a call to action for those considering divorce to seek support and explore healthier pathways.

In this episode of The Good Divorce Show℠, Karen McNenny speaks with attorney Matthew J. Long about the transformative journey from litigation to mediation in divorce. They discuss the emotional challenges faced by families during divorce, the importance of a collaborative approach, and how mediation can provide a more supportive environment for parents and children. Matthew shares his experiences in family law, the misconceptions surrounding divorce, and the critical role of communication and curiosity in the mediation process. The conversation emphasizes the need for professional guidance and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of children throughout the divorce process.

CONNECT

Matthew J. Long

Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Divorce in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties (CA)

• matthewjlong.com
• facebook.com/MediationandCollaborativeDivorce/
• linkedin.com/in/matthew-j-long-b027a047/