The Good Divorce® Show

Have you been wondering if love is still possible after divorce — and how to avoid repeating the same patterns? In this episode, Karen sits down with Bela Gandhi, renowned dating and relationship expert and founder of the Smart Dating Academy, to talk about how to approach dating after divorce with intention, self-awareness, and real strategy.

Bela shares why most people's "people pickers" are broken — and why that's not your fault. She breaks down the three root causes (evolution, family of origin, and cultural messaging), explains why butterflies and grand gestures are actually red flags in disguise, and walks us through the proven system that has produced zero divorces among Smart Dating Academy clients in 15 years.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Why readiness to date is about the work you've done, not the time that's passed
• The dating funnel, red flags, and why 15 dates before exclusivity is the rule
• When and how to introduce a new partner to your children
• The brain chemistry of falling in love — and why pacing protects you
• What to expect working with the Smart Dating Academy

Connect with Bella Gandhi:

• Podcast: Smart Dating Academy Podcast
• Website: smartdatingacademy.com
• Instagram: @SmartDatingAcademy 

📚 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

What if you could actually insure your child support and alimony? In this episode, Karen sits down with Ron Platt, co-founder of the National Association for Single and Divorced Families (NASDF), to introduce a first-of-its-kind organization built to support people at every stage of divorce — before, during, and long after the paperwork is signed. Ron shares the origin story of NASDF's groundbreaking insurance product, which is designed to guarantee child support and alimony payments in the event of death, disability, or involuntary unemployment — a concept 30 years in the making that his late father first dreamed up.

But before we get to the business, Ron gets personal. As a child of divorce himself, he shares a surprisingly warm story of immigrant parents whose relationship actually improved after their marriage ended — a real-life example of "the good divorce." Ron also opens up about his own painful 14-year relationship, his journey through grief and therapy, and how he ultimately did the work to break old patterns and find unconditional love. His story is a reminder that divorce, as hard as it is, can be the catalyst for profound personal growth.

Beyond insurance, Ron paints an ambitious vision for NASDF as the "Costco of associations" — a growing membership community that aims to negotiate discounts on everything from diapers and daycare to car purchases and legal fees for divorced and single-parent families. He also touches on their advocacy work in foster care reform and their commitment to serving all families — men and women, same-sex couples, and those "married by mortgage." Find NASDF at nasdf.org and, as Ron puts it: there is light at the end of the tunnel, but you gotta do the work.

📚 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

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/