The Space Between.

In this episode of The Space Between, Nicole Sodoma sits down with longtime Charlotte leader, financial advisor, and public servant Edwin Peacock for a candid conversation about what happens when life doesn’t go according to plan and what we can learn in the process.

Drawing from Edwin’s experiences in business, public service, marriage, fatherhood, and financial planning, Nicole and Edwin explore the parallels between political conflict and the deeply personal conflicts that arise during separation and divorce. They discuss why compromise isn’t the same as losing, how learning to truly listen can change difficult conversations, and why some of life’s biggest setbacks can ultimately become opportunities for growth.

The conversation also turns to one of the most challenging parts of starting over: money. Edwin shares practical insight for anyone facing a major financial transition, from rebuilding confidence and creating “cash control” to making thoughtful decisions about housing, retirement, investing, and the future. His advice starts with looking beyond the numbers and asking a bigger question: Where do you want to be personally, professionally, and financially three years from now?

Ultimately, this episode is about more than divorce, finances, or public service. It’s about navigating change with perspective, finding common ground when you disagree, learning from the moments that didn’t go your way, and refusing to let a single label or chapter define who you are.

Nicole interviews her colleague Justin Shealy, a family law attorney with Sodoma Law's South Carolina office, about what private investigators actually do in divorce and custody cases, and how far removed that work is from what people expect from TV. The conversation moves through where PIs genuinely help a case, from alimony and custody to hidden assets and digital footprints, and where clients waste money chasing evidence that won't move the needle.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 — Meet Justin Shealy and what family law covers across the Carolinas

00:54 — What private investigators actually do (and don't do)

01:42 — The biggest misconception clients have about PIs

04:30 — Cohabitation, alimony, and the 90-day rule in South Carolina

05:50 — Using a PI in child custody cases

08:13 — Uncovering hidden income and financial red flags

14:53 — How technology and social media create a digital footprint

19:16 — Where clients cross the line into stalking

23:14 — Deciding whether hiring a PI is worth it

30:42 — What to do first if you think you need a PI

About Our Guest:

Justin Shealy is a family law attorney with Sodoma Law's South Carolina office, practicing family law across the Carolinas. He is active in the York County bar and known for thoughtful client communication. Outside the office, he is a dad, a husband, and a foster parent.

Connect & Resources:

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@SodomaLaw

Sodoma Law

Nicole interviews Laurie Berssack MSW of Carolina's Matchmaker, about how matchmaking can help people (especially post-divorce) rebuild confidence, get off the apps, and date with more intention. The conversation blends practical dating advice with Nicole’s legal lens on separation/divorce realities and how dating can complicate a case even when it’s technically allowed.

Key takeaways

0) The hardest part of matchmaking: unrealistic expectations

Lori says many clients come in looking for a “perfect robot” partner—hyper-specific, unrealistic ideals—rather than focusing on the foundational traits that actually make relationships work. When people cling to perfection, they often stay single.

0) “Foundations” matter more than the wish list

Lori’s core matching foundations include:

• Faith / values
• Kids (have/want/don’t want)
• Politics / worldview (especially if someone is strongly aligned)
• Lifestyle vision (how they want life to look)
• Temperament compatibility (introvert/extrovert is flexible, foundations are not)

0) “Second partner” advice: don’t overcorrect

They discuss how many people pursue the opposite of their ex and swing too far. Lori recommends a “rebuild” phase: therapy/self-work, self-care, releasing bitterness, and owning your part in what happened. A major readiness red flag is anger/resentment with no self-reflection.

Lori’s core advice:

• Do the self-work and build confidence (gym, style, wellness, therapy)
• Use online dating carefully (it can work)
• Join repeat-exposure environments: charity work, intramural sports, gym, yoga, faith communities—anything where you see the same people regularly
• Chemistry can grow over time; one date isn’t always enough
• Nicole adds: go to the same places at the same times to build community post-divorce

0) Dating “rules” and norms (with a lively debate)

10) Love bombing + early red flags

They define love bombing as “relationship-speeding” behavior (over-texting, big future plans, intense gestures early). Lori’s advice:

• Stay open to love, but notice intensity
• Don’t get emotionally hooked too fast
• If it feels off, slow down and gut-check with friends
• She shares an example where intrusive questions early on signaled a problem and she advised her client to end it

0) Body/fitness questions + honesty in photos

They discuss the reality that people use outdated/edited photos. Lori supports stating preferences like “fit,” but warns against requests like “send more pics” early—she frames that as a red flag and notes modern risks (including AI misuse). Her solution: professional, current photos (including full-length) so there’s no bait-and-switch.

0) Rapid-fire ending: the “one rule”

Lori’s #1 rule for choosing a partner: pick someone you feel safe with (physically, emotionally, financially) and attracted to—she says successful couples describe that “safe + attracted” gut feeling.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Nicole Sodoma sits down with long-time friend and wellness guide Johnna Smith to explore the emotional “space between” — that transitional phase between separation, heartbreak, or major life changes, and the renewed sense of self that follows.

Together, they explore how holistic practices like yoga, meditation, nutrition, life coaching, and even weightlifting can serve as transformative tools to help people reconnect to their inner clarity, manage anxiety and panic, and build emotional resilience during life’s most uncertain moments.

Key Themes & Takeaways

🧠 Emotional Wellness & Panic Recovery Both Nicole and Johnna share their personal experiences with panic attacks, anxiety, and the emotional fog of separation. Janna explains that healing requires first acknowledging difficult emotions—grief, shame, guilt, fear—rather than bypassing them. Forgiveness, she says, comes after grace and inner reckoning.

🧘 The Power of Daily Practices Johnna emphasizes “strong body, strong mind” as her go-to mantra. Physical movement, even simple actions like squats, jumping jacks, or short 3-minute routines, can activate the body’s natural feel-good chemistry (dopamine, serotonin, testosterone) and shift the nervous system out of survival mode. Nicole shares how writing became her own meditative practice during the hardest moments of her separation.

💬 Self-Agency & the Practice of Ahimsa Janna discusses ahimsa, the yogic principle of non-harming, starting with how we treat ourselves. Empowering people to recognize their agency and choices—even in dark times—is at the core of her work. Through visualization, presence, and body-based mindfulness, clients can start to imagine better outcomes and slowly begin to believe in their ability to create them.

🌀 The Brain-Body Connection Citing neuroscience, Janna explains that the brain can’t distinguish between real and imagined events. Visualizing taking steps toward change actually helps rewire the brain for action. The “physiological sigh” (a double inhale followed by a long exhale) is introduced as a 30-second reset tool to calm anxiety and regain clarity—described as a form of micro-meditation.

🧘‍♀️ Guided Visualization Toward the end of the episode, Johnna leads listeners through a gentle, calming visualization practice to build feelings of: Connection Support Confidence Trust in the unknown. Listeners are encouraged to revisit memories of being truly seen and loved—and expand those feelings in their bodies as a way to make grounded, clear choices even in times of upheaval.

🧭 Final Message “You have so much more choice and control than you think—even in the hardest moments.” Johnna reminds us that we can stay high-functioning during low points by caring for our minds and bodies with intention. Her practical and compassionate coaching style meets people exactly where they are, guiding them toward wellness, vitality, and personal power.

🔗 Connect with Johnna Instagram: ⁨@johnnayoga⁩

Website: thrivewisecoach.com, tejashaktiyogaschool.com

SODOMALAW.COM

Nicole Sodoma and Rob Roseman of WTF Divorce go over their experiences of their own divorces, as well as their experiences with those that they counsel going through separation and divorce.

The Space Between: Haley Amo & the Next Chapter of Sodoma Law

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Space Between, Nicole Sodoma sits down with attorney Haley Amico as she prepares to open and lead the brand-new Sodoma Law Raleigh office. From day one at the firm to stepping into a leadership role, Haley reflects on her personal and professional journey, her fierce courtroom presence, and her deep-rooted passion for family law.

✨ Highlights include:

• Haley’s transition from attorney to office leader — and what this “space between” means to her
• The sentimental story behind her horseshoe necklace (hint: it involves horses, family, and freedom)
• Why she chose family law — and how it became more than a profession, but a calling
• How client relationships have shaped her, from lemon poppy seed bread to shark scrunchies
• The importance of mentorship, firm culture, and advocating for the next generation of attorneys
• Real talk on burnout, compassion fatigue, and learning to pour from a full cup
• Nicole’s signature daycare story — and the lesson that changed Haley’s perspective on being a truly human lawyer

Whether you're an attorney, client, or simply someone navigating your own “space between,” this episode is a reminder that strength, vulnerability, and leadership often live side by side.

📍 SodomaLaw.com serves the Carolinas in the Raleigh, Charlotte & Greenville areas.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of "The Space Between," Nicole Sodoma sits down with her mother, Jill Lewis, for a candid conversation about the emotional complexities of divorce across generations. Nicole, the founder and leader of Sodoma Law, and Jill, a community advocate and experienced financial advisor, openly explore their personal journeys through divorce, discussing how their experiences shaped their views on love, commitment, resilience, and family. Together, Nicole and Jill tackle tough subjects including generational attitudes toward separation, the impact of divorce on children, the role of apologies and conflict resolution, and how societal perceptions of marriage and relationships have evolved over time. Jill shares deeply personal reflections about her own divorce and how she coped with emotional challenges, while Nicole reveals insights from her own separation, highlighting how witnessing her parents' divorce influenced her professional path and parenting approach. This engaging discussion sheds light on the importance of healthy boundaries, effective communication, emotional maturity, and the need for intentional parenting during difficult family transitions. Nicole and Jill courageously address taboo topics and share lessons learned, ultimately offering valuable insights for those navigating similar life experiences.

Love and Dating: The Dilemma of a Divorce Lawyer

Guest: Chelsea E. Gajewski

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the incredible Chelsea Gajewski. I could easily spend the entire hour raving about her and her accomplishments in the family law world—but today, we’re switching gears and stepping into the dating arena.

People often wonder, does being surrounded by divorce give us an almost superhuman insight into relationships? Does it make us better at love, or just more cynical? Truthfully, I’ve seen it all— even in myself. And between the two of us, Chelsea and I have some pretty unique takes on dating and love.

Podcast Agenda

1. Introduction
   • A brief introduction to the guest and her background
   • Introducing the dilemma
2. Dating as a Divorce Attorney
   • So, what do you do for work?
   • Chelsea’s experience in dating
     1. Guy that told me stalked an 80 year old man because he thought he hit his car in a YMCA parking lot – CHECK PLEASE
     2. Last Friday, I lied and told a guy I accidentially left my dog outside so I had to go
     3. Hit on by clients…
3. The Dating World (20 minutes)
   • What works & what makes for a funny story
     1. Just going on the date
     2. Don’t text a lot before going
     3. Keep going – Dory
     4. Podcasts – Sabrina Zohar LOVE
   • Breakups
   • How does this career affect dating?
     1. Most common question I get asked – do you still want to get married? Will you get a prenuptial agreement? Are men intimidated by you and your career?
     2. What is the “biggest red flag” that we keep an eye out for
4. Hot Topics
   • Popular topics online - Love is Blind new season, shows on Bravo- custody issues, support issues, etc.
   • Chelsea’s take
     1. Dating coaches/concierge I AM CONSIDERING SPENDING THE MONEY
   • Discussion on “The ick” – Nobody Wants This reference
5. Listener Questions and Final Advice
   • Final words of advice and reflection

Guest: Dylan Lingerfelt, Adoption and Immigration Law Attorney

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dylan Lingerfelt, a highly respected adoption and immigration law attorney whose practice has recently seen some significant changes. As a sought-after legal expert in the Carolinas, Dylan will share insights into his evolving journey and the latest developments in his field. We’re excited to dive into these changes and explore the impact they have on his clients and the immigration landscape as a whole.

The Role of an Immigration Attorney

Why this immigration is important to listeners, especially in today’s climate.

An overview of different immigration pathways (e.g., marriage-based green cards, refugee and asylum seeker processes)

Understanding the role of an immigration attorney and the benefits of having an attorney vs. navigating the process alone

Humanizing the Immigration Process (20 minutes)

What the immigration process like from the legal side

Stories that humanize the client's experience with immigration law

The Inside Scoop from an Immigration Attorney

Discuss recent changes in immigration law and what people can expect in the next few years

The deportation and removal process and legal defense strategies

Listener Questions and Final Advice

Address common myths about the immigration process

Final words of advice and reflection

Podcast Agenda: Parenting Schedules, Custody Trends, and Practical Tips for Parents

1. Intro

- Brief introduction of guest attorney, Penelope Hefner's background and expertise in family law.

- Overview of the episode: Focus on parenting schedules, custody trends, and practical tips for parents.

2. Parenting Schedules: Building a Framework

- Key Components of Parenting Plans:

What makes a good parenting schedule?

The difference between “regular” and “special” or “holiday parenting time”?

Best practices for dividing significant dates and handling vacations or travel disputes?

What are rights of first refusal? What should you pay attention to with these provisions?

Tips for customizing schedules based on family dynamics.

-Age and Development Considerations:

Adapting schedules for infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teens

Modifying Custody Orders vs Agreements

3. Custody Trends: What’s Changing?

-Shifts Toward Shared Parenting:

Are courts moving toward 50/50 arrangements? What factors influence this?

Technology’s Role in Custody Arrangements: Virtual visitation and how it’s changing parenting dynamics.

Cultural and Social Factors: The impact of societal norms and parental roles on custody decisions.

4. Practical Tips for Parents: Navigating Custody Orders

- For Parents Seeking an Initial Custody Order:

Preparing for court: Evidence, documentation, and best practices.

-For Parents Modifying Custody Orders:

Common reasons for modifications and tips for demonstrating a change is in the child’s best interest.

-Communication Tools for Co-Parenting:

Managing communication, especially in high-conflict situations.

Recommended tools or apps to improve collaboration.

-Avoiding Common Pitfalls:

Mistakes parents make and how to stay focused on the child’s well-being.

5. Mediation vs. Court: Choosing the Right Path

-Benefits of Mediation:

When is mediation a better option than court?

-Balancing Flexibility and Stability:

How to maintain structure while adapting to life’s unpredictability.

6. Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

- What’s one key takeaway for parents preparing for or modifying a custody order?

- How can parents advocate for their child’s best interests while navigating the legal process and also take care of themselves?

- Closing message: Encouragement and resources for parents.