In this compelling episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Karen McMahon to delve into the challenges she faced in her marriage and how they transformed her into a stronger, more self-aware individual. Karen discusses her turbulent childhood in an emotionally volatile household, her string of unfulfilling relationships, and the tumultuous marriage that mirrored her parents' dysfunctions. Despite her incredible external successes, Karen's personal relationships were fraught with difficulties, culminating in a rocky marriage characterized by rage and financial instability. She candidly shares her journey through therapy, the decision to divorce, and the harrowing three-and-a-half-year process living with her abusive ex-husband.

Guest Bio 

Karen McMahon is a High Conflict Divorce Strategist, Certified Divorce Coach and Founder of Journey Beyond Divorce. She began divorce coaching in 2010 after recognizing that the pain of her divorce led her on a transformational journey into a powerful and unexpected new life. Karen leads a national team of divorce coaches in supporting men and women around the world to become calm, clear and confident as they navigate divorce. Karen is the host of the acclaimed Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, and co-author of ‘Stepping out of Chaos: Turning Pain to Possibility” and creator of JBD’s exclusive Divorce 101: Strategic Blueprint for High Conflict Divorce Program.

Turning 40 and Surviving a High-Conflict Divorce

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Karen McMahon, a divorce coach who transformed her high-conflict divorce experience into a beacon of hope for others navigating similar challenges. Karen shares her journey from a high achieving professional with a troubled personal life to finding her true calling helping others through their darkest times. Her story is not just about overcoming, but about using her past to fuel a future filled with purpose and service.

 Key Highlights:

• Early Struggles and Realizations: Karen discusses her early success in her professional life contrasted with repeated failures in intimate relationships, stemming from the challenging dynamics in her family of origin.
• Marriage and Its Challenges: She opens up about her marriage, which seemed promising at first but was riddled with financial troubles and emotional disconnect thanks to a spouse on the narcissism spectrum, leading to her realization of needing change.
• Therapy and Self Discovery: Karen's turning point came through therapy, where she began to understand the source and depth of her issues and started the hard work of healing and self improvement.
• Divorce and Its Aftermath: The process of her divorce was long and fraught with conflict, but it was also a period of intense personal growth and transformation.
• Building a New Life: Post-divorce, Karen found her calling as a divorce coach, helping others navigate their paths through and beyond divorce.

Karen’s journey through personal turmoil and professional success is a wonderful example of making lemonade with lemons. Her story is not just one of survival, but of thriving by turning her deepest pain into a profound purpose. This episode is a must listen for anyone facing personal challenges or interested in how personal adversity can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and reviewing the podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like Karen’s to you!

Guest Resources

Karen’s gracious offer for Forty Drinks Listeners

Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space

Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast

5 Day Boundary Bootcamp 

Divorce 101

Connect with Karen on Facebook 

Connect with Karen on TikTok

Free Consultation with a Divorce Coach

Do you have the Midlife Ick? 

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick  

Listen, Rate & Subscribe

Apple Podcasts 

Spotify

Amazon Podcasts

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications