Rebranding Divorce: The Post-Divorce Growth Cycle—Radical Self-Care, Money Confidence, and Community

Founders Mimi Sullivan and Carolyn Bilyak of Rebranding Divorce join Karen and Catherine to unpack the Post-Divorce Growth Cycle—a practical framework that helps women move from survival to confidence through radical self-care, money clarity, and healthy relationships. We discuss why community accelerates healing, how nervous-system awareness changes your money story, and why clear financial data—not emotion—drives better post-divorce decisions.

Clarity compounds: build confidence in one pillar (money or self-care) and the others strengthen.

Regulate, then calculate: calm the nervous system so you can actually work the numbers.

Community beats isolation: safe spaces prevent ruminating, revenge-energy, and rushed decisions.

Data protects you: verified financials reduce mistakes, regrets, and legal costs.

Growth is cyclical: each pass through the cycle allows deeper work (from budgeting → investing, from rest → purpose).

If you’re thinking about divorce—or already in it—and want fact-based financial clarity, start with our Free Financial Assessment. Then use the MDS Financial Portrait™ to see verified numbers, disclosures, and your settlement options so you can move forward with confidence.

Have a question for Karen & Catherine? Email: [email protected]

Resources & Links

Rebranding Divorce — ⁠rebrandingdivorce.com⁠

Free MDS Financial Assessment — ⁠https://myfinancialportrait.com/⁠ 

MDS Community (Free) —⁠ https://community.mydivorcesolution.com/⁠

MDS Financial Portrait™ — a verified, flat-fee roadmap to divorce financial clarity

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Thinking about divorce mediation? Before you walk into the room, ask yourself one question: What exactly are you mediating if you don’t even know what you have?

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In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down once again with the inspiring Jessica Frew—wife, ex-wife, mom, stepmom, podcast host, and now author of Shove Your Shoulds. Jessica shares how her unique journey through divorce, co-parenting, and remarriage has shaped her mission to help women step out of overthinking and into powerful decision-making.

Jessica opens up about:

Navigating divorce after discovering her husband was gay—and why she chose to stay married for several years after knowing.

How she and her ex built a co-parenting relationship rooted in respect and friendship, putting their daughter first.

Why letting go of “shoulds” frees us from shame and judgment, allowing space for clarity and confidence.

The power of informed, intentional choices—whether staying, leaving, or rebuilding life after divorce.

Why confidence comes not from having all the answers, but from taking action, one step at a time.

Karen, Catherine, and Jessica also discuss how financial clarity—through tools like the MDS Financial Portrait™—helps women face uncertainty with strength, whether they decide to stay married or divorce.

Knowledge is power – facing your reality (financial and personal) allows you to make empowered decisions.

Be willing to pivot – life may not go as planned, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be good.

Let go of the shoulds – true confidence comes from action, not perfection.

Learn more about Jessica and grab her new book Shove Your Shoulds: shoveyourshoulds.com

Follow Jessica on Instagram: @heyjessicafrew

Explore the MDS Financial Portrait™: mydivorcesolution.com

We Chat Divorce is brought to you by My Divorce Solution, the #1 resource for financial clarity during divorce.

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In this Divorce Explored episode of We Chat Divorce, MDS co-founders Catherine Shanahan, CDFA®, and Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison, reveal how common financial shortcuts can cost divorcing couples thousands—sometimes hundreds of thousands—of dollars. From so-called “honesty policies” that skip verification, to misclassifying home-sale proceeds as income, to cashing out retirement accounts too soon, Catherine and Karen unpack the real impact of assumptions, missing documents, and misunderstood advice.

They’ll show you why verified data—not verbal promises—is the only way to protect your financial future. Whether you’re preparing for mediation, negotiating a settlement, or already divorced, this episode will help you spot red flags before they turn into regret.

You’ll Learn How To:

Identify the red flags that signal financial shortcuts in divorce

Understand when assets ≠ income in support calculations

Avoid costly mistakes when dividing or liquidating retirement accounts

Confirm accurate valuation dates and tax implications

Use the MDS Financial Portrait™ to model real cash flow before you sign

Free MDS Financial Assessment – discover your starting point

The Divorce Financial Portrait™ – verified data = financial clarity

MDS Community – connect for support and education

Listen & Subscribe - Follow We Chat Divorce on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for weekly financial divorce insights that turn fear into focus, focus into knowledge, and knowledge into power.

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What really happens behind the scenes at a divorce law firm? In this eye-opening episode of We Chat Divorce, co-founders Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with Attorney Kirk Stange, Founding Partner of Stange Law Firm, to uncover the truth about how family law really works—from the attorney’s side of the table.

Kirk has guided clients through divorce for more than 20 years, leading a firm with offices across 30 states. He joins Karen and Catherine for a candid conversation about what makes a great divorce attorney, why so many clients lose trust in the legal process, and how preparation and financial clarity can change everything.

Together, they discuss:

What makes a lawyer truly good at family law

Why some attorneys avoid going to trial (and what that means for you)

How judges pressure lawyers to settle cases

The real story behind billable hours and “winning” in divorce

Why financially prepared clients make better decisions

If you’ve ever felt frustrated or confused by your attorney—or just want to know how to work smarter with one—this episode will change the way you see the legal side of divorce.

👉 Learn how the MDS Financial Portrait™ gives you the clarity and confidence to protect your future and collaborate effectively with your attorney. mydivorcesolution.com

Hosts: Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison & Co-Founder of My Divorce Solution -and- Catherine Shanahan, CDFA®, Divorce Financial Specialist & Co-Founder of My Divorce Solution

Guest: Kirk C. Stange, Founding Partner & President, Stange Law Firm

🌐familylawrepresentation.com | stangelawfirm.com

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If you’re over 50 and quietly wondering whether to stay or go, you’re not alone. In this episode of We Chat Divorce: Divorce Explored, My Divorce Solution co-founders Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan, CDFA®, break down the real truths behind gray divorce—and why so many couples live in a silent divorce long before they ever make a decision.

They share personal stories, client experiences, and the financial insights that can help you stop the emotional bleed and start building a plan. Whether you’re thinking about divorce, living in financial fog, or simply craving clarity, this conversation will help you move from confusion to confidence.

You’ll learn:

Hosted by Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan, CDFA®, co-founders of My Divorce Solution, We Chat Divorce explores the financial, emotional, and practical sides of divorce so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

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🚨 The Hidden Cost of Toxic Love 🚨

Why is it so hard to leave someone who hurts you? And how do trauma bonds show up in divorce — emotionally and financially?

In this episode of We Chat Divorce, hosts Catherine Shanahan, CDFA® and Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison, sit down with Dr. Nadine Macaluso — therapist, author of Run Like Hell, and survivor of one of the most infamous toxic marriages in modern history. Dr. Nadine was once married to the real-life “Wolf of Wall Street,” a chapter of her life portrayed in the blockbuster film.

Together we explore: 💔 What a trauma bond really is (and why it’s so hard to break) 💰 How toxic love often comes with financial abuse and control 🚩 Red flags to spot early in relationships 🔥 Why leaving can feel like pulling the fire alarm 🌱 How to protect yourself — emotionally and financially — in divorce

Dr. Nadine shares her story of survival and transformation, and how she now helps others break free from trauma bonds and reclaim their power.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Nadine:

Resources from My Divorce Solution:

✅ Subscribe for weekly episodes of We Chat Divorce — the #1 podcast for financial divorce preparation and empowerment.

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Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — but what happens when that decision collides with divorce? In this episode of We Chat Divorce, co-founders Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan dive into the risks, timing, and financial implications of purchasing real estate during divorce.

They share a real client story where a “protective clause” in a sales contract turned out to be anything but protective, highlighting how emotions, timing, and the wrong assumptions can create long-term financial consequences.

You’ll learn:

Why feeling “protected” isn’t the same as being legally and financially protected

The hidden risks of using retirement accounts or insurance loans to fund a property purchase

How buying too soon can complicate your divorce settlement and negotiations

Why waiting (even when it’s hard) can sometimes be your best financial strategy

How the MDS Financial Portrait™ helps you make confident, informed decisions before signing any major contract

Whether you’re tempted to buy a new home right now, or just want to understand how real estate fits into the divorce process, this episode offers the clarity you need to move forward wisely.

Share them with us — we’d love to hear your story.

Know someone navigating these same challenges? Send them this episode.

Have questions about real estate decisions during divorce?  Email us [email protected]

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In this episode, Karen and Catherine talk with Tina Keyes, a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator and divorce coach. Tina shares how her own family experiences led her to create a Kids First mediation model, designed to reduce conflict and keep the focus on families—not legal battles.

We cover what pro se mediation really means, how to know if it’s the right fit, and why coming prepared—both financially and emotionally—is the key to success.

What pro se mediation is and who it works best for

Why Tina avoids 8-hour “marathon” sessions and instead uses short, focused meetings

How to prepare for mediation: from parenting plans to verified financial data

The importance of putting kids first throughout the process

Why making decisions based on facts, not emotions, leads to better long-term outcomes

About Our Guest

Tina Keyes is a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator, certified divorce coach, and co-parenting specialist. She is also certified in trauma-informed practice, special needs divorce, and high-conflict co-parenting. Through her Kids First Mediation framework, Tina helps families reduce stress, save money, and make child-focused decisions.

Learn more: floridadivorcemediation.com

Kids First program: kidsfirstmediation.com

Resources

Prepare for mediation with the MDS Financial Portrait™: mydivorcesolution.com

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In this powerful and timely episode, Karen and Catherine discuss what really happens when you’re blindsided by divorce—whether through infidelity, unexpected papers, or emotional betrayal—and why your first step should not be calling a lawyer, but gaining financial clarity.

They break down the emotional chaos that can follow the shock of divorce and offer a different approach: one grounded in calm, informed decision-making. Drawing from their personal experiences and years of professional insight, Karen and Catherine explore how the MDS Financial Portrait™ can provide structure and security in the most destabilizing moments.

What You’ll Learn:

The emotional toll of being blindsided—and how to pause before reacting

Why rushing to a lawyer can be financially dangerous without preparation

How the MDS Financial Portrait™ gives you clarity on what you own, owe, and deserve

Real-life examples of how emotional decisions in divorce can backfire financially

Why understanding the scope of professionals like forensic accountants or attorneys is critical

How to regain control and create a smart, sustainable path forward—even in crisis

If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or caught off guard by divorce—this episode is for you. Get the clarity you need to make empowered decisions. Visit mydivorcesolution.com to learn more about how we help you prepare financially for divorce with confidence and peace of mind.

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