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
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®
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)
In this episode of The Good Divorce Show, Karen McNenny speaks with financial expert Melissa Murphy Pavone about the financial aspects of divorce. They discuss the importance of financial literacy, the implications of asset division, and the role of financial professionals in navigating divorce. Melissa shares her personal experiences and insights on how to make informed decisions during this challenging transition, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to divorce that prioritizes the well-being of all parties involved.
Connect with Melissa Murphy Pavone, CFP®, CDFA®
In this episode, Karen McNenny speaks with Jeremiah Wallace, a seasoned stepfather and host of the podcast 'Navigating the Blended Family Experience.' They discuss the complexities of blended families, the emotional challenges faced by step-parents, and the importance of communication and patience in creating a harmonious family environment. Jeremiah shares his personal journey, insights on parenting, and advice for biological fathers on how to embrace new relationships while prioritizing their children. The conversation emphasizes the value of understanding, curiosity, and the long-term commitment required in blended family dynamics.
Jeremiah Wallace
Jeremiah Wallace has been a stepfather for over 10 years and he has been providing support and instruction for those that are also navigating the blended family experience for the last 9 years.
In this episode of The Good Divorce Show℠, Karen McNenny engages in a heartfelt conversation with Cheryl Pankhurst and Rosario Greco about their experiences navigating divorce and co-parenting. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a positive relationship for the sake of their children, the impact of divorce on family dynamics, and the importance of communication and support systems. The conversation highlights the significance of a kid-centered perspective and the lessons learned over the years, ultimately providing hope and inspiration for families going through similar journeys.
Connect with Cheryl Pankhurst
Connect with Rosario
In this conversation, Karen McNenny and Patrick Duganz explore the critical role of fathers in the context of divorce and parenting. They discuss the challenges fathers face, the importance of father engagement for child development, and how the court system often reinforces traditional gender roles.
Patrick shares insights from his experience as a Father Engagement Specialist, emphasizing the need for support and resources for dads. The discussion also touches on the grieving process associated with divorce and the importance of redefining relationships for successful co-parenting. I
Patrick also shares his personal journey through divorce and how it has shaped his work. He discusses the emotional complexities of divorce, the importance of maintaining respectful co-parenting relationships, and the benefits of a 'good divorce' approach.
Patrick emphasizes the need for support among fathers and the significance of blending families thoughtfully. He also shares a poignant case study of a father navigating the challenges of parenting after a tumultuous separation, highlighting the importance of community and understanding in the parenting journey.
PATRICK DUGANZ
In this episode of The Good Divorce Show™, host Karen McNenny speaks with Michael Flores, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling. They discuss the complexities of divorce, focusing on the emotional journeys of families, particularly the unique experiences of fathers, the importance of attachment theory, and the detrimental effects of parental alienation. Michael shares insights on how to navigate co-parenting, the significance of forgiveness, and the need for love and grace in the healing process. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding family dynamics and the role of effective communication in fostering healthier relationships post-divorce.
ABOUT MICHAEL FLORES, MA, LPC-S
Founder of Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling located in Fort Worth, TX
In this episode of The Good Divorce Show, Karen McNenny and Jennifer Delliquadri discuss the complexities of navigating parenting during and after divorce, particularly focusing on adolescents. They explore the challenges of co-parenting across two homes, the impact of divorce on children's emotional well-being, and the importance of effective communication between parents. Jennifer shares insights on supporting neurodivergent children and emphasizes the need for personal transformation in parents to better support their kids. The conversation highlights the resilience of children and the significance of adapting parenting styles to meet their needs.
About Jennifer Delliquadri
Jennifer Delliquadri is a certified life coach, purpose-driven mentor, and founder of Subtle Shifts. With a background in psychology, education, and trauma-informed practices, she specializes in helping women in midlife navigate burnout, people-pleasing, and unfulfilled lives to create more joy and balance. Jennifer is passionate about guiding women through personal transformations, empowering them to reconnect with their feminine power and embrace meaningful change. When she's not coaching, Jennifer enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family and dogs.
In this episode of The Good Divorce Show™, Karen McNenny speaks with Karen Covy, a lawyer turned divorce coach, about the complexities of divorce and the importance of navigating it with clarity and support. They discuss the flaws in the family court system, the significance of coaching before legal action, and how to design a divorce that minimizes conflict and promotes respect. Covy shares her journey into divorce law, the realities of divorce court, and the value of organization and preparation in the divorce process. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration between coaches and lawyers to provide the best outcomes for clients, ultimately empowering individuals to take charge of their divorce journey.
KAREN COVY
Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach, Lawyer, Mediator, Author, Speaker and Podcaster. She coaches six, seven, and eight figure professionals and business owners all over the world to make clear, confident decisions during highly-charged emotional situations. Karen helps her clients become the CEOs of their own divorce, so they can navigate through this difficult life transition with less conflict, less expense, and less damage to themselves and their children.
Karen is the author of When Happily Ever After Ends: How to Survive Your Divorce Emotionally, Financially, and Legally. She is also the creator of the online divorce programs, The Divorce Road Map 3.0 and How to Successfully Mediate Your Divorce. She is the host of the podcast, Off the Fence: Mastering Decision-Making Divorce and More. You can connect with Karen on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube, as well as on her website at karencovy.com.
In this episode of The Good Divorce Show™, host Karen McNenny speaks with Brynn Ungerleider, CEO of Premier Nanny Network, about the vital role of nannies in supporting families, especially those navigating divorce. Brynn shares her personal experiences as a child of divorce and as a divorced parent, emphasizing the importance of communication, respect, and routine in co-parenting. The conversation highlights practical strategies for managing shared parenting responsibilities and the emotional well-being of children during transitions. Brynn also discusses the misconceptions surrounding nannies and their value in enhancing family dynamics and providing support to parents.
ABOUT BRYNN
Owner of Premier Nanny Network - a National Nanny and Elder Care Agency, Professional Nanny and Household Manager, Parent & Teen Coach
From Brynn
Aside from my parents undergoing a tumultuous divorce, I have also been divorced, and most importantly, I have worked for many families of divorce. As a former professional nanny and household manager of over twenty years, I have seen first hand the effects of divorce on children and their families. By offering consistent, reliable care, I was able to assist children through the ups and downs of navigating their new normal while also contributing a neutral mindset for both households. A resounding myth I hear is that nannies are only for the rich. In truth, nannies are the missing piece many parents are looking for to facilitate positive, loving changes in both households. From assisting gatekeeping parents who are struggling with fear and anxiety over how their children are cared for, to fostering healthy and happy co-parenting relationships, I have witnessed it all. My mission in life is to continue my efforts to ensure children are given the levels of care they deserve. After all, kids should be having fun, not acting out or struggling to survive between households.
In this episode of the Good Divorce Show™, Karen McNenny speaks with Lori and David Sims, creators of the Nacho Kids Method, which aims to help blended families thrive. They share their personal journey through the challenges of blending families, the importance of understanding roles, and the evolution of relationships among stepchildren and stepparents. The conversation highlights the significance of communication, setting boundaries, and the gradual process of building healthy family dynamics. In this conversation, Lori and David Sims discuss their journey in creating the Nacho Kids Academy, a resource for blended families. They explore themes such as guilty parent syndrome, co-parenting dynamics, and the importance of building relationships within blended families. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating family dynamics, offering insights and advice for those in similar situations.
ABOUT NACHO KIDS
Lori and David Sims are the creators of the Nacho Kids® Method, a revolutionary approach that helps stepparents reduce stress, improve relationships, and thrive in blended families. After coming back from the brink of divorce, they developed a method that empowers stepparents to step back from parenting roles and focus on building healthier connections.
Through Nacho Kids Academy, workshops, and their podcast, Lori and David have helped thousands of stepfamilies worldwide. Their approach teaches that you can't control others, but you can control how you respond to it and how you let it affect you —a philosophy that has transformed stepfamily dynamics.
Passionate about helping others find peace, Lori and David believe every blended family can thrive with the right mindset and tools.
In this episode of The Good Divorce Show™, Karen McNenny speaks with Jennifer Lee, founder of Modern Wealth, about financial empowerment during and after divorce. They discuss the importance of understanding one's money story, facing financial realities, and the role of financial advisors in navigating the divorce process. Jennifer emphasizes the significance of assessing financial needs, the power of compound interest, and the necessity of temporary spousal support. The conversation also touches on the concept of divorce fatigue and the importance of creating a family love letter to communicate values and intentions regarding finances.
About Jennifer Lee, AWMA®, AIF®
Jennifer Lee is the founder of Modern-Wealth; a Sarasota-based financial firm with a focus on guiding women through life’s toughest transitions, especially divorce. For almost 30 years she’s worked to encourage women to face financial decisions head-on and empower them to do so with confidence. She works hand-in-hand with divorce attorneys and coaches to help clients navigate the tough financial decisions during this emotional time. She is author of the book, "Squeeze the Juice," which offers an approachable look into tackling financial preparedness with ease.
In this episode of The Good Divorce Show™, host Karen McNenny engages with Missy Miculka, an adult child of divorce, to discuss the long-lasting impacts of divorce on children. They explore the importance of communication, emotional support, and the need for parents to prioritize their children's well-being during and after the divorce process. Missy shares her personal experiences and offers cautionary advice for parents navigating new relationships and co-parenting dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating a positive environment for children and the potential for healing and growth in the aftermath of divorce.
About Missy aka The Menopause Midwife
Certifications/Licenses:
Takeaways
In this episode of The Good Divorce Show™, Karen McNenny interviews Ellen Carey, a nurse and energy healer, who shares her personal journey through divorce and the lessons learned along the way. They discuss the complexities of decision-making during the divorce process, the challenges of co-parenting young adults, the importance of self-care and grief, and the financial realities that come with divorce.
Ellen also reflects on her unique experience of working alongside her ex-husband in a small law firm, the evolution of their relationship post-divorce, and how they navigated family events like weddings and the arrival of a grandchild. The conversation emphasizes the possibility of maintaining a respectful and supportive relationship after divorce, highlighting that it is possible to choose love and understanding over animosity.
From Ellen
"Divorce was not my original intention. Me and my former spouse are both strongly oriented toward family. Breaking up the family was not taken lightly. However, ultimately, divorce became the best option going forward. The separation, then the legal process of divorce took almost 4 years!" - They have now been divorced for 9 years, their children are grown, they have become grandparents, and continue to work alongside one another!
In this episode of The Good Divorce Show™, Karen McNenny speaks with Brook Olsen, a Certified Parenting Educator and Divorce Mediator, about navigating high conflict divorces. They discuss the importance of understanding attachment styles, the impact of trauma on parenting, and the dynamics of introducing new relationships post-divorce. Brook shares insights from his personal journey and professional experience, emphasizing the need for emotional regulation and the distinction between co-parenting and parallel parenting strategies.
BROOK OLSEN
SOCIALS
Brook Olsen is a Certified Parenting Educator with the International Network for Children and Families, a Certified Divorce Mediator, Divorce Coach, and author of The Black Hole of High Conflict, which offers perspectives and strategies for navigating a high conflict divorce.
Brook’s knowledge of how the nervous system works and understanding of the role it plays in psychological and physiological reactions to trauma, conflict and anxiety brings a holistic approach to his work with families caught in the High Conflict cycle.
Brook teaches classes in the High Conflict Diversion Program and trains instructors to teach the Program throughout the U.S. and Canada. He also leads workshops in communication for couples and is a peer consultant for fellow professionals.
After his own litigious, two-and-a-half year high-conflict divorce, Brook saw the need for a holistic approach to divorce mediation, which included meditation, managing trauma, and an understanding of how personality traits and personality disorders create high conflict in a divorce.
In this episode of The Good Divorce Show™, Karen McNenny speaks with Abigail McGurty, a trained Sacred Passage Doula and Conscious Dying Coach, about the parallels between end-of-life care and divorce. They explore the significance of grief, the concept of a 'good death' and 'good divorce', and the importance of rituals in processing loss. The conversation delves into the non-linear nature of grief, the impact of ambiguous loss, and the necessity of support during transitions. Abigail shares insights on making meaning after loss and the importance of planning for end-of-life issues, emphasizing that both death and divorce are human experiences that deserve compassion and understanding.
Takeaways - Divorce can be seen as a significant ending, similar to death
- Grief is often a slow and non-linear process - A good death is about honoring the individual's choices and identity - Ambiguous loss can occur in both death and divorce situations - Rituals can help in processing grief and marking transitions. - Resistance to grief can be common, but surrender is part of the process - It's important to recognize the continuum of grief - Making meaning after loss is essential for healing - Support systems should be tailored to individual needs during grief
- Planning for end-of-life issues can start at any time, not just in crisis
ABIGAIL MCGURTY
About Abigail
For just over 10 years, Abigail worked as a registered nurse in a variety of settings. Beginning as an oncology nurse and later transitioning to critical care nursing proved to be a journey that changed her perspective on many things, including end-of-life care. Abigail realized early in her career that end-of-life was a precious time, but with more experience and reflection, it became apparent that the dying process also holds the capacity for deep human significance. Exploring this significance ultimately led to her discovering the role of doulas in end-of-life care.
Abigail is trained as a Sacred Passage Doula and Conscious Dying Coach through the Conscious Dying Institute in Boulder, CO. As a doula, keeping people, the richness of their lived experiences and the values they hold is central to the support that is provided.
Within this role Abigail is poised to provide holistic and compassionate care. She hopes that by listening with compassion and creating a space for people to ask questions both big and small, the dying process can be experienced with more comfort and ultimately less fear.
Resources from the Episode