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	Titre	Date	Durée
	How to Survive the Divorce Week From HELL. (3 Easy Steps)	06 Nov 2026	00:18:57
What should you do when you’re overwhelmed during divorce and everything else in your life is falling apart, too? Tell your attorney you’re having a difficult week and ask what genuinely needs your attention, write down what you can and cannot control, and simplify your responsibilities where possible. Before postponing legal decisions, confirm any emergencies or deadlines with your lawyer. The car needs repairs. Work is demanding. Your kid is sick. And right on cue, another email from your divorce attorney arrives. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, family-law attorney Morgan L. Stogsdill and Andrea Rappaport share three practical steps for managing divorce stress when you’re already stretched too thin. They explain how to communicate with your lawyer, organize competing concerns, and give yourself a break without disappearing from your case. Along the way: takeout guilt, Morgan’s groceries arriving at her office on a Sunday, and Andrea explaining why a true-crime podcast sometimes feels more manageable than forced positivity. Some days, survival means abandoning the chicken parmesan. Get Support for Your Next Steps You don’t have to figure out the divorce process alone. Our Divorce Crash Course helps you get organized, prepare better questions, and understand common mistakes before they become expensive. Explore the course, Divorce Pep Talks, practical guides, and our free community at How Not to Suck at Divorce. What You’ll Learn ✅ How to tell your divorce attorney you’re overwhelmed with a concise update rather than a long explanation or unanswered emails. ✅ What to clarify before postponing major divorce decisions, including genuine deadlines, emergencies, and what can reasonably wait. ✅ How to organize divorce stress into two columns: what you can control and what you cannot. ✅ How to identify manageable actions without expecting yourself to solve every problem at once. ✅ Why taking a break can mean lowering everyday expectations, asking for help, or choosing an enjoyable distraction. Episode Highlights (00:00) When a week from hell collides with your divorce (00:35) Andrea and Morgan’s own terrible-week inspiration (01:51) The urge to solve everything when you’re already overwhelmed (03:39) Tell your attorney you’re having a difficult week (04:36) Why rushing a decision can create more work and expense (06:05) Get competing concerns out of your head and onto paper (07:42) Separate what you can control from what you cannot (09:44) Give yourself permission to operate in survival mode (11:40) Takeout, dinner expectations, and abandoning the chicken parmesan (12:48) Morgan’s grocery delivery goes to the wrong place (13:45) Taking a mental break with entertainment (17:25) Your three-step recap for an overwhelming week (18:02) Finding support through the hardest days Key Takeaways 🔷 Communicate before going quiet. Let your attorney know you’re struggling and ask which tasks or decisions need attention now. 🔷 Confirm what can wait. A difficult week doesn’t erase legal deadlines. Work with your lawyer to identify where you have breathing room. 🔷 Write down the whole picture. List the concerns taking up your attention, then separate available actions from circumstances you cannot change. 🔷 Lower the unnecessary demands. An easy dinner or a quieter evening may be enough when your capacity is limited. 🔷 Choose a break that works for you. A walk, a show, or an entertaining podcast can give you something else to focus on. You don’t have to force yourself to feel cheerful. Resources and Sponsors Divorce Crash Course Our private podcast and guidebook help you prepare for divorce and make more informed decisions. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Explore the Divorce Crash Course Divorce Pep Talks Formerly our Guided Divorce Meditations, these private audio recordings put Andrea in your ear when you need reassurance, humor, and help taking your next step. Explore Divorce Pep Talks and other resources Free Pre-Divorce Checklist Organize your concerns, review your financial picture, and prepare questions for an attorney—even if you haven’t decided to file. Get the free checklist through our website Free Private Community Connect with other people navigating divorce and co-parenting. Join our private Facebook community OurFamilyWizard Explore tools for organizing co-parenting communication, schedules, and shared expenses. Visit our listener page for offer details. Explore OurFamilyWizard If this conversation helped, follow How Not to Suck at Divorce and share it with someone having a week from hell. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you. This podcast provides general information, not individualized legal or mental health advice. Consult your own professionals about your circumstances.
	What to Say When People Ask You About Your Divorce \| Divorce Podcast	04 Nov 2026	00:12:46
What can you say when friends and family keep asking about your divorce—and you don’t want to talk about it? Tell them you’d rather discuss something else, then redirect the conversation. Try: “The divorce is still happening, and I will pay you to talk about anything else.” You can appreciate someone’s concern without giving them a personal update. In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport explains why you deserve a break from discussing your divorce, how to handle unsolicited opinions, and what to say when someone asks a personal question at the worst possible moment—including right in front of your children. From the sad head tilt to the school-parking-lot conversation you immediately regret, Andrea shares practical ways to set conversational boundaries without feeling like you’re being rude. Getting support matters. So does having room to talk about something besides your ex. Pumpkin candles, questionable eyebrows, your next binge-watch—anything that reminds you there’s more to your life than this process. Get Support for Your Next Steps You don’t have to figure out divorce alone. Our Divorce Crash Course helps you get organized, prepare better questions, and understand common mistakes before they become expensive. Explore the course, Divorce Pep Talks, practical guides, and our free checklist at How Not to Suck at Divorce. What You’ll Learn ✅ Why you need breaks from talking about divorce, even when the process is still consuming your time and attention. ✅ How unsolicited divorce advice can create confusion, especially when friends and family offer conflicting opinions about your case. ✅ What to say when someone asks, “How’s the divorce?” without sharing details you’d rather keep private. ✅ How to redirect conversations around your children and avoid discussing adult conflict within earshot. ✅ How to seek support while maintaining boundaries, so your divorce doesn’t become the subject of every interaction. Episode Highlights (00:00) What to do when everyone keeps asking about your divorce (00:05) The divorce update you don’t owe anyone—and why you need a break Andrea also covers three reasons to limit constant divorce conversations, ready-to-use responses, protecting your privacy around your children, and the new Divorce Pep Talks. Key Takeaways 🔷 Have a response ready. “I don’t feel like digging into it today. What’s happening with you?” is enough. 🔷 Ask for the support you actually want. Suggest a funny distraction, dinner, or getting together when you don’t have the kids. 🔷 Be selective about whose guidance you invite. Friends can offer emotional support; case-specific legal questions belong with qualified counsel. 🔷 Give the rest of your life some airtime. Make space for interests, friendships, curiosity, and conversations that don’t involve your ex. 🔷 Keep your support system. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean bottling everything up. Choose trusted people and appropriate times to discuss what you’re going through. Resources and Sponsors Divorce Crash Course Our private podcast and guidebook help you prepare for divorce and make more informed decisions. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Explore the Divorce Crash Course Divorce Pep Talks Formerly our Guided Divorce Meditations, these private audio recordings put Andrea in your ear when you need reassurance, humor, and help taking the next step. Find Divorce Pep Talks and other resources Free Pre-Divorce Checklist Organize your concerns, review your financial picture, and prepare questions for an attorney—even if you haven’t decided to file. Get the free checklist through our website Free Private Community Connect with other people navigating divorce and co-parenting. Join our private Facebook community OurFamilyWizard Explore tools for organizing co-parenting communication, schedules, and shared expenses. Visit our listener page for offer details. Explore OurFamilyWizard Follow How Not to Suck at Divorce for mini episodes on Wednesdays and full episodes on Fridays. Share this episode with someone who needs permission to change the subject. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you. This podcast provides general information, not individualized legal or mental health advice.
	What to do When You Want to Throat Punch Your Ex: A Guided Meditation for Divorce Anger	30 Oct 2026	00:13:21
What can you do when you’re so angry at your ex that you want to scream, send a brutal text, or completely lose your shit? Give yourself some space before responding. Put your phone down, notice what you’re feeling, and take a few minutes to settle before deciding what actually needs your attention. You can be furious without acting on that anger—and this guided divorce meditation gives you somewhere to start. In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport walks you through a funny, profanity-filled pause for those moments when your ex has pushed every available button. Think inflammatory co-parenting texts, endless emails about pickup times, and requests for flexibility from someone who refuses to give you any. There’s no pressure to forgive your ex, thank the universe, or pretend you’re fine. The goal is to feel a little calmer, give yourself room to think, and avoid a reaction you may regret. This guided meditation helps you practice: Taking a break from upsetting texts, emails, and arguments. Grounding yourself by noticing your surroundings and physical sensations. Recognizing tension in your hands, shoulders, and body. Naming the anger, hurt, fear, frustration, or exhaustion you’re feeling. Identifying the concern underneath your reaction, including parenting, money, or feeling disrespected. Considering whether a message needs a response and whether anything is genuinely urgent. Choosing your next step before reentering a difficult conversation. Whether you’re navigating a high-conflict divorce, dealing with co-parenting stress, or having a Target parking lot meltdown, save this episode for the next time you need a pause. Listen somewhere you can safely take a break. If you’re driving, keep your attention on the road and wait until you’re safely parked before closing your eyes or following the exercises. Divorce Resources & Support Guided Divorce Meditations Want more support for the difficult moments? Explore our guided meditation library, delivered through a private podcast feed so you can listen in your preferred podcast app. Explore the guided meditations Divorce Crash Course Our private podcast and guidebook help you understand the divorce process, prepare questions, and make more informed decisions. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Get the Divorce Crash Course Free Pre-Divorce Checklist Organize your thoughts, review your financial picture, and prepare questions for an attorney—even if you haven’t decided to file. Get the free checklist through our website Free Private Facebook Community Connect with other people navigating divorce and co-parenting. You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Join our private community OurFamilyWizard: 20% Off Your First Year Explore tools for organizing co-parenting communication, schedules, and shared expenses. Learn more about OurFamilyWizard Follow How Not to Suck at Divorce so the next episode is waiting for you. Share this meditation with someone who needs a breather, and leave a rating and review if the show has helped you. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you. This meditation offers general support and does not replace individualized mental health care or legal advice.
	3 Divorce Tips to Avoid Expensive Mistakes	28 Oct 2026	00:11:48
Get informed before your next divorce decision. Our Divorce Crash Course combines a private podcast and guidebook to help you understand the process, prepare, and avoid expensive mistakes. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Get the Divorce Crash Course You know what you’re angry about. But do you know what you actually want from your divorce—and what it could cost to get it? In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, family-law attorney Morgan L. Stogsdill shares three practical divorce tips inspired by issues she’s seeing in her cases. With Andrea Rappaport mostly sidelined by illness—but still finding a way to unmute—Morgan explains how to set useful divorce goals, prepare for financial discovery, and evaluate a proposed divorce settlement without letting frustration drive every decision. From demanding the house when your real priority is keeping your children in their school district to spending $30,000 in legal fees fighting over a $10,000 difference, this episode helps you think through what you’re pursuing, why it matters, and whether the fight serves your goals. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to distinguish your underlying divorce goals from a particular demand. Why ranking your priorities can help you evaluate compromises during settlement negotiations. How clear goals help your divorce attorney focus their time. What to review in bank statements, tax returns, credit card statements, and business records before providing them through discovery. Why unexpected financial details deserve a conversation with your attorney—and why full disclosure still matters. How financial disclosures can have consequences you should discuss before documents are exchanged. What to ask your attorney about whether your proposed settlement is realistic. Why honest pushback from your lawyer doesn’t automatically mean they aren’t advocating for you. How to weigh potential legal fees against what you might gain by continuing a dispute. Your three action steps Write down and rank your goals. Identify what matters most, then revisit that list when new issues or strong emotions arise. Read your financial documents. Flag surprises and questions for your attorney so you can prepare while meeting your disclosure obligations. Bring your settlement ideas—and listen to the feedback. Ask what’s realistic, why, and what pursuing each issue could cost. Free pre-divorce checklist Thinking about divorce or trying to organize your next steps? Our free printable checklist helps you review your financial picture, organize your concerns, and prepare questions for an attorney. Get the free pre-divorce checklist through our website More resources and support Join our free private Facebook community Connect with other people navigating divorce, ask questions, and find support on the difficult days. Guided Divorce Meditations Take a moment to breathe and regroup when divorce stress and anxiety feel overwhelming. How to Hire an Attorney Guide Prepare for consultations and make a more informed choice about your legal representation. OurFamilyWizard: Get 20% off your first year Explore tools for organizing co-parenting communication, schedules, and shared expenses. Explore our podcast playlists Find more episodes organized around the divorce questions you need answered. Follow How Not to Suck at Divorce so you don’t miss the next episode. If this conversation helped you, leave a rating and review and share it with someone who needs it. Divorce is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you. This episode provides general information and does not replace legal advice about your individual circumstances. Mentioned in this episode: Our Family Wizard How Not to Suck at Divorce is proud to be the only podcast that can offer you 20% off your first year of the essentials package. Visit Our Family Wizard to ask your attorney is OFW is right for your family. Our Family Wizard
	Are You Ready for a Divorce? What to Do Before You Decide	23 Oct 2026	00:27:11
Get informed before you make your next divorce decision. Our Divorce Crash Course combines a private podcast and guidebook to help you understand the process and prepare. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Get the Divorce Crash Course You’ve thought about divorce. Maybe you’ve Googled it, threatened it, or whispered it to your best friend. But how do you know if you’re ready for a divorce—or exhausted and desperate for something to change? In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, family-law attorney Morgan L. Stogsdill and comedian and divorced mom Andrea Rappaport break down what to do before filing for divorce. From recognizing patterns in your marriage to understanding your finances and getting answers about child custody, this conversation gives you practical steps to take while you’re still deciding. There’s no quiz, magic number, or checklist that can decide whether you should end your marriage. But you can get clearer about what’s happening, gather information, and build a support team before making your next move. In this episode, we discuss: Wanting to leave your marriage versus wanting your marriage to change. Writing down recurring problems—and positive moments—to see the bigger picture. How a therapist can support you through the decision-making process. What to understand about income, debt, household expenses, and housing before divorce. Why fear about custody and parenting time can lead to decisions you later regret. Morgan’s “Chad and Brenda” example: why hiding the children’s passports is a moment to pause and call your attorney. Why a divorce attorney consultation doesn’t commit you to filing. Comparing attorneys before paying a retainer. Turning to professionals for guidance and friends and family for support. Get your free pre-divorce checklist Need somewhere to start? Our printable checklist helps you organize your thoughts, review your financial picture, and prepare questions for an attorney—even if you haven’t decided to leave. Get the free checklist on our website Resources and support How to Hire an Attorney Guide Prepare for consultations and make a more informed decision about who represents you. Guided Divorce Meditations Give yourself a moment to breathe when divorce anxiety and overwhelm take over. Join our free private Facebook community Connect with other people navigating separation, divorce, and co-parenting. Explore our podcast playlists Find episodes organized around the divorce questions you need answered. OurFamilyWizard: Get 20% off Explore tools for organizing co-parenting communication, schedules, and shared expenses. If this episode helped you, share it with someone who’s quietly asking the same questions—and leave us a rating and review so more people can find the show. Divorce is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you. This episode provides general information and does not replace advice from an attorney about your circumstances. Mentioned in this episode: Our Family Wizard How Not to Suck at Divorce is proud to be the only podcast that can offer you 20% off your first year of the essentials package. Visit Our Family Wizard to ask your attorney is OFW is right for your family. Our Family Wizard
	Small Wins in Divorce Count More Than You Think	21 Oct 2026	00:17:14
Get prepared with our Divorce Crash Course. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Get the private podcast and guidebook to help you understand the process, ask better questions, and avoid expensive mistakes. Your divorce can be moving slowly while you’re making real progress. Did you open the email you’ve been avoiding? Gather the financial paperwork? Pause before responding to a message that made you furious? Those small wins deserve credit—even if your divorce is nowhere near finished. In this solo mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport talks about recognizing progress during divorce without waiting for the final signature. From managing divorce overwhelm to rebuilding confidence and giving your children undivided attention, Andrea shares the everyday accomplishments that are easy to overlook when you’re focused on getting through the process. We also talk about recovering from mistakes, letting a difficult morning be just a difficult morning, and celebrating something you did well before immediately raising the bar. You don’t need to turn every accomplishment into another expectation. If you feel stuck, exhausted, or like you’re not doing enough, this episode offers a simple way to notice what you’re handling—and give yourself a little recognition along the way. In this episode: Why finalizing your divorce shouldn’t be your only measure of progress. Practical wins, from organizing documents to asking your attorney an uncomfortable question. Emotional wins, including pausing before responding and recognizing a mistake. Parenting during divorce and making room for meaningful moments with your kids. Giving yourself credit without demanding more from yourself tomorrow. Why one bad moment doesn’t have to define the entire day. Keeping a record of your progress to revisit when you’re feeling discouraged. Sharing your accomplishments and letting yourself accept encouragement. Your action steps Start a “Things That Didn’t Suck” note. Use your phone’s notes app to keep a running list of things you’re proud of. Include the paperwork, the hard conversations, the moments of patience, and the times you were kind to yourself. Tell someone about a win. You can say, “This might sound small, but it was hard for me, and I did it.” Give yourself permission to receive support and recognition. Celebrate before raising the bar. Take a moment to acknowledge what you accomplished. A small win doesn’t need to become a bigger assignment. Leave room for hard days. You don’t have to add something to your list every day. Return to it when you can, and use it as a reminder of the progress you’ve already made. Resources and support Join our private Facebook community Share your small wins, connect with people navigating divorce and coparenting, and find encouragement along the way. Guided Meditations for Divorce Take a moment to pause, breathe, and regroup when divorce feels overwhelming. Divorce Crash Course Prepare for your next steps with our private podcast and guidebook. Available now for $50, typically $150, thanks to OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. OurFamilyWizard — 20% off your first year Explore tools for organizing coparenting communication, schedules, and expenses. Explore our divorce podcast playlists Find episodes organized around the issues you’re facing before, during, and after divorce. Follow How Not to Suck at Divorce, leave a rating or review, and send this episode to someone who needs a reminder that their effort counts. Divorce is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t have to wait until it’s over to recognize how far you’ve come. You have got this. And we’ve got you. Mentioned in this episode: Our Family Wizard How Not to Suck at Divorce is proud to be the only podcast that can offer you 20% off your first year of the essentials package. Visit Our Family Wizard to ask your attorney is OFW is right for your family. Our Family Wizard
	Divorce: Will Going Back to Work Cost You Spousal Support?	16 Oct 2026	00:44:44
Get prepared with our Divorce Crash Course. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Get the private podcast and guidebook to help you understand the divorce process, ask better questions, and avoid expensive mistakes. You’ve been out of the workforce raising your family. Now you’re getting divorced, you’re worried about money, and everyone has an opinion about when you should get a job. Will going back to work affect your spousal support? What if childcare costs more than you’d earn? And who pays for the training, résumé help, and work clothes you need before your first paycheck? In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and family-law attorney Morgan L. Stogsdill welcome Alan Feigenbaum, a matrimonial and family law partner at Blank Rome in New York City, to discuss returning to work during divorce. Alan and Morgan explain how they evaluate work history, earning potential, caregiving responsibilities, and financial needs. They challenge the blanket advice that staying unemployed will protect your support—and discuss why accepting a job deserves a closer look than simply asking whether your support payment could decrease. We also get into the overlooked costs of reentering the workforce, what to bring your attorney before accepting an offer, and how imputed income, vocational evaluations, and job-search records can enter the conversation. Alan shares his experience representing stay-at-home dads, including the different reactions he has encountered in court. Expect practical next steps, a few unpopular opinions, and a very questionable conversation about what happens when a gnat lands in your coffee. In this episode, we discuss: Returning to work during divorce after years as a stay-at-home parent. How employment income may affect alimony or spousal support. Why your former salary may not reflect your current earning potential. Evaluating childcare costs, your children’s needs, and part-time options. Budgeting for certifications, education, résumé services, interview coaching, work clothes, and networking. Reviewing a job offer’s salary, bonuses, benefits, and stock options with your attorney. What imputed income means and why a court may examine someone’s ability to earn. Job-search diaries and vocational experts. Stay-at-home moms, stay-at-home dads, and the stereotypes that can surface during divorce. Rebuilding financial independence and an identity beyond the divorce process. Three action steps to take from this episode 1. Learn what your options actually are. Explore realistic jobs, pay ranges, schedules, and any training you would need. You can gather information without committing to a particular path. 2. Bring your attorney an itemized budget. List the costs associated with returning to work and gather estimates to support them. Give your lawyer specifics to evaluate rather than one unexplained total. 3. Ask your lawyer to run the numbers. Discuss how different income scenarios could affect support and your overall finances. If you have an offer, share the full compensation package—not just the salary. Episode timestamps 00:00 — Getting divorced and realizing you may need a job. 01:37 — The gnat-in-the-coffee debate. 03:24 — Community updates: Who is Brenda’s new boyfriend? 05:17 — Meet family-law attorney Alan Feigenbaum. 05:47 — “I’ve been home with the kids. Do I have to go back to work?” 07:36 — Why an old salary doesn’t guarantee today’s earning potential. 09:06 — Will getting a job affect spousal support? 12:39 — What if you haven’t made efforts to return to work? 14:45 — Training, credentials, and the costs of getting started. 17:25 — Build an itemized return-to-work budget. 18:49 — Childcare costs and part-time work: a case example. 24:27 — Challenging assumptions about stay-at-home parents. 26:26 — A client weighs a job offer against support concerns. 28:31 — What your lawyer needs to know about a job offer. 29:36 — Stay-at-home dads and courtroom expectations. 31:28 — Imputed income, job-search diaries, and vocational experts. 33:18 — Rapid-fire questions: overlooked expenses and common mistakes. 38:16 — Action steps for evaluating your return to work. 41:25 — Using AI without letting it send you into a spiral. 42:08 — Feeling overwhelmed and hopeful at the same time. About our guest Alan Feigenbaum is a partner in the matrimonial and family law practice at Blank Rome in New York City. He helps clients navigate complex financial and custody disputes, with attention to their long-term financial and family needs. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a regular contributor to the New York Law Journal. Learn more about Alan and his work at Blank Rome. Resources and support Join our private Facebook community Connect with other people navigating divorce and coparenting, share experiences, and join the conversation. Guided Meditations for Divorce Take a moment to pause, breathe, and regroup when divorce feels overwhelming. Divorce Crash Course Our private podcast and guidebook help you prepare for the process. Available now for $50, typically $150, thanks to OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. OurFamilyWizard — 20% off your first year Explore tools for organizing coparenting communication, schedules, and expenses. Explore our divorce podcast playlists Find episodes organized around the issues you’re facing before, during, and after divorce. Follow How Not to Suck at Divorce, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone worried about returning to work during divorce. This episode provides general information, not legal advice. Employment and support decisions depend on your circumstances and the law in your jurisdiction. Discuss your options with your own attorney. You have got this. And we’ve got you.
	How Divorce Changed My Life in 3 Unexpected Ways	14 Oct 2026	00:13:11
Get prepared with our Divorce Crash Course. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. This private podcast and guidebook help you understand the divorce process, ask better questions, and avoid expensive mistakes. Can life actually get better after divorce? When you’re exhausted, worried about your kids, and trying to figure out how to support yourself, that can feel impossible to imagine. In this solo mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport shares three unexpected ways divorce changed her life: greater confidence, a deeper relationship with her children, and the discovery that she could build a business and earn more than she once thought possible. Andrea talks honestly about early coparenting mistakes, the memories her boys still cherish from “mommy’s apartment,” and how facing intimidating situations helped her learn to speak up in business and relationships. She also shares a fourth, deeply personal change: realizing she deserved to be loved. This is one woman’s experience rebuilding after divorce—not a promise that the process will be easy or that everyone’s journey will look the same. If you’re wondering whether you’ll ever recognize yourself again, this conversation offers perspective, encouragement, and a reminder that the hardest chapter doesn’t have to be the last one. In this episode: How navigating divorce helped Andrea become more confident and advocate for herself. Why disagreements feel different after surviving something she once thought she couldn’t handle. How acknowledging parenting mistakes opened the door to more honest conversations with her children. The kitchen dance parties and small moments her boys remember from life after separation. What Andrea discovered about her earning potential and ability to build a business. Rebuilding self-worth and recognizing that she deserved a healthier relationship. Finding support and moments of humor while recovering from divorce. Need support through divorce? Start here. Join our private Facebook community Connect with other people navigating divorce and coparenting. Ask questions, share your experiences, and find support from people who understand. Guided Meditations for Divorce Give yourself a moment to pause, breathe, and regroup when divorce anxiety or overwhelm takes over. Divorce Crash Course Prepare for what comes next with our private podcast and guidebook. Available now for $50, typically $150, thanks to OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. OurFamilyWizard — 20% off your first year Explore tools for organizing coparenting communication, schedules, and expenses. Explore our divorce podcast playlists Find conversations about the issues you’re facing before, during, and after divorce. Follow How Not to Suck at Divorce, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who needs a little hope about life after divorce. Visit our website for more resources and links to our social channels. Divorce is a marathon, not a sprint. Some days you’re moving forward. Some days you’re just keeping your head above water. You deserve support through both. You have got this. And we, my friends, have got you.
	Divorce Problem: What to do if Your Spouse Won’t Accept That the Marriage is Over.	09 Oct 2026	00:36:18
Thinking about divorce? Get prepared with our Divorce Crash Course. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Get the private podcast and guidebook to help you understand the process, ask better questions, and avoid expensive mistakes. You’ve done the therapy. You’ve hired a lawyer. You finally say, “I want a divorce.” Suddenly, the spouse who has spent months telling you they’re unhappy wants to stay together, try counseling, or live as roommates until the kids turn 18. Are you allowed to still feel done when they’ve decided they’re not? In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, comedian and marketing professional Andrea Rappaport and family-law attorney Morgan L. Stogsdill answer a listener’s question about a spouse who reverses course on divorce—and leaves them feeling guilty, confused, and stuck in limbo. We discuss how to separate emotional pressure from decisions about your divorce case, what to tell your attorney when your spouse suddenly wants to reconcile, and why promises to change deserve a closer look. Sometimes a wake-up call leads to real effort. Sometimes it buys more time. The question is what’s happening in your marriage—and what you want to do next. We also explore discernment counseling, setting boundaries around repeated arguments, and the pressure to “stay together for the kids.” Turning 18 doesn’t make children immune to the effects of divorce, and choosing your next step deserves guidance specific to your family. And because this is our show, we finish with an imaginary Starbucks partnership, emergency divorce support delivered by helicopter, and a DM that absolutely should have stayed in drafts. In this episode, we discuss: What happens when you want a divorce and your spouse suddenly wants to stay married. How a spouse’s reversal can leave you questioning a decision you worked hard to make. What to discuss with your lawyer before pausing or withdrawing divorce proceedings. How discernment counseling differs from couples therapy. Looking at actions alongside promises when considering reconciliation. Setting boundaries when your spouse keeps debating your reasons for leaving. Using brief, informative, friendly, and firm communication. Why “wait until the kids are 18” deserves more than an automatic yes. Getting individual support while deciding whether to stay or go. Episode timestamps 00:00 — You want a divorce. Suddenly, your spouse doesn’t. 01:18 — The listener’s story: “Let’s stay roommates until the kids are grown.” 02:39 — Emotional whiplash, manipulation, and feeling stuck. 05:19 — Should you keep explaining why you want to leave? 09:44 — What to tell your attorney when your spouse reverses course. 11:01 — Discernment counseling versus couples therapy. 12:19 — A genuine wake-up call—or more time to prepare? 16:21 — Stop putting your marriage on trial every night. 17:25 — Setting boundaries and keeping conflict away from the kids. 18:52 — Should you stay married until your children turn 18? 23:34 — Andrea’s experience leaving with young children. 25:59 — Planning next steps while you’re still under the same roof. 28:58 — The weekend DM we were not prepared for. 32:15 — Getting support before you move forward. Resources to help you take the next step Divorce Crash Course Our private podcast and guidebook help you prepare for divorce and make more informed decisions. $50, typically $150, thanks to OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Guided Meditations for Divorce When your thoughts won’t slow down, take a moment to pause, breathe, and regroup before your next difficult conversation. OurFamilyWizard: 20% Off Your First Year Explore tools for organizing coparenting communication, schedules, and expenses. Use our link for 20% off your first year. Divorce Podcast Playlists Find episodes grouped by the issues you’re navigating, so you can get to the conversations you need. Join our private community Visit How Not to Suck at Divorce for information about our private Facebook community and additional resources. If this episode helped you feel less alone, follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who needs it. Have a question you’d like us to cover? Send it our way. Please keep your shirt on. This episode provides general information, not legal or mental-health advice. Consult your own attorney and licensed mental-health professional about your circumstances. You have got this. And we’ve got you. Mentioned in this episode: Our Family Wizard How Not to Suck at Divorce is proud to be the only podcast that can offer you 20% off your first year of the essentials package. Visit Our Family Wizard to ask your attorney is OFW is right for your family. Our Family Wizard
	Divorce Questions Answered: A Stalling Spouse & a Lawyer Who Won’t Call Back	07 Oct 2026	00:35:45
Get the Divorce Crash Course for $50 Get practical divorce guidance with our private podcast and companion guidebook. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Your spouse is stalling. Your lawyer isn’t calling back. And you’re worried those angry texts might come back to haunt you. What now? In this listener Q&A episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, family-law attorney Morgan Stogsdill and comedian Andrea Rappaport answer questions from our private community about divorce delays, coparenting communication, attorney responsiveness, and telling children about divorce after infidelity. We discuss what to do when your spouse won’t move forward—whether you’re still deciding how to leave or already navigating the divorce process. Morgan explains how attorney-guided discovery, court deadlines, and trial scheduling may help move a stalled case forward, along with the risks you need to understand before taking that step. We also address a question many listeners quietly worry about: What if I sent the angry texts before I knew better? Taking responsibility and showing consistent improvement can matter. It doesn’t erase past behavior, but it gives you a path toward better communication. Then we tackle the frustration of waiting weeks for your divorce lawyer to respond, when to discuss expectations, and when a second opinion may be worth considering. Finally, we talk about infidelity, protecting children from adult conflict, and getting support for difficult questions about why the marriage is ending. Plus: meet Victoria, our newest fictional character, and hear why Morgan’s influencer-inspired hair rollers were almost grounds for divorce. In this episode: What to do when your spouse is delaying divorce. How legal deadlines may help move negotiations forward. Why scheduling a trial doesn’t guarantee a settlement—or mean a trial is inevitable. How to address past angry texts and improve coparenting communication. What to ask when your divorce attorney takes weeks to respond. When to consider a second legal opinion. Why children shouldn’t become the audience for your pain over an affair. Where to find support for age-appropriate divorce conversations. Episode timestamps 01:25 — My spouse is stalling. How do I regain some control? 03:26 — What if we’ve already filed for divorce? 08:45 — Can my past angry texts hurt my divorce case? 15:28 — OurFamilyWizard: 20% off your first year. 15:55 — My lawyer takes weeks to respond. Should I get a second opinion? 21:45 — Introducing Victoria. 23:30 — Should I tell the kids we’re divorcing because of infidelity? 29:30 — Hair rollers, Amazon dupes, and the burnt-orange joggers. Save 20% on your first year of OurFamilyWizard Explore tools to help organize coparenting communication and discuss whether OurFamilyWizard is right for your family with your attorney. https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20 Need a moment to calm your mind? Our divorce guided meditations offer a place to pause when the waiting, conflict, and uncertainty feel overwhelming. https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides/p/divorce-guided-meditations Find episodes for what you’re dealing with Explore our topic playlists, including episodes about infidelity, and visit our website for guides and divorce resources. https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/podcast-playlists Keep the conversation going Join our private Facebook community through our website to ask questions and connect with other people navigating divorce. https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Follow How Not to Suck at Divorce and leave a rating or review to help more people find the show. This episode provides general information, not legal advice. Legal options and outcomes depend on your circumstances and jurisdiction. Consult your own attorney about your situation. Divorce is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got this—and we’ve got you.
	Divorce & Co-Parenting Conflict: When to Call Your Lawyer or GAL	02 Oct 2026	00:50:31
Going through divorce? Get the Divorce Crash Course before you make an expensive mistake. Our Divorce Crash Course includes a private podcast and printable workbook with parenting agreement guidance, questions to ask your attorney, and communication templates to help you get organized. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Get the Divorce Crash Course Your co-parent did something that pissed you off. Does your attorney need to hear about it? The kids come home in clothes that stopped fitting three years ago. Your ex introduces a new partner without following the parenting agreement. Someone buys concert tickets on your parenting night—and tells your child before asking you. Meanwhile, you’re finding out about school issues after everybody else. When you’re navigating a high-conflict divorce or custody dispute, it can be hard to tell the difference between an irritating interaction and a concern that deserves professional attention. Ignoring everything doesn’t feel right. Paying your attorney to address every problem gets expensive. So how do you decide? In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport welcomes back Atlanta family law attorney, former judge, and guardian ad litem Dan Bloom to work through real co-parenting scenarios. Dan keeps returning to one question: How is this affecting your child? Andrea and Dan explore why context matters, how to recognize patterns, and how to raise concerns with your attorney or guardian ad litem without turning every email into a custody battle. They also discuss why asking children to keep secrets between households changes the conversation—and how to respond when your child shares something uncomfortable. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to assess co-parenting conflict by its effect on your child. When clothing disputes become more than an argument about missing outfits. What to consider when an ex introduces a new partner outside the parenting agreement. How to support a child who has been told to keep a secret from you. How to handle activities scheduled during your parenting time. Why repeated exclusion from teacher emails and school information deserves attention. How to document concerns without spending every day reliving them. Why Dan generally recommends checking with your attorney before raising an issue with a GAL. How to ask for help in a way that focuses on your child and a workable solution. What matters to your child may be different from what bothers you. A missing shirt may not affect your child’s day. A missing comfort item that helps them sleep might. An inaccurate comment to a friend may be frustrating; misleading a teacher about the other parent’s involvement can have different consequences. Dan explains why the details matter more than assigning every incident the same level of urgency. The conversation also tackles the emotional trap of trying to get your ex to admit you’re right. You may never receive that apology or satisfying final email. The more useful goal is protecting your child from the conflict, recognizing concerns that need attention, and choosing a response that serves your family. Connect with Dan Bloom Dan consults on high-conflict custody matters in Georgia and throughout the country. If you need help thinking through difficult co-parenting situations or preparing to communicate with a GAL, reach out to ask whether his consulting services are a fit. Learn more about Dan Bloom Contact Dan’s firm Keep co-parenting communication in one place with OurFamilyWizard. Andrea discusses how OurFamilyWizard can help keep messages organized and available for later review. The episode also covers using its tone tools to reconsider a message before frustration takes over the conversation. Explore OurFamilyWizard Before you send the angry message, give yourself a few minutes. Our Guided Divorce Meditations include 11 short meditations created for difficult divorce moments, including worry about your kids, parenting exchanges, loneliness, and frustration with the process. Listen privately through your favorite podcast app when you need support before deciding what to do next. Get the Guided Divorce Meditations Subscribe to How Not to Suck at Divorce, share this episode with someone navigating a difficult co-parenting relationship, and leave us a review. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.
	Divorce & Co-Parenting- Holidays: What Your Parenting Plan Is Missing	30 Sep 2026	00:36:30
Going through divorce? Start with the Divorce Crash Course. Before you agree to a parenting schedule, make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to. Our Divorce Crash Course includes a private podcast and printable workbook with parenting agreement guidance, questions to ask your attorney, and email templates to help you communicate more efficiently. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Get the Divorce Crash Course “We’ll alternate holidays.” Great. What does that actually mean? Who gets Halloween? Does Thanksgiving parenting time include enough days to travel to see family? What happens when your child’s birthday falls on your ex’s day—and the two-hour visit you negotiated makes everyone miserable? In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill tackle holiday parenting schedules, co-parenting conflict, and the emotional reality of spending holidays without your kids. Both hosts arrive tired and cranky, which means the advice is practical, the opinions are strong, and nobody is pretending this is easy. Andrea shares the holiday travel detail she missed in her own parenting agreement, along with what she learned from her first Thanksgiving away from her children. Morgan explains why family traditions, realistic exchange times, and your children’s changing needs deserve attention before you finalize a holiday schedule. They also discuss the potential benefits—and complications—of including an option to review parenting arrangements through mediation. The conversation gets into the details that can make holidays harder than they need to be: splitting trick-or-treating between households, calling in the middle of a family celebration, and making children feel responsible for a parent’s loneliness. You’re allowed to miss your kids. The challenge is finding support for those feelings while giving your children room to enjoy their time with their other parent. In this episode, we discuss: What to consider before agreeing to alternate holidays after divorce. Why out-of-state family visits may require more than one day of parenting time. How to identify the traditions that matter most to each household. Why a parenting schedule for toddlers may need a fresh look as children grow. The benefits and risks of future mediation or schedule-review provisions. Halloween, birthdays, and the pressure of switching households during a celebration. How to plan a brief, reassuring holiday check-in without grilling your kids. Creating something to look forward to together—even when you don’t have the actual holiday. You don’t need an expensive trip or elaborate celebration to make meaningful memories. A movie night, favorite snacks, or your own Thanksgiving on Saturday can give you and your kids something to anticipate. The calendar date doesn’t have to carry the entire relationship. Missing your kids? Start with our Guided Divorce Meditations. The hours before an exchange—or the quiet after your kids leave—can be some of the hardest. Our 11 short guided divorce meditations were created for moments like missing your children, feeling lonely, worrying about the future, and struggling to sleep. Listen privately through your favorite podcast app when you need a little support getting through the next few minutes. Get the Guided Divorce Meditations Keep holiday planning organized with OurFamilyWizard. When holiday plans involve travel requests, schedule changes, and messages with your co-parent, having a shared place to communicate can help you keep track of the details. Learn more about OurFamilyWizard, a supporter of How Not to Suck at Divorce and an angel underwriter of our Divorce Crash Course. And remember, we are the only podcast that can save you 20% on your first year. Explore OurFamilyWizard Subscribe to How Not to Suck at Divorce, share this episode with someone navigating their first holiday season after separation, and leave us a review. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you. Mentioned in this episode: Smarter Way to Sell Your Jewelry After my divorce was finalized, I sold my old engagement ring to a jeweler — and honestly, I was stunned by how little I got for it compared to what it originally cost. If I could do it all over again — which is kind of the theme of this podcast — I would have sold it through Worthy. Worthy is a modern, smarter way to sell your jewelry online. Their process is incredibly easy: they cover shipping and insurance, professionally clean and photograph your jewelry, and have it graded by experts to help maximize its value. What makes Worthy different is that they create a competitive auction environment where buyers bid against each other for your piece — meaning they are motivated to help you get the highest price possible. It’s completely risk-free and honestly something I wish I had known about sooner. Get started today by heading to worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your jewelry sells for more than $1,500.
	Divorce: How to Take Your Power Back From a Controlling Ex	25 Sep 2026	00:48:47
Need help getting through divorce right now? 🎧 Start with our Guided Divorce Meditations If your nervous system is completely fried, your thoughts are racing, or you feel like your ex has way too much control over your emotional state, start here. Our guided divorce meditations were created specifically for the moments when divorce anxiety feels overwhelming. 💥 Get the Divorce Crash Course If you’re at the beginning of divorce — or you feel completely lost in the process — the Divorce Crash Course gives you the tools, information, checklists and guidance we wish everyone had from day one. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. Our Family Wizard The co parenting app designed to help you during and after your divorce. Celebrities use it- you should too. And we are the only podcast that can get you 20% off your first year. Click the link above. Feeling Powerless During Divorce? Start Here. One of the most brutal parts of divorce is the feeling that someone else suddenly has control over your life. Your spouse may seem to control the money. The schedule. The kids. The pace of the divorce. Your emotional state. Maybe even whether you have a good day or a completely disastrous one. But feeling powerless and actually being powerless are not the same thing. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea sits down with former family law attorney and OurFamilyWizard Legal Liaison Nikol Sotos to talk about how to take your power back during divorce — especially when you’re dealing with a controlling or high-conflict ex. Nikol explains that one of the biggest mistakes people make when they feel overwhelmed is giving away control without even realizing it — sometimes to their ex, and sometimes even to their own attorney. Your lawyer can advise you, protect you and help you make strategic decisions, but this is still your life. And taking your power back does not mean becoming more aggressive. It often means doing less. Stop Reacting to Every Text If your ex sends an inflammatory message designed to make you explode, the most powerful response may be no response at all — at least not immediately. Andrea and Nikol talk about moving away from emotional reactions and toward strategic communication. Instead of firing back when your ex sends something infuriating, pause. Let your nervous system settle. Respond only to what actually requires a response. Sometimes that response is simply: “Thanks for the text.” Or: “Got it.” Or nothing. Because when someone is hoping to provoke you, refusing to give them the reaction they expect can change the entire dynamic. Document Everything — Even If Your Divorce Isn’t High Conflict Another unpopular opinion from Andrea: documenting is not just for ugly divorces. Even an amicable divorce can change quickly. A new partner enters the picture. Someone changes their position. A parenting disagreement escalates. Suddenly a conversation you thought everyone remembered very differently becomes important. Nikol recommends creating a paper trail regardless of the current conflict level. Create a separate email account for your divorce. Keep documents organized. Change passwords your spouse may know. Protect your privacy and your digital information. And please — do not announce to your ex that you are documenting them. Just document. Inside the Divorce Crash Course, we also give you a timeline tool to help organize important events and information during your case. Boundaries Are Not the Same Thing as Control Creating boundaries during divorce can feel strange, particularly if your lives were completely intertwined for years. Changing passwords. Opening your own account. Creating a separate email. Deciding when you are available to respond. Those actions can feel dramatic when you have never needed those boundaries before. But boundaries are about controlling your own environment, not controlling your ex. That distinction matters. Taking your power back does not mean dominating the other person. It means managing what happens inside your own life, your home, your mind and your emotional world. Make Tiny Changes When Everything Feels Out of Control Taking back control does not always start with a huge legal decision. Sometimes it starts absurdly small. Walk a different route. Order something different at Starbucks. Change one part of your morning routine. Do something that reminds your brain: I still make choices. Nikol explains that these small changes can interrupt the feeling that every part of your life is happening to you. No, switching from half-and-half to almond milk will not change the outcome of your divorce. But rebuilding your sense of agency in small areas can help you regulate your emotions — which can make it easier to make smarter decisions in the areas that really do matter. Your Ex’s Emergency Is Not Always Your Emergency You do not need to immediately answer every message. You do not need to abandon dinner with your friends because your ex sent 17 texts. Unless there is an actual emergency involving your children or another urgent situation, you are allowed to take time before responding. Nikol shares the story of a woman in a long, high-conflict divorce who began feeling dramatically more in control when she finally realized she did not have to react to everything her ex threw at her. That shift — from reacting to strategizing — is where power starts to return. In This Episode: Why divorce can make even confident people feel powerless How fear and uncertainty affect your decision-making Why you shouldn’t hand your entire life over to your attorney How to stop reacting to inflammatory texts from your ex Why silence can sometimes be incredibly powerful How to communicate with a controlling or high-conflict ex Why documentation matters even in an amicable divorce Why you should create a separate email account for your divorce Changing passwords and creating digital boundaries The difference between setting boundaries and trying to control someone How small daily changes can rebuild your sense of control Why your ex’s urgency does not automatically become your emergency How OurFamilyWizard’s ToneMeter can help keep communication neutral How to think more strategically and less emotionally during divorce Divorce can make you feel like your life is completely out of your hands. It isn’t. You may not be able to control what your ex does, what they say, how quickly the process moves or every decision made in your case. But you can control your responses, your boundaries, your documentation, your communication and the choices you make next. And sometimes that is exactly how you begin getting your power back.
	Divorce Advice Nobody Wants to Hear: 10 Unpopular Opinions	23 Sep 2026	00:25:34
Divorce comes with a lot of advice. Andrea has some opinions about that advice. Get the Divorce Crash Course Get the Guided Divorce Meditations In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea shares 10 of her most unpopular divorce opinions—the ones that might make your lawyer raise an eyebrow, your mother clutch her pearls, or your group chat light up. Some of them are practical: you and your spouse should have separate attorneys, even if the divorce is amicable. Some are emotional: losing friends during divorce can be completely normal, and therapy should be treated as an essential part of the process, not an afterthought. And some might be a little more controversial—like the idea that dating during divorce is not automatically a terrible decision, as long as you talk to your attorney first and understand how complicated it can become. Andrea also tackles one of the hardest parts of co-parenting during divorce: what to do when your ex is behaving badly in front of the kids. Pretending unhealthy behavior is normal can be confusing for children, but criticizing the other parent can pull them directly into the conflict. The goal is to address the behavior without making your child responsible for the adult problem. And then there’s the survival stuff nobody talks about enough. Maybe you need to talk to your doctor about medication if your anxiety, sleep, appetite, or ability to function are falling apart. Maybe you desperately need a hobby that has absolutely nothing to do with your divorce. Maybe buying the sweater, getting your nails done, ordering takeout, or replacing your sheets is exactly the small reminder you need that your entire life has not been put on hold. And yes, Andrea is also making the case for watching more television—especially at night, when divorce anxiety has a way of turning you into a private investigator rereading texts, emails, locations, and Venmo transactions. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is turn off your divorce brain and binge something deeply unserious instead. Finally, Andrea takes on the marital home. Keeping the house after divorce can feel deeply important, especially when children are involved. But if keeping it leaves you financially stretched, unable to rebuild savings, or constantly afraid of the next major expense, it may not actually be protecting you or your kids. A house is not the only place where you can create safety, stability, and family. This episode is not a list of rules. It’s permission to question some of the divorce advice we hear over and over again—and to remember that your life does not have to stop while your divorce is happening. Because divorce is part of your life. It does not get to become your whole life. In this episode: Why Andrea believes divorcing spouses should have separate attorneys Why losing—and making—friends during divorce can be completely normal Why therapy may be one of the most important forms of divorce support How to address unhealthy behavior from an ex without putting kids in the middle The pros, cons, and complications of dating during divorce Why it may be worth talking to your doctor about mental-health support Why hobbies, television, and small treats can actually help you cope Why keeping the marital home is not always the best financial or emotional decision Andrea’s 10 Unpopular Divorce Opinions 1.You and your spouse should not share an attorney. Even in an amicable divorce, each person should have independent legal advice and someone protecting their individual interests. 2.You may lose friends during divorce — and make new ones. Divorce changes relationships. Some friendships fade, others deepen, and some may exist only for this particular season of your life. 3.You need a therapist during divorce. Divorce can trigger anxiety, grief, anger, childhood trauma, and other issues that go far beyond the legal process. 4.If your ex is behaving badly, you can address that behavior with your kids. The key is talking about unhealthy behavior without criticizing the other parent or pulling your child into the conflict. 5.Dating during divorce is not automatically a bad idea. Talk to your attorney first, understand the potential complications, and know that dating can be either a welcome distraction or a giant additional headache. 6.You may need medication during divorce. If anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or stress are interfering with your ability to function, talk to your doctor and therapist rather than ignoring your mental health. 7.You need a hobby during divorce. Having something in your life that has nothing to do with your case can be incredibly helpful for your mental health. 8.You should still treat yourself. Within reason, your entire life does not need to stop because you are getting divorced. 9.Watching more TV during divorce may actually help. Especially at night, distraction can keep you from spiraling, rereading texts, checking accounts, or obsessing over your case. 10.Keeping the marital home is not always the right decision. If keeping the house leaves you financially strained, walking away from it may ultimately create more stability for you and your children. email us hello@hownottosuckatdivorce.com
	7 Divorce Mistakes That Make Your Case More Expensive	18 Sep 2026	00:28:31
Divorce Crash Course If you want more help understanding the divorce process, avoiding expensive mistakes, and knowing what to expect before you make major decisions, check out the Divorce Crash Course. Guided Divorce Meditations For the moments when you’re about to send the email, respond to your ex, or completely lose your shit, our guided meditations are designed to help you calm your nervous system before you make the situation more expensive.Your divorce lawyer may be expensive — but sometimes the thing making your divorce even more expensive is… you. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea and Morgan break down the habits that can make a divorce case harder, longer, and more expensive, even when you think you’re being helpful. From trying to run your own legal strategy to rewriting documents with AI, over-emailing your attorney, negotiating with your ex without being prepared, and withholding important information, this episode is basically a loving intervention from your divorce lawyer. Morgan explains why clients sometimes accidentally create more legal work by trying to save money. One major example? Redlining legal documents or using AI to rewrite agreements without understanding whether those changes would actually work in court. That often means your attorney has to undo the work, start over, and spend even more billable time fixing it. Andrea and Morgan also talk about the emotional reason people do this in the first place: divorce is terrifying. When your children, finances, home, and future are involved, it can feel impossible to hand over control to another person. But that fear can push you into micromanaging your lawyer, chasing answers that don’t exist yet, or relying too heavily on AI for legal strategy. You’ll also learn a smarter way to communicate with your attorney, including when to pick up the phone instead of sending a novel-length email, how to comment on a legal document without trying to rewrite it yourself, and the exact kind of question to ask when you’re waiting on opposing counsel and starting to panic. The episode also tackles one of the biggest traps in high-conflict divorce: negotiating directly with your ex when there is a history of control, pressure, or manipulation. Morgan explains when direct negotiation can actually save money — and when it can backfire badly if you go into the conversation without knowing your legal boundaries. And finally: do not hide things from your lawyer. Whether it’s a fight, missing money, an agreement you made directly with your ex, or something you’re embarrassed to admit, your attorney cannot protect you from information they do not have. Morgan explains why withholding key facts can seriously damage your case — and in some situations can even lead an attorney to withdraw from representing you. What You’ll Learn Why trying to be your own divorce lawyer can cost you more money When AI can help during divorce — and when it absolutely should not Why you should not use ChatGPT or Claude as your legal strategist How to communicate with your divorce attorney without racking up unnecessary fees When to call your lawyer instead of sending a long email How to review legal documents without rewriting them yourself What to do when opposing counsel is not responding How to negotiate with your ex without getting pressured into a bad deal Why you need to tell your divorce lawyer the whole truth How fear and anxiety can quietly make your divorce more expensive A Better Way to Follow Up With Your Divorce Lawyer If you’re waiting for a response from opposing counsel, Andrea and Morgan suggest asking something like: “It’s been X amount of time since we heard from opposing counsel. What is a realistic timeframe for a response, and if we don’t hear back by then, what would our next step be?” That gives you information, a timeline, and a plan — without sending your lawyer four emails in one week asking whether they’ve heard anything yet. Divorce, AI, and Your Legal Strategy AI can be incredibly useful for organizing information, brainstorming questions, calming yourself down, or helping you prepare for a conversation. But AI does not know your judge. It does not know your local court. It does not understand the history of your case the way your attorney does. And it may confidently give you an answer that sounds brilliant and is completely wrong for your situation. Use the robot. Just don’t let the robot run your divorce. Resources Divorce Crash Course If you want more help understanding the divorce process, avoiding expensive mistakes, and knowing what to expect before you make major decisions, check out the Divorce Crash Course. Guided Divorce Meditations For the moments when you’re about to send the email, respond to your ex, or completely lose your shit, our guided meditations are designed to help you calm your nervous system before you make the situation more expensive. Our Family Wizard Our Family Wizard is the most respected coparenting app and we seriously want you to consider it. and We are the only podcast that can save you 20% off your first year. Private Community Join our free private community for support from people who actually understand what this process feels like. Mentioned in this episode: Our Family Wizard How Not to Suck at Divorce is proud to be the only podcast that can offer you 20% off your first year of the essentials package. Visit Our Family Wizard to ask your attorney is OFW is right for your family. Our Family Wizard
	High-Conflict Divorce Survival Story: The Biggest Lessons Learned	16 Sep 2026	00:23:04
Going through a high-conflict divorce can make it feel impossible to imagine a life where your phone isn’t constantly lighting up, your nervous system isn’t on high alert, and every day doesn’t bring another crisis. But this episode is proof that there can be an after. Get the Guided Divorce Meditations to help you through these moments when you feel like you are going to lose your sh$t. In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea shares the real-life story of a man who spent nine years navigating a brutal high-conflict divorce involving emotional abuse, manipulation, gaslighting, court battles, documentation, and children caught in the middle. Today, his kids are thriving, he has rebuilt his life, and he is in a healthy new marriage. More importantly, he shared what actually helped him survive. Andrea breaks down the lessons from his story, including why you have to stop trying to make irrational behavior make sense, how to document your divorce without allowing it to consume your life, and why preparing for conflict is often more useful than desperately trying to prevent it. They’re also powerful reminders for parents. Your children are watching how you move through difficult situations—not whether you “win” every argument. The way you regulate yourself, build a support system, set boundaries, and respond to chaos teaches them how to survive hard things, too. And perhaps the biggest lesson: do not wait until your divorce is over to start rebuilding your life. Create new routines. Make new traditions with your kids. Reconnect with people you love. Find something that belongs only to you. Divorce may be a marathon—but even marathons end. For people dealing with an extremely difficult former spouse, traditional co-parenting may not always be realistic. Andrea also discusses parallel parenting, business-like communication, boundaries, and reducing opportunities for conflict when cooperative co-parenting simply isn’t possible. If you are in the stage of divorce where you genuinely cannot picture your life feeling normal again, this episode is for you. You don't have to believe everything will suddenly become perfect. You just have to believe that this part will not last forever. In This Episode, You’ll Learn How to stop wasting energy trying to understand a high-conflict ex Why you should document everything without living inside the documentation How to prepare for a high-conflict “avalanche” What your kids learn from watching you navigate divorce Why therapy and personal growth can matter more than a courtroom victory How to start rebuilding your life before your divorce is officially over When parallel parenting may work better than traditional co-parenting How boundaries and structured communication can reduce divorce conflict Why examining your own patterns can change what happens after divorce Resources Divorce Crash Course If you’re overwhelmed by the divorce process and afraid of making expensive mistakes, our Divorce Crash Course was created to help you understand what’s coming and make smarter decisions along the way. https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course OurFamilyWizard Andrea also discusses how structured co-parenting communication can help reduce the feeling that you are constantly being bombarded by your ex, particularly in high-conflict situations. We are the only podcast that can save you 20% on Our Family Wizard. www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20 And if this episode helped you, follow How Not to Suck at Divorce so the next episode finds you automatically.
	Divorce: The Petty Fights That Cost You Thousands. What Top Attorneys Want You to Know...	11 Sep 2026	00:44:36
Guided Divorce Meditations If you’re stuck in a divorce fight that is making you anxious, angry, or completely unable to think clearly, start here. Our Guided Divorce Meditations are designed for the moments when you need to regulate your nervous system before you respond, negotiate, argue, or make another expensive decision. Divorce Crash Course Going through divorce and wondering what you should fight for, what you should let go, and how to avoid making expensive mistakes? Our Divorce Crash Course is a private podcast and guidebook designed to help you understand the divorce process, make smarter decisions, and avoid costly emotional mistakes. Typically priced at $150, it’s available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. Episode Show Notes People spend thousands of dollars fighting over some truly ridiculous things in divorce. A wooden spoon. A blender. A sixth-grade yearbook. Beanie Babies. Airline miles. Even a tanning bed. And as funny as those stories sound, there is a very real reason they matter. Because most of the time, the thing you are fighting over is not actually the thing you are fighting over. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill are joined by attorneys Sarah Jacobs and Jamie Berger of Jacobs Berger for a conversation about the emotional and financial cost of digging in during divorce. One client spent hours in court fighting over a wooden spoon named Willy Woo. Another divorce came down to a battle over a blender. And one case required attorneys to spend days sorting through tubs of Beanie Babies because neither side could let them go. The stories are absurd. The behavior behind them is not. Divorce Can Turn Small Things Into Expensive Battles When you are going through divorce, emotion can completely distort value. An object may be worth $100, but suddenly it represents your marriage, your history, your independence, your power, or your need to finally “win.” That is where people start spending far more in attorney fees than the thing they are fighting over is actually worth. In the episode, Andrea points out that the fight over one wooden spoon likely cost thousands of dollars in legal fees alone. And that is exactly why divorce strategy matters. Before you dig in, you have to ask yourself: What is this actually worth? Not emotionally. Financially. The Real Problem May Be Control Sometimes the fight is not about property at all. Morgan explains that many of these so-called “squirrel issues” ultimately come down to control. When someone feels like they have lost control of their life, their finances, their family, or the divorce process itself, they may try to regain that feeling of control by pushing the other person’s buttons. Sarah adds that fear can drive the same behavior: fear of change, fear of being alone, fear of losing the life you knew, and fear of what comes next. That means the blender may not be about the blender. The yearbook may not be about the yearbook. And the airline miles may not be about the airline miles. Sometimes the fight itself has become a way to stay connected to the relationship, hold onto control, or avoid confronting the much bigger reality that the marriage is ending. Principle Has a Price Tag One of the strongest lines in this episode comes from Jamie: Principle has a price tag. If you are fighting over something purely because you believe you are right, you need to understand what that principle is going to cost you. That cost may be financial. It may also be emotional. You can absolutely decide that something matters enough to fight for. But that decision should be intentional—not reactive. Jamie recommends being honest with yourself and with your attorney about what truly matters to you and why. Treat Divorce Like a Business Transaction Morgan’s advice is simple: do the math. Take the emotion out of the issue for a moment and write down the actual numbers. What is the item worth? What would it cost to replace? How many hours will your attorney spend fighting over it? How much will those hours cost? What are you potentially giving up in order to get it? Sometimes seeing those numbers on paper is enough to change your perspective. That does not mean divorce is emotionless. It means your decisions should not be controlled by those emotions. Give Your Attorney the “Shark Tank” Pitch Sarah offers another test: If you are determined to fight for something, explain why it matters in a way that would actually sound reasonable to a judge. Sell the argument. Explain the value. Explain what you are willing to give up in exchange. If you cannot make the case convincingly to your own attorney, you may want to reconsider whether this is really the hill you want to die on. And that matters beyond the object itself. Being unreasonable about a relatively small issue can affect how your position is perceived when the court is dealing with things that matter much more—support, custody, property division, or settlement. Ask Yourself What This Will Matter Five Years From Now This may be the most useful perspective shift in the entire episode. Five years from now, are you going to care who got the blender? Are you really going to remember the airline miles? Will winning the fight over a piece of furniture have made your post-divorce life meaningfully better? Probably not. Andrea shares her own experience of losing a baby blanket she had slept with since birth—something she once believed she could never live without. A decade later, she is still standing. That is not to minimize the emotional meaning of possessions. It is to remind you that you are capable of letting go. Three Questions to Ask Before You Fight Before you spend another dollar arguing over something in your divorce, do three things. First, ask yourself why this matters so much. Second, do the math and compare the value of the item to the cost of fighting for it. Third, if you still want it, make the case. Explain why it matters, what it is worth, and what you are willing to give up to get it. If you cannot answer those questions clearly, it may not be worth the fight. Because getting divorced is already expensive enough. You do not need to make it more expensive just to prove a point. In This Episode Andrea, Morgan, Sarah, and Jamie discuss ridiculous divorce fights, how emotional attachment can drive up legal fees, why control and fear fuel unnecessary conflict, when possessions really are worth negotiating over, how mediation can help rein in a case, and how to make smarter financial decisions during divorce. They also tackle one critical question: Is this thing actually valuable—or are you just trying to win? SEO Keywords divorce mistakes, expensive divorce mistakes, what to fight for in divorce, divorce legal fees, divorce strategy, fighting over assets in divorce, divorce property division, emotional divorce decisions, high conflict divorce, divorce settlement strategy, divorce mediation, divorce attorney fees, divorce negotiation tips, divorce financial mistakes, dividing property in divorce
	Divorce & Narcissistic Manipulation: How to Stop Taking the Bait	09 Sep 2026	00:15:53
Need Help Calming Your Nervous System? Try our Guided Divorce Meditations, created specifically for the moments when divorce anxiety, anger and overwhelm are taking over. Use them before responding to a triggering text, before a difficult conversation, before court, before mediation—or anytime you need help getting out of your head and back into control. Divorce Crash Course Going through divorce and have no idea what you’re supposed to be doing next? Start with our Divorce Crash Course—a private podcast and guidebook designed to help you understand the divorce process, avoid expensive mistakes, and feel a whole lot less lost. Typically priced at $150, it’s available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. High-conflict people—and especially manipulative, narcissistic exes—can have an incredible ability to get inside your head. One text, one email, one strange interaction at school pickup can completely derail your nervous system if you let it. And during divorce, that matters. Because when you are already emotionally exhausted, stressed, angry and running on fumes, that is exactly when you are most likely to make a bad decision. You fire off the text. You respond to the email. You call your attorney while completely dysregulated. You snap at your kids. You take the bait. In this mini episode, Andrea talks about what happens when a high-conflict ex triggers you and why your first job is not to win, explain, defend or react. Your first job is to recognize that you are triggered and give yourself a grown-up timeout. And that is where STFU comes in. No, not that STFU. This one stands for: S — Stop Recognize what is happening before you react. T — Take Space Get out of the immediate situation long enough to regulate yourself. F — Find Your Goal Ask yourself what you actually want to accomplish in that moment. U — Utilize a Resource Call a friend. Talk to your therapist. Go for a walk. Fold laundry. Clean the kitchen. Listen to music. Or use one of our Guided Divorce Meditations to help calm your nervous system and move through the anxiety, anger and overwhelm before you do something you regret. Andrea also talks about splitting, a manipulation tactic often seen in high-conflict dynamics. Splitting can push you away from the very people who are trying to support you—your friends, family, therapist, attorney or partner. And when you are already worn down by divorce, it becomes even easier to start taking your stress out on those people. That is exactly why emotional regulation matters so much during a high-conflict divorce. The goal is not to never get triggered. You will. The goal is to catch yourself before that trigger starts making decisions for you. And if you are in one of those moments where your brain is spinning, your heart is racing and you feel like you are about to absolutely lose it, this is also exactly what our Guided Divorce Meditations were created for. They are short, practical tools you can use when divorce anxiety, anger or panic is taking over and you need help getting yourself back to baseline. Because sometimes the best thing you can do for your case, your kids and your own sanity is simple: Stop. Take space. Find your goal. Utilize a resource. Divorce is a marathon. Protect your energy. Protect your judgment. Protect the relationships that matter to you. And when a high-conflict ex tries to pull you into the chaos? Do not take the bait. In This Episode Andrea talks about dealing with a high-conflict or narcissistic ex, recognizing emotional manipulation during divorce, avoiding reactive communication, managing divorce triggers, understanding splitting, using the STFU method to regulate yourself, and knowing when to step away before making a costly mistake. Need Help Calming Your Nervous System? Try our Guided Divorce Meditations, created specifically for the moments when divorce anxiety, anger and overwhelm are taking over. Use them before responding to a triggering text, before a difficult conversation, before court, before mediation—or anytime you need help getting out of your head and back into control. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode, and leave us a review if the show is helping you. www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuck You can do this. You are doing this. And you are going to get through your divorce. high conflict divorce, narcissistic divorce, divorcing a narcissist, narcissistic manipulation in divorce, high conflict ex, divorce triggers, emotional manipulation, toxic ex spouse, divorce anxiety, emotional regulation during divorce, co parenting with a narcissist, how to respond to a narcissist, divorce meditation, guided divorce meditation, divorce stress, divorce podcast
	Divorce and Emotional Endurance: 3 Special Tips to Survive a High-Conflict Divorce	04 Sep 2026	00:25:43
Divorce and Emotional Endurance: 3 Ways to Survive a High-Conflict Divorce Guided Divorce Meditations for When You’re About to Lose Your Sh$t For the moments when you can’t sleep, when you miss your kids, when you’re worried about money, or just need to get through the next ten minutes. 👉 GET THE GUIDED DIVORCE MEDITATIONS HERE Going through a divorce? Start with the Divorce Crash Course. We created the Divorce Crash Course to help you understand the divorce process, communicate smarter with your attorney, avoid expensive mistakes, and make better decisions when your brain is completely overwhelmed. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 GET THE DIVORCE CRASH COURSE HERE If you're going through a high-conflict divorce, you already know that the exhaustion isn't just coming from court dates and legal bills. It's the texts. The emails. The accusations. The schedule changes. The constant wondering what your ex is going to do next. And eventually, your nervous system starts living like there's an emergency around every corner. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill talk about something that doesn't get nearly enough attention during divorce: emotional endurance. Because when you're dealing with a difficult, unpredictable, or high-conflict spouse, you cannot control everything they throw at you. But you can get better at protecting your energy, responding strategically, and recovering when something knocks you sideways. We're breaking down three practical ways to emotionally survive a high-conflict divorce without letting it take over your entire life. 1. Build a Tiny Divorce Decision-Making Team One of the biggest mistakes people make during divorce? Making everybody in their life part of their divorce. Your friends. Your sister. Your neighbor. The moms at school. The guy at the dry cleaner. When you're scared and overwhelmed, it is completely natural to want to tell everyone what is happening. You're looking for reassurance, advice, validation—or sometimes you just need the insanity to come out of your mouth. But every new person you involve comes with another opinion. And more opinions can mean more anxiety, more confusion, and more second-guessing. Instead, build a very small divorce team. That might include: Your divorce attorney for legal strategy A therapist for emotional processing One trusted friend who can listen when you need to lose your mind for five minutes Other professionals your attorney recommends based on your case Everybody else? They can still be part of your life. They just don't need to be part of your divorce strategy. And sometimes the healthiest thing you can say when a friend asks about your divorce is: "It's a complete shit show. Anyway, where did you get that purse?" Your brain desperately needs conversations that have absolutely nothing to do with divorce. 2. Stop Expecting Fairness From a High-Conflict Ex This one is HARD. When somebody behaves irrationally, unfairly, or cruelly during divorce, your brain keeps waiting for the moment when they finally become reasonable. You think: Surely they'll realize this is hurting the kids. Surely they'll see how ridiculous this is. Surely we can agree on this one thing. Maybe. But if you're divorcing a genuinely high-conflict person, waiting for fairness can drain every ounce of emotional endurance you have. As Morgan explains in this episode, "fair" is not necessarily the legal standard—and your definition of fair probably isn't your spouse's definition of fair anyway. So stop making fairness the goal. Instead, focus on: Strategy. What does your attorney recommend? Enforceability. Can the agreement actually be enforced? Closure. What gets this divorce finished so you can move forward with your life? You may also experience something incredibly confusing with a high-conflict spouse: the roller coaster. One day they're reasonable. You think: Holy shit. Maybe we're finally turning a corner. And 24 hours later? They're completely off the rails again. That doesn't mean you did something wrong. It means you need to stop using their behavior as the barometer for whether your divorce is going well. Take the reasonable moments when they come. Use them strategically. But don't build your emotional stability around whether your ex is having a good day. Co-Parenting With a High-Conflict Ex? Use the Right Tools If you are co-parenting through even a moderately high-conflict divorce, organization and documentation matter. That's why we repeatedly recommend Our Family Wizard. A co-parenting app can help move communication out of chaotic text threads, keep calendars and expenses organized, and create a clearer record of communication. And listeners of How Not to Suck at Divorce can receive a significant discount on the first year of the Essentials package. 👉 LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FAMILY WIZARD Ask your divorce attorney whether using a co-parenting app proactively makes sense in your case. 3. Create a 20-Minute Recovery Window Something awful happens during your divorce. You receive an email from your attorney. Your ex sends a text. A financial issue appears. A parenting dispute erupts. Your heart starts racing. You're furious. You're scared. And then you do what most of us do: You immediately go back to your life. You jump onto a work call. You pick up the kids. You respond to another email. You start making dinner. But emotionally, you're still standing inside the explosion that just happened. That's why we want you to create what we call a recovery window. Give yourself approximately 20 minutes before responding or making another important decision. During those 20 minutes: Take a walk. Sit somewhere quiet. Go sit in your car. Cry. Take a shower. Listen to music. Drink cold water. Try a grounding exercise. Listen to one of our guided divorce meditations. But here's the most important part: Do not respond yet. Don't email your attorney. Don't text your spouse. Don't fire off a message because you're furious. Don't start reading five more divorce emails while you're already activated. Recover first. Then decide what actually deserves a response. Emotional Endurance Does NOT Mean Becoming Numb We are not telling you to stop feeling. You are going to get triggered during divorce. You are going to have terrible days. You are going to receive messages that make your stomach drop. And you may occasionally want to throw your phone directly into Lake Michigan. You're human. Emotional endurance means becoming more intentional about: Who gets your energy. What expectations you let go of. How quickly you react. How you recover after something rattles you. The goal isn't to become immune to your divorce. The goal is to stop allowing one awful text at 9:07 a.m. to hijack the next twelve hours of your life. Remember: Divorce Is a Marathon We say this constantly because you need to hear it constantly: Divorce is a marathon. It is not a sprint. Some days you'll manage it day by day. Other days? Hour by hour. That's okay. You don't get a ribbon for getting divorced faster. There is no trophy waiting at the courthouse for the person who endured the most abuse without taking a break. Pace yourself. Protect your energy. Use the right people. Use the right tools. Stop waiting for an unreasonable person to suddenly become reasonable. And when something knocks you down, give your brain time to recover before deciding what happens next. You may feel like you're going to battle this person forever. You won't. The other side may feel impossible to see right now, but it is there. And on the days when you think: I cannot do this. Remember: You already are. You've got this, my friends. And we've got you. More Divorce...
	Divorce Stories That Will Make You Feel Better About Your Own Divorce	02 Sep 2026	00:12:39
🧘 DIVORCE MEDITATIONS Divorce can make your nervous system feel like it’s running a marathon with no finish line. Our Divorce Meditations are here when you need to calm your brain, stop the spiral, and give yourself a few minutes to breathe. 👉 Listen to the Divorce Meditations here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides/p/divorce-guided-meditations 💥 THE DIVORCE CRASH COURSE If you’re going through divorce and terrified of making an expensive mistake, start here. The Divorce Crash Course gives you the information we wish every person had before making major decisions in divorce — including how to save money on attorneys, understand your finances, navigate custody and parenting agreements, and avoid mistakes that can cost you thousands. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 Get the Divorce Crash Course here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Think you’re sucking at divorce? Good news: there are people who have sucked at it significantly harder. In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea brings you some of the strangest, funniest and most unbelievable divorce stories we’ve ever heard — involving a donated kidney, ex-in-laws buried in a backyard, a six-pound catfish named Pinky, and one extremely smart ex-wife who made sure a future Nobel Prize was covered in her divorce settlement. Yes. All of that happens in one episode. But underneath the ridiculous divorce stories is something we actually want you to remember: Divorce is a marathon, not a sprint. You cannot spend every hour of every day thinking about your divorce, answering emails, talking to your attorney, worrying about your kids, analyzing your ex, making decisions and trying to predict what happens next. Your brain needs a break. Sometimes that means taking a walk. Sometimes it means binge-watching something completely stupid. And sometimes it means listening to stories about someone arguing over a giant catfish during their divorce so you can remember that maybe — just maybe — you're doing better than you think. In this episode: One man who reportedly wanted compensation for a kidney he donated to his wife The divorce dispute involving urns and headstones in the backyard The tragic tale of Pinky, the six-pound divorce catfish The incredibly savvy divorce settlement that gave an ex-wife half of a future Nobel Prize Why you don't have to make every divorce decision immediately Why taking mental breaks during divorce is not selfish How to pace yourself during a long or high-conflict divorce Why laughter can actually be part of getting through this And why your goal isn't to get through divorce the fastest — it's to get through it as healthy and whole as possible YOUR REMINDER TODAY: You are allowed to take a day off from divorce. You are allowed to laugh. You are allowed to watch garbage television. You are allowed to stop thinking about your ex for five freaking minutes. And you do not need to win an award for being the fastest person ever to get divorced. When you think you cannot do this, remember: You already are doing it. Your win is getting to the other side — and giving yourself the opportunity to build the healthiest, happiest next chapter of your life. We are so freaking proud of you. You've got this. And we've got you. ⭐ FOLLOW HOW NOT TO SUCK AT DIVORCE If this episode gave you a laugh when you desperately needed one, please follow the show and leave us a rating and review! www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuck And go back through the How Not to Suck at Divorce library — we have episodes covering divorce finances, custody, co-parenting, attorneys, mediation, high-conflict divorce, emotional recovery and pretty much every WTF moment that can happen along the way. SEO KEYWORDS divorce stories, funny divorce stories, divorce humor, getting through divorce, divorce emotional support, divorce burnout, surviving divorce, high conflict divorce, divorce stress, divorce self care, weird divorce cases, crazy divorce stories, divorce settlement, divorce finances, divorce advice for women, divorce advice, coping with divorce, life after divorce, divorce podcast, How Not to Suck at Divorce
	Divorce and Hidden Money: What to do if You Suspect Hidden Crypto?	28 Aug 2026	00:37:13
Divorce and Hidden Cryptocurrency: How to Find Crypto Your Spouse May Be Hiding 🧘 DIVORCE MEDITATIONS Divorce can make your brain feel like it’s running 24/7. Our Divorce Meditations were created to help calm your nervous system, quiet the spiral, and get you through the moments when everything feels like too much. Listen to the Divorce Meditations here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides/p/divorce-guided-meditations 💥 THE DIVORCE CRASH COURSE If you’re overwhelmed by divorce and terrified of making an expensive mistake, start here. The Divorce Crash Course gives you the information we wish every person had BEFORE making major decisions in divorce — including how to save money on attorneys, understand your finances, navigate custody and parenting agreements, and avoid the mistakes that can cost you thousands. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 Get the Divorce Crash Course here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course What happens if you think your spouse is hiding money in cryptocurrency during your divorce? First: don’t panic. And definitely don’t assume crypto is impossible to find. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill are joined by Jason Wright, Managing Director in the Disputes, Compliance & Investigations group at Stout, to break cryptocurrency down for the rest of us — and explain exactly what can happen when crypto becomes part of a divorce. We’re starting with the basics: What the hell is cryptocurrency? What’s a crypto wallet? What’s a private key or seed phrase? What are Coinbase, Kraken and other crypto exchanges actually doing? Then we get into the question that matters during divorce: Can your spouse actually hide marital money in crypto — and can you find it? Jason explains why cryptocurrency isn’t necessarily as anonymous or untraceable as people think, how forensic experts can follow transactions on the blockchain, and what financial clues might indicate that money has been moved into cryptocurrency. We discuss: • How cryptocurrency differs from traditional bank and investment accounts • Crypto exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken and Gemini • The difference between custodial and non-custodial crypto wallets • What private keys and seed phrases actually mean • Crypto ATMs — yes, apparently those exist • Transfers and cash withdrawals that could signal cryptocurrency activity • How forensic experts trace crypto transactions • Why the blockchain can actually help investigators follow money • When your divorce attorney may need to subpoena an exchange • How to decide whether pursuing suspected crypto is financially worth it • Cryptocurrency and dissipation of marital assets • What happens when someone loses the password to a crypto wallet • Why hidden crypto may still be discoverable after divorce • Why you should NOT confront your spouse if you suspect they’re hiding cryptocurrency One of the biggest takeaways from this episode? You do not need to become a cryptocurrency expert. If something doesn’t look right, gather the financial information you have lawful access to, document what you’re seeing, and bring it to your divorce attorney. Let your attorney decide whether additional investigation, subpoenas or a forensic expert are necessary. And if your lawyer doesn’t have much experience dealing with cryptocurrency in divorce? Ask them. You have every right to know whether the team handling your divorce understands the assets that may be involved. Because going on an unnecessary financial “truffle hunt” can cost you money — but walking away from tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars that should have been part of your marital estate can cost you a whole lot more. ABOUT OUR GUEST Jason Wright is a Managing Director in the Disputes, Compliance & Investigations group at Stout. He works with attorneys and clients on complex financial investigations, including tracing cryptocurrency and digital assets. We’ll link Jason’s information below so you and/or your attorney can contact him if his expertise is needed. Jason Wright / Stout: https://www.stout.com/en/professionals/jason-wright ⭐ LOVE HOW NOT TO SUCK AT DIVORCE? Please take a minute to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Reviews help more people going through divorce find the show when they need it most. www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuck And make sure you’re following How Not to Suck at Divorce so you never miss an episode. We’re here twice a week with full episodes, mini episodes, legal education, emotional support and the information you need to get through divorce without losing your mind — or your money. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you. SEO KEYWORDS cryptocurrency divorce, crypto divorce, hidden assets in divorce, hiding money during divorce, hidden cryptocurrency divorce, Bitcoin divorce, crypto assets divorce, finding hidden money in divorce, financial discovery divorce, forensic accountant divorce, cryptocurrency marital assets, tracing crypto assets, hidden marital assets, divorce financial investigation, spouse hiding money, divorce attorney cryptocurrency, blockchain divorce, crypto wallet divorce, dissipation of marital assets, divorce finances Mentioned in this episode: Need Extra Cash? Why not see how much Worthy can get you for your ring? It's a risk free process- and Worthy works with you to get the best price possible. Get an extra $100 if your ring sells for more than $1500. https://vip.worthy.com/divorcepod/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=how_not_to_suck_at_divorce Our Family Wizard How Not to Suck at Divorce is proud to be the only podcast that can offer you 20% off your first year of the essentials package. Visit Our Family Wizard to ask your attorney is OFW is right for your family. Our Family Wizard
	Divorce Anxiety: How to Stop Treating Everything Like an Emergency...at 2am	14 Aug 2026	00:25:53
Divorce Keeping You Up at Night? How to Stop the 2 A.M. Spiral DIVORCE CRASH COURSE: Divorce is expensive. Making avoidable mistakes makes it even more expensive. Our Divorce Crash Course gives you the information we wish every person had before and during divorce—from choosing an attorney and understanding your finances to custody, parenting agreements and the mistakes that can cost you thousands. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, OurFamilyWizard and Soberlink. [GET THE DIVORCE CRASH COURSE HERE] NEW: GUIDED DIVORCE MEDITATIONS: When your brain won't shut up about your divorce, we made something specifically for that. Our Guided Divorce Meditations are short, on-demand meditations for the moments divorce hits hardest—including when you can't sleep, you're worried about money or your kids, you're spiraling about your marriage, or you're struggling with a custody transition. [GET THE GUIDED DIVORCE MEDITATIONS HERE] If divorce is keeping you awake at night, you're definitely not alone. You go to bed exhausted, but the second everything gets quiet, your brain decides it's time to solve your entire divorce. What if my ex is hiding money? What if something happens with the kids? What does that email from my attorney mean? What if this goes to trial? Did I remember to send that document? Should I respond to that text? What if I can't afford this? Suddenly it's 2:34 a.m., you're wide awake, and you're trying to solve problems that probably cannot be solved from your bed. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill are talking about divorce anxiety, insomnia and what to do when you can't stop thinking about your divorce at night. And we're giving you an actual strategy. Morgan explains how to separate the things that genuinely require action from the things that feel urgent because your anxious brain is filling in the blanks. Andrea shares why losing sleep during divorce can make an already difficult situation worse—and potentially affect the decisions you're making the next day. The goal isn't to pretend everything is fine. It's learning to recognize what needs your action—and what needs your inaction. In This Episode You'll Learn Why divorce anxiety can feel so much worse at night What to do when you wake up worrying about your divorce The pen-and-paper strategy Morgan recommends for getting worries out of your head How to determine whether something actually requires action Why you should think twice before emailing your divorce attorney late at night How to create a running list of questions for your attorney Why you should draft—but NOT send—emotional late-night emails How late-night texts and emails from your ex can destroy your sleep Why setting communication boundaries with your co-parent matters How to use OurFamilyWizard notification settings more strategically Why sometimes doing absolutely nothing is the smartest action you can take What to tell yourself when your brain refuses to shut down Why resting can be enough when you can't force yourself to fall asleep How changing your environment may help break the cycle when you're lying awake spiraling The 2 A.M. Divorce Brain Dump If you wake up in the middle of the night and your brain is racing, Morgan recommends keeping a pen and paper next to your bed. Write down everything that's occupying your brain—not just the divorce stuff. Then go through the list and ask yourself: Can I actually take action on this tonight? Or: Do I have any control over the outcome of this tonight? If the answer is no, cross it out for tonight. If the answer is yes, decide whether it truly requires action immediately or whether you can make a plan to handle it tomorrow. Most things can wait until morning. And if it's something you want to discuss with your divorce attorney, write it down or put the email in your drafts. Do not hit send at 2 a.m. Your rested morning brain may have a very different—and considerably shorter—email to send. Stop Letting Your Ex Into Your Bedroom Not literally. We have an entirely different podcast episode for that problem. We're talking about your phone. If your ex tends to send inflammatory texts, emails or co-parenting messages late at night, you do not have to allow those notifications to dictate when your nervous system goes into overdrive. Morgan recommends setting boundaries around when you receive and read messages. Andrea also points out that if you're using OurFamilyWizard, you can choose when you receive your daily notifications. Your ex's 10:30 p.m. message does not automatically become your 10:31 p.m. emergency. And it goes both ways. Don't send your ex angry late-night messages either. Aside from destroying everyone's sleep, creating a documented pattern of bad communication is probably not something you want your attorneys—or potentially a judge—reading later. What Needs Action—and What Needs Inaction? We often divide our problems into two categories: Things I can control. Things I can't control. Andrea offers a different way to think about it during divorce: What needs my action? And: What needs my inaction? Sometimes inaction is an active decision. You can recognize that something is scary, painful or uncertain without trying to solve it tonight. You aren't pretending the problem doesn't exist. You're deciding: Not now. Tomorrow, you can reopen the box. Tonight, your job is to rest. When Your Brain Still Won't Shut Up Sometimes you've written everything down. You've made tomorrow's list. You've silenced your notifications. You've decided what can wait. And your brain is still going. That's exactly why we created our Guided Divorce Meditations. Earlier this week, we released one of the meditations completely free on the podcast: For When You Can't Sleep. It's about 10 minutes long, and Andrea walks you through putting those thoughts and fears somewhere safe for the night—not throwing them away, not pretending they don't matter, but giving yourself permission to stop carrying them until morning. The complete Guided Divorce Meditation library is $20 and includes meditations created specifically for different moments of divorce when you need help quieting the noise. [GET THE GUIDED DIVORCE MEDITATIONS HERE] Resources Mentioned Divorce Crash Course Guided Divorce Meditations OurFamilyWizard Soberlink Subscribe, Rate & Review If How Not to Suck at Divorce is helping you get through your divorce a little smarter, calmer and more prepared, please subscribe and leave us a review. It helps more people find the show and allows us to keep creating resources that actually help you through this process. Rate the podcast: www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuck And remember: you are going to get through this. One step at a time. One day at a time. And sometimes, one hour at a time. You've got this. And we've got you. SEO Keywords divorce anxiety, can't sleep during divorce, divorce insomnia, divorce keeping me awake, how to sleep during divorce, anxiety during divorce, divorce stress, divorce anxiety at night, divorce meditation, guided divorce meditation, meditation for divorce anxiety, divorce sleep meditation, how to stop thinking about divorce, divorce overthinking, divorce attorney advice, communicating with ex during divorce, co-parenting communication, divorce lawyer communication, high conflict divorce, divorce mental health, coping with divorce, divorce podcast, How Not to Suck at Divorce
	Divorce Anxiety Keeping You Awake? A Guided Meditation for Sleep	12 Aug 2026	00:10:58
Divorce Anxiety Keeping You Awake? A Guided Meditation for Sleep Get the complete Guided Divorce Meditation collection here. Can't sleep because of your divorce? This episode is for you. When you're going through a divorce, nighttime can be brutal. The house gets quiet, the distractions stop, and suddenly your brain decides it's the perfect time to think about everything. Money. Your kids. Your ex. That text you received earlier. What your attorney said. What you wish you'd said. What happens next. What went wrong in your marriage. What your life is going to look like six months from now. And somehow you're supposed to sleep. In this special mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea is sharing one of our brand-new Guided Divorce Meditations completely free. This meditation was created specifically for the nights when divorce anxiety won't let you sleep. Put in your earbuds, get comfortable, and press play. You don't need to figure out your entire divorce tonight. You don't need to solve tomorrow's problems from your bed. Right now, you just need to get through this moment and give your brain and body a chance to rest. Get the Complete Guided Divorce Meditation Collection If this meditation helps, we've created an entire library of Guided Divorce Meditations for the specific moments during divorce that can feel completely overwhelming. These aren't generic meditations. They're designed for the actual thoughts, fears and situations that come with divorce—worrying about money, worrying about your children, replaying your marriage, dealing with the emotions around custody transitions, and the moments when your mind simply will not stop spiraling. We created these for you because sometimes you don't need another piece of divorce advice. Sometimes you just need someone to help you get through the next ten minutes. And if there's a part of divorce you're struggling with that we haven't created something for yet, tell us. Reach out and let us know what you need. Everything we create at How Not to Suck at Divorce is designed to make this process a little less overwhelming. You can do this. You're already doing it. One step at a time. One day at a time. You've got this...and we've got you. And if you need more support with action steps, our Divorce Crash Course is available for you right here.
	Divorce Myths That Could Be Costing You Thousands	07 Aug 2026	00:28:07
🎧 Divorce Crash Course (DCC) Thinking about divorce or already in it? Before you make a decision that could cost you thousands, get the information you wish someone had given you from the very beginning. Get the Divorce Crash Course (DCC) today. Typically priced at $150, available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. Whether you're considering divorce, in the middle of one, or trying to rebuild afterward, this course can save you time, money, and unnecessary heartbreak. Episode Description There are a LOT of divorce myths out there. And believing the wrong one isn't just annoying—it can give you completely unrealistic expectations and potentially cost you a whole lot of money. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill are busting some of the biggest divorce myths they hear over and over again. Should you be concerned if your divorce attorney is friendly with your ex's attorney? (Spoiler: probably the opposite.) Are you actually going to end up in a dramatic divorce trial where a judge finally hears your story and tells you that you were right? Do you need a divorce coach because someone on Instagram told you that you do? And should your attorney be responding to every email immediately? Andrea and Morgan also tackle one of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a divorce attorney: that a "simple divorce" means you don't need to think carefully about the level of attorney—and level of service—you hire. Morgan explains why having attorneys who can work well together can actually reduce posturing, speed up negotiations and potentially save clients money. She also shares that in her own practice, she estimates 5% or fewer of her cases actually reach a full trial—and why settlement is generally preferable when it's possible. This episode is about separating what divorce looks like on TV, Instagram and in your imagination from what actually happens—and helping you make smarter decisions with your time, money and legal strategy. Divorce Myths We're Busting MYTH #1: Your attorney shouldn't be friendly with opposing counsel. Actually, a good professional relationship between attorneys can make negotiations more efficient and reduce unnecessary fighting—and unnecessary legal fees. MYTH #2: Your divorce is probably going to trial. A hearing isn't the same thing as a full-blown trial. Morgan estimates that 5% or fewer of her own cases reach a full trial, in part because trial is expensive and ultimately puts major decisions about your life into the hands of a judge. MYTH #3: You need a divorce coach. Not necessarily. Morgan's advice is to involve your attorney before adding a coach to your divorce team and to make sure anyone you hire has appropriate credentials and a clearly defined role. Andrea and Morgan also distinguish this from a collaborative divorce where coaching may already be part of the process. MYTH #4: Your divorce attorney should always respond immediately. Your situation may feel like an emergency—and emotionally, it absolutely may be—but law firms have to triage truly urgent situations. Morgan explains what she considers reasonable communication expectations and why this is something you should ask about before hiring an attorney. MYTH #5: A "simple divorce" doesn't require a great attorney. Andrea and Morgan explain why you should hire based not only on the conflict in your case, but also on the level of communication and service you need. And that includes evaluating the entire firm—not just the attorney sitting across from you during the consultation. In This Episode You'll Learn Why your attorney having lunch with opposing counsel can actually be a GOOD thing How attorney relationships can affect your legal bill Why most divorces don't end in a full-blown trial Why going before a judge probably won't give you the vindication you're imagining When a divorce coach can help—and when another voice could complicate your legal strategy What you can reasonably expect when communicating with your divorce attorney The questions to ask about response times before hiring a law firm Why the staff and client experience matter when choosing an attorney Why "simple divorce" doesn't necessarily mean you should choose the cheapest lawyer Key Takeaways Your divorce attorney being friendly with opposing counsel does not mean they're "in cahoots." In many cases, trust and professional respect between attorneys can mean less posturing, faster negotiations and fewer billable hours. Don't build your entire emotional strategy around finally getting your day in court. As Morgan explains, even clients who technically "win" at trial can walk away feeling like they've lost after the financial and emotional cost of getting there. And when you're interviewing divorce attorneys, ask very specific questions about communication: What's your normal response time? Who will I hear from if you're unavailable? What should I expect from your staff? If an attorney can't clearly answer those questions during the consultation, Andrea says to pay attention—that may tell you something about what the client experience will look like later. Resources Mentioned Divorce Crash Course OurFamilyWizard Soberlink How Not to Suck at Divorce Private Community Divorce Guided Meditations — coming soon! Subscribe, Rate & Review If How Not to Suck at Divorce is helping you get through your divorce a little smarter, calmer and more prepared, please subscribe and leave us a review. It helps more people find the show—and allows us to keep bringing you honest conversations about what divorce is actually like. www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuck And remember: divorce is a marathon, not a sprint. Some days you're taking it day by day. Other days it's hour by hour. But it will end. You've got this. And we've got you. SEO Keywords divorce myths, divorce attorney advice, divorce lawyer, divorce trial, divorce coach, choosing a divorce attorney, divorce lawyer communication, divorce settlement, divorce mediation, divorce legal fees, divorce mistakes, family law attorney, divorce advice, divorce podcast, how to choose a divorce lawyer, how much does divorce cost Mentioned in this episode: Our Family Wizard How Not to Suck at Divorce is proud to be the only podcast that can offer you 20% off your first year of the essentials package. Visit Our Family Wizard to ask your attorney is OFW is right for your family. Our Family Wizard
	Divorce Co-Parenting: Want a Better Relationship With Your Ex? Do This.	05 Aug 2026	00:08:25
Want Your Ex to Behave Better? Try This Instead 🎧 Divorce Crash Course (DCC) Thinking about divorce or already in it? Before you make a decision that could cost you thousands, get the information you wish someone had given you from the very beginning. Get the Divorce Crash Course (DCC) today. Typically priced at $150, available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. Whether you're considering divorce, in the middle of one, or trying to rebuild afterward, this course can save you time, money, and unnecessary heartbreak. Episode Description It may sound completely backwards, but sometimes the fastest way to improve your co-parenting relationship is to thank your ex. No, this isn't about pretending they're Parent of the Year. It's not about rewarding bad behavior or forgetting everything they've put you through. It's about understanding something surprisingly simple: people tend to repeat behaviors that are acknowledged. In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea explains why a genuine "thank you" after your co-parent does something thoughtful, flexible, or simply doesn't make your life harder can change the tone of your relationship. From switching weekends without a fight to communicating well about the kids, small moments of appreciation can reinforce the behaviors that make co-parenting easier for everyone. If your goal is raising healthy kids—not winning against your ex—this simple mindset shift could make your divorce a little less stressful. In This Episode Why positive reinforcement works on adults, too The psychology behind encouraging better co-parenting Why appreciation doesn't mean approval When you should (and shouldn't) thank your co-parent How one sentence can reduce conflict Why the goal is healthy kids—not keeping score How changing the tone of communication benefits everyone Why kindness can be a surprisingly effective co-parenting strategy Key Takeaways You don't have to like your ex to reinforce good behavior. Appreciation is different from excusing past behavior. Positive reinforcement can encourage healthier communication. Your kids benefit when co-parenting becomes less adversarial. Sometimes the strongest strategy is changing the tone—not escalating the conflict. Small moments of kindness can create meaningful shifts over time. Memorable Quotes"We repeat positive behaviors that get acknowledged.""This isn't being weak. This is strategy.""The goal isn't to win against your ex. The goal is to raise healthy kids.""You don't need to write them a haiku. Just say thank you."Resources Mentioned Divorce Crash Course (DCC) OurFamilyWizard Soberlink Divorce Guided Meditations (Coming Soon) How Not to Suck at Divorce Community Subscribe & Review If this episode made you think differently about co-parenting, we'd love your support. Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little more peace in their co-parenting relationship. Your reviews help us reach more people navigating divorce, and we truly appreciate every single one. www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuck SEO Keywords divorce, co-parenting, co-parent communication, divorce podcast, positive reinforcement, parenting after divorce, co-parenting tips, divorce advice, parenting plan, family law, healthy co-parenting, conflict after divorce, raising kids after divorce, divorced parents, divorce support
	Divorce: When Being Too Nice Can Cost You Everything	31 Jul 2026	00:29:05
🎧 Divorce Crash Course (DCC) Thinking about divorce or already in it? Before you make a decision that could cost you thousands, get the information you wish someone had given you from the very beginning. Get the Divorce Crash Course (DCC) today. Typically priced at $150, available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. Whether you're considering divorce, in the middle of one, or trying to rebuild afterward, this course can save you time, money, and unnecessary heartbreak. Episode Description We've all heard the advice: "Be the bigger person." But what happens when being the bigger person turns into giving away your financial security, parenting time, or legal leverage? In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill tackle one of the most common—and costly—mistakes people make during divorce: confusing kindness with surrender. They explain why people-pleasers often struggle during negotiations, how manipulative exes exploit "nice" personalities, and why your long-term future matters far more than making today's conflict disappear. Morgan and Andrea also share their powerful THINK framework—a practical decision-making tool to help you slow down before agreeing to anything you'll regret. If you've ever worried about coming across as "mean" during your divorce, this conversation could save you years of regret. In This Episode You'll Learn Why kindness and weakness are not the same thing The hidden cost of being a people pleaser during divorce How manipulative spouses use guilt to get what they want Why short-term peace often creates long-term problems When your attorney should be the one saying "no" How to protect yourself without becoming combative Morgan's THINK framework for making smarter divorce decisions Why leverage matters in divorce negotiations How OurFamilyWizard can reduce manipulation and conflict Why thinking long-term is one of the most important divorce skills you'll ever develop How Not to Suck at Divorce's THINK Framework Before responding to your spouse, pause and THINK: T – Think long-term, not just about today's pain. H – Have a purpose. Know why you're making every decision. I – It's okay to say no. N – Nice isn't the same as fair. K – Keep your leverage. Key Takeaways Divorce is a marathon—not a sprint. Being calm leads to better long-term decisions. Your attorney exists to protect your future, not just settle today's argument. Don't give something away simply because conflict feels uncomfortable. You can be compassionate while maintaining healthy boundaries. Protecting yourself isn't selfish—it's smart. Resources Mentioned Divorce Crash Course (DCC) OurFamilyWizard Soberlink How Not to Suck at Divorce Private Community Remember friends, we are the only podcast that can offer you 20% off your first year of Our Family Wizard! Head here: www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20 Subscribe & Review If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Every review helps us reach more people navigating one of life's hardest transitions. www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuck SEO Keywords divorce advice, divorce negotiation tips, people pleaser divorce, divorce boundaries, divorce strategy, family law, mediation tips, divorce attorney advice, divorce leverage, co-parenting, OurFamilyWizard, divorce settlement, emotional abuse, manipulative spouse, divorce podcast, parenting plan, divorce mistakes, custody negotiations, divorce support, how not to suck at divorce
	Divorce: The Most Expensive Word You Can Say to Your Lawyer Is "Okay".	29 Jul 2026	00:14:24
🚨 Before You Spend Thousands More on Your Divorce... If you're navigating divorce and want to avoid the costly mistakes so many people make, grab our Divorce Crash Course today. Typically priced at $150, available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. Inside you'll learn: How to avoid expensive legal mistakes What to expect throughout the divorce process How to communicate more effectively with your attorney The biggest financial pitfalls people don't see coming Practical strategies to save money, reduce stress, and make smarter decisions 👉 Get instant access today: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Divorce: Don't Leave Your Lawyer's Office Confused (It Could Cost You Thousands) Have you ever walked out of your attorney's office, gotten into your car, and suddenly realized... "I don't actually know what we just decided." You're not alone. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill tackle one of the most common—and expensive—mistakes people make during divorce: pretending to understand or agree with a legal strategy when they really don't. Too many people stay quiet because they're embarrassed to ask questions, don't want to challenge their attorney, or need more time to process what they just heard. Unfortunately, that silence can lead to unnecessary legal fees, poor strategic decisions, and frustration for both you and your lawyer. Andrea and Morgan explain why speaking up isn't being difficult—it's being a smart client. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why so many people leave attorney meetings feeling confused The hidden cost of pretending you understand your legal strategy How to tell your attorney a proposed strategy doesn't feel right Why asking, "What do you think the other side will do next?" is one of the smartest questions you can ask When it's okay to ask for time before making a major legal decision Why changing your mind after your attorney has already started working can become expensive The importance of making sure your attorney's strategy aligns with your personal goals How to ask your lawyer for a recap email after a meeting Why a recurring weekly check-in can actually reduce stress and unnecessary communication Memorable Quotes"You're the driver of the bus. Your lawyer is there to guide you—but the decisions are ultimately yours.""Don't nod your head just because you're afraid to look like you don't understand.""Silence can be one of the most expensive mistakes you make during divorce."Resources Mentioned Divorce Crash Course: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Join our private divorce community for support and resources. Subscribe to How Not to Suck at Divorce so you never miss an episode. If You Enjoyed This Episode... Please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share this episode with someone navigating divorce. It helps more people find practical, trustworthy guidance during one of the hardest seasons of their lives. www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuck Connect With Us 🌐 Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com 📱 Follow us on social media for daily divorce tips, legal education, and emotional support. @hownottosuckatdivorce @divorcepodcast SEO Keywords divorce attorney communication questions to ask your divorce lawyer divorce legal strategy how to work with your divorce attorney divorce mistakes divorce legal advice family law attorney tips divorce mediation vs litigation saving money during divorce how not to suck at divorce
	My Divorce Secret: The Shame I Carried About My Marriage (And Why Pretending Made Everything Worse)	24 Jul 2026	00:20:04
🎧 Divorce Crash Course Before you hire an attorney—or if you're already in the middle of your divorce—don't miss our Divorce Crash Course. Learn how to avoid the costly mistakes that can impact your finances, custody, and future. Typically priced at $150, it's available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters: Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Episode Description When people think about divorce, they often assume the shame comes after the marriage ends. For Andrea, it began years earlier. In this deeply personal solo episode, Andrea opens up about the emotional weight of pretending everything was okay while privately living in a lonely, disconnected marriage. She shares the shame of hiding a sexless marriage, constantly editing her reality to protect appearances, and questioning her own worth because of what was happening behind closed doors. She also explores the quieter forms of emotional control that can slowly erode your confidence, why shame thrives in silence, and how years of living in survival mode affected both her mind and body. If you've ever smiled through the pain, convinced everyone your marriage was fine, or wondered if something was wrong with you because your relationship felt so different from everyone else's, this episode is for you. You are not alone. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why shame often begins long before divorce The emotional toll of pretending your marriage is okay How loneliness can become internalized as self-worth The hidden impact of emotional control and chronic stress Why many people question their own reality in unhealthy relationships The connection between living in survival mode and your mental health How shame keeps us silent—and why speaking the truth is the first step toward healing Why your circumstances do not define your worth Resources Mentioned Divorce Crash Course Our Family Wizard Soberlink How Not to Suck at Divorce Community Connect With Us 🌐 Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com 💬 Join our private community for support, resources, and conversations with people who truly understand what you're going through. 📧 Questions or episode ideas? Email us at hello@hownottosuckatdivorce.com If This Episode Helped You... Please take a moment to follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. You never know who is quietly pretending everything is okay. SEO Keywords divorce shame, shame after divorce, emotional abuse, emotionally abusive marriage, controlling marriage, surviving emotional abuse, loneliness in marriage, sexless marriage, divorce healing, panic disorder after divorce, trauma and divorce, unhealthy marriage, emotionally controlling relationship, divorce podcast, high-conflict marriage, mental health after divorce, how not to suck at divorce, healing from divorce, relationship shame, surviving divorce
	Divorce: Why Smart, Successful People Stay in Toxic Marriages	22 Jul 2026	00:14:13
🎧 Before You Continue… Don't Navigate Divorce AloneThe Divorce Crash Course If you're thinking about divorce, in the middle of one, or trying to rebuild your life afterward, our Divorce Crash Course can help you avoid the mistakes that cost people thousands of dollars—and months (or years) of unnecessary stress. Typically priced at $150, it's available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. Inside you'll learn: How to prepare before filing for divorce The biggest legal and financial mistakes to avoid How to save money on attorney's fees Parenting and custody considerations What to expect throughout the divorce process 👉 Get instant access today: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Episode Description "I'm smart...so how did I end up in such a toxic marriage?" If you've ever looked back on your relationship and asked yourself that question, this episode is for you. One of the most painful parts of divorce isn't just grieving the relationship—it's trying to understand why you stayed. Andrea explores why intelligent, educated, capable, and successful people often remain in unhealthy marriages far longer than they expected. This isn't about weakness or a lack of intelligence. It's about hope, psychology, love, and the very human tendency to believe that if we just try a little harder, things will eventually get better. In this deeply personal mini episode, Andrea discusses: Why toxic relationships usually develop gradually The psychology of normalization and why unhealthy behavior becomes easier to accept over time Why successful people often stay because they're natural problem-solvers The role hope plays in keeping us stuck Why leaving a marriage is rarely "just one decision" How shame can become one of the biggest obstacles to healing Why replacing self-blame with understanding is one of the most important steps in recovery If you've ever wondered, "What was I thinking?" this episode offers a different perspective—one rooted in compassion instead of shame. Because healing doesn't begin with blaming yourself. It begins with understanding yourself. In This Episode Why smart people stay in toxic marriages The psychology behind unhealthy relationships How normalization changes what we accept Why hope can sometimes keep us stuck Why problem-solvers often struggle to leave The hidden cost of shame after divorce Replacing self-blame with self-understanding The first steps toward emotional healing Resources MentionedDivorce Crash Course Learn how to protect yourself legally, financially, and emotionally before, during, and after divorce. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Join Our Free Community Connect with thousands of people navigating divorce who truly understand what you're going through. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Questions or Episode Ideas? We'd love to hear from you. 📧 hello@hownottosuckatdivorce.com If This Episode Helped... Please consider following How Not to Suck at Divorce on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your follows, ratings, and reviews help more people find support during one of the hardest seasons of their lives. SEO Keywords Why smart people stay in toxic marriages Toxic marriage Emotional abuse Divorce podcast Divorce recovery High-conflict marriage Unhealthy relationships Why people stay in bad relationships Divorce healing Shame after divorce Divorce emotional recovery Relationship psychology How to leave a toxic marriage Healing after divorce How Not to Suck at Divorce
	Divorce Regrets: Celebrity Divorce Mistakes You Need to Learn From	17 Jul 2026	00:38:16
Divorce Crash Course Thinking about divorce or already in the middle of one? Don't make expensive mistakes before you understand your rights. Our Divorce Crash Course gives you practical guidance on attorneys, finances, custody, parenting agreements, and the biggest mistakes people make during divorce. Typically priced at $150, available now for just $50 thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 🎙️ Episode Description What can Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, Kevin Costner, Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, Jeff Bezos, and Alec Baldwin teach us about divorce? A lot more than you might think. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and top family law attorney Morgan L. Stogsdill break down some of Hollywood's most famous divorces—not for the celebrity gossip, but for the real-life legal and emotional lessons that apply to everyday people. From prenups and child support to co-parenting, high-conflict custody battles, social media mistakes, and negotiating outside of court, these celebrity cases reveal common divorce pitfalls that can cost people time, money, and peace of mind. Whether you're considering divorce, currently navigating one, or helping someone through the process, this episode is packed with practical advice you can actually use. ⭐ In This Episode Why Kevin Costner's divorce proves prenups aren't magic What Johnny Depp and Amber Heard teach about text messages and digital evidence The expensive lesson behind Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's years-long legal battle Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's co-parenting challenges Alec Baldwin's custody mistakes and what every parent should learn Britney Spears, Kevin Federline, and when child support can actually be modified Jeff Bezos' divorce strategy and why settling outside of court often saves everyone How to identify your true "must-haves" during divorce negotiations Why protecting your integrity is often your greatest victory 🔑 Key Takeaways ✔️ Not every battle is worth fighting. ✔️ Every text, email, voicemail, and social media post could become evidence. ✔️ Prenups reduce uncertainty—but they don't eliminate conflict. ✔️ Child support modifications require a significant change in circumstances. ✔️ The best divorce outcomes often happen through thoughtful negotiation—not courtroom battles. ✔️ Focus on your true priorities instead of trying to "win" every issue. 🎧 More Divorce Resources 🌐 Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com 🎙️ Listen to more episodes: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/podcast Our Family Wizard: You guys, please check them out. They are the most court respected coparenting app. And we are the only podcast that can offer you 20% off your first year of the essential's package. www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck About How Not to Suck at Divorce Hosted by Andrea Rappaport and Morgan L. Stogsdill, Head of the Family Law Group at Beermann LLP, How Not to Suck at Divorce provides practical legal, financial, and emotional guidance for people navigating divorce. Our mission is simple: help you make smarter decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and build a better life on the other side of divorce. Because divorce is a marathon—not a sprint. You've got this. And we've got you. 📚 Resources Mentioned Prenuptial Agreements Child Support Modifications Custody & Parenting Time Mediation vs. Litigation High-Net-Worth Divorce Digital Evidence in Divorce Cases 📱 Connect With Us Instagram: @HowNotToSuckAtDivorce Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EQe3x7zCR/ Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Hashtags #Divorce #CelebrityDivorce #FamilyLaw #Prenup #ChildCustody #ChildSupport #CoParenting #DivorceAdvice #DivorcePodcast #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce SEO Keywords celebrity divorce lessons, Brad Pitt divorce, Angelina Jolie custody battle, Kevin Costner prenup, Johnny Depp Amber Heard divorce, Kim Kardashian Kanye West custody, Britney Spears child support, Jeff Bezos divorce, Alec Baldwin custody, divorce advice, family law, divorce mistakes, divorce attorney, co-parenting, high-conflict divorce. Mentioned in this episode: Smarter Way to Sell Your Jewelry After my divorce was finalized, I sold my old engagement ring to a jeweler — and honestly, I was stunned by how little I got for it compared to what it originally cost. If I could do it all over again — which is kind of the theme of this podcast — I would have sold it through Worthy. Worthy is a modern, smarter way to sell your jewelry online. Their process is incredibly easy: they cover shipping and insurance, professionally clean and photograph your jewelry, and have it graded by experts to help maximize its value. What makes Worthy different is that they create a competitive auction environment where buyers bid against each other for your piece — meaning they are motivated to help you get the highest price possible. It’s completely risk-free and honestly something I wish I had known about sooner. Get started today by heading to worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your jewelry sells for more than $1,500.
	Divorce: What to Do When the Outcome Doesn't Feel Fair	15 Jul 2026	00:13:04
Divorce Isn't Fair: How to Stop the Negative Spiral and Move Forward🎧 Divorce Crash Course – Just $50 (Limited Time) Before you spend thousands on avoidable divorce mistakes, invest in yourself. Our Divorce Crash Course walks you through the biggest legal, financial, and emotional mistakes people make before, during, and after divorce. Typically priced at $150, it's available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and SoberLink. Learn more here!Episode Summary One of the hardest truths about divorce is also one of the most important: It's not fair. Whether it's a custody decision, financial settlement, or something you genuinely believed you deserved, getting stuck on what isn't fair can keep you emotionally trapped long after your divorce moves forward. In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and family law attorney Morgan L. Stogsdill explain why obsessing over fairness often leads to costly legal decisions, emotional exhaustion, and unnecessary conflict. They also share a practical mindset shift that can help you regain momentum and make smarter choices throughout your divorce. If you're struggling to let go of something that feels unfair, this episode offers both legal perspective and emotional guidance to help you move forward. In This Episode Why divorce often feels deeply unfair—and why that's normal How focusing on fairness can keep you emotionally stuck The hidden financial cost of fighting every issue Why friends and family can unintentionally make the situation worse How to know whether an issue is worth continuing to fight The powerful question every client should ask their divorce attorney How acceptance can help you heal without approving of what happened Why letting go isn't giving up—it's moving forward Key Takeaway You don't have to like what happened. You don't even have to think it's fair. But staying trapped in resentment won't change the outcome—it only keeps you from building what's next. Sometimes the healthiest decision is accepting what you cannot change so you can focus your energy on creating a better future. Resources Mentioned Divorce Crash Course Our Family Wizard SoberLink Join our free private Facebook community Upcoming Divorce Meditation Series Subscribe & Review If How Not to Suck at Divorce has helped you navigate divorce with more confidence, we'd be incredibly grateful if you'd subscribe, leave a rating, and write a review. Your support helps more people find trustworthy divorce guidance when they need it most. www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuckConnect With Us Website: www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HNN44whZq/ Instagram YouTube Check out Our Family Wizard- the most court respected coparenting app. We are the only podcast that can offer you 20% of your first year! www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20 Keywords divorce advice, divorce podcast, divorce lawyer, divorce settlement, divorce mindset, divorce emotional healing, divorce mediation, child custody, divorce strategy, unfair divorce settlement, accepting divorce, co-parenting, family law, healing after divorce, divorce support
	Divorce Cyberstalking: How to Prevent it and What to do If You Think Your Ex is Watching You Online	10 Jul 2026	00:37:12
Divorce Cyberstalking: What to Do If You Think Your Ex Is Watching You Online Divorce Crash Course: Don’t make expensive divorce mistakes. Our Divorce Crash Course walks you through the biggest legal, financial, emotional, and co-parenting mistakes people make during divorce — and how to avoid them. Typically priced at $150, available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. Start the course here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Cyberstalking during divorce can make you feel unsafe, paranoid, unsteady, and completely overwhelmed. But here’s the thing: sometimes what feels “crazy” is actually a real digital safety issue. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and Morgan L. Stogsdill are joined by Steven Bradley, a former FBI task force leader, cybersecurity expert, domestic violence specialist, and cyberstalking educator, to talk about what to do if you think your ex is watching, tracking, monitoring, or digitally harassing you during divorce. And yes — this episode is scary. But more importantly, it is actionable. Steven explains that cyberstalking is often easier than people realize because many exes already know your passwords, security question answers, shared devices, family routines, Wi-Fi setup, smart home devices, and personal information. Cyberstalking is not always some dramatic hacker-in-a-hoodie situation. Sometimes it is access to your Amazon Alexa, Ring doorbell, Nest thermostat, pet camera, cloud account, location sharing, shared passwords, or old devices. In other words: your ex may not need to “hack” you if they already have access. Terrifying? Yes. Useful to know? Also yes. In this episode, we cover: How cyberstalking can show up during divorce Why many people dismiss early warning signs as “coincidences” How smart home devices can be used to monitor or harass someone Why shared passwords and security questions are a major risk What to do if you think your ex has access to your phone, email, cloud, or devices Why you should not delete suspicious messages or evidence How to create a timeline of cyberstalking concerns When to tell your divorce attorney Why co-parenting apps can help protect communication How VPNs, multi-factor authentication, and anti-malware tools can help Why public Wi-Fi can be risky What parents should know about children’s apps, gaming, and Discord Why taking action can lower paranoia and help you feel safer First signs of cyberstalking during divorce Cyberstalking can start small. You may notice: strange text messages anonymous calls or emails your ex showing up where you are smart home devices acting strangely lights, thermostats, or cameras changing unexpectedly unfamiliar apps on your phone login alerts odd account activity someone seeming to know things they should not know Steven explains that many offenders start with small behaviors and escalate when they feel they can get away with it. That is why it is important not to dismiss everything as coincidence, especially during a high-conflict divorce or custody battle. What to do if you think you are being cyberstalked Steven’s first action step is simple: Do not delete anything. Preserve texts, emails, screenshots, suspicious messages, device alerts, app changes, login warnings, and anything that feels off. Create a timeline. Write down what happened, when it happened, where you were, and what evidence you have. Digital evidence can be time-sensitive, and some data may disappear or overwrite itself. The sooner you document, the better. Tell your divorce attorney early If you believe you may be dealing with cyberstalking, do not wait until it becomes unbearable. Tell your attorney. Morgan explains that divorce lawyers may need outside experts to help connect the dots, preserve evidence, and explain what is happening in a way the court can understand. Cyberstalking can be technical, and many attorneys and judges are not cybersecurity experts. This is not about panicking. It is about protecting yourself, documenting what is happening, and getting the right people involved early. Secure your digital life Steven recommends assuming your passwords may be compromised and taking steps to secure your digital life. That may include: changing passwords changing security questions turning on multi-factor authentication reviewing location sharing checking Life360, Find My, Snap Maps, and similar apps auditing old accounts closing accounts you no longer use using anti-malware tools on phones and computers avoiding public Wi-Fi when possible using a reputable VPN checking shared smart home devices reviewing cloud access removing your ex from shared accounts and devices And yes, this includes the things people forget about: Alexa, pet cameras, thermostats, doorbells, old apps, children’s devices, shared family accounts, and even old platforms you forgot existed. Friendster, we are looking at you. Why co-parenting apps matter If communication with your ex feels unsafe, chaotic, manipulative, or digitally risky, this may be a time to talk to your attorney about using a court-monitored co-parenting app. In this episode, Steven and Morgan discuss how a co-parenting app like Our Family Wizard can help keep communication contained, documented, and harder to manipulate. If you are concerned about cyberstalking or digital harassment, talk to your attorney about whether requesting a co-parenting app makes sense in your case. Our Family Wizard: www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20 How Not to Suck at Divorce listeners can save 20% off the Essentials package for the first year through our relationship with Our Family Wizard. The biggest takeaway Technology is not the problem. Stalking, control, and harassment have existed forever. Technology just makes it easier. The goal is not to become paranoid. The goal is to become aware, document what is happening, and take action early. As Andrea says in this episode, doing nothing is often the part that makes you feel crazier. Taking action — documenting, telling your attorney, changing passwords, securing accounts, using a co-parenting app, and asking for help — can help you feel safer and more grounded. If something feels off, do not ignore it. Document it. Tell your attorney. Secure your devices. Get help early. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you. Connect with Steven Bradley Steven Bradley is a former FBI task force leader, cybersecurity expert, domestic violence specialist, and cyberstalking educator. sbradley@ourfamilywizard.com Join The How Not to Suck at Divorce Community Need more support during divorce? Join our free private Facebook community for real conversations, support, and guidance from people who understand what you are going through. How Not to Suck at Divorce Community Listen to How Not to Suck at Divorce Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/ Podcast: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/podcast Divorce Crash Course: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course SEO Keywords divorce cyberstalking, cyberstalking during divorce, cyberstalking ex, online stalking during divorce, digital safety during divorce, divorce cybersecurity, ex tracking me during divorce, smart home devices divorce, co-parenting app, Our Family Wizard, divorce safety, high conflict divorce, divorce attorney advice, digital harassment divorce, cyber abuse divorce, online harassment divorce, divorce podcast, How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport, Morgan Stogsdill, Steven Bradley
	Divorce: How to Remain Strong When it Feels Impossible	08 Jul 2026	00:07:42
Divorce: How to Stay Grounded When Everything Feels Unsteady Divorce Crash Course: Don’t make expensive divorce mistakes. Our Divorce Crash Course walks you through the biggest legal, financial, emotional, and co-parenting mistakes people make during divorce — and how to avoid them. Typically priced at $150, available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. Start the course here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Divorce can make everything feel unstable. Your home, your routines, your finances, your parenting schedule, your future — all of it can feel like it’s shifting under your feet. So how do you stay grounded when the divorce process feels anything but steady? In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport shares a simple but powerful grounding reminder from her own backyard: be like the tree. Yes, really. After staring up at the big, mature trees in her yard, Andrea reflects on how trees survive season after season. They lose leaves. They lose branches. They weather storms. But because their roots run deep, they remain standing. And honestly? That is a pretty perfect divorce metaphor. This episode is a calming reminder for anyone going through divorce, considering divorce, or recovering from divorce anxiety. You may feel overwhelmed, reactive, scared, or completely unsteady right now — but that does not mean you are going to be taken down by this process. You may lose some leaves. You may lose a branch. You may look and feel different on the other side. But you will still be here. You will still be strong. You will still be you. Andrea also talks about how spending time outside, planting flowers, caring for something living, and reconnecting with nature can be a surprisingly grounding way to manage divorce stress and anxiety. No, you do not need to become a full horticulture goddess. You do not even need to know if “horticultury” is a word. But you may need a plant. Or a pot. Or a tree to stare at for a minute while you remind yourself that you are more rooted than this moment feels. In this episode, Andrea talks about: How to stay grounded during divorce Why divorce can make you feel emotionally reactive How nature can help regulate stress and anxiety Why trees are the perfect metaphor for surviving divorce How to calm your nervous system when life feels unstable Why divorce is a marathon, not a sprint How small grounding practices can help you through hard days Why you will still be standing after this storm passes This episode is for you if: You are feeling overwhelmed by divorce You are struggling with divorce anxiety You feel emotionally reactive or unsteady You need a quick grounding reminder You are trying to get through a hard divorce day You need reassurance that you will survive this process You want a calming mini episode that does not feel overly woo-woo Divorce is unsettling. It is emotional. It can feel completely unhinged. But you do not have to become unhinged with it. When in doubt, be like the tree. Stay rooted in who you are. Stay grounded in what you know. And remember: you are going to get through this. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you. Listen to How Not to Suck at Divorce Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/ Podcast: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/podcast Divorce Crash Course: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course SEO Keywords divorce anxiety, divorce stress, how to stay grounded during divorce, grounding during divorce, divorce meditation, divorce mini episode, coping with divorce, emotional regulation during divorce, divorce support, divorce podcast, divorce advice, how to get through divorce, divorce healing, divorce overwhelm, divorce nervous system, stress during divorce, nature and anxiety, How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport, Morgan Stogsdill
	Divorce SOS: What to Do When You’re Panicking	03 Jul 2026	00:28:30
Divorce issue:When you don't agree with your attorney and Why Going Rogue Can Cost You Thousands 🎧 Before You Listen... Don't make expensive divorce mistakes. Our FREE guide, The 5 Divorce Mistakes That Cost People Thousands, will help you avoid some of the biggest legal, financial, and emotional mistakes people make before, during, and after divorce. 👉 Download it FREE here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com If you're ready for a deeper roadmap, our Divorce Crash Course walks you through the entire divorce process—from choosing the right attorney to protecting your finances and avoiding costly mistakes. Typically priced at $150, available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Episode Description Every person going through divorce eventually reaches the same breaking point. You become convinced your attorney is wrong. The judge doesn't get it. The legal system is broken. And your brain starts whispering... "Forget it. I'll just handle this myself." Unfortunately, that's often the exact moment people make the most expensive mistake of their entire divorce. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill are joined by Atlanta family law attorney Daniel Bloom to discuss why otherwise smart people make impulsive decisions during divorce, what "going rogue" really looks like, and how one emotional decision can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. From firing off an angry email to texting your ex after one too many drinks, this episode explains why patience, strategy, and emotional regulation can ultimately save your case—and your wallet. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✔ Why divorce makes even intelligent people act impulsively ✔ What "going rogue" actually means in a divorce case ✔ The hidden financial cost of ignoring your attorney's advice ✔ Why waiting during divorce feels unbearable—and what's really happening behind the scenes ✔ What your attorney is doing while you think "nothing is happening" ✔ When it makes sense to seek a second legal opinion ✔ Why therapy can be one of the smartest investments during divorce ✔ Three simple steps to stop yourself before making an emotional decision you'll regret ✔ Why divorce is a marathon—not a sprint One Email Can Change Everything Daniel shares real-life examples of clients who ignored legal advice, sent one emotional email, and watched their entire case unravel. Sometimes the cost isn't just financial. It's your credibility. Your settlement. Your co-parenting relationship. Or even your relationship with your children. Feeling Like Your Attorney Isn't Listening? Many people mistake silence for inaction. In reality, experienced divorce attorneys are often developing strategy, gathering information, and protecting your long-term interests—even when it feels like nothing is happening. Learn why the waiting process is often one of the hardest—and most important—parts of divorce. Thinking About Going Rogue? Before you send the email... Before you post on social media... Before you text your ex... Ask yourself one question: "How will this affect my case six months from now?" That one pause could save you thousands of dollars. Resources Mentioned📘 FREE Divorce Guide The 5 Divorce Mistakes That Cost People Thousands 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com 💛 Divorce Crash Course Avoid expensive legal mistakes before they happen. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👥 Join Our Free Private Community Connect with thousands of people navigating divorce who truly understand what you're going through. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Reach out to Daniel Bloom (Atlanta Family Law Attorney and Guardian ad Lietum) https://bloomlineslaw.com/our-team/daniel-bloom/ Subscribe & Connect If this episode helped you: ⭐ Follow How Not to Suck at Divorce @hownottosuckatdivorce ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuck ⭐ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it Every review helps us reach more people before they make expensive divorce mistakes. SEO Keywords divorce advice, divorce mistakes, divorce attorney, family law attorney, divorce podcast, custody case, Guardian ad Litem, divorce strategy, co-parenting, divorce lawyer advice, divorce communication, texting your ex during divorce, divorce settlement, high-conflict divorce, divorce emotions, divorce legal advice, Daniel Bloom, How Not to Suck at Divorce
	Divorce Custody: What a Guardian ad Litem Is Really Looking For	01 Jul 2026	00:16:12
Divorce: How to Talk to a Guardian ad Litem Without Hurting Your Custody Case 🎧 Before You Listen... Don't make expensive divorce mistakes. If you're navigating divorce, custody, or co-parenting, our Divorce Crash Course can help you avoid the mistakes that cost people thousands of dollars—and months of unnecessary stress. Typically priced at $150, it's available now for just $50 thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 Enroll here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Click here to get our free guide on avoiding the biggest divorce mistakes! Episode Description If a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) has been appointed in your divorce or custody case, every conversation matters more than you probably realize. Many parents unintentionally damage their credibility by focusing on the wrong things, oversharing, attacking the other parent, or getting caught up in petty conflicts. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill sit down with Atlanta family law attorney Daniel Bloom to discuss exactly what Guardians ad Litem look for—and the mistakes that can quietly hurt your custody case. You'll learn why your words matter, how to communicate effectively with a Guardian ad Litem, and why keeping your child's best interests front and center is always the winning strategy. Whether you're currently working with a GAL or simply want to better understand the custody process, this episode offers practical advice that could save you stress, money, and heartache. In This Episode You'll Learn: What a Guardian ad Litem actually does The biggest mistakes parents make during custody evaluations Why constantly criticizing your co-parent can backfire Why saying "my child" instead of "our child" matters more than you think How pettiness can damage your credibility The right way to communicate concerns to your Guardian ad Litem When email is better than texting Why OurFamilyWizard can improve communication during divorce Why quality parenting matters more than counting parenting days How humility often earns more credibility than trying to look like the "perfect" parent Key TakeawaysPut your child—not your ex—at the center of every conversation. A Guardian ad Litem wants to understand your child's needs, strengths, and challenges—not hear a list of complaints about your co-parent. Don't let small battles cost you the bigger war. Arguments over jackets, forgotten shoes, or missing hockey sticks may feel important in the moment, but repeatedly escalating minor issues can make you appear unreasonable. Be honest. Not perfect. No parent gets everything right. Guardians ad Litem appreciate parents who acknowledge mistakes, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate a willingness to learn. Communication matters. Text messages sent in anger often become evidence later. Daniel explains why thoughtful emails and structured communication tools can make a significant difference. Focus on influence—not percentages. Great parenting isn't measured only by the number of overnight visits. What matters most is the quality of your relationship with your children. Resources MentionedDivorce Crash Course Avoid the biggest mistakes people make before, during, and after divorce. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Get in touch with Daniel Bloom https://bloomlineslaw.com/our-team/daniel-bloom/ OurFamilyWizard The co-parenting communication tool trusted by attorneys, judges, and mental health professionals. Use our exclusive discount and save 20% on your first year. www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20 Free Divorce Guide Download our FREE guide: The 5 Divorce Mistakes That Cost People Thousands 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Subscribe & Connect If this episode helped you, please: ⭐ Leave a review 🎧 Follow How Not to Suck at Divorce 👥 Join our free private Facebook Community 📱 Follow us on social media for daily divorce tips, expert interviews, and practical advice. SEO Keywords Guardian ad Litem, GAL, Guardian ad Litem divorce, custody evaluator, child custody, custody battle, divorce advice, divorce podcast, co-parenting, OurFamilyWizard, family court, custody evaluation, parenting plan, divorce attorney, family law, divorce support, custody tips, child custody attorney, high-conflict divorce, divorce help. Divorce: How to Talk to a Guardian ad Litem Without Hurting Your Custody Case🎧 Before You Listen... Don't make expensive divorce mistakes. If you're navigating divorce, custody, or co-parenting, our Divorce Crash Course can help you avoid the mistakes that cost people thousands of dollars—and months of unnecessary stress. Typically priced at $150, it's available now for just $50 thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 Enroll here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Episode Description If a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) has been appointed in your divorce or custody case, every conversation matters more than you probably realize. Many parents unintentionally damage their credibility by focusing on the wrong things, oversharing, attacking the other parent, or getting caught up in petty conflicts. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill sit down with Atlanta family law attorney Daniel Bloom to discuss exactly what Guardians ad Litem look for—and the mistakes that can quietly hurt your custody case. You'll learn why your words matter, how to communicate effectively with a Guardian ad Litem, and why keeping your child's best interests front and center is always the winning strategy. Whether you're currently working with a GAL or simply want to better understand the custody process, this episode offers practical advice that could save you stress, money, and heartache. In This Episode You'll Learn: What a Guardian ad Litem actually does The biggest mistakes parents make during custody evaluations Why constantly criticizing your co-parent can backfire Why saying "my child" instead of "our child" matters more than you think How pettiness can damage your credibility The right way to communicate concerns to your Guardian ad Litem When email is better than texting Why OurFamilyWizard can improve communication during divorce Why quality parenting matters more than counting parenting days How humility often earns more credibility than trying to look like the "perfect" parent Key TakeawaysPut your child—not your ex—at the center of every conversation. A Guardian ad Litem wants to understand your child's needs, strengths, and challenges—not hear a list of complaints about your co-parent. Don't let small battles cost you the bigger war. Arguments over jackets, forgotten shoes, or missing hockey sticks may feel important in the moment, but repeatedly escalating minor issues can make you appear unreasonable. Be honest. Not perfect. No parent gets everything right. Guardians ad Litem appreciate parents who acknowledge mistakes, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate a willingness to learn. Communication matters. Text messages sent in anger often become evidence later. Daniel explains why thoughtful emails and structured communication tools can make a significant difference. Focus on influence—not percentages. Great parenting isn't measured only by the number of overnight visits. What matters most is the quality of your relationship with your children. Resources MentionedDivorce Crash Course Avoid the biggest mistakes people make before, during, and after divorce. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course OurFamilyWizard The co-parenting communication tool trusted by attorneys, judges, and mental health professionals. Use our exclusive discount and save 20% on your first year. (Direct link in the show notes.) Free Divorce Guide Download our FREE guide: The 5 Divorce Mistakes That...
	Divorce and Children: The Parenting Mistakes That Can Increase Your Child's Anxiety	26 Jun 2026	00:18:26
Divorce and Children: The Parenting Mistakes That Can Increase Your Child's Anxiety \| Featuring Retired Judge Michele Lowrance 🎧 Divorce Crash Course – Save Thousands Before You Make a Costly Mistake Before you spend thousands on attorney's fees or make decisions you'll regret, check out our Divorce Crash Course. Learn how to: Avoid the biggest divorce mistakes Save money on attorney's fees Understand the divorce process Protect your children Make smarter legal and financial decisions Typically priced at $150, available now for just $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 Get instant access: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Episode Description Can one decision during your divorce impact your child's anxiety for years? According to retired Cook County Judge, mediator, and family law pioneer Michele Lowrance, the answer is yes. In this powerful episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and Morgan Stogsdill sit down with Judge Lowrance to discuss the divorce behaviors that can unintentionally hurt children, why high-conflict litigation can have lasting emotional consequences, and how parents can begin making more child-centered decisions—even when divorce feels impossible. Andrea also shares something deeply personal: the parenting mistakes she made during her own divorce, what she wishes she had done differently, and why perfection isn't the goal—awareness is. Whether you're in the middle of a custody dispute, considering mediation, or simply trying to protect your children through divorce, this episode offers practical perspective and hope. In This Episode You'll Learn: The biggest divorce behaviors that increase children's anxiety Why fighting over parenting time isn't always about the schedule What "Heroic Parenting" actually means How parental conflict affects children long after the divorce is finalized Why mediation can protect your children in ways court often cannot The difference between putting your children first and protecting your own ego Why learning to let go benefits both you and your children How one parent can begin changing the family dynamic—even if the other parent won't About Michele Lowrance Michele Lowrance is a retired Cook County Domestic Relations Judge, mediator, author of The Good Karma Divorce, and one of the nation's leading voices on family-centered divorce and mediation. After decades practicing family law and serving on the bench, she continues helping families navigate divorce with less conflict and more compassion. Resources Mentioned The Good Karma Divorce by Michele Lowrance Divorce Crash Course Our Family Wizard- Click here to save 20%! Connect With Us 🌐 Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com 📱 Follow us on social media for daily divorce support, legal tips, and encouragement. @hownottosuckatdivorce 💬 Join our free private divorce community for support from thousands of people navigating divorce. join here! ⭐ If this episode helped you, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your review helps other people find support during one of the hardest seasons of their lives. Rate us here! Keywords divorce podcast, divorce and children, child custody, co-parenting, divorce mediation, parenting after divorce, protecting children during divorce, high conflict divorce, family law, child anxiety after divorce, divorce advice, custody disputes, Michele Lowrance, divorce help, divorce support, parenting through divorce
	Divorce: What to Do When Your Entire Life Feels Out of Control	24 Jun 2026	00:09:42
The Divorce "to do" list will kill you. 🎧 Divorce Crash Course: Avoid Costly Mistakes Before They Happen Link to the Divorce Meditations waitlist: click me! Thinking about divorce? Already in the middle of one? Our Divorce Crash Course gives you the information we wish everyone had before they started the process. Learn how to: Avoid expensive legal mistakes Protect yourself financially Create better custody agreements Navigate the divorce process with more confidence Make informed decisions instead of emotional ones Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and SoberLink. Get instant access here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course When you're going through a divorce, people love to tell you to "take it one day at a time." Helpful? Maybe. Annoying? Absolutely. Because when you're hurting, you don't want to take it one day at a time. You want answers. You want certainty. You want to know how this ends, whether your kids will be okay, whether you're making the right decisions, and when you'll finally feel like yourself again. In this mini episode, Andrea talks about why the urge to solve everything immediately is completely normal—and why trying to predict every possible outcome may actually be making your anxiety worse. She also shares a simple exercise you can use today to help quiet the mental chaos and focus on what actually matters right now. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why uncertainty feels so unbearable during divorce The difference between being informed and obsessing over every possible outcome Why you don't need your entire future figured out today How trying to predict every legal scenario can fuel anxiety The three things you can stop trying to solve right now A simple exercise to help you regain a sense of control Why surviving today is sometimes enough Andrea's Three-Thing Exercise When everything feels overwhelming, write down: ✔ One thing for your divorce ✔ One thing for your life ✔ One thing for yourself That's it. Not twenty things. Not fifty things. Just three manageable actions that help you move forward without carrying the weight of every possible future all at once. Divorce Meditation Series – Join the Priority Access List We're putting the finishing touches on a guided meditation series created specifically for people navigating divorce, anxiety, uncertainty, custody stress, and emotional overwhelm. These short, practical meditations are designed to help calm your nervous system, quiet racing thoughts, and get through the hardest moments of divorce. Join the Priority Access List and be the first to know when they're released. Link to the Divorce Meditations waitlist: click me! Connect With Us Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Facebook Group: How Not to Suck at Divorce Instagram: www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce If This Episode Helped You... Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your support helps more people find the information, resources, and encouragement they need during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuck Remember: Divorce is a marathon, not a sprint. You don't have to solve your entire future today. Link to the Divorce Meditations waitlist: click me! divorce anxiety, divorce stress, divorce overwhelm, coping with divorce, divorce emotional support, divorce uncertainty, divorce mindset, surviving divorce, divorce tips, divorce podcast, custody stress, divorce help, divorce recovery.
	Divorce and the Stay-at-Home Parent: How to Leave an Unhappy Marriage When You Don't Have Your Own Income	19 Jun 2026	00:30:18
Stay-at-Home Parent and Divorce: How to Leave an Unhappy Marriage When You Don't Have Your Own Income Thinking about divorce is hard. Thinking about divorce when you're a stay-at-home parent can feel impossible. How do you afford an attorney? What happens if your spouse controls the finances? Will you have to go back to work immediately? What if you've been out of the workforce for years? First, get your hands on the $50 Divorce Crash Course to save money on your divorce process. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and top family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill tackle one of the most common concerns we hear in our community: how stay-at-home parents can prepare for divorce without letting fear take over. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, stay-at-home dad, or the primary parent managing the household, this episode will help you understand your options, your value, and the practical steps you can take right now to prepare for your next chapter. In This Episode Why stay-at-home parents often feel trapped in unhappy marriages The biggest misconceptions about divorce and stay-at-home parenting How to afford a divorce attorney when you don't have your own income Why gathering financial documents is one of the most important first steps What attorneys look at when evaluating maintenance and alimony How education, training, and work history impact divorce outcomes Whether you should go back to work before filing for divorce What to do if your spouse controls the finances How fear causes stay-at-home parents to underestimate their value Why information is the key to making better divorce decisions Ways to start generating income before and during divorce How OurFamilyWizard can help co-parents stay organized Key Takeaways ✔️ Being a stay-at-home parent does not make you less valuable in a divorce. ✔️ The work you do inside the home has real value, even if it doesn't come with a paycheck. ✔️ Every divorce case is different, which is why getting legal advice early is critical. ✔️ Gathering financial documents now can save you time, money, and stress later. ✔️ Fear often makes stay-at-home parents feel powerless—but information creates confidence. ✔️ There are often more options available than you realize. ✔️ Divorce is a marathon, not a sprint. ✔️ You do not have to have everything figured out before taking the next step. If You're Thinking About Divorce One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming they need to have a complete plan before speaking with an attorney. You don't. You simply need enough information to understand your options. The sooner you start learning about the divorce process, your finances, and your legal rights, the sooner you'll be able to make decisions from a place of confidence instead of fear. Our Family Wizard Check them out- they are a resource that is here to help you make coparenting easier. You can save 20% on your essentials package here: www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20 Divorce Crash Course If you're considering divorce—or you're already in the middle of one—the Divorce Crash Course was created for you. Learn how divorce works, what mistakes to avoid, how to save money on attorney fees, how to protect your finances, and how to make smarter decisions throughout the process. Typically priced at $150, available now for just $50 thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and SoberLink. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Connect With Us Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hownottosuckatdivorce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce Subscribe for new episodes every week covering divorce, co-parenting, child custody, mediation, family law, emotional healing, high-conflict relationships, and practical strategies to help you get through divorce with less stress, less fear, and more confidence. #DivorcePodcast #StayAtHomeMomDivorce #StayAtHomeDadDivorce #DivorceAdvice #ChildCustody #Alimony #Maintenance #DivorceSupport #CoParenting #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce
	Divorce: The Fear Keeping You Stuck (And How to Break Free)	17 Jun 2026	00:11:03
Fear Is the Quiet Devil in Divorce (Here's How to Stop Letting It Run the Show) Divorce is scary. Not because every fear is true, but because fear has a way of convincing us that the worst-case scenario is right around the corner. In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport explores why fear becomes one of the most powerful forces during the divorce process—and how you can stop it from controlling your decisions. *Get The $50 Divorce Crash Course.* Drawing on insights about nervous system regulation, anxiety, and personal experience, Andrea explains why confidence doesn't come from feeling fearless. It comes from collecting evidence that you can do hard things and survive them. If you're feeling overwhelmed by attorney consultations, difficult conversations, legal decisions, or uncertainty about the future, this episode will help you understand how fear works—and how to move forward anyway. In This Episode Why fear becomes so powerful during divorce How your nervous system learns through evidence, not reassurance The connection between confidence and small wins Why tackling smaller fears helps prepare you for bigger challenges How knowledge and information reduce anxiety The role of curiosity in overcoming fear Why waiting is one of the hardest parts of divorce How catastrophic thinking keeps you stuck The surprising benefits of positive daydreaming How to calm your brain before making important decisions Key Takeaways ✔️ Fear loses power when you gather evidence that you can handle difficult situations. ✔️ Confidence is built through action, not certainty. ✔️ Small challenges train your nervous system to tolerate bigger ones. ✔️ Knowledge reduces fear because uncertainty fuels anxiety. ✔️ Divorce decisions are easier when your nervous system is regulated. ✔️ Catastrophizing is a habit—not a prediction. ✔️ You are allowed to imagine positive outcomes too. ✔️ Calm first. Then apply the tools. A Practical Exercise Think about one thing you're afraid of during your divorce. Now don't tackle that thing first. Instead, ask yourself: What's one smaller thing I can do today that feels slightly uncomfortable but manageable? Maybe it's: Scheduling an attorney consultation Posting in a support group Asking a question you've been avoiding Completing paperwork you've been putting off Setting a small boundary Every action becomes evidence. And evidence creates confidence. Divorce Doesn't Require Fearlessness You do not have to become fearless to get through divorce. You only need enough evidence to remind yourself: "I've survived 100% of the difficult things I've faced so far." You can survive this too. Divorce Crash Course Looking for practical guidance, legal insights, and emotional support during divorce? Our Divorce Crash Course walks you through the biggest mistakes people make during divorce, how to save money on attorney fees, what to expect during the process, and how to make smarter decisions when emotions are running high. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50 thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and SoberLink. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Connect With Us Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hownottosuckatdivorce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce Subscribe for new episodes every week covering divorce, co-parenting, family law, emotional healing, high-conflict relationships, mediation, custody, and practical strategies to help you survive—and thrive—through divorce. #DivorceSupport #DivorcePodcast #DivorceRecovery #FearAndAnxiety #NervousSystemRegulation #DivorceHelp #CoParenting #EmotionalHealing #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce #DivorceAdvice
	Divorce and The Biggest Mediation Mistakes to Avoid with Mediator and Former Judge Hon. Michele Lowrance	12 Jun 2026	00:31:53
Biggest Mediation Mistakes to Avoid: After decades on the bench, retired Judge Michele Lowrance has seen firsthand what truly destroys families during divorce—and it isn't always what you think. Don't miss out on the $50 Divorce Crash Course In this powerful episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and Morgan L. Stogsdill sit down with the Honorable Michele Lowrance, retired domestic relations judge, nationally recognized mediator, author of The Good Karma Divorce, and one of the leading voices in family law and divorce mediation. Together, they explore why mediation is often a better path than litigation, what happens to families when conflict escalates into court battles, and how parents can protect their children while navigating one of life's most painful transitions. Judge Lowrance shares the science behind emotional decision-making, the impact of divorce conflict on children, why the right mediator can make or break your case, and how even high-conflict couples can find a path toward resolution. If you're preparing for mediation, considering litigation, or simply trying to make better decisions during your divorce, this episode is a must-listen. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why mediation is often a better alternative to courtroom litigation What happens to children when parents remain locked in conflict The emotional and neurological impact of divorce How fear, anger, and grief affect decision-making Why good people struggle during mediation The critical role of the mediator How to choose the right mediator for your divorce What to expect from the first mediation session Why high-conflict divorces can still benefit from mediation How to move from emotional reactions to thoughtful decisions The concept behind The Good Karma Divorce Key Takeaways ✔️ Divorce decisions made from anger often create long-term damage ✔️ Mediation allows families to move toward acceptance rather than remaining stuck in conflict ✔️ The right mediator should challenge, guide, and creatively problem-solve—not simply carry offers back and forth ✔️ Children are deeply affected by ongoing parental conflict ✔️ Emotional regulation is one of the most important skills during divorce ✔️ The first mediation offers are often difficult—but that doesn't mean mediation isn't working ✔️ You won't always feel the same way about your ex that you do today ✔️ Keeping your focus on the future can help you make better decisions now Three Action Steps from Michele Lowrance1. Don't Impose Your Agenda Before discussing a difficult topic with your co-parent, ask whether it's a good time for the conversation. Respect timing and create rules of engagement that reduce conflict. 2. Remember You Won't Always Feel This Way The emotions you're experiencing right now are real—but they won't last forever. Make decisions based on your future, not just your current pain. 3. Keep Your Eye on the Target Focus on healing, protecting your children, and moving forward. Don't try to navigate divorce alone—get the support you need. About Michele Lowrance Michele Lowrance is a retired Cook County Domestic Relations Judge, nationally recognized divorce mediator, author, and family law thought leader. She practiced family law for more than two decades before serving nearly twenty years on the bench and has dedicated her career to helping families resolve conflict with less trauma and more humanity. Her book, The Good Karma Divorce, explores how individuals can emerge from divorce with dignity, healing, and purpose. Divorce Crash Course Thinking about divorce? Currently going through one? Our Divorce Crash Course walks you through the biggest mistakes people make during divorce, how to save money on attorney fees, what to expect during the process, and how to protect yourself legally and financially. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Resources 📘 The Good Karma Divorce by Michele Lowrance 👉 Our Family Wizard: https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 Soberlink: https://www.soberlink.com Connect With Us Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hownottosuckatdivorce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce Keywords: divorce mediation, Michele Lowrance, family law mediation, high conflict divorce, divorce and children, child-centered divorce, mediation vs litigation, divorce attorney advice, co-parenting, divorce support, family court, divorce podcast, divorce recovery, mediation tips, divorce strategy #DivorceMediation #MicheleLowrance #FamilyLaw #CoParenting #DivorcePodcast #DivorceSupport #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce #ChildCenteredDivorce #DivorceAdvice #FamilyCourt
	Divorce Mediation: Why Preparation Matters More than You Think (Mini Episode)	10 Jun 2026	00:11:31
Divorce Mediation: Why Preparation Matters More than you Think Most people approach divorce mediation with one thought: "I have to do this." But what if that's the wrong mindset? Make you check out the $50 Divorce Crash Course. In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport explains why mediation can actually be one of the most valuable opportunities you'll have during your divorce—and how proper preparation can save you time, money, stress, and frustration. Too many people walk into mediation without a clear strategy, without understanding what they want, and without discussing realistic outcomes with their attorney. The result? Missed opportunities, wasted time, and unnecessary conflict. Andrea breaks down exactly how to prepare for mediation, what questions to ask your attorney, and why mediation should be viewed as an opportunity to move closer to your goals—not just another frustrating step in the divorce process. This episode is sponsored by Worthy: the smarter way to sell your jewelry. Get started by heading to Worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your item sells for more than $1,500. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why mediation is often misunderstood during divorce The biggest mistake people make before mediation Why preparation is critical to successful mediation How to identify what you actually want from the process Creating a mediation strategy with your attorney Understanding realistic outcomes before you walk into the room How to anticipate what your spouse may ask for Why mediation can provide valuable information—even if no agreement is reached The importance of choosing the right mediator How mindset impacts divorce outcomes Key Takeaways ✔️ Mediation gives you more control than having a judge decide for you ✔️ Showing up unprepared can cost you valuable opportunities ✔️ You should clearly define your goals before mediation begins ✔️ Work with your attorney to develop a negotiation strategy ✔️ Ask your attorney for best-case, worst-case, and most likely outcomes ✔️ Even unsuccessful mediation can provide valuable information ✔️ Mindset matters—view mediation as an opportunity, not a punishment ✔️ The more prepared you are, the better positioned you'll be to advocate for yourself and your children Questions to Ask Your Attorney Before Mediation Is what I want realistic? What steps will help us get there? What do you think the other side is likely to ask for? What is the best-case scenario? What is the worst-case scenario? What is the most likely outcome? What concessions or "sweeteners" might help move negotiations forward? What should I expect during the mediation process? About the Hosts Andrea Rappaport is a comedian, marketer, divorce survivor, and co-host of How Not to Suck at Divorce. Through humor, honesty, and practical advice, Andrea helps people navigate divorce with more confidence and less fear. Morgan L. Stogsdill is Head of Family Law at Beermann LLP and brings legal insight and real-world family law experience to every episode. Divorce Crash Course Thinking about divorce? Currently going through one? Our Divorce Crash Course walks you through the biggest mistakes people make during divorce, how to save money on attorney fees, what to expect during the process, and how to protect yourself legally and financially. Typically priced at $150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Resources 👉 Our Family Wizard: https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20 👉 Soberlink: https://www.soberlink.com/dcc Connect With Us Website: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hownottosuckatdivorce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce Keywords: divorce mediation, divorce mediation tips, how to prepare for mediation, divorce attorney advice, divorce settlement, mediation preparation, family law mediation, custody mediation, divorce strategy, divorce negotiation, divorce podcast, family law, mediation process, divorce support #DivorceMediation #FamilyLaw #DivorceTips #CustodyMediation #DivorceStrategy #DivorcePodcast #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce #DivorceSupport #MediationPreparation #DivorceHelp Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago Mentioned in this episode: Smarter Way to Sell Your Jewelry After my divorce was finalized, I sold my old engagement ring to a jeweler — and honestly, I was stunned by how little I got for it compared to what it originally cost. If I could do it all over again — which is kind of the theme of this podcast — I would have sold it through Worthy. Worthy is a modern, smarter way to sell your jewelry online. Their process is incredibly easy: they cover shipping and insurance, professionally clean and photograph your jewelry, and have it graded by experts to help maximize its value. What makes Worthy different is that they create a competitive auction environment where buyers bid against each other for your piece — meaning they are motivated to help you get the highest price possible. It’s completely risk-free and honestly something I wish I had known about sooner. Get started today by heading to worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your jewelry sells for more than $1,500.
	Divorce Anxiety Relief: A 5-Minute Guided Meditation for When Everything Feels Like Too Much	05 Jun 2026	00:07:34
Divorce Anxiety Relief: A 5-Minute Guided Reset for When Everything Feels Like Too Much If you're listening to this episode, chances are something happened. Maybe you received a text from your ex. Maybe your attorney sent an email. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed by co-parenting, custody issues, financial stress, or simply the emotional weight of divorce. Or maybe nothing happened at all. Maybe you're just exhausted. In this special guided meditation episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport walks you through a simple but powerful exercise designed to help calm your nervous system, regulate overwhelming emotions, and get your brain back online when divorce anxiety starts to take over. When we're triggered during divorce, our brains often convince us that every problem needs to be solved immediately. This guided reset helps you slow down, reconnect with the present moment, and remember one important truth: Your feelings are real. But they are not emergencies. Whether you're experiencing divorce anxiety, panic, sadness, anger, overwhelm, or emotional exhaustion, this episode is designed to help you pause, breathe, and regain perspective. Save this episode and come back to it anytime you need a reset. In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ How to calm your nervous system during divorce stress ✅ Why emotional overwhelm can make it difficult to think clearly ✅ A simple grounding exercise to reduce anxiety ✅ How to stop spiraling thoughts during divorce ✅ Why your feelings are real—but not emergencies ✅ How to regulate your emotions before responding to a triggering text or email ✅ Practical techniques for staying present during difficult moments ✅ How to focus on the next hour instead of the next year Timestamps (00:00) Welcome and emotional reset (01:00) Why your feelings are not emergencies (02:15) Understanding divorce anxiety and spiraling thoughts (03:30) Grounding exercise: 5 things you can see (04:15) Grounding exercise: touch and sound awareness (05:15) Why your divorce is not your identity (06:20) Focusing on the next hour instead of the next year (07:10) Guided affirmations for divorce recovery (08:20) Final breathing exercise and encouragement Key Takeaways 🔹 Divorce anxiety can make ordinary problems feel like emergencies 🔹 Emotional regulation helps you make better decisions during divorce 🔹 Grounding exercises can quickly calm an activated nervous system 🔹 Your divorce is something you're experiencing—not who you are 🔹 Healing happens one regulated moment at a time 🔹 You do not have to solve your entire divorce today About the Hosts Andrea Rappaport is a comedian, marketer, divorce survivor, and co-host of How Not to Suck at Divorce. Through humor, honesty, and practical tools, Andrea helps people navigate divorce with more clarity, confidence, and hope. Morgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country and brings practical legal insight to every episode. Divorce Crash Course Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Resources 🎧 Need this reset in video format? Watch here: https://youtu.be/S5cjebeOvBY 👉 Our Family Wizard https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 Soberlink https://www.soberlink.com Keywords: divorce anxiety relief, divorce meditation, guided meditation for divorce, divorce stress, divorce overwhelm, divorce panic, emotional regulation, divorce healing, divorce recovery, co-parenting stress, nervous system regulation, anxiety relief, divorce support, life after divorce, divorce podcast #DivorceAnxiety #DivorceMeditation #DivorceRecovery #EmotionalHealing #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce #DivorceSupport #GuidedMeditation #AnxietyRelief #LifeAfterDivorce #CoParenting
	Divorce: How to Handle the Rejection When You Didn't Want the Divorce	03 Jun 2026	00:20:22
*Link to the Guided Meditation for Divorce Anxiety How Not to Suck at Divorce YouTube Divorce: How to Handle the Rejection When You Didn't Want the Divorce Divorce is painful no matter what. But when you're not the one who wanted it? It can feel like so much more than a life change. It can feel like rejection. In this heartfelt mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and Morgan Stogsdill tackle one of the most painful—and least discussed—parts of divorce: being the spouse who didn't want the marriage to end. But first- Don't miss out on our Divorce Crash Course. It's $50 for a limited time. Get it now to save thousands on your divorce. Why does being left hurt so much? Why do so many people immediately assume they're not enough? And how can that emotional pain quietly derail your divorce case, cost you money, and keep you stuck chasing answers you'll never get? This episode is sponsored by Worthy: the smarter way to sell your jewelry. Get started by heading to Worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your item sells for more than $1,500. Andrea and Morgan break down what happens to your brain when you're blindsided by divorce, why rejection often feels personal even when it isn't, and how to keep heartbreak from driving legal decisions. Plus, Andrea shares a simple but powerful tool that helped her survive some of her darkest divorce days: the "scheduled meltdown." In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ Why divorce rejection feels so personal ✅ What happens to your brain when you're blindsided ✅ Why people often treat divorce like evidence against themselves ✅ How emotional pain can lead to expensive legal mistakes ✅ The difference between grieving a person and grieving a future ✅ Why family court cannot provide emotional closure ✅ How heartbreak can derail settlement negotiations and mediation ✅ The legal risks of making decisions from a place of hurt ✅ Andrea's "scheduled meltdown" technique for emotional regulation ✅ How to get your brain back online when emotions take over Timestamps (00:00) Why divorce feels like rejection when you didn't want it (03:16) The emotional conclusions people make after being left (04:20) How rejection can derail your divorce strategy (05:21) You're not really fighting about the house (06:33) Grieving the future you thought you would have (07:07) Why legal deadlines don't stop for heartbreak (08:17) The expensive trap of chasing closure (10:12) Morgan's cautionary tale about "Chad" and emotional decision-making (12:02) The opposite problem: fighting every battle out of anger (13:30) Separating emotion from legal strategy (14:00) Andrea's "scheduled meltdown" exercise (16:33) How to release emotions without sabotaging your case (18:18) Why this divorce is only one episode in your story Key Takeaways 🔹 Being left by your spouse does not mean you're unworthy of love 🔹 Divorce often triggers emotional conclusions that are not based in reality 🔹 Chasing closure through the legal system rarely works 🔹 The court can divide assets and parenting time, but it cannot heal rejection 🔹 Emotional decisions can dramatically increase the cost of divorce 🔹 Healing starts when you stop letting one person's decision define your value 🔹 You can feel your feelings without letting them drive the bus About the Hosts Andrea Rappaport is a comedian, marketer, and divorce survivor dedicated to helping people avoid costly divorce mistakes while finding hope on the other side. Morgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country and helps listeners navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and practical legal guidance. Divorce Crash Course Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Join Our Free Community 👉 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Resources 👉 Our Family Wizard https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 Soberlink https://www.soberlink.com Keywords: divorce rejection, blindsided divorce, spouse wanted divorce, coping with divorce, emotional divorce recovery, divorce grief, divorce healing, divorce support, family court, divorce mediation, divorce podcast, high conflict divorce, emotional regulation, divorce anxiety, divorce heartbreak, life after divorce #Divorce #DivorceRecovery #DivorceSupport #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce #BlindsidedDivorce #DivorceHealing #LifeAfterDivorce #CoParenting #FamilyLaw #EmotionalHealing Mentioned in this episode: Smarter Way to Sell Your Jewelry After my divorce was finalized, I sold my old engagement ring to a jeweler — and honestly, I was stunned by how little I got for it compared to what it originally cost. If I could do it all over again — which is kind of the theme of this podcast — I would have sold it through Worthy. Worthy is a modern, smarter way to sell your jewelry online. Their process is incredibly easy: they cover shipping and insurance, professionally clean and photograph your jewelry, and have it graded by experts to help maximize its value. What makes Worthy different is that they create a competitive auction environment where buyers bid against each other for your piece — meaning they are motivated to help you get the highest price possible. It’s completely risk-free and honestly something I wish I had known about sooner. Get started today by heading to worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your jewelry sells for more than $1,500.
	Divorce and AI: The Smartest Ways (and Most Dangerous Ways) to Use ChatGPT During Divorce	29 May 2026	00:35:01
People are already using AI during divorce whether attorneys like it or not. They’re asking ChatGPT to: analyze texts from their ex explain legal documents help write co-parenting responses build parenting schedules organize timelines prepare for mediation and sometimes… emotionally spiral at 2am This episode is sponsored by Worthy: the smarter way to sell your jewelry. Get started by heading to Worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your item sells for more than $1,500. So where’s the line between using AI strategically and using it in a way that could quietly damage your case? Leave us a review! 👉 Before you make expensive divorce mistakes, grab the Divorce Crash Course — typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. In this incredibly timely episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and Morgan Stogsdill are joined by Texas family law attorney Reagan Riddle to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing divorce, co-parenting, communication, and even courtroom strategy. From using AI to reduce attorney fees and improve organization to the dangers of emotional validation, legal misinformation, and AI-fueled conflict, this episode explores the smartest — and most dangerous — ways people are using ChatGPT during divorce. If you’ve wondered whether AI can help you survive divorce more strategically… this episode is for you. In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ The smartest ways to use AI during divorce ✅ Why ChatGPT should never replace an attorney ✅ How AI can help organize timelines and legal documents ✅ Using AI to improve co-parenting communication ✅ Why emotionally reactive people can misuse AI ✅ The dangers of AI-generated legal confidence ✅ Whether judges can tell when communication sounds AI-generated ✅ How AI can potentially lower divorce costs ✅ Why AI should help you think clearer — not spiral harder ✅ The ethical and emotional risks of relying too heavily on AI during divorce Timestamps (00:00) Why people are already using AI during divorce (01:48) Meet Reagan Riddle and the changing world of family law (03:02) The smartest ways clients are using ChatGPT (05:14) Can AI help explain legal documents? (07:21) Using AI to organize evidence, timelines, and communication (09:40) The dangers of AI-generated legal certainty (12:06) Why AI can accidentally fuel emotional spiraling (14:32) Can ChatGPT help improve co-parenting communication? (16:28) The pros and cons of AI-generated responses (18:54) Whether judges can recognize AI-generated messaging (21:12) The emotional danger of over-relying on AI validation (24:17) Using AI strategically to reduce attorney fees (27:41) The most unhinged things people are probably asking ChatGPT during divorce (30:06) Why AI should help you become more organized — not more obsessive (33:11) Final advice for using AI responsibly during divorce Key Takeaways 🔹 AI can be a powerful organizational and communication tool during divorce 🔹 ChatGPT is useful for clarity and preparation — but not legal advice 🔹 Emotional validation from AI can sometimes increase conflict and obsession 🔹 Using AI strategically may help reduce attorney fees and improve communication 🔹 Divorce decisions still require human judgment, emotional regulation, and professional guidance 🔹 The goal of AI during divorce should be helping you think clearer — not react harder About the Hosts Morgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing practical legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian, marketer, and divorce survivor who shares honest, relatable conversations to help people navigate divorce with more clarity and confidence. About the Guest Reagan Riddle is an Equity Partner at Armstrong Divorce and Family Law in Texas and is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Reagan focuses exclusively on family law and is known for her strategic, detail-oriented approach to helping clients navigate complex and emotionally difficult divorce matters. Resources 👉 Divorce Crash Course https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 OurFamilyWizard https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 Soberlink https://www.soberlink.com 👉 Learn More About Reagan Riddle Armstrong Divorce & Family Law - Reagan Riddle AI and divorce, ChatGPT divorce advice, using AI during divorce, co-parenting communication, AI and family law, divorce strategy, high conflict divorce, divorce technology, ChatGPT and co-parenting, divorce attorney advice, family court tips, emotional regulation during divorce, AI communication tools, divorce podcast #DivorceAdvice #ChatGPT #AIandDivorce #FamilyLaw #CoParenting #DivorceSupport #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce #DivorcePodcast #EmotionalRegulation
	Divorce Manipulation: How to "Out-Manipulate" the Manipulator	22 May 2026	00:42:09
Manipulation during divorce can make you feel like you’re constantly reacting, constantly defending yourself, and constantly emotionally exhausted. One minute you’re calm… and the next, you’re spiraling because your ex sent another manipulative text, guilt-inducing email, or chaotic late-night message. So how do you stop the cycle? 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. This episode is sponsored by Worthy: the smarter way to sell your jewelry. Get started by heading to Worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your item sells for more than $1,500. In this incredibly practical and eye-opening episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea and Morgan are joined by critically acclaimed New York divorce attorney Lois Liberman to break down exactly how manipulators operate during divorce—and how to stop feeding the chaos. *Please leave our show a review! www.ratethispodcast.com/notsuck* From emotional vampires and coercive control to OurFamilyWizard communication strategies, BIFF responses, AI-assisted co-parenting communication, and courtroom credibility, this episode gives actionable tools for anyone feeling emotionally hijacked by a manipulative spouse during divorce. If you’re dealing with high conflict divorce, narcissistic behavior, emotional manipulation, or constant chaos during co-parenting communication, this conversation is a must-listen. In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ Why manipulators thrive on emotional reactions during divorce ✅ How to stop feeding the chaos and regain emotional control ✅ Why viewing divorce like a business transaction changes everything ✅ The best way to communicate with a manipulative ex ✅ How OurFamilyWizard can help document high conflict behavior ✅ Why emotional responses can damage your credibility in court ✅ How to use BIFF communication during co-parenting conflict ✅ Why boundaries are critical during high conflict divorce ✅ How AI tools like ChatGPT can help refine co-parenting communication ✅ Why realistic expectations matter during family court disputes 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Timestamps (00:00) How manipulators create chaos during divorce (01:26) Meet Lois Liberman and why manipulation is all about control (02:03) Why emotional reactions fuel manipulators (03:47) The “toilet bowl effect” and getting sucked into chaos (04:48) Why people struggle to stop reacting emotionally (05:29) The power of documentation and OurFamilyWizard (07:02) Why emotional emails can hurt your divorce case (08:23) Chad and Brenda: how manipulation destroys credibility (10:35) Setting boundaries with emotional vampires (11:42) Why your ex no longer controls your time (12:54) The myth of “winning” in divorce (16:22) Morgan’s strategy for out-manipulating a manipulator (18:20) Why chaos prevents good decision-making (20:02) Using AI and BIFF communication during divorce (21:27) Running co-parenting messages through AI for perspective (22:05) The real way to out-manipulate a manipulator (23:04) Thinking long-term instead of emotionally reacting (25:04) Why parents often confuse their needs with their child’s needs (27:48) The two biggest ways clients can save money during divorce (30:46) Why realistic expectations matter in family court (33:52) Lois’ advice for staying calm and emotionally detached (35:58) Why boring responses are often the most powerful (37:04) Understanding why manipulators escalate during divorce (39:14) Drawing the line in the sand and taking your power back Key Takeaways 🔹 Manipulators rely on emotional reactions to maintain control 🔹 The best way to out-manipulate a manipulator is to stop reacting emotionally 🔹 High conflict communication can seriously damage courtroom credibility 🔹 Boundaries and delayed responses reduce chaos and emotional escalation 🔹 Divorce cases are built on facts, evidence, and strategy—not emotional explosions 🔹 Tools like OurFamilyWizard, BIFF communication, timelines, and AI can help reduce conflict and improve communication About the Hosts Morgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. About the Guest Lois Liberman is a nationally recognized New York divorce attorney at Blank Rome LLP known for handling high-profile family law cases and complex divorce litigation. She has represented celebrities, executives, and high-net-worth individuals while helping clients navigate emotionally difficult divorces with strategy, clarity, and strength. Resources: 👉 Divorce Crash Course hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 Soberlink soberlink.com/dcc 👉 How to Hire the Right Attorney Guide hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides high conflict divorce, manipulation during divorce, narcissistic spouse divorce, emotional manipulation, coercive control, co-parenting communication, OurFamilyWizard, BIFF communication, divorce strategy, family court advice, divorce lawyer tips, divorce support, divorce podcast, emotional regulation during divorce #DivorceAdvice #HighConflictDivorce #CoParenting #FamilyLaw #NarcissisticAbuse #OurFamilyWizard #DivorceSupport #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce
	Divorce, Stepparents, and the Emotional Reality No One Talks About	20 May 2026	00:11:19
Nobody really prepares you for the moment your ex moves on romantically. You may think you’re okay… until suddenly there’s another person around your children, sitting at school events, helping with bedtime routines, or becoming part of your kids’ everyday lives. And that can feel incredibly painful. 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. This episode is sponsored by Worthy: the smarter way to sell your jewelry. Get started by heading to Worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your item sells for more than $1,500. Leave us a review! We'll love you forever. In this emotional and deeply relatable mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea reads a powerful passage from Stacey Freeman’s book I Bought My Husband’s Mistress Lingerie and opens up a conversation many divorced parents quietly struggle with: how to cope when your ex’s new partner becomes part of your children’s lives. From feelings of anger, betrayal, jealousy, and grief to the complicated reality of protecting your children emotionally while processing your own pain, this episode explores the emotional complexity of co-parenting after divorce when new relationships enter the picture. If you’re struggling with your ex moving on, step-parent dynamics, or navigating the emotional impact of another adult entering your children’s world, this conversation will make you feel far less alone. In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ Why it feels so emotionally difficult when your ex moves on romantically ✅ How children are impacted when a new partner enters the family dynamic ✅ The emotional reality of step-parent relationships after divorce ✅ Why all of your feelings—anger, sadness, jealousy, resentment—are valid ✅ The difference between private feelings and public reactions around your children ✅ How radical acceptance can help during painful transitions after divorce ✅ Why protecting your children emotionally matters more than “winning” emotionally 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Timestamps (00:00) The emotional shock of your ex moving on (00:41) Stacey Freeman’s story and the affair that led to divorce (02:10) Reading from I Bought My Husband’s Mistress Lingerie (03:08) “We Welcome With Love, Our New Step Monster” (04:44) The complicated emotions children feel about stepparents (05:53) Why hating the new partner ultimately hurts everyone (06:40) The painful reality of accepting a new person in your children’s lives (07:13) Why your feelings are still completely valid (07:54) Radical acceptance after divorce and co-parenting (08:39) Why your children need emotional safety during transitions (09:36) Divorce is a marathon, not a sprint Key Takeaways 🔹 Your ex moving on romantically can trigger grief, anger, fear, and emotional overwhelm 🔹 Children often struggle emotionally when a new partner enters the family system 🔹 You can validate your feelings without emotionally harming your children 🔹 Acceptance does not mean approval—it means acknowledging reality 🔹 Co-parenting after divorce often requires emotional flexibility and maturity, even when it’s painful About the Hosts Morgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. Resources: 👉 Divorce Crash Course hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 Soberlink 👉 Get more support hownottosuckatdivorce.com ex moving on after divorce, stepparent relationships, divorce and children, co-parenting after divorce, affair recovery, emotional healing after divorce, new girlfriend after divorce, stepmom dynamics, blended family challenges, divorce grief, high conflict co-parenting, divorce support podcast #DivorceAdvice #CoParenting #StepParenting #DivorceHealing #LifeAfterDivorce #BlendedFamily #DivorceSupport #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce
	Divorcing an Attorney, CEO, or Powerful Spouse: What You Need to Know	15 May 2026	00:30:52
Divorcing someone who feels smarter, wealthier, more connected, or more powerful than you can feel incredibly intimidating. Whether your spouse is an attorney, business owner, CEO, doctor, or high-income professional, many people enter divorce already convinced they are going to lose. But here’s the truth: powerful does not mean invincible. 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. This episode is sponsored by Worthy: the smarter way to sell your jewelry. Get started by heading to Worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your item sells for more than $1,500. In this empowering and strategy-packed episode, Andrea and Morgan break down how to navigate divorce when your spouse seems to “know the system” better than you do. From intimidation tactics and financial manipulation to legal jargon and emotional pressure, they explain how powerful spouses often create fear to gain leverage—and what you can do to protect yourself. Morgan shares real stories from divorce cases involving CEOs and high-level professionals, explains why judges are not automatically impressed by wealth or status, and reveals how experts, preparation, and education can completely shift the power dynamic in your divorce. If you’ve ever felt emotionally overwhelmed, financially intimidated, or terrified of going up against a powerful spouse in divorce court, this episode is for you. In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ Why powerful spouses often use fear and intimidation during divorce ✅ Why attorneys and CEOs are not automatically favored in family court ✅ How to stop emotionally surrendering before the divorce even begins ✅ Why preparation and education beat panic every time ✅ How financial experts and attorneys can protect you from manipulation ✅ What to do if your spouse controls the money or uses legal jargon to intimidate you ✅ Why highly successful people are often worse witnesses than they realize ✅ How to rebuild confidence when you feel completely overwhelmed during divorce 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Timestamps (00:00) Divorcing someone who “knows the system” (01:42) Andrea’s Wayfair obsession and post-divorce decorating (03:56) Why powerful spouses create fear during divorce (05:00) Why attorneys often struggle emotionally in their own divorces (06:34) What to do if your spouse knows more than you (07:09) Stop underestimating yourself during divorce (10:08) Chad and Brenda: the CEO divorce story (11:35) Why outside experts can change the power dynamic (13:13) Divorcing a business owner or financially savvy spouse (14:04) Why powerful people are often bad witnesses in court (15:19) Why courts are drawn to authenticity over arrogance (17:17) How manipulative spouses isolate and pressure their ex (18:41) Why fear and manipulation increase during divorce (20:58) Why boundaries matter when your spouse pressures you (22:44) What to do if your spouse says “you’ll never win against me” (24:07) What happens if your spouse controls all the money (25:16) How to handle legal jargon and intimidation tactics (27:13) Why judges don’t automatically favor powerful people (28:06) The most dangerous thing is believing you have no power Key Takeaways 🔹 Wealth, status, and professional success do not make someone invincible in divorce court 🔹 Fear and intimidation are often used strategically during divorce negotiations 🔹 Preparation, education, and expert support can completely shift the power dynamic 🔹 Judges and attorneys are often more persuaded by credibility and authenticity than status 🔹 The biggest mistake you can make is emotionally surrendering before the process even begins About the Hosts Morgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. Resources: 👉 Divorce Crash Course hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 Soberlink www.soberlink.com/dcc 👉 How to Hire the Right Attorney Guide hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides divorcing a CEO, divorcing an attorney, powerful spouse divorce, high conflict divorce, divorce intimidation tactics, financial manipulation divorce, divorce strategy, divorce lawyer advice, divorcing a business owner, family court strategy, divorce help, divorce support #DivorceAdvice #HighConflictDivorce #FamilyLaw #DivorceStrategy #DivorceHelp #DivorcingANarcissist #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce #DivorceSupport
	Divorce Attorneys: Should You Hire a Shark? What No One Else Will Tell You..	13 May 2026	00:09:57
Should You Hire a “Shark” Divorce Attorney? Here’s What No One Tells You When you’re preparing for a difficult divorce, it’s tempting to think you need the most aggressive divorce lawyer money can buy. A “pit bull.” A “shark.” Someone who promises to destroy your ex in court. But is hiring a shark divorce attorney actually the smartest strategy—or one of the most expensive mistakes you can make? 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters, Our Family Wizard and Soberlink. This episode is sponsored by Worthy: the smarter way to sell your jewelry. Get started by heading to Worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your item sells for more than $1,500. In this brutally honest mini episode, Andrea and Morgan break down the truth about so-called “shark” divorce attorneys and why aggressive litigation often creates more chaos, stress, and attorney’s fees than actual results. They explain the difference between a strategic divorce lawyer and an unreasonable one, why judges and opposing counsel hate unnecessary aggression, and how emotional clients often get manipulated into expensive legal battles that don’t improve their outcome. If you’re trying to hire the right divorce attorney and wondering whether “aggressive” really means effective, this episode is a must-listen. In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ Why “shark” divorce attorneys often cost clients more money ✅ The difference between aggressive litigation and smart legal strategy ✅ Why emotional clients are vulnerable to bad attorney fits ✅ How unreasonable attorneys create unnecessary chaos in divorce cases ✅ What judges really think about overly aggressive lawyers ✅ Why you should look for strategy—not intimidation ✅ The signs you may have hired the wrong divorce attorney 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Timestamps (00:00) Do you really need a shark divorce attorney? (01:06) Why Morgan cringes at the word “shark” (02:26) Why aggressive lawyers appeal to emotional clients (03:24) Why divorce court is not like the movies (03:45) How aggressive attorneys increase legal fees (04:06) The difference between a shark and a strategic attorney (05:12) Why modern family courts are moving away from litigation (05:58) What actually happens when a shark enters a divorce case (06:23) Why you need an attorney who disagrees with you sometimes (07:09) How aggressive attorneys emotionally manipulate clients (08:31) The real reason some attorneys love conflict (08:34) Why strategy beats intimidation every time Key Takeaways 🔹 The most aggressive divorce attorney is not always the most effective 🔹 Emotional decision-making often leads to expensive legal mistakes 🔹 Strategic attorneys focus on solutions, leverage, and long-term outcomes 🔹 Judges and opposing counsel typically dislike unnecessary aggression 🔹 A great attorney tells you the truth—not just what you want to hear About the Hosts Morgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. Resources: 👉 Divorce Crash Course hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 How to Hire the Right Attorney Guide hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck shark divorce attorney, aggressive divorce lawyer, how to hire a divorce attorney, divorce lawyer advice, strategic divorce attorney, divorce litigation, family court strategy, bad divorce attorney, high conflict divorce, divorce attorney red flags, divorce help, family law attorney #DivorceAdvice #DivorceAttorney #FamilyLaw #DivorceStrategy #HighConflictDivorce #DivorceHelp #DivorcePodcast #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce
	The Divorce Timeline Strategy: Win Your Case and Save Money in Attorney’s Fees	08 May 2026	00:29:07
One of the biggest mistakes people make during divorce is showing up emotionally overwhelmed and completely unorganized. If you want to save money on attorney’s fees, strengthen your divorce case, and stop wasting time reacting emotionally, you need one thing: a timeline. 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters. This episode is sponsored by Worthy: the smarter way to sell your jewelry. Get started by heading to Worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your item sells for more than $1,500. In this practical and eye-opening episode, Andrea and Morgan explain why organized clients get better legal outcomes—and why unprepared clients often lose cases and spend significantly more money. They break down exactly how to use a divorce timeline to organize evidence, support your legal claims, negotiate strategically, and communicate more efficiently with your attorney. From parenting disputes to financial dissipation claims, retirement accounts, vacation homes, and co-parenting app evidence, this episode explains how timelines help divorce attorneys build stronger cases while saving clients thousands in legal fees. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to organize your divorce, this episode gives you one of the most powerful practical tools you can use. In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ Why organized clients save money during divorce ✅ How timelines strengthen your divorce case ✅ The difference between facts and emotions in family court ✅ How to organize evidence for your attorney ✅ Why co-parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard matter in legal disputes ✅ How timelines help during negotiations and settlement discussions ✅ What types of evidence matter most in parenting and financial disputes ✅ How timelines help attorneys identify weak or unwinnable claims before wasting money 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Timestamps (00:00) Why unprepared divorce clients lose money and cases (01:03) Mercury retrograde and why everyone feels chaotic lately (03:50) The #1 divorce tool that saves money and helps you win your case (04:12) Why timelines matter in family court (05:41) The difference between facts and emotions in divorce (06:09) How OurFamilyWizard strengthens legal evidence (06:50) Why organized timelines save attorney’s fees (08:39) Breaking large divorce disputes into smaller timeline issues (09:59) Chad and Brenda’s summer house dispute explained (16:58) Using timelines for dissipation claims and affair-related spending (19:23) How attorneys use timelines strategically during negotiations (21:24) What a divorce timeline template actually looks like (24:19) Using timelines for retirement accounts and non-marital claims (26:01) Why keeping everything in one organized place matters (27:12) Why prepared clients are calmer clients Key Takeaways 🔹 Divorce cases are won with facts, evidence, and organization—not emotional arguments 🔹 Timelines help attorneys understand disputes quickly and strategically 🔹 Organized evidence can save thousands in attorney’s fees 🔹 Co-parenting apps, text messages, financial records, and calendars can strengthen legal claims 🔹 Prepared clients feel calmer, more empowered, and more in control throughout divorce About the Hosts Morgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. Resources: 👉 Divorce Crash Course hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 How to Hire the Right Attorney Guide hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides divorce timeline, divorce evidence organization, divorce attorney tips, how to save money in divorce, family court evidence, divorce preparation, divorce strategy, co-parenting app evidence, dissipation claim divorce, divorce financial evidence, OurFamilyWizard, divorce lawyer advice #DivorceAdvice #FamilyLaw #DivorceStrategy #DivorceHelp #DivorcePreparation #OurFamilyWizard #CoParenting #DivorcePodcast #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce
	Divorce Inspo: 5 Positive Surprises in Divorce	06 May 2026	00:14:39
The Happy Surprises in Divorce No One Talks About Divorce is painful, overwhelming, and emotionally brutal—but there are also surprising parts of the divorce process that can be unexpectedly healing, empowering, and even beautiful. If you’re in the thick of divorce and struggling to see beyond the pain, this episode offers a hopeful reminder that not every part of this journey is negative. 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters. This episode is sponsored by Worthy: the smarter way to sell your jewelry. Get started by heading to Worthy.com/divorcepod and lock in an extra $100 when your item sells for more than $1,500. In this honest and uplifting mini episode, Andrea shares the happy surprises in divorce that no one prepares you for. From the relief that often comes once the decision is made, to the unexpected ways divorce can improve your nervous system, parenting, confidence, and relationships, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what healing can actually look like during the divorce process. If you’re wondering whether life can ever feel good again after divorce, this episode is your reminder that while divorce may break you open—it can also rebuild you. In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ Why many people feel relief faster than expected after deciding to divorce ✅ How divorce can calm your nervous system in surprising ways ✅ Why you may become a more present and emotionally available parent ✅ How divorce reveals who your real support system is ✅ Why difficult life changes often build unexpected confidence ✅ How divorce forces you to discover your own capability and resilience ✅ Why some of the hardest seasons create the most growth 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Timestamps (00:00) Why no one talks about the happy surprises in divorce (01:05) Relief after finally deciding to divorce (03:02) How divorce can regulate your nervous system (06:15) Signs your body may be calming down after leaving (08:22) Why many people become better parents during divorce (10:17) Andrea’s story about parenting in a small apartment (13:02) How divorce reveals your real support system (15:16) The unexpected people who may show up for you (17:18) Why divorce builds confidence and resilience (19:00) Discovering how capable you truly are (21:08) Final encouragement for surviving the divorce marathon Key Takeaways 🔹 Divorce may bring relief faster than you expect once uncertainty is removed 🔹 Chronic marital stress can dysregulate your nervous system more than you realize 🔹 Many parents become more emotionally present after leaving an unhealthy marriage 🔹 Divorce often clarifies who your true support system is 🔹 Going through divorce can build confidence, resilience, and self-trust About the Hosts Morgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. Resources: 👉 Divorce Crash Course hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 How to Hire the Right Attorney Guide hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides happy surprises in divorce, life after divorce, divorce healing, divorce recovery, emotional healing after divorce, divorce support, divorce mindset, divorce confidence, surviving divorce, divorce encouragement, divorce podcast, how divorce changes you #DivorceAdvice #LifeAfterDivorce #DivorceHealing #DivorceSupport #DivorceRecovery #DivorceHelp #DivorcePodcast #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce

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