The Divorce Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Kate was joined by the Founder and Managing Director of NameSwitch, Cécile Mazuet-Eller, to discuss navigating name changes in relationships, separation, and divorce.

About the episode:

Kate and Cécile focus on why people choose to change their name following a change in relationship status, including the practical and emotional factors. Cécile deep-dives into what happens during a separation or divorce. She provides her tips and advice around when's the best time to do this, as well as common pitfalls. 
 
About our guest:

Having experienced first-hand the pain and frustration of navigating through the name-change maze after getting divorced, Cecile set up NameSwitch to help others blitz through their name-change and embrace their next life chapter with simple, affordable packages. NameSwitch is the first and only service in the UK to offer name-change notification as well as deed poll packages.

You can download NameSwitch's free name change checklist here and can find them on all social media channels, including; TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

To order a certified copy of your original decree absolute or final order, click here.

More resources:

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

#TheLegalBit

In this episode, Kate is joined by award-winning comedian, writer, and actress Harriet Kemsley to discuss her divorce.

About the episode:

In part two, Kate is joined by comedian Harriet Kemsley to talk about her marriage, separation, and divorce from fellow comedian Bobby Mair. Harriet talks about why Bobby and her separated, how they have managed to achieve an amicable separation, their child-centred co-parenting arrangements, and how they have navigated challenges during the process. 

About our guests:

Harriet Kemsley is an award-winning comedian, writer and actress. She has starred in the Viceland reality sitcom Bobby and Harriet: Get Married, which she co-created and co-wrote with her ex-husband, Bobby Mair, to huge critical acclaim. She can also be seen on Dave's Hypothetical, ITV's Hey Tracey, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, and is a recurring guest on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats. Her other credits include hosting the BBC Radio 4 Comedy Club, The Radio 1 Comedy Lounge, BBC3’s Comedy Marathon, The One Show (Edinburgh Special) and Kevin’s Hart’s LOL Live.

Harriet’s awards include the Leicester Mercury New Act of the Year Finalist, Funny’s Funny Winner, Up The Creek New Act of the Year Winning and Leicester Square New Act of the Year Finalist.  She has been described by Time Out as ‘a very funny rising star’ and as one of Rhod Gilbert’s ‘Ten Comics to See’ in the Mail on Sunday.

More resources:

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

#SeparationStories

In this episode, Kate is joined by clinical psychologist, Angharad Rudkin, and solicitor, mediator, and campaigner Helen Adam. 

About the episode:
 
Kate and Helen begin the episode by discussing the Family Solutions Group (FSG) and explaining the Right to Matter report.

They move on to discuss who in Government currently takes responsibility for children when parents separate. Helen explores some of the consultations' findings as well as the common questions that emerged from the UK Youth Parliament.

Later on in the episode, Kate and Angharad discuss how children and families are impacted during parental separation, whether divorce or separation impacts children’s mental health and to what extent. Also, they explore what this can look like day-to-day and what the key factors are that lead to significant impact.

Finally, Helen and Adam give their recommendations for further help and advice and the next steps for future reports and actions on the level of government.

About our guests:

Helen Adam started her work with separating families as a solicitor in London. Following a career break, she retrained as a mediator and founded Wells Family Mediation. Helen is also chair of the Family Solutions Group (FSG). The FSG presses for coordinated political oversight and funding for separated families. We’ve previously recorded an episode on language with Helen, so make sure to have a listen. 

Dr Angharad Rudkin is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience of working with children and families to discuss divorce and separation from the perspective of children.

Angharad is also an expert for the Metro's relationship column, offers training and consultation for family lawyers and worked as a lecturer on the Clinical Psychology doctorate at the University of Southampton for 12 years.

Angharad was a consulting editor for ‘101 Questions Answered about Separating with Children’ and has recently published a book for children on how to cope with their parent’s divorce, The Split Survival Kit, written with children’s author Ruth Fitzgerald.

We’ve also recorded an episode with Angharad in the past which is number 57 if you would like to have a listen.

More resources:

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

#TheLegalBit

In this episode, Kate is joined by Petra Velzboer and Gareth Jones to discuss mental health in the workplace after divorce.

About the episode:

The breakdown of a relationship is tough and putting a brave face on at work or using work as distraction is the default position for many people. Recent research revealed that a staggering 1 in 10 people leave their job after a divorce or separation and 56% of employees say their work could do more to support them with mental health struggles. In this episode, Kate and her guests discuss what can be done in the work place to look after people's mental health generally and when navigating difficult life moments like a break-up.

Please note: this episode was recorded before the introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales, and may mention the previous legal system. For accurate information on the legal process of divorce, please visit amicable.co.uk 

About our guests:

Petra’s expertise and passion in mental health in the workplace stems from her own personal experience battling mental illness and struggling with cultural and circumstantial challenges. After being raised in a religious cult without any access to formal education, her story and climb from rock bottom have inspired thousands to better understand how to improve mental health for themselves and others.

Gareth is a passionate HR practitioner with multi sector experience including technology, media, design, and luxury consumer with over 14 years’ expertise working with some of the markets leading start-up and growth businesses.

More resources:

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

#EmotionalJourney

In this episode Kate discusses blended families and is joined by Sophia Rantzau.

About the episode:

Having her very own blended family, Sophia honestly shares her “wins” and “mistakes” as a step-mum in the book. She does this along with providing guidance, reassurance and a bit of humour to enable you to enjoy your “wins” too.

Please note: this episode was recorded before the introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales, and may mention the previous legal system. For accurate information on the legal process of divorce, please visit amicable.co.uk

About our guests:

Sophia is a qualified counsellor and has worked with many parents, children and blended families. Sophia lives in Storrington, West Sussex with her husband and their two cats Cotton and Bud! Her Stepson now refers to her as “the best stepmum in the world”!

More resources:

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

#Coparenting

During this episode, Kate is joined by Divorce Coaches Sara Davison and Rhiannon Ford as they discuss when and how to tell your children you're getting divorced.

About the episode:

The trio discuss when and how to tell your children, how to tailor the conversation for different ages and stages, how to support your child in the early stages of separating, how to spot if your child isn't coping well with the news and the change.

Please note: this episode was recorded before the introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales, and may mention the previous legal system. For accurate information on the legal process of divorce, please visit amicable.co.uk

About our guests:

Sara is a break-up expert, divorce coach and best-selling author. Sara launched her break-up retreats back in 2016 and her mission is to banish stigma around divorce.

Rhiannon is a divorce consultant, and was previously a family lawyer, and left the profession to support people with more practical help and emotional support.

More resources:

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

#EmotionalJourney

In this episode, Kate is joined by Bob Greig as he shares his view on being a Dad and separating.

About the episode:

This episode explains how OnlyDads supports parents who are struggling to make the best decisions for their family during separation and divorce.

Please note: this episode was recorded before the introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales, and may mention the previous legal system. For accurate information on the legal process of divorce, please visit amicable.co.uk

About our guests:

Bob Greig is the co-founder of OnlyDads and OnlyMums which were set up to support Mums and Dads through divorce, separation and co-parenting.

More resources:

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

#EmotionalJourney

In this episode, Kate is joined by Samantha Woodham to discuss their company - The Divorce Surgery.

About the episode:

Hear why Samantha and Harry believe their 'one couple, one lawyer' approach is better for many separating couples over the traditional lawyer vs lawyer approach. Samantha and Harry's insights and advice for couples who are about to embark on their divorce or separation, including how to avoid the common obstacles. The importance of early intervention and impartial advice on what the options are for sorting out their separation. How we, as a society need to change our approach to divorce and separation by not seeing it as a failure.

Please note: this episode was recorded before the introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales, and may mention the previous legal system. For accurate information on the legal process of divorce, please visit amicable.co.uk

About our guests:

Samantha Woodham and Harry Gates are law barristers and the founders of The Divorce Surgery.

More resources:

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

#TheLegalBit

During this episode, Kate is joined by Anthea Turner to discuss her divorce and her book ‘How To Survive Divorce’.
 
About the episode:

Anthea shares her experience of divorce and what it was like for such a private moment to be so public, what led Anthea to write her book and her advice for couples who are facing their separation journey.

You can purchase Anthea's book on Amazon.

About our guests:

Anthea Turner has been in the spotlight for over 30 years presenting some of the UK's favourite shows including GMTV, Blue Peter, The National Lottery and most recently starring in the brilliant Celebrity SAS on Channel 4.

In 2018, Anthea wrote ‘How To Survive Divorce’, which aims to inspire, motivate and help those going through relationship breakups. How to Survive Divorce is Anthea's candid take on the emotional toll the end of her marriage took on her well-being and how she came out of the ordeal, a stronger, more confident woman.

More resources:

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

#SeparationStories 

During this episode, Kate is joined by Nigel Shepherd to discuss the Divorce Bill and no-fault divorce.

About the episode:

Nigel breaks down what the Divorce Bill is, what's going to change from the current divorce laws in England and Wales and when it's likely to become law (because it isn't yet). This is a brilliant episode that succinctly summarises what's in the news and what it means for couples who are divorcing and separating in England and Wales.

No-fault divorce is not yet law in England and Wales despite a 2019 YouGov poll commissioned by Resolution showed 71% of the population agrees that no-fault divorce is urgently needed to protect the long-term interests of children.

On Wednesday 17th June, no-fault divorce was given the go-ahead in England and Wales as the Divorce Bill passed its final stages in Parliament.

Please note: this episode was recorded before the introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales, and may mention the previous legal system. For accurate information on the legal process of divorce, please visit amicable.co.uk

About our guests:

Nigel Shepherd is twice Chair, honorary Life Member and current national committee member of Resolution, adviser to family law funder Ampla Finance, and Consultant with the national firm law firm, Mills & Reeve. The firm and Nigel, in particular, were permitted to intervene in the now infamous Tini Owens case divorce case.

Nigel has been campaigning for no-fault divorce for over 25 years and was awarded the John Cornwell Award for Outstanding Contribution to Family Law at the Jordans Family Law Awards in 2019.

More resources:

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

#TheLegalBit