The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast

• Episode 315: Your Next Brave Journey with Dawn Pick Benson

  Dawn Pick Benson, a self-discovery travel coach and writer, joins me to explore how travel can be a powerful tool for transformation, especially during life’s crossroads, whether it’s divorce, a faith shift, or an identity crisis.  When everything feels uncertain, moving forward can seem impossible. Dawn shares how travel became a catalyst for reclaiming her power, redefining her faith, and embracing a new identity. Her journey to Kosovo reveals how travel isn’t just an escape, it can be a path to deep spiritual reshaping and self-discovery. What you’ll hear: The pivotal moment when Dawn realized her marriage and faith no longer aligned with her true self (2:36) How travel allowed her to question and redefine her beliefs outside of societal expectations (11:49) Practical tips to make travel more affordable, even if you feel stuck financially or logistically (29:08) How the BRAVE Journey process helps women design meaningful solo travel experiences (32:09) The role of community and self-reflection in making travel a transformational experience (39:16) Learn more about Dawn Pick Benson: Dawn Pick Benson is a self-discovery travel coach and writer who helps women rediscover themselves and thrive in their second half of life through travel. Dawn’s small group coaching program, Brave Journey, helps women envision, plan and take their own transformational journeys. She also hosts retreats for women each year around the world. Dawn has visited more than 50 countries and has lived and worked in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. She’s a Global Ambassador for the Travel Coach Network, a Certified Cultural Intelligence facilitator, and her work and story has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Wander and TripAdvisor. Dawn splits her time between living in the U.S. & Kosovo, where she is currently working on a book about her own journey and the transformative power of solo travel after divorce. Resources & Links:Unbreakable – the Divorce Recovery Retreat, Sedona, AZ in April 2025Submit your questions here for possible inclusion in future Q&A podcast episodes Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate  Phoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment Collective Dawn’s websiteDawn on Instagram Dawn’s Substack Dawn on LinkedIn Dawn on Facebook  Dawn on YouTube DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-315-your-next-brave-journey-with-dawn-pick-benson/

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• Episode 314: Streamlining Divorce with Liz Pharo, Founder of Divorce.com

  What if divorce didn’t have to be as complicated or expensive? Liz Pharo, the founder of Divorce.com, is on a mission to make the divorce process easier and less stressful. In this episode, Liz shares how she transitioned from the tech world to create Divorce.com, a platform designed to help people handle the paperwork, planning, and even mediation in a more streamlined way. Liz and I talk about the different types of divorce, mediated vs. court-based, and why focusing on the kids and minimizing trauma is key. Plus, Liz shares how Divorce.com can save you time and money, the importance of working with coaches and therapists during the process, and why you need to be aware of sketchy divorce service providers. Divorce is never simple, but with the right resources and mindset, it doesn’t have to be confusing or exhausting. What you’ll hear: Liz’s journey from software engineer to Divorce.com founder (2:56) How Divorce.com simplifies the divorce process (7:57) The benefits of mediation and working with professionals (10:30) Why being informed about divorce options is crucial (26:12) Learn more about Liz Pharo:  Elizabeth "Liz" Pharo launched Divorce.com in 2022 with the vision of revolutionizing the way people divorce – offering a more compassionate and healthier path with less conflict and financial burden. Amid her own divorce, Liz founded Divorce.com to pave the way for individuals to access online divorce services at a fraction of the cost, as well as eliminate the taboo that still remains around divorce. The company's goal is to have couples planning to divorce first consider “Divorce.com-ing it.” Mediators then guide couples through the Divorce.com process to complete their divorce peacefully with mutual respect for both parties. Beyond her work helping Divorce.com reduce the time, cost, and trauma of the typical divorce process, Liz is dedicated to the growth and development of her own community and serves on the boards of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, Venture for America, and Blight-Free Birmingham. Liz enjoys running and spending time with her family at Lake Martin. Resources & Links: Phoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment Collective Unbreakable – the Divorce Recovery Retreat, Sedona, AZ in April 2025 Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate Divorce.comDivorce.com on Instagram Divorce.com on LinkedIn Divorce.com on TikTok Divorce.com on Facebook Divorce.com on YouTube Liz on LinkedIn Liz on Instagram Episode Link:     https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-314-streamlining-divorce-with-liz-pharo-founder-of-divorce-com/

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• Episode 313: Divorce Without Court: Is It Really Possible? with Andrea Vacca

  Andrea Vacca returns to explore amicable divorce solutions, even in high-conflict cases. While avoiding litigation is often the goal, sometimes it's unavoidable. Andrea breaks down the benefits of staying out of court, how to keep children at the center, and when it’s time to shift from collaboration or mediation to litigation. Together, we also explore the power of a team-based approach and the role of a divorce coach, specifically how a coach can save you time, money, and energy! With her expertise in collaborative divorce and positive psychology, Andrea offers a fresh, empowering take on navigating divorce without court. You’ll also hear: The misconception that all high-conflict divorces must go to court, and what it really takes to stay out of litigation (5:08) Why mediation isn’t always the best fit for high-conflict couples and what alternative approaches may work better (8:53) The power of a team approach, including the role of a divorce coach in navigating conflict (11:20) Strategies for keeping children at the center of decisions (32:29) Learn more about Andrea Vacca: Andrea Vacca is the founder of Vacca Family Law Group in Manhattan, a boutique law firm focused on non-adversarial divorce and family law matters including divorce, separation, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. With a background in traditional divorce litigation, Andrea now exclusively helps her clients find amicable divorce solutions outside of court. She is a widely recognized collaborative divorce attorney and mediator, former President of the New York Association of Collaborative Professionals, author of the book Divorce Without Court: A More Peaceful Solution, and creator and host of “A Better Divorce” podcast. In addition to her law degree, Andrea holds a Certificate in Positive Psychology and recently became a Certified Positive Psychology Coach. Andrea regularly applies Positive Psychology principles in her work to help her clients navigate divorce, including having a growth mindset, being resilient, and encouraging mindfulness, helping them emerge stronger and more empowered. Resources & Links: Unbreakable – the Divorce Recovery Retreat, Sedona, AZ in April 2025Submit your questions here for possible inclusion in future Q&A podcast episodesFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate  Phoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment Collective Andrea’s website, Vacca Family Law GroupGet a free digital copy of Andrea's book, Divorce Without Court: A More Peaceful Solution Andrea on Facebook Andrea on Instagram Andrea on LinkedIn Andrea on YouTube =================== DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-313-divorce-without-court-is-it-really-possible-with-andrea-vacca

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• Episode 312: Breakup on Purpose with The Angry Therapist, John Kim, LMFT

  John Kim, aka The Angry Therapist, joins me to chat about his new book, Breakup on Purpose: A Catalyst for Growth. A bestselling author, well-known for his raw, no-nonsense approach to self-help, John keeps it real by practicing full authenticity and transparency. In this episode, he challenges us to rethink breakups. No one really talks about the different kinds of breakups, but John breaks them down into eight distinct types and explains how understanding which one you're going through can be a total game-changer.  We dive into how this framework can help you process your experience, focus your healing, and even turn your breakup into an opportunity for growth. You’ll also hear: Why understanding your specific breakup type can help you prioritize healing (4:55) John goes through all eight breakup types and explains the different responses they may create (6:07) How healing from divorce is different from other breakups (37:15) Learn more about John Kim: John Kim, LMFT is a bestselling author with a new book out called: BREAK UP ON PURPOSE: A Catalyst for Growth. Kim blogs as The Angry Therapist, and practices complete authenticity and transparency with his many clients. He is also the bestselling author of: “It’s Not Me, It’s You;” “Single. On Purpose,” and “I Used to be a Miserable F*ck.” Resources & Links: Unbreakable – the Divorce Recovery Retreat, Sedona, AZ in April 2025 Submit your questions here for possible inclusion in future Q&A podcast episodes Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate  Phoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment Collective John’s website John on Instagram John on Facebook John on YouTube =================== DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. Episode Link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-312-breakup-on-purpose-with-the-angry-therapist-john-kim-lmft/

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• Episode 311: It’s Not Burnout, It’s Betrayal with Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt

  Betrayal recovery coach Lora Cheadle is back on the show! She’s flipping the script on burnout and explains why “it’s not just stress—it’s betrayal.” When expectations break, whether in your career, marriage, or personal life, the real damage isn’t just exhaustion—it’s the hit to your sense of self and your self-worth. So, Lora breaks down why burnout happens when broken expectations rupture your view of yourself or the world—and how to shift out of it. She also walks us through her FUEL UP burnout recovery method, designed to rebuild from the inside out. From finding your why to managing expectations, uncovering root causes, and yes, even using laughter to reset your nervous system, Lora offers a different way forward. You’ll also hear: How to recognize when burnout is actually betrayal (3:56) Why expectation management is the missing piece in burnout recovery (5:28) Lora shares five tools to help you FUEL UP & Thrive (15:28) Learn more about Lora Cheadle: Lora Cheadle is a betrayal recovery coach, attorney, and TEDx speaker who helps women heal from betrayal on an energetic, emotional, and ancestral level—while also providing legal guidance to help them navigate the practical complexities of infidelity and relationship transitions. She empowers women to rise from the ashes, reclaim their identity and self-worth, break free from repeating patterns, and step into their power with confidence, clarity, and grace. After being shattered by her husband's fifteen years of infidelity, Lora knows firsthand what it takes to transform devastation into an invitation for healing, freedom, and joy. Her unique approach blends deep emotional healing with tangible legal and life strategies, guiding women beyond betrayal into lives of unapologetic confidence and purpose. Licensed to practice law in California and Colorado, Lora is also a trauma-aware coach, clinical hypnotherapist, somatic attachment therapist, and advanced integrated energy practitioner. She is certified in yoga, mindfulness, group fitness, and personal training, bringing a holistic perspective to healing. She is the author of FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy, & Spiritual Self (an International Book Awards Finalist and Tattered Cover Bestseller) and It’s Not Burnout, It’s Betrayal: 5 Tools to FUEL UP & Thrive. She also hosts the podcast FLAUNT! Create a Life You Love After Infidelity and Betrayal. Resources & Links: Unbreakable – the Divorce Recovery Retreat, Sedona, AZ in April 2025 Submit your questions here for possible inclusion in future Q&A podcast episodes Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate  Phoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment Collective Lora’s website BurnoutOrBetrayal.com Lora on LinkedIn Lora on YouTube Lora on Instagram Lora on Facebook ================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-311-its-not-burnout-its-betrayal-with-lora-cheadle-jd-cht/

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