Divorce & Separation
Podcast

ranked in the top5% globally

Supporting you through your divorce or separation emotionally and practically. Nikki and her guests, from world class experts to real people share their stories for you. Divorcing the “hard” way is cancelled. It’s time too separate in a more holistic and healthier way.

It started with “I do” and ended with “It’s over”.

I sit down with Sarah Catherall, journalist and author of “How to Break Up Well: Surviving and Thriving After Separation” to talk about her “Chapter 2” and life after separation and divorce. Sarah shares her experiences of navigating the end of her marriage, raising her children, and creating a fulfilling new chapter in her life.

Key Takeaways:

The Reality of Separation:

Sarah discusses the moment her marriage ended and how she coped with the unexpected changes. She reflects on how the pressures of parenting, work, and life contributed to the breakdown of her relationship.

Talking to Children About Divorce:

Practical advice on preparing for and having the conversation with children about separation.

Rebuilding After Divorce:

Tips for maintaining connections with extended family and finding new ways to co-parent effectively.

Dating and Re-partnering:

Sarah reflects on her early dating missteps after divorce and what she learned about introducing a new partner to her children.
Advice for taking it slow and respecting your children’s feelings during this transition.

Can you Break Up Well? Absolutely you can!

I sit down with Despina Mavridou, author of “Mum, Dad, Can You Hear Me?”. Together we discuss her personal experience growing up in the middle of her parents’ high-conflict divorce. Despina shares her powerful story from being a child used as a messenger between her parents, to becoming a mediator and advocate for kids in similar situations.

Key discussions:

Despina opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of being caught in her parents’ conflict and the toll it took on her as a child.
The devastating effects of using children as messengers and the impact it has on their sense of responsibility and guilt.
How parents can better support their children during separation by being mindful of their emotional needs and avoiding placing them in the middle of conflicts.
Despina shares how her childhood shaped her adult relationships, including her fear of abandonment and the impact of divorce on her own marriage.
Practical advice for parents navigating separation, including seeking help before mediation and focusing on the kids’ well-being.
Despina’s hope that her book will give children a voice and help parents understand the long-lasting effects of divorce on their kids.

If you’re navigating your own separation and wondering how to help your children through this difficult time, this conversation is a must-listen.

You can find Despina’s book *Mum, Dad, Can You Hear Me?* on Amazon, in English, Portuguese, and Greek.

Nikki Parkinson talks to Christina Salvo, the CEO of Simple Separation about her divorce story, which began amicably but devolved into a ten-year legal battle. Christina highlights the complexities and emotional toll of prolonged court involvement.

Key discussions:

Systemic Flaws:

Discusses the broken aspects of the family court system.
Emphasises how financial constraints often prevent individuals from effectively advocating for their parental rights and needs.

Mediation Insights:

Importance of mediation as a viable alternative to litigation.
Christina shares her mission to support couples through mediation.
Focus on the need for more comprehensive training around property settlements within mediation services.

Advice for Couples:

Encourages maintaining a collaborative mindset to reduce emotional and financial strain during separation.
Offers practical tips for effective communication and conflict resolution.

What is the Future of Family Law:

Reflection on the evolving landscape of family law.
Focus on creating supportive frameworks that prioritize the well-being of children and families.

Resources Mentioned:

Sign up to “How to Tell Your Kids you are Separating Program” Waitlist HERE.
Simple Separation

In this solo episode, I am sharing a snippet of my personal story that’s been unfolding in my life, offering you some valuable lessons along the way. While navigating this situation was far from easy, it tested all my divorce coaching skills and taught me a lot about the power of responsibility and response-ability.

In this episode, I share insights on:

Responsibility vs. Response-Ability: Learn the key differences between these two concepts and how they can shift the way you approach difficult situations, especially with your ex-partner.
Practical strategies to help you remain calm and composed, even when life throws curveballs.
My personal reflections on how communication is at the heart of all our relationships, whether with your ex, your kids, or anyone else.

I introduce you to my three go-to tips for taking responsibility and response-ability:

Breath is your best friend.
The 24-Hour Rule.
Taking Radical Responsibility.

Resourses mentioned in this episode:

The 24-Hour Rule Podcast.

What is a Certified Divorce Lending Professional and why do you need one on your team?

In this episode, Nikki is joined by Emile Flowers, a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP). Emile sheds light on the often overlooked aspect of divorce — mortgage planning. As a CDLP, Emile plays a crucial role in ensuring that divorcing clients are set up for success post-separation, particularly when it comes to housing and financial stability.

Emile shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a key player in the divorce lending field. She explains how crucial it is to involve a CDLP early in the divorce process to avoid issues like incorrect settlement agreements and financial pitfalls. Together, Nikki and Emile discuss the importance of bringing the right professionals into your divorce team, ensuring that both parties come out of the process financially secure.

Listen in to hear Emile’s top tips.

And exhale …

Nikki sits down with Linda Vazin, a breathwork expert, to chat how breathwork can be a powerful tool for emotional healing during and after divorce.

Nikki and Linda dive into –

Why it’s important to let yourself fully experience emotions like sadness and anger, rather than rushing through them.
Breaking old patterns we inherit from our families.
What makes transformational breathwork different?
A favourite of Nikki’s Reacting vs. Responding.
Taking responsibility for relationship patterns.
How holding onto unresolved emotions can affect your physical health and how breathwork can release these stored emotions.

If you are going through a separation or divorce you will definitely want to add Nikki and Linda’s tips to your Toolkit. It’s an episode is full of real-life wisdom and practical tips.

Divorce and Separation Podcast offers valuable insights and practical tips for individuals navigating the challenges of separation, making it a resourceful guide for those seeking support during this emotional journey.

Grief, healing, new beginnings, and the transformative power of separation and divorce — this episode covers it all.

Nikki sits down with best friends Diana Edwards and Nicola Dale from the “Over The Back Fence” podcast. These two powerhouse women share their personal experiences through their separation and divorce. In 2024, with ‘grey divorces’ on the rise, the question often asked is “What do you do when a long-term marriage comes to an end?” With decades of wisdom behind them, Di and Nicola share their lessons from ending their 36 and 25 year marriages.

Di opens up about the end of her 36-year marriage, sharing her two-year grieving process. ‘I’ve closed that door on my past marriage, and I’ve walked through another into my new life,’ she reflects.

Nicola talks about the end of her 25-year marriage, how she navigated the heartache, found freedom and joy in being single, and eventually found love — only to face the pain of a public breakup after a high-profile, four-year relationship. How did she survive? With grace, integrity, and a wealth of insights that she shares with you in this episode.

In this weeks episode, we welcome back Clinical Psychologist Ben Schiller to talk about schemas and how they impact the way individuals cope with divorce and separation. Ben explains what schemas are and practical strategies for recognising and managing these schemas to improve emotional regulation and decision-making.

There are so many takeaways in this episode.

Nikki and Ben talk about –

What Are Schemas?
Common Schemas in Divorce.
Coping Strategies for Managing Schemas.
Self-Soothing Techniques. Oh these are good – what is your Toolkit?
How to identify Your Triggers.

Plus so much more.

This week we are kicking off Season 3 with Bella from A Kid With Two Homes.

Nikki sits down with Bella Duncan, who shares her experiences growing up as a child of divorced parents. Together, they explore a topic that many parents struggle with: how to handle talking about your ex when your kids are around. Bella opens up about how overhearing her parents’ negative comments impacted her as a kid and how she eventually found ways to communicate her feelings. This is a must-listen for any parent wanting to protect their children’s emotional well-being during and after separation!

In this episode, Nikki Parkinson is joined by Mel Wilson, Journalist, co-host of The Juggling Act and author of Parenting in Progress, to discuss the complexities and personal transformations associated with co-parenting after divorce. Mel opens up about her personal post-separation experiences and shares her emotional journey of parenting post-divorce

Nikki and Mel chat –

Navigating the new norms of parenting post-separation and the immediate challenges of transitioning from a coupled life to single parenthood.
Lessons learned from children amidst the divorce.
Redefining the concept of family and personal identity during such transformative periods.
Strategies for managing emotional challenges in the early stages of separation.
How to change the perceptions and stigmas around divorce.
The impact of new relationships on co-parenting dynamics and personal recovery.

This episode offers an exploration of the trials and transformations associated with co-parenting after divorce. It underscores the importance of self-care, embracing change, and the positive growth that can arise from navigating through these challenging transitions.

In this episode, Nikki Parkinson is joined by Lawrence (Larry) and Joni Jones. Larry is a former Family Court Judge of the Superior Court in New Jersey and Joni a Mental Health Professional and together they have created Point C, an incredible educational resource for anyone navigating divorce and separation with children. This episode delves into the complexities of divorce, particularly focusing on its impact on children.

Nikki, Larry and Joni discuss –

The Origin of Point C and the inspiration behind creating Point C.
Why all parents need this educational reource.
The impact of Divorce on Children.
How children are affected by parental conflict during divorce.
Signs of distress in children and the importance of positive role modeling.
Larry offers his judicial experience, discussing how the legal system handles divorce and the potential benefits of early intervention and educational programs.
Co-parenting challenges and effective strategies for effective co-parenting.
Tips for managing family dynamics during holidays and significant events in the aftermath of a divorce or separation.

The Divorce and Separation Podcast offers valuable insights and practical tips for individuals navigating the challenges of separation, making it a resourceful guide for those seeking support during this emotional journey.

In this episode, Nikki Parkinson engages in a insightful conversation with family law expert Siobhan Mullins, author of “The Guy’s Guide to Separation and Divorce.” Siobhan shares her journey as a family lawyer and her shift to supporting couples in preparing separation agreements. The focus of her book, The Guy’s Guide to Separation and Divorce, is on aiding men through the emotional and practical challenges of separation.

Nikki and Siobhan discuss –

Debunking the 50/50 myth.
Understanding “Best Interests of the Child”.
Practical Parenting Arrangements.
Communication and Co-Parenting.
The most common questions asked by men going through separation.
Siobhan’s top three tips for men going through separation.

In this episode, Nikki Parkinson discusses the importance of effective communication during divorce or separation with her guest, Leah Mether. Leah is a communication and soft skills specialist with over 15 years of experience and the author of two books.

Do you ever find yourself having to communicate under pressure? Leah walks you through how to steer yourself through the challenge of conflict, personality clashes, and difficult conversations. Both Nikki and Leah emphasise that communication is key to maintaining positive relationships, especially when you are under pressure, like during a separation or a divorce.

Leah and Nikki dive into –

The importance of Communication.
Leah shares her professional background in communication and how her personal experience with divorce has shaped her views.
Leah’s Five C’s of Effective Communication.
The Biff Method and its framework.
Managing Emotions and Expectations and the importance of self-regulation and setting realistic expectations for communication with an ex-partner.
Advice for Challenging Conversations (because we will at some stage all have them!).

In this episode, host Nikki Parkinson engages in a candid conversation with Christina Salvo, the CEO and founder of Simple Separation, about de facto relationships. They delve into what constitutes a de facto relationship in the eyes of the family law system.

Christina clarifies how, legally, de facto relationships are treated and whether they are similar to marriages when it comes to financial settlements, children’s arrangements, and child support. They discuss how asset division in de facto relationships is determined based on factors such as relationship duration, contributions, career sacrifices, income disparities, and age differences.

The importance of protecting assets in de facto relationships is a focal point, and they explain how financial agreements or prenuptial agreements can safeguard individuals.

This conversation highlights the importance of initiating the conversation about a financial agreement early in the relationship. Tune in to hear Nikki and Christina’a strategies for approaching this potentially sensitive topic.

If this episode resonated with you, Nikki invites you to subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share the podcast with others who may benefit from the discussions.

In this week’s episode, Nikki chats with Johanna Lynn from the Family Imprint Institute. Johanna and Nikki explore the captivating concepts of epigenetics and neuroplasticity and their profound impact on our relationships and parenting. Together, they uncover valuable insights on breaking toxic cycles, recognising patterns, and creating positive change for ourselves and future generations.

Nikki and Johanna dive into:

Epigenetics and Neuroplasticity; Understanding Family Patterns:
- The role of epigenetics in shaping our inherited traits.
- Exploring neuroplasticity and its potential for transformation.
- Uncovering the influence of family patterns on our relationships.
- The Three-Generation Geneagram:
- Using the genealogical tool to detect patterns within families.
- Gaining insights into our own history and pain.
- Understanding how inherited traits can impact our relationships.
- Personal Healing and Breaking Toxic Cycles:
- Embracing personal growth to break toxic patterns.
- Recognising our own contributions to separation and divorce.
- Healing emotional wounds to rebuild trust in ourselves.
- Understanding Each Other’s History and Pain:
- The power of empathy and compassion in relationships.
- Exploring the profound impact of understanding our partner’s experiences.
- Creating space for healing and transformation.
- Learning and Unlearning: Embracing Valuable Lessons:
- The opportunity for growth and self-discovery during separation and divorce.
- Unlearning harmful behaviors and embracing healthier alternatives.
- Nurturing personal and relationship development.
- Taking Care of Ourselves: Navigating Difficult Times:
- The importance of self-care and self-compassion.
- Strategies for navigating the challenges of separation and divorce.
- Building resilience and embracing personal well-being.

It’s an enlightening episode, where we explore the healing journey from separation and divorce, through understanding family patterns, addressing emotional wounds, and embracing change, we can create lasting transformations in ourselves and our relationships.

Remember, by taking care of ourselves, we pave the way for healthier connections and nurture future generations.

In this episode, Nikki Parkinson and her guest Kemi Nekvapil engage in an insightful conversation that explores the profound connection between power and divorce and separation.

Kemi introduces you to her Power acronym – P for presence, O for ownership, W for wisdom, E for equality, and R for responsibility. Nikki and Kemi delve into the common experience of women feeling like they’ve lost their power during divorce and separation, often due to a lack of self-identity or being influenced by external narratives.

Topics Discussed:

Discover the first step towards reclaiming power – awareness of your unhappiness in the current situation.
Emphasise the importance of being present and actively identifying what’s working and what’s not, enabling you to take back your power.
Uncover the transformative potential of micro moments of power, where even small actions can bring about significant change.
Learn how The Power of the Pause can help you carve out time to reflect, re-evaluate relationships, and navigate challenging circumstances.
Explore the role of self-reflection as a crucial tool for identifying what nourishes your life and what doesn’t.
Discover how coaching can provide valuable feedback and support during divorce and separation, empowering you on your journey to reclaim power.
Examine the complex and deeply personal journey of forgiveness and its role in moving forward.
Understand the transformative power of forgiveness and how it enables individuals to craft a new chapter in their lives, beginning with self-forgiveness.
Gain insights into the emotional complexities of separation through personal experiences of shame and embarrassment.
Emphasise the significance of presence, the role of a support system, and the practices of empathy and self-compassion during tough times.
Explore the vital importance of surrounding yourself with friends who provide unwavering support through challenges and struggles.
Gain empowering insights on taking ownership of your power across all areas of your life.

Are you struggling with how to handle a separation or divorce in the most respectful and fair way possible? Look no further than this episode of our podcast, where Nikki sits down with guest Christina Salvo, CEO and founder of Simple Separation. Together, Nikki and Christina explore common mistakes to avoid during separation and how to ensure both parties are on equal financial footing. They also discuss the importance of being open and transparent during the separation process, and how mediation, counselling, and coaching can help with communication and emotional support. Plus, Nikki and Christina offer tips for getting organised with documents, seeking early legal advice, and understanding full financial disclosure.

This episode is for you if you want to handle your separation with respect, dignity, and fairness.

Nikki and Christina discuss:

Common mistakes to avoid during separation.
The importance of equal financial footing.
When lawyering up is necessary.
The benefits of mediation and counselling.
Tips for getting organised and understanding full financial disclosure.
Different pathways for separation, based on goals and level of conflict.
Simple Separation’s collaborative and cost-effective model for separation.

In this episode, author Charlotte Ree joins Nikki to talk about her divorce and self-discovery journey. Charlotte’s memoir, Heartbake, is part recipe book and shares her experiences of separation, divorce and finding happiness. She describes how she moved into her new home and then entered lockdown. Food soon became Charlottes’ social saviour, and pathway back to herself, one small ingredient at a time.

After getting divorced before the age of 30, Charlotte was able to rediscover herself and find her happiness. She shares how the lockdown forced her to confront herself and process her emotions. Despite experiencing indecision and insecurity, Charlotte reminds us that we can always reinvent ourselves and find brightness again.

Charlotte beautifully reveals how cooking and making time-intensive meals shows how much you care for someone. Her new cookbook is full of personal stories and recipe treasures.

Plus, her “better than sex Tiramisu” recipe is one I think you’ll love!

After wanting an amicable divorce from her coercive, controlling ex-husband, Cherie discovers that her only option to protect her and her daughter requires her to summon her inner strength, resilience and perseverance.

“Take a deep breath, slow down, do the research and find the right person to fit your situation – there are plenty of options out there!”

Cherie is a woman who experienced a sudden separation from her husband of 14 years and is navigating the challenges of co-parenting and financial settlement. She is a strong advocate for taking time to research and find the right resources for a successful separation.

She had trusted her husband with full control of their finances, not realising it was a red flag. When she realised the situation she was in financially, she panicked and went into finding a lawyer instead of taking her time. With the help of her village, she set strong boundaries and took care of herself with small tasks like a walk around the block or a five minute meditation. Taking her time and listening to the advice she found, Cherie was finally able to be strong and make it work for her daughter.

In this episode, Nikki and Cherie discuss:
1. Managing Coercive Control in a Marriage Breakdown
2. Practical Tips for Navigating a Difficult Separation
3. Overcoming Emotional Challenges During Divorce.

Kate Christie’s new book, The Life List: Master Every Moment and Live an Audacious Life, is a testament to intentional living and acts as a guide for individuals to design the next magnificent part of our magnificent lives.

After a fairly brutal 5 years, Kate’s experience made her fully understand that life is too short: in the space of 5 years her husband left their marriage, her mum passed away, her ex-husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away within 11 short months, and her 3 amazing kids were at the stage where they were breaking up with her.

Kate’s message “Life is too short. You only live one. And later might be too late.”

Nikki and Kate chat –

Kate’s inspiration behind creating The Life List and provided valuable insights into how one can use it to transform their life.
Kate’s personal journey and lessons learned.
How Kate was able to emphasise the importance of focusing on growth, stronger relationships, and prioritising one’s well-being.

This conversation between Kate and Nikki is a heartfelt and encouraging exploration of how anyone can embrace audacious goals and live life to the fullest.

After making the “failure” of getting married young to the wrong man, Lucy Bloom finds empowerment in her divorce, ditches society’s judgement, and discovers the joys of living near the beach, as she learns to make decisions based on what she wants.

Lucy Bloom is an author, speaker and writer who openly talks about her divorce and how it was not a failure. She has since embraced the opportunity to write her own next chapter, and encourages others to do the same.

After twenty years of marriage, her husband left her for another woman, taking the decision to separate out of her hands. Rather than letting it be a failure, she saw it as an opportunity for growth – to make decisions that would make her happy. She moved to the beach, surrounded herself with supportive friends, and prioritised her children. After eight years of navigating the pain of divorce, Lucy has learned that it is her race to run and that society’s expectations should not dictate her decisions. She is now living a life of freedom and joy near the ocean.

In this episode Nikki and Lucy chat –

1. How Divorce Can Lead to Empowerment and Growth: exploring the idea that divorce can be a liberating experience, and how to take the steps to ensure it is a successful transition.

2. The Benefits of Prioritising and Re-Evaluating Relationships: examining how to take a step back and re-evaluate relationships, and the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people.

3. The Power of Self-Care in Difficult Times: discovering how self-care can help in navigating the hardships of divorce, and how to make it a priority.

Nikki Parkinson speaks to the body image (and self-love) stigma shaker, Taryn Brumfitt on this weeks episode. Taryn is on a mission for meaningful change.

Through her award-winning films, bestselling books and international speaking engagements, she has spent the last 10 years empowering people around the world to discover what’s possible when you embrace your life and purpose.

Fuelled by her powerful message and fierce determination, Taryn Brumfitt is a true force to be reckoned with. Through educational resources, speaking events and inspiring content, the Body Image Movement, headed by founder Taryn Brumfitt, is teaching the world to love the skin they’re in.

Embrace Kids is an uplifting film by Taryn Brumfitt (EMBRACE 2016) which brings together a vibrant collection of stories from young people and famous friends alike, who share their experiences of body image, bullying, gender identity, advocacy, representation and more.

So, when Taryn’s 19-year marriage came to an end, how did she break the news to her children? What tools did she use to get through her ending? And how did she turn her feelings of failure around?

Enjoy.

In this solo episode, Nikki Parkinson discusses the grief of ending a relationship.

So what happens, when you end the relationship and feel pressured to hide your grief, because you pulled the plug on your marriage or partnership?

This episode dives into –

Taking ownership of your happiness.
One of the biggest misunderstandings about a breakup when you are the instigator of the breakup.
Everyone is hurting in their own way.
The bravery that is ending a relationship.
Does the grieving happen before the end?
This breakup is about you.
Self care tips.

So happy to welcome Bella Duncan back to the podcast to talk kids and divorce! Bella is an empowered ‘kid of divorce’, who is determined to make changes for the better and join the positive divorce and separation movement.

Growing up in two homes, she experienced firsthand many of the issues a child from divorced parents will face. As a young adult, she was inspired to create a helpful resource to help kids of divorce feel seen, heard, and less alone. Her blog, ‘A Kid With Two Homes’, shines light on what divorce, separation, or what family conflict can look like, from a kid’s perspective.

Parents this is for you.

Bella and Nikki dive into –

Parents using their children as messengers.
Putting your children in the centre rather than the middle.
Responsibility – what is and is not your children’s responsibility.
Communication.
What can parents do to ease the load for their children when they are moving between two homes.
Remaining present with your children.
How your words and actions can have an impact.

Nikki Parkinson speaks to Bec Chappell, a passionate communicator, Marketing Strategist extraordinaire, and lover of finding solutions.

This hearty chat offers spades of grace, humility and a touch of sparkly hope. The kind of hope that we have all wished (or wishing) for during a 1am meltdown.

As the pandemic rolled into our lives in early 2020, Bec was facing the biggest year of loss, and later liberation, that could have once floored her. One night, Bec’s now ex, turned to her and said, “I don’t want to be together”. Her response was brave and true, “I am not going to force you to love me”.

During this time, Bec lost her job and was losing her marriage. In a matter of months, her world came crashing down. The final blow after months of ghosting by her ex-husband; “I have feelings for someone else”.

She could have given up, but instead, Bec decided to take control over her life and heart before it destroyed her any further.

It’s a story of heartbreak and an epic comeback.

Bill Eddy joins Nikki Parkinson in this episode to talk high conflict divorces.

As an attorney, Bill was a Certified Family Law Specialist in California and the Senior Family Mediator at the National Conflict Resolution Centre in San Diego. Prior to becoming an attorney in 1992, he was a Licensed Clinical Social worker with twelve years’ experience providing therapy to children, adults, couples and families in psychiatric hospitals and outpatient clinics.

Bill has a popular blog on the Psychology Today website with over 3.5 million views, and is the author and co-author of twenty books on high conflict personalities – including two award winners, ‘BIFF: Quick Responses to High Conflict People, Their Personal Attacks, Hostile Email and Social Media Meltdowns’ and ‘SPLITTING: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder’.

Bill Eddy is very well versed on the topic of high conflict divorces.

Nikki and Bill discuss –

What is the definition of a ‘High Conflict’ person?
The ‘Fugetaboutit’ approach.
EAR Statements.
BIFF Methods.

Bill answers your questions –

How do you deal with a narcissistic person, when using the family court system as a weapon? and
How do you deal with parental alienation?

This episode is full of so many great tips when you are dealing with a high conflict person or going through a high conflict divorce.

Nikki Parkinson speaks to Laura Mazza, Melbourne mummy blogger, Single mum, Mental Health Social worker, advice columnist for Kidspot, and self-confessed ‘Queen of the Overshare’ about her divorce story.

Like so many soon-to-be newlyweds, Laura was hoping for a happy-ever-after. Her ex-husband bought a house in trendy North Melbourne, and it made sense to get married and have babies. However, Laura being the brilliant non-conformist that she is, wanted to get pregnant first, and elope second.

Craving a quieter life, Laura and her family moved to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, Victoria and found a beachside home for a quieter life. However, it wasn’t long after the big move, where Laura felt the early signs of disconnect from her husband and believed he had stopped loving her.

After battling mental health and PostNatal Depression, her confidence and courage was at an all time low. Convinced that her marriage was on the rocks, Laura analysed everything. Listen in to this candid, raw, and insanely inspirational chat, where Laura shares her divorce story, openly and candidly.

Mia Northrop joins Nikki Parkinson to chat divorce admin hacks. After all don’t we all want to be organised? My hand is firmly in the air.

Together with Dinah Rowe-Roberts, working parents Mia and Dinah have marshalled their professional expertise in innovation, finance, design thinking and operations to research best practices, trial the tech and craft the most efficient processes to optimise their own life admin. Enter their book, Life Admin Hacks.

The result? No more overwhelm, way more spare time and thousands of dollars saved. After all, what can be more overwhelming than a divorce and separation?

However, as a lover of a good list, Mia shares the tools and techniques on how divorce prep can neatly end a marriage, and nail co-parenting the organised way.

After settling both her children into a steady high-school regime, Mia and her ex-husband leant into their separation by consciously and kindly uncoupling.

So, how did Mia maintain stability in ending her marriage? Listen in, she’s about to tell you just that.

Two years ago, Madeleine West hit ‘Restart’ on her life. She packed up her life in Melbourne and moved to Byron Bay, split up with her partner of 15 years and the father of her six kids and she started life again.

During this honest chat, Madeleine opens up about how she divorced her husband when the world was watching, why remembering the love-story can help the ending, and that it’s never too late to change everything.

It was a love story that started with houses, children, enterprises, and dreams, and at some point, became utterly unstuck. When Madeleine’s 16 year relationship ended, she decided to repurpose her love into an ending that needed care, consideration and respect.

Achieving a ‘happy separation’, through a ‘consciously uncoupling’ process required Madeleine to dig deep into the existing compassion she had for her children’s father if she was going to remain remotely unscathed.

There’s no mistaking, divorce is a horrible and horrendous experience. The loss of self-control and direction, with no firm guide, leads many down a rocky path.

Taboo topics need to be shared, and stories need to be told. If we get up close and personal with our fears, and the stigmas surrounding separation, we invite self-respect into our lives. We offer respect to our previous partners, our children and ignite a sense of hope, that we can all move through this together.

Now, Madeleine is (re)discovering her new identity.

These steps have been taken before you, so listen (read) up!

What are your finances?

What do you need to live a life, different to the one that you currently live?

What do I need to do to financially safe-guard my life?

I needed an honest assessment. So, ask yourself:

What am I going to do?
What is this going to cost me?
Does your legal team fully understand your circumstances?
Does your legal team offer kindness and compassion?
Do you need a therapist?
Do you need a retreat?
Do you need a glass of wine?

Give yourself a chance at consciously uncoupling over a toxic divorce.

Cathrine Mahoney joins Nikki Parkinson to talk surviving divorce and her new book Currently Between Husbands. Think Bridget Jones meets Eat Pray Love.

Cathrine Mahoney is an English, curly-haired Capricorn. A publicist by trade, who never leaves the house without a red lip on. She has called Sydney home for the past 20 years after moving from the UK in 2000, in part on the advice of a horoscope column. She has one son (that she knows of) called Louis, whom she loves to bits and enjoys embarrassing daily, that she shares with her ex-husband, former rugby league player and TV commentator Andrew Johns.

Cathrine is a self-confessed over-sharer who’s only filter is the one she uses on her Instagram photos. She is constantly using ‘Doctor Google’ and is convinced she is hitting early menopause (but, as her actual doctor reassures her, it is just the scorching hot Australian summer that’s making her feel like a red-hot mess and not ‘the change’ . . . yet).

Nikki and Cath dive into the beginning of the end, the messy bits, the good bits, the hard bits and all the inbetween bits to survive divorce.

Strap in – there is most definitely life after divorce and plenty of laughs in between.

Dr Delia McCabe joins Nikki Parkinson to discuss why men and women experience stress differently and the science behind it. Dr McCabe is a Neuroscientist, Psychologist, Speaker and Author.

Delia shifted her focus from conventional talking therapy, after completing her Masters in Psychology. She had discovered that what we eat impacts brain function directly, and came to understand that until the brain is properly nourished no amount of talking can support optimal cognitive functioning.

Nikki and Dr McCabe dive into –

Why men and women experience stress differently.
How can we offer the right nutrient’s to our stressed out bodies.
How can stress stop us from healing from a relationship breakdown.
Why men appear to move on quicker than women.
And so much more… including why it’s okay to eat chocolate for breakfast – yes you heard that right.

Dr Rebecca Ray joins Nikki Parkinson to discuss boundaries after a break up.

Dr Rebecca Ray is a Clinical Psychologist, Author and Speaker. She uses a science-backed, heart and hard truth approach to help big-picture-thinking woman and creators live a life that’s fulfilling, unapologetic, and free.

Nikki and Rebecca dive into –

What are boundaries?
Creating boundaries as you move through your divorce and separation.
Reframing boundaries – are they lines of connection or dividing lines?
Transitioning from your old relationship to the new.
How we can communicate boundaries.
How we can enforce boundaries and deal with conflict.
Where to start.
Why self-compassion changes everything.

Rebecca has been a Clinical Psychologist for the best part of two decades. She is the author of Setting Boundaries, Breakthrough, The Art of Self-Kindness, The Universe Listens to Brave and Be Happy: 35 Powerful Methods for Personal Growth and Well-Being. Rebecca can be found interacting with her community online about using courage and brain potential to make a meaningful difference in the world, while going gently on ourselves.

WARNING: This episode discusses suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, reach out and talk to somebody.

Divorce and Separation is the second highest contributing factor in suicide in men. It’s time to raise the awareness and support men through this season in their life and remind them and us that #itaintweaktospeak.

Today’s guest is Sam Webb. Sam is well known in Australia for his appearances on TV. Most people will recognise Sam as an actor on Neighbours or for his appearance on Australian Survivor, a host on Nine’s Great Escapes and was one of the subject leaders on the feature film documentary, Suicide: The Ripple Effect which won top awards in the United States.

In 2013 Sam’s life took a u-turn when his good friend Dwayne Lally took his life. Together Sam and Casey Lyons co-founded the mental health organisation and charity, LIVIN. The core of their mission is to end the stigma around mental health through education, fashion and community.

Nikki and Sam dive into –

The difference in stigma between men and women’s mental health.
How we as a community/society can encourage men to talk about their mental health.
Ways of getting the men in our lives to seek support.
What it’s like inside a male brain when your mental health is suffering.
Tips for partners of men when you are concerned about their mental health.
Tips for parents to support their young men.

Crisis lines
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
Headspace on 1800 650 890
QLife on 1800 184 527

Have you ever wanted to know how your children feel or felt throughout your divorce and separation? In this episode, 22 year old Bella Duncan, A Kid With Two Homes talks to this topic. Parents you want to hear what Bella has to say.

Bella and Nikki dive into –

How it felt being a child of a high conflict divorce.
Kids being the messenger for their parents.
How to communicate your feelings to your parents.
How Bella approached a difficult conversation with her parents to “stop the conflict”.
Bella’s tips to have this conversation with your parents.
How does being labelled a ‘broken family’ or a ‘broken home’ impact kids of divorce?
How to help children differentiate between what is and isn’t their responsibility and the guilt that may be felt being a child of divorce.
Being mindful of the language that you use in conversations with your children.
Bella’s top tip for parents going through divorce from a child’s view.

The family law system in Australia is a minefield. These are complex issues and can be really stressful to navigate. You are not alone though. In this episode, Nikki gives you access to part of her toolkit and aims to help you feel less overwhelmed in the process.

Get the FREE ‘Legalise’ Guide HERE.

Ashley Simpo joins Nikki Parkinson in this episode. She is a writer, advocate and speaker who is making room for generations of Black women, mothers and creatives to develop their passions to better themselves and society at large. She is a divorced mom to her son who wrote the book “A Kids Book About Divorce, which uses the conversations she had with her son as a blueprint for other families navigating the same discussion.

Ashley shares her divorce story and what it felt like to make the decision to end her marriage.

Nikki and Ashley dive into –

How to forgive yourself when you end a relationship.
The inspiration behind writing her book “A Kids Book About Divorce”.
How to remain a transparent parent to your child/ren when you are going through a divorce.
How we can heal from divorce and create balance.
Why it takes a village to raise a mother and a child.
How to balance ambition and parenthood.
Why we should be celebrating our divorces, throwing more divorce parties and having a divorce registry. You heard it here first!

19 October 2021. Today is Nikki’s 19th wedding anniversary and if it were her birthday it would be her Golden Birthday, so today we celebrate her Golden Wedding Anniversary and her Bachelor Degree of Singleness!

In this episode, Nikki takes you on a journey from how to cope on your wedding anniversary, or the monumental milestones after you separate and how they can have a trigger effect, to celebrating no longer being married.

Have you ever asked yourself what is a good divorce? And if it’s even possible to have a “good divorce” or a “good separation” when you have children. Nikki Parkinson is joined Sarah Armstrong, Mum of Grace, Author of The Mom’s Guide to a Good Divorce: What To Think Through When Children Are Involved and marketing expert whose work has been recognised worldwide. She is currently Vice President of Global Marketing Operations at Google.

Nikki and Sarah discuss –

No one gets married to get divorced but what can you do to make conscious decisions through the divorce process.
A good divorce versus a bad divorce.
How to make sure children are the focal point and not collateral damage.
Where to start to have a good divorce.
How to fill the gaps.
Preparing your child to become the “Professional Traveller”.

This is a big and very common topic. What do you do when your marriage is ending, and you’re grieving the loss of a partner, and the loss of a friendship. The loss of a social circle. The loss of people you used to rely on.

It’s complicated. And it can end in a lot of hurt feelings. But there’s also a lot of positives that can come from it.

In this episode Nikki talks you through how to deal with the loss of friendship when you go through a divorce.

Nikki Parkinson talks to Susan Guthrie about mediation and why you should mediate your separation. Susan Guthrie is nationally recognised as one of the Top Family Law and Mediation Attorneys in the United States, she has been helping individuals and families navigate separation and divorce for 30 years. Susan provides exclusively online divorce mediation and legal coaching services to select clients around the world, through her business Divorce in a Better Way.

Nikki and Susan discuss –

Why mediate your divorce?
What are the advantages?
Can you mediate a high conflict divorce?
How can you be kinder to yourself through divorce and why is self care important.
What is the number one thing you can do for yourself when facing divorce?

Communication is at the crux of any relationship and it is no different when you separate. When you have children and you are navigating that pathway, there are many conversations around Parenting Plans and Parenting Order but what about a Co-Parenting Communication Plan.

In this episode Nikki explains what a Co-parenting Communication Plan is and how to create one.

Nikki Parkinson talks to Amy Molloy about how to share your “separation story”. And why the way we talk or write about our breakups is so important.

Amy shares her journey with grief, after being widowed at 23 and delves into her own separation story. From her experience, Amy helps other people to share their stories through her mentoring programs and her new course, The Book Writing Remedy — How to write a book that sells AND heals.

In this honest and raw conversation Nikki and Amy discuss –

When and why Amy began to write so openly about her own life.
Making a conscious decision to share less about her divorce.
Why the way we talk or write about our breakups so important.
How to stop feeling guilt and shame around the end of a relationship.
Healthy intentions.
Amy’s advice to someone who thinks they have a book in them.

Nikki Parkinson is joined by Christina Salvo, CEO and Founder of Simple Separation, an online platform with proven processes that offer a complete service to help you and your former partner navigate through separation and divorce in a respectful and collaborative way from start to finish.

Nikki and Christina discuss –

From the idea being born whilst sitting in the court room, to shaking up the system and helping couples finalise their separation in a less adversarial way.
Using Simple Separation as an alternative to the traditional methods to finalise your legal separation.
How does platform reduce the mental load?
How you can invite your ex to join the platform and why it’s beneficial to do so.

Nikki Parkinson talks to Melissa Browne about all things money. Melissa is an ex-accountant, ex-financial advisor & ex-working till she drops. Nowadays, she’s a best-selling author, financial educator, business strategist & mentor and entrepreneur, who is passionate about helping women (in particular) live a life by design not default.

Money is another taboo topic that we should be having more conversations about. Nikki and Melissa dive into –

Financial literacy.
Getting control of your finances.
How can we help women reduce their financial angst.
Understanding your financial money type and money story.
Practical tips to work with your money type.
Do you have to stay in your money story?
Changing your mindset from lack to investment.
Tips to become financially savvy.
Should you keep the family home in a financial settlement? What are the other options?
Take the money quiz here.

Nikki Parkinson talks with Lisa Winneke, The Wholehearted Woman Mentor, author and podcaster, as she shares her separation story. It is a reflection of self love, liberation and the power of intuition.

After making the decision to leave her marriage, Lisa shares her experience of grief, internal conflict and the challenges of motherhood. We chat about stepping into this choice from an empowering place and accepting separation as a loss but also as an opportunity.

This raw and honest recount will give you the emotional tools to visualise a divorce and/or separation that embodies ease and grace (whilst still including the roller coaster reality that is tears, imperfections and a sprinkle of guilt).

It might just be the deep breath of fresh air you need, to release, reflect and reframe the way you visualise your next step.

Children and divorce is one of the most Googled topics and for good reason. Parents want to protect their children from the trauma that can come with separation and divorce. In this episode Nikki Parkinson talks to you about –

Whether the act of separation or divorce will affect your children?
Things to consider when you plan to tell your children you are separating?
What to say to your children?
Should you tell your children why you are separating?

Two must have books in your collection –

How to Recycle your Feelings – Amy Molloy.
A Kids Book About Divorce – Ashley Simpo.

Our most trusted co-parenting app is FAYR. Use our code TDHXFAYR for a 20% discount at www.befayr.com.

Nikki Parkinson talks to Michael Daniels, the CEO and Founder of the FAYR co-parenting app. FAYR is an acronym for Family Advocacy is Your Responsibility.

Michael is a father and co-parent to his two teenage children. He created FAYR out of his personal need to communicate constructively with his co-parent. Michael is a thought leader in co-parenting in the United States and is making positive steps with the FAYR app for parents to have a happier and healthier divorce.

In their conversation Nikki and Michael discuss –

What is FAYR?
How FAYR removes stress from co-parenting and promotes effective communication.
Removing the subjectiveness of evidence in court proceedings.
The impact on children in a high conflict divorce.
How he thinks we can co-parent in a better way.
What’s next for the FAYR app.
And much, much more.

Use our code TDHXFAYR for a 20% discount on your subscription. To use the code you need to sign up on the website www.befayr.com and then download the App.

Nikki Parkinson debunks the myth that parents have the rights under the Family Law Act.

This episode provides you with legal information in relation to children and separation; equal and shared parental responsibility; the best interests of the child and children’s right pursuant to the Family Law Act.

Nikki Parkinson is joined by collaborative lawyer and mediator Marguerite Picard. She is the Director of MELCA and Smart Separation. MELCA is a one stop centre for a healthy divorce outside of the court system. It was designed and established by Marguerite and her partners, Tricia Peters and Dr Tina Sinclair in 2009, to deliver an interdisciplinary service to separating couples and families.

Marguerite is well versed in what individuals, couples and families need when they are going through a separation. She shares –

What collaborative law is and why couples may choose that, as opposed to the traditional family law pathway.
Why does collaborative law help couples in a better way?
What does interdisciplinary work means?
What’s the difference between ‘settling all my cases’ and interdisciplinary work?
Why does mediation, as opposed to collaboration, get all the headlines?
How to build optimism after separation.

Engaging a family lawyer is likely one of the most important decisions you will make. It’s important you choose the right lawyer for you. In this episode, Nikki shares her tips to help you find and engage a great family lawyer, someone whom you can wholeheartedly place your trust in.

Nikki Parkinson is joined by Christina Salvo, CEO and Founder of Simple Separation, – an online platform with proven processes that offer a complete service to help you and your former partner navigate through separation and divorce in a respectful and collaborative way from start to finish.

Nikki and Christina discuss –

What is Simple Separation?
How the platform works?
Who the platform is for and who it is not.
The cost to use the platform.
How is the process impartial?
How are lawyers used as part of the process?
How do mediators work with Simple Separation?

It’s a fabulous service to assist couples to finalise the legalities of the separation as simply as possible.

In today’s episode Nikki answers the common myth that property settlements are divided 50/50 and what’s yours is your own.

She covers –

What a property or financial settlement is.
What the property pool consists of.
Examples of assets, liabilities and financial resources.
What to do when you don’t agree on a value of an asset, liability or financial resource.
The simple equation to get to your net property pool.
What contributions are.
What is “just and equitable”.
Stephen Tester of Somerville Laundry Lomax tells you what the Court’s four step process is.

It’s a general overview and provided as an understanding of how a financial settlement can be determined and resolved. It is not provided to you to give you legal advice and you should seek legal advice should you need to. You can do so from Legal Aid, a community legal centre or a law firm. You can also seek out an independent family dispute resolution practitioner who can assist you and your ex to come to an agreement.

Nikki is joined by Ben Schiller, a Mental Health Therapist, who helps people explore their experiences in the context of their emotions, thoughts and behaviours. He is also a co-parent with his ex-wife to their 4 year old daughter.

Ben talks you through what, in his experience, has helped create a great co-parenting relationship with his ex. They also dive into –

Encouraging financial stability between co-parents.
The grief of a relationship breakdown.
The emotional stages of a relationship ending.
How long the grief period may last for.
Tips to move through the grief process.
Finding your spark again.
Boundaries. What are they? Types of boundaries. How to implement them and how to continue to “flex” the boundary muscle.

Nikki is joined by her friend of two decades, Australia’s top film and television publicist, Tracey Mair, who talks about her divorce story.

Imagine taking a phone call, that ends your marriage, from the other side of the world as you are about to board a flight home. For the next 21 hours you have to sit with those words and that conversation. Tracey finds herself living out a bad scene from a well scripted movie that she wasn’t privy to.

As a person who thought she was in control of her life, running a business, raising a family, living in a long-term marriage, that phone call turned her world inside out. It was one of those times where wisdom and learning came from a pivotal moment that changes your life forever.

Tune in to listen Tracey Mair’s divorce story. She discovers the reserves of strength in that roller coaster moment when life changes within a split second, and how you find the strength within yourself to carry on. It’s a rise from the ashes story. It’s a story of strength, resilience and gives the middle finger to the man who wrote the script.

Single mothers, you do not want to miss this conversation.

Nikki is joined by Jacinta Tynan. Their conversation is about thriving through single motherhood, the ups and downs, or as Jacinta describes the journey the “destruction”, the “reset” and the “creation”. It’s an invitation to step up, grow and to be the mother and the woman you aspire to be. Jacinta is the real deal. Through her lived experience she shines a light on both the challenges and struggles – but more importantly the great moments of being a single mother.

If you’ve never been in this situation before, then chances are, you have no idea where to start. Start here.

In today’s episode, Nikki shares with you the answers to her most asked question at the beginning of a separation. It’s a Marie Kondo mixed with The Organised Housewife Episode. Nikki gives you clear and practical suggestions on –

Your online security and how to avoid your ex being “one step ahead”;
Your financial security, and
Gathering your disclosure documents.

Nikki has created a downloadable checklist to get you started. You can the checklist HERE.

An honest and raw conversation with Jacqui Lewis, co-founder of The Broad Place on her separation, co-parenting and how she moved through this season of her life. Jacqui guides you through the beauty of separation, changing, shifting and evolving.

Nikki and Jacqui discuss –

How can daily practices keep us buoyant on the days when we feel like we are sinking?
Trauma bonding.
Nourishing yourself.
Mediation.
Loneliness versus aloneness.
Reframing the language surrounding divorce.

I’ve written this episode with you in mind, if you are separating and you have decided to remain living together. The way we separate is changing thanks to COVID and often increasing financial pressure. We can expect to hear about a lot more couples living together even after they’ve separated. If this is you, I take you through the practicalities of living together and redefining your relationship guidelines.

Kate James, is one of Australia’s leading Mindfulness Coaches. Her teaching draws on the science and psychology of meditation and her aim is to make mindfulness accessible and enjoyable for people from all walks of life. She is the author of five bestselling personal development books including her most recent book Change Your Thinking to Change Your Life, which we will be talking about, her guided meditations have been listened to over 3 millions times on Insight Timer mediation app.

Kate joins Nikki to talk about how being mindful can help you through this season of your life. What do strengths and values have to do with divorce and how we can quieten our inner world when it’s so noisy on the outside.

In this episode I introduce you to the 24 hour Rule. When our emotions are heightened and our brains are foggy, clarity can be a far distance memory. Our ability to respond in a calm and clear way can be clouded by an emotional reaction. So what do you do when you receive a hostile email or a text from your ex? Learn the 3 steps to the 24 hour Rule. It’s quick, simple and effective. It’s a tool that everyone should have in their toolkit.

Divorce & Separation
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Divorce & Separation
Podcast