Divorce with Sam and Leah

If your child comes home from their other parent’s house and suddenly you’re getting attitude, shutdown, coldness, or full-blown emotional explosions… this episode is for you.Before you spiral and assume you’re failing, we need you to hear this clearly:It doesn’t mean your child doesn’t love you.It often means you’re the safe parent.In this episode, we break down why kids in high-conflict co-parenting dynamics often hold it together at one house… and then unload everything onto mom. We talk about nervous system crashes, loyalty binds, displacement, control-seeking behavior, and why testing limits can actually be a test of unconditional love — not defiance.You’ll walk away understanding what’s really happening underneath the behavior — so you can stop taking it personally, regulate yourself first, and respond in a way that protects your peace and your relationship with your child.If this dynamic feels painfully familiar, you do not have to navigate it alone. Inside The Next Chapter, we give you weekly coaching, practical tools, and real support from women who get it — so you can stay steady even in high-conflict chaos.Join us inside The Next Chapter 💙https://www.samandleah.com/services#HighConflictCoparenting #DivorceRecovery #CoparentingSupport #SafeParent #CustodyTransitions #SingleMomLife #EmotionalRegulation #HealingAfterDivorce

How do you know when it’s actually time to walk away from your marriage?In this episode, we’re having the honest conversation so many women are scared to say out loud. We talk about the quiet signs your marriage may be over, the fear of blowing up your kids’ lives, the overwhelm that keeps you stuck, and the identity crisis that can follow divorce.We also dive into:The difference between a rough season and a dead marriageThe fears that keep women frozen (money, custody, judgment, shame)Mom guilt and the pressure to “keep the family together”The stigma women carry when they choose themselvesHow to begin finding your identity again after divorceIf you’ve been lying awake at night wondering, “Is this it?” — this episode is for you.You are not weak for questioning. You are not selfish for wanting peace. And you are not crazy for wanting more.If you’re navigating divorce, high-conflict co-parenting, or trying to rebuild your confidence after walking away, we support you every step of the way inside The Next Chapter 💙Inside the membership, you’ll get:Weekly live coaching + trainingsPractical tools for high-conflict co-parentingReplays and resources you can use anytimeA private, judgment-free community of women who truly get itIf you’re ready for steadiness, clarity, and support during one of the hardest seasons of your life, enroll in The Next Chapter: https://www.samandleah.com/services

If you’re going through a divorce and telling yourself, “I just need to get through this,” you are not alone. But what if that mindset — while emotionally protective — is setting you up for long-term financial stress?In this episode, we’re joined by Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) Morgan to break down why “just get through the divorce” can be dangerous financial advice — especially for women navigating high-conflict divorce and co-parenting.We talk about:• The survival-mode decisions women make during divorce • Why keeping the house isn’t always the safest choice • The hidden risks of vague support agreements • What doesn’t show up in court orders (cash flow, tax consequences, long-term tradeoffs) • How trauma-informed financial planning protects your future • 3 powerful questions to ask before finalizing your divorce agreementIf you’re feeling overwhelmed, rushed, or pressured to settle just to make it stop, this conversation will help you slow down, think long-term, and protect your peace — financially and emotionally.💙 If you want ongoing support, practical tools, and real guidance while navigating divorce and high-conflict co-parenting, join us inside The Next Chapter. It’s our private monthly membership designed specifically for women who are ready to stop spiraling, set stronger boundaries, and rebuild confidence with clarity: https://www.samandleah.com/servicesYou don’t have to figure this out alone. Connect with Morgan Murray: https://abri.io/divorcees/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganmurray-abri/Instagram: @divorcemoneymorganMorgan’s Facebook Group: "Financial Advice for Divorced Women"#DivorcePodcast #HighConflictDivorce #DivorceSupport #DivorceAdviceForWomen #WomenAndMoney #FinancialEmpowerment #CoParenting #SingleMomLife #DivorceRecovery #CertifiedDivorceFinancialAnalyst

Radical acceptance is one of the most misunderstood — and most powerful — tools when it comes to divorce, co-parenting, and healing.In this episode, we break down what radical acceptance actually is, what it’s not, and why it’s so essential if you want to stop spiraling, reduce emotional exhaustion, and reclaim your peace after divorce.If you’ve been stuck in anger, grief, resentment, or constantly wishing your ex would change… this conversation will help you understand why fighting reality keeps you stuck — and how acceptance can be the turning point in your healing journey.This episode is especially helpful if you’re:Navigating divorce or post-divorce emotionsCo-parenting with a difficult or high-conflict exFeeling emotionally drained, reactive, or stuck in the same patternsTrying to heal without bypassing your feelings or lowering your standardsRadical acceptance doesn’t mean approving of what happened or letting anyone off the hook. It means ending the internal battle that keeps you tied to the past — and learning how to move forward with clarity, boundaries, and emotional steadiness.💙 If you’re ready for support beyond this episode, check out The Next Chapter — our private membership for women navigating divorce and high-conflict co-parenting. Inside, you’ll find weekly coaching, practical tools, and a supportive community that helps you stop spiraling and start rebuilding with confidence: https://www.samandleah.com/services#RadicalAcceptance #DivorceHealing #CoParentingSupport #HighConflictDivorce #EmotionalHealing #DivorceRecovery #WomenHealing #PostDivorceLife #Boundaries #NervousSystemRegulation #TheNextChapter 💙

In this episode, we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes recap of our recent Costa Rica healing retreat for divorced moms — and what truly unfolded when women stepped out of survival mode and into safety, support, and community.We talk about the emotional shifts we witnessed, the common breakthroughs that surfaced, and why so many moms arrived carrying more than they realized. From releasing guilt and hypervigilance to feeling deeply seen and understood, this retreat reminded us how powerful it is when women are given space to slow down, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with themselves.We also discuss why healing doesn’t end when a retreat does — and why ongoing support, tools, and community are essential for lasting change after divorce and during co-parenting.If you’ve been craving deeper support, clarity, and connection on your healing journey, The Next Chapter is where that work continues. Inside the membership, you’ll find practical guidance, emotional support, weekly trainings, live conversations, and a community of women who truly get it.👉 Enroll in The Next Chapter and continue your healing journey: https://www.samandleah.com/services#DivorceHealing #HealingAfterDivorce #DivorcedMoms #SingleMomSupport #CoParentingAfterDivorce #NervousSystemHealing #WomenSupportingWomen #DivorceRecovery #TheNextChapter

Self-forgiveness after divorce can feel impossible—especially for moms carrying guilt, shame, and regret about their marriage, their kids, and their co-parenting decisions.In this episode, we talk honestly about why self-forgiveness is one of the hardest—and most necessary—parts of divorce recovery. We break down what moms commonly blame themselves for, including staying too long, missing red flags, survival-mode coping, emotional reactions, and the impact divorce has on their children.You’ll learn practical, tangible steps to release self-punishment, separate responsibility from blame, and rebuild trust with yourself as you move forward through divorce and co-parenting. If you find yourself replaying the past, questioning your decisions, or feeling stuck in guilt, this conversation will help you begin letting that weight go.If this episode resonates and you want continued support, deeper guidance, and real-life tools for healing and co-parenting with confidence, The Next Chapter is where that work continues. Inside the membership, you’ll find weekly support, practical workshops, expert guidance, and a community of moms who truly get it—so you’re not doing this alone.👉 Join The Next Chapter and take the next step in your healing journey: https://www.samandleah.com/services #SelfForgiveness #DivorceRecovery #HealingAfterDivorce #DivorcedMoms #CoParentingSupport #DivorceHealing #SingleMomLife #HighConflictCoparenting #EmotionalHealing #RebuildingAfterDivorce #TheNextChapter 💙

After divorce, so many women ask the same quiet, unsettling question: Who am I now?When your identity has been wrapped up in being a wife, a mom, or the one who holds everything together, divorce can leave you feeling untethered—like you don’t recognize yourself anymore.In this episode, we talk about what identity loss after divorce really looks like, why it’s so common, and why it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you. We go beyond the labels of “mom” and “ex-wife” and explore how to rebuild a sense of self that feels grounded, confident, and aligned with who you actually are now—not who you had to be to survive your marriage.You’ll learn:Why feeling lost after divorce is a normal response to role lossHow to stop asking “Who am I?” and start reclaiming parts of yourself you had to silenceWhy rebuilding identity is about self-trust, not reinventionPractical, low-pressure ways to explore who you’re becoming without overwhelming yourselfHow to build confidence by honoring your needs, boundaries, and valuesIf you’re a divorced mom who’s done surviving and ready to feel like yourself again, this conversation is for you.💙 Ready for deeper support? Inside The Next Chapter, you’ll get weekly workshops, a private community, practical tools, and real-time support to help you heal after divorce, rebuild confidence, and move forward without doing it alone. 👉 Join us at The Next Chapter and start creating the life that fits who you are now: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Divorce is hard—but wondering whether your child is really okay can feel overwhelming.In this episode, we talk about one of the biggest fear areas for moms navigating divorce and co-parenting: How to know if your child needs therapy—and how to support them without overreacting or spiraling.We cover:The difference between normal divorce-related emotions and signs your child may need extra supportCommon behavioral and emotional patterns to pay attention to (and what not to panic about)When therapy can be helpful—and when it may actually do more harm than goodHow to support your child without making them feel broken or responsible for adult emotionsHow to stay involved, informed, and grounded as a parentThis episode is for moms quietly asking: Am I missing something? What if therapy is being weaponized? How do I protect my child without making things worse?If you’re trying to make thoughtful, calm decisions for your child during an already emotional season, this conversation will help you feel more confident and less alone 💙✨ Want more support like this? Inside The Next Chapter, our membership for divorced moms, you’ll find trauma-informed workshops, practical co-parenting tools, and a supportive community that truly gets it.👉 Join The Next Chapter: https://www.samandleah.com/services #DivorceAndKids #ParentingAfterDivorce #ChildTherapy #CoParentingSupport #DivorcedMoms #HighConflictCoParenting #HealingAfterDivorce #TheNextChapter 💙

Divorce doesn’t just end a marriage — it quietly takes a toll on women’s mental health in ways no one prepares you for.In this episode, we break down the top 5 ways the divorce process impacts women emotionally, often long before the paperwork is finalized. From living in constant survival mode to feeling intimidated by the legal system, many women leave divorce feeling depleted, anxious, and disconnected from themselves — even when they know they made the right decision.This conversation isn’t about blaming yourself or your ex. It’s about understanding why divorce feels so destabilizing, especially for women who are used to holding everything together.If you’ve ever felt:constantly on edge waiting for emails, court dates, or updatesemotionally exhausted but expected to “stay rational”small, dismissed, or rushed by professionalslike peace feels impossible until the divorce is finally overyou are not alone — and nothing is wrong with you.Inside The Next Chapter membership, we go deeper into how women can protect their mental health during divorce — including access to our full workshop, How to Work With Your Attorney and Protect Your Peace, with special guest Christopher Anderson.If you’re ready to stop living in survival mode and start moving through this process with clarity, confidence, and support, The Next Chapter was created for you.👉 Join The Next Chapter here: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Mandatory phone calls are often framed as “good co-parenting.” But in high-conflict divorce and custody situations, they can do more harm than good.In this episode of Divorce with Sam & Leah, we break down why mandatory phone calls don’t belong in high-conflict parenting plans—and why so many moms feel more anxious, powerless, and dysregulated because of them.We cover:How phone calls turn into investigative tools instead of connectionWhy mandatory calls often become a harassment or control mechanismThe emotional impact on children before and after high-conflict callsWhy you’re unlikely to get honest answers—and why that keeps you stuckThe hard but necessary truth about accepting limits after divorceIf you’re co-parenting with a high-conflict ex and trying to reduce chaos, protect your child’s emotional well-being, and reclaim your peace, this conversation is for you.💙 Want deeper support, tools, and strategy? Inside The Next Chapter, we help divorced moms heal, set boundaries, and navigate high-conflict co-parenting with clarity and confidence—without burning out or constantly second-guessing themselves.👉 Join The Next Chapter: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Divorce isn’t just emotionally painful — it can be deeply traumatic.In this episode, we’re talking about the real trauma that comes with divorce and why so many women feel stuck, triggered, exhausted, or like they “should be further along by now.”If you’ve ever wondered:Why am I still so reactive?Why does one text from my ex send me into a spiral?Why does healing feel so slow and messy?This conversation is for you.We break down how divorce impacts your nervous system, why betrayal and high-conflict co-parenting can keep wounds open, and how losing your marriage can create an identity rupture that no one prepares you for. We also talk about the secondary trauma women experience — judgment, shame, and pressure to “move on” before their body feels safe.This episode isn’t about pushing through or pretending you’re fine. It’s about understanding what’s actually happening in your body and brain — and why healing requires more than willpower.✨ Inside this episode, we cover:How divorce dysregulates the nervous systemWhy betrayal trauma cuts so deepThe identity loss no one warns you aboutWhy high-conflict co-parenting can feel re-traumatizingHow shame and isolation slow healingIf this conversation resonates, this is exactly why we created The Next Chapter — our membership for divorced moms who want real tools, support, and relief.Inside The Next Chapter, you’ll find trauma-informed workshops that help you:Regulate your nervous system during triggersRelease stored emotional traumaUnderstand why you react the way you doHeal without spiritual bypassing or toxic positivityFeel grounded and emotionally safe againYou don’t have to white-knuckle your way through healing. You don’t have to do this alone.👉 Join The Next Chapter today and access our trauma workshops, live support, replays, and a community of women who get it: https://www.samandleah.com/services💙 Your healing matters. Your nervous system matters. And support changes everything.

Divorce can feel isolating, overwhelming, and emotionally exhausting—especially for moms navigating healing, co-parenting, boundaries, and high-conflict dynamics. In this episode of Divorce with Sam & Leah, we pull back the curtain on The Next Chapter, our private membership created specifically for divorced and divorcing moms who are ready to stop surviving and start rebuilding.We break down what The Next Chapter actually is, who it’s for, and why traditional support systems often fall short for women going through divorce. From live weekly workshops and expert-led trainings to real-life tools for emotional regulation, boundary setting, and confident co-parenting, this episode gives you a clear picture of how healing can feel supported instead of lonely.You’ll hear about the specialists and experts we’ve brought inside the membership—including family law attorneys, trauma-informed therapists, financial professionals, nervous system educators, and co-parenting strategists—and how these conversations help moms feel more empowered, informed, and regulated during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.If you’re a divorced mom feeling stuck in survival mode, constantly second-guessing yourself, or exhausted by high-conflict co-parenting, this episode is for you. You don’t need to do this alone—and you don’t need to figure it out the hard way.✨ The Next Chapter is where healing becomes actionable, boundaries become confident, and support becomes consistent.👉 Ready to stop doing divorce alone? Check out The Next Chapter membership and join a community of moms who are healing, rebuilding their confidence, and creating calmer, more grounded lives after divorce: https://www.samandleah.com/services#DivorceRecovery #DivorcedMoms #HealingAfterDivorce #HighConflictCoparenting #SingleMomSupport #DivorceSupport #CoParentingHelp #LifeAfterDivorce #EmotionalHealing #WomenSupportingWomen #BoundariesAfterDivorce #DivorcePodcast #TheNextChapter #DivorceWithSamAndLeah

If you’re facing a high-conflict divorce or co-parenting situation and wondering how to do things smarter, not harder, this episode is for you.In this powerful conversation, Sam breaks down the top 5 things she would do differently if she were divorcing a high-conflict person in 2026—with today’s realities in mind: narcissistic behavior, manipulation, custody conflict, legal overwhelm, emotional burnout, and the long game of protecting your peace and your kids.This isn’t theory. These are real-world, hard-earned strategies for women divorcing a high-conflict or narcissistic ex who want to stop reacting, start planning, and avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes.If you’re divorcing, recently divorced, or stuck co-parenting with a high-conflict ex, this episode will help you feel more grounded, empowered, and clear on your next steps.✨ Want ongoing support, tools, and real guidance from women who get it? Check out The Next Chapter membership—a private community for divorced moms navigating high-conflict divorce and co-parenting. Inside, you’ll find weekly workshops, expert guidance, live support, and practical tools to help you heal, rebuild confidence, and move forward without losing yourself.👉 Learn more and join us inside The Next Chapter https://www.samandleah.com/services

Disney didn’t just entertain us — it conditioned us.From princess stories to cultural messaging, many women were taught at a young age what to expect, tolerate, and sacrifice in the name of “love.” Self-abandonment was romanticized. Emotional labor was normalized. Endurance was praised. And choosing yourself? Rarely modeled.In this episode, we unpack how early conditioning—from Disney movies, family dynamics, religion, and society—shapes the partners we choose and the unhealthy beliefs we carry into adult relationships.We explore:Why so many women confuse self-sacrifice with loveHow trauma, attachment styles, and nervous system dysregulation affect attractionWhy intensity gets mistaken for chemistryHow being “chosen” became a measure of worthWhy staying too long is often praised more than leaving when something is no longer healthyThis conversation is especially for divorced or divorcing women who are realizing: “I didn’t choose wrong because I was broken — I chose based on what I was taught.”If you’ve ever wondered why you tolerated less than you deserved, why safe love felt boring, or why leaving felt harder than staying — this episode will help you connect the dots and start rewriting your relationship blueprint.✨ Healing starts with unlearning. And you don’t have to do it alone.If this episode resonates, check out The Next Chapter membership — a supportive space for divorced moms who are ready to heal, rebuild confidence, set boundaries, and stop repeating the same relationship patterns. 👉 https://www.samandleah.com/services

You’re smart. You’re self-aware. You’ve done the work. So why does dating after divorce still feel so hard?In this episode, we unpack the top 5 reasons smart, emotionally aware women still settle in dating after divorce — even when they know better.This isn’t about low standards or bad choices. It’s about subconscious patterns, nervous system wiring, and the quiet ways fear and self-protection influence who we choose.We explore:Why loneliness gets mistaken for compatibilityHow trauma bonds masquerade as chemistryThe fear of starting over again — and how it drives compromiseOver-intellectualizing emotions instead of trusting intuitionWhy lowering standards often comes from fear, not lack of self-worthIf you’ve ever thought, “I’ve done the work… so why does this keep happening?” — this conversation will feel deeply validating.To go deeper, we’re hosting a powerful workshop inside The Next Chapter with relationship coach and certified hypnotherapist Mina Yang: High Standards, Soft Heart: The New Rules for Empowered Dating.This workshop isn’t about dating tactics. It’s about healing the subconscious patterns that drive attraction and attachment — so you can stay open to love without shrinking, settling, or losing yourself.👉 Join The Next Chapter to access the workshop and ongoing support: https://www.samandleah.com/services#DatingAfterDivorce #DivorceRecovery #EmpoweredDating #HighStandardsSoftHeart #HealingAfterDivorce #WomenHealing #SelfWorth #DivorcedWomen #TheNextChapter #DivorcePodcast #EmotionalHealing

High-conflict co-parenting has a way of slowly draining your power—especially when you don’t yet have the tools, boundaries, or support.In this episode, Sam opens up about her personal story and shares the top 5 ways she unknowingly gave her power away while co-parenting with a high-conflict ex. These are the patterns so many moms fall into when they’re just trying to keep the peace, protect their kids, and survive the chaos.If you’re exhausted, second-guessing yourself, or feeling like co-parenting is running your life, this episode will help you feel seen—and show you what’s possible on the other side of survival mode.💙 Ready to stop giving your power away? Join The Next Chapter, our monthly membership for divorced moms navigating high-conflict co-parenting. Inside, you’ll get practical tools, weekly support, expert guidance, and a community that truly understands what you’re dealing with—so you can respond with confidence instead of reacting from fear.👉 Join here: https://www.samandleah.com/services #HighConflictCoparenting #DivorceSupport #CoparentingWithANarcissist #DivorcedMoms #DivorceRecovery #SingleMomSupport #BoundariesAfterDivorce #HealingAfterDivorce

Divorce is hard, and parenting through it while you’re still healing can feel overwhelming, especially in high-conflict or narcissistic co-parenting situations.In this episode, we talk about what actually helps kids thrive after divorce — without asking moms to suppress their emotions, fake happiness, or be “perfect” for everyone else’s comfort.You’ll learn:Why emotional honesty matters more than pretending everything is fineHow to support your kids while you’re still processing your own grief and angerWhat builds true emotional resilience in children — especially during high-conflict divorceHow to model healthy coping skills without oversharing or emotional dumpingWhy supporting yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do for your kidsIf you’re navigating divorce or co-parenting with a narcissist and feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells, this episode will help you shift from survival mode into grounded, confident parenting — for both you and your kids.💙 Ready for real support? Inside The Next Chapter, you’ll find tools, coaching, and a community of moms who understand high-conflict divorce and narcissistic co-parenting — and who are committed to healing, setting boundaries, and moving forward with confidence.👉 Join The Next Chapter: https://www.samandleah.com/services

No one prepares you for what the first year after divorce really feels like.The paperwork might be done, but the emotional aftermath is just beginning — the grief that comes in waves, the unexpected loneliness, the identity loss, the guilt that follows relief, and the quiet moments where you wonder if what you’re feeling is normal.In this episode, we’re talking about the 10 things no one warns you about in the first year after divorce — and why struggling during this time doesn’t mean you’re failing… it means you’re healing.We cover:Why grief can hit even when the divorce was your choiceThe identity shift that leaves many women feeling lostThe loneliness that surprises even strong, independent momsWhy relief can come with guilt — and how to release itHow your nervous system stays in survival mode long after the divorce is finalWhat real healing actually looks like (and why it’s quieter than you expect)If you’re in year one and wondering “Why is this still so hard?” — this episode will help you feel seen, validated, and less alone.✨ Ready for more support? If you’re navigating divorce, healing after a high-conflict relationship, or trying to rebuild your confidence as a mom, The Next Chapter was created for you.Inside the membership, you’ll find:Weekly live workshops and coachingA private, supportive community of divorced momsPractical tools for emotional regulation, boundaries, and co-parentingReplays you can access anytime — even on the hard days👉 Click the link below to join The Next Chapter and get the support you don’t have to carry alone: https://www.samandleah.com/services

If you’re facing a high-conflict divorce or co-parenting situation and wondering how to do things smarter, not harder, this episode is for you.In this powerful conversation, Sam breaks down the top 5 things she would do differently if she were divorcing a high-conflict person in 2026—with today’s realities in mind: narcissistic behavior, manipulation, custody conflict, legal overwhelm, emotional burnout, and the long game of protecting your peace and your kids.This isn’t theory. These are real-world, hard-earned strategies for women divorcing a high-conflict or narcissistic ex who want to stop reacting, start planning, and avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes.If you’re divorcing, recently divorced, or stuck co-parenting with a high-conflict ex, this episode will help you feel more grounded, empowered, and clear on your next steps.✨ Want ongoing support, tools, and real guidance from women who get it? Check out The Next Chapter membership—a private community for divorced moms navigating high-conflict divorce and co-parenting. Inside, you’ll find weekly workshops, expert guidance, live support, and practical tools to help you heal, rebuild confidence, and move forward without losing yourself.👉 Learn more and join us inside The Next Chapter https://www.samandleah.com/services#HighConflictDivorce #NarcissisticEx #DivorcePodcast #DivorceSupport #CoParentingWithANarcissist #DivorcedMoms #DivorceRecovery #CustodyBattle #DivorceAdviceForWomen #HealingAfterDivorce #TheNextChapter 

Going through a high-conflict divorce and watching the legal fees pile up can feel terrifying — especially when you’re also trying to protect your kids, your sanity, and your future. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the top five proven ways to cut costs during a high-conflict divorce without sacrificing your boundaries, your rights, or your peace.You’ll learn how to communicate in a way that reduces attorney involvement, how to stay organized so you’re not billed for unnecessary back-and-forth, which battles are worth fighting, and how to leverage support systems that are far more cost-effective than relying on your lawyer for everything. These strategies are practical, mom-friendly, and designed to help you stay grounded in one of the most overwhelming chapters of your life.If you’re ready for more support, tools, community, and coaching to help you navigate divorce and high-conflict co-parenting with confidence, click the link below to join The Next Chapter. You don’t have to do this alone: https://www.samandleah.com/services