Divorce with Sam and Leah

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

If you’ve been struggling with the guilt of wanting a divorce — especially from someone who isn’t abusive, toxic, or “the bad guy” — this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.Today, we’re talking about the truth so many women are afraid to say out loud: It’s okay to get divorced even when no one did anything “terrible.” You don’t need a villain. You don’t need a dramatic storyline. You don’t need to justify your unhappiness.In this episode, we break down 10 completely valid reasons marriages end — emotional disconnect, growing apart, feeling lonely inside the relationship, lack of intimacy, misaligned values, and more. These are the quiet, honest, deeply human reasons women leave… and they deserve to be acknowledged without shame.If you’ve been questioning your marriage, doubting yourself, or feeling guilty for wanting more, this conversation will validate you, ground you, and remind you that your truth matters. You’re allowed to choose yourself. You’re allowed to want joy, connection, peace, and fulfillment.And you’re not alone on this journey.✨ Click the link below to join The Next Chapter, our support community for divorced and divorcing moms who want healing, confidence, and clarity in their next season: https://www.samandleah.com/services

If you’re ready to walk into the new year feeling grounded, nourished, and inspired, this episode is the cozy little reset your heart needs. We’re sharing our favorite self-care products, wellness rituals, mindset shifts, and simple everyday habits that are helping us prepare for a stronger, softer, more intentional year ahead.From the things that make life easier… to the things that make you feel good again… to the practices that help you show up as the woman you’re becoming— we’re talking about all of it.Whether you’re rebuilding after divorce, navigating co-parenting, or simply trying to take better care of yourself, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can start using today to feel more supported, more energized, and more like you again.✨ If you’re craving deeper healing, confidence, and community, join us inside The Next Chapter — our monthly membership for divorced moms who want real tools, real support, and a fresh start. Join here: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Custody exchanges can bring out every trigger in your body—tight chest, racing thoughts, shaky hands, and that familiar “walking on eggshells” feeling. In this episode, Sam and Leah break down the top 5 ways to regulate your nervous system before and during custody exchanges, so you can stay grounded, calm, and in control even when your high-conflict ex is doing the most.You’ll learn simple, science-backed tools you can use in the car, during the drop-off, and right after the exchange… without needing a therapist, a full meditation session, or perfect circumstances. These are the strategies that help you protect your peace, parent with confidence, and stop letting your ex hijack your emotions.If you’re co-parenting with someone who drains you, triggers you, or constantly tries to create chaos—you’re going to feel so seen in this episode.✨ Ready for deeper support, weekly coaching, and tools that actually work? Join The Next Chapter, my membership for divorced moms navigating high-conflict co-parenting. Get instant access to workshops, replays, community support, and a toolkit that makes this whole journey lighter. ➡️ Click the link to join: https://www.samandleah.com/services

If you’re co-parenting with a high-conflict ex, you already know…the holidays aren’t always “the most wonderful time of the year.” Winter break, Christmas, and New Year’s can turn into a battlefield of last-minute schedule changes, guilt trips, manipulation, and chaos your kids don’t deserve.In this episode, Leah and Sam break down the 10 most common ways a high-conflict ex will sabotage winter break, why they do it, and—most importantly—how to protect your peace and keep the holidays joyful for your kids.We’re talking: • holiday manipulation • schedule sabotage • emotional guilt-tripping • control games • boundary violations • co-parenting drama • and how to stay grounded when he’s determined to create chaosYou’ll walk away with practical strategies and clear reminders so you can stop reacting to his behavior and start leading your family with confidence, stability, and calm.✨ Ready for real support? Join The Next Chapter Membership—your go-to space for healing after divorce, rebuilding your confidence, and learning how to co-parent with a high-conflict ex without losing yourself. 👉 Click the link to join: https://www.samandleah.com/services

If you’re co-parenting with someone who thrives on chaos, manipulation, or control, this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale. We’re breaking down the five non-negotiables your parenting plan must include when you’re dealing with a narcissistic or high-conflict ex—so you can protect your peace, stay organized, and keep your kids out of the middle.We walk you through the exact boundaries, communication rules, scheduling details, and decision-making structures that help moms stop reacting and start leading with clarity and confidence. If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or gaslit in the process, this episode will make everything click.And if you want ongoing guidance, tools, and a supportive community of moms who get it, you’re invited to join The Next Chapter, our monthly membership designed to help you heal, gain clarity, and co-parent with confidence: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Today, Leah and Sam are joined by the incredible Olivia Howell — nationally recognized divorce educator, clinical hypnotherapist, and CEO & co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, the world’s first divorce registry and expert-led support network dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence, and trauma-informed care.In this conversation, we unpack what it really looks like to create your fresh start after divorce — emotionally, financially, and logistically. Olivia shares the first steps women should take when they’re starting over, the hidden roadblocks that keep so many moms stuck, and why support systems (including divorce registries!) can be life-changing during this chapter.We also dive into the power of reclaiming your identity, accepting help without guilt, and building a foundation that feels safe, stable, and truly yours.Whether you’re newly divorced, deep in the chaos of co-parenting, or finally finding your way back to yourself, this episode is full of clarity, warmth, and grounded guidance.✨ Check out the Fresh Starts Registry and all of Olivia’s resources here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/✨ Ready for deeper support? Join The Next Chapter — our monthly membership for divorced moms who want to heal, rebuild confidence, and co-parent with clarity: https://www.samandleah.com/servicesHashtags#DivorceSupport #FreshStartAfterDivorce #DivorcedMoms #CoParentingHelp #DivorceRecovery #HighConflictCoParenting #TraumaInformedDivorce #DivorceHealing #StartingOverAfterDivorce #EmpoweredWomen #NextChapterMembership #SingleMomLife #FreshStartsRegistry

Dating after divorce can feel exciting… and absolutely terrifying at the same time. How do you know when you’re ready? What boundaries should you set? And how do you avoid repeating the same mistakes from your last relationship?In this episode, Sam and Leah break down the biggest do’s and don’ts of dating after divorce so you can protect your peace, spot red flags early, and stay grounded in your worth. Whether you’re newly divorced or just thinking about putting yourself back out there, this conversation will help you date smarter, not harder.We’re talking: ✨ How to know you’re ready to date again ✨ Avoiding trauma bonds and unhealthy patterns ✨ Why consistency > chemistry ✨ Red flags divorced moms should never ignore ✨ Keeping your identity and boundaries strong ✨ When (and if) to introduce someone to your kidsYou deserve a love that feels safe, steady, and aligned with the woman you’ve become.💛 If you’re ready for support, community, and guidance while rebuilding your confidence after divorce, join The Next Chapter membership — weekly workshops, expert guests, and a private community supporting divorced moms just like you. 👉 Click the link to learn more: https://www.samandleah.com/services

The holidays can feel especially heavy after divorce. Everywhere you look, it seems like everyone else has the perfect family, perfect photos, and perfect plans — while you’re just trying to hold it together.In this honest and heart-to-heart episode, Sam and Leah open up about why the holidays hit so hard after divorce — the loneliness, the “what-ifs,” the temptation to numb with alcohol, and the stories that play on repeat in your head. Together, they unpack what’s really behind those feelings and how to shift your perspective so you can experience peace, presence, and self-connection this season — even if you’re spending it alone.You’ll learn how to: ✨ Handle loneliness without numbing or spiraling ✨ Reframe old traditions and create new ones that fit this chapter ✨ Recognize and challenge the negative thoughts that steal your peace ✨ Set healthy boundaries around alcohol, spending, and people-pleasing ✨ Redefine what joy and connection look like nowThis conversation is raw, relatable, and full of reminders that you’re not broken — you’re rebuilding. The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be peaceful.💛 Join The Next Chapter — our membership community for divorced moms who are ready to heal, rebuild confidence, and co-parent with clarity and strength. Access live weekly workshops, expert guests, and a private support group to help you feel grounded and supported every step of the way.👉 Join The Next Chapter: https://www.samandleah.com/services

The holidays can be one of the hardest times after divorce—especially when it’s not your year to have the kids. In this honest and heart-to-heart conversation, Sam and Leah talk about what it’s really like to go to holiday events alone: handling questions like “Where are the kids?”, managing emotions, avoiding overdrinking, and finding peace in the middle of it all.You’ll learn practical, empowering ways to: ✔️ Cope with loneliness and missing your kids ✔️ Navigate social events and family gatherings with confidence ✔️ Set emotional boundaries and protect your peace ✔️ Reframe the holidays and create new traditions for yourselfWhether you’re freshly divorced or years into co-parenting, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that this season can still be meaningful, even if it looks different.💫 Ready to heal, rebuild, and co-parent with confidence? Join The Next Chapter—our supportive membership for divorced moms—where you’ll get access to weekly live workshops, a private community, expert guidance, and replays that help you move forward with clarity and calm. 👉 Join here: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Custody evaluations can feel terrifying — especially when you don’t fully understand why they happen or what they mean for your parenting rights.In this episode, Sam and Leah break down the top 10 most common reasons custody evaluations are ordered, from high-conflict co-parenting and mental-health concerns to relocation requests and parental-alienation claims. You’ll hear how the process works, what the court is really looking for, and how to protect your peace through it all.Whether you’re facing an evaluation now or want to be prepared for anything down the road, this conversation will help you feel more informed, grounded, and confident.👉 Want to go deeper? Inside The Next Chapter membership, custody expert Renee Rodriguez is teaching an exclusive workshop — Custody Evaluations 101 — where she walks you through what evaluators are really looking for, how to prepare without overthinking, and how to advocate for yourself with calm, grounded confidence.Join today for instant access to this workshop and dozens more designed to help divorced moms navigate co-parenting, rebuild confidence, and move forward with strength — not fear.🎟️ Join The Next Chapter now: https://www.samandleah.com/services

If you’re co-parenting with a high-conflict ex, this episode is a must-listen. Leah and Sam break down the top 10 things you should be documenting during divorce and co-parenting — from missed pickups and schedule changes to boundary violations, emotional manipulation, and expense tracking.Documentation isn’t about control — it’s about protection, clarity, and peace of mind. When you keep detailed, factual records, you stay grounded, credible, and ready for whatever comes your way.Because when you’re organized, you’re not just protecting yourself — you’re modeling calm and stability for your kids, too. 💛✨ Want to go deeper? Join The Next Chapter membership for instant access to our exclusive workshop with Mary Clare Hayashi, founder of SplitAF, where she walks you step-by-step through setting up your own custody and visitation tracker. You’ll also get access to live trainings, expert workshops, and a private support community built just for divorced moms navigating high-conflict co-parenting.Use the following coupon code to get 10% off of Mary Clare’s documentation resources!  https://splitaf.etsy.com?coupon=NEXTCHAPTER 👉 Join The Next Chapter Here: https://www.samandleah.com/services