Divorce with Sam and Leah

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

Not every divorce comes from chaos. Sometimes you leave because you feel unseen, lonely, or like roommates. 💔 In this episode, Leah and Sam unpack why women leave “good men” — and what healing, self-rediscovery, and freedom can look like after. You’re not broken. You’re becoming. ✨Join The Next Chapter membership for divorced moms ready to heal and rebuild: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Not every divorce comes from chaos. Sometimes you leave because you feel unseen, lonely, or like roommates. 💔 In this episode, Leah and Sam unpack why women leave “good men” — and what healing, self-rediscovery, and freedom can look like after. You’re not broken. You’re becoming. ✨Join The Next Chapter membership for divorced moms ready to heal and rebuild: https://www.samandleah.com/services

What happens when the person you’re divorcing is still living under the same roof? In this episode, we’re talking about one of the hardest and most emotionally draining parts of divorce — sharing a home with your ex while trying to move on.You’ll learn the top 10 reasons why so many divorced moms end up stuck in this situation and how to navigate it with less stress, fewer arguments, and more peace. If you’re living with a high-conflict ex and trying to keep your sanity — this episode is for you.✨ Ready for more support? Join us inside The Next Chapter Membership for our exclusive workshop, “Divorcing but Still Roommates,” where we’ll teach you step-by-step how to navigate this dynamic, protect your peace, and start creating the freedom you deserve.👉 Join The Next Chapter here: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, divorce affects them all — just in different ways. In this episode, Sam & Leah break down how children of different ages experience divorce and what parents can do to help them feel secure, seen, and supported.You’ll learn: 💛 How younger kids process divorce emotionally (and what helps them adjust) 💬 What older kids and teens need most when co-parenting gets hard 🧠 How to communicate in age-appropriate ways that build trust 🏡 Tips to create stability between two homes 💖 Simple ways to help your kids feel safe, even in the middle of major changeNo matter your child’s age, your calm, consistent presence matters more than anything else.👉 Ready for more support? Join The Next Chapter — our private membership for divorced moms where you’ll get access to weekly workshops, expert guest speakers, live Q&As, and a private community that gets it. Gain instant access here: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Halloween should be all about candy, costumes, and fun — not chaos, guilt trips, and last-minute plan changes. But when you’re co-parenting with a high-conflict ex, even one night of trick-or-treating can turn into an emotional battlefield.In this episode, Sam and Leah break down the top five ways a high-conflict co-parent will try to ruin Halloween — and how to protect your peace, stay grounded, and keep the focus on your kids (where it belongs).You’ll learn how to: 🧾 Set firm, drama-proof boundaries that stop the chaos before it starts 🕵️‍♀️ Recognize manipulation tactics and respond with calm confidence 💬 Communicate effectively without feeding the conflict 💖 Help your kids feel secure and happy, even when your ex is trying to stir things up 💆‍♀️ Protect your own peace so you can actually enjoy the holidayBecause your kids don’t need a perfect Halloween — they just need you calm, present, and grounded.✨ Ready to make every holiday peaceful and empowering — no matter what your ex does? Join The Next Chapter, our private membership for divorced moms navigating high-conflict co-parenting. Inside, you’ll get access to the full High-Conflict Halloween workshop, plus weekly coaching, expert trainings, and a supportive community of women who get it.👉 Join today at https://www.samandleah.com/services and start transforming your co-parenting journey from chaotic to confident.

Even with 50/50 custody, one parent almost always carries the heavier load—and it’s usually mom. In this episode, we’re breaking down the truth about the “default parent” role after divorce: the one organizing school projects, handling sick days, managing communication with teachers and coaches, and carrying the invisible mental load that no one talks about.We’ll unpack why this imbalance happens, how to protect your energy, and what boundaries you can start setting today to make co-parenting more manageable and fair.If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone and start getting the tools, support, and confidence to thrive after divorce, join The Next Chapter—our monthly membership for divorced moms who are ready to heal, rebuild, and co-parent with confidence.👉 Learn more and join here: https://www.samandleah.com/services#DivorcedMoms #CoParentingTips #DefaultParent #50_50Custody #DivorceSupport #MomLife #HighConflictCoParenting #DivorceRecovery #DivorcePodcast #TheNextChapter #HealingAfterDivorce #SingleMomSupport

Divorce can drain you — emotionally, mentally, and physically. That’s why self-care during divorce isn’t optional, it’s essential. In this episode, Sam & Leah share the most practical, realistic ways to take care of yourself while navigating one of life’s hardest transitions.From getting better sleep and moving your body to setting boundaries around your ex and your energy, these simple daily habits will help you feel stronger, calmer, and more in control. You’ll learn how to protect your peace, support your nervous system, and start rebuilding the version of you that feels grounded and confident again.Because when you take care of you, everyone — especially your kids — benefits.✨ Join The Next Chapter Membership ✨ If you’re ready to heal, rebuild your confidence, and co-parent with more peace, join our private community for divorced moms: The Next Chapter. Inside, you’ll get live weekly workshops, expert guest speakers, a supportive community of moms who get it, and tools to help you move forward with confidence. 👉 Join here: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Renowned forensic psychologist and Bad People Bible author Dr. Peter J. Favaro joins Sam and Leah to uncover the hidden signs of manipulation in relationships and co-parenting. With insights from over 40 years and 6,000 high-conflict divorce and custody cases, Dr. Favaro shares how to spot red flags early, and rebuild trust in yourself after emotional manipulation.✨ If you’re ready for deeper support as you heal and co-parent with confidence, join our private membership The Next Chapter for live workshops, expert coaching, and a safe community of moms who get it: https://www.samandleah.com/servicesLearn more about Dr. Favaro and his book Bad People Bible at: https://centerihr.teachable.com/

Are you replaying fears like “I’m ruining my kids,” “I’ll be alone forever,” or “My ex’s lies will destroy me”? You’re not alone—and none of it is true.In this episode, we unpack the 10 most common lies, limiting beliefs, and fears moms tell themselves during divorce and shares empowering truths to break free. You’ll hear how to:Separate fact from fear so you can breathe againRebuild confidence and trust in yourselfModel resilience and healthy boundaries for your kidsIt’s time to replace shame and worry with clarity and hope.✨ Ready for your next chapter? Join The Next Chapter membership for weekly workshops, a private support group, and real-life coaching designed to help divorced moms heal and thrive. Click here to join now and start creating the life you deserve: https://www.samandleah.com/services

In this episode, we’re sharing a real moment from inside The Next Chapter—one of our members opened up about something so many single moms feel but rarely say out loud:“I get to the end of the day completely fried, and I still feel like there’s so much to do. I have to choose between sleep, finishing tasks, or getting a moment to myself—and no matter what I pick, I feel like I’m making the wrong decision.”If that hits home for you too, this episode is for you.We’ll talk about what to do when you're overwhelmed, exhausted, and trying to juggle everything—work, kids, court prep, and just surviving the day. We’ll give you actionable tips that are realistic, not overwhelming. You’ll leave this episode with quick tools to reset your day, protect your energy, and stop feeling like you’re always behind.✨ Because you’re not lazy. You’re overloaded. And you’re doing way better than you think.Mentioned in this episode: 💛 The Next Chapter membership — your support system for healing after divorce and navigating high-conflict co-parenting. 👉 Join us here: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Right of First Refusal sounds great on paper—more time with your kids and shared flexibility. But in a high-conflict co-parenting relationship, especially with a narcissistic ex, it can turn into a nightmare.In this episode, Sam & Leah break down the five biggest reasons ROFR often backfires: from constant last-minute texts and power plays to the emotional toll on the kids and the stress of documenting every missed notification.Whether you’re negotiating a parenting plan or revisiting your agreement, you’ll learn how to protect your peace, prioritize stability for your children, and set boundaries that actually work.✨ Ready to heal and co-parent with confidence? Join The Next Chapter membership for live weekly workshops, expert advice, and a supportive community of divorced moms who get it. Learn more here: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Thinking about divorce but worried about how your narcissistic partner will react? In this episode, Sam & Leah share five manipulative tactics narcissists use to stop you from leaving—from love-bombing and false promises to guilt trips, gaslighting, financial manipulation, and intimidation.You’ll learn how to recognize these behaviors, stay grounded in your truth, and protect your emotional well-being while moving toward the freedom you deserve.💡 Join The Next Chapter Membership for weekly workshops, expert guest sessions, and a private support community designed to help divorced moms heal and co-parent with confidence. 👉 https://www.samandleah.com/services