Divorce with Sam and Leah

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

Divorcing a narcissist comes with challenges that most people can’t even imagine—especially when kids are involved. In this episode, we’re breaking down the top 10 things to look out for when you’re co-parenting with a narcissistic ex. From triangulation and manipulation, to undermining rules, spoiling, and gaslighting, we’ll walk you through the subtle (and not-so-subtle) tactics narcissists use to pull kids into the middle. You’ll learn how to recognize the red flags, protect your children from emotional harm, and stay grounded in your role as the safe, consistent parent.If you’re ready for deeper support, tools, and a community of moms who truly understand, join us inside The Next Chapter—our membership designed to help you heal after divorce and co-parent with confidence. You don’t have to go through this alone, and you don’t have to keep second-guessing yourself. Click here to learn more and join us today: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Let’s get real—sleeping with the person you’re divorcing is way more common than people admit. In this episode, we break down the top 5 pros and top 5 cons of ex-sex so you can see the full picture. From the comfort and familiarity it brings to the regret, guilt, and confusion it often leaves behind, we’re going there.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s helping you heal or keeping you stuck, this conversation will give you the clarity you need.✨ You deserve intimacy, connection, and love that doesn’t come with strings attached to your past.👉 If you’re ready to let go of old patterns and create your next chapter with confidence, join us inside The Next Chapter Membership, where you’ll get weekly coaching, tools, and support from women who get it: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Starting over after divorce can feel overwhelming—but it’s also a chance to rebuild your life in a way that feels aligned, supportive, and empowering. In this episode, we’re sharing the top 10 must-haves for your divorce registry—the essentials every mom deserves as she steps into her new beginning. From creating a cozy home space to investing in self-care, financial tools, and community, this list will inspire you to prioritize yourself and make the most of your fresh start. If you’ve ever wondered what you really need to feel grounded, confident, and ready for the next chapter, this episode is for you.#divorcerecovery #startingoverafterdivorce #divorcesupport #divorcedmoms #lifeafterdivorce #divorcetips #healingafterdivorce #divorcereset #coparenting✨ Ready for more support as you heal and rebuild? Join us inside The Next Chapter Membership, where divorced moms come together for weekly workshops, expert coaching, and a private community that understands what you’re going through. Your new chapter is waiting—click here to join us today: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Co-parenting with a high-conflict ex can feel like walking through a minefield. The smallest interaction can spiral into chaos—and the emotional toll is exhausting.In this episode, we’re breaking down the 10 most common scenarios that can quickly escalate into fights or triggering conversations when you’re co-parenting with someone who thrives on conflict. From holiday schedules to new partners, money disputes to manipulative communication, we’ll uncover the hotspots you need to watch for and share how to approach them with clarity and boundaries.If you’ve ever felt like every conversation with your ex is a battle, this episode will help you anticipate conflict before it happens, protect your peace, and refocus on what matters most—your kids and your healing.✨ Ready for more support, strategies, and a community that gets it? Join us inside The Next Chapter Membership, where divorced moms learn to co-parent with confidence, heal deeply, and build a life they love. Click here to join today: https://www.samandleah.com/services

How do you really know when you’re ready to start dating again after divorce? In this episode, we’re sharing the top 10 signs that show you’ve healed enough to open your heart again—without rushing, settling, or repeating old patterns. We’ll talk about why confidence, boundaries, and self-love matter more than apps or timelines, and how to approach dating with clarity and excitement instead of fear or pressure.If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to put yourself back out there, this conversation will give you the insight and reassurance you need.✨ Ready to keep healing and rebuilding your confidence after divorce? Join us inside The Next Chapter, our private membership community for moms navigating divorce and co-parenting with confidence. You’ll get access to weekly workshops, a supportive group of women who truly get it, and tools to help you thrive in your next chapter. Click here to learn more and join us today: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Divorce guilt runs deep — especially for moms. You may feel guilty for breaking up the family, for putting your kids through pain, for wanting more for yourself, or for not “trying harder.” That guilt can leave you feeling stuck, second-guessing your decisions, and carrying the weight of everyone’s emotions.In this episode, we’re breaking down the top reasons moms feel guilty during and after divorce and giving you actionable steps to start releasing it. You’ll learn how to acknowledge guilt without letting it control you, reframe “selfishness” into self-awareness, and anchor into your deeper “why” so you can move forward with peace and confidence.It’s time to stop carrying guilt as proof of your love — and start showing your kids what healing, strength, and self-compassion really look like.Ready to release guilt, rebuild your confidence, and co-parent with more peace? Join The Next Chapter — our private membership for divorced moms. Inside you’ll find weekly workshops, expert guidance, and a supportive community of women who truly get it. Start your next chapter today → https://www.samandleah.com/services#DivorceRecovery #DivorceGuilt #MomLifeAfterDivorce #HealingAfterDivorce #SingleMomSupport #LifeAfterDivorce #DivorcedMoms #DivorceHealing #DivorceHelpForMoms #CoParentingTips #DivorceJourney #DivorceSupport*Pin a comment on the video with a call-to-action: ✨ Divorce guilt is SO heavy, but you don’t have to carry it alone. Which type of guilt hits you the hardest — guilt for your kids, guilt for wanting more, or guilt for choosing yourself? Share in the comments so we can support each other. 💙And if you’re ready to release the guilt and step into healing, join us inside The Next Chapter — a supportive membership community for divorced moms with weekly workshops, coaching, and resources to help you move forward with confidence. 👉https://www.samandleah.com/services

Do you really have to be friends with your ex to co-parent successfully? The short answer is no—especially if you’re dealing with someone high-conflict.In this episode, we’re breaking down the truth about co-parenting without forced friendship. You’ll hear 10 reminders, tips, and mindset shifts that will help you:Protect your peace and sanitySet and maintain strong boundariesCommunicate effectively without getting sucked into chaosModel healthy relationships for your kidsStop feeling guilty when outsiders tell you to “just take the high road”Your kids don’t need you to be buddies with your ex—they need you to be calm, grounded, and focused on them. This episode will encourage you to let go of the pressure to perform or fake a friendship and instead step into a healthier, more strategic approach to co-parenting.✨ Ready for more tools and support? Join The Next Chapter Membership—a safe, empowering space for divorced moms to heal, rebuild confidence, and co-parent with clarity: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Joint decision-making sounds fair in theory—two parents sharing responsibility for major decisions like school, medical care, and more. But in practice, it only works if both parties can actually function like a team.In this episode, we’re breaking down 5 essential things that must be in place for joint legal custody to work—plus what happens when you’re co-parenting with a high-conflict ex who can’t meet those standards. If your co-parent refuses to compromise, constantly creates chaos, or uses communication as a weapon, this is for you.You’ll walk away with clarity, validation, and a better understanding of what’s realistic—and what’s not—when it comes to making big decisions together after divorce.🎧 Press play and take notes—this episode could save you a ton of stress (and legal fees).👉 Ready for more tools, support, and strategies for high-conflict co-parenting? Join The Next Chapter membership and get access to weekly workshops, expert guests, and a private community of moms who get it. Join here: https://www.samandleah.com/services#coparenting #divorcesupport #highconflictparenting #jointcustody #singlemomlife #thenextchapter #divorcecoach #custodytips #coparentingwithanarcissist #mindfullyready

Missing your kids after divorce can be one of the hardest parts of shared custody. In this episode, we’re sharing 10 actionable tips for moms to cope with time apart, navigate the emotional ups and downs, and start finding peace when the kids are away.Whether you’re in the early days of your custody schedule or still struggling years later, these strategies will help you shift your mindset, create healthy routines, and make the most of the time you have to recharge.💬 In this episode:How to handle the first nights without your kidsTips for coping with shared custody and missing your kidsHealthy ways to fill your time and ease the lonelinessWhy taking care of yourself benefits your kids, too✨ If you’re ready for more tools, strategies, and support to protect your peace and co-parent with confidence, join The Next Chapter Membership: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Making the decision to leave your marriage is never easy—and knowing what to expect once you do can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Divorce Coach, Lawyer, and Mediator Karen Covy shares how to tell if you’re truly ready to go, what steps to take before filing, and how to prepare for the legal process ahead. We talk about common fears that keep people stuck, the documents you’ll want to gather early, and how to set realistic expectations for what divorce might look like. Whether you’re still on the fence or already preparing to file, this conversation will give you the clarity, confidence, and practical tools to move forward with less conflict, expense, and drama.To connect with Karen, visit https://karencovy.com/💬 Ready for more support and tools to navigate divorce and co-parenting with confidence? Join The Next Chapter—our private membership for divorced moms—where you’ll get weekly workshops, expert guest sessions, and a supportive community of women who get it. Learn more and join here: https://www.samandleah.com/services

What happens when the financial picture in your divorce is way messier than you expected?In this powerful episode of Divorce with Sam and Leah, we’re joined by Certified Financial Planner and Divorce Financial Analyst, Morgan Murray, who walks us through real-life divorce finance horror stories—and the critical lessons that came out of them. From hidden accounts to unmanageable debt to last-minute retirement plan saves, this episode is packed with red flags to watch for and smart steps to take.Whether you’re still in the process or already divorced, this episode will open your eyes to what really happens when the money gets messy—and how to protect yourself.We cover:What to do if your ex controls all the financesHow “weaponized incompetence” delays the legal processWhy that house might not be the asset you think it isHow to untangle financial messes with the right professionalsWhy speed, communication, and transparency matter more than everReal stories. Real strategies. Real empowerment. Don’t miss this one.Connect with Morgan: https://abri.io/💡 Ready to protect your peace, rebuild your confidence, and co-parent with confidence after divorce? Join The Next Chapter membership for weekly workshops, expert guest trainings, and a supportive community of women who get it. Your fresh start starts here 👉https://www.samandleah.com/services

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I should’ve known better,” or “I’m failing my kids,”—this episode is for you.Negative self-talk after a toxic relationship or divorce is so common, and yet, nobody really talks about how damaging it can be. The guilt, the shame, the feelings of failure… We’ve felt it all. And for a long time, we believed every harsh thing we said to ourselves.But learning how to shift that inner voice? It changed everything—how we showed up as moms, the decisions we made for our future, and the way we saw ourselves.In this episode, we’re sharing:The sneaky ways negative self-talk shows upWhy your inner critic isn't actually your voice10 powerful tools to stop the spiral and start rebuilding confidenceHow to start talking to yourself like someone you loveBecause you’re not broken—you’re rebuilding. And you deserve to feel safe, seen, and whole in your own mind.Let’s quiet the mean girl in your head and help you reconnect with your truth.👉 Ready to keep healing and reconnect with who you are outside of the pain? The Next Chapter is my monthly membership for moms ready to rebuild their confidence, set boundaries, and co-parent with strength and clarity. You don’t have to do this alone.Join us here: https://www.samandleah.com/services

If you're constantly putting your toxic or abusive ex’s feelings above your own—this episode is for you.So many divorced moms stay stuck in fear, walking on eggshells and avoiding things they want to do because they’re terrified of their ex’s reaction. Whether it's setting a boundary, taking a vacation, or even just showing up happy—if you're still shrinking yourself to avoid his triggers, this conversation will help you shift that mindset.We’re breaking down:Why his reactions are not your responsibilityHow fear keeps you stuck in old patterns5 empowering reminders to help you stop prioritizing him over yourselfWhat it really means to choose you (and show your kids how to do the same)It’s time to stop managing him and start reclaiming your peace. 💥✨ If this episode hit home and you’re ready to feel more confident, supported, and emotionally free—join us inside The Next Chapter. It's our monthly membership designed for moms healing from divorce and navigating high-conflict co-parenting. You don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join here: https://www.samandleah.com/services

In this powerful episode, we’re sharing the raw, honest truth straight from teens who lived through their parents’ divorces. These aren’t expert opinions or textbook strategies — they’re real insights from kids who know firsthand what helped, what hurt, and what they wish their parents had done differently.From the value of therapy and structure, to the emotional damage of oversharing and being stuck in the middle, this episode breaks down seven impactful lessons every divorced parent needs to hear.Whether you're in the thick of it or already years out, this conversation will help you show up for your kids in ways that actually matter.Because healing isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence, consistency, and choosing love over drama every single time.Your kids might not say it out loud, but these are the things they need you to hear.✨ Want more support as you navigate divorce and co-parenting?Join The Next Chapter — our private membership for moms ready to heal, rebuild, and co-parent with confidence. Inside, you’ll get weekly workshops, expert guidance, and a community that truly gets it.👉 https://www.samandleah.com/services

Not all attorneys are created equal—especially when you're navigating divorce or a high-conflict custody battle. In this episode, we’re calling out the red flags you need to know when it comes to working with a divorce lawyer.If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my attorney really fighting for me—or just running up the bill?”… this one’s for you.We’re breaking down the top 10 signs your attorney is stirring the pot for profit instead of supporting your best interest. From unnecessary court filings to shady communication patterns, we’re pulling back the curtain and giving you the insight you deserve.Whether you’re already working with an attorney or still searching for the right one, this episode will help you protect your peace, your wallet, and your future.If you’re a divorced or divorcing mom ready to heal, rebuild, and take your power back—come join us inside The Next Chapter Membership. We’ve got the tools, support, and sisterhood to help you thrive: https://www.samandleah.com/services

Ever wonder why you keep getting triggered by the same things—no matter how much healing work you’ve already done?In this episode, Sam and Leah break down the top 5 reasons emotional triggers keep showing up (especially after divorce), and what you can start doing right now to finally shift the pattern. From unhealed wounds to subconscious hooks, this conversation is a must-listen if you’re tired of feeling stuck, reactive, or emotionally drained.Plus, we share a powerful invitation to go deeper with us inside The Next Chapter membership, where we’re bringing in artist and creative healing facilitator Lisa Brown for a special live workshop. She’ll teach you how to gently access your emotions, uncover what’s keeping you stuck, and reconnect with your true self—no art experience required.🎧 Tune in to learn:Why some emotional triggers never fully go awayWhat’s underneath the anger, sadness, or shutdownHow creativity can unlock healing in a totally different wayA sneak peek at our upcoming Art as Therapy workshopYou’re not broken—you’re just carrying too much. Let’s change that.✨ Join the membership to catch the live workshop or watch the replay anytime: https://www.samandleah.com/services

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I the high-conflict co-parent?” — this episode is for you. In today’s honest and eye-opening conversation, we’re talking about the moms who second-guess themselves, feel guilt over their decisions, and just want to do what’s best for their kids. (Spoiler alert: the fact that you're asking this question is a sign you're not the problem.)But even if you’re not the narcissist, you might still be unintentionally feeding the high-conflict dynamic. From engaging in every argument to trying to co-parent like it's a team sport — we're breaking down 10 ways you might be enabling your high-conflict co-parent without even realizing it.Whether you’re dealing with gaslighting, boundary-pushing, or constant chaos, this episode will help you shift out of reaction mode, stop fueling the fire, and protect your peace.In this episode, we cover:Why narcissists never ask, “Am I the problem?”Subtle behaviors that enable high-conflict dynamicsWhy parallel parenting may be your best strategyThe role of guilt, reactivity, and lack of boundariesWhat to do instead — and how to reclaim your power✨ Ready to stop second-guessing yourself and co-parent with confidence? Inside The Next Chapter membership, you’ll get the tools, support, and weekly guidance you need to heal, set boundaries, and raise emotionally healthy kids — even with a high-conflict ex.Join us here → https://www.samandleah.com/services

Co-parenting with a narcissist or high-conflict ex who refuses to compromise is emotionally draining and can feel like an endless battle. In this episode, Sam and Leah break down the Top 10 truths about co-parenting with a narcissist — including how to stop reacting, start protecting your peace, and shift the dynamic in your favor.Whether you're dealing with gaslighting, manipulation, or a complete lack of cooperation, this episode gives you clarity, validation, and strategies to navigate the chaos with strength.And don’t forget — inside The Next Chapter, we hosted an exclusive live workshop with internationally renowned conflict expert and author Hesha Abrams, who will teach you how to communicate clearly and hold the calm — even when it feels impossible. This replay is now available inside the member library! 📥 Want to catch the replay of Hesha’s workshop and more? Join the Next Chapter: https://www.samandleah.com/services