Grown Girl Divorce Podcast

Being a parent is amazing, exhausting, scary, and life changing. It is an awesome responsibility! Parents have the power to shape their child's life both now and in the future.  Whew! That's heavy! As parents, we try so hard not to “mess things up” for our children but we need help! We definitely need help when it comes to divorce and kids!   In this episode, child psychologist Taylor Quick, founder of The Empathy Nest therapy practice, discusses: - How to talk to your child about divorce (yes, even the toddlers), - Why talking about divorce with your child is an on-going discussion, - The one thing children really want for their parents,  - The red flags to watch out for when working with a child therapist, and - More! If you are considering divorce, going through divorce, or post-divorce co-parenting, then this is the episode for you! Trust me, Taylor is not holding back about parent behavior and the impact its having on our children!  When we know better, we do better!  Be sure to check out more educational resources for children on Taylor Quick's Instagram @kidsrcapable or her website www.theempathynest.com Please be sure to subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and be sure to follow us on Instagram @growngirldivorce for information to educate and empower you!  You're Grown! You Got This!   

Relationships take work - we all know that! But, sometimes doing the work is easier said than done especially when we don’t always know what to do or how to do it. We need help!  Our girlfriend guest Jewel Spencer, a marriage and family therapist with the Center of Relational Empowerment ("CORE"), is putting us on the right path to work on ourselves and our relationships!  In this episode, Jewel shares with us: 1. How to make the most of your  1st couples therapy session,  2. The key to preparing for couples therapy, and 3. What to do to find your voice in therapy.  Girl, you do not want to miss this conversation! You're Grown! You Got This!    Our girlfriend guest Jewel Spencer is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with the Center of Relational Empowerment located in Chicago, Illinois. Her clinical areas include communication issues with couples and families, infidelity, substance use, and adults in transition. Jewel is passionate about working with women of color, Black women in particular. Jewel's practice is sex positive, LGTBQ+ and Kink -affirming.  Jewel is a firm believer in that, by building oneself, you contribute to the building of strong relationships and strong families. Her passions are to help her clients grow their self-esteem, become better listeners and communicators, and stronger teams. To learn more about Jewel Spencer, please check her out at www.core-chicago.com.   Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and follow us on Instagram @growngirldivorce!  

Should we set intentions when dating? Is there a right way to date? How do we get our "groove back" and get out there?! Our girlfriend guest Trenia Norford, a professional Matchmaker and founder of Connectricity, is here to get us back in the game!  Trenia shares with us: 1. How to date with "intention," 2. The red flags that are often missed, 3. The best tips for setting up your dating profile, and 4. The one thing she makes sure her girlfriends know before going on a date! Girl, you do not want to miss this conversation! You're Grown! You Got This!  If you are ready to get back out there, be sure to check out our girlfriend guest Trenia Norford on her website www.connectricity.com or on Instagram @connectricity    Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and follow us on Instagram @growngirldivorce!

There are two ways to get a divorce - settlement or trial. But, getting to settlement or trial may look different depending on the path you take. In this episode, Kimberly chats with her girlfriend guest, lawyer and law professor, Stephanie Tang. Stephanie helps us understand: The paths to resolution – litigation, mediation, collaboration The best path for your divorce, The reality of trial, and What her girlfriends know about getting divorced! Episode Girlfriend Guest: Stephanie Tang, Esq. is a divorce attorney and law professor in Chicago, IL.  Stephanie  helps individuals going through divorce get to a better place in their lives and feel prepared for their futures following a time of uncertainty. She strives to provide personalized attention to all of her clients and walk them through each step of the litigation or settlement process. As a certified mediator, Associate with the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, and member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Stephanie is able to offer clients an alternative to resolve their divorce outside of the courtroom. Please be sure to follow @growngirldivorce on Instagram for more information and support for yourself and your girlfriends. Please subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes!  You're Grown! You Got This!

If something were to happen to you today, are your family and assets protected? What do the words, "will," "trust," and "estate plan," actually mean?  Our girlfriend, Candace Hansford, a Trust & Estate lawyer breaks it all down! In this episode, Candace will help us understand: 1.  The difference between a Living Will, Last Will & Testament, and Trust; 2. How to control the outcome of what happens to your children and money with a solid Estate Plan; 3.  What you should know about estate planning and step-children / bonus children; 4. Why you should change your beneficiaries during a divorce; and 5. The Number 1 thing she tells her girlfriends to do to protect their legacy! Nothing is guaranteed in life but death and taxes! Seriously, we aren't here forever so let's not only make the most of the time we have today but set up our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in the best way!  When we know better - we do better!  This episode is the one to get us Grown Girls protecting ourselves now and forever.   Episode Girlfriend Guest: Candace D. Hansford is the owner and Lead Attorney of The Hansford Firm, a boutique law firm headquartered in Chicago, IL. Candace concentrates her practice in matters related to trusts and estate planning, administration and litigation. Ms. Hansford routinely assists clients in the creation and execution of their individual and family estate planning, as well as administration of estates across the country. She assists clients in memorializing their wishes for both tangible and intangible property, as well as succession planning for future generations. Website: www.hansfordlegal.com   Please be sure to follow @growngirldivorce on Instagram for more information and support for yourself and your girlfriends. Please subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes!  You're Grown! You Got This!  

So, your girlfriend is going through a divorce and you want to support her! She's lucky to have you! But, you need to listen to this episode first because what you don't know about supporting a girlfriend through divorce can end up hurting your friendship!   In this episode, Kimberly discusses how to be the GIRL that everyone wants to have in her life when going through a divorce. By that, Kimberly explains how to be Gentle, Intentional, Realistic, and Loving, when supporting your girlfriend during this time. We all want to do what's best for a friend going through a hard time but sometimes we can do more harm than good. Be the GIRL you want to be that you want to be for her and the GIRL that she needs you to be! You're Grown. You Got This!   Be sure to follow @growngirldivorce on Instagram for more support and information for yourself and your girlfriends. 

Do you remember the story of Goldilocks & the Three Bears? Goldilocks explored that house for things that were "just right" for her! Well, you need to have that same mentality when finding a divorce and family lawyer! But, finding the one that is "just right" isn't always as easy as it seems.  In this episode, Kimberly discusses important considerations for finding a divorce and family lawyer: The best resources for finding a divorce lawyer (hint: using TikTok to pick your lawyer may not be the best plan) Getting the most out of the Initial Consultation (e.g. interview tips, questions to ask, red flags) Making the final lawyer selection of the person "Just right" for you Goldilocks was on to something when she tried out everything to find the "just right," and I know you will too! You're Grown! You Got This!   Please be sure to follow @growngirldivorce on Instagram for more information and support for yourself and your girlfriends. Please subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes!  

Girl, are you thinking about divorce? You have come to the right place. In this episode, Kimberly discusses four key topics: Reality checking your decision Timing is an independent decision The 3 most important things to do NOW; and The 3 most important things NOT to do (now or ever)! Listen to this discussion to help you organize your thoughts, consider your options, and figure out the next best steps for you. You're Grown! You Got This!   Be sure to follow @growngirldivorce on Instagram for more support for yourself and your girlfriends. Please subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss an episode! 

Welcome to Season II of the GrownGirl Divorce Podcast! We are glad you are here. This season is all about giving you the information and support you need before, during and after a divorce. This season we will hit topics including: What to do when thinking about a divorce? How to find the right divorce lawyer? How to support your girlfriend through a divorce? Understanding the difference between a Will, Trust, and Estate planning tips Do you need a Prenuptial Agreement? How to prepare for a Custody Evaluation? Understanding your divorce options (e.g., Litigation, Mediation, Collaboration) Why marriage counseling matters? Dating and Divorce: The importance of dating with intention, and Much More... We chatted with girlfriends in Season 1 and now we are digging in to give you the tips to get you through!  You're Grown! You Got This! Please remember to subscribe to this podcast and to follow @growngirldivorce on Instagram!

It’s the “holiday season!”  From menu preparations to gift giving, the holidays find many of us making lists and even “checking it twice.” But, the holidays can also find us stressed or depressed, as it relates to family. How do you have “harmony during the holidays” even if things in your family, marriage or co-parenting relationship aren’t the best?  Dr. Ammara Khalid, Co-Founder of Core Chicago, is here to help us.   Dr. Khalid is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in individual, couples and family therapy with children, adolescents, and adults of diverse backgrounds. Her expertise is working with children and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, eating, relationships and divorce, alcohol/drug addictions, trauma, ADD/ADHD, issues related to sexuality and gender, and immigration and acculturation issues. In addition to her private practice, she is an Adjunct Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Adler School of Professional Psychology, and Illinois School of Professional Psychology, where she a wide variety of subject matter including adult development and aging, therapy techniques with family systems, and topics related to diversity to both graduate and undergraduate students. For more information about Dr. Ammara Khalid: Website: https://core-chicago.com Instagram: core_psych ... Welcome to the Grown Girl Divorce podcast! These are weekly conversations (a/k/a Girl Talk) between girlfriends who have the education, experience and information to help you before, during and after a divorce. This is not the information you get from the "peanut gallery" but the information that you actually need!! Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on this podcast? Email us at growngirlguide@gmail.com The hashtag for the podcast is #growngirlpod Make sure to follow us on social media: Instagram: @growngirldivorce Facebook: @growngirldivorce  

Sound the alarm! We are getting ALL the dating tips and advice from renowned dating expert, Bela Gandhi.  We did not come here to play! There is so much to know and understand about dating before marriage or even after a divorce! Dating, whether you have never been married or are divorce, is a lot more involved and intentional these days, and for good reason! Yet, so many women are not getting the right information or help they need and it shows! Before you "swipe left or right," you need a dating strategy and an execution plan! Let's get it! This episode will help you uncover common (yet, overlooked) dating mistakes, give you tips on increasing your dating prospects and setting an intention for your dating plan.  Are you dating a narcissist?  Why are you attracting the same type of people?  Are you being honest with yourself about your dating life? Should you date during your divorce? This is serious business and not child's play! You're grown - let's go get what you want in a relationship!   Bela Gandhi is the founder of Smart Dating Academy which provides dating coaching services, online profile refinement, webinars, and most recently, The Love Lab. Bela has been featured on Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, CNN, the Today Show.  For more information about Smart Dating Academy, please check out: Website: www.smartdatingacademy.com Instagram: @smartdatingacademy YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/smartdatingacademy Twitter: @belagandhilove Facebook: www.facebook.com/smartdatingacademy ................................................................................................................................................................................... Welcome to the Grown Girl Divorce podcast! These are weekly conversations (a/k/a Girl Talk) between girlfriends who have the education, experience and information to help you before, during and after a divorce. This is not the information you get from the "peanut gallery" but the information that you actually need!! Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on this podcast? Email us at growngirlguide@gmail.com The hashtag for the podcast is #growngirlpod Make sure to follow us on social media: Instagram: @growngirldivorce Facebook: @growngirldivorce  

A conversation with our girlfriend, Watchen Nyanue, on career transition, advancement and staying laser focused on our career goals even when life doesn't go as planned. Focusing on our careers as women is often put on the back burner because we are so busy taking care of making sure our spouses and children are successful. But, what happens when you are suddenly faced with returning to the workforce because of a divorce? Or, the impact that a divorce has on your ability to focus on your career?  Spoiler alert - you can still Boss Up and Shatter Glass Ceilings!    Watchen  is a strategic marketing and business development executive from Liberia, who resides in Chicago, Illinois. She is currently the Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnerships for the WNBA Chicago Sky. In addition to her role with the Chicago Sky, Watchen is the Founder of I Choose the Ladder, a company focused on curating content and experiences for Black women on the corporate climb. As an advocate for female leadership and empowerment, her journey has been filled with more than twelve years of executive experience, where she has excelled as a proven strategic leader who understands the importance of building relationships and capitalizing on the “it” factor in order to take the organization and employees to the next level as it relates to the Black female employees. Watchen holds a bachelor’s in communication from DePauw University. She is currently pursuing her MBA at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.  Prior to working at the Sky, she has had the honor of working with a multitude of renowned companies, including Comedy Central, Hearst Digital, Yahoo!, and Johnson Publishing Company. ​Watchen has been recognized as a Chicago Scholars 35 Under 35 Honoree, a 2018 Chicago Business Journal Woman of Influence Honoree, a Biz Women 2018 Headliner, and a 2019 Black Women's Expo, Presented by BET Her, Phenomenal Woman Honoree. For more information on Watchen and I Choose The Ladder : Website: https://ichoosetheladder.com Instagram: @ichoosetheladder Email: letstalk@ichoosetheladder.com Podcast: I Choose The Ladder  (available on iTunes, Spotify, Sound Cloud) ............................................................................................................................................................................................ Welcome to the Grown Girl Divorce podcast! These are weekly conversations (a/k/a Girl Talk) between girlfriends who have the education, experience and information to help you before, during and after a divorce. This is not the information you get from the "peanut gallery" but the information that you actually need!! Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on this podcast? Email us at growngirlguide@gmail.com The hashtag for the podcast is #growngirlpod Make sure to follow us on social media: Instagram: @growngirldivorce Facebook: @growngirldivorce  

Welcome to the Grown Girl Divorce podcast! These are weekly conversations (a/k/a Girl Talk) between girlfriends who have the education, experience and information to help you before, during and after a divorce. This is not the information you get from the "peanut gallery" but the information that you actually need!! ... This week we have a conversation with our girlfriend, Jenny "MamaFresh" LeFlore on being creative, flexible and being "real" about what "mama self-care is!" This is NOT you're mama's parenting!  Times have changed and so has parenting.  Yet, whether you are a stay-at-home mom or work outside the home, we are all just trying to do the best we can!  For moms navigating parenting schedules due to a divorce or custody matter, maximizing quality time (when quantity may not be a reality) can make all the difference for the kids!  This is the "Fresh Approach" to being a mama!  Jenny is the founder of the blog, Mama Fresh, which is dedicated to creating and igniting a diverse community where Mamas are celebrated!  For more information about Jenny "MamaFresh" LeFlore, please check her out: Blog: https://mamafreshchicago.com/ Instagram: @mamafreshchi Facebook: https://facebook.com/MamaFreshChi   Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on this podcast? Email us at growngirlguide@gmail.com The hashtag for the podcast is #growngirlpod Make sure to follow us on social media: Instagram: @growngirldivorce Facebook: @growngirldivorce

Welcome to the Grown Girl Divorce podcast! These are weekly conversations (a/k/a Girl Talk) between girlfriends who have the education, experience and information to help you before, during and after a divorce. This is not the information you get from the "peanut gallery" but the information that you actually need!! ... Today’s “Grown Girl” Ceta Walters found herself struggling to breathe as she lost her sense of self in the day-to-day of motherhood. She was so busy putting everyone else that she wasn’t looking out for herself.  She needed to find her oxygen mask. And, she found it with the creation of her lifestyle blog, Clark and Stone, which has become her space to share where her love for fashion, travel and motherhood come together.  But, as we know in life, even when oxygen is flowing, there are times in life when it’s still hard to breathe.  With the creation of her Ceta Diaries series, Ceta shares the vulnerability of navigating motherhood, a breast cancer diagnosis and a divorce all while trying to maintain a sense of self with grace, grit and glamour! You can find out more about Ceta Walters: Blog: ClarkandStone.com Instagram: @clarkandstone Facebook:facebook.com/clarkandstone/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/cetawalters Twitter:@ClarkandStone .... Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on this podcast? Email us at growngirlguide@gmail.com The hashtag for the podcast is #growngirlpod Make sure to follow us on social media: Instagram: @growngirldivorce Facebook: @growngirldivorce

A conversation with our girlfriend, Dr. Adia Gooden, the therapist that we all need to help us remember that we are worthy, that boundaries are necessary for our wellbeing and that a bad relationship doesn't mean that we aren't still a Badass (you are!)!  Taking care of our mental health, especially during challenging times such as a divorce, is so important to our overall wellbeing.  Dr. Adia Gooden is a licensed clinical psychologist with an active clinical practice where she treats individuals and couples and she serves as the Director of Community Programs and Outcome Measurement at The Family Institute at Northwestern University.  Dr. Gooden is committed to empowering all people to thrive and share their full selves and gifts with the world.  She inspires people to move beyond managing mental illness to embodying mental wellness and engaging boldly with the world.  For more information about Dr. Adia Gooden: Website: https://dradiagooden.com/ Instagram: @dradiagooden Facebook: https://facebook.com/dradiagooden Twitter: @DrAdiaShani

A conversation with our girlfriend, Nikki Tucker, about getting your finances together before, during and after divorce. We talk about everything from dating financial red flags, Prenuptial Agreements and why having a financial strategy in divorce can make the difference.  Nikki Tucker is a Divorce Financial Strategist and founder of The FIIRM Approach. She’s a mom, part-time foodie and a 16 year financial professional who helps female breadwinners prepare their finances for divorce. Her zones of genius are strategic thinking & training and she uses that to show women how to confidently maintain their financial security whether they end up divorced or not. She works with clients through her on-demand digital resource – Silent Preparation Series as well as her virtual signature group program.  For more information on Nikki and the Fiirm Approach: THE FIIRM APPROACH WEBSITE www.thefiirmapproach.com BLOG POST: SCREW LOVE, ARE YOU FINANCIALLY COMPATIBLE https://thefiirmapproach.com/relationship-moneyquestions/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/thefiirmapproach/ SILENT PREPARATION SERIES (LOW COST-HIGH VALUE RESOURCE) https://thefiirmapproach.com/sps FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/thefiirmapproach  

Welcome to the Grown Girl Divorce podcast! These are conversations (a/k/a Girl Talk) between girlfriends who have the education, experience and information to help you before, during and after a divorce. This is not the information you get from the "peanut gallery" but the information that you actually need!!   Grown Girl Divorce Host Kimberly A. Cook is a divorce and family law attorney. Kimberly is known for guiding her clients through complex family law matters including prenuptial agreements, divorce, custody and child support, with grace and dignity while giving them the tools to move forward into their best life. Kimberly is committed to helping clients resolve their family law matters as amicably and efficiently as possible. However, a skilled litigator, Kimberly is always prepared to go to court if negotiation is not possible.  Kimberly "calls it like she sees it" whether with her girlfriends or her clients. Kimberly received her B.A. from Spelman College and her J.D. from the Catholic University of America - Columbus School of Law.  She was the first African American attorney and Partner at the country's largest law firm dedicated exclusively to family law. While she has received numerous professional accolades (e.g. listed in Best Lawyers in America, named a SuperLawyer in SuperLawyers Magazine, named 40 under 40 Illinois Lawyers to Watch), her proudest professional accomplishments are demonstrated in her client's ability to move into their best lives with the tools she has given them during their divorce process.  Kimberly shares her legal experience with the community as a speaker, volunteer and mentor. She is  a fellow with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the American Bar Association and the Black Women Lawyer's Association.  Most importantly, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her family and great group of girlfriends!  

These days social media can feel like a lifeline as a space to share, connect, or cope with the everyday ups and downs that life brings! But, what you post online can have lasting consequences offline especially during your divorce.   In this episode,  Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. provides helpful reminders of the social media mistakes to avoid during divorce.  Whether your case is amicable or high-conflict, your online behavior can directly impact outcomes related to custody, credibility, and communication. Kimberly discuss the five things to keep in mind when using social media during your divorce:  Social media is not your diary. Perception is reality (especially during a divorce). Protect your privacy and your children's. Social media can (and will) be used as evidence. Be mindful of your online behavior and digital safety. Social media is a great way to stay connected with family and friends both near and far. Yet, be mindful that your actions online can impact your reality offline.  ********************************************************************************************** The Grown Girl Divorce podcast is a space of relatability for Black women considering and going through a divorce. These are girlfriend conversations to educate and empower you through the process. Our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., is a highly acclaimed divorce attorney and mediator breaking down divorce misinformation, dismantling stereotypes on Black families, and shining the light on the importance of diverse representation in family law. Grown Girl Divorce podcast guests are primarily women of color providing expert information or personal stories as a way to give voice to and support Black women going through divorce. Connect with us: Website: www.growngirldivorce.com Instagram: @growngirldivorce LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/grown-girl-divorce To learn more about the podcast host: Website: https://sdflaw.com/team/detail/kimberly-a-cook LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyjohnsoncook

Divorce has a way of teaching you things you never asked to learn and some of those lessons hit hard. In this candid episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. talks about three of the toughest truths that often surface during the divorce process: (1) Fair is subjective, (2) No one is innocent (or perfect), and (3) Sometimes, you just have to let it go. If you’re navigating divorce or a family matter, this episode is for you. Listen as Kimberly breaks down each lesson with honesty, compassion, and insight, helping you understand what these truths really mean for your legal strategy and your peace of mind. ********************************************************************************************** The Grown Girl Divorce podcast is a space of relatability for Black women considering and going through a divorce. These are girlfriend conversations to educate and empower you through the process. Our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., is a highly acclaimed divorce attorney and mediator breaking down divorce misinformation, dismantling stereotypes on Black families, and shining the light on the importance of diverse representation in family law. Grown Girl Divorce podcast guests are primarily women of color providing expert information or personal stories as a way to give voice to and support Black women going through divorce. Connect with us: Website: www.growngirldivorce.com Instagram: @growngirldivorce LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/grown-girl-divorce To learn more about the podcast host: Website: https://sdflaw.com/team/detail/kimberly-a-cook LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyjohnsoncook

Yep, we said it - the legal system is not fair or your friend!  In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. confronts the hard truths that the legal system is not built to be fair and it's definitely not your friend. If you're considering divorce, or going through one, it's important to understand how the court system actually works, and not how you wish it would. Kimberly breaks down why fairness isn’t a legal standard, how relying on the court for validation is unrealistic, and what it really means to be strategic in a system that wasn’t designed with you in mind.  Kimberly also gives you reminders on how to stay prepared and grounded despite the legal system not being fair or your friend! This episode isn’t about fear but about freedom.  The kind that comes from clarity, composure, and knowing how to move through a system without letting it break you. Listen in and learn: Why the court focuses on facts, not feelings How to avoid the trap of “fighting for fairness” What to prioritize in your legal strategy, and How to protect your peace with a key mantra Whether you're early in your divorce process or deep in the trenches, this episode will help you reset your expectations and reclaim your power in the process that is not fair or your friend.  ********************************************************************************************** The Grown Girl Divorce podcast is a space of relatability for Black women considering and going through a divorce. These are girlfriend conversations to educate and empower you through the process. Our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., is a highly acclaimed divorce attorney and mediator breaking down divorce misinformation, dismantling stereotypes on Black families, and shining the light on the importance of diverse representation in family law. Grown Girl Divorce podcast guests are primarily women of color providing expert information or personal stories as a way to give voice to and support Black women going through divorce. Connect with us: Website: www.growngirldivorce.com Instagram: @growngirldivorce LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/grown-girl-divorce To learn more about the podcast host: Website: https://sdflaw.com/team/detail/kimberly-a-cook LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyjohnsoncook