In today's episode, Ang interviews Dr. Shannon Hirst, a research psychologist and Senior Research Lead at One Plus One, a UK-based charity focused on strengthening relationships. Shannon discusses her academic and practical journey—from studying forgiveness and attachment to developing support tools for families navigating relationship breakdowns. The episode explores why strong relationships are both a cornerstone of personal well-being and a public health concern, delving into the emotional challenges of separation, co-parenting, and the importance of effective communication. Shannon highlights One Plus One's free resources, especially the "Separating Better" app, which offers guidance, practical tools, and emotional support to parents going through separation.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

High-quality relationships are a leading factor in both the quality and length of life, comparable in health impact to abstaining from tobacco and alcohol use.

The emotional readiness to transition from intimate partners to co-parents is crucial; being kind to oneself and learning new skills greatly aids this process.

Effective co-parenting relies on kindness, adaptability, and strong communication—qualities that can be learned and are supported by One Plus One's resources and app.

Even small, thoughtful actions (like communicating more empathetically or folding laundry for your ex-partner) can help nurture co-parenting relationships and ease conflict for the benefit of children.

 

BEST MOMENTS

"Relationships are the cornerstone of society. Everything starts with a single interaction."

"Good quality relationships predict not only the quantity but also the quality of our lives."

"You can't just switch your feelings off... be kind to yourself as you navigate this really challenging situation."

"Communication is the biggest predictor of relationship satisfaction."

"Anything that makes the process smoother for children is worth learning and practicing."

GUEST LINKS

OnePlusOne website – www.oneplusone.org.uk
OnePlusOne Instagram – www.instagram.com/oneplusone_charity
OnePlusOne Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/oneplusoneuk.bsky.social
My LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/oneplusone

EPISODE LINKS

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If you enjoy this podcast here is the link to the book 'Do I Really H*te Men?'. It's packed with actionable and inspirational content to help you think, feel, heal and create your beautiful life that you deserve!

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1068789107 USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1068789107

Exciting news! I now have four powerful and affordable course downloads available in my Patreon Shop—starting at just £20. Each one is designed to help you take meaningful steps forward in your healing and growth journey.

🌱 How to Start to Transform Your Life 💭 How to Squash Your Negative Beliefs 💫 How to Define Your Core Values and Life Purpose

💫The Divorce Pathways - 6 Steps to Divorce Recovery

https://patreon.com/user?u=114049946&utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Connect with me here...

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www.linkedin.com/in/angallanburns

www.doireallyhatemen.com

To receive a FREE copy of my Divorce Success or my Parenting Success Tips - please e-mail me at Ang@doireallyhatemen.com

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Do I Really Hate Men?

Interesting question and one I have asked myself many times. This is not an 'I hate men' podcast neither is it just an account of my divorce and the many awful events leading up to and during it. This podcast is a safe space to delve into what happens when relationships end, it provides guidance on how to carry on being a functioning adult and/or Single Mum when you feel broken inside. 

This podcast provides hope sprinkled with humour, at times its emotional at times inspiring and at times sad. I have a message to share with women around the world, come join me and your global sisters for a weekly dose of Superhero Mum inspiration and stories.

My mission - to help women and mothers globally to recover from relationship pain,  lead meaningful happy lives and inspire their children to succeed.

NOTE – I need you to know that I don't hate men! It's important that you know there are many great men out there. Many fantastic fathers and single fathers trying hard to do a great job. I know little about the struggles of single fathers; however, I presume they are numerous common issues we share with these amazing men who strive to do the right thing by their children. 

ABOUT THE HOST

Ang is first and foremost a very proud Mum. She is on a mission to share her experiences of both divorce and life as a single Mum. With a 25 year career in the corporate world, she has always been passionate about empowering women and those around her. She is a fully qualified life coach of 20 years and a self confessed self development junkie.

Ang has written her first book called 'Do I Really Hate Men', due to be released later this year which NEEDS to be read by women worldwide. With a high level of emotional intelligence she works tirelessly to improve the lives of womankind through her words, both digitally and at speaking events globally. 

With a six year divorce behind her, Ang represented herself in court a total of 6 times. She has been a single parent of two boys for a total of 14 years. She has lived through the struggles and come out the other side. Her words, honesty and humour captivates her audience.