Dirty Laundry: The Divorce Podcast
Honest, expert-backed conversations about divorce, co-parenting, and moving forward. Hosted by professional mediators Alex Howard and Amanda Silver, the podcast dives into the real questions women ask when navigating separation, custody battles, toxic relationships, and dating again. It provides a safe space to learn, reflect, and take back control without shame or sugarcoating. New episodes are released weekly.
Episodes
Encore: Break the Attack-Defend Loop — How Insight Mediation Is Changing the Way Families Divorce
Send us Fan MailMary Anne Popescu is the Executive Director of the Ontario Association for Family Mediation and a practicing family mediator of over two decades. In this encore episode, she introduces the concept that changed both her practice and her own marriage: the attack-defend loop, and how naming it in real time can stop a conversation from spiraling.She and Alex and Amanda dig into insight
Encore: Divorce 101 — A Step-by-Step Guide From Decision to Agreement
Send us Fan MailMost people think the first step after deciding to divorce is calling a lawyer. It isn't — and starting there can cost you time, money, and options you didn't know you had.In this encore episode, Alex and Amanda break down the entire divorce process from the beginning: why taking a beat before making any decisions matters, how to gather information and build the right tea
Encore: Attachment Styles, Divorce, and How to Build Security From the Inside Out
Send us Fan MailYour attachment style shapes everything — how you fight, how you grieve, how you date after divorce, and how you co-parent with someone you're no longer in love with. And most people have no idea what theirs is until something breaks.In this encore episode, Alex and Amanda dig into the four attachment styles with a therapist and attachment expert — anxious, avoidant, disorgani
Encore: Dating After Divorce — The Red Flags, the Fails, and the Content with Michelle Traina
Send us Fan MailIn this encore episode, Michelle joins Alex and Amanda to talk about what dating actually looks like as a single mom in New York, the impossible time math of fitting dating into a life that already includes a daughter and a comedy career, why she gave up hiding who she was for men a long time ago, and what three things automatically make someone a red flag. Funny, honest, and deepl
Encore: The Gay Husband, the New Husband, and the Mormon Wife — with Jessica Frew
Send us Fan MailJessica Frew's first marriage looked like a great fit from the outside. Then she found something on their computer. Her husband Steve was gay — and couldn't yet admit it to himself.In this encore episode, Jessica shares the seven years of gradual mourning that followed, the affair that finally ended the marriage, and how she and Steve built a co-parenting relationship so
S4 E37: Stay or Go? Getting Clarity on the Hardest Marriage Decision — with Betsy Pake
Send us Fan MailBetsy Pake is a master coach, speaker, and founder of the Navigate Method. She has also lived this question herself for nearly a decade before finally getting clear. In this episode she talks about what keeps women stuck, why taking accountability for where you are is actually empowering rather than letting anyone off the hook, how to calibrate for action rather than words when you
S4 E36: Emotional Intelligence, Dating After Divorce, and Why EQ Changes Every Relationship You Have with Kristen Harcourt
Send us Fan MailEmotional intelligence isn't something you either have or you don't. It's a skill. And it might be the most important one you can build when you're navigating divorce, co-parenting, and figuring out who you are on the other side of a relationship.Kristen Harcourt — business coach, speaker, podcast host, and emotional intelligence expert — joins Alex and Amanda t
S4 E35: Husbands May Come and Go, But Diamonds Are Forever: The Divorce Jewellery Dilemma—Keep It, Redesign It, or Sell It? with Jessica of Jessica Jewellery
Send us Fan MailThe engagement ring meant everything when he gave it to you. Now it's sitting in a drawer and you're not sure what to do with it. Sell it? Save it for your kids? Or turn it into something that finally feels like yours?Jessica of Jessica Jewellry joins Alex and Amanda to walk through every stage of the post-divorce jewelry journey, from the woman who calls fresh out of a s
S4 E34: A Dad's Mission to Support Teen Mental Health — with Chris Coulter
Send us Fan MailAfter the most difficult experience of his life, Chris Coulter spent a decade speaking with more than 2,000 parents who were struggling to understand what was really going on with their teenagers. What he found was a consistent gap — parents dismissing warning signs as normal adolescent behavior, and teenagers who wouldn't open up to the people who loved them most.In this epis
S4 E33: Coercive Control, Counter-Parenting, and Protecting Your Kids — with Dr. Christine Cocchiola
Send us Fan MailShe spent 27 years married to her abuser. She was a domestic abuse counselor the entire time. And she still didn't recognize what was happening to her until year 20 of her marriage.Dr. Christine Cocchiola — licensed social worker, professor, therapist, survivor, and protective mom — joins Alex and Amanda to talk about coercive control as the foundation of all abuse, not just t
S4 E32: The Legal Fight to Make Canada's Courts Prioritize Abuse Survivors — Part 2 with Kathryn Marshall
Send us Fan MailOver half of all criminal cases in Canada involve intimate partner violence or sexual assault. And those are the exact cases being quietly pushed to the bottom of the pile when courtrooms run out of time and resources.In part two of her conversation with Alex and Amanda, Kathryn Marshall breaks down how trial stacking is working against abuse survivors, what the Hockey Canada trial
S4 E31: Suing the Government Over a Justice System That's Failing Survivors — with Kathryn Marshall
Send us Fan MailHundreds of domestic violence and sexual assault cases are being thrown out before they ever get to trial. Abusers are walking away with no criminal record and nothing on their file. And survivors are being silenced in the process.Kathryn Marshall of Marshall Law is suing the federal government over it. In this episode she breaks down exactly how the justice system is failing abuse
S4 E30: Mother's Day — The Good, The Guilt, and The Working Weekend
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Alex and Amanda get candid about the reality of Mother's Day — why it so often becomes the most exhausting day of the year, why divorced moms are doing something categorically different from married moms who think a solo weekend qualifies as the same experience, and why giving yourself permission to skip the celebration entirely is not only valid but sometimes
[From the Vault] The Stepmom Experience
Send us Fan MailStepmoms are expected to show up like a parent, step back like a stranger, and never complain about any of it. Jamie Simkins — licensed therapist, stepmom coach, and stepmom twice over — has been there herself. In this episode from the vault, she gets into the real dynamics of blended family life: navigating a high conflict bio mom, connecting with stepkids before ever trying to di
S4 E29: Author, Founder, Advocate, and Survivor — Ismena Toscan on Protecting Every Child in Canada
Send us Fan MailOne in three Canadian girls has experienced childhood sexual abuse. One in eight boys. These aren't abstract numbers — they're children in classrooms, on hockey teams, in families across the country.Ismena Toscan is 15 years old. She is a survivor, the founder of the Hula Hoop Initiative, the author of two children's books on body autonomy and personal safety, and so
S4 E28: Surviving Divorce After Domestic Violence — with Mae Scott
Send us Fan MailMae Scott joins Alex and Amanda to share the full story of escaping her abusive, narcissistic ex‑husband, a respected lawyer who was eventually sentenced to 12 years to life in prison. This episode goes inside the escalating violence, the therapist who warned her she had to leave immediately, and the five felony charges that finally led to his conviction. Then we walk through the p
S4 E27: Keira’s Law, Reunification Therapy, and Why the Systems Meant to Protect Children Keep Failing Them — Part 2 with Philip Viater
Send us Fan MailIn part two of this conversation, Philip breaks down the legislation that came out of that loss — Keira’s Law Law, passed unanimously across all party lines — and what it actually does to change how judges are trained on domestic violence and coercive control. He also gets into why reunification therapy has no standardized training, no governing body, and no consistent methodology,
S4 E26: Parental Alienation, Institutional Betrayal, and Why Family Court Keeps Getting It Wrong — with Philip Viater
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Alex and Amanda sit down with Philip Viater, a family lawyer with 17 years of experience at VP Family Law Group, for one of the most candid conversations about the failures of family court we've ever had. Philip breaks down why parental alienation is predominantly used as a defense against abuse rather than a genuine diagnosis, why he views it as junk science
S4 E25: The Prenup Episode: Why More Couples Are Choosing Prenups — and What You Need to Know Before You Do
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Alex and Amanda sit down with family lawyers Sean Valentine and Ryan Osbourne — co-creators of I Do Prenup, an app that lets couples generate a real marriage contract in hours for a fraction of traditional legal costs. They break down who actually needs a prenup and why the answer is basically everyone, what three things must be included in any agreement, why coupl
S4 E24: The Mom Identity Crisis Nobody Talks About — with Dale and Annabel from We Are More Than Moms
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Alex and Amanda sit down with Dale and Annabel, the duo behind We Are More Than Moms, to talk about why the postpartum identity shift is so disorienting, how they built a thriving community for career-driven women who refuse to shrink themselves after having kids, and why the early parenting years are such a genuine test of a relationship. Dale also shares what it
S4 E23: Roommate Syndrome, Bad Marriage Advice, and the Tool That Tells You Whether to Stay or Leave
Send us Fan MailMost couples don't fall out of love dramatically. They just slowly stop paying attention to each other — until one day they look up and realize they're running a household with a stranger.In this episode, Alex and Amanda sit down with marriage coach Monica Tanner to talk about why the advice you've been given — don't sweat the small stuff, compromise, just let i
S4 E22: Coercive Control: How to Build Your Case Before You're Ready to Leave
Send us Fan MailIf you're in a controlling relationship, start writing everything down — today. Not someday. Today.Family lawyer Maryam Manteghi explains exactly how a journal becomes the foundation of a coercive control case, why abusers follow a predictable playbook, and what women can do right now to protect themselves whether they're ready to leave or not.Coercive control isn't
S4 E21: The Tort of Family Violence — One Case That Could Rewrite Canadian Divorce Law
Send us Fan MailCoercive control and family violence finally have a legal price tag in Canada — and the Supreme Court decision that could make it permanent is coming any day.For the first time in Canadian history, a judge looked at twenty years of coercive control inside a marriage and said — that has a dollar amount. Family lawyer Maryam Manteghi breaks down the Alawalia case, the new tort of fam
S4 E20: Emotions Are Running Your Divorce — And Nobody's Talking About the Bill
Send us Fan MailAnger makes you call your lawyer over nothing. Guilt makes you waive spousal support you're owed. And everyone walks into family court thinking they're about to win something — which is precisely when things go sideways.In this solo episode, Alex and Amanda get into the mechanics of emotional sabotage in divorce: how guilt leads to lopsided concessions, why anger turns a
S4 E19: MP Melissa Lantsman on Bill C-225 Intimate Partner Violence
Send us Fan MailMP Melissa Lantsman breaks down Bailey's Law (Bill C-225) and why making intimate partner murder automatic first-degree murder could save lives. From shocking statistics to the emotional Parliament vote with Bailey McCourt's family in the gallery, this conversation reveals the reality behind Canada's intimate partner violence epidemic and what we can actually do abou
[From the Vault] Amanda and Alex Get Personal: Life, Business, and the Golden Rules of Divorce
Send us Fan MailIn this special re-run episode, hosts Alex Howard and Amanda Silver step out of the interviewer chairs and into the spotlight. They share the personal stories and professional philosophies that shaped Dirty Laundry, from Amanda’s "Golden Rule" for high-conflict communication to the surprising thrill-seeking hobbies they hide behind their professional veneers. This is an e
S4 E18: The Four Stages of Grooming: Understanding Predatory Tactics with Anna Sonoda (Part 2)
Send us Fan MailAnna Sonoda returns to detail the Four Stages of Grooming: Flattery, Favoritism, Forbidden Fruits, and Fear. We examine the clinical hallmarks of "Relate and Elevate"—tactics used by predators to bypass boundaries by acting as a peer or a confidant. We also address the sobering reality that 82% of child sexual abuse occurs in the home of either the child or the individual
S4 E17: Child Safety & Grooming: How Predators Target Families with Anna Sonoda (Part 1)
Send us Fan MailLicensed clinical social worker Anna Sonoda discusses the clinical and practical realities of childhood sexual abuse prevention. Moving beyond the "stranger danger" myth, we explore the psychological tactics used to target families and the unique challenges of parenting in a digital age. This is a factual, dignified look at how parents can recognize predatory patterns bef
S4 E16: Understanding No-Fault Divorce and the Search for Accountability
Send us Fan MailIn a no-fault legal system, the emotional breakdown of a marriage rarely translates into a courtroom victory. This discussion examines the evolution of divorce law since 1985 and the persistent human need for accountability in the wake of betrayal. We explore the concept of the "third person" in contemporary relationships—the addictions, fixations, or domestic habits that
S4 E15: Divorce Month: Why January is the Season for Separation & Mediation
Send us Fan MailThe holidays are over, and January is officially "Divorce Month." If the mental load of the season finally pushed you to a breaking point, you aren't alone. We’re discussing why this time of year marks so many endings—and how to ensure your new beginning starts with dignity.2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse—a time for energy, courage, and breaking through old patter
S4 E14: Stephanie: A Story of Infidelity, Family Court, and Rebuilding
Send us Fan MailDiscovering a six-year secret life while four months postpartum is a reality no one prepares for. Stephanie the honest facts of navigating a high-conflict divorce, the struggle of being a self-represented mother in family court, and the courage required to rebuild from scratch.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily ref
S4 E13: Is He Micro-Cheating? When Does Flirting Become Cheating?
Send us Fan MailIs it harmless flirting or a micro-betrayal? We’re breaking down the messy grey areas of modern relationships—from secret DMs and the "validation trap" to where you should actually draw the line with exes.Is it harmless flirting or a micro-betrayal? We’re breaking down the messy gray areas of modern relationships—from secret DMs and the "validation trap" to wher
S4 E12: Cait Alexander: A Survivor’s Story (Part 2)
Send us Fan MailIn Part 2 of our sit-down with survivor and advocate Cait Alexander, we go beyond the abuse to the fight for justice. Cait reveals the shocking details behind the recent allegations against Toronto club promoter Mark Holland and why she is leading a class-action lawsuit against the Federal Government of Canada.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are th
S4 E11: Cait Alexander: A Survivor’s Story (Part 1)
Send us Fan MailCait Alexander joins us to share her story of surviving an attempted murder on July 31, 2021. What started as a "Hallmark" relationship during the pandemic quickly turned into a fight for her life.In this episode, Cait breaks down the specific patterns abusive partners follow, often called the "Dark Triad" of narcissism and psychopathy. She explains why victims
S4 E10: The Essential Guide to Divorce: 5 Steps Before You Hire a Lawyer
Send us Fan MailMost people make critical mistakes in the first 72 hours after deciding to divorce - and we're here to reveal exactly what you should do instead. We expose why hiring a lawyer immediately could be your biggest mistake, how to protect yourself without losing your home or children, and the step-by-step process that actually saves families time, money, and heartache.Disclaimer: T
S4 E9: MP Lisa Hepfner Explains Bill C-223 & Why Family Court Reform Matters
Send us Fan MailCanada's family court system is weaponizing children against domestic violence victims - and Member of Parliament Lisa Hepfner is fighting to stop it with Bill C-223, the Keeping Children Safe Act. She reveals how abuse allegations can get you labeled an "alienator" and result in your children being forcibly removed, why women are being advised NOT to report domestic
S4 E8: Family Court Bias & Legal Reform: Part 2 with Maryam Manteghi
Send us Fan MailFamily lawyer and reform advocate Maryam Manteghi returns to expose how judicial bias and outdated court practices are systematically failing abuse survivors. She reveals why educated victims face unique challenges, how false equivalencies between mothers and fathers ignore basic science, and why the groundbreaking Alawalia case could revolutionize financial justice for domestic vi
S4 E7: Coercive Control in Family Law: Practical Guidance with Maryam Manteghi
Send us Fan MailFamily lawyer and UN advocate Maryam Manteghi joins to expose how coercive control and digital surveillance are reshaping family court. She explains why many victims aren’t believed, how “reactive abuse” is used against women, and why timelines not snapshots help judges see the full pattern. From hidden devices to trauma-informed reform, Maryam shares the tools every survivor and a
S4 E6: Jay Skibbens: Rethinking Co-Parenting, Healing, and Fatherhood
Send us Fan MailCo-parenting coach Jay Skibbens reveals his extraordinary journey of discovering through DNA tests that none of his three children were biologically his - and why he chose to remain their father. After years of toxic co-parenting and a devastating paternity fraud discovery, Jay transformed his pain into purpose, becoming a leading voice for divorced parents navigating high-conflict
S4 E5: Mental Load Is Killing Your Relationship — How To Share It With Zach Watson (Part 2)
Send us Fan MailWhen trust breaks down, even good intentions can start to feel like control. In Part 2 with Zach Watson, we explore how couples can rebuild trust by replacing reminders with real ownership, and why running a simple “boring meeting” can change everything.Zach explains how to close the communication loop, set boundaries that stick, and turn recurring frustrations into shared systems
S4 E4: Mental Load Is Killing Your Relationship — How To Share It With Zach Watson (Part 1)
Send us Fan MailWhen the mental load starts to pile up, even the strongest relationships begin to crack.Zach Watson joins us to unpack how small, unseen responsibilities, remembering appointments, managing the household, anticipating needs that add up to burnout and resentment.He shares the real story behind his viral Mental Load series, how he and his wife rebuilt trust after separation, and what
S4 E3: How To Survive Divorce: Regulate Emotions, Set Boundaries, Protect Your Kids
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with therapists Rebecca Webster and Pablo Alvarez of Connection Counselling to break down how attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, disorganized, secure) show up during separation and divorce, and what actually helps. We cover emotional regulation vs flooding, why boundaries matter, and why not bad-mouthing the other parent is non-negotiable if you want
S4 E2: The Mistakes Professionals Make During Divorce
Send us Fan MailCelebrity relationships spark the conversation, but this episode focuses on real-life divorce. We cover how professionals should stay neutral (realtors, accountants, teachers, coaches), why sale proceeds often sit in trust without a signed separation agreement, and how to protect privacy and reduce conflict. You’ll hear practical tips on selling the matrimonial home, managing expec
S4 E1: Back-to-School Chaos? Co-Parenting Hacks Every Divorced Parent Needs
Send us Fan MailBack-to-school can be one of the hardest times for divorced parents navigating co-parenting and custody schedules. This episode unpacks how to handle teacher emails, homework, extracurriculars, and sick-day pickups while keeping kids out of the conflict. Learn what to add to your parenting plan so school routines run smoothly in two homes and co-parenting after divorce feels less o
Toxic Summer E9 (Rewind): Choosing Divorce and Finding Love Again
Send us Fan MailNatalie Reisman shares her story of leaving a marriage that no longer worked, even after years of trying to make it better. She opens up about the breaking points, the struggle to trust herself, and what it took to finally walk away. Natalie also talks about co-parenting three kids, starting over, and finding a new love she never thought she’d have again.Disclaimer: The views and o
Toxic Summer E8 (Rewind): Why Marriage Works for Men but Fails Women
Send us Fan MailAuthor and coach Kate Anthony joins Amanda and Alex to talk about her book The D Word and why so many women are unhappy in marriage. She lays out her famous “it’s not your f***ing job” list, from mothering your partner to sacrificing your needs and explains how boundaries are the key to breaking free of toxic dynamics. Kate also dives into weaponized incompetence, narcissistic abus
Toxic Summer E7 (Rewind): Coercive Control and the “Narcissist” Trap
Send us Fan MailTrauma-informed consultant Trish Guise explains what coercive control really is and why slapping the label narcissist on every toxic ex can miss the bigger danger. She breaks down the early red flags, how coercive control continues after separation, and why family courts so often fail to protect survivors. Trish also shares how shifting the focus from the victim to the abuser chang
Toxic Summer E6 (Rewind): Parallel Parenting with a Toxic or Narcissistic Ex
Send us Fan MailLegally Nik explains how to handle co-parenting when your ex is toxic or even a narcissist. She breaks down the difference between the two, the signs to look for, and why parallel parenting can be a lifesaver. Nik shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, not engaging in conflict, and protecting your children’s well-being while keeping your own peace.Disclaimer: The views
Toxic Summer E5 (Rewind): Dating After a Narcissist and Rebuilding Trust
Send us Fan MailPsychologist and author Dr. Kerry McAvoy talks about what it’s really like to date after leaving a narcissist. She shares how abuse shapes trust, the red flags to watch for, and the importance of rebuilding self-worth before starting something new. Kerry also reflects on her own experiences and offers practical advice for creating healthy, lasting connections.Disclaimer: The views
Toxic Summer E4 (Rewind): When the System Fails Survivors
Send us Fan MailTina Swithin spent years in a legal battle to protect her children from an abusive ex-husband. She explains how the family court system can fail survivors, why custody battles can drag on for years, and the emotional toll it takes. Tina also shares how she turned her fight into advocacy, helping other parents protect their children and themselves through her work with One Mom’s Bat
Toxic Summer E3 (Rewind): Co-Parenting with a Coercive Controller
Send us Fan MailParenting after leaving an abusive relationship can feel impossible, especially when the other parent is controlling, rigid, and vindictive. Co-parenting coach Chantal Contorines explains why true co-parenting often isn’t possible with a coercive controller, and how to shift to parallel parenting to protect yourself and your kids. She shares strategies for boundaries, preparing bef
Toxic Summer E2 (Rewind): Surviving Forced Marriage and Fighting Honour-Based Abuse
Send us Fan MailJasvinder Sanghera was just 16 when she escaped a forced marriage planned since childhood. Disowned by her family, she rebuilt her life while campaigning to change laws and protect others from honour-based abuse. In this conversation, she shares her own story, the tragic loss of her sister, and the creation of Karma Nirvana, a charity that has saved countless lives.Disclaimer: The
Toxic Summer E1 (Rewind): Surviving Infidelity & The Reality of Intimate Betrayal
Send us Fan MailIt’s Toxic Summer. Psychotherapist Lauren LaRusso shares how her husband’s affair ended her marriage and changed the direction of her work. She explains what “intimate betrayal” really means, the misconceptions around why affairs happen, and how people can start to heal.Lauren also talks about co-parenting after infidelity, why some couples stay together while others don’t, and the
S3 E41: Season 3 Wrap-Up: Next Up, Toxic Summer
Send us Fan MailIn this Season 3 wrap-up, Amanda and Alex reflect on parenting, personal growth, and the most powerful themes of the year.They also introduce Toxic Summer — a curated drop of our most-shared episodes on divorce, toxic relationships, coercive control, and emotional survival. Whether you're recovering from a breakup, co-parenting with a narcissist, or trying to spot red flags in
S3 E40: Christie's Story: From Surviving Abuse to Finding Love
Send us Fan MailChristie shares her story of surviving a five-year abusive relationship and finding the strength to leave. She opens up about recognizing red flags, the healing process, and how she eventually found healthy love again. Christie now helps other survivors through her podcast "Dating After DV," offering hope that it's possible to break toxic patterns and build the relat
S3 E39: Top 5 Things That Kill Relationships With Chantal Landreville
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Dirty Laundry, love and relationship coach Chantal Landreville breaks down the top 5 relationship killers and how to avoid them.Chantal is the author of Raise Your Love Signal and brings decades of insight into why relationships break down and how to build them back up. From emotional self-awareness to conflict resolution, she offers practical tools for showing u
S3 E38: How to Choose the Right Mediator: Our sit-down with the director of our organization Mary-Anne Popescu
Send us Fan MailWondering how to get divorced without going to court? What exactly does a family mediator do? And is mediation actually better than hiring a lawyer? In this episode of Dirty Laundry, we’re joined by Mary-Anne Popescu — the Executive Director of the OAFM (Ontario Association for Family Mediation) — to answer all your questions.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podc
S3 E37: Ozempic, Wegovy, Divorce, Weight Loss & Reinvention After 40 With Dr. Melissa Hershberg
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Dirty Laundry, we sit down with Dr. Melissa Hershberg to talk about Ozempic, weight loss after 40, and what it really means to “glow up” after divorce. Dr. Hershberg is a family doctor, weight loss expert, and author who shares both her personal story and professional advice.We talk about the pressure women feel to look good after having kids or going through a b
S3 E36: Episode 100: Our Most Talked-About Topics: Should I Leave My Marriage? Divorce, Narcissists & Co-Parenting
Send us Fan MailShould I get a divorce? Wondering if you should stay or leave your marriage? This episode covers divorce advice for women, co-parenting with a narcissist, and signs your marriage is over.It’s our 100th episode and we’re diving into the question so many people ask: Is my marriage really over? From cheating and emotional burnout to divorcing a narcissist or starting over as a single
S3 E35: This week on the DL: The Open Marriage, pt. 2 of 2
Send us Fan MailWe’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Danielle, the creator of Openly Committed. In this episode, we dive deeper into open relationships, the myths perpetuated by social media, and the raw truths about love, parenting, and emotional risk. Danielle shares what it’s really like to navigate non-monogamy, how social media shaped her views on divorce, and why honesty—not tradi
S3 E34: This week on the DL: The Open Marriage, pt. 1 of 2
Send us Fan MailThis week on the DL we are really spilling the tea and asking all the questions about an open relationship from expert Danielle of Openly Committed.Jealousy? Rules? Falling in love? Is an open marriage a precursor to divorce? These are just the iceberg tip of the conversation - so stay tuned for part two next week ;)Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest
S3 E33: This week on the DL: Co-Parenting with a Narcissist – Why Going No Contact Is Non-Negotiable (Bitch is a Bad Word, Pt. 2)
Send us Fan MailLeaving a toxic relationship doesn’t always mean the abuse ends. In this episode, Lindsay Abernathy — host of Bitch is a Bad Word — breaks down what post-separation abuse really looks like and how to deal with it. From co-parenting with a narcissist to dealing with constant messages, she shares real stories and strategies that help you stay grounded.Lindsay opens up about her own e
S3 E32: This week on the DL: B!tch is a Bad Word pt. 1 of 2
Send us Fan MailThis week the A team is joined by Lindsay Abernathy, actor, podcast host, and domestic violence survivor. Lindsay sits down to share her story, her mission, her hope - that survivors can find a safe place to share and heal together.After a move from Canada to California for love and career, Lindsay soon found herself disappearing into her relationship. Now, a DV advocate, Lindsay i
S3 E31: This week on the DL: The Good Lawyer
Send us Fan MailThis week A+A sit down with Sean Valentine of OV Family Law to discuss how you can opt for a lawyer to represent you in your divorce, and still remain amicable with your ex.In this episode, Sean explains how focusing clients on their goals, picking up the phone and chatting with opposing counsel, and limiting the number of nasty lawyer letters gets the best results for his clients.
S3 E30: This week on the DL: The Unexpected Psychological Benefits of Fashion
Send us Fan MailThis week Alex sits down with Lisa Shaw of Lifestyled By Lisa, a fashion stylist on a mission to build confidence in her clients via their wardrobe.Lisa has been in the fashion industry for 20+ years, and combined her love of style with a Life Coaching certification to build back her clients' confidence after life transitions - be it divorce, postpartum, new relationships or j
S3 E29: This week on the DL: You Divorced a Narcissist-Now What?: A Conversation with Chantal Contorines
Send us Fan MailThis week Alex and Amanda chat with fellow Canadian Chantal Contorines, an expert on co-parenting with a narcissistic ex.Tune in and learn how to take back your power, assert control over what you can, and let go of all the things you can't. This is a powerful episode you do not want to miss, but please be warned, it does contain conversations around abuse and intimate partner
S3 E28: This week on the DL: Amanda and Alex Get Personal
Send us Fan MailFor this week, the A team are interviewing each other - pour a cup of something and sit back while the team behind your favourite podcast spill the tea on who they are and why they do what they do!You'll learn about their pet peeves, their guilty pleasures, but also about their thriving private practices, Midtown Mediation and Forest Hill Mediation.This is the perfect episode
S3 E27: This week on the DL: High Conflict Parenting Plans with Samantha Boss
Send us Fan MailThis week Amanda and Alex sat down with Samantha Boss, better known as The Ugly Side of Divorce, and chatted about the realities of co-parenting with a high-conflict ex. Learn about specifics you must include as non-negotiables if you plan on successfully co-parenting, or, more than likely, parallel parent.Samantha works with clients one-on-one, hosts a master class and creates pe
S3 E26: This week on the DL: A Conversation with the Queen of Mediation, Dr. Barbara Landau
Send us Fan MailThis week Alex and Amanda sit down with their hero, the one and only Dr. Landau.Dr. Barbara Landau is a renowned mediator, lawyer, psychologist, and author with decades of experience in conflict resolution. A trailblazer in family mediation, she has dedicated her career to helping families navigate separation with dignity and fairness. Dr. Landau is a sought-after speaker and autho
S3 E25: This week on the DL: Michelle Dempsey on How to Move On
Send us Fan MailThis week the A team sits down with Coach, Author, Podcaster, and creator of the Moving on Method, Michelle Dempsey.After her own divorce, Michelle turned her focus on how she could help others in a similar situation, on a similar path. Michelle supports healthy coparenting, and passionately believes that she can help separating families create a life that their kids don't hav
S3 E24: This week on the DL: Sneaking a Peek into the Diary of a People Pleaser
Send us Fan MailA+A sit down with the brilliant and vulnerable, Breanne of The Diary of a People Pleaser - another amazing example how one brave woman can support, empower and educate the masses, all while on her own growth journey.Turns out Alex always knew she was a people pleaser, Amanda, on the other hand, discovered she has tendencies in the middle of the episode - are you a people pleaser?Li
S3 E23: This week on the DL: One Mom’s Battle With Family Court – And How She’s Fighting Back
Send us Fan MailThis week, Amanda and Alex sit down with the Tina Swithin of One Mom’s Battle, to talk about the brutal realities of the family court system. After fighting to protect her own daughters from an abusive ex, Tina became an advocate, author, and relentless force for change exposing how the system prioritizes parental rights over child safety.This conversation will make you rethink eve
S3 E22: This week on the DL: The Single Mom Society on Using Humour to Fight Back
Send us Fan MailThis week the brilliant and hilarious Jennifer Muscatel uses her platform @singlemomsociety_ to not only bring humour to divorce generally, but more specifically to point out the flaws of Family Law and how the court system is setting families up for failure.Her no BS approach will leave you both laughing and thinking, and the A team sits down with Jen to hear the personal stories
S3 E21: This week on the DL: How This Mom Rewrote her Story
Send us Fan MailThis week Amanda and Alex sit down with Toronto local, Amy Tseng, who shares her incredible story of overcoming adversity.She was newly pregnant when he walked out, and Amy realized that she could either be the victim of her own story, or rise up and rewrite the ending. So this single mom decided to build both a booming business, Dermedix, and a beautiful life for her and her daugh
S3 E20: This week on the DL: Skye Katz Shares her Sobriety Story
Send us Fan MailThis week Alex and Amanda sit down with the incredibly stylish entrepreneur Skye Katz of Skye Flowers Luxury Floral Design.Skye shares openly about her struggle with sobriety and how an intervention from family and friends got her into rehab. From rock bottom she rose to build a thriving business with two Ontario locations, all while raising three kids and maintaining a solid partn
S3 E19: This week on the DL: Are you Getting Enough Sleep?
Send us Fan MailThis week the gals sit down with sleep expert Alanna McGinn of Good Night Sleep Site to get the inside scoop on all things sleep.Listen in to know if you should be sleep training your infant, how many hours your teen needs each night, and how you can prioritize your sleep during your divorce.A good night sleep is restorative, healing, and necessary for hormone management and growth
S3 E18: This week on the DL: Can you Co-Parent with a Toxic Ex?
Send us Fan MailThis week the A team sit down with the brilliant legal mind behind instagram sensation @LegallyNikNikki, a single mom and solicitor in the UK, has committed her career to advocating for those exiting toxic marriages and supporting their efforts both in court and beyond.Today Amanda and Alex get to the heart of a question they are asked constantly: can you really ever co-parent succ
S3 E17: This week on the DL: Stepping into Your Power as You Age
Send us Fan MailPrepare yourself for the most beautiful and nurturing conversation of 2025. The A team is delighted to be chatting with their soul sisters, Helen Tansey and Mt Meikle of the Helen and Mt Podcast. Helen, a portrait photographer and mastermind behind her company Sundari Photography, and Mt, a fashion stylist and founder of La Closette are on a mission to change the narrative around a
S3 E16: This week on the DL: Natalie Westlake Tells her Story pt. 2 of 2
Send us Fan MailBuckle up DL fam, it's the highly anticipated part two of celebrated entrepreneur and executive, Natalie Westlake.Jump right back into Natalie's story with her take on parenting, the step-mom (monster?) and maybe even another love story in the works. Natalie leaves listeners with some advice, anecdotes about her own divorce journey and how she wished she'd ask for he
S3 E15: This week on the DL: Natalie Westlake Tells Her Story pt. 1 of 2
Send us Fan MailWelcome back DL fam! For the first episode of 2025, the A team is dropping part one of an amazing story. For the first time, Disruptive Marketer and Entrepreneur Natalie Westlake openly talks about her divorce, her time at Lululemon and about starting a sex toy shop with her dad!After working for Lululemon for nearly 20 years, Natalie made the move over to the stunning jewelry shop
Recommended
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Stand In The Circle
Conspiracy Files with Paige Carter
English Vocabulary Help
Bad Friends
The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
The Bread and Banter Podcast
The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Deadline: White House
این نقطه
Solved Murders - True Crime Stories
紐約鳥｜New York Aperture
