In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell sits down with Rose Pulver, owner of The Thoughtful Home Maryland, to explore the emotional side of organizing during a divorce. Together, they discuss why creating a peaceful home environment is a crucial step toward healing and rebuilding, and how the physical act of decluttering can bring a sense of emotional relief.

Rose shares her insights on managing the overwhelming attachment many people feel toward belongings during a transition. She emphasizes that it’s okay to take your time with the purging process and reminds listeners that professional organizers can work with a variety of budgets and needs. With self-compassion and intentional systems, the path to a calmer, lighter home becomes much more achievable.

Throughout the conversation, Rose offers practical tips for creating manageable routines, storing sentimental items without cluttering your space, and reducing mental friction during a stressful season. Whether you’re mid-divorce or simply craving a reset, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to take small, sustainable steps forward.

Learn more about Rose Pulver and The Thoughtful Home: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/the-thoughtful-home

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

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🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/

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Divorce Happens: Interview with Rose Pulver

Olivia Howell: Welcome back to Divorce Happens, the podcast where we support you before, during, and after divorce with education, inspiration, and a little bit of laughter. Because as we know, divorce happens and then you start fresh. Today, we're here with one of our Fresh Starts experts, Rose Pulver, to talk about a topic that often gets overlooked in divorce: the purging and healing process. It's something that’s truly entrenched in every corner of the divorce journey. So, Rose, can you introduce yourself and tell us what you do?

Rose Pulver: Well, first of all, thank you for having me. I'm so excited to be here and chat with you today. My name is Rose Pulver. I’m the owner of The Thoughtful Home Maryland. We are a professional organizing company, and we specialize in helping busy families, professionals, and people going through life transitions elevate their lives through premium organizing services. We come in and help them organize their spaces—whether it's a small project or a complete overhaul—with the goal of helping them find peace and functionality in their homes.

Olivia Howell: I love that. We sometimes forget that our home is our safe space, and it’s important for it to feel good. And organized for one person might not look the same for someone else. I’d love for you to touch on that because I think there’s a bit of a stigma that hiring an organizer is only for wealthy people, but it seems like most organizers work with everyone. Is that true?

Rose Pulver: Yes, absolutely! There is an organizer for every budget and every situation. Most organizers are happy to work with you if you share your budget and your needs. It’s very much like hiring a personal trainer—you get better results with accountability and guidance. I think it's such a worthwhile investment in yourself and your space.

Olivia Howell: That’s a perfect comparison! Now, I want to jump into our main topic today. When you go through a...

In this powerful episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell sits down with Amy Slate, also known as the Breakup Broker—a real estate agent who specializes in guiding women through the emotional and logistical challenges of selling a home during divorce. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the divorce journey, Amy offers compassionate, practical advice for making smart real estate decisions during one of life’s most stressful transitions.

Amy and Olivia discuss why choosing the right realtor is crucial when emotions are high and timelines are tight. From helping clients get on the same page to navigating the nitty-gritty of paperwork and negotiations, Amy explains how having professional support makes a huge difference in the outcome—both financially and emotionally. She shares tips on preparing a home for sale, creating realistic expectations, and the importance of slowing down and taking things one step at a time.

Whether you’re in the thick of your divorce or just beginning to consider what comes next, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and informed. Amy’s blend of empathy and expertise is a must-hear for anyone facing the tough decision of selling a shared home. Grab a cup of coffee and tune in—you’re not alone, and there’s a clear path forward.

Learn more about Amy Slate here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/the-breakup-broker

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/

📬 Newsletter: https://divorceguide.substack.com/

Olivia Howell:

Let’s jump in. Welcome back to Divorce Happens, the podcast where we support you before, during, and after divorce—with education, inspiration, and a little bit of laughter. Because divorce happens… and then you start fresh.

Today, I’m so excited to introduce one of our Fresh Starts experts with quite possibly the best business name ever: Amy Slate, also known as The Breakup Broker. Amy, can you tell us what you do?

Amy Slate:

Sure! I’m a real estate agent licensed in both Massachusetts and Florida. I work with all kinds of clients, but my focus is helping women who are going through divorce, separation, or breakups. I guide them through the complexities of selling a home during this major life transition.

Olivia Howell:

I love that so much. Every day I meet with people going through divorce, and two questions come up again and again: custody and what to do with the marital home. Our mission at Fresh Starts is to reduce anxiety where we can—and real estate is a huge part of that.

So, Amy, what’s the process? If someone owns a home with their soon-to-be ex, how do they decide to sell, choose a realtor, and actually go through with the sale?

Amy Slate:

Great question. First, take a step back and look at your situation holistically—from financial, emotional, and logistical perspectives. These all impact the decision to sell. Having someone like me to talk things through can really reduce anxiety. Divorce is overwhelming, and adding a home sale on top of it is a lot. That’s why it’s crucial to find a real estate expert who understands divorce and can walk you through the options.

Olivia Howell:

Totally. And it’s not like there’s one central place to find all the answers—everything is so case-specific, from mortgage terms to

Divorce is often a turning point—not just in relationships, but in careers and financial independence. In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell sits down with Melissa Cossette, founder and CEO of Max Event, to talk about how women can take control of their futures by starting a business in the event industry. Whether you're looking for a career pivot, a flexible work-life balance, or a passion-driven income stream, Melissa shares how her Business Builder Program helps women turn their love for event planning into a thriving business.

Melissa breaks down why so many women, especially single moms, feel stuck in unfulfilling jobs and how entrepreneurship can offer a fresh start. She dives into the confidence-building process, the biggest mistakes new business owners make, and how her program provides hands-on coaching, expert guidance, and step-by-step business support. With a strong emphasis on mindset, overcoming imposter syndrome, and pricing your services with confidence, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone thinking about starting their own business after divorce.

If you’ve been feeling "not ready" to take the leap, Melissa shares why there's never a perfect time—but now is always the right time to invest in yourself. Whether you’ve been planning every party for friends and family for years or you’re simply looking for a career shift that brings joy and financial independence, this episode is packed with motivation, actionable advice, and real talk about what it takes to build a business.

Learn more about Melissa here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/maxevent

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/

📬 Newsletter: https://divorceguide.substack.com/

What do you do after you sell the house in your divorce? Do you buy again? Rent? Invest in property somewhere totally new? In this practical and empowering episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell welcomes back Fresh Starts Expert Melissa Zimbelman—veteran real estate broker and property manager—to unpack the real questions people ask when it’s time to financially rebuild post-divorce.

Melissa shares her 20+ years of real estate insight to help newly divorced individuals (especially women) make smart, secure decisions with settlement money. From deciding whether to rent or buy, to understanding capital gains taxes, inheritance options, and why your CPA, trust attorney, and financial planner should be your new dream team—this episode is packed with must-know info.

Whether you’re thinking about buying an investment property out of state, setting up a rental unit in your backyard, or wondering if you should go in on a vacation home with friends (spoiler: think twice!), Melissa covers it all. She even breaks down how to hire a great property manager, how to avoid financial traps, and how to turn post-divorce real estate into a path toward long-term wealth and freedom.

Learn more about Melissa here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/luxe-international-realty-property-management

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartspodcasts

📬 Newsletter: https://freshstartsregistry.substack.com/

Episode Transcript: Investing After Divorce with Melissa Zimbelman

Olivia Howell: Hello, hello! Welcome back to Divorce Happens, the podcast where we support you before, during, and after divorce with education, inspiration, and of course, a little bit of laughter—because divorce happens, and then you start fresh. We’re here again with one of our amazing Fresh Starts Experts, Melissa Zimbelman. I brought her back specifically because I get this question all the time during divorce consults: "What should I do with the money from selling the house?" So, Melissa, who are you, where are you, and what do you do?

Melissa Zimbelman: Hey! My name is Melissa Zimbelman. I live in Las Vegas, Nevada, and I’ve been in real estate and property management for over 23 years. We work with clients buying, selling, renting, and investing in properties—including internationally. My husband and I even own a home in Spain! So we’re seeing more people consider investing for their future outside the U.S. Thanks for having me back!

Olivia Howell: Of course. So here's the question: After selling the house in a divorce, what are the best options? Do you rent? Buy? Purchase and rent it out? Maybe even rent out a room in your home? What advice do you have for someone—often a woman—ready to invest in herself or in real estate?

Melissa Zimbelman: Great question. First, get professional support—a CPA, a trust attorney, and a financial planner. You need that “triangle of support” before making any decisions. One client might get $200K and should invest $30K into stocks or a money market for safety, while another might need to show a tax loss. Diversification is key, even if I love real estate.

Also, understand the tax implications—capital gains, estate planning, etc. Consult someone local to your state. Fresh Starts has amazing CDFA and tax professionals who can help.

Olivia Howell: Yes! It’s not just about the...

If you've ever wondered what happens when divorce, pregnancy, and postpartum collide—this episode is for you. In this eye-opening conversation on Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell sits down with Jessica Hill, founder of The Parent Collective, to talk about the intersection of mental health, motherhood, and navigating major life transitions. From the isolation of the fourth trimester to the unexpected grief that can come with separating from a partner during pregnancy, this conversation is raw, real, and full of the kind of support so many people need but rarely find.

Jessica shares her powerful insights from years of supporting expectant and new parents through her nationally expanding platform, The Parent Collective. With classes designed to build community, offer practical education, and reduce overwhelm, her work is especially meaningful for single mothers—whether by choice or circumstance—who are looking for connection and clarity during a transformative time.

Olivia and Jessica also dive deep into how our culture still stigmatizes divorce, especially when it happens during parenthood. They challenge the outdated narratives that expect women to “power through” alone and offer solutions for how to build your support system, ask for help, and intentionally create the village every parent deserves. Whether you’re newly pregnant and planning to parent solo, in the middle of a divorce, or navigating postpartum recovery without your partner, this episode offers validation, actionable support, and a reminder that you don’t have to do it all by yourself.

Perfect for anyone navigating divorce while pregnant or postpartum, considering single motherhood, or looking to build a strong foundation as a new parent—this episode of Divorce Happens is filled with empathy, empowerment, and expert insight.

Learn more about Jessica Hill and The Parent Collective: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/the-parent-collective

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/

📬 Newsletter: https://divorceguide.substack.com/

Olivia Howell:

Hello, hello, and welcome back to Divorce Happens, the podcast where we support you before, during, and after divorce with education, inspiration, and a little bit of laughter. Because as we know—divorce happens… and then you start fresh.

Today, I’m joined by one of our amazing Fresh Starts Experts to talk about a really important topic: mental health during pregnancy, postpartum, and all the life transitions in between. Jessica, I’m so happy you’re here! Can you introduce yourself to our listeners?

Jessica Hill:

Hi everyone, and thank you so much for having me, Olivia. My name is Jessica Hill and I’m the founder of The Parent Collective. We offer prenatal education that’s designed to help expectant parents build community through learning.

We group our participants by neighborhood and due date, which helps them walk through the journey with people who are nearby and in the same stage. The goal is that people leave our classes with knowledge and a built-in support system.

Olivia:

That’s such a brilliant model. I remember The Parent Collective from many years ago—you were truly one of the pioneers in creating these kinds of...

In this inspiring episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell chats with Melissa Rogers, professional matchmaker, dating coach, and vibrant voice of post-divorce empowerment. Melissa shares her story of moving through divorce and stepping into a version of herself that’s wiser, freer, and more self-assured. Having lived all over the U.S. and now based in El Paso, Texas, Melissa brings insight not only from her personal experience but from helping others find love after loss.

Melissa unpacks the three powerful lessons she learned from her divorce: 1) there’s no award for staying miserable; 2) control what you can, release what you can’t—especially when co-parenting; and 3) divorce is not failure. With humor and grace, she explains how being complicit in her own sadness kept her stuck—and how reclaiming her agency changed everything. She reminds us that when we stop setting ourselves on fire to keep others warm, we finally start living.

If you’re navigating the pain of divorce, wondering what comes next, or feeling like a “failure,” Melissa’s words will light you up with hope. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to reclaim joy, autonomy, and possibility after the end of a marriage.

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/

📬 Newsletter: https://divorceguide.substack.com/

Olivia Howell:

Hello, hello! Welcome back to Divorce Happens—the podcast where we support you before, during, and after divorce with education, inspiration, and a little bit of laughter. Because as you know, divorce happens… and then you start fresh. I'm here today with our friend Melissa. Melissa, who are you, what do you do, where are you from—all the things!

Melissa Rogers:

Hi! I’m Melissa Rogers. I currently live in El Paso, Texas, but I’ve lived all over the U.S.—the Midwest, including Chicago, Minneapolis, and Wisconsin; New York City; Savannah, Georgia... I’ve truly been everywhere, which has been exciting! I’m a professional matchmaker and dating coach, which is a really fun job—and honestly, I’m even better at it now that I’ve been divorced. It’s been a journey, and I’ve gained so much new knowledge that’s helped me support others.

Olivia Howell:

I love that so much. One of my favorite things about this podcast is talking to people who have been through the process of divorce and hearing what they’ve learned. So Melissa, what are three things that you learned from getting divorced?

Melissa Rogers:

I’ve thought a lot about this—and the lessons are simple, but powerful. The first thing I learned is that I am not okay being complicit. In many marriages, the relationship ends long before the paperwork is filed. I see this with my clients, too—someone will say they’ve been divorced for three years, but in reality, they emotionally checked out six years ago. I always remind people: there’s no award for being the most complicit, for staying in a marriage that’s making you sad, just because you “signed up” for it. Once I realized that I have a choice in where my future is headed, everything changed. If your partner isn’t the person you want to call when something amazing—or awful—happens, that’s a sign. If it doesn’t set you on fire, you need to dream bigger.

Olivia Howell:

Yes! That’s so important.

Melissa Rogers:

The second lesson was about control. A lot of successful women who listen to this podcast probably relate—we're Type A, we...

In this powerful episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell sits down with Cindy DiTiberio—writer, ghostwriter, and author of the bestselling Substack The Mother Lode—to unpack the raw truths and hard-won wisdom that come with divorce. Cindy shares the three biggest lessons she learned through her own divorce, and nothing is off the table: finances, post-nups, boundaries, and reclaiming your power.

Cindy opens up about the moment she realized just how capable she truly is—especially in taking back control of her financial life after years of handing it over in her marriage. From doing her own taxes to uncovering the invisible labor of money management, she shares how divorce forced her to research, advocate, and rise. We also dig into why postnuptial agreements should be non-negotiable, and how they can radically change the power dynamics in a marriage.

Finally, Cindy shares the revolutionary impact of setting boundaries. Divorce, she says, taught her that she didn’t have to accept treatment that didn’t feel good—and that realization transformed all of her relationships. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's ever doubted their strength or felt stuck in outdated expectations.

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/

📬 Newsletter: https://divorceguide.substack.com/

Olivia Howell:

Hello, hello, and welcome back to Divorce Happens—the podcast where we support you before, during, and after divorce with education, inspiration, and a little bit of laughter. Because as we know: divorce happens, and then you start fresh. Today, I’m joined by one of our friends here at Fresh Starts—Cindy! Cindy, can you tell us who you are and what you do?

Cindy DiTiberio:

Hi! I’m Cindy DiTiberio. I’m a writer and the creator of the bestselling Substack newsletter The Mother Load, where I unpack motherhood, marriage, and divorce. I’m currently working on my own book, and I also collaborate with others as a ghostwriter to help them tell their stories. I love what Fresh Starts is doing—Olivia has been key in my own journey, and I’ve used the experts in the network. I’m just so grateful for all the support.

Olivia Howell:

Thank you! We’re so happy to have you. One of my favorite segments on this show is talking to real people—real humans who’ve gone through divorce—about what they’ve learned. So, Cindy, what are three of the biggest lessons you learned from your divorce?

Cindy DiTiberio:

The first thing that came to mind is just how capable I am. As women, we’re often conditioned to give away our power, especially when it comes to money. During my marriage, I handed over all the financial responsibilities to my ex because he worked in finance—it just made sense at the time. But once we divorced, I was suddenly in charge of everything, and it was terrifying... but also incredibly empowering. I realized quickly: I can do this. I’m doing my own taxes, organizing my documents, thinking about deductions. I’m capable.

I think one of the biggest mistakes I made in my marriage was not being a collaborative partner in understanding our financial picture—our taxes, mortgage, accounts. When I had to figure it all out myself, I discovered I was really good at research. I can find anything I need to know, and now I’ve taken that same energy into learning about my finances. We are

Divorce comes with emotional weight—but also with a mountain of paperwork. In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell is joined by professional organizer Leslie Kilgour from Get It Straight to break down how you can stay sane and on top of your life during divorce by staying organized. From legal documents to shared passwords to medical receipts, Leslie shares practical tips for managing it all.

Whether you're splitting bills, co-parenting, or setting up new accounts, Leslie explains how to get a grip on the paperwork chaos. She offers a roadmap for managing one month at a time, using password keeper apps, and simplifying physical mail and digital storage. Her wisdom doesn’t just apply to divorce—it’s useful in all major life transitions. Organization, Leslie says, isn’t about perfection—it’s about removing friction during an already stressful time.

Plus, Leslie reminds listeners of the importance of empathy. If it’s safe and possible, remember that you once loved your partner. Communication and organization together can ease tension, save you thousands in legal fees, and create a path toward healing. If the paperwork is too much to tackle alone, hiring an organizer—even virtually—can be a game changer.