In this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, host Ashley-Nicole Russell is joined by Ashley Michael to unpack one of today’s most troubling social media trends: the so-called “divorce glow up.” From flashy Instagram posts to celebrity headlines, the idea that divorce equals a glamorous reinvention is not only misleading, but deeply harmful—especially for children caught in the middle.

Ashley-Nicole Russell challenges the toxic narrative that a post-divorce makeover is something to celebrate. Instead, she reframes what a true “glow up” looks like: taking accountability, practicing self-reflection, and choosing healthier, collaborative approaches to divorce that protect children, preserve dignity, and promote long-term emotional well-being.

Together, Ashley-Nicole Russell and Ashley Michael break down:

• Why the “divorce glow up” is damaging to families and children.
• How social media glamorizes divorce in unrealistic ways.
• The ripple effects of high-conflict divorce on kids, communities, and workplaces.
• What It Really Means to Model Conflict Resolution for Children.
• How prenuptial agreements and collaborative divorce can prevent years of pain and litigation.
• Sobering statistics on how adversarial divorces impact mental health, substance abuse, and future relationships.
• Celebrity examples—from Reese Witherspoon to Jennifer Garner—that highlight the importance of handling divorce with dignity and accountability.

This powerful conversation challenges cultural myths and advocates for a new standard in how we approach separation, parenting, and personal growth following divorce. The real “glow up” isn’t about Botox or gym selfies—it’s about breaking cycles of conflict, protecting your children, and becoming a healthier version of yourself.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about collaborative divorce and conflict resolution at ANRLaw.com.
• Get your copy of The Cure for Divorce Culture by Ashley-Nicole Russell.
• Follow Ashley-Nicole and ANR Law on social media: @ANRLaw

This episode of Divorce, Healthy! features Attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell and her business partner Attorney Ashley Michael. They discuss the profound impact of divorce, not only on the immediate family but also on co-workers, employers, friends, and the broader community. They emphasize that divorce can change how people approach the world, both individually and as a community.

They advocate for a better way forward in divorce and conflict resolution, drawing on their personal and professional experiences in collaborative family law. They aim to shift the conversation around divorce by providing insights into the culture of conflict and its statistical effects on children and adults. They offer collaborative strategies for managing divorce at home and in the workplace.

The speakers highlight the destructive impact of litigation on the workforce, noting that divorcing individuals often experience decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and mental duress, which can affect their job performance and the overall business. They stress the importance of employer assistance programs (EAPs) and educational resources to help employees navigate divorce more healthily.

They contrast the chaotic and unpredictable nature of litigation—with its extensive document production, intense depositions, and court appearances—with the more controlled and cooperative processes of mediation and collaborative divorce. They share personal anecdotes and discuss how litigation can be intrusive and emotionally draining, leading to long-term "generational damage" for families.

The discussion also touches on the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study, which identifies divorce as one of ten significant factors affecting children's well-being. They argue that while divorce is a reality, the goal should be to approach it in a way that minimizes negative effects on children and future generations. The episode concludes by advocating for a "cure for divorce culture" by promoting collaborative and healthier approaches to conflict resolution.

Tune in to this episode of Divorce, Healthy! with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Wilmington, and Greenville, NC.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Ashley Michael, Esq.

What she does: Ashley Michael is one of the few recognized adoption specialist attorneys in North Carolina, the co-owner and managing attorney of Michael & Russell, PLLC, the only collaborative family law firm and adoption firm in southeast North Carolina. Whether she is working on domestic, juvenile, or guardianship cases, Ashley Michael uses her training as a litigator, mediator, and collaborative law professional to resolve people’s issues with empathy and respectability. Attorney Michael is also Board Certified in Family Law by the North Carolina State Bar, NC-CAN Board of Directors, Founder of Coastal Collaborative, and Family Financial Mediator.

⭐ To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole’s book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to www.anrlaw.com.

⭐ You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw.

⭐ Collaborative Divorce Attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell has law offices serving clients in Greenville, Raleigh, Beaufort, and Wilmington.

⭐ Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy! Subscribe in your preferred podcast app.

More information can be found at anrlaw.com, thecopparent.org, and michaelandrussell.com.

Divorce doesn't just affect the parents and children, but also co-workers, employees, friends, neighbors, and spouses. Ashley Nicole Russell, an attorney, believes in a better way forward by changing the conversation around divorce and conflict resolution. She offers collaborative strategies at home and in the workplace, and she is the author of The Cure for Divorce Culture.

The video, which is season 4 of the podcast "Divorce Healthy," will provide an in-depth analysis of process options available when considering divorce, including custody and co-parenting schedules. The content is legally researched and cited. While previous seasons included many guest interviews, this season will focus on providing direct content to listeners.

Ashley Nicole Russell's law office, ANR Law, also known as Michael and Russell, is located in four areas of North Carolina: Wilmington, Beaufort, Raleigh, and Greenville. The firm covers the entire state. The five process options for divorce in North Carolina are mediation, collaboration, settlement negotiation, arbitration, and litigation. The speaker emphasizes that individuals can choose to keep decision-making power within their own hands rather than subjecting themselves to the court system.

The goal of "Divorce Healthy" is to reform the culture of divorce by informing the public about how the process should work. The speaker aims to provide clarity and help individuals navigate divorce in a way that allows them to feel proud of their decisions and model effective conflict resolution for their children. She stresses that divorce does not have to be a war and can be an opportunity for personal growth and modeling good conflict resolution.

More information can be found at anrlaw.com, thecopparent.org, and michaelandrussell.com.