In this episode, Mardi Winder-Adams sits down with relationship coach Ry Duong for a heartfelt conversation about love, loss, and navigating the world of relationships after divorce or heartbreak. Ry shares her deeply personal story of having grown up in a refugee camp after her family fled the Cambodian genocide, reflecting on how those early experiences shaped her perspective on resilience and hope. She also talks openly about losing her sister, a turning point that inspired Ry to turn her pain into purpose by helping others through her work as the founder of Eternal Love.

Throughout the discussion, Ry and Mardi explore what it means to break old, toxic patterns and truly discover who you are after a long-term relationship ends. Ry draws from her own 17-year marriage and shares how, after losing her sense of identity in that partnership, she had to relearn how to put herself first, which is something she encourages her coaching clients to do as well. They talk about how loving yourself, accepting your imperfections, and setting healthy boundaries are the keys to finding happiness and attracting truly compatible partners.

The episode also covers what unconditional love actually looks like, especially when it comes to balancing compassion for a partner with sticking to your own values and non-negotiables. Ry’s advice is down-to-earth and practical, suggesting that anyone coming out of a divorce should take time to reflect before dating seriously again, to heal wounds and get honest about what you really want from a partner. She reminds listeners that it’s okay to take your time, not to rush into something new, and to be aware of patterns that might lead you back into an unhealthy relationship.

Above all, this conversation feels warm, genuine, and encouraging, full of helpful insights for anyone wondering how to move forward after heartbreak, rebuild their confidence, and invite more real connection into their lives. Ry’s optimism and sincerity are evident throughout, and she leaves you with a gentle reminder that you already have what you need to be happy and fulfilled, even before someone else comes along.

About the Guest:

Ry Duong is the Founder of EternaLove and Author of Choose You, Choose Happiness. A passionate Relationship Coach with a background in Social Work, Ry has helped countless individuals and couples break free from toxic patterns and create lasting, meaningful love. Her signature programs boast a 96% success rate, guiding clients toward relationships rooted in passion, joy, and authenticity.

After leaving a 17-year toxic relationship and losing her sister to depression, Ry turned her pain into purpose—founding EternaLove to help others heal, grow, and attract love by becoming their truest selves. Her book reflects her core belief: "When you choose yourself, you teach the world how to love you." Outside of coaching, Ry enjoys beach walks, gardening, and staying active, fully embracing the beauty of the present moment.

For Ry’s gift of a book excerpt: https://cychexcerpt.now.site/

To connect with Ry:

Website: https://eternalove.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ry.duong.940?mibextid=ZbWKwL

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eternalove043

IG: https://www.instagram.com/eternalove43

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eternalove-duong-805626355

About the Host:

Mardi Winder-Adams is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce....

This episode of The D Shift highlights the importance of knowing your options, particularly when going through a gray divorce. Mardi Winder-Adams is joined by Laura Phillips, a respected and seasoned reverse mortgage specialist. Together, they explore the realities and misconceptions surrounding reverse mortgages. Laura brings more than three decades of experience in mortgage lending, and her passion for helping older adults navigate this little-understood financial option is evident throughout the conversation.

Laura traces the origins of reverse mortgages to the Reagan era, clarifying that these products are government-regulated loans intended for homeowners aged 62 and older. She dismantles some of the most stubborn myths, like the fear that the government will take away your home or that a you can be left unprotected. Instead, Laura explains, homeowners retain full title, and the loan simply functions as a means to convert home equity into usable cash, either through lump sums, monthly payments, or lines of credit, all without the obligation of a monthly mortgage payment.

They share a practical comparison between reverse mortgages and traditional HELOCs, highlighting how reverse mortgages can be especially useful for those with limited income in retirement, offering flexibility without demanding repayment until the homeowner sells or moves out of the property. Laura also notes recent legislative changes that further protect borrowers, ensuring better safety if both spouses reside in the home.

The discussion extends to considerations for anyone looking to age in place, including the ability to use reverse mortgage funds to modify homes for accessibility or to pay for in-home care. Laura urges listeners to approach these decisions thoughtfully, consult professionals, and always disclose their circumstances honestly, especially when dealing with properties that have rental units or additional occupants.

This episode is a great resource for individuals contemplating their financial future after divorce, widowhood, or simply as part of their retirement planning. Laura’s expertise makes the sometimes-intimidating topic of reverse mortgages feel much more manageable and relevant for anyone seeking clear information on the subject.

About the Guest:

Laura Phillips is a Licensed Reverse Mortgage Specialist with a mission to guide people through the entire HECM/Reverse loan process, so they feel confident about the options available for their next 30-year financial strategy. From helping real estate professionals, customers, and financial advisers navigate home financing, she helps customers find mortgage solutions that work for them. 25+ years of experience in real estate lending have taught Laura that it is not just a person’s house; it’s their home, and it’s one of the most significant financial commitments a person will make in their life.

She helps people devise strategies to enjoy their best years in their family homes. Licensed in Colorado, Arizona, California, and Florida, Laura specializes in the standard FHA HECM and proprietary PortfolioJumbo Reverse loans. As a Broker, she works with several primary reverse lenders, providing loans to enhance a client's cash flow, preserving retirement assets, or purchasing a home that meets future needs. Married 35+ years, a mother of two amazing daughters, and a pet guardian of a rambunctious King Shepherd, a German Shepherd hybrid. Having hailed from many states, all west of the Mississippi and a couple of overseas homes, she gladly calls Colorado home.

To connect with Laura:

Website: https://lauraphillips.com/

Linkedin.com/in/laurawphillips

YouTube.com/@laurawphillips

About the Host:

Mardi Winder-Adams is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in

In this episode, Mardi Winder-Adams has an uplifting conversation with Stephanie McPhail, who is not only a certified crisis counselor but also someone who has been through the highs and lows of divorce. Stephanie shares how, despite looking like she had it all together as an accomplished teacher and professional, she was struggling behind closed doors in a difficult and even abusive marriage. Her story will resonate with anyone who's ever felt isolated, embarrassed, or stuck in the idea that they must keep up appearances while holding things together.

Stephanie talks about how easy it is to get trapped in comparison, whether it's looking at others in equally unhealthy relationships or scrolling through social media and seeing everyone's happy posts while you're feeling lost or overwhelmed. She discusses the pressure, especially on high-achievers, to pretend everything is fine, even when it's not, simply because opening up can feel risky or shameful. Mardi adds from her experience as a divorce coach and advocate, reinforcing how common these feelings are, and they both agree that the secrecy and pressure to handle everything alone can make things so much harder than they need to be.

They also break down some of the traps people fall into during and after divorce, like waiting until things are legally finalized before reaching out for support, or expecting your lawyer to guide you through emotional healing, when you may need someone who understands the whole picture. Stephanie introduces the Divorce Support Network, a practical resource she co-founded that matches people with specifically vetted professionals, from financial advisors and therapists to real estate agents and mechanics. The goal is to make sure nobody has to fumble through the process alone, so you can spend less time worrying about where to turn and more time focusing on your own well-being and future.

Throughout the conversation, there's a reassuring message: however you're feeling right now, you're not alone, and it is possible to create a new, fulfilling chapter after divorce. With the right kind of help and community, the process doesn't have to be isolating or overwhelming.

About the Guest:

Stephanie McPhail is a Love and Life Success Coach and Co-Founder of the largest Divorce Support Network in the United States. She is a certified Crisis Counselor and Coach with a Double Masters Degree in Health and Education and a Bachelors in Psychology. Bringing together people thinking of/going through/on the other side of divorce with trusted professionals to support them through one of the most stressful time of their lives to help ensure they don't make the same mistakes moving forward and instead create a life they love.

To connect with Stephanie:

Website: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/

All the socials: @divorcesupportnetwork

About the Host:

Mardi Winder-Adams is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce.

Are you interested in learning more about your divorce priorities? Take the quiz "The Divorce Stress Test".

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women

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