Hey everyone, welcome back to The D Shift: Redefining Divorce And Beyond! In this episode, Mardi Winder is joined by her friend and returning guest, Dr. Alana Sharps—a trauma specialist, high-conflict divorce expert, and now, the author of a brand new book that just dropped today!

You’ll hear Dr. Alana Sharps open up about her personal journey out of a toxic marriage and how journaling led her to write her first book, "Was It My Fault?" That honesty opens the door for so many folks to feel less alone in their own struggles. The conversation covers everything from breaking free of abuse (not just physical, but emotional, verbal, and so much more) to what happens after you finally leave—and how to start picking up the pieces.

If you’re dealing with divorce, co-parenting challenges, or trying to understand high-conflict situations, you’ll get loads of practical tips—from self-care and healing practices to setting boundaries and recognizing signs of distress in your kids. Alana shares why it’s so crucial to create a safe, loving space for yourself and your children—even when you can’t control what happens at the other parent’s house.

Whether you’ve been through it yourself or you’re supporting someone else, this episode is packed with insight, validation, and a whole lot of heart. Don’t forget to check out Dr. Alana Sharps’s new book Unbroken Ground (available on Amazon at https://a.co/d/7zoa5z7)for more guidance, and stick around for a really honest, thoughtful chat about redefining your life after divorce.

About the Guest:

Dr. Alana Sharps, founder of SurThrive Tribe, is a 2x International Best-Selling Author, Trauma Specialist, and Certified High-Conflict Divorce Consultant. Her expertise is rooted not only in professional credentials but also in profound personal triumph. Having navigated the complexities of a toxic marriage marked by domestic abuse, Alana emerged as a committed advocate for those facing similar trials. Her transformative journey from victim to empowered survivor fuels her dedication to guiding others through the challenging landscape of domestic strife. As an educator in domestic abuse and trauma healing, Alana brings the same passion from her advocacy into her coaching. She connects the dots between psychology, human behavior, and personal experience, offering a unique and insightful perspective. This approach, combined with her unwavering commitment, creates an enriching and supportive environment where her clients can heal and grow.

For Dr. Alana’s gift: https://www.surthrivetribe.com/free-guide

To connect with Alana:

https://bio.site/alanasharps

About the Host:

Mardi Winder 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

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from...

In this episode of The D Shift: Redefining Divorce And Beyond, host Mardi Winder-Adams is joined by expert Dr. Pamela J. Pine for a frank and sobering discussion on the lasting impact of family conflict and abuse on children. Drawing on Dr. Pamela J. Pine’s decades of work in preventing and mitigating child sexual abuse and addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the conversation centers on how trauma in the home—whether high, moderate, or even low levels of conflict—can shape a child’s development, mental health, and future wellbeing.

The episode challenges misconceptions around domestic violence and explores the strong correlation between abuse in the home and lifelong consequences, including neurological damage, chronic health issues, and cycles of addiction. Mardi Winder-Adams and Dr. Pamela J. Pine underscore the importance of community awareness, intervention, and support, emphasizing that silence and secrecy can exacerbate harm.

This episode offers not just statistics and facts, but critical guidance for parents and caregivers facing these difficult situations. It provides straightforward language for supporting children, highlights the dangers of staying “for the kids,” and urges listeners to recognize that being proactive and informed can break the cycle of trauma. For anyone seeking to understand, help, or heal, this conversation is both an urgent warning and a compassionate resource.

About the Guest:

Pamela J. Pine, PhD, MPH has been an international health, development, and communication professional throughout her adult life, supporting the lives of poor and otherwise underserved groups, with a two-decade specialty on preventing and mitigating child sexual abuse (CSA) and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). She is the Founder/Director of Stop the Silence® - A Department of the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT). She is also a professor, best-selling and award-winning author, and a multimedia artist, which she uses in her work to open hearts and minds.

To connect with Dr. Pine:

Website: https://www.ivatcenters.org/stop-the-silence,

Website: https://www.drpamelajpine.com,

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stopcsa,

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrPamelaJPine2/,

Email: pamelap@ivatcenters.org

About the Host:

Mardi Winder 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

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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In this powerful episode, host Mardi Winder sits down with speaker, author, and certified somatic trauma-informed coach Darla Ridilla to explore the complex intersection of divorce, toxic relationships, and the journey to self-love and truly finding yourself again after divorce and breakups.

Together, they delve into the real-life challenges high-achieving women face when divorcing narcissistic or high-conflict partners, especially when balancing a professional persona while feeling emotionally exhausted at home. Darla Ridilla shares her own story of her divorces, including her experience with a narcissistic partner, and provides invaluable insight into the process of recognizing abuse, breaking trauma bonds, and rebuilding one's sense of self.

From practical tips on reclaiming independence, like taking yourself out on solo adventures and date nights, to the importance of having grace with yourself during the healing journey, this episode is packed with supportive advice for anyone navigating the aftermath of a toxic relationship. Whether you're questioning your situation, seeking new ways to reconnect with your true self, or simply looking for hope and community, this episode offers empathy, resources, and encouragement to help you thrive on the other side of divorce.

About the Guest:

Darla Ridilla is a certified somatic trauma-informed coach, self love mentor, and relationship expert who helps high-achieving women stop settling in love and start leading in life. As a former executive assistant turned trauma expert, Darla understands what it’s like to appear successful while silently navigating toxic relationship patterns and emotional exhaustion. Her own healing from narcissistic abuse ignited a mission to guide women in breaking free from codependency, regulating their nervous systems, and finally feeling empowered in their relationships. As a speaker, published author and podcast host, she draws on deep somatic wisdom and personal transformation. Darla helps her clients reclaim their worth, set powerful boundaries, and build relationships that align with the strong, capable women they truly are.

For Darla’s gift “Reclaiming You Free Guide”: https://www.highvaluewoman.info/reclaiming-you-guide

To connect with Darla:

Website: https://www.highvaluewoman.info

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550835718631

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highvaluewoman7/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HighValueWoman-m7w

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/highvaluewoman7/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darla-ridilla-3179b110/

About the Host:

Mardi Winder 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

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section...