Episodios

  • The Hidden Cost of Toxic Love: How Trauma Bonds Impact Divorce | with Dr. Nadine Macaluso

    The Hidden Cost of Toxic Love: How Trauma Bonds Impact Divorce | with Dr. Nadine Macaluso
    Oct 1 2025
    🚨 The Hidden Cost of Toxic Love 🚨 Why is it so hard to leave someone who hurts you? And how do trauma bonds show up in divorce — emotionally and financially? In this episode of We Chat Divorce, hosts Catherine Shanahan, CDFA® and Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison, sit down with Dr. Nadine Macaluso — therapist, author of Run Like Hell, and survivor of one of the most infamous toxic marriages in modern history. Dr. Nadine was once married to the real-life “Wolf of Wall Street,” a chapter of her life portrayed in the blockbuster film. Together we explore: 💔 What a trauma bond really is (and why it’s so hard to break) 💰 How toxic love often comes with financial abuse and control 🚩 Red flags to spot early in relationships 🔥 Why leaving can feel like pulling the fire alarm 🌱 How to protect yourself — emotionally and financially — in divorce Dr. Nadine shares her story of survival and transformation, and how she now helps others break free from trauma bonds and reclaim their power. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Nadine: Website: drnadine.com Instagram: @TheRealDrNadine Book: Run Like Hell Resources from My Divorce Solution: Learn about the MDS Financial Portrait™ → https://mydivorcesolution.com/ Join our supportive Community → https://community.mydivorcesolution.com/ ✅ Subscribe for weekly episodes of We Chat Divorce — the #1 podcast for financial divorce preparation and empowerment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 m
  • Real Estate Decisions in Divorce: What You Need to Know Before Buying

    Real Estate Decisions in Divorce: What You Need to Know Before Buying
    Sep 24 2025
    Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — but what happens when that decision collides with divorce? In this episode of We Chat Divorce, co-founders Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan dive into the risks, timing, and financial implications of purchasing real estate during divorce. They share a real client story where a “protective clause” in a sales contract turned out to be anything but protective, highlighting how emotions, timing, and the wrong assumptions can create long-term financial consequences. You’ll learn: Why feeling “protected” isn’t the same as being legally and financially protected The hidden risks of using retirement accounts or insurance loans to fund a property purchase How buying too soon can complicate your divorce settlement and negotiations Why waiting (even when it’s hard) can sometimes be your best financial strategy How the MDS Financial Portrait™ helps you make confident, informed decisions before signing any major contract Whether you’re tempted to buy a new home right now, or just want to understand how real estate fits into the divorce process, this episode offers the clarity you need to move forward wisely. Share them with us — we’d love to hear your story. Know someone navigating these same challenges? Send them this episode. Have questions about real estate decisions during divorce? Email us WeChat@CK11.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 m
  • Pro Se Mediation and the Kids First Approach with Tina Keyes

    Pro Se Mediation and the Kids First Approach with Tina Keyes
    Sep 17 2025
    In this episode, Karen and Catherine talk with Tina Keyes, a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator and divorce coach. Tina shares how her own family experiences led her to create a Kids First mediation model, designed to reduce conflict and keep the focus on families—not legal battles. We cover what pro se mediation really means, how to know if it’s the right fit, and why coming prepared—both financially and emotionally—is the key to success. Key Takeaways What pro se mediation is and who it works best for Why Tina avoids 8-hour “marathon” sessions and instead uses short, focused meetings How to prepare for mediation: from parenting plans to verified financial data The importance of putting kids first throughout the process Why making decisions based on facts, not emotions, leads to better long-term outcomes About Our Guest Tina Keyes is a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator, certified divorce coach, and co-parenting specialist. She is also certified in trauma-informed practice, special needs divorce, and high-conflict co-parenting. Through her Kids First Mediation framework, Tina helps families reduce stress, save money, and make child-focused decisions. Learn more: floridadivorcemediation.com Kids First program: kidsfirstmediation.com Resources Prepare for mediation with the MDS Financial Portrait™: mydivorcesolution.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 m
  • Divorce Explored: Blindsided by Divorce: Why Financial Clarity Should Be Your First Move

    Divorce Explored: Blindsided by Divorce: Why Financial Clarity Should Be Your First Move
    Sep 10 2025
    In this powerful and timely episode, Karen and Catherine discuss what really happens when you’re blindsided by divorce—whether through infidelity, unexpected papers, or emotional betrayal—and why your first step should not be calling a lawyer, but gaining financial clarity. They break down the emotional chaos that can follow the shock of divorce and offer a different approach: one grounded in calm, informed decision-making. Drawing from their personal experiences and years of professional insight, Karen and Catherine explore how the MDS Financial Portrait™ can provide structure and security in the most destabilizing moments. What You’ll Learn: The emotional toll of being blindsided—and how to pause before reacting Why rushing to a lawyer can be financially dangerous without preparation How the MDS Financial Portrait™ gives you clarity on what you own, owe, and deserve Real-life examples of how emotional decisions in divorce can backfire financially Why understanding the scope of professionals like forensic accountants or attorneys is critical How to regain control and create a smart, sustainable path forward—even in crisis If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or caught off guard by divorce—this episode is for you. Get the clarity you need to make empowered decisions. Visit mydivorcesolution.com to learn more about how we help you prepare financially for divorce with confidence and peace of mind. Loved this episode? Share it with a friend, subscribe for weekly insights, and leave us a review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    17 m
  • Grief, Money, and Moving On: Taking Your Power Back in Divorce, with Virginia Gilbert

    Grief, Money, and Moving On: Taking Your Power Back in Divorce, with Virginia Gilbert
    Sep 3 2025
    Divorce isn’t just a legal or financial process—it’s an emotional one. In this powerful episode, Karen and Catherine are joined by Virginia Gilbert, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author of Transcending High Conflict Divorce, to talk about a topic most people don’t expect to encounter during divorce: grief. Together, they explore: The emotional toll of divorce grief—even if you’re the one initiating it Why grief can leave you feeling financially stuck or frozen The real reason some spouses feel guilt or shame about asking for financial clarity How emotional reactivity can sabotage financial decisions The pressure many women feel to hold on to the family home The myths and realities of “nesting” after divorce How to move from emotional reactivity to radical acceptance—and why it matters Virginia also shares her own story of navigating a high-conflict divorce, how that experience reshaped her career, and why she believes divorce can be a transformative experience—if you're willing to do the inner work. Divorce grief is real—and it’s not linear. Expect to cycle through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance (aka “DABDA”). High-conflict dynamics often carry over from the marriage into the divorce. Learning to disengage emotionally is essential. Financial empowerment starts with overcoming emotional roadblocks and becoming an active participant in your own decision-making. Letting go of control, identity, or even the family home can be one of the hardest—but most liberating—parts of healing. Radical acceptance doesn’t mean indifference. It means understanding what you can’t change and choosing how you’ll respond next. About Our Guest: Virginia is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in California, North Carolina, and Florida via telehealth. She specializes in helping people disengage from high-conflict exes and take their power back. She’s the author of Transcending High Conflict Divorce and leads therapeutic divorce groups for men and women navigating emotional entanglement and reactivity. Learn more: virginiagilbertmft.com At My Divorce Solution, we help clients move from emotional overwhelm to financial clarity. If you're navigating divorce grief, remember: your healing starts with knowing. And your financial empowerment begins with preparation. Explore the MDS Financial Portrait™, our verified divorce preparation tool, at MyDivorceSolution.com Key Takeaways: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 m
  • Divorce Summer School - Episode 6: Real Life, Real Numbers, Real Divorce Case Studies

    Divorce Summer School - Episode 6: Real Life, Real Numbers, Real Divorce Case Studies
    Aug 27 2025
    We’re wrapping up Divorce Summer School with real-world examples from the divorce frontlines. In this episode, Karen and Catherine walk through true-to-life financial case studies to show how preparation, clarity, and the right support can completely transform the divorce experience. You’ll hear what went right, what went wrong, and what you can do differently—so you don’t become a cautionary tale. What You’ll Learn: Why “simple” divorces can still go financially off the rails The cost of emotional decision-making (and how to avoid it) Real examples of how the MDS Financial Portrait™ changes outcomes How one couple saved thousands by getting clarity before hiring professionals The questions that could have saved others months—and tens of thousands of dollars Send us your story or question: wechat@ck11.net. We may share lessons from it in a future episode. Get your Financial Portrait™ started at mydivorcesolution.com Join our community for tools, support, and real-life insights Thank you for joining us for Divorce Summer School! Catch up on all 6 episodes and begin your journey to financial clarity and smart decision-making in divorce. Free Resources: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 m
  • Divorce Summer School: E5: Expert Divorce Tips — What We Recommend (And What We Don’t!)

    Divorce Summer School: E5: Expert Divorce Tips — What We Recommend (And What We Don’t!)
    Aug 20 2025
    This week in Divorce Summer School, we’re breaking down a popular article: “7 Things to Do ASAP When Your Spouse Wants a Divorce” from MSN & Money Talks News—and giving you the MDS-approved version. Karen and Catherine go tip-by-tip to explain what advice holds up, what you should reconsider, and what most people get wrong when panic sets in. If you’re unsure how to respond when divorce is suddenly on the table, this episode will help you shift from reaction to strategy. Why hiring an attorney might not be your first step How to run a credit report (and why your score isn’t enough) What “entitled” really means in divorce—and why mindset matters How to protect your assets without escalating conflict Smart, emotionally aware ways to talk to your kids What financial clarity actually looks like (and why it changes everything) Start your financial assessment at mydivorcesolution.com Next Week on Divorce Summer School: “Real Life, Real Numbers – Unpacking Financial Case Studies in Divorce.” What You’ll Learn:Free Resources: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 m
  • Divorce Summer School | Episode 4: Who Can Help: How to Build Your Team of Divorce Professionals

    Divorce Summer School | Episode 4: Who Can Help: How to Build Your Team of Divorce Professionals
    Aug 13 2025
    This week in Divorce Summer School, we’re answering one of the most overwhelming questions in the divorce process: Who should I hire? Karen and Catherine break down the roles of attorneys, mediators, CDFAs, coaches, therapists, and more—so you can confidently build the right team for your needs (not someone else’s). You’ll also learn how financial preparation helps every professional on your team do their best work—and saves you from wasting time, money, and emotional energy. If you’re unsure where to start or afraid of making the wrong hire, this episode is your roadmap. The true role of an attorney—and when it’s too soon to hire one Why mediators aren’t financial advisors or decision-makers The essential difference between forensic accountants, CDFAs, and daily money managers How emotional overwhelm leads to costly professional hires Why preparation before professionals is the smartest path forward Start your financial assessment at mydivorcesolution.com Next Week on Divorce Summer School: “Real Life, Real Numbers – Unpacking Financial Case Studies in Divorce.” What You’ll Learn:Free Resources: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 m