Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast

In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, Karen McMahon sits down with divorce attorney Andrea Vacca, Esq. to explore the unique pressures of the holiday season when you're considering divorce. This is the stage where uncertainty weighs heavily, information is still being gathered, and you may not be ready—or safe—to share your plans with anyone. Family gatherings, traditions, and expectations continue around you, even as you quietly wonder what the new year will bring. Karen and Andrea bring compassionate clarity to this "secret season," discussing how to stay grounded, make strategic decisions, and approach the holidays with intention rather than panic. They dive into the five common fears that surface during this time: the fear of not holding it together in front of family, making the wrong decision under holiday pressure, being discovered before you're ready, facing financial fallout in the new year, and feeling responsible for disrupting your children's sense of family or holiday joy. Through their conversation, you'll learn how to navigate family events without revealing too much, maintain your boundaries when emotions run high, and distinguish between reacting emotionally and preparing strategically. Karen and Andrea also discuss how to gather information safely and privately during the holiday season and how to use quiet moments and year-end reflection to get grounded. They explain why January is often the month of decisions and how to enter it with confidence and clarity. The episode naturally leads into Andrea's Pre-Divorce Guidance Package, offering legal clarity alongside emotional and strategic support so that listeners can move into the new year equipped, confident, and prepared to make informed choices about their future. This conversation is essential listening for anyone navigating the complexities of divorce while managing the emotional and practical pressures of the holiday season. Connect with Andrea: Holiday Planning for Divorcing Parents – Part 1: Putting the Children First: https://www.vaccalaw.com/holiday-planning-divorcing-parents-children-first/ Holiday Planning for Divorcing Parents – Part 2: Creative Holiday Legal Solutions: https://www.vaccalaw.com/creative-holiday-legal-solutions-divorce/ Divorce During the Holidays: How to Navigate Stress, Protect Your Kids, and Find Joy: https://www.vaccalaw.com/how-to-manage-the-holidays-during-a-divorce/ Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, I'm speaking directly to the men who are walking through the intensity of high conflict divorce — the pressure, the triggers, the confusion, and the deep internal unraveling that often comes with it. Men in high conflict divorce are asked to hold an extraordinary amount: to respond instead of react, to stay grounded when provoked, and to lead even when everything around them feels uncertain. And while I coach men through these challenges every single day, I also know that some truths land more powerfully when they come from another man who embodies the discipline, steadiness, and intentional leadership required to rise during divorce. That's why I invited Michael Holt, founder of the international Savage & Saint Collective, to join me for this conversation. Michael has dedicated his life to helping men reclaim emotional sovereignty, cultivate presence, and embody a form of masculine leadership that is rooted in clarity rather than chaos. His work blends meditation, martial arts, psychology, holistic health, and serious inner discipline — and it aligns deeply with what I teach men navigating high conflict divorce: that the real power lies not in controlling others, but in mastering yourself. Michael and I explore the patterns that keep men stuck in reactivity during divorce and the internal shifts required to break those cycles. We talk about the cost of abandoning your center, how quickly men give away their power when triggered, and what it takes to stay grounded when you feel attacked, misunderstood, or overwhelmed. Michael offers a male perspective on strength that doesn't rely on force, suppression, or avoidance, but instead comes from presence, vitality, and self-awareness — qualities that become essential when the stakes are high and the conflict feels relentless. Together, we dig into the difference between reactive masculinity and embodied leadership, and why men who learn to regulate their nervous system and stay anchored in who they are gain far more influence — not just in their divorce, but in their lives, relationships, and fatherhood. We discuss how men can cultivate discipline, stability, and clarity even in the middle of legal battles, emotional turmoil, and the dismantling of a marriage. This is the kind of conversation that gives men direction, grounding, and a roadmap for showing up as the man they want to be, not the man the conflict tries to turn them into. Michael Holt is a powerful example of what it looks like to live the work rather than talk about it. His Savage & Saint Collective supports men around the world in strengthening their inner foundation so they can show up with integrity, courage, and calm — exactly what is needed in high conflict divorce. If you're a man navigating divorce and you've been searching for guidance from someone who truly understands the internal journey you're on, this episode will offer the clarity and steadiness you've been craving. This is about reclaiming yourself, rebuilding your center, and stepping into the kind of leadership that can change the trajectory of your life. Connect with Michael: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savageandsaint/ Free Gift: E-Book re: Savage & Saint Philosophy: https://ebook.savageandsaint.com/savageandsaintphilosophy Masculine Vitality Program: https://savageandsaint.com/mens-courses/ Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, we dive deep with Cheryl, a mother of two, whose post-divorce journey reflects the emotional complexity so many women face when rebuilding their lives. Cheryl holds nothing back, discussing the early fears she carried—from concerns around safety and childhood wounds resurfacing, to the sheer uncertainty of starting over. Listen as she reveals the pivotal moment she discovered the power of listening to her body, trusting her intuition, and honoring her core values. We explore the critical role of boundaries in creating emotional safety, the healing power of clear personal goals, and why building a supportive community is essential. Cheryl's transformation is a powerful reminder: strength and confidence emerge when you slow down and trust the woman you're becoming. If you are seeking emotional healing, empowerment, and a peaceful new beginning, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Use AimeeSays: www.aimeesays.com USE CODE: 2MonthNov for 2 free months Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

In this episode, I'm inviting you into one of the most tender and complicated questions you may ever face: How Do I Know If It's Time to Divorce? If you've been living in a cycle of uncertainty, replaying conversations, second-guessing yourself, or worrying about the impact on your children, this conversation is designed to bring you clarity, calm, and a grounded sense of direction. I explore the fears and confusion that naturally arise when you're considering divorce, and I help you distinguish between conflict that can be healed and patterns that may be too damaging or entrenched to repair. We'll look at the red flags that often signal deeper dysfunction, the emotional and relational dynamics that affect your wellbeing, and an essential question I encourage every parent to ask: Would I want my children to grow up and repeat this relationship? My intention in this episode is not to push you toward a decision, but to help you see your situation more clearly, understand what healthy partnership requires, and begin to trust your own inner wisdom. Whether you ultimately choose to mend or end, you deserve clarity, dignity, and peace as you move forward. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, we explore one of the most important strategies for navigating divorce: building a collaborative team from the start. I talk with Andrea Vacca, a leading collaborative divorce attorney, about how legal, financial, and emotional professionals working together can reduce stress, protect your long-term goals, and create smoother outcomes. We discuss why early planning, intentional team alignment, and choosing the right divorce process—whether mediation, collaborative law, or litigation—are critical for managing high-conflict situations. Andrea also shares how a unified team supports parents through co-parenting challenges, ensures financial clarity, and helps maintain emotional resilience. Divorce isn't just a legal process—it's a financial, emotional, and family transition. Bringing in the right professionals early can help you avoid missteps, reduce conflict, and create outcomes that truly serve you and your children. Andrea Vacca is the founder of Vacca Family Law Group in New York City, guiding families through divorce with dignity, clarity, and respect. Connect with Andrea: Free Checklist: https://www.vaccalaw.com/pre-divorce-checklist/ Pre-Divorce Guidance: https://www.vaccalaw.com/pre-divorce-guidance/ Vacca Family Law Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaccafamilylawgroup Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod