The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast

In this powerful episode, Brook Olsen is joined by attorney and author Kerrie Droban Zhivago to unpack the terrifying yet often hidden reality of dealing with a partner who exhibits psychopathic traits. Drawing from her book Surviving a Psychopath, Kerrie shares hard-earned insights on how to recognize psychological abuse, protect yourself in court, and begin the long road to emotional recovery. They discuss the difference between narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths, how these individuals manipulate the legal system, and why disengagement—both emotionally and legally—is the key to reclaiming your life. If you've ever felt gaslit, emotionally trapped, or unsure how to co-parent with someone deeply harmful, this episode offers validation, strategy, and a way forward. Learn more about Kerrie Droban Zhivago at her website: https://kerriedroban.com/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook Olsen welcomes Dr. Donald Gordon, founder of the Center for Divorce Education and creator of Children in Between, to discuss how parents can reduce conflict and protect their kids during and after divorce. With decades of research and real-world experience, Dr. Gordon shares how even small shifts in communication, emotional regulation, and mindfulness can make a lasting impact on children's well-being. You'll learn how chronic conflict affects kids' brain development, how to model emotional stability, and why co-parents don't need to be perfect—just intentional. If you're navigating high-conflict parenting or want to break generational cycles of stress and disconnection, this episode is packed with tools and hope. Learn more about Dr. Donald Gordon at his website: https://divorce-education.com/classes/children-in-between-class/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook Olsen sits down with attorney, mediator, and DivorceWave founder Tamara Rowles to explore divorce as a spiritual journey and an opportunity for self-reinvention. Together, they dive into how high-conflict separations—while painful—can also become a gateway to growth, self-awareness, and long-term peace. Tamara shares how mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and intentional disengagement can shift the entire divorce dynamic, protect your kids, and help you reclaim your power. Whether you're just entering the process or stuck in cycles of reactivity, this episode offers practical tools, insight, and a powerful reminder: healing starts from within. Learn more about Tamara Rowles at her website: https://www.divorcewave.com/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook Olsen is joined once again by Dr. Craig Malkin, author of Rethinking Narcissism, to explore the lesser-known counterpart to narcissism: echoism. Through the lens of Greek mythology and modern psychology, they unpack how those who fear being "too much" often find themselves entangled in toxic dynamics with narcissistic partners. Dr. Malkin explains how echoism—marked by self-silencing, people-pleasing, and a fear of taking up space—is a survival response rooted in early family systems. Together, they discuss how cultivating healthy anger, reclaiming agency, and practicing mindful disengagement can break the cycle of negative intimacy and lead to lasting change. A must-listen for anyone navigating high-conflict relationships or healing from emotionally abusive dynamics. Learn more about Dr. Craig Malkin at his website: https://www.drcraigmalkin.com/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook talks with conscious relationship coach Annmarie Chereso about how to break free from unconscious patterns that fuel conflict—especially in co-parenting. Annmarie shares her personal journey through divorce and how parts work and nervous system regulation helped her reclaim her power. They explore the role of self-awareness, compassion, and learning to respond from presence rather than fear. A powerful conversation for anyone looking to heal and build healthier relationships with their children—and themselves. Learn more about AnnMarie Chereso at her website: https://annmariechereso.me/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails