The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast with Susan Guthrie, Esq.

Divorce does not always change living arrangements overnight. Many couples file for divorce, expect everything to shift, and then walk back into the same home… with the same routines… and often even more tension than before. Living under the same roof after deciding a marriage is over can quickly become emotionally volatile if it is not handled intentionally. That is why Susan Guthrie welcomes back divorce and co-parenting coach Jenny Stevens. Together, they break down what it really takes to live under the same roof while divorcing, including how to create boundaries, communicate without escalating, and protect your emotional stability during a phase that can feel like navigating a daily minefield. This conversation explores the practical realities of cohabiting during divorce and why structure, communication, and intentional boundaries are essential to getting through this transitional period without creating additional conflict or long-term damage. What You’ll Learn Living together during divorce becomes more manageable when you accept it as a practical reality and approach it with intentional planning, clear communication, and emotional awareness. Structure protects stability by creating clear boundaries, defined household expectations, and consistent communication that reduces conflict. Shifting mentally from partners to roommates helps lower emotional intensity and makes daily interactions more functional and less reactive. Small triggers are less likely to escalate when boundaries are clear and communication stays respectful and intentional. Viewing this phase as temporary helps you stay focused on moving through it with stability and clarity instead of creating unnecessary long term damage. About the Guest Jenny Stevens is a divorce and life transition coach known as The Champion of Change. Based in Chicago and working with clients nationwide, she helps individuals navigate divorce, co-parenting, and major life transitions with clarity and confidence. With a Master’s in Professional Counseling, advanced training in conflict management and communication, and mediation training from Northwestern University, Jenny brings both clinical insight and real-world strategy to her work. She specializes in helping clients establish healthy boundaries, improve communication, and move through change in a way that protects their well-being and their children. WATCH THE EPISOE ON YOUTUBE Connect with Jenny Stevens Website: http://www.jennystevenscoach.com Other Episodes Mentioned:  What a Tsunami of Hard Times Taught Jenny Stevens About Surfing Life’s ChangesCo-Parenting Under One Roof: 6 Tips to Make it Work - Part One - from Parenting Expert, Christina McGheeCo-Parenting Under One Roof: 6 Tips to Make it Work - Part Two - from Parenting Expert, Christina McGhee Special Episode Resource: The Under One Roof Divorce Survival Guide If you are navigating divorce while still living under the same roof, you do not have to figure this out alone. Access the companion blog and downloadable guide specifically for this phase called The Under One Roof Divorce Survival Guide. Inside, you’ll find the seven ground rules we discussed in this episode, along with practical worksheets you can use immediately to clarify boundaries, reset expectations, and reduce unnecessary conflict in your home. This guide will help you create structure, protect your peace, and move through this chapter with intention. Read the blog and download the guide here. https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/latest-episode Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure to: Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends or loved ones who need hope and healing. Leave a 5-star review to help us reach even more listeners. Follow Us Online: Divorce & Beyond:  https://divorceandbeyondpod.com, IG: @divorceandbeyondpod Meet Our Host Susan E. Guthrie®, Esq. is one of the nation’s lea

Susan Guthrie welcomes special guest Michelle Farris for a powerful conversation about codependency, the hidden dynamic beneath many struggling relationships. Michelle is a licensed psychotherapist, codependency expert, and anger management specialist. Together, they explore what codependency really is, why it often begins in childhood, and how it can quietly shape both a marriage and the way a divorce unfolds. Susan and Michelle unpack the patterns of overgiving, overfunctioning, and self-sacrifice that leave so many people depleted and resentful, often without fully understanding why. They also explore why anger can erupt during divorce, how long-standing relationship patterns repeat when left unexamined, and what it takes to begin building boundaries and self-trust moving forward. This conversation is especially meaningful for anyone who feels stuck in one-sided relationships, struggles to say no, or wonders why they keep giving more than they receive. It offers an honest, practical look at how recognizing codependency can change not only your divorce, but everything that comes after it. What You’ll Learn Codependency is not about kindness. It is a pattern of overfunctioning to feel secure, often leaving you exhausted and resentful Why anger during divorce is often stored pain from years of saying yes when you meant no, and how to channel it constructively The difference between being nice and being clear, and why self-advocacy is essential for a healthy divorce process How overgiving, avoiding conflict, or agreeing too quickly can cost you emotionally and financially during divorce Why identifying your boundaries, triggers, and non-negotiables is key to approaching divorce from a grounded and empowered place About the Guest Michelle Farris is a psychotherapist, codependency expert, and anger management specialist with a passion for helping people break free from codependent patterns and manage emotions with confidence. She's been featured in several online publications and podcasts, known for her down-to-earth approach and expertise. Through her online courses and digital resources, she teaches practical tools for codependency recovery, emotional regulation, self-trust, and lasting relationship success. Connect with Michelle Farris Website: https://counselingrecovery.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleFarrismft Grab Michelle’s Free Resource: 7 Steps to Healing One-sided Relationships https://counselingrecovery.lpages.co/codependent-relationship-freebie/ Special Episode Resource: The Codependent Divorce Mistakes That Cost You Thousands + Divorce Boundaries Planning Worksheet If this conversation is resonating with you, Susan has created a companion blog and downloadable resource, The Codependent Divorce Mistakes That Cost You Thousands. It includes a Divorce Boundaries Planning Worksheet to help you define your limits, recognize your emotional triggers, and approach your divorce from a more grounded and confident place. Read the blog post and download the worksheet here. https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/latest-episode Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure to: Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends or loved ones who need hope and healing. Leave a 5-star review to help us reach even more listeners. Follow Us Online: Divorce & Beyond:  https://divorceandbeyondpod.com, IG: @divorceandbeyondpod Meet Our Host Susan E. Guthrie®, Esq. is one of the nation’s leading family law and mediation experts, with more than 35 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate divorce and conflict with clarity and compassion. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, a best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker, trainer, and practice-building consultant. Susan recently appeared as the featured expert on The Oprah Podcast, where she shared

Divorce season is in full swing, and for many listeners, that means overwhelm, fear, and financial uncertainty. Susan Guthrie welcomes back two of her favorite returning experts, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan of My Divorce Solution, to talk about what truly matters in the earliest days of divorce: financial clarity before legal action. Divorce may be a legal process, but in the beginning, it feels emotional and financial. Fear can drive rushed decisions. Anger can fuel unnecessary conflict. And too often, people hire attorneys before they understand what they actually own, owe, or need. Karen and Catherine specialize in helping individuals slow down, gather the facts, and understand what is truly in the marital “pie” before anyone starts slicing it up. Through their structured preparation platform and signature MDS Financial Portrait™, they help people turn panic into power and confusion into confidence. This conversation is about avoiding early mistakes, preventing unnecessary legal costs, and building a foundation that supports smart, informed decisions from day one. What You’ll Learn Why divorce should often begin with financial clarity, not immediate legal action How emotional agreements like “you keep the house, I’ll keep my retirement” can create long-term financial damage What really happens when couples rely on spreadsheets without full documentation The difference between financial literacy and financial empowerment during divorce How understanding the financial impact of decisions allows you to pivot confidently during negotiations Why assembling the right professional team depends on first understanding the complexity of your financial picture Episode Blog Article:  What Is the #1 Financial Mistake Before Filing for Divorce? Free Episode Resource: Before You File: Divorce Financial Readiness Checklist About the Guests  Catherine Shanahan, CDFA After 25 years in the financial industry, having raised five children and endured her own experience with divorce, Catherine became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), trained Mediator and Daily Money Manager(PDMM). Catherine is collaboratively trained and was a member of the Bucks County Collaborative Law Group. She is a member of the  American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP). Catherine is fully dedicated to helping clients understand and navigate all aspects of divorce including planning a secure financial future post-divorce.  Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison  For over 30 years, Karen has worked in the legal field as a paralegal and business manager. During her career, she served as an affiliated member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and President Elect of the ALA (Association of Legal Administrators). Karen now serves clients and the professional team in her role as legal liaison. She is also a certified QDRO Administrator, Founder and President of Sisters U Foundation, and an Auditor of East Rockhill Township. As the mom of three children and one granddaughter, Karen is extremely passionate about helping women in all that she does.    My Divorce SolutionThrough their professional and personal experiences, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan have created a unique and comprehensive process that greets divorce in a whole new way – a way that empowers those who experience this major life transition. Our mission is simple: to help people move through the divorce process with financial clarity and confidence so they can make the rest of their lives the best of their lives. The MDS Financial Portrait™ is a compilation of data and financial records utilizing the family’s key and supporting documentation.  The MDS Financial Portrait provides a clear neutral snapshot of the family’s marital and non-marital estate for purposes of determining alimony, child support, and the division of assets and liabilities.  This comprehensive Portrait

Dating again in midlife can stir up a mix of curiosity, hope, and very real hesitation. After divorce, it’s not just about meeting someone new, it’s about trusting your instincts and believing that love can feel different this time. Susan Guthrie welcomes back one of Divorce & Beyond’s most trusted and favorite guests, Bela Gandhi, for an honest, encouraging conversation about what it truly takes to move from fear to confidence when dating again in midlife. Known as America’s go-to dating coach and beloved by the Divorce & Beyond community, Bela brings warmth, optimism, and refreshingly practical wisdom to a chapter that often feels overwhelming. Together, Susan and Bela unpack why midlife dating can actually be better than ever, how to stop repeating old patterns that no longer serve you, and what smart, intentional dating looks like when you’re choosing differently and more consciously this time around. What You’ll Learn Why fear around dating after divorce is normal How those “rollercoaster butterflies” are usually a sign of anxiety, not chemistry, and how to recognize calm as a healthier sign of compatibility How dating today offers more options, visibility, and agency than ever before, especially for midlife daters Why confidence in dating comes from having a clear plan, not luck, timing, or instant sparks How slowing down and allowing connection to develop over time leads to better long-term outcomes About the Guest  Bela Gandhi is a dating/relationship expert, TEDx speaker, founder of Smart Dating AcademyÒ and has been featured on most national/local media outlets including Good Morning America, Steve Harvey, the Today Show, Kelly Clarkson, Access, ABC, NBC, Fox, and more.  Bela realized her gift for love when she was in college and started matchmaking and coaching her friends – watching them sail on to relationship bliss and marriage.  Using her own system, Bela found her own amazing husband of over 20 years, and in 2009, founded Smart Dating AcademyÒ.  Smart Dating Academy teaches singles all over the globe the Smart DatingÒ four phase system – 1) Preparing to Date, 2) Dating, 3) Exclusivity and 4) Happily Ever After.   They specialize in VIP 1:1 coaching, and with clients that have followed their system, they’ve had ‘zero divorces.’  They help singles to ‘fix their pickers’ because their coaches are deep in the weeds with clients, helping read profiles, message, and rate each date after it happens – she makes dating fun, easy and successful!   Before starting Smart Dating Academy, Bela earned dual degrees in Finance and German from the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign.  Bela worked in mergers and acquisitions for Arthur Andersen in Chicago for a year before joining her family's chemicals manufacturing company (called CCC), where she divided her time between Chicago and Europe helping to expand the business. When they sold the business to Fortune 500 company Akzo Nobel, she was asked to remain its leader and became Akzo Nobel Non-Stick Coating’s Global Vice President of Housewares.   While climbing the corporate ladder, she realized it was time to unveil her system to the world, and it was her best decision ever.  Bela lives in Lincoln Park with her husband Andy and 2 children, Jaden and Max, and is going to be an empty nester next year!    Connect with Bela Gandhi Website: http://smartdatingacademy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy Podcast: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/podcast The Midlife Dating Mindset Reset Guide Download Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure to: Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends or loved ones who need hope and healing. Leave a 5-star review to help us reach even more listeners. Follow Us Online: Divorce & Beyond:  https://divorceandbeyondpod.com, IG: @divorceandbeyondpod Meet Our Host Susan E. Guthrie®, Esq. is one o

Gray divorce is one of the fastest-growing divorce trends, yet it remains one of the least talked-about experiences. It is not just the end of a marriage. It is the unraveling of decades of shared life, identity, routines, and expectations. In this episode, Susan Guthrie is joined by gray divorce coach Maryjane Sweet, whom she first met when they were both featured on the Oprah Podcast in a powerful conversation about gray divorce. Maryjane appeared alongside her adult daughter, and their story stood out for its honesty, depth, and the grace with which Maryjane navigated this life-altering transition. Together, Susan and Maryjane explore what it truly takes to move through gray divorce with intention, emotional awareness, and integrity. They discuss why gray divorce can feel especially destabilizing, particularly when it arrives unexpectedly, and how the losses extend far beyond the marriage itself. The conversation dives into grief, identity shifts, nervous system overwhelm, and the invisible emotional labor women carry as they work to hold themselves and their families together during profound change. This is not a conversation about quick fixes. It is about honoring loss, building emotional safety, and discovering what gray divorce can give back on the other side. What You’ll Learn Why gray divorce is not just a legal ending, but a profound emotional and identity shift after decades of shared life Why rituals around loss, such as leaving a family home or removing wedding rings, help create closure and support healing How daily anchors like sleep, nourishment, movement, and connection are essential tools during divorce Why adult children are deeply impacted by gray divorce and how parents can model integrity, resilience, and self-compassion How focusing on how you want to feel can help guide decisions when the future feels like a black hole Why coaching support can be critical during gray divorce and how it helps women move forward without getting stuck in the past About the Guest  Maryjane is a gray divorce coach and consultant. She combines the lived experience of ending a 26-year marriage with deep professional training to help women navigate the emotional and practical complexities of gray divorce. She holds a master's in Organizational Behavior and is an !CF-certified PCC coach with over 1,500 client hours worldwide. She's trained in mindfulness and meditation through Duke University, is a certified trauma-informed yoga instructor, and has taught university courses on well-being and neuroscience-based stress regulation. With more than twenty years in leadership development and human transformation, she offers women a grounded, evidence-based pathway through midlife divorce - one that honors both the unraveling and the rising. Connect with Maryjane Sweet Website: http://maryjanesweet.com Instagram: @thegreydivorcecoach Blog Article + Free Downloadable Resource 📝 Rituals for Grief in Gray Divorce: Why Closure Matters In this companion article, Susan explores why gray divorce requires more than legal resolution. It requires emotional closure. Drawing from this conversation, she explains how intentional rituals, such as marking the end of a marriage, leaving a longtime home, or acknowledging decades of shared life, can help the nervous system process loss and support healing during profound transition. You’ll also find a simple, downloadable resource designed to help you reflect on what closure might look like for you. Read here: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/blog *************************************************** Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure to: Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends or loved ones who need hope and healing. Leave a 5-star review to help us reach even more listeners. Follow Us Online: Divorce & Beyond:  https://divorceandbeyondpod.com, IG: @divorceandbeyondpod Meet Our