Intentional Divorce Insights

In this solo episode, Leah Hadley explores the pivotal moment many women face after divorce: the challenge and overwhelm of rebuilding their financial life amidst uncertainty. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience, Leah offers perspective, practical steps, and empowering insights for navigating the complexities of post-divorce finances with clarity and intention. Key Topics: - Reframing "Starting Over": Why the term "starting over" can be harmful  The importance of recalibration—building from existing experience, assets, and resilience - Understanding Post-Divorce Finances: Navigating immediate cash flow changes  Handling long-term assets and the significance of early decisions  Addressing insurance and estate planning updates Recognizing and managing the emotional layer tied to financial decisions - Common Barriers to Building a Financial Plan: Waiting for things to "settle down"  Trying to tackle everything at once, leading to overwhelm  Uncertainty about who to trust in the financial industry - Practical Planning Approaches: The power of focusing on 90-day plans instead of overwhelming long-term projections  Identifying the next actionable step to create momentum  - The Role of Community: Why rebuilding in community accelerates progress and lifts shame The importance of peer support and accountability  Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this empowering episode, Leah Hadley welcomes highly sought-after matrimonial attorney Mia Poppe to discuss finding agency and resilience during the divorce process. With an impressive background in banking and law, Mia Poppe shares her personal and professional journey, offering actionable strategies for cultivating the right mindset and building a support system to navigate even the most challenging divorces. Discover practical tools, the value of "hype queens," and the importance of accepting each step on your post-divorce path. Key Takeaways: - Mia Poppe’s Unique Journey:Mia Poppe discusses her shift from a successful banking career to becoming a leading matrimonial attorney, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact—especially for women facing complex custody issues. - Mindset as the Foundation:Both speakers emphasize that divorce starts and ends with mindset.  - Practice Acceptance and Internal Locus of Control:Accept your past missteps and focus on what you can control. Transforming your locus of control from external to internal is key—and can be achieved through incremental (kaizen) changes. - Celebrate Every Step:Both Leah Hadley and Mia Poppe encourage listeners to acknowledge and celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how small. These small victories build momentum and create lasting change. - Hype Queens and Rewiring Self-Talk:Surround yourself with friends (hype queens) who lift you up and remind you of your worth as you learn to shift your internal dialogue from criticism to encouragement. - Take Your Coffee Black:Mia Poppe introduces the concept of accepting life's bitterness without trying to sugarcoat it, and using challenges as growth opportunities. Additional Resources:  - Get a free copy of Mia's book: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to DivorceSend an email to [email protected] to claim your copy! (Limited to the first 20 listeners) - Learn more about The Empowered Sisterhood https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood Connect with Mia Poppe: Website: https://www.miapoppe.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/miapoppe.esq/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miapoppe/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@nylawsa Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this empowering solo episode, Leah Hadley dives deep into the most overlooked—and crucial—aspect of divorce: your money mindset. She reveals why financial strength after divorce isn't just about the settlement, but about making a fundamental shift in how you view and manage money. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience and her new book, Intentional Money: The Modern Woman's Guide to Building Wealth, Purpose, and Peace, Leah walks listeners through the mindset traps to avoid, and introduces her Intentional Money Method—a six-pillar framework designed to help every woman take control and build a brighter financial future. Key Topics Covered: - The Real Financial Identity Crisis: Why divorce shakes up your relationship with money and how to reclaim your financial power. - Mindset Traps to Avoid: Scarcity panic, golden handcuffs, outsourcing, and avoidance—and how each can sabotage your financial security. - Intentional Money Method: Discover Leah's six pillars—Clarity, Values, Mindset, Strategy, Action, and Support—and how to apply them during your divorce process. - The Biggest Mindset Shift: Move from “What am I going to get?” to “What am I going to build?” for lasting financial empowerment. - Practical Steps & Support: Actionable tips for taking charge, plus info on Leah's workbook, journal, and the Empowered Sisterhood community. Featured Resources: - Leah's new book- Intentional Money: The Modern Woman's Guide to Building Wealth, Purpose, and Peace — available now: Amazon  - The Empowered Sisterhood — Membership community for ongoing education, support, and encouragement. Learn more here: https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this thoughtful episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Dr. Merideth Thompson, TEDx speaker, executive coach, and relationship researcher with over two decades of experience and a deeply personal divorce story. Dr. Thompson opens up about staying in her first marriage too long, the impact it had on her children, and her eventual decision to prioritize joy, peace, and well-being. Key Takeaways: - Dr. Merideth Thompson’s Divorce Journey: She discusses marrying her high school sweetheart, staying together for the sake of her kids, and the moment she realized staying was more harmful than leaving. - Letting Go and Starting Over: Merideth reveals how letting go of her “stupidly big house” and prioritizing a home that brought her peace became a turning point. She emphasizes the freedom that comes from recognizing it’s not about the “stuff,” but about reclaiming your life. - Parenting Plan Lessons: Both speakers reflect on the importance—and difficulty—of crafting parenting plans that anticipate future life changes. Dr. Thompson offers advice on what she would do differently to smooth co-parenting transitions. - Impact on Health: The episode explores the significant physical and mental health toll of an unhealthy marriage. - Introducing PartnerLab: Merideth introduces her work through PartnerLab, helping individuals gain clarity about their relationships, whether they’re “in limbo” or seeking healthier partnerships. Free Resource: Merideth Thompson’s “Clarity Matrix” is a free starter guide to help you gauge what’s working in your relationship, consider your deal-breakers, and start important conversations. You can access it here: The Clarity Matrix   Connect with Dr. Meredith Thompson:  Website: https://www.mypartnerlab.co/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merideth-j-thompson/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@merideththompsonphd  Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/  YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights  Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist. 

On this episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Lisa Rites to share her profound expertise and personal journey as a certified grief educator. With over 40 years of experience as a respiratory therapist, Lisa Rites’s transition into grief education was fueled by both her professional encounters with families facing end-of-life and her own significant losses, including divorce. Together, they dive deep into the emotional landscape of divorce, highlighting grief’s complexity and discussing the non-linear nature of healing. Lisa Rites draws from her story and her new book, “Navigating Grief and Divorce,” to offer grounded advice, hope, and practical tips for anyone struggling with grief during or after divorce. Key Topics Covered: - Stages of Grief in Divorce:Lisa Rites opens up about her personal experience with denial, bargaining, anger, and acceptance, highlighting how these stages don’t proceed in order and often cycle. - Anger and Acceptance:Both Lisa Rites and Leah Hadley discuss anger as a dominant stage, and how moving toward acceptance often involves self-reflection and responsibility. - Co-parenting and Inner Peace:Lisa Rites shares how she and her ex-husband eventually became civil co-parents, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony for their children and finding personal peace. - The Value of “Me Time”:Both speakers highlight silver linings, especially how divorce can open up opportunities for self-care, rediscovery, and strengthening bonds with children. - Rediscovering Identity After Divorce:Lisa Rites explains how reclaiming old hobbies and expanding her social circle helped in finding herself as an individual, separate from her role as a wife and mother. - Sharing Grief and Communicating Honestly:The conversation underscores the importance of honest communication about emotions, including anger, and allowing yourself to feel without shame. Resources Mentioned Book: “Navigating Grief and Divorce” by Lisa Rites Available Now at: https://www.lisaritesgrief.com/book, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble Free Grief Resources: Visit Lisa Rites’ website for downloadable guides: https://www.lisaritesgrief.com/resource Connect with Lisa Rites: Website: https://www.lisaritesgrief.com/  LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/lisaritesgrief FB: https://www.facebook.com/lisaritesgrief IG: @lisaritesgrief YT: Lisa Rites @angelsamongusgrief Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this eye-opening episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Liesel Darby—mediator, divorce coach, and former addiction therapist—to tackle the complex intersection of addiction and divorce. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal experience, Leah Hadley and Liesel Darby shine a light on the realities families face when addiction enters the picture, discuss the impact on finances and relationships, and explore practical ways to protect yourself and your children. Key Topics Covered: Leah Hadley shares her personal connection to the topic through her family’s struggle with addiction. Liesel Darby outlines her background in addiction treatment and explains why “addiction is addiction,” regardless of whether it's alcohol, drugs, gambling, or sex. The codependency dynamic—and why it’s so hard, but so important, to not become a rescuer. Signs that your spouse or co-parent might be struggling with addiction, including subtle behavioral changes and financial red flags. The importance of documentation when navigating divorce with an addicted spouse. Co-parenting and parallel parenting strategies for families impacted by addiction. Safety-first mindset: protecting yourself and your children, with specific recommendations for legal and practical safeguards. Coping with financial instability and loss of trust when addiction threatens your family’s foundation. Where to find support: resources like Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Gamble-Anon, S-Anon, plus the value of therapy and divorce coaching. The crucial message: You are not alone, and there is no shame in seeking help. Support Resources Mentioned: Al-Anon—for families of alcoholics Nar-Anon—for families dealing with narcotics addiction Gam-Anon—for families of compulsive gamblers S-Anon—for families of those struggling with sex addiction  Connect with Liesel Darby: Email: [email protected] Phone: 440-545-1001 Schedule an free informational call: Complimentary Info Call Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this insightful solo episode, Leah Hadley, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Financial Counselor, tackles one of the most persistent worries faced by women navigating divorce: financial fear. Drawing not just from her professional expertise, but also from her own personal experience, Leah breaks down why financial anxiety is so prevalent during divorce and how it affects both stay-at-home moms and women with strong financial backgrounds. Key Topics Covered: - Why Divorce Causes Financial Anxiety Uncertainty, life restructuring, and learning new financial systems Emotional pressures, especially for primary caregiver - Most Common Financial Fears Cost of divorce and unexpected legal expenses Post-divorce cash flow and budgeting Housing concerns: "Can I afford to keep the marital home?" Changes in taxes and filing status Investment decisions and retirement account management Planning for retirement after divorce - How Fear Can Lead to Poor Decisions Prioritizing short-term comfort over long-term stability Accepting quick settlements or retaining unaffordable assets - Strategies to Reduce Financial Fear Make fears tangible with real numbers Work with divorce-specific financial professionals early Gain clarity on investment basics and market volatility Optimize retirement accounts (don’t miss out on employer matches!) Focus on one financial issue at a time Seek support and community Resources & Support: Empowered Sisterhood: Leah Hadley’s supportive membership group for women building financial confidence during divorce or other transitions. Includes live education, community support, and ongoing guidance. Learn More Here: https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood Book Recommendation: When It’s Just Not Working: A Practical Divorce Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms (Completely revised and now available on Amazon)—a roadmap covering financial and emotional challenges unique to stay-at-home mothers going through divorce. Access the Book Here: When it's Just Not Working, a Practical Divorce Guide for Stay-At-Home Moms Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this powerful episode, Leah Hadley sits down with Angeline Constantinou, founder of "Let's Break the Silence," to share her remarkable journey from surviving an abusive marriage to reclaiming her voice, identity, and purpose. Angeline offers wisdom and practical steps for anyone feeling trapped, overwhelmed, or lost—reminding listeners that healing and transformation are possible, no matter how dark things may feel. Key Topics Covered: - Angeline’s story of surviving and leaving an abusive relationship - The long process of self-discovery and rebuilding self-worth after divorce - Recognizing the red flags and overcoming the shame and guilt that keep us stuck - Why community and mentorship are vital to healing - How journaling, gratitude, and daily rituals can shift your mindset - First steps for those in toxic or abusive marriages to start reclaiming their confidence Guest Resources: - Download Angeline's free self-reflection journaling workbook: https://letsbreakthesilence.com/journalprompts Connect with Angeline Constantinou: Website: https://letsbreakthesilence.com/  IG: @lets_breakthesilence FB: Angeline Constantinou LI: Angeline Constantinou Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.  

In this uplifting and practical episode, Leah Hadley welcomes friend and renowned relationship expert Bari Lyman to discuss how to truly prepare for love after divorce. If you’re frustrated by the dating world or afraid of repeating unhealthy patterns, this conversation brings hope, actionable steps, and inspiring real-life stories. Key Takeaways: - Get intentional about love: The process starts with a decision and vulnerability about wanting love again. - Clear past patterns: Healing is about moving beyond analyzing the past—think forward and design the future you want. - Readiness over availability: Being ready for love goes deeper than “putting yourself out there.” - You don’t have to settle: Success, emotional security, and healthy, uplifting partnership can absolutely go hand in hand. - Online vs. in-person dating: The method matters less than your energy and self-readiness. Mentioned Resources: If you enjoyed this conversation with Bari and want to go deeper, don't miss this powerful 90-minute workshop where she'll reveal:  ✓ Why high-achieving women who excel professionally often struggle with relationship patterns ✓ The strategic, business-minded approach to love that actually works ✓ How to stop attracting emotionally unavailable people and start meeting partners who match your ambition  Just like you're building your financial future, it's time to invest in your relationship future.  Upcoming FREE Workshop: 3 Mistakes That Keep You Stuck Whether You Date Online or Organically (and How to Finally Find Sweet Love) Wednesday, February 18, 2026 7:00pm EST Register Now: https://go.meettomarry.com/3mistakes  Join Bari's Weekly Live at Lunch: Every Wednesday at 12pm ET on YouTube Love Ready discussions and Q&A Watch live: youtube.com/@barilymanlove Connect with Bari Lyman: Email: [email protected] Website: https://meettomarry.com/about/  IG: @barilymanlove  FB: Bari.Lyman   LI: Bari Lyman Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/  YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights  Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist. 

In this episode, Leah Hadley dives into a topic that breaks her heart—and one she sees time and time again: capable, intelligent women feeling financially stuck after finalizing their divorce. Key Takeaways: - Why Financial Stagnation Happens: Leah Hadley explains that staying stuck isn’t about a lack of knowledge—most women know what they should be doing—it’s about what’s happening beneath the surface after divorce. - Five Main Reasons Women Stay Financially Stuck: Decision fatigue after lengthy, emotionally loaded choices. Identity shift from financial decisions as a couple to doing it solo. Fear disguised as procrastination, making it easier to avoid money matters. Lack of support and accountability, especially since money isn’t talked about openly. The shame spiral, where feeling stuck leads to self-blame and even more avoidance. - How To Break Free: Leah Hadley offers five practical, empathetic guidance for moving forward:  Acknowledge where you are and break the shame spiral. Start small—even one tiny financial action makes a difference. Create consistent touchpoints, like joining Leah’s free live show, "Intentional Money Moves," every Tuesday at noon ET on YouTube. Get support and accountability (learn about "The Empowered Sisterhood" community for ongoing encouragement and real answers). Rewrite your story; focus on progress and learning rather than perfection. Action Step for Listeners: Take just one small financial action this week—open an account, track your expenses, join the community, or show up for the live show. Break out of inertia and build momentum, no matter how small the step feels. Resources Mentioned:  Intentional Money Moves live show: Tuesdays at noon ET, free, interactive, and found on the "Watch Her Thrive" YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@watchherthrive  The Empowered Sisterhood: Membership program for women navigating financial transitions, now only $59/month. https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood  Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

Welcome to another insightful episode of Intentional Divorce Insights, hosted by Leah Hadley! Today’s guest is the inspiring Tammy Gustafson, a trauma-informed licensed professional counselor, coach, and speaker known for her work in betrayal healing. Tammy is also the founder and CEO of Betrayal Healing and Live Free Counseling, host of the annual Betrayal Healing Conference, and author of the newly released book Broken to Brave: Your Courageous Act of Healing After Intimate Betrayal. Key Takeaways: - Tammy’s New Book: Tammy shares her personal motivation for writing Broken to Brave,Your Courageous Act of Healing After Intimate Betrayal, emphasizing its role as a practical companion for women healing after betrayal. She discusses the journey from feeling "broken" to becoming "brave" and likens the process to creating a beautiful mosaic out of life’s shattered pieces. - Phases of Betrayal Healing: Tammy outlines her four betrayal healing phases, grounded in both personal experience and clinical practice: The Reveal, Rumble, Relationship Direction, and Reclaiming Self. - Where Women Get Stuck: Common challenges include obsession over trust and forgiveness too early in the process, being consumed by the decision to stay or leave, and struggling to fully engage with grief (especially anger vs. sadness). - Building Resilience & Strength: Tammy observes that resilience comes from facing pain head-on, honoring your experience, and choosing to be intentional about your healing. Community support and making meaning are foundational to moving forward. - Actionable Advice for Listeners: Honoring Self-worth, Getting Safe Help, One Thing at a Time and Patience  - The Betrayal Healing Conference: Tammy’s annual free conference offers a supportive community and expert talks designed to empower and encourage anyone recovering from betrayal and/or divorce. REGISTER HERE: https://greatlakesdfs--betrayalhealing.thrivecart.com/all-access-pass/ Resources Mentioned: Broken to Brave, Your Courageous Act of Healing After Intimate Betrayal by Tammy Gustafson –      Buy it on Amazon HERE Betrayal Healing Conference – Five days of free, expert-led workshops and panels  REGISTER HERE: https://greatlakesdfs--betrayalhealing.thrivecart.com/all-access-pass/  Listen to Tammy's previous guest appearance on Intentional Divorce Insights: Navigating The Aftermath of Betrayal Connect with Tammy Gustafson: Websites: www.tammygustafson.com and Live Free Counseling IG: @tammylgustafson Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.