We’re going to talk about it, because—
Divorce Happens
A Fresh Starts Registry Production
Welcome to Divorce Happens, the podcast where we inspire, educate, and support you through divorce and beyond so that you can start fresh on the next phase of your journey. Produced by Fresh Starts Registry, the only divorce registry platform for everything you need to begin again, including home items, hype team, and everything in between. Remember, divorce happens...and then, we start fresh. We're here to support you before, during, and after divorce. Hosted by Olivia Dreizen Howell, the co-founder and CEO of Fresh Starts Registry.
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Sarah Vacchiano married at 22 and was divorced by 27 — then spent the next decade figuring out who she actually was. The Los Angeles entertainment lawyer and first-time author joins Olivia to talk about her debut novel, Soft Launch: A Coming of Adulthood Story, drawn from her own first year after divorce in New York City. They talk representation in divorce media, how childhood shapes the relationships we choose, and why "coming of adulthood" fit her story better than "coming of age."
Ever actually read your divorce decree? Family law attorney Molly Rosenblum, founder of The Rosenblum Allen Law Firm in Las Vegas, joins Divorce Happens to break down what this legal document really contains — custody, property division, child support, alimony, relocation clauses, and more — plus the biggest misconceptions divorced parents have about their own paperwork. Sponsored episode featuring expert family law and divorce advice.
A state senator who once believed her joint accounts were frozen the moment she filed for divorce — only to watch her ex drain them completely. Senator Bradley sits down with Olivia to unpack North Carolina's brutal divorce laws, the abuse that hides in the paperwork, and how she turned her worst year into a policy fight.
Divorce can be a portal to joy — that's the promise author Betsy Cornwall offers, drawn from her own journey of leaving an abusive marriage, facing homelessness, and rebuilding a life on Ireland's wild coast, crowdfunded knitting factory and all. Her advice: find your people, trust the instinct that something's off, and know real joy is waiting on the other side.
Healing from divorce isn't the rushed, performative version — it's slow, honest work. In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia sits down with Certified Divorce Recovery Coach, Leah Marie Mazur, to unpack what rebuilding actually looks like: self-awareness, boundary work, journaling, and the right support around you. Because divorce doesn't have to be navigated alone — and clarity is possible on the other side.
Dating after divorce can feel overwhelming for single parents. In this Divorce Happens episode, relationship coach and former clinical psychologist Dr. Susan Trotter shares compassionate relationship coaching on dating, divorce, parenting, and family dynamics.
Writer and coach Rachael Needham joins Divorce Happens to explore how self-trust shapes every divorce decision. She shares insights on rebuilding self-confidence, navigating faith, handling manipulation, and choosing the healthiest path forward.
In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell talks with mind-body wellness clinician Robyn Gaillard about navigating divorce, legal challenges, and chronic stress without losing your inner light.
In this episode of Divorce Happens, divorce coach and ADR pre-mediation expert Lyerly Spongberg joins Olivia to explore the surprising relationship between anger, healing, emotions, and personal growth in divorce.
In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell interviews lawyer, mediator, and divorce coach Meghan O’Malley about the new way to navigate divorce. They explore mediation vs. litigation, how divorce coaching reduces overwhelm, and why clarifying what you truly want can transform your divorce recovery, co-parenting, and life after separation.
Divorce feels overwhelming, but your first step can be clear. In this Divorce Happens episode, Olivia Howell interviews divorce & life transition coach Lisa Lisser on how divorce coaching delivers clarity, strategy, and emotional support.
Actress and creator Eva Amurri joins Divorce Happens to turn emotional turmoil into usable wisdom—sharing how therapy, mediation, and clean language around the kids can protect families, and why even a $5/day side hustle restores agency.
In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell talks with Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Donna S. Cates about how women can find confidence and clarity through the financial side of divorce.
Divorce can leave kids struggling with the back-and-forth of two homes. In this Divorce Happens episode, host Olivia Howell and child psychologist Dr. Joanna Hulton explore how parents can ease transitions, validate children’s feelings, and support their development.
Divorce strategist Samantha Boss joins Divorce Happens to share clear, compassionate guidance for high-conflict divorce: radical acceptance of your co-parent, “diapers to diploma” parenting plans that keep you out of court, and scheduling legal tasks so you can stay connected to your kids.
In this Divorce Happens episode, divorce coach Kate Anthony shares her expertise on navigating divorce with clarity and courage. From emotional separation and boundary-setting to parallel parenting and self-discovery, Kate offers both practical strategies and empowering insights.
In this Divorce Happens episode, business strategist Chedva “Vivi” Ludmir shares expert guidance on rebuilding your confidence and business after divorce. Learn how to rewrite limiting stories, anchor your energy, and lead with intention.
The beginning of divorce can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to. In this Divorce Happens episode, divorce coach and mediator Meghan O’Malley shares 5 Fresh Tips to help you find clarity, confidence, and calm at the start of your divorce journey.
Divorce doesn’t have to be faced alone. In this Divorce Happens episode, divorce and co-parenting coach Lisa Lisser shares 5 Fresh Tips to help you ask for support, gain financial clarity, and co-parent with confidence.
Is uncontested divorce right for you? In this episode of Divorce Happens, attorney Renee Turner shares expert guidance on when uncontested divorce can save time, money, and emotional stress—and when it’s not the right choice.
In this episode of Divorce Happens, writer and director Dara Resnik shares 5 fresh tips to help you reclaim your voice after divorce.
Divorce recovery doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn 5 Fresh Tips from Madisen Rose to reset, practice self-care, and start over with hope.
What if music could help children heal through divorce? In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell speaks with musician Mama Nous, whose emotionally intelligent songs provide comfort, language, and resilience for kids and parents alike. From the powerful mantra of You Are So Easy to Love to the deep resonance of Right Hand Child, this conversation explores how music transforms divorce recovery into connection and hope.
Divorce is overwhelming—but clarity begins with one powerful question: Why do you want what you want? In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell talks with certified divorce coach Lyerly Spongberg about how shifting from wants to whys transforms mediation, reduces conflict, and brings peace of mind. Tune in for expert insight, practical tools, and hope for your fresh start.
In this Divorce Happens episode, Olivia Howell speaks with strategist and mentor Chedva Ludmir about divorce, self-discovery, and empowerment. Chedva shares how gaslighting and shrinking impact both personal and professional life, and why reclaiming your voice is key to healing. With insights on confidence, business strategy, and personal growth, this conversation offers encouragement, clarity, and actionable support for anyone starting over.
When your ex’s new partner crosses a boundary, how do you protect your peace and your kids? In this Divorce Happens episode, relationship coach Anna Howerton shares her own story of public co-parenting drama and the wisdom she now offers her clients.
In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell talks with Amanda Goetz—two-time founder, four-time CMO, and author of Toxic Grit—about the lessons she learned from her own divorce.
Therapist, author, and YouTuber Meredith Beardmore joins Divorce Happens to unpack emotional abuse you can’t see, the cost of freedom, and how to trust your intuition without “proof.” From co-parenting battles to rebuilding after debt, Meredith shares clinical insight and lived experience to offer hope and clarity.
In this episode of Divorce Happens, relationship expert and EFT tapping practitioner Lizzy Gobst shares how tapping can calm anxiety, shift subconscious patterns, and support emotional healing during divorce. She reminds us that mixed feelings don’t cancel each other out—they’re part of recovery.
Psychotherapist & relationship specialist Stevie Blum joins Divorce Happens to unpack the hidden grief of friendship during divorce—and the tools that help. Learn the spotlight effect, boundary scripts that turn complaints into clear requests, and Stevie’s Solve → Reframe → Accept framework. We explore mindfulness, acceptance (not approval), and how vulnerability deepens connection. Hope, language, and real-life support for divorce recovery.