"When a major chapter of life comes to an end, the hardest part is often figuring out who you are on the other side of it."
In this week’s conversation, I sat down with Olivia Howell, co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, to talk about divorce, rebuilding, and navigating an unexpected life transition. Olivia shares how her own divorce inspired her and her sister to create a resource that helps people access support, community, and practical tools as they begin again. Together, we discuss the challenges that come with starting over, the importance of asking for help, and what it can look like to rebuild a life that feels authentic and meaningful after a major change.
This episode is a reminder that divorce can reshape many parts of your life, but it does not have to define what comes next. While the path forward is rarely easy, it can be an opportunity to rediscover yourself and create a future that reflects who you are now.
Song of the week: Unwritten (Natasha Bedingfield)
Topics Covered:
00:00:00 – Episode snippet
00:01:21 – Introducing our guest, Olivia Howell
00:04:23 – Olivia’s personal divorce journey
00:08:46 – The idea behind a divorce registry
00:13:14 – R&R Collective invitation
00:17:34 – How divorce registries work
00:20:29 – The Registry Fairy program
00:25:48 – Vetting shame-free and inclusive experts
00:29:09 – Building a “hype team” for support
00:35:27 – What’s next for Fresh Starts Registry
00:36:09 – Book: Divorce Happens
00:38:28 – Olivia’s sister’s fresh start love story
00:42:08 – Freedom
00:43:07 – Connect with Olivia Howell
Key Takeaways:
“Divorce happens and then you fall apart. And you are kind of supposed to fall apart because it is a rebirth.”
“I'd rather have rooms that have no furniture than rooms that have things that remind me of a life that is no longer mine.”
*Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? Apply today and get on the waitlist for when the doors reopen. bit.ly/yncapply
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About Our Guest:
Olivia Howell is a nationally recognized divorce educator, visionary founder, clinical hypnotherapist, and the CEO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, the premier expert-led divorce support network. She is passionate about providing support, resources, and hope for those navigating major life transitions.
Connect with Olivia Howell:
Web: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/oliviahowell/
About Your Host
Dr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!
Connect with Dr. Nicole:
Web: https://yournextchapter.co/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_co
FB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.co
Join our email community: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/community
Your nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigating divorce while walking in her Christian faith.
