Shows
Dishing on Divorce PodcastLeave Strong: Laura McGee on Redefining DivorceIn this episode of Dishing on Divorce, host Mandy Pullen Barr welcomes Laura McGee, J.D., founder of Leave Strong Divorce Services and a trusted Vesta professional. With a law degree from the University of British Columbia and over four decades of experience, Laura brings a unique blend of legal expertise, mediation skills, and compassionate coaching to her clients in California and beyond.
Laura works with people in one of two ways:
As a neutral mediator for couples, she helps both parties reach peaceful resolutions through a flat-fee, client-centered approach.
As an individual divorce...2025-07-2833 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastBlame, Shame and Divorce: Dismantling the StigmaIn this heartfelt episode of Dishing on Divorce, Mandy and Deanna get real about one of the most personal and challenging parts of divorce: the emotional weight of shame and blame. From neighborhood parties that feel like the walk of shame to well-meaning comments that linger for years, they unpack the hidden narratives we tell ourselves—and how to rewrite them.
They share personal stories, including mom guilt, generational wounds, and the journey to self-acceptance. You'll also hear about the healing tools that helped them shift from pain to power: mindfulness, journaling, reframing thoughts, and reconnecting with th...2025-07-2125 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastBridging the Emotional & Legal Divide with Divorce Coach Kristyna HawkettThis week on Dishing on Divorce, we sit down with Kristyna Hawkett, founder of the UK-based Minus One Club and a certified Separation & Divorce Coach, who’s transforming how people experience divorce. With roots in both the Czech Republic and England, Kristyna brings a powerful blend of emotional insight and practical guidance to her work, helping clients navigate divorce with clarity and confidence.
After enduring her own two-year divorce and feeling lost in a maze of disconnected professionals, Kristyna created the Minus One Club to offer the cohesive, compassionate support she wished she had. She now helps cl...2025-07-1442 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastDivorce Mistakes We’ve Made (So You Don’t Have To)In this powerful episode, Deanna Coyle and Mandy Pullen Barr open up about the most common—and costly—divorce mistakes they’ve made personally and seen repeatedly in their work with Vesta. From letting emotions drive decisions to misusing professionals and overlooking post-divorce financial realities, they share candid lessons and practical strategies to help you avoid unnecessary heartache and expense.
They also emphasize the importance of assembling the right support team, including divorce coaches, financial experts, and consulting attorneys, and guiding co-parenting with intention and grace.
Whether you’re contemplating divorce or already deep in the proc...2025-07-0717 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastWhen Divorce Involves a Business: What You Need to Know with Amanda Singer, Esq., MDR, CDFA®What happens when divorce and business ownership collide? In this episode, attorney, mediator, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® Amanda Singer joins us to unpack the financial and legal complexities that come with divorcing as a business owner or being married to one.
With over a decade of experience guiding couples through peaceful, strategic resolution, Amanda shares her top insights on:
How a business is treated as both an asset and a source of income
The risks of relying solely on tax returns to determine financial reality
When to bring in a b...2025-06-3040 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastBalancing the Table: How Co-Mediation Changes the Divorce ConversationIn this powerful episode of Dishing on Divorce, Mandy Pullen Barr welcomes co-mediators Carolyn Laredo and Jim Bell to explore the transformative impact of co-mediation in divorce. With over 40 years of combined experience, this dynamic duo combines backgrounds in law, psychology, sociology, and education to help couples resolve conflicts, communicate more effectively, and reach durable, respectful agreements.
Carolyn and Jim discuss how having two professionals of different genders and skillsets in the room reduces bias, improves communication, and empowers clients to move from “we” to “I” to identify and voice their personal needs. They share their use of transfo...2025-06-2342 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastFrom Bulldog to Bridge Builder: Kary Watson’s Journey to Transform DivorceIn this episode of Dishing on Divorce, host Mandy Pullen Barr welcomes special guest Kary Watson, a seasoned family law attorney and founder of Together You Part, a groundbreaking online mediation practice based in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 20 years of experience, Kary shares her powerful journey from a high-conflict, aggressive divorce litigator—known as the “bulldog”—to a compassionate mediator dedicated to transforming the divorce process into a collaborative, cost-effective, and respectful experience.
Kary opens up about the personal toll her early litigation career took on her and her family. These wake-up moments inspired her to seek a b...2025-06-1642 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastRiding the Emotional Rollercoaster of Divorce (and Finding Your Balance) with Deanna and MandyIn this episode of Dishing on Divorce, Mandy and Deanna delve into the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies navigating divorce. They discuss how grief, uncertainty, loneliness, and even moments of joy can surface, sometimes all within a single day.
Together, they emphasize the importance of processing your “emotional divorce” before diving fully into the legal and financial aspects. Through their work at Vesta, they’ve seen how critical it is to have not only legal and financial professionals but also therapists, coaches, and a strong support network to guide individuals through the ups and downs.
Mandy and De...2025-06-0922 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastCowboy Logic in Divorce: Charmaine Panko on Common-Sense Family LawIn this inspiring episode, Mandy Pullen Barr and Deanna Coyle welcome Charmaine Panko, collaborative family lawyer, mediator, and founder of Panko Collaborative Law & Mediation in Saskatchewan, Canada. Charmaine shares how her unexpected path into family law became her life’s mission: helping families navigate conflict with dignity, empathy, and common sense (or as she calls it, cowboy logic, thanks to her practical-minded father!).
Charmaine passionately unpacks the collaborative law model, where lawyers, child specialists, mental health professionals, and financial neutrals come together under one roof — not as adversaries, but as problem solvers — to design customized solutions for famili...2025-06-0250 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastBlended Families Unfiltered: Real Talk on Co-Parenting, Boundaries, and HealingThis Week on Dishing on Divorce: Navigating the Complexities of Stepparenting & Blended Families
In this heartwarming and deeply personal episode, hosts Mandy Pullen Barr and Deanna Coyle explore the often unspoken challenges—and surprising joys—of stepparenting, co-parenting, and blended family life.
Joining them is the remarkable Maria Natapov, founder of Synergistic Step Parenting and host of the Synergistic Step Parenting Podcast. With over 12 years of lived experience as a stepparent and a background in trauma-informed coaching, Maria shares her powerful personal journey: stepping unexpectedly into full-time parenting during a family crisis, ultimately becoming the lega...2025-05-2640 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastBehind the Numbers: Divorce, Business Valuation & Hidden Assets with Erik BlaushieldIn this eye-opening episode, Mandy and Deanna sit down with Erik Blaushield, a CPA and certified valuation analyst with over two decades of experience in business valuation, forensic accounting, and divorce-related financial analysis. Erik breaks down the often misunderstood world of valuing a business during divorce—what makes a company a marital asset, when it needs to be valued, and how claims like "it's worth nothing without me" don’t necessarily hold up.
The conversation dives deep into red flags for hidden assets, the nuances of cash-heavy businesses, and how forensic accountants trace money movement through complex fina...2025-05-1938 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastLove, Loss & Motherhood: A Mother's Day Tribute with Deanna and MandyMother’s Day Special: Honoring Our Moms, Grief, and the Beauty in the Mess
In this deeply personal and moving episode of Dishing on Divorce, hosts Mandy and Deanna set aside the usual script to open their hearts about love, loss, and motherhood. This year marks their first Mother’s Day without their moms—Mandy’s passed in September, and Deanna’s in January—and they invite listeners into a raw and honest conversation about what it means to grieve while still showing up as mothers themselves.
They reflect on their beautiful, complicated relationships with their moms...2025-05-1130 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastWhy Not Me? Reframing Pain into Purpose with Poonam BhucharIn this deeply moving episode of Dishing on Divorce, Mandy and Deanna sit down with the extraordinary Poonam Bhuchar, an attorney, mediator, TEDx speaker, divorce coach, and award-winning author of Saved From the Pain. With raw honesty and profound grace, Poonam shares her personal story of trauma, cultural stigma, loss, and, ultimately, radical healing.
Poonam introduces listeners to her transformative SAFE Method—Stop, Accept, Forgive, Embrace—a practical and soul-centered process born from her journey through emotional pain, chronic stress, divorce, and spiritual awakening. From surviving sexual assault and an abusive marriage to rebuilding her life after health...2025-05-0546 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastDivorce, Disruption and Doing It Differently with Attorney Bobby BuchananIn this enlightening episode of Dishing on Divorce, Mandy Pullen and Deanna Coyle welcome family law trailblazer Bobby Buchanan—founder of Buchanan Law Group, host of Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast and Illinois Divorce TV, and a proud member of the Vesta network.
Bobby is not your typical divorce attorney. With zero personal experience in divorce—but a deep well of empathy and emotional intelligence—he’s made it his mission to simplify the legal process, humanize the attorney-client relationship, and build a practice rooted in integrity, transparency, and tech-forward innovation.
He shares his journey from criminal...2025-04-2851 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastThe Power of Forgiveness: Emotional Alchemy with Simonne Rossi PaumardIn this deeply heartfelt episode of Dishing on Divorce, we welcome the luminous Simonne Rossi Paumard, transformational mindset coach, a retreat facilitator, and San Diego-based realtor originally from France. With grace, humor, and raw vulnerability, Simonne shares her extraordinary story of love, betrayal, reinvention, and ultimately liberation.
Simonne takes us back to a life-altering moment in September 2022, when she first reached out to Vesta, unsure of what questions to ask and emotionally frozen in the wake of discovering her husband’s affair. What followed was a courageous two-and-a-half-year journey through grief, growth, and self-representation as she navigated he...2025-04-2153 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastPrenups, Postnups and the Power of Preparation with Attorney Molly Wilson ChungIn this episode of Dishing on Divorce, we’re joined by Molly Wilson Chung, a highly respected family law attorney with over 16 years of experience navigating everything from high-net-worth divorces and custody disputes to uncovering hidden assets and guiding clients through mediation. Molly brings deep legal knowledge, compassionate counsel, and a gift for clear communication to every case—and this conversation is no exception.
Together, we explore the real purpose behind prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, dispel common myths, and discuss how these tools can actually foster transparency and long-term relationship success. Molly explains who should consider a pren...2025-04-1440 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastEmpowering Financial Decisions in Divorce with Glenn CrawfordWelcome to an insightful episode of our podcast, where we have the privilege of hosting Glenn Crawford, a seasoned Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, financial advisor, and mediator. With a rich background in financial planning and a personal understanding of the complexities of divorce, Glenn brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the table. He has been a cornerstone of Vesta's programs in Southern California, offering clarity and empowerment to those navigating the financial upheavals of divorce.
In this episode, Glenn delves into the critical aspects of managing finances during a divorce, including marital asset division, tax...2025-04-0745 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastHealing Your Psychological Love Life with Dr. Thomas JordanIn this enlightening episode of "Dishing on Divorce," we welcomed Dr. Thomas Jordan, a distinguished clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and author, who brings over three decades of expertise in reshaping love life patterns. Dr. Jordan, a clinical associate professor of psychology at New York University and founder of LoveLifeLearningCenter.com, shares transformative insights from his book, "Learn to Love: Guide to Healing Your Disappointing Love Life."
Throughout our discussion, Dr. Jordan unveils the psychological blueprints formed by our early relationship experiences and offers practical strategies for unlearning harmful patterns to foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships. His unique approach...2025-03-3149 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastDispelling Divorce Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction with Deanna and MandyIn this engaging episode of "Dishing on Divorce," hosts Mandy Pullen Barr and Deanna Coyle tackle the pervasive myths surrounding divorce and contrast them with many people's realities. The episode, aptly titled "Myths Versus Reality," sheds light on the misrepresentations of divorce often seen in movies and media, specifically discussing the impact of films like "War of the Roses."
Throughout the episode, Mandy and Deanna emphasize that divorce does not always necessitate a fierce legal battle. They explore alternative dispute resolutions, such as mediation and collaborative law, which can prevent the high costs and emotional strain of...2025-03-2428 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastUnpacking the Complexities of Divorce After 50 with Attorney Lisa CukierIn this insightful episode of "Dishing on Divorce," Mandy Pullen Barr interviews Lisa Cukier, a renowned family law attorney specializing in complex divorce scenarios. Lisa discusses the challenges and intricacies of midlife divorce, bringing her vast expertise to the table and illuminating the unique aspects of divorces later in life, particularly those involving family businesses, large estates, and long-term marriages.
The conversation delves deep into what Lisa terms "gray divorce," where the dissolution involves not just the separation of lives but also the division of substantial assets accumulated over decades. They discuss the critical need for strategic...2025-03-1729 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastHealing, Empowerment, and New Beginnings - the Sparrow Collective with Susan TripiIn this deeply moving episode of Dishing on Divorce, hosts Mandy Pullen and Deanna Coyle are joined by Susan Tripi, a woman’s empowerment coach, certified divorce coach, and the innovative founder of the Sparrow Collective. Inspired by her challenging divorce, Susan has created a revolutionary community that supports divorced women by offering comprehensive services tailored to empower and rebuild their lives. The Sparrow Collective uniquely combines housing solutions with holistic care, encompassing legal support, financial planning, career counseling, wellness programs, and spiritual guidance.
Throughout the episode, Susan shares the story behind her motivation to establish such a...2025-03-1038 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastFrom Conflict to Cooperation: Transforming Divorce with Kelly MyersIn this enlightening episode of Dishing on Divorce, host Mandy Pullen Barr engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Kelly Myers, a distinguished divorce and mediation coach, co-parenting specialist, and integral part of the VESTA network. Kelly brings her extensive experience and a passion for transforming the divorce process into a constructive journey through education and self-advocacy.
Key Insights from the Episode:
Holistic Understanding: Kelly emphasizes the necessity of grasping all facets of divorce, from the legal and financial complexities to the emotional transitions. Her commitment to continuous learning enables her to advocate effectively for her...2025-03-0337 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastAdvocating for Peaceful Resolutions in Family Law with Jolee E. Vacchi, Esq.In this enlightening episode of Dishing on Divorce, hosts Mandy Pullen Barr and Deanna Coyle sit down with Jolee E. Vacchi, a trailblazing attorney redefining family law through compassion and innovation. As the founding attorney at Foundations Family Law & Mediation, licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Jolee shares her inspiring journey from being captivated by legal dramas to becoming a mediator and collaboratively trained lawyer devoted to helping families navigate divorce with dignity.
Jolee discusses the transformative power of mediation and collaborative law, methods that safeguard relationships and lead to more amicable resolutions. She dives into her...2025-02-2439 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastResilience Redefined: Juan Espinoza's Path from Pain to PurposeIn this impactful episode of Dishing on Divorce, hosts Mandy Pullen Barr and Deanna Coyle welcome Juan Espinoza, a U.S. Army veteran, author, and motivational speaker. Juan, a beacon of courage, shares his Afghanistan experiences, struggles, and healing journey outlined in his memoir, Unbroken: Turning Pain into Purpose.
He highlights the emotional scars of military service, the challenges of reintegration into civilian life, and the resilience he's discovered as a single father after divorce. Emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence in parenting, Juan's insights are invaluable, advocating for open communication and understanding as essential tools for...2025-02-1745 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastAvoiding Pitfalls: How to Assemble Your Divorce TeamIn this episode of Dishing on Divorce, Mandy Pullen Barr and Deanna Coyle, renowned concierge specialists, share their unique insights on optimizing consultations with divorce professionals. They stress the critical need for assembling the right team and detailed strategies for vetting potential attorneys and other experts, cautioning against common pitfalls like selecting lawyers through mere Google searches or hiring generalists instead of specialists in family law.
The co-hosts introduce their highly affordable divorce interview guide, priced at only $7. This guide is packed with carefully crafted questions to assess a professional's experience, communication style, and alignment with client...2025-02-1015 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastFinding Love After Loss: Navigating Post-Divorce Relationships with Susan Trotter, Ph.D.In this episode of "Dishing on Divorce," Deanna Coyle welcomes Susan Trotter, Ph.D., a life and relationship coach, with Vesta, who specializes in dating, divorce, self-confidence, mindset, and communication. With her rich background in clinical psychology and over two decades as a therapist, Susan shares her profound insights on navigating the complexities of relationships and personal empowerment, particularly in divorce and re-entering the dating scene.
As Valentine's Day approaches—a time that can evoke mixed emotions for many—Susan provides valuable advice for those feeling lonely or challenged by the holiday. She emphasizes the importance of self...2025-02-0339 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastThe House Divided: Navigating Mortgage Challenges in Divorce with Renee Guidaboni ColemanIn this episode of "Dishing on Divorce," host Mandy Pullen Barr chats with Renee Coleman, a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP) and Loan Officer. Celebrating almost five years with VESTA in Massachusetts, Renee shares her insights on handling mortgages during divorce, a crucial yet often misunderstood aspect of splitting assets.
The discussion, "The House Divided," delves into how divorcing couples can manage their marital home, whether assuming the loan, selling, or refinancing then buying out one's partner. Renee emphasizes the importance of involving a CDLP early in the divorce process to explore all financial options thoroughly and...2025-01-2735 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastNew Beginnings: Navigating Life Through Divorce and Menopause with Paula BrownIn a deeply inspiring episode of "Dishing on Divorce," host Mandy Pullen Barr engages Paula Brown, a pioneering VESTA community member and the founder of Konenki Menopause Solutions. Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of "KonenKi," which translates to "new beginnings," Konenki is dedicated to transforming the way menopause is perceived—not as an end but as the beginning of a profound journey of transformation and renewal. This understanding empowers women to embrace this natural transition with confidence and grace.
Paula shares her transformative post-divorce journey, emphasizing the critical support she received from VESTA's network of professionals in 2018. Th...2025-01-2030 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastNavigating High-Conflict Divorce: Expert Strategies with Dr. Susan Korb Bernstein – Certified Divorce CoachIn this compelling episode of "Dishing on Divorce," Mandy Pullen Barr interviews Dr. Susan Bernstein, a renowned divorce coach specializing in high-conflict cases. If you're dealing with a high-conflict situation, this conversation is a must-listen. Dr. Bernstein's journey from educational consultant to a full-time divorce coach, driven by her own high-conflict divorce experience, provides invaluable guidance and a unique perspective. Her deep empathy and understanding for those in similar situations will make you feel supported and less alone in your struggles.
This episode delves into Dr. Bernstein's unique approach, which includes maintaining clarity, setting realistic goals, and...2025-01-1336 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastNavigating Co-Parenting: “It’s Not About Us!” A conversation with Darlene Taylor, MSW, CPC- Life and Parent CoachIn this compelling episode, host Mandy Barr sits down with Darlene Taylor, a social worker, life coach, and author of It's Not About Us: A Co-Parenting Survival Guide for Taking the High Road. With over 15 years of experience as a therapist and family coach, Darlene shares her professional expertise and personal journey of navigating co-parenting post-divorce.
Darlene’s book offers “hard-won wisdom” and actionable strategies to help parents build a healthy, collaborative co-parenting relationship focused on their children's well-being. She discusses her four foundational pillars of successful co-parenting—consistency, flexibility, mutual respect, and trust—and emphasizes the importance...2025-01-0636 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastBeyond the Split: Paths to A Peaceful Divorce with Tania LeichliterIn this episode of Dishing on Divorce, Vesta team members Deanna Coyle, Co-Founder and Director of Concierge Services, and Mandy Pullen Barr, Strategic Managing Partner, and Concierge Specialist, welcome Tania Liechliter, CEO and Founder of Better Than Bitter™ and a Life and Divorce Success Coach. This program is designed to guide clients toward amicable divorces and support positive, healthy transitions. Tania's expertise empowers individuals to navigate divorce with clarity and compassion, turning a challenging experience into a springboard for personal growth.
This episode delves into Tania's practical, mindset-focused approach to navigating co-parenting, establishing healthy boundaries, and crafting a...2024-12-3044 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastResilience and Community: Claudia Thompson's Journey Through Divorce and Empty NestingTune in to "Dishing on Divorce" as we welcome Claudia Thompson, a remarkable leader, advocate, and friend who opens up about her personal journey through divorce and embracing life as an empty nester. With over 21 years of experience in leadership roles and a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, Claudia's story is one of resilience and growth.
In this episode, Claudia shares how her divorce and the challenges of single parenting shaped her into who she is today. She discusses the profound impact of personal development programs like Landmark, which helped transform her life during tumultuous times...2024-12-2334 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastMediation, Mindset, and Micro Peace with Claudia Brown Coulter, MDR Divorce Mediator🎧 Dishing on Divorce Podcast: A Candid Conversation with Claudia Brown Coulter 🎧
In this episode of Dishing on Divorce, we are thrilled to welcome the dynamic Claudia Brown Coulter, whose warmth, humor, and authenticity make for a truly engaging conversation. Claudia shares her journey through divorce and how it led her to a career in mediation, where she now helps families navigate some of life’s most challenging transitions.
Claudia opens up about the pivotal moments that changed her life, from facing professional rejection to realizing her true calling. She reflects on how those experiences shaped her appr...2024-12-1640 minDishing on Divorce PodcastWelcome to Dishing on Divorce Podcast with Deanna Coyle and Mandy Pullen BarrDishing on Divorce: Podcast Launch Announcement
After a year of dreaming and planning, Mandy and Deanna are thrilled to launch Dishing on Divorce! This podcast is your go-to resource for navigating divorce and building a brighter future.
Born from a road trip and inspired by their work with Vesta, Mandy and Deanna combine expert advice, personal stories, and insights to educate, entertain, and empower. Whether sharing lessons from their journeys or bringing in guest experts, they help you turn challenges into opportunities.
Tune in for inspiring stories, practical tools, and fresh perspectives on...2024-12-0714 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastThriving Through Divorce and the Holidays with Deanna Coyle and Mandy Pullen Barr🎙️ Episode Highlight: Thriving Through Divorce & Holidays 🎙️
In this warm and relatable episode of Dishing on Divorce, Mandy and Deanna dive into the joys and challenges of navigating the holiday season during and after divorce. Drawing from their journeys, they share heartfelt stories, creative strategies, and practical advice for creating holiday magic while managing the complexities of co-parenting.
From Mandy’s long-standing tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving on the Saturday after to Deanna’s festive ski trips and cozy Christmas puzzles, the duo highlights how embracing new traditions can bring consistency and joy to parents and children. They also disc...2024-12-0715 min
Dishing on Divorce PodcastFrom Divorce to Clarity a Journey of Transformation: A conversation with celebrity coach and best selling author Jennifer GraceIn the premiere episode of Dishing on Divorce, hosts Mandy and Deanna welcome the inspiring Jennifer Grace, best-selling author, a top life coach, and TEDx speaker known for her transformative approach to mindfulness. Jennifer shares her journey from navigating her divorce to coaching major brands like Prada and Facebook. Her story is one of resilience and reinvention, showing listeners how self-discovery and mindfulness can create profound change.
Jennifer’s candid insights on rebuilding her relationship with her ex-husband and finding clarity through Stanford’s Clarity Catalyst course make this a must-listen episode for anyone seeking direction after a life...2024-12-0734 min