Our Guest for this episode:

Tom Shepard

Tom Shepard, Author of “Money isn’t Everything – Everything is Money” and a Certified Financial Planner and Investment Advisor, has been helping people understand their relationship with money for 30 years. Using a personal assessment tool called Find Your Financial NatureTM Tom will help you discover your genetic predisposition to money! This is the language your mind and body go to when thinking about trading Time, Energy, and Money to create the Relationship with life you dream of. You can take the assessment at https://www.Currencycamp.com and click on Find Your Financial Nature and take the assessment. Who am I? may be the most important question we ever ask ourselves and the most important information we share with the people in our lives

Visit Tom Shephard's Website:

Tom's Website

In this episode of the Better Than Bitter Divorce Podcast, Tania Leichliter and Tom Shepard discuss the complexities of financial healing during and after divorce. They explore the common fears surrounding financial stability, the importance of acceptance in navigating change, and the empowerment that comes from understanding one's economic situation. The conversation emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to financial negotiations and the shift from a victim mentality to a victor mentality, encouraging listeners to embrace change as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

• Divorce can be a time of significant financial fear.
• Acceptance of change is crucial for moving forward.
• Financial independence empowers individuals post-divorce.
• Negotiation is key in financial settlements during divorce.
• The victim mentality can hinder progress and healing.
• Creating a vision for your financial future is essential.
• Change can lead to better opportunities and growth.
• Understanding your financial situation is empowering.
• Support from financial advisors can alleviate fears.
• Embracing change can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Navigating Financial Healing in Divorce

Embracing Change: A Path to Financial Independence

"You can negotiate your financial future."

"Change can lead to better opportunities."

"You can lay everything out on the table."

00:00 Introduction to Financial Healing

03:59 Understanding Financial Fear During Divorce

05:21 Acceptance and Change in Financial Circumstances

07:13 Navigating Financial Negotiations

09:43 Empowerment Through Financial Independence

11:39 The Role of Financial Planning in Healing

14:23 Overcoming Victim Mentality

16:55 Creating a Vision for the Future

19:27 Embracing Change as an Opportunity

21:58 Conclusion: Moving Forward with Confidence

35:26 Introduction to Amicable Divorce

36:55 Resources for Support and Growth

divorce, financial healing, financial fear, acceptance, empowerment, victim mentality, negotiation, change, financial independence, amicable divorce

On our website you'll find details and additional information on our 5-Step Gameplan multimedia course, our different types of coaching methods,

Our Guest for this Episode:

Carrie Mead

Carrie Mead, MS, LCPC, is a licensed mental health therapist in the states of Maryland and South Carolina. Carrie has a particular interest in working with families going through the divorce process, and she recognizes that the process is long, confusing, exhausting, and overwhelming. For the past 4 years, Carrie has been running psychotherapy groups for women contemplating divorce and for women in divorce recovery. The divorce contemplation groups have allowed many women to come together to discern if it is best for them to stay in the marriage or if it is best for them to peacefully end their marriage. This process of discernment is unique to each person and is based on their life experiences and the personal circumstances of their marriage. Carrie strives to help her clients find the path that honors their own understanding of themselves and their relationship.

Visit Her Website:

Carrie's Website

Follow Her on These Platforms:

Carrie's Facebook page

@marylandtherapycarrie on Instagram

In this episode of the Better Than Bitter Podcast, Tania Leichliter and Carrie Mead discuss the complexities of divorce, focusing on discernment counseling as a tool for individuals contemplating separation. They explore the importance of self-discovery, the impact of family backgrounds on divorce decisions, and the need for open communication in relationships. The conversation emphasizes reframing divorce as an opportunity for personal growth and authenticity, while also addressing the emotional challenges that come with the process. Listeners are encouraged to seek support and consider the benefits of discernment counseling to navigate their unique situations.

• Discernment counseling helps individuals assess their relationship goals.
• Self-discovery is crucial in understanding one's needs in a marriage.
• Toxic relationships can have collateral damage on children and others.
• Divorce should not be viewed as a failure but as a chance for growth.
• Authenticity in relationships allows individuals to be their true selves.
• Recognizing patterns in relationships can lead to better decision-making.
• Family of origin influences can impact divorce fears and decisions.
• Many individuals contemplate divorce for years before taking action.
• Building courage and hope is essential for those considering divorce.
• Communication and flexibility are key components of a healthy marriage.

Navigating the Divorce Dilemma

The Power of Discernment in Relationships

"Do I stay or do I go?"

"It's okay to be apart."

"Divorce is not a failure."

00:00 Introduction to Divorce Dilemma

03:44 Understanding Discernment Counseling

06:58 Authenticity in Relationships

09:38 Reframing Divorce as Growth

12:56 The Process of Discernment

15:38 Family Background and Divorce Fears

17:08 Statistics on Marriage and Divorce

18:32 Overcoming Fear in Divorce

20:13 Flexibility and Communication in Marriage

24:40 Understanding Emotional Abuse and Therapy Dynamics

27:32 The Role of Coaching vs. Therapy

31:49 Exploring Discernment Counseling

35:54 Rethinking Marriage Contracts

42:14 Top Tips for Navigating Divorce

46:08 Introduction to Amicable Divorce

47:37 Resources for Support and...

Our Guest For This Episode:

Tom Shepard

Tom Shepard, Author of “Money isn’t Everything – Everything is Money” and a Certified Financial Planner and Investment Advisor, has been helping people understand their relationship with money for 30 years. Using a personal assessment tool called Find Your Financial NatureTM Tom will help you discover your genetic predisposition to money! This is the language your mind and body go to when thinking about trading Time, Energy, and Money to create the Relationship with life you dream of. You can take the assessment at https://www.Currencycamp.com and click on Find Your Financial Nature and take the assessment. Who am I? may be the most important question we ever ask ourselves and the most important information we share with the people in our lives

Tom Shepard's Website

Tom's Website

In this episode of the Better Than Bitter Podcast, Tania Leichliter and Tom Shepard explore the intricate relationship between money and happiness, especially in the context of divorce. They discuss how to navigate financial negotiations during difficult times, the importance of understanding one's financial nature, and the empowerment that comes from taking control of one's finances. The conversation emphasizes the need to reframe beliefs about money and happiness, encouraging listeners to focus on the bigger picture and engage in positive self-talk.

• Money does not equal happiness, but understanding its role is crucial.
• Life is inherently difficult, and acceptance can lead to peace.
• Pressing the pause button during emotional negotiations is essential.
• Focusing on the bigger picture can ease financial negotiations.
• Understanding your financial nature helps in managing money effectively.
• Post-divorce, individuals must learn to manage and protect their finances.
• Empowerment comes from taking responsibility for financial decisions.
• Reframing negative beliefs about money can lead to positive changes.
• Self-talk influences financial behavior and outcomes.
• It's important to recognize discomfort as a part of growth.

Does Money Equal Happiness?

Navigating Financial Challenges in Divorce

"Does money equal happiness?"

"You can do it and you will."

"Word, action, belief."

00:00 Introduction to Money and Happiness

04:08 Defining Happiness in Difficult Times

13:00 Navigating Divorce and Financial Negotiations

21:35 Understanding Financial Natures

31:22 Empowerment Through Financial Management

40:05 Reframing Beliefs About Money and Happiness

48:44 Introduction to Amicable Divorce

50:13 Resources for Support and Growth

money, happiness, divorce, financial planning, emotional well-being, negotiation, self-empowerment, financial nature, relationships, personal growth

On our website you'll find details and additional information on our 5-Step Gameplan multimedia course, our different types of coaching methods, monthly memberships, events and retreats, and a whole lot more. Plus, we've got a ton of free resources, like our monthly...

Our Guest for this Episode:

Visit Tom Shephard's Website

In this episode of the Better Than Bitter podcast, host Tania Leichliter speaks with financial expert Tom Shepard about the concept of financial identity and how it impacts relationships, particularly during divorce. They explore the idea of financial nature, which refers to the innate predispositions individuals have towards money management and financial decision-making. Tom introduces a system that categorizes people into seven financial natures, helping listeners understand their own financial behaviors and how to navigate financial discussions with partners and co-parents. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing these differences to foster healthier relationships and amicable resolutions during and after divorce.

• Understanding your financial identity is crucial for healthy relationships.
• Financial nature can be innate or learned, impacting how we manage money.
• There are seven financial natures: spender, saver, investor, lever, giver, and earner.
• Recognizing financial differences can help prevent conflicts in relationships.
• Investing in emotional processing can save money in legal fees during divorce.
• Communication about financial values is essential for co-parenting success.
• Using assessments can help individuals understand their financial behaviors better.
• Financial discussions should be approached with empathy and openness.
• Understanding motivations behind financial decisions can improve relationship dynamics.
• It takes a community to support individuals in their financial journeys.

Discovering Your Financial Identity

The Role of Financial Nature in Relationships

"What's your financial identity?"

"Divorce doesn't have to be bitter."

"It's about how we value money."

00:00 Understanding Financial Identity

03:45 The Genetic Nature of Money

06:14 Exploring Financial Patterns

10:01 The Seven Financial Natures

13:23 Leveraging Money for Better Relationships

15:54 Investing in Emotional Health During Divorce

18:43 The Importance of Understanding Financial Differences

24:44 Cultural Perspectives on Money

26:38 Case Study: Navigating Financial Disagreements

31:00 Understanding Motivations in Relationships

33:53 Navigating Differences in Relationship Dynamics

37:38 The Importance of Intent in Financial Decisions

41:42 Pursuing Happiness Through Different Lenses

45:17 The Role of Open-Mindedness in Relationships

52:22 Key Takeaways for Building Healthy Relationships

57:54 Introduction to Amicable Divorce

59:23 Resources for Support and Growth

financial identity, financial nature, divorce, money management, financial relationships, co-parenting, financial assessment, financial planning, emotional divorce, amicable divorce

On our website you'll find details and additional information on our 5-Step Gameplan multimedia course, our different types of coaching methods, monthly memberships, events and retreats, and a whole lot more. Plus, we've got a ton of free resources, like our

Our Guest For This Episode:

Michael Conticelli

Michael Conticelli, CFS, CDFA®, is a seasoned Certified Divorce Financial Analyst with over 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate the financial complexities of divorce. With a background as a financial planner and former divorce mediator, Michael brings clarity, strategy, and compassion to his work—empowering clients to make informed decisions about their financial future. He specializes in property division, tax implications, and long-term planning, offering a collaborative, solution-focused approach for equitable outcomes.

Visit Michael Conticelli's Facebook Page

Michael's Facebook page

In this episode of the Better Than Bitter podcast, host Tania Leichliter speaks with Michael Conticelli, a certified divorce financial analyst, about the complexities of navigating divorce from a financial perspective. They discuss the importance of mediation, the role of a CDFA, and strategies for equitable asset division. Michael emphasizes the need for emotional support during the divorce process and provides insights on when to engage a financial analyst. The conversation highlights the significance of starting early, staying organized, and approaching negotiations reasonably to achieve amicable resolutions.

• Start early in the divorce process to understand your financial situation.
• Everyone can benefit from a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA).
• There is no winning in divorce; it's about equitable division.
• Emotional support is crucial during the divorce process.
• Stay organized and understand your financial starting point.
• Prepare for life changes after divorce, including financial adjustments.
• Negotiate reasonably to avoid conflict and ensure fair outcomes.
• Utilize a CDFA for both immediate divorce needs and future financial planning.
• Consider the emotional implications of asset division and negotiations.
• Engage a coach to help process emotions during the divorce.

Navigating Divorce: Financial Insights for a Smooth Transition

The Importance of Mediation in Divorce Financial Planning

Sound Bites

"Start early in the divorce process."

"Everyone can benefit from a CDFA."

"There is no winning in divorce."

00:00 Introduction to Divorce Financial Analysis

02:42 The Importance of Mediation in Divorce

05:23 Collaborative Divorce Approaches

08:36 Gender Dynamics in Divorce Support

12:05 The Role of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

13:27 When to Engage a CDFA

16:24 Pricing Strategies for Divorce Financial Services

17:58 Understanding Financial Changes Post-Divorce

22:30 Different Roles of a CDFA

25:21 Asset Division Strategies in Divorce

27:22 Understanding Settlement Options in Divorce

29:27 Personal Experiences with Asset Division

31:53 Navigating Financial Decisions Post-Divorce

34:12 Emotional Challenges in Dividing Assets

35:19 The Importance of Reasonable Negotiation

40:27 Changing Perspectives on Fairness

44:39 Compassionate Communication in Divorce

47:57 Key Takeaways for a Successful Divorce Process

51:30 Introduction to Amicable Divorce

52:59 Resources for Support and Growth

divorce, financial analyst, mediation, collaborative divorce, asset division, emotional support, divorce coaching, amicable resolution, financial planning, divorce process

On our...

Our Guest for this Episode:

Gary McClain

Dr. Gary McClain is a psychotherapist with a practice in New York City. The focus of his practice is adults in transition – romantic and family relationships, health and caregiving, work and career, and loss and grief. Effective interpersonal communication, difficult conversations, and closure are topics that he frequently explores with his clients.

Visit Dr. Gary McClain's FB Page

Gary's Facebook page

Visit Dr. Gary McClain's Website

Gary's Website

In this episode of the Better Than Bitter podcast, Tania Leichliter and Dr. Gary McClain discuss the complexities of navigating divorce, focusing on the importance of closure, emotional healing, and the role of pain in the process. They explore how to embrace life after divorce, the significance of connection and support, and the challenges of loneliness. The conversation also touches on financial independence post-divorce and the empowerment that comes from self-forgiveness and courage. Key takeaways include the need to let go of the desire for apologies and the importance of effective communication in relationships.

• Divorce is a grief process that requires closure.
• Pain is a natural part of healing and must be acknowledged.
• Embracing life after divorce involves reconnecting with oneself.
• Loneliness can be alleviated by recognizing one's support system.
• Financial independence is crucial for post-divorce stability.
• Courage is essential for moving forward after a divorce.
• Self-forgiveness is key to emotional healing.
• Letting go of the need for apologies empowers individuals.
• Effective communication is vital for amicable resolutions.
• Closure is about accepting the past and moving forward.

Navigating Divorce with Hope

Understanding Closure in Relationships

"You can't control how others behave."

"Loneliness is a feeling, not a reality."

"You have a choice in how you feel."

00:00 Introduction to Closure in Divorce

04:15 Understanding the Need for Closure

07:06 Sitting with Pain and Acceptance

10:11 Embracing Life After Divorce

13:06 The Role of Loneliness and Connection

16:06 Financial Fears and New Beginnings

19:14 The Power of Courage and Resilience

29:52 Taking Control of Your Emotions

33:10 The Need for Closure

38:09 Understanding Gaslighting

42:53 The Importance of Active Listening

46:17 Top Tips for Finding Closure

50:50 Introduction to Amicable Divorce

52:19 Resources for Support and Growth

divorce, closure, healing, loneliness, empowerment, financial independence, relationships, psychotherapy, self-forgiveness, emotional healing

Our Guest:

John May

John May has worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor since 1993. He has a Master’s degree program in Rehabilitation Counseling. As a Fellow of the American Board of Vocational Experts, John May has worked as a vocational expert since 2005. He has testified as a forensic vocational expert in litigation and hearings in several states.

Visit John May's Website

John's Website

In this episode of the Better Than Bitter podcast, Tania Leichliter interviews John May, a vocational rehabilitation counselor, about the role of vocational forensics in divorce. They discuss how understanding earning capacity and employability can empower individuals going through divorce, especially those who have been out of the workforce. John shares insights on balancing childcare responsibilities with career opportunities and provides real-life success stories of clients who have benefited from vocational counseling. The conversation emphasizes the importance of viewing vocational evaluations as a means of empowerment rather than punishment, ultimately guiding individuals towards a more amicable divorce resolution.

• Vocational forensics can provide clarity in divorce proceedings.
• Understanding earning capacity is crucial for both spouses.
• Employability and placeability are key concepts in vocational assessments.
• Childcare responsibilities can complicate career reentry.
• Vocational counseling can empower individuals to upskill.
• Fear of returning to work is common but can be addressed.
• Skills developed at home are valuable in the job market.
• Mediation can be enhanced with vocational evaluations.
• Real-life success stories illustrate the benefits of vocational support.
• Divorce can lead to new opportunities for personal growth.

Empowering Divorce Through Vocational Support

Navigating Earning Capacity in Divorce

"Divorce doesn't have to be a battleground."

"Fear of returning to work is common."

"You can build a life that works."

00:00 Introduction to Vocational Forensics

03:36 New Chapter

03:38 Understanding Earning Capacity in Divorce

03:41 New Chapter 2

07:11 Employability vs. Placeability

11:05 Navigating Childcare and Employment

14:15 Empowerment Through Vocational Counseling

17:13 Real-Life Success Stories

24:50 Overcoming Barriers to Employment

28:25 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

32:44 Introduction to Amicable Divorce

34:13 Resources for Support and Growth

amicable divorce, vocational forensics, earning capacity, employability, divorce coaching, financial fear, mediation, vocational counseling, upskilling, divorce resolution

On our website you'll find details and additional information on our 5-Step Gameplan multimedia course, our different types of coaching methods, monthly memberships, events and retreats, and a whole lot more. Plus, we've got a ton of free resources, like our monthly newsletter, our

Our Guest for Today's Episode:

Michael Sallustio

Michael Sallustio is a former attorney and entrepreneur. After practicing law for five years, he pursued his passion for health and nutrition and owned and operated several related businesses. After going through his own divorce and custody battle, he was called to pursue the practice of mediation, specializing in child access cases. In addition to volunteering in the District Court ADR program, he is on several Circuit Court rosters throughout the state and runs a private practice as both a Mediator and Parenting Coordinator. He specializes in high-conflict custody matters. Michael also has personal experience with and specialized training in working with families of children with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and neurodivergent issues.

Visit Micheal's Website:

Michael's Website

Visit Micheal's Facebook Page:

Michael's Facebook page

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In this episode of the Better Than Bitter podcast, host Tania Leichliter speaks with Michael Sallustio, a former attorney turned mediator, about navigating the complexities of divorce and custody battles. They discuss the importance of amicable resolutions, the impact of divorce on children, and strategies for effective mediation. Michael shares his personal experiences and insights on how to prioritize the well-being of children during the divorce process, emphasizing the need for empathy and cooperation between parents. The conversation highlights the significance of preparing for mediation, understanding financial implications, and maintaining a focus on the child's needs throughout the process.

• Divorce can be navigated amicably with the right approach.
• Children are deeply affected by their parents' divorce.
• Mediation is a valuable tool for resolving custody disputes.
• Empathy and understanding are crucial in mediation.
• Parents should prioritize their children's well-being over personal grievances.
• Neutrality is essential for effective mediation.
• Reality testing helps parents see the bigger picture.
• Co-parenting requires collaboration and communication.
• Negative comments about the other parent harm the child.
• Preparation is key for successful mediation outcomes.

Navigating Divorce with Empathy

The Power of Mediation in Custody Battles

"It's about what's best for your child."

"You can't weaponize your children."

"Empathy is key in mediation."

00:00 Introduction to Mediation and Personal Journey

02:53 Navigating Divorce and Custody Battles

05:14 The Impact of High Conflict on Children

08:16 Addressing Infidelity in Mediation

10:43 Building Trust and Cooperation

13:27 The Role of Neutrality in...