In this episode of the Better Divorce Podcast, host Paulette Rigo sits down with real estate expert Edith Espinola for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about navigating the emotional and practical challenges of divorce—especially when it comes to property. Edith shares her personal story of loss, resilience, and reinvention, offering hope and guidance for anyone facing this life transition.

From breaking emotional ties to a home to understanding the financial implications of selling and buying property, Paulette and Edith explore how the home-buying journey can mirror the healing process itself. Together, they remind listeners that divorce changes every aspect of life—but it also opens the door to new beginnings, empowerment, and the chance to create a beautiful life with intention.

Whether you’re just beginning your divorce journey or are in the process of rebuilding, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and stronger than you know.

About Bernardo:

Bern Mendez is a neuroscience-based dating and relationship coach with 14 years of experience helping successful women thriving in midlife—but not yet in love—move past hidden emotional barriers into clear, committed relationships.

His practical method blends neuroscience, trauma-informed somatic work, polyvagal theory, and attachment research, helping women regulate their nervous systems, clarify what they genuinely want, and choose partners who can truly meet them there.

Bern’s YouTube channel has drawn over 30 million views and 227,000 subscribers, making it one of the top 12 dating advice channels for women worldwide. Featured by CNN, HuffPost, Redbook, Univision, and MindBodyGreen, Bern coaches women globally from his home base in Austin, Texas.

Summary:

In this episode of the Better Divorce Podcast, host Paulette Rigo and guest Bern Mendez explore the complexities of dating and relationships post-divorce. They discuss how personal experiences shape our understanding of love and attraction, the role of the nervous system in partner selection, and the importance of self-awareness and emotional health in creating sustainable relationships. Bern shares his journey from personal pain to helping others navigate their relationship challenges, emphasizing the need for intentionality in dating and the significance of understanding attachment styles. The conversation highlights practical strategies for rewiring attraction patterns and recognizing unhealthy relationship dynamics, ultimately encouraging listeners to seek help and embrace personal growth. In this conversation, Bern Mendez and Paulette Rigo explore the complexities of modern dating, emphasizing the psychological and emotional aspects of connection. They discuss the addictive nature of dating apps, the importance of authenticity, and the pressures women face in the dating landscape. The dialogue also touches on the hero's journey in relationships, the balance between passion and stability, and the significance of flirting and human connection. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to take their time in finding love and to set healthy boundaries in their dating lives.

Takeaways:

• The nervous system plays a crucial role in partner selection.
• Personal experiences, including loss, can drive one's purpose.
• Understanding attachment styles is vital for relationship success.
• Rewiring attraction patterns requires intentional effort.
• Breathing techniques can help regulate emotional responses.
• Recognizing unhealthy relationship dynamics is essential for healing.
• Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Relationships require ongoing learning and adaptation.
• Self-awareness is key to navigating post-divorce dating.
• Daily practices can facilitate personal growth and emotional health. The cycle of connection and addiction is real and affects dating.
• Modern dating can feel overwhelming due to societal pressures.
• Authenticity is crucial in finding the right partner.
• It's important to ask powerful questions early in dating.
• Healthy love should feel like a safe home, not chaos.
• Flirting is a lost art that needs to be revived.
• Dating can be a spiritual journey of self-discovery.
• Setting boundaries is essential for healthy relationships.
• Take the time to find the right person for you.
• You can absolutely get what you want in love if you learn the necessary skills.

Summary:

In this episode of the Better Divorce Podcast, host Paulette Rigo welcomes Kim Corven, a divorce expert from Canada. They discuss Kim's journey from a traditional litigator to a mediator and divorce coach, emphasizing the importance of empowering clients through education and innovative approaches to divorce. The conversation covers the emotional and financial impacts of divorce, the historical context of divorce law, and the significance of maintaining healthy relationships for the sake of children. Kim shares insights on how to approach difficult conversations about divorce and the resources available to support individuals navigating this challenging life transition.

Takeaways:

• Kim Corven emphasizes the importance of maintaining a good relationship between children and their parents during divorce.
• Divorce is often treated as a legal issue, but it fundamentally stems from emotional and relational dynamics.
• Education and empowerment are crucial for individuals facing divorce, helping them make informed decisions.
• The historical context of divorce law has shaped current practices, often leading to unnecessary conflict.
• Innovative approaches, such as rituals for divorce, can help individuals process their emotions and move forward.
• Mediation can be a more effective and less costly alternative to traditional litigation in divorce cases.
• Understanding the emotional toll of divorce is essential for both parents and children.
• The conversation around divorce needs to shift from adversarial to collaborative for better outcomes.
• Divorce is a common experience, and individuals should not feel isolated in their struggles.
• Resources and support systems are vital for those navigating the complexities of divorce.

About Zoey:

Zoey Charif isn’t just redefining how we think about love — she’s giving us a blueprint for it. As the author of Love Can, In Fact, Be Calculated, Zoey spent nearly two decades decoding the patterns of human attraction, pulling from her background in criminology, data analytics, and a relentless drive to challenge everything we’ve been taught about relationships.

Born in Afghanistan, raised in Vancouver, Canada, and now based in Orange County, California, Zoey brings a rare blend of emotional depth, analytical precision, and lived experience to her work. Her framework isn’t just theoretical — it’s coachable, actionable, and designed to help people transform how they choose, build, and sustain relationships.

Her work is a wake-up call: love isn’t magic. It’s math, psychology, and emotional mastery.

Outside of the relationship space, Zoey is a powerhouse entrepreneur — the founder of Business Plans USA— helping startups and established businesses secure funding and scale with precision.

Whether she’s helping people find aligned love or aligned success, Zoey’s mission is the same: to turn hope into mastery and potential into reality.

Summary

In this episode of the Better Divorce Podcast, host Paulette Rigo speaks with Zoey, the author of 'Love Can In Fact Be Calculated.' They discuss the importance of understanding love through a new framework that includes the concept of a 'self score'—a numerical assessment of self-respect and self-love. The conversation explores how this framework can help individuals assess their relationships, choose the right partners, and avoid past mistakes. They emphasize the significance of purpose in life and relationships, and how self-awareness can lead to healthier connections. The episode concludes with resources for listeners seeking further guidance.

Takeaways:

• Understanding love requires a new framework.
• Self score is crucial for relationship sustainability.
• You can't love someone else unless you love yourself.
• Identifying core values is essential for relationship health.
• The perfect partner should be slightly above your self score.
• Low self scores can lead to toxic relationships.
• Purpose in life enhances relationship satisfaction.
• Self-awareness is key to making better relationship choices.
• Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in love.
• It's important to reassess relationships regularly.

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WEBSITE - resources for those in need of Certified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services :https://betterdivorceacademy.com/

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About John:

Today’s guest is John Nachlinger, a divorce attorney, mediator, and founder of Netsquire — a New Jersey law firm redefining how families divorce with peace and purpose. He’s also the creator of Divorce Shield, a coaching platform that helps men navigate divorce without losing their minds, their money, or their kids. Finally, he is the host of the podcast, Get Divorced Without Getting Screwed.

Summary:

In this episode of the Better Divorce Podcast, host Paulette Rigo speaks with attorney and mediator John Nachlinger about his journey into family law and the creation of his firm, NetSquire, which focuses on mediation and alternative dispute resolution. They discuss the emotional toll of divorce trials, the importance of mindset in navigating divorce, and the launch of Divorce Shield, a program aimed at supporting men through the divorce process. The conversation emphasizes that divorce doesn't have to be traumatic and that individuals have the power to choose a better path for their divorce experience.

Takeaways:

• John Nachlinger fell into family law unexpectedly.
• He aims to redefine the divorce process with mediation.
• The emotional aspect of divorce is often overlooked.
• Many people don't know they can resolve divorce amicably.
• Divorce trials can be extremely taxing on all parties involved.
• Divorce Shield supports men in navigating their divorce.
• Mindset is crucial in approaching divorce effectively.
• The traditional view of divorce as adversarial is changing.
• People need to understand the emotional and business sides of divorce.
• Choosing the right process can lead to a better divorce outcome.

SIGN UP FOR my Better Divorce Blueprint PROGRAM: https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/

WEBSITE - resources for those in need of Certified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services :https://betterdivorceacademy.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA - bit.ly/betterdivorceacademy

Buy my book and workbook: Better Divorce Blueprint https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/

RESOURCES - https://betterdivorceacademy.com/reso...

AUDIOBOOK FROM AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/Better-Div...

Are you looking for answers and guidance? BOOK a 30 minute assessment consultation: https://calendly.com/betterdivorceaca...

#divorce #mediation #coaching #lifeafterdivorce #divorcesupport

About Patrick:

Pat spent the first decade of his career litigating high net worth divorce cases and wrote a book on this very subject. He's taken all of those skills and experiences and helps high net worth women going through the divorce process navigate it as strategically and efficiently as possible.

Summary:

In this episode of the Better Divorce Podcast, Paulette Rigo welcomes Patrick Kilbane, a family law attorney and wealth advisor, to discuss the complexities of divorce. They explore the importance of having a plan, the roles of various professionals in the divorce process, common mistakes people make, and the significance of understanding financial affidavits. Patrick shares insights from his experience in high net worth divorce cases and emphasizes the need for clients to be informed and prepared. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of divorce and the legal implications of marriage. Patrick's book, 'Move Forward Confidently,' aims to demystify the divorce process and provide guidance to those navigating this challenging time.

Takeaways:

• Divorce is a complex process that requires careful planning.
• Having a strategic plan can alleviate fear during divorce.
• Many people make the mistake of not understanding their financial situation.
• Clients often procrastinate on necessary paperwork, complicating the process.
• Understanding the legal nature of marriage is crucial for navigating divorce.
• Financial affidavits are essential for disclosing assets and liabilities.
• It's important to work with professionals who understand the divorce process.
• Communication between clients and attorneys is key to a successful outcome.
• The emotional aspect of divorce can lead to avoidance of necessary tasks.
• Patrick's book provides valuable insights and resources for those facing divorce.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Divorce and Mediation

02:16 Understanding the Divorce Process

05:51 The Importance of Planning in Divorce

11:31 Common Mistakes in Divorce Cases

17:34 Navigating Financial Affidavits and Assets

22:15 The Legal Nature of Marriage and Divorce

23:07 Patrick's Book: Move Forward Confidently

28:00 Connecting with Patrick and Resources

SIGN UP FOR my Better Divorce Blueprint PROGRAM: https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/

WEBSITE - resources for those in need of Certified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services :https://betterdivorceacademy.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA - bit.ly/betterdivorceacademy

Buy my book and workbook: Better Divorce Blueprint https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/

RESOURCES - https://betterdivorceacademy.com/reso...

AUDIOBOOK FROM AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/Better-Div...

Are you looking for answers and guidance? BOOK a 30 minute assessment consultation: https://calendly.com/betterdivorceaca...

#divorce #mediation #coaching #lifeafterdivorce #divorcesupport

About Daniel:

Daniel Ryan is the voice behind That Family Law Guy, a candid and compassionate advocate for parents navigating the storm of separation, custody battles, and domestic abuse conflict.

He provides unfiltered expertise with real-world impact. Daniel brings many years of frontline experience supporting families through divorce, custody, and domestic conflict—without hiding behind legal jargon. His no-nonsense, story-driven approach helps audiences truly understand the human cost of family breakdown and what they can do to navigate it more wisely.

Summary:

In this episode of the Better Divorce Podcast, host Paulette Rigo speaks with UK family law attorney Daniel Ryan about the challenges faced by individuals navigating the family court system. They discuss the importance of accessibility in legal representation, the intimidating nature of the court system, and the need for better communication between attorneys and clients. Daniel introduces his new platform, Family Court Mastery, designed to provide individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate family court without legal representation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of courtroom etiquette and the need for a respectful approach to the legal process.

Takeaways:

• Daniel Ryan emphasizes the need for accessible legal services in family law.
• The family court system can be intimidating and overwhelming for clients.
• Courtroom etiquette is crucial for being taken seriously in legal proceedings.
• Family Court Mastery aims to empower individuals with knowledge about the legal process.
• Pro bono services are essential for those who cannot afford legal representation.
• The legal profession often uses complex language that can confuse clients.
• Respecting the court can lead to a more favorable outcome for clients.
• Mediation can help couples avoid contentious litigation.
• Preparation and organization are key to navigating divorce successfully.
• The future of legal services may include more accessible online platforms.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Better Divorce Podcast and Guest Introduction

03:02 The Role of Accessibility in Family Law

06:08 Navigating the Family Court System

08:46 The Challenges of Family Court Procedures

11:50 The Importance of Courtroom Etiquette

15:02 Introducing Family Court Mastery

18:09 The Future of Family Court Mastery and Resources

About Cathy:

Cathy Eads is a 500 hour Certified Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist, Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, and founder of BLISS Yoga with Cathy. After navigating her own high-conflict divorce, she now helps professional women in midlife release stress, recover their power, and rebuild emotionally and physically using holistic tools that are simple, effective, and deeply compassionate.

Summary:

Divorce doesn’t just change your relationship status—it shakes your nervous system, rewires your identity, and often leaves your body holding the tension, grief, and exhaustion long after the paperwork is filed.

In this heartfelt episode, yoga therapist and stress resilience expert Cathy Eads shares how her 29-year marriage—and eventual high-conflict divorce—led her to create a safe, therapeutic space for other women to heal after separation.

You’ll hear how yoga, breath, and guided rest can help you release the pain you’ve been carrying, reclaim your sense of self, and rebuild a life that finally feels like yours.

Whether you’ve been divorced for 6 months or 6 years, this conversation is your reminder that you are not too late, too broken, or too far gone to begin again.

Takeaways:

• Why traditional therapy may not be enough to fully heal after divorce
  

• The hidden trauma stored in the body after years of “keeping the peace”
  

• How yoga, breath, and guided relaxation can soothe the nervous system and restore emotional steadiness
  

• The 3 most common blocks women face in midlife after divorce—and how to gently move through them
  

• • What makes Yoga for Divorce different from regular yoga classes or self-help programs

  
  

  • Why rest is not indulgent—it’s necessary for rebuilding your health, energy, and self-trust

  
  

  Want to Go Deeper?

  Cathy’s signature 12-week virtual group program, Yoga for Divorce: Heal, Reclaim, Rebuild, is now enrolling.It’s a small-group experience designed for 50+ women navigating divorce recovery who are ready to stop just surviving and start truly healing.

  You’ll receive:

  ✅ Weekly live therapeutic yoga, breathwork & guided rest sessions

  ✅ On demand resources to use anytime (yoga video, breath audio, journal prompt)

  ✅ A private, supportive community of women going through this with you

  ✅ Optional 1:1 support for deeper healing

  Enrollment is now open—spaces are limited to keep the group intimate.

  👉 Learn more & reserve your spot (option to grab a space for a single class to try it out)

  👉 Book your free 30-min De-Stress Session if you want to feel what it’s like to work with Cathy

  
  

  Share This Episode

  Know a woman who’s holding it together on the outside—but falling apart on the inside after divorce?

  Send her this episode. Let her know: she’s not alone, and healing is possible.