The D Shift

Mardi Winder

These ain’t your Momma's divorce conversations. On The D Shift we explore a range of different topics of interest for women of all ages going through separation and divorce. Guest experts share insight and strategies to navigate the challenges of going from married to single with confidence, clarity, and conviction. Each episode provides inspiration, education, and motivation to help women take control and re-define their life through divorce and other transitions.

  1. Divorce Financial Mistakes That Can Cost You Thousands

    1D AGO

    Divorce Financial Mistakes That Can Cost You Thousands

    In this episode of The D Shift, Mardi Winder speaks with financial strategist and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Donna Cates about the financial decisions in divorce that many people misunderstand and the costly mistakes that can follow. Donna shares her experience working with clients both during and after divorce, explaining how seemingly simple decisions can have long-term financial consequences. From tax implications to retirement accounts, she highlights how what looks “equal” on paper is often far from equal in reality. Mardi and Donna explore why many people feel overwhelmed or unprepared to make financial decisions during divorce, especially when they have not been involved in managing finances during the marriage. They emphasize the importance of understanding your options before agreeing to a settlement and the risks of relying solely on legal advice without financial expertise. This discussion includes: • Why equal asset division does not always mean equal value • Hidden tax consequences that can impact divorce settlements • How retirement accounts are divided and why timing matters • The role of a QDRO and common mistakes people make • Why keeping the marital home is not always the best financial decision The conversation also highlights how timing plays a critical role in financial decisions, particularly when it comes to retirement accounts, rollovers, and avoiding unnecessary penalties. Donna explains how missing key steps or delaying important actions can cost both time and money. About the Guest: Donna Cates is the founder of Money Matters Wealth Solutions and a Financial Strategist, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), and retirement planning specialist who helps women become financially unshakeable. She works with women navigating major life transitions such as divorce, widowhood, retirement, and reinvention, guiding them to build real wealth, real security, and real options. Donna’s work isn’t about fear-based planning or playing small. It’s about clarity, confidence, and the power to choose on a woman’s own terms. She believes true financial security is about dignity, peace, and freedom, and that no woman should ever have to rely on someone else to protect her future. For Donna’ book “A Woman's Guide To Financial Security And Fair Settlement: Because She Is Her Own Financial Plan (Divorce Decoded)”: https://a.co/d/0dzvMCoq To connect with Donna: Website: https://moneymatterswealth.com/ FB: http://www.facebook.com/MoneyMattersWealth LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/donnacates/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/donnacates Divorce FB: http://www.facebook.com/DivorceDivasAlabama/ Email: donna@wwbpartners.com About the Host Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC. For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb Connect with Mardi on Social Media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave an Apple Podcast Review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    26 min
  2. Rebuilding Your Life After Divorce Starts With This Shift

    6D AGO

    Rebuilding Your Life After Divorce Starts With This Shift

    In this episode of The D Shift, Mardi Winder speaks with transformation coach Pritha Dindayal about how to rebuild your life after divorce without falling back into old patterns that no longer serve you. Pritha shares her deeply personal journey through multiple life transitions, including the end of a long-term relationship, career disruption, and profound personal loss. She speaks openly about the emotional impact of these experiences and how they shaped her understanding of change, resilience, and self-trust. Mardi and Pritha explore a common challenge many people face after divorce: while life circumstances may shift quickly, internal patterns of thinking and decision-making often take longer to evolve. This gap can lead people to make choices from a place of pain, fear, or habit, causing them to repeat cycles even when they are trying to move forward. In this episode Pritha shares: • Why people often repeat patterns after divorce • How emotional pain can influence decision-making • The importance of self-awareness during life transitions • How to recognize and shift limiting beliefs • Practical ways to move forward with intention and clarity The conversation also highlights the importance of support, whether through coaching or community, in identifying blind spots and creating meaningful change. Pritha encourages listeners to slow down, ask honest questions, and begin making choices that align with who they are becoming, not who they have been. About the Guest: Pritha Dindayal is a Transformation Coach who helps women navigate the in-between phase after something ends — a breakup, divorce, career shift, or identity change. She works with women who look fine on the outside but feel unsettled, stuck, or unsure on the inside. Pritha helps women recognize the invisible patterns they keep defaulting to and learn how to live from who they are now, not who they used to be. For Pritha’s gift: https://breakthrough-with-pritha.kit.com/a2ef29790f To connect with Pritha: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakthroughwithpritha/ About the Host Mardi Winder is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce. Connect with Mardi on Social Media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast Review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    26 min
  3. Financial Planning After Divorce: Smart Money Moves for a Fresh Start

    APR 7

    Financial Planning After Divorce: Smart Money Moves for a Fresh Start

    In this episode of The D Shift, Mardi Winder speaks with Serena Sevits about how to make smart financial decisions during and after divorce, and how financial planning can support both stability and personal growth during major life transitions. Serena shares how her diverse background in business ownership and leadership led her into financial strategy, where she now helps individuals create personalized financial plans that align with their unique circumstances and goals. Her approach focuses not just on numbers, but on understanding the emotional and psychological relationship people have with money. Mardi and Serena explore how divorce and other life changes can create uncertainty around finances, often leading to overwhelm or avoidance. Serena emphasizes that financial planning does not have to be restrictive or intimidating. Instead, it can be a flexible and empowering process that helps individuals regain control and build confidence in their decisions. This episode covers: • How to approach financial planning after divorce • Why financial decisions are often influenced by emotions and mindset • Simple ways to start building a financial plan without feeling overwhelmed • How small changes can lead to meaningful financial progress • Why personalized financial strategies work better than generic advice The conversation also addresses the hesitation many people feel when making financial decisions and the importance of seeking guidance early. Serena highlights that financial support is not just for those with significant assets, but for anyone who wants to create clarity and direction in their financial life. About the Guest: Serena Sevits is a passionate financial strategist dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals. Serena specializes in crafting personalized financial strategies that align with her clients' unique needs and aspirations, regardless of their financial status. Her approach is rooted in a deep commitment to education and transparency, ensuring that every client feels confident and informed about their financial journey. Serena's expertise and genuine care make her a trusted partner for those seeking to navigate the complexities of personal and business finance. With a mission to inspire financial literacy and success, Serena is driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a life of financial freedom and fulfillment. For Serena’s gift: https://serenadoinglife.com/cheatsheet To connect with Serena: Website: https://www.serenadoinglife.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/serenasevits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serenadoinglife YouTube: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JvmWXhGgk/?mibextid=wwXIfr About the Host Mardi Winder is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce. Connect with Mardi on Social Media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast Review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    27 min
  4. Healing Rituals After Divorce and Major Life Transitions

    APR 2

    Healing Rituals After Divorce and Major Life Transitions

    In this episode of The D Shift, Mardi Winder speaks with Karla Combres, celebrant and legacy guide, about the powerful role rituals can play in healing through divorce and other major life transitions. Karla shares her unique journey from federal bureaucrat to end-of-life facilitator, explaining how her work has shaped her understanding of how people process change, loss, and transformation. She offers a thoughtful perspective on how rituals can create space for reflection, connection, and emotional healing during times that are often rushed or overlooked. Mardi and Karla explore how many people move too quickly through difficult transitions, focusing on logistics and next steps without fully acknowledging the emotional experience. Karla encourages a more intentional approach, where both grief and growth are honored rather than bypassed. The focus is on: • Why rituals are important during divorce and life transitions • How to create meaningful ways to process grief and change • The role of community and being witnessed during difficult times • How storytelling and personal narrative support healing • Why slowing down can lead to greater clarity and emotional resilience Karla also shares insight into the communities she has created, including her Heart of Being Human gatherings, which provide a space for connection, reflection, and shared experience. The conversation highlights how returning to intentional practices can help individuals move through transitions with greater awareness and support. Karla offers a compassionate and grounded perspective for anyone navigating divorce or other major life changes, reminding listeners that healing is not about rushing forward, but about fully experiencing and integrating each stage of the journey. About the Guest: Karla Combres is a legacy guide and celebrant who helps people live with presence, meaning, and connection. Through community conversations, workshops, one-on-one guidance, and custom ceremonies, she creates spaces where people can pause, reflect, and shape a life and legacy they are proud of. For Karla’s gift: Karla hosts The Heart of Being Human on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. These free, online conversations offer a gentle online space for calm, clarity, and community as you navigate life. Learn more and sign up to be notified here: www.heartofbeinghuman.com To connect with Karla: Email: karla@karlacombres.com Website: www.karlacombres.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlacombrescelebrant/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarlaCombresCelebrant/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlacombres/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karlacombres Heart of Being Human:www.heartofbeinghuman.com About the Host Mardi Winder is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce. Are you interested in learning more about your divorce priorities? Take the quiz "The Divorce Stress Test". Connect with Mardi on Social Media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave an Apple Podcast Review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    25 min
  5. How to Reclaim Your Space and Home After Divorce

    MAR 31

    How to Reclaim Your Space and Home After Divorce

    In this episode of The D Shift, Mardi Winder speaks with Kim Costa, top Realtor® and creator of the Wheelhouse Method, about how to reclaim your space and create a home that supports your next chapter after divorce. Kim brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation, sharing how divorce can reshape not only your life but also your relationship with your home. She explains that decisions about staying, moving, or renovating are not just practical choices, but deeply personal ones that influence your sense of identity, stability, and well-being. Mardi and Kim explore how your environment plays a powerful role in emotional recovery and how small, intentional changes can help you feel more grounded and in control during a time of transition. Whether it is removing items tied to the past, updating your space, or rethinking how your home functions, these changes can support healing and forward momentum. In this episode, we answer: • How to decide whether to stay, move, or renovate after divorce • Why your living environment impacts emotional recovery • Simple, budget-friendly ways to refresh your space • How to let go of items connected to the past • Why taking time before making big housing decisions matters Kim also shares practical insight on how to approach these decisions thoughtfully, including the importance of community, lifestyle, and long-term needs. The conversation encourages listeners to see their home as a foundation for growth, not just a place to live. About the Guest: Kim Costa is a Top 5% Realtor® with Sotheby's International Realty and creator of The Wheel House Method—a framework designed to help women navigate divorce's biggest question: what to do about the house. With over 30 years of experience in real estate, construction, and design, plus a background as a small business controller, Kim brings both financial expertise and emotional intelligence to this vulnerable transition. Through The Wheel House Method's eight life dimensions—health, career, fun and leisure, family and friends, spirituality, romance, environment, and finance—Kim helps divorcing women evaluate whether to keep, sell, or start fresh. Her approach ensures decisions support their new chapter rather than anchor them to the past. Kim is the author of the upcoming book Live in Your Wheel House (March 24, 2026) and host of the Live in Your Wheel House podcast. For Kim’s book “Live in Your Wheel House: An Empowering Guide to Stay, Go, or Reno” got to : https://a.co/d/00Nz5Njo To connect with Kim: Website: https://lifestylefoundations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimecostarealtor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim.e.costa About the Host Mardi Winder is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce. Are you interested in learning more about your divorce priorities? Take the quiz "The Divorce Stress Test". Connect with Mardi on Social Media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave an Apple Podcast Review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    27 min
  6. Early Signs of Problem Drinking During Divorce Stress

    MAR 26

    Early Signs of Problem Drinking During Divorce Stress

    Today on The D Shift, Mardi Winder welcomes back Amber Hollingsworth, master addiction counselor and founder of Hope for Families Recovery Center, for an important conversation about recognizing the early signs of problem drinking, especially during times of stress such as divorce. Amber shares her professional insights along with her personal experience, explaining that alcohol dependence does not always look like what people expect. Many individuals who appear highly functional may still be struggling, and alcohol use often exists on a spectrum rather than a clear-cut problem. Mardi and Amber explore how major life stressors like divorce can lead people to use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Over time, this can develop into patterns of self-medicating, where individuals begin to track, manage, or hide their drinking, often without fully recognizing the impact. The conversation highlights how awareness and early intervention can make a meaningful difference, without necessarily requiring extreme or immediate measures. In this episode we discuss: • How to recognize early signs of problem drinking • Why high-functioning individuals may overlook alcohol-related issues • How stress and divorce can influence drinking habits • The warning signs of self-medicating with alcohol • Practical ways to evaluate and adjust your relationship with alcohol Amber also shares a practical starting point for those questioning their habits, including the value of taking a short break from alcohol to gain clarity. The discussion touches on social pressure, boundary setting, and the unexpected benefits many people experience when they reduce or eliminate alcohol. This episode offers a compassionate and non-judgmental perspective for anyone who is curious about their drinking habits and looking for a thoughtful, realistic approach to change. About the Guest Amber Hollingsworth is a master addiction counselor, founder of Hope For Families Recovery Center, and creator of the YouTube channel Put The Shovel Down. With over two decades of experience, she’s helped thousands of families navigate addiction recovery using innovative, relationship-focused strategies like the Invisible Intervention. Known for her relatable, no-nonsense approach, Amber empowers families to outsmart addiction, set healthy boundaries, and rebuild trust. Her expertise and compassionate style make her a sought-after podcast guest, offering practical advice and hope to families facing the challenges of addiction. For Amber’s gift: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/understanding-boundaries-in-addiction To connect with Amber: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT8PE1v0xFR9zLXOijxM6hg IG : https://www.instagram.com/puttheshoveldown/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/addictionrecoveryhope LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-hollingsworth-833111b8/ About the Host Mardi Winder is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce. Are you interested in learning more about your divorce priorities? Take the quiz "The Divorce Stress Test". Connect with Mardi on Social Media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast Review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    29 min
  7. How to Protect Your Children Financially During Divorce

    MAR 24

    How to Protect Your Children Financially During Divorce

    In this episode of The D Shift, Mardi Winder speaks with financial professional Bill Walters, founder of Perfectly Imperfect Families, about how to create financial protection for children during and after divorce. Drawing from his own personal experience, Bill shares how navigating divorce shaped his passion for helping families make smarter financial decisions during major life transitions. He explains why many divorce settlements rely on standard or “boilerplate” solutions that may not fully protect children or provide long-term stability for families. Mardi and Bill explore how thoughtful financial planning goes beyond numbers and focuses on creating security, flexibility, and peace of mind. A key part of the conversation centers on life insurance in divorce settlements and how it is often misunderstood or improperly structured. Bill also discusses the role of trusts as a way to manage insurance payouts and ensure funds are used in a way that truly supports children over time. They also address the emotional side of money, recognizing how stress, fear, and uncertainty can influence financial decisions during divorce. Bill emphasizes the importance of education, clear communication, and taking a more intentional approach to financial planning rather than reacting under pressure. In this we discuss: • Why standard divorce settlements may not fully protect children financially • How life insurance is commonly used and often misunderstood in divorce • The role trusts can play in protecting children’s financial future • How to think beyond “boilerplate” solutions and plan strategically • Why mindset and emotions influence financial decisions during divorce This episode offers practical insight for anyone who wants to make more informed financial decisions during divorce while prioritizing the long-term well-being of their children. About the Guest: Bill Walters is a Financial Professional and founder of Perfectly Imperfect Families. He helps individuals and families navigate major life transitions by simplifying complex financial and planning decisions into clear, confident next steps. Bill is known for his calm, human-centered approach that builds trust and empowers people to move forward with clarity during uncertain seasons. For Bill’s gift: https://calendly.com/wjwalters/15-minute-discovery-session To connect with Bill: (phone 267-278-5062) Website: www.perfectlyimperfectfamilies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billjwalters/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/PerfectlyImperfectFamilies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BillPerfectlyImperfectFamilies IG: https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyimperfectfamilies About the Host Mardi Winder is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce. Are you interested in learning more about your divorce priorities? Take the quiz "The Divorce Stress Test". Connect with Mardi on Social Media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast Review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    28 min
  8. How to Communicate Effectively Before, During and After Divorce

    MAR 19

    How to Communicate Effectively Before, During and After Divorce

    Communication during and after divorce can be one of the most difficult challenges people face, especially when emotions are high and important decisions still need to be made. In this episode of The D Shift, Strategic Divorce Consultant Mardi Winder speaks with relationship and communication coach Dr. Arnie Buss about practical ways to communicate more effectively during conflict and major life transitions. Arnie shares how his own relationship struggles after nearly twenty years of marriage led him to deeply explore the dynamics of communication, emotional connection, and conflict resolution. That journey ultimately inspired the co-development of the Sympatico Communication Method, influenced by his mentor Selwa Said, which focuses on creating understanding through compassionate listening. A central concept discussed in the episode is “tracking,” a powerful listening technique that helps people feel heard and validated even during disagreement. Dr. Buss explains how this approach can transform conversations by focusing on understanding another person’s experience rather than trying to win an argument. In this episode you will learn: • Why communication often breaks down during divorce • How validating listening can reduce conflict and defensiveness • The concept of “tracking” and how it improves difficult conversations • Why communication skills are essential for successful co-parenting • Practical ways to shift conversations from conflict toward connection Mardi and Arnie also discuss how these tools can be especially helpful for couples who must continue communicating after divorce due to shared responsibilities such as co-parenting. While divorce is a challenging transition, thoughtful communication can help reduce unnecessary conflict and create healthier interactions moving forward. This conversation offers valuable insight for anyone navigating divorce, co-parenting, or high-stress relationship conversations. About the Guest: Dr. Arnie Buss, PhD is a relationship and communication coach who helps high-achieving women feel more alive, emotionally connected, and at ease in their relationships - and within themselves. After a long career as a professor and systems thinker, Arnie discovered that success and intelligence don’t protect us from emotional disconnection - they often mask it. Twenty years into his own marriage, despite years of therapy and personal growth work, his relationship nearly ended. What changed everything wasn’t insight or effort, but learning how to create emotional safety in moments that usually lead to shutdown or conflict. Arnie is the co-creator of the Simpatico Communication Method, a powerful and effective approach that helps emotions settle and connection return naturally. He is the co-author of the book "Hear Here: Engaging With Our Aware, Loving Heart". For Arnie’s gift: https://aware-heart.mykajabi.com/download-stop-arguing To connect with Arnie: LinkedIn: @arnie-buss-ph-d-43a506b FB: @ Arnold_Herbert IG: @arniebuss About the Host Mardi Winder is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce. Are you interested in learning more about your divorce priorities? Take the quiz "The Divorce Stress Test". Connect with Mardi on Social Media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the Podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe to your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast Review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    28 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

These ain’t your Momma's divorce conversations. On The D Shift we explore a range of different topics of interest for women of all ages going through separation and divorce. Guest experts share insight and strategies to navigate the challenges of going from married to single with confidence, clarity, and conviction. Each episode provides inspiration, education, and motivation to help women take control and re-define their life through divorce and other transitions.