🎧 Episode Description Liz Dwyer joins the podcast to discuss what life looks like when separation doesn’t bring closure. Still legally married six years on, she reflects on the gaps in Ireland’s divorce process and the contradictions of being asked to co-parent calmly while fighting legal battles behind the scenes. Beyond the courtroom, Liz talks about the coping tools that kept her going, from the books that helped her make sense of what she was living through to the unexpected fun of dating again. Liz also speaks about later marriage and family-building in Ireland, and her work on the Future Fertility Show, which focuses on education, access, and support around fertility and reproductive health. Key Points Honest discussion about cosmetic and pelvic health treatments — what works and what doesn’tWhy pelvic floor strength matters more than cosmetic proceduresHow Ireland’s divorce system is slow, opaque, and outdatedThe emotional and financial toll of being stuck in long-term legal limboLack of transparency and consistency in family court decisionsBeing forced to co-parent while legally positioned as adversariesTotal absence of structured support for people going through divorceComparison with faster, more straightforward divorce systems abroadDating after separation as an unexpected source of healing and perspectiveThe need for real support networks around divorce, fertility, and family change 📚 Mentioned in this Episode Broken Open – Elizabeth Lesser A reflective book about how major life upheavals such as divorce, loss, or illness can break familiar structures and open the door to growth, meaning, and change. It explores resilience, identity, and rebuilding after rupture. Future Fertility Show A fertility-focused event covering education, clinics, talks, and support services. 📍 Location: RDS, Dublin 📅 Dates: March 21–22 🎟️ Tickets: https://www.futurefertilityshow.com/ Future Beauty Show A medical-led beauty and health event focused on hormones, wellbeing, and evidence-based education. 📍 Location: RDS, Dublin 📅 Dates: March 21–22 🎟️ Tickets: https://futurebeautyshow.com/ Future Men’s Health Show An event dedicated to men’s health, hormones, longevity, and wellbeing, developed in response to growing demand for accessible expert-led information. 📍 Location: RDS, Dublin 📅 Dates: March 21–22 🎟️ Tickets: https://www.futuremenshealth.com/ ⏱️ Timestamps 03:10 – Trying beauty treatments to give honest advice 06:05 – Why divorce in Ireland is so difficult 14:10 – Court delays and legal limbo 17:45 – Co-parenting pressures 26:30 – Psychological toll of uncertainty 31:10 – Lack of support structures 36:45 – Books and coping tools 45:50 – Dating after separation 50:40 – Future Fertility Show Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
