Thrive & Decide Guide to Divorce and Beyond

Sarah Thress
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Welcome to Thrive and Decide: The Guide to Divorce and Beyond This empowering podcast is created for women navigating the emotional and legal challenges of divorce. Whether you're just beginning the process or rebuilding your life afterward, Thrive and Decide is here to help you feel seen, heard, and supported. Each episode features real stories from courageous women who openly share their divorce journeys—offering hope, healing, and the reminder that you are not alone. You'll also gain access to expert insights and valuable resources, including guidance from divorce coaches, legal professionals, financial advisors, and therapists. Our mission is to help you move through divorce with strength and step confidently into your next chapter.

  1. 2D AGO

    Protecting Children When Co‑Parenting With A Narcissist

    Fear changes a family long before anyone says the word divorce. With narcissistic dynamics, the house learns to tiptoe, and kids internalize patterns of freezing, fawning, and pleasing. We invited coach Jamie Davis to unpack a humane path forward: regulate first, then respond. Jamie shares how a simple DBT practice—five grounded minutes of breath and focus—builds the pause you need to choose words that soothe nervous systems instead of inflaming them. That pause becomes the oxygen mask for you and, by extension, your children. We talk candidly about the myth of the “intact” family and the heavy pressure many women carry from culture, faith, and family to stay no matter the cost. Jamie offers practical questions to excavate old scripts—Has this person earned the benefit of the doubt? What does intact mean if fear rules the home?—and shows how reclaiming agency leads to clean, consistent boundaries. Rather than arguing the narrative, we learn to protect energy, name values, and model calm decisions that children can mirror. When smear campaigns and mind games begin, the instinct to defend can undo hard-won progress. Jamie gives language to keep kids’ critical thinking online: I heard what was said. How did that make you feel? What questions do you want to ask me? Who do you know me to be? We explore how steady, predictable responses help children navigate cognitive dissonance without picking sides out of fear. We also touch on recovering your own identity—preferences, pace, and joy—so you parent from fullness, not depletion. If you’re weighing whether to stay “for the kids,” this conversation offers tools, scripts, and perspective to make choices from clarity instead of fear. Listen, save the strategies, and share with someone who needs a steadier map. If this helped, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the one boundary you’ll practice this week. To reach out to Jamie to see if she can help you: spincyclecoaching@gmail.com www.stopthespincycle.com https://www.facebook.com/stopthespincycle Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce. Sarah Thress 614-893-5885 Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com Thrive and Decide Facebook https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799 https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/ https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/ Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604 Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

    33 min

  2. JAN 28

    Choosing Happiness After A 17-Year Marriage

    The quiet end of a marriage can be the hardest to name. Kelly joins us to talk about a 17-year union that eroded not with shouting, but with distance—two people living parallel lives, choosing work and routine over connection. When she asked about counseling and heard “I just want to be done,” relief met grief, and the real work began: property disputes, a gut-punch discovery about home equity, and a custody threat that ran into the reality of a teenager’s voice. We walk through the lessons that only a drawn-out divorce can teach. The longer it drags on, the more room there is for ugliness. Fairness is a mirage; clarity is the compass. Kelly shares why putting children first means telling the truth, not hiding every disagreement, and stepping back from running interference when a parent won’t show up. Her boys made their own choices about contact, and a stepdad stepped in with a grounded promise: not a replacement, just love and steadiness. There’s also the rupture with a faith community that chose judgment over care. Kelly expected support and found shame instead, then later became a minister who teaches a different vision: right relationships, human dignity, and love that gives life. Grief still came—traditions that didn’t fit, an extra stocking in the box—and a therapist who named her emotions as valid, not pathological. We dig into practical tools: finding a counselor who fits, practicing radical acceptance when there’s no satisfying why, and learning to communicate without empty ultimatums. The arc is messy and hopeful: feeling fully, moving steadily, and choosing happiness without apology. If this conversation helps you feel seen and supported, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review. Your feedback helps more people find the guidance and courage they’re looking for. Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce. Sarah Thress 614-893-5885 Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com Thrive and Decide Facebook https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799 https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/ https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/ Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604 Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

    29 min

  3. JAN 19

    You Can’t Split Kids In Half, But You Can Find Yourself Again

    The word “fair” can wreck a divorce. We open by naming that truth and then walk you through a smarter path: negotiate like a strategist, heal like a human, and design a life that actually fits. Instead of chasing 50‑50 symmetry, we focus on durable outcomes—why protecting retirement might beat grabbing home equity, how alimony intersects with assets, and when “losing a battle” secures the war. You’ll hear a clear, practical way to zoom out, weigh tradeoffs, and stop paying attorney rates for therapy work. We also get real about co‑parenting and the grief of missed moments. That pain is normal. The pivot is reframing: your child is building memories with their other parent while you rebuild your identity. Use that window to rest, reconnect, and return more present. We share the rituals and mindset that make shared time sustainable, plus the underrated power move of picking a theme song you can blast to shift your state on demand. On the inner work, we dig into radical acceptance and the trap of obsessing over “why.” Closure often doesn’t arrive, and that’s okay. With the right therapist—one who engages and challenges—you can replace control with clarity. We recommend tools that help: Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly for courage and vulnerability, Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass for punchy action, and Ariana Huffington’s reflections on life, love, and work to integrate deeper change. We wrap with a nervous‑system‑first approach to big feelings: cry when you need to, scream into a pillow if that’s your lane, and watch how the highs get higher and the lows lose their pull. If you’re navigating divorce, this conversation gives you a practical map: protect your assets, steady your emotions, and reclaim who you are becoming. Listen now, subscribe for more grounded guidance, and share this with someone who could use a lifeline today. Then tell us: what’s one boundary you’ll set this week? Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce. Sarah Thress 614-893-5885 Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com Thrive and Decide Facebook https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799 https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/ https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/ Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604 Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

    23 min

  4. 12/24/2025

    From Divorce To Control: How Women Rebuild Finances With Support, Systems, And Compassion

    Money gets messy when life changes. Divorce, loss, and career pivots can turn confident spenders into second-guessers who feel stuck. We sit down with Cindy Locker and Carol Van Fossen of Next Chapter Finances to unpack a kinder, smarter way to rebuild control: start with the real numbers, get clear on your goals, and make a plan that lets you spend without guilt. Carol shares how she moved from managing her family’s money to feeling “clueless” after major life shifts, then back to confident through structure and support. Cindy brings an accountant’s eye for detail, translating statements and cash flow into choices you can actually live with. Together, they show how a compassionate process—gathering data, naming priorities, and scheduling regular check-ins—turns chaos into clarity. No shame. No overwhelm. Just honest math and aligned tradeoffs. We cover what a first engagement looks like, from mapping income and expenses to identifying leaks that don’t add joy, then redirecting dollars to what does: a vacation, a safety net, a child’s milestone, or retirement. You’ll hear why starting today beats waiting for the first of the month, how frequent touchpoints keep progress on track, and how their work bridges clients to financial planners, CPAs, attorneys, and insurance pros with everything organized and ready. If you’ve ever wondered whether your spending matches your values—or wished you could feel good about your choices—this conversation lays out a path. If this resonates, connect with Next Chapter Finances through the link in the show notes to book a free consultation. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more women find their financial footing. For more information contact Cindy or Carol: Cindy Locker:  614-440-2315 cindy@nextchapterfinances.com  Carol Van Fossen: 614-284-2783 carol@nextchapterfinances.com https://www.nextchapterfinances.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556088472295 Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce. Sarah Thress 614-893-5885 Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com Thrive and Decide Facebook https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799 https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/ https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/ Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604 Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

    25 min

  5. 12/04/2025

    From Divorce To Collaboration: A Practical Guide For Co-Parents

    Divorce ends a marriage, not your role as parents. We sat down with co-parenting coach and author Teresa Luse to unpack a practical, compassionate way to raise kids across two homes without burning out or blowing up. Teresa shares the mindset that changed everything for her: stop trying to repair the past relationship and start designing the parenting relationship you’ll live with for decades. That shift opens the door to calmer exchanges, clearer expectations, and a childhood your kids will remember as steady and kind. We dig into Teresa’s core tools, including her Three Lists exercise: must agree, ideal to agree, and concede. By keeping the “musts” tight—safety, life-or-death health, and legal compliance—you lower friction where it counts and reduce needless fights elsewhere. She explains how to respond when your co-parent is hostile or even narcissistic, using concise, child-focused communication, boundaries that hold, and strategies that reduce, diffuse, and redirect conflict. You’ll also hear why collaboration doesn’t have to mean shared vacations or holidays, and how different parenting styles can actually enrich a child’s world when handled with intention. Teresa traces her path from lived experience to two books, including Combative to Collaborative: The Co-Parenting Code, and describes her coaching approach. Sessions are virtual, practical, and forward-looking—no therapy, no legal advice—just plays that work in real life, reviewed and adjusted over time. She shares details on her small-group coaching model designed for access and safety, with topics tailored from participant surveys and strict boundaries that keep co-parents out of the same room. If you’re ready to trade texting wars for a workable plan, this conversation gives you the language, tools, and courage to start. Check the show notes for Teresa’s books and links to connect. Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick five-star review to help more parents find calm. To find out more and connect with Teresa: https://teresaluse.com/ Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce. Sarah Thress 614-893-5885 Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com Thrive and Decide Facebook https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799 https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/ https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/ Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604 Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

    41 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    Smart Money Moves For Divorce And Home Decisions

    Money, divorce, and the family home collide in ways that are emotional and expensive—and they don’t have to be. We sit down with certified financial planner and certified divorce financial analyst Amy Kelly to unpack the decisions that matter most, from whether to keep the house to how to split retirement accounts without triggering avoidable taxes. Amy brings decades of experience and a calm, practical lens to a season of life that often feels anything but calm. You’ll hear how a divorce-savvy plan goes beyond basic budgeting. We dig into document readiness, fee transparency, and why projections are the only honest way to decide if you can afford your current home. We talk marital balance sheets, child and spousal support modeling, QDROs for retirement plans, and the tax traps that can turn a fair-looking settlement into a long-term setback. If you’re in Ohio, we also touch on dower rights and what they mean for title, equity, and sale decisions. The result is a roadmap for aligning your goals—stability for kids, a clean financial slate, on-time retirement—with the numbers that have to support them. Whether you’re contemplating divorce, actively negotiating, or rebuilding after loss, this conversation gives you tools to move forward with clarity. Gather your key documents, define your priorities, and build a team that includes a family law attorney, a CDFA, and a real estate pro who understand the stakes. Ready to make confident choices about your home and your future? Follow the show, leave a quick review to support the work, and share this episode with someone who needs a little steadiness right now. Reach out to Amy to get started on your financial plan today!  Amy Kelly, CFP, CDVA Amy.kelly@prudential.com 614-383-3778 (office) 614-619-3160 (cell) Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce. Sarah Thress 614-893-5885 Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com Thrive and Decide Facebook https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799 https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/ https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/ Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604 Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

    21 min

  7. 10/17/2025

    The “Do What You’re Supposed To” Plan Went Great, Said No One Ever

    What happens when the “right thing” steals your voice? We sit down with Sam Leeson, who grew up in a small town where reputation came first and casual homophobia kept her hidden. She married a friend because it felt safe on paper, became a parent she adores, and built a career helping others advocate for themselves in birth and early parenting—while feeling unsafe and unheard at home. A panic attack at a school drop-off cracked the facade, linking past trauma to a present she could no longer tolerate. By 2010, Sam chose to leave, come out, and face the grief, doubt, and judgment that followed. Sam explains how honoring her children’s needs—letting them live where they felt safest, even with her ex—became the cornerstone of healing. We explore missteps, estrangement, and repair: the son who went quiet, the conversation in a parked car, and the choice to answer every question with honesty when they were ready. She shares the difference between co‑parenting from control versus respect, and how modeling happiness teaches kids to set their own bar. We also unpack family of origin dynamics: a mother who equated parenting with sacrificing joy, the protection of low contact, and the moment a cancer diagnosis reshaped how Sam wanted to move forward. Boundaries, chosen family, and deliberate forgiveness play leading roles. This conversation is frank about abuse, why survivors don’t “just leave,” and the messy aftermath—financial fear, lonely nights, and the long tunnel toward a brighter life. If you’ve ever felt trapped by expectations or terrified to disappoint people you love, Sam’s story offers a map: choose safety, tell the truth, and let time do its work. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more listeners find stories that make brave choices feel possible. Sam Leeson: Sam is the founder of babyREADY and has spent over 25 years supporting individuals and couples—especially 2SLGBTQIA+ families—on their journey to parenthood. Through education, coaching, and hands-on care, she’s helped thousands navigate fertility, pregnancy, and early parenting with confidence. A trusted voice in the field, Sam has been featured on international podcasts, national radio programs, and in top parenting publications. Her engaging approach empowers clients to feel seen, supported, and more informed than they ever expected. website: www.babyREADY.info Check out her podcast: https://www.babyready.info/becomingpodcast all socials: @babyREADYlgbtq Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce. Sarah Thress 614-893-5885 Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com Thrive and Decide Facebook https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799 https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/ https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/ Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604 Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

    48 min

  8. 10/08/2025

    Marriage Crisis Management: When “I Think I Want Out” Becomes a Plan

    When someone says “I think I want out,” most couples are shoved into panic, not a plan. We sat down with Dr. Becky Whetstone—marriage crisis manager, author of I Think I Want Out, and long‑time advocate for evidence‑based help on the brink—to unpack what actually works when a relationship feels like it’s collapsing in real time. Becky explains the missing piece in traditional training, why so many therapists go quiet at the worst moment, and how to guide a couple through the most volatile ninety days without making things worse. We explore her cornerstone idea of the “decider” and the “leaning‑in partner,” and why stabilization is the first intervention. You’ll learn how to choose a directive, credentialed professional who will name patterns, teach skills, and spot underlying mental health issues that can shape every decision. We get real about faith‑based counseling, the difference between licensed care and well‑meaning coaching, and the damage done by shaming or simplistic advice. From there, Becky maps two structured paths: a time‑bound, therapist‑guided separation that tests real change, or a clear route to an amicable divorce that protects kids, finances, and dignity. We also dig into the everyday forces that push couples apart—parenthood’s chaos, identity shifts, deferred dreams—and how to rebuild connection with practical, teachable skills. Becky shares resources for co‑parenting, blending families, and keeping communication sane, plus why support groups and short, intentional “wallow” windows can speed healing. If you’re contemplating a breakup, fighting to repair, or helping a friend through the fog, this conversation offers a calm, smart roadmap for making the next right move. If this episode helped you think or breathe easier, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review—your feedback keeps these conversations going. Dr. Becky Whetstone's Info: Website | https://marriagecrisismanager.com/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/relationshipcrisismanager/ X | https://x.com/DoctorBecky Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/doctorbecky/ LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-whetstone-ph-d-33866211/ Medium | https://medium.com/@doctorbecky Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce. Sarah Thress 614-893-5885 Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com Thrive and Decide Facebook https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799 https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/ https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/ Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604 Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

    53 min
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Welcome to Thrive and Decide: The Guide to Divorce and Beyond This empowering podcast is created for women navigating the emotional and legal challenges of divorce. Whether you're just beginning the process or rebuilding your life afterward, Thrive and Decide is here to help you feel seen, heard, and supported. Each episode features real stories from courageous women who openly share their divorce journeys—offering hope, healing, and the reminder that you are not alone. You'll also gain access to expert insights and valuable resources, including guidance from divorce coaches, legal professionals, financial advisors, and therapists. Our mission is to help you move through divorce with strength and step confidently into your next chapter.

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