Divorce Coaches Academy

Tracy Callahan and Debra Doak
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Divorce Coaches Academy podcast hosts Tracy Callahan and Debra Doak are on a mission to revolutionize the way families navigate divorce. We discuss topics to help professional divorce coaches succeed with clients and meet their business goals and we advocate (loudly sometimes) for the critical role certified divorce coaches play in the alternative dispute resolution process. Our goal is to create a community of divorce coaching professionals committed to reducing the financial and emotional impact of divorce on families.

  1. 5D AGO

    What It's Really Like to Work with a Divorce Coach with Guest Cindy DiTiberio

    In This EpisodeCindy shares:How The Mother Lode evolved from writing about motherhood into writing about divorce and separationThe emotional process of realizing a marriage is overThe moment she finally decided to leave her marriageWhat it feels like to navigate a high-conflict divorceHow divorce coaching differs from therapy and legal representationWhy many women struggle to answer the question: “What do you need?”The financial stress and uncertainty many women face during divorceHow divorce coaching helped her prepare for attorney meetings and legal negotiationsWhy emotional regulation and “distress tolerance” are critical during divorceThe ongoing challenges of post-divorce conflict and co-parentingHow divorce coaching helped her feel more “sturdy,” capable, and empoweredWhy This Episode MattersDivorce is not just a legal process. It is emotional, financial, logistical, and deeply personal. This episode highlights how divorce coaching can provide strategic and emotional support during divorce—especially for individuals navigating high-conflict relationships, financial uncertainty, and identity shifts after separation. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of: What a divorce coach actually doesWhen divorce coaching can helpHow divorce coaching can reduce overwhelm during divorceWhy support systems matter during major life transitionsMemorable Quotes“Sometimes you’ve got to write your way through to the truth.” “I never want to feel this way again.” “Don’t be afraid to need a lot of people in your corner during this phase in your life.” “What if you left for your kids?” Resources & LinksCindy DiTiberioSubstack: https://cindyditiberio.substack.com/Instagram: @cindy.ditiberioDivorce Coaches AcademyWebsite: https://divorcecoachesacademy.comFind a Certified Divorce Coach through Divorce Coaches Academy® Coach Locator https://www.divorcecoachesacademy.com/coach-locatorAbout Cindy DiTiberioCindy DiTiberio is a writer and creator of The Mother Load, a popular Substack focused on motherhood, divorce, relationships, identity, and co-parenting. Through personal essays and her “Divorce Diaries” interview series, Cindy shares honest stories about the emotional and practical realities of divorce that resonate with thousands of women navigating similar experiences.

    33 min

  2. MAY 13

    The Rise of the Divorce Influencer: Visibility Without Accountability

    As divorce coaching continues to grow, social media has created a new form of authority built on relatability, lived experience, and audience trust. But when personal experience becomes guidance without clear ethical boundaries, what risks emerge for vulnerable individuals navigating divorce? Tracy examines the difference between lived experience and professional competency, the ethical concerns surrounding unregulated influence in the divorce space, and why divorce coaching requires more than visibility and personal storytelling. She discusses how emotional vulnerability, algorithm driven platforms, and monetized audiences are reshaping the landscape of divorce support and why ethical standards matter now more than ever. Topics discussed include: • The rise of the divorce influencer phenomenon • Why relatability is not the same as expertise • The ethical risks of unregulated guidance during divorce • Audience trust, monetization, and accountability • Scope of practice in divorce coaching • The importance of conflict informed and ADR aligned coaching • Why divorce coaching requires training, structure, and ethical responsibility This episode is a powerful call for greater clarity, professionalism, and accountability within the divorce coaching industry and a reminder that influence without responsibility can create real harm. Learn more about Divorce Coaches Academy® and professional divorce coach training at: https://divorcecoachesacademy.com

    20 min

  3. MAY 6

    When Dating After Divorce Isn’t a Fresh Start, It May be a New Conflict Environment

    Dating after divorce is often framed as a “fresh start.” But what if it’s not? In this episode, Tracy Callahan is joined by Wendy Kesser, certified divorce coach and professional “rematchmaker,” to explore what really happens when clients re-enter the world of relationships after divorce. Together, they unpack why dating after divorce is less about starting over and more about stepping into a new relational environment one where old patterns, assumptions, and conflict dynamics often resurface. For divorce coaches, this conversation highlights a critical truth: the work doesn’t end when the agreement is signed. It evolves. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy dating after divorce is both a new chapter and a continuation of past relational patternsHow unresolved internal conflict shows up in partner selection and dating decisionsThe difference between being ready to date and having the capacity to engage in relationships differentlyWhy clients often “date for replacement” instead of alignmentThe role of values audits in helping clients make intentional relationship choicesHow coaches can shift clients from seeking validation to developing discernmentWhy the goal is not to help clients find the “right partner,” but to help them engage in relationships differentlyKey InsightsDating is not a clean slate Clients carry forward patterns, assumptions, and ways of engaging into new relationships—often without awareness. Readiness is not a feeling—it’s a capacity True readiness includes emotional availability, tolerance for uncertainty, and the ability to communicate with clarity and honesty. The past may still be doing the choosing When clients define what they want based on what they don’t want, they remain anchored to prior relationships rather than aligned with future intentions. Clients don’t need scripts—they need skills The work is not about telling clients what to say. It’s about helping them develop awareness, capacity, and intentional engagement. Divorce coaching extends beyond the divorce Supporting clients in how they re-engage in relationships is where long-term transformation happens. For Divorce Coaches: Your RoleHelp clients identify and understand their relational patternsSupport intentional decision-making, not reactive choicesGuide clients toward values-based alignmentEncourage self-awareness over performance in datingProvide referrals and resources that support continued growthMemorable Moments“The problem is not the pool. The problem is the filter.”“Readiness isn’t a feeling—it’s a capacity.”“Clients don’t date… they audition.”“The work is helping clients consciously author their next chapter.”About the GuestWendy Kesser is a certified divorce coach, professional matchmaker, and founder of Get With Wendy. She specializes in working with divorced and widowed individuals, helping them navigate partner selection with intention and clarity. Wendy brings a unique perspective by combining divorce coaching with matchmaking, offering insight into how past relational dynamics influence future choices. 🔗 Learn more: https://GetWithWendy.com

    34 min

  4. APR 29

    Communication Isn't The Problem In Divorce...Capacity Is (And It's Costing People Everything)

    Does better communication really reduce conflict in divorce? Not always. In this episode, Tracy Callahan breaks down why communication strategies often fail in high conflict divorce—and how, in many cases, communication actually escalates conflict instead of resolving it. If you’re a divorce coach, mediator, therapist, or family law professional, this conversation will shift how you understand conflict dynamics. You’ll learn why clients stay stuck in repetitive arguments, why “just communicate better” doesn’t work, and what’s really driving high conflict behavior beneath the surface. This episode explores the hidden mechanisms of conflict in divorce, offering a deeper understanding of why traditional approaches fall short and what professionals need to see in order to create meaningful change. Keywords naturally included: high conflict divorce, divorce communication, conflict resolution in divorce, divorce coaching, family law conflict, mediation challenges, conflict dynamics, emotional conflict, divorce professionals In This Episode: • Why communication fails in high conflict divorce • How communication can escalate conflict instead of resolving it • Understanding conflict dynamics beneath surface-level behavior • Why clients repeat the same arguments without resolution

    17 min

  5. APR 22

    Catch The Wave

    Divorce doesn’t unfold in a straight line it comes in waves. In this episode Tracy Callahan is joined by Tamara Arnold family law attorney mediator DCA certified ADR divorce coach and creator of DivorceWave to explore what really happens between sessions when clients are triggered overwhelmed and at risk of escalating conflict. They discuss the gap between when conflict happens and when support is available how emotional dis-regulation impacts decision making and communication and why creating pause awareness and simple tools is essential for better outcomes. Tamara shares how DivorceWave can help clients regulate process emotions and respond more intentionally in real time while supporting the work coaches are already doing. Timecodes 00:00 Welcome and introduction to conflict in divorce 02:00 Why divorce unfolds in emotional waves 04:20 The disconnect between support and real life moments 06:20 Common reactive decisions that escalate conflict 09:15 The importance of pause and emotional regulation 11:40 Limits of attorneys mediators and therapists in real time 14:20 Recognizing and interrupting conflict patterns 18:20 Introducing the DivorceWave app 25:15 How coaches can use DivorceWave with clients 28:20 Rethinking support between sessions Key Takeaways Conflict in divorce happens between sessions not during them Emotional triggers override logic and lead to reactive decisions Creating space before responding is one of the most powerful tools Pattern awareness is the first step to breaking conflict cycles Clients need real time tools not just scheduled support DivorceWave helps extend support beyond sessions in practical accessible ways Divorce coaching conflict resolution emotional regulation during divorce co parenting conflict divorce mediation support divorce coaching tools managing divorce stress high conflict divorce help mindfulness divorce divorce coach resources DivorceWave is an on demand digital divorce coach designed to support your clients between sessions when they need it most. Whether they are triggered by an angry text from their Ex spiraling at 2 AM or heading into a tough conversation DivorceWave gives them tools to regulate strategize and move forward in the moment when it counts. Get started DivorceWave.com and click the link to "Try Divorce Wave for Free" Special Offers Mentioned in This Episode For Coaches Try It Free Use code DCACOACH at checkout for 100 percent off 6 months of access. Expires May 31 2026. Do not wait on this one. Share the Savings Give your clients code WAVERIDER to take 80 dollars off an annual subscription just 49.99 for the entire year plus a 7 day free trial so they can explore before committing.

    31 min

  6. APR 15

    5 Ways Clients Unintentionally Make Divorce Conflict Worse (And How to Shift It)

    Struggling with communication during divorce? You're not alone and it's not just about what’s being said. In this episode of the Divorce Coaches Academy podcast, Debra Doak explains why communication breaks down during divorce conflict and what’s really happening beneath the surface when conversations escalate. From emotional flooding and mismatched conflict styles to defensive listening and unspoken expectations, this episode breaks down the five key reasons communication fails—and how to fix it. Whether you're a divorce coach, mediator, or navigating divorce yourself, you’ll gain practical tools to improve communication, reduce conflict, and make better decisions during one of life’s most challenging transitions. In this episode, you’ll learn: How emotional triggers impact communication in divorceWhy conflict styles (pursuer vs. avoider) create tensionThe importance of active listening in high-conflict conversationsHow assumptions and expectations fuel misunderstandingsStrategies divorce coaches use to help clients communicate effectivelyIf you're looking to reduce conflict, improve co-parenting communication, or support clients through divorce, this episode is a must-listen. Keywords: divorce communication, conflict resolution in divorce, divorce coaching, co-parenting communication, high conflict divorce, emotional flooding, communication breakdown, divorce support, divorce coach training, managing conflict in relationships

    16 min

  7. APR 8

    Curiosity as a Conflict Intervention in Divorce

    In this episode of the Divorce Coaches Academy Podcast, Tracy Callahan is joined by Jacinta Gallant to explore how curiosity can be used as a conflict intervention in divorce. Together, they discuss why certainty, blame, and defensiveness often escalate conflict, and how targeted curiosity can help individuals make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and move through divorce with greater self-awareness. This conversation is especially valuable for divorce coaches, mediators, family law professionals, and anyone navigating divorce conflict. If you want a deeper understanding of conflict resolution in divorce, divorce coaching, and curiosity in mediation, this episode offers practical insight into a more thoughtful and effective approach. Key Takeaways Curiosity can interrupt defensiveness and reduce conflict escalation.Certainty about being right or fair often blocks productive communication.Divorce is not just a legal process. It is a conflict process.Many traditional divorce and mediation models overlook the relational dynamics driving conflict.Divorce coaches play an important role in helping clients build self-awareness and engage more effectively in difficult conversations. Chapters 00:00 The Role of Curiosity in Conflict Resolution06:32 Insight Approach to Conflict19:17 Limits of Professional Roles in Developing Curiosity28:26 Development of Resources for Self-Discovery and Conflict Engagement

    41 min

  8. APR 2

    Supporting Parents in Divorce: Acknowledging Children’s Experience and Why It Matters

    This episode of the Divorce Coaches Academy® Podcast explores one of the most overlooked dimensions of divorce: a child’s lived experience inside the conflict process. While parents navigate legal decisions, emotional strain, and uncertainty, there is often a well-intended instinct to protect children by minimizing what they see or feel. But what happens when that protection becomes silence—and a child’s experience goes unacknowledged? Tracy is joined by Carolyn Jacobs—certified divorce and co-parenting coach, parenting plan mediator, and DCA® Certified ADR Divorce Coach—to examine the critical distinction between shielding children from conflict and unintentionally disconnecting from their reality. Together, they unpack how children process what they sense versus what they’re told, the risks of “holding it together,” and how parents can model emotional honesty without placing emotional weight on the child. Grounded in DCA®’s framing of divorce as a conflict and communication process, this conversation highlights how parent-child communication during divorce shapes a child’s long-term ability to navigate relationships, conflict, and self-expression. The episode also offers practical insight for professionals supporting parents who may be unintentionally minimizing their child’s experience—and how to begin repairing that dynamic. The conversation extends into a broader lens on civil discourse, exploring how what happens inside the home directly influences a child’s ability to engage with difference and disagreement outside of it. Carolyn also shares more about her upcoming Conversations that Contribute Series event: Fostering Civil Discourse Among Youth: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Saini. This 60-minute virtual event will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 4 PM ET (1 PM PT / 3 PM CT), with tickets available for $10. Hosted by Ally in Divorce, the conversation supports Kids Managing Conflict, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening peer mediation programs in schools. Register Here This is a nuanced and highly relevant conversation for divorce professionals, parents, and anyone invested in how the next generation learns to navigate conflict—with clarity, empathy, and integrity. Learn more about DCA® or  any of the classes or events mentioned in this episode at the links below: Website: www.divorcecoachesacademy.com Instagram: www.divorcecoachesacademy/divorcecoachesacademy LinkedIn: divorce-coaches-academy Email: DCA@divorcecoachesacademy.com

    38 min
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4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Divorce Coaches Academy podcast hosts Tracy Callahan and Debra Doak are on a mission to revolutionize the way families navigate divorce. We discuss topics to help professional divorce coaches succeed with clients and meet their business goals and we advocate (loudly sometimes) for the critical role certified divorce coaches play in the alternative dispute resolution process. Our goal is to create a community of divorce coaching professionals committed to reducing the financial and emotional impact of divorce on families.

Information

  • Creator
    Tracy Callahan and Debra Doak
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    213
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tracy Callahan and Debra Doak
  • Show Website
    Divorce Coaches Academy

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