Divorce Dialogues

Katherine Miller

Divorce Dialogues helps people navigate divorce with dignity, clarity, and perspective. Through thoughtful conversations with experts and practitioners, the show explores the emotional, financial, legal, and relational realities of divorce, so listeners can make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and move forward with greater confidence. Because divorce is more than a legal transaction, it’s a deeply human transition.

  1. Kelly Lise Murray on Why Smart People Make Costly Mistakes in Divorce

    3d ago

    Kelly Lise Murray on Why Smart People Make Costly Mistakes in Divorce

    The most expensive divorce mistakes aren't made in the courtroom – they're made in the sequence of events that lead you there. In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller speaks with Kelly Lise Murray, professor, financial strategist, and Co-founder and CEO of Vetting the House, about the hidden sequencing problem at the heart of most divorce settlements.Together, they unpack why even highly accomplished people make costly financial decisions during divorce—not because they lack intelligence, but because they're operating with a brain under siege, incomplete information, and pressure to just get it done. Kelly draws on her work at the intersection of real estate, tax strategy, and financial advocacy to show how the order in which you make decisions determines what you actually walk away with. If you've ever felt the pull to just accept a deal and move on, this conversation will make you think twice—and give you the tools to slow down before it costs you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the sequence of asset sales, not just the assets themselves, determines your tax liability;How the "divorce brain" reduces your decision-making capacity — even if you're highly accomplished;Why property division is permanent, and the questions to ask before you agree to anything; andHow to use tax timelines and divorce milestones together to protect your financial outcome.Highlights:(00:00) Meet Kelly Lise Murray (02:56) The Sequencing Problem in Divorce Settlements (04:23) Capital Gains, Exclusions, and the Two-House Trap (05:49) Why Smart People Make Expensive Mistakes (07:44) Building the Right Financial Team (17:55) What "Permanent" Really Means in Property Division (27:26) The Reframe: Mapping Tax Years Against Divorce Milestones (29:31) Your Voice Is Your Preparation About our guest, Kelly Lise MurrayWebsite: https://vettingthehouse.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellylisemurray/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law GroupKatherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

    31 min
  2. Alyssa Mairanz on How Grief Shapes Your Decisions During Divorce

    May 26

    Alyssa Mairanz on How Grief Shapes Your Decisions During Divorce

    Your brain on divorce doesn't always think straight. Beneath the legal paperwork and custody schedules lies a deeply physiological reality: intense heartbreak, anger, and grief can completely hijack your nervous system, driving you to make choices you’ll later regret. In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller speaks with Alyssa Mairanz, owner and executive director of Empower Your Mind Therapy, about what happens in your brain and nervous system during a separation. Together, they explore how grief, anger, and shame can shape your decisions, and how to navigate these emotions with awareness and intention; offering a roadmap for emotional survival and genuine resilience. Through Alyssa's insights, learn how emotional dysregulation and the "fight or flight" response impact your ability to make clear, grounded decisions. Alyssa shares practical tools from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you stop reacting out of impulsiveness and start responding intentionally. They discuss the messy, non-linear cycle of grief—including the heavy roles of anger and shame—and how to separate your ex's reactions from your own self-worth. If you are struggling to find your footing while navigating a separation, this conversation provides the actionable grounding techniques and self-compassion needed to move forward. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How your nervous system responds to divorce and the effect on decision-making; - Ways to recognize and manage emotional reactivity versus intentional response; - Practical grounding techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy to regain clarity; and - How to separate your self-worth from your external reactions and rebuild identity Highlights: (00:00) Meet Alyssa Mairanz (02:40) Divorce and Your Mind-Body Connection (03:18) Understanding Anger, Shame, and the Grief Cycle (07:22) Emotional Dysregulation and Decision-Making (09:01) DBT Tools for Intentional Responses (12:01) Grounding Yourself and Checking the Facts (18:34) Keeping Focus on Your Goals Amid Divorce (22:18) Rebuilding Your Identity After Marriage (24:06) Navigating Grief and Building Resilience (28:37) Self-Compassion and Recognizing Your Strength About our guest, Alyssa Mairanz Website: https://eymtherapy.com/about/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-mairanz-lmhc-cdbt-b4ab8a39/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law Group Katherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/ More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

    29 min
  3. Reframing What “Winning” Means in Divorce with Jenny Bradley

    May 21

    Reframing What “Winning” Means in Divorce with Jenny Bradley

    Divorce doesn’t have to be a battle. What if it could be a thoughtful, strategic decision for your future? In this episode, Jenny Bradley, family lawyer and mediator, explores how reframing divorce can lead to more thoughtful, cooperative solutions that protect your family, your finances, and your future. Divorce is often seen as an adversarial process, but Jenny argues that this mindset is not only costly but unnecessary. She offers insight into how focusing on what you can agree upon—and intentionally shifting away from reactive behavior—can lead to more effective and dignified outcomes. Tune in for a conversation about how the way you navigate divorce is just as important as the outcome itself, and why choosing a less combative path might be the best decision for your long-term well-being. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why divorce is not about “winning” but making decisions for your future; - The common misconceptions about the traditional divorce process; - How to shift from a reactive mindset to one of cooperation and clarity; and - The importance of focusing on agreements rather than conflicts, especially when children are involved Highlights: (00:00) Meet Jenny Bradley (03:00) The myth of "winning" and why it's not the goal of divorce (05:30) The First Mindset Shift (10:00) The complexity of high-conflict divorces without children involved (12:30) Conflict Doesn't Have to Be Destructive (17:00) What Happens When You Settle (20:00) The Power of Mediation and Collaboration (25:00) Avoiding Common Mistakes (29:00) Why relying on AI in the divorce process can be risky (32:00) Looking forward to the next steps in family law About our guest, Jenny Bradley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennybradleyatty Triangle Smart Divorce: http://trianglesmartdivorce.com/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law Group Katherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/ More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

    33 min
  4. Why Emotional Regulation is Better than “Happy” for Kids During Divorce with Dr. Sasha Reiisieh

    May 14

    Why Emotional Regulation is Better than “Happy” for Kids During Divorce with Dr. Sasha Reiisieh

    What actually helps children through divorce is often misunderstood. Many parents focus on minimizing disruption, protecting feelings, or maintaining a sense of normalcy. But children are not measuring legal outcomes or schedules—they are responding to something more subtle and more powerful: the emotional tone between the adults they depend on. In this conversation, Katherine Miller speaks with Dr. Sasha Reiisieh, licensed therapist and founder of Compassionate Minds Therapy who specializes in early childhood mental health and relational trauma, about what children truly experience during divorce, and what supports their long term sense of safety and stability. This is not a discussion of worst case outcomes. It is a clear, grounded look at how children adapt, what they internalize, and how parents can show up in ways that serve their child’s emotional foundation, even in the middle of their own uncertainty. Children do not need a perfect family structure. They need clarity, consistency, and regulated connection. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why conflict between parents, not divorce itself, is often the most destabilizing factor for children - How children interpret emotional inconsistency, even when parents try to keep things “normal” - Why two calm, regulated homes can be more stabilizing than one tense household. Highlights: (00:00) Meet Dr. Sasha Reiisieh (03:11) What Children Actually Experience in Divorce (05:33) Why Fixing Is Not the Goal (08:45) The Child Who Seems Fine (13:18) How Parents’ Emotions Shape Children (18:59) Conflict That Harms Children Most (21:39) Why Early Childhood Matters So Much (24:01) The Problem With Performing “Fine” (28:33) A Different Way to Think About Divorce (30:48) What Surprises Experts About Children’s Adaptation About our guest, Dr. Sasha Reiisieh Website: https://compassionatemindstherapy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-reiisieh-edd-lpcc-8ab910126/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law Group Katherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/ More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

    37 min
  5. Divorce Isn’t a Weapon: Reframing Separation with Karen McNenny

    May 7

    Divorce Isn’t a Weapon: Reframing Separation with Karen McNenny

    Divorce is often framed as a battle, something to survive or endure. But what if it could be something you approach with intention, clarity, and respect? In this episode, Katherine Miller is joined by Karen McNenny, who not only is an advocate for Family Centered Divorce Reform, but is also an author, speaker, and the founder of The Good Divorce Academy. Together, they challenge the typical narrative of divorce and offer a fresh perspective: divorce as a tool of transformation. Through Karen's insights, explore how the mindset you bring to the divorce process can shape not just the outcome, but how you experience it. Karen shares her philosophy of a "good divorce"—one that honors both individuals, protects the family structure, and allows for a peaceful future, especially for those with children. They discuss how we can break away from adversarial thinking and instead focus on creating a positive, cooperative post-divorce life. If you’re navigating the complexities of divorce or know someone who is, this conversation provides clarity and actionable insights to approach this transition with intention and care. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How to approach divorce with intention rather than reaction; - The key difference between surviving and doing divorce well; - Why focusing on family before finances can lead to better outcomes; and - How to transform conflict into collaboration for the future of your family Highlights: (00:00) Meet Karen McNenny (02:45) What Is a Good Divorce? (07:30) Divorce as a Tool for Transformation (10:36) The Impact of Mindset on Divorce (15:11) The Importance of Communication Before the Legal Process (23:40) Preserving Family Integrity Post-Divorce (29:51) Managing Emotions and Staying Grounded During Divorce About our guest, Karen McNenny Website: https://www.karenmcnenny.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gooddivorcecoach/ Listen to the Good Divorce® Show: https://www.karenmcnenny.com/good-divorce-show/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law Group Katherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/ More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

    37 min
  6. Overcoming Financial Overwhelm in Divorce with Kimberly Palmer

    Apr 30

    Overcoming Financial Overwhelm in Divorce with Kimberly Palmer

    Divorce can turn your financial world upside down, but it doesn't have to stay that way. In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller is joined by Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert from NerdWallet and the author of “Smart Mom, Rich Mom.” Together, they dive deep into the financial challenges that come with divorce, offering practical advice to help you regain control of your finances. Kimberly offers a judgment-free approach, guiding individuals to build a sustainable, grounded financial future that supports their life and goals. She emphasizes taking small, manageable steps and aligning financial decisions with personal values, which is especially vital when dealing with the intense emotions of divorce. This empowers people to not only grasp the financial figures but also to establish a secure foundation. This conversation provides clarity, reassurance, and actionable steps to help you move forward with confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Practical steps to rebuild your finances after divorce and regain control over your money; - How to shift your mindset to confidently manage finances on your own, even if you weren’t previously involved; - The importance of aligning your financial decisions with your core values for long-term stability; and - Common mistakes to avoid and how to break down financial tasks into manageable steps for clarity and confidence. Highlights: (00:00) Meet Kimberly Palmer (02:29) How divorce disrupts women’s financial plans (04:44) The impact of historical money lessons on divorce (08:05) Creating a cashflow statement for financial clarity (09:55) Taking small steps to tackle financial overwhelm (11:27) Common financial mistakes during divorce (13:23) Balancing long-term goals with short-term financial stress (17:07) Building financial confidence after being less involved (19:03) Redefining financial identity after divorce (20:19) Overcoming money shame and seeking support (22:18) Rethinking budgeting to align with your values (23:52) Stories of women successfully rebuilding financially post-divorce About our guest, Kimberly Palmer Website: https://www.nerdwallet.com/ Download the app for resources from NerdWallet: https://tinyurl.com/2u3c9fhx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyspalmer/ Kimberly Palmer is a personal finance expert at NerdWallet. She is also the author of three books about money: "Smart Mom, Rich Mom," "The Economy of You" and “Generation Earn.” About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law Group Katherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/ More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

    26 min
  7. Starting Your Next Chapter After Divorce with Tamara Frankfort Odinec

    Apr 23

    Starting Your Next Chapter After Divorce with Tamara Frankfort Odinec

    Divorce doesn’t just change your life, it disrupts the story you thought you were living. So how do you begin again? In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller speaks with Tamara Frankfort Odinec, the founder of My Next Chapter, about how to reframe divorce not as a loss but as an opportunity for reinvention. Tamara’s journey from navigating her own divorce to building a platform dedicated to helping others thrive after separation is a story of resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery. Tamara shares insights into the emotional and practical realities of starting over post-divorce, from rediscovering who you are to redefining your goals. Together, they explore how to handle feelings of loneliness, the challenges of financial independence, and the transformative power of embracing change rather than staying stuck in the past. This conversation is filled with compassion and practical advice for anyone looking to rebuild with clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How to reframe divorce not as a loss, but as an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and creating a more intentional future; - The importance of finding a supportive community to help you navigate the emotional and practical challenges of divorce and provide the encouragement needed to move forward; and - How to prepare both emotionally and financially before making the decision to divorce, empowering you to make confident, informed choices and rebuild your life with clarity and independence. Highlights: (00:00) Meet Tamara Frankfort Odinec (02:28) What Is My Next Chapter and How It Helps People Post-Divorce (04:58) The Emotional and Practical Realities of Starting Over After Divorce (05:46) Navigating Loneliness and Finding a Supportive Community (06:40) The Role of Finances in the Rebuilding Process Post-Divorce (07:15) The Importance of Reframing Divorce from a Loss to an Opportunity (08:21) How to Help People Stuck in the "Stay or Go" Phase of Their Marriage (09:57) Preparing Emotionally and Financially Before Making the Decision to Divorce (13:08) Discovering Your Identity After Years in a Relationship (17:32) The Difference Between Healing and Rebuilding Post-Divorce (19:43) Gaining Confidence and Agency in the Next Chapter of Life About our guest, Tamara Frankfort Odinec Website: https://www.mynextchapter.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaraodinec/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law Group Katherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/ More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

    31 min
  8. How to Make Smart Financial Decisions in Divorce with Kimberley Threadgill

    Apr 16

    How to Make Smart Financial Decisions in Divorce with Kimberley Threadgill

    Money is rarely just about money in divorce. On this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Senior Wealth Manager Kimberley Threadgill of Stansberry Asset Management joins Katherine Miller to discuss the subtle, yet powerful, influence of emotions on financial decisions during a divorce. Together, they explore how factors like fear, identity, and uncertainty often override the raw numbers, significantly shaping outcomes, especially when facing an unknown future. This conversation offers a more grounded way to approach finances; one that prioritizes clarity, thoughtful decision-making, and long-term stability. If you are navigating divorce and feeling unsure about your financial future, this episode will help you begin to see your options with more perspective and confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How emotions like fear and uncertainty shape financial decisions during divorce; - Why slowing down and asking the right questions leads to more stable outcomes; - How understanding your full financial picture creates clarity and confidence; and - Why focusing on the future, not the past, supports long term financial stability. Highlights: (00:00) Meet Kimberley Threadgill (02:48) Why Money and Emotions are the Hardest Part of Divorce (03:29) The Fear of the Unknown and Shifting Financial Identity (04:05) Common Misconceptions About Asset Division and Fairness (06:00) A Personal Story of Rushing Decisions and Long-Term Regret (08:32) Why Slowing Down Leads to Better Financial Outcomes (13:56) Rethinking Major Assets Like the Family Home (16:59) How Emotions Like Fear and Avoidance Shape Decisions (19:14) What Separates Financial Stability From Long-Term Struggle (21:21) How to Rebuild Financial Confidence After Divorce (25:33) The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything (26:45) One Perspective to Hold Onto When the Future Feels Uncertain About our guest, Kimberley Threadgill Kimberley Threadgill is an Investment Advisor Representative of Stansberry Asset Management, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Website: https://www.stansberryam.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-threadgill-cfp%C2%AE-cdfa%C2%AE-629818291/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law Group Katherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/ More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

    28 min
4.6
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Divorce Dialogues helps people navigate divorce with dignity, clarity, and perspective. Through thoughtful conversations with experts and practitioners, the show explores the emotional, financial, legal, and relational realities of divorce, so listeners can make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and move forward with greater confidence. Because divorce is more than a legal transaction, it’s a deeply human transition.

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