Untying The Knot with Lisa Gu

Lisa Gu

Welcome to Untying the Knot, your go-to podcast for all things divorce. We're here to share stories and strategies to help you untangle the knots in your divorce, so you can navigate it with confidence and clarity and build the life you desire.

  1. #18. Inner Stillness: A Short Meditation to Guide You Home

    12/18/2025

    #18. Inner Stillness: A Short Meditation to Guide You Home

    This short guided meditation is an invitation to pause, breathe, and come home to yourself. Through gentle grounding, breath awareness, and inner stillness, you’ll be guided to soften the body, quiet the mind, and reconnect with a sense of safety within. No fixing. No forcing. Just a few minutes to rest, reset, and return.

    8 min
  2. #17. Divorce Guide: How to Support Your Teen

    11/30/2025

    #17. Divorce Guide: How to Support Your Teen

    Last week, something happened that stopped me in my tracks. I recently hired a coach who specializes in working with neurodivergent teens for my son. I was so proud of myself for being proactive… until I told him. My almost-11-year-old looked at me and said:“You didn’t ask me first?!” I was speechless. He was right. I am still treating him like a little kid, planning his life for him without realizing he’s a tween now. He is at a new stage of life, forming his own identity and sense of autonomy as a sovereign being. 🤯 Big Transition for Everyone Teenagers (and pre-teens) are already navigating hormones, identity shifts, and big emotions. When you add separation or divorce into the mix… it can become overwhelming for everyone. That’s why in this new episode of Untying the Knot, I sit down with mediator Colette Fortin from Fairway Divorce Solutions (Kitchener–Waterloo) to talk about practical ways to support your teen through this transition. Here’s what we get into: How to break the news to your teen without emotional overloadIf (and how) to ask for their input on living arrangementsBalancing structure and flexibility for older teensWhat to do if your teen refuses therapy or doesn’t want to see the other parentIntroducing new partners, navigating graduations, and how to keep your teen out of the crossfireIf you’re lying awake wondering,“Is my teen really okay?”This episode will give you grounding, language, and tools you can use right away. And if you want more practical tips, Colette also created a short guide for parents navigating separation with teens. 👉 Read it here: A parent’s guide to divorce and teenagers: supporting adolescents through family change https://fairwaydivorce.com/resources/blog/a-parent-s-guide-to-divorce-and-teenagers-supporting-adolescents-through-family-change/

    48 min
  3. #16. Beyond Burnout: The Hidden Costs of Divorce and Single Parenting with Lyndsay Cormier

    08/16/2025

    #16. Beyond Burnout: The Hidden Costs of Divorce and Single Parenting with Lyndsay Cormier

    Summer is supposed to feel light and joyful, right? But I’ll be honest: this summer has left me completely burned out. Two kids.Daily camp drop-offs and pickups (sometimes at two different locations). Travel. Birthday parties. Weekend beach trips.And a calendar that never seems to pause. What finally gave it away? My temper. I was snapping at my kids more than usual. Constantly tired, always rushing and feeling ineffective in all areas.  It reminded me of the old me. That Lisa — during divorce and long after —  just kept pushing and producing. “If I could just do more, everything would be okay.” Cue my inner dialogue… Ohhhhhhh, how much I wish I were right.  Here’s what I’ve learned (the hard way): You can’t hustle your way out of burnout.You have to feel, pause, reset and learn to care for yourself before everything else falls apart. So this month, I told the hardcore A-type Lisa:“Lower your expectations… on Lisa.” Yup, I talk to myself all the time. August has been soul-nurturing so far: 🧘 A three-day silent meditation retreat at a monastery 🚶‍♀️ A 24-hour Truth Walking Women retreat with my coach Dave ☀️ A one-day yoga and meditation retreat with my spiritual teacher Mandy Not to escape. But to intentionally create space to listen within and come back to myself. Because if I don’t… I won’t be able to truly show up for my kids, my clients, or myself. Yes, staying in burnout has a huge cost.  That’s why this week on Untying the Knot, I invited Burnout Recovery Coach Lyndsay Cormier to talk about burnout: In this powerful conversation, we explore: What burnout really is Why does it often start during divorce and deepen in solo parenting What to do if you’re already burned out  Whether you’re in the thick of divorce, raising kids alone, or quietly drowning under the weight of “doing it all,” this episode is for you.

    51 min
  4. #15. What No One Tells You About Divorce Grief with Margaret Dennis

    06/25/2025

    #15. What No One Tells You About Divorce Grief with Margaret Dennis

    Last Friday, my daughter stood on stage, beaming with pride at her Junior Kindergarten graduation. She was so happy. So proud.One of those sweet, fleeting milestones you want to hold onto forever. And for just a couple of seconds… a wave of sadness came over me. Her father wasn’t there. Again. He chose to step away from their lives completely. And while I’ve done a lot of healing over the years, there are still moments—quiet, unexpected moments—where grief taps me on the shoulder. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t demand. It just lingers, quietly, in the background of a joyful moment. This is divorce grief. It’s complicated. It’s layered. And it often catches us off guard, even long after the papers are signed. That’s why I sat down with Margaret Dennis, a holistic grief coach and multiple grief survivor, to talk about the kind of grief no one prepares us for. 🎧 In this episode, we talk about: The difference between grief after death and grief after divorce How to know if you’re still stuck in grief (even years later) How grief shows up — whether you left or were left And how to start healing… not by forcing, but by allowing Whether your marriage ended last week or five years ago — if you’ve ever thought “Why am I still sad?” or “Shouldn’t I be over this by now?” — this episode is for you. 🎁 Special offer from Margaret:Book a free 30-minute grief coaching session (just mention the podcast) → https://calendly.com/evolvcoaching/30-minute-coaching-callFollow me for inspiration and tips on how to reinvent yourself through divorce:📸 Instagram🌐 Facebook▶️ YouTube I'm here to support you in turning chaos into clarity and creating a life you love! 💪✨

    43 min
  5. #14. Why Mindset Matters in Your Divorce with Kayleigh Kennedy

    06/07/2025

    #14. Why Mindset Matters in Your Divorce with Kayleigh Kennedy

    A few days ago, I opened up my journal and found this one-line entry from May 10, 2021: "Meeting with the mediator. I am not a victim. Control what I can." Reading it brought tears to my eyes. I was in the thick of it—pregnant, postpartum, heartbroken, and overwhelmed by the emotional and legal chaos of divorce. At the time, I didn’t even realize how stuck I was in survival mode.But that one sentence marked a quiet turning point.It was the moment I chose to lead my divorce, rather than letting it lead me. That’s why I sat down with business and mindset coach Kayleigh Kennedy to explore how mindset shapes every part of the divorce journey—and why it’s one of the most powerful shifts we can make when everything feels out of control. 💡 In this episode, we talk about: How to stop reacting and start responding with intention Why indecision quietly erodes your self-worth during divorce What it really means to rebuild your identity and confidence from the inside out Kayleigh also opened up about how her mindset work became a lifeline for her and her family during her son’s cancer treatment—a powerful reminder that this inner work goes far beyond divorce. 💗 And one of my favourite takeaways from Kayleigh? “You can’t outperform the image you hold of yourself.” Because divorce, while painful, is also a rare opportunity to come home to your true, authentic self. If you’re contemplating “should I stay or go”, stuck in divorce legal limbo, or simply trying to find your footing again after divorce… I hope this episode brings you clarity and hope. Follow Kayleigh on Instagram Follow me for inspiration and tips on how to reinvent yourself through divorce:📸 Instagram🌐 Facebook▶️ YouTube I'm here to support you to turn the chaos into clarity and create a life you love! 💪✨

    49 min
  6. #13. Reclaim Your Glow Through Divorce: Skincare Tips with Emilie Scissons

    05/29/2025

    #13. Reclaim Your Glow Through Divorce: Skincare Tips with Emilie Scissons

    When I was going through my divorce, I barely washed my face.No, seriously. My skin, my hair, my joy… all of it took a backseat. Survival came first. But over time, I learned something:✨ Taking care of your skin is not superficial.✨ It’s one of the first ways you start coming back to yourself. In this week’s episode of Untying the Knot, I’m joined by my dear friend Emilie Scissons, founder of Sugar Savvy Beauty Boutique, to talk about: 💆‍♀️ How skincare can become a ritual of healing🧴 What products and routines work even when time and money are tight🧖‍♀️ The power of mini moments — facials, masks, even a clean pillowcase👨‍🦰 And yes — why men need skincare too (especially before re-entering the dating world 😉) One of my favourite moments?When Emilie shared how a client going through divorce said, “I’m starting to feel like me again.”That’s the real glow-up. 🎧 Tune in and treat yourself — even if it’s just five quiet minutes with your moisturizer. Book an appointment at SugarSavvy. Use the discount code 'CoachLisa20' to receive 20% off all services.  Follow me for inspiration and tips on how to reinvent yourself through divorce:📸 Instagram🌐 Facebook▶️ YouTubeI'm here to support you to turn the chaos into clarity and create a life you love! 💪✨

    30 min
  7. #12. Divorce Finances 101 with Carlton Benjamin

    05/02/2025

    #12. Divorce Finances 101 with Carlton Benjamin

    This conversation delves into the financial complexities individuals face during and after divorce. Carlton Benjamin, a financial security advisor, and Divorce Coach Lisa share insights on managing emotions, long-term planning, and the importance of life insurance. The discussion covers various financial aspects, including investment accounts, pensions, and tax implications, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to rebuilding financial stability post-divorce. We also tackle practical, often-overlooked questions like: ➡️ What to do with joint life insurance after separation ➡️ How to handle RESP contributions when co-parenting ➡️ Tax traps to avoid when dividing RRSPs, selling property, or receiving spousal support ☑️ How to split pensions and retirement accounts without triggering penalties ☑️ What "irrevocable beneficiary" really means—and why it matters ☑️ How to rebuild your financial foundation after divorce If the money side of divorce is stressing you out, or you’re unsure what you don’t know... 🎧 This episode is for you. P.S. Follow Carlton on Instagram @father0fsky3 for more practical tips on building financial security, understanding insurance, and protecting your future. Follow me for inspiration and tips on how to reinvent yourself through divorce: 📸 Instagram 🌐 Facebook ▶️ YouTube

    43 min
  8. #11. Why Your Kids Might Need Therapy During Divorce with Josh Rinz

    04/15/2025

    #11. Why Your Kids Might Need Therapy During Divorce with Josh Rinz

    In this conversation, Divorce Coach, Lisa Gu and Therapist, Josh Rinz, discuss the complexities of navigating children's therapy during divorce. They explore various types of therapy suitable for children, signs of distress to look for, and the misconceptions children may have about divorce. The importance of communication, providing security, and the impact of parental conflict on children are emphasized. They also address how to encourage children to engage in therapy, the significance of community support, and the need for parents to give themselves grace during this challenging time. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Divorce: Concerns for Children's Well-Being 02:21 Types of Therapy for Children 06:27 Recognizing Signs of Distress in Children 10:18 Understanding Children's Fears During Divorce 14:23 Communicating with Children About Divorce 18:28 Parental Conflict and Its Impact on Children 22:24 Effective Communication Strategies for Parents 26:14 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Parenting During Divorce 28:39 Navigating Parental Love in Divorce 35:58 Long-Term Perspectives on Parenting 37:01 The Importance of Therapy for Children 48:43 Building a Supportive Community for Kids 53:15 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting P.S. Follow Josh on Instagram @joshrinztherapy for more wisdom on parenting, mental health, and neurodivergence. P.P.S. My group coaching program, Chaos to Clarity, covers practical strategies to support your children and stepchildren during divorce. Sign up by April 18 for your first month at 50% off!

    44 min
See All (18)

About

Welcome to Untying the Knot, your go-to podcast for all things divorce. We're here to share stories and strategies to help you untangle the knots in your divorce, so you can navigate it with confidence and clarity and build the life you desire.

Information