Intentional Divorce Insights

Leah Hadley, AFC, CDFA, MAFF

The Intentional Divorce Insights Podcast offers concise, expert advice on managing the emotional and financial complexities of divorce, blending legal insights with personal stories for a balanced, mindful approach.

  1. Why Women Stay Financially Stuck After Divorce (And How to Break Free)

    6D AGO

    Why Women Stay Financially Stuck After Divorce (And How to Break Free)

    In this episode, Leah Hadley dives into a topic that breaks her heart—and one she sees time and time again: capable, intelligent women feeling financially stuck after finalizing their divorce. Key Takeaways: - Why Financial Stagnation Happens: Leah Hadley explains that staying stuck isn’t about a lack of knowledge—most women know what they should be doing—it’s about what’s happening beneath the surface after divorce. - Five Main Reasons Women Stay Financially Stuck: Decision fatigue after lengthy, emotionally loaded choices. Identity shift from financial decisions as a couple to doing it solo. Fear disguised as procrastination, making it easier to avoid money matters. Lack of support and accountability, especially since money isn’t talked about openly. The shame spiral, where feeling stuck leads to self-blame and even more avoidance. - How To Break Free: Leah Hadley offers five practical, empathetic guidance for moving forward:  Acknowledge where you are and break the shame spiral. Start small—even one tiny financial action makes a difference. Create consistent touchpoints, like joining Leah’s free live show, "Intentional Money Moves," every Tuesday at noon ET on YouTube. Get support and accountability (learn about "The Empowered Sisterhood" community for ongoing encouragement and real answers). Rewrite your story; focus on progress and learning rather than perfection. Action Step for Listeners: Take just one small financial action this week—open an account, track your expenses, join the community, or show up for the live show. Break out of inertia and build momentum, no matter how small the step feels. Resources Mentioned:  Intentional Money Moves live show: Tuesdays at noon ET, free, interactive, and found on the "Watch Her Thrive" YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@watchherthrive  The Empowered Sisterhood: Membership program for women navigating financial transitions, now only $59/month. https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood  Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

    14 min
  2. Broken to Brave: Healing After Intimate Betrayal and Finding Strength Again

    JAN 27

    Broken to Brave: Healing After Intimate Betrayal and Finding Strength Again

    Welcome to another insightful episode of Intentional Divorce Insights, hosted by Leah Hadley! Today’s guest is the inspiring Tammy Gustafson, a trauma-informed licensed professional counselor, coach, and speaker known for her work in betrayal healing. Tammy is also the founder and CEO of Betrayal Healing and Live Free Counseling, host of the annual Betrayal Healing Conference, and author of the newly released book Broken to Brave: Your Courageous Act of Healing After Intimate Betrayal. Key Takeaways: - Tammy’s New Book: Tammy shares her personal motivation for writing Broken to Brave,Your Courageous Act of Healing After Intimate Betrayal, emphasizing its role as a practical companion for women healing after betrayal. She discusses the journey from feeling "broken" to becoming "brave" and likens the process to creating a beautiful mosaic out of life’s shattered pieces. - Phases of Betrayal Healing: Tammy outlines her four betrayal healing phases, grounded in both personal experience and clinical practice: The Reveal, Rumble, Relationship Direction, and Reclaiming Self. - Where Women Get Stuck: Common challenges include obsession over trust and forgiveness too early in the process, being consumed by the decision to stay or leave, and struggling to fully engage with grief (especially anger vs. sadness). - Building Resilience & Strength: Tammy observes that resilience comes from facing pain head-on, honoring your experience, and choosing to be intentional about your healing. Community support and making meaning are foundational to moving forward. - Actionable Advice for Listeners: Honoring Self-worth, Getting Safe Help, One Thing at a Time and Patience  - The Betrayal Healing Conference: Tammy’s annual free conference offers a supportive community and expert talks designed to empower and encourage anyone recovering from betrayal and/or divorce. REGISTER HERE: https://greatlakesdfs--betrayalhealing.thrivecart.com/all-access-pass/ Resources Mentioned: Broken to Brave, Your Courageous Act of Healing After Intimate Betrayal by Tammy Gustafson –      Buy it on Amazon HERE Betrayal Healing Conference – Five days of free, expert-led workshops and panels  REGISTER HERE: https://greatlakesdfs--betrayalhealing.thrivecart.com/all-access-pass/  Listen to Tammy's previous guest appearance on Intentional Divorce Insights: Navigating The Aftermath of Betrayal Connect with Tammy Gustafson: Websites: www.tammygustafson.com and Live Free Counseling IG: @tammylgustafson Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

    23 min
  3. Anchoring Your Divorce Decision: How to Protect Yourself from Doubt, Pressure, and Judgment

    JAN 21

    Anchoring Your Divorce Decision: How to Protect Yourself from Doubt, Pressure, and Judgment

    In this empowering episode, host Leah Hadley welcomes certified life coach and cultural strategist Joni Woods to share her deeply personal journey through divorce, how she found clarity and anchored her decision, and her passion for helping others build emotionally safe connections after significant life changes. Key Takeaways: - Joni’s Journey: Joni Woods discusses her transition from youth and young adult pastor to life coach after her own divorce, and why she expanded her work into the corporate space to help people strengthen all types of relationships. - Protecting the Divorce Decision: Both Leah Hadley and Joni Woods explore the emotional weight, social judgment, and self-doubt that often follow the choice to divorce. Joni shares how she found “anchors” to stay grounded, from her personal experiences in counseling to lessons from her faith. - Navigating Outside Pressure and Building Boundaries: The conversation covers practical strategies for resisting outside opinions and not feeling compelled to validate decisions to others, especially when it comes to children and co-parenting. - Rebuilding Self-Trust: Joni Woods talks about the step-by-step process of rebuilding self-trust after betrayal or difficult relationships, and offers compassionate advice for giving yourself grace during the healing process. - Relationship with Faith Post-Divorce: Joni Woods shares candidly about losing her church community after her divorce, how acceptance and judgment can differ from place to place, and why her faith ultimately remained strong despite the challenges. - Creating a New Life: Learn how to move from defending your divorce decision to embracing the exciting process of rebuilding and self-discovery. Joni Woods highlights the joy and freedom that can come with designing your life on your own terms Resources: Joni’s Book: “Burned, Blocked, and Better Than Ever”—offering it for FREE to listeners who connect and share their stories. Simply fill out the section for the Transformation Roadmap https://joniwoods.com/ Connect with Joni Woods: Website: https://joniwoods.com/ Email: authorjoniwoods@gmail.com  IG: @authorjoniwoods LI: joniwoods Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

    27 min
  4. From Rock Bottom to Reinvention: A Journey of Financial Healing and Soul-Led Success

    JAN 13

    From Rock Bottom to Reinvention: A Journey of Financial Healing and Soul-Led Success

    In this inspiring episode, Leah Hadley welcomes visionary entrepreneur and bestselling author Maria Fontana to share her powerful story of reinvention after divorce. From building a multi-six-figure salon business at an early age to facing intense personal and financial struggles during her marriage and overcoming $700,000 in debt, Maria’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of inner work. Maria discusses the challenges of leaving a dysfunctional marriage, breaking generational patterns, and starting over both personally and professionally. She highlights the importance of trusting your intuition, creating safe spaces for connection, and embracing self-compassion during difficult seasons. Key Takeaways: - Maria’s Early Career & Marriage: Starting a thriving business at 19, navigating cultural and familial expectations, and the impact of marrying to please others. - Recognizing When to Take Action: Maria’s experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and reaching a tipping point after years of financial and emotional turmoil. - Breaking Free & Rebuilding: Facing financial devastation including repossessed cars and lost homes, Maria shares step-by-step how she rebuilt her life, career, and self-confidence. - The Power of Inner Work: How faith, self-trust, and supportive mentors helped Maria move past shame and embarrassment to reinvent her life. She details how embracing your intuition and energy can guide safe relationships and new opportunities. - Season of Reinvention: Maria’s work today as an integrative healing practitioner and coach, helping entrepreneurs and leaders honor themselves and design their next season with soul alignment. - Practical Advice: Insights on recognizing safe support systems, setting boundaries, trusting your gut, and focusing on personal resources to move forward after divorce. Special VIP Audio Thread Access: Email Maria directly at maria@mariafontanan.com for free access to her exclusive insights and resources. Connect with Maria Fontana: Website: www.mariafontana.com  Email: maria@mariafontana.com  IG: @mariafontanaconsulting  FB: MFConsulting LI: Maria Fontana Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/  YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights  Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

    33 min
  5. 8 Great Things Divorce Does for Women: Finding Freedom, Confidence & Joy After Divorce

    JAN 6

    8 Great Things Divorce Does for Women: Finding Freedom, Confidence & Joy After Divorce

    Welcome to another uplifting episode of Intentional Divorce Insights, hosted by Leah Hadley and featuring special guest Jackie Pilossoph, founder of Divorced Girl Smiling. This episode dives deep into the unexpected silver linings that can come from a divorce, focusing on empowerment, reinvention, self-discovery, and the importance of building a supportive community. Key Takeaways: - The Good That Can Come from Divorce: Jackie Pilossoph and Leah Hadley discuss how divorce can be a catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth, even in the face of fear, shame, and uncertainty. - Financial Independence & Empowerment: The journey from financial fear to confidence is explored, including practical steps like opening bank accounts and managing investments for the first time.  - Re-entering the Workforce: Jackie shares her experience of returning to work after divorce and how it led to increased confidence, new friendships, and a sense of accomplishment. - Rebuilding Confidence After Divorce: A candid conversation about how divorce inevitably impacts self-esteem, but also opens the door for self-love, therapy, coaching, and rediscovering passions. - The Power of Community and Friendships: Jackie offers practical tips for overcoming loneliness after divorce: start by befriending one person, join communities or classes aligned with your interests, and make a habit of getting out of the house—even for simple activities like coffee or a walk. - New Opportunities for Love and Partnership: The episode explores how divorce creates the possibility of finding a more compatible partner—and how sometimes, the post-divorce partner better fits each person’s lifestyle and values.  Connect with Jackie Pilossoph: Website: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/  Email: jpilossoph@gmail.com  IG: @Divorced_Girl_Smiling FB: Divorced Girl Smiling LI:  jackie-pilossoph-0851814 Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights   Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

    25 min
  6. Smart Divorce Decisions: How to Think Clearly When Emotions Take Over

    12/30/2025

    Smart Divorce Decisions: How to Think Clearly When Emotions Take Over

    In this insightful episode, host Leah Hadley welcomes Karen Covy—a “recovering lawyer,” respected divorce coach, mediator, author, and podcaster—to dive deep into decision making throughout the divorce journey. Together, they unpack the emotional and practical complexities of divorce, highlighting the value of intentional, empowered choices from the moment the idea of divorce surfaces through to life beyond the settlement. Key Take Aways: - How to Make Empowered Divorce Decisions: Karen Covy shares her unique exercises for identifying your values and priorities, and how to anchor your decision making—even when things feel emotionally overwhelming and fast-paced. -The Importance of Intentionality Discover: Why stepping back and determining your big-picture goals early can help protect your peace and financial future, even when decisions are being made under pressure. - Mindset and Moving Forward: The conversation explores the powerful mindset shift required to view divorce as a chapter—not your defining moment—and strategies to avoid common regrets. - Communicating with Adult Children: Karen provides compassionate coaching for parents facing tough conversations with adult children and explains why clear boundaries and loving honesty are vital. - Becoming the CEO of Your Divorce: Learn why you—not your attorney—are in charge of your divorce’s direction, and how assembling the right professional team (without overspending) creates the best path to your desired outcome. - Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Leah and Karen discuss the financial pitfalls often missed without early expert help, and why getting advice too late can not only increase stress but also escalate legal and emotional battles. Resources Mentioned: Free download: One-page Divorce Process Comparison Chart: https://karencovy.com/freechart/ Connect with Karen Covy: Website: www.karencovy.com  Email: Karen@karencovy.com  IG: @karencovylawyer FB: @Karen A Covy TikTok: @karen.covy Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/  YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights  Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.  For more valuable insights on navigating divorce with intention and clarity, be sure to subscribe to Intentional Divorce Insights and leave a review to help others discover empowering divorce. resources.

    31 min
  7. The Hidden Costs of Divorce You Need to Know Before Moving Forward

    12/23/2025

    The Hidden Costs of Divorce You Need to Know Before Moving Forward

    Welcome to a brand new season of Intentional Divorce Insights! In this powerful solo episode, Leah Hadley—certified divorce financial analyst and founder of Intentional Divorce Solutions—invites listeners to move beyond the “clinical” conversations around divorce and explore the unseen, often unspoken, costs that truly impact those going through this life change. If you’re facing divorce and feeling overwhelmed or isolated, this episode is for you. Leah Hadley compassionately illuminates the five most devastating hidden costs of divorce—beyond what’s found on a legal bill—arming you with awareness so you can better protect yourself, your family, and your future. Key Takeaways: The “Quiet Thieves” of Divorce: Hidden costs that extend beyond legal fees and settlements. Social Fallout: How friendships and family dynamics often fracture, leading to profound isolation at your most vulnerable. Career Impact: Why divorce can quietly stall your professional life and what to watch for at work. Financial Surprises: From asset appraisals to new living expenses and changes in insurance and tax status, it’s not just about the attorney's invoice. Effects on Children: The long-term emotional toll on kids, especially in high-conflict splits. Your Health Matters: How lingering, chronic stress from a difficult divorce impacts both emotional and physical well-being. How to Prepare: Steps you can take now for emotional, financial, and practical readiness—including leaning on support systems and seeking professional guidance. Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/  YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights  Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.  For more valuable insights on navigating divorce with intention and clarity, be sure to subscribe to Intentional Divorce Insights and leave a review to help others discover empowering divorce resources.

    22 min
  8. Your Financial Fresh Start After Divorce: How to Step Into 2026 With Clarity and Intention

    12/02/2025

    Your Financial Fresh Start After Divorce: How to Step Into 2026 With Clarity and Intention

    In this heartfelt and practical solo episode, Leah Hadley, certified divorce financial analyst and founder of Intentional Divorce Solutions, wraps up Season 4 with a powerful discussion on embracing a financial fresh start after divorce. As the year ends, Leah invites listeners to reflect, reset, and take intentional steps toward a confident and empowered 2026. Key Topics Covered: - Season Reflection & Gratitude: Leah Hadley expresses deep thanks to both longtime and new listeners, reflecting on the emotional breakthroughs and practical guidance shared throughout the season. - Why December is a Powerful Time to Reset: Discover why early December provides a unique opportunity for clarity and reflection, especially after a significant life transition like divorce. - Steps to a Financial Fresh Start: Review Your Finances: Honest tips for reviewing where your money really went this year, identifying surprises, and assessing changing priorities post-divorce. - Reset Your Earnings Power and Career Direction: Leah discusses how divorce impacts career confidence and earnings, and why it's okay (and powerful!) to want and ask for more. - Prioritize Your Emotional Bandwidth: Learn how your emotional wellness is tied to your financial well-being and the importance of seeking support instead of going it alone. - Common Post-Divorce Planning Mistakes: Leah Hadley highlights pitfalls such as waiting until January to make changes, setting goals without understanding your true cash needs, and underestimating the value of support. - Guided Reflection Exercise: Leah leads listeners through thoughtful questions to help assess what they’re proud of, what drained them, and what kind of support and decisions can create more ease moving into the new year. Special Workshop Invitation: A FREE LIVE WEBINAR If you’re seeking to boost your earnings or shift your career in 2026, Leah invites you to the free "Earn With Intention" workshop, co-hosted with career expert Cindy Haba. Monday, December 8, 2025 7:00 PM EST Register HERE: https://www.watchherthrive.co/earn-with-intention  Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/  YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights  Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

    25 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The Intentional Divorce Insights Podcast offers concise, expert advice on managing the emotional and financial complexities of divorce, blending legal insights with personal stories for a balanced, mindful approach.

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