Livd Divorce Stories

Livd

Breakups suck—but your comeback story? That’s where the magic happens. Livd Divorce Stories is the go-to podcast for Black and Brown women navigating divorce, co-parenting, and healing. Expect raw truths, emotional breakthroughs, expert tips, and unfiltered conversations on everything from finances to finding yourself again. Whether you're crying on the bathroom floor or laughing with friends, we’re here for it all. Real stories. Real support. Real glow-ups. Welcome to Livd Divorce Stories: The messy, beautiful truth about starting over.

  1. Beginning Again, Again: When Life Leaves You Stuck and Starting Over Feels Impossible

    JAN 22 · BONUS

    Beginning Again, Again: When Life Leaves You Stuck and Starting Over Feels Impossible

    Anyone else have a really tough December and struggle to find the strength to start again, again? Well, if this is you, take a listen to this episode. Welcome to Season 3 of Livd Divorce Stories. We're kicking off 2026 with raw honesty about what it really takes to begin again when life leaves you feeling stuck, frozen, and overwhelmed. December was hard, and instead of powering through with forced resolutions, this episode is about acknowledging when you're paralyzed and finding the courage to take even the smallest step forward. This isn't a pep talk. It's a breath. An exhale. A reminder that beginning again starts with a quiet mental decision, not a dramatic movie montage. Whether you're recovering from a relationship shift, an unexpected diagnosis, a deferred dream, or just the weight of life life-ing, you'll find practical tools for getting unstuck. From the power of a simple shower to the wisdom of half steps, this episode walks you through how to move forward when you don't have the strength for giant leaps. You'll hear about the mental decision that sparks change, the importance of motion (even when it's just a crawl), and why kindness to yourself isn't a luxury, it's a strategy for survival. Because starting over isn't about strength. Sometimes it's just about remembering what carried you through before and going back there, one gentle step at a time. 3 Key Takeaways: Soft Decisions Still Count: Beginning again starts with a mental decision, even if it's just a whisper. You don't need a dramatic breakthrough, just a quiet recognition that you can't stay where you are. That decision, even when shaky, is movement. Half Steps Are Holy: Progress doesn't have to be perfect. A shower, a journal entry, crying in the car but still showing up, being honest when someone asks how you are, these aren't small wins, they're THE wins. Motion, even slow motion, creates momentum. Kindness Is a Strategy, Not a Luxury: Giving yourself grace isn't weakness, it's wisdom. When fear gets loud, call it out, but don't let it keep you stuck. Avoidance strengthens the fear circuit, but gentle forward motion sets you free. Books Discussed In This Episode The Bible Make Room For Joy Join the Livd Community:⁠⁠ https://www.livd.co/membership⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Livd Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://www.livd.co/newsletter⁠⁠ Need Guidance? Learn about coaching packages here: ⁠⁠https://www.livd.co/coaching⁠⁠ Connect with Livd Stories: IG: @livdstories Website: ⁠⁠https://www.livd.co/⁠

    21 min
  2. Nobody's Coming to Save You: Reclaiming Your Identity After Loss with Monique Carkum Edwards

    12/16/2025

    Nobody's Coming to Save You: Reclaiming Your Identity After Loss with Monique Carkum Edwards

    What happens when everything you built your identity on—your marriage, your title, your carefully constructed life—falls apart? In this raw and transformative conversation, host Liv Lewis sits down with Monique Carkum Edwards, Esq., corporate attorney, pastor, and author of "The Snatchback," to explore the messy middle of separation, divorce, and life transitions. After experiencing her own divorce in 2020 and a career-shaking layoff in 2024, Liv knows firsthand what it means to lose your anchor. Together, Liv & Monique dismantle the illusion that our worth is tied to roles like wife, mother, or executive, and reveal the dangerous equation society teaches us: do the right things, check the boxes, achieve happiness. This episode tackles the uncomfortable truths about identity crisis, grief without timelines, and why the people who broke you aren't coming back to fix you. Monique introduces a groundbreaking framework distinguishing purpose (what you can't help doing), calling (the container for your purpose), and assignment (the temporary role or title)—explaining why your purpose is portable, even when everything else falls away. 5 Livd Truths for the Journey You Are Not Your Job Title: Your purpose isn’t your position. Your assignment may change, but your purpose travels with you. Know the difference between your purpose, your calling, and your role—and don’t confuse any of them with your identity.Be Your Own Hero: Waiting for an apology or a rescue? Don’t. Healing begins when you decide it’s time. The people who hurt you won’t fix it. You can—and you will.Grief Doesn’t Clock Out: Grief moves in spirals, not straight lines. You’ll loop back before you leap forward. Let yourself feel it all. And find those who can sit with you in silence, not rush your healing.Soul Work Before the Next Chapter: Before you jump into “what’s next,” tend to what’s now. Your soul needs care—journal, pray, cry, breathe. The glow-up starts inside.You Weren’t Fired—You Were Launched: Sometimes the shake-up is divine. That “loss” was an induction into your next level. Disruption can be delivery in disguise. Books Discussed In This Episode: The Snatch Back: Reclaiming Your Life One TruthA Hand To Hold Connect With Monique: IG: @moniquecarkumedwards Join the Livd Community:⁠ https://www.livd.co/membership⁠ Subscribe to the Livd Newsletter: ⁠https://www.livd.co/newsletter⁠ Need Guidance? Learn about coaching packages here: ⁠https://www.livd.co/coaching⁠ Connect with Livd Stories: IG: @livdstories Website: ⁠https://www.livd.co/

    58 min
  3. My Divorce Saved My Life: Jaye Wilson’s Journey from Isolation to Self-Discovery

    11/11/2025

    My Divorce Saved My Life: Jaye Wilson’s Journey from Isolation to Self-Discovery

    What do you do when staying in your marriage feels like losing yourself? Jaye Wilson knows that breaking point intimately. Behind what looked like a stable marriage was emotional abandonment, isolation, and a woman slowly disappearing. In this powerful episode, Jaye shares the moment she stood at a crossroads—literally contemplating stepping into traffic—and chose herself instead. This isn't just a divorce story. It's a roadmap for women who feel trapped, unseen, and questioning if they'll ever feel whole again. 🎧 In this episode, Jaye reveals: The red flags she missed (and why hindsight showed her the marriage was doomed from the start)How emotional neglect shows up in everyday moments—and why it's a valid reason to leaveThe turning point: When her kids told her "Mommy, you glow different now"Practical steps for planning your exit when you feel stuck financially or emotionallyHow divorce became her rebirth—not a failure, but the beginning of her real lifeFinding your worth beyond wife and mother: Jaye's journey to building Melanated Moms and reclaiming her identity This episode is for you if you're: Feeling emotionally abandoned in your marriageStruggling with the guilt of wanting to leaveWorried about how divorce will affect your childrenSearching for divorce support and healing resourcesReady to choose yourself but don't know where to startJaye reminds us: Your starting point doesn't determine your destination—you do. Resources mentioned:Melinated Moms community: melanatedmoms.com Connect with Jaye: IG @melinatedmom Join the Livd Community: https://www.livd.co/membership Subscribe to the Livd Newsletter: https://www.livd.co/newsletter Need Guidance? Learn about coaching packages here: https://www.livd.co/coaching Connect with Livd Stories: IG: @livdstories Website: https://www.livd.co/

    1h 12m
  4. How I Found My Soul Husband After Divorce, Cheating & Rock Bottom with Shilpa Cacho

    10/28/2025

    How I Found My Soul Husband After Divorce, Cheating & Rock Bottom with Shilpa Cacho

    What if your deepest heartbreak cracked you open to the love you never thought you deserved? In this no-filter conversation, love coach Shilpa Cacho gets radically honest about her journey from a rule-following “good Indian girl” to a woman who walked away from the marriage, family expectations, and identity that once defined her. After infidelity, shame, and hitting spiritual rock bottom, Shilpa rebuilt everything—starting with herself. She moved across the country, faced the silence of disconnection, did the deep healing work most people avoid, and came out the other side in a soul-level love with a man eight years younger—and zero family approval. This isn’t a fairy tale. It’s a gritty, gorgeous reminder that it’s never too late to start again. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too broken, too complicated, or too late for love—this episode is your permission slip to hope again. Takeaways Why healing your inner child and nervous system is key to attracting emotionally safe loveHow detachment makes you magnetic in dating (hint: it’s not about “not caring”)The difference between chasing validation and receiving devotionHow to spot (and stop repeating) your relationship karma Why your shame doesn’t make you unlovable—it makes you human Connect with Shilpa: Website: https://www.shilpacacho.com/ IG: @shilpacacho Join The Livd Community: https://www.livd.co/membership Subscribe to the Livd Newsletter: https://www.livd.co/newsletter Need Guidance? Learn about coaching packages here: https://www.livd.co/coaching

    1h 4m
  5. 09/23/2025

    Divorce Mediation for Women of Color: Save Time, Money & Your Peace with Joe Dillon

    Divorce doesn’t have to break you—or your bank. In this powerful and practical episode, we sit down with seasoned divorce mediator Joe Dillon to talk about a smarter, more empowering way to separate: mediation. Especially for Black and brown women who are often sidelined by the legal system, mediation offers a more dignified path forward—one that protects your time, your money, and most importantly, your peace. Joe shares insider tips, busts myths, and breaks down exactly how mediation works, who it’s for, and why more women are choosing this path over court. 3 Takeaways: Mediation = Control + Clarity – You make the decisions, not a judge. Joe breaks down why that’s game-changing. It’s Cheaper, Faster & Kinder – Learn how mediation reduces legal fees, emotional stress, and long delays. It’s Built for Us – For women of color, especially, it’s a way to protect your mental and emotional wellness while reclaiming your power. ABOUT JOE DILLION: Joe is a pioneer in divorce mediation who has been helping couples navigate the end of their marriages with dignity and financial wisdom for over 17 years. As co-founder of Equitable Mediation Services, Joe combines his MBA in Finance with specialized training from Harvard, MIT, and Northwestern University to guide couples toward agreements that protect both their emotional wellbeing and financial futures. His practice covers Washington, California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As a child of divorce who witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of attorney-driven litigation on families, Joe brings personal experience that, combined with his professional expertise, enables him to help couples focus on creating agreements that work for everyone, especially the children. Joe believes divorce doesn't have to be destructive. With the right guidance and expertise, couples can part ways amicably while protecting what matters most. SOCIAL CONNECTION: https://www.instagram.com/equitablemediation/ https://www.facebook.com/equitablemediation https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephfdillon/

    58 min
  6. Stillness, Scars, and the Glow-Up: Redefining Identity After Divorce with Felicia Walker

    06/24/2025

    Stillness, Scars, and the Glow-Up: Redefining Identity After Divorce with Felicia Walker

    In this soul-nourishing episode of Livd Stories, Liv Lewis sits down with beauty maven and industry shapeshifter Felicia Walker to talk about what happens when your titles — wife, fixer, doer — no longer fit. From the quiet power of stillness to the blur of heartbreak, Felicia opens up about her 15-year marriage, the unraveling, the rebirth, and the messy, radiant glow-up that followed. Whether you're mid-divorce, post-divorce, or just rethinking who you are and why — this one is for you. Tune in to hear how Felicia turned exhaustion into wisdom, why letting things "cook" is a radical act of self-care, and what happens when we finally tell the truth — to ourselves. 5 Takeaways for Listeners Stillness Isn’t Stagnation – Learn why doing “nothing” might be the most powerful move you can make when your world feels upside down.Blur is a Blessing – Discover why some moments are meant to be hazy — and how healing often hides in the fog.The Glow-Up is Internal First – Felicia shares how real transformation begins long before the outside world sees it — and what it truly means to redefine your identity on your own terms.You Don’t Need Permission to Evolve – Felicia and Liv break down how shedding old identities isn’t failure — it’s freedom. Especially for Black and brown women, unlearning who we were told to be is part of reclaiming who we really are.Your Pain Has Power – From blurred memories to boardroom wins, hear how sharing your “mistakes” can unlock connection, healing, and even your next big breakthrough. No experience is wasted when you own your truth. Felicia's Book: Your Glow Guide

    1h 3m
  7. Father’s Day, Minus the Card with Liv Lewis

    06/12/2025 · BONUS

    Father’s Day, Minus the Card with Liv Lewis

    Not all stories come with a “World’s Best Dad” mug. As Father’s Day looms, Liv Lewis cracks open a conversation many avoid—but need. This raw, reflective episode gets real about the emotional fallout of growing up without a present or emotionally available father, especially as a Black woman. With signature wit, warmth, and vulnerability, Liv shares her own story—from a “you’ve got the wrong number” first call to her estranged father, to navigating complex emotions with the help of therapy, prayer, and a deep love for her daughter. She weaves in insights from researchers like Abishag Israel Douglas and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford to break down how father absence can echo through our confidence, relationships, and even our drive to succeed. Whether you’re lowkey dreading the holiday or just curious why you never ask for help, this one’s for you. It’s not about blame—it’s about truth, healing, and giving yourself the kind of love you didn’t get. 3 Soul-Hitting Takeaways: Invisible Wounds Are Still Wounds. Father absence doesn’t always look like pain—it can look like overachieving, never needing help, or choosing chaos as comfort. Reparenting Is Real Work. Healing means nurturing your inner child, setting emotional boundaries, and sometimes, forgiving what you never got an apology for. Mentors Matter. Father figures don’t have to be biological. Liv shouts out the uncles, pastors, coaches, and chosen family helping break generational cycles. Book Recommendations : The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner Focuses on breaking unhealthy emotional cycles, especially for women, and reclaiming personal power in relationships. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller Explains how attachment styles—formed in early childhood—impact adult romantic relationships, and how to build more secure connections.

    31 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Breakups suck—but your comeback story? That’s where the magic happens. Livd Divorce Stories is the go-to podcast for Black and Brown women navigating divorce, co-parenting, and healing. Expect raw truths, emotional breakthroughs, expert tips, and unfiltered conversations on everything from finances to finding yourself again. Whether you're crying on the bathroom floor or laughing with friends, we’re here for it all. Real stories. Real support. Real glow-ups. Welcome to Livd Divorce Stories: The messy, beautiful truth about starting over.