The Space Between.

Nicole Sodoma

Attorney & Author, Nicole Sodoma, the marriage-loving divorce attorney, leads informative and encouraging conversations, tips, and anecdotes on separation and divorce, relating her 25 years of experience in counseling and litigating thousands of divorce cases. She is the Founder and Managing Principal of Sodoma Law, the leading family law firm in the Carolinas. She has gained national recognition for her expertise in divorce, custody, and co-parenting, with her insights featured in major media outlets like TODAY, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and The Washington Post. Nicole has been acknowledged as a top attorney and entrepreneur by several regional publications.​ Under her leadership, Sodoma Law has grown to over 50 employees across 7 office locations in two states. She is also a Certified Parenting Coordinator, Certified Collaborative Law Attorney, and an All American Speaker. Additionally, Nicole is the author of "PLEASE DON'T SAY YOU'RE SORRY," a book offering an empowering perspective on marriage, separation, and divorce, released on May 24, 2022.

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  1. Matchmaking & New Relationships

    2월 14일

    Matchmaking & New Relationships

    Nicole interviews Laurie Berssack MSW of Carolina's Matchmaker, about how matchmaking can help people (especially post-divorce) rebuild confidence, get off the apps, and date with more intention. The conversation blends practical dating advice with Nicole’s legal lens on separation/divorce realities and how dating can complicate a case even when it’s technically allowed. Key takeaways 0) The hardest part of matchmaking: unrealistic expectations Lori says many clients come in looking for a “perfect robot” partner—hyper-specific, unrealistic ideals—rather than focusing on the foundational traits that actually make relationships work. When people cling to perfection, they often stay single. 0) “Foundations” matter more than the wish list Lori’s core matching foundations include: Faith / valuesKids (have/want/don’t want)Politics / worldview (especially if someone is strongly aligned)Lifestyle vision (how they want life to look)Temperament compatibility (introvert/extrovert is flexible, foundations are not)0) “Second partner” advice: don’t overcorrect They discuss how many people pursue the opposite of their ex and swing too far. Lori recommends a “rebuild” phase: therapy/self-work, self-care, releasing bitterness, and owning your part in what happened. A major readiness red flag is anger/resentment with no self-reflection. Lori’s core advice: Do the self-work and build confidence (gym, style, wellness, therapy)Use online dating carefully (it can work)Join repeat-exposure environments: charity work, intramural sports, gym, yoga, faith communities—anything where you see the same people regularlyChemistry can grow over time; one date isn’t always enoughNicole adds: go to the same places at the same times to build community post-divorce 0) Dating “rules” and norms (with a lively debate) 10) Love bombing + early red flags They define love bombing as “relationship-speeding” behavior (over-texting, big future plans, intense gestures early). Lori’s advice: Stay open to love, but notice intensityDon’t get emotionally hooked too fastIf it feels off, slow down and gut-check with friendsShe shares an example where intrusive questions early on signaled a problem and she advised her client to end it0) Body/fitness questions + honesty in photos They discuss the reality that people use outdated/edited photos. Lori supports stating preferences like “fit,” but warns against requests like “send more pics” early—she frames that as a red flag and notes modern risks (including AI misuse). Her solution: professional, current photos (including full-length) so there’s no bait-and-switch. 0) Rapid-fire ending: the “one rule” Lori’s #1 rule for choosing a partner: pick someone you feel safe with (physically, emotionally, financially) and attracted to—she says successful couples describe that “safe + attracted” gut feeling.

    42분
  2. The Yoga of Divorce

    2025. 12. 16.

    The Yoga of Divorce

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Nicole Sodoma sits down with long-time friend and wellness guide Johnna Smith to explore the emotional “space between” — that transitional phase between separation, heartbreak, or major life changes, and the renewed sense of self that follows. Together, they explore how holistic practices like yoga, meditation, nutrition, life coaching, and even weightlifting can serve as transformative tools to help people reconnect to their inner clarity, manage anxiety and panic, and build emotional resilience during life’s most uncertain moments. Key Themes & Takeaways 🧠 Emotional Wellness & Panic Recovery Both Nicole and Johnna share their personal experiences with panic attacks, anxiety, and the emotional fog of separation. Janna explains that healing requires first acknowledging difficult emotions—grief, shame, guilt, fear—rather than bypassing them. Forgiveness, she says, comes after grace and inner reckoning. 🧘 The Power of Daily Practices Johnna emphasizes “strong body, strong mind” as her go-to mantra. Physical movement, even simple actions like squats, jumping jacks, or short 3-minute routines, can activate the body’s natural feel-good chemistry (dopamine, serotonin, testosterone) and shift the nervous system out of survival mode. Nicole shares how writing became her own meditative practice during the hardest moments of her separation. 💬 Self-Agency & the Practice of Ahimsa Janna discusses ahimsa, the yogic principle of non-harming, starting with how we treat ourselves. Empowering people to recognize their agency and choices—even in dark times—is at the core of her work. Through visualization, presence, and body-based mindfulness, clients can start to imagine better outcomes and slowly begin to believe in their ability to create them. 🌀 The Brain-Body Connection Citing neuroscience, Janna explains that the brain can’t distinguish between real and imagined events. Visualizing taking steps toward change actually helps rewire the brain for action. The “physiological sigh” (a double inhale followed by a long exhale) is introduced as a 30-second reset tool to calm anxiety and regain clarity—described as a form of micro-meditation. 🧘‍♀️ Guided Visualization Toward the end of the episode, Johnna leads listeners through a gentle, calming visualization practice to build feelings of: Connection Support Confidence Trust in the unknown. Listeners are encouraged to revisit memories of being truly seen and loved—and expand those feelings in their bodies as a way to make grounded, clear choices even in times of upheaval. 🧭 Final Message “You have so much more choice and control than you think—even in the hardest moments.” Johnna reminds us that we can stay high-functioning during low points by caring for our minds and bodies with intention. Her practical and compassionate coaching style meets people exactly where they are, guiding them toward wellness, vitality, and personal power. 🔗 Connect with Johnna Instagram: ⁨@johnnayoga⁩ Website: thrivewisecoach.com, tejashaktiyogaschool.com SODOMALAW.COM

    34분
  3. Love & Dating: the dilemma of a divorce lawyer

    2025. 04. 08.

    Love & Dating: the dilemma of a divorce lawyer

    Love and Dating: The Dilemma of a Divorce Lawyer Guest: Chelsea E. Gajewski In today’s episode, we’re joined by the incredible Chelsea Gajewski. I could easily spend the entire hour raving about her and her accomplishments in the family law world—but today, we’re switching gears and stepping into the dating arena. People often wonder, does being surrounded by divorce give us an almost superhuman insight into relationships? Does it make us better at love, or just more cynical? Truthfully, I’ve seen it all— even in myself. And between the two of us, Chelsea and I have some pretty unique takes on dating and love. Podcast Agenda Introduction A brief introduction to the guest and her backgroundIntroducing the dilemma Dating as a Divorce Attorney So, what do you do for work?Chelsea’s experience in dating Guy that told me stalked an 80 year old man because he thought he hit his car in a YMCA parking lot – CHECK PLEASELast Friday, I lied and told a guy I accidentially left my dog outside so I had to go Hit on by clients…The Dating World (20 minutes)What works & what makes for a funny storyJust going on the dateDon’t text a lot before goingKeep going – DoryPodcasts – Sabrina Zohar LOVE Breakups How does this career affect dating?Most common question I get asked – do you still want to get married? Will you get a prenuptial agreement? Are men intimidated by you and your career?What is the “biggest red flag” that we keep an eye out forHot Topics Popular topics online - Love is Blind new season, shows on Bravo- custody issues, support issues, etc.Chelsea’s takeDating coaches/concierge I AM CONSIDERING SPENDING THE MONEYDiscussion on “The ick” – Nobody Wants This referenceListener Questions and Final Advice Final words of advice and reflection

    34분
  4. Parenting Schedules, Custody Trends, & Practical Tips for Parents

    2025. 02. 03.

    Parenting Schedules, Custody Trends, & Practical Tips for Parents

    Podcast Agenda: Parenting Schedules, Custody Trends, and Practical Tips for Parents 1. Intro - Brief introduction of guest attorney, Penelope Hefner's background and expertise in family law. - Overview of the episode: Focus on parenting schedules, custody trends, and practical tips for parents. 2. Parenting Schedules: Building a Framework - Key Components of Parenting Plans: What makes a good parenting schedule? The difference between “regular” and “special” or “holiday parenting time”? Best practices for dividing significant dates and handling vacations or travel disputes? What are rights of first refusal? What should you pay attention to with these provisions? Tips for customizing schedules based on family dynamics. -Age and Development Considerations: Adapting schedules for infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teens Modifying Custody Orders vs Agreements 3. Custody Trends: What’s Changing? -Shifts Toward Shared Parenting: Are courts moving toward 50/50 arrangements? What factors influence this? Technology’s Role in Custody Arrangements: Virtual visitation and how it’s changing parenting dynamics. Cultural and Social Factors: The impact of societal norms and parental roles on custody decisions. 4. Practical Tips for Parents: Navigating Custody Orders - For Parents Seeking an Initial Custody Order: Preparing for court: Evidence, documentation, and best practices. -For Parents Modifying Custody Orders: Common reasons for modifications and tips for demonstrating a change is in the child’s best interest. -Communication Tools for Co-Parenting: Managing communication, especially in high-conflict situations. Recommended tools or apps to improve collaboration. -Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Mistakes parents make and how to stay focused on the child’s well-being. 5. Mediation vs. Court: Choosing the Right Path -Benefits of Mediation: When is mediation a better option than court? -Balancing Flexibility and Stability: How to maintain structure while adapting to life’s unpredictability. 6. Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents - What’s one key takeaway for parents preparing for or modifying a custody order? - How can parents advocate for their child’s best interests while navigating the legal process and also take care of themselves? - Closing message: Encouragement and resources for parents.

    50분

소개

Attorney & Author, Nicole Sodoma, the marriage-loving divorce attorney, leads informative and encouraging conversations, tips, and anecdotes on separation and divorce, relating her 25 years of experience in counseling and litigating thousands of divorce cases. She is the Founder and Managing Principal of Sodoma Law, the leading family law firm in the Carolinas. She has gained national recognition for her expertise in divorce, custody, and co-parenting, with her insights featured in major media outlets like TODAY, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and The Washington Post. Nicole has been acknowledged as a top attorney and entrepreneur by several regional publications.​ Under her leadership, Sodoma Law has grown to over 50 employees across 7 office locations in two states. She is also a Certified Parenting Coordinator, Certified Collaborative Law Attorney, and an All American Speaker. Additionally, Nicole is the author of "PLEASE DON'T SAY YOU'RE SORRY," a book offering an empowering perspective on marriage, separation, and divorce, released on May 24, 2022.