Send us a text In this episode, the Matty, Valeska & Findel discuss the challenges and experiences of handling holidays through and after divorce. They reflect on their personal stories, including the difficult decisions and emotional turmoil faced during these times. The conversation touches on the importance of boundaries, the process of reducing people-pleasing behaviors, and the inception of new holiday traditions as a form of self-care and growth. The hosts highlight the benefits of ...

Send us a text Valeska welcomes Kim Korven to talk about her life experiences and those of her clients related to coercive control. This episode delves into the emotional complexities of divorce and the common pitfalls people face during conventional legal processes. We discuss the importance of rituals in achieving closure and preventing the victim mentality that can trap individuals in negative cycles. Through personal anecdotes, they highlight the significance of transparency with children...

Send us a text In this episode, the discussion centers around the creation and significance of a 'divorce ritual' as a means for healing and proper closure. Originating from an innovative idea inspired by ancient human rituals, Kim Korven developed this practice designed to help individuals process the emotional and psychological shifts accompanying a divorce. The conversation delves into the importance of having constructive rituals for significant life changes, contrasting traditional divor...

Send us a text In this episode of 'Divorce Dividends,' Valeska interviews Tracy Klein, a board-certified functional medicine health coach and co-founder of Optimized Coaching Solutions and Inspired Health and Wellness. Tracy shares her insights on managing overwhelm, aligning with one's values, and transforming negative emotions into positive action. She also discusses her profound personal journey as a third-generation Holocaust survivor and how it led her to help others thrive rather than j...

Send us a text In this episode, Valeska and Matty dive deeper into the world of post-divorce dating — this time, exploring the wild, weird, and occasionally wonderful world of dating apps. From ghosting to Google Voice numbers, they share real stories, hard-won lessons, and plenty of laughs about what it means to put yourself back out there. In this episode: How dating apps can be both hilarious and humblingTips for staying safe and sane while swiping (hint: Google Voice is your friend)Why ha...

Send us a text So much has changed since we recorded the episode, I felt I should give a BONUS to fill you in on everything with Giselle! As of the end of November, 2025, Giselle had earned her Certified Women's Health Specialist designation! Add this to her long list of accreditations (MS, RDN, LD. Registered Dietitian, Mental Fitness Coach & Corporate Wellness Consultant). She's launching a new program she wanted to share with listeners. So here we are for this bonus episode to gi...

Send us a text In this episode, Valeksa introduces Giselle Ginsberg, a nutritionist who shares about how you can take back control of your energy, mind, and body through nutrition. Giselle explains that it is not about a fad diet or exercise plan. You will learn quick easy tips on how to take back control of your body and mind through food. Listeners are encouraged to download the free Saboteurs Assessment and Giselle’s latest offerings. Check out the links below! 👇 Where to Find Giselle Gins...

Send us a text In this episode, I welcome Summer Howard, a seasoned divorce professional and founder of Parents Ever After and Boulder Divorce Mediation. Summer shares her extensive experience in family law, offering insights into creating effective co-parenting plans. She discusses when to involve children in the planning process, how to handle teenagers who resist parental decisions, and the importance of a flexible and realistic approach to separation. The conversation highlights the emoti...

Send us a text In this episode, I welcome back Sarah Miley, an experienced crisis advocate, trauma healing, and lifestyle design coach. Sarah discusses her IFS (Internal Family Systems) informed approach to trauma healing. She explains the concept of parts work and its relation to self-compassion and healing. We dive into generational trauma and how it affects individuals. Sarah guides Valeska (and you!) in an exercise to help identify and communicate with parts within oneself. Sarah offers l...

Send us a text In this episode, Sarah shares her profound journey of self-discovery post-divorce. Sarah describes how societal and familial expectations led her to live a life that wasn't truly hers and how she eventually realized this disconnect after her divorce. Through this process, she discovered somatic therapy and the importance of understanding and feeling emotions within the body rather than just thinking about them. Sarah highlights her transformative experience in learning to ident...

Send us a text In this lighthearted yet honest episode, Valeska and Matty dive into what it’s really like to date after divorce — the awkward starts, the lessons learned, and the unexpected humor along the way. From parenting plans and mediation mishaps to first-date jitters and post-COVID dating norms, they share their personal experiences navigating love, identity, and authenticity in a whole new chapter of life. In this episode: How divorce reshapes your sense of self — and your dating exp...

Send us a text In this episode, transformational leadership mentor Joy Taylor discusses the importance of maintaining one's authenticity and self-respect within relationships. Joy, a seasoned author and coach, shares insights from her personal experiences, including overcoming two significant relationships to find happiness in her current marriage. Key topics include the significance of blending love and truth, rebuilding self-connection, and the importance of 'courageous conversations.' Joy ...

Send us a text In this episode, financial advisor Phil Weiss shares his personal and professional journey, highlighting how his early life experiences shaped his career in wealth management for women. Phil discusses his commitment to empowering women to take control of their finances, drawing from his personal experiences with financial instability. He explains the concept of registered life planning, its principles, and its importance in achieving financial fulfillment. Key topics include th...

Send us a text THIS EPISODE HAS CONTENT RELATED TO VARIOUS TYPES OF TRAUMA. THIS MAY BE TRIGGERING. PLEASE CONSIDER BEFORE LISTENING. In this episode, we welcome Sarah Miley, a crisis advocate, trauma healing, and lifestyle design coach. Sarah explains the complexities of C-PTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and its impacts on individuals throughout different stages of life. She delves into the mechanisms of trauma, explains why it is not the event itself but the response to it tha...

Send us a text Shanelle van Zyl delves into being 'good enough' rather than perfect with your money. We talk about financial management, exploring personal stories & strategies for smarter spending, investments, & maintaining a healthy money mindset. She shares practical tips emphasizing that self-worth is independent of net worth & financial success. Shanelle van Zyl, Founder of Purse Sense | Financial Wellness Coach for Expat Educators www.purse-sense.com, LinkedIn, Faceb...

Send us a text In this episode of Divorce Dividends, host Valeska Bacon and her companion, Matt, dive into their experiences and reflections on weddings pre and post-divorce. They share personal stories from their own weddings, discuss whether they would remarry, and explore the emotions involved in attending weddings after going through a divorce. The conversation touches on the societal pressures of marriage, the evolution of their views on weddings, and how their past relationships have sh...

Send us a text In this episode of Divorce Dividends, Valeska shares her experience of attending her youngest daughter's high school graduation. She reflects on her emotional preparation, the detailed planning with her daughter, and the unexpected challenges that arose during the event, including last-minute seating arrangements and weather disruptions. ⛈️ Yup. Valeska also discusses the dynamics of interacting with her ex-husband's family and how she managed to maintain composure. She e...

Send us a text In this episode of Divorce Dividends, Valeska interviews Heather Prince, a spiritual relationship coach with over 30 years of experience. Heather specializes in helping women heal after divorce by breaking free from repeating unhealthy relationship patterns. She discusses the importance of reprogramming the 'Love Blueprint,' understanding self-worth, and clearing emotional blocks through techniques like working with the Akashic Records. Heather also leads a calming breathing ex...

Send us a text DD012 | Cost Cutting: How To Streamline Your Story to Save Lawyer Fees In this episode of Divorce Dividends, Valeska Bacon shares invaluable advice on how to save money during legal consultations by making your backstory concise and relevant. She narrates a personal experience to illustrate the importance of providing only the necessary legal facts to your lawyer. Valeska outlines five key steps to prepare a streamlined and effective consultation story. Additionally, she empha...

Send us a text How to Start in the Chaos: Starting with the Fundamentals In this episode, Valeska is joined by Summer Howard, a seasoned divorce coach and founder of Parents Ever After and Boulder Divorce Mediation. While this episode presents information that includes families, you will find such useful information even if you don't have children. Summer shares her extensive experience in the family law field and offers invaluable advice on creating effective co-parenting plans durin...