Season 1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysampson/

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

5 months ago

S1:E3 – CARY JACOBSON "Stop Letting the Court Control Your Divorce"

Divorce doesn’t have to be a courtroom war.

In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Carrie Jacobson, Esq., founder of Jacobson Family Law, to break down a calmer, smarter path forward: mediation and collaborative divorce—so you can protect your peace, reduce conflict for your kids, and reach a durable agreement without letting the court control your timeline.

Carrie shares why litigation often fuels unnecessary stress and delay, what mediators actually do (and don’t do), and the biggest mistakes people make at the start of divorce—like hiring the wrong kind of attorney for the outcome they want. You’ll also learn how to keep emotions from driving legal decisions, how to use the court strategically only when necessary, and why judges respect good-faith efforts to resolve things peacefully.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What mediation and collaborative divorce really mean—and how they differ from litigation Why you should negotiate first (when possible) so the court doesn’t control the pace How to “compartmentalize” emotions so you can negotiate with clarity What to do when your spouse is uncooperative—without instantly escalating the conflict Why the right attorney “fit” matters (and why you should interview before you hire)

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysampson/

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

5 months ago

S1:E4 – DOUG NOLL "The Divorce De-Escalation Playbook (That Works)"

What if you could calm any angry person in 90 seconds—including your ex—without escalating the fight?

In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) interviews Doug Noll, a lawyer-turned-peacemaker who has trained hundreds of thousands of people to de-escalate conflict—from maximum security prisons to high-stakes leadership environments where one wrong conversation can explode.

Doug breaks down why “just breathe” advice often fails in real conflict, and teaches a neuroscience-backed tool he calls the 90-Second Reset Protocol. The core skill is affect labeling: naming emotions out loud to immediately calm your brain and help the other person feel seen—without agreeing, fixing, or defending.

You’ll learn how to: Name your emotions in the moment (“I’m angry…betrayed…terrified…ashamed”) to regain control Use you-statements to de-escalate someone else (“You’re really angry…you feel disrespected…”) Stop getting hooked by the words and treat them like white noise—then reflect the emotion underneath Support kids through divorce by validating emotions (and avoid the damage of invalidation) Practice safely in daily life (Doug’s favorite “lab”: Starbucks) before trying it with your ex

Doug also shares the powerful story behind Prison of Peace, where teaching reflective listening and emotional validation helped transform prison culture—and why these skills can transform families, co-parenting, and high-conflict divorce.

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysampson/

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

5 months ago

S1:E5 – KAREN COVY Recovering Divorce Attorney says "90% of Divorce ISN'T LEGAL. Here why!"

Most people think divorce is “legal.” But according to today’s guest, the law is only about 10% of your divorce—and the other 90% is money, emotions, psychology, and practical life decisions.

In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Karen Covy—divorce coach, mediator, collaborative divorce professional, and “recovering” divorce attorney—to break down how to move through divorce with less conflict, less chaos, and more control.

Karen shares why traditional divorce court often makes no sense (“cross-examine your spouse… then sit next to each other at your kid’s soccer game”), and how to reclaim your power by getting clear on your values, setting a North Star goal, and building the right support team—so you don’t waste thousands paying an attorney to do what a coach or therapist should be doing.

You’ll learn how to:

Stop treating your lawyer like a therapist (and save serious money) Communicate with your attorney without rapid-fire emails (and get better answers than “it depends”) Avoid the expensive mistake of firing your attorney mid-case—and what to do instead Understand legal language so you don’t fight the wrong battles (custody vs. parenting time) Choose your divorce process first (mediation vs. litigation), then hire the attorney who fits that process

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysampson/

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

5 months ago

S1:E6 – KRISTA SHELTON “Stop the Lies: How Forensics Finds Hidden Assets”

If you weren’t “the finance person” in your marriage—and now you’re staring at divorce paperwork thinking, “I don’t even know where anything is”—this episode is for you.

In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Krista Shelton, president and founder of Focused Forensic Solutions and a former IRS Special Agent, to break down how forensic accounting can uncover hidden income, missing documents, manipulated business numbers, and financial red flags that change everything in settlement and support.

Krista explains the difference between a regular accountant and a forensic accountant (think: financial detective), when you do and don’t need forensics, and what to look for if your spouse controls the money—especially when there’s a small business, incomplete bank statements, or a lifestyle that doesn’t match reported income.

You’ll learn:

The biggest red flags Krista sees in divorce (small business manipulation, hidden accounts, missing months) Why bank statements are powerful third-party proof—and how one “small” transaction can expose a new account How forensics can help even at the start of discovery by guiding what to request (especially business bank records) How tax issues can sometimes be used as leverage to reach settlement (without rushing into choices that backfire) Krista’s Red Flag Analysis process: what she reviews, what she flags, and how she equips you with next steps Why “forensic” doesn’t have to mean “out of reach” (Krista shares a flat-fee model based on document volume)

Becky and Krista also talk about a key truth: you don’t need revenge—you need facts. When you have the paperwork, you can negotiate from clarity instead of fear.

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysampson/

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

5 months ago

S1:E7 – SHARNICE KAMELLE PERRY “Domestic Violence & the Courts: How to Build Proof”

In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Florida family-law and estate-planning attorney Sharnice Perry to talk about what most people don’t realize until they’re already in the system: education is power, and your outcome improves when you understand the process, the language, and what evidence actually matters.

Sharnice shares her remarkable journey from answering phones in a law firm as a teenager to working every role in the legal field—receptionist, paralegal, and eventually attorney—while raising eight children and working full-time through law school. Her path took a pivotal turn when her first case out of law school was her own divorce, representing herself pro se. That experience shaped her mission: helping people—especially overwhelmed parents—leave unhealthy marriages in the best possible position and rebuild life on the other side.

Together, Becky and Sharnice cover how to set realistic expectations, how to advocate for yourself (even if you have an attorney), and what to do if domestic violence is part of the story—especially the importance of documenting incidents and including key details early in filings.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why Sharnice says in divorce, “no one truly wins”—and what “justice” looks like in real life The importance of understanding legal language and managing expectations (not TV, friends, or the internet) What to do when you feel overwhelmed at the start—and the “don’ts” that can protect your case (including social media) Domestic violence in the legal system: why documentation matters and how “he said / she said” plays out Why details belong in your initial filings—and how self-help resources can support the process The reminder every listener needs: it gets better, and this season is temporary

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysampson/

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

5 months ago

S1:E8 – JILL KAUFMAN "The #1 Mindset Shift to Thrive Through Divorce"

Divorce doesn’t have to destroy your family—but conflict can.

In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Jill Kaufman, a divorce coach who brings uncommon depth to the table: she’s a licensed therapist, certified mediator, co-parenting expert, and parenting educator who has helped families rebuild for over two decades. Jill also shares the hard-earned truth behind her work—during her own divorce, even as a therapist, she “did everything wrong,” felt isolated, and learned firsthand how easy it is to lose your voice when attorneys do all the communicating.

This conversation is all about helping parents move through divorce with less damage, more dignity, and a clearer path forward—especially when kids are involved. Jill breaks down why research shows the biggest predictor of how kids do isn’t divorce itself, but the relationship between parents, and how to shift from surviving to truly thriving after divorce.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why going straight to attorneys can put both spouses on defense (and drive up costs)

How Jill finally settled her own divorce by advocating directly and focusing on what mattered most

The #1 truth about kids and divorce: conflict is what harms them most

A myth to drop: the relationship with your co-parent won’t magically improve after divorce

How to handle two different parenting styles across two homes (and what you can control)

What kids’ emotional outbursts really mean—and why not taking it personally matters

Why it’s worth doing the work to be in the same room again someday (for kids and grandkids)

Jill’s definition of “thriving” and how to know when you’ve turned the corner

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysampson/

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

5 months ago

S1:E9 – ROB ROSEMAN "Men Hurt Too: Hidden Pain of Divorce & Real Recovery"

Divorce can feel overwhelming, isolating, and confusing—especially when you don’t even know what questions to ask yet. In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Rob, a divorced dad of three and the founder of WTF Divorce—a fast-growing online community and directory built to help people feel less alone and find trusted divorce resources in one place.

Rob shares how his own divorce (with three young kids and the world shutting down during the pandemic) pushed him from “I have no idea what I’m doing” into becoming a connector—curating professionals, bite-sized Q\&A podcast episodes, and relatable content that uses humor as a bridge to support people through divorce, co-parenting, and dating after divorce.

Becky and Rob also talk candidly about why divorce often hits men differently, what many women experience in the “do I stay or do I leave?” stage, and why self-care, boundaries, and community matter more than ever during this season.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How Rob went from poker pro / marketing guy → building WTF Divorce after his own divorce Why divorce can feel so isolating (and why “your married friends don’t get it”) How humor helps people cope and connect—and then find real help when they need it What most people are really searching for at the start: answers, speed, clarity, and not feeling alone Why divorce can be emotionally harder for men (support gaps, fewer outlets, feeling blindsided) Co-parenting with young kids: recalibrating expectations and learning on the fly The post-divorce growth muscles: boundaries, discomfort tolerance, and hard conversations Why having a directory of vetted pros + short video intros makes it easier to choose support

Mentioned in the episode:

WTF Divorce Directory: wtfdirectory.com (also referenced as “the WTF directory”) Rob created it so people can watch quick videos, get a feel for a professional, and reach out for consults—without spending hours researching.

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysampson/

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

5 months ago

S1:E10 – LIZ VAZ "End the Marriage, Protect the Family"

Divorce doesn’t have to be a war—and it doesn’t have to drag your kids through the fallout.

In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) is joined by Liz Vaz, a New York–based collaborative divorce attorney and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, for a practical conversation about choosing peace over combat—and how to build a divorce process that protects your children, your finances, and your future.

Liz shares how growing up in the crossfire of a contentious divorce shaped her life’s work: helping families avoid courtroom chaos and move through separation with clarity, dignity, and full financial transparency. Together, Becky and Liz unpack what mediation and collaborative divorce actually look like, how to prepare financially and emotionally, and how to recognize when a process is working—or when it’s time to pivot.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The difference between mediation, collaborative divorce, and litigation—and how to tell what fits your situation Why Liz says to start with the assumption that you can work it out (even if you don’t agree yet) The non-negotiables for mediation to work: good faith + full disclosure How to avoid wasting money in “presumptive” court-ordered mediation when documents aren’t produced What to gather before mediation: tax returns, bank accounts, retirement, credit cards, mortgage/leases, crypto, and more Why a divorce coach/therapist can be crucial so you don’t process emotions in negotiations How to define a “bottom line” and negotiate from stability (and when to bring in a CDFA) Why “neutral” matters: what a mediator can and can’t do—and why clients often try to pull mediators to their side How mediation logistics work (virtual sessions, caucusing in separate rooms, attorney participation) Liz’s blunt reminder: most contested divorces settle anyway—so don’t start in court unless you have to

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysampson/

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

4 months ago

S1:E11 – DONNA CATES "A Man is NOT a Financial Plan"

Divorce Financial Planning, Money Mistakes & Wealth Building for Women | Donna Cates, CDFA®

Divorce financial planning, money mistakes women make, and how to rebuild wealth after divorce — financial strategist and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) Donna Cates joins Becky Sampson on the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast to deliver the financial playbook every woman needs before, during, and after divorce.

Donna Cates has spent over 25 years empowering women to take control of their finances — and her signature message hits hard: "A man is NOT a financial plan." As the founder of Money Matters Wealth Solutions and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), Donna brings real-world expertise in divorce settlement analysis, post-divorce cash flow projections, tax implications, and long-term wealth building for women starting over.

If you feel overwhelmed by the financial side of divorce, don't know what you don't know about hidden assets or settlement mistakes, or you're terrified of running out of money — this episode is your path back to power.

🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why women must stop outsourcing their financial futures — and what to do instead
The biggest divorce money mistakes that can cost you thousands (or more)
What a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) actually does — and why you may need one on your team
How to evaluate a divorce settlement beyond the dollar amount on paper
Tax traps and hidden financial landmines in property division
Post-divorce cash flow planning: how to know if you can really afford your life after divorce
How to rebuild financial confidence and create a wealth plan from scratch
Why financial planning for divorce is different for women over 50 (gray divorce)
The emotional money blocks that keep women stuck — and how to break through them

💡 This Episode Is For You If:

You're considering divorce, but terrified of the financial unknowns
You've never managed money on your own and don't know where to start
You're in the middle of a divorce and want to avoid costly settlement mistakes
You're post-divorce and need a roadmap to rebuild wealth and financial independence
You want to understand what a CDFA® can do that your attorney can't

🎙️ About Our Guest: Donna S. Cates, CDFA®, CRPC®, is the founder of Money Matters Wealth Solutions and has been a financial advisor, wealth builder, divorce financial mediator, and speaker since 2000. Her mission is to level the playing field for women in investing and wealth management. Learn more at MoneyMattersWealth.com

🎧 About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/