Episode Summary
Michelle Dempsey‑Multeck, author of Moms Moving On, joins Lisa & Natasha to explore the hidden grief of divorce, the challenges of co‑parenting, and how childhood trauma shapes adult choices.
They discuss practical strategies for protecting your emotional well‑being, setting boundaries, and helping children through the transition while accepting what you cannot control.
Honest, compassionate, and hopeful, this conversation offers real guidance for anyone navigating separation, rebuilding identity, and moving forward.
Episode Sponsored by The HelpHUB™
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Key Topics
• Michelle's personal journey through divorce and motherhood
• The grief attached to divorce and how to process it
• The importance of boundaries and intentionality in co-parenting
• Radical acceptance as a tool for emotional peace
• The impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships
• The role of therapy and self-awareness in healing
• Managing expectations of a 'perfect' divorce and co-parenting
• Supporting children through divorce and understanding their unique experiences
Takeaways
• Divorce is a long process of grief that can take four to five years.
• Women often feel they can't grieve their divorce because they initiated it.
• Supporting the relationship between children and their other parent is crucial, but not your responsibility to control.
• Radical acceptance helps in reacting to what you can control and reduces stress.
• Children's experiences of divorce are unique and influenced by each parent's behavior.
• Healing from childhood trauma is essential for healthy adult relationships.
• Setting boundaries and focusing on your own well-being benefits your children and yourself.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Michelle's background
02:08 - The start of Michelle's journey with divorce and social media
04:11 - The creation of the 'Mom's Moving On' book and community
07:58 - The emotional impact and grief of divorce
09:45 - Understanding the grief women experience when initiating divorce
11:12 - The 'death by a thousand cuts' analogy in emotional exhaustion
13:14 - Supporting children through divorce and managing their relationship with the other parent
17:20 - The importance of focusing on your own orbit and boundaries
20:49 - The stress of managing relationships with ex-partners and second marriages
23:09 - Radical acceptance and reacting to what you can control
25:13 - Managing your own reactions and expectations in co-parenting
30:06 - The impact of childhood trauma and family dynamics
36:30 - The importance of discernment in sharing information with children
44:26 - Michelle’s reflection on surviving childhood trauma
45:20 - Final thoughts on moving forward and community support
Mental Health Resources
• If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help.
• The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)
• Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) (https://a.co/d/00Zthp5f)
• The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/
• Connect with Michelle Dempsey-Multack here: https://v2.stan.store/themichelledempsey?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAafzxgLRcIFkkAKD1CIfSPQAQhdjNmD6rBfj2oUcdcYx6PLSMYHi7fc6dEMK3w_aem_TOKhTyeHKrIJCmQ0L3_KDw
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See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.