The Divorce Podcast

Supporting your children through separation goes so much further than one difficult conversation - but knowing how to keep showing up for them is something many parents struggle with.
Kate is joined by Hannah Strong, therapist, separated mum and founder of My Thriving Child, to explore what children really need from their parents during and after a separation. Drawing on science, psychology and her own lived experience, Hannah shares her framework for helping children not just cope - but thrive.
We talk about:
Why it's not about getting it perfect – and the reassuring research behind that
What's really going on in your child's brain when family life changes
How to spot the signs your child might be struggling, even when they seem fine
Why the first conversation about your separation is just the beginning
The small everyday actions that help your children build security and thrive
This episode is for any parent going through separation who wants to do right by their children - whether they're at the very start of the process or years down the line.
Meet Hannah Strong
Hannah Strong is a therapist, coach and separated mum who specialises in helping parents to support their children in the best way possible through divorce - so their children do not just survive, but genuinely thrive. 
You can learn more about how Hannah can help your family on the My Thriving Child website and you can follow her on Instagram for more helpful tips. 
More divorce resources
Need expert help right now?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service – a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs.
Want ongoing support through separation?
Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on co-parenting and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.
Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on co-parenting, with practical guidance on supporting your children's wellbeing, talking to them in age-appropriate ways and building a cooperative co-parenting relationship that reduces conflict. Find it on Amazon today.
Want to stay organised as co-parents?
Download our free Parenting Plan template to help you and your co-parent agree on shared goals, routines and decision-making – with your children at the centre.
Try the amicable co-parenting app free for 3 months to share calendars, track expenses and communicate clearly. Open this link on your phone, install the app, create your account, select 'I have a promo code', enter PODCAST and press ‘apply’.
Got a question for a future episode?
Share your thoughts at hello@amicable.co.uk or through direct messages on Instagram.
Sources referenced in this episode
Tronick, E. Z., & Gianino, A. F. (1986). The Transmission of Maternal Disturbance to the Infant. In E. Z. Tronick & T. Field (Eds.), Maternal Depression and Infant Disturbance (New Directions for Child Development, No. 34, pp. 5-11). Jossey-Bass.
Amato, P. R., Loomis, L. S., & Booth, A. (1995). Parental Divorce, Marital Conflict, and Offspring Well-Being During Early Adulthood. Social Forces, 73(3), 895-915.
Kelly, J. B., & Emery, R. E. (2003). Children's Adjustment Following Divorce: Risk and Resilience Perspectives. Family Relations, 52(4), 352-362.
Masten, A. S. (2001). Ordinary Magic: Resilience Processes in Development. American Psychologist, 56(3), 227–238.
Luthar, S. S., Cicchetti, D., & Becker, B. (2000). The Construct of Resilience: A Critical Evaluation and Guidelines for Future Work. Child Development, 71(3), 543–562.
Rutter, M. (2012). Resilience as a Dynamic Concept. Development and Psychopathology, 24(2), 335–344.
Masten, A. S., & Reed, M.-G. J. (2002). Resilience in Development. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of Positive Psychology (pp. 74–88). Oxford University Press.
Werner, E. E., & Smith, R. S. (1992). Overcoming the Odds: High Risk Children from Birth to Adulthood. Cornell University Press.
Bowlby, J. (1969/1982). Attachment and Loss. Vol. 1: Attachment.
Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of Attachment.
Sroufe, L. A., Egeland, B., Carlson, E., & Collins, W. A. (2005). The Development of the Person: The Minnesota Study of Risk and Adaptation from Birth to Adulthood.
van IJzendoorn, M. H., & Sagi-Schwartz, A. (2008). Cross-Cultural Patterns of Attachment: Universal and Contextual Dimensions. In Handbook of Attachment (2nd ed.).
#Coparenting

200 episodes of honest, hopeful conversations about divorce – here are the moments that stayed with us.
To mark our 200th episode, we're looking back at some of the conversations that have meant the most – to us and to you. From day one, The Divorce Podcast has been part of amicable's mission to change the way people separate, making divorce kinder, fairer and a little less lonely. This special episode brings together the honest, funny and moving moments that capture exactly why we do it.
In this episode, you'll hear from:
Ella Kenion – on co-parenting, and why the thought of an ex meeting someone new can still sting
Emma Campbell – on the emotional weight of single parenting
Emma Reed Turrell – on the difference between kindness and people pleasing
Hal Cruttenden – on how hard many men find it to open up
Jonathan Fitter-Harding – on the day-to-day reality of 'nesting' and co-parenting with kindness
Ebele Okobi – on grief, growth and an unexpected reconciliation
This episode is for anyone navigating separation who could use a reminder that they're not alone – and a lovely place to start if you're new to the podcast.
So many of you have told us how much the podcast has helped over the years, and that means everything. If someone you know might need it too, please share this episode with them.
Trigger warning: This episode touches on themes that some people might find distressing, including serious illness, bereavement and times of low mood. If you're affected by anything discussed, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.
Meet our guests
Ella Kenion is an actress with a long and varied career across stage and screen, with highlights including 'The Outlaws', 'The Detectorists' and 'Midsomer Murders'. 
Emma Campbell is an author, speaker and podcast host, known to her Instagram followers as Limitless Em. 
Emma Reed Turrell is a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, podcaster and author of Please Yourself: How to Stop People-Pleasing and Transform the Way You Live and What Am I Missing? Discover the Four Blind Spots That are Holding You Back and How to Overcome Them.
Hal Cruttenden is a stand-up comedian, actor and podcaster. In his latest show, Hal Cruttenden: Can Dish It Out But Can't Take It, he discussed the devastation of his divorce - after 20 years of marriage his wife left him.
Jonathan Fitter-Harding is a proud dad of two, a creative entrepreneur and one of the key people behind Pride Canterbury - the main LGBTQ+ event in the South East.
Ebele Okobi is the principal of Revolutionary Projects, an advisor, board member and maker of good trouble with 25 years of experience leading global teams across tech, consumer brands and arts institutions.
More divorce resources
Need expert help right now?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.
Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?
Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.
We're giving away a copy of Kate’s book amicable divorce. To enter, just email us at hello@amicable.co.uk with the subject 'The Divorce Podcast' by the 30th of June, and we'll pick a winner at random. 
Got a question for a future episode?
Share your thoughts at hello@amicable.co.uk or through direct messages on Instagram.
#SeparationStories

Divorce can hit men hard – and many dads withdraw just when they need people most. For divorcing dads, that isolation isn't only painful – it can be dangerous.
Kate is joined by psychologist Dr Eran Magen, founder of Divorcing Dads, to explore why men are so much more at risk during separation – and the simple things that help them through it.
We talk about:
Why divorced dads face a much higher suicide risk
The particular challenges separated dads face, and the part society still plays in making them harder
How a strong support network protects men's mental health
A simple way to tell friends and family what's going on - and ask for what you need
This episode is for any dad going through separation – and for anyone who wants to better support the men they care about.
Trigger warning: this episode talks about poor mental health and suicide. If you're affected by anything discussed, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.
Meet Eran Magen
Dr. Eran Magen earned his M.A. in education and Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University and completed post-doctoral training in child psychology and population health. He is currently an assistant clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry. Eran is the founder of Divorcing Dads and Parenting For Humans, both of which support parents in building strong, collaborative and joyful relationships with their children. He is also the founder of EarlyAlert, which provides early suicide prevention support for students and veterans.
You can listen to Eran on the Divorcing Dads podcast and get in touch with him on LinkedIn.
More divorce resources
Need expert help right now?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.
Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?
Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.
Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on navigating separation with kindness and rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.
Got a question for a future episode?
Share your thoughts at hello@amicable.co.uk or through direct messages on Instagram.
#EmotionalJourney

Think of every picture book your child has ever loved. How many show a family going through separation? Almost none - so what does that silence tell a child whose reality looks very different? 
Kate is joined by Elizabeth Rudnick, whose picture book First Night at Dad's was born from her own experience of separation. Together they explore the gap in children's literature around divorce, why the right story can make a real difference - and how to start the conversations that matter most.
We talk about:
Elizabeth's personal story of separation and what it taught her about how children process change 
Why so few children's books reflect the reality of separated families 
The milestones we forget to mark - why a child's first night at dad's deserves the same acknowledgement as their first steps 
Why the right book helps both child and parent through a tricky moment together 
Practical tips for talking to your children about separation in an age-appropriate way
This episode is for any parent who wants to support their child through separation but isn't sure where to start - and for anyone who works with or cares for children going through family change. 
Meet Elizabeth Rudnick
Elizabeth Rudnick has worked in publishing for over two decades as a writer, editor, and agent. She has written more than thirty books including the Young Adult novel Tweet Heart, as well as numerous bestselling Disney novelisations such as Cinderella, Frozen, Moana, and Beauty and the Beast. First Night at Dad's is her first original picture-book. Elizabeth lives in North Carolina, with her son and their dog.
You can find First Night at Dad's on Amazon, and you can get in touch with Elizabeth on her website or on Instagram.
More divorce resources
Need expert help right now?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service - a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs.
Want ongoing support through separation?
Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on co-parenting and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.
Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on co-parenting, with practical guidance on supporting your children's wellbeing, talking to them in age-appropriate ways and building a cooperative co-parenting relationship that reduces conflict. Find it on Amazon today.
Want to stay organised as co-parents?
Download our free Parenting Plan template to help you and your co-parent agree on shared goals, routines and decision-making – with your children at the centre.
Try the amicable co-parenting app free for 3 months to share calendars, track expenses and communicate clearly. Open this link on your phone, install the app, create your account, select 'I have a promo code', enter PODCAST and press ‘apply’.
Got a question for a future episode?
Share your thoughts at hello@amicable.co.uk or through direct messages on Instagram.
#Coparenting

Becoming a step-mum comes with almost none of the roadmaps, support or community that biological mums get. If you're finding it harder than you expected, this episode will help you understand why - and what you can actually do about it. 
Kate is joined by Katie South, transformational coach and founder of Stepmum Space, to explore why stepfamilies struggle - and what it really takes to make them stronger. 
We talk about:
Why advice like ‘love them as your own’ sets step-mums up to fail
Why step-parents often feel powerless - and what to do about it' 
How to have the important conversations early, before you're already deep in it
The practical building blocks for creating stability and emotional safety at home
This episode is for anyone who is repartnering or has repartnered after separation, especially those navigating life as a step-parent or supporting a partner through it. 
Meet Katie South
Katie South is a UK-based transformational coach specialising in stepfamily dynamics and the relationship challenges that come after divorce. She is the founder of Stepmum Space, where she works with stepmums, divorced dads and step-couples navigating co-parenting conflict, boundary breakdown and emotional overload. 
Through her coaching and podcast, Stepmum Space, she helps couples move from blame and battle toward long-term stability. You can get in touch with Katie on her website. 
More divorce resources
Ready to take a practical next step?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service – a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs.
Want ongoing support through separation?
Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.
Kate's book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on co-parenting, with practical guidance on supporting your children's wellbeing. Find it on Amazon today.
Want to stay organised as co-parents?
Download our free Parenting Plan template to help you and your co-parent agree on shared goals, routines and decision-making – with your children at the centre.
Try the amicable co-parenting app free for 3 months to share calendars, track expenses and communicate clearly. Open this link on your phone, install the app, create your account, select 'I have a promo code', enter PODCAST and press ‘apply’.
Got a question for a future episode?
Share your thoughts at hello@amicable.co.uk or through direct messages on Instagram.
#Coparenting