Divorce with Sam and Leah

Latest Episodes:

Your Kids Are Watching: The Boundary Mistakes That Keep You Stuck May 05, 2025

Show notes

Think being the calm, accommodating parent makes you look good in court? Think again. In this episode, we’re calling out the 5 boundary mistakes moms make when trying to survive a high-conflict co-parent—and how those choices are quietly impacting your kids.

From letting your ex call the shots to parenting out of guilt, these missteps might feel like the “right” thing in the moment, but they’re sending powerful messages to your child about power, self-worth, and relationships.

Tune in to learn:

Why over-explaining your decisions backfires
How letting guilt lead your parenting affects long-term accountability
The hidden damage of always responding to conflict
And the one mistake even strong moms don’t realize they’re making

This isn’t about shame—it’s about awareness. Because your kids are watching, and what you model matters.

You’re Not Failing, You’re Surviving: Why Missing an Event Doesn’t Make You a Bad Parent Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

As a divorced parent — especially in high-conflict situations — it’s easy to spiral into guilt when you can’t attend every game, recital, or school function. But missing a moment doesn’t make you a bad parent. It means you’re human. It means you're surviving.

In this compassionate and empowering episode, we unpack the most common false beliefs divorced parents tell themselves — and reveal the truth that brings peace, clarity, and perspective. From the fear that your child will think you don’t love them, to the pressure of overcompensating for a high-conflict ex, we’re dismantling the guilt and reminding you: your worth is not measured by your presence at every event.

You’ll walk away with:

Practical language to use with your child when you can’t attend something
Reassurance that your love is built on daily presence, not performance
Tools to resist the toxic pressure to prove yourself
A reminder that self-care, work, and survival are not failures — they’re part of responsible parenting

If you’ve ever beat yourself up for not doing “enough,” this episode is here to remind you that you already are.

Less Than: The Silent Shift That Ends Marriages Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In this raw and eye-opening episode, we unpack the subtle but deeply damaging patterns that quietly unravel marriages from the inside out — often long before the word “divorce” is ever spoken.

From dismissive communication and financial control to parenting criticism and emotional neglect, these silent shifts don’t always scream abuse, but they slowly chip away at connection, confidence, and self-worth. If you’ve ever felt “less than” in your relationship — less heard, less valued, less respected — this episode will hit home.

We cover:

The power of micro-invalidations and how they breed resentment
Why financial control isn’t just about money — it’s about dominance
The emotional fallout of being undermined as a parent
How intellectual superiority becomes a subtle form of abuse
What happens when praise, affection, and appreciation disappear

Whether you’re healing after divorce or starting to recognize red flags in your relationship, this conversation will help you put words to what you've felt, trust your instincts, and remember what you deserve.

www.samandleah.com

The Custody Closet Controversy Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most unexpectedly heated topics in co-parenting: clothes. Sam’s TikTok video on this went viral and the comment section? Whew—let’s just say people had feelings.

We’re unpacking the strong opinions around whether or not parents should send clothes back and forth between homes, reading some of the wildest (and most relatable) comments, and sharing our own thoughts and experiences.

At the end of the day, it’s not really about the socks or the sweatshirt—it’s about control, communication, and what’s truly best for the kids. So let’s talk about it.

The 3 Silent Mistakes Parents Make With Their Custody Orders Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Think your custody order has your back? Think again.

In this episode, we’re giving you a sneak peek into one of our most important trainings inside The Next Chapter—and trust us, this one’s a game-changer.

Most parents are silently sabotaging themselves with their custody orders without even realizing it. We're breaking down the 3 most common (and costly) mistakes that can wreck your chances in court, give your ex unnecessary leverage, and leave you feeling powerless.

You’ll learn:

Why being “nice” and flexible can backfire
What has to be documented (even if it feels petty)
How to spot the loopholes in your order before they blow up

No one tells you this—not your lawyer, not the judge, and definitely not your co-parent.

🎯 If you know your order has some gray areas, or you’ve been second-guessing how to enforce it, this episode is for you.

📣 Want the full training and support? Join us inside The Next Chapter and we’ll walk you through it, piece by piece. https://www.samandleah.com/services

Protect Yourself: Smart Documentation in High-Conflict Divorce Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

If you’re navigating a high-conflict divorce or co-parenting dynamic, documentation isn’t just helpful—it’s critical. In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Bridget Bennett, Legal Strategist, Custody Specialist, and founder of Breaking Badass Coaching. With over 20 years in the legal field, Bridget is a Certified High Conflict Custody & Divorce Coach, a professional paralegal, and a fierce advocate for families affected by abuse and coercive control. She shares the most common (and costly) documentation mistakes she sees clients make—and how to avoid them. Whether you're working with an attorney or going pro se, this episode is packed with tips to help you protect yourself, advocate for your children, and show up stronger in family court.

Connect with Bridget: https://www.breakingbadasscoaching.com/

Is Mediation Right for You? Let’s Debunk the B.S. Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

You’ve probably heard about divorce mediation—but do you really know what it is (and isn’t)? In this episode, we’re breaking down the biggest myths about mediation, especially the ones that keep so many moms from even considering it.

We’re talking about whether it only works if you get along, if it means compromising everything, and whether you still need a lawyer. If you're navigating divorce or co-parenting with a difficult ex, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a better understanding of whether mediation could work for you.

Let’s get real about what mediation actually looks like—and how it might just make this chapter a little less overwhelming.

Survival Mode: Divorce, Hustling, and Finding Our Way Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

In this raw and honest episode, we’re sharing the unfiltered truth about money and survival after divorce. Sam opens up about the sacrifices she made to stay afloat—bartering services, cutting corners, and doing whatever it took to get by. Leah shares her vulnerable story of rushing into a relationship for financial support, only to realize that the cost of stability came with a second divorce.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to hustle hard just to make ends meet after divorce, this one’s for you. We’re talking about the messy middle—the choices we make, the lessons we learn, and the reminder that these seasons are temporary. You’re not alone, and you will get through this.

Divorce Dollars: What You’ll Wish You Planned For Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we're diving into the unexpected (and often forgotten) expenses that come with divorce and co-parenting—things that too many parents wish they had discussed or included in their parenting plan. From extracurriculars and school fees to therapy, tech, and travel, we’re breaking down the financial blind spots that can lead to stress and resentment later. If you're currently navigating a divorce or preparing a parenting agreement, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice to help you avoid costly mistakes.

The Cost of Neglecting Yourself: Why Moms Must Prioritize Self-Care After Divorce Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Divorce is emotionally and physically exhausting, and if you’re constantly overwhelmed, stressed, and running on empty, you’re not alone. But here’s the hard truth: burnout isn’t a badge of honor, and ignoring your needs won’t make things easier—it will make them worse.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the real effects of chronic stress on your body and mind and why prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. We’ll break down easy, low-cost ways to manage stress, avoid burnout, and take care of yourself without feeling guilty.

If you’re a divorced mom struggling to juggle everything while putting yourself last, this episode will help you shift your mindset and start making yourself a priority. Because when you feel good, you parent better, make better decisions, and set a powerful example for your kids.

➡️ Listen now & start putting yourself first—because you deserve it.

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another mom who needs to hear it!

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