The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 324: Beven Byrnes on Transition, Structure & Predictability Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast, host Brook Olsen sits down with Beven Burns, Executive Director of Bridges Middle School, the only middle school in Oregon exclusively serving neurodivergent students. Beven shares how her school builds belonging, confidence, and community for kids with ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence — helping them move from feeling excluded to feeling truly understood. The conversation dives into the shame and stigma many families carry, the power of viewing neurodivergence through an asset-based lens rather than a deficit-based one, and practical strategies for parents — especially in co-parenting households — like the power of the pause, mindful breathing, and building predictable routines. Beven also recommends resources like understood.org for parents seeking support and tools to navigate neurodivergence at home and at school.

Episode 323 : The journey of 'getting it right' with Michelle Mitchell Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Brooke sits down again with Michelle Mitchell for a conversation on "getting it right" in co-parenting and coaching. They trace Michelle's own journey — from her early co-parenting years and first classes back in 2013–2014, through training with Brooke, to becoming a coach herself — and use it as a mirror for where many listeners are today. The conversation moves through the evolution of coaching and training over time, the triage model for managing crisis versus deeper work, and why simplifying internal systems matters more than accumulating more knowledge. They also dig into the difference between knowing a skill and embodying it, the role of awareness and integrity in staying out of reactive patterns, why AI can't replace the discernment needed for real internal work, and why this is ultimately a lifelong journey rather than a problem to solve once.

Chapters:
00:00 The Journey of Getting It Right
05:30 The Triage Model and Layered Learning
21:13 The Impact of Behavior and Orientation
27:49 Protecting Children in Conflict
34:33 Conscious Parenting and Generational Shift
40:30 The Importance of Quality over Volume
53:14 The Journey of Personal Growth
59:00 The Lifelong Journey of Personal Development

About our guest:
Michelle Mitchell, J.D., is a California-licensed attorney and founder of High Conflict Resolutions, LLC, a Certified HCDP™ Coach and Educator and a Certified New Ways for Families® Instructor whose practice spans high-conflict co-parenting coaching, structured co-parenting communication coaching, parent coordination, and litigation preparation.

Connect with Michelle:

Website: coparentingcoach.com
Email: michelle@coparentingcoach.com
Instagram: @coparentingwithmichelle
Facebook: Coach Michelle SD
LinkedIn: Michelle D. Mitchell

If you're ready for structure instead of chaos, go to https://disengage.highconflict.net/next-step and take the next step. We'll guide you from there.

For classes or one-on-one consults with Brook, please visit our website to register: https://www.highconflict.net/

Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://disengage.highconflict.net/free-booklet

Join our mailing list: https://disengage.highconflict.net/emails
Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time

Episode 322: Navigating the Emotional Elements of Divorce with author Oona Metz Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

In this insightful interview, Oona Metz, author of 'Unhitched,' shares her expertise on the emotional journey of divorce, the gender dynamics involved, and practical strategies for navigating this challenging life transition. Discover how to turn divorce into a transformative experience and support your mental health through support groups and self-care.

If you're ready for structure instead of chaos, go to https://disengage.highconflict.net/next-step and take the next step. We’ll guide you from there.

For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our website to register. https://www.highconflict.net/

Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://disengage.highconflict.net/free-booklet

Join our mailing list: https://disengage.highconflict.net/emails

Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time

Episode 321: The Evolution of AI in Co-Parenting Communication Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

In this insightful interview, Sol Kennedy discusses the innovative AI-powered co-parenting app, Best Interest, designed to reduce conflict and improve communication between high-conflict parents. Brooke Olsen explores the platform's features, challenges, and the importance of personal growth in co-parenting.

If you're ready for structure instead of chaos,

go to https://disengage.highconflict.net/next-step

and take the next step. We’ll guide you from there.

For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our website to register. https://www.highconflict.net/

Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://disengage.highconflict.net/free-booklet

Join our mailing list: https://disengage.highconflict.net/emails

Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time

Episode 320: Providing Resources for Single and Divorced Families with Ron Platt May 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ron Platt from NASDF shares a comprehensive overview of resources and initiatives designed to support families navigating divorce and single parenthood. Discover innovative programs, legal reforms, and community support systems aimed at reducing conflict, financial stress, and intergenerational poverty.

If you're ready for structure instead of chaos, go to https://disengage.highconflict.net/next-step and take the next step. We’ll guide you from there.

For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our website to register. https://www.highconflict.net/

Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://disengage.highconflict.net/free-booklet

Join our mailing list: https://disengage.highconflict.net/emails

Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time

Episode 319: Why Your Breakup Could Be the Best Thing For Your Relationship Podcast with Bryan Power Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the High Conflict Co-parenting podcast, Brooke Olsen and Bryan Power discuss how breakups can serve as catalysts for personal growth and healthier relationships. They delve into attachment theory, exploring how different attachment styles impact relationships and parenting. Bryan shares his personal journey through a challenging breakup and the insights he gained about attachment styles, emotional safety, and the importance of self-reflection. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding one's own attachment style, the role of communication and boundaries in relationships, and the transformative power of doing the work necessary for healing and growth. Bryan introduces the six pillars of integrated attachment theory, providing listeners with practical tools to foster healthier relationships and create a secure environment for their children. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to embrace breakups as opportunities for self-discovery and improvement, highlighting that knowledge becomes powerful only when applied in real life.

If you're ready for structure instead of chaos,

go to https://disengage.highconflict.net/next-step

and take the next step. We’ll guide you from there.

For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our website to register. https://www.highconflict.net/

Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://disengage.highconflict.net/free-booklet

Join our mailing list: https://disengage.highconflict.net/emails

Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time

Episode 318: Interview with Alissa Jerud PhD Emotional-Savvy Parenting Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of the High Conflict Co-parenting Podcast, host Brooke Olsen speaks with Dr. Alissa Jerud about her book, Emotion Savvy Parenting. They discuss the importance of emotional regulation for parents, the role of somatic awareness, and the need for connection with children. Dr. Jerud introduces her ART framework (Acceptance, Regulation, Tolerance) and the CARE skills for managing intense emotions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of mindfulness and awareness in parenting, especially in high-conflict situations, and how these skills can foster resilience in children.

If you're ready for structure instead of chaos,

go to https://disengage.highconflict.net/next-step

and take the next step. We’ll guide you from there.

For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our website to register. https://www.highconflict.net/

Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://disengage.highconflict.net/free-booklet

Join our mailing list: https://disengage.highconflict.net/emails

Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time

Episode 317: AI As A Tool Is Useful but Grossly Incomplete Mar 29, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast, Brooke Olsen and Michelle Mitchell discuss the role of AI in co-parenting, emphasizing its limitations as a tool for emotional regulation and communication. They explore the relational dynamics of high conflict situations, the importance of self-reflection, and the need for nuanced understanding in co-parenting relationships. The conversation highlights the significance of processing emotions and the potential pitfalls of relying solely on technology for conflict resolution.
Learn more about Michelle Mitchell:
IG: @coparentingwithmichelle

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

Email: Michelle@coparentingcoach.com

Website: www.coparentingcoach.com

If you're ready for structure instead of chaos,

go to https://disengage.highconflict.net/next-step

and take the next step. We’ll guide you from there.

For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our website to register. https://www.highconflict.net/

Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://disengage.highconflict.net/free-booklet

Join our mailing list: https://disengage.highconflict.net/emails

Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time

Episode 221 Preferred Parent, Targeted Parent, Resist and Refuse or Alienation? How to Move Forward Dec 30, 2022

Show notes

If you are finding these podcast of value and would like to continue receiving this free content, commercial free please consider donating using the Donate button on your podcast page. Enjoy!!!

In this episode Brook and his guest Patrice Courteau LMFT discuss the various aspects of why a child becomes distant from a parent. Where it ofter starts, progresses and how to navigate the tricky journey if you are the parent on the end of not seeing your children as much as you would like.
You can contact Patrice at patricecourteau@yahoo.com

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Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work."

https://www.highconflict.net/booklet

Join our mailing list:

Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time

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Episode 215 Ghost of Christmas Past is the Ghost of Christmas Now and the Ghost of Christmas Future Nov 18, 2022

Show notes

In this episode Brook and Charlie discuss how the recurring patterns and habits of conflict tend to reappear for both you and your Ex. during times of stress, even though you think they have disappeared.

If you are finding these podcast of value and would like to continue receiving this free content, commercial free please consider donating using the Donate button on your podcast page. Enjoy!!!

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All designed to help you master high-conflict co-parenting. Start your transformation today! https://disengage.highconflict.net