Introducing our Guest for today's Episode:

Molly Fay

Molly is an Emmy award winning journalist who co-hosts The Morning Blend on TMJ4, Milwaukee’s NBC affiliate. Molly earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She worked as an investigative reporter and news anchor prior to her current role at WTMJ. For many years, Molly has supported local and national charities dedicated to mental health awareness and improving the lives of those who are affected. Since losing her brother to suicide in 1998, Molly has tried to be a voice for families and loved ones who are struggling with very real and common mental health disorders. Molly knows that it's imperative that we continue to talk about our experiences, end the stigma and show up for each other so that no one feels alone or hopeless. She's a mom to three adult children and has been divorced since 2011. Molly got remarried to her husband Ross in 2020 and loves to spend time with her dog Zeke, practice hot yoga, and go for early morning walks.

Molly's Facebook page

@mollyfayhey on Instagram

In this episode of the Better Than Bitter Divorce podcast, Tania Leichliter interviews Molly Faye, an award-winning journalist and advocate for mental health awareness. They discuss the importance of amicable divorce, especially for the well-being of children, and how emotional healing plays a crucial role in the process. Molly shares her personal experiences and insights on maintaining a positive mindset, effective communication, and the significance of setting a good example for children during and after divorce. The conversation also explores the idea of a marriage contract with renewal options, encouraging couples to reflect on their relationship and commitment.

An amicable divorce is essential for children's well-being.

Emotional healing is crucial before legal proceedings.

Feeding the 'white wolf' promotes positivity during divorce.

Communication and flexibility are key in co-parenting.

Children benefit from seeing parents treat each other kindly.

It's important to check in with children about their feelings.

Divorce doesn't mean the end of family; it can be reimagined.

A marriage contract with renewal options could change perspectives.

Self-reflection and awareness can improve relationships.

Surround yourself with positive influences during divorce.

"Are you gonna put your children first?"

"It's about coming together as a new partnership."

"You can always find good and nice things to say."

"It's never too late to make changes."

"The one that survives is the one that you feed."

"You have a choice as to how you are going to show up."

"It's okay to be vulnerable."

"Hang out with people who uplift you."

00:00 Introduction to Molly Faye and Her Journey

02:54 The Importance of Amicable Divorce for Children

05:57 Navigating Emotional Healing During Divorce

08:51 Feeding the Right Wolf: Positive Mindset in Divorce

12:14 Reimagining Family Dynamics Post-Divorce

14:50 Communication and Flexibility in Co-Parenting

18:09 Setting a Positive Example for Children

20:55 The Concept of a Marriage Contract with Renewal Options

23:45 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

divorce, amicable divorce, co-parenting, mental health, emotional healing, family dynamics, communication, positive mindset, marriage contract, parenting

Thanks for tuning in to Better Than Bitter, navigating an amicable divorce. Whether you are at the beginning...

Introducing our guest for Today's Episode:

Jeff Wenzler

Jeff Wenzler is a motivational speaker, award-winning author of The Pivotal Life: A Compass for Discovering Purpose, Passion & Perspective, resilience mentor, international servant leadership organization founder, executive producer of 10 Dollar Perspective, humanitarian, wannabe photographer, avid hiker, dad, and dog rescuer. He has been amicably divorced for 10 years, and playing zone defense with 3 teenagers. Jeff has degrees from Marquette University and Boston College. He currently teaches high school social justice in an urban school in Milwaukee in the zip code with the highest incarcerations. When he is not teaching or playing zone defense with his 3 teenagers, he frequently is at his 12x12 home in a Jamaican landfill community where he mentors single mothers and their children living in extreme poverty.

Jeff's Website

Jeff's Facebook page

@jeffwenzler on Instagram

Jeff on YouTube

In this episode of the Better Than Bitter Podcast, host Tania Leichliter engages with Jeff Wensler, a resilience mentor and author, discussing the journey through divorce and the importance of maintaining hope and resilience. They explore themes of humility, personal growth, and the dynamics of co-parenting, emphasizing the need for emotional healing before legal proceedings. Jeff shares his personal experiences and insights on navigating life's challenges, highlighting the significance of perspective and the power of choice in shaping one's future.

• Resilience is about riding the waves of life.
• Divorce is a series of losses that require emotional processing.
• Humility plays a crucial role in healing and personal growth.
• Post-divorce, individuals can experience significant personal growth.
• Co-parenting requires a shift in perspective and prioritizing the children.
• Emotional healing should precede legal divorce proceedings.
• Life happens for you, not to you; focus on what you can control.
• Maintaining hope is essential during difficult times.
• Weakness can be a strength when approached with humility.
• Effective communication is key in co-parenting relationships.

"Life is just a series of losses."

"There is hope."

"You have options."

00:00 Introduction to Jeff Wensler and His Journey

07:34 Navigating Divorce: Hope, Gratitude, and Perspective

15:14 Shifting Mindsets: From Failure to Growth

19:45 Co-Parenting: Prioritizing the Children

24:35 Lessons in Love and Humility

32:42 Negotiating the Legal Aspects of Divorce

41:58 Finding Hope and Moving Forward

46:35 Riding the Waves of Resilience

48:37 Thank You For Tuning In To Better Than Bitter™ Divorce Podcast

50:06 Resources for Support and Growth

divorce, resilience, humility, personal growth, co-parenting, emotional healing, Better Than Bitter, divorce coaching, amicable separation, life lessons

Thanks for tuning in to Better Than Bitter, navigating an amicable divorce. Whether you are at the beginning of your divorce journey, midway through, or even done, we want the stories from our guests to give you hope that an amicable resolution is possible. If you'd like to dive deeper into today's episode, check out our show notes for a full transcript, reflections, and links to learn more about Better Than Bitter's coaching...

Our Guest for Today's Episode:

Darlene Taylor

Darlene Taylor, MSW, CPC, is a former licensed social worker and certified coach with over 15 years of experience helping families navigate co-parenting after divorce. Specializing in creating positive, supportive environments for children, Darlene’s book, It's Not About Us: A Co-Parenting Survival Guide for Taking the High Road, combines personal and professional insights to provide practical strategies for effective co-parenting. Outside of her work, Darlene is an obstacle course race enthusiast, enjoys staying active, and loves spending time with her daughter in Los Angeles. As a dedicated advocate for single-parent families, she works to break stigma and promote resilience, love, and understanding in evolving family dynamics.

Darlene's Website

Check her book and journal below:

Divorce Support Partners

• Barnes and Noble link
• Amazon link for journal
• Amazon link for book : It's Not About Us

Story of her challenges with co-parenting with her college coach ex

Stories of her relationship with her daughter's stepmom

Having Bonus Kids and Having a Bonus Mom for her Daughter

Parenting Plans Vs. Parenting Time

Creating flexibility in scheduling, learning to support one another

collaboration vs. combative

In this episode of the Better Than Bitter™ Divorce Podcast, host Tania Leichliter speaks with Darlene Taylor, a former licensed social worker and certified coach, about her journey to achieving an amicable divorce. They discuss the importance of emotional healing, flexibility in parenting plans, and the role of communication in co-parenting. Darlene shares her insights on separating the partner from the parent, the benefits of having bonus parents, and the significance of maintaining a positive relationship for the sake of the children. The conversation concludes with practical tips for navigating divorce and co-parenting successfully.

• Amicable divorces are possible with effort and intention.
• Emotional healing is crucial before entering legal negotiations.
• Flexibility in parenting plans is essential for co-parenting success.
• Communication is key to maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship.
• Separating the partner from the parent helps in focusing on the child's needs.
• Bonus parents can provide additional love and support for children.
• It's important to prioritize the child's well-being over personal grievances.
• Creating a renewable marriage contract could foster intentional relationships.
• Being vulnerable can lead to more grace in communication.
• The gift of an amicable relationship benefits the children immensely.

"Divorce doesn't have to be a battleground."

"I wanted to have an amicable relationship."

"You have to acknowledge what's going on."

"One of you has to get on the high road first."

"You can have a positive relationship or be vengeful."

"There is never too much love that's given to children."

"Flexibility is key in co-parenting."

00:00 Introduction to Amicable Divorce

02:59 Darlene's Journey to an Amicable Divorce

06:02 Navigating the Tough Stuff

08:54 Creating a Flexible Parenting Plan

12:10 The Importance of Communication

14:53 Separating Partner from Parent

18:03 The Role of Bonus Parents

21:14 The Gift of an Amicable Relationship

24:10...