Surviving Divorce with Michelle Dempsey-Multack: Grief, Guilt, and Growing Forward

*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.

Episode Summary Michelle Dempsey‑Multack, 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.

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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 'Moms 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) The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ Connect with Michelle Dempsey-Multack here: instagram.com/themichelledempsey

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See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.