Dishing on Divorce Podcast
Dishing on Divorce: Sharing Stories and Empowering Lives is a podcast by Deanna Coyle and Mandy Pullen Barr, two best friends and single mothers who have experienced divorce. In this series, they share the ups and downs of rebuilding their lives, offering a mix of personal insights and expert advice. Each episode features a guest who educates listeners on relevant topics or inspires them with powerful personal stories. This podcast is a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance, inspiration, and a sense of community as they embark on the transformative journey of divorce.
Episodes

Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
In this engaging episode of "Dishing on Divorce," hosts Mandy Pullen Barr and Deanna Coyle tackle the pervasive myths surrounding divorce and contrast them with many people's realities. The episode, aptly titled "Myths Versus Reality," sheds light on the misrepresentations of divorce often seen in movies and media, specifically discussing the impact of films like "War of the Roses."
Throughout the episode, Mandy and Deanna emphasize that divorce does not always necessitate a fierce legal battle. They explore alternative dispute resolutions, such as mediation and collaborative law, which can prevent the high costs and emotional strain of court proceedings. The hosts address common misconceptions, such as the idea that hiring a lawyer will immediately lead to litigation, and discuss the practical aspects of negotiations and legal representation.
They debunk myths about the impact of divorce on children and property rights. They share their experiences, highlighting the importance of making well-informed decisions about parenting arrangements and living situations during separation. They advise listeners to avoid setting negative precedents affecting custody and property rights.
The hosts also reassure those worried about loneliness or financial instability after divorce, especially later in life. They encourage listeners to view divorce as an opportunity for personal rediscovery and emphasize the importance of building a supportive community.
This episode effectively dispels fears and myths, providing listeners with a clearer understanding of their options and the potential for a positive future post-divorce.

Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
In this insightful episode of "Dishing on Divorce," Mandy Pullen Barr interviews Lisa Cukier, a renowned family law attorney specializing in complex divorce scenarios. Lisa discusses the challenges and intricacies of midlife divorce, bringing her vast expertise to the table and illuminating the unique aspects of divorces later in life, particularly those involving family businesses, large estates, and long-term marriages.
The conversation delves deep into what Lisa terms "gray divorce," where the dissolution involves not just the separation of lives but also the division of substantial assets accumulated over decades. They discuss the critical need for strategic legal and financial planning, especially when one partner may have foregone career opportunities for family responsibilities, significantly impacting their financial stability post-divorce.
Lisa also highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of alimony laws, estate inheritance, and the potential complexities of postnuptial agreements. The discussion broadens to address the often-overlooked emotional and logistical challenges faced by couples navigating divorce in their 50s and beyond, including the adjustments required when dealing with adult children, potential inheritances, and re-entering the workforce.
This episode is particularly valuable for exploring protective measures such as prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, the role of financial analysts in asset division, and the strategic use of legal counsel to safeguard one's financial future. Lisa and Mandy underscore the critical role of comprehensive planning and expert guidance in ensuring that individuals facing midlife divorce can achieve fair outcomes and secure financial futures.
Contact Lisa
Lisa Cukier - Divorce Attorney, Rubin and Rudman
(Office) 617.330.7008
(Cell) 617-966-9582
(Email) lcukier@rubinrudman.com

Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
In this deeply moving episode of Dishing on Divorce, hosts Mandy Pullen and Deanna Coyle are joined by Susan Tripi, a woman’s empowerment coach, certified divorce coach, and the innovative founder of the Sparrow Collective. Inspired by her challenging divorce, Susan has created a revolutionary community that supports divorced women by offering comprehensive services tailored to empower and rebuild their lives. The Sparrow Collective uniquely combines housing solutions with holistic care, encompassing legal support, financial planning, career counseling, wellness programs, and spiritual guidance.
Throughout the episode, Susan shares the story behind her motivation to establish such a community and delves into how her personal experiences shaped her approach to helping others. She highlights how the Sparrow Collective goes beyond traditional support systems by providing a nurturing environment where women can find resources, hope, and camaraderie. With plans to expand these services across Massachusetts and potentially beyond, Susan discusses the transformative impact of creating spaces that cater specifically to the needs of women navigating the aftermath of divorce.
This episode explores the services offered by the Sparrow Collective. It is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of solidarity in overcoming adversity. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that shares a journey of personal triumph over trials and serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for all listeners touched by divorce.
Connect with SusanEmail:susan.sparrowcollective@gmail.comWebsite: https://thesparrowcollective.org/Donate: https://bit.ly/DonateSparrowCollective

Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
In this enlightening episode of Dishing on Divorce, host Mandy Pullen Barr engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Kelly Myers, a distinguished divorce and mediation coach, co-parenting specialist, and integral part of the VESTA network. Kelly brings her extensive experience and a passion for transforming the divorce process into a constructive journey through education and self-advocacy.
Key Insights from the Episode:
Holistic Understanding: Kelly emphasizes the necessity of grasping all facets of divorce, from the legal and financial complexities to the emotional transitions. Her commitment to continuous learning enables her to advocate effectively for her clients, ensuring they are well-informed and prepared.
Self-Advocacy: Active engagement in the divorce process is crucial. Kelly advocates for clear and consistent communication with professionals, which empowers individuals to navigate the process confidently and ensures that their voices are heard.
Goal Setting: Setting clear, forward-looking goals is vital for effectively managing the divorce process. Kelly discusses how well-defined objectives can serve as guideposts, helping individuals make decisions that align with their desired outcomes.
Effective Communication: In the realm of co-parenting, Kelly highlights the importance of sustaining a constructive relationship with one’s co-parent by adopting a business-like demeanor to reduce conflict and encourage cooperation.
Throughout the episode, Mandy and Kelly explore the transformative potential of viewing divorce not merely as an end but as an opportunity for restructuring family dynamics and personal growth. They propose a shift in the language used around divorce to create more positive perceptions and outcomes, inspiring hope and resilience for those involved. This episode serves as a vital resource for anyone navigating the complexities of divorce, offering essential insights and practical advice for a hopeful and proactive approach.
Contact Kelly Myers
Phone:858-276-0899
Email: Kelly.myers@firststepsdivorce.com
Website: https://firststepsdivorce.com/resources/

Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
In this enlightening episode of Dishing on Divorce, hosts Mandy Pullen Barr and Deanna Coyle sit down with Jolee E. Vacchi, a trailblazing attorney redefining family law through compassion and innovation. As the founding attorney at Foundations Family Law & Mediation, licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Jolee shares her inspiring journey from being captivated by legal dramas to becoming a mediator and collaboratively trained lawyer devoted to helping families navigate divorce with dignity.
Jolee discusses the transformative power of mediation and collaborative law, methods that safeguard relationships and lead to more amicable resolutions. She dives into her groundbreaking approach, including introducing flat fee drafting services that make legal assistance more accessible and reduce families' emotional and financial burdens.
Throughout the episode, Jolee emphasizes the critical role of divorce coaches in the legal process, outlining how they can offer essential support and significantly cut costs by addressing emotional challenges that attorneys are not equipped to handle.
Tune in to "Advocating for Peaceful Resolutions in Family Law with Jolee E. Vacchi" to explore how empathy and ethical practices can revolutionize the legal landscape. Whether you’re confronting personal legal challenges or are a professional striving to inspire change, this episode is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of humane legal practices.
Download and listen to discover why a compassionate approach to divorce is not only possible but essential for the well-being of all involved.
Jolee Vacchi, ESQ. (Office) 508-635-8965(Email) jolee@foundationsfamilylaw.com(Website) https://foundationsfamilylaw.com(Office) 508-635-8965

Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
In this impactful episode of Dishing on Divorce, hosts Mandy Pullen Barr and Deanna Coyle welcome Juan Espinoza, a U.S. Army veteran, author, and motivational speaker. Juan, a beacon of courage, shares his Afghanistan experiences, struggles, and healing journey outlined in his memoir, Unbroken: Turning Pain into Purpose.
He highlights the emotional scars of military service, the challenges of reintegration into civilian life, and the resilience he's discovered as a single father after divorce. Emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence in parenting, Juan's insights are invaluable, advocating for open communication and understanding as essential tools for helping children cope with their emotions.
Juan's story exemplifies how vulnerability and forgiveness are vital to personal healing and building relationships. His journey, filled with hope, reminds us that our deepest pain can become our greatest strength. Through his conversation with Mandy and Deanna, Juan inspires listeners to embrace vulnerability and find resilience, showing that even in our darkest moments, there is always a path back into the light.
Juan Espinoza – https://juanespinoza.me/
Unbroken: Turning Pain into Purpose – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRLLTYDQ

Monday Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
In this episode of Dishing on Divorce, Mandy Pullen Barr and Deanna Coyle, renowned concierge specialists, share their unique insights on optimizing consultations with divorce professionals. They stress the critical need for assembling the right team and detailed strategies for vetting potential attorneys and other experts, cautioning against common pitfalls like selecting lawyers through mere Google searches or hiring generalists instead of specialists in family law.
The co-hosts introduce their highly affordable divorce interview guide, priced at only $7. This guide is packed with carefully crafted questions to assess a professional's experience, communication style, and alignment with client values and includes bonus content that further enhances its utility. They delve into the roles of certified divorce financial analysts and divorce coaches, discussing how these professionals can prevent costly misallocations of attorney time on tasks that others are better suited to handle.
Throughout the episode, Mandy and Deanna emphasize the importance of strategic legal representation to avoid unnecessary litigation and ensure that every professional's expertise is fully leveraged. They also highlight the critical role of real estate decisions in divorce and the significant benefits of engaging realtors adept at managing the nuances of such challenging transitions.
This podcast episode highlights their divorce interview guide, a key resource for those navigating the complexities of divorce. It provides support and guidance. Click here to grab your guide now!
Want to schedule a call with a concierge specialist? Click here to grab a spot!

Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
In this episode of "Dishing on Divorce," Deanna Coyle welcomes Susan Trotter, Ph.D., a life and relationship coach, with Vesta, who specializes in dating, divorce, self-confidence, mindset, and communication. With her rich background in clinical psychology and over two decades as a therapist, Susan shares her profound insights on navigating the complexities of relationships and personal empowerment, particularly in divorce and re-entering the dating scene.
As Valentine's Day approaches—a time that can evoke mixed emotions for many—Susan provides valuable advice for those feeling lonely or challenged by the holiday. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, connecting with loved ones, and engaging in enjoyable activities without the pressure of dating. She also highlights the significance of self-compassion throughout divorce and personal growth.
The conversation delves into the difficulties and uncertainties of dating post-divorce, where Susan advises taking time to heal and learn about oneself before pursuing new relationships. She underscores the importance of self-awareness, understanding one's relationship history, and recognizing patterns that may affect future connections, as these are crucial for personal growth and relationship success.
Susan also offers practical tips for those ready to date again. She suggests blending traditional and modern methods, such as meeting people through friends, engaging in hobbies, and online dating. Susan highlights the benefits of these methods, as they can help to expand one's social circle and increase the chances of meeting a compatible partner. She outlines strategies for creating compelling online profiles and navigating the dating landscape with intention and awareness.
The episode is rich with stories and examples, making it relatable and engaging for listeners navigating similar journeys. Susan's expertise provides listeners with a roadmap for turning challenging times into opportunities for profound personal growth and renewed joy in relationships.
Susan Trotter, Ph.D. – Life & Relationship Coach(Email) susantrotterphd@gmail.comLearn about Susan: https://susantrotterphd.com

Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
In this episode of "Dishing on Divorce," host Mandy Pullen Barr chats with Renee Coleman, a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP) and Loan Officer. Celebrating almost five years with VESTA in Massachusetts, Renee shares her insights on handling mortgages during divorce, a crucial yet often misunderstood aspect of splitting assets.
The discussion, "The House Divided," delves into how divorcing couples can manage their marital home, whether assuming the loan, selling, or refinancing then buying out one's partner. Renee emphasizes the importance of involving a CDLP early in the divorce process to explore all financial options thoroughly and ensure well-informed decisions.
The episode highlights the collaborative nature of divorce professionals, including the CDFA, certified divorce financial analysts, and attorneys, to provide comprehensive support. Renee's journey and dedication to educating her clients about their mortgage options shine through, offering a mix of professional advice and empathetic understanding.
Listeners can find further details in Renee's guide, "The House Divided," linked in the episode description. This guide provides deeper insights into navigating mortgage challenges in divorce. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the intersection of divorce and mortgage handling, illustrated through expert guidance and real-world scenarios.
Renee Guidaboni Coleman, Loan Officer, CDLP(Phone) 978-737-7489(Email) renee.guidaboni@myccmortgage.com
Click Here to Get Your Guide: www.DivorceYourMortgages.com

Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
In a deeply inspiring episode of "Dishing on Divorce," host Mandy Pullen Barr engages Paula Brown, a pioneering VESTA community member and the founder of Konenki Menopause Solutions. Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of "KonenKi," which translates to "new beginnings," Konenki is dedicated to transforming the way menopause is perceived—not as an end but as the beginning of a profound journey of transformation and renewal. This understanding empowers women to embrace this natural transition with confidence and grace.
Paula shares her transformative post-divorce journey, emphasizing the critical support she received from VESTA's network of professionals in 2018. This network, which included financial planners, life and parenting coaches, and legal advisors, was her lifeline during one of the most turbulent times of her life, underscoring the immense value of a supportive community.
Delving deeper, Paula recounts her struggles with cognitive issues during her divorce and graduate studies, initially misdiagnosed as attention problems but later identified as symptoms of peri-menopause. This revelation, aided by self-advocacy and the insights of supportive friends, highlights the significant gaps in the medical community's approach to peri-menopause.
Inspired by VESTA's holistic support model, Paula founded Konenki to extend similar support to women navigating the stages of menopause. She discusses an upcoming Konenki event in March, a significant opportunity designed to connect women with specialists who understand and can guide them through this complex life stage, underscoring the anticipation and importance of this event.
This episode beautifully explores the intersections of life's transitions, like divorce and menopause, underscoring the importance of community, informed support, and empowerment. By illuminating these often-overlooked topics, "Dishing on Divorce" provides listeners with the knowledge and encouragement to face these changes with confidence and hope.
Paula Brown
Email: paula@konenkims.com
Website: https://www.konenkims.com/

Dishing on Divorce Podcast
About Deanna and Mandy
Deanna Coyle and Mandy Pullen Barr are passionate advocates for transforming the divorce journey into one of empowerment and growth. Deanna is the Co-Founder and Director of Concierge Services at Vesta, where she helps individuals navigate the complexities of divorce with confidence and clarity. Mandy is the Strategic Managing Partner and Concierge Specialist at Vesta and a mindset coach who brings practical resources to support those transitioning into new chapters of life. Together, they bring warmth, wisdom, and a wealth of experience to their work and their podcast, Dishing on Divorce, where they inspire listeners to redefine divorce and embrace new beginnings with grace.