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Published on:

8th Mar 2022

How do I Survive Divorce with Journey Beyond Divorce Founder Karen McMahon and host attorney Lesa Koski on Doing Divorce Different #37

How do you survive and even thrive through a tumultuous divorce? You will be surprised to learn that sometimes when you mend yourself you won't actually need to end your marriage.  The guest on Doing Divorce Different this week was special;  Karen McMahon Founder of Journey Beyond Divorce.  Her insight comes first hand.  When you hear her unique story, you will be amazed that she picked up from the ashes and created a beautiful life.  Now she helps other people through the process.

One of my favorite moments was when Karen talked about mending yourself first and then making the decision if you should end the marriage or not.  As we listen in this episode, we learn how sometimes if you heal yourself your marriage actually does not need to end.  Karen's marriage did end and she emerged transforming her beautiful life.

Karen talks about sitting in your feelings even if they are hard to feel.  As you know feelings will not kill us: and to heal we need to feel, process the feelings and then release them.  She talks about staying present.  People often circle back to the past or fear of the future; this sucks the energy better spent dealing with the moment.

When you are dealing with a high conflict person divorce can be extremely difficult.  This is where Karen talks about mending yourself.  You have no power over the other persons action; however you don't need to take the bait.  You can train yourself to maintain awareness rather than defend yourself.  She talks about stopping and asking yourself, “how important is this to me?” and then create space for yourself.  Sometimes even just counting to 10, other times you table the conversation, take a walk etc.

It is always important to keep your kids out of the chaos (no matter what age).  Karen's situation was very difficult because her soon to be ex was bad talking her to the kiddos.  Karen talked about how she had to deal with the angry kids without throwing her husband under the bus; or dragging the kids into the issues surrounding the divorce.  In the end she was able to establish compassion for her ex husband and that has made all the difference.  I truly want all my clients to begin the healing journey, heal yourself: because I don't want you to be in this position again.

Karen founded Journey Beyond Divorce in 2010, after discovering that the pain of dissolving her marriage had been the very stimulus for her personal transformation.

"I’m the person I wish I had by my side throughout my divorce journey and I look forward to helping you along yours."

You can find Karen at:

Website

Listen here 

The book she mentioned was:  Getting the Love you Want

MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST:

After 18 years of Elder Law and Family Law, Lesa Koski brings extensive experience to the complex area of Mediation.  In truth, Lesa Koski Mediates wherever she shows up.  She is fully equipped with the communication skills that bring a taste of peace to the nastiest discrepancies.

Lesa's mission is to offer compassionate, complete, competent services while maker her life such that it blesses humankind.  This mission is palpable when you shake Lesa's hand.  Clients love working with Lesa because she is trustworthy and capable.  Above all, Lesa Koski is a brilliant communicator, bar none.

Website:  https://www.lesakoski.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/koskilaw/

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesakoski/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediationspecialists1/


Mentioned in this episode:

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A Podcast Guide to Doing Divorce Differently

About the Podcast

Doing Divorce Different A Podcast Guide to Doing Divorce Differently
Divorce, co-parenting, menopause, marriage, and starting over after 40—Doing Divorce Different is your guide to a healthy, faith filled life transition.

Hosted by Family Law Attorney and Mediator Lesa Koski, Doing Divorce Different is a candid, empowering podcast designed to take the fear out of divorce and guide you toward peace—whether you’re navigating a split, working to stay married, or rebuilding a better life after a major transition. Each week, Lesa brings heart-centered legal insight, emotional support, and holistic wisdom to help you heal, grow, and thrive.

We cover everything from amicable divorce and co-parenting strategies to parenting plans that actually work and support kids in thriving through change. You’ll learn how to prepare for marriage with prenups, revisit your relationship with post-nuptial agreements, and understand what it really takes to stay married or rekindle love after a rough season. If you're in the midst of a grey divorce, wondering how to not get divorced, or questioning whether love can be found again, this show is for you.

Lesa also explores the emotional and physical changes that often accompany midlife and major life shifts. From navigating the impact of menopause on your health, marriage, and mood, to dealing with the loneliness that can come after divorce or empty nesting, you’ll find honest conversations that don’t shy away from real-life challenges. And for those of you in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you’ll discover what it means to truly build a better life after 40.

Health and wellness are deeply integrated into this journey. Lesa shares insights on the benefits of rest, joy, nutrition, fasting, protein, and bone health, along with the power of movement, community, and exercise to support mental clarity and physical strength. You’ll learn how to take care of yourself with intention—because healing isn’t just emotional, it’s also biological.

Mindset work and self-coaching are recurring tools offered in episodes to help you reframe your story and shift from fear to freedom. And through it all, the show honors the role of faith, spiritual surrender, and letting God lead you through every season. Whether you're leaning into your relationship with God for the first time or deepening a lifelong practice, you’ll hear how surrender can bring peace even in the hardest moments.

You’ll hear real stories from people who have done divorce differently, saved their marriages, or found new love and purpose on the other side. Lesa also brings in conversations about marriages that have stood the test of time, co-parenting through complex seasons, and the realities of parenting after separation while maintaining stability for your kids.

This is not just a podcast about divorce. Doing Divorce Different is about taking back your life, rewriting your future, and trusting that you’re not starting over, you’re starting better. If you’re craving practical advice, soul-level encouragement, and real conversations about creating a healthy, joyful, purpose-driven life, you’ve found your community.

Subscribe now and join Lesa Koski for weekly episodes that will help you grow stronger in your relationships, your health, and your faith, no matter where you’re starting from.

About the Host:
I’ve spent over 25 years helping families navigate amicable divorce as a lawyer and mediator, always focused on protecting what matters most—your kids and your peace of mind. But my mission has expanded. Today, I support women over 40 not just through endings, but in building stronger relationships—and sometimes even saving their marriages. I’m a breast cancer survivor, a cowgirl at heart, a wellness advocate, and a follower of Jesus. My life and faith fuel my passion for helping women thrive.

About your host

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Lesa Koski