Category: Parenting

Understanding Coercive Control and the Harms Inflicted on to Adult and Child Victims

Understanding Coercive Control and the Harms Inflicted on to Adult and Child Victims [Episode 350]

“He doesn’t hit you, so it must not be abuse.” Yeah, no. That tired old line needs to die.

This week, I sat down with Dr. Christine Cocchiola, a powerhouse expert on coercive control, the kind of abuse that doesn’t leave bruises but instead, destroys lives. Christine breaks down how abusers don’t need fists to dominate; they weaponize EVERYTHING from the court system, to churches, to your very own kids.

If you’ve ever been dismissed, disbelieved, or labeled “too angry,” this episode is a masterclass in seeing the invisible, calling it what it is, and taking your power back, even if you have to fake it ‘til you make it from the ICU of your life.

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The "Let Go, Accept, and Love" Tool (and what a mother learned in her custody battle)

How to Find Peace When Your Marriage Feels Toxic [Episode 342]

Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in guilt, shame, and Christian “shoulds” while trying to survive a toxic marriage, a brutal divorce, or the aftermath of both? What if I told you that letting go, accepting reality, and loving yourself isn’t just a cliche, but it can actually change everything?

In this episode of Flying Free, I dive into the “Let Go, Accept, and Love” tool (a.k.a. LAL, because who doesn’t love an acronym?). Plus, you’ll hear how one brave mama used these steps in the middle of a soul-crushing custody battle, and she came out stronger, freer, and a whole lot wiser.

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Handling Holidays, Birthdays, and Other Emotional Landmines

Handling Holidays, Birthdays, and Other Emotional Landmines

In this episode, I sit down with Diana, Marie, Michele, Grace, and Rochelle—five divorced Christian women—to dish on how the first 365 days post-divorce can feel like navigating an emotional minefield with a blindfold on and flip-flops. We’re talking the first holidays that smacked us sideways, the unexpected emotional triggers, practical, real-life survival tips to make it through without self-combusting, and why “just be grateful” is not the ministry you need right now.

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The Kids Aren’t Okay (But They Will Be)

The Kids Aren’t Okay (But They Will Be)

Welcome back, my fellow escape artists of dysfunction! In this episode, I sat back down with a power panel of divorced Christian moms—Diana, Loretta, Wendy, Jillian, and Lisa—to get real about what parenting looks like after you walk away from Crazytown, USA.
Spoiler: The kids do survive. Many even thrive. But getting there is a wild ride filled with therapy bills, awkward holidays, and the occasional trip to “Maury Povich Show” levels of drama.

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Winning Child Custody & Divorce Battles: Pro Strategies from a Top Attorney

Winning Child Custody & Divorce Battles: Pro Strategies from a Top Attorney [Episode 329]

Strap in, ladies. This episode is basically law school meets your best girlfriend telling you how to survive divorce court with a toxic ex who thinks the law is optional and reality is negotiable. I’m joined by Arizona attorney Wendy Hernandez (aka courtroom gladiator and truth-spewer), who unpacks what you really need to know when facing custody battles, financial warfare, and the endless parade of legal shenanigans from an abusive ex.

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Help! My Kids Are Acting Like Their Dad!

Help! My Kids Are Acting Like Their Dad! [Episode 319]

In this episode we’ll talk about a struggle that many Christian women face after leaving an emotionally abusive marriage—parenting children who sometimes exhibit the same unhealthy behaviors as their fathers.
Through real-life examples and compassionate insights, I explore why this happens, how mothers can reframe their perspectives, and practical steps they can take to strengthen their relationship with their children while continuing their healing journey.

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