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041: Recovering from Divorce with Karen McMahon

The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships

Release Date: 08/01/2023

063: Understanding and Overcoming the Freeze Response in Relationships with Lauren Dry show art 063: Understanding and Overcoming the Freeze Response in Relationships with Lauren Dry

The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships

In this episode of the Communicate and Connect Podcast, Liz talks with relationship coach Lauren Dry about the freeze response and how it shows up in communication, connection, and conflict. The freeze response is one of the most misunderstood nervous system reactions, especially in relationships. It can look like emotional shutdown, disconnection, or indifference but it’s actually a survival mechanism. Lauren explains why the freeze response happens, how it affects both partners, and what you can do to move from disconnection to reconnection. In this episode, you’ll learn: What...

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062: How to deal with different parenting styles with Adam Angel show art 062: How to deal with different parenting styles with Adam Angel

The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships

Welcome to this episode of The Communicate & Connect Podcast, where we tackle the ever-relevant topic of how to deal with different parenting styles. In today's conversation, host Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky is joined by Adam Angel, a specialist in supporting new dads and an advocate for thoughtful, collaborative parenting approaches. This episode is particularly significant for military families, who often face unique challenges and transitions. Adam begins by sharing his personal journey into fatherhood during the pandemic, which led to his development of a supportive group for new dads....

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061: How to improve intimacy in a relationship with Chloe Mascord show art 061: How to improve intimacy in a relationship with Chloe Mascord

The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships

In this episode of The Communicate & Connect Podcast, host Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky welcomes intimacy expert Chloe Mascord to the show, where they dive deep into the intricacies of nurturing intimacy within relationships, with a special focus on the unique dynamics faced by military couples. Chloe, renowned for her expertise in the field, discusses the common challenges and misconceptions surrounding intimacy, emphasizing the crucial distinction between intimacy and sex and the need for emotional closeness for a fulfilling intimate life. Throughout the episode, Chloe offers a wealth of...

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060: How to make your relationship STRONG with Kristal Desantis show art 060: How to make your relationship STRONG with Kristal Desantis

The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships

Welcome to Episode 060 of The Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, and today we have an enlightening conversation with the incredible Kristal Desantis, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Austin, Texas. In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked dynamics of men in relationships and the societal expectations that shape their roles and behaviors. Kristal shares her insights on the shifting roles of men, particularly the challenge of being valued for performance over personhood. We'll unpack the powerful metaphor of "lipstick on a...

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059: Military Spouse Relocation - Navigating leaving friends and home behind with Leigh Conant show art 059: Military Spouse Relocation - Navigating leaving friends and home behind with Leigh Conant

The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships

Welcome to Episode 59 of the Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, and today we have a deeply insightful conversation lined up with our special guest, Leigh Conant, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in the military community. In this episode, we dive into the emotional and logistical complexities of military spouse relocation. Leigh shares her personal experience moving from a well-established community in New Orleans to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, detailing the mix of excitement and profound grief that comes with leaving friends...

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058: Coping with PCS Stress with Michelle Farmer show art 058: Coping with PCS Stress with Michelle Farmer

The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships

Welcome to The Communicate & Connect Podcast with your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky. In today's episode, titled "Coping with PCS Stress with Michelle Farmer," we dive deep into the unique challenges faced by military families during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. Joining us is Michelle Farmer, a true expert in navigating military life, having experienced it from multiple perspectives—as an army brat, a service member, a military spouse, and a member of the reserves. Michelle and Dr. Polinsky explore a range of topics, from the complexities of communication within families and...

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057: Navigating living overseas and OCONUS military life with Brianna Mendoza show art 057: Navigating living overseas and OCONUS military life with Brianna Mendoza

The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships

Welcome to The Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky. In today's episode, we're diving into the unique challenges and enriching experiences that come with living overseas and navigating OCONUS military life. Our special guest, Brianna Mendoza, brings her wealth of experience as a military spouse and graduate student in marriage and family therapy, specifically focusing on military therapy. Brianna will share her journey of moving to Japan post-COVID, highlighting her adventures in nature hikes, traditional onsen visits, and connecting with locals through a...

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056: How to make a Military Marriage Work with Darrell and Veronica Williams show art 056: How to make a Military Marriage Work with Darrell and Veronica Williams

The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships

Welcome to The Communicate & Connect Podcast with your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky. In today's episode, we're delving into the unique challenges and triumphs of military marriages with our special guests, Darrell and Veronica Williams. With an impressive 26-year marriage behind them, Darrell and Veronica share their journey from high school sweethearts to long-distance partners, offering invaluable insights into navigating military life together. Dr. Polinsky wraps up this heartfelt conversation by expressing gratitude for the wisdom and mentorship shared by the Williamses, and reminding...

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055: Attachment Theory and Domestic Violence with Jef Slootmaeckers show art 055: Attachment Theory and Domestic Violence with Jef Slootmaeckers

The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships

Welcome to Episode 55 of The Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the complex world of attachment theory and its intertwining with domestic violence, especially within the military context. Joining us is Jef Slootmaeckers, an Emotionally Focused Trainer with ICEEFT and therapist with a profound understanding of the relational dynamics related to domestic violence. In this episode, we explore the intricate balance between emotional regulation and survival strategies, focusing on the pivotal questions of...

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054: How to Deal with Separation Anxiety in Relationships with Megan McCullough show art 054: How to Deal with Separation Anxiety in Relationships with Megan McCullough

The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships

Welcome back to The Communicate & Connect Podcast, where we explore the intricate dynamics of relationships and mental well-being, especially within military families. I'm your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, and today we delve into Episode 54: "How to Deal with Separation Anxiety in Relationships." Joining us is Megan McCullough, a licensed clinical social worker and military spouse with 19 years of experience navigating the unique challenges of military life. In this episode, we'll uncover the often unspoken struggles faced by military spouses, who are expected to "suck it up" and push...

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More Episodes

Welcome to The Communicate & Connect Podcast, the go-to resource for those seeking insightful discussions around relationships and personal growth. Today, we're delving into a topic that often feels like the end of the world but can actually be the dawn of a new beginning—recovering from divorce. This episode titled "Recovering from Divorce with Karen McMahon" is a must-listen for anyone experiencing or contemplating this life-altering transition.

Joining us is the incredible Karen McMahon, a divorce and relationship coach with years of experience guiding individuals through the highs and lows of divorce. Karen’s personal journey through a high-conflict divorce, which she describes as both "a living hell and the best thing that ever happened to me," is a testament to the potential for profound personal growth during one of life’s most challenging events. This episode is packed with invaluable divorce recovery strategies that offer both emotional support and practical guidance.

Karen will be sharing insights on how to navigate the emotional whirlwind of divorce. We'll explore the concept of "reframing," a powerful technique that can help transform negative thoughts and stories into empowering narratives, allowing for greater emotional resilience and personal empowerment. Additionally, Karen will discuss strategies for minimizing conflict reactivity—a crucial skill not only in the process of divorce but in every facet of life.

This conversation isn't just for those going through a divorce; it's for anyone interested in personal development and breaking free from destructive patterns. You'll learn how to harness this period of significant upheaval to reinvent yourself and break generational cycles, ensuring a healthier future for yourself and your children. Importantly, we'll address the unique challenges faced by military families and the potential impact of divorce on service members, offering tips to navigate these specific hurdles with strength and grace.

Our host, Elizabeth Polinsky, will guide this meaningful discussion, connecting Karen's expert advice with practical steps you can take right now to start your journey towards healing and growth. Whether you're on the brink of this transition or deep in the midst of it, this episode is filled with tools and insights to help you emerge stronger, wiser, and ready to embrace your next chapter with open arms.

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