Ep. 62 Navigating the First 30 Days After Separation – What to Expect and How to Cope
Release Date: 07/02/2025
Do I Really Hate Men?
In this today’s episode, Ang shares a deeply personal update about transitioning from a long phase of single motherhood to exploring new relationships and the challenges that come with vulnerability. She highlights the importance of asking the hard questions early in relationships to understand true compatibility beyond chemistry. Drawing from her own experiences and attachment style insights, Anang encourages listeners to navigate relationships with honesty, openness, and emotional intelligence. She discusses over 20 essential questions that help uncover values, deal breakers, and life...
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In today's episode Ang talks with Susan Bennett, a chartered financial planner specializing in divorce financial planning. Susan shares expert insights on the importance of financial advice during and after divorce, focusing on long-term planning for income, housing, children’s expenses, and pensions. They discuss the emotional aspects of divorce finances and the benefits of having a financial neutral to help both parties reach amicable agreements. Susan also explains Advanta Wealth’s specialist divorce proposition, offering fixed-price financial planning packages to help those navigating...
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This week Ang is joined by Shailee, an associate director at FIS Global in India, who shares her unique perspective on the challenges and resilience of single mothers in India. Shailee speaks candidly about balancing a demanding career with single parenting, tackling societal taboos, and advocating for her daughter’s independence in a culture still influenced by traditional norms. Drawing on her personal experiences and professional insights, she offers hope and motivation for single moms everywhere striving to be strong role models in any part of the world. KEY TAKEAWAYS ...
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This episode features Peter Ryan, a finance professional with a background in helping clients navigate financial decisions post-divorce. Peter draws on his experience both professionally and personally, having grown up in a divorced family, to offer practical advice and insight into the financial realities that many people, particularly women, face during and after divorce. He explains the common emotional attachments to assets like the family home and pensions and stresses the importance of understanding the bigger financial picture to make informed decisions that support long-term security....
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In today’s episode, Ang interviews Dr. Shannon Hirst, a research psychologist and Senior Research Lead at One Plus One, a UK-based charity focused on strengthening relationships. Shannon discusses her academic and practical journey—from studying forgiveness and attachment to developing support tools for families navigating relationship breakdowns. The episode explores why strong relationships are both a cornerstone of personal well-being and a public health concern, delving into the emotional challenges of separation, co-parenting, and the importance of effective communication. Shannon...
info_outlineIn this heartfelt solo episode, Ang opens up about a deeply personal milestone—sending her youngest son off to Royal Air Force basic training—and the emotional impact of empty nest syndrome. She then turns her focus to those in the early, raw days after separation or divorce, offering compassionate guidance on what to expect and practical strategies to help you cope through one of life’s toughest transitions.
If you’re in the whirlwind of emotions, confusion, and uncertainty that comes with the first month post-separation, this episode is your companion and roadmap. Ang breaks down the emotional rollercoaster, the physical toll, and the mental challenges, while sharing powerful tools like grounding techniques, boundary-setting, and shifting your inner narrative. This episode reminds you that you are not broken or powerless—you are simply in transition, and healing is possible.
(00:00) Introduction and Personal Update
(01:14) Understanding the First 30 Days After Separation
(02:02) Emotional Rollercoaster: What to Expect
(05:21) Coping Strategies for the Early Days
(13:03) Practical Steps to Take After Separation
(16:39) Final Thoughts and Resources
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The first 30 days after separation are emotionally intense and unpredictable—expect mood swings and a mix of feelings from grief to relief.
Physical symptoms like exhaustion, anxiety, and sleep disturbances are normal responses to trauma.
Setting firm boundaries and limiting draining interactions protect your peace and energy.
Finding non-judgmental support is crucial—seek people who will hold space and cheer you on.
BEST MOMENTS
“Separation is not losing your identity; it’s reclaiming and redesigning who you are.”
“Boundaries are an act of self-respect, not rejection.”
“Crying isn’t weakness—it’s emotional detox.”
“Your mind is a muscle. Speak life into your future, not fear.”
EPISODE LINKS
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UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1068789107 USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1068789107
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ABOUT THE PODCAST
Do I Really Hate Men?
Interesting question and one I have asked myself many times. This is not an ‘I hate men’ podcast neither is it just an account of my divorce and the many awful events leading up to and during it. This podcast is a safe space to delve into what happens when relationships end, it provides guidance on how to carry on being a functioning adult and/or Single Mum when you feel broken inside.
This podcast provides hope sprinkled with humour, at times its emotional at times inspiring and at times sad. I have a message to share with women around the world, come join me and your global sisters for a weekly dose of Superhero Mum inspiration and stories.
My mission - to help women and mothers globally to recover from relationship pain, lead meaningful happy lives and inspire their children to succeed.
NOTE – I need you to know that I don’t hate men! It’s important that you know there are many great men out there. Many fantastic fathers and single fathers trying hard to do a great job. I know little about the struggles of single fathers; however, I presume they are numerous common issues we share with these amazing men who strive to do the right thing by their children.
ABOUT THE HOST
Ang is first and foremost a very proud Mum. She is on a mission to share her experiences of both divorce and life as a single Mum. With a 25 year career in the corporate world, she has always been passionate about empowering women and those around her. She is a fully qualified life coach of 20 years and a self confessed self development junkie.
Ang has written her first book called 'Do I Really Hate Men', due to be released later this year which NEEDS to be read by women worldwide. With a high level of emotional intelligence she works tirelessly to improve the lives of womankind through her words, both digitally and at speaking events globally.
With a six year divorce behind her, Ang represented herself in court a total of 6 times. She has been a single parent of two boys for a total of 14 years. She has lived through the struggles and come out the other side. Her words, honesty and humour captivates her audience.