Episode 301: The Science and Art of Engagement with Author Rich Carr
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
Release Date: 12/13/2024
Episode 317: How to Disengage from Your Ex and Find Your Power with Virginia Gilbert
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode, Brook Olsen is joined by licensed therapist and author Virginia Gilbert to explore one of the most challenging yet empowering steps in high-conflict co-parenting: learning to disengage. Drawing from her book Transcending High Conflict Divorce: How to Disengage from Your Ex and Find Your Power, Virginia shares essential tools to stop the cycle of reactivity, regulate your nervous system, and reclaim your peace—regardless of what your ex does. If you're stuck in conflict, feeling triggered, or unsure how to protect your kids from ongoing tension, this episode offers a clear,...
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Episode 316: Disengaging From The Psychopath with Attorney and Author Kerrie Droban Zhivago
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this powerful episode, Brook Olsen is joined by attorney and author Kerrie Droban Zhivago to unpack the terrifying yet often hidden reality of dealing with a partner who exhibits psychopathic traits. Drawing from her book Surviving a Psychopath, Kerrie shares hard-earned insights on how to recognize psychological abuse, protect yourself in court, and begin the long road to emotional recovery. They discuss the difference between narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths, how these individuals manipulate the legal system, and why disengagement—both emotionally and legally—is the key to...
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Episode 315: Children In Between with Dr. Donald Gordon
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode, Brook Olsen welcomes Dr. Donald Gordon, founder of the Center for Divorce Education and creator of Children in Between, to discuss how parents can reduce conflict and protect their kids during and after divorce. With decades of research and real-world experience, Dr. Gordon shares how even small shifts in communication, emotional regulation, and mindfulness can make a lasting impact on children’s well-being. You'll learn how chronic conflict affects kids' brain development, how to model emotional stability, and why co-parents don’t need to be perfect—just intentional. If...
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Episode 314: Reconnecting to Yourself The Spiritual Journey of Divorce with Tamara Rowles
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode, Brook Olsen sits down with attorney, mediator, and DivorceWave founder Tamara Rowles to explore divorce as a spiritual journey and an opportunity for self-reinvention. Together, they dive into how high-conflict separations—while painful—can also become a gateway to growth, self-awareness, and long-term peace. Tamara shares how mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and intentional disengagement can shift the entire divorce dynamic, protect your kids, and help you reclaim your power. Whether you're just entering the process or stuck in cycles of reactivity, this episode...
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Episode 313: Narcissist's Counterpart Echo with Author of Rethinking Narcissism Dr.Craig Malkin
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode, Brook Olsen is joined once again by Dr. Craig Malkin, author of Rethinking Narcissism, to explore the lesser-known counterpart to narcissism: echoism. Through the lens of Greek mythology and modern psychology, they unpack how those who fear being “too much” often find themselves entangled in toxic dynamics with narcissistic partners. Dr. Malkin explains how echoism—marked by self-silencing, people-pleasing, and a fear of taking up space—is a survival response rooted in early family systems. Together, they discuss how cultivating healthy anger, reclaiming agency, and...
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Episode 312: Unraveling old patterns and reconnecting to self With AnnMarie Chereso
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode, Brook talks with conscious relationship coach Annmarie Chereso about how to break free from unconscious patterns that fuel conflict—especially in co-parenting. Annmarie shares her personal journey through divorce and how parts work and nervous system regulation helped her reclaim her power. They explore the role of self-awareness, compassion, and learning to respond from presence rather than fear. A powerful conversation for anyone looking to heal and build healthier relationships with their children—and themselves. Learn more about AnnMarie Chereso at her website: ...
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Episode 311: Radical Listening Beatin the Loneliness Epidemic and Building Deeper Human Connections
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode of the High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast, Brook Olsen sits down with therapist and author Christian Van Norberg to explore the power of radical listening—a practice that goes beyond active listening to foster deep connection and emotional regulation. They discuss how presence, curiosity, and internal awareness can help you disengage from conflict, stay grounded, and support your children without getting pulled into drama. Whether you're navigating court stress or everyday parenting challenges, this conversation offers practical insight into staying calm and connected. Listen...
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Episode 310: Covert Narcissism and Family Court with Kelli Avallone
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode, Brook sits down with family law attorney Kelli Avallone to unpack the tricky dynamics of covert narcissism in custody battles and high-conflict divorces. They explore why labeling a co-parent as a narcissist can backfire, how courts really view psychological evaluations, and why focusing on evidence-based behavior is more effective than diagnosis. Kelli shares what covert narcissistic traits can look like in family court and how parents can respond strategically while keeping children out of the conflict. Learn more about Kelli Avallone at her website: For exclusive...
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Episode 309: Mindsets for Surviving Divorce with Kate Anthony
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode, Brook sits down with divorce coach Kate Anthony to unpack the mindsets that truly help during divorce, especially in high-conflict co-parenting situations. They discuss why emotional reactions can backfire, how to shift from wanting “fairness” to focusing on what’s legal and strategic, and the importance of boundaries and radical acceptance. With practical tips and compassionate advice, this episode is a valuable guide for anyone facing the challenges of separation. Learn more about Kate Anthony at her website: For exclusive membership perks join our membership...
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Episode 308: Self-Love Deficit Disorder (SLDD) and It's Expressions
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode, Brook welcomes back Ross Rosenberg, author of The Human Magnet Syndrome and The Codependency Revolution, to dive deeper into the concept of Self-Love Deficit Disorder (SLDD)—a groundbreaking reframing of codependency. Together, they unpack how early attachment trauma shapes relationship dynamics, leading many into repeated cycles of caretaking, emotional depletion, and entanglement with narcissistic partners. Brook and Ross explore the toxic push-pull that arises in high-conflict co-parenting and divorce, where unresolved SLDD patterns often collide with personality...
info_outlineIn this episode Brook has guest Rich Carr author of Surprised: The Science and Art of Engagement. Rich brings a bright and engaging look at how we as humans respond or react to an outside stimulus and in understanding the workings of the various part of the brain dictate how you will engage in or disengage with that stimulus. In high conflict or for that matter any relational interaction, getting to the solution with the least amount of conflict and the optimal exploration is the goal. Rich goes into how you can install intention and preprogram action to reduce the reactivity in your system and access the parts of the brain that problem solve. Enjoy!!!
Rich Carr can be reached at through his website. https://braincentricdesign.com/
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