Episode 307: Body Language and Conflict with John Riley
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
Release Date: 03/20/2025
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 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 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...
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Episode 307: Body Language and Conflict with John Riley
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode, Brook speaks with John Riley from Gentle Response about the impact of body language in high-conflict co-parenting. They explore the ACE method—Appearance, Communication, and Engagement—and how small adjustments in posture, tone, and presence can de-escalate tense situations, whether in court, mediation, or daily interactions. Brook and John also discuss the power of self-awareness and emotional regulation in reducing conflict. By staying composed and intentional, parents can shift dynamics, model healthy behavior for their children, and create a more stable environment....
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Episode 306: Growing Through Conflict with author Dana Caspersen
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode, Brook Olsen welcomes conflict engagement specialist and bestselling author Dana Caspersen to discuss how conflict can be an opportunity for growth rather than a problem to avoid. Dana shares insights from her book Conflict Is an Opportunity and explores how our mindset and belief systems shape the way we handle difficult situations. They dive into the power of shifting attention, practical tools for breaking old conflict habits, and an exercise designed to help reframe conflict dynamics. Whether you're navigating co-parenting challenges or everyday disagreements, this episode...
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Episode 305: Creating Better Outcomes: The Power of Initial Conditions with Karen McNenny
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode, Brook welcomes Karen McEnany, The Good Divorce Coach, to discuss how setting the right foundation in divorce can significantly impact long-term outcomes. Divorce inherently carries conflict, but the way we navigate the early stages—our initial conditions—can determine whether the process will be calm, moderately contentious, or high-conflict. Brook and Karen explore how parents can approach divorce not as a battle, but as a transformation—one that prioritizes family over finances, mitigates unnecessary pain, and fosters healthier co-parenting relationships. They discuss...
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Episode 302 Conflict Detox Reducing Emotional Reactivity with Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry from Been There Got Out
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In this episode Brook and his guests Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry from the podcast Been There Got Out discuss the notion of High Conflict Detox. This is where a person/parent is stuck deeply in the habitual cycle of conflict and the nervous system maintains a high level of chronic activation. In order to break the cycle one must endure the discomfort of disengagement, develop a self awareness of the cycle in order to break free of the strong impulse to engage in and continue the conflict. This conflict pattern is very much physiological and can be mastered. Enjoy!!! Want to hear the full...
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Episode 301: The Science and Art of Engagement with Author Rich Carr
The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast
In 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...
info_outlineIn this episode, Brook speaks with John Riley from Gentle Response about the impact of body language in high-conflict co-parenting. They explore the ACE method—Appearance, Communication, and Engagement—and how small adjustments in posture, tone, and presence can de-escalate tense situations, whether in court, mediation, or daily interactions.
Brook and John also discuss the power of self-awareness and emotional regulation in reducing conflict. By staying composed and intentional, parents can shift dynamics, model healthy behavior for their children, and create a more stable environment. Tune in for practical strategies to navigate conflict with confidence.
Learn more about John Riley at his website: https://gentle-response.com/
For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/
For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register.
Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: “When Co-Parenting Doesn’t Work.”
https://www.highconflict.net/booklet
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