In brief: myths around pensions and divorce

If you've ever wondered whether heartbreak gets easier with age, or just different, this episode might surprise you. Watch the video version here. Kate is joined by Jemma Sbeg, host of The Psychology of Your 20s podcast and author of Person in Progress, to compare notes on breakups and grief across every life stage - from a first heartbreak in your twenties to divorce after twenty years together.We talk about:Jemma's 'three waves' model for processing a breakup, and why healing isn't a straight lineWhat's genuinely different about heartbreak in your twenties versus later in life - and what stays exactly the sameWhy talking through the 'what ifs' with a partner can build a stronger relationship, not undermine itHow making something creative out of heartbreak can turn it into one of your most valuable experiencesThis episode is for anyone who's been through a breakup or separation, at any age or stage - and anyone who's ever wondered if it really gets easier.Meet Jemma SbegJemma is a host of a groundbreaking, globally recognized podcast, The Psychology of Your 20s, author of Person in progress and mental health advocate.The Psychology of your 20s begun back in 2021 after Jemma went through her first real heartbreak and was looking for a guide to all the confusing and chaotic feelings she was experiencing. It wasn't just the break-up, there were so many other experiences she was having as a 20-something that she wished she had some explanation for. Nobody would give her the straight up science, and all the self-help content she found seemed to just be opinions based. And so, The Psychology of your 20s was born with our first ever episode, fittingly titled 'The Psychology of Imposter Syndrome' which remains our most downloaded episode to date. To hear more from Jemma, listen to The Psychology of your 20s wherever you get your podcasts or yoiu can watch it on Netflix. You can also follow Jemma on Instagram and Substack. More divorce resourcesNeed expert help right now?Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on on healing after heartbreak and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on emotional readiness and timing, navigating separation with kindness and rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.Got a question for a future episode?Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.#EmotionalJourney

Pensions are often the biggest asset in a marriage – sometimes bigger than the family home – yet they're the one most people overlook when they separate.Kate is joined by Josh Gordon, Head of Digital Retirement at Octopus Money, to bust some of the biggest pension myths in divorce.We talk about:The myth that a pension in your name is yours aloneWhat a PODE (Pension on Divorce Expert) report is, and how it helps you understand what your pensions are really worthCompounding explained – and why the years matter as much as the amountWhy your pension might actually be more valuable than the houseThis episode is for anyone who's tempted to leave pensions until last – and wants to make sure they're not leaving value on the table.amicable and Octopus Money have co-created the PODE product discussed.Meet Josh GordonJosh is Head of Digital Retirement at Octopus Money. He’s spent over 20 years working in financial services. As a Chartered Financial Planner, Josh helps people going through divorce understand what their pension assets are really worth, and what a fair outcome looks like. Working with individuals, solicitors, and mediators across England and Wales, providing independent PODE reports in plain language, with no surprises on cost. Josh believes the process of getting expert pension advice during divorce should be straightforward and transparent, not another source of stress. Part of the Octopus Money family, his team combines genuine financial expertise with the kind of clear communication that people going through a difficult time actually need.Learn more about PODE reports here.SourcesOffice for National Statistics, Divorces in England and Wales, 2019: Average age at divorce: 42 for women, 45 for men, as cited from ONS data by Stowe Family Law.More divorce resourcesNeed expert help right now?Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on on healing after heartbreak and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Kate’s book amicable divorce includes a dedicated chapter on navigating finances during separation, including reaching financial agreements based on your real needs (not just 50/50 splits) and guidance on commonly overlooked assets like pensions. Find it on Amazon today.Got a question for a future episode?Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.#Finances

Ten years on from her divorce, actor and comedian Sally Phillips can look back with humour, honesty and hard-won perspective on her divorce and the life she's built since.In this episode, Kate is joined by Sally Phillips – star of 'Miranda', 'Veep' and the 'Bridget Jones' films, and co-creator of the Emmy-winning 'Smack the Pony' – for a warm and often very funny conversation about separation, starting again and everything she's learned along the way.We talk about:How Sally knew her marriage was 'on the skids' – and why she avoided facing it Separating as a parent of neurodivergent childrenDiscovering she was going through perimenopause during her divorce – and the difference it might have madeFinding love again – and what makes a relationship work second time round What Sally learned about herself, resilience and building a life on the other sideWhether you're at the start of a separation or years down the line, this is a conversation full of hope, honesty and laughter.Meet Sally PhillipsSally Phillips is an English actor, writer, comedian, producer and director, and an executive producer at Captain Dolly. She's best known for TV comedies including I'm Alan Partridge, Jam and Jerusalem, Miranda and Veep, the Bridget Jones films, and shows like Taskmaster and QI.She began in the Oxford Revue and went on to co-write and develop the ground-breaking female-led sketch show Smack the Pony, which won two international Emmys. Her many credits since include Green Wing, Friday Night Dinner, Breeders, Channel 4's Big Mood and the BBC's We Might Regret This, alongside film roles in How to Please a Woman, Off The Rails and Pride Prejudice and Zombies.Sally has three neurodivergent children. Her son, who has Down syndrome and autism, is a self-advocate, and together they made the award-winning 2016 documentary A World Without Down's Syndrome? She's a joint patron of the Down's Syndrome Association with Olly, and a patron of The Brentford , Brentford FC’s Down Syndrome Team, and Josephine and Jack, a charity that provides sex and relationship advice and education to adults with learning disabilities.You can catch Sally in Austin second series and The Hairdresser's Mysteries on BBC iPlayer. More divorce resourcesFeeling ready to take practical steps forward?Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on emotional readiness and timing, navigating separation with kindness and rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.Got a question for a future episode?Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.#SeparationStories

If you're wondering whether things really do get better after divorce, this episode is proof that they can - one step at a time.Kate is joined by Michelle Lynne, a Canadian concert pianist and singer, who shares how she found her way back to herself after a painful divorce, and turned that journey into her debut album.In this episode, we cover:How Michelle found her way back to herself after divorceHow a creative outlet can help you sit with grief instead of rushing past itWhy it's ok to tell people what you actually need from themWhat it took to turn Michelle’s experience into her debut album, One Step at a TimeThis episode is for anyone who feels lost after a relationship ending and looking for a creative way to process a difficult season.Trigger warning: this episode touches on poor mental health, including thoughts of suicide, alongside grief and divorce-related trauma. If any of this feels close to home, please take care while listening - support is available from Mind, Samaritans, or your GP. Meet Michelle LynneCanadian pianist, singer and speaker Michelle Lynne is known for her dynamic, communicative performances and her ability to forge warm, personal connections with audiences. Appearing frequently as a chamber musician, collaborative pianist, and educator, she is currently on tour in Europe and has performed for over 250,000 people, most recently in the Eiffel Tower. Her debut album One Step at a Time released Nov 2025, and was born out of her own journey through a painful divorce.You can find out more about Michelle on her website and make sure to follow her on Instagram and you can listen to her debut album One Step at a Time on Spotify. More divorce resourcesNeed expert help right now?Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on healing after divorce and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on emotional readiness and timing, navigating separation with kindness and rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.Got a question for a future episode?Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.#LifeAfter

If you're navigating work travel while co-parenting, this episode will help you plan around it without the guilt, or the arguments.In this episode, Kate Daly shares practical advice on how to plan childcare, communicate with your co-parent, and build a support network so work travel doesn't disrupt your co-parenting relationship or your children's routines.In this episode, we cover:Why work travel feels different once you're co-parentingHow to agree a parenting plan for travelWhy your co-parent isn't your default childcare, and what to do insteadKeeping your co-parent in the loop and staying connected with your kids while you're awayThis episode is for co-parents whose work involves travel, or anyone working out childcare arrangements beyond the usual routine.More divorce resourcesNeed expert help right now?Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service – a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs.Want ongoing support through separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on co-parenting and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on co-parenting, with practical guidance on supporting your children's wellbeing, talking to them in age-appropriate ways and building a cooperative co-parenting relationship that reduces conflict. Find it on Amazon today.Want to stay organised as co-parents?Download our free Parenting Plan template to help you and your co-parent agree on shared goals, routines and decision-making – with your children at the centre.Try the amicable co-parenting app free for 3 months to share calendars, track expenses and communicate clearly. Open this link on your phone, install the app, create your account, select 'I have a promo code', enter PODCAST and press ‘apply’.#Coparenting

What do you show your children when you decide your marriage has to end?Kate is joined by Buzzy Randall, a hospitality consultant, to talk about how she chose to model strength, honesty and self-worth for her daughters throughout her divorce.We talk about:Why being a role model to your children throughout your relationship and separation mattersShowing up honestly for your kids, including the moments you don't have it all togetherThe shame and stigma that can surround divorce, especially when infidelity's involvedWhy having someone else who's been through something similar can make all the differenceRebuilding your self-identity, confidence and ability to make decisions for yourself⚠️ Trigger warning: this episode touches on infidelity and the emotional impact of divorce and separation. This episode is for anyone thinking about what their separation is teaching their children. You're not alone in this – if this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need it right now.Meet Buzzy RandallBuzzy is a hospitality consultant, entrepreneur, classically trained chef, and currently a Masters Psychology student at the University of Leicester. With more than twenty years' experience in hospitality, including senior creative and operational roles within luxury hotels and events, she has built a career around creating meaningful experiences and supporting people to thrive.Following her own experience of divorce after an eighteen-year marriage, Buzzy became passionate about conversations around separation, resilience, identity and rebuilding life after significant change. Through her writing, podcasting and studies in psychology and counselling, she explores how people navigate loss, rediscover themselves, and create fulfilling new chapters.To hear more from Buzzy follow her on Instagram and listen to her podcast The Big D.More divorce resourcesNeed expert help right now?Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service – a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs.Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on co-parenting and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on co-parenting, with practical guidance on supporting your children's wellbeing, talking to them in age-appropriate ways and building a cooperative co-parenting relationship that reduces conflict. Find it on Amazon today.Got a question for a future episode?Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.#SeparationStories

If you've seen the headlines about 'divorce rings' and wondered whether they're a passing trend or something more meaningful, this episode is for you.In this in-brief episode, Kate unpacks what's really behind the rise of divorce rings – and why they're about a lot more than jewellery.In this episode, we cover:What a divorce ring actually isHow reclaiming choice and identity plays into the trendThe difference between behaving amicably and feeling amicable, and why that gap is completely normalKate's own way of marking the end of her marriageThis episode is for anyone going through separation or divorce who's looking for their own way to mark this chapter, and for anyone curious about why this trend is getting so much attention.More divorce resourcesFeeling ready to take practical steps forward?Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on emotional readiness and timing, navigating separation with kindness and rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.Got a question for a future episode?Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.#LifeAfterDivorce

What happens when you finally stop ignoring your gut - and discover that everything you went through was leading you somewhere better?In this episode, I'm joined by multi-award-winning comedy impressionist Jess Robinson to hear her honest and uplifting story of separation, starting over and finding unexpected happiness as a stepmum.In this episode, Jess talks about:What the end of her marriage looked like, and how she processed itThe shame she felt around her separation, and how she moved through itDating again, and how she met her husbandBuilding a blended family, and what the stepmum role really means to herWhy going through hard times can lead you exactly where you're meant to beThis episode is for anyone who's been through a separation and is wondering what comes next - especially if you're navigating new relationships or a blended family.⚠️ This episode contains some adult themes - take care while listeningIf this episode resonated with you, follow The Divorce Podcast for honest, expert support whenever you need it.Meet Jess RobinsonJess Robinson is a multi-award-winning comedy impressionist and classically trained singer recognised as the UK's pre-eminent female impressionist. A household name in comedy and impressions since her viral Britain's Got Talent semi-final in 2017, she has since starred as lead voice artist on Spitting Image, appeared regularly on Channel 4's The Last Leg and BBC's Dead Ringers, and performed to sell-out crowds at iconic venues including the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall. She is also an experienced voice artist, lending her talents to Aardman, DreamWorks, Netflix and Disney, and hosted the British Podcast Award-winning show Stars In Your Ears.You can learn more about Jess on her website, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date. You can also catch her show, 'Elton Reimagined', in Edinburgh this August - book your tickets today.More divorce resourcesNeed expert help right now?Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation.Want ongoing support as you rebuild after separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on emotional wellbeing and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on emotional readiness and timing, navigating separation with kindness and rebuilding your identity and moving forward with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.Got a question for a future episode?Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.#SeparationStories

Cutting out the solicitor and letting AI draft your consent order sounds like a money-saver. But this is the legally binding document that settles your finances for good - and getting it wrong could cost you far more than you'd save.Kate is joined by two members of the amicable team - Divorce Specialist Lucy Huscroft and Head of Product Hugo Ostyn - to unpick where AI genuinely helps with a consent order, and where you need an expert’s help.We talk about:What a consent order is and why it matters for a clean break in divorceHow AI can help with your consent order – and where it's best usedWhy a person still beats AI when it comes to consent orders – and main limitations to watch out forThis episode is for anyone tempted to use AI to sort out their divorce finances, and who wants to understand where it helps and where it could go wrong.Mentioned in this episodeR (Ayinde) v London Borough of Haringey [2025] EWHC 1383 (Admin) — a UK High Court case where AI-generated, fictitious case law was put before the court, leading to wasted costs ordersMata v Avianca, Inc. (2023) — the US case where lawyers submitted AI-hallucinated case citationsResearch by Fanous et al. (2025) finding that leading AI models changed their answers close to 60% of the time when challengedKing's College London research on people turning to AI for help: around one in seven have used AI instead of seeing a GP, and one in five who use it for health advice say it discouraged them from seeking professional careAbout our guestsHugo is the Head of Product at amicable. With over 10 years of experience, he has helped both startups and established companies build and launch new products. He brings a user-first mindset and a data-driven approach to help make divorce kinder and more transparent.Lucy qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive specialising in family law and practiced in law for several years before joining amicable. Lucy uses this experience to ensure customers get the best possible result for their own unique circumstances and that of their families. Lucy's experience in family as well as conveyancing means she is super practical in helping people consider the implementation of their agreements.More divorce resourcesNeed expert help right now?Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Want ongoing support through separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on the legal side of divorce and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Kate’s book amicable divorce includes a dedicated chapter on demystifying the legal process – from no-fault divorce to consent orders, translated into plain English so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Find it on Amazon today.Got a question for a future episode?Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.#Legal

This week, we want to revisit a particularly helpful episode with Jo Thurston from Parent Talk to discuss why summer holidays can be so tricky for single parents and share some simple tips for making them more manageable and fun. Without the school routine and longer days in the sun, it’s an important time to create new memories and enjoy new activities with your children. However, summer as a single parent can be challenging when you’re doing all of this solo. It might involve more schedules, additional childcare and juggling high expectations. Kate and Jo start by explaining why summer holidays can be challenging for single parents, and when’s a good time to start planning them. There are also some tips on how not to over-plan! Here are some of the points they cover in this episode to help single parents this summer:How to navigate holiday costsWhere you can look for affordable activities to fit your budget and available timeCommunication tips with your co-parentStaying flexible and willing to adjust your scheduleWhy involving your children in holiday planning could be a good ideaMeet Jo Thurston Jo is a co-ordinator at Action for Children’s Parent Talk service, which offers free online advice for parents and carers of children aged 0-19, or up to 25 where a young person has special educational needs. Its confidential 1:1 live chat service connects parents and carers directly to an experienced parenting coach for judgement-free practical advice and emotional support, while its online articles answer some of the most common parenting questions. Jo first joined Action for Children in 2018 as a Family Support worker in a Children’s Centre. She has a background working in schools and pastoral care and has a particular interest in supporting families impacted by SEND.More divorce resourcesNeed expert help right now?Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service – a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs.Want ongoing support through separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on co-parenting and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on co-parenting, with practical guidance on supporting your children's wellbeing, talking to them in age-appropriate ways and building a cooperative co-parenting relationship that reduces conflict. Find it on Amazon today.Want to stay organised as co-parents?Download our free Parenting Plan template to help you and your co-parent agree on shared goals, routines and decision-making – with your children at the centre.Try the amicable co-parenting app free for 3 months to share calendars, track expenses and communicate clearly. Open this link on your phone, install the app, create your account, select 'I have a promo code', enter PODCAST and press ‘apply’.Got a question for a future episode?Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.#Coparenting