In brief: When your children don’t want to meet your new partner

This week, Kate tackles one of the trickiest challenges many separated parents face: what to do when your children don’t want to meet your new partner.Introducing a new partner (gently)In this solo episode, Kate explores why children often react strongly to the idea of meeting a parent’s new partner — from feelings of divided loyalty to worries about how their family dynamics might change. She talks through how timing, age-appropriate conversations and thoughtful pacing can make a big difference, and why looping in your co-parent (when possible) can help keep things calm and stable.Kate also shares guidance on how to avoid putting pressure on your children, how to let trust build at their pace and how to stay steady in your parenting role so they continue to feel grounded and secure.What we cover:Why children might resist meeting your new partnerChoosing the right time to introduce someone newHow to have age-appropriate conversationsGentle pacing for early introductionsStaying consistent and reliable as a parentMore divorce resources:Got a question on divorce, separation or co-parenting you’d like us to cover? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.We've created amicable space to give you more personalised support. Become a member of amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community. You can share your questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. Thanks for listening - here’s 3 months of the amicable co-parenting app for free! Open this link on your phone, install the app and create your account. Once that’s done, select 'I have a promo code' when setting up your family, enter PODCAST, press ‘apply’ and enjoy staying organised together.#Coparenting

In this episode, Kate is joined by Simon Rogerson, founder of Octopus Group, to learn more about his divorce story.Why divorce was harder than building a businessThis episode begins with Simon sharing his separation story. He candidly explains why he felt his divorce was more stressful than building a business. He and Kate also discuss how friends' and colleagues' reactions to Simon's divorce weren’t always helpful and why ‘staying together for the kids’ might actually do more harm than good. They finish by exploring why the current legal system is broken, gender-biased and can lead to catastrophic consequences for divorcing couples.Trigger warning: this episode covers content that some listeners might find distressing, including poor mental health and suicide.What we cover:Simon’s divorce storyHow reactions from friends and colleagues aren't always helpfulReducing the stigma and shame around divorceWhy staying together for the kids might do more harm than goodHow the current legal system is brokenSimon Rogerson, founder of Octopus GroupSimon is the founder and Chief Executive of Octopus Group. Octopus, set up in 2000, employs more than 12,000 people across its financial services, energy and education businesses.Its energy transition business (Octopus Energy) is disrupting a £2 trillion industry by using technology to make the green revolution faster and cheaper for tens of millions of customers. Since establishment in 2015 it has grown to more than ten million customers across twelve countries, raising more than £2 billion in funding from some of the world’s leading investors. Its technology platform, Kraken, now powers some of the world’s leading energy companies, looking after more than 65 million customer accounts.Its financial services business includes Octopus Investments, Octopus Money, Seccl, Octopus Legacy and amicable. Its investment business manages £10 billion, specialising in venture capital, smaller companies and real estate investing. Its education business, Aurora, operates 21 special needs schools across the UK.Prior to setting up Octopus, Simon was on the graduate training programme at Mercury Asset Management (now part of Blackrock). He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and graduated with a first class MA from St Andrews University.More divorce resourcesYou can get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. We've created amicable space to give you more personalised support. Become a member of amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community. You can share your questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Learn more and sign up here.Thanks for listening - here’s 3 months of the amicable co-parenting app for free! Open this link on your phone, install the app and create your account. Once that’s done, select 'I have a promo code' when setting up your family, enter PODCAST, press ‘apply’ and enjoy staying organised together.#SeparationStory

This week, Kate is joined by Majo Torreli, a somatic (body-based) coach, to unpack how you can ‘listen to your gut’ when it comes to relationships.Love, somatics and self-trustMajo opens up about how her own journey through relationships and breakups sparked a deep interest in somatics - ultimately guiding her toward becoming a somatic coach. In this conversation, she and Kate explore the subtle signals your body sends when something in a relationship feels off, and how these cues shape what Majo calls your ‘love blueprint’. She also breaks down what ‘trust your gut’ truly means in everyday practice and offers her best tips for becoming more attuned to your body when making decisions.What we cover:Majo’s personal story What is somatic coaching?How experiences shape your body's emotional blueprintReading your body's signals to understand how you really feelHow to start trusting your gut instincts moreTrigger Warning: This episode mentions abuse in relationships, which some listeners might find upsetting.Majo Torreli, a somatic coachMajo is a somatic (body-based) coach and Oxford graduate who helps women reconnect with their bodies so they can create the love, health and career they deeply desire. After a decade of feeling stuck - struggling with relationships, body image, self-worth and feminine health - she discovered somatics and experienced a complete transformation. Now, she’s trained in Somatic Sex & Relationships Coaching and Body-Oriented Coaching and guides other women through the same powerful process so they can finally feel at home in their bodies and fully alive in every area of life.Connect with Majo:Get in touch with Majo on her website and you can follow her on Instagram and TikTok for more guidance on how to understand your body’s signals and start trusting yourself more.More divorce resources:Got a question on divorce, separation or co-parenting you’d like us to cover? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.We've created amicable space to give you more personalised support. Become a member of amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community. You can share your questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. Thanks for listening - here’s 3 months of the amicable co-parenting app for free! Open this link on your phone, install the app and create your account. Once that’s done, select 'I have a promo code' when setting up your family, enter PODCAST, press ‘apply’ and enjoy staying organised together.#EmotionalJourney

In this episode, Kate is joined by Aileen Harvey and Julie Fahy – best friends and hosts of the You Keep Me Sane podcast – to talk about what it really means to support a friend through separation.A separation story in voice notesKate begins by hearing Aileen’s separation story, how her friendship with Julie began and how it became a vital source of comfort. They share how Julie supported Aileen - not by offering solutions, but by simply listening - and why that kind of steady presence from a friend can mean everything.Aileen and Julie also explore what makes a great friend during life’s hardest moments and the surprising power of long voice notes. They finish with their best tips, from both perspectives, on how to show up with care, patience and love when a friend is going through a separation.Trigger warning: There’s a brief mention of physical injury at the start of this episode.Meet the hosts of You Keep Me SaneAileen Harvey is a Scottish-born Londoner with a life story shaped by resilience, reinvention and a deep desire to support women through life’s challenges. With a background in the high-pressure world of finance, she spent years navigating a demanding, male-dominated industry before burnout pushed her to reassess what truly mattered. Facing the ups and downs of perimenopause, parenting a teenager and embracing life’s complexities inspired her to co-create her podcast You Keep Me Sane. Julie’s journey has always been driven by a search for depth, purpose and connection. Her love for people and their stories led her to a career in documentaries, filming for National Geographic, BBC and Discovery Channel. Yet, despite the dream job, she felt an inner pull toward something deeper. Studying psychology and Kabbalah, becoming a mother and embracing life’s challenges helped her find that missing connection - not through achievements, but through vulnerability and growth. Now based in Melbourne, Julie’s life experiences, from global travels to motherhood, have inspired her to co-create You Keep Me Sane. Follow Aileen and JulieYou can learn more about Aileen, Julie and their podcast You Keep Me Sane here. You can also follow them on Instagram to be the first to hear about new episodes.More separation resources:Got a question on divorce, separation or co-parenting you’d like us to cover? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. We've created amicable space to give you more personalised support. Become a member of amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community. You can share your questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Learn more and sign up here.Thanks for listening - here’s 3 months of the amicable co-parenting app for free! Open this link on your phone, install the app and create your account. Once that’s done, select 'I have a promo code' when setting up your family, enter PODCAST, press ‘apply’ and enjoy staying organised together.#EmotionalJourney

This week, Kate sits down with Josh Tomeoni, founder of Narrative Financial Group and host of The Derelict Podcast, to explore why men often struggle in silence during divorce and separation and what they can do about it.Men's mental health during divorce: practical tips from a divorced dadDivorce can be isolating - especially for men. Josh candidly shares his own separation story and opens up about the loneliness many men face during divorce. Together,  he and Kate discuss the impact separation can have on mental health and offer actionable advice: from finding the right sources of validation to pausing and making space for yourself when everything feels overwhelming.What we cover:Josh’s personal separation storyWhy divorce can feel lonely for menThe hidden toll on men's mental healthTop tips for looking after yourself during and after divorceTrigger Warning: This episode mentions miscarriage. We understand this can be a sensitive topic, so please take care of yourself while listening.Josh Tomeoni - podcast host, author and financial plannerJosh Tomeoni is a founder of Narrative Financial Group and host of The Derelict Podcast. He spent over 20 years in wealth management and financial strategy, specialising in helping high-earning divorced men rebuild both their finances and their lives. As a divorced dad himself, he combines practical guidance with a deep understanding of how divorce impacts wealth, identity and fatherhood. Josh’s passion is equipping men with the tools to recover financially, protect their lifestyle and thrive in their next chapter.Connect with Josh:Get in touch with Josh on Instagram - @joshthederelict and ask to speak to him directly. You can also purchase his book The 5 Traps Men Face in Divorce...and How to Triumph Over Them! on Amazon.More divorce resources:Got a question on divorce, separation or co-parenting you’d like us to cover? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.We've created amicable space to give you more personalised support. Become a member of amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community. You can share your questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. amicable’s YouTube channel is full of practical guidance on separation, divorce and co-parenting, explained in a clear and supportive way. From expert tips to interviews, it’s a helpful place to find answers and feel more confident about what comes next.Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@amicable_world #EmotionalJourney

In this episode, Kate is joined by Sarah Furness, performance expert and former combat helicopter pilot, to hear her story of separation and what she’s learned along the way.Mindfulness and resilience during divorceSarah opens up about her experience of divorce in the military, the emotional challenges that came with it, and how her family helped her through. She shares how these experiences led her to focus on mindfulness, resilience and wellbeing.Kate and Sarah explore practical techniques for managing emotions during divorce, reframing your mindset and finding calm during change. They also talk about common myths around co-parenting and how sharing personal experiences, both at work and in everyday life, can help build stronger connections.A summary of what we cover:Navigating the practicalities of divorce in the militarySarah’s go-to techniques for managing emotions and mindsetWhy your child isn’t “broken” because of your divorceHow openness and authenticity can build stronger human connectionsSarah Furness and her workSarah is a Founder of Well Be It, a coaching consultancy specialising in employee resilience and empowered leadership. She’s a keynote speaker, bestselling author and former helicopter pilot. After graduating from Cambridge University, Sarah followed her dream to become a combat helicopter pilot in the RAF. As a Squadron Leader she led on operational combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and she was the first female helicopter pilot to fly and lead UK Special Forces missions in Iraq. So she has a proven track record leading teams to victory in the most extreme conditions. As a qualified mindfulness coach and human factors facilitator Sarah combines her military expertise with proven cognitive techniques to expertly guide people on their own journey of discovery. More divorce resourcesYou can learn more about Sarah Furness on her website, you can purchase her book Fly Higher on Amazon and you can find out more about her coaching services on Well Be It website.Got a question on divorce, separation or co-parenting you’d like us to cover? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.We've created amicable space to give you more personalised support. Become a member of amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community. You can share your questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Learn more and sign up here.amicable’s YouTube channel is full of practical guidance on separation, divorce and co-parenting, explained in a clear and supportive way. From expert tips to interviews, it’s a helpful place to find answers and feel more confident about what comes next.Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@amicable_world You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. #SeparationStory

This week, Kate is joined by Candice Bull, Divorce Specialist at amicable, to unpack what a prenup is and why you might need one.Prenup 101Kate and Candice talk through everything you need to know about prenuptial agreements - what they cover, how long they last and whether they’re automatically legally binding. They explore how to make sure a prenup is fair for both partners and why these agreements are not just for the wealthy.Candice also shares why more couples are choosing prenups today, how often they need to be updated and how to start this conversation with your partner.Here are some points covered in this episode:What a prenup is and what it includesWhen to update your prenupHow to keep things fair when one partner has more moneyWhy prenups are becoming more common among younger couplesTop tips for discussing a prenup togetherCandice Bull from amicableCandice is a Negotiation Divorce Specialist and part of the Negotiation Team at amicable. After qualifying as a family law solicitor in 2019, she gained invaluable experience in private family law practice. Passionate about supporting couples through separation, Candice is dedicated to empowering them to make informed decisions about their future and guiding them through constructive negotiations which are kind, collaborative and truly amicable.More divorce resourcesGot a question on divorce, separation or co-parenting you’d like us to cover? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.We've created amicable space to give you more personalised support. Become a member of amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community. You can share your questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. amicable’s YouTube channel is full of practical guidance on separation, divorce and co-parenting, explained in a clear and supportive way. From expert tips to interviews, it’s a helpful place to find answers and feel more confident about what comes next.Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@amicable_world #LegalBit

In this episode, Kate is joined by Susie Giles and Liz Harrington from Family Flow, and Anthony Syder from amicable, to explore what being truly amicable looks like when relationships end.Amicable divorce: expectation vs realityKate and her guests discuss how Family Flow supports women through separation with a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, and how amicable helps couples navigate divorce. Together, they dive into why an ‘amicable separation’ is often more of an aspiration than a reality, how things can shift from calm to conflict when solicitors and finances get involved, the common concerns women face when using joint divorce services and how to create a fairer balance around money. Anthony also shares what support couples can expect from amicable’s experts during negotiations, and we wrap up with practical tips for staying amicable - and redefining your relationship post-split.Family Flow and amicableSusie Giles is a trauma-informed coach specialising in separation, divorce and family wellbeing. ICF-trained and grounded in evidence-based approaches, she supports individuals - particularly mothers - in navigating the emotional and practical complexities of family breakdown with clarity, confidence and compassion. Her work is informed not just by professional expertise but by lived experience. Alongside her coaching, Susie offers specialist guidance on post-separation communication, co-parenting and keeping children emotionally safe through transition.Liz Harrington is a Somatic Trauma Therapist and coach with over 12 years’ experience supporting women through the complex aftermath of toxic relationships, coercive control and high-conflict divorces. Her work is deeply informed by both her professional expertise and her personal journey - including the power imbalances she has witnessed and lived through, pre- and post-divorce. She is currently finishing a bold, potentially controversial book that challenges the systemic issues within the divorce landscape - from how professionals handle family breakdown to the wider cultural forces at play.Anthony Syder is a Negotiation Specialist and the team lead for amicable's financial consent order drafting team. His areas of interest include the voice of the child in separation and diverse families. Anthony was previously an accredited family mediator and also sat on the board of the Family Mediators Association.More divorce resources:You can learn more about Family Flow on their website and you can listen to the previous episode of The Divorce Podcast with Liz Harrington on your favourite platform.Got a question on divorce, separation or co-parenting you’d like us to cover? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.We've created amicable space to give you more personalised support. Become a member of amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community. You can share your questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Learn more and sign up here.You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. #LegalBit

This week, Kate is joined by James Hayhurst, founder of The Parents Promise, to discuss a new school initiative designed to help children cope with the impact of family separation.How parental conflict impacts children at schoolJames introduces The Parents Promise and its mission before he and Kate explore the statistics behind this education initiative. They discuss how parental conflict during separation can affect children’s wellbeing and performance at school. James also shares his Five to Thrive steps that schools, teachers and parents can take to make a real difference.Here are some points covered in this episode:What The Parents Promise is and how it supports familiesThe impact of family separation on children’s school lifeFive to Thrive steps for teachers and parentsFree resources available to support teachers, parents and childrenJames Hayhurst and The Parents PromiseJames Hayhurst is the founder of the Positive Parenting Alliance and creator of The Parents Promise. Having seen up close the multitude of issues in the family courts and the numbers of children and parents affected, James wanted to begin a new conversation about separation. In May 2021, after many conversations with like-minded people and organisations, the Parents Promise was launched.More divorce resources:You can learn more about James and his work on The Parents Promise website and you can connect with him on LinkedIn. You can learn more about the Education Initiative here and you can listen to our episode about the HR Initiative here.We've created amicable space to give you more personalised support. Become a member of amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community. You can share your questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Learn more and sign up here.You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. Thanks for listening - here’s 3 months of the amicable co-parenting app for free! Open this link on your phone, install the app and create your account. Once that’s done, select 'I have a promo code' when setting up your family, enter PODCAST, press ‘apply’ and enjoy staying organised together.#Coparenting

In this episode, Kate is joined by Jonathan Fitter-Harding, a creative entrepreneur and proud dad of two, to hear his separation story and share some practical co-parenting insights.About the episode: Jonathan opens up about his separation and shares how well-meaning friends and family unknowingly made things more challenging. He and Kate dive into co-parenting, focusing on the ‘nesting’ arrangement and explore the practical day-to-day details of this approach. They also talk about the benefits of joint therapy and how it can help separated couples maintain a positive relationship for their children. Jonathan shares how therapy even supported them in navigating finances during the separation. Finally, he explains how he continues to co-run a business with his ex-partner and how their approach to separation has made this collaborative journey possible.A summary of what we cover:Jonathan’s separation story‘Nesting’ co-parenting arrangementBenefits of joint therapy for separated couplesRunning  a business with an ex-partnerAbout our guests:Jonathan Fitter-Harding is a proud dad of two, a creative entrepreneur and one of the key people behind Pride Canterbury - the main LGBTQ+ event in the South East. He helped lead the way in bringing secure dog fields to Kent, runs a boutique hotel and juggles a property business too. After an amicable split from his husband, Jon has built a strong, respectful co-parenting setup that puts their kids first. His story is a great reminder that separation doesn’t have to mean conflict, it can lead to clarity, connection and even a well-earned glass of champagne now and then.More resources:You can get in touch with Jonathan’s counsellor, Jenny Blain, via her website.Got a question on divorce, separation or co-parenting you’d like us to cover? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram.amicable’s YouTube channel is full of practical guidance on separation, divorce and co-parenting, explained in a clear and supportive way. From expert tips to interviews, it’s a helpful place to find answers and feel more confident about what comes next.Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@amicable_world We've created amicable space to give you more personalised support. Become a member of amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community. You can share your questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Learn more and sign up here.You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. Thanks for listening - here’s 3 months of the amicable co-parenting app for free! Open this link on your phone, install the app and create your account. Once that’s done, select 'I have a promo code' when setting up your family, enter PODCAST, press ‘apply’ and enjoy staying organised together.#Coparenting