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When the marriage ends but the season isn’t over, what does it look like to stay on the same team? In this candid conversation, I sit down with my ex-husband (and friend) Jeff Smith to share the co-parenting playbook that’s worked for us: kids-first decisions, private huddles + public alignment, respect over ego, and informed support through recovery. No trick plays—just fundamentals we run every day.

Today’s game plan

• Kids-First Offense: decisions that put the children on the scoreboard, not our egos
• The Huddle Rule: disagree in private, align in front of the kids
• Support in Recovery: why addiction isn’t a decision—and what real support sounds like
• Forgiveness = Fitness: how letting go brings you peace (and better play)
• Launching the Rookies: why we pushed for out-of-state schools and independence

Chapters
00:00 Why this conversation now
01:04 What made co-parenting work
06:02 Supporting sobriety (for real)
10:46 Pride, growth, modeling for our kids
12:10 Advice for families walking with addiction
16:47 Forgiveness that brings peace
24:41 Our top co-parenting rules
30:27 Launching kids far from home
33:21 Choosing happiness & team mentality
35:34 Don’t bad-mouth the other parent
36:48 Jeff’s definition of hope
37:30 Close

Links & resources mentioned

Atomic Habits — James Clear

Elizabeth Vargas, Between Breaths (for loved ones of someone struggling with addiction)

Connect with Jeff - LinkedIn

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New episodes drop every Monday, so you can begin your week with a little light and a lot of hope.

For more stories, reflections, and ways to connect, visit www.DanielleElliottSmith.com or follow along on Instagram @daniellesmithtv and @HopeComestoVisit