We often expect separation to be marked by conflict and disconnection - but what if it didn’t have to be that way?

In this heartwarming and honest episode of The Separation Guide podcast, psychologist and host Sabina Read sits down with Jane and Matt Martino - former partners who chose a different path. Married for 12 years and separated for eight, they share how they put the needs of their three boys at the centre of every decision, even when it wasn’t easy.

From co-parenting holidays and family dinners to welcoming new partners into the fold, Jane and Matt have redefined what it means to be a family post-divorce. Their story is a testament to the power of communication, intention, and mutual respect.

Whether you're navigating your own separation or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that breaking up well is possible - and that love and laughter can still live in the space where marriage once did.

What are the signs a relationship has run its course - and how can you tell the difference between natural relationship challenges and something more? In this heartfelt and insightful episode, psychologist and host Sabina Read speaks with accredited divorce coach Bev Berelowitz about the deeply personal and often painful decision to separate.

Bev shares her own experience of leaving her marriage, and the wisdom she’s gained from supporting others on their separation journeys. Together, they explore the power of trusting your gut, the role of fear, how to know when you’ve done “enough” to try to make it work, and how to reframe separation as a courageous, values-based choice rather than a failure.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, wondering what’s next, or supporting someone who’s struggling, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope.

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. And with 25% of those who come to The Separation Guide for help experiencing some sort of violence or abuse, it is a very real barrier to many trying to leave relationships.

In this episode, White Ribbon Australia Acting Director Dean Cooper and Coordinator of Counselling Services Zoe Hughes join host Sabina Read to shed light on the many types of violence and abuse happening in Australian homes. With some practical tips for how to find help and navigate a safe path through, for both women and men, this episode is a vital resource for anyone who finds themselves - or someone they know - trapped in an abusive situation.

It also discusses available help for potential perpetrators who may realise that their behaviour makes others feel unsafe, but don't know what steps to take to make a change.

Along with a call out to society at large to take note and speak up when they witness acts of disrespect. As we learn in this episode - not all disrespect leads to violence, but all violence begins with disrespect.

As the number of Australian women who have died at the hands of male violence reaches 24 so far this year, this is a vital conversation that needs to be had - and heard.

For more information about how you can help make a change this Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, visit The Separation Guide's I Care About Conflict campaign at https://icareaboutconflict.com/

Superannuation is often overlooked in separation, but it’s a crucial asset that can significantly impact your financial future. In this episode, we break down the key things you need to know about super in separation—why it matters, common misconceptions, and how to approach it fairly and equitably.

We explore the common fight-or-flight response in high-conflict separations, the importance of financial disclosure, and practical steps to take control of your super. From understanding your balance to consolidating funds and seeking professional advice, our experts share their top takeaways to help you make informed decisions.

Plus, we discuss the bigger picture—how these conversations today can create long-term financial security and even drive generational change.

If you’re navigating separation and want to ensure your financial well-being, this episode is a must-listen.

Want to learn more? Join our free online event: Super in Separation: 5 Things You’ll Want to Know Before Finalising a Separation Agreement on Wednesday, 26th March, 12:00-1:00 PM (AEDT) via Google Meet.

In this episode, host Sabina Read sits down with Arabella Feltham, Separation Consultant at The Separation Guide, to explore how men can navigate separation with strength and support. They discuss:

• Staying out of conflict and prioritising health

• The importance of support networks

• Why men are often blindsided by separation news

• Managing grief, anger, and mental health challenges

• Practical advice for FIFO and emergency service workers

Discover tools and resources to regain control and move forward. Don’t miss it!

Positive Co-parenting over the holiday season

In this episode, Lisanne Iriks of the Co-Parenting Institute talks with Sabina Read about creating a positive co-parenting environment for your children during the holiday season.

Whether the separation is relatively new or you are tackling your first Christmas as a separated family, Lisanne shares some ways to manage the emotions and changes to traditions over this time. She shares how to give yourself and your children a positive experience, creating new rituals for the future.

How can I plan for my financial future?

Live, love, legacy and laugh

During this episode, Ryan Watson of Tribeca Financial will share how to escape fear and live the life you want in the future, following the priorities to live, love, legacy and laugh.

Ryan shares the range of emotions you may feel about your finances during separation. He shares some common fears many people experience during this time, such as the fear that you will lose everything in the process (which isn’t true if you get the right support around you) and how to balance immediate needs versus long-term goals.

His philosophy is that a problem shared is a problem halved.
Ryan thoughtfully covers how you can feel a greater sense of security and certainty by having the right financial advice and the power of seeing your options laid out. It’s an empowering episode that will give you practical information to step forward confidently.

This episode explores family law finance - a line of credit available to people who are going through separation and need to access funds to pay for professional support to reach a fair and equitable settlement that will set them up for a secure future.

We talk to Jack O'Donnell from JustFund about:

• the purpose of family law finance
• what it can cover
• how it differs from traditional loans
• who is eligible, and how it is assessed
• who can benefit from a family law line of credit.

This episode is a must-listen for people facing a property split who have money tied up in property, a trust or a business that they can't access until settlement. There are options to pay for the right advice.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Check if you're eligible for family law finance with JustFund https://theseparationguide.com.au/resource/podcasts/listen-how-can-i-pay-for-my-separation/
• JustFund Borrower Guide https://theseparationguide.com.au/app/uploads/2024/01/2024-Borrower-Guide-The-Separation-Guide.pdf
• Family law finance information on The Separation Guide website https://theseparationguide.com.au/resource/podcasts/listen-how-can-i-pay-for-my-separation/

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The Separation Guide aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful. To find out more about how one of our Network Members could support your separation, take our free 3-minute Q&A.

Disclaimer
The information in our resources is general only. Consider getting in touch with a professional adviser if you need support with your legal, financial or wellbeing needs.