What if empathy and logic could turn even the most contentious negotiations into successful collaborations? Join us as we sit down with Erika Kaneko, a distinguished corporate attorney from New York City, to uncover the emotional intricacies of negotiating with difficult people. Erika’s wealth of experience, particularly in high-conflict scenarios, brings a unique perspective to our discussion, emphasizing the often-overlooked emotional dynamics that can sway the outcome of any negotiation. Our goal is to empower you with strategies that not only help you stay in control but also avoid the pitfalls of costly court battles.

Throughout this enlightening episode, we explore how mastering emotional intelligence can transform adversarial situations into opportunities for mutual satisfaction. From understanding both parties' priorities to the essential role of preparation, Erika guides us through a step-by-step approach to effective negotiation. We also delve into the importance of self-representation, especially when personal safety isn't at risk, and debunk common misconceptions about maintaining a rational demeanor in confrontational settings. Tune in to discover how these powerful strategies can lead you to personal freedom and safety, all while negotiating with confidence and clarity.

Join us for an insightful and powerful episode featuring our guest, Federica Velutini-Hoffman, a dedicated advocate, to discuss the complexities surrounding domestic violence and the often-overlooked tendency of victims to minimize their experiences. Listen in as we dismantle the misconception that abuse must be physical to be valid, highlighting the resilience and grace of survivors who endure severe trauma. Federica shares poignant examples from her work, reflecting on how abusers, driven by insecurity, target individuals who shine brightly to steal their light. Additionally, Federica opens up about her background and journey into the nonprofit world after her own experiences with abuse.

We also tackle the crucial topic of presenting emotional trauma in court, emphasizing the importance of clarity and objectivity in family law cases. Our conversation underscores the necessity of linking facts to legal statutes and maintaining composure to be more persuasive in court. We explore the emotional challenges victims face in articulating their experiences and provide strategies for making a strong first impression. Furthermore, we delve into the complex dynamics of empathy in abusive relationships, examining the psychological manipulation by abusers and the importance of grieving the perceived relationship. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the nuanced realities of domestic violence and the extraordinary strength of survivors.

Unlock the secret to mastering emotional resilience and staying grounded even in the tumult of high-conflict relationships and legal battles. Hypnotherapist Vanessa Herrera joins us to reveal the transformative power of hypnosis in managing stress and trauma. During our enlightening conversation, Vanessa demystifies hypnosis, explaining how it can help individuals regain control over their responses and thoughts by counteracting negative suggestions from abusive partners. You'll learn practical self-hypnosis techniques that reprogram the mind, allowing you to respond calmly and resourcefully, reclaiming your mental space from any psychological warfare.

Prepare to equip yourself with powerful tools for maintaining composure during high-stress situations. Vanessa walks us through visualization methods, controlled breathing exercises, and the importance of daily business validation to prepare for challenging moments. Discover the benefits of writing down your desired feelings and actions before sleep and how Richard Nongard's 4-6-8 breathing technique can be a game-changer. Our episode concludes with insights into Vanessa's personalized approach, emphasizing the crucial initial consultation. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies designed to empower you to take control of your mental and emotional well-being, no matter the chaos around you.

What if understanding the science of "biohacking" could improve your financial stability during a divorce? Join us in this enlightening episode as we welcome Tatiana Tsoir, who uniquely blends her expertise as a biohacker and CPA to offer critical insights into managing finances amid and after a high-conflict divorce. Discover how optimizing your internal and external environments can indirectly bolster your financial well-being. Tatiana dives into the financial challenges women face during contentious divorces, from financial abuse to career setbacks and manipulative tax tactics. She stresses the importance of financial literacy in escaping abusive relationships, debunking many myths surrounding money management in such turbulent times.

In our empowering segment on bookkeeping education, Tatiana shares her inspiring journey from bookkeeper to accountant, showcasing how mastering bookkeeping can be a transformative tool for financial independence. Listen as she discusses her initiative to offer free bookkeeping education and scholarships to moms, first-generation immigrants, teens, and abuse survivors—helping them gain practical skills for new career paths and business ventures. We also explore a fascinating question about celebrity divorce, using Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez as an example, and learn about Tatiana's philanthropic Bookkeeper Project aimed at promoting financial independence. Tune in for an episode filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and empowering insights that will help both men and women alike!

Discover compassionate strategies to address childhood aggression with Tosha Schore, founder of Parenting Boys Peacefully. This episode promises to equip you with effective techniques to handle aggressive behavior in children while reassuring you that such behavior is common and not a sign of poor parenting. Tosha shares her holistic approach, which includes self-care for parents, deep connections with children, loving limits, and playful activities that can transform your family dynamics.

We also tackle the tricky terrain of parenting teenagers, including setting boundaries around technology and dealing with emotional withdrawal. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining a supportive and positive relationship with your teen, even in challenging situations. Through personal stories and expert insights, we offer practical strategies to help you navigate these critical years with persistence and unconditional love, ensuring your teen feels valued and understood.

Parenting through connection rather than control is at the heart of our discussion. Learn how to build strong relationships with your children to positively influence their behavior as they grow. We highlight the significance of community support and shared experiences among parents. Plus, Tosha introduces an upcoming week-long workshop designed to provide actionable advice and tools for addressing aggressive behavior. This episode is your roadmap to creating a more harmonious and connected family environment.

Join us as we explore practical strategies for managing stress and trauma, especially for those involved in the legal system. Our special guest, Cindy Fritze, owner of HealingShoresLLC.com, introduces us to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping. Cindy explains how tapping on specific meridian points can send calming signals to the amygdala, reducing both short-term stress and long-term trauma. She shares her personal success story of quitting smoking through EFT and demonstrates the tapping process, making a compelling case for incorporating this technique into daily routines to achieve emotional freedom and clarity.

Listen in as we discuss how to use EFT to prepare for high-pressure situations like court appearances. We cover the concept of "pre-paving," which involves tapping on emotions beforehand to reduce stress and gain clarity. Cindy also shares how combining the Sedona Method with tapping on the nine gamut point can help release fear and anxiety, enabling you to remain composed and focused under pressure. Finally, we explore the transformative power of EFT for releasing negative emotions tied to divorce or troubled relationships, offering hope and positive outcomes for emotional healing and new beginnings.

Join us as we explore the often-overlooked impact of domestic violence on children in this episode. Our special guest, Ireland's Edel Lawlor, shares her extensive experience working with children affected by domestic violence both in women's refuges and in her private practice as a child and adolescent psychotherapist specializing in play therapy. Edel provides profound insights into how children, although often silent, express their trauma through behaviors and play themes rather than verbal communication. We also discuss the challenges children face during parental litigation and why therapy might not always be beneficial in such situations due to external pressures and the need for court reports.

We tackle the emotional turmoil children endure during parental separation and emphasize the importance of acknowledging and validating a child's perceptions, as ignoring their awareness can heighten fear and anxiety. The conversation covers the necessity of therapeutic support for children, the significance of honest and age-appropriate communication, and the distress caused by parental questioning after visits with the other parent. We underscore the critical role parents play in providing a sense of security and understanding during these turbulent times.

Finally, we shift our focus to the profound psychological impact of domestic violence on children and the complexities of parenting through such circumstances. We highlight the importance of relationships in healing, referencing Dr. Bruce Perry's work on child trauma and his collaboration with Oprah Winfrey. Additionally, we introduce the concept of "safe fights" in therapy as a method to help children process trauma through controlled, playful interactions. This nuanced approach illustrates the essential support needed for children affected by domestic violence. We discuss the international experience of an expert in expressive play, who shares her work across various countries and her impactful TEDx talk on "Unconditional Kindness Towards Children." This episode is a compelling exploration of empathy, care, and the intricate support systems required for nurturing young minds affected by trauma.

False allegations in custody battles can be weaponized to devastating effect. Join us for a candid conversation with attorney Evynne Fair, who brings her invaluable experience as a former child protective services worker, sheriff, and current attorney in Colorado. Together, we explore the stark realities of vindictive reporting, particularly how the "Me Too" movement can be misused to unfairly target male relatives. Evynne sheds light on the high stakes involved and emphasizes the need to acknowledge that deceit is not limited by gender, challenging some deeply held assumptions about honesty in these contentious disputes.

Facing false accusations can trigger a whirlwind of emotional chaos. We discuss the critical importance of managing instinctual responses like anger and fear, which can lead to damaging behaviors such as making threats or spreading misinformation. With trusted allies and professional support, individuals can navigate these treacherous waters more effectively. The episode also touches on the dark side of modern technology, particularly the role of AI in creating doctored recordings, and the necessity for forensic experts to identify manipulation—despite the significant financial burden this imposes.

When it comes to poorly conducted forensic interviews, the consequences can be dire. Evynne shares her insights into the alarming prevalence of inadequate training among forensic interviewers, recounting a specific case where a teenage girl’s interview was mismanaged, raising concerns about coaching and false narratives. We also delve into the complexities of dealing with false reports to Child Protective Services post-divorce, highlighting procedural hurdles and the varying quality of CPS caseworkers across states like Colorado and Nevada. Practical advice on staying calm, cooperating with CPS, and securing legal representation early on rounds out our comprehensive discussion on navigating these emotionally charged situations.