Advertise on podcast: The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast

In this episode, Brook Olsen is joined by licensed therapist and author Virginia Gilbert to explore one of the most challenging yet empowering steps in high-conflict co-parenting: learning to disengage. Drawing from her book Transcending High Conflict Divorce: How to Disengage from Your Ex and Find Your Power, Virginia shares essential tools to stop the cycle of reactivity, regulate your nervous system, and reclaim your peace—regardless of what your ex does. If you're stuck in conflict, feeling triggered, or unsure how to protect your kids from ongoing tension, this episode offers a clear, compassionate path forward. Learn how radical acceptance, emotional boundaries, and parallel parenting can change your life—and your child's. Learn more about Virginia Gilbert at her website: https://virginiagilbertmft.com/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this powerful episode, Brook Olsen is joined by attorney and author Kerrie Droban Zhivago to unpack the terrifying yet often hidden reality of dealing with a partner who exhibits psychopathic traits. Drawing from her book Surviving a Psychopath, Kerrie shares hard-earned insights on how to recognize psychological abuse, protect yourself in court, and begin the long road to emotional recovery. They discuss the difference between narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths, how these individuals manipulate the legal system, and why disengagement—both emotionally and legally—is the key to reclaiming your life. If you've ever felt gaslit, emotionally trapped, or unsure how to co-parent with someone deeply harmful, this episode offers validation, strategy, and a way forward. Learn more about Kerrie Droban Zhivago at her website: https://kerriedroban.com/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook Olsen welcomes Dr. Donald Gordon, founder of the Center for Divorce Education and creator of Children in Between, to discuss how parents can reduce conflict and protect their kids during and after divorce. With decades of research and real-world experience, Dr. Gordon shares how even small shifts in communication, emotional regulation, and mindfulness can make a lasting impact on children's well-being. You'll learn how chronic conflict affects kids' brain development, how to model emotional stability, and why co-parents don't need to be perfect—just intentional. If you're navigating high-conflict parenting or want to break generational cycles of stress and disconnection, this episode is packed with tools and hope. Learn more about Dr. Donald Gordon at his website: https://divorce-education.com/classes/children-in-between-class/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook Olsen sits down with attorney, mediator, and DivorceWave founder Tamara Rowles to explore divorce as a spiritual journey and an opportunity for self-reinvention. Together, they dive into how high-conflict separations—while painful—can also become a gateway to growth, self-awareness, and long-term peace. Tamara shares how mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and intentional disengagement can shift the entire divorce dynamic, protect your kids, and help you reclaim your power. Whether you're just entering the process or stuck in cycles of reactivity, this episode offers practical tools, insight, and a powerful reminder: healing starts from within. Learn more about Tamara Rowles at her website: https://www.divorcewave.com/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook Olsen is joined once again by Dr. Craig Malkin, author of Rethinking Narcissism, to explore the lesser-known counterpart to narcissism: echoism. Through the lens of Greek mythology and modern psychology, they unpack how those who fear being "too much" often find themselves entangled in toxic dynamics with narcissistic partners. Dr. Malkin explains how echoism—marked by self-silencing, people-pleasing, and a fear of taking up space—is a survival response rooted in early family systems. Together, they discuss how cultivating healthy anger, reclaiming agency, and practicing mindful disengagement can break the cycle of negative intimacy and lead to lasting change. A must-listen for anyone navigating high-conflict relationships or healing from emotionally abusive dynamics. Learn more about Dr. Craig Malkin at his website: https://www.drcraigmalkin.com/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook talks with conscious relationship coach Annmarie Chereso about how to break free from unconscious patterns that fuel conflict—especially in co-parenting. Annmarie shares her personal journey through divorce and how parts work and nervous system regulation helped her reclaim her power. They explore the role of self-awareness, compassion, and learning to respond from presence rather than fear. A powerful conversation for anyone looking to heal and build healthier relationships with their children—and themselves. Learn more about AnnMarie Chereso at her website: https://annmariechereso.me/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode of the High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast, Brook Olsen sits down with therapist and author Christian Van Norberg to explore the power of radical listening—a practice that goes beyond active listening to foster deep connection and emotional regulation. They discuss how presence, curiosity, and internal awareness can help you disengage from conflict, stay grounded, and support your children without getting pulled into drama. Whether you're navigating court stress or everyday parenting challenges, this conversation offers practical insight into staying calm and connected. Listen now and discover how radical listening can transform the way you relate to yourself, your co-parent, and your children. For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook sits down with family law attorney Kelli Avallone to unpack the tricky dynamics of covert narcissism in custody battles and high-conflict divorces. They explore why labeling a co-parent as a narcissist can backfire, how courts really view psychological evaluations, and why focusing on evidence-based behavior is more effective than diagnosis. Kelli shares what covert narcissistic traits can look like in family court and how parents can respond strategically while keeping children out of the conflict. Learn more about Kelli Avallone at her website: https://atty-avallone.com/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook sits down with divorce coach Kate Anthony to unpack the mindsets that truly help during divorce, especially in high-conflict co-parenting situations. They discuss why emotional reactions can backfire, how to shift from wanting "fairness" to focusing on what's legal and strategic, and the importance of boundaries and radical acceptance. With practical tips and compassionate advice, this episode is a valuable guide for anyone facing the challenges of separation. Learn more about Kate Anthony at her website: https://www.selfloverecovery.com/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook welcomes back Ross Rosenberg, author of The Human Magnet Syndrome and The Codependency Revolution, to dive deeper into the concept of Self-Love Deficit Disorder (SLDD)—a groundbreaking reframing of codependency. Together, they unpack how early attachment trauma shapes relationship dynamics, leading many into repeated cycles of caretaking, emotional depletion, and entanglement with narcissistic partners. Brook and Ross explore the toxic push-pull that arises in high-conflict co-parenting and divorce, where unresolved SLDD patterns often collide with personality disorders. Through the lens of disengagement and strategic self-awareness, they offer insight on how to stop "wrestling with pigs" and begin creating clarity, calm, and lasting change. Learn more about Ross Rosenberg at his website: https://www.selfloverecovery.com/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook speaks with John Riley from Gentle Response about the impact of body language in high-conflict co-parenting. They explore the ACE method—Appearance, Communication, and Engagement—and how small adjustments in posture, tone, and presence can de-escalate tense situations, whether in court, mediation, or daily interactions. Brook and John also discuss the power of self-awareness and emotional regulation in reducing conflict. By staying composed and intentional, parents can shift dynamics, model healthy behavior for their children, and create a more stable environment. Tune in for practical strategies to navigate conflict with confidence. Learn more about John Riley at his website: https://gentle-response.com/   For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook Olsen welcomes conflict engagement specialist and bestselling author Dana Caspersen to discuss how conflict can be an opportunity for growth rather than a problem to avoid. Dana shares insights from her book Conflict Is an Opportunity and explores how our mindset and belief systems shape the way we handle difficult situations. They dive into the power of shifting attention, practical tools for breaking old conflict habits, and an exercise designed to help reframe conflict dynamics. Whether you're navigating co-parenting challenges or everyday disagreements, this episode offers valuable strategies to engage with curiosity and create positive change. Learn more about Dana Caspersen at his website: https://www.danacaspersen.com/ For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode, Brook welcomes Karen McEnany, The Good Divorce Coach, to discuss how setting the right foundation in divorce can significantly impact long-term outcomes. Divorce inherently carries conflict, but the way we navigate the early stages—our initial conditions—can determine whether the process will be calm, moderately contentious, or high-conflict. Brook and Karen explore how parents can approach divorce not as a battle, but as a transformation—one that prioritizes family over finances, mitigates unnecessary pain, and fosters healthier co-parenting relationships. They discuss the importance of intention, emotional regulation, and recognizing the difference between what truly matters and what is simply ego or control. If you're looking for a new framework to approach divorce—one that fosters cooperation, minimizes conflict, and protects your children's well-being—this episode is for you. Enjoy! Learn more about Karen McNenny at his  website http://www.karenmcnenny.com/   For exclusive membership perks join our membership site the Disengagement Zone at https://disengage.highconflict.net/ For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails

In this episode Brook and his guests Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry from the podcast Been There Got Out discuss the notion of High Conflict Detox. This is where a person/parent is stuck deeply in the habitual cycle of conflict and the nervous system maintains a high level of chronic activation. In order to break the cycle one must endure the discomfort of disengagement, develop a self awareness of the cycle in order to break free of the strong impulse to engage in and continue the conflict. This conflict pattern is very much physiological and can be mastered. Enjoy!!! Want to hear the full episode? Join our membership today and take advantage of our exclusive offer: your first month is completely free!  Coupon code: 30DAYSFREEACCESS You can contact Lisa through their website beentheregotout.com or follow them on instagram, Youtube and Facebook. Download our Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails 

In this episode Brook has guest Rich Carr author of Surprised: The Science and Art of Engagement. Rich brings a bright and engaging look at how we as humans respond or react to an outside stimulus and in understanding the workings of the various part of the brain dictate how you will engage in or disengage with that stimulus. In high conflict or for that matter any relational interaction, getting to the solution with the least amount of conflict and the optimal exploration is the goal. Rich goes into how you can install intention and preprogram action to reduce the reactivity in your system and access the parts of the brain that problem solve. Enjoy!!! Rich Carr can be reached at through his website. https://braincentricdesign.com/ Want to hear the full episode? Join our membership today and take advantage of our exclusive offer: your first month is completely free!  Coupon code: 30DAYSFREEACCESS For classes or one on one consults with Brook please visit our highconflict.net website to register. Free High Conflict Diversion Program Booklet: "When Co-Parenting Doesn't Work." https://www.highconflict.net/booklet  Join our mailing list: Disengage and Thrive: One Email at a Time https://www.highconflict.net/emails