Guest: Kelly Henderson, Host of the Velvet’s Edge Podcast & Celebrity Stylist

Show Summary

Kelly Henderson, the host of the Velvet's Edge podcast and celebrity stylist, joins Jon for a heartfelt conversation about the lessons our relationships teach us. Kelly opens up about her dating history and toxic relationships, including a high-profile friendship that played out on reality TV. She bravely discusses the impact of online trolling and media misrepresentation, showcasing her resilience and personal growth from these adversities.

Kelly and Jon also unpack the often misunderstood dynamics of relationships and breakups, reimagining them as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Kelly shares insights into the complexities of modern dating, especially through dating apps, and the quest for genuine connection in today's digital age. The discussion touches on the unique challenges men face during breakups and the importance of embracing difficult emotions and seeking support. With practical advice and a dash of pop culture, including a nod to "Love Island," this episode promises a compelling exploration of love, growth, and resilience. Tune in for a conversation that's enlightening and empowering.

Guest Bio

Kelly Henderson began her career in the Nashville country music scene over 15 years ago, orchestrating her ascent to celebrity stylist for country music stars such as Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Riley Green and Jordan Davis. Henderson began offering an intimate insight into her work via her lifestyle blog, “Velvet’s Edge,” which began as a place her audience could find tips on fashion, travel, fitness, health and more. With an ever-growing demand from her loyal online followers, Henderson launched an extension of her blog in the form of a podcast of the same name via iHeartMedia. She leverages her decade-long journey in 12-step recovery, intensive experiential therapy and other holistic modalities, combined with her successful career as a tastemaker, artist and stylist to explore the human condition. The Velvet’s Edge Podcast normalizes hard conversations, “taboo” topics, and people’s ever evolving journeys, while promoting healing and the road to a happy and fulfilling life experience. The podcast is built on Henderson’s motto, “Everyone has a little Velvet and a little Edge, I’m just here to help people feel comfortable with that and hopefully get on the path to living their best life.”

Key Moments

00:28 - Life Lessons From Relationship Challenges
03:30 Kelly’s Relationship Experiences
09:05 The Impact of Therapy
13:24 - How Relationships Can be Ugly
23:02 - Navigating Modern Dating Challenges

Connect with Kelly

IG: https://Instagram.com/velvetsedge
FB: https://Facebook.com/velvetsedge
Podcast Velvet’s Edge: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/velvets-edge-with-kelly-henderson/id1364128350

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Guest: Wendy Kesser, Certified Divorce Coach® and ReMatchmaker™️

Show Summary

Discover the transformative power of divorce coaching with our special guest, Wendy Kesser, a certified divorce coach with diverse experience including counseling Silicon Valley’s elite. Learn how professionals like Wendy play a pivotal role in supporting individuals through the complexities of divorce. Wendy discusses how divorce coaches facilitate more effective interactions with lawyers, mediators, therapists, and financial advisors, potentially reducing both costs and emotional strain. Jon and Wendy also delve into the intricate world of financial settlements, where aligning strategy with personal values becomes paramount. Wendy shares profound insights on how stress, integrity, and perceptions of fairness can shape settlement outcomes. Embracing an abundance mindset, rather than one of scarcity, can lead to more favorable results. Through practical advice, Wendy tackles common dilemmas such as whether to keep or sell the family home, encouraging a balanced approach to emotional and financial decisions. Tune in to find out how adopting a positive, forward-looking perspective can transform divorce into a bridge to a brighter future.

Guest Bio

Wendy Kesser is a Certified Divorce Coach® and ReMatchmaker™️ — and works with people considering, experiencing or going through divorce. She gives her clients the tools, courage and confidence to navigate the direction they choose. She is based in San Francisco, CA.

Key Moments

• 01:08 The Role of Divorce Coaching
• 05:28 The Role of Divorce Coaches
• 15:29 Empowering Divorcees Through Financial Independence
• 22:14 Financial Considerations in Divorce Settlements
• 26:32 Financial Imbalance and Divorce Negotiations
• 29:27 Spousal Support and Self-Supporting After Divorce

Connect with Wendy

• IG: @getwithwendy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-s-kesser-08b7223/
• Website: https://www.getwithwendy.com/

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Connect with Jon

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Guest: Susan Regan, MFT | Founder of Solutions Therapy & Mediation

Show Summary
Join Jon and Susan Regan, MFT, as they dive into both the practical and emotional aspects of separation. Discover the power of accountability and finding inner happiness amidst life’s toughest transitions. From navigating the complexities of co-parenting to mastering effective communication during separation, this episode offers invaluable insights into building healthy relationships with your children and forging a positive relationship with your ex. Tune in for a conversation that’s all about intentionally creating a positive next chapter in your life.

Guest Bio
Susan Regan is the Founder of Solutions Therapy & Mediation, and has been a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist for 30 years, helping hundreds of couples and individuals find balance and connection. As a seasoned mediator, she specializes in co-parenting counseling and mediation for separating families. With expertise in Narrative, Family Systems, and Attachment-Based Therapy, Susan offers a diverse approach to support her clients.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Personal Growth
• 04:13 The Process of Discernment: Exploring Different Doors
• 10:26 Co-Parenting: Effective Communication and Collaboration
• 14:59 Taking Care of Your Mental Health During Separation
• 19:37 Building Healthy Relationships with Children During Separation

Connect with Dr. Susan Regan

• Contact: https://solutionstherapyandmediation.com/contact/
• Instagram: @susanregancoaching
• Facebook: @solutionstherapyandmeditation
• YouTube: @susanregancoaching

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• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
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• www.halftime.network

Guest: Laila Aitken || Divorce Coach & Co-Founder of Split.fyi

Show Summary
Divorce and separation affect men and women in profoundly different ways. In this episode, we dive deep into these unique experiences. Join us as Laila Aitken, a divorce coach who has lived through the trials of divorce, shares the rawness of her own journey. We tackle the emotional rollercoaster, the power struggles that often arise, and the critical role of communication and accountability. This conversation isn’t just about surviving divorce – it’s about finding strength, empathy, and understanding in the midst of it. Whether you’re going through it yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers invaluable insights and advice on navigating one of life’s toughest transitions.

Guest Bio
Laila Aitken is an accredited mediator and divorce coach dedicated to supporting those navigating the emotional and practical challenges of divorce. Drawing from her own decade-long experience with divorce, she founded Split.fyi, a platform designed to provide guidance, resources, and a supportive community for those going through similar life transitions.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 06:58 Exploring Stereotypes and Gender Differences
• 10:46 Understanding the Emotional Toll of Divorce
• 23:06 Communication Differences Between Men and Women
• 25:59 The Importance of Support and Connection
• 29:24 The Role of Accountability in Divorce
• 30:25 Closing Thoughts and Advice

Connect with Laila

• LinkedIn: @splitfyi
• Instagram: @splitfyi
• Facebook: @splitfyi
• Twitter: @splitfyi
• www.splitfyi.com

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Guest Tom Sturges || Music Executive & Author

Show Summary
In this episode, Jon and Tom Sturges discuss the concept of a 'good divorce' and how to approach the process with kindness, respect, and generosity. They emphasize the importance of putting childrens’ needs first and maintaining a positive relationship with the ex-spouse. Tom shares his personal experience of ending his marriage while still remaining close with his ex-wife's family, while negotiating creative solutions to his financial settlement and custody arrangement with his kids. He also talks about his foundation, Witness to a Dream, which inspires children in the LA public school system through music and creativity.

Guest Bio
Tom Sturges is a distinguished music executive, author, mentor, educator, inventor, and public speaker. With a career spanning leadership roles at Chrysalis Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Shaquille O’Neal’s TWIsM Records, Tom has shaped the music industry through signings that include 50 Cent & G Unit, Chris Brown, and Outkast, among others, selling over 195 million albums and earning 19 Grammy awards. An accomplished author, Tom has penned several acclaimed books and co-created UCLA's Music Business Now course, impacting over 1200 students. Recognized for his mentorship in Los Angeles, he's also featured in the award-winning documentary WITNESS TO A DREAM.

Key Moments

• 00:00 The Concept of a 'Good Divorce'
• 08:05 Putting the Needs of the Children First
• 13:46 Maintaining a Positive Relationship with the Ex-Spouse
• 19:55 Coping with Difficult Emotions and Finding Joy
• 25:19 Taking Accountability and Personal Growth
• 31:14 Nurturing Dreams and Aspiration

Connect with Tom Sturges

• LinkedIn: @tomsturges
• Instagram: @tomsturgesideas
• Twitter: @tomsturgesideas
• www.tomsturges.net

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Connect with Jon

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
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• www.halftime.network

Guest: Derek Haswell || Co-Founder of Ten Percent Happier & Executive Coach

Derek Haswell is a passionate advocate for emotional health and wellness, and his journey began with a deep internal drive for personal growth. This led him to co-found Ten Percent Happier, the company offering meditation and mindfulness courses and coaching, where he served as Head of Product for nearly a decade. Derek collaborated with renowned meditation teachers including Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg, to create groundbreaking offerings. Over time, Derek's personal focus shifted from seeking external validation driven by a feeling of lack, to self-understanding and self-compassion. Now an executive coach, he leverages the Internal Family Systems model to help clients understand their own emotional parts and gain greater clarity and freedom in their lives.

• 00:00 Introduction: Meditation and Integrating the Whole Self
• 03:09 The Power of Meditation in Responding, Not Reacting
• 07:58 Finding Usefulness and Enjoyment in Meditation
• 10:38 Embracing and Understanding Different Parts of Ourselves
• 18:51 The Internal Family Systems Model: A Path to Self-Awareness and Freedom
• 26:07 Working with Anger and Other Emotions
• 29:27 Moving from 'I Don't Want to Talk About It' to Vulnerability
• 34:00 Conclusion: Takeaways and Closing Remarks

Connect with Derek Haswell

• Twitter: @drhaswell
• LinkedIn: @drhaswell
• Executive Coaching Website: www.derekhaswell.com
• https://www.tenpercent.com/

Resources mentioned during the show

• Learn about the Enneagram: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
• Derek suggests this book for men:

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Guest: Ian Mausner || is a seasoned divorce coach, finance executive, philanthropist, and author

Ian Mausner is a seasoned divorce coach, finance executive, philanthropist, and the author of the Amazon best-seller Getting Back on Top – The Uncensored Guide to Sex, Dating and Relationships After Divorce. As a divorce coach, Ian is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenges of separation and divorce with a collaborative approach. He holds an MBA from Stanford Business School and a BA in Economics from Amherst College​. He contributes all his consulting revenue to charities focused on helping children.

• 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Intelligence
• 03:28 Timing of Dating After Separation
• 05:48 Impact on Children and Communication
• 08:37 Types of Women to Be Cautious of
• 12:28 Observing Reactions and Intelligence
• 20:22 Treating the First Date as an Interview
• 23:43 Being Respectful in Declining a Second Date
• 26:03 Knowing Yourself and Improving Communication
• 29:28 Collaborative and Amicable Divorce Approach
• 33:21 Protecting Financial Assets During Divorce

Connect with Ian Mausner:

• Twitter: @IanMausner
• LinkedIn: @IanMausner

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #HalftimewithJon.

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram:@HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network

Join the Conversation
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

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Jon explores men's mental and emotional health during separation and divorce with Owen Marcus, founder of MELD. With over 30 years of real world experience in mens’ emotional health, Owen discusses transforming trauma into emotional strength and meaningful connections. He introduces somatic mindfulness meditation and the R.O.C. technique (Relax, Open up, Connect) to access deeper emotions. Jon and Owen address societal challenges men face in expressing vulnerability and emphasize supportive communities. Owen shares powerful anecdotes and practical advice for improving emotional health and relationships during tough times.

Guest Information

Owen Marcus, MA, has transformed men's emotional health by combining somatic therapies with emotional physiological training. His methods enhance vulnerability and interpersonal skills, driving significant changes in mens’ lives. Featured in the documentary About Men, his work is widely recognized. As founder of the Sandpoint Men’s Group, co-creator of EVRYMAN, and co-founder of MELD, Owen has revolutionized men’s personal development. His programs (used by companies like Google) emphasize emotional resilience and communication, and impact men globally. Owen's TEDx Talk and book, Grow Up: A Man’s Guide to Masculine Emotional Intelligence, highlight his role in advancing mens’ emotional wellness.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Men's Mental and Emotional Health
• 04:51 Connecting with the Body: A Path to Emotional Health
• 09:41 The Power of Somatic Mindfulness Meditation
• 13:32 Building a Community of Support for Men
• 30:59 Introduction to Meld and the Vision for Men's Emotional Leadership Development
• 36:19 Closing Remarks and Payoff for Men

• Facebook: @meldmen
• Instagram: @meld.men
• Twitter: @meldmen
• Website: meld.community

Join the Conversation

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #HalftimewithJon.

Connect with Jon

Join the Conversation
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with hashtag #HalftimewithJon

Connect with Jon

• LinkedIn: @HalftimewithJon
• Instagram: @HalftimewithJon
• www.halftime.network