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In this raw and revealing episode, I get into the challenges of navigating co-parenting and overcoming manipulation during and after divorce. From struggles with custody agreements to dealing with intentional disruptions, I share my experiences of staying resilient amidst attempts to alienate me from my daughter. You’ll hear about the impact of toxic dynamics, how I managed to rise above it all, and the lessons I learned along the way. Tune in to discover how I reclaimed my peace, launched this podcast as part of my healing journey, and continue to find strength while inspiring others to do the same.
Episode Highlights:
[0:07] - Kicking off the episode: reflections on adversity and co-parenting challenges.
[5:45] - How my ex manipulated custody agreements and alienated my daughter.
[9:10] - A bizarre story about the "dog food in the piano" incident and its deeper implications.
[12:35] - The challenges of being excluded from pivotal parenting moments, like summer camp decisions.
[13:55] - Finding healing and purpose through launching this podcast and sharing my story.Links & Resources:
Be sure to follow, share, and leave a comment if this show resonates with you! Send me a message at podpage.com/themusicoflife to share your experiences, or to leave a comment. I'd love to feature it in a future episode.
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In this episode, I share the raw and emotional journey of navigating a complex custody battle and the process of moving out of the home I shared with my ex-husband and daughter. I dive into the challenges of maintaining my relationship with my daughter amidst constant interference, control battles, and the heartbreak of watching her caught in the middle. This story touches on the relentless harassment, the custody hurdles, and the process of learning to set boundaries in an extremely high-conflict co-parenting situation.
Episode Highlights:
[00:01] - Kicking off with a look at how custody unfolded during the divorce.
[03:45] - Temporary custody battles: scheduling and struggles over 50/50 time.
[07:10] - Setting boundaries: learning to hold my ground in challenging situations.
[11:25] - The chaotic moving day: dealing with harassment and unexpected emotions.
[17:30] - Saying goodbye to my daughter: a gut-wrenching farewell in our kitchen.
[22:15] - Realizing that I’m now in a place of indifference and healing.Links & Resources:
Be sure to follow, share, and leave a comment if this show resonates with you! Send me a message at podpage.com/themusicoflife to share your experiences, or to leave a comment. I'd love to feature it in a future episode. -
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In this episode, I’m opening up about a new layer of my divorce journey—the impact of friends and family. Divorce has a way of revealing people’s true colors, and in my case, it was a harsh realization. I talk about navigating friendships that turned toxic, watching so-called friends play “neutral” while adding fuel to the fire, and even witnessing inappropriate boundaries between friends and my family. This episode is all about recognizing and letting go of relationships that don’t serve you, and embracing the few true connections that remain. Life after divorce is a journey, but sometimes removing the weight of toxic relationships is the first step to moving forward.
Episode Highlights:
[00:01] - Opening up about friends and family dynamics in my divorce.
[02:45] - The “fun friend” with no boundaries and her impact on my life.
[07:00] - Discovering how my friend was undermining my role as a mother.
[11:10] - Handling the “neutral” friends and realizing their role in the drama.
[15:35] - Reflecting on friends who turn away and the awkwardness of social encounters.
[16:50] - Lessons on friendship: recognizing the “fake” from the real.Links & Resources:
Be sure to follow, share, and leave a comment if this show resonates with you! Send me a message at podpage.com/themusicoflife to share your experiences, or to leave a comment. I'd love to feature it in a future episode. -
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Today I'm getting honest about the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with controlling behaviors, losing friends, and ultimately finding the strength to rebuild. From navigating toxic relationships and smear campaigns to wrestling with my own reactions, I've learned powerful lessons on letting go of control, regulating my emotions, and discovering patience. This episode isn’t just about my story; it’s about how we can all find strength in tough times, no matter the challenges we face.
Episode Highlights:
[03:40] - A night of confrontation: standing up against intimidation in my own home.
[10:24] - Losing friends and discovering who’s truly supportive in difficult times.
[13:15] - The impact of a smear campaign and finding the strength to cut out toxic people.
[16:50] - Key lessons from my divorce: giving up control and finding inner peace.
[17:45] - Emotional regulation: shifting from reactive to calm in challenging situations.
[18:50] - Learning patience: why the journey takes time, and that’s okay.Links & Resources:
Be sure to follow, share, and leave a comment if this show resonates with you! Send me a message at podpage.com/themusicoflife to share your experiences, or to leave a comment. I'd love to feature it in a future episode.
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In this episode of The Music of Life, I’m diving into some deeply personal aspects of my marriage, particularly the strain that arose from a lack of physical and emotional intimacy. I share how I came to terms with the reality of a relationship where affection and connection were one-sided, and how I learned to confront feelings of rejection and frustration. Exploring the challenges of moving on from a marriage like this, I also delve into what it’s been like to educate myself about the world of dating and intimacy in today’s world. With the help of dating coaches and sex experts, I’m beginning to see the dating landscape in a whole new light, learning what it means to truly honor my needs and discover a healthier path forward. Join me as I open up about the journey from confusion to clarity, and from heartbreak to hope.
Episode Highlights:
[00:08] - Reflecting on marriage dynamics and the need for intimacy.
[03:20] - Moments of frustration during lockdown and finding personal outlets.
[07:30] - Moving back to the guest room after unfulfilled attempts at reconnecting.
[09:40] - Learning about narcissistic behavior and covert emotional control.
[10:55] - Researching the dating scene and gaining insights from dating coaches.[12:00] - Discovering new strategies and perspectives on relationships and dating.Be sure to follow, share, and leave a comment if this show resonates with you! Send me a message atpodpage.com/themusicoflife to share your experiences, or to leave a comment. I'd love to feature it in a future episode.
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In this episode of The Music of Life, I open up about the layers of manipulation and control I faced during the darkest times of my divorce. From discovering hidden surveillance in my own home to setting much-needed boundaries to protect my sanity, I talk about the lengths I went to preserve my sense of self and privacy. This journey wasn’t just about physical boundaries but about reclaiming emotional space and standing up to the constant attempts to destabilize me. I also share how I began to understand the traits of narcissistic behavior and what it took to resist that manipulation.
I touch on the solace I found in spirituality and self-discovery during this time, including moments of profound connection that helped me feel grounded again. If you've ever questioned your worth or faced gaslighting in any form, I hope this episode speaks to you and encourages you to hold on to your own truth.
Episode Highlights:
[00:01] - Reflecting on the journey of overcoming obstacles in divorce.
[02:30] - The discovery of surveillance cameras and the chilling impact.
[10:15] - Setting boundaries: Creating a safe space in my guest room.
[14:50] - Realizing the impact of my spiritual journey and connection with my mother.
[18:10] - Dealing with "strategy walks" and the games that attempted to undermine me.
[21:35] - Recognizing narcissistic behaviors and breaking free from emotional manipulation.
[24:50] - A powerful passage on narcissism that clarified the journey to healing.Be sure to follow, share, and leave a comment if this show resonates with you! Send me a message atpodpage.com/themusicoflife to share your experiences, or to leave a comment. I'd love to feature it in a future episode.
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In this episode of The Music of Life, I share the raw and real challenges that come with navigating a high-conflict divorce. From facing relentless verbal attacks to feeling sidelined during my daughter's Bat Mitzvah planning, I open up about the ongoing struggle to maintain my composure and strength for my daughter. This journey is about more than the legal battles—it's about the emotional toll, the resilience it takes to keep showing up, and the impact on a mother-daughter relationship caught in the crossfire.
I also discuss some of the unexpected moments that helped me stay grounded, like the power of music during tough times and the surprising ways I found to defend my role as a mother. If you’ve ever felt unseen or unheard in a challenging relationship, this episode is for you.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Thoughts on coping with co-parenting conflicts during a divorce.
[02:30] - The emotional toll of constant verbal attacks and abuse remorse.
[07:15] - Preparing for my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah amidst the ongoing tension.
[11:45] - How music became my escape and source of strength on her big day.[14:00] - Reflecting on staying present for my daughter, even when it felt impossible.Be sure to follow, share, and leave a comment if this show resonates with you! Send me a message atpodpage.com/themusicoflife to share your experiences, or to leave a comment. I'd love to feature it in a future episode.
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In this episode of The Music of Life, I discuss the emotional, financial, and logistical struggles that come with divorce—especially when it impacts our children. From managing mortgage payments to navigating tricky holiday schedules, I get real about the hard conversations, misunderstandings, and the toll it takes. I share stories of how I tried to keep things stable for my daughter despite the turbulence at home, and how I’ve had to navigate co-parenting when it felt like the odds were stacked against me.
Join me as I reflect on what it’s like when family dynamics change in ways you didn’t expect, and the journey of making it through difficult times while trying to keep the peace, even when things feel completely out of control.
Episode Highlights:
[00:02] - Personal reflection on what not to share with kids during a divorce.
[01:45] - Overdue mortgage, financial tension, and misunderstandings about money.
[07:30] - Addressing negative comments made in front of my daughter.
[12:05] - Struggles with holiday scheduling and family imbalances.
[15:40] - The challenges of planning my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah and feeling sidelined.
[18:55] - Creating a supportive environment for my daughter amid all the turmoil.Be sure to follow, share, and leave a comment if this show resonates with you! Send me a message atpodpage.com/themusicoflife to share your experiences, or to leave a comment. I'd love to feature it in a future episode.
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Welcome to the very first episode of The Music of Life! I’m Caryn Portnoy, and today, I’m opening up about a journey that deeply transformed me—my divorce. While I originally planned to talk about music’s influence on relationships, I felt a stronger need to first share my personal experiences. In this episode, I dive into the emotional complexities of my three-year divorce and what led up to it.
You'll hear me reflect on the challenges, from custody battles and financial struggles to navigating personal growth and finding a way forward after the end of my marriage. This episode is packed with lessons I’ve learned, insights about communication and resilience, and the impact divorce had on my role as a mother.
Trust me, it’s a raw and real look into a life-altering chapter that I hope will resonate with anyone going through a toxic divorce. Learn from me and my experience, there’s a lot of hindsight I want to share and pay the wisdom forward to anyone else involved in a similar situation. Hit play and join me on this heartfelt conversation.
Episode Highlights:
[0:05] - My intentions for starting the podcast and the topics I will cover.
[2:21] - Reflecting on my childhood and the complex relationship with my mother.
[5:45] - The painful six-year journey through infertility treatments and the emotional toll on marriage.
[9:28] - The transition to becoming a stay-at-home mom and the financial strain it caused in marriage.
[13:52] - A pivotal moment: realizing the need for a better, more peaceful life and confronting unhappiness in marriage.
[18:05] - Handling divorce challenges, including mutual friendships, COVID-related tensions, and navigating custody issues.
[32:19] - More to come on my personal journey.Links & Resources:
Send me your questions, comments, or stories at: podpage.com/themusicoflife I'd love to feature it in a future episode.
Thank you so much for listening to this first episode of The Music of Life! I hope my story offers some comfort and insight if you’re going through something similar. If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, follow, and share the podcast with others who might benefit from these conversations. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Let’s keep this conversation going.
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Welcome to The Music of Life! I am your host, Caryn Portnoy. I'll guide you through a deeply personal journey of divorce, healing, self-discovery, and the universal power of music.
In this podcast, I open up about the challenging experiences of my own life—beginning with the raw reality of navigating a difficult, toxic divorce. This isn't about rehashing the past but about offering a sense of solidarity and support for those enduring similar hardships. Here, you'll find a space that values healing, where I share stories, insights, and moments of spiritual growth that carried me through the darkness.
But that’s only the beginning. The second part of the podcast will focus on spiritual growth. The third part of the podcast, we’ll talk about how music influences our relationships, our memories, and our passions. Whether it’s the soundtrack of a romance, the rhythm of a friendship, or the melody that reminds you of home, music touches every part of our lives.
If you're ready to be moved, inspired, and maybe even transformed, tune in to The Music of Life.
Listen to The Music of Life for:
Deeply personal stories of resilience and healing.Practical insights on coping with heartbreak and growth.Thought-provoking conversations about music’s influence on love, relationships, and self-discovery.Be sure to follow, share, and leave a comment if this show resonates with you! Send me a message at podpage.com/themusicoflife to share your experiences, or to leave a comment. I'd love to feature it in a future episode.
