The Being Dad after Divorce Podcast
Real answers to the questions you're Googling at 2 a.m. — coparenting, custody, sleep, grief, and what to actually say to your kids.
The Being Dad after Divorce Podcast is a weekly show for separated and divorcing fathers, hosted by Jon Peters, MSW, LCSW, LICSW , a clinical social worker who's spent over 30 years helping parents navigate divorce. Each episode tackles one real question dads are wrestling with right now: how to coparent with a difficult ex, how to talk to your kids about the separation, how to regain clarity and confidence, how to grieve without falling apart. No legal jargon, no toxic rhetoric, just practical, clinically grounded conversations from someone who's sat across from thousands of dads in your exact spot.
Who this podcast is for
This show is for you if:
Your wife just told you she wants a divorce and your stomach hasn't stopped churning since
You're three months in and the loneliness is hitting harder than you expected
You're trying to coparent with someone who won't communicate, won't compromise, or won't stop talking about you to the kids
You only have your kids less than you want and you're scared you might become a stranger to them
You're months or years into divorce recovery and ready to actually rebuild, not just survive
You don't need to be in crisis to listen. Many dads tell me they wish they'd found the show before the papers were filed.
What you'll learn
Episodes cover the five areas where dads consistently get stuck:
Coparenting: how to build a working coparenting relationship even when your ex makes it hard, including the scripts and boundaries that actually work
Talking with your kids: age‑by‑age guidance on telling kids about the separation, handling their hard questions, and staying connected when you're not the primary household
Coping with the emotional weight: grief, anger, loneliness, sleep loss, the urge to numb out with alcohol, and what to do about each
The science of what's happening to you: what divorce actually does to a man's brain and body, and why "just push through it" doesn't work
Rebuilding: handling the first holidays, the first time your kids meet your ex's new partner, and eventually, your own next chapter
About the host
I'm Jon Peters, MSW, LCSW, LICSW.
I've been a clinical social worker for over 30 years and have worked with thousands of separated parents — in private therapy, in court as an expert witness, in over 250 live "Cope with Divorce" workshops, and as co‑founder of the first collaborative law practice in my city. I've written two books for separated parents: The Coparenting Manifesto and The Quick Guide to Divorce Mediation. This podcast exists because the dads in my office kept telling me the same thing: "There's no one out there talking to guys like me." So I started recording.
How to listen
The full Being Dad after Divorce Podcast catalog lives on YouTube. You can watch each episode there, or scroll down to read full transcripts of each episode right here on the site — useful if you'd rather read than listen, or if you want to find a specific quote or technique.
All episodes
Episode 1 — Welcome to the Being Dad after Divorce Podcast
What this show is, who it's for, and why I started it after 30 years as a therapist for separated parents.
Episode 2 — Why is Divorce so Stressful?
This episode explains why so many aspects of divorce impact you and how this triggers your stress system. Understanding this is essential to working effectively to cope with stressors and improve your resilience going forward.
Episode 3 — What Happens If You Use Alcohol to Cope with Divorce
Drinking "a little more than usual" is one of the most common — and most damaging — ways dads cope with divorce. The honest conversation no one's having with you.
Episode 4 — Easy Technique to Lower Divorce Stress
One simple, science‑backed technique you can do in under two minutes, anywhere, that measurably lowers stress in the moment.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I listen to the Being Dad after Divorce Podcast?
Right now, all episodes are on the show's YouTube channel. Every episode also has a full written transcript and summary on this site — click any episode above to read it. Apple Podcasts and Spotify versions are coming soon.
How often do new episodes come out?
New episodes drop regularly. The best way to not miss one is to subscribe on YouTube or check back here.
Who is this podcast for?
Separated, divorcing, and divorced dads at any stage — whether your wife just dropped the news yesterday or you're years in and finally ready to deal with the parts you skipped past.
Is this podcast just for dads with full custody?
No. The show is for dads in every custody arrangement — primary, 50/50, every‑other‑weekend, holidays‑only. In fact, most episodes are more useful for dads who see their kids less, because the time you have has to count more.
Can I work with Jon 1:1 after listening?
Yes. Jon offers private 1:1 divorce coaching for dads and runs the Being Dad after Divorce online support community. Book a free 30‑minute consultation to see if it's a fit.
Ready to talk to someone who has been doing this for 30 years?
If something in an episode hits home and you want to talk it through with a real person, that's what coaching is for. The first 30 minutes is free — no pitch, just a conversation.
Click the chat on the right side of the screen to book your FREE initial 30-minute session
