Doing Divorce Different with Lesa Koski

Divorce, co-parenting, menopause, marriage, and starting over after 40—this podcast is your guide to a healthier, faith-filled life transition. Hosted by family law attorney, mediator, and life coach Lesa Koski, each episode is designed to take the fear out of major life change and guide you toward peace—whether you’re facing separation, navigating a divorce, working to strengthen your relationship, or rebuilding your life in midlife. You’ll get heart-centered legal clarity, emotional support, and practical tools to help you heal, grow, and move forward with confidence. Topics include: Peaceful divorce strategies and mediation support Co-parenting help and parenting plans that actually work Prenups, postnups, and how to protect what matters most Emotional healing, mindset shifts, and confidence after a hard season Menopause, health changes, and how midlife affects mood, marriage, and motivation Wellness basics that make a real difference: rest, nutrition, movement, strength, and community This is more than a show about endings—it’s about becoming the woman who rises stronger, steadier, and clearer on the other side. About the Host: Lesa has spent over 25 years helping families through mediation and family law, always focused on protecting what matters most—your kids and your peace of mind. She’s also a breast cancer survivor, wellness advocate, cowgirl at heart, and follower of Jesus who believes your hardest season can become your greatest comeback. If you’re craving practical guidance, soul-level encouragement, and real conversations about rebuilding life after 40, you’re in the right place. Website: https://www.lesakoski.com/

Doing Divorce Different with Lesa Koski is a education podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 86. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Doing Divorce Different with Lesa Koski, a education show with 0 episodes published.

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  Doing Divorce Different with Lesa Koski

  Can You Keep the House in Divorce?

  Aug 18, 202635 min

  Episode Title: Can You Keep the House in Divorce? Mortgage Assumptions, Refinancing & the Mistakes to Avoid Episode Description: Keeping the house in divorce? Learn how mortgage assumptions, refinancing, home equity buyouts, and divorce-decree wording can affect your future. For many families, deciding what to do with the home is one of the most emotional—and financially significant—parts of divorce. Selling is not always the only answer. Keeping it is not always the right answer, either. The key is getting the right information before your agreement is final. In this episode of Doing Divorce Different, Lesa Koski talks with divorce mortgage specialist Brett Leschinsky about what it really takes to keep the house in divorce. They explain why a low interest rate should not be the only factor in your decision, how a name-delete mortgage assumption works, and why the spouse keeping the home must qualify using post-divorce income and debt. You will also learn the critical difference between being on the title and being on the loan, how missed payments can affect an ex-spouse whose name remains on the mortgage, and why precise divorce-decree wording may influence whether an equity payment is treated as a buyout or a cash-out refinance. Brett also shares when temporarily keeping both names on a loan may work—and why trust, timing, and a detailed exit plan matter. If you are wondering whether you can keep the house in divorce, refinance after divorce, assume your current mortgage, or buy another home before the divorce is final, this conversation will help you ask smarter questions before signing your decree. Listen, save, and share this episode with anyone facing decisions about divorce, real estate, or mortgage financing. Timestamps (approximate) (00:00) Introduction: Can you afford to keep the house in divorce? (02:50) How Brett became a divorce mortgage specialist (07:15) The emotional and financial sides of keeping the family home (09:00) Why higher interest rates changed divorce negotiations (11:45) Mortgage assumptions: where to start and whom to call (15:30) Qualifying with post-divorce income, debts, and debt-to-income ratios (20:55) Why divorce-decree wording matters to mortgage underwriting (23:00) Home-equity buyout versus cash-out refinance (26:00) DIY divorce paperwork and when limited-scope legal help may matter (29:50) Title versus loan: ownership is not the same as repayment responsibility (34:20) Risks of leaving both spouses on the loan after divorce (38:40) Final advice and Brett’s mortgage-rate handbook Production note: Replace these estimates with exact player timestamps after the final audio edit, especially if advertisements or an introduction are added. Key Takeaways Do not automatically sell the home—or automatically fight to keep it. Compare the full post-divorce cost of ownership with realistic alternatives, including rent. A mortgage assumption is never guaranteed. Confirm that the servicer allows it and learn its underwriting requirements before the divorce is finalized. The spouse keeping the home generally must qualify using post-decree income and debts; servicers may apply different debt-to-income limits. Title and loan responsibility are separate. A quitclaim deed can change ownership, but it does not remove a borrower from the loan. The wording in the divorce decree can affect financing options. Coordinate with a divorce mortgage specialist and legal professional before signing—not after. Guest Bio Brett Leschinsky is a Minnesota mortgage consultant (NMLS #334641) who has worked in mortgage lending since 2002 and specializes in home-financing issues connected to divorce. After discovering that traditional mortgage advice did not always fit divorcing families, he committed himself to helping clients and family-law professionals understand assumptions, refinancing, equity buyouts, loan qualification, and timing. Brett has discussed divorce mortgage mistakes on WCCO’s Real Estate Radio Hour and has presented educational programs for family-law attorneys. Resource Links Connect with Brett Leschinsky / Mortgage Forest: https://mortgageforest.com/ Contact Brett or request his Divorce Handbook: https://mortgageforest.com/contact/ OsteoStrong Minnesota: https://osteostrongmn.com/affiliate-referral-koski/ (affiliate link) Soberlink for Family Law: https://www.soberlink.com/divorce/family-law?utm_source=affiliatelink&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=lesa-koski-affiliatelink (affiliate link) Affiliate disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means Lesa may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Tags/Keywords keeping the house in divorce, divorce mortgage, mortgage assumption after divorce, refinance after divorce, home equity buyout divorce, divorce and real estate, name delete assumption, remove spouse from mortgage, divorce decree mortgage wording, title versus mortgage, quitclaim deed divorce, buying a home during divorce, divorce financial planning, family home after divorce, divorce mortgage specialist, Minnesota divorce, divorce mediation, Doing Divorce Different, Lesa Koski, Brett Leschinsky

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  Doing Divorce Different with Lesa Koski

  GLP-1 Weight Loss: What You Need to Know Before, During & After the Shot | Ashley Koff, RD

  Aug 11, 202640 min

  What if the goal is not to become smaller, but to help your body work better? In this episode of Doing Divorce Different , Lesa Koski talks with registered dietitian and weight-health expert Ashley Koff, RD, author of Your Best Shot: The Personalized System for Optimal Weight Health—GLP-1 Shot or Not . Ashley reframes GLP-1 weight loss by explaining why weight is a signal—not a moral judgment—and why total weight can include bone, muscle, fat, and water. She shares how naturally occurring GLP-1 and related hormones are connected with appetite, satiety, blood sugar, digestion, and other aspects of metabolic health. You will hear a nuanced conversation about when GLP-1 medication may be one helpful tool, why it is never the entire plan, and what to consider if you experience side effects or prefer a non-medication approach. Ashley also discusses food noise, gut health, hydration, nourishment, strength, sleep, and the often-missed role of rest and recovery. For anyone navigating divorce, menopause, illness, or another major life transition, this episode offers a more compassionate way to approach GLP-1 weight loss and overall well-being. Instead of chasing a number on the scale, Ashley encourages listeners to protect muscle, bone, energy, and the resources needed to live their purpose. If you are curious about GLP-1 weight loss , struggling with food noise, or wondering why a popular plan has not worked for your body, listen before making your next move. Save this episode, share it with a friend, and bring your questions to a qualified member of your health-care team. This episode is educational and is not medical advice. Consult qualified health professionals before starting, stopping, or changing medication, supplements, nutrition, or exercise. Timestamps (in parentheses): (00:00) Introduction to weight health with Ashley Koff, RD (07:00) Why weight is a signal—not a judgment (10:00) GLP-1 medications are a tool, not a magic solution (12:40) GLP-1, GIP, muscle, and bone-health nuance (17:05) What everyone needs—with a GLP-1 medication or without one (21:30) How to evaluate whether medication may fit your needs (30:15) Your Best Shot and the foundations of digestion and hydration (34:50) Why drinking more water is not the whole hydration story (38:30) Food noise and ways to support the body without medication (43:35) Why “weight loss” may include losses you do not want (49:15) Rest, recovery, and caring for yourself during divorce (52:10) Giving yourself the best shot at your next chapter (54:05) Closing thoughts and where to learn more Timestamp note: These timestamps are based on the supplied transcript and should be checked against the final edited audio or video before publishing. Key Takeaways: Weight health includes bone, muscle, fat, water, energy, digestion, and other signals—not only the number on the scale. GLP-1 medications may be useful for some people, but they do not replace individualized nutrition, hydration, movement, sleep, monitoring, and recovery. “Weight loss” can include unwanted muscle, bone, water, hair, and energy loss; a better plan defines the specific outcome being pursued. Food noise and medication side effects deserve personalized assessment rather than shame, guesswork, or one-size-fits-all advice. During divorce or another demanding transition, rest and recovery are legitimate parts of caring for your health. Guest Bio: Ashley Koff, RD, is the USA Today bestselling author of Your Best Shot (HarperOne), founder of The Better Nutrition Program (BNP), and a pioneering voice behind the emerging weight health movement. A practitioner and thought-leader with more than 25 years of experience, Ashley has helped redefine how we approach weight, shifting the conversation from weight loss to weight health, a science-based framework focused on metabolic function, hormonal regulation, and sustainable outcomes. Through her work with patients, clinicians, leading brands and companies, and health organizations, Ashley has developed practical systems that translate complex nutrition science into personalized strategies people can actually implement. In Your Best Shot, Ashley introduces the concept of weight-health hormones, GLP-1, GIP, CCK, and PYY, as key regulators of weight health. The book presents the first functional assessment framework for these hormones along with a personalized optimization approach designed to support weight health whether using GLP-1 medications or not (“shot or not”). A trusted expert featured across major media and a sought-after educator for health professionals, Ashley has been recognized as one of CNN’s Top 100 Health Makers and named “Hollywood’s Leading Dietitian” by InStyle. Through her clinical work, educational programs, and writing, Ashley continues to lead a growing movement toward better, not perfect, nutrition that supports long-term metabolic and weight health. Resource Links: Your Best Shot by Ashley Koff, RD Ashley Koff and The Better Nutrition Program OsteoStrong Minnesota—Lesa Koski affiliate referral Soberlink family-law resources—Lesa Koski affiliate referral https://www.instagram.com/ashleykoffapproved/?hl=en, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-koff/, https://substack.com/@ashleykoffrd?r=3fuq67&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Affiliate disclosure: Lesa may receive compensation if you make a purchase through an affiliate link, at no additional cost to you. Tags/Keywords: GLP-1 weight loss, weight health, Ashley Koff RD, Your Best Shot book, GLP-1 medications, GLP-1 shot or not, gut health, food noise, metabolic health, women’s health, nutrition during divorce, divorce wellness, muscle loss, bone health, strength training, rest and recovery, hydration, semaglutide, tirzepatide, appetite hormones, personalized nutrition, healthy weight management, perimenopause health, menopause nutrition, Doing Divorce Different, Lesa Koski

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  Doing Divorce Different with Lesa Koski

  Strong After Gray Divorce: How to Protect Your Bone Health, Muscle, and Independence After 50

  Aug 4, 202630 min

  Gray divorce after 50 can affect your health, strength, bone density, muscle, and independence. Learn practical ways to rebuild stronger. When we talk about gray divorce, we usually talk about the house, retirement accounts, Social Security, spousal maintenance, and the fear of beginning again. But we do not talk nearly enough about the body carrying us through it all. In this solo episode of Doing Divorce Different , Lesa Koski shares why physical strength deserves a place in every woman’s gray divorce plan. Drawing from her own breast cancer recovery, osteopenia diagnosis, menopause journey, and experience with OsteoStrong, Lesa explores how small, sustainable choices can help women care for their bones, preserve muscle, support balance, and protect their independence. You’ll hear a thoughtful discussion about bone-density screening, strength and weight-bearing exercise, nourishment during stressful seasons, and questions to ask your healthcare provider—especially if you are postmenopausal, have cancer-treatment history, or use a GLP-1 medication such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound. Gray divorce can make the future feel uncertain, but caring for your body is one place where you can begin reclaiming agency. You do not have to transform everything at once. One walk, one nourishing meal, one appointment, or one conversation can become the next strong step in your comeback. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional about your personal health, medications, nutrition, exercise, and bone-density screening. If this episode encourages you, please follow the show, save it for later, and share it with a woman navigating gray divorce, menopause, weight loss, cancer recovery, or another major midlife transition. Timestamps (approximate): (00:00) Why physical strength matters during gray divorce (02:35) Bone loss, osteopenia, and the hidden risk to independence (05:10) Reclaiming agency through small, healthy choices (07:45) Lesa’s breast cancer recovery and bone-health wake-up call (11:05) Lesa and her mother’s personal experience with OsteoStrong (15:35) Bone-density screening, DEXA scans, and questions for your doctor (19:10) How divorce stress can disrupt sleep, food, and exercise (22:30) GLP-1 weight loss, muscle loss, and bone-health conversations (27:10) Five ways to support strength, mobility, and independence (33:20) Why nourishment and community belong in your comeback plan (37:40) Choosing one strong next step after divorce Key Takeaways: Physical strength supports mobility, balance, confidence, and independence during and after gray divorce. Bone loss can be silent, so women should ask a qualified healthcare provider whether bone-density screening is appropriate for them. Small, repeatable actions—walking, resistance training, nourishing meals, rest, and medical appointments—can restore a sense of agency. Women experiencing significant weight loss, including those using GLP-1 medications, should discuss muscle, nutrition, and bone health with their healthcare providers. Community is part of strength; supportive groups, friends, faith communities, and wellness spaces can help women feel seen during major transitions. Guest Bio: This is a solo episode featuring Lesa Koski , a divorce mediator, divorce coach, attorney, educator, author, breast cancer survivor, and host of Doing Divorce Different . Lesa helps women approach divorce with clarity, dignity, and hope while creating a strong, meaningful life on the other side. Her guiding message is: Midlife is not your crisis—it’s your comeback. Resource Links: Explore OsteoStrong Minnesota through Lesa’s affiliate link: https://osteostrongmn.com/affiliate-referral-koski/ Learn about Soberlink for divorce and family law through Lesa’s affiliate link: https://www.soberlink.com/divorce/family-law?utm_source=affiliatelink&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=lesa-koski-affiliatelink Learn more about Lesa, divorce coaching, mediation, and her community: https://lesakoski.com Affiliate disclosure: Lesa may receive compensation if you use an affiliate link. This does not increase your cost. OsteoStrong is not medical treatment, and individual experiences vary. Consult an appropriate healthcare professional before beginning a new health or exercise program. Tags/Keywords: gray divorce, gray divorce after 50, divorce after 50, women and divorce, bone health for women, bone density after menopause, osteopenia, osteoporosis prevention, strength training after 50, menopause bone health, GLP-1 muscle loss, GLP-1 bone health, Ozempic and bone health, Wegovy and muscle loss, Zepbound and strength training, women over 50 health, midlife comeback, divorce recovery, rebuilding after divorce, healthy aging for women, independence after divorce, Doing Divorce Different, Lesa Koski, divorce coach, divorce mediator, OsteoStrong Minnesota

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  Doing Divorce Different with Lesa Koski

  How to Build Financial Confidence During Divorce—and Negotiate Without Fear

  Jul 28, 202631 min

  Financial confidence during divorce starts with understanding your budget, gathering financial information, and learning how to negotiate without fear. If you don’t understand your marital finances—or you’ve always relied on your spouse to manage the money—you are not alone. Divorce can suddenly require you to make decisions about budgets, retirement accounts, property division, spousal support, taxes, and your home while you are also experiencing grief and emotional overwhelm. In this episode of Doing Divorce Different , Lesa Koski sits down with Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Rhonda Nordick to explain how women can build financial confidence during divorce one small step at a time. Rhonda shares how her childhood experiences shaped her relationship with money and eventually inspired her to help women advocate for themselves financially. She explains why lasting confidence requires both knowledge and practical experience—and why trying to absorb too much financial information while experiencing divorce trauma can leave women feeling even more overwhelmed. You’ll learn the first financial step to take when divorce becomes a possibility, how your current and projected budget affects property division and support, and how to identify gaps in financial information. Rhonda also introduces her BRIDGE Method for organizing the financial divorce process and teaches her powerful ANOT negotiation formula. This four-part approach helps women communicate assertively, make clear requests, and negotiate without becoming aggressive or abandoning their own needs. If fear, avoidance, or people-pleasing has kept you from participating fully in financial conversations, this episode will help you begin developing financial confidence during divorce . You do not need to understand everything today. You need the right information, the right support, and the courage to take your next small step. Listen, save, and share this conversation with someone who wants to make informed financial decisions and build financial confidence during divorce . Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction to financial confidence during divorce (01:45) Rhonda Nordick’s personal money story and Bold Beginnings (05:10) How childhood experiences shape our beliefs about money (08:20) Lesa’s experience with financial fear and unexpected retirement (10:15) Why confidence requires both financial knowledge and experience (13:05) Managing money decisions while experiencing divorce trauma (15:45) The first financial step: Understanding your spending and budget (18:20) How budgeting affects support, property division, and your home (20:15) Rhonda’s BRIDGE Method for organizing divorce finances (23:30) Identifying missing information, income gaps, taxes, and liquidity (25:35) Why women may agree to unfair terms to avoid conflict (27:00) The ANOT negotiation formula explained (29:15) Example: Negotiating a home buyout or refinancing timeline (32:00) How people pleasers can communicate assertively without aggression (34:15) Using negotiation and communication skills beyond divorce (36:05) Final encouragement for building financial confidence Key Takeaways: Financial confidence grows when financial knowledge is combined with practical experience and small successes. Your first step should be understanding your current spending and estimating your post-divorce expenses. Accurate budgets and financial documents are essential when evaluating support, property division, housing, taxes, and liquidity. Rhonda’s ANOT formula—Acknowledge, Naturally, Obviously, and The Ask—helps you negotiate kindly and assertively. You don’t need to learn everything at once; focus on the information required for the next decision in front of you. Guest Bio: Rhonda Nordick is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, educator, speaker, and author featured in the book Bold Beginnings . Drawing on her personal money story and years of teaching experience, Rhonda helps women understand complex financial information, evaluate divorce settlement options, and advocate for themselves without apology. She is featured in this episode because of her practical, trauma-informed approach to building financial confidence and negotiating during divorce. Resource Links: Rhonda Nordick’s website and services: https://womensfinancialwellnesscenter.com/ Schedule a Divorce Clarity Call with Lesa Koski: [Insert booking link] Learn more about OsteoStrong Minnesota: https://osteostrongmn.com/affiliate-referral-koski/ Learn more about Soberlink for divorce and family law: https://www.soberlink.com/divorce/family-law?utm_source=affiliatelink&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=lesa-koski-affiliatelink Disclosure: Some resource links may be affiliate links. If you use one of these links, Lesa may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. Tags/Keywords: financial confidence during divorce, divorce finances for women, divorce financial planning, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, CDFA, divorce budgeting, divorce negotiation tips, negotiating a divorce settlement, financial preparation for divorce, women and money, divorce financial checklist, property division, spousal maintenance, spousal support, keeping the house after divorce, divorce mediation, divorce settlement negotiation, assertive communication, people pleasing in divorce, financial empowerment for women, BRIDGE Method, ANOT negotiation formula, Rhonda Nordick, Lesa Koski, Doing Divorce Different podcast, divorce podcast for women, midlife divorce, divorce help for women

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  Doing Divorce Different with Lesa Koski

  Protecting Assets in Divorce: Prenups, Postnups, Trusts & Inheritance Explained with Estate Planning Attorney Melissa Miroslavich

  Jul 21, 202632 min

  Protecting assets in divorce doesn't have to be confusing. Learn how prenups, postnuptial agreements, trusts, inheritance, and estate planning can help protect your financial future before or during marriage. What happens to an inheritance in a divorce? Does putting assets into a trust automatically protect them? Is a prenuptial agreement only for wealthy couples? Can a postnuptial agreement protect your family if addiction, business ownership, or financial concerns become part of your marriage? In this episode of Doing Divorce Different , Lesa Koski sits down with Minnesota estate planning attorney Melissa Miroslavich to answer the questions many people don't realize they should be asking until it's too late. Together they discuss protecting assets in divorce , the differences between marital and non-marital property, when prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements make sense, how trusts actually work, and why estate planning should be part of every family's long-term plan. Whether you're happily married, engaged, considering divorce, or simply planning for the future, this conversation will help you better understand your options and make informed decisions. In this episode you'll learn: • What a prenup really does (and doesn't do) • When a postnuptial agreement may be appropriate • How inheritance is treated during divorce • The difference between marital and non-marital property • Common misconceptions about trusts • How addiction or financial struggles can affect long-term planning • Why mediation allows families to create customized solutions Every family is unique, and every situation deserves thoughtful planning. This episode is educational in nature and is not legal advice. If you have questions about your own circumstances, consult an experienced attorney in your state. If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may benefit from understanding how to better protect their family and financial future. Timestamps (00:00) Welcome and introduction to protecting assets in marriage and divorce (02:15) What every couple should know about prenuptial agreements (08:30) Marital vs. non-marital property explained (13:45) Can inheritance stay separate during divorce? (20:05) Trusts explained: Revocable vs. irrevocable trusts (29:40) Real-life divorce scenario involving inherited assets (37:20) Addiction, financial protection, and postnuptial agreements (48:15) Divorce, legal separation, or postnuptial agreement—which offers the most protection? (56:10) Estate planning after divorce (1:02:45) Beneficiary designations people often forget to update (1:07:30) Final thoughts and practical planning tips Key Takeaways A prenuptial agreement is more than planning for divorce—it creates clarity, transparency, and shared expectations before marriage. Simply placing assets into a trust does not automatically protect them during a divorce. Keeping inherited assets separate is essential if you want to preserve their non-marital character. Postnuptial agreements can help couples proactively address financial concerns, but they have unique legal requirements. Estate planning and beneficiary designations should always be reviewed after a divorce or major life change. Guest Bio Melissa Miroslavich is a Minnesota attorney focusing on estate planning, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, business succession planning, and asset protection strategies. She helps individuals, families, and business owners create thoughtful legal plans that protect what matters most while preparing for life's expected—and unexpected—transitions. Resources Mentioned Melissa Miroslavich Law https://miroslavichlaw.com Schedule a Divorce Clarity Session https://www.lesakoski.com/offers/2HAtaGZ6/checkout Divorce Comeback Community https://www.skool.com/divorce-clarity-40-8663/about Soberlink – A Trusted Tool for Accountability in Family Law Cases https://www.soberlink.com/divorce/family-law?utm_source=affiliatelink&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=lesa-koski-affiliatelink OsteoStrong Minnesota – Bone Health & Strength https://osteostrongmn.com/affiliate-referral-koski/ Tags / Keywords protecting assets in divorce, divorce, divorce mediation, mediation, prenuptial agreement, prenup, postnuptial agreement, postnup, inheritance and divorce, trusts, revocable trust, irrevocable trust, estate planning, marital property, non-marital property, asset protection, Minnesota divorce, divorce planning, divorce coach, Lesa Koski, Melissa Miroslavich, family law, divorce education, financial planning after divorce, collaborative divorce

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