The High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast

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,...

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...

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 g...

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...

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 dail...

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 co...

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,...

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 ...

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 amou...

In this episode Brook has esteemed guest, researcher, professor and author of the Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Steven Porges. Brook and Dr. Porges have a robust and educational conversation about how the vagus nerve influences the fear response, social connections and emotional regulations. It is important to understand the functional brain response in order to cognitively intervene for self regulation. This is an amazing conversation for...

In this episode Brook has guest Elaine Taylor-Klaus, Author and Co-Founder of Impact Parents. Brook and Elaine have a robust conversation about parenting a child that is  neurodivergent and the challenges that go with the behaviors with being ADHD or on the spectrum of Autism. Deep in the discussion the conversation move in the direction of generational repetition and as adults having similar diagnoses as a window into the stigma a...

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 ...

In this episode Brook and his guest  Derrick Chevalier discuss in depth the interconnection between negotiation in divorce and custody and first understanding what is on the playing field and who the players are first, before setting sail in the process. Getting yourself settled and using your unique knowledge of the situation in order to knit together the solution and the proper delivery system ie: Attorney, Mediator and such. By ...

In this episode Brook and Michelle  take another deeper dive into the subject of preparing for and dealing with the stresses of the holidays. When dealing with high conflict co-parentis it is important to have an open mindset of solving the problems out front and deep understanding of how you are stuck trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Challenging your beliefs about what is important vs what solves the problem and takes ...

In this episode Brook has special guest Nicola Ranson L.C.S.W. Brook and Nicola discuss the concepts of Transference and Projection as pertain to working with a coach or therapist. These are always taking place in all relationships and unconsciously affect the interaction. When working with a coach or therapist it is important the coach or therapist is trained to consciously identify it and not get entangled with but use it as an i...

In this Episode Brook has as his special guest Attorney Kelli Avallone in to discuss the frustrations that clients have when dealing with their attorneys as well as those frustrations of the attorney with their clients, in high conflict custody cases. The discussion explores the topics that can cause the frustration and how using a qualified coach can go a long way in keeping both the client and the attorney on a productive path th...

In this episode Brook and Tony delve into the notion of how anxiety  is one of if not the main driver of conflict and at the base understanding this and learning how to navigate the terrain of ones own anxiety is the avenue toward a  high threshold of tolerance can make the difference in disengaging. The basis in the defensive response even in those with narcissism and other personality disorders can be found in navigating the inte...

In this episode Brook and Michelle discuss the narcissistic practice of email Carpet Bombing. This is the practice of incessantly sending repeated emails in order to hook you into an argument, to tell you are doing it wrong, to harass and demean you and to cause as much chaos as possible to get you to engage. This is an important concept to understand and to get the tools needed to navigate the barrage. Enjoy!!!

You can follow Mich...

In this episode Brook has special guest Lisa Johnson from  Been There Got Out to discuss how High Conflict Personalities can drive legal abuse in the family court system and how to organize yourself to be able to go it with out an attorney. Lisa brings some good information to a scary subject. 

You can contact Lisa through their website beentheregotout.com or follow them on instagram, Youtube and Facebook.

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