Online dating after divorce can feel like emotional whiplash. One minute you're connecting, the next—ghosted. In this impromptu episode, Todd Turner shares a paradigm-shifting perspective: what if ghosting isn't about rejection, but about emotional readiness?

Drawing from a recent conversation and his own dating journey post-divorce, Todd introduces the powerful metaphor of the telescope and the microscope. When we’re hopeful, we look through a telescope—dreaming big. But when trauma resurfaces, we retreat to the microscope, focusing on survival and safety.

This episode is packed with real talk, grace-filled insight, and encouragement for anyone navigating the messy reality of healing, dating, and starting over.

Divorce is trauma, not just a legal status—and it reshapes how we see the world.

Ghosting often reflects emotional un-readiness, not cruelty.

We toggle between telescope (hope) and microscope (protection) as we heal.

You’re not broken for backing out of dating—you’re human.

Grace is essential—for yourself and for others still stuck in survival mode.

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UnYoked - The Post Divorce Podcast: Navigating your divorce and recovery with grace.

Divorce and the new single life is hard but it is even more complex when you made a promise to God to "keep your marriage till death do you part." American Christian culture doesn't make navigating the decisions and ripple effects of divorce any easier. Christian marriage and divorce advice runs rampant yet often conflicts with the realities of pain, abuse, loneliness, and the real world.

God has a lot more to say than, “I hate divorce.” God gives a standard and then graciously restores and renews people even when His standard isn't met.

Those of us who are navigating the life changing event of unYoking from a spouse and/or uprooting a family have to journey through some dark, lonely, and confusing places. Our issues aren't frequently tackled from the pulpit and the advice we receive isn't always relevant to our current place.

The UnYoked podcast is just for you. A safe place to wonder, ponder, relate, and consider your steps of navigating a divorce, singleness, and the future. A place where we live in the tension between God's plan and the realities of living in a broken world with broken people and broken relationships. Buckle up... remove the mask.. and let's get real about discussing the ripple effects of divorce and equip ourselves to survive being unYoked as a Christian.

Visit ToddTurner.com/Divorce for more resources.

What happens when the roles you built your life around suddenly disappear? In this raw and real episode, Todd Turner sits down with longtime friend and Texas real estate agent Denise Milliken to talk about life after divorce—from empty nesting to learning how to change toilets solo. Denise opens up about the quiet loneliness, the awkward holiday moments, and the hard work of building a life that feels like you. If you’ve ever wondered who you are without a partner, this episode will resonate.

🔹 Triggers of loneliness no one talks about
🔹 “Boy work,” broken sinks, and building self-worth
🔹 The truth about dating apps and independent women
🔹 Why embracing your new identity is essential

This conversation aligns with Module 7 of the UnYoked Divorce Recovery Course, where we walk through how to release old labels and live fully in the identity God is forming in you.

In this conversation, Todd Turner and Denise Milliken explore the complexities of navigating life after divorce, focusing on the challenges of self-discovery, the impact of loneliness, and the dynamics of dating. They discuss the importance of personal growth and faith in recovery, as well as the expectations that come with modern dating. Through their candid dialogue, they emphasize the need for individuals to find their identity and embrace the journey of healing.

Denise Bio

I'm Denise Milliken, a real estate agent proudly serving the North Dallas area. I'm also a mom to three beautifully smart grown children—so yes, that technically makes me an empty nester... if I’d just get around to changing the locks.

I’m passionate about serving my community, especially when it comes to supporting our unhoused neighbors, who hold a special place in my heart. Outside of work, I love spending time with friends, jet skiing on the lake, and tackling DIY projects around my house—some more successful than others!

Support the show

UnYoked - The Post Divorce Podcast: Navigating your divorce and recovery with grace.

Divorce and the new single life is hard but it is even more complex when you made a promise to God to "keep your marriage till death do you part." American Christian culture doesn't make navigating the decisions and ripple effects of divorce any easier. Christian marriage and divorce advice runs rampant yet often conflicts with the realities of pain, abuse, loneliness, and the real world.

God has a lot more to say than, “I hate divorce.” God gives a standard and then graciously restores and renews people even when His standard isn't met.

Those of us who are navigating the life changing event of unYoking from a spouse and/or uprooting a family have to journey through some dark, lonely, and confusing places. Our issues aren't frequently tackled from the pulpit and the advice we receive isn't always relevant to our current place.

The UnYoked podcast is just for you. A safe place to wonder, ponder, relate, and consider your steps of navigating a divorce, singleness, and the future. A place where we live in the tension between God's plan and the realities of living in a broken world with broken people and broken relationships. Buckle up... remove the mask.. and let's get real about discussing the ripple effects of divorce and equip ourselves to survive being unYoked as a Christian.

Visit ToddTurner.com/Divorce for more resources.

In this episode of the Unyoked Podcast, Todd Turner discusses the journey of recovering from divorce, emphasizing the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of healing. He outlines seven key struggles faced by individuals post-divorce, including the loss of friendships, navigating emotional chaos, readiness for dating, co-parenting challenges, rebuilding trust, empowering children, and embracing a new identity. Todd provides insights and tools to help listeners find their footing again and encourages them to seek healing and purpose beyond their divorce.

Takeaways

• Recovering from divorce involves emotional, spiritual, and practical healing.
• Losing friends is a common and painful experience after divorce.
• Understanding and navigating emotional chaos is crucial for recovery.
• Assessing readiness for dating is important before moving on.
• Co-parenting requires effective communication and consistent parenting rhythms.
• Rebuilding trust in oneself and others is essential after betrayal.
• Empowering children during a divorce helps them process the transition.
• Embracing a new identity is vital for moving forward after divorce.
• Divorce does not define you; healing and purpose are possible.
• Seeking professional help and support can aid in the recovery process.

www.toddturner.com

Support the show

UnYoked - The Post Divorce Podcast: Navigating your divorce and recovery with grace.

Divorce and the new single life is hard but it is even more complex when you made a promise to God to "keep your marriage till death do you part." American Christian culture doesn't make navigating the decisions and ripple effects of divorce any easier. Christian marriage and divorce advice runs rampant yet often conflicts with the realities of pain, abuse, loneliness, and the real world.

God has a lot more to say than, “I hate divorce.” God gives a standard and then graciously restores and renews people even when His standard isn't met.

Those of us who are navigating the life changing event of unYoking from a spouse and/or uprooting a family have to journey through some dark, lonely, and confusing places. Our issues aren't frequently tackled from the pulpit and the advice we receive isn't always relevant to our current place.

The UnYoked podcast is just for you. A safe place to wonder, ponder, relate, and consider your steps of navigating a divorce, singleness, and the future. A place where we live in the tension between God's plan and the realities of living in a broken world with broken people and broken relationships. Buckle up... remove the mask.. and let's get real about discussing the ripple effects of divorce and equip ourselves to survive being unYoked as a Christian.

Visit ToddTurner.com/Divorce for more resources.

Divorce can leave your life feeling like a hollow shell of what it once was—but what if this next season could be even better? In this episode, we talk about how to stop surviving and start building a life you actually want to wake up to.

If you're a divorced Christian wondering how to create meaning, joy, and spiritual peace in your daily routine—without waiting for someone else to complete you—this is for you.

We’ll explore:

• Why “alone” doesn’t mean “lonely”
• How to create a life-giving rhythm (even if it’s just you)
• Biblical encouragement for moving forward
• Why God hasn’t hit pause on your purpose

You’re not starting over—you’re starting different. And it might just be better than you imagined.

🎁 Grab my free solo travel eBook here: https://www.toddturner.com/solo

#ChristianDivorce #UnYokedPodcast #LifeAfterDivorce #ChristianSingleLife #FaithAfterHeartbreak #UnYokedLiving

Support the show

UnYoked - The Post Divorce Podcast: Navigating your divorce and recovery with grace.

Divorce and the new single life is hard but it is even more complex when you made a promise to God to "keep your marriage till death do you part." American Christian culture doesn't make navigating the decisions and ripple effects of divorce any easier. Christian marriage and divorce advice runs rampant yet often conflicts with the realities of pain, abuse, loneliness, and the real world.

God has a lot more to say than, “I hate divorce.” God gives a standard and then graciously restores and renews people even when His standard isn't met.

Those of us who are navigating the life changing event of unYoking from a spouse and/or uprooting a family have to journey through some dark, lonely, and confusing places. Our issues aren't frequently tackled from the pulpit and the advice we receive isn't always relevant to our current place.

The UnYoked podcast is just for you. A safe place to wonder, ponder, relate, and consider your steps of navigating a divorce, singleness, and the future. A place where we live in the tension between God's plan and the realities of living in a broken world with broken people and broken relationships. Buckle up... remove the mask.. and let's get real about discussing the ripple effects of divorce and equip ourselves to survive being unYoked as a Christian.

Visit ToddTurner.com/Divorce for more resources.

Life has a way of rowing us in unexpected directions, especially after divorce. When my lighthouse suddenly disappeared—a significant relationship ending abruptly after I'd already downsized my home and podcast studio—I found myself adrift, questioning everything.

What followed was a journey of rediscovery that took me across seven states on a three-week road trip, connecting with friends who opened their homes and hearts when I needed it most. Between driving with a windshield shattered by an 18-pound piece of metal (a near-death experience that left me covered in glass for a three-hour drive) and sleeping under the stars in Maui while whale songs filled the night air, I've had time to reflect on what truly matters and where this podcast needs to go.

Your messages about how Unyoked has helped your divorce recovery journey have been my compass through this challenging time. I've realized that divorce recovery isn't just for those in the immediate aftermath—it's also for those who've moved beyond being "the divorced person" but still carry wounds that need healing. This understanding has inspired me to expand with two YouTube channels: Unyoked Divorce Podcast specifically for recovery, and Unyoked Living for embracing life after being unyoked from past relationships. I'm also completing a men's workbook to complement the women's resource many of you have used.

Ready to join me for this next chapter? Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, check out the YouTube channels for more frequent content, and remember that healing isn't linear—sometimes we need to stop rowing, sit still, and find our new lighthouse. What part of your journey could use some companionship right now?

• Transition to a minimalist lifestyle and its impact on the podcast.
• Navigating through unexpected relationship changes and self-discovery.
• Todd’s cross-country road trip and memorable experiences.
• The importance of a supportive community during challenging times.
• Exciting updates for the UnYoked Podcast and new content on YouTube.

Support the show

UnYoked - The Post Divorce Podcast: Navigating your divorce and recovery with grace.

Divorce and the new single life is hard but it is even more complex when you made a promise to God to "keep your marriage till death do you part." American Christian culture doesn't make navigating the decisions and ripple effects of divorce any easier. Christian marriage and divorce advice runs rampant yet often conflicts with the realities of pain, abuse, loneliness, and the real world.

God has a lot more to say than, “I hate divorce.” God gives a standard and then graciously restores and renews people even when His standard isn't met.

Those of us who are navigating the life changing event of unYoking from a spouse and/or uprooting a family have to journey through some dark, lonely, and confusing places. Our issues aren't frequently tackled from the pulpit and the advice we receive isn't always relevant to our current place.

The UnYoked podcast is just for you. A safe place to wonder, ponder, relate, and consider your steps of navigating a divorce, singleness, and the future. A place where we live in the tension between God's plan and the realities of living in a broken world with broken people and broken relationships. Buckle up... remove the mask.. and let's get real about discussing the ripple effects of divorce and equip ourselves to survive being unYoked as a Christian.

Visit ToddTurner.com/Divorce for more resources.

Support the show

UnYoked - The Post Divorce Podcast: Navigating your divorce and recovery with grace.

Divorce and the new single life is hard but it is even more complex when you made a promise to God to "keep your marriage till death do you part." American Christian culture doesn't make navigating the decisions and ripple effects of divorce any easier. Christian marriage and divorce advice runs rampant yet often conflicts with the realities of pain, abuse, loneliness, and the real world.

God has a lot more to say than, “I hate divorce.” God gives a standard and then graciously restores and renews people even when His standard isn't met.

Those of us who are navigating the life changing event of unYoking from a spouse and/or uprooting a family have to journey through some dark, lonely, and confusing places. Our issues aren't frequently tackled from the pulpit and the advice we receive isn't always relevant to our current place.

The UnYoked podcast is just for you. A safe place to wonder, ponder, relate, and consider your steps of navigating a divorce, singleness, and the future. A place where we live in the tension between God's plan and the realities of living in a broken world with broken people and broken relationships. Buckle up... remove the mask.. and let's get real about discussing the ripple effects of divorce and equip ourselves to survive being unYoked as a Christian.

Visit ToddTurner.com/Divorce for more resources.

Join us in "Building a New You After a Divorce" of the UnYoked Podcast with Todd Turner and special guest Carrie Korem Vitt, as they dive deep into the journey of personal and spiritual growth, particularly in the context of navigating life changes such as divorce. From tackling the stigma of taking breaks from church activities for mental health ([00:01:35]), to the holistic approach Carrie took to reverse her chronic migraines without medication ([00:09:24]). They discuss the vital roles of diet, lifestyle, and self-awareness in healing from trauma ([00:27:15]) and provide practical advice for those facing health and wellness challenges post-divorce ([00:41:08]). Discover the importance of self-care, understanding your body, and maintaining emotional health through personal and spiritual development. Don't miss these transformative insights!

Carrie Korem (Vitt)
@carrievitt
Deliciouslyorganic.net

Support the show

UnYoked - The Post Divorce Podcast: Navigating your divorce and recovery with grace.

Divorce and the new single life is hard but it is even more complex when you made a promise to God to "keep your marriage till death do you part." American Christian culture doesn't make navigating the decisions and ripple effects of divorce any easier. Christian marriage and divorce advice runs rampant yet often conflicts with the realities of pain, abuse, loneliness, and the real world.

God has a lot more to say than, “I hate divorce.” God gives a standard and then graciously restores and renews people even when His standard isn't met.

Those of us who are navigating the life changing event of unYoking from a spouse and/or uprooting a family have to journey through some dark, lonely, and confusing places. Our issues aren't frequently tackled from the pulpit and the advice we receive isn't always relevant to our current place.

The UnYoked podcast is just for you. A safe place to wonder, ponder, relate, and consider your steps of navigating a divorce, singleness, and the future. A place where we live in the tension between God's plan and the realities of living in a broken world with broken people and broken relationships. Buckle up... remove the mask.. and let's get real about discussing the ripple effects of divorce and equip ourselves to survive being unYoked as a Christian.

Visit ToddTurner.com/Divorce for more resources.

Join us on the latest episode of the UnYoked Podcast, "Building a Better Dating Plan After Divorce" where host Todd Turner and special guest Carrie Korem Vitt dive deep into the complexities of modern dating. Explore what happens when we release control in relationships (#LettingLoveLead), discuss the impact of gender roles (#GenderRoles), and unwrap the challenges of dating after a breakup (#DatingPostDivorce). Whether you're navigating the tricky waters of dating apps or trying to understand the balance between independence and approachability, this episode offers frank insights and actionable advice. Don't miss this enlightening conversation about finding love, maintaining authenticity, and the importance of being upfront in your dating intentions. Timestamps included for key topics to help you jump to the sections that interest you most!

- 00:05:00 - The Illusion of Control in Relationships

- 00:17:30 - Biblical Femininity vs. Feminism Today

- 00:29:15 - The Realities of Dating After Divorce

- 00:41:50 - The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Dating Apps

- 00:54:10 - Rethinking Traditional Gender Roles in Dating

Support the show

UnYoked - The Post Divorce Podcast: Navigating your divorce and recovery with grace.

Divorce and the new single life is hard but it is even more complex when you made a promise to God to "keep your marriage till death do you part." American Christian culture doesn't make navigating the decisions and ripple effects of divorce any easier. Christian marriage and divorce advice runs rampant yet often conflicts with the realities of pain, abuse, loneliness, and the real world.

God has a lot more to say than, “I hate divorce.” God gives a standard and then graciously restores and renews people even when His standard isn't met.

Those of us who are navigating the life changing event of unYoking from a spouse and/or uprooting a family have to journey through some dark, lonely, and confusing places. Our issues aren't frequently tackled from the pulpit and the advice we receive isn't always relevant to our current place.

The UnYoked podcast is just for you. A safe place to wonder, ponder, relate, and consider your steps of navigating a divorce, singleness, and the future. A place where we live in the tension between God's plan and the realities of living in a broken world with broken people and broken relationships. Buckle up... remove the mask.. and let's get real about discussing the ripple effects of divorce and equip ourselves to survive being unYoked as a Christian.

Visit ToddTurner.com/Divorce for more resources.