
Podcast by Erin Birt, J.D., CADC

Podcast by Erin Birt, J.D., CADC

17 August 2026
One of the greatest fears parents face during divorce is the thought of no longer being part of every moment of their children's lives. Too often, that fear drives parenting discussions in ways that increase conflict instead of creating stability.
In this episode of The Restorative Divorce Podcast, Erin Birt explores the common mistakes parents make during co-parenting conversations and explains why a parenting plan is about much more than dividing time—it's about designing your child's childhood.
Drawing from more than 20 years of experience as a family law attorney and mediator, along with the principles of The Kitchen Table Divorce®, Erin shares practical strategies for approaching parenting discussions with greater clarity, cooperation, and long-term perspective.
Whether you're considering divorce, working through mediation, or already co-parenting, this episode will help you focus less on winning time and more on creating the kind of childhood your children will remember with security, stability, and love.
Visit BirtLaw.com to schedule a complimentary 15-minute introductory call or a Kitchen Table Divorce® Planning Session, and download additional resources designed to help families move through divorce with less conflict and greater confidence.
00:00
22:43

17 July 2026
00:00
11:44

08 June 2026
00:00
16:42

26 May 2026
For generations, families gathered around kitchen tables to discuss important decisions, solve problems, and plan for the future.
So why has divorce become something that immediately leaves the kitchen table and enters an adversarial system?
In Episode 2 of Season 4 of The Restorative Divorce Podcast, Erin Birt discusses the philosophy behind The Kitchen Table Divorce® and why many families may benefit from it before conflict escalates unnecessarily.
This episode explores:
• Why many divorces become reactive so quickly
• What The Kitchen Table Divorce® actually means
• The difference between litigation, mediation, and guided negotiation
• Why reducing unnecessary conflict matters for both parents and children
• How thoughtful planning may create healthier long-term outcomes
Drawing from more than 20 years of experience in family law, mediation, conflict resolution, and restorative divorce approaches, Erin shares insight into why many families need a roadmap before they need a courtroom.
If you are navigating divorce, co-parenting concerns, mediation, or uncertainty about your next step, this episode offers a calmer and more thoughtful perspective on how families may move forward with less unnecessary damage.
Listen now to Season 4 Episode 2 of The Restorative Divorce Podcast.
Learn more about The Kitchen Table Divorce®, mediation services, and planning sessions at BirtLaw.com.
00:00
11:45

14 May 2026
Season 4, Episode 1: Why Divorce Escalates So Quickly
Most families do not begin divorce wanting conflict, but many quickly find themselves overwhelmed by fear, stress, and reactive decisions. In this opening episode of Season 4, Erin Birt discusses why divorce often escalates faster than families intended and how structure, education, and thoughtful planning can help parents move through divorce with less unnecessary conflict.
Drawing from more than 20 years of family law and mediation experience, Erin explores the emotional and systemic factors that drive escalation and introduces the philosophy behind The Kitchen Table Divorce®.
Learn more at BirtLaw.com.
00:00
05:20

09 September 2024
In this episode, we dive into how parental alcoholism (or substance misuse) can impact child custody and visitation arrangements. We’ll explore how courts evaluate the role of substance abuse in parenting decisions and the potential consequences for parents struggling with alcoholism or alcohol misuse. You'll also hear about legal strategies to protect children’s well-being and how alternative dispute resolution methods, like Restorative Divorce and mediation, can offer more cooperative solutions for families dealing with these challenges. Tune in for expert advice on safeguarding your family’s future in the face of addiction.
00:00
12:41