Welcome back to another episode of The D Shift. I had the opportunity to sit down with Michael Cohen, an accomplished divorce mediator who brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to the table. Michael, who initially started his career as a CPA, has transitioned into a role he's genuinely passionate about, and that is helping parents navigate the often challenging waters of divorce while keeping the focus on minimizing conflict for the sake of their children.


Michael's journey through a challenging, litigation-heavy divorce inspired him to become a mediator, and he's now dedicated to offering a healthier, more amicable path forward for divorcing couples. Throughout our conversation, Michael sheds light on the significant emotional and financial advantages of choosing mediation over litigation. He emphasizes the importance of education and understanding your options as you begin the divorce process and explains how the mediator's role differs fundamentally from that of an attorney.


We explore practical strategies for creating customized parenting schedules that fit your family's unique needs, the value of co-parenting in providing stability for your children, and the emotional benefits of maintaining communication and collaboration with your ex-spouse. Michael also shares his unique approach to mediation, which includes thorough pre-sessions to ensure both parties are informed and comfortable and the importance of being transparent and fair.


Whether you're contemplating divorce or already in the midst of it, this episode is full of insights that could help you navigate your journey with less stress, lower costs, and more clarity. So, grab a seat and join us as we explore how mediation can redefine your divorce experience.


About the Guest:


Michael Cohen is a passionate divorce mediator who cares about his clients and their families, and who is driven to help them divorce in the healthiest way possible to preserve their ability to co-parent effectively and minimize the impact of their divorce on their children.


Michael guides his clients toward healthy financial decisions, and leads his clients through a collaborative process to help them create the healthiest parenting plan for them and their children. Michael earned his CPA while at the University of Illinois, and his Divorce Mediation Certification at Northwestern University. Michael is divorced and has three children, who are the inspiration for the work that he does for others.


To connect with Michael:


Phone: 224-544-9990

Website: https://michaelsmediation.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsmediation

IG: https://www.instagram.com/michaelsmediation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelsMediation

About the Host:

Mardi Winder-Adams is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC.


To find out more about divorce coaching: www.divorcecoach4women.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!


Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.


Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Take The Divorce Stress Test

Take This FREE 60-Second Quiz To Find Out YOUR #1 Priority to Cut Through the Fog Of Divorce

  • Know what's important to focus on for you
  • Hire the right attorney
  • Gain clarity in a time of chaos
  • Take control of your future
  • Have the support so you don't feel lost and alone

HEY, I’M MARDI…

... a Certified Divorce Transition Coach. I am also a Board Certified Executive and Leadership Coach working with entrepreneurs and executives. With over a decade of coaching experience, and over 25 years as a credentialed mediator in the United States and Canada, I know how often women's voices are not heard in mediation, negotiation, and in discussions throughout the legal process.

Take The Divorce Stress Test

Take This FREE 60-Second Quiz To Understand Where You Are Experiencing Stress In Your Divorce

  • Know what you need to focus on
  • Work with the right professionals
  • Gain clarity on basic financial concerns
  • Understand how to help your kids
  • Have the support so you don't feel lost and alone

PLUS Get A FREE REPORT Explaining Your Unique Results & What To Do Next...

©2025 Positive Communication Systems, LLC