Life Unscripted with Julie Lauren

Divorce, Drama, and the Damn Ikea Painting

This one’s for anyone who's ever wondered what really goes down behind closed doors when a marriage ends, and what it takes to come out the other side.In this episode, I’m joined by matrimonial attorney Amanda Shaked, who’s seen it all: the custody battles, the prenups, the “just take the vase” showdowns, and the couples who just won’t stop dragging each other to court. We talk about what a “good divorce” actually looks like, why infidelity is often just a symptom, and whether the courts really do favor women - plus all the legal layers, from prenups and parenting plans to custody chaos and courtroom drama.Amanda also shares the biggest red flags to watch for while dating, why staying just for ease might be the worst reason of all, and the #1 thing you should ask yourself if you're navigating a breakup or messy separation.This episode is real, insightful, and packed with advice you didn’t know you needed - whether you're single, married, or somewhere in between.Get in touch with Amanda: abshakedlaw@gmail.com. Subscribe to Life Unscripted on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts.Subscribe to my newsletter, Off the Record here.Follow on Instagram @byjulielauren.

Beyond the Rules: Redefining Modern Love with Jeff Rothlein

What happens when you stop doing what you should in love and start exploring what actually works for you? In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Jeff Rothlein for a candid, honest, and thought-provoking conversation about relationships that don’t follow the traditional script.We dive into what it really means to be in an ethically non-monogamous dynamic - though it’s not quite what you might think. Jeff shares how he unexpectedly found himself exploring this lifestyle, what surprised him most about it, and why communication and transparency are everything. We cover everything from primary vs. secondary partners, the difference between ENM and simply dating casually, emotional expectations, friends-with-benefits, and whether it's possible - or even desirable - to "go back" to monogamy.Plus, we talk invisible string theory, course-correcting from past relationships, and why letting go of the word “should” might be the biggest relationship hack of all.If you've ever questioned traditional relationship norms (or are simply curious about the topic), this one’s for you. Subscribe to Life Unscripted on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts.Subscribe to my newsletter, Off the Record here.Follow on Instagram @byjulielauren.

She’s Matched People for 15 Years and Says This is the #1 Mistake You’re Making in Dating

In this week’s episode of Life Unscripted, I sit down with the brilliant and refreshingly honest Brooke Wise, founder of Wise Matchmaking and a powerhouse with nearly 15 years of experience in the love business. Before becoming a full-time cupid, Brooke spent over a decade in the high-stakes world of finance, from Wall Street to hedge funds. But her true passion? Setting people up and helping them find meaningful, lasting connections.We get into it all - the biggest misconceptions about matchmaking, Brooke’s no-nonsense approach to love (transparency from day one!!), and the wildest deal breakers she’s come across. We also dive into the state of dating today: situationships, social media’s role in modern loneliness, and why so many people feel more disconnected than ever despite being constantly online.From background checks to green flags, narcissism to love bombing, and whether “friends with benefits” can actually turn into something more - nothing’s off the table. Plus, Brooke shares her favorite first date spots, the advice everyone needs to hear before diving into the dating pool, and why men seriously need to stop posting inspirational quotes on Instagram.You’re going to love this one. Tune in and take notes.Follow (and/or hire) Brooke at @wisematchmaking and wisematchmaking.com. Subscribe to Life Unscripted on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts.Subscribe to my newsletter, Off the Record here.Follow on Instagram @byjulielauren.

Blindsided by Divorce: Custody, Cash, and Starting Over with Rob Malkani

Divorce is never just about signing papers - it’s about navigating heartbreak, identity shifts, and the legal and financial chaos that can follow. In this episode of Life Unscripted, I sit down with Rob Malkani, former Harvard-trained lawyer turned divorce coach, to unpack the real side of divorce - beyond the clichés and legal jargon.We dive deep into what it’s like to be blindsided by divorce, the emotional rollercoaster of custody battles, and the financial realities that most people aren’t prepared for. Rob shares the biggest mistakes people make when divorce hits, the mindset shifts necessary to move forward, and why closure might be a myth. We also explore high-conflict divorces, navigating post-divorce dating, and how to rebuild your life when it feels like everything has crumbled.Whether you're in the thick of a divorce, rebuilding after one, or just curious about the realities no one talks about, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and some hard-hitting truths.Tune in for a raw, unfiltered conversation about money, custody, identity, and finding peace after the storm.Follow Rob @bbdblindsidedbydivorceWebsite: Blindsided by Divorce Subscribe to Life Unscripted on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts.Subscribe to my newsletter, Off the Record here.Follow on Instagram @byjulielauren.

Unscripted Heartbreak: Mourning the Living

This is the most vulnerable I’ve ever been on the mic. In this episode, I open up about the kind of heartbreak that feels like mourning someone who's still alive. I dive deep into the experience of being deceived, the complexities of walking away from a relationship I thought would last, and the emotional toll of letting go. It's raw, honest, and yes, more emotional than I expected. If you've ever struggled to move on from someone who felt like home, this one’s for you. Disclaimer: No names, locations, or identifying details are mentioned in this episode. If you think you know who or what I’m talking about - you don’t. This is not an attack on anyone. It is simply my story, my experience, and the lessons I’ve taken from it. Nothing I share is meant to harm or target anyone, but rather to reflect my personal experience, healing process, and growth. Subscribe to Life Unscripted on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts.Subscribe to my newsletter, Off the Record here.Follow on Instagram @byjulielauren.