Episodes

Send us a text In this episode of The Music of Life, I’m diving into some deeply personal aspects of my marriage, particularly the strain that arose from a lack of physical and emotional intimacy. I share how I came to terms with the reality of a relationship where affection and connection were one-sided, and how I learned to confront feelings of rejection and frustration. Exploring the challenges of moving on from a marriage like this, I also delve into what it’s been like to educate myself abo...

Send us a text In this episode of The Music of Life, I open up about the layers of manipulation and control I faced during the darkest times of my divorce. From discovering hidden surveillance in my own home to setting much-needed boundaries to protect my sanity, I talk about the lengths I went to preserve my sense of self and privacy. This journey wasn’t just about physical boundaries but about reclaiming emotional space and standing up to the constant attempts to destabilize me. I also share h...

Send us a text In this episode of The Music of Life, I share the raw and real challenges that come with navigating a high-conflict divorce. From facing relentless verbal attacks to feeling sidelined during my daughter's Bat Mitzvah planning, I open up about the ongoing struggle to maintain my composure and strength for my daughter. This journey is about more than the legal battles—it's about the emotional toll, the resilience it takes to keep showing up, and the impact on a mother-daughter relat...

Send us a text In this episode of The Music of Life, I discuss the emotional, financial, and logistical struggles that come with divorce—especially when it impacts our children. From managing mortgage payments to navigating tricky holiday schedules, I get real about the hard conversations, misunderstandings, and the toll it takes. I share stories of how I tried to keep things stable for my daughter despite the turbulence at home, and how I’ve had to navigate co-parenting when it felt like the od...

Send us a text Welcome to the very first episode of The Music of Life! I’m Caryn Portnoy, and today, I’m opening up about a journey that deeply transformed me—my divorce. While I originally planned to talk about music’s influence on relationships, I felt a stronger need to first share my personal experiences. In this episode, I dive into the emotional complexities of my three-year divorce and what led up to it. You'll hear me reflect on the challenges, from custody battles and financial struggl...

Send us a text Welcome to The Music of Life! I am your host, Caryn Portnoy. I'll guide you through a deeply personal journey of divorce, healing, self-discovery, and the universal power of music. In this podcast, I open up about the challenging experiences of my own life—beginning with the raw reality of navigating a difficult, toxic divorce. This isn't about rehashing the past but about offering a sense of solidarity and support for those enduring similar hardships. Here, you'll find a space t...