Episode 223: High-Conflict Co-Parenting: What Most Experts Miss with Al Huntoon
Fri Jan 16 2026
In this eye-opening conversation, Rhonda sits down with Al Huntoon — a former custody mediator and co-parenting coach — to uncover what most people (and professionals) miss when it comes to high-conflict custody battles.
Al shares the blind spot he discovered after working with thousands of families: in many high-conflict custody cases, one parent is driving the conflict, while the other is simply responding to it. This dynamic is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked entirely — and it's costing families time, money, and peace.
Together, Rhonda and Al explore:
How to identify asymmetric conflict in custody and co-parenting
Why one-size-fits-all solutions like "parallel parenting" can backfire
The role of emotional literacy and intentionality in navigating custody conflict
Why assertiveness is a learned skill — and critical for collaboration
How vague custody agreements create loopholes for high-conflict behavior
Tools and tech to help you respond strategically instead of reactively
Whether you're in the thick of parenting negotiations or supporting clients through it, this episode offers real tools and refreshing clarity on a deeply personal topic.
👤 Meet Our Guest:
With a Master's in Social Work and over three decades of experience, Al Huntoon is a seasoned leader in family services, mental health, and adult education. His expertise in navigating complex family dynamics was honed through years as a custody mediator and coparenting specialist, where he supported families through shared parenting, blended transitions, and high-stakes relational pivots. Al brings a deep understanding of both the emotional terrain and practical logistics of separation and divorce, offering compassionate guidance, actionable tools, and tailored solutions that honor the unique needs of each coparent and child. His work helps families move through complexity with clarity, resilience, and grace.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alhuntoon/
🎙️ Your Host:
Rhonda Noordyk, CDFA®, CDS®, and CEO of The Women's Financial Wellness Center
Rhonda has dedicated her career to being an advocate for women and educating them on how financial strategies can impact their personal and professional success. Her work has shown women going through a divorce how to have a voice, be assertive, get results, be driven, and move forward with confidence.
For Rhonda and her company, the Women's Financial Wellness Center, helping women isn't just about running the numbers. It's about asking the right questions, demystifying myths and biases around finances, and helping women walk in their power. Rhonda is passionate about helping her clients navigate a broken system and level the playing field so they can achieve success—pre, during, and post-divorce.
🌟 Master Your Next Move in Divorce: Watch our FREE Masterclass and learn how to empower your divorce journey with confidence, clarity, and control.
🎥 FREE MASTERCLASS: Get Instant Access
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In this eye-opening conversation, Rhonda sits down with Al Huntoon — a former custody mediator and co-parenting coach — to uncover what most people (and professionals) miss when it comes to high-conflict custody battles. Al shares the blind spot he discovered after working with thousands of families: in many high-conflict custody cases, one parent is driving the conflict, while the other is simply responding to it. This dynamic is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked entirely — and it's costing families time, money, and peace. Together, Rhonda and Al explore: How to identify asymmetric conflict in custody and co-parenting Why one-size-fits-all solutions like "parallel parenting" can backfire The role of emotional literacy and intentionality in navigating custody conflict Why assertiveness is a learned skill — and critical for collaboration How vague custody agreements create loopholes for high-conflict behavior Tools and tech to help you respond strategically instead of reactively Whether you're in the thick of parenting negotiations or supporting clients through it, this episode offers real tools and refreshing clarity on a deeply personal topic. 👤 Meet Our Guest: With a Master's in Social Work and over three decades of experience, Al Huntoon is a seasoned leader in family services, mental health, and adult education. His expertise in navigating complex family dynamics was honed through years as a custody mediator and coparenting specialist, where he supported families through shared parenting, blended transitions, and high-stakes relational pivots. Al brings a deep understanding of both the emotional terrain and practical logistics of separation and divorce, offering compassionate guidance, actionable tools, and tailored solutions that honor the unique needs of each coparent and child. His work helps families move through complexity with clarity, resilience, and grace. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alhuntoon/ 🎙️ Your Host: Rhonda Noordyk, CDFA®, CDS®, and CEO of The Women's Financial Wellness Center Rhonda has dedicated her career to being an advocate for women and educating them on how financial strategies can impact their personal and professional success. Her work has shown women going through a divorce how to have a voice, be assertive, get results, be driven, and move forward with confidence. For Rhonda and her company, the Women's Financial Wellness Center, helping women isn't just about running the numbers. It's about asking the right questions, demystifying myths and biases around finances, and helping women walk in their power. Rhonda is passionate about helping her clients navigate a broken system and level the playing field so they can achieve success—pre, during, and post-divorce. 🌟 Master Your Next Move in Divorce: Watch our FREE Masterclass and learn how to empower your divorce journey with confidence, clarity, and control. 🎥 FREE MASTERCLASS: Get Instant Access We love putting out great content for you! Do us a favor? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Download and share with a friend who might need to hear these conversations. Leave a positive podcast review - ratings and reviews help others find the show!