Cereal Bowls over Sympathy Wine: The World’s First Divorce Registry with Olivia Howell
Tue Sep 09 2025
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In this episode, Erin Cummings interviews Olivia Howell, co-founder and CEO of Fresh Start Registry, the world's first divorce registry. They discuss the origin of the registry, the importance of supporting individuals going through divorce, and the stigma surrounding divorce. Olivia shares insights on how the registry works, the significance of physical support items, and the resources available for those navigating divorce, especially stay-at-home parents. The conversation also touches on Olivia's journey in writing books and her aspirations for the future of the Fresh Start Registry.
Subscribe to THE BIG F, a newsletter by Built on YES that brings you weekly insights, tools, and updates about creating more mindfulness for Female Founders, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business: https://www.built-on-yes.com/
Why listen: Whether you’ve lived it or love someone who has, this conversation replaces stigma with tangible support—think vetted experts, free resources, and yes, the Target cereal bowls that matter more than a pity cabernet.
What you’ll learn
The origin story: Two sisters, parallel breakups, and the “there ’s-got-to-be-a-divorce-registry” moment that sparked Fresh Starts.Beyond pots and pans: How Fresh Starts pairs physical support with 150+ vetted experts (lawyers, therapists, financial planners, coaches) and truly free e-books and scripts.Safety first: Why privacy, anonymity, and zero data collection are built into the platform.The model (you’ll love this): Revenue comes from expert memberships—not from people going through divorce.Gray divorce & single-parent realities: Different needs, different playbooks—what practical support looks like across life stages.How to actually help a friend: Scripts to say, what to send, and why cereal bowls > sympathy wine.Confidence through objects: The “three-slot toothbrush holder” reframe—how small, intentional items can accelerate healing.
Resources & links
To learn more about Fresh Starts Registry, visit their website:
https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/
Follow Fresh Starts Registry and Olivia Howell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-starts-registry/
Follow Olivia:
https://www.instagram.com/oliviahowell/
Listener disclaimers
This episode shares education and lived experience. It’s not legal, financial, or mental-health advice—work with licensed pros for your situation.
Are you ready to create what's possible? Buy your copy of The Possibility Project journal today, and subscribe to THE BIG F by Built On YES a weekly newsletter to help you stay mindful, grow your business, and not lose your sh*t.
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Send us a text In this episode, Erin Cummings interviews Olivia Howell, co-founder and CEO of Fresh Start Registry, the world's first divorce registry. They discuss the origin of the registry, the importance of supporting individuals going through divorce, and the stigma surrounding divorce. Olivia shares insights on how the registry works, the significance of physical support items, and the resources available for those navigating divorce, especially stay-at-home parents. The conversation also touches on Olivia's journey in writing books and her aspirations for the future of the Fresh Start Registry. Subscribe to THE BIG F, a newsletter by Built on YES that brings you weekly insights, tools, and updates about creating more mindfulness for Female Founders, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business: https://www.built-on-yes.com/ Why listen: Whether you’ve lived it or love someone who has, this conversation replaces stigma with tangible support—think vetted experts, free resources, and yes, the Target cereal bowls that matter more than a pity cabernet. What you’ll learn The origin story: Two sisters, parallel breakups, and the “there ’s-got-to-be-a-divorce-registry” moment that sparked Fresh Starts.Beyond pots and pans: How Fresh Starts pairs physical support with 150+ vetted experts (lawyers, therapists, financial planners, coaches) and truly free e-books and scripts.Safety first: Why privacy, anonymity, and zero data collection are built into the platform.The model (you’ll love this): Revenue comes from expert memberships—not from people going through divorce.Gray divorce & single-parent realities: Different needs, different playbooks—what practical support looks like across life stages.How to actually help a friend: Scripts to say, what to send, and why cereal bowls > sympathy wine.Confidence through objects: The “three-slot toothbrush holder” reframe—how small, intentional items can accelerate healing. Resources & links To learn more about Fresh Starts Registry, visit their website: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/ Follow Fresh Starts Registry and Olivia Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-starts-registry/ Follow Olivia: https://www.instagram.com/oliviahowell/ Listener disclaimers This episode shares education and lived experience. It’s not legal, financial, or mental-health advice—work with licensed pros for your situation. Are you ready to create what's possible? Buy your copy of The Possibility Project journal today, and subscribe to THE BIG F by Built On YES a weekly newsletter to help you stay mindful, grow your business, and not lose your sh*t.