Peaceful Choices, Powerful Outcomes: A Conversation on Divorce, Legacy, and Self-Worth with Shaunis Mercer Artwork

Unwritten with Steph

Life doesn’t always go as planned — but it’s never too late to begin again.

Unwritten with Steph is a podcast about reinvention, resilience, and the beauty of starting over. Each week, host Stephanie Shanks sits down for honest, heart-centered conversations with people who have faced life’s unexpected turns — and found their way back to themselves.

Through stories of transformation, courage, and self-discovery, Unwritten reminds us that our past doesn’t define us — it refines us. Whether you’re navigating midlife changes, rediscovering your purpose, or healing from the past, these raw and inspiring conversations will help you reconnect with your truth and remember: it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Keywords: personal growth, transformation, reinvention, authenticity, self-discovery, healing, midlife awakening, empowerment, resilience, self-worth, courage, starting over

All Episodes

Unwritten with Steph

Peaceful Choices, Powerful Outcomes: A Conversation on Divorce, Legacy, and Self-Worth with Shaunis Mercer

May 20, 2025 • Steph Shanks • Season 2 • Episode 25

0:00 | 45:22

Send us Fan Mail

What if the scariest transitions in life—divorce, death, or starting over—could be handled with peace, clarity, and even empowerment? In this episode of Unwritten, I sit down with family law and estate planning attorney Shaunis Mercer, co-founder of Peaceful Law, to explore how women can navigate divorce and life planning without fear-based tactics or emotional burnout.

We talk about:

Why peaceful legal support matters more than aggressive litigation
How to make smart, values-driven choices in divorce or separation
Estate planning as a radical act of self-respect (even if you're single or have "nothing")
The power of asking honest questions early in relationships
And how women can reclaim their worth and voice—legally and emotionally

As someone who’s been divorced, reinvented, and rebuilt—both personally and professionally—I bring these insights into the work I do at Steph Shanks Photography, where I help women over 40 see their strength, beauty, and transformation reflected back to them.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by what-ifs or fearful of what’s next, this episode is a roadmap for reclaiming your agency—with compassion and clarity at the center.