Finding the Funny in Divorce

"I wanted to share my journey through humor," Michele Traina explains about her latest project, "Divorce Diaries," streaming now on Amazon Prime. Based on her real-life journey navigating life after divorce, the mockumentary blends humor with emotional depth, sharing her journey of self-discovery, motherhood, and career struggles. Michele encourages viewers—especially women rebuilding their lives—to embrace their emotions and pursue their dreams without fear of judgment.

"The show isn’t just about divorce,” she emphasizes. “It’s about learning to love yourself and laugh through the chaos. I believe this story connects with people from all walks of life."

"Divorce Diaries" draws from Ms. Traina's background in theatre and her side gig as a stand-up comedian. To promote the series, she has embarked on a nationwide stand-up tour, where is she meeting face-to-face with audiences. "Hearing people laugh at my life experiences, knowing they’ve been there too—that’s why I do this," she reflects. We caught up with Michele Traina at a recent live show in New Jersey.

What inspired you to transform your personal life into a TV show?

Michele Traina: I’ve always created from my life. I went into acting as a high school teenager and studied theatre in college so drawing from my life has always been the way I tell stories. Although it takes place post-divorce, "Divorce Diaries"encompasses my life's journey to finding self-love and humor through everyday, beautiful mishaps.

How do you balance the comedic aspects of the show with the more emotional, serious moments related to divorce, motherhood, and self-love?

I meditate, go to therapy regularly, and run or box. It helps me with balancing and staying not reactive. It’s great to filter out my pain through humor but it can also open up a lot of wounds. Sometimes putting my more serious moments onstage helps me heal and get through it the most.

Your Italian family plays a big part in your story. How have they reacted to being featured in "Divorce Diaries"?

My mom is my biggest cheerleader. My dad passed away a few years ago but I know that he wouldn’t want to see me doing anything else but pursuing my heart. He was an avid lover of film, cinematography, and a great storyteller himself, so I know he’d be proud.

The pilot episode covers a lot of ground—motherhood, career struggles, and self-discovery. What message do you hope resonates most with viewers, especially women who may be going through a similar journey?

Don’t try to downplay how you feel. Your feelings are valid. Find an outlet or a dream of your own and go for it. Don’t let someone say you are ‘too much’ or make you feel like you need to dim your light. Those are not your people.

The show began as a live performance.

Yes, I had to take my all-over-the-place comedy and make it a tad more organized for the screen so viewers don’t get lost on the train. Through the process, I learned a lot about filmmaking and how to take my material and make it into a 26-minute episode series that will have longevity. I have always loved mockumentaries and reality tv so I found it easiest to tell my story through this lens.

And your real-life daughter plays a part too!

My daughter has always embraced my work. She thinks it’s funny. The last scene of the pilot is her saying what “Divorce Diaries" is. I will tell you we didn’t give her the line. She came up with it on her own and it encapsulates the show perfectly: “A single mom who tells her journeys about divorce and tries to share it with the world and be funny about it.”

What advice would you give to other women who are trying to rebuild their lives post-divorce?

Don’t give up on yourself or your dreams. There is always a way to make something happen if you want it badly enough. Don’t let obstacles hold you back from doing what you want. Even if you fail, you tried. The more we find the confidence within ourselves, the stronger and happier we become. Happiness is a part of the process, not an end result.

Watch Divorce Diaries on Amazon Prime.