ABOUT ILYSSA

Veteran journalist Ilyssa Panitz is a trailblazer - one of the world's foremost experts on the subject of divorce and a highly accomplished entertainment news reporter, producer, and editor for more than 25+ years.  After surviving a marriage where she experienced horrific domestic violence, Ilyssa made a courageous career pivot, becoming one of the few journalists in the U.S. to focus primarily on the topic of divorce.

Ilyssa's first-hand journey through the legal system during her lengthy and difficult divorce case led her to discover the limited coverage on the topic of divorce, which affects millions nationwide. As an abuse survivor and a mother of two daughters, Ilyssa felt uniquely qualified to provide information about divorce and was compelled to use her writing skills to help others navigate this challenging process. As Ilyssa says, “After my own harrowing experience with domestic violence and divorce, I felt compelled to use my voice and professional platform to help others going through similar ordeals.”

Ilyssa began using the vast research she gathered during her own divorce by writing and producing content for the National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP).  Additionally, her work with the NADP led Ilyssa to launch a website and radio show tackling the complex issues surrounding divorce and providing vital information and resources, featuring interviews with experts on topics like co-parenting, dividing assets, mental health during divorce, and more. Her nationally syndicated and live-streamed radio show "The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz" airs every weekend on CRN Digital Talk Radio Network and streams on 14 platforms including Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and all podcast platforms.

In June 2024, Ilyssa will premiere her new streaming television series "Ways Thru Divorce" on Your Home TV, a free on-demand streaming platform available in more than 100 countries and on Roku. The series focuses on all aspects of divorce, including mental health, legal, financial, lifestyle, personal relationships, children, and family.

Ilyssa began her writing career at 1010-Wins Radio, which eventually led her to US News and World Report and the Celebrity Executive Director at Closer Weekly. Her writing bylines include First for Women, Meredith publication's More.com and Parents.com, Star magazine, AOL's ParentDish, New York Family Magazine, The Examiner News, PASH magazine, Women’s World, Big Apple Parent, Atlanta Jewish Times, Pet Lifestyles Magazine, and more.

Throughout her career, Ilyssa's important connections in the world of entertainment, sports, and business have made her a go-to writer for A-list talents like Tom Hanks, John Travolta, Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, Will Smith, Venus Williams, and Meryl Streep. Additionally, her experience with press junkets, red carpets, and premieres makes Ilyssa one of the most well-rounded journalists in the industry today.

As a producer and talent booker, Ilyssa's credits include the Newsmax network, CNN's Connie Chung Tonight, Paula Zahn Zahn Tonight, MSNBC, and Spectrum NY1. On radio, she worked at Westwood One, 1010-WINS Radio (NY), WCBS-AM, and was responsible for the launch and growth of Metro Source Networks' NY Entertainment Bureau.

Ilyssa is also a former member of The New York Press Club Board of Governors and spent more than four years as a special correspondent for the organization's magazine.

Ilyssa graduated from the University of Hartford with a degree in Communications. She resides in New York with her two children.  In her spare time Ilyssa enjoys regular workouts, hiking, playing Rummy-Q with her kids and binge-watching Criminal Minds.  Online she can be found at  and on Instagram and X @ilyssapanitz and on Linkedin and her website. 

With her unparalleled expertise, empathy earned through personal experience, and commitment to guiding others through one of life's most difficult transitions, Ilyssa Panitz has cemented her status as an indispensable voice in the world of divorce journalism.