Out of Crazytown: Your Guide to Divorcing a Narcissist

What does it really mean to be the CEO of your own divorce?

In this episode, Jackie talks with Amy Polacko, divorce coach, award-winning journalist, domestic abuse survivor, co-author of FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld, and host of the Girl, Wake Up! podcast.

Amy shares how her own high-conflict divorce led her to become an advocate for women and family-court reform, the mistakes she made along the way, and what she now helps her clients do differently.

They also discuss Amy’s article, inspired by Belle Burden’s memoir Strangers, which explores how wealth can complicate divorce, how financial dependence can create vulnerability, and why money does not always protect someone from coercion, control, or prolonged conflict.

You’ll hear practical insights on recognizing unhealthy patterns, becoming more financially aware, preparing strategically, and taking an active role in your own divorce without trying to manage everything alone.

Freedom Warrior Divorce Coaching - Amy Polacko

FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld

Girl Wake Up! Podcast

Amy's article on Belle Burden's Amy's article on Belle Burden's Book: Strangers

Amy's Strong Savvy Women Support Group

 

This conversation is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, medical, or mental-health advice.

Why is it so hard to leave a toxic relationship even when you know it's unhealthy?

And why does the confusion often continue long after it's over?

In this episode of Out of Crazytown, I'm joined by psychologist, author, and narcissistic abuse expert Dr. Kerry McAvoy to explore one of the most powerful concepts in abuse recovery: cognitive dissonance.

We discuss why intelligent, capable people become trapped in unhealthy relationships, how gaslighting and manipulation create profound self-doubt, and why survivors often feel torn between what they know to be true and what they desperately hope is true.

Together, we unpack the psychology behind narcissistic abuse, the mental fog that keeps so many people stuck, and the first steps toward rebuilding clarity, self-trust, and lasting freedom.

If you've ever wondered, "Why couldn't I just leave?" or "Why do I still question myself?" this conversation will help you understand that your experience wasn't a sign of weakness, it was the result of a very real psychological process.

In this episode, we discuss:
• What cognitive dissonance is and why it keeps people stuck
• The difference between cognitive dissonance, trauma bonding, and codependency
• How gaslighting causes survivors to question their own reality
• Why hope can become part of the psychological trap
• What it looks like to "wake up" to the truth
• How to begin rebuilding self-trust and moving forward

Whether you're still in a toxic relationship, navigating the aftermath, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical guidance for reclaiming your life.

 

Dr. McAvoy's Website

Break Free From Narcissistic Abuse-Podcast

Love You More-Book

Surviving To Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery

WINNING: Rewiring Your Brain and Reclaiming Your Life After Toxic Love

What is narcissistic abuse, really? And why is it so difficult to make sense of the behavior of a narcissist, especially during divorce?

In this episode, I sit down with licensed psychotherapist, speaker, and best-selling author Chelsey Brooke Cole to unpack the realities of narcissistic abuse and the lasting impact it can have on your identity, self-worth, and ability to trust yourself.

We discuss how a narcissist's need for control often escalates during divorce, the different types of narcissistic personalities, why survivors often blame themselves, and what it takes to rebuild confidence after years of manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional abuse. Chelsey also shares practical communication strategies for dealing with high-conflict personalities and offers guidance for protecting and supporting children when a narcissistic parent is involved.

In this episode, you'll learn:

What narcissistic abuse actually is

Why narcissists think and behave differently

How control and manipulation show up during divorce

The different types of narcissism

How to release shame and self-blame

What rebuilding self-worth really looks like

Communication strategies that can reduce conflict

Ways to support your children during a high-conflict divorce

Chelsey's Website

If Only I'd Known-Chelsey's Book

Restoring Resilience Podcast

WINNING-Jackie Miller's Book

In this episode, I sit down with Dana Skaggs, licensed psychological examiner and known as the Queen of Boundaries, to unpack why boundary dysfunction is often at the root of anxiety, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.

We talk about:

Why saying “no” can trigger panic

How narcissistic dynamics train you to over-function and keep the peace

The connection between trauma and weak or collapsing boundaries

Practical ways to set and defend boundaries during divorce

Dana also shares her personal experience navigating a toxic parent relationship and how learning to hold boundaries changed her life.

If you’re tired of being pulled in every direction and ready to reclaim your peace, this conversation will show you where to start.

Dana Skaggs Website

Phoenix & Flame Podcast

**DISCLAIMER:**  

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE OR A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE GUIDANCE OF A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. EACH INDIVIDUAL’S CIRCUMSTANCES ARE UNIQUE, AND ANYONE SEEKING LEGAL ADVICE SHOULD CONSULT A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, PLEASE REACH OUT TO A LICENSED THERAPIST OR COUNSELOR.

High-conflict divorce isn’t just emotionally exhausting. It’s legally strategic.

In this episode, I sit down with seasoned family law attorney John Schorsch to unpack a hard truth: many people unintentionally damage their own case without realizing it.

We talk about the common ways parents sabotage themselves in custody battles, why overexplaining and reacting emotionally backfires, and what courts actually care about versus what clients think matters. We also dig into why labels like “narcissist” rarely help, how communication mistakes resurface later, and what “controlling the narrative” truly means in practice.

If you’re navigating a high-conflict ex, legal threats, or long custody battles, this episode will help you shift from reactive behavior to strategic decision-making.

Because in family court, winning isn’t loud.

It’s disciplined. And sometimes, the smartest move is saying less.

John Schorsch Website

**DISCLAIMER:**  

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE OR A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE GUIDANCE OF A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. EACH INDIVIDUAL’S CIRCUMSTANCES ARE UNIQUE, AND ANYONE SEEKING LEGAL ADVICE SHOULD CONSULT A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, PLEASE REACH OUT TO A LICENSED THERAPIST OR COUNSELOR.