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Midlife can bring huge shifts–divorce, gray divorce, empty nesting, menopause and the loss of roles that once defined you. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy talks with Dr. Ellen Albertson, known as The Midlife Whisperer, about why so many women feel lost during this stage of life–and how midlife can become an opportunity to reinvent yourself rather than fear what’s changing. They talk about divorce, gray divorce, empty nesting, menopause, people-pleasing, dating, self-compassion and what happens when women finally stop living for everyone else and start asking what they want for themselves. Dr. Ellen is a psychologist, registered dietitian nutritionist, board-certified health and wellness coach, self-compassion teacher and bestselling author of Rock Your Midlife. If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy Polacko for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Learn more about Dr. Ellen Albertson: https://themidlifewhisperer.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_midlife_whisperer/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themidlifewhisperer FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrEllenAlbertson X: https://x.com/RockYourMidlife Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drellenalbertson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themidlifewhisperer

Divorce can change your financial life overnight-and the decisions you make during it can affect you for years to come. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy talks with Randi Engelbrecht, Wealth Manager and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) at Radiance Private Wealth, about what women need to know to protect themselves financially before, during and after divorce. They discuss why every woman should understand her household finances, common money mistakes in divorce, how to think strategically about assets like the family home and why a settlement is only the beginning of building your financial future. Most importantly, Randi explains how women can move from feeling overwhelmed by money to making informed decisions with greater confidence and clarity. If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy Polacko for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Learn more about Randi and Radiance Private Wealth here: https://radianceprivatewealth.com/ Follow Radiance on Instagram @radianceprivatewealth

Want free tips from a divorce attorney who spent nearly 40 years inside the family court system? In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy talks with former family law attorney Ronald J. Bavero, Esq. about what people need to know before and during divorce. Ron shares the mistakes he saw clients make again and again, what’s really worth fighting over, how cases spiral out of control and what a seasoned attorney wishes more people understood before walking into a courtroom. Ron is also the author of An Elephant Doesn’t Marry a Giraffe: Everything I Learned as a Divorce Attorney, based on decades of experience handling divorce cases in New York. Think of this episode as a free consultation–with the kind of perspective that usually comes after years in family court. If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy Polacko for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Learn more about Ron Bavero and his book: https://www.divorcedeverafter.com/

What happens when the relationship ends, but the control does not? In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Jaime Zuckerman to talk about the exhausting reality of co-parenting after narcissistic abuse. Divorce may end the relationship, but when children are involved, the manipulation, blame, chaos and control can continue through schedules, communication, school decisions, parenting apps and everyday logistics. Dr. Zuckerman explains why traditional co-parenting advice often fails with a narcissistic or high-conflict ex, how women can stop reacting to bait and blame and why protecting your peace requires strategy-not endless flexibility. This conversation is for any woman who has been told to “just co-parent” with someone who refuses to cooperate. You are not crazy. You may simply be trying to use healthy relationship tools with someone who never intended to play fair. If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy Polacko for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Learn more about Dr. Jaime Zuckerman: Her book Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse: A Step-by-Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Power, will be released in September 2026 and is currently available for preorder on Amazon here. www.drjaimezuckerman.com www.zgrouptherapy.com IG: @dr.z_psychologist YT: Dr Jaime Zuckerman FB: Dr Jaime Zuckerman TT: @dr.z_psychologist

Gray divorce is having a moment–but for many women, it is more than a headline. It is the moment they finally admit they are done shrinking, settling or carrying the emotional weight of a marriage that no longer works. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy talks with Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized family law attorney, mediator and host of Divorce & Beyond. Susan recently joined Oprah for a conversation about gray divorce and the fallout when long marriages end. Together, Amy and Susan dig into why divorce after 50 can feel so heightened: there is less time to recover financially, less runway to rebuild and often decades of identity, family expectations, invisible labor and grief wrapped into the decision. They also talk about why so many women are waking up later in life and asking: What do I want the rest of my life to look like? If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy Polacko for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Learn more about Susan Guthrie and her Divorce & Beyond podcast here: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com IG: @divorceandbeyondpod LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie

Leaving a toxic relationship does not always bring the freedom you expect. Even after it ends, your brain and nervous system may still be stuck in survival mode-replaying the conflict, bracing for the next attack and struggling to trust yourself again. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy talks with Jackie Miller, author of Winning: Rewiring Your Brain and Reclaiming Your Life After Toxic Love. Jackie explains what emotional control and psychological abuse can do to the brain and body, why healing often takes longer than outsiders understand and how survivors can begin moving from chaos toward calm. In this episode: Why leaving does not automatically make you feel freeHow toxic relationships affect the brain and nervous systemWhy survivors may miss someone they do not want backHow manipulation erodes confidence and self-trustWhat it means to make calm your new normalPractical ways to disengage from toxic dynamics If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy Polacko for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Learn more about Jackie Miller and her book, Winning: Rewiring Your Brain and Reclaiming Your Life After Toxic Love, at www.jackie-miller.com/book

College planning is stressful for any family–but when parents are divorced, separated, remarried, widowed or parenting on their own, the process can get even more complicated. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy talks with Vicki Vollweiler, founder of College Financial Prep and author of College Planning for Divorced & Widowed Parents, about what families need to know before the tuition bills arrive. Amy shares how her own divorce decrees left out important details about college, and why parents need to think ahead before FAFSA forms, college visits, deadlines, deposits and disagreements begin. Vicki explains the biggest mistakes divorced parents make, why vague language like “we’ll split college costs” can create problems, and how families can reduce stress with better planning, clearer communication, and a realistic strategy. In this episode, we discuss: Why college planning is different after divorceWhat parents should address before senior yearHow FAFSA and financial aid can become more complicatedWhy court may not be a quick fix if one parent refuses to payHow to protect your child from being caught in the middle If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy Polacko for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Learn more about Vicki’s work: Website: https://www.CollegeFinancialPrep.com Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/CollegeFinancialPrep Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/CollegeFinancialPrep YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collegefinancialprep LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-vollweiler/

What happens when a woman takes the blank canvas of life after divorce and starts creating something entirely new? In this Divorce Success Story episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy sits down with Dee Dee Colabella, a Ridgefield, Connecticut entrepreneur, art gallery owner and owner of 068 Magazine, whose life after divorce became a story of creativity, courage and reinvention. Dee Dee has built a vibrant world around art, beauty, storytelling and community. Through her gallery and magazine, she does more than showcase artists and local voices — she creates spaces where people feel seen, connected and inspired. Her story is a reminder that divorce may close one chapter, but it can also open the door to a life that is more colorful, expressive and aligned with who you were always meant to become. In this episode, Amy and Dee Dee talk about the courage it takes to begin again, the power of creativity after divorce, how women can rediscover themselves outside of marriage and motherhood, and why reinvention often starts with one brave step — not a perfect plan. If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy Polacko for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Learn more about Dee Dee’s work here: https://dcolabellafineart.com Follow her on Instagram: @colabellamedia Her RPAC Gallery: @rpacgallery Her RPAC Art Center and Academy: @rpacartcenterandacademy

In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy sits down with author Meg Groff for a raw and eye-opening conversation about the realities of family court. Meg’s book pulls back the curtain on a system many women enter believing truth, evidence, and good parenting will be enough — only to discover that family court can become its own crisis. Together, Amy and Meg talk about what happens when the legal process becomes emotionally, financially, and psychologically exhausting, especially for protective mothers and survivors of abuse. They explore the power dynamics at play, the myths women are told about court, and why “the best interests of the child” can look very different in theory than it does in practice. We discuss: • The biggest myths about family court • Why evidence alone may not be enough • How money and power can shape custody battles • Why protective mothers are often labeled “difficult” or “emotional” • The emotional toll of prolonged litigation • How the system can fail to recognize coercive control and abuse • What women need to understand before walking into court If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy Polacko for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Learn more about Meg’s work: www.meggroff.com | Instagram: @meggrofffamilylaw | Facebook: Not If I Can Help It | LinkedIn: Meg Groff

Digital abuse is not just “online drama.” It can be a form of control, intimidation, blackmail and domestic abuse. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy sits down with attorney Lindsay Lieberman, who represents survivors of sexual misconduct, cyber-sex crimes, harassment, sextortion, image-based sexual abuse, blackmail and Title IX violations. Lindsay explains how cyber-abuse often shows up inside relationships and divorce: threats to release private images, stalking through technology, harassment by text or email, fake accounts, intimidation, and attempts to shame or silence survivors. She also breaks down the red flags women should watch for, what rights survivors may have, and why sending a private photo to someone does not mean giving up control over where it ends up. Amy and Lindsay also discuss what high-profile cases like Epstein reveal about power, fear, silence and why survivors often hesitate to come forward. This conversation is about privacy, protection, consent and power — and what women need to know when abuse follows them into their phones, inboxes, workplaces, schools and courtrooms. If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy Polacko for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Learn more about Lindsay’s work: www.lindsaylieberman.com https://www.instagram.com/lindsayliebermanesq/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-lieberman-cyber-abuse-victims-attorney/

Today’s episode of Girl, Wake Up! drops on publication day for Meg Stone’s new book, Don’t Fight Back: And 10 Other Myths About Crime, Personal Safety, and Gender-Based Violence. Meg, Executive Director of IMPACT Boston, joins Amy for an eye-opening conversation about the sexist safety myths women have been taught for generations–and what real empowerment actually looks like. We talk about fear, gender-based violence, and why the burden of prevention has been placed on women for far too long. In this episode, we cover: Why so much safety advice for women is rooted in fearThe myths society teaches about crime and personal safetyHow sexism shapes the way women are told to prevent violenceWhy the burden is so often placed on women instead of perpetratorsWhat real empowerment and prevention can actually look like ➡️ If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info ➡️ Learn more about empowerment and self-defence on Meg’s website: https://megstone.org/ ➡️ More about Impact Boston: https://impactboston.org/ ➡️Meg’s books: https://www.beacon.org/cw_contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=17937&Name=Meg+Stone Episode Timestamp: 00:01 – 00:045 Podcast Intro 00:46 – 02:12 Topic & About Meg Stone 2:13 — 6:44 The 'Don't Fight Back' Myth: Why Forceful Resistance Actually Works 9:23 — 13:12 Policing Women's Behavior vs. Addressing Male Responsibility 13:12 — 18:53 The Invisible Cost of Fear: How Women's Lives Are Restricted 22:06 — 30:11 What is Feminist Self-Defense? Empowerment Through Political Analysis 35:38 — 41:35 Truth or Trap: Is 'Trust Your Intuition' Actually Good Advice?

Divorce can be the best thing that ever happened to you. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy talks with Linda Stephens, a clinical nutritionist, IFBB Pro athlete, and nationally recognized women’s health expert, about how her 2017 divorce became the beginning of a powerful reinvention. What started as a painful life transition became an opportunity to get honest about what she wanted, step into her next chapter and help other women do the same. Amy and Linda discuss what it means for women in midlife to stop accepting outdated messages about aging, hormones and menopause–and start advocating for themselves. This is a conversation about strength, clarity, health and why your 50s and beyond can be one of the most powerful seasons of your life. In this episode, we cover: Linda’s divorce story and how it became a turning pointReinventing yourself in midlifeHow she got into fitness, nutrition, and women’s healthWhy women need to self-advocate in today’s medical systemThe problem with outdated standards of care around menopauseHow to see menopause as an opportunity, not just a struggleWhat’s possible for women in their 50s and beyond If this episode speaks to you, share it with a woman who needs the reminder that it is not too late to become stronger, healthier, and more fully yourself. If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Find out more about Linda Stephens Health & Wellness here: www.lindamstephens.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindastephensfit/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindamstephens LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindastephensfit/

For many women, the family home feels like the heart of the family–the place tied to stability, memories and the future they imagined. But in divorce, decisions about the house can quickly become complicated, emotional, and financially risky. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Divorce Coach Amy Polacko is joined by mortgage advisor and Certified Divorce Lending Professional John Marroni to talk about what divorcing women need to know before deciding whether to keep the home, sell it, or start over somewhere new. Because what looks good in a divorce agreement still has to work in real life. This episode covers: • Why keeping the house is not always as simple as being awarded it in divorce • The difference between emotional attachment and financial reality • How buyouts work and what women need to understand before agreeing to one • Whether you can take over an existing mortgage• How HELOCs and other debts can complicate the picture • When selling the family home may actually be the smartest move • The importance of getting answers early, before a settlement is signed If you’re navigating divorce and trying to make smart, strategic decisions, connect with Amy for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info John's info: Website: https://www.divorcelendingassociation.com/offices/john-marroni.cfm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmarroni/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnmarronidkmc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marronijohn/ #girlwakeup #podcast #takeyourpowerback #divorcesupport #financialeducation

Too many women enter divorce believing family court will be the place where fairness finally shows up. Instead, many find a system that is expensive, exhausting, slow and often blind to power imbalances playing out behind closed doors. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy sits down with Chicago divorce attorney and mediator Kimberly Cook for a candid conversation about why family court so often does not feel fair-and what women need to understand before they enter it. Kimberly shares what shifted for her after the pandemic, when she began moving away from litigation and toward mediation. In this episode, we cover: Why so many women walk away from family court feeling shocked and disillusionedWhat Kimberly saw in litigation that led to her own professional wakeup callHow the pandemic changed the way she viewed divorce and dispute resolutionWhat mediation can do well — and where it can fall shortWhen mediation is not safe, balanced or appropriateHow women can better prepare themselves before stepping into divorce or family court Learn more about Kimberly A. Cook: Schiller DuCanto Fleck: https://sdflaw.com/team/detail/kimberly-a-cook LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyjohnsoncook Instagram: @growngirldivorce Podcast: available on iTunes, Spotify, IHeartRadio, Audible How to connect with Amy Polacko: Book a free Divorce or Life Coaching Consultation with Amy Polacko here. Follow Amy on Instagram: @freedomwarriortribe Watch and Subscribe to Girl, Wake Up! On YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform: https://www.youtube.com/@amyfreedomwarrior/podcasts –––––– 0:00 - 00:45 Podcast Intro: Girl Wake Up 00:45 - 02:43 Episode Overview: Family Court Realities | Introducing Kimberly Cook 2:44 - 6:36 The Disconnect Between TV and Reality | Expectations vs. Experience | The 5% Trial Myth 6:37 - 14:08 Litigation vs. Mediation 14:09 - 17:30 Navigating Power Imbalances | Financial Abuse and Mediation Concerns | Creating Balance with Attorney Assistance 17:31 - 21:41 Strategic Preparation for Divorce | Educating Yourself on Legal Basics | Uncovering Hidden Financial Knowledge | The Reality Show Timeline Strategy | Modern Trends in Divorce Settlements | 21:42 - 27:54 The High Cost of Legal Conflict High Conflict Case Options | The Reality of Legal Billing The Role of a Divorce Coach 27:55 - 37:37 Listener Advice: Truth, Traps, and Tactics | Truth or Trap: Flexibility in Court Letter: Feeling Scrutinized by the System | Reframing the Narrative for Judges | Battles vs. The Long Game Strategy 37:37 Conclusion and Resources

Betrayal doesn’t just break your heart, it can break your sense of reality. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, we’re unpacking betrayal trauma–why it’s so uniquely devastating and what it actually does to your mind and body when trust is shattered. Amy is joined by Dr. Jill Manning, a leading expert in betrayal trauma, to talk about the real impact of infidelity, secrecy and hidden behaviors–and why so many women feel destabilized after discovering the truth. We also explore how pornography is shaping both young people and adult relationships in ways many aren’t talking about. We cover: • What makes betrayal trauma different from typical heartbreak • The psychological impact of infidelity and deception • Why women often feel confused, anxious or “crazy” after betrayal • How pornography is influencing expectations, intimacy and trust • Where healing begins after your reality has been shaken --- Learn more about Dr. Jill Manning’s work:Website: https://drjillmanning.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjillmanning/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjillmanning/ Two-Day Intensives: https://drjillmanning.com/intensives/ Digital Downloads: https://drjillmanning.com/digital-downloads/ Directory of Betrayal Trauma experts: www.APSATS.org How to connect with Amy Polacko: Book a free Divorce or Life Coaching Consultation with Amy Polacko here. Follow Amy on Instagram: @freedomwarriortribe Watch and Subscribe to Girl, Wake Up! On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amyfreedomwarrior/podcasts ----- Episode Timestamp: 00:01 - 00:45 Girl Wake Up! Intro 00:46 - 02:44 Introduction to Betrayal Trauma & guest Dr. Jill Manning 02:45 - 06:04 The "Wake Up" that changed the course of Dr. Manning's career path 07:53 - 10:12 Betrayal Trauma Explained (This isn't just "heart break"– it's neurological) 11:21 - 11:58 Secondary Trauma & the psychological & physiological effects 13:16 - 13:54 Gaslighting is commonly involved in Betrayal Trauma 13:55 - 14:31 Why your support & surroundings matter during trauma 14:57 - 17:40 How does your brain + body respond when your partner cheats? 18:08 - 21:37 Your nervous system is on fire – fight or flight -vs- freeze response & getting help 21:45 - 26:50 Betrayal Trauma & Gaslighting 26:54 - 28:25 The three phases of navigating betrayal 28:26 - 30:55 Betrayal Trauma & making good decisions in the divorce process 32:33 - 35:16 Why specialize care matters in life & divorce 37:28 - 41:06 Truth or Trap: Is pornography harmless as long as it doesn't involve cheating? 41:38 - 43:30 Sexual Ethics & Values as a metric 50:00 - 50:36 Final thoughts 50:37 - 50:58 GIRL, WAKE UP! outro