High Conflict, High Stakes: Stop Losing Ground in Family Court

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.  

What does it take to truly win when you’re divorcing a narcissist? In this powerful episode of Out of Crazy Town, I sit down with Vicky Edwards—my longtime client and now dear friend—who went through one of the most intense divorce and custody battles I’ve witnessed. Vicky opens up about what really matters in family court, how to document everything, and the emotional toll of fighting someone who thrives on chaos. But more importantly, she shares how she reclaimed her peace, rebuilt her life, and found freedom on the other side of the madness. If you’re in the middle of your own high-conflict divorce, custody fight, or trying to break free from a toxic, narcissistic relationship… this episode is your guide. ✨ Topics We Cover: What the court actually looks at in custody cases The do’s and don’ts of documenting abuse and conflict How to protect your peace during legal warfare The mindset shift that helps you move forward Why your freedom is the real win 📌 Subscribe for more real, raw conversations that help you navigate life after narcissistic abuse—and take your power back. Jackie & Vicky 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.  

In this episode, Jackie talks with Gianni Avalos, better known online as The Single Mom Attorney—a fierce Texas family law advocate who’s changing how single mothers experience the legal system. Gianni’s journey from studying for the bar exam with a newborn to running a powerhouse firm built on compassion and advocacy is nothing short of inspiring. Together, Jackie and Gianni dive into what really happens inside the family court system, how mothers can protect themselves through knowledge, and why prioritizing a child’s well-being is the ultimate win in high-conflict co-parenting. This episode is for every woman standing her ground in the courtroom and in life—proof that resilience and truth are stronger than intimidation and fear. Avalos Family Trial Attorneys Website TikTok Single Mom Attorney Instagram Single Mom Attorney YouTube Single Mom Attorney **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.  

Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew are shaking up the divorce industry with My Divorce Solution—a groundbreaking process that makes divorce more equitable, cost-effective, and drama-free. Catherine, a financial planner turned advocate, and Karen, a seasoned legal liaison, share wild stories from the trenches, hard-won wisdom, and a powerful message: when you understand your money, you reclaim your power—and your peace.   My Divorce Solution Website My Divorce Solution Instagram **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.  

In this powerful and anonymous conversation, “Gina” shares what it’s really like to leave a narcissist—only to discover the abuse doesn’t stop, it just changes form. From custody battles and endless court motions to collusion between exes and the crushing failures of the system, Gina opens up about the psychological warfare of co-parenting, the Bermuda Triangle of “help,” and why “just leaving” is never as simple as people think. As a mother, a survivor, and a 911 dispatcher, she offers a rare perspective: one that blends lived experience with frontline exposure to abuse in real time. Most importantly, she shares how she stopped chasing court wins and started modeling peace for her children. If you’ve ever felt unheard, discredited, or exhausted by the system, Gina’s story is proof that you’re not alone—and that you can still create safety and peace, even in the chaos.   **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.  

You may know her from The Walking Dead, but actress and advocate Lindsay Abernathy faced a real-life apocalypse that no script could prepare her for. In this powerful episode, Lindsay opens up about surviving years of domestic abuse—both inside the relationship and long after it ended through relentless post-separation abuse. Now the host of the acclaimed podcast Bitch Is a Bad Word, Lindsay uses her voice to shatter stigma and empower survivors to reclaim their stories. We dive into how she went from TV screens to trauma recovery, the psychological warfare of leaving an abuser, and what true healing actually looks like on the other side. This conversation is raw, real, and necessary. If you’ve ever felt isolated in your experience or unsure if you could survive what feels unsurvivable—Lindsay is living proof that you can. 🎙️ Learn more about Lindsay’s community on Patreon and why reclaiming the word “bitch” is part of taking your power back. Bitch is a Bad Word Podcast Bitch is a Bad Word Community   **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.  

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Hope Rose—a movement born from one woman’s battle through the family court system and the fire of custody struggles. Her story is one of turning deep pain into undeniable purpose. Together, we explore 10 transformative ways you can start taking back control, even in the face of chaos. From mindset shifts to daily practices, we unpack simple but powerful tools that help you make meaningful changes and start designing a future you're proud of. If you're ready to rise, this conversation will light the way. Hope Rose Website Hope Rose Instagram A Transformed Life Podcast Recommended Reading: (earns commissions) The Belief Equation The Source Atomic Habits Let Them Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself Other items mentioned: Magnesium Soak Mendi Device My favorite Journal

Leaving a narcissistic, addicted, and high-conflict partner isn’t just a breakup—it’s a battle for survival. In this episode, I sit down with Emily, a survivor who endured a brutal divorce and custody fight against a mentally unstable and addicted ex. She shares her raw, unfiltered journey from the depths of magical thinking to the reality of fighting for her child’s safety, testifying in court, and losing everything—only to discover true freedom on the other side. We dive into: 🔥 Breaking free from the illusion that things will get better 🔥 The lowest point and how she clawed her way out 🔥 The shift from victim to survivor and learning to self-advocate 🔥 Fighting for custody, documenting abuse, and keeping her child safe 🔥 Finding financial freedom after losing everything 🔥 Rebuilding her life, career, and relationships with a new, fearless mindset Emily’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and ultimate victory. If you’re in the trenches of a high-conflict divorce or still tangled in a legal battle, this episode is your battle cry. You can get through this—and come out stronger than ever. Tune in now, and let’s navigate the road to freedom together. 🎧✨ #OutOfCrazyTown #DivorcingANarcissist #SurvivorToThriver

In this episode, Anne Wintemute, CEO and co-founder of Aimee Says, unveils a groundbreaking AI tool designed to revolutionize how victims and survivors of domestic abuse navigate their journeys to safety and recovery. Anne shares the powerful story behind Aimee Says and its mission to help survivors communicate effectively, document critical information, strategize for the future, and validate their experiences. Tune in to learn how this cutting-edge technology is empowering individuals to break the cycle of abuse and reclaim control over their lives. Don’t miss this inspiring and eye-opening conversation! Aimee Says   **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.