Out of Crazytown: Your Guide to Divorcing a Narcissist

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.  

In this episode, we explore "The Belief Equation" by Dr. Peter Salerno, author of The Belief Equation and The Nature and Nurture of Narcissism. Dr. Salerno breaks down the powerful formula T+E = Beliefs, where our thoughts plus emotions shape the beliefs we hold about ourselves and the world around us. Often, abuse and trauma leave us with limiting beliefs that keep us from living a joyful, fulfilling life. Dr. Salerno explains how understanding and transforming these beliefs can help us reclaim the life we deserve. Tune in to learn how to rewire your mindset and embrace the future you were meant to live. The Belief Equation Nature and Nurture of Narcissism Dr. Salerno's Website Dr. Salerno's Instagram DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS STATED ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE SPECIFIC TO YOUR SITUATION.     

Dr. Chrisitne Cocchiola and Amy Polacko discuss their new book, Framed, which shares stories that are five-alarm warnings from real women around the world. These two authors are survivors of domestic abuse themselves and wrote this book to expose the atrocities of the family court underworld and provide women with validation and education as well.  Pre-order the book NOW! Available Oct. 1st.  Barnes & Noble Amazon Dr. Cocchiola's Website Amy Polacko's Website DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS STATED ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE SPECIFIC TO YOUR SITUATION.   

Dr. Caroline Giroux, MD, a Professor of Psychiatry at UC Davis, is a renowned expert in trauma treatment. She provides valuable insights into the tools and strategies we can incorporate to build resilience after enduring narcissistic abuse. Dr. Giroux delves into the common traps and pitfalls encountered when navigating post-separation abuse and offers guidance on how to protect ourselves from the manipulative tactics of abusers designed to leave us debilitated by stress and anxiety. By understanding these dynamics, we can better equip ourselves to recover and thrive despite the challenges posed by our abusers. About Dr. Caroline Giroux An Essay on Journaling by Dr. Caroline Giroux Dr. Caroline Giroux's Blog-33 Secret Joys DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS STATED ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE SPECIFIC TO YOUR SITUATION.