The Joy! A.A.C.T.®

You don't arrive at reinvention empty—you arrive with decades of experience, wisdom, and proof of what you're capable of. In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.®, recorded live from a screenwriting retreat in Calabria, Italy, Dr. Lisa Summerour challenges the myth that reinvention after 55 means starting over. Sparked by a LinkedIn post from AI specialist and quilter Diane Roney, and inspired by lon...

What do you do when divorce and a breast cancer diagnosis overlap? Attorney Traci Ellis didn't just survive that season — she found joy in the middle of it. Not the flowers-and-balloons version of joy. The real kind. The kind that shows up in a chemo chair when you're cracking jokes and somewhere in the middle of the hardest thing you've ever been through, you realize — I'm still here. And I'm sti...

What happens when you lose your mother, go through fertility treatments alone, and still refuse to leave this earth without becoming one? That's where Ayo Haynes' story begins — and it's just the beginning. In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™, Dr. Lisa Summerour sits down with Certified Mentor, Life Strategist, and author Ayo Haynes — an actress, voiceover artist, award-winning realtor, real est...

You're not a building that needs to be torn down to the foundation. You're already here, living and breathing. This is the stage where you take responsibility for your future without blaming yourself for your past. Learn how to stand on your story instead of staying stuck in it.

Acceptance isn’t about liking what happened — it’s about stopping the fight with reality. In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™ Podcast , Dr. Lisa Summerour explores Stage Seven of the Loss Cycle: Acceptance — the quiet, powerful moment when truth lands softly instead of violently. You’ll learn how acceptance shows up without drama, why emotional neutrality is a sign of healing (not numbness), and...

In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™ Podcast, Dr. Lisa guides you into the Testing stage of the Loss Cycle — the moment you start living again. Not by jumping into romance, forcing healing, or pretending you’re “over it”… but by experimenting, exploring, and allowing curiosity to lead you forward. This stage isn’t about perfection. It’s about movement. Small ones. Brave ones. Honest ones. You’ll...

In this powerful episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™ Podcast, Dr. Lisa Summerour breaks down the least-discussed stage of the loss cycle: depression. With honesty, clarity, and compassion, she explains why depression during divorce is not a failure—it’s a natural, human response to loss. Drawing from her own journey and the teachings of Dr. Kübler-Ross, Dr. Lisa helps you understand the difference betwe...

Join Dr. Lisa Summerour in this week's episode of her series on The Loss Cycle, where she delves into the bargaining stage. Dr. Lisa discusses the emotional intensity and desperation that can accompany this phase, especially near the end or after the end of a relationship. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, she explores how bargaining manifests, its impact on individuals, and the impo...

In this episode, Dr. Lisa dives deep into the "Anger" stage of the Loss Cycle after divorce. Learn how to recognize, process, and transform anger into a tool for healing and self-discovery. Whether you’re navigating heartbreak or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with insights, research, and practical exercises to help you reclaim your power.

In this episode, Dr. Lisa continues her series on the Loss Cycle, focusing on the stage of Denial after divorce. She shares personal stories, practical strategies, and powerful exercises to help you move from surviving to thriving.

In this episode, Dr. Lisa Summerour begins her series on the loss cycle by exploring shock—often the first overwhelming response to divorce or breakup. Drawing from personal experience, Dr. Lisa explains the physical and emotional symptoms of shock, including racing heartbeat, numbness, confusion, and the inability to process what's happening. She shares how shock is an automatic protective respon...

In this introductory episode of The Loss Cycle Series, Dr. Lisa Summerour challenges long-held beliefs about divorce, guilt, and self-worth. Through global perspectives, personal stories, and thought-provoking questions, she helps you reframe what divorce really means—and begin releasing the shame that’s been holding you back. It’s time to end the guilt, reclaim your joy, and embrace your next cha...

In this episode, Dr. Lisa Summerour continues with Part 2 of her response to Kevin O'Leary's controversial take that marriage is primarily an economic union and divorce should be avoided at all costs. What You'll Learn: The hidden health costs of staying in an unhappy marriage (stroke risk, immune system impact, cognitive decline) What a 12-year Penn State study reveals about life satisfaction in...

In this two Part series, Dr. Lisa Summerour challenges Kevin O'Leary's view of marriage as an economic union, exploring the double standard between business and personal relationships. If you've ever felt shame or guilt about divorce, if you've been inclined to believe that having multiple divorces must mean something is "wrong with you," this episode is for you.

Are you navigating divorce or supporting someone who is? In this episode of The Joy Act, Dr. Lisa Summerour (breakup & divorce coach) sits down with financial expert Mary Julia Cordero to share empowering advice for women facing divorce. Discover why financial literacy is crucial, how to build the right support team, and the mindset shifts that lead to joy and stability after separation. In Th...

In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™ Podcast , I reveal the hidden realities of financial abuse post-divorce and share practical steps to protect yourself and rebuild your life.   Key Topics Covered How financial abuse continues after divorce Tactics abusers use: child/spousal support, credit, employment, legal games Emotional and professional impact Steps to protect your assets and credit W...

Are you navigating life after divorce and concerned about digital abuse or tech-based control from an ex? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Summerour dives deep into the realities of digital and technological abuse, sharing real stories, practical tips, and empowering advice to help you reclaim your digital safety and emotional freedom.

Leaving doesn’t always mean the abuse is over. In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™, Dr. Lisa Summerour shares how emotional and psychological abuse can continue long after separation or divorce — and what you can do to reclaim your peace. You’ll learn how to: Recognize ongoing emotional and psychological abuse Protect your emotional space and set healthy boundaries Use tools like journaling, the...

In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™, Dr. Lisa Summerour sits down with trauma release coach Bi Aminah Opondo. Bi shares her courageous journey of surviving a 30-year marriage that ended when the emotional, physical, and spiritual abuse began. Be shares her life-changing decision to flee Kenya for Canada with her daughters. Together, they discuss the realities of leaving abusive relationships, th...

Sometimes the best way to understand why someone does what they do is to hear it straight from them. In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at why I started podcasting about divorce coaching—and what I’ve learned along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to show up for women navigating divorce while balancing a career, or what drives me to keep these conversations...

In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™, Dr. Lisa Summerour sits down with trauma-informed organizer and Certified Erotic Blueprint coach Colette Roy to explore how your physical environment reflects—and affects—your emotional state, especially after divorce. Colette shares her step-by-step approach to creating a home that feels like a safe, sensual sanctuary. You’ll learn how to identify emotional...

In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™, Dr. Lisa Summerour, an accredited breakup and divorce coach, delves into the major reasons why people hesitate to ask for help during difficult times such as a breakup or divorce. Addressing perfectionism, fear of judgment, past disappointments, and the cultural belief in self-reliance, Dr. Summerour redefines asking for help as a sign of strength, maturity,...

Are you ready to feel truly alive again after a breakup or divorce? In this transformative episode, Dr. Lisa Summerour sits down with  Darshana Avila , Erotic Wholeness Guide and Somatic Sex Educator, to explore why  erotic pleasure might matter more than you think  in your healing journey after divorce. Discover how sensual healing can revive your spirit, rebuild your confidence, a...

Join Dr. Lisa Summerour in this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™ as she sits down with Krista Young, a former architect turned business coach, to explore the journey of overcoming divorce and discovering joy. Learn how Krista transformed her life, from battling alcoholism and a troubled marriage to finding her true calling in helping other women rebuild their lives and businesses. Hear inspiring stor...

In this episode of The Joy A.A.C.T.™, Dr. Lisa Summerour dives into the often-overlooked topic of insurance and its critical role post-divorce. Dr. Lisa shares personal anecdotes, discusses the necessity of various types of insurance like life, health, homeowner’s, and auto insurance, and emphasizes updating personal information and beneficiaries. She also highlights the importance of having a pow...