Out of Crazytown: Your Guide to Divorcing a Narcissist

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 discus...

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 boundar...

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 court...

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...

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...

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 yo...

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...

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...

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 to...

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, a...

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 the...

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, fulfil...

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.  Barn...

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...

Julie Myers was head coach of the women's lacrosse team at the University of Virginia for 31 years. One season, she received a call that one of her players, Yeardly Love, had been killed by her ex-boyfriend. Julie Myers is now the CEO of One Love, a foundation that was founded to honor the tragic death of Yeardley Love by engaging young people through compelling, relatable films and honest convers...

Vanessa Reiser, LCSW, talks about her new book "Narcissistic Abuse" A Therapist's Guide to Escaping and Healing from Toxic and Manipulative People. We dive into how narcissists operate and how to identify their dangerous behaviors, as well as the Cult tactics they use to establish mind control over their victims. Vanessa Reiser - Instagram Vanessa's Book Vanessa Reiser - Facebook Tell A Therapist...

Dr. Christine Cocchiola, a leading expert on coercive control, joins me again to discuss the tragic abuse coercive controllers exert on their children and how protective parents can navigate this difficult situation.  Dr. Cocchiola also has fantastic resources for protective parents, coaches, advocates, and attorneys.  This is a must-listen episode for many parents who are co-parenting with a coer...

Singer. Songwriter. Entrepreneur. Author. Stephanie Quayle got a phone call that would change her life forever.  Her boyfriend died in a plane crash, but the real story only begins from there. As events unfolded after his death, Stephanie realized just how toxic her relationship was and, among other things, how she was not the only woman in his life.  👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼 Order Stephanie's Book. WHY DO WE...

Energy Psychology is an innovative discipline that targets unresolved trauma. Nancy Forrester is the Founder and Executive Director of the National EFT Training Institute, pioneering the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for trauma therapy. Join Nancy as she shares her remarkable journey and the establishment of an institute to educate professionals on treating unresolved trauma. This conversatio...

In this episode, Vanessa Reiser, LCSW, recounts her escape from an abusive relationship and the remarkable feat of running 285 miles across New York to spotlight narcissistic abuse awareness. Delving into her journey, she also shares insights from her book, providing a guide for others on escaping and healing from the complexities of narcissistic abuse. . Vanessa's Book Tell A Therapist Jackie's W...

Courtney Gilmartin is the co-founder of New Jersey Protective Moms, a non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse. Courtney continues to suffer post-separation abuse in a 7-year ordeal dealing with custody and financial issues. She has used her experience to fuel her passion for making a difference in New Jersey law regarding coercive control and making child safety a priority in the family cou...

Kate Anthony is back, and we discuss her new book, The D Word. Kate and I delve into what good looks like in marriage and discuss various chapters in her book. Readers get the support and guidance they need to decide if they should stay or go when contemplating divorce. Kate Anthony Website The D Word Kate Anthony Instagram The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINION...

How much spousal support will you get? Do you need help to get a straight answer? Family Law Attorney Jon Summers explains the many factors in deciding spousal support. There are many elements to calculating spousal support, and you will be surprised to learn things such as it's not just how much money the earning spouse made but HOW they made it and WHEN they got paid that can significantly impac...

Are you caught in the tortuous machine called Family Court?  Annie Kenny is the Board President of Family Court Awareness Month.  Annie shares her devastating personal story of how the family court system failed her children. This episode explores how we can all play a part, big or small, in changing the system to protect our kids. www.familycourtawarenessmonth.org FCAM Instagram Bloom Consulting...

  Kelli Avallone is a family law attorney who specializes in high-conflict divorce.  It is essential to know how family court professionals think, and the reality of family court can be shocking. Kelli is here to shoot it to us straight and give us the cold, hard truth about family court. You can find out more about Kelli at Kelli Avallone   DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS STATED ON THIS...