Girl, Wake Up!

Amy Polacko
  • 5.0 (2)
  • RELATIONSHIPS

Girl, Wake Up! is a new podcast for women who are tired of living by rules they never wrote. Hosted by divorce coach, founder, & award-winning journalist Amy Polacko, each episode welcomes industry experts to talk honestly about power, relationships, money, divorce, and the cultural myths about women that need to go.

Episodes

  1. The Rise of the F-You Ring (w/ Influencer Alex Weinstein & jeweller Mollie Suarez)

    3D AGO

    The Rise of the F-You Ring (w/ Influencer Alex Weinstein & jeweller Mollie Suarez)

    For generations, rings symbolized a promise to someone else.Now, more women are wearing them for a different reason–and the term “divorce ring” isn’t always strong enough. That’s where the F-You Ring comes in. It’s a growing term among women who choose to mark the end of a relationship not with silence or shame–but with a symbol of independence. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy speaks with Alex Weinstein, an influencer who went viral after creating her own F-You ring after a breakup, and Mollie Suarez, a jeweler who designed one for herself after divorce and now helps other women create theirs. Both women were featured in Amy’s recent Guardian article on the rise of F-You Rings, and together they explore why more women are reclaiming jewelry–and their stories–on their own terms. In this episode:• How Alex Weinstein’s breakup inspired her to create her own F-You ring • Why Mollie Suarez began designing these rings for women after experiencing divorce herself • The emotional power of reclaiming an engagement diamond or creating something new • Why the idea of women buying meaningful jewelry for themselves is gaining momentum • What the F-You ring really represents–anger, closure, freedom or reinvention • How women are rewriting the narrative around divorce and breakups • The deeper cultural shift behind this trend Follow Alex Weinstein on Instagram: @alexandrajaye Learn more about Mollie Suarez’ Westshore Diamond: https://www.westshorediamond.com Follow Westshore Diamond on Instagram: @westshorediamond Book a free 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

    42 min
  2. The System Protects Men & Women Go To Jail (w/ "Dear Sister" Author Michelle Horton)

    MAR 3

    The System Protects Men & Women Go To Jail (w/ "Dear Sister" Author Michelle Horton)

    What happens when a woman fights back–and survives?In this powerful episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy sits down with Michelle Horton, author of Dear Sister, to unpack the story of Michelle’s sister, Nikki Addimando, who was incarcerated after defending herself against her abusive partner. This conversation is bigger than one case. It’s about a system that routinely misunderstands coercive control, ignores patterns of abuse and punishes women for refusing to die quietly. We explore: Why self-defense is so difficult to prove in long-term abuse casesHow coercive control gets erased in courtroomsThe myth of the “perfect victim”What prison does to survivors of traumaWhy women who fight back are often portrayed as perpetratorsWhat needs to change legally and culturally When a man claims self-defense, it’s often seen as strength. When a woman does, it can become a life sentence. No woman should have to choose between being abused and being incarcerated. This episode is a wake-up call about how our justice system handles domestic abuse–and why survival should never be criminalized. Get Michelle Horton’s book here. Learn more about Michelle on her website: MichelleHortonWriter.com And their campaign: WeStandWithNikki.com Follow her on Instagram @michellehortonwriter and @westandwithnikki Book a free 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

    45 min
  3. Answering Your Midlife Wake-Up Call (w/ Co-Authors Dina Alvarez & Dina Aronson)

    FEB 24

    Answering Your Midlife Wake-Up Call (w/ Co-Authors Dina Alvarez & Dina Aronson)

    Midlife isn’t a breakdown. It’s a wake-up call. In this honest and eye-opening episode of Girl, Wake Up!, I sit down with Dina Alvarez and Dina Aronson, co-authors of Midlife Private Parts, to talk about what really happens to women in their 40s and 50s-physically, emotionally, sexually and psychologically-and why so many of us feel blindsided. Because no one prepared us. No one told us perimenopause could feel like anxiety, rage, brain fog and clarity all at once. No one told us we might start questioning our marriages, our careers or the roles we’ve played for decades. And no one told us midlife might be the moment we realize we’ve been over-giving and under-valuing ourselves for years. For some women, that wake-up call leads to renegotiating a marriage. For others, it leads to divorce. For many, it leads to reclaiming their voice, their desire and their power. Midlife isn’t the end. It’s the end of pretending. And on Girl, Wake Up! — we answer the call. Learn more about Midlife Private Parts and get your copy here: www.midlifeprivateparts.com Follow Midlife Private Parts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifeprivateparts/ Follow Dina Alvarez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewritestyles/ Dina Alvarez’ Substack “A Few Good Things”: https://dinaalvarez.substack.com/ Follow Dina Aronson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patina_life/ Dina Aronson’s Substack “Patina”: https://patina.substack.com/ Book a free 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

    40 min
  4. How Narcissists Trap Us (w/ Psychotherapist & Cult Survivor Vanessa Reiser)

    FEB 17

    How Narcissists Trap Us (w/ Psychotherapist & Cult Survivor Vanessa Reiser)

    Narcissistic abuse doesn’t begin with cruelty. It begins with connection. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy Polacko sits down with licensed psychotherapist Vanessa Reiser, LCSW, to unpack how narcissists condition, confuse and trap even the smartest, strongest women– and what it actually takes to break free. Vanessa is the author of Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist’s Guide to Identifying, Escaping, and Healing from Toxic and Manipulative People. A two-time Ironman, she has run across multiple states in a wedding dress to raise awareness about narcissistic abuse and survivor empowerment. Together, we explore how love-bombing turns into control, why gaslighting erodes self-trust, and how trauma bonds keep women stuck long after the red flags appear. But this episode isn’t just about the trap. It’s about the comeback. Vanessa shares how she rebuilt her identity, reclaimed her power and transformed her pain into purpose. If you’ve ever wondered: Was it really that bad? Why did I stay so long? Why do I still miss him? This conversation will help you understand the psychology– and reclaim your clarity. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 - 00:46 Girl, Wake Up Intro 00:47 - 2:39 Welcome to our Girl, Wake Up guest: Vanessa Reiser. Amy deep-dives into her life, work, and activism. 2:40 - 3:10 Men as victims of Narcissistic Abuse. Popular culture headlines such as P.Diddy, and Kevin Spacey. 3:11 - 4:13 It's a Power Dynamic: Why people in positions of power need to step forward. 4:14 - 8:43 Vanessa's book, her work and mission as a clinician, and her experience with pathologized personalities, gaslighting, behavioral disorders, and more. 8:54 - 12:19 Narcissists have a different kind of brain. (Explained) 12:20 - 15:33 Clinician explains how to get out of an abusive situation with a narcissist. Discusses: Trauma bonding, Love bombing; unpacks the abuse cycle. 15:34 - 18:08 Vanessa discusses the psychology behind CULTS. There are different cult systems. 18:09 - 22:12 Dealing with emotionally immature parents (EIPs), narcissistic parents, childhood trauma, identity, and broken family systems. 22:07 - 25:17 When people say the term "narcissist" is overused, the stereotypical narcissist, covert versus overt narcissist 27:18 - 27:53 Truth or Trap segment of the podcast: Narcissists only prey on weak women. 27:54 - 30:30 Letter from a Listener. Amy and Vanessa share their insights 30:31 - 31:44 Thank you, Vanessa. And where the audience can find her online. 31:45 - 31:57 Outro Find out more about Vanessa Reiser and follow her: https://tellatherapist.net/ Instagram: @vanessareiserlcsw Get her book: Narcissistic Abuse Book a free 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

    32 min
  5. How does Hollywood Control the Narrative About Women? (w/ Producer Aliza Rosen)

    FEB 10

    How does Hollywood Control the Narrative About Women? (w/ Producer Aliza Rosen)

    The ways in which film & television portray women on TV are NOT accidental. In this new podcast episode of Girl, Wake Up! award-winning Los Angeles producer Aliza Rosen takes us behind the scenes of media, storytelling and power to expose how narratives about women are shaped, softened, edited and sometimes erased altogether. From Hollywood to headlines, who gets believed, who gets framed and who gets attention. This episode is a wake-up call for any woman who has ever felt misrepresented, minimized or told her story was “too much,” “too complicated” or “not marketable.” In this episode, we cover: Who actually controls the stories told about women—and why it mattersHow power hides behind “content,” “objectivity” and “the edit”Why women’s stories are being told more nowThe cost of misrepresentationWhy was “Dirty John” a turning point?Trends we’re seeing in documentaries, podcasts and films _ Find out more about Aliza’s company and follow her: https://www.ayr-media.com/ Instagram: @ayr_media Book a free Coaching Consultation with Amy Polacko here. Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomwarriortribe/ Watch and Subscribe to Girl, Wake Up! On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amyfreedomwarrior/podcasts

    44 min
  6. Why Every Woman Needs a Prenup (w/ Attorney Deveney Wells-Gibson)

    FEB 3

    Why Every Woman Needs a Prenup (w/ Attorney Deveney Wells-Gibson)

    Prenups aren’t about planning for divorce–they’re about planning for yourself. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, host Amy Polacko sits down with family law attorney and Prenup Queen Deveney Wells-Gibson for a no-BS conversation about money, marriage, and women’s power. Together, they break down why financial clarity is one of the most radical forms of self-respect-and why more women are choosing prenups and postnups not out of fear, but out of wisdom. If you’ve ever been told that talking about money is “unromantic,” that prenups mean you don’t trust your partner, or that asking for protection makes you difficult — this episode is your wake-up call. Because peace of mind isn’t accidental. It’s negotiated. In this episode, we cover:Why prenups are a form of empowerment — not mistrustThe biggest money mistakes women make before marriageHow prenups protect women who step away from careers to raise familiesWhat a postnuptial agreement is-and when it’s actually smarter than a prenupThe red flags that show up when partners resist financial transparencyHow to talk about prenups and postnups without apologizingWhy financial independence is foundational to emotional freedom Women are waking up. We’re no longer outsourcing our safety–emotionally or financially. And as Deveney makes clear, knowing your numbers, naming your needs, and putting protections in place isn’t pessimistic- it’s powerful. Book a free Coaching Consultation with Amy Polacko here. Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomwarriortribe/ Watch and Subscribe to Girl, Wake Up! On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amyfreedomwarrior/podcasts Learn more about Deveny Wells-Gibson here: Website: www.lovemeetswealth.com Follow Deveny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprenupqueen/

    44 min
  7. Starting Over is a Power Move (w/ Divorce Expert Olivia Howell)

    JAN 27

    Starting Over is a Power Move (w/ Divorce Expert Olivia Howell)

    Starting over isn’t a failure—it’s a declaration. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy Polacko is joined by Olivia Howell, founder of Fresh Starts Registry, to talk about why rebuilding your life after divorce is one of the bravest things a woman can do. Olivia created Fresh Starts Registry after her own split, when she realized how little support exists for women starting over quietly, without weddings, baby showers or applause. What she built instead is a powerful community that says: your fresh start matters. Together, we unpack the emotional, practical and deeply personal realities of starting over-and why choosing yourself is never something to apologize for. In this episode, we cover:Why starting over is often mislabeled as “failure” (and why that’s wrong)The emotional toll of rebuilding your life in silenceHow divorce, breakups, and major life resets can become portals to powerWhy women need support systems after relationships end-not just before they beginHow Fresh Starts Registry is changing the way we show up for women in transitionWhat it really means to reclaim your life, your space and your future So many women are navigating massive life changes without language, permission or support. This episode is a reminder that starting over isn’t weakness-it’s wisdom. Amy Polacko is a Fresh Starts Expert - Book a free Coaching Consultation with her here. Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomwarriortribe/ Watch and Subscribe to Girl, Wake Up! On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amyfreedomwarrior/podcasts Learn more about Fresh Starts Registry and follow Olivia here: Fresh Starts Website: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/ Fresh Starts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/ Olivia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviahowell/

    31 min
  8. Saying Goodbye to Toxic Systems, Mean Girls, & Staying Small (w/ Hype Women Founder Erin Gallagher)

    JAN 20

    Saying Goodbye to Toxic Systems, Mean Girls, & Staying Small (w/ Hype Women Founder Erin Gallagher)

    If you’ve ever dimmed your light to fit in or keep the peace, this is your sign– it’s time to stop staying small. So many women aren’t playing small because they lack confidence. They’re doing it because they were taught to. In the second episode of the official podcast Girl, Wake Up!, Amy Polacko sits down with Erin Gallagher, creator of the Hype Women movement, to unpack how patriarchy thrives when women stay quiet, compete with each other, and shrink to be liked. Erin explains why being a Hype Woman isn’t just about encouragement. It's about strategy, survival, and collective power. This message matters for single women, married women, and everyone in between. In this episode, we explore: • Why “playing small” is learned– and who benefits from it. • How patriarchy pits women against each other through competition and comparison • The truth about adult mean-girl culture and internalized misogyny • Why being a Hype Woman is a political, professional, and personal act • How women can take up space without apology-in work, relationships, and life • Why this movement matters for all women, regardless of relationship status This isn’t about toxic positivity or empty empowerment slogans. It’s about women recognizing their power, transferring it to each other, and refusing to shrink... TOGETHER. --- Erin's Bio: Erin Gallagher is a founder and disruptor who launched the global Hype Women Movement. She is the host and producer of the HYPE WOMEN podcast. She is also the CEO and Founder of Hype Women, an inclusive ecosystem unlocking women's access to human, social, financial, and political capital. She's an expert in helping women heal, build generational wealth, and move into positions of power and influence– and as one global CMO succinctly put: "Erin is the not-so-secret weapon so many leaders use to drive real change." Here’s how you can find her: Website: hypewomen.com Instagram: @erin.gallag.her Buy her Book: Hype Women: Breaking Free from Mean Girls, Patriarchy and Systems Silencing You (*Available wherever books are sold) ---- Learn more about Amy Polacko's work and free 15-minute Coaching Consultations here. Watch & Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amyfreedomwarrior Join the conversation with Amy on Instagram: instagram.com/freedomwarriortribe Read the book: amazon.ca/Framed-Women-Family-Court-Underworld/dp/B0DB6MNR2W

    42 min
  9. The Dirty John Story: A Cultural Shift for Women (w/ Tonia Bales)

    JAN 13

    The Dirty John Story: A Cultural Shift for Women (w/ Tonia Bales)

    What if the most dangerous men don’t look dangerous at all?In the launch episode of Amy Polacko's new podcast, Girl, Wake Up!, we go inside the real story of Dirty John with Tonia Bales, the first wife of the man who would later become infamous as one of America’s most notorious con artists and predators. Long before podcasts, Netflix series and headlines, Tonia lived this story from the inside. Her book with Amy Jauman, When You See It: How I Outsmarted & Outlasted Dirty John, shares this incredible backstory. In this powerful conversation, Tonia reveals how predators hide in plain sight-using charm, credibility and coercive control to quietly dismantle a woman’s sense of safety and self. Together, we break down the early warning signs women are often conditioned to ignore, how con men gain control inside intimate relationships and what it takes to escape and heal after psychological manipulation. This episode isn’t just about Dirty John. It’s about how these men operate, why strong women are targeted, and how awareness saves lives. We cover: The red flags Tonia didn’t yet have language forHow coercive control slowly takes holdWhy leaving is far more complex than “just walking away”The hidden aftermath of psychological abuseTurning survival into purpose-and helping other women now Today, Tonia uses her voice to help women trust their instincts, recognize danger sooner and reclaim their power. If you’ve ever dismissed a gut feeling, minimized a red flag, or wondered “Was it really that bad?”-this episode is your wake-up call. 📘 Tonia Bales’ new book is out today! Get it here. Her website: www.toniabales.com Find her on Instagram: @toniabales Find her on Facebook: Tonia Sells Bales Learn more about Amy Polacko's work and free 15-minute Coaching Consultations here. Join the conversation with Amy on Instagram: instagram.com/freedomwarriortribe Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amyfreedomwarrior

    39 min

  10. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Girl, Wake Up! Trailer

    Girl, Wake Up! is for women who’ve realized the systems were never built to protect us. Join award-winning journalist and divorce/life coach Amy Polacko as she moves past feel-good empowerment and into what actually works: strategy, clarity, and self-reliance. We talk honestly about relationships, money, divorce, power, and self-preservation. Because waiting to be saved isn’t a plan. Premiering January 13th, 2026

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Girl, Wake Up! is a new podcast for women who are tired of living by rules they never wrote. Hosted by divorce coach, founder, & award-winning journalist Amy Polacko, each episode welcomes industry experts to talk honestly about power, relationships, money, divorce, and the cultural myths about women that need to go.

Information

  • Creator
    Amy Polacko
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Amy Polacko
  • Show Website
    Girl, Wake Up!

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