Girl, Wake Up!

Amy Polacko
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Girl, Wake Up! is the no-nonsense divorce and life coaching podcast for women who are ready to stop surviving and start strategizing. Hosted by Amy Polacko — Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS), award-winning television journalist, founder of Freedom Warrior Coaching, speaker, and single mom — this show was built on one defining belief: the women who come through divorce with their finances intact, their children protected, and their sense of self stronger than before didn't get lucky. They got strategic. Amy knows this firsthand. She navigated divorce not once but twice, overcame narcissistic abuse, rebuilt her career and finances from scratch as a single working mom, and spent 12 years coaching hundreds of women through every stage of the process — before filing, through family court, and into the next chapter. A Columbia Journalism School graduate who began her career on a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting team, Amy brings the same investigative precision to divorce strategy that she brought to breaking news: facts over fear, preparation over panic, and clarity over chaos. Each episode pulls back the curtain on the realities of family court, divorce law, financial independence, high-conflict and narcissistic relationships, custody strategy, and the emotional and logistical work of rebuilding your life — with candor, expertise, and the kind of warmth that only comes from someone who has been exactly where you are. Subscribe, share with a woman who needs it, and visit freedomwarrior.info to work with Amy directly.

  1. Don’t Fight Back? Rethinking Women’s Safety (w/ IMPACT Executive Director Meg Stone)

    MAY 5

    Don’t Fight Back? Rethinking Women’s Safety (w/ IMPACT Executive Director Meg Stone)

    Today’s episode of Girl, Wake Up! drops on publication day for Meg Stone’s new book, Don’t Fight Back: And 10 Other Myths About Crime, Personal Safety, and Gender-Based Violence. Meg, Executive Director of IMPACT Boston, joins Amy for an eye-opening conversation about the sexist safety myths women have been taught for generations–and what real empowerment actually looks like. We talk about fear, gender-based violence, and why the burden of prevention has been placed on women for far too long. In this episode, we cover: Why so much safety advice for women is rooted in fearThe myths society teaches about crime and personal safetyHow sexism shapes the way women are told to prevent violenceWhy the burden is so often placed on women instead of perpetratorsWhat real empowerment and prevention can actually look like ➡️ If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info ➡️ Learn more about empowerment and self-defence on Meg’s website: https://megstone.org/ ➡️ More about Impact Boston: https://impactboston.org/ ➡️Meg’s books: https://www.beacon.org/cw_contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=17937&Name=Meg+Stone Episode Timestamp: 00:01 – 00:045 Podcast Intro 00:46 – 02:12 Topic & About Meg Stone 2:13 — 6:44 The 'Don't Fight Back' Myth: Why Forceful Resistance Actually Works 9:23 — 13:12 Policing Women's Behavior vs. Addressing Male Responsibility 13:12 — 18:53 The Invisible Cost of Fear: How Women's Lives Are Restricted 22:06 — 30:11 What is Feminist Self-Defense? Empowerment Through Political Analysis 35:38 — 41:35 Truth or Trap: Is 'Trust Your Intuition' Actually Good Advice?

    47 min
  2. Fitness in your Fifties & Beyond: A Divorce Success Story (w/ Pro Athlete & Women's Health Expert Linda Stephens)

    APR 28

    Fitness in your Fifties & Beyond: A Divorce Success Story (w/ Pro Athlete & Women's Health Expert Linda Stephens)

    Divorce can be the best thing that ever happened to you. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy talks with Linda Stephens, a clinical nutritionist, IFBB Pro athlete, and nationally recognized women’s health expert, about how her 2017 divorce became the beginning of a powerful reinvention. What started as a painful life transition became an opportunity to get honest about what she wanted, step into her next chapter and help other women do the same. Amy and Linda discuss what it means for women in midlife to stop accepting outdated messages about aging, hormones and menopause–and start advocating for themselves. This is a conversation about strength, clarity, health and why your 50s and beyond can be one of the most powerful seasons of your life. In this episode, we cover: Linda’s divorce story and how it became a turning pointReinventing yourself in midlifeHow she got into fitness, nutrition, and women’s healthWhy women need to self-advocate in today’s medical systemThe problem with outdated standards of care around menopauseHow to see menopause as an opportunity, not just a struggleWhat’s possible for women in their 50s and beyond If this episode speaks to you, share it with a woman who needs the reminder that it is not too late to become stronger, healthier, and more fully yourself. If you’re navigating divorce or thinking about it, connect with Amy for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info Find out more about Linda Stephens Health & Wellness here: www.lindamstephens.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindastephensfit/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindamstephens LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindastephensfit/

    37 min
  3. Who Gets The House In Divorce? (w/ Mortgage Expert John Marroni)

    APR 21

    Who Gets The House In Divorce? (w/ Mortgage Expert John Marroni)

    For many women, the family home feels like the heart of the family–the place tied to stability, memories and the future they imagined. But in divorce, decisions about the house can quickly become complicated, emotional, and financially risky. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Divorce Coach Amy Polacko is joined by mortgage advisor and Certified Divorce Lending Professional John Marroni to talk about what divorcing women need to know before deciding whether to keep the home, sell it, or start over somewhere new. Because what looks good in a divorce agreement still has to work in real life. This episode covers: • Why keeping the house is not always as simple as being awarded it in divorce • The difference between emotional attachment and financial reality • How buyouts work and what women need to understand before agreeing to one • Whether you can take over an existing mortgage• How HELOCs and other debts can complicate the picture • When selling the family home may actually be the smartest move • The importance of getting answers early, before a settlement is signed If you’re navigating divorce and trying to make smart, strategic decisions, connect with Amy for a free 15-minute consultation at www.freedomwarrior.info John's info: Website: https://www.divorcelendingassociation.com/offices/john-marroni.cfm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmarroni/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnmarronidkmc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marronijohn/ #girlwakeup #podcast #takeyourpowerback #divorcesupport #financialeducation

    34 min
  4. Family Court Isn't Fair (w/ Divorce Attorney Kimberly Cook)

    APR 14

    Family Court Isn't Fair (w/ Divorce Attorney Kimberly Cook)

    Too many women enter divorce believing family court will be the place where fairness finally shows up. Instead, many find a system that is expensive, exhausting, slow and often blind to power imbalances playing out behind closed doors. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy sits down with Chicago divorce attorney and mediator Kimberly Cook for a candid conversation about why family court so often does not feel fair-and what women need to understand before they enter it. Kimberly shares what shifted for her after the pandemic, when she began moving away from litigation and toward mediation. In this episode, we cover: Why so many women walk away from family court feeling shocked and disillusionedWhat Kimberly saw in litigation that led to her own professional wakeup callHow the pandemic changed the way she viewed divorce and dispute resolutionWhat mediation can do well — and where it can fall shortWhen mediation is not safe, balanced or appropriateHow women can better prepare themselves before stepping into divorce or family court Learn more about Kimberly A. Cook: Schiller DuCanto Fleck: https://sdflaw.com/team/detail/kimberly-a-cook LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyjohnsoncook Instagram: @growngirldivorce Podcast: available on iTunes, Spotify, IHeartRadio, Audible How to connect with Amy Polacko: Book a free Divorce or Life Coaching Consultation with Amy Polacko here. Follow Amy on Instagram: @freedomwarriortribe Watch and Subscribe to Girl, Wake Up! On YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform: https://www.youtube.com/@amyfreedomwarrior/podcasts –––––– 0:00 - 00:45 Podcast Intro: Girl Wake Up 00:45 - 02:43 Episode Overview: Family Court Realities | Introducing Kimberly Cook 2:44 - 6:36 The Disconnect Between TV and Reality | Expectations vs. Experience | The 5% Trial Myth 6:37 - 14:08 Litigation vs. Mediation 14:09 - 17:30 Navigating Power Imbalances | Financial Abuse and Mediation Concerns | Creating Balance with Attorney Assistance 17:31 - 21:41 Strategic Preparation for Divorce | Educating Yourself on Legal Basics | Uncovering Hidden Financial Knowledge | The Reality Show Timeline Strategy | Modern Trends in Divorce Settlements | 21:42 - 27:54 The High Cost of Legal Conflict High Conflict Case Options | The Reality of Legal Billing The Role of a Divorce Coach 27:55 - 37:37 Listener Advice: Truth, Traps, and Tactics | Truth or Trap: Flexibility in Court Letter: Feeling Scrutinized by the System | Reframing the Narrative for Judges | Battles vs. The Long Game Strategy 37:37 Conclusion and Resources

    39 min
  5. Understanding Betrayal Trauma (w/ Dr. Jill Manning)

    APR 7

    Understanding Betrayal Trauma (w/ Dr. Jill Manning)

    Betrayal doesn’t just break your heart, it can break your sense of reality. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, we’re unpacking betrayal trauma–why it’s so uniquely devastating and what it actually does to your mind and body when trust is shattered. Amy is joined by Dr. Jill Manning, a leading expert in betrayal trauma, to talk about the real impact of infidelity, secrecy and hidden behaviors–and why so many women feel destabilized after discovering the truth. We also explore how pornography is shaping both young people and adult relationships in ways many aren’t talking about. We cover: • What makes betrayal trauma different from typical heartbreak • The psychological impact of infidelity and deception • Why women often feel confused, anxious or “crazy” after betrayal • How pornography is influencing expectations, intimacy and trust • Where healing begins after your reality has been shaken --- Learn more about Dr. Jill Manning’s work:Website: https://drjillmanning.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjillmanning/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjillmanning/ Two-Day Intensives: https://drjillmanning.com/intensives/ Digital Downloads: https://drjillmanning.com/digital-downloads/ Directory of Betrayal Trauma experts: www.APSATS.org How to connect with Amy Polacko: Book a free Divorce or Life 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 ----- Episode Timestamp: 00:01 - 00:45 Girl Wake Up! Intro 00:46 - 02:44 Introduction to Betrayal Trauma & guest Dr. Jill Manning 02:45 - 06:04 The "Wake Up" that changed the course of Dr. Manning's career path 07:53 - 10:12 Betrayal Trauma Explained (This isn't just "heart break"– it's neurological) 11:21 - 11:58 Secondary Trauma & the psychological & physiological effects 13:16 - 13:54 Gaslighting is commonly involved in Betrayal Trauma 13:55 - 14:31 Why your support & surroundings matter during trauma 14:57 - 17:40 How does your brain + body respond when your partner cheats? 18:08 - 21:37 Your nervous system is on fire – fight or flight -vs- freeze response & getting help 21:45 - 26:50 Betrayal Trauma & Gaslighting 26:54 - 28:25 The three phases of navigating betrayal 28:26 - 30:55 Betrayal Trauma & making good decisions in the divorce process 32:33 - 35:16 Why specialize care matters in life & divorce 37:28 - 41:06 Truth or Trap: Is pornography harmless as long as it doesn't involve cheating? 41:38 - 43:30 Sexual Ethics & Values as a metric 50:00 - 50:36 Final thoughts 50:37 - 50:58 GIRL, WAKE UP! outro

    47 min
  6. Feminism Rebooted: What Women Do Now (w/ Dr. Marcie Bianco)

    MAR 31

    Feminism Rebooted: What Women Do Now (w/ Dr. Marcie Bianco)

    Feminism is at a turning point.For years, women were told we were making steady progress—that equality was inevitable. But in today’s world, many of those assumptions are being challenged. Rights are being rolled back. Misogyny feels louder. And women are left asking: Was that progress real—or were we sold a version of empowerment that didn’t fully protect us? In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, I sit down with feminist scholar and writer Dr. Marcie Bianco to unpack what feminism looks like right now—in a moment of backlash, confusion and cultural shift. This is not a surface-level conversation. We go deeper—questioning where feminism has succeeded, where it may have fallen short, and what women need to understand moving forward. In This Episode, We Cover:Why feminism may need a reboot in today’s climateThe difference between real power vs. the illusion of empowermentThe growing backlash against feminism and what it meansWhat modern feminism gets right—and where it needs to evolveHow feminism shows up in dating, relationships and everyday lifeWhat women should be paying attention to right nowPractical ways women can take back agency and protect themselves Learn more about Dr. Marcie Bianco here: marciebianco.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcie-bianco/ https://www.instagram.com/marciebianco/?hl=en Book a free Divorce or Life 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

    39 min
  7. Follow the Money: How Spouses Hide Assets in Divorce (w/ Forensic Accountant Sara Nanchanatt)

    MAR 24

    Follow the Money: How Spouses Hide Assets in Divorce (w/ Forensic Accountant Sara Nanchanatt)

    In my work, I help a lot of women who are escaping coercive control—and that often includes financial abuse. Often for years, they’ve been kept in the dark, shut out of accounts or made to feel like they don’t need to understand the money. And then, when divorce begins, things don’t just feel confusing… they start disappearing.Even if you have felt like you knew where the family assets were, they can also start mysteriously moving around! In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, I sit down with forensic accountant Sara Nanchanatt to expose what really happens behind the scenes when spouses try to hide assets. From secret accounts to “missing” income, we break down the financial games that can cost women everything if they’re not paying attention. Because here’s the truth: if you don’t follow the money, you may never see it. In This Episode, We Cover:What a forensic accountant actually does in divorce casesThe most common ways spouses hide moneyRed flags that something isn’t adding upWhy “I don’t have the money” is often not the full storyHow lifestyle can reveal more than financial documentsThe truth about cash businesses, cryptocurrency and hidden incomeWhen to bring in a forensic expert—and why timing mattersThe biggest mistakes women make when it comes to finances in divorceHow to protect yourself before and during the process You can learn more about Sara on her S.N. Forensics website–tell her that Amy sent you: https://www.snforensics.com/ Book a free Divorce or Life 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

    35 min
  8. Coercive Control: The Danger Our System Misses (w/ Crime Analyst Laura Richards)

    MAR 17

    Coercive Control: The Danger Our System Misses (w/ Crime Analyst Laura Richards)

    Violence against women is often described as unpredictable. But according to one of the world’s leading criminologists, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy speaks with Laura Richards, a global expert on coercive control, stalking and risk assessment. Richards has spent decades studying the patterns behind men’s violence and the warning signs that are too often dismissed by police, courts and other institutions. In this episode:What coercive control really is–and why it’s often misunderstoodWhy violence against women is predictable, not randomThe warning signs professionals frequently miss or minimizeWhy separation and divorce can increase danger for womenHow charm and social status can obscure dangerous behaviorWhy institutions often label women “low risk” before tragedy Where to find Laura Richards: YouTube @crimeanalyst Instagram @crimeanalyst @laurarichards999 Twitter @thecrimeanalyst @laurarichards99 TikTok @crimeanalystpod Websites www.crime-analyst.com https://www.thelaurarichards.com, https://www.dashriskchecklist.com/

    51 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Girl, Wake Up! is the no-nonsense divorce and life coaching podcast for women who are ready to stop surviving and start strategizing. Hosted by Amy Polacko — Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS), award-winning television journalist, founder of Freedom Warrior Coaching, speaker, and single mom — this show was built on one defining belief: the women who come through divorce with their finances intact, their children protected, and their sense of self stronger than before didn't get lucky. They got strategic. Amy knows this firsthand. She navigated divorce not once but twice, overcame narcissistic abuse, rebuilt her career and finances from scratch as a single working mom, and spent 12 years coaching hundreds of women through every stage of the process — before filing, through family court, and into the next chapter. A Columbia Journalism School graduate who began her career on a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting team, Amy brings the same investigative precision to divorce strategy that she brought to breaking news: facts over fear, preparation over panic, and clarity over chaos. Each episode pulls back the curtain on the realities of family court, divorce law, financial independence, high-conflict and narcissistic relationships, custody strategy, and the emotional and logistical work of rebuilding your life — with candor, expertise, and the kind of warmth that only comes from someone who has been exactly where you are. Subscribe, share with a woman who needs it, and visit freedomwarrior.info to work with Amy directly.

Information

  • Creator
    Amy Polacko
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Amy Polacko
  • Show Website
    Girl, Wake Up!

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