Off the Fence with Karen Covy: Mastering Decision Making, Divorce & More

Karen Covy
  • 4.9 (14)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

When your future is on the line, making the right decision can feel impossible—especially when emotions are high, the stakes are huge, and the pressure is real. Karen Covy, a nationally recognized divorce coach, lawyer, mediator, and decision strategist with over 30 years of experience, Karen helps high-achieving professionals navigate life's toughest crossroads with clarity and confidence.  Each week on the top-ranking Off the Fence podcast, Karen sits down with thought leaders, industry experts, and people who’ve been through it all to unpack what it really takes to make smart, strategic decisions - whether you're facing a divorce, navigating complicated relationship dynamics, or reinventing your life. Ranked among the top 10% of 4.5 million global podcasts, the Off the Fence podcast offers real talk, practical insights, and powerful strategies for navigating divorce, career pivots, relationship challenges, and midlife transformation with clarity and purpose. If you're standing at a crossroads and wondering what’s next, this podcast will help you get off the fence—and into action. 👉 Get show notes and resources at https://karencovy.com/podcast

  1. 1d ago

    You’ve Had the Same Marriage Fight 100 Times. Now What?

    You can be brilliant, successful, and logical and still feel helpless in the one place that matters most: your closest relationships. In this podcast episode, Dre Baldwin, a former professional athlete turned performance coach, explains why high-achieving people can struggle to make difficult decisions in their relationships, even when they know something needs to change. He explores the mental blocks, rationalizations, and blind spots that can keeps people locked in the same marriage fight instead of confronting what’s really going on. Dre presents a practical way to approach relationship problems before they turn into resentment. HE also shares how to raise a difficult issue, get your partner engaged in the conversation, and figure out whether you’re dealing with a problem that can actually be solved or a circumstance you may just have to accept … or not. Dre also explains why waiting until you have complete clarity before making a decision can keep you frozen, and how taking action can reveal information you simply can’t get by thinking harder. This conversation also digs into a challenge many successful professionals face: the skills that make you a strong leader at work can create conflict when you bring them home.  Dre explores how power, judgment, communication, and curiosity affect connection, and why changing the way you approach a difficult conversation can sometimes change the response you get. Most importantly, he shows how learning to listen for what isn’t being said may be just as important as finding the right words to say. About Dre Dre Baldwin is the founder of Work On Your Game®, a performance system for executives, business owners, and organizations. A former 9-year professional athlete, 4-time TEDx speaker, and author of 43 books, his work has reached over 100 million people worldwide. Dre helps leaders install execution discipline, decision-making structure, and executive presence—eliminating inconsistency and improving organizational performance through repeatable systems. Connect with Dre You can connect with Dre on Facebook at Work On Your Game University. You can follow Dre on YouTube at @DreAllDay, on X at @DreAllDay, on Instagram at DreBaldwin, and listen to his podcast Work On Your Game. You can also get a free copy of his book, The Third Day: The Decision That Separates the Pros from the Amateurs, here. If you’re interested in learning more about Dre’s Power Presence Protocol, visit the appropriate link below: For Leaders & Operators: → http://www.PowerPresenceProtocol.com For Teams: → http://www.WorkOnYourGame.com/ERI Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  2. Sep 30

    Why Your Divorce Fight Isn't Really About Money

    A late-night phone call from a terrified eight-year-old changed how one divorce attorney thinks about conflict forever. In this podcast episode, family law attorney and mediator Sharon deFala shares the story behind that call, and how it pushed her away from conducting divorce fights in court and toward resolving them in a calmer, more compassionate way. What she's learned along the way challenges a lot of assumptions about what actually damages kids, and what keeps exes fighting long after the marriage is over. Sharon breaks down why so many divorce disputes never seem to end, even when the money at stake is small. Sharon discovered that most drawn-out legal fights aren't really about assets or unfairness at all, but about something much harder to let go of.  Sharon explores why some couples remain emotionally attached to the fight, how outside opinions can derail a settlement that actually works, and why dealing with a high-conflict spouse may require you to stop trying to change them and start looking for another path to your goal. By shifting the focus from winning, fairness, and rigid legal positions to dealing with the everyday realities both you and your ex will soon face, you can change your entire divorce process.   What's more, the choices you make during your divorce will determine whether you carry the conflict with you long after the divorce is over. If you're embroiled in a divorce fight that seems like it will never end, this podcast episode may just change the entire course of your divorce. About Sharon Sharon Oberst DeFala is a family law attorney, mediator, holistic divorce professional, and Reiki Master who has been helping individuals and families navigate life's transitions with compassion and clarity since 1992. Known as the "divorce attorney with a heart," Sharon combines decades of legal experience with a holistic approach that prioritizes not only the outcome of a divorce, but how clients move through the process. She is also the author of the book, Love Your Divorce: Your Guide to a Holistic Happier Ever After. Connect with Sharon You can connect with Sharon on Facebook at Sharon DeFala and follow her on Instagram at sharondefala. To learn more about Sharon's work and her book, Love Your Divorce: Your Guide to a Holistic Happier Ever After, connect with her via her social media channels. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  3. Sep 23

    Menopause and Marriage: Why You’re Questioning Everything Now

    Somewhere between 35 and 40, your body starts a hormonal countdown that can quietly change the way you see your marriage, your career, and even yourself. Women’s health and fitness expert Corry Matthews explains how intertwined menopause and marriage can be and how hormonal changes that begin in your mid-30s can do far more than cause hot flashes. They can affect your mood, metabolism, confidence, relationships, and even your ability to make clear decisions.  Corry explores what happens when shifting estrogen and progesterone collide with the pressures of midlife, and why women who suddenly feel angry, exhausted, foggy, or simply “not like themselves” may want to look at their health before making major life changes. She also explains why standard hormone testing doesn’t always tell the whole story, what other health markers may provide clues, and how stress can make an already complicated hormonal picture even harder to navigate. If your patience is gone, your body feels unfamiliar, and your relationship suddenly feels harder and more frustrating, you’re not alone and you’re not imagining it. But before you blow up your marriage, make sure it’s not just your hormones that are blowing up your life. This episode will show you how to identify whether it’s your marriage or menopause that needs help, and exactly what to do to get back on track. About Corry Corry Matthews is a fitness, nutrition, and women’s health expert with nearly 30 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine, with a background in exercise physiology. She works primarily with women over 40, helping them understand the physical changes of perimenopause, menopause, and midlife so they can make better decisions about their health and their lives. Through Strength & Grace, Corry helps women stop hiding behind their health and build habits that support their confidence, relationships, and the life they want to live. Connect with Corry You can connect with Corry on Facebook at Corry Matthews. You can follow Corry on YouTube at @CorryMatthews and on Instagram at corrymatthews. You can find her recipe cookbook here, and you can learn more about her 21-Day Nutrition Reset here. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  4. Sep 16

    The Divorce Money Mistakes That Can Cost You $1000s

    Divorce can quietly cost you six figures if you don't know where to look or what to look for. Unfortunately, most people have no idea how many divorce money mistakes they’ve made until their divorce is long over and they’re stuck with a result they can’t change. Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Sue Plisch has spent years helping people uncover hidden income, decode confusing pay stub abbreviations, and catch the kind of overlooked details that can make or break a settlement. Her approach goes beyond just splitting assets down the middle; it's about understanding what a truly fair outcome looks like for your specific situation. From hidden executive compensation and overlooked assets to retirement accounts that aren’t worth what they appear to be, divorce finances are rarely as simple as dividing everything 50/50. Sue explores some of the financial traps people commonly miss, including why keeping the family home may not be as affordable as you think, how joint debt can put your credit at risk, and why two retirement accounts with identical balances may have very different values after taxes. You’ll also discover why preparing financially before your divorce can give you more options and more control both during and after your divorce, especially if your spouse has traditionally handled the money. From tracking your real expenses and establishing credit in your own name to finding financial information you may not have access to, Sue shares practical ways to protect yourself and explains why the way you structure your settlement can sometimes matter just as much as how much money you receive. About Sue Sue Plisch, CFP®, CDFA®, is the founder of Resilient Divorce Solutions. Drawing on more than 17 years as a mathematics educator, financial planner, and her own personal experience with divorce, Sue helps clients make confident financial decisions and avoid costly, six-figure mistakes. Outside of her work empowering clients through life transitions, Sue is a mother of three teens who enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, playing board games, and learning Spanish. Connect with Sue You can connect with Sue on LinkedIn at Sue Plisch and on Facebook at Resilient Divorce Solutions. You can follow Sue on Instagram at smartsplitsue. To learn more about working with Sue, visit her website at Resilient Divorce Solutions. And you can download her free e-book, 10 Financial Mistakes to Avoid in Divorce, here. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  5. Sep 9

    The New Divorce Alternative That Saves Time and Money

    What if getting divorced didn't mean losing years of your life to an expensive courtroom battle that ruined your finances AND your co-parenting relationship with your ex? That’s the question attorney Amanda Mason set out to answer with her new divorce alternative, Solagree. Amanda is a family law attorney, mediator, and founder of Solagree, a mediated arbitration process that offers couples a structured way to resolve even difficult divorce issues privately, efficiently, and with more control. Instead of starting with litigation, in the Solagree process couples move through education, negotiation, and, when necessary, private decision-making to resolve their divorce issues. The process combines divorce coaches, financial professionals, parenting specialists, attorney-mediators, and arbitrators who work with a couple to guide them through their divorce more efficiently and cost-effectively. What’s most impressive is that this process doesn’t depend on everyone being perfectly cooperative. It contains built-in ground rules that are designed to deal with spouses who delay, refuse to provide financial information, or otherwise try to derail the process. For business owners, high-net-worth couples, and anyone worried about privacy, mediated arbitration can also keep sensitive financial and business information out of a public courtroom while still providing access to tools such as business valuations and forensic accounting.  Divorce doesn’t need to be conducted in an open-ended court battle. Solagree provides a way for couples to get binding decisions, protect themselves, and move forward without putting themselves or their families through exhausting litigation. If you or someone you know is trying to find a better, more efficient, and less expensive way to divorce, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. About Amanda Amanda Mason is the CEO and founder of SOLAGREE®, a groundbreaking nationwide platform that replaces public courtroom battles with a structured, virtual, and flat-fee mediated-arbitration process. A partner at Mason, Mason, & Smith in Wilmington, North Carolina, Amanda brings over two decades of legal experience, with extensive expertise as a dedicated family law attorney and DRC Certified Mediator.  Connect with Amanda You can connect with Amanda on Facebook at Solagree and follow her on Instagram at amandamasonatty. To learn more about how to work with Amanda, visit her website at SOLAGREE®. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  6. Sep 2

    How to Avoid Making Mistakes in Your Custody Evaluation (Part 2)

    When your child’s future depends on a custody evaluator’s recommendation, the way you present your story can matter almost as much as the story itself. In Part 2 of this conversation with custody evaluation expert Reneé Rodriguez, we talk about how parents can build a focused, credible body of evidence that helps evaluators understand what is really happening with their kids, without overwhelming the evaluator with hundreds of texts, accusations, or emotionally charged details. In this episode, Reneé breaks down what actually makes evidence persuasive, from choosing neutral third parties who can speak to your child’s well-being to responding strategically when your co-parent makes allegations against you. She also explores why the custody evaluator (NOT the judge!) may be the most important decision-maker in your case. Renee also discusses how to document troubling patterns that affect your kids without sounding petty, vindictive, or obsessed with every disagreement your co-parent creates.  Finally, she explains what you can do when you believe an evaluator or Guardian ad Litem is biased against you and why protecting your credibility throughout the divorce process is critical. If you or someone you know is embroiled in a high conflict divorce where kids are involved, this special two-part series with Renee Rodriguez is one you’re not going to want to miss.  About Reneé Reneé Rodriguez is the founder of Best Foot Forward Consulting and creator of The Custody Blueprint®. She has spent over a decade helping protective mothers challenge the family court system's default "50/50" custody shortcut by focusing on documented, undeniable facts rather than emotion. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy and advocacy, equipping mothers with the tools to build specific, evaluation-ready, and court-ready case files using her three-pillar methodology: Strategy, Mindset, and Evidence. By giving women the framework to present precise evidence, Reneé empowers them to navigate custody evaluations with confidence and ensure their child's real safety is prioritized. Connect with Reneé You can connect with Reneé on LinkedIn at Best Foot Forward Consulting and on Facebook at The Custody Blueprint. You can follow Reneé on YouTube at @TheCustodyBlueprint and on Instagram at thecustodyblueprint. To learn more about how to work with Reneé and get guidance on your custody situation, visit this personalized link here. You can also learn more about her 12-Week Custody Warriors Engagement program here or reach out directly at admin@bestfootforwardllc.com. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  7. Aug 26

    How to Avoid Making Mistakes in Your Custody Evaluation (Part 1)

    You can walk into a custody evaluation with the truth on your side and still walk out with a result you never saw coming. That’s the reality that Reneé Rodriguez, founder of Best Foot Forward Consulting and creator of the Custody Blueprint™, helps her clients avoid. Drawing on her own experience going through a custody evaluation, as well as her years as a corporate strategist, Reneé explains why family courts default to equal parenting time and why breaking that default requires a specific kind of documentation, not just a compelling story. In this podcast episode, Reneé walks us through what actually happens during a custody evaluation, from the first intake questionnaire all the way through interviews, psychological testing, and the home visits. She also shares why neutral language, careful documentation, and focusing on what you can prove can be far more powerful than trying to tell an evaluator everything your spouse has ever done. What makes this conversation particularly compelling are the practical details Reneé shares about how to turn years of a relationship into a tight, structured narrative and how to understand what matters to an evaluator in your area. This is the first of a two part series on custody evaluations. If you or someone you know is fighting for more custody or parenting time in their divorce, this two part podcast series should be at the top of your “must listen to” list. (P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe so that you don’t miss part 2 of this important conversation.) About Reneé Reneé Rodriguez is the founder of Best Foot Forward Consulting and creator of The Custody Blueprint®. She has spent over a decade helping protective mothers challenge the family court system's default "50/50" custody shortcut by focusing on documented, undeniable facts rather than emotion. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy and advocacy, equipping mothers with the tools to build specific, evaluation-ready, and court-ready case files using her three-pillar methodology: Strategy, Mindset, and Evidence. By giving women the framework to present precise evidence, Reneé empowers them to navigate custody evaluations with confidence and ensure their child's real safety is prioritized. Connect with Reneé You can connect with Reneé on LinkedIn at Best Foot Forward Consulting and on Facebook at The Custody Blueprint. You can follow Reneé on YouTube at @TheCustodyBlueprint and on Instagram at thecustodyblueprint. To learn more about how to work with Reneé and get guidance on your custody situation, visit this personalized link here. You can also learn more about her 12-Week Custody Warriors Engagement program here or reach out directly at admin@bestfootforwardllc.com. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  8. Aug 19

    The Women's Retreat Built for Life's Big Changes

    What if the fastest way to figure out your next chapter wasn't to spend years in therapy, but to spend a week cooking, healing and having fun in a beautiful European venue alongside strangers who quickly become friends? That's the idea behind the women’s retreats led by Hannah McKitrick, founder of Dolce Vita Experiences. Her retreats are built around food, coaching, and connection for women navigating big life changes.  Unlike a traditional vacation, a retreat combines time away with coaching, reflection, new experiences, and the support of other women. Hannah explores why that combination can quiet self-criticism, create surprising connections, and help you recognize patterns and possibilities that can be difficult to see when you’re handling everyday responsibilities on your own. You’ll also discover why simple experiences - from cooking and sharing meals to spending time at the spa, hiking, or simply having someone else handle the details - can play a bigger role in personal growth than you might expect.  Whether you’re questioning what comes next, in the middle of a difficult life transition, or you’re just ready to build a new chapter, this podcast episode offers a different way to think about what it takes to get out of your head, reconnect with yourself, and move forward with greater clarity. About Hannah Hannah McKitrick is the founder of Dolce Vita Experiences—a travel, wellness, and personal growth company that helps purpose-led women live, lead, and nourish from deep alignment. Through immersive experiences and retreats that combine foodie travel, coaching, and connection, Hannah supports high-achieving leaders and women in transition to recalibrate their nervous systems, reclaim joy, and build a life that feels as good as it looks. Her work blends the energetics of ease and intuition coaching to help women gain clarity and have more fun after a major life transition. Connect with Hannah You can connect with Hannah on LinkedIn at Hannah McKitrick and on Facebook at Hannah McKitrick. You can follow Hannah on Instagram at hannah.mckitrick. To learn more about how to work with Hannah, visit her website at Dolce Vita Experiences. And you can learn more about her upcoming Dolce Vita Reset Retreat in Samos, Greece here. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

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4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

When your future is on the line, making the right decision can feel impossible—especially when emotions are high, the stakes are huge, and the pressure is real. Karen Covy, a nationally recognized divorce coach, lawyer, mediator, and decision strategist with over 30 years of experience, Karen helps high-achieving professionals navigate life's toughest crossroads with clarity and confidence.  Each week on the top-ranking Off the Fence podcast, Karen sits down with thought leaders, industry experts, and people who’ve been through it all to unpack what it really takes to make smart, strategic decisions - whether you're facing a divorce, navigating complicated relationship dynamics, or reinventing your life. Ranked among the top 10% of 4.5 million global podcasts, the Off the Fence podcast offers real talk, practical insights, and powerful strategies for navigating divorce, career pivots, relationship challenges, and midlife transformation with clarity and purpose. If you're standing at a crossroads and wondering what’s next, this podcast will help you get off the fence—and into action. 👉 Get show notes and resources at https://karencovy.com/podcast

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