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

Karen Covy
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  • Self-Improvement
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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. 2d ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Aug 12

    How to Protect Yourself in a Gray Divorce

    Starting over after 50 comes with its own kind of pain … but that’s just one of the things that makes gray divorce different. The legal, financial, and emotional implications that getting a divorce later in life bring can make the difference between enjoying your “golden years,” and trying to play “catch up” at a time in life when you thought you’d be able to relax. In this special solo podcast episode, you’ll discover everything from how to decide if a gray divorce is for you to the legal processes that will help you through it less expensively (or not!). You’ll also learn about the financial realities and relationship concerns with your adult kids that nobody warns you about, and the critical health care considerations you need to understand before finalizing your divorce. But this episode isn't just about logistics. It's about who you become on the other side, how your friendships shift, whether the stigma is as real as it feels, and why some people wait decades to leave when they didn't have to. If you're standing at the edge of a gray divorce, or wondering how anyone survives the practical side of it, this podcast episode is for you. 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 5

    Why Good People Cheat: The Truth About Infidelity

    Can a marriage survive infidelity, or does trust, once broken, stay broken for good? In this podcast episode, Brannon and Tyler Patrick, brothers and licensed therapists with decades of combined experience helping couples heal from betrayal and addiction, dive deeply into the world of affairs, betrayal, and broken trust.  Known as “The Therapy Brothers,” Brannon and Tyler challenge the way most people think about betrayal, explaining that secrecy, deception, and unspoken expectations are generally at play in a relationship long before any physical line is crossed. The brothers trace how old coping patterns, unaddressed loneliness, and simple neglect can all lead a relationship toward dangerous territory, sometimes without either partner realizing it's happening. They also point out a specific shift in how couples communicate that can either pull them closer together or push them further apart. Most importantly, Brannon and Tyler explain what it really takes to rebuild trust after an affair, and why healing isn't defined only by whether a couple succeeds in saving their marriage or not.  Whether a relationship survives infidelity or ends after it, the brothers offer practical insights into recovering from betrayal, recognizing genuine change, and creating healthier relationships built on honesty, courage, and integrity. If you've ever wondered what separates the couples who make it through from those who don't, this conversation gets right to the heart of it. About Brannon & Tyler Brannon Patrick, LCSW, and Tyler Patrick, LMFT, are brothers and licensed therapists who specialize in helping individuals and couples recover from infidelity, addiction, and broken trust. With more than 20 years of experience each in addiction and trauma treatment, they combine clinical expertise with practical, straightforward guidance. Together, they host The Therapy Brothers, a weekly call-in show with over 500 episodes, where they help people work through betrayal, shame, trauma, and addiction in real time. Their approach focuses on healing the underlying trauma and shame that fuel relationship struggles, helping couples rebuild trust through honesty, accountability, empathy, and resilience. Connect with Brannon & Tyler You can connect with Brannon & Tyler on Facebook at The Therapy Brothers. You can follow Brannon & Tyler on YouTube at @therapy.brothers, on Instagram at therapy.brothers, and on their podcast at The Therapy Brothers. To learn more about their upcoming events, visit their website for men's retreats at Rising Son and women's retreats at Radiant Dawn. 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. Jul 29

    You Don't Need New Clothes. You Need a Personal Style

    Your wardrobe holds your entire past life … which is exactly why getting dressed can feel so stressful after a big life change. When your body shifts, your lifestyle changes, or your identity evolves (especially after divorce!) your personal style needs to evolve with you. Otherwise, the closet that used to “work” can start working against you. Personal stylist and wardrobe detox expert, Suzanne Bernie, works with clients going through major life shifts (think divorce, career changes, or major illness) who open their closets and realize that nothing in there matches who they are now. Suzanne explains why so many of us get stuck wearing the same three outfits on repeat, even when we’re surrounded by clothes we once loved. Suzanne reveals why so many closets are full of clothes that never get worn, why black isn't always the safest choice, and how small shifts in color, fit, and styling can completely transform the way you look and feel. Suzanne breaks down what actually makes an outfit look expensive and put-together versus dated, and why the priciest labels aren't usually the answer. If you've ever stood in front of a full closet feeling like you had nothing to wear, or if you want your clothes to match the person you are now, hit play, share this with a friend who’s in transition, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. If you enjoyed it, leave a review and tell me: what’s the one item in your closet you’re ready to retire? About Suzanne Suzanne is a Personal Stylist who works with clients from all business sectors, both internationally and within the UK. She curates perfect outfits tailored to her clients' bodies and styles, offering both personalized shopping experiences and in-home wardrobe detoxes. Passionate about using style to transform lives, Suzanne hosts specialized style workshops for divorcees, as well as workshops for women navigating cancer treatment to help rebuild confidence, boost self-esteem, and inject some well-deserved fun into their journeys. She proudly styles men, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community of all ages, finding her biggest joy in making people feel absolutely fabulous by dressing them in the perfect colors, shapes, designs, and fabrics. Connect with Suzanne You can connect with Suzanne on Facebook at Suze Bernie Stylist and follow her on Instagram at @suzeberniestylist. You can also visit her website at suzannebernie.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.

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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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