The Joy! A.A.C.T.®

In this episode, Dr. Lisa continues her series on the Loss Cycle, focusing on the stage of Denial after divorce. She shares personal stories, practical strategies, and powerful exercises to help you move from surviving to thriving.

In this episode, Dr. Lisa Summerour begins her series on the loss cycle by exploring shock—often the first overwhelming response to divorce or breakup. Drawing from personal experience, Dr. Lisa explains the physical and emotional symptoms of shock, including racing heartbeat, numbness, confusion, and the inability to process what's happening. She shares how shock is an automatic protective response your body uses when faced with something too devastating to handle all at once, and emphasizes that what you're feeling is completely normal. Learn practical tools like the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to help you stay present during moments of panic, and discover why it's crucial not to make major decisions while in this state. Dr. Lisa reminds listeners that divorce ranks as the second most stressful life event, just behind the death of a spouse, and encourages self-compassion and grace during this difficult stage. Whether you're currently experiencing shock or reflecting on past feelings, this episode offers validation, understanding, and actionable strategies for navigating this challenging emotional terrain.

In this introductory episode of The Loss Cycle Series, Dr. Lisa Summerour challenges long-held beliefs about divorce, guilt, and self-worth. Through global perspectives, personal stories, and thought-provoking questions, she helps you reframe what divorce really means—and begin releasing the shame that’s been holding you back. It’s time to end the guilt, reclaim your joy, and embrace your next chapter with confidence.

In this episode, Dr. Lisa Summerour continues with Part 2 of her response to Kevin O'Leary's controversial take that marriage is primarily an economic union and divorce should be avoided at all costs.

What You'll Learn:

• The hidden health costs of staying in an unhappy marriage (stroke risk, immune system impact, cognitive decline)
• What a 12-year Penn State study reveals about life satisfaction in unhappy marriages vs. after divorce
• How high-conflict homes affect children's mental health and future relationships
• Why the "staying for the kids" argument doesn't hold up according to research
• The double standard: Why failed entrepreneurs are celebrated while divorced people are stigmatized

Key Questions Explored:

If you'd leave a business partner for embezzling, why stay with a spouse committing financial infidelity? If we celebrate entrepreneurs who try again and again, why stigmatize people with multiple marriages? What's the real ROI on doubled stroke risk, therapy for traumatized kids, and years of lost productivity?

The Bottom Line: Divorce has financial costs, but staying in a dysfunctional marriage has health, emotional, and life-satisfaction costs that compound over years you can never get back.

In this two Part series, Dr. Lisa Summerour challenges Kevin O'Leary's view of marriage as an economic union, exploring the double standard between business and personal relationships. If you've ever felt shame or guilt about divorce, if you've been inclined to believe that having multiple divorces must mean something is "wrong with you," this episode is for you.

Are you navigating divorce or supporting someone who is? In this episode of The Joy Act, Dr. Lisa Summerour (breakup & divorce coach) sits down with financial expert Mary Julia Cordero to share empowering advice for women facing divorce.

Discover why financial literacy is crucial, how to build the right support team, and the mindset shifts that lead to joy and stability after separation.

In This Episode We Cover:

✅ The 50/50 truth about finances and ownership in marriage (that no one tells you)

✅ Why women's income often drops after divorce—and how to prepare

✅ The importance of having both emotional AND financial support

✅ How to move from surviving to thriving with Dr. Lisa's A.A.C.T.™ framework

✅ When to start planning (even before you file)

Whether you're considering divorce, in the middle of one, or rebuilding after separation, this conversation will help you take ownership, find support, and create a joyful new chapter.

In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™ Podcast, I reveal the hidden realities of financial abuse post-divorce and share practical steps to protect yourself and rebuild your life.

 Key Topics Covered

• How financial abuse continues after divorce
• Tactics abusers use: child/spousal support, credit, employment, legal games
• Emotional and professional impact
• Steps to protect your assets and credit
• Why documentation is crucial
• When to seek professional help

Are you navigating life after divorce and concerned about digital abuse or tech-based control from an ex? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Summerour dives deep into the realities of digital and technological abuse, sharing real stories, practical tips, and empowering advice to help you reclaim your digital safety and emotional freedom.

Leaving doesn’t always mean the abuse is over. In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™, Dr. Lisa Summerour shares how emotional and psychological abuse can continue long after separation or divorce — and what you can do to reclaim your peace.

You’ll learn how to:

Recognize ongoing emotional and psychological abuse

Protect your emotional space and set healthy boundaries

Use tools like journaling, therapy, and the A.A.C.T.™ framework to heal

Reclaim your joy and freedom after divorce or breakup

In this episode of The Joy! A.A.C.T.™, Dr. Lisa Summerour sits down with trauma release coach Bi Aminah Opondo. Bi shares her courageous journey of surviving a 30-year marriage that ended when the emotional, physical, and spiritual abuse began. Be shares her life-changing decision to flee Kenya for Canada with her daughters. Together, they discuss the realities of leaving abusive relationships, the importance of planning and support, the challenges of healing, and how to find joy and purpose after trauma.

Whether you’re seeking hope, guidance, or understanding, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, empowerment, and the power of silent action. If you or someone you know is navigating a difficult relationship, this episode is a must-listen.