The Narcissism Decoder

In this episode, I sit down with Jin from Narc Troopers—a writer, educator, podcaster, and narcissistic abuse recovery facilitator— to explore the psychological dynamics that keep people stuck in toxic narcissistic relationships and why breaking free can feel impossible. We discuss the fantasy that keeps people trapped, the impact of early childhood development, and Shelly Bach’s concept of pathological mourning. We also touch on the dead mother theory by André Green and its relevance to feel...

19 Mar 34min

This episode is Part 2 of my conversation on Dimming the Gaslight with hosts Mac and Phil, where we dive even deeper into the complexities of narcissism. We explore the motivations behind narcissistic behavior, the struggle with forgiveness, and how therapy can facilitate change. We also discuss the emotional push-pull in relationships with narcissists, the role of brain chemistry, and the tough decision of when to walk away. Understanding these dynamics is key to personal growth and healing....

16 Mar 31min

In this episode, we explore the insidious impact of covert narcissism on parent-child relationships with expert Renee Swanson. We discuss how emotional manipulation can masquerade as love, creating lasting confusion and self-doubt. We examine how these patterns shape adult relationships and the challenges of breaking free. Finally, we highlight the power of connection over correction in parenting and share strategies for healing and repairing the relationship. To Listen to Part 2 of my ...

12 Mar 34min

I’m really excited to share some big news with you—this Friday, March 14th, at 7 p.m. EST, I’ll be going LIVE on YouTube for a special podcast recording with Lisa Taylor Austin! We'll explore why people stay in relationships with narcissistic partners despite clear emotional turmoil. The conversation will dive into the compelling fantasy that keeps people bound to these relationships—the shared fantasy or "magical union" between the narcissist’s grandiose self and the partner’s hopes fo...

11 Mar 1min

This episode is Part 1 of my conversation on Dimming the Gaslight, where I was a guest with hosts Mac and Phil. They asked some fascinating questions as we explored various aspects of narcissism— whether narcissists can change, how pain can drive transformation, and the complexities of manipulation, apologies and accountability in relationships. Dimming The Gaslight: Our Healing Journey From Narcissistic Abusehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dimming-the-gaslight-our-healing-journey-from/...

9 Mar 29min

In this episode, Josh returns to share more hard-won wisdom on co-parenting and rebuilding trust after divorce. We explore the crucial difference between saying sorry and making amends—how true accountability isn’t just about words, but about actions that repair harm. Josh reflects on how focusing inward, taking ownership, and practicing mutual respect can lay the groundwork for healthier relationships moving forward. If you’ve ever wondered whether an apology is enough, this conversation bre...

5 Mar 30min

In this episode of The Narcissism Decoder, I’m joined by Josh, who shares his personal journey through divorce and co-parenting. Together, we explore the emotional complexities of divorce, the impact of codependency on relationships, and the importance of self-reflection and personal growth in choosing a healthier path forward. Josh opens up about the challenges of maintaining healthy relationships post-divorce and offers valuable insights into effective co-parenting strategies, emphasizing t...

26 Feb 30min

This is part two of my interview with Darren, a therapist and coach. In this episode, we dive deeper into the complexities of relationships involving narcissistic individuals. Together, we explore therapeutic approaches to understanding and managing narcissism, emphasizing the spectrum of narcissistic traits and the potential for building healthy self-esteem. We discuss the importance of developing intimacy and relationship skills. Darren also sheds light on the concept of object constancy—of...

19 Feb 29min