Escaping a Cult: 28 Years of Brainwashing with Peter Young
What is the difference between a narcissistic partner and a cult leader? As it turns out, almost nothing. In this powerful episode, Lee Hammock (Self-Aware Narcissist) sits down with Peter Young, a survivor of a tiny but destructive religious cult led by a man known as "Uncle Robert."Peter’s story is a chilling look at how high-control groups use "The Cult of One" tactics to destroy marriages, alienate children, and turn a person’s life inside out. For 28 years, Peter was trapped in a cycle of psychological isolation and spiritual abuse that cost him everything—including his relationship with his five children. Now, he’s sharing the "unmasking" moment when he finally saw the truth. Whether you are recovering from a group cult or a "one-on-one" cult (a toxic marriage), Peter’s journey from brainwashing to freedom is a masterclass in reclaiming your mind.In this episode, we discuss:The "Uncle Robert" Playbook: How one person can dismantle an entire family.The Slow Brainwash: Why smart, capable people fall for high-control tactics.Narcissistic Parallels: Comparing cult leadership to the "Narcissistic Cycle of Abuse."The Cost of Control: Dealing with the alienation of children and the loss of 28 years.Breaking the Spell: How Peter finally opened his eyes and escaped.About Our Guest:Peter Young is the author of the Amazon best-selling memoir, "Stop The Tall Man, Save The Tiger." He now speaks out about the dangers of small, destructive religious groups and helps survivors find their way back to reality.Connect with Peter:🌐 Website: www.authorpeteryoung.com📸 Instagram: @peterbyoungResources & Support from Lee:📔 Courses/Groups :[https://courses.mentalhealness.net]📞 Book a 1-on-1: [www.mentalhealness.net]
13 Jan 50min
Why is it so hard to leave a narcissist?
In this episode, we dive deep into the psychological reality of narcissistic abuse recovery and why it takes an average of seven attempts before a survivor leaves for good. We explore the biological and emotional "hooks" that keep you stuck, from the trauma bond to intermittent reinforcement.If you’ve ever wondered why you keep going back or why the "final" break feels so impossible, this session provides the clarity you need to break the cycle.The 7-Attempt Rule: Understanding the statistics and the psychology behind leaving an abusive relationship.The Trauma Bond & Dopamine: Why leaving a narcissist feels like physical drug withdrawal.Intermittent Reinforcement: How the "hot and cold" cycle creates a powerful psychological addiction.Cognitive Dissonance: Navigating the confusion between who they were and who they are.The Hoovering Phase: How to stay firm when they try to "suck" you back into the relationship.Stages of Healing: What the timeline of recovery actually looks like after going No ContactConnect with Lee:My Courses: https://courses.mentalhealness.net Healing Support Group: https://mentalhealness.thinkific.com/products/communities/thementalhealers1-on-1 Coaching Calls: https://mentalhealness1on1perspective.as.me/schedule/ec588030Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @mentalhealnesss
12 Jan 17min
Unmasking the Quiet Narcissist: The Subtle Art of Control (REMIX)
Headline: They don't scream. They don't brag. They just slowly break you down.Most people think they know what a narcissist looks like—someone loud, arrogant, and demanding the spotlight. But as a diagnosed self-aware narcissist, I’m here to tell you that the most dangerous ones are the ones you never see coming.In this Remix episode, we are diving deep into the "Quiet Narcissist." We explore why this type is so effective at keeping you trapped for years, often without you even realizing you’re being manipulated. Instead of grandiose displays of power, the quiet narcissist uses silence, "victimhood," and passive-aggressive behavior to maintain total control. If you’ve ever felt like you were "losing your mind" in a relationship but couldn't point to any "big" blowups, this episode is for you.In this episode, we break down:The "Nice Guy/Girl" Mask: Why their outward humility is their greatest weapon.Passive-Aggressive Warfare: How they use "the cold shoulder" and subtle digs to punish you.The Professional Victim: Why they always make themselves the "underdog" to keep you in a "fixer" role.The Subtle Discard: How they withdraw affection to make you work harder for their approval.The Path to Clarity: How to stop doubting your reality and see the patterns for what they truly are.Stop looking for the "loud" red flags and start paying attention to the silence.Connect with Lee:My Courses: https://courses.mentalhealness.net Healing Support Group: https://mentalhealness.thinkific.com/products/communities/thementalhealers1-on-1 Coaching Calls: https://mentalhealness1on1perspective.as.me/schedule/ec588030Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @mentalhealnesss
11 Jan 14min
Why "I'm Sorry" is a Death Sentence to a Narcissist.
Have you been waiting months, or even years, for a simple, genuine apology? As a diagnosed self-aware narcissist, I’m here to tell you why you might be waiting for something that is physically and psychologically impossible for a narcissist to give.In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the "Narcissistic Injury." To you, an apology is a way to heal a wound; to me, an apology is a total surrender of power. I explain why admitting fault feels like a "death of the ego" and why we would rather double down on a blatant lie than offer you the closure you deserve. If you’ve been struggling with the "Non-Apology" (like "I'm sorry you feel that way"), this episode will help you understand the mechanics of the narc-brain so you can stop seeking validation from the person who hurt you.In this episode, we break down:The Ego Armor: Why saying "I'm sorry" feels like being physically exposed and defeated.The "Winning" Mindset: Why relationships feel like a zero-sum game where an apology equals a "loss."Decoding the Fake Apology: How to recognize blame-shifting, justifications, and "regret" vs. "remorse."Closure Without Them: How to give yourself the apology they never will, so you can finally break the trauma bond.Stop waiting for them to take accountability. Take your power back by understanding their limitations.Connect with Lee:My Courses: https://courses.mentalhealness.net Healing Support Group: https://mentalhealness.thinkific.com/products/communities/thementalhealers1-on-1 Coaching Calls: https://mentalhealness1on1perspective.as.me/schedule/ec588030Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @mentalhealnesss
10 Jan 13min
No One Seems To Care! The Empathy Deficit In America and Society
The lack of empathy in today's society, especially in America, is out of control. NO one seems to care when Harm comes to other people. People Literally don't care and I'm fed up with it. It's traumatizing to wake up everyday with something else going on. Connect with Lee:My Courses: https://courses.mentalhealness.net Healing Support Group: https://mentalhealness.thinkific.com/products/communities/thementalhealers1-on-1 Coaching Calls: https://mentalhealness1on1perspective.as.me/schedule/ec588030Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @mentalhealnesss
9 Jan 13min
The Real Reason I Reached Out: A Narcissist’s Confession
Have you ever received a text from an ex-partner saying they "miss you" or "saw something that reminded them of you" just when you were finally moving on? In this episode of the Mental Healness Podcast, Lee Hammock—a self-aware, diagnosed narcissist—takes the mask off to explain the cold reality behind the "Hoover."Most survivors believe these messages are a sign of reflection or regret. But in this raw confessional, Lee explains why he used to reach out, and it wasn’t because of love. It was a calculated move to check "if the door was still unlocked."In this episode, we break down:The "Nostalgia Trap": How narcissists use your shared memories as a weapon to bypass your boundaries.Supply vs. Connection: Why a reach-out usually means the narcissist’s current "supply" is low, not that they’ve changed.The Boredom Factor: The truth about why "boredom" is a primary motivator for a narcissist to contact an ex.Protecting Your Peace: Why replying to a hoover—even with anger—gives the narcissist exactly what they want.If you are struggling to maintain "No Contact" or wondering if your ex has finally changed, this episode is the reality check you need to stay strong.Connect with Lee:My Courses: https://courses.mentalhealness.net Healing Support Group: https://mentalhealness.thinkific.com/products/communities/thementalhealers1-on-1 Coaching Calls: https://mentalhealness1on1perspective.as.me/schedule/ec588030Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @mentalhealnesss
8 Jan 14min
Why the Narcissist Stalks Your Social Media After the Breakup (The Truth)
Why is your ex still watching your stories from a fake account? In this final episode of "The Narcissist’s Confessionals," we are stripping away the mask to explain the psychological reality behind narcissistic stalking and post-breakup monitoring.Many survivors of narcissistic abuse believe that if an ex-partner is still checking their Instagram or Facebook, it must mean they still have feelings. The truth is much colder: it’s about power, information gathering, and "checking the lock" on the door to see if you are still susceptible to being hoovered.In this episode, we discuss:The Information Gap: Why narcissists need to know if you are happy or hurting after the split.Power & Control: How monitoring your social media allows them to feel like they still own a piece of your life.The "Grenade" Strategy: Why they reach out the moment they see you finally moving on.Protecting Your Peace: Why "Going Dark" is the only way to truly take your power back.If you’ve ever felt like you’re being watched or wondered why they won't just let you go, this episode is the closure you’ve been waiting for.Connect with Lee:My Courses: https://courses.mentalhealness.net Healing Support Group: https://mentalhealness.thinkific.com/products/communities/thementalhealers1-on-1 Coaching Calls: https://mentalhealness1on1perspective.as.me/schedule/ec588030Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @mentalhealnesss
7 Jan 13min
Why Your Tears Feel Like a Weapon to Me and Other Narcissists
Why does your crying make a narcissist so angry? In this video, Lee Hammock (Self-Aware Narcissist) breaks down the cold and often cruel reactions narcissists have to your tears. While you are looking for comfort, they are looking for control.As a narcissist in therapy, Lee explains the 'Internal Software Crash' that happens when they see you cry. From viewing your tears as a manipulative tactic to feeling a sense of 'victory' over your emotions, this video uncovers the truth behind the lack of empathy. If you’ve ever been told to 'stop crying' or been ignored while in pain, this perspective will help you understand that it’s not your fault—it’s their limitation.What we cover today:The Manipulation Mirror: Why they think you’re 'faking it' (because they often do).The Power Trip: Why some narcissists actually feel a 'high' or arousal when they see you broken.Emotional Cruelty: The reason they go 'ice cold' or even fall asleep when you are sobbing.The Shame Trigger: How your pain reminds them of their own hidden shame, causing them to lash out.Connect with Lee:My Courses: https://courses.mentalhealness.net Healing Support Group: https://mentalhealness.thinkific.com/products/communities/thementalhealers1-on-1 Coaching Calls: https://mentalhealness1on1perspective.as.me/schedule/ec588030Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @mentalhealnesss
5 Jan 14min
