Listener Letter: Meet Mo

In this bonus episode, we hear from Mo, a husband whose life and marriage were shaken by his wife’s narcissistic boss.

From emotional manipulation, faux-therapeutic language to reframe abuse as care, to cult-like loyalty and isolation, Mo recounts the mental toll of watching his partner be drained of confidence and convinced that she was the problem. This letter reveals how narcissistic abuse at work doesn’t just affect employees; it can tear through homes, relationships, and mental health.

Psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani offers compassionate insight into why narcissistic leaders target high-performing individuals, how they isolate them from their support systems, and what recovery can look like for both the direct victim and their loved ones.

Why this episode matters:

Mo’s story highlights that narcissistic abuse at work is rarely contained to the office. The manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional harm ripple outward, sometimes even threatening the bonds we hold most dear.

If you’ve ever questioned yourself while watching someone you love unravel under toxic leadership, this story may offer insight, solidarity, and hope.

Listener Letters are real stories submitted by the Other Box community, sharing lived experiences of navigating toxic workplaces and narcissistic dynamics. Each letter is anonymised, read aloud, and followed by expert insight from clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani. Together, we unpack the behavioural patterns at play and share tools for clarity, support and recovery.

We hope these real-life accounts allow you to recognise the signs sooner and start focusing on how to reclaim your life.

Connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources | @otherbox

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Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms.

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