Confused by your relationship? Do you catch yourself second-guessing, walking on eggshells, or feeling emotionally drained? Whether you’re still in the chaos or trying to rebuild after leaving, this podcast is your lifeline.Join Dr. Kerry McAvoy as she exposes the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships. You’ll learn how destructive personalities operate, the manipulative tactics they use, and the stages of abuse—plus the practical steps to heal and reclaim your life.If you’re ready to break free, rebuild your self-worth, and find lasting emotional freedom, hit play and start your recovery journey today.
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Sep 28, 2026 · 29:30
What if naming the disorder never actually got you out? And what if the thing you've been calling proof was really just a way to feel in control? In this episode, Kerry and…
Sep 24, 2026 · 19:18
Gray divorce isn't a midlife crisis. For a lot of people, it's the end of a con that ran for decades. When researchers ask why people divorce after 50, the top answer from women…
Sep 21, 2026 · 43:16
Why did you do things you swore you'd never do, just to get their love back? In this episode, Kerry and researcher Dr. Karen Mitchell unpack why affection from a narcissistic or…
Sep 17, 2026 · 17:30
Why did the narcissist’s collapse look so real — curled on the floor, shaking, sweating, begging you not to leave — yet nothing changed after? What looks like a breakdown is…
Sep 14, 2026 · 27:21
What if the reason you feel like you're always “nagging” has nothing to do with you being difficult — and everything to do with deliberate provocation? In this episode, Dr. Kerry…
Sep 10, 2026 · 27:01
Why did the narcissist’s collapse look so real — curled on the floor, shaking, sweating, begging you not to leave — yet nothing changed after? What looks like a breakdown is…
Sep 7, 2026 · 32:58
What if the trait everyone praises you for is the exact one the narcissist is scanning for? That isn’t naivety. That isn’t missing the red flags. Agreeableness — assuming people…
Sep 3, 2026 · 17:46
Why does one person in the family end up carrying everything — the blame, the mood, the thing nobody will say out loud? That wasn't a flaw in you. That was a role, and someone…
Aug 31, 2026 · 35:21
What if it only takes him an hour to know exactly how to control you? That wasn't chemistry. That wasn't "instant connection." A predator ran a background check on your character…
Aug 27, 2026 · 24:05
Why do you keep replaying a relationship that's already over — running the same five minutes on a loop, searching for the one detail that will finally make sense of it? That…
Aug 24, 2026 · 26:40
What if the reason they keep coming back to you has nothing to do with love — and everything to do with boredom? In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lynn Strathdee break down the…
Aug 20, 2026 · 12:48
They said they'd "never talk to you again" — like it was a boundary. Like it was healthy. But the silence never actually stayed silent. Behind your back, a different story was…
Aug 17, 2026 · 29:37
The divorce papers are signed. The marriage is over. But for survivors of narcissistic abuse, the legal system is often where the abuse escalates — not ends. In this…
Aug 14, 2026 · 31:16
Why does their apology leave you feeling like the one who did something wrong? \ Continuing this week's feed swap, I'm sharing a conversation from Renee Swanson's Covert…
Aug 13, 2026 · 15:24
They said they were managing the finances — because you weren't good with money. That every purchase had to go through them. But somehow, there was always money for what they…
Aug 10, 2026 · 28:16
He checked the grocery receipt. And the look on his face said everything: he expected to catch you at something. You weren't a partner. You were a suspected thief. But that…
Aug 6, 2026 · 13:33
They said they were managing the finances — because you weren't good with money. That every purchase had to go through them. But somehow, there was always money for what they…
Aug 3, 2026 · 33:30
Your child comes home from a visit with the other parent guarded. Repeating things they couldn't have come up with on their own. Now they’re looking at you differently. That's…
Jul 31, 2026 · 22:18
If you can name the patterns and see the behaviors, have you wondered why do you still feel so stuck? This week I'm sharing an episode from Renee Swanson of the Covert Narcissism…
Jul 30, 2026 · 17:43
Food shouldn't feel like a threat — but for narcissistic abuse survivors, it often does. In this viewer stories episode, survivors share exactly how the narcissist in their life…
Jul 27, 2026 · 30:17
Food is the most primal human need — and narcissists know it. The demands that ruin a vacation. The meal that is never made right. The praise given once, then withheld forever.…
Jul 23, 2026 · 18:13
That flash of something is wrong you couldn't quite explain? Your body caught it before your mind could argue you down. In this Viewers' Stories episode, Dr. Kerry McAvoy reacts…
Jul 20, 2026 · 29:57
The most dangerous narcissists don’t go ballistic: they peck you to death. After spending decades studying dangerous personalities, former FBI agent Joe Navarro has learned that…
Jul 16, 2026 · 10:39
It's your special day. Your birthday. Maybe the narcissist participated in the build-out or maybe they pretended not to notice. But you knew. And you got your hopes up. Perhaps…
Jul 13, 2026 · 28:49
The ruined birthday. The wrecked anniversary. The gift left in a drawer. It wasn't thoughtlessness. Dr. Kerry sits down with psychodynamic psychotherapist Lynn Strathdee to break…
Jul 9, 2026 · 12:12
In this Viewers' Stories episode, Dr. Kerry unpacks the psychological damage done by narcissistic abuse, especially when you’re living with a partner who’s keeping a secret life.…
Jul 6, 2026 · 28:52
Most people imagine they'd recognize a sex addict. But here’s the reality most survivors never realize: you were never meant to see it. Sexual addictive behavior doesn’t look…
Jul 2, 2026 · 10:46
Abuse is something we imagine happens behind closed doors. For a lot of survivors, some of the most frightening moments happened not just in the home but in the passenger seat of…
Jun 29, 2026 · 29:39
If you've ridden in a car with a narcissist, then you've likely experienced them using their driving to intimidate, threaten, or scare you. People with narcissistic traits often…
Jun 25, 2026 · 10:36
Narcissistic abuse doesn't just affect your mind — it gets stored in the mind-body connection. Do you have the kind of chronic pain no doctor can explain? Does it get worse the…
Jun 22, 2026 · 32:03
What if the chronic pain, the exhaustion, and the sleepless nights aren’t because of stress, or you’re getting older, but because your body keeping the score of narcissistic…
Jun 18, 2026 · 9:07
Why has the person who claimed to love you gone years without once saying your name — not even once? When a narcissist won't say your name, it isn't a quirk. It's name erasure: a…
Jun 15, 2026 · 25:41
What if the sweet pet name your partner calls you isn't affection at all — but rather designed to keep you off balance? In this episode, Dr. Kerry and co-host Lynn Strathdee…
Jun 11, 2026 · 9:10
Were you brainwashed to stay — and didn't even know it? A cult doesn't need a compound, robes, or a manifesto. All it needs is two people: one who sets the rules and one who…
Jun 8, 2026 · 28:49
Were you born into a cult — or did you unknowingly marry one? If you've ever felt trapped, controlled, and unable to trust your own reality — whether in a religion, a family…
Jun 4, 2026 · 8:26
Why can you spot every red flag, name every tactic, and still find yourself in another toxic relationship? A commenter recently wrote that she had been raised by three…
Jun 1, 2026 · 25:41
Nobody taught us what a healthy relationship should feel like. Not in school. Not in graduate training. Not in the culture we grew up in. And that missing lesson? It's costing…
May 28, 2026 · 12:20
Have you heard of an Alpine Divorce? During a listener’s two-year marriage to a psychopath, her husband took her hiking and then left her clinging to a rock in gale-force winds…
May 25, 2026 · 24:50
As we honor Memorial Day, there's another war, something that rages invisible, deliberate, and inside the most intimate relationships. This episode is dedicated to you. In this…
May 21, 2026 · 10:28
A listener from Texas writes in: after escaping a narcissistic marriage, her adult daughter is now demanding that she admit that she was an abuser too. How does she reach her…
May 18, 2026 · 27:52
Did you experience childhood neglect? If you keep repeating painful patterns in your relationships — choosing wrong partners, feeling invisible, never asking for what you need —…
May 14, 2026 · 15:00
A YouTube viewer asks: What about someone's makeup drives them to snoop instead of simply addressing the red flags? In this episode, Dr. Kerry digs deeper into a question raised…
May 11, 2026 · 27:36
Are you bracing for impact when your phone buzzes? Does every conversation turn into a nasty fight? This week, Sol Kennedy joins Dr. Kerry to reveal why co-parenting is never get…
May 7, 2026 · 12:17
What happens when a simple, healthy boundary triggers five years of stalking, dismantling your life? A viewer declined an odd social interaction with a neighbor that then sparked…
May 4, 2026 · 45:03
What happens when the man who spent years love bombing and manipulating women becomes the victim of the very same tactics? This week, Wade Belair joins Dr. Kerry for a raw,…
Apr 30, 2026 · 7:52
A listener from Australia writes in: "l have been jealous of women who are loved unconditionally because being raised by a mother who cannot or does not love you, fully and…
Apr 27, 2026 · 39:42
Why are we more afraid of a violent woman than a violent man, even though men commit the vast majority of violent crimes? This week, forensic and clinical psychologist Anna Motz…
Apr 23, 2026 · 10:11
If you're experiencing betrayal trauma after discovering your spouse's secret life, how do you finally leave a long-term narcissistic partner without triggering their rage? A…
Apr 20, 2026 · 32:59
Have you ever looked back at your relationships and realized they all feel disturbingly familiar? That's not a coincidence — it's your relationship blueprint at work. This week,…
Apr 16, 2026 · 8:20
Why does a partner hide money, and is it always a sign of financial abuse? A viewer from the US writes in, "He is very good at hiding money using apps and credit cards. How do I…
Apr 13, 2026 · 35:01
Covert narcissism (NPD) is the hardest form of narcissistic abuse to identify — and the most damaging. Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling like you did…
Apr 9, 2026 · 10:25
Why does the person who calls out a narcissist end up looking like the unhinged one? A Facebook follower writes in, "Why does the person recognizing and confronting the…
Apr 6, 2026 · 38:42
Are you walking into your divorce expecting the court to finally see the truth about your narcissistic ex? This week, divorce attorney Hannah Bell Hembree joins Dr. Kerry to pull…
Apr 2, 2026 · 10:35
My best friend divorced her narcissistic ex two months ago — but she keeps talking to him, then ignoring him, then reaching out again. She says she wants to move on, but she…
Mar 30, 2026 · 23:12
Have you ever tried to walk away from a toxic person, only to find yourself right back in the middle of their reality? This week, Dr. Robin Stern (author of The Gaslight Effect)…
Mar 26, 2026 · 7:19
Why does someone who divorces a narcissist keep going back to them? A listener writes in, “My best friend divorced her narcissistic ex two months ago — but she keeps talking to…
Mar 23, 2026 · 32:29
Have you ever felt completely drained after spending time with certain people in your life? This week, Coach Dan Ratner joins Dr. Kerry to explore the hidden world of emotional…
Mar 19, 2026 · 11:19
Take the Toxic or Troubled? Quiz and get specialized help for your specific situation. https://kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/toxic-troubled-survey My 62-year-old narcissistic…
Mar 16, 2026 · 32:23
Ever ignored a gut feeling on a date because you wanted to "give him a chance"? This week, Dr. Jennie Young — PhD linguist and creator of the viral Burned Haystack Dating Method…
Mar 12, 2026 · 16:35
My husband forces sex on me, erupts in rage, and his wealthy family would never believe me — and I don't think I can leave. In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why you can't make…
Mar 9, 2026 · 30:07
You've done the work. Read the books. Tried the strategies. So why aren't you healing? This week, survivor and educator Ellen Tift reveals the hidden CPTSD symptoms quietly…
Mar 5, 2026 · 11:02
Have you heard, ‘If you truly understood me, you'd give me what I want?” This week's Fan Mail comes from a listener in Sweden who asks Dr. Kerry to explain how empathy gets…
Mar 2, 2026 · 30:06
Why do narcissists target good, empathetic people in relationships? This week, forensic psychologist Dr. Peter Favaro reveals why being a good person might actually make you MORE…
Feb 26, 2026 · 7:39
My narcissistic brother is relocating to town after I moved away to escape him—why is he doing this? In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why narcissists will often close the gap…
Feb 23, 2026 · 35:05
Are you struggling with post-separation abuse and drowning in documentation? This week, Anne Wintemute introduces AimeeSays—an AI tool that helps abuse survivors make sense of…
Feb 19, 2026 · 7:27
"I found proof he was cheating—but was snooping really what I needed to finally leave?” This week's Fan Mail comes from a listener in Dublin, CA, who, after reading Dr. Kerry's…
Feb 16, 2026 · 31:52
Ever wonder why narcissists feel impossible to leave—even when you know something's wrong? This week, filmmakers Ali & Stefanie Schmahl reveal how their docu-fiction hybrid "I…
Feb 12, 2026 · 9:04
"My abusive partner refuses to leave or get help—and I'm trapped in a 'silent divorce.' What are my actual options?" This week's Fan Mail question comes from a YouTube listener…
Feb 9, 2026 · 35:46
Lost empathy for yourself? You've already lost the fight. This week, Tammy Triolo reveals the shocking connection between self-empathy loss and narcissistic abuse. PODCAST EXTRA…
Feb 5, 2026 · 10:04
“My doctor keeps telling me it's all in my head—but I know something's wrong. Why won't they listen?" This week's Fan Mail question comes from a podcast listener who writes:…
Feb 2, 2026 · 34:00
Ever wonder why you didn't see it coming? This week, Don Hennessy joins Dr. Kerry to expose the hidden playbook male predators use to infiltrate your mind—without you knowing it…
Jan 29, 2026 · 8:38
Does Narcissism Come and Go? What "Good Periods" With a Narcissist Really Mean This week's Fan Mail question comes from a listener in Dubai who writes: "Can narcissism in a…
Jan 26, 2026 · 35:55
Slowly losing control in your relationship—but can't quite put your finger on what's happening? This week, Dr. Christine Cocchiola breaks down coercive control as the invisible…
Jan 22, 2026 · 9:46
"My coworker is a narcissist—and so is our boss. What happens when two narcissists have to work together?" This week's Fan Mail question comes from a YouTube listener who writes:…
Jan 19, 2026 · 31:15
Why do loving parents sometimes push away the very children they'd do anything for? This week, Catherine Hickem joins Dr. Kerry to unpack one of the most painful dynamics in…
Jan 15, 2026 · 10:55
A listener pushes back and asks, "How do we know the parent claiming alienation isn't actually the abuser manipulating the narrative?" When a child rejects contact with a parent…
Jan 12, 2026 · 32:31
Ever wonder why betrayal feels so devastating—like more than just cheating? This week, Hope Ray joins Dr. Kerry to introduce the concept of betrayal violence: the intersection of…
Jan 8, 2026 · 9:28
"My partner has traits of both covert and overt narcissism—is that possible?" This week's Fan Mail question comes from a podcast listener who writes: "Can a person be both a…
Jan 5, 2026 · 30:28
Ever wondered how someone can exploit you sexually while you still love them? This week, Pamela Takefman joins Dr. Kerry to explain how sexual coercion works—and why it doesn’t…
Dec 29, 2025 · 28:17
Ever wonder why your in-laws rallied around your abusive partner instead of protecting you? This episode explores one of the most painful dynamics in narcissistic abuse: when…
Dec 22, 2025 · 27:43
Can a psychopath be a good person? And how do we spot dangerous people when they seem so charming? This holiday special brings you an in-depth answer to one of your most-asked…
Dec 18, 2025 · 10:08
"How do I know if I'm in an emotionally abusive relationship?" asks a YouTube listener. In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why even asking this question is an important sign of…
Dec 15, 2025 · 28:35
Ever felt like you're the problem in your family—even when you're the one being hurt? This week, Ágatha Peters joins Dr. Kerry to explore how cultural expectations and family…
Dec 11, 2025 · 10:00
You dodged a bullet!" No—the bullet hit me. I just survived. This week's Fan Mail question comes from a YouTube listener who writes: "People tell me I dodged a bullet. But the…
Dec 8, 2025 · 47:35
Is narcissism caused by genetics or trauma? Ever heard “narcissists act that way because of bad parenting" or “because they’ve experienced trauma?” This week, Dr. Peter Salerno…
Dec 4, 2025 · 8:59
This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a Spotify listener: “Can you please do an episode on scapegoat children?” Why do some people get scapegoated, especially in families? Dr.…
Dec 1, 2025 · 30:51
Ever wonder why you didn't see the danger coming? This week, Dr. Leslie Dobson joins Dr. Kerry to unpack the psychological mechanisms that drive narcissistic and antisocial…
Nov 24, 2025 · 22:09
Dr. Les Carter has spent decades studying narcissists, and in this retrospective, he reveals what most people miss until it's too late. We revisit five groundbreaking…
Nov 20, 2025 · 7:59
“Is the Dark Triad a real disorder—or just a dangerous type?” This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener in Germany who writes after a recent video: “You called ‘dark…
Nov 17, 2025 · 31:26
Ever feel like you’re slowly running out of air in a “nice” relationship? This week, Eleni Sagredos joins Dr. Kerry to unpack how coercive control hides behind charm and…
Nov 13, 2025 · 8:41
“My son’s in a toxic marriage—how do we help without making it worse?” This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener in Raleigh, North Carolina: “My adult son is in a toxic…
Nov 10, 2025 · 31:27
Ever feel like you can’t find “you” anymore? That you’re second-guessing everything, going numb, or swallowing your words just to keep the peace? This week, psychologist Dr.…
Nov 6, 2025 · 6:42
“My abuser claims he’s ‘trauma bonded’ to me…Can that be true? This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener on YouTube who wants to know how common it is for an abusive…
Nov 3, 2025 · 28:23
Has your adult child gone no contact? Cut off all communication with you? Are you struggling to figure out how to repair things with them? This week, psychologist and author Dr.…
Oct 30, 2025 · 7:11
“Can narcissists or psychopaths ever live moral lives?” This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener who asks: “Do you think there are some narcissists or psychopaths who…
Oct 27, 2025 · 34:25
Ever wonder why you keep attracting the same kind of person—the ones who feel magnetic at first but end up draining you emotionally? This week, therapist and author Jessica Baum,…
Oct 23, 2025 · 10:50
“How can someone seem loving for years—then suddenly turn cruel?” This week’s Fan Mail revisits a letter that struck a nerve with listeners. A woman wrote about her…
Oct 20, 2025 · 34:04
Ever feel blindsided by someone who seemed charming, helpful, or even caring—only to realize later they were quietly dismantling your peace? This week, conflict expert Bill Eddy,…
Oct 16, 2025 · 7:42
“Why does my ex always blame me when the kids want nothing to do with him?” This week’s Fan Mail comes from a listener in Rochester, New York, who writes about the heartbreak of…
Oct 13, 2025 · 41:16
Ever feel like your relationship was the most intoxicating connection of your life—only to discover shocking lies and betrayal later? This week, intimacy expert Gary Katz reveals…
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