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Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D.
Narcissistic Abuse
Toxic Relationships
Narcissism
Mental Health
Emotional Abuse
Relationships
Coercive Control
Emotional Manipulation
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Cognitive Dissonance
Trauma Bond
Gaslighting
Family Dynamics
Boundaries
Trauma
Narcissistic Relationships
Healing
Childhood Trauma
Trauma Bonding
Psychology

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 retired psychologist Dr. Kerry McAvoy as she exposes the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships. You’ll learn how destructive personalities operate, the manipulative tacti... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes276Founded4 years ago
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Health & FitnessMental HealthSociety & CultureRelationships

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Artwork for Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Latest Episodes

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 slow, deliberate way of treating you as less than a full person.

In t... more

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 unpack one of the strangest and most overlooked patterns in narcissistic re... more

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 lives by them.

Dr. Kerry reads your most powerful wake-up moments — from t... more

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 system, or a relationship — you may have been living inside a cult of two. more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Brooke Deanne
Author of Shattered, Broken, & Beautiful, survivor of a religious cult and narcissistic relationship
Author
Episode: Born into a Cult. Then Married a Narcissist. Is Coercive Control Stealing Your Life?
Leslie Dobson
Professional with experience in maximum security prison settings
Episode: Narcissists Are Waging a Secret War Against You: 5 Dark Psychology Experts Expose Their Tactics
Rachna Buxani
Author of UNSEEN exploring invisible children in narcissistic families
Author, UNSEEN
Episode: Childhood Neglect: The Hidden Damage From Narcissistic Families That Follows You Into Every Relationship
Wade Belair
Guest discussing his experiences on both sides of narcissistic abuse
Individual with lived experience of narcissistic abuse and recovery
Episode: Confessions of a Womanizer: "How I Became a Narcissist's Perfect Victim"
Anna Motz
Clinical psychologist and author of If Love Could Kill
Author, If Love Could Kill
Episode: Why We Fail to See the Warning Signs When Women Become Dangerous (feat. Anna Motz)
Kati Morton
YouTuber, podcaster, and author of Why Do I Keep Doing This
Author, YouTuber, Podcaster
Episode: Keep Finding Yourself in the Same Toxic Relationships? How to Break the Pattern
Anthony Mazzella
Psychologist, author, and expert on personality disorders
drmazzella.com
Episode: Why Covert Narcissists Always Make You Feel Guilty (Even When You've Done Nothing Wrong)
Hannah Hembree Bell
Family law attorney and host of Not Saving It for Later
Not Saving It for Later (podcast)
Episode: The #1 Mistake People Make When Divorcing a Narcissist
Robin Stern
Author and psychologist, co-author of The Gaslight Effect
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
Episode: The Scary Reason Why Gaslighting Actually Works (And You’re a Part of the Problem)

Host

Kerry McAvoy
Host and retired psychologist guiding discussions on narcissistic abuse; frequently collaborates on clinical topics and recovery strategies.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 460 ratings
  • Shocking episode

    Typically, I like this podcast. However, the Tammy Triolo episode was shockingly racist, I’m surprised it was aired. Clearly, she’s ignorant about global abuse and how it occurs in absolutely every race and culture and she fails to think comprehensively about power which leaves her sounding uninformed and actually abusive, herself. To see her perspective go unchallenged on this podcast is concerning. There are huge gaps in her logic and it’s landed her in a toxic place.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    12DP121
    United States4 months ago
  • A New Level of Healing and Understanding.

    Thank you for sharing your story and for welcoming guests who speak to every aspect of this journey. After 24 years with a covert narcissist, your work has helped take me to a deeper level of healing and understanding. I’m truly grateful 🌺❤️🌺

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Smile4uNu
    United States6 months ago
  • Dark Triad

    Well, your show is definitely a mixed bag. I think your discernment is a bit off and that worries me about the advice you give. You citing JFK as the anti dark triad personality was jarring to hear as a historian who knows he had multiple affairs and caused so much hurt for Jackie. Greta Thunberg as another example? Yikes. This episode was disturbing for so many reasons, including the final take which was don’t trust anyone. Goodness. Unsubscribed.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Single-not a cat lady
    United States6 months ago
  • Josh

    I agree about not bringing this guest back as he’s a classic word game manipulator. I don’t believe he’s been abused. If I have had to tell you something 50 x you have an issue. The name of his podcast says it all.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Piper2427
    United States8 months ago
  • Good podcast

    Overall very good podcast. The Derelict Podcast interview was off. Josh mind-gamed the host a bit. Wouldn’t recommend bringing him back. Otherwise, very good.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    12DP121
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, the show is seen as a valuable resource for empowerment and self-understanding in abusive relationship contexts.
Some episodes prompt critique about discernment or specific examples, suggesting room for sharper critical analysis.
Many praise the guest expertise and the combination of clinical and personal perspectives.
Listeners appreciate the healing focus and practical guidance for leaving abusive dynamics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Born into a Cult. Then Married a Narcissist. Is Coercive Control Stealing Your Life?
Q: How did the awakening begin?
The awakening started when a trusted friend inside the religion appeared controlling and manipulative, prompting the guest to see patterns of abuse in both the religion and her marriage, which led to deeper self-inquiry and the decision to leave.
Alpine Divorce: When Narcissistic Abuse Turns Physically Dangerous
Q: What should someone do if they're currently in a dangerous alpine situation with an abusive partner?
Prioritize safety, document any evidence if possible, seek specialized trauma therapy rather than couples counseling, and consider exiting the relationship with support from trusted individuals or legal resources.
Why Your Kids May Have Blamed You for the Narcissist's Abuse — and What to Do Now
Q: What do you do when you get out of an abusive relationship and you think you've made the right decision and you know that your partner was the abusive one only to have your child tell you that you abused them as well?
Acknowledge the child's experience and hurt, avoid defending yourself or using 'yes, but' explanations, own your part of being inactive during the abuse, hold two truths simultaneously (that you were a victim and you also failed to provide emotional stability), and model accountability by listening to your child's pain and showing up differently going forward.
Confessions of a Womanizer: "How I Became a Narcissist's Perfect Victim"
Q: What were the key turning points that led you to seek help and change?
Recognizing the harm caused in relationships, the feedback from close friends and a trusted therapist, and a bottom moment where personal health, dignity, and self-respect were severely affected.
Keep Finding Yourself in the Same Toxic Relationships? How to Break the Pattern
Q: What is the core idea behind why people end up in the same types of relationships?
The core idea is that our early family environment creates a blueprint for how we think love should look, feel, and be handled, which leads us to seek or replicate similar dynamics even when they're unhealthy.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

What is Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A show focused on understanding narcissistic abuse, healing from toxic relationships, and reclaiming personal power. Across episodes, the host dissects manipulation tactics, stages of abuse, and practical steps for recovery, often featuring expert guests and real-life coaching resources. Listeners can expect candid discussions on family dynamics, gaslighting, financial control, and legal considerations, with a strong emphasis on actionable guidance and personal empowerment. A notable strength is the blend of clinical insight from a retired psychologist and lived-experience perspectives, plus the integration of coaching tools to support steady progress toward independence and healthier relationships.

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Which podcasts are similar to Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse:

1. You Are Not Crazy
2. The Covert Narcissism Podcast
3. Waking Up to Narcissism
4. Love and Abuse
5. Narcissist Apocalypse: Patterns of Abuse

How many episodes of Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse are there?

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse launched 4 years ago and published 276 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse?

Recent guests on Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse include:

1. Brooke Deanne
2. Leslie Dobson
3. Rachna Buxani
4. Wade Belair
5. Anna Motz
6. Kati Morton
7. Anthony Mazzella
8. Hannah Hembree Bell

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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