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Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

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

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... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes318Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Mental HealthHealth & FitnessRelationshipsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Latest Episodes

Walked away feeling like you were the problem? Take the free reflection quiz, Am I Really the Villain? → kerrymcavoyphd.com/villain

Have you ever walked away from a fight feeling like the villain in a story you didn't write? Apologizing for ... more

You’ve tried explaining yourself. You’ve tried having the conversation. But what happens when nothing changes, no matter how carefully you say it?

When you’ve spent so long questioning yourself, it can be difficult to trust your own judgment about w... more

You’ve tried explaining yourself. You’ve tried having the conversation. But what happens when nothing changes, no matter how carefully you say it?

When you’ve spent so long questioning yourself, it can be difficult to trust your own judgment about w... more

You’ve tried explaining yourself. You’ve tried having the conversation. But what happens when nothing changes, no matter how carefully you say it?

When you’ve spent so long questioning yourself, it can be difficult to trust your own judgment about w... more

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Recent Guests

Melanie Hamlett
Comedian, journalist, storyteller, and former whitewater raft guide and wilderness instructor.
Episode: The Psychology of Men & Why They Knowingly Put Your Life in Danger and Call It Fun
Lynn Strathdee
UK-based psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in echoism and narcissistic abuse recovery.
Episode: What Happens Inside a Narcissist the Moment You Confront Them & Why It Will Never Lead to Change
Dr. Les Carter
Psychologist and author
Episode: Dr. Les Carter: Stop Trying to Make a Narcissist Understand You — Do This Instead
Karen Mitchell
Psychologist and author discussing narcissistic abuse and predator dynamics
Episode: Narcissistic Love Withdrawal: Why You Chase Their Affection and Lose Yourself
Dr. Anthony Mazella
Psychodynamic therapist
The Narcissism Decoder Podcast
Episode: Feed Swap: Beneath the Apology — Shame, Image & the Illusion of Empathy with Renee Swanson & Dr. Mazella
Josh Davis
Author of The Difference That Makes a Difference
Science-Based Leadership Institute
Episode: When Your Narcissistic Ex Weaponizes Your Children in Their Smear Campaign
Renee Swanson
Host of Covert Narcissism Podcast, guest on the swap episode
Covertnarcissism.com
Episode: Feed Swap: Covert Narcissist Relationships — When You Can't Live the Lie Anymore with Renee Swanson
Joe Navarro
Former FBI agent and author
Navarro Consulting / former FBI
Episode: How Dangerous Predators Hide Sadism in Plain Sight - Joe Navarro, Former FBI Agent
Cheryl Camarillo
Therapist and sex addiction specialist
Independent therapist
Episode: Sexual Addiction Looks Nothing Like What You Think

Host

Kerry McAvoy
Host of the show; clinician specializing in narcissistic abuse dynamics

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 482 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 States9 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 States10 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Some episodes stir strong opinions and critiques about guests or viewpoints, indicating a highly engaged audience.
Episodes are praised for practical healing guidance and actionable steps.
Listeners appreciate the combination of expert insight and survivor stories.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why Narcissists Need Ongoing Drama: It's All About Keeping You Exhausted & Under Control
Q: Do you feel it when someone's projecting onto you? Can you sense there's being a role or a story or a narrative being assigned to you?
Strathdee says she usually notices over time, when she feels unlike herself or finds herself behaving in ways that fit the assigned role; she emphasizes knowing oneself and having safe people who can reflect one's identity.
Why Narcissists Need Ongoing Drama: It's All About Keeping You Exhausted & Under Control
Q: What was your experience of people thriving on the cycle of conflict and reconciliation?
Strathdee describes how repeated confrontation, emotional effort, distance, and reunion can draw someone into investing heavily in the relationship and reinforce a trauma bond.
The Ugly Truth About Narcissistic Abuse Recovery: Why Your Kids and Friends Don't Know How to Help You.
Q: How do we apologize to people for our past behaviors due to our trauma without them thinking we're being disrespectful and or even opening up maybe for them to criticize us?
McAvoy recommends acknowledging specific harm and apologizing without expecting a particular response. She says the apology can validate the other person's experience and create a possibility for repair, even if they respond with anger or cannot forgive.
The Ugly Truth About Narcissistic Abuse Recovery: Why Your Kids and Friends Don't Know How to Help You.
Q: Can you advise on relating to adult children now that they've grown up with an emotionally covert abusive dad?
McAvoy says past abuse can make a parent misread adult children's behavior or stay quiet out of fear. She recommends checking in privately, asking what they would like more or less of, taking small steps toward being more present, and not automatically trying to fix awkward silences.
The Psychology of Men & Why They Knowingly Put Your Life in Danger and Call It Fun
Q: Why do you think men do this? I mean, I think there's lots of reasons, but I would love what you think some of the top ones are. And then why do you think women really struggle to say no?
Hamlett points to individual factors such as unresolved trauma, addiction, and adrenaline-seeking, as well as social conditioning that encourages male ego, recklessness, and disregard for emotional and group safety. Women, she says, are taught to defer to men and prioritize their comfort, making it harder to trust their own judgment and refuse risky situations.

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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 clinically grounded, survivor-focused show explores narcissistic abuse, manipulation tactics, and the psychology of toxic relationships. Episodes mix expert analysis from clinicians and researchers with survivor perspectives to illuminate warning signs, safety planning, and pathways to healing. Listeners can expect practical guidance, somatic and mind–body approaches, and real-world stories that translate complex dynamics into actionable steps for rebuilding self-worth and safety. A notable strength is the recurring collaboration between a licensed psychologist host and a supportive co-host, often featuring professionals, therapists, and authors who offer both diagnostic insight and lived experience.

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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. The Covert Narcissism Podcast
2. You Are Not Crazy
3. The Game EXPOSED | Narcissism & Covert Narcissist
4. Narcissist Apocalypse: Patterns of Abuse
5. Waking Up to Narcissism

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

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse launched 5 years ago and published 318 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. Melanie Hamlett
2. Lynn Strathdee
3. Dr. Les Carter
4. Karen Mitchell
5. Dr. Anthony Mazella
6. Josh Davis
7. Renee Swanson
8. Joe Navarro

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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