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Artwork for Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D.
Narcissistic Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Narcissism
Toxic Relationships
Mental Health
Toxic Family Dynamics
Self-Care
Setting Boundaries
Bullying
Trauma Bond
Holiday Stress
Family Gatherings
Emotional Intelligence
Expectations
Community Support
Cultural Dynamics
Resilience
Trauma Processing
Emotional Manipulation
Financial Abuse

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 tac... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes252Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Health & FitnessMental HealthSociety & CultureRelationships

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Artwork for Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Latest Episodes

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 him, then ignoring him, then reaching out again. She says she wants to ... more

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 vampires: the 12 types of energy-draining people we all have in our liv... more

Take the Toxic or Troubled? Quiz and get specialized help for your specific situation. kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/toxic-troubled-survey

My 62-year-old narcissistic brother moved in with my 86-year-old mother "temporarily" after his divorce s... more

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 — reveals how the words men use in dating profiles and early messages... more

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Recent Guests

Jennie Young
Author of Burn the Haystack, expert on linguistic patterns in dating profiles
Burn the Haystack Dating Method (author)
Episode: Want to Spot Red Flags the First Time You Meet? How Abusers Reveal Themselves Through Their Words, Featuring Dr. Jennie Young
Ellen Tift
Author of There's a Word for That and expert guest discussing trauma terminology and healing
Author, Thererom There There's a Word for That
Episode: Why Am I Not Getting Better? The Hidden CPTSD Symptoms That Can Stall Your Healing
Dr. Favaro
Author of Bad People Bible; psychologist
Author and psychologist
Episode: Why Did They Pick You? The Trait in ‘Good’ People Narcissists Love to Exploit
Anne Wintemute
Co-founder of AimeeSays, an AI-powered coach for abuse survivors
AimeeSays
Episode: Struggling with Post-Separation Abuse? Get Real Help from a Surprising Direction
Ali Schmahl
Producer and Director of the film 'I Love You My Narcissist'
Independent Film Producer
Episode: How Narcissists Trap You: A New Movie Shows Gaslighting & Coercive Control
Stefanie Schmahl
Actress in the film 'I Love You My Narcissist'
Independent Film Actress
Episode: How Narcissists Trap You: A New Movie Shows Gaslighting & Coercive Control
Tammy Triolo
Author of The Empathy Gap, discusses empathy in personal and systemic contexts.
Episode: Why You’re Struggling to Feel Empathy for Yourself — Tammy Triolo
Don Hennessy
Author and relationship counselor specializing in domestic abuse.
Episode: You’ve Been Made to Think It’s Your Fault: The Truth About Predatory Behavior
Dr. Christine Cocchiola
Expert on Coercive Control and its effects on relationships
Episode: Coercive Control: How It Steals Your Freedom (Before You Even Realize It) — Dr. Christine Cocchiola

Host

Dr. Kerry McAvoy
Host and clinical psychologist guiding discussions on narcissistic abuse and related topics.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 447 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 States2 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 States3 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 States3 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 States6 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 States6 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some episodes attract critical feedback about guest balance or controversial viewpoints.
Praises the interview quality and survivor-centered storytelling.
Listeners appreciate the healing-focused approach and practical guidance for escaping abuse.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why Am I Not Getting Better? The Hidden CPTSD Symptoms That Can Stall Your Healing
Q: But tell me about the journey of this book. How did you decide to write it?
The author describes a shift from writing a glossary for a novel about narcissistic abuse into compiling a practical, navigable handbook. She expanded to include narrative vignettes, scripts, and accessible language so readers could learn to name and manage trauma components, draw on incremental steps, and apply strategies in real life.
My Brother Is Stealing My Mother's Final Years & She Refuses to Stop Him
Q: How can we support her, protect our own sanity, and restore peace without destroying our relationship with her?
The host emphasizes identifying the pattern, validating the client's feelings, shifting visits to safer environments, avoiding rescuing or pressuring, and encouraging practical planning only when the mother expresses readiness. She also urges maintaining personal boundaries, limiting exposure to the toxic dynamic, and seeking professional help for safety concerns, including considering elder law options if appropriate.
Why Did They Pick You? The Trait in ‘Good’ People Narcissists Love to Exploit
Q: What do you think happens in that phase that makes it riskier?
She explains that the relationship often exhausts all sustainable dynamics; if the perpetrator is narcissistic and male, the safe course is to get away and plan an escape with support.
Why Did They Pick You? The Trait in ‘Good’ People Narcissists Love to Exploit
Q: So why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you decide to write that book?
Dr. Favaro describes her background as a psychologist who works in legal contexts, including custody and international protection for children, and explains that Bad People Bible focuses on toxic relationships and personal empowerment.
Struggling with Post-Separation Abuse? Get Real Help from a Surprising Direction
Q: How does AimeeSays help?
AimeeSays assists users in understanding and documenting their abuse, providing clarity and support during recovery.

Audience Metrics

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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 show that centers on recognizing and escaping toxic, narcissistic dynamics in intimate relationships. Conversations frequently cover manipulation tactics (gaslighting, coercive control, trauma bonding), safe separation and boundary-setting, and healing paths—with practical tools, safety planning, and resource recommendations for survivors. A standout trait is the frequent pairing of clinical expertise with survivor-focused storytelling, often featuring experts, authors, and creators who offer actionable guidance, therapy-oriented insights, and collaborative resources like recovery apps or foundations. The format tends to blend education, real-world questions from listeners, and demonstrations of how to reclaim self-wor... more

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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. The Mental Healness Podcast
5. Love and Abuse

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

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse launched 4 years ago and published 252 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. Jennie Young
2. Ellen Tift
3. Dr. Favaro
4. Anne Wintemute
5. Ali Schmahl
6. Stefanie Schmahl
7. Tammy Triolo
8. Don Hennessy

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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