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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
Narcissistic Relationships
Trauma
Gaslighting
Family Dynamics
Boundaries
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 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 th... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes302Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Mental HealthHealth & FitnessRelationshipsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Latest Episodes

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 often a temporary loss of status, not a loss of identity — the defensive st... more

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 are honest, wanting harmony, believing no one would be cruel on purpose... more

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 cast you in it. 

Scapegoating is bullying that a family agrees not to sto... more

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 to know if you had the exact traits he needs to exploit.

In this epis... more

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The Covert Narcissism Podcast
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You Are Not Crazy
You Are Not CrazyJessica Knight
Waking Up to Narcissism
Waking Up to NarcissismTony Overbay LMFT
Love and Abuse
Love and AbusePaul Colaianni: Relationship and Emotional Abuse Expert

Recent Guests

Cheryl Camarillo
Therapist and sex addiction specialist
Independent therapist
Episode: Sexual Addiction Looks Nothing Like What You Think
Liz Tenuto
The Workout Witch, somatic healing practitioner
Episode: Is Trauma Destroying Your Body? What Narcissistic Abuse Does to Your Health
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
Sol Kennedy
Founder of Best Interest, co-parenting app
Best Interest
Episode: Dreading Their Next Message? How to Stop the Toxicity With a Narcissistic Co-Parent
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

Host

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

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 475 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 States7 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 States8 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 States9 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 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

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Dreading Their Next Message? How to Stop the Toxicity With a Narcissistic Co-Parent
Q: How does Best Interest differ from existing co-parenting apps like Our Family Wizard?
Best Interest emphasizes proactive AI-mediated filtering and a focus on emotional safety, with features that encourage slower, calmer replies and the option to review original messages privately for learning and growth.
Dreading Their Next Message? How to Stop the Toxicity With a Narcissistic Co-Parent
Q: What motivated you to develop Best Interest in the first place?
The need was to reduce daily anxiety from constant, triggering messages and to keep conversations child-centered, while avoiding escalation to court. The app provides a buffer and helps co-parents communicate more constructively.
Why Narcissists Refuse to Say Your Name: The 4 Patterns Survivors Miss
Q: After a long period of marriage, his husband has never called her by name. Why would he avoid using her name so consistently?
The host explains that avoiding or replacing a real name with generic terms is a manipulation tactic designed to erode identity and emotional connection, enabling control and reducing ownership of the relationship by the partner.
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.

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, 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. Narcissist Apocalypse: Patterns of Abuse
4. Waking Up to Narcissism
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 302 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. Cheryl Camarillo
2. Liz Tenuto
3. Brooke Deanne
4. Leslie Dobson
5. Rachna Buxani
6. Sol Kennedy
7. Wade Belair
8. Anna Motz

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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