The Covert Narcissism Podcast

What happens when you finally speak the truth to a covert narcissist? Whether you’re pointing out a small forgotten chore or confronting them about a huge betrayal, the emotional fallout can feel overwhelming and confusing. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the two most common narcissistic reactions to being called out: the emotional implosion of shame and the defensive explosion of blame. Learn why narcissists either spiral into shame-filled self-pity or launch into rage and blame-shifting—and why both reactions are designed to avoid accountability. We’ll explore: The difference between a narcissistic implosion vs. explosion Real-life examples of how each reaction looks and feels Why these reactions derail the original conversation How to protect your peace when you’re caught in this emotional storm If you’ve ever found yourself comforting the person who hurt you… or defending yourself against an emotional attack after calling out their behavior… this episode is for you. Narcissist reaction to being called out, narcissistic collapse, narcissistic rage, covert narcissism, emotional abuse, narcissistic defense mechanisms, how narcissists react to confrontation, narcissistic accountability avoidance

When the yelling stops, the lies fade, and the manipulative games come to a halt… does it mean they are getting better? In this episode, we explore the confusing and disorienting experience of living with someone who has changed their behaviors, but hasn’t done the real emotional work underneath. Drawing a parallel with the concept of a "dry drunk," we’ll unpack why behavior management without inner healing leaves survivors of covert narcissistic abuse still feeling unsafe, unseen, and emotionally alone. We’ll dive into: What a “dry drunk” actually is The emotional wounds that fuel both addiction and narcissistic behaviors Why things sometimes feel worse after the behavior stops The difference between true healing and surface-level change How to trust your gut when something still feels off If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I should be happy… but I’m not”—this episode is for you.

Empathy — we all think we know what it means, until we’re in a relationship where it’s missing. Covert narcissists are often skilled at sounding emotionally intelligent. They can say the right words, mirror emotional language, and even cry on cue — but something still feels off. That’s because what they offer isn’t real empathy; it’s a performance. In this episode, we explore the difference between true empathy and intellectual mimicry, revealing how covert narcissists can talk the talk while leaving you emotionally starved. You’ll hear real-life examples of how this plays out, how it erodes your sense of self, and why it’s not your fault that their words never seem to reach your heart. If you’ve ever asked, “Why do I still feel so alone when I’m not alone?” — this episode is for you.

Are they a covert narcissist or an alcoholic? What if the alcohol goes away? Does this get better? In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with Todd Rennebohm, host of Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, to explore the complex intersection of addiction, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and misunderstood behaviors. Todd opens up about his lived experience with substance abuse, undiagnosed ADHD, and the journey from survival mode to genuine healing. Together, we unpack the blurry line between narcissistic traits and trauma responses—especially when addiction or mental health challenges are at play. We talk about emotional regulation, humility, personal growth, and the powerful difference between true narcissism and wounded coping strategies. Whether you're trying to understand a loved one, your partner, or even yourself… this episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope. https://bunnyhugspodcast.com/ https://bleav.com/shows/bunny-hugs-mental-health/ https://m.youtube.com/@bunnyhugsandmentalhealth https://www.instagram.com/bunnyhugspodcast

You planned everything perfectly — the dinner, the outfit, the guest list.But somehow, your birthday still ended in silence. Or tears. Or walking on eggshells. If you’ve ever felt like your special moments were stolen — you’re not alone.In this episode, we explore why covert narcissists sabotage holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and even simple family gatherings. We’ll dive into the hidden motives behind their emotional sabotage, including control, envy, and resentment — and how their behavior leaves survivors dreading the very days that were meant to be joyful. You’ll hear real-life examples, psychological insights, and healing strategies — including a powerful tradition we hold at my annual retreat to reclaim the holidays that were taken from us. 🎉 Plus: how to create your own personal holiday to celebrate your healing, your freedom, and the life you’re building — on your own terms.

We all live on the "main floor" of our emotional house—handling relationships, responsibilities, and day-to-day life. But when things break down, the real answers are often hidden in the basement: our childhood. In this episode, I unpack how unresolved childhood trauma silently shapes the way we love, react, and connect as adults. You'll learn why survival responses like people-pleasing, emotional numbing, and fear of closeness aren’t signs of weakness—they’re signs of old wiring that needs your attention. If you've ever wondered why healthy love feels so hard, it's time to take a look downstairs.

How do you raise emotionally grounded, self-aware children when you're navigating the chaos and confusion of covert narcissistic abuse — or healing from it yourself? In this powerful episode, we explore what it means to parent with intention, clarity, and compassion in the aftermath of narcissistic harm. Whether you're co-parenting with a narcissist, raising children who were exposed to emotional manipulation, or trying to unlearn toxic patterns from your own childhood, this episode is for you. We cover: Why your awareness is already part of the healing How to model emotional safety — not perfection What to do when you see narcissistic behaviors in your child How to undo the messaging they’ve absorbed from the narcissistic parent And how your imperfect, intentional presence can shift your child’s relational blueprint Because you don’t have to be perfect — just present, honest, and willing to grow.

Are narcissists born or made? In this foundational episode, we unpack the complex roots of narcissism through the lens of both nature and nurture. We explore how temperament, early childhood environment, and relational trauma interact to shape narcissistic behaviors — and why it’s not always a direct path. You’ll learn: How biological traits like sensitivity or the need for validation can become liabilities in emotionally unsafe environments Why narcissism is often a learned survival strategy — and not always from overtly abusive parenting That not everyone raised in a narcissistic home becomes a narcissist — and some narcissists weren’t raised by narcissists at all How to understand the difference between narcissistic traits and full-blown personality disorder Why the origins of someone’s narcissism don’t excuse the harm they cause — and what that means for your healing Whether you’re still in the relationship or long out, this episode offers clarity, validation, and direction. Because you don’t have to figure this out alone. And understanding the “why” helps you stop taking on the impossible task of fixing it.

Why is it so hard to leave — even when you know the relationship is toxic? In this powerful episode, we expose the hidden truth behind trauma bonding with a covert narcissist. It’s not just emotional confusion — it’s chemical addiction. You’re not addicted to the person; you’re addicted to the highs, the relief, the dopamine rush that follows emotional chaos. And while you're chasing connection, they’re chasing something else entirely: your Fix-It Mode. We’ll break down the neuroscience of trauma bonding, explore why your empathy is being exploited, and uncover why the narcissist needs to keep collapsing — just to keep you engaged. This isn’t love. It’s survival mode. If you’ve ever felt trapped in the cycle of emotional whiplash — adored one moment, blamed the next — this episode will help you see the pattern for what it is… and finally begin to break free.

If you’ve been bending over backwards trying to fix a relationship that keeps breaking you… this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing a personal story about the moment I was asked a question that stopped me in my tracks: “Can you honestly say you’ve done everything you know to do?” That one question made me face the truth — not about the relationship, but about how much of myself I had been pouring into something that couldn’t be repaired by effort alone. In this episode, we explore: Why survivors of covert narcissistic abuse try so hard to fix what isn’t fixable How over-functioning keeps us stuck in one-sided emotional labor What “giving it your all” really means — and what it doesn’t The illusion of the “one right book, podcast, or article” that will finally make them change The moment you realize you’ve done enough — even if they never did How to stop proving your pain and start honoring your healing You don’t have to wait until you’re completely broken to say, “That’s enough.”You’re allowed to stop trying when your trying is costing you your peace, your clarity, and your self-worth.