

Waking Up to Narcissism
Tony Overbay LMFT
"Waking Up to Narcissism" is a podcast hosted by Tony Overbay, LMFT, host of the award-winning Virtual Couch podcast, dedicated to helping individuals recognize and navigate narcissistic traits and tendencies in their relationships and within themselves. With a focus on emotional immaturity versus narcissism, Tony provides tools and guidance for personal growth and managing relationships with narcissistic or emotionally immature individuals, even if that individual is you!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 31, 2024 • 46min
Unmasking Family Roles in a Narcissistic/Emotionally Immature Household
Tony Overbay, LMFT, dives into the hidden dynamics and assigned roles within dysfunctional and narcissistic family systems. The podcast outlines the roles of the Enabler, the Hero, the Scapegoat, the Lost Child, and the Mascot, all of whom are developed as coping mechanisms to manage family stress and chaos. Each role is reviewed in depth, including the implications for the individual's development, identity, and potential for later life challenges and relationships. The episode also emphasizes the importance of recognizing these roles, seeking therapeutic support, and redefining one's identity beyond these imposed familial expectations.00:00 Introduction and Riddle01:07 Understanding the Role You Play01:15 Welcome to Episode 106: Uncovering Narcissistic Family Dynamics01:42 The Concept of a Perfect Family04:08 The Impact of Dysfunctional Families on Children11:49 The Role of the Enabler in Dysfunctional Families12:13 Denise's Story: A Case Study15:22 Understanding Family Roles and Dynamics16:19 The Enabler: A Deep Dive21:07 The Concept of an Old Soul in Psychology22:01 The Bittersweet Compliment: Acknowledging Resilience and Sacrifice22:21 The Hero: The Lead Actor in a Dysfunctional Family23:50 The Golden Child: The Hero's Struggle27:01 The Scapegoat: The Misunderstood Hero29:58 The Lost Child: The Unseen and Unheard36:31 The Mascot: The Family's Beacon of Light and Laughter39:02 Reflections: Understanding the Complex Roles in Dysfunctional Families43:24 The Journey Towards Healing and Change44:48 Conclusion: Transcending the Roles and Writing Your Own NarrativeFind all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchAnd follow Tony on the Virtual Couch YouTube channel for a sneak preview of his upcoming podcast "Murder on the Couch," where True Crime meets therapy, co-hosted with his daughter Sydney. You can watch a pre-release clip here https://youtu.be/-RkRq8SrQy0Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Jan 23, 2024 • 57min
Understanding the Impact of Narcissistic and Emotionally Immature Parents
Tony Overbay, LMFT, discusses the impact of narcissistic or emotionally immature parents on their children. Drawing from a personal letter sent in by a listener, as well as clinical cases and research, Tony explores the hallmarks of narcissistic and emotionally immature parenting and how these behaviors shape children's emotional development and future relationships. This episode emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and adjustment in parenting to break harmful patterns and create secure attachments.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:10 Understanding Narcissistic and Emotionally Immature Parents00:27 Promoting the Host's Other Platforms and Activities01:22 Introducing the Concept of Narcissist Immunity02:12 Personal Story of Dealing with Narcissistic and Emotionally Immature Parents03:09 The Impact of Narcissistic Immunity on Personal Relationships04:54 The Role of Emotional Maturity in Parenting12:32 Understanding the Difference Between Narcissistic and Emotionally Immature Parents18:33 Introducing Carl's Story: Growing Up with a Narcissistic Mother and Emotionally Immature Father22:29 The Impact of Narcissistic and Emotionally Immature Parents on Carl's Life26:33 The Role of Memory and Confabulation in Narcissistic and Emotionally Immature Behavior28:14 The Fear of Abandonment in Narcissistic Relationships28:46 Understanding Carl's Story: A Case Study29:34 The Impact of Parental Expectations on Children29:42 The Role of Emotional Regulation in Parenting30:22 The Journey to Self-Acceptance: Carl's Story30:58 The Power of Whole Object Relations in Therapy32:08 The Influence of Childhood Experiences on Career Choices35:27 The Impact of Narcissistic Parents on Children44:13 The Struggle to Love the Real Child: A Parent's Challenge47:54 The Emotional Consequences of Unmet Expectations52:26 The Role of Empathy in Parenting53:24 The Importance of Healthy Relationship Patterns56:08 Conclusion: The Journey to Secure AttachmentFind all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchAnd follow Tony on the Virtual Couch YouTube channel for a sneak preview of his upcoming podcast "Murder on the Couch," where True Crime meets therapy, co-hosted with his daughter Sydney. You can watch a pre-release clip here https://youtu.be/-RkRq8SrQy0Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Jan 17, 2024 • 38min
Emotional Whiplash in Narcissistic/Emotionally Immature Relationships
Tony tackles the topic of emotional whiplash in narcissistic relationships. He explores how people can feel loved and appreciated one moment and then demeaned and dismissed the next by a narcissistic partner, leading to confusion and emotional turmoil. Using the story of Sarah and Mike, he unpacks this unpredictable and damaging dynamic. Tony also explains concepts like whole object relations and object constancy and how they become compromised in emotionally immature relationships. He finally provides a broad range of personal experiences from his listeners, further illustrating the impact of emotional whiplash in people's lives.00:00 Introduction and Topic Presentation00:23 Understanding Emotional Whiplash00:37 Real-Life Example: Sarah and Mike's Story04:26 Concepts of Whole Object Relations and Object Constancy05:32 Narcissistic Emotional Whiplash06:14 Impact of Emotional Whiplash on Relationships07:05 Understanding Mike's Emotional Immaturity12:18 Sarah's Struggles and Emotional Whiplash16:49 Real-Life Examples of Emotional Whiplash36:50 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFind all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchAnd follow Tony on the Virtual Couch YouTube channel for a sneak preview of his upcoming podcast "Murder on the Couch," where True Crime meets therapy, co-hosted with his daughter Sydney. You can watch a pre-release clip here https://youtu.be/-RkRq8SrQy0Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Jan 9, 2024 • 56min
Can You Ever Express YOUR Feelings to Narcissists and Feel Seen?
If you say “it” the right way, will the narcissist ever get “it” whatever “it” is? Tony introduces his 'Five Foolproof Formulas for Navigating Narcissistic Nonsense,' which helps maintain emotional stability and a sense of self in challenging relationships. Tony also critically analyzes a passage from the book 'Rethinking Narcissism' by Dr. Craig Malkin, where he finds a logical inconsistency that might give false hope to 'pathologically kind persons' who constantly try to induce 'aha moments' in their narcissistic partners. He also highlights the concept of differentiation of self and its importance in maintaining one’s emotional stability and sense of self in the face of challenging dynamics in relationships with narcissistic individuals. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:45 Understanding the Impact of Stress on Physical Health02:36 Upcoming Topics and Listener Engagement05:23 Exploring the Concept of Narcissism06:09 Dissecting a Book Passage on Narcissism08:47 The Five Foolproof Formulas for Navigating Narcissistic Nonsense15:52 Understanding Healthy Ego and Pathological Defensive Narcissism17:07 Analyzing a Book on Narcissism22:58 Contradictions in Narcissism Advice24:53 Understanding the Power of Self-Blame25:30 The Pathologically Kind Person and Their Burden of Responsibility26:54 The Struggle for Control in Relationships28:16 Personal Story: The Impact of Powerlessness34:42 The Importance of Differentiation in Relationships36:51 The Dangers of Emotional Inconsistency40:06 The Reality of Expressing Feelings to a Narcissist47:11 The Role of Differentiation in Dealing with Narcissists54:24 Conclusion: Knowing When to Engage and When to Step BackFind all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchAnd follow Tony on the Virtual Couch YouTube channel for a sneak preview of his upcoming podcast "Murder on the Couch," where True Crime meets therapy, co-hosted with his daughter Sydney. You can watch a pre-release clip here https://youtu.be/-RkRq8SrQy0Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Jan 2, 2024 • 1h 1min
Navigating the Challenges of Co-Parenting with the Emotionally Immature/Narcissist
Tony unpacks the complexities of co-parenting with a narcissistic or emotionally immature individual. Addressing a listener's question, Tony delves into the nature of developing children, labeling them as 'little narcissists' due to their inherently self-centered perspective. Tony identifies this as a critical stage of normal human development and explains how these traits vary distinctively in the adult narcissist. He also shares his four-pillar framework for effective communication - assuming good intentions, avoiding declaring the other person wrong, asking questions before commenting, and leaning in and staying present. He demonstrates how these can be applied in co-parenting scenarios.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:17 Reflecting on the Past and Looking Forward00:58 Discussing Parenting and Co-Parenting01:37 Understanding the Impact of Co-Parenting with a Narcissist02:06 Exploring the Concept of 'Little Narcissists'02:46 Case Study: Sarah's Experience with Divorce04:03 The Importance of Communication in Parenting05:07 Understanding the Impact of Parental Decisions on Children06:01 The Role of Therapy in Understanding Childhood Experiences06:15 Understanding the Self-Centered Nature of Children07:08 The Impact of Parental Divorce on Children09:26 Navigating Parenting Challenges with a Difficult Partner11:47 Understanding the Concept of 'Little Narcissists' in Parenting14:59 The Difference Between Healthy Self-Care and Emotionally Immature Selfishness25:34 Understanding Egosyntonic and Ego-Dystonic Concepts in Parenting28:44 Understanding Egosyntonic Narcissism and Emotional Maturity29:14 Co-parenting with a Narcissistic or Emotionally Immature Partner29:27 The Importance of Fostering Healthy Development in Children30:30 The Four Pillars of a Connected Conversation31:41 Applying the Four Pillars in Different Contexts35:27 The Role of the Four Pillars in Co-parenting57:53 The Impact of the Four Pillars on Children01:00:02 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFind all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchAnd follow Tony on the Virtual Couch YouTube channel for a sneak preview of his upcoming podcast "Murder on the Couch," where True Crime meets therapy, co-hosted with his daughter Sydney. You can watch a pre-release clip here https://youtu.be/-RkRq8SrQy0Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Dec 21, 2023 • 58min
Still Wondering if YOU Are the Narcissist/Did They Finally “Get it?” - Introducing “Shelf Life”
“If I’m asking if I’m the narcissist, then Tony says I’m not!” Tony shares that he receives more feedback on this concept than any other from WUTN listeners. But what happens when the narcissist or emotionally immature person in your life gets ahold of this “script?” Does simply repeating this sentence elicit change? Tony details this question and introduces the concept of 'shelf life', a temporary behavioral change in emotionally immature people. We debate the question, 'If you're asking yourself if you're a narcissist, then are you one?' and touch on the use of therapy or self-help methods as tools for manipulation. As we progress through the episode, we discuss how 'John' used therapy to manipulate 'Emily' and appear as a problem solver rather than acknowledging his shortcomings. Overall, the episode is an insightful exploration of emotional immaturity, narcissistic traits, and manipulative behaviors in relationships.00:00 Introduction and Story of John and Emily01:27 The Breaking Point and Decision to Seek Therapy02:09 Initial Therapy Session and Promises Made03:22 The Short-lived Change and Return to Old Patterns05:47 Understanding the Concept of 'Shelf Life' in Emotional Change09:08 The Power of Writing and Self-Expression15:04 The Narcissist's Reaction to the Podcast16:27 Doubts, Confusion, and the Struggle to Stay Strong32:53 Recognizing the Difference: Working on Things vs. Escaping Discomfort33:15 The Narcissist in Therapy: A Case Study33:37 The Power of Self-Questioning: Are You the Narcissist?34:07 The Concept of Shelf Life and Positive Tension34:37 The Nurtured Heart Approach: A Parenting Model35:40 The Struggle of Change: A Personal Story36:10 Trusting Your Gut: Recognizing Manipulation in Therapy36:39 The Aha Moment: Acceptance and Curiosity37:37 The Ultimatum: Divorce or Seek Help39:40 The Journey of Awakening: Acknowledging the Past and Embracing the Future40:05 The Reality of Narcissism: Recognizing Traits and Codependency41:59 The Power of Community: Reading Comments from the Group51:02 The Story of John and Emily: A Case Study on Shelf Life52:39 Understanding Shelf Life: Temporary Behavioral Change56:54 The Power of Self-Reflection: Embracing SolitudeFind all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchAnd follow Tony on the Virtual Couch YouTube channel for a sneak preview of his upcoming podcast "Murder on the Couch," where True Crime meets therapy, co-hosted with his daughter Sydney. You can watch a pre-release clip here https://youtu.be/-RkRq8SrQy0Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Dec 13, 2023 • 57min
Kate Anthony, Author of “The D Word: Making the Ultimate Decision About Your Marriage” on Deciphering Divorce, Confronting Decisions, and Embracing Empowerment
Tony and Kate Anthony, divorce coach and author of “The D Word: Making the Ultimate Decision About Your Marriage,” (https://amzn.to/47V1AKe) unpack the complex dynamics involved with the decision to stay or leave a relationship, typically with an emotionally immature or narcissistic partner. Kate shares her divorce story and explores the importance of establishing personal boundaries and self-care throughout the journey. The conversation discusses the fundamental need for individuals to recognize and reclaim their right to happiness outside a dysfunctional marital relationship. They also talk about the impact of staying in an emotionally abusive relationship for the sake of the kids and the different roles that a therapist and coach can play in the helping process. You can find out more about Kate at her website http://kateanthony.com and if you are looking for safe ways to purchase the book, please visit http://kateanthony.com/dword00:01 Introduction and Initial Banter00:14 Discussing Kate's Book and Its Impact01:08 Kate's Journey and Her Book's Purpose01:46 The Role of Narcissism in Relationships02:36 Kate's Personal Experience with Narcissism03:16 The Impact of Divorce and Making the Decision05:22 The Aftermath of Leaving a Narcissistic Relationship06:31 The Role of Codependency in Relationships13:18 Kate's Career in Acting and Its Influence16:21 The Importance of Choosing Yourself22:33 The Process of Knowing When to Leave24:05 The Power of Self-Acknowledgement24:23 Understanding the Impact of Denial24:39 The Importance of Self-Admission25:12 The Struggle of Facing the Truth25:29 The Role of Therapists and Coaches25:50 The Concept of Leading Indicators26:42 The Reality of Unhealthy Relationships27:09 The Process of Decision Making27:32 The Power of Self-Empowerment27:41 The Role of Coaches in Decision Making27:47 The Impact of Direct Communication28:10 The Importance of Authenticity in Relationships28:23 The Role of Therapists in Decision Making28:56 The Collaboration between Therapists and Coaches29:14 The Importance of Training for Coaches29:38 The Role of Therapists in Guiding Decisions29:58 The Challenge of Taking Action30:30 The Importance of Addressing the Impact on Kids30:42 The Reality of Co-Parenting with a Narcissist31:27 The Impact of Divorce on Kids32:00 The Importance of Authenticity in Parenting32:14 The Reality of Staying for the Kids41:33 The Importance of Choosing Happiness43:11 The Importance of Living Your Truth43:13 The Importance of Living Authentically43:52 The Importance of Choosing Love over Control44:14 The Importance of Self-Care44:17 The Importance of Being Enough for YourselfFind all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchPlease follow Tony’s new Waking Up to Narcissism Instagram account here https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Dec 6, 2023 • 46min
Understanding the Complexity of Apologies & The Difficulties of Happiness
Tony Overbay discusses some individuals' challenges when attempting to issue sincere and effective apologies. He discusses our evolutionary predisposition to spot danger and make comparisons, making happiness and contentment difficult to maintain. Tony explores the concepts of self-compassion, mindful self-reflection, and effective apology skills, which he believes are critical for personal growth and emotional maturity. He helps listeners understand how growing up with emotionally immature or narcissistic parents can shape an individual's understanding of taking responsibility for one's actions. He provides insights into why narcissistic individuals in particular, struggle with apologies and explains the steps to deliver a genuine apology.00:00 Introduction and Hardest Words to Say00:25 The Difficulty of Saying Sorry01:37 Welcome to the Podcast and Host Introduction01:45 The Origin of Apology Difficulty03:12 The Evolutionary Perspective on Apologies05:48 The Role of Comparison and Inadequacy in Apologies07:25 The Impact of Fear of Abandonment on Apologies13:20 The Art of Making a Sincere and Effective Apology20:26 The Importance of Context in Apologies24:40 Relevance of Apologies in Today's World25:18 Understanding the Impact of Emotionally Immature Parents25:55 The Role of Therapy in Understanding Emotional Immaturity26:36 The Importance of Apologies and Taking Ownership27:40 The Assumption of Badness: Misconceptions about Admitting Fault28:47 Breaking Free from the Cycle of Non-Accountability29:26 The Role of Self-Compassion in Offering Effective Apologies30:32 Understanding the Six Steps of an Apology35:45 The Challenge of Offering Genuine Apologies for Emotionally Immature Individuals36:01 The Dangers of Superficial Apologies41:16 The Power of Self-Compassion and Mindful Self-Reflection44:11 Conclusion: Action-Based Takeaways for Personal GrowthFind all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchPlease follow Tony’s new Waking Up to Narcissism Instagram account here https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Nov 29, 2023 • 60min
Abuse, God, and Self-Discovery with Ryan Anderson, PhD., LMFT, and Author of 'The Choice to Leave Abuse'
How does abuse impact an individual's spirituality and relationship with God? And how critical is it for a spiritual leader to be non-judgmental, empathetic, and compassionate when someone comes into their office talking about abuse? These critical questions are at the heart of today’s episode. Tony Overbay, LMFT, engages in an insightful conversation with Ryan Anderson, PhD, LMFT, and author of "The Choice to Leave Abuse." This episode explores the complex issue of abuse, especially within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and addresses many common misconceptions about the role of the authority figure in a church congregation. They touch on the prevalence and damaging effects of emotional immaturity and narcissistic traits on relationships and in church leadership. A significant part of the discussion focuses on epigenetics, shedding light on how abuse impacts individuals at a genetic level and offers hope for healing and growth.The episode also addresses the sensitive topic of spiritual abuse within the LDS community. Overbay and Anderson examine the hesitancy of community leaders to confront and address abuse, highlighting the urgent need for supportive environments. They dissect the stigmas and misconceptions in the community, emphasizing the importance of making decisions prioritizing personal well-being and safety.While centered on the LDS community, the themes discussed in this episode have universal relevance. Topics like emotional intelligence, the far-reaching impact of abuse, and the crucial role of support for survivors transcend religious and cultural boundaries. The conversation between Overbay and Anderson serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empowerment and support for survivors, asserting that spirituality and one's relationship with God should aid, not hinder, the journey to overcome abuse.Find all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchPlease follow Tony’s new Waking Up to Narcissism Instagram account here https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Nov 21, 2023 • 47min
Too Smart for Their Own Good: Why Narcissists Love Conspiracy Theories
Ever wondered why some highly educated people fall for outlandish conspiracy theories? Dive into the latest episode of 'Waking Narcissism' with host Tony Overbay, a licensed marriage and family therapist, as he tackles this intriguing question. This thought-provoking episode explores the unexpected relationship between education, narcissism, and susceptibility to conspiracy theories, based on insights from Mark Travers, PhD's article 'Educated Narcissists Fall for Conspiracy Theories.'https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/202310/why-educated-narcissists-fall-for-conspiracy-theoriesTony starts by differentiating between narcissism and emotional immaturity, shedding light on how these distinct traits influence an individual's worldview. Discover why people with high levels of narcissistic traits like grandiosity and a need for uniqueness, particularly those who are well-educated, might be more inclined to believe in conspiracy theories. The episode delves deep into the concepts of cognitive reflection and the Dunning-Kruger effect, illustrating how critical thinking and self-awareness can diminish the impact of narcissism on belief in unfounded theories. Through real-life examples, anecdotal stories, and actionable insights, Tony emphasizes the importance of introspection, humility, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. Join us for an enlightening journey into the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy theory susceptibility and learn how to navigate a world brimming with complex and often misleading information with a critical and open mind.Find all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchPlease follow Tony’s new Waking Up to Narcissism Instagram account here https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ


