In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Julia shares her story of marrying a scary psychological abuser. Julia fell for her husband immediately. He was charismatic, a protector, great with children, and had aspirations to be a fireman. Julia's husband checked all of her boxes. He was the man of her dreams. But unfortunately for Julia, her husband slowly morphed from someone she trusted to someone she feared. It's a story of caretaking, fear , feeling alien, being good enough, rage, double standards, gaslighting, infidelity, being voiceless, self esteem, patriarchal systems, generational trauma, nitpicking, body issues, mixed messages , cognitive dissonance, intimidation, security, safety, child self harm, suicidal ideation, guilt, trauma, and feelings.*** CONTENT WARNING - This episode has graphic descriptions of child self harm, physical intimidation, and strong language. ***If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.comTo help out our podcast, please fill out our listener survey, click here.PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:Perfect Prey With Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Click HereThe Covert Narcissism Podcast | Click HereSomething Was Wrong | Click HereWhen Dating Hurts Podcast | Click HereIf you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. DomesticShelters.org offers an extensive library of articles and resources that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, connect you with local resources and find ways to heal and move forward. Visit www.domesticshelters.org to access this free resource. If you need help moving due to domestic violence, Shelter Movers may be able to help you. They operate by referral. Clients may be referred by any person of authority (social worker, doctor, police, crisis counselor, teacher, etc.) or public agency (shelter, hospital, school, workplace, place of worship, sexual assault centre, etc.).  To reach them, click here. Join our new Community Social Network at https://community.narcissistapocalypse.com/Join our Instagram Channel at https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypseJoin our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Lora about her marriage to a manipulative financial abuser. At 32, Lora met her ex-husband online, he seemed intelligent and ambitious, however, Lora would soon find out that her was also abusive. He became the truth teller in her world, only to isolate her from friends and family. When they got married, he took control of Lora's finances, and racked up significant debt in her name. And despite filing for divorce in 2022, Lora's legal battles and financial struggles continue. It's a story of love bombing, religious values, gaslighting, isolation, putdowns, entitlement, sexual coercion, financial abuse, legal battles, shame, blame, and self worth.*** CONTENT WARNING - This episode discusses Sexual Coercion. ***If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.comTo help out our podcast, please fill out our listener survey, click here.PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:Perfect Prey With Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Click HereThe Covert Narcissism Podcast | Click HereSomething Was Wrong | Click HereWhen Dating Hurts Podcast | Click HereIf you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. DomesticShelters.org offers an extensive library of articles and resources that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, connect you with local resources and find ways to heal and move forward. Visit www.domesticshelters.org to access this free resource. If you need help moving due to domestic violence, Shelter Movers may be able to help you. They operate by referral. Clients may be referred by any person of authority (social worker, doctor, police, crisis counselor, teacher, etc.) or public agency (shelter, hospital, school, workplace, place of worship, sexual assault centre, etc.).  To reach them, click here. Join our new Community Social Network at https://community.narcissistapocalypse.com/Join our Instagram Channel at https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypseJoin our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us on this eye-opening discussion on Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A as we dissect the fabric of lies that often underpin abusive relationships. In the first part of our conversation, we uncover the three major untruths that abusers project onto their victims: victims are responsible for the abuser's happiness, victims are responsible for the abuser's anger, and victims are responsible for fixing the relationship. We explore how these manipulative falsehoods can lead to self-abandonment, self-doubt, and the false illusion of happiness. In the latter half of our episode, we shift focus to the lies victims convince themselves of to justify staying in an abusive relationship. From the illusion of a brighter future to the fear that the kids will suffer if they leave, we shed light on the insidious manipulation tactics employed by abusers. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these complex dynamics, the importance of recognizing abusive behaviors, and the critical role of challenging these lies in the path to recovery.If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.comTo help out our podcast, please fill out our listener survey, click here.PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:Perfect Prey With Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Click HereThe Covert Narcissism Podcast | Click HereSomething Was Wrong | Click HereWhen Dating Hurts Podcast | Click HereIf you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. DomesticShelters.org offers an extensive library of articles and resources that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, connect you with local resources and find ways to heal and move forward. Visit www.domesticshelters.org to access this free resource. If you need help moving due to domestic violence, Shelter Movers may be able to help you. They operate by referral. Clients may be referred by any person of authority (social worker, doctor, police, crisis counselor, teacher, etc.) or public agency (shelter, hospital, school, workplace, place of worship, sexual assault centre, etc.).  To reach them, click here. Join our new Community Social Network at https://community.narcissistapocalypse.com/Join our Instagram Channel at https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypseJoin our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Addison about her controlling abusive relationship. Addison shares her experience of being manipulated through her religious beliefs, coerced into sexual acts, and physical abuse. After breaking up, Addison faced stalking and further abuse. It took her years to process and seek therapy, finally recognizing the abuse and its impact. It's a story of shame, religious manipulation, boundaries, control, physical abuse, sexual coercion, sexual abuse, jealousy, stalking, put downs, and healing.*** CONTENT WARNING - This episode graphically discusses Physical Abuse, Sexual Coercion, and Sexual Abuse. ***If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.comTo help out our podcast, please fill out our listener survey, click here.PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:Perfect Prey With Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Click HereThe Covert Narcissism Podcast | Click HereSomething Was Wrong | Click HereWhen Dating Hurts Podcast | Click HereIf you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. DomesticShelters.org offers an extensive library of articles and resources that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, connect you with local resources and find ways to heal and move forward. Visit www.domesticshelters.org to access this free resource. If you need help moving due to domestic violence, Shelter Movers may be able to help you. They operate by referral. Clients may be referred by any person of authority (social worker, doctor, police, crisis counselor, teacher, etc.) or public agency (shelter, hospital, school, workplace, place of worship, sexual assault centre, etc.).  To reach them, click here. Join our new Community Social Network at https://community.narcissistapocalypse.com/Join our Instagram Channel at https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypseJoin our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Rhea talks about being raised and betrayed by her narcissistic father. It’s a story of dark family secrets, conditional affection, witnessing abuse, perfectionism, infidelity, and survival mode. Plus they discuss, people pleasing, anxiety, vanity, neglect, child sexual abuse, intimidation, internalized rage, physical abuse, divorce, infidelity, panic attacks, and minimization.*** CONTENT WARNING - Graphic descriptions of physical and child sexual abuse are discussed in this episode. ***If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.comPODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:Perfect Prey With Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Click HereThe Covert Narcissism Podcast | Click HereSomething Was Wrong | Click HereWhen Dating Hurts Podcast | Click HereIf you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. DomesticShelters.org offers an extensive library of articles and resources that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, connect you with local resources and find ways to heal and move forward. Visit www.domesticshelters.org to access this free resource. If you need help moving due to domestic violence, Shelter Movers may be able to help you. They operate by referral. Clients may be referred by any person of authority (social worker, doctor, police, crisis counselor, teacher, etc.) or public agency (shelter, hospital, school, workplace, place of worship, sexual assault centre, etc.).  To reach them, click here. Join our new Community Social Network at https://community.narcissistapocalypse.com/Join our Instagram Channel at https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypseJoin our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Emma Jean about her marriage to an arrogant abuser.Emma Jean met her ex at 21, initially charmed by his intensity and intelligence. Their relationship was marked by love bombing, emotional highs, and sudden breakups. As the relationship devolved, the abusive behavior escalated, including verbal attacks and infidelity. Emma's children were also affected, leading to their eventual separation. In the aftermath, Emma's ex became more unhinged, stalking her, becoming a doomsday survivalist, and eventually an active shooter. It's a story of arrogance, control abuser, putdowns, a superiority complex, mental illness, stalking, custody, love bombing, financial control, conspiracy theories, resilience, and family dynamics.*** CONTENT WARNING - This episode graphically discusses Physical Abuse. ***If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.comTo help out our podcast, please fill out our listener survey, click here.PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:Perfect Prey With Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Click HereThe Covert Narcissism Podcast | Click HereSomething Was Wrong | Click HereWhen Dating Hurts Podcast | Click HereIf you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. DomesticShelters.org offers an extensive library of articles and resources that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, connect you with local resources and find ways to heal and move forward. Visit www.domesticshelters.org to access this free resource. If you need help moving due to domestic violence, Shelter Movers may be able to help you. They operate by referral. Clients may be referred by any person of authority (social worker, doctor, police, crisis counselor, teacher, etc.) or public agency (shelter, hospital, school, workplace, place of worship, sexual assault centre, etc.).  To reach them, click here. Join our new Community Social Network at https://community.narcissistapocalypse.com/Join our Instagram Channel at https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypseJoin our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Lucy about her marriage to a water torturing abuser. Lucy lived in a religious bubble and met her future husband when she was 13. She learned that anything could be worked out with enough prayer, that people could change if you gave them enough time, and that her body was for her husband. It was a recipe for 22 years of emotional abuse until she finally had enough. It's a story of religious beliefs, neglect, fighting dirty, hoovering, and healing.If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.comTo help out our podcast, please fill out our listener survey, click here.PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:Perfect Prey With Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Click HereThe Covert Narcissism Podcast | Click HereSomething Was Wrong | Click HereWhen Dating Hurts Podcast | Click HereIf you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. DomesticShelters.org offers an extensive library of articles and resources that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, connect you with local resources and find ways to heal and move forward. Visit www.domesticshelters.org to access this free resource. If you need help moving due to domestic violence, Shelter Movers may be able to help you. They operate by referral. Clients may be referred by any person of authority (social worker, doctor, police, crisis counselor, teacher, etc.) or public agency (shelter, hospital, school, workplace, place of worship, sexual assault centre, etc.).  To reach them, click here. Join our new Community Social Network at https://community.narcissistapocalypse.com/Join our Instagram Channel at https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypseJoin our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon Chadwick and Dr. Nicole Bedera discuss domestic violence and the ethics of true crime. They emphasize the importance of centering victims, avoiding re-traumatization, and ensuring stories benefit victims. Dr. Bedera highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches and the dangers of creating ambiguity where none exists. They discuss the impact of victim-blaming and the importance of empathy for victims who handle abuse differently. Dr. Bedera also touches on the role of perpetrators, noting that victims can provide more consistent information about them. They conclude by advocating for violence-free spaces and ethical storytelling in media.You can buy Dr. Bedera's book - here.You can visit Dr. Bedera's website - here.You can reach Dr. Bedera's consulting practice - here.If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.comPODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:Perfect Prey With Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Click HereThe Covert Narcissism Podcast | Click HereSomething Was Wrong | Click HereWhen Dating Hurts Podcast | Click HereIf you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. DomesticShelters.org offers an extensive library of articles and resources that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, connect you with local resources and find ways to heal and move forward. Visit www.domesticshelters.org to access this free resource. If you need help moving due to domestic violence, Shelter Movers may be able to help you. They operate by referral. Clients may be referred by any person of authority (social worker, doctor, police, crisis counselor, teacher, etc.) or public agency (shelter, hospital, school, workplace, place of worship, sexual assault centre, etc.).  To reach them, click here. Join our new Community Social Network at https://community.narcissistapocalypse.com/Join our Instagram Channel at https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypseJoin our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Annapurna shares the story of her abusive relationship that started off like a fairy tale come true. Annapurna was swept off her feet, taken on trips, and seen for all her hard work. She was living a dream. However, after an argument that turned physical, nothing was ever the same again. Annapurna's ex morphed into someone she didn't recognize, and because of his gaslighting, so did she.It's a story of victim playing, identity erosion, physical abuse, crazy making, putdowns, infidelity, lying, love addiction, and trauma bonds.*** CONTENT WARNING - This episode has graphic descriptions of physical abuse. ***If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.comTo help out our podcast, please fill out our listener survey, click here.PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:Perfect Prey With Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Click HereThe Covert Narcissism Podcast | Click HereSomething Was Wrong | Click HereWhen Dating Hurts Podcast | Click HereIf you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. DomesticShelters.org offers an extensive library of articles and resources that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, connect you with local resources and find ways to heal and move forward. Visit www.domesticshelters.org to access this free resource. If you need help moving due to domestic violence, Shelter Movers may be able to help you. They operate by referral. Clients may be referred by any person of authority (social worker, doctor, police, crisis counselor, teacher, etc.) or public agency (shelter, hospital, school, workplace, place of worship, sexual assault centre, etc.).  To reach them, click here. Join our new Community Social Network at https://community.narcissistapocalypse.com/Join our Instagram Channel at https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypseJoin our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Maeva shares her story of surviving emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of her narcissistic partner. Very quickly, the physical abuse began and Maeva was in survival mode. Maeva lived in confusion about what was going on. She became isolated, manipulated, and gaslit into staying silent. Maeva lived in fear. She was just doing her best to survive.It's a story of isolation, survival, dehumanization, physical abuse, sexual coercion, sexual abuse, intergenerational trauma, support, healing, put downs, self worth, self esteem, gaslighting, fear, shame, guilt, ptsd, health issues, and children.*** CONTENT WARNING - This episode graphically discusses Physical Abuse, Sexual Coercion, & Sexual Abuse. ***If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.comTo help out our podcast, please fill out our listener survey, click here.PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:Perfect Prey With Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Click HereThe Covert Narcissism Podcast | Click HereSomething Was Wrong | Click HereWhen Dating Hurts Podcast | Click HereIf you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. DomesticShelters.org offers an extensive library of articles and resources that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, connect you with local resources and find ways to heal and move forward. Visit www.domesticshelters.org to access this free resource. If you need help moving due to domestic violence, Shelter Movers may be able to help you. They operate by referral. Clients may be referred by any person of authority (social worker, doctor, police, crisis counselor, teacher, etc.) or public agency (shelter, hospital, school, workplace, place of worship, sexual assault centre, etc.).  To reach them, click here. Join our new Community Social Network at https://community.narcissistapocalypse.com/Join our Instagram Channel at https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypseJoin our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices