In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Emma chronicles her triumph over childhood trauma and a series of scary abusive relationships. Emma's story begins with an upbringing fraught with abuse, low self-worth, and suicidal ideation. As Emma grows older, her life takes a turn into darker waters as she recounts how she navigated the treacherous currents of coercive control, gaslighting, manipulation financial abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and stalking. Also, Emma discusses her healing journey, self-love, self discovery, and the fortitude required to establish personal boundaries.It's a story of intergenerational trauma, self worth, trauma bonds, love addiction, manipulation, changing abuser types, coercive control, gaslighting, manipulation financial abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and stalking.*** CONTENT WARNING - This episode discusses sexual abuse, physical abuse, sexual coercion and suicidal ideation.***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 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 reads letters and poems from survivors of domestic violence, coercive control, and narcissistic abuse about their experiences. Plus, Brandon analyzes the letters to discuss the big themes of being good enough, survival, and your basic human rights.*** CONTENT WARNING - This episode discusses sexual abuse and 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.The poets you heard today were Kate Rogers and Patrick Grace - They are published by River Street Writing.About the author Kate Rogers: Kate Rogers' poetry and critical writing have appeared in many literary journals and anthologies both in Canada and abroad, including The Montreal International Poetry Prize Anthology (Véhicule Press), Looking Back at Hong Kong (CUHK Press), subTerrain, ARC, PRISM, and many others. Her most recent poetry collection is Out of Place (Aeolus House/Quattro Books 2017.) She is a co-director of the Art Bar Poetry Reading Series in Toronto.About Patrick Grace:Patrick Grace is an author and teacher who divides his time between Vancouver and Victoria, BC. His poems have been published widely in Canadian literary magazines, including Arc Poetry Magazine, Best Canadian Poetry, Columba, EVENT, The Ex-Puritan, The Fiddlehead, The Malahat Review, Prairie Fire, and more. His work has been a finalist for literary contests with CV2 and PRISM international, and in 2020, his poem "A Violence" won The Malahat Review's Open Season Award for poetry. He has published two chapbooks: a blurred wind swirls back for you (Turret House Press, 2023), and Dastardly (Anstruther Press, 2021), both of which explore aspects of love, fear, and trauma that represent a personal queer identity. Deviant, his first full-length poetry collection, continues to explore these themes. Follow him on IG: @thepoetpatrick.PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:Perfect Prey With Dr. Christine Cocchiola | Click HereThe Covert Narcissism Podcast | Click HereSomething Was Wrong | 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, a transgender woman named Dana courageously shares her story of surviving emotional and sexual abuse by her father. As the eldest child, Dana grappled with the responsibility of protecting her mother and sister while navigating her own harrowing path in and out of the home. Once Dana was out of her abusive home, she thrived through the transformational power of activism and solidarity. However, after losing her job, Dana found herself back living in her childhood abusive household, only to gain her freedom a year later. Dana's experience, which spans the stages of outrage, grief, and empowerment, offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the recovery process, support groups, the importance of advocacy work, and the systemic barriers that survivors often face. It's a story of coercive control, domestic abuse, hate, gender identity, oppression, the patriarchy, ptsd, support, freedom, justice, trauma, mental health, putdowns, belittling, shame, empowerment, psychological abuse, racism, transphobia, homophobia, and the dedication to preserving life.*** CONTENT WARNING - This episode discusses childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, sexual harassment, and suicidal ideation.***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 HereSUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSOR: To receive 35% off Cozy Earth bedding, loungewear, and everything site wide, use the code “NAP” at Cozyearth.comIf 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 Maude about how she plans to escape her current relationship with an animal abuser, who is also an emotionally, physically, and sexually abusive narcissist. We used a voice changer for this episode. The sound may not be the best because of it, but it was needed for safety reasonsIt's a story of dehumanization, infidelity, suicide threats, stalking, and the fear of leaving. Plus they discuss, jealousy, rage, narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, devaluation, proximity safety, thinking things are your fault, constant blame, kernels of truth, fear, obligation, guilt, shame, steroids, cocaine, addiction, alcohol, reactive abuse, guns, hope, silent treatment, verbal abuse, and much more. We rarely record with someone still in the relationship, but we knew Maude had the perspective needed to tell her story and she pulled it off in spades.*** TRIGGER WARNING - This episode discusses graphic depictions of sexual abuse/coercion, extremely graphic discussion of animal abuse, as well as brief talk 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 HereSUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSOR: To receive 35% off Cozy Earth bedding, loungewear, and everything site wide, use the code “NAP” at Cozyearth.comIf 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/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllAIf 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. 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, we talk with an abuse survivor named Terry, and Terry was trauma bonded to a manipulative physical abuser. They say it takes an average of 7 times to leave your abuser, but for Terry is was much higher. To quote Terry "It's not that I didn't want to break away from my abuser, it was just, I didn't know how to." However, Terry eventually did go no contact, and then took her power back in a very big way.It's a story of isolation, feeling stuck, threats, stalking, trauma bonds, triangulation, physical abuse, addiction, infidelity, putdowns, humiliation, financial abuse, intimidation, minimization, denial, gaslighting, protection orders, love bombing, and exerting your power.*** CONTENT WARNING - This episode 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 HereSUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSOR: To receive 35% off Cozy Earth bedding, loungewear, and everything site wide, use the code “NAP” at Cozyearth.comIf 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 discusses Lundy Bancroft's 10 types of abusers & the role of narcissistic personality disorder. Plus they discuss, minimization, gaslighting, physical abuse, control, power, triangulation, threats, intimidation, guilt, invalidation, kernels of truth, and much more.*** TRIGGER WARNING - We discuss physical abuse and suicide in this episode. ***Lundy Bancroft's book 'Why Does He Do That?' can be purchased by clicking 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 HereSUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSOR: To receive 35% off Cozy Earth bedding, loungewear, and everything site wide, use the code “NAP” at Cozyearth.comIf 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. 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, Abigail tells her story of being raised by a psychologically and physically abusive father. Abigail's father needed to be the center of attention for everything, and if he wasn't, everyone in her family faced the consequences. Abigail's story isn't just a story of being abused, but it's also a story of seeing her mother being abused, how her mother didn't protect her, and the smear campaign against her when she tried to leave the family for good.*** CONTENT WARNING - This episode discusses physical abuse of a child. ***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 HereSUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSOR: To receive 35% off Cozy Earth bedding, loungewear, and everything site wide, use the code “NAP” at Cozyearth.comIf 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, Dr. Ryan Sultan unpacks the complexities and nuances of trauma and its therapies. Dr. Sultan explores how cutting-edge therapies are revolutionizing the way we approach healing. He demystifies the scientific intricacies behind treatments like EMDR, a fascinating neurological approach for addressing trauma, and discusses the promising frontiers of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. And Dr. Sultan also discusses the power of empowerment in recovery, the impact of a trusting therapist-client dynamic, and its pivotal role in the journey towards reclaiming authority over one's life.To reach out to Dr. Ryan Sultan, please visit his website by clicking here.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 HereSUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSOR: To receive 35% off Cozy Earth bedding, loungewear, and everything site wide, use the code “NAP” at Cozyearth.comIf 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, Carmella recounts how she found unexpected support from an engaged man during a personal crisis. Their friendship blossomed into romance, and then a pressured proposal, highlighting the struggle of reconciling the whirlwind of emotions with societal expectations and personal apprehension. As we further dissect coercive control dynamics, Carmella examines the effects of controlling behaviors and jealousy, the intense pressure to conform, and the emotional repercussions of a marriage shadowed by a husband's intrusive scrutiny, lack of privacy, and the unequal distribution of domestic responsibilities. Carmella also provides insight into the harrowing effects of escalating physical abuse and control, and the often invisible struggles of co-parenting post-divorce with an uncooperative ex-partner.It's a story of misogyny, pushing boundaries, jealousy, entitlement, physical abuse, custody, post separation abuse, court, divorce, narcissists, narcissism, domestic violence, domestic abuse, rage, bullying, lack of responsibility, emotional abuse, putdowns, financial abuse, lying, infidelity, and generational trauma.*** CONTENT WARNING - Physical Abuse is 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.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 HereSUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSOR: To receive 35% off Cozy Earth bedding, loungewear, and everything site wide, use the code “NAP” at Cozyearth.comIf 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 me, your host Brandon Chadwick, as I sit down with the esteemed Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola to unpack the complex issue of coercive control within intimate relationships. By using the unsettling coercive control allegations by Olya Sharypova against tennis star Alexander Zverev as our backdrop, we navigate the crucial shift in terminology from domestic violence to coercive control, offering a more encompassing understanding of these toxic dynamics.Our conversation delves into the pervasive nature of coercive control across all levels of society, from the personal to the systemic. Explore with us the psychological underpinnings of coercive control, including trauma bonding, grooming, and the role of narcissism. Dr. Cocchiola and I dissect the multifaceted aspects of control and manipulation, emphasizing the critical need for education on the signs of unhealthy relationships and the importance of early boundary setting. We also touch upon the challenging landscape victims face within systems like family courts, which can further perpetuate cycles of abuse.*** CONTENT WARNING - Physical Abuse is discussed in this episode. ****Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola's website can be found by clicking here.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 HereSUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSOR: To receive 35% off Cozy Earth bedding, loungewear, and everything site wide, use the code “NAP” at Cozyearth.comIf 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