

The Francesca Psychology Podcast
Francesca Tighinean
The Francesca Psychology Podcast is a psychology and self-development podcast exploring human behaviour, relationships, trauma, and personal growth. Hosted by Francesca Tighinean, it features long-form conversations with leading experts, offering research-backed insights and practical tools to help listeners better understand themselves and their patterns.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 41min
Trauma Expert: How to Rebuild Self-Identity After Years of Shame - Tim Fletcher
Tim Fletcher is a researcher and counselor with over 30 years of experience, specialising in the field of Addiction and Complex Trauma recovery. I’m launching a course on FINDING LOVE that explains how to heal unhealthy patterns and find a healthy relationship. Join waitlist here - https://tr.ee/bIUJlW-oyZ1:1 Life Coaching - https://tr.ee/7S2Xi6rtodFREE QUIZ: The 5 Patterns Blocking Healthy Love - https://tr.ee/ZVRec4up_VFREE CBT eBook - https://tr.ee/eziT_m9aymNew Book Waitlist - https://tr.ee/9EWZAp0OZm00:00 Intro02:08 What Is Complex Trauma?08:33 Dissociating As A Trauma Response12:09 Can You See Trauma in Someone's Eyes?17:00 Family Roles Created by Trauma26:15 Why Trauma Creates Deep Shame32:00 Low self worth vs shame34:20 Why Trauma Makes You Feel Like a Burden41:19 Rebuilding Your Identity After Trauma50:10 How Trauma Affects Relationships53:30 How Wound Of Abandonment Ruins Relationships55:05 How To Heal Wound Of Abandonment58:55 Why Trauma Makes You Feel Like You Don’t Belong01:01:39 Feeling Like An Outcast Like A Kid01:05:15 How To Recover From Bullying01:06:46 Trauma & Intimacy01:13:37 Healing Your Intimate Life After Trauma01:20:35 How to Let Go of a Relationship01:24:22 What Is Maladaptive Daydreaming?01:27:25 Scenarios Before Bed01:31:38 The Foundation of Trauma Healing01:37:49 Signs You’re Healing From Trauma

Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 50min
CIA SPY: Seduction Tactics, Lie Detection & Mind Control In Interrogations - Andrew Bustamante
Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA officer and founder of EverydaySpy.com, shares astonishing insights from the world of espionage. He discusses how his new book, Shadow Cell, reveals CIA methods, including how to recruit operatives and build believable aliases. Bustamante delves into the nuances of seduction and honey traps, explaining their psychological mechanics. He also offers techniques for reading people and detecting lies, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence in both interrogation and everyday interactions.

45 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 25min
Instantly Disarm Condescending People (Without Losing Your Cool) - Dr Shade
Dr. Shadé Zahrai, a behavioural researcher and peak performance educator, shares her insights on boosting credibility and confidence at work. She discusses the importance of self-trust over mere confidence and outlines practical tricks like vocal pauses and body language to enhance presence. Listeners learn about the two types of charisma—captivating and magnetic—and strategies for navigating interviews and asserting boundaries with colleagues. Additionally, she tackles how to handle condescension and reclaim credit for one’s ideas in the workplace.

45 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 48min
Dr K: The Truth About Incels, "Low Value" Men, & Why You Can't Get A Girlfriend
Dr. Alok Kanojia, also known as Dr. K, is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and co-founder of Healthy Gamer, focusing on modern mental health challenges. In this conversation, he shares his journey from gaming addiction to integrating spirituality with psychiatry. He explores how to find purpose by building it internally through choices and connections. Dr. K also discusses the loneliness epidemic, social skills, and practical dating advice, emphasizing that attraction is about vision and handling difficulties, not just looks.

9 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 25min
Childhood Neglect & Feeling Like You Can Never Belong - Anna Runkle
Anna Runkle, the Crappy Childhood Fairy, helps people heal from childhood trauma. She discusses how childhood neglect impacts our ability to connect and the signs of being ostracized in youth. Anna breaks down self-isolation and offers strategies to combat it, emphasizing the importance of cultivating 'connectability.' She also explains limerence and trauma bonds, guiding listeners on how to recognize healthy relationships. With practical tips for finding your community, Anna empowers others to embrace their true selves and foster deeper connections.

85 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 28min
Interrogation Expert: How To Influence Anyone & Read People Like A Book
Chase Hughes, a behavior profiling and influence expert with a military background, shares insights into nonverbal communication. He explores how to elicit information without direct questions and decode personality through facial expressions. Chase also discusses techniques for reading group dynamics and differentiating attraction cues between genders. Highlighting the ethics of influence, he emphasizes intent behind manipulation. Listeners learn quick personality reads and powerful habits to project confidence and authenticity.

Aug 25, 2025 • 56min
Women, stop looking for "masculine" men - Case Kenny
Case Kenny is a mindfulness expert, the author of That’s Bold of You, and the host of the popular podcast New Mindset, Who Dis? He has over 1.3M followers on instagram where he shares short affirmations and mantras. His new book The Opposite of Settling is also coming out this year in August.

19 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 54min
The Mind Architect: Triggers are gifts from your subconscious - Peter Crone
Peter Crone, known as "The Mind Architect," is an expert in human potential, coaching celebrities and leaders to unlock their inherent capabilities. In this conversation, he delves into how unconscious triggers can guide us toward self-discovery. Crone challenges traditional notions of success, advocating for inner peace over external achievements. He emphasizes the transformative power of language in shaping identity and encourages self-love as the foundation for genuine connections. Ultimately, he highlights the importance of embracing the moment, fostering growth in relationships.

Jun 24, 2025 • 56min
Dating Expert: Best Technique For Healing After Breakup & Becoming More Attractive On Dates
In this conversation, Amy Chan, a leading relationship expert and New York Times bestselling author, delves deep into the journey of healing after heartbreak. She compares emotional recovery to overcoming addiction and emphasizes cutting contact with exes. Listeners gain insights on traits to look for in lasting relationships while understanding the complexities of attraction and infidelity. Chan also highlights the importance of financial independence and offers practical strategies for enriching dating experiences and fostering genuine connections.

Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 17min
Dr Julie Smith: How to Build Social Confidence, Heal After a Breakup & Spot Fake Friends Fast
Dr. Julie Smith is a clinical psychologist and bestselling author known for her engaging mental health content. In this lively conversation, she discusses recognizing unhealthy friendships and offers strategies for setting boundaries. She shares insights from her book 'Open When,' emphasizing genuine human connection during tough times. Julie tackles social anxiety and how to build confidence through proactive engagement. Plus, she explores transforming comparison into inspiration—all vital tools for navigating life's emotional challenges.


