It’s All Your Fault: High Conflict People
TruStory FM
Hosted by Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq. and Megan Hunter, MBA, It’s All Your Fault! High Conflict People explores the five types of people who can ruin your life—people with high conflict personalities and how they weave themselves into our lives in romance, at work, next door, at school, places of worship, and just about everywhere, causing chaos, exhaustion, and dread for everyone else.
They are the most difficult of difficult people — some would say they’re toxic. Without them, tv shows, movies, and the news would be boring, but who wants to live that way in your own life!
Have you ever wanted to know what drives them to act this way?
In the It’s All Your Fault podcast, we’ll take you behind the scenes to understand what’s happening in the brain and illuminates why we pick HCPs as life partners, why we hire them, and how we can handle interactions and relationships with them. We break down everything you ever wanted to know about people with the 5 high conflict personality types: narcissistic, borderline, histrionic, antisocial/sociopath, and paranoid.
And we’ll give you tips on how to spot them and how to deal with them.
They are the most difficult of difficult people — some would say they’re toxic. Without them, tv shows, movies, and the news would be boring, but who wants to live that way in your own life!
Have you ever wanted to know what drives them to act this way?
In the It’s All Your Fault podcast, we’ll take you behind the scenes to understand what’s happening in the brain and illuminates why we pick HCPs as life partners, why we hire them, and how we can handle interactions and relationships with them. We break down everything you ever wanted to know about people with the 5 high conflict personality types: narcissistic, borderline, histrionic, antisocial/sociopath, and paranoid.
And we’ll give you tips on how to spot them and how to deal with them.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 23min
Worth Repeating: Finding Your Path Forward with High Conflict Parents
Young adults face unique challenges emerging from high conflict parenting, feeling pressured to manage their parents' emotions. The hosts discuss the impact of global crises, social media comparisons, and weakened community ties on self-identity. They highlight the erosion of resilience due to online bullying and suggest practical solutions like seeking mentors, engaging in meaningful work, and utilizing counseling. Strategies are offered for establishing boundaries and fostering emotional independence while navigating these turbulent dynamics.
Dec 4, 2025 • 41min
Worth Repeating: Turning Down High Conflict at Work with Cherolyn Knapp
Join lawyer and mediator Cherolyn Knapp as she dives into navigating high-conflict behavior at work. Cherolyn shares insights on managing workplace tensions, using EAR statements to de-escalate conflicts, and why traditional disciplinary methods can backfire. She explores subtle and passive-aggressive behaviors that disrupt teams and highlights the importance of communication skills. Additionally, Cherolyn discusses innovative coaching methods that can transform difficult workplace dynamics, offering hope for those dealing with challenging relationships.
13 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 30min
Worth Repeating: High-Conflict Holiday Guide
Join Bill Eddy and Megan Hunter as they tackle the chaos of holiday gatherings with high-conflict personalities. Discover key strategies like setting clear boundaries and using the BIFF method to keep conversations light. Learn how to handle tricky relatives, including narcissists, by assigning them tasks to control the chaos. They also share tips for protecting your own peace and gracefully exiting heated discussions. Whether attending or staying home, these insights will help you navigate the holidays with ease.
10 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 34min
Setting Limits That Stick: The SLIC Method for Effective Boundaries
Explore the innovative SLIC method for effective parenting, where clear limits meet appropriate consequences. Bill and Megan discuss how empathy statements can assist in enforcing boundaries, while also addressing toddler misbehavior with alternatives and short timeouts. They emphasize the importance of aligning with teachers and sustaining support systems to strengthen behavioral expectations. Gain insights on managing teens in high-stakes situations, and learn why early limit-setting is crucial for long-term success.
13 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 46min
Choosing Safe Partners: Understanding Red Flags in Dating with Dr. David Wexler
Dr. David Wexler, a clinical psychologist with decades of experience in relationship conflict, shares vital insights into identifying red flags in dating. He highlights behaviors like 'love bombing' and contempt as early warning signs of potential abuse. Dr. Wexler explains how psychological abuse can be more damaging than physical harm, affecting self-esteem and autonomy. He discusses the influence of family history on relationship patterns and emphasizes the importance of trusting your gut feelings while setting clear boundaries.
Oct 30, 2025 • 50min
Healthcare Conflict Solutions: Managing Hospital Tensions in High-Stress Environments with Dr. Jeff Stuart
Dr. Jeff Stuart, a physician executive and co-founder of RxSolve Conflict, sheds light on navigating healthcare tensions. He discusses how the pandemic reshaped conflict dynamics, introducing heightened stress and communication challenges. Dr. Stuart elaborates on the primary sources of conflicts, such as competing priorities and poor communication, and emphasizes the importance of training to deescalate such tensions. He also highlights the need for leadership engagement to foster effective conflict management and support healthcare teams during crises.
8 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 33min
Family Boundaries: Supporting Children Through High-Conflict Divorce
The discussion dives into the complex roles of grandparents during high-conflict divorces. Practical strategies for maintaining supportive relationships with both parents and managing grandchildren's feelings are highlighted. It also covers how to navigate tricky communication with an ex-partner and their new spouse. Key advice includes setting clear boundaries and recognizing signs of negative behavior in co-parenting dynamics. Listeners gain insights on the importance of flexible thinking and the trajectory of various divorce scenarios.
10 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 30min
High Conflict Communication Skills: Navigating Personal Change and Blended Family Dynamics
This conversation dives into personal transformation and the challenges of navigating blended family dynamics. Discover four essential skills for lasting change, including flexible thinking and emotion management. The hosts tackle the intricacies of dealing with hostile ex-partners, emphasizing strategies like setting limits and the power of nonresponse. Tips for maintaining focus on logistics and employing a BIF communication style are shared, making it easier to manage conflicts while prioritizing children's well-being. Tune in for practical advice on breaking harmful patterns!
9 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 35min
Hostile Neighbor Conflict: How to Handle Community Harassment and Stay Safe
Tensions with neighbors can turn hostile quickly, and this discussion offers practical strategies for dealing with such situations. Learn how to balance self-assertion and calmness, and when disengagement might be the best choice. Insights include legal options for conflict and the importance of involving law enforcement wisely. The hosts stress the impact of neighborhood dynamics on kids and the value of modeling effective conflict management skills for children. They also highlight that most neighbors prefer civility, making good relations possible.
Sep 25, 2025 • 35min
Setting Boundaries in High Conflict: Your Questions About Difficult Relationships
Delve into the complexities of setting boundaries with high-conflict individuals. Explore poignant scenarios, like how to handle an ex-girlfriend using manipulation and the careful approach of the SLIC method. Discover typical responses of high-conflict people to criticism, including denial and blame-shifting. Learn practical strategies for managing challenging relationships with aging parents while maintaining care. The hosts emphasize the power of firm boundaries and clear communication to foster healthier dynamics.
