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
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.
11 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 24min
High Conflict Listener Questions: When Different Personalities Collide in Families
This episode dives deep into high conflict dynamics in families. The hosts discuss common personality pairings, such as borderline with narcissistic traits and how these combinations often satisfy emotional needs. They emphasize strategies for protecting children from parental alienation, focusing on teaching essential life skills before age nine. Plus, they tackle a listener's situation involving estrangement and suggest actionable steps to mend family relationships, reinforcing the importance of positive communication.
11 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 37min
High Conflict in Court: Managing Charm, Control, and Challenging Testimony
Explore the gripping dynamics of a murder trial where a high conflict defendant uses charm and manipulation in the courtroom. Discover effective strategies for legal professionals to manage hostile witnesses and maintain authority. Delve into the emotional complexities of individuals who show empathy towards animals while struggling with human connections. Practical advice is shared for handling rehearsed demands and asserting boundaries in challenging relationships. Tune in for insights that blend legal expertise with psychological understanding.
9 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 28min
Falsely Blamed? How to Protect Yourself and Respond • REBROADCAST
This discussion dives deep into the emotional turmoil of being falsely accused by high-conflict people. Experts provide actionable strategies to shield yourself from blame while maintaining your cool. They emphasize the importance of documentation in therapy and legal protection. Listeners discover practical methods to combat misinformation and assert their truth without escalating tensions. The episode also sheds light on the unique challenges faced in family court and shares vital techniques to navigate those difficult situations effectively.
Aug 14, 2025 • 36min
The High-Conflict Borderline Personality: The 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life (Part 3) • REBROADCAST
Dive into the murky waters of high-conflict borderline personalities, where affection can flip to rage in a heartbeat. Explore the emotional volatility of these individuals and the concept of splitting that impacts relationships deeply. Discover the tangled web of deception driven by fears of abandonment. Learn the importance of secure attachment and the role of empathy in navigating these dynamics. Gain practical strategies to maintain boundaries while fostering healthier interactions, all while keeping hope alive for recovery.
5 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 25min
Narcissistic Co-Parents, Borderline Spouses, and Intimidating Behaviors • REBROADCAST
This session dives into the complexities of co-parenting with narcissistic individuals, offering strategies to protect children amid conflict. The hosts tackle intimidating behaviors that arise in high-stakes decisions, highlighting practical ways to reclaim agency. They also discuss living with someone exhibiting borderline personality traits, underlining the need for therapeutic support and understanding personal boundaries. Valuable resources and expert advice shine throughout, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating these challenging dynamics.
Jul 17, 2025 • 43min
High Conflict Patterns: Understanding Situational vs Long-Term Behavior • And We Introduce Conflict Influencer!
Explore the intriguing distinction between situational high conflict behaviors and long-term patterns that disrupt relationships. Discover how stress can trigger temporary conflicts while recognizing signs of persistent issues like blaming others and all-or-nothing thinking. Learn effective strategies to manage high conflict individuals, emphasizing solutions over past grievances. Plus, get introduced to Conflict Influencer, a new platform aimed at supporting those navigating treacherous interpersonal waters.
Jul 10, 2025 • 52min
Child Abuse Allegations: Finding Truth and Safety in Family Court with Dr. Wendy Bourg
In this engaging discussion, clinical psychologist Dr. Wendy Bourg, who specializes in high-conflict family situations, delves into the complexities of child abuse allegations in family courts. She shares insights on maintaining child safety while preserving crucial parental attachments. The conversation also addresses how legal professionals can navigate emotional challenges and avoid common pitfalls when investigating claims. Dr. Bourg highlights innovative approaches and research findings that compel a reevaluation of traditional beliefs about these sensitive issues.
Jul 3, 2025 • 34min
Trauma vs. Entitlement: Finding Balance in High Conflict Situations
The discussion highlights the intricate interplay between trauma and entitlement in high-conflict scenarios. Bill Eddy and Megan Hunter emphasize the necessity of balancing empathy with accountability. They explore how trauma history doesn't excuse harmful behavior and underline the importance of clear boundaries. A case study on family interventions illustrates the challenges of compassionate limit-setting. Finally, new platforms like ConflictInfluencer.com are introduced to help individuals develop essential conflict resolution skills.
