

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

10 snips
May 19, 2022 • 33min
Johnny Depp & Amber Heard: Are Domestic Violence Allegations True or False?
The tumultuous legal battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard reveals complex dynamics of domestic violence allegations. Explore the four types of domestic violence and how they manifest in high-conflict relationships. The discussion includes the differences between jury trials and family court, emphasizing the importance of viewing the big picture rather than getting lost in individual narratives. Key questions around juror impartiality and the need for multiple theories of truth shine a light on the intricacies of justice in high-profile cases.

May 12, 2022 • 44min
Bullies at Work with Catherine Mattice
Workplace conflict is on the increase. According to a 2021 survey, 89% of employees from a diverse range of industries reported experiencing conflict at work, consuming 3.5 hours/week on average. Finding employees is challenging, making a calm workplace imperative if competitive advantage is to be gained. When incivility and bullies or other high conflict people are in the workplace, the impact goes deep.In this episode Bill and Megan talk with guest Catherine Mattice, founder of Civility Partners, and author of Back Off! Your Kick-Ass Guide to End Bullying at Work. They will discuss:whether bullying is increasingthe definition of bullyingcauses of bullyingcan it be eliminated?impact on others of bullyingdoes coaching work?should a bully be terminated?should we have workplace bullying laws?creating a psychologically safe work environmentCatherine has a wealth of experience specifically in bullying, including the latest research.Links & Other NotesWEBSITESCivility PartnersHigh Conflict InstituteBOOKSBACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at WorkIt’s All Your Fault at Work! Managing Narcissists and Other High Conflict PeopleARTICLESCivility and the Surge ProtectorWhy Don’t They Get It?Times are EdgySubmit a Question for Bill and MeganAll of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.You can also find these show notes at our site as well.Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing patterns of behavior.
(00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
(01:22) - Catherine Mattice
(02:49) - Catherine's Backstory
(07:28) - Defining Workplace Bullying
(10:17) - Causes of Workplace Bullying
(12:47) - Eliminating It
(15:04) - Those Who Are Impacted
(15:58) - Is a Bully by Default an HCP?
(18:44) - Reading the Population
(21:12) - Evaluations
(21:51) - Group Responses
(23:30) - If You Need to Get Rid of Them
(27:30) - How They Get There
(29:01) - BIFF Certification
(30:01) - What's Gratifying
(31:51) - Workplace Bullying Laws
(34:49) - Psychologically Safe Work Environment
(40:59) - Finding Catherine
(42:41) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: Johnny Depp & Amber Heard

May 5, 2022 • 35min
Q&A Lab - Answering Listener Questions
It’s time for the Q&A Lab again! In this episode, Bill and Megan answer listener questions on several topics, including:dealing with high conflict family members who accuse you of not living up to their expectations. Should hurtful comments be ignored? Should EAR Statements be used?similarities and differences of ADHD and personality disorderscan ADHD co-exist with a high conflict personality in the same individualfrom a previous podcast on Russia’s Putin in which we suggested that he may suffer from malignant narcissism, and whether the term “psychopath” would be more accuratedeciding when to use EAR Statements and BIFF Responses to create connection with a person with a high conflict personality, and when to just take distance or avoid themre-kindling an old friendship with someone with Borderline Personality HCP attributesListen as we break it down and answer these questions that truly have a significant impact on lives.Links & Other NotesBOOKSIt’s All Your Fault! 12 Tips for Managing People Who Blame Others for EverythingARTICLESThe CARS Method® for Resolving High Conflict SituationsDon’t Let HCPs Ruin Your LifeYou Can Strengthen Any Relationship With Empathy, Attention, and RespectWEBSITEOur website: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/Submit a Question for Bill and MeganAll of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.You can also find these show notes at our site as well.Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing patterns of behavior.
(00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
(01:57) - Q&A Lab
(02:09) - Question 1
(09:29) - Question 2
(16:07) - Question 3
(21:46) - Question 4
(25:09) - Question 5
(31:54) - Links, Etc.
(32:53) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: Catherine Mattice

14 snips
Apr 28, 2022 • 30min
Part 2: Borderline Personality Disorder for Family Members
Amanda Smith, a licensed clinical social worker and BPD expert, shares invaluable insights for families affected by Borderline Personality Disorder. She addresses common fears and reactions, urging families not to self-blame. Amanda provides practical advice on setting limits and the importance of temporary separations to reset unhealthy dynamics. She emphasizes the value of nonjudgmental communication when discussing a possible diagnosis and champions family involvement in learning coping skills. With a focus on hope and recovery, she highlights the significance of therapy and self-care.

Apr 21, 2022 • 37min
Part 1: Borderline Personality Disorder for Those Who Suffer
People throw around the term Borderline Personality Disorder (or BPD), but most likely don’t even know what it is, and many have no idea how to handle it, whether within themselves or with a family member. Relationships and interactions are somewhat of a mystery to those around them, and even to themselves. People with BPD often feel like the black sheep of the family, but once you have an understanding of what may be happening and use a set of skills that are typically quite opposite.In this episode, Bill and Megan talk with BPD expert Amanda Smith, LCSW, founder of HopeforBPD.com. Amanda is a highly skilled BPD and Dialectical Behavior Therapy expert, having helped countless clients through their recovery. She’s helped family members learn the necessary skills for helping their loved one best while also taking care of themselves. Amanda also provides treatment consultation. She is the author of two books:The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Wellness PlannerThe Borderline Personality Disorder Wellness Planner for FamiliesIn this episode – part 1 of 2 – Amanda discusses the basics of BPD and how to get help. In next week’s episode – part 2 – she will focus on what families can do to help.Links & Other NotesHopeforBPDThe Dialectical Behavior Therapy Wellness PlannerThe Borderline Personality Disorder Wellness PlannerOur website: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/Submit a Question for Bill and MeganAll of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.You can also find these show notes at our site as well.Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing patterns of behavior.
(00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
(01:34) - Amanda Smith
(03:19) - Successes
(04:12) - Trauma
(06:20) - BPD vs. PTSD
(08:18) - Emotion Disregulation
(12:22) - Treatment
(15:22) - In Parenting Cases
(22:05) - On the Rise and More Acceptance?
(24:11) - Resistant?
(26:11) - Online Course
(27:13) - Therapist Parameters
(30:12) - Complicating Factors
(32:51) - Amanda & Her Books
(35:38) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: Part 2

9 snips
Apr 14, 2022 • 32min
Will Smith: High Conflict or Just Upset?
The podcast dives into the infamous Oscars slap, questioning whether it was a one-time outburst or indicative of a deeper high conflict pattern. The hosts dissect the events leading up to the incident, exploring Will Smith's and Chris Rock's behaviors and reactions. They analyze Chris Rock's calm responses, highlighting the effectiveness of EAR statements in defusing tension. The discussion also touches on consequences for high conflict behavior and the importance of strategies for change, advocating for coaching over mere punishment.

8 snips
Apr 7, 2022 • 32min
When a High Conflict Decision-Maker Uses BIFF & EAR on You
In this enlightening discussion, the hosts tackle a listener's challenging workplace scenario involving toxic leaders. They reveal how high-conflict individuals manipulate communication techniques like BIFF for their gain. Insights into their new Conflict Influencer™ Certification program show how organizations can better manage these dynamics. They also share strategies for coaching valuable staff and the importance of proactive training to curb escalation. Plus, gain tips on navigating reporting and accountability in high-conflict environments.

11 snips
Mar 31, 2022 • 28min
High Conflict Certification for the Workplace
This podcast discusses high conflict situations in the workplace and introduces the Conflict Influencer certification course. They explore the rise of workplace conflicts during and after the pandemic and the impact of individuals with high conflict personalities. The High Conflict Certification program offers tailored solutions for managing high conflict situations, including online videos and live labs. Organizational level training is emphasized for addressing complex behavior and creating a happier work environment.

Mar 24, 2022 • 46min
Finally Figuring It Out: Learning From a Late-in-Life Bi-Polar Diagnosis with Dr. Jay Lieberman
A diagnosis of bi-polar disorder can be both devastating and liberating. Although such a diagnosis is unsettling because of the lifetime implications, it can also be a relief to have an answer and hope for a calmer future.In this episode, Bill and Megan are joined by Dr. Jay Lieberman, a retired surgeon in the podiatry field who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder later in life than most — at age 60. As one might expect, his professional and personal life took some major hits after some harrowing events that wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t been suffering with an undiagnosed mental illness.Dr. Jay shares his journey – in a very transparent way – through the impacts of his behavior on his marriage, his career, and other relationships. It’s a journey marked with significant loss, but also with a great deal of new life, new purpose, forgiveness, and hope. Listen in as Bill and Megan talk with Dr. Jay about:the similarities and differences between bi-polar behaviors and high conflict behaviorsdomestic violence and incarcerationmedicationswhat and who were most helpfuladvice for members, friends, and colleagues regarding someone who may be exhibiting “high conflict” behaviors, whether from a bi-polar diagnosis or with a high conflict personalityhelping othersLinks & Other NotesGenieBee PublishingNational Suicide Prevention LifelineNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)BOOKSCalming Upset People with EARARTICLESEAR Statement Can Calm Anyone7 Tips for Dealing with Difficult People During This CrisisOur website: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/Submit a Question for Bill and MeganAll of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.You can also find these show notes at our site as well.Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing patterns of behavior.
(00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
(01:51) - Meet Dr. Jay Lieberman
(23:59) - What Worked
(27:30) - High Conflict with Bipolar
(32:44) - Extreme Behaviors
(35:26) - Domestic Violence
(36:03) - When It's Family
(37:50) - Don't Tell Them Directly
(38:51) - Respect and Suspect
(42:56) - Dr. Lieberman's Book & Wrap Up
(44:30) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: High Conflict in the Workplace

8 snips
Mar 17, 2022 • 31min
Putin’s Potential: Is Putin a Malignant Narcissist? Part 2
The discussion dives into Putin's actions, evaluating his possible malignant narcissism. Bill and Megan analyze historical behaviors tied to his aggression in Ukraine and previous conflicts. They explore how his unyielding nature makes him a unique threat among leaders. Zelensky's handling of the situation is praised, while NATO's response receives scrutiny. The impact of graphic news on mental health is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of managing exposure. Listeners gain insight into dangerous leadership dynamics and the psychological factors at play.


