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
Mar 6, 2025 • 32min
Calm Before Think: Mastering Emotional Management in Professional Settings
Cherolyn Knapp, a workplace conflict expert from the High Conflict Institute and experienced lawyer and mediator, shares her insights on emotional management in professional settings. She discusses the phenomenon of emotional contagion and how unmanaged emotions can escalate conflicts. Cherolyn introduces practical techniques like the 'calm before think' approach, grounding exercises, and positive self-talk to foster resilience. The importance of investing time in emotional management is emphasized, demonstrating how it can enhance productivity and workplace harmony.
Feb 27, 2025 • 38min
When Home Hurts: Managing High Conflict's Impact on Your Career
Explore how conflicts at home can drain emotional resources and impact workplace performance. Discover the neuroscience behind stress responses and the role of self-encouragement in maintaining resilience. Gain insights into establishing effective communication with employers while managing personal issues. Learn to create a supportive workplace environment that nurtures mental well-being. Engaging stories and practical strategies make this discussion both relatable and informative, addressing the intricate balance between personal struggles and professional growth.
Feb 20, 2025 • 34min
Seeds of Personality: Understanding Psychopathy's Origins and Impact (Part 2)
Dive into the fascinating world of psychopathy as experts discuss its origins and how personality traits develop by age six. Discover whether someone can suddenly become psychopathic and explore the intricate interplay of genetics, childhood experiences, and culture. You'll find insights on identifying warning signs in relationships and workplaces, alongside practical advice for navigating interactions with high conflict individuals. The conversation also highlights the historical advantages of these traits and the necessity of empathy in relationships.
Feb 13, 2025 • 38min
Beyond the Mask: Understanding Psychopathy in Modern Society (Part 1)
Dive into the complex world of psychopathy and its staggering $460 billion annual toll on the U.S. criminal justice system. The hosts uncover early warning signs of antisocial personality disorder and emphasize the vital role of intervention. Learn about psychopathy's three key traits: disinhibition, callousness, and boldness, and how they impact relationships and the corporate world. Gain insights into modern diagnostic approaches that treat traits as a spectrum, opening doors for better understanding and management of these challenging behaviors.
Feb 6, 2025 • 46min
Meet Judge Bruce R. Cohen (ret.): Family Court Success from Both Sides of the Bench
Join retired Judge Bruce R. Cohen, who spent nearly two decades on the bench in Arizona, as he shares his wealth of experience in family law. He discusses the evolution of the 'best interests of the child' standard, moving beyond gender bias to focus on individual needs. Bruce shares personal stories that highlight the importance of recognizing humanity in each case. He offers practical insights for parents on how to effectively present their cases in court, emphasizing the child's well-being over past conflicts.
Jan 2, 2025 • 44min
REBROADCAST: The 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life
Explore the five personality disorders that drive high conflict behaviors. Discover traits like blaming others and all-or-nothing thinking, which complicate interactions. Learn how these personalities manifest in various situations, including divorce and workplace disputes. The conversation dives into the manipulative nature of antisocial personalities and highlights the importance of recognizing harmful patterns. With real-life examples and practical insights, gain strategies to navigate these challenging relationships effectively.
Dec 19, 2024 • 49min
REBROADCAST: Co-Parenting by Design with Lawyers Annette Burns and Nicole Siqueiros-Stoutner
Annette Burns and Nicole Siqueiros-Stoutner, both expert family law attorneys and authors of "Co-Parenting by Design," share essential insights into navigating the complexities of co-parenting. They discuss the crucial role of parenting coordinators in reducing conflicts and prioritizing children's needs. The duo explores the concept of parallel parenting, addressing communication strategies and legal implications. They also delve into the challenges of parental alienation and emphasize proactive approaches to foster healthier co-parenting relationships.
7 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 18min
REBROADCAST: Holiday Harmony: Keeping The Peace at Family Celebrations
With the holiday season approaching, this discussion dives into maintaining peace amid family gatherings. Bill and Megan provide practical tips to prevent heated arguments and navigate high-conflict personalities. They emphasize preparation, respectful communication, and effective diversion strategies. Personal connections are highlighted as key to fostering understanding, alongside the power of one-on-one conversations. Listeners are equipped with tools to ensure joy and harmony, turning potentially contentious celebrations into memorable ones.
Dec 5, 2024 • 40min
Safeguarding Seniors: Protecting the Elderly from High Conflict Personalities
The discussion dives into the vulnerabilities of the elderly, particularly regarding high conflict personalities. The hosts highlight how manipulation and control can exploit these weaknesses, especially in lonely seniors. Practical advice is shared on recognizing red flags for abuse and the importance of family involvement. Personal anecdotes and community themes emphasize the need for proactive protection while fostering strong connections for our elderly loved ones. It's an eye-opening exploration into safeguarding the most vulnerable.
Nov 28, 2024 • 33min
More High Conflict Questions Answered: Self-Discovery, Court Battles & Family Dynamics
The hosts tackle the complexities of high conflict personalities and emphasize self-awareness as a stepping stone to improvement. They provide practical strategies for self-represented individuals facing false allegations in family court. Listeners also learn about handling family dynamics involving negative advocates and manipulative behaviors. With tips on effective communication techniques and evidence presentation, the conversation offers vital insights for navigating challenging relationships.
