Episodes

In this Narcissist Apocalypse reflection episode, we return to Kris’s survivor story to explore what it means to live in the fog of fear, obligation, and guilt. We look at how these forces quietly keep survivors tethered long after the abuse, and why clarity often comes slowly, not all at once. This episode is about naming what lingered — and beginning to loosen its hold. If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ o...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Kris shares her journey of surviving childhood trauma and escaping an abusive relationship with a narcissistic partner. Growing up in a chaotic household with an authoritarian father, Kris learned early on to seek external validation and to read the moods of those around her for survival. These patterns primed her for manipulation, and when she met her future husband as a teenager, she became entangled in an isolating, controlling relationship marked by ...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon Chadwick and Susie Wendel discuss the importance of going no contact with an abuser, emphasizing the need to break the trauma bond. Susie highlights the significance of healing, gaining clarity, and regulating the nervous system. They address common challenges like fear, obligation, and guilt, and stress the importance of preparing mentally and emotionally.

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Mildred shares her story of abuse, starting with her abusive childhood and learning how to 'fix people'. Mildred details her tumultuous relationship with her abusive partner, including his substance abuse, emotional instability, physical intimidation, erratic behavior, minimization of feelings, and taking zero responsibility around the home. Despite these hardships, Mildred pursued her career and achieved financial independence. However, tough choices ne...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Bobby Thrasher, a lawyer specializing in child sexual abuse, discussed the Circle of Hope Girls Ranch in Missouri, which operated from 2006 to 2020. The ranch, which promised reform and education, was revealed to be a site of severe abuse and neglect. Thrasher highlighted the lack of oversight and accreditation in such institutions, especially those with religious components. He emphasized the need for legislative changes, including extending the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. Thrasher also shared insights on supporting survivors, advocating for legal reforms, and the challenges of dealing with institutional abuse.

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon discusses the things abuse survivors have lost from narcissistic abuse and the therapy modalities to help get some of these things back. Brandon delves into the loss of self, self-worth, self-confidence, emotional stability, financial stability, possessions, trust, family, friends, children, sanity, security, boundaries, innocence, happiness, self-respect, reputation, sleep, hobbies, interests, feelings, health, and much more.

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Myrtle shares her experience of being in a toxic relationship with a projecting abuser. Growing up in a single-parent household, Myrtle met her partner and was immediately attracted to his charm and ambition. However, his behavior became erratic, marked by double standards, nitpicking, putdowns, marked lies, manipulation, and emotional abuse tactics. Despite his promises of a shared future, Myrtle’s ex became more distant, leading to infidelity, and a ha...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Louise shares her story about being married to a controlling abuser. Louise dealt with verbal, emotional, and financial abuse from her husband for 25 years. She no longer knew who she was. To make matters worse, she was gaslighting her children about their dad, and at the same time, she was being alienated from them as well. The transformation Louise makes to prove to herself that she is not what her husband and, eventually, her kids, said she was is tru...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Mabel shares her experience of being in a manipulative relationship with a narcissistic abuser. Mabel met her abuser at a bar and was initially intrigued by his boldness. Despite his persistent boundary violations, Mabel was drawn in by his love bombing and mirroring of her interests. Over time, Mabel's abuser gaslit her, made her feel guilty, and manipulated her into staying. Mabel's story highlights the emotional abuse, guilt, and manipulation she endu...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Clementine about her abusive relationship with an altruistic narcissist. Clementine was a cancer survivor who fell in love with a cancer organization leader, only to find out that he was nothing like the altruistic person he portrayed in public. It’s a story of neurodivergency, sexual assault, infidelity, making yourself small, hoovering, and financial abuse, attachment disorders, depersonalization, compartmentalization, guilt, breadcr...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Megan's survivor story pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities of coping with physical and emotional abuse, as well as navigating the murky waters of post-separation abuse. Megan experienced smear campaigns, putdowns, physical abuse, gaslighting, psychological control tactics, and the use of her daughter as a tool of manipulation. Plus, Megan explores the complexities and frustrations of co-parenting with a manipulative abuser. *** CONTENT WARNING...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon discusses the top 10 exploitation's of cultural norms and expectations that abusers use to justify their abuse. The norms and expectations discussed in this episode are gender roles, body standards, family honor, parental authority, loyalty, divorce, privacy, forgiveness, hospitality, and religious doctrine.

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon talks with Dr. Christine Cocchiola & Amy Polacko about their new and important book 'Framed: Women In The Family Court Underworld'. Our conversation centers around the struggles of mothers facing abuse in family court, with a focus on validating experiences through the reading of survivor stories and enacting change. Dr. Christine Cocchiola & Amy Polacko also give some personal insights and strategies for navigating family courts, highlighting the importance of advocacy and education to create a more comprehensive approach in the legal system.

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Gulia shares her journey from a sheltered childhood to a tumultuous marriage with a narcissistic abuser. Gulia met her partner online and was empathetic to the stories about his evil ex-wives. And unfortunately for Gulia, she was about to go through emotional and financial hell, only to become the next evil ex-wife in her abuser's collection. It’s a story of manipulation. emotional abuse, financial abuse, debt, health issues, empathy, people pleasing, a...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Phoenix about her experience as a spiritual cult member and her marriage to a physically abusive husband. It's a story of manipulation, threats, fear, obligation, guilt, shame in the aftermath of abuse, self esteem, family enmeshment, isolation, emotional abuse, gaslighting, trauma bonding, and stockholm syndrome. CONTENT WARNING - This episode has graphic descriptions of strangulation. If you want to be a guest on our survivor story p...

In this episode of "Narcissist Apocalypse," host Brandon Chadwick introduces "Isolation and Control Volume 1," featuring stories from past guests about manipulation and isolation tactics used by abusers. The stories cover a range of experiences, including working without pay, being isolated from friends and family, and being controlled through fear and manipulation. The guests describe how their abusive partners used various methods to isolate them, such as scripture, shaming,and putdowns. The e...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Mae shares her journey as a survivor of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse. She describes the early red flags, including love bombing, control, and isolation. Despite initial displays of love and support, her husband's behavior deteriorated, becoming marked by physical violence, emotional abuse, and financial manipulation. Key incidents included a New Year's Eve attack and a bar altercation, which led to his incarceration for assault and domestic v...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon Chadwick interviews Ashley Badgley, Director of Survivor Support at Survivors.org, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending sexual violence and supporting survivors. They discuss sexual...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, past guests share their wisdom on dealing with narcissistic abuse. Key advice includes not dismissing loved ones experiencing abuse, trusting one's instincts, and surrounding oneself with supportive people. Emphasis is placed on self-compassion, recognizing red flags, and the importance of community support. The guests stress the need to let go of self-blame, to seek help, and to be cautious when leaving abusive situations. In this volume, you'll hear...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, we unravel the intricate web of emotional turmoil that accompanies this festive season, especially for those trying to co-parent with a controlling partner or ex-partner. Together with Jean, we traverse the challenging path of the holidays with abusive partners and family members. Additionally, we put a spotlight on self-care and proactive planning to handle potential mishaps, such as handling derogatory remarks and put downs from narcissistic abusers. ...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Divine recounts the story of her abusive her ex. Divine describes her ex's insecurities and jealousy that led to violent outbursts and attempts to control her. Divine's story highlights the cycle of abuse, the impact on her mental and physical health, and the challenges of leaving for good. It's a story of walking on eggsells, love bombing, post separation abuse, financial abuse, cycles of abuse, insecurities, jealousy, substance abuse, losing yourself ...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Vox about her journey through an abusive relationship with a manipulative conman. Vox believed she had found true love, but soon uncovered deception, financial manipulation, multiple secret lives, and escalating abuse. Despite her efforts to escape, her abuser's smooth tactics kept her trapped. Vox’s story, filled with unexpected twists, reaches a breaking point when she faces her own arrest, deepening her struggle. It’s a story of ga...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Alma about her toxic relationship with a future faking conman. It’s a story of grand gestures, elaborate scenes, victim playing, constant little lies, belief systems, coping versus doing the work, serial narcissist dating, Osama Bin Laden, testing boundaries, overwhelming love bombs, guilt, body image, infidelity, hating friends, standing up for yourself, and ghosting. If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please ⁠⁠...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Vida shares the story about her traumatic upbringing and subsequent relationship with a narcissistic abuser. Vida describes her father's mental illness and involvement in a patriarchal religious cult, which fostered a culture of control and abuse. She details her escape at 16, emancipation, and subsequent legal battles with her abusive partner, who used their child as leverage. It's a story of intergenerational trauma, coercive control, physical abuse, ...