Breaking Free: Surviving Narcissistic Abuse & Reclaiming Your Life with Mia J. Hanks

What does it take to break free from a toxic relationship and rebuild your life? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Mia J. Hanks author of Bride Made, to talk about her 29-year marriage to a covert narcissist, the emotional toll it took, and how she finally found the strength to leave.

Mia shares her personal journey of recognizing the patterns of narcissistic abuse, navigating gaslighting, and reclaiming her identity after decades of manipulation. Her book provides the insider perspective she wished she had when searching for resources, offering hope and validation to others in similar situations.

We dive into:

• How Mia’s search for answers led her to write the book she wished she had while in her marriage.
• The signs of narcissistic abuse and gaslighting—and how to recognize them in your own relationships.
• Why leaving a narcissistic relationship is so difficult and how financial and emotional control plays a role.
• The challenges of promoting a book while staying anonymous for personal safety.
• How writing her memoir became an unexpected but powerful tool for healing.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Get Mia’s book, Bride Made – https://amzn.to/3GXGvq5
• Visit Mia’s website & read her blog – MiaJHanks.com
• Follow Mia on TikTok for daily insights on narcissism awareness – https://www.tiktok.com/@npdandme

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Mia’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.