In this raw and revealing conversation, Dana S. Diaz—author of Gasping for Air: The Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse—opens up about surviving a lifetime of narcissistic relationships, from a painful childhood to a dangerous marriage.
Dana shares how a hidden journal became her lifeline and later, her book. We dive into what narcissistic abuse really looks like (it's not just vanity), the toll it takes on health and self-esteem, and how healing is possible—even when it seems like the darkness won't lift.
Whether you've experienced emotional manipulation, co-parenting challenges, or the lingering effects of childhood trauma, this conversation offers both clarity and hope. Dana reminds us that the past doesn't define us—and that true healing starts with one powerful step: choosing ourselves.
Topics Covered:
-
What is a malignant narcissist?
-
The difference between toxic charm and emotional abuse
-
Why isolation is a tool of control
-
How childhood trauma primes us for later abuse
-
The health crisis that became Dana's wake-up call
-
Healing methods that actually work (and why talk therapy alone isn't enough)
-
Co-parenting with a narcissist and protecting your kids
-
Self-talk, Stuart Smalley, and the power of re-parenting yourself
Guest Bio:
Dana S. Diaz is a journalist, speaker, and survivor-advocate whose books shine a light on narcissistic abuse. Her honest storytelling and deep insight help others recognize red flags, understand trauma bonds, and start their own healing journey. Learn more at danasdiaz.com.
Episode Page & Show Notes:
Visit nosittingonthesideline.com/165 for full show notes, resources, and links mentioned in the episode.
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.