The Gaslight Effect Podcast

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern delves into the insidious tactics of manipulation and control that leave victims questioning their reality, with guest Chris Shelton.

Chris is a former Scientologist and Sea Org member who spent 25 years within the Church of Scientology, enduring relentless physical and psychological abuse. Since his escape, Chris has devoted his life to shedding light on the dangers of destructive cults and their g...

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes Dr. Ramani Durvasula. Dr. Ramani is a renowned clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and a leading expert in the field of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder. With her extensive research and deep insights into the dynamics of toxic relationships, she has become a beacon of hope for many navigating the treacherous waters of narcissistic abuse.

Dr. Ramani is a licensed clin...

Welcome to another episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, with Dr. Robin Stern. Today, Robin has a very special guest, Anne Blythe, the Producer and Host of the acclaimed BTR.ORG Podcast and author of the powerful book "Trauma Mama Husband Drama." Anne is not just a voice of experience; she's a beacon of hope and guidance for countless women navigating the turbulent waters of emotional and psychological abuse.

Anne has dedicated h...

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with Dr. Janja Lalich.

Janja is a distinguished sociologist, a leading expert on cults and coercive control, and a guiding light for those navigating the dark waters of psychological manipulation. Drawing from her own years as a cult member of the Democratic Workers Party in California, she brings a deeply personal perspective to her research. Her groundbreaking work has helped countless indiv...

On this episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern unravels the complexities of belief, identity, and society with political correspondent and author Sarah McCammon.

Sarah McCammon is not just a seasoned journalist; she's also a voice of insight and understanding in the midst of today's tumultuous political landscape. But what sets her apart is her personal journey—a journey that intersects faith, culture, and the very...

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern is honored to be joined by two extraordinary individuals whose resilience and courage have transformed their experiences into beacons of hope.

Sarah Edmondson, a Canadian actress known for her roles in CBS's "Salvation" and numerous Hallmark Channel and Lifetime films, embarked on a journey of self-discovery when she encountered NXIVM, a personal development company led by Keith Raniere, promising t...

A QUICK WARNING: This episode contains discussions of traumatic events, violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, and graphic language. Listener discretion is advised.

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern dives into the extraordinary journey of Jessica Willis Fisher—a tale of survival, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Jessica's story unfolds with the haunting echoes of a tumultuous chi...

A QUICK WARNING: This episode contains discussions of traumatic events, violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, anxiety, depression, and graphic language. Listener discretion is advised.

Welcome to the Gaslight Effect Podcast, where we explore stories of courage, healing, and transformation. On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern has the privilege of speaking with Lucas Mack, a visionary leader who gu...

IS social media toxic for women and girls?  On this episode, Dr. Kara Alaimo, author of "Over the Influence: Why Social Media is Toxic for Women and Girls - And How We Can Take It Back," hashes it out with Dr. Robin Stern.

Kara is a communication professor at Fairleigh Dickinson, where she created the university’s programs in social media, and has been writing for CNN Opinion about the social impact of social media and issues affe...

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern dives into the transformative journey of Emily Paulson - a beacon of courage, resilience, and authenticity in the realm of wellness and empowerment.

Emily Paulson's remarkable journey, chronicled in her books "Highlight Real: Finding Honesty & Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life" and "Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing," offers profound insights into...

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern has a conversation with Dr. Craig Dowden, a renowned psychologist, executive coach, and author who specializes in unraveling the complexities of gaslighting and its impact on individuals and organizations.

For over 25 years, Craig has been fascinated by the links between positive psychology and the practice of leadership excellence, so much so that he pursued his PhD in Psychology and Business. His ...

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern engages in a candid conversation with Tracey O'Connell MD, integrative health coach and seasoned medical professional, as they unravel the complexities of gaslighting within the healthcare industry.

Having spent decades navigating the intricate web of medical practice, Tracey opens up about the often unspoken reality of gaslighting experienced by health professionals themselves. From subtle dismissa...

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern dives into the world of emotional intelligence and gaslighting with psychologist and acclaimed author, Daniel Goleman.

Daniel Goleman has left an indelible mark in psychology with his groundbreaking work on emotional intelligence. As an accomplished author, his insights have not only enriched our understanding of the human psyche. Daniel's work has also paved the way for transformative conversations...

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern interviews Hannah Husain, an eighteen year old student researching gaslighting interactions in relationships - particularly in teenagers.

Hannah's first encounter with gaslighting occured when her friend had wanted to go to a concert, and was unintentionally gaslighted by her mom into not going. 

Robin and Hannah discuss how, even if parents are not intentionally meaning to gaslight, the effect on t...

On this episode Dr. Robin Stern shares a conversation with Dr. Arghavan Salles that is both crucial and empowering. Dr. Salles wears many hats—she's a skilled surgeon, a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, and an expert in confronting gaslighting in medicine.

Dr. Arghavan Salles gained global attention not just for her expertise but for her remarkable courage and resilience during the spring of 2020. As the COVID-19 pa...

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with Dakota Adams, son of Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers organization. Dakota opens up about a life that was not only entangled with the controversial Oath Keepers but also shadowed by the dark clouds of gaslighting and abuse.

Gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation that seeks to make victims doubt their reality, is a theme woven into the fabric of Dakota...

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern guides us through the captivating and deeply personal journey of Dr. Kerry McAvoy - a story marked by heartbreak, betrayal, and the insidious effects of gaslighting.

As a devoted mother, wife, and psychologist, Kerry's life took an unexpected turn after the loss of her first husband. Her second marriage seemed perfect until an unknown woman's text shattered the illusion. The words, "I’ve been dating...

On this episode, the intricate realms of gaslighting, human behavior and emotional intelligence intersect, as Dr. Robin Stern talks with her colleague and good friend, Dr. Marc Brackett.  Dr. Brackett is the Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and author of "Permission to Feel." 

On this episode, Dr. Stern and Dr. Brackett unravel the subtle dynamics of gaslighting, a pervasive issue affecting relationships, wo...

On this episode Dr. Robin Stern talks with attorney Evan D. Schein, a seasoned attorney and partner at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP.

Evan brings a wealth of experience in family law to the conversation. If you're curious about the legal nuances of relationships and the complexities of prenuptial agreements, this is the episode for you.

As a divorce lawyer in New York City, Evan has been lucky to meet fascinating people and w...