In this compelling "best of" episode, Dr. Sharon Spano welcomes Angela Myer, a trauma-informed hypnotherapist and author of The Undetected Narcissist. Drawing from personal experience and clinical expertise, Angela dives deep into the complex world of narcissism—what it really is, how to detect it, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from its damaging effects.
Angela explains the behaviors and traits of narcissists, the different types (including the often-misunderstood covert narcissist), and why narcissism is often born out of trauma, neglect, or unresolved emotional pain. She also shares strategies for identifying manipulation, managing difficult relationships, and healing from narcissistic abuse.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The six primary causes of narcissistic behavior—including parenting styles and trauma.
- The difference between covert and overt narcissists and how to recognize both.
- How to decode manipulation tactics like gaslighting, blame shifting, triangulation, and smear campaigns.
- Why narcissists often present as charming and charismatic—until you're in their inner circle.
- The devastating impact of identity erosion and how to reclaim your sense of self.
- Why narcissism can sometimes be temporary and trauma-induced, and what healing looks like.
- How to create safety and exit plans in narcissistic relationships, especially in cases involving domestic violence or shared children.
- The power of self-awareness, boundaries, and pattern recognition in protecting yourself.
- How to support a loved one dealing with a narcissist—and why successful, high-achieving people are not immune.
- Why Angela believes that everyone will encounter a narcissist at some point in their life—and how to be prepared.
Transcript: Here
Additional Resources:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelaMyerUN
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelamyerun/
Website: https://undetectednarcissist.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B75GJTX3
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1972197/episodes
Links Mentioned:
Bradley Angle: https://bradleyangle.org/
Sharon Spano:
Website: sharonspano.com
Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD
Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/
Book: thetimemoneybook.com
Contact: sharon@sharonspano.com
Substack: substack.com/@drsharon
The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com