Surviving Narcissistic Abuse with Mia Hanks

If you've ever questioned your reality in a relationship, felt drained by someone who constantly twists the truth, or are trying to rebuild after emotional abuse, this episode is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/mia-hanks

In this powerful episode, MommaFoxFire sits down with Mia Hanks to talk about surviving narcissistic abuse - what it looks like, how it feels and what it takes to heal. Mia speaks openly and honestly about her personal experiences with a narcissistic partner, sharing how she slowly came to recognize the manipulation and emotional damage happening behind the scenes.

She explains that narcissistic abuse isn’t always loud or violent. Often, it’s subtle - a slow erosion of confidence, constant gaslighting, and the shifting of blame. Mia describes how she started feeling like she was going crazy, questioning her own memory, instincts, and sense of reality. Over time, she realized this wasn’t just a “difficult relationship” - it was emotional abuse masked as love and care.

One of the biggest challenges Mia talks about is identifying the abuse for what it was. Narcissists are often charming and skilled at keeping up appearances, especially in front of others. She describes how friends and family didn’t always see the red flags, and how isolating that was. It made it harder to trust herself and even harder to leave. But she emphasizes how important it is to trust your gut when something feels off, even if no one else sees it.

The conversation shifts into the healing process - a journey that, for Mia, took time, support and a lot of unlearning. She talks about how therapy helped her recognize patterns, build boundaries and start reconnecting with who she was before the abuse. Rebuilding her confidence and sense of identity was key. She shares that survivors often carry shame or guilt, wondering how they “let it happen,” but she pushes back on that — reminding listeners that narcissistic abuse is calculated, and anyone can fall victim to it.

Mia also talks about the role of self-compassion in healing. She had to stop beating herself up for staying too long or not seeing the signs sooner. She highlights the value of community - finding people who understand, whether that’s friends, a therapist or support groups. The isolation starts to lift when you realize you’re not alone.

Throughout the episode, Mia keeps it real. She doesn’t sugarcoat how tough it was, but she also makes it clear that healing is possible. She’s living proof. Her story is full of raw honesty, hard-won insights and hope for anyone still stuck in the fog of a toxic relationship.

By the end, listeners walk away with a better understanding of narcissistic abuse, clear signs to watch for, and a reminder that surviving isn’t just about getting out - it’s about reclaiming your power, your peace and your sense of self.