Fake Love and Flying Monkeys

Ever had someone say, “I’m sorry you feel that way,” and leave you feeling more dismissed than understood? If so, you might have just encountered one of the covert narcissist’s most manipulative tactics in action.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the classic non-apology used by covert narcissists to dodge accountability while appearing calm and reasonable. These aren’t just awkward conversations—they’re calcula...

Think it's just romantic partners who can be narcissistic? Think again.

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I’m diving deep into how narcissism shows up in all types of relationships—not just the romantic ones. That charming coworker? The controlling parent? The friend who always plays the victim? Yep, narcissism can hide in plain sight, and you need to know what to look for.

From coercive control in the w...

Ever had a “friend” who seems supportive, checks in on you sweetly… and then somehow everything you say magically makes its way back to the narcissist? Yep—that’s the flying monkey friend. In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most confusing betrayals survivors of narcissistic abuse face: the friend who pretends to care but secretly reports back to the narcissist.

We’ll cover:

What flying monkeys are and...

They act like your best friend in the meeting... and your worst nightmare behind closed doors.

In this eye-opening episode of Fake Love & Flying Monkeys, I dive deep into the manipulative world of the workplace narcissist—those coworkers or bosses who charm the room and crush your confidence when no one’s watching.

Youtube channel  - https://youtube.com/@novagibson_?si=i2Bhws8AWZdn9mgY

You’ll learn how to spot the signs ...

Have you been blamed for the very abuse you endured? Did the narcissist tell everyone you were the toxic one—while playing the victim themselves?

Www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au 
In this episode,  I break down one of the most devastating tactics narcissists use after a breakup: DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) and the smear campaign. Learn how they manipulate others, twist reality, and destroy reputations—...

They ghost you, block you, abuse you—then pop up like nothing ever happened. Why?
In this eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we unpack one of the most confusing behaviours in narcissistic abuse: when the narcissist reappears with selective amnesia and zero accountability. Whether they send a flirty text, a casual “hey,” or act like everything’s fine after days (or weeks) of cruel silence, there’s always a stra...

What happens when the narcissist doesn’t just come after you—but starts poisoning your child’s mind against you? And worse—what happens when the court system believes it’s your fault?Www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au 

In this raw, eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we’re diving into the heartbreaking experience of narcissistic parental alienation—when the narcissist manipulates your child and weaponises them to...

Have you ever noticed how the narcissist in your life seems to get annoyed—or even angry—when you’re finally doing well? When you’re smiling, thriving, feeling peaceful... they suddenly go cold, start a fight, or make a snarky comment that sucks the joy right out of the room?

Www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au 

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we unpack the painful truth behind why narcissists hate when y...

Narcissists don’t just leave you—they discard you with intent. And it’s never kind, never clean. In this powerful episode, I revea 7 of the most horrific ways narcissists discard their victims—each one designed to shock, shame, and cause maximum pain.
(More information on this available on my website www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au)

From cold ghosting and public humiliation, to triangulating with the new supply and re...

What happens when your mother-in-law acts more like the jealous ex than the proud parent? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into one of the most emotionally exhausting dynamics a woman can face: navigating life with a narcissistic mother-in-law who sees you as competition—not family.

From constant criticism to controlling behaviour, narcissistic mothers-in-law often believe they hold the number one spot in their so...

Struggling with narcissistic abuse recovery as an adult child of a narcissist? Do you feel overwhelming guilt when setting boundaries with toxic parents—even when you know it’s the healthiest thing you can do?

You’re not alone.

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I dive deep into the emotional conditioning that narcissistic parents use over a lifetime to keep you trapped in fear, obligation, and guilt...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic violence, murder-suicide, and police-perpetrated abuse. Please take care while listening.

In this powerful and heartbreaking episode, Bruce Bieber joins us to share the story no parent should ever have to tell — the murder of his daughter, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Abigail Rose Bieber, by her boyfriend and fellow deputy, Daniel Leyden, in an officer-i...

Weddings should be one of the happiest days of your life—but when you have a narcissistic parent, they often become a masterclass in manipulation, guilt-tripping, and sabotage. In this episode, we’re unpacking the emotionally exhausting tactics narcissistic mothers, fathers, or in-laws use to hijack your big day and make it all about them.

From passive-aggressive comments during the engagement, to dress code drama, unsolic...

Ever been accused of cheating by a narcissist — even when you’ve been nothing but loyal? This episode dives into one of their most toxic manipulation tactics: projection.

We explore why narcissists often blame their partners for cheating while they’re the ones actually betraying the relationship. This behaviour is deeply confusing and emotionally exhausting, often leaving victims in a cycle of denial, guilt, and over-expla...

Why do narcissists discard their partners in such sudden, cold, and brutal ways? Why is there never closure — only silence, blame, or replacement with someone new? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the psychology of the narcissist's discard phase and why it feels so horrific.

This stage of the narcissistic abuse cycle is where the mask truly drops. After months or years of manipulation, gaslighting, and emot...

Why does it feel like the covert narcissist always knows how to ruin your mood—right before a party, dinner, or important event? If you’ve ever found yourself crying in the bathroom or cancelling plans because of a last-minute argument, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I (Nova Gibson, narcissistic abuse counsellor and author of Fake Love) unpack exactly why covert narcissists pick f...

Why do narcissists seem obsessed with keeping access to your emotions—even after they’ve discarded you or moved on to someone new?

In this powerful episode of Fake Love & Flying Monkeys, I break down why narcissists hoard your emotions as a form of control, dominance, and emotional manipulation. From love bombing to passive-aggressive guilt trips, I expose the ways narcissists use your emotional reactions as narcissistic supply—...

If you’ve escaped a relationship with a narcissist, you know the damage runs deep. From shattered self-worth to constant self-doubt, the aftermath of narcissistic abuse can leave you feeling like a shell of who you used to be. But healing is possible—and it starts with real, practical steps.

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, host Nova Gibson—lead trauma-informed counsellor and author of Fake Love—shares 6 concrete, no...

If you’ve ever walked away from a narcissistic relationship feeling confused, unstable, or like you’ve lost your grip on reality, you’re not alone. In this episode, we break down why narcissistic abuse leaves you feeling crazy, emotionally exhausted, and unable to trust your own instincts. From gaslighting and manipulation to trauma bonding and cognitive dissonance, we unpack the psychological tactics narcissists use to keep you st...