Breaking the Cycle: Reclaiming Your Power After a Narcissistic Parent
What happens when the person meant to love and protect you becomes the source of your deepest wounds?
In this episode of Happiness On Tap, host Leann Herron sits down with Pi Venus Winslow—published author, transformational life coach, and survivor turned thriver. For 45 years, Pi lived under the shadow of a malignant narcissistic mother, struggling with low self-esteem, codependency, and self-sabotaging behaviors.
Through her courageous healing journey, Pi broke free from the cycle of victimhood and now empowers others to reclaim their authentic selves, establish healthy boundaries, and live intentionally with freedom and purpose.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone recovering from narcissistic abuse or seeking tools for authentic living.
We discussed:
0:00 Greetings and introduction of Pi Venus Winslow.
2:01 Pi shared that she didn’t realize her mother was a narcissist until her mid-40s, explaining that growing up with a narcissistic parent feels like “something is off” but normal, making it difficult to recognize the constant.
3:18 The realities of growing up with a malignant narcissistic parent and how it shapes early life.
4:33 The emotional and psychological effects of narcissistic abuse, including shame, fear, and low self-worth.
8:15 Leann shares her story of growing up with a narcissistic mother, growing up with low self-esteem, shame, fear, low self-worth.
12:14 The benefits of shared stories, experiences, and connection.
12:53 The pivotal moment Pi realized she needed to begin her healing journey.
19:41 The emotional and psychological effects Pi experienced as a result of that upbringing.
24:29 The first step for those still entangled in a narcissistic relationship or beginning recovery.
26:04 Loyalty - you don't have to be an Alabama tick.
28:55 The most difficult patterns to break free from—such as self-sabotage and codependency.
29:44 Become the pattern to change.
30:24 Steps Pi took to reclaim her authentic self and live with intention.
32:00 Leann shares her story of getting out of a toxic relationship, the fears that almost kept her stuck, and her journey to self-love and healing.
36:37 Asking yourself the deep questions, and getting help from others to see our blind spots.
40:23 Living a life of extremes and the vital role of boundaries in the healing process.
54:28 Experimenting with different healing modalities, and setting boundaries with yourself.
1:07:01 The greatest gift - Control.
1:09:59 A message of hope: recovery is possible, and freedom from abuse leads to joy, authenticity, and empowerment.
Pi Venus Winslow’s story is living proof that freedom and authenticity are possible—even after decades of living under the control of a narcissistic parent.
Episode Resources:
Pi Venus Winslow
Website: https://FullVenusRising.com/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-PiVenusWinslow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullVenusRising/ and https://www.facebook.com/pi.winslow/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FullVenusRising/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pi-venus-winslow/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fullvenusrising
Free Gift:
Free digital download of Pi Venus Winslow’s book: Mother Medusa – Weaving Myth, Ritual, and Magic into Healing from a Narcissistic Upbringing https://fullvenusrising.com/get-the-book-sign-up/
Leann Herron
Finding Resilience with Leann:
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