The Narcissism Decoder

The Narcissism Decoder

The Narcissism Decoder is a podcast dedicated to exploring the many dimensions of narcissism through a psychoanalytic lens. Each episode unpacks the intricate factors and behaviors that shape narcissistic traits, offering a deeper understanding of what lies beneath the surface. Together, we navigate the tools and strategies essential for recognizing, understanding, and effectively engaging with narcissistic individuals. With a blend of compassionate insight, expert guidance, and compelling stories, this podcast aims to transform the way you perceive and approach narcissism. Subscribe now to ensure you don't miss a single episode of this transformative journey.

Episodes

July 16, 2025 28 mins

Why do small letdowns—like a late reply or a minor change of plans—sometimes feel like a gut punch? This episode unpacks how everyday disappointments can stir up deep feelings of shame, rooted in early relational wounds. It’s not about the delay itself—it’s about what it awakens in you. If you've ever felt "too sensitive" or overreactive in relationships, this might be the real reason why.

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Why do toxic relationships feel impossible to leave? In this episode, Dr. Nae and I explore trauma bonds—how narcissistic abuse uses love bombing, control, and betrayal to trap partners. We reveal why hope for change keeps the cycle alive and what true healing looks like: creating a safe space for empowerment and growth. If toxic love has you stuck, this episode offers real insight and hope. 

Here is a chapter of Dr. Nae's &quo...

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What if the real challenge in healing from narcissism isn’t just the big moments, but the subtle, often invisible patterns shaping your relationships and inner world? In this episode, Lindsey Miller and I reveal how narcissistic dynamics quietly influence parenting, emotional containment, and self-awareness. If you want to uncover what’s beneath the surface and start creating lasting change, this conversation is a must-listen. 

To L...

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 What keeps us trapped in toxic narcissistic relationships—and how can we finally break free? In this clip from my interview with Lindsey Miller, we uncover the hidden emotional forces and subtle dynamics that keep these patterns alive. Discover why mindfulness and containment aren’t just buzzwords but essential tools for healing, and why leaving is just the first step on a challenging journey toward reclaiming your true self. If y...

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What if healing from narcissistic relationships isn’t about fixing or avoiding pain—but learning to truly sit with it? In this episode with Lindsay, she uses a beautiful metaphor of sitting on different benches in Central Park. If you’re ready to rethink healing and face your emotions with new curiosity, this conversation is for you. 

To Listen to the full interview and learn more about Lindsay’s work:  https://www.thestressnanny.co...

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 In this episode clip from Lindsey Miller’s The Stress Nanny podcast, we unpack the hidden dynamics of narcissistic relationships. Discover why emotional availability matters, how mindfulness and psychodynamic therapy work together, and the subtle red flags that often go unnoticed. Plus, we explore the emotional aftermath of leaving narcissistic love and how healing truly begins. 

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In this episode, we dive into the quiet, tormenting force of unresolved guilt—and how it can entrap us in relationships long after they've ended. Through the lens of one man’s struggle to say no to an ex he no longer loves but still feels tethered to, we explore how guilt becomes more than remorse—it becomes identity. What begins as an effort to repair harm quietly reveals a deeper conflict: the belief that having needs, choos...

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 What does it really take to help someone with narcissistic traits heal?
 In this rich conversation with Lisa Taylor Austin, we explore how grandiosity masks vulnerability, why trust takes time, and how containment softens defensiveness. Whether you're a clinician or navigating this in your personal life, this episode offers grounded insight and real-world guidance. 

More About Lisa:  

Lisa Taylor-Austin's Website: http...

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What happens when the grandiose self begins to fall apart?
In part four of our Healing Narcissism series, we explore the emotional unraveling that marks the beginning of real change. Through clinical stories and grounded insight, I show how mourning, ambivalence, and even emotional collapse can signal a hopeful shift toward genuine connection and inner integration. 

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In this episode, we explore the fragile emotional terrain that follows the softening of grandiose defenses. From emotional regulation to the risk of collapse, I share how healing begins—not with insight alone, but with containment, timing, and psychodynamic work. Through clinical examples, we uncover how real change happens beneath the surface. 

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This episode dives into the hidden dance between grandiosity and vulnerability in narcissistic individuals. You'll learn how to recognize the shift from content to process, why timing matters, and how to intervene without triggering shame or rupture. A compassionate, real-world guide to navigating the most charged moments in the healing journey. 

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In this episode, we look at the real work of healing narcissism—not by breaking the ego, but by understanding and slowly dismantling the defenses that protect it. You'll learn why emotional regulation and integration—not just insight—are key to lasting change. With real-world examples and deep clinical insight, this is the first in a multi-part series on how transformation actually happens.

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Get ready! In this trailer, we introduce Healing Narcissism: A Four-Part Series — where we take you deep inside the real, raw, and often surprising process of helping a narcissist heal. This series isn’t about surface-level advice — it’s about uncovering the overlooked moments and powerful psychological shifts that make transformation possible.

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In this episode, I join Dr. Nae and her support group to unpack the deep roots of narcissism and the challenges it brings to healing trauma bonds. We explore how hope, projection, and hidden relational patterns keep people entangled—and why differentiation is key to breaking free. If you’re ready to understand and heal from these complex dynamics, this conversation offers fresh insight and hope. 

Here is a chapter of Dr. Nae's ...

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In this episode, we explore the fine line between genuine help and covert emotional demands. Jim shares his struggle with constantly trying to fix his daughter, revealing the emotional toll it takes when helping turns into collapse. Learn how to recognize unconscious emotional signals, respect autonomy, and slow down to truly feel and respond without getting overwhelmed. 

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May 14, 2025 30 mins

In this episode, Jim shares the raw, emotional struggle of trying to connect with a daughter who feels unreachable. We unpack the complex family dynamics where love, guilt, and helplessness intertwine, revealing the hidden pain and unconscious patterns that shape their relationship. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to help someone who pulls away, this conversation offers deep insight and compassion. 

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In this final clip from my interview on Soul Shaking Love, we dive into the tough questions about narcissistic change: How do you encourage someone to get help? Why is real transformation so hard for those with narcissistic traits? We uncover the painful split between fantasy and reality that keeps many stuck—and why bridging that divide is key to healing. If you’ve ever wondered why change feels out of reach, this conversation she...

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May 1, 2025 26 mins

 In this episode, you’ll hear another powerful clip from my interview on Valerie Greene’s podcast, Soul Shaking Love. We explore two of the most frequently asked questions about narcissistic relationships: Can a narcissist truly change—and how can you tell if it’s even possible? We discuss what real change looks like beyond the surface-level promises and gestures, and why it’s so difficult to know whether to stay or go.
 

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 Valerie Greene dives into the roots of codependency, showing how childhood neglect can lead us to put others’ needs before our own. Through personal stories and practical insights, she reveals how building healthy boundaries and embracing self-awareness can transform relationships from draining to deeply connected. Discover the path from codependency to true interdependence. 

Valerie's Website: https://coachvaleriegreene.com/p...

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 Why is it so hard to leave someone who keeps hurting you? In this clip from Soul Shaking Love, we unpack the emotional confusion of narcissistic relationships—how to spot grandiose vs. vulnerable narcissists, why the fantasy of who they could be keeps you stuck, and what deeper wounds might be playing out beneath the surface. 
 

Listen to full episode here: 

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/2R3EZ6W5UpDRXnM9QMYO5p?si=tm49C...

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