67. Run Like Hell: Breaking Free from Trauma Bonds with Dr. Nadine Macaluso

In this powerful episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria Byrd sits down with Dr. Nadine Macaluso; licensed marriage and family therapist, trauma bonding and narcissistic abuse expert, and author of the memoir Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds. You may recognize her as the former wife of the infamous “Wolf of Wall Street,” but today, Nadine is rewriting the narrative by helping women recognize the red flags of coercive control, reclaim their sense of self, and heal from emotional trauma.

Together, Victoria and Nadine explore:

• What trauma bonding really is and how it differs from general relationship toxicity

• The subtle signs of narcissistic abuse and coercive control

• Why smart, accomplished women often fall into these relationships

• The healing process: rebuilding self-trust, confidence, and identity

• Why people-pleasing and boundary-blurring are red flags we shouldn’t ignore

• How women can create emotionally safe, calm relationships—especially in midlife
  

Dr. Nadine also shares her journey from fashion designer to psychotherapist, her reflections on the Wolf of Wall Street movie, and why writing Run Like Hell was more than a memoir; it was a roadmap to healing for women worldwide. She discusses the importance of therapy, emotional intelligence in midlife, and her thriving Surthriver™️ Community that offers affordable, expert-led healing support.

Whether you’re recovering from a trauma bond, exploring a new relationship in midlife, or learning to trust yourself again, this episode offers hope, validation, and a clear path forward.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• 📖 Get a free chapter of Run Like Hell

• 💻 Join the Surthriver Community: Dr. Nadine’s online support group for healing and empowerment

• ✅ Download the Pathological Lover Checklist at Dr. Nadine's website
  

About Dr. Nadine Macaluso: Dr. Nadine Macaluso is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a doctorate in somatic psychotherapy. Drawing from her own lived experience and clinical expertise, she specializes in helping women recognize trauma bonds, escape narcissistic abuse, and rebuild safe and empowered lives. She is the author of Run Like Hell and the founder of the Surthriver™ Community.

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Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com

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