10 Cruel Tactics Narcissists Use to Destroy You.In this episode, we dive into 10 cruel tactics narcissists use to destroy you and how these toxic behaviours can leave you feeling drained and powerless. From manipulation to smear campaigns, we'll break down the sneaky ways narcissists try to tear you apart. Whether you're dealing with a narcissist in a relationship, friendship, or family, this episode offers valuable insights into their damaging behaviours and how to protect yourself. Tune in ...

Signs you've met a covert narcissistic female - A male Victim tells his Story. In this episode I explore the hidden traits of the covert narcissistic female. Through the powerful story of a man who describes his own toxic relationship with an undiagnosed narcissist, we uncover how women can subtly manipulate and control their partners without outwardly displaying typical narcissistic traits. Our guest bravely shares his journey, detailing the emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and...

The Covert Narcissist Fools everyone else - How do they do this?Covert narcissists often seem charming and harmless to outsiders, but behind closed doors, they can cause emotional turmoil for their victims. In this episode learn how they expertly disguise their true nature, making it difficult for others to believe their victims' experiences. Listen to the practical advice I share on identifying the signs and protecting yourself from their hidden abuse. Tune in for eye-opening insights ...

10 signs of emotional abuse in relationships. Emotional abuse can be difficult to spot, especially when it's masked by manipulative tactics or disguised as "normal" relationship dynamics. In this episode I guide you through ten key signs to help you identify if you're experiencing emotional abuse and psychological abuse. From constant criticism and gaslighting to controlling behaviors and the silent treatment, I explain these toxic behaviors that impact your self-esteem, menta...

Narcissists Use Sex to Control YouNarcissists use sex as a powerful tool of coercive control to manipulate and dominate their victims. To the narcissist, sex isn’t about intimacy or mutual pleasure. It’s about validation and control. During the early stages of a relationship—known as the love bombing stage, a narcissist might use sex to make you feel like you're the most important person in the world, and once you're hooked on the "intimacy", they will then use sex to reward and punish ...

Why Do Narcissists Get Married?Why would a narcissist pursue marriage when they lack empathy and struggle with genuine connection? In this revealing episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I uncover the hidden motivations behind a narcissist's desire to walk down the aisle. It’s rarely about love—marriage is a tool for control, status, and securing a long-term supply of validation.We explore how narcissists use marriage to trap their victims, often pressuring them into having children to fur...

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse through Habit Change with Dr Gina Cleo.In this episode we explore how changing ingrained habits can accelerate recovery from narcissistic abuse. Dr Gina, a world expert in Habit Change explains how toxic patterns often reinforce the psychological damage inflicted by a narcissist. By shifting these negative habits, survivors can regain control, foster emotional resilience, and rebuild self-worth. This episode provides actionable, research-based strategies for br...

Responding to Flying Monkeys in the Family is tricky! In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I dive into one of the most difficult challenges victims of narcissistic abuse face—dealing with "flying monkeys" within their own family. These enablers often act on behalf of the narcissist, spreading lies, creating tension, and making it even harder to break free from the toxic cycle. I offer practical strategies on how to respond to flying monkeys in your family, without getting caught u...

Narcissist's weird texting habitshttps://www.amazon.com.au/Fake-Love-Understanding-Healing-Narcissistic Manipulative texting habits of narcissists - From abrupt changes in tone to love-bombing through text messages, we analyse the key patterns that make communication with a narcissist so confusing and unsettling. Learn how their erratic messaging is part of a broader manipulation strategy, and gain valuable insights into protecting your emotional well-being. Tune in for expert advice on recog...

6 reasons why Narcissists can't Love their Childrenhttps://www.amazon.com.au/Fake-Love-Understanding-Healing-Narcissistic In this episode, we're breaking down six big reasons why narcissists can’t truly love their children. From lacking empathy to always needing control, narcissistic parents just don’t give the unconditional love and support children need. We’ll talk about how narcissists use their kids to boost their own ego, treating them like extensions of themselves rather than individual...

The narcissist's obsession with Food.https://www.amazon.com.au/Fake-Love-Understanding-Healing-NarcissisticIn this episode, we dive into the complex relationship between narcissists and food. We explore how control, indulgence, power and manipulation often intertwine with their eating habits and yours. Tune in to learn how food becomes a weapon for dominance and what it reveals about their desire for control and their own self-gratifying, ritualistic behaviours centred around food. Lear...

Framed by the Family Court.https://www.amazon.com.au/Fake-Love-Understanding-Healing-NarcissisticIn their book "Framed - Women in the Family Court Underworld ", Dr. Christine and Amy Polacko expose the disturbing realities within the family court system. In this episode, they discuss their new book FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld which highlights the struggles of mothers facing coercive control and narcissistic abuse. Learn how abusers manipulate the system and why family c...

5 Things a narcissist will never give you in a relationshiphttps://www.amazon.com.au/Fake-Love-Understanding-Healing-NarcissisticWe discuss 5 crucial things you will never experience in a relationship with a narcissist in this episode. These are things that you would normally take for granted in a healthy relationship. From emotional support to genuine love, narcissists keep their partners trapped in a cycle of manipulation and control. Learn how these missing elements can leave you fee...

https://www.amazon.com.au/Fake-Love-Understanding-Healing-NarcissisticNarcissists block and unblock you as a manipulative way to feed off your emotions. In this episode, "Why does the narcissist block then unblock you?", we dive deep into why narcissists use this strategy, examining the cruel psychological games they play to keep you hooked in cycles of confusion, hope, and desperation. You'll learn how the narcissist uses blocking as a form of punishment while unblocking you re-establishes t...

Understanding Betrayal Trauma in Narcissistic Abuse.https://www.amazon.com.au/Fake-Love-Understanding-Healing-Narcissistic In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the concept of betrayal trauma within the context of narcissistic abuse. We unpack the emotional toll this hidden form of trauma takes on survivors. Betrayal trauma can be excruciating for those involved in abusive relationships with narcissists, leaving them struggling to rebuild trust. In this episode we look at the nar...

https://www.amazon.com.au/Fake-Love-Understanding-Healing-NarcissisticThe Narcissist turns your Family against you. In this eye-opening episode, we explore the heartbreaking reality of when a narcissist turns your family against you. Dealing with a narcissist who turns your family against you can feel isolating and devastating. In this episode, we explore how narcissists use manipulation, smear campaigns, and gaslighting to create a wedge between you and your loved ones, common tactics u...

Narcissism and Coercive Controlhttps://www.amazon.com.au/Fake-Love-Understanding-Healing-Narcissistic In this episode, I speak with Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW. Dr Christine is a Coercive Control Educator, Researcher & Survivor. She is a college professor teaching social work for the last 20 years and a social justice advocate for a local domestic violence agency, since the age of 19. Her expertise is in the areas of coercive control and the traumatic experiences of a...

When a narcissist says 'I love you?'.https://www.amazon.com.au/Fake-Love-Understanding-Healing-Narcissistic In this episode, we unpack the hidden meaning behind the phrase "I love you" when spoken by a narcissist. While these words may seem genuine, narcissists often use them as a tool for control and manipulation. We'll explore how their version of love differs from healthy relationships, and why these declarations often come with strings attached. Learn to identify the red flags and protect...

https://www.amazon.com.au/Fake-Love-Understanding-Healing-Narcissistic10 Gaslighting Phrases Narcissists Manipulate you with. In this episode, we explore 10 Gaslighting Phrases the narcissist manipulates you with, shedding light on the subtle and damaging tactics used to distort your reality. These manipulative phrases are designed to control, confuse, and erode your self-esteem. In this episode we explore...* text book gaslighting phrases used by all narcissists.* Why Gaslighting makes you f...

Going no contact with the narcissist. In this episode, I explore the life-changing decision of going no contact with a narcissist and why it's a crucial step for healing. When survivors maintain any form of contact with a narcissist, whether direct or indirect, it can have devastating effects on their emotional and psychological well-being. Learn how to overcome the challenges of cutting ties with a narcissist, set healthy boundaries, and protect your emotional well-being. I share practical s...

In this episode I am joined by the inspirational Vanessa Reiser!Vanessa M. Reiser is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida. She is a psychotherapist and the founder of Tell a Therapist, LLC as well as the founder of the nonprofit, Tell a Therapist, INC. She is also the Author of - "Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist's Guide to Identifying, Escaping, and Healing from Toxic and Manipulative People" Vanessa specializes in n...

5 ways the covert narcissist blame shifts In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we dive deep into the narcissist's favourite tactic—blame shifting. Discover why narcissists expertly deflect blame, manipulating situations to avoid accountability while making you question your own reality. We'll explore how narcissists twist the truth to keep control, leaving victims trapped in self-doubt and confusion. Learn the key signs of blame shifting, understand why it's such a powerful t...

Why do narcissists ruin special occasions?One of the most common tactics that narcissists use to maintain control is to sabotage any event that brings you joy. Whether it’s Christmas, your birthday, or a long-anticipated holiday, you can almost guarantee that a narcissist will find a way to ruin it. This pattern of behaviour is not accidental—it’s part of a deliberate strategy to manipulate, control, and undermine you. But why do narcissists do this?In this episode we unpack.....*the narcissi...

The narcissistic mother and daughter relationship. To a narcissistic mother, their daughter represents a threat to their grandiose view of themselves. The daughter of a narcissistic mother spends their whole life trying to please a toxic parent, who can't or won't love them unconditionally. They hang in there however, thinking one day, ONE DAY, their mother will change. They feel a sense of duty and obligation to keep trying to love a toxic parent who will never ...

Why do narcissists recycle their exes?Narcissists love to keep as many exes as they can waiting in the wings so they can recycle them. But why do they do this? Why do they want to keep someone around whom they professed to hate so much? If you have been abused by a narcissist in the past then it's really important to understand the how and why narcissists recycle their ex-victims so you can protect yourself, and this episode will help you to do just that.In this episode we unpack...* Wh...