Narcissist Apocalypse: Patterns of Abuse

Brandon talks about the 'top 10 reasons why an abusive partner doesn't want to change' from the book 'Why Does He Do That?' by Lundy Bancroft. Lundy Bancroft's book 'Why Does He Do That?' can be purchased by clicking here. If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.com Thank you to our sponsor BETTERHELP. If you need...

Sharon experienced two traumatic life-altering events by the age of 9. The after effects of these events reverberated throughout her life. Sharon became extremely self-sacrificing, felt that she didn't matter, and feared abandonment. In both of her abusive relationships, Sharon was very open about her childhood trauma, and both partners seemed to care about it at first, only to use it against her...

Brandon discusses the psychology abusers use to normalize toxic behaviors. Topics discussed in this episode are: gaslighting, religion, cultural norms, social influence, minimizing, blame-shifting, rationalizations, cognitive dissonance, gender roles, patriarchal systems, conditioning, generational trauma, shame, dissociation, and much more. If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast,...

December and her future ex-boyfriend became fast friends through their local music scene. December felt seen for the first time, but the relationship December wanted was dangled in front of her like a carrot on a moving stick. Always out of reach, yet not. It's a story of triangulation, gaslighting, minimization, adoption, fear, control, isolation, suicide attempts, suicide threats, physical abuse...

Brandon discusses how victim-playing abusers use empathy-based guilt to control, manipulate, avoid taking responsibility, get attention, and abuse throughout every stage of an abusive relationship. This episode discusses idealization, devaluation, post separation abuse, gaslighting, minimization, blame shifting, hoovering, trauma, isolation, jealousy, self defense, smear campaigns, suicide threats...

Sylvia's story is one of generational trauma, an abusive relationship, and self-discovery. Our podcast talks to people in all phases of self-discovery, so this episode focuses on Sylvia's moving parts as she discovers new things after the trauma from abuse. Subjects discussed in Sylvia's story: smear campaigns, whirlwinds, sowing the seeds of doubt, survival mode, financial abuse, custody battles,...

Brandon talks with Julie Bonn Blank (Certified DV Advocate/ARMS Recovery Ministry Services) about healthy vs. unhealthy boundaries in relationships, personal power, wear down techniques, belief systems, and much more. *** CONTENT WARNING - This episode discusses sexual abuse, sexual assault, physical abuse, and animal abuse. *** To reach ARMS Recovery Ministry Services, click here. To reach Julie...

At the beginning of Bay's 27-year relationship, her husband said and did everything right. However, once they married, subtle signs of abuse slowly appeared. And like the frog in a boiling pot of water, Bay was being cooked alive, and she didn't even know it. It's a story of serial infidelity, lies, victim playing, abuse cycles, codependency, smear campaigns, love bombing, triangulation, in-laws,...

In this classic episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Vivian about her abusive relationship with a power-hungry narcissist. From grappling with the feelings of shame and guilt that arise to trying to explain to others that don't understand how Vivian – a therapist – couldn't detect what was happening, this is a story that everyone who has gone through narcissistic abuse needs to hea...

Jess thought she was in a relationship with the man of her dreams. However, the loving partner Jess knew began to crumble right in front of her eyes. Everything Jess knew about him was a lie, and that was just the tip of the lie iceberg. It's a story of lies, infidelity, fraud, physical abuse, crazy exes, new friends, death, self esteem, the hope for change, single moms, trauma bonds, love bombing...

Ollie's mother was known as a neighborhood Mother Teresa. But behind closed doors, Ollie's mother was controlling, verbally abusive, manipulative, and creating an environment of impossible standards. It's a story of facades, common enemies, hyper vigilance, kernels of truth, sibling relationships, body issues, perfection, expectations, manipulation, emotional abuse, and generational trauma. If you...

Porsha's father was a cerebral narcissist who cared more about work/appearances than anyone or anything. As the youngest of 3 siblings, Porsha grew up as the lost child in her family's abusive dysfunction, enduring physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, enmeshment, and covert incest. It's a story of the scapegoat, golden child, lost child, addiction, anxiety, CPTSD, neglect, enmeshment, covert...

Courtney's husband initially gave her a sense of security and presented himself as a family man. However, beneath her husband's doting dad facade, a demanding, selfish, and mean person lurked. Once the doors were closed, all gloves were off, and the world only revolved around him. It's a story respect, sexual coercion, physical violence/intimidation, escalation points, financial abuse, coercive co...

Brandon discusses the different types of technology misuse in abusive relationships and how you can protect yourself. Plus, they discuss stalking, post-separation abuse, flying monkeys, and smear campaigns. To learn more about technology abuse, visit the Safety Net Project by clicking here . To listen to Meriam's episode, click here. If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please...

Erika's husband was delightfully charming, quickly sweeping her off her feet. However, within the first three months, Erika realized he was two different people. The first was the person she met, a lovely caring spirit. But the second person was the opposite, calm, calculated, and with a penchant for doing terrible things. It's a story of financial abuse, coercive control, animal abuse, language,...

Brandon talks with Kaytee Gillis (LCSW) about recognizing smear campaigns, common tactics of smear campaigns, what smear campaigns look like to the outside world, smear campaign rules of engagement, and communication techniques. Kaytee's website can be found by, clicking here . Kaytee's book 'Invisible Bruises' can be purchased by, clicking here . Kaytee's book 'It's Not High Conflict, It's Post S...

Jill's husband had the reputation of being the sweetest guy in the world. Every one of their mutual colleagues vouched for him. He was good-looking, intelligent, charismatic, and came from a good family. But everything changed once behind closed doors. It's a story of enmeshment, sexual coercion, physically intimidation, gaslighting, addiction, toxic in-laws, protecting children, infidelity, famil...

Brandon discusses the short and long term effects of emotional abuse. Some of the effects discussed on this episode are shame, self doubt, isolation, low self esteem, confusion, hyper vigilance, compliance, dissociation, chronic stress, apathy, attachment issues, depression, dependence, social anxiety, PTSD, and much more. *** TRIGGER WARNING - Suicidal Ideation, Self Harm, & Sexual Coercion are d...

Amelia & Reya lived in fear of their parent's constant emotional and verbal abuse. They lived in fear of their mom's suicide threats. They lived in fear of their mom leaving. They lived in fear of the physical abuse. They lived in fear. It's a story of parentification, fear, obligation, guilt, perfection, appearances, mental health issues, protection, generational trauma, CPTSD, victim playing, au...

Brandon talks with Erika Hull (Author) about the tactics of financial abuse, how to protect yourself, financial literacy, re-establishing your financial future, and Erika's personal story of financial torment. To buy Erika Hull's and Dr. Cheryl Jackson's book, click here. If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.co...

Agarcia survived her childhood abandonment/abuse by becoming an independent force. However, once Agarcia was a late teen, she started finding herself in multiple abusive relationships that spanned over 20 years, including extreme financial abuse and attempted homicide. It's a story of generational trauma, neglect, abandonment, trust, coping skills, victim playing, stalking, infidelity, deflecting,...

On this episode on Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon discusses the 5 archetypes of people pleasing and fawning in abusive relationships. Plus he talks about, 3 origins of people pleasing, codependency, systemic oppression, stigma, and much more. If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.com Thank you to our sponsor...

Danielle was 32 years old when she met Matt on an online dating site. Matt had chiseled cheekbones and shockingly vulnerable green eyes. He took rare and alarming ownership for his mistakes, which included drug addiction and some resulting misbehavior. Matt was through that now and regretted the past. To Danielle, Matt was the most beautiful human she had ever seen. And that's the exact facade thi...

During the global Covid-19 Pandemic, Heather was introduced to a live streaming platform called Ego Live where she found comfort, solace, and a social life outside of herself. It was there where she met Kyrie, a streamer who instantly swept her off of her feet and cured her pandemic blues. He was a dream come true or so Heather thought. It's a story of love bombing, boundaries, trust, influence, s...

To the outside world, Allison had a perfect life. A big house, a husband making multiple six figures, and two healthy children. No one would have guessed the emotional torment going on inside the walls of her beautiful prison. It's a story of isolation, financial abuse, control, nitpicking, competency, dependency, fear, the silent treatment, sowing the seeds of doubt, the in-law cult, escape plans...