Narcissistic Abuse with Vanessa Reiser

EPISODE SUMMARY In this insightful recap episode, Vanessa Reiser and co-host Dave unpack key moments from Vanessa's recent interview with Tonia Bales, first wife of John Meehan (the real "Dirty John" from the blockbuster podcast and Netflix series). They break down how survivors' experiences often follow a predictable "narcissist playbook," the critical role of language and pattern recognition in...

EPISODE SUMMARY In this eye-opening episode, Vanessa Reiser sits down with Tonia Bales, a nurse anesthetist, author, and the first wife of John Meehan; the man the world came to know as "Dirty John" through the blockbuster podcast and Netflix series. Tonia shares her harrowing journey of surviving nearly a decade of manipulation, deception, addiction, and escalating threats. She opens up about the...

In this powerful episode of Narcissistic Abuse with Vanessa Reiser , I sit down with Dave to unpack my recent conversation with Jared Mello; the Wizard of Radical Self-Respect. We break down the most impactful moments from Jared's story, including his journey through addiction, narcissistic abuse, coercive control, and how he reclaimed his life through radical self-respect. Together, we explore ke...

EPISODE SUMMARY In this empowering episode, Vanessa Reiser welcomes Jared Mello, known as "the wizard of radical self-respect," a survivor and coach who helps people recognize and break free from narcissistic patterns. Jared shares how he was quickly love-bombed, devalued, and discarded by a woman he met through podcast cover art photos, including jealousy tactics, cheating, and blatant lying. Thi...

EPISODE SUMMARY In this powerful recap episode, Vanessa Reiser and co-host Dave break down Vanessa's recent interview with Gretchen Carlson; former Fox News anchor, Miss America 1989, bestselling author, and co-founder of Lift Our Voices. They explore how NDAs, forced arbitration, and legal gag orders silence survivors of harassment, abuse, and illegal workplace conduct. The conversation connects...

EPISODE SUMMARY In this powerful and unflinching episode, Vanessa Reiser sits down with Gretchen Carlson—former Fox News anchor, Miss America 1989, bestselling author, and co-founder of Lift Our Voices—to discuss coercive control, workplace silencing, sexual harassment, and the long road to reclaiming your voice. Gretchen shares the trauma of two sexual assaults at age 22 during her Miss America y...

Unpacking Dr. Ramani: Gaslighting, Forgiveness Myths, and Healing After Narcissistic Abuse Vanessa Reiser with co-host Dave EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, Vanessa Reiser introduces her podcast on narcissistic and cult abuse and, with co-host Dave, revisits highlights from her prior interview with Dr. Ramani Durvasula. They explore recognizing narcissistic patterns, leaving toxic cycles, protecti...

Narcissistic Abuse with Vanessa Reiser Guest: Dr. Ramani Durvasula EPISODE SUMMARY In this powerful and insightful episode, Vanessa Reiser sits down with Dr. Ramani Durvasula, one of the world's leading experts on narcissistic abuse and coercive control. They explore how public understanding of narcissistic abuse has evolved, particularly among younger generations who now have expanded language ar...