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Narcissistic Abuse with Vanessa Reiser

Vanessa Reiser 13 Episodes Aug 18, 2026

Podcast that gives voice to survivors of narcissistic abuse and toxic relationships. Each episode features real conversations with people who have experienced manipulation, gaslighting, coercive control, and emotional exploitation. Guests share personal stories, red flags, escape stories, and what healing entails after psychological trauma. The show aims to name the abuse, validate survivors, and break the silence. Later episodes include cohost Dave discussing narcissistic abuse, politics, and pop culture.

Episodes

DAVE AND I UNPACK THE RACHEL BERNSTEIN EPISODE Aug 18, 2026 56:56 Narcissistic Abuse with Vanessa Reiser — "Unpacking Rachel Bernstein: Cults, Narcissism & the Cultic Family System" In this episode, Vanessa and co-host Dave break down their conversation with cult expert and therapist Rachel Bernstein, connecting the dots between cult dynamics and narcissistic abuse. Topics covered: Cults come in all shapes and sizes — from Scientology and NXIVM to cultic family

RACHEL BERNSTEIN Aug 11, 2026 48:55 Episode Summary In this powerful conversation, Vanessa Reiser, LCSW, sits down with Rachel Bernstein — licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, cult specialist, and host of the acclaimed podcast Indoctrination — for a wide-ranging discussion on cult dynamics, narcissistic abuse, the loss of self, and the road to reclaiming your identity. Topics Covered How Rachel got into cult recovery work — a p

DAVE AND I UNPACK THE DR. CATHERINE BARRETT EPISODE Aug 4, 2026 01:03:06 EPISODE SUMMARY In this powerful episode, Vanessa Reiser and co-host Dave open with a light catch-up on shifting East Coast weather and its surprising impact on mood, before diving into a heartfelt tribute to their friend, colleague, and brilliant clinician Dr. Cathy Barrett. They praise her authenticity, her deep commitment to disenfranchised and LGBTQ+ communities, and her unique ability to b

DR. CATHERINE BARRETT Jul 28, 2026 51:33 EPISODE SUMMARY In this powerful episode, Vanessa Reiser welcomes forensic psychologist Dr. Catherine "Cathy" Barrett, who specializes in narcissistic abuse recovery, coercive control, CPTSD, intimate partner violence, and family-court matters including custody disputes and expert testimony. Dr. Barrett shares her journey from working at a women's shelter and the LA LGBT Center to forensic work wi

DAVE AND I UNPACK THE ELI HARWOOD EPISODE Jul 21, 2026 44:27 Unpacking Attachment, Triggers, and Co-Parenting With a Narcissist (Eli Harwood Recap) Vanessa Reiser and co-host Dave recap Vanessa's prior interview with Eli Harwood ("The Attachment Nerd"), highlighting takeaways on attachment, healing from narcissistic abuse, and co-parenting dynamics. They discuss how people can have trauma histories without becoming abusive, and how the effects of an abusi

ELI HARWOOD Jul 14, 2026 53:10 Attachment, Grief, and Radical Adaptation After Narcissistic Abuse (with Eli Harwood) Vanessa Reiser introduces her podcast Narcissistic Abuse with Vanessa Reiser, outlining its focus on exposing abusive tactics, sharing survivor stories, and offering tools for spotting red flags and healing, with co-host Dave joining future episodes and content warnings and disclaimers provided. She interviews

DAVE AND I UNPACK THE TONIA BALES EPISODE Jul 7, 2026 01:08:17 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

TONIA BALES Jun 30, 2026 46:22 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 th

DAVE AND I UNPACK THE JARED MELLO EPISODE Jun 23, 2026 48:16 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 key

JARED MELLO Jun 16, 2026 45:35 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

DAVE AND I UNPACK THE GRETCHEN CARLSON EPISODE Jun 9, 2026 55:43 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 connec

GRETCHEN CARLSON Jun 2, 2026 42:30 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 Americ

DAVE AND I UNPACK THE DR. RAMANI EPISODE May 26, 2026 01:16:54 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, pr

DR. RAMANI DURVASULA May 19, 2026 59:25 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 langu

Narcissistic Abuse with Vanessa Reiser

Episodes

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