Best Renee Swanson Podcasts (2025)

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149. How To Prepare to Divorce a "Narcissist" with Renee Swanson of the Covert Narcissism Podcast 53:50

26d ago53:50

53:50

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course In this episode on How Not to Suck at Divorce, Morgan and Andrea welcome Renee Swanson, host of the Covert Narcissism podcast, for a powerful convers…

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When Guilt Is a Lie: How Covert Control Feels Like Your Fault 18:56

3d ago18:56

18:56

What if the guilt you’ve been carrying… isn’t guilt at all? In this episode of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, we peel back the layers of false guilt—those heavy, painful feelings that whisper “you’re the problem” anytime someone else is upset. Renee walks through a real-life example of emotional coercion in a relationship with a covert narcissist, …

1
152. Hidden Dangers of Divorcing With Untreated Menopoause and Perimenopause 53:41

5d ago53:41

53:41

Is it your ex… or your estrogen? In this honest, hilarious, and eye-opening episode, Andrea and Morgan sit down with Joanna Strober, founder and CEO of MIDI, to uncover how midlife hormone shifts can sabotage your divorce (and your sanity). They discuss why so many women feel like they’re losing their minds during divorce, how to actually get helpf…

1
Sexual Coercion and Assault Within Marriage 18:33

5d ago18:33

18:33

What if you said yes — but didn’t feel free to say no? In this powerful and necessary episode, we’re confronting the hidden reality of sexual coercion and assault within marriage, especially when the partner is a covert narcissist. From guilt-laced manipulation to emotional punishment and silent withdrawal, we explore how control can show up quietl…

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More Truths from My Therapist That Rewired My Trauma Brain, Part Two 21:02

10d ago21:02

21:02

Welcome to Part Two of Things My Therapist Said That Deserve to Be on T-Shirts. We’re continuing the conversation with five more transformative truths that cut through confusion, emotional manipulation, and internalized blame—especially for anyone navigating covert narcissistic abuse. These one-liners don’t just help you name what’s been happening—…

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151. Getting the Best Divorce Team (What's Worth Your $$, What's Not?) 49:20

12d ago49:20

49:20

In today's episode, Andrea and Morgan break down the divorce dream team—who you need, who you don’t, and where to invest your VERY hard-earned dollars. From therapists to forensic accountants and parenting coordinators, they give you the inside scoop on which players actually move the needle in your case. Plus, they get real (and a little savage) a…

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10 Things My Therapist Said That Deserve to Be on T-Shirts, Part One 19:27

12d ago19:27

19:27

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs in healing from covert narcissistic abuse come from just one sentence—something so simple, so true, it rewires your entire nervous system. In this part one episode, I’m sharing five powerful one-liners my therapist said that helped me finally recognize the emotional abuse I had been living through—and start the r…

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Brain vs. Gut: The Ultimate Showdown Inside Covert Narcissistic Abuse 18:08

17d ago18:08

18:08

Covert narcissism sends you spinning into cognitive dissonance circles! But your brain and your gut were never supposed to be enemies. They're both trying to protect you—just in different ways. Healing begins when they stop arguing and start working together, guiding you out of the confusion and back into clarity. Key Takeaways: Covert abuse hijack…

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150. The Easiest Way to Save Money in Your Divorce 57:35

19d ago57:35

57:35

Think saving money during divorce is impossible? Think again. In this episode, Andrea and Morgan serve up the real (and hilarious) talk on how to actually cut your legal costs without sacrificing your sanity—or your settlement. From bulletproof email tips to why paralegals are your secret weapon, they’re spilling the strategies that your wallet wil…

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Breaking Free from Guilt in Narcissistic Relationships with Jerry Wise, Part Two 22:57

19d ago22:57

22:57

In this part two conversation, Renee Swanson and Jerry Wise delve into the complexities of covert narcissism, exploring the impact of guilt in relationships with narcissistic individuals. They discuss the importance of self-focus and reframing one's internal environment to foster healing and personal growth. The dialogue emphasizes that it is never…

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You Are Not Your Programming: Healing the Narcissistic Wound with Jerry Wise, Part One 23:33

24d ago23:33

23:33

In this part one of two conversation, Renee Swanson and Jerry Wise delve into the complexities of narcissism and the concept of self-differentiation. Jerry shares his extensive experience in family systems therapy and explains how self-differentiation allows individuals to grow into their true selves without absorbing the toxicity of others. They d…

1
From Falling Apart to Fighting Back: A Raw Divorce Story with Andrea from How Not to Suck at Divorce 24:16

26d ago24:16

24:16

What happens when the fairy tale was never a fairy tale to begin with? In this powerful episode, Renee Swanson is joined by Andrea, the candid and courageous voice behind the hit podcast How Not to Suck at Divorce. Andrea doesn’t just share her story—she lays it all out. The red flags she ignored. The justifications she clung to. The slow unravelin…

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Conversations I Wish I Had with My Covert Narcissist 18:45

1M ago18:45

18:45

In this episode, we’re diving into the conversations I wish I could have had with the covert narcissist in my life. The words I rehearsed but never said. The truths I buried for the sake of “keeping the peace.” The sarcasm I bit back. The boundaries I swallowed. All of it. Because sometimes, the only way to make sense of the madness that is covert …

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148. How Do I Know if I Need a Divorce, or if It’s Menopause/Perimenopause? 1:01:46

1M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea and Morgan tackle the often-overlooked topic of how perimenopause and menopause can impact relationships and yep, that's right- divorce. They are joined by Dr. Heather Cushing, an MD who specializes in hormonal health, to discuss the effects of hormonal changes on women's moods, behavior, and ma…

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The Journey of Healing: What It Really Looks Like After Covert Narcissistic Abuse 18:46

1M ago18:46

18:46

At the end of every episode, I say, “I wish you so much peace on your journey of healing.” But today, I want to pause and really talk about what that journey actually looks like—because healing from covert narcissistic abuse isn’t what most people think. When I first left, I believed healing meant I’d wake up one day and magically stop hurting. I t…

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The Invisible Parent: When Love Does the Work and Lies Get the Credit 26:51

1M ago26:51

26:51

In this raw and emotional episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most devastating dynamics in families with a covert narcissist: when the parent doing all the emotional labor is unseen, while the other parent gets all the praise. We unpack the covert narcissist’s relentless need for supply and scapegoats—and how this manipulative cycle plays ou…

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147. Does God Hate Divorce? 49:34

1M ago49:34

49:34

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive into the complex relationship between faith and divorce. Our guest, Bree Sullivan-Howell, a family law attorney and author, shares her personal journey and professional insights on navigating divorce when your Christian faith conflicts with the decision to separate. From understanding the Bibli…

1
Radical Personal Responsibility 20:17

1M ago20:17

20:17

I often get asked: •Why did this happen to me? •How did I get here? •How do I prevent it from ever happening again? •How do I heal from this? These are excellent questions and they are very related to each other. Why did this happen to me has a whole lot to do with how do I prevent it from ever happening again. How did I get here is tied closely wi…

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You Wanna See My Bruises? Look at My Kids 19:21

1M ago19:21

19:21

Not all bruises are visible—and some of the deepest ones live in the hearts of our children. In this powerful episode, we talk about the unseen wounds of emotional abuse, especially when you're parenting alongside a covert narcissist. What happens when the world only believes abuse if they can see it? What happens to the children growing up in that…

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The Covert Passive Aggressive Narcissist with Debbie Mirza 31:32

2M ago31:32

31:32

What a privilege it is to introduce to you Debbie Mirza! She is best-selling author of the book "The Covert Passive Aggressive Narcissist," one of the first books I ever read that opened my eyes to the nightmare that I was living. This book is an amazing resource for gaining awareness and understanding of covert narcissism. Her second book "Worthy …

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146. If You Have a Child with Higher Needs and You Want a Divorce... 56:10

2M ago56:10

56:10

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive into the complexities of navigating a divorce when you have a child with special or higher needs. We’re joined by Cari Pines, an attorney in LA who specializes in family law and has personal experience with raising special needs children. Cari shares her expertise on how to manage the legal and…

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When Grey Rocking Backfires: How to Protect Your Peace with a Covert Narcissist 24:20

2M ago24:20

24:20

Have you ever tried to Grey Rock a covert narcissist—only to watch it completely blow up in your face? You stayed neutral, kept your answers short, and avoided reacting… but somehow, things escalated anyway. In this episode, we dive deep into why Grey Rocking often backfires with a covert narcissist, and how to use it in a smarter, safer, and more …

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Divorcing a Covert Narcissist: Is a Healthy Split Possible? 22:42

2M ago22:42

22:42

Is a peaceful divorce possible when dealing with a covert narcissist? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with high-conflict divorce coach Eleanor Marks to unpack the complexities of separation from a covert narcissist. We dive into the concept of radical acceptance—understanding the reality of your situation and adjusting your expectations acc…

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145. Will a GAL or AFC Help or Hurt Your Divorce Case? 1:14:57

2M ago1:14:57

1:14:57

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we explore the complexities of hiring a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or an Attorney for the Child (AFC), two roles that are often involved when there are disputes over parenting time or custody. Special guest Randi Karmel, a seasoned attorney based in New York, shares her expert insights on when and why the…

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144. Does Your Divorce Need a Forensic Accountant? 1:00:02

2M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive into the world of forensic accountants and when you should—and shouldn't—bring one into your divorce case. Featuring expert Marie Ebersbacher, a senior managing director in forensic consulting, we explore how forensic accountants help uncover hidden assets, value businesses, and track income. W…

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Reactive Abuse: When Survivors Get Blamed for Their Pain 24:01

2M ago24:01

24:01

Imagine being pushed, prodded, and ignored—until you finally snap. Then suddenly, you’re the problem. Sound familiar? In this episode, we’re diving deep into reactive abuse—one of the most insidious tactics covert narcissists use to flip the script and make survivors question their reality. I’ll share real-life stories—both from childhood and marri…

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When Your Adult Child is a Covert Narcissist: A Parent’s Dilemma with Dr. Mazzella 34:49

2M ago34:49

34:49

In this powerful Part Two of the two-part series with Dr. Anthony Mazzella and Renee Swanson, we shift perspectives. In part one, we discussed the adult child uncovering a covert narcissistic parent, and this is featured on The Narcissism Decoder. Now we shift to the parent who realizes their adult child exhibits covert narcissistic behaviors. Dr. …

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When They Won’t Let You Walk Away—Breaking Free from Circular Conversations 21:30

2M ago21:30

21:30

In this episode, Renee Swanson discusses the challenges of dealing with circular conversations with covert narcissists. She explains how these conversations can trap individuals in a cycle of emotional manipulation and coercive control. Renee provides strategies for disengaging from these conversations, setting boundaries, and reclaiming personal s…

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143. The Best Time vs Worst Time to File for Divorce 45:09

2M ago45:09

45:09

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, the hosts discuss the right and wrong times to file for divorce with the help of expert family law attorney Jacqueline Newman. They break down seasonal considerations, personal financial situations, and how to recognize when emotional readiness plays a crucial role in deciding whether or not to take th…

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Married to My Mother: Unraveling the Effects of a Narcissistic Family 26:59

2M ago26:59

26:59

What happens when the very dynamics that shaped your childhood follow you into adulthood—into your marriage, friendships, and even your career? In this episode, Mindy shares her eye-opening realization that she married a version of her narcissistic mother and how her upbringing with both a covert narcissistic mom and an abusive father left her trap…

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Walking on Eggshells: Why Even Simple Conversations Turn Toxic with a Covert Narcissist 17:35

2M ago17:35

17:35

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling drained, confused, or even doubting yourself? Do you feel like every attempt at connection turns into an argument, a guilt trip, or complete silence? You’re not alone. Talking to a covert narcissist isn’t like talking to anyone else. Simple, everyday questions—What do you want for dinner? How wa…

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142. Do I Need a Prenup? (Everything You Need to Know About Prenups to Avoid an Expensive Divorce) 42:09

2M ago42:09

42:09

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive into the world of prenuptial agreements (prenups) and why they might be something to consider for anyone entering a marriage, especially if you're coming into the union with significant assets or wealth. They cover everything from what goes into a prenup, who might need one, and how to navigate…

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The Silent Grip: Growing Up with a Covert Narcissistic Father 14:11

3M ago14:11

14:11

What happens when a father’s love comes with invisible strings? In this episode, I dive into the hidden dynamics of covert narcissistic fathers—the ones who never yell, never hit, but control through silent treatment, guilt, and quiet punishment. If you grew up feeling like your worth was tied to achievements, if you feared disappointing a parent w…

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I Don’t Want the Stupid Cheesecake: Why “Nice” Gestures From a Covert Narcissist Feel So Wrong 18:51

3M ago18:51

18:51

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the painful reality behind “kind” gestures that aren’t kind at all. When a homemade cheesecake or a perfectly crafted cup of coffee is offered by someone who’s spent years neglecting your needs, it can feel like a calculated move—a manipulation tactic meant to keep you tethered to your old wounds. Thro…

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Why Forgiving and Forgetting Doesn’t Erase the Pain of Covert Narcissism 23:47

3M ago23:47

23:47

Many of us have been taught to focus on the good—to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable and to not judge. These are not bad lessons to live by, but do they apply to our spouse in a toxic relationship? Or are we unintentionally ignoring red flags in covert narcissistic abuse? In this episode, we explore: 🔹 How foc…

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141. What You Need to Know about Your Divorce Custody Agreement Before You Sign 51:20

3M ago51:20

51:20

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive deep into the dreaded parenting plans (also called custody agreements, parenting schedules, or allocation judgments). They break down what really matters in these complex documents, from decision-making on medical care and extracurricular activities to holiday schedules and the right of first r…

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Covert Narcissists Control the Narrative 20:23

3M ago20:23

20:23

Have you ever felt like your reality was rewritten right before your eyes? Covert narcissists are experts at controlling the narrative, erasing your perspective, dismissing your feelings, manipulating reality, and shaping how others see you. This is a key tactic in covert narcissistic abuse, leaving victims feeling unheard, invalidated, and questio…

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The True Intentions of the Covert Narcissist (Special Throwback Episode) 21:13

3M ago21:13

21:13

Have you ever tried to figure out someone’s true intentions? Have you been suspicious of the intentions behind one’s behaviors? Have you ever asked yourself, Yeah but what do they really want? Covert narcissists hide their true intentions. You can feel this when you talk with them. Something just doesn’t feel quite right. It doesn’t feel genuine. E…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Renee Swanson Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen