Best Renee Swanson Podcasts (2025)

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Covert Narcissism 102: The Final Exam You Never Wanted to Take 23:22

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22h ago23:22

23:22

If Covert Narcissism 101 exposed the basics, get ready for the advanced curriculum. This is Part Two of our two-part series — and today, we’re tackling Covert Narcissism 102: The Final Exam You Never Wanted to Take. In this sarcastic “classroom lecture,” we break down the advanced strategies covert narcissists seem to master: weaponizing forgetfuln…

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Covert Narcissism 101: The Textbook They All Seem to Have Read 16:48

4d ago16:48

16:48

Have you ever noticed that covert narcissists all seem to follow the exact same script? It’s as if they sat in the same classroom, took the same notes, and memorized the same textbook. In this episode — Part One of a two-part series — we crack open that mysterious manual: Covert Narcissism 101. From the art of the half-apology, to gaslighting, sile…

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The Gaping Hole Where Reconciliation Should Be: Life Without Repair in a Covert Narcissistic Relationship 21:45

8d ago21:45

21:45

One of the most painful realities of living with a covert narcissist is the absence of reconciliation. Conflicts don’t get repaired. Apologies are either nonexistent or so hollow they echo in your chest. You’re left holding the pieces of a conflict, waiting for your partner to help put them back together—only to realize they’ve already walked away,…

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Crush Your Divorce, Protect Your Peace: A Conversation with Attorney & Author Bree Sullivan-Howell 39:11

10d ago39:11

39:11

Divorcing a covert narcissist is not just about paperwork—it’s about survival. Today on the Covert Narcissism Podcast, I sit down with Bree Sullivan-Howell, a seasoned family law attorney with over two decades of experience and the author of Crush Your Divorce and Keep Your Faith and Crush Your Comeback. Bree brings both practical wisdom from the c…

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Forever Young, Forever Stuck: The Peter Pan World of Covert Narcissists 27:22

15d ago27:22

27:22

When you’re in a relationship with a covert narcissist, it can feel like living in Never Never Land—a place where no one grows up, nothing ever gets resolved, and you’re left carrying all the weight. At first, their charm feels like magic. They’re playful, adventurous, fun. But when real life shows up—accountability, conflict, emotional depth—they …

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Your Rights When With a Covert Narcissist 21:01

18d ago21:01

21:01

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?” Now that I have shown how I will t…

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I Didn’t Know the Words But I Knew the Feeling: Making Sense of Covert Narcissistic Abuse 22:42

22d ago22:42

22:42

You don’t have to know the terminology to know when something feels wrong. Long before I knew the term gaslighting, I knew the dizzying confusion of hearing “I never said that” about something I remembered clearly. Before I’d ever heard of circular conversations, I knew the frustration of talking in circles until I was the one apologizing. Before I…

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The Real Reason the Covert Narcissist Still Isn’t Changing: Understanding Guilt vs. Shame 28:48

25d ago28:48

28:48

They’ve stopped yelling. They’re going to therapy. They’re more “attentive.” So why does it still feel like nothing’s changed? In this final episode of our 4-part series with Dr. Anthony Mazzella, we dive into one of the most misunderstood dynamics in narcissistic relationships: the collapse of guilt into shame—and how it sabotages real change. We …

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When Your Adult Child Takes Their Side: Surviving the Second Betrayal of Covert Narcissistic Abuse 24:45

29d ago24:45

24:45

When the Child You Protected Believes the Narcissist It’s a betrayal that cuts deeper than most people can understand—when your adult child, the one you protected for years, turns on you and takes the side of the covert narcissist. If you’re walking through this devastating experience, you are not alone. I’m opening a small, supportive Zoom coachin…

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Beneath the Apology: Shame, Image, and the Illusion of Empathy with Dr. Anthony Mazzella 32:59

1M ago32:59

32:59

What if that apology wasn’t about you at all? What if the moment that looked like remorse was really a carefully constructed move to restore a fractured image? In this powerful continuation of our series with Dr. Anthony Mazzella from The Narcissism Decoder podcast, we dive beneath the surface of “I’m sorry” to explore what’s really going on: the t…

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Baiting Tactics of Covert Narcissists: Signs, Examples, and How to Respond 19:38

1M ago19:38

19:38

Baiting is one of the most maddening—and most misunderstood—tactics used by covert narcissists. It’s the emotional equivalent of poking you with a stick just to watch you react, then sitting back and saying, “Wow… look how angry you are.” In this episode, we unpack exactly how covert narcissists bait you into emotional reactions—and why they benefi…

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Guilt vs Shame: The Emotional Crossroads That Defines Healing, guest Dr. Anthony Mazzella 35:25

1M ago35:25

35:25

Part two of a 4 part series on Guilt and Shame with guest, Dr. Anthony Mazzella, Psychotherapist & Host of The Narcissism Decoder Podcast What if the guilt you carry… isn’t actually guilt at all? In Part Two of this powerful conversation, Renee and Dr. Anthony Mazzella dive into the subtle but life-changing difference between guilt and shame—and wh…

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You’re Always the Problem: The Impossible Reality of Life with a Covert Narcissist 24:26

1M ago24:26

24:26

With a covert narcissist, the outcome is always the same: you’re the problem. No matter how gently you speak, how carefully you tread, or how hard you try—somehow, it always comes back to you. That’s not bad communication. That’s emotional abuse wrapped in manipulation, guilt, and gaslighting. In this episode, we walk through a choose-your-own-adve…

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Shame vs Self: The Invisible Wound Behind Narcissistic Traits, guest Dr. Anthony Mazzella 34:43

1M ago34:43

34:43

Part one of a 4 part series on Guilt and Shame with guest, Dr. Anthony Mazzella, Psychotherapist & Host of The Narcissism Decoder Podcast What if the root of so much emotional pain, self-sabotage, and confusion isn’t who you are—but what you've carried? In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Renee is joined by Dr. Anthony Mazzella to …

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Leaving Doesn’t Start with a Go Bag: Why Leaving a Covert Narcissist Takes Time 22:25

2M ago22:25

22:25

Leaving a covert narcissist isn’t a single event—it’s a process. In this episode, we break down the myth of the dramatic midnight escape and explore the emotional, psychological, and logistical realities that make leaving so complex. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why didn’t I leave sooner?” or been judged by others for how long it’s taken to get …

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The Covert Narcissist is Just Enough: Why You Stayed So Long 20:11

2M ago20:11

20:11

Why do so many people stay in relationships with covert narcissists for years—sometimes decades? This episode is a raw, honest, and deeply validating exploration of the emotional tug-of-war that keeps survivors stuck in toxic dynamics. I open up about my own 20+ year marriage to a covert narcissist—why I stayed, why I didn’t see it sooner, and why …

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Keeping the Peace... at What Cost? How Covert Narcissists Make Everyone Pay for Their Unhappiness 21:17

2M ago21:17

21:17

When you're in a relationship with a covert narcissist, peace is often a performance—maintained at the expense of your own emotional well-being. This episode of The Covert Narcissism Podcast explores how covert narcissists condition those around them to bend, sacrifice, and stay silent just to avoid upsetting them. From partners who tell their kids…

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Rent Free in My Head: How Covert Narcissists Keep Controlling You After You Leave 22:35

2M ago22:35

22:35

You left. You blocked them. You did everything you were “supposed” to do to break free from the covert narcissist in your life. But somehow… they’re still there. In your thoughts. In your inner dialogue. In the way you second-guess yourself when no one’s even around. In this episode, we explore why covert narcissists continue to live “rent free” in…

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Implode or Explode: How Covert Narcissists React When You Call Them Out 21:54

2M ago21:54

21:54

What happens when you finally speak the truth to a covert narcissist? Whether you’re pointing out a small forgotten chore or confronting them about a huge betrayal, the emotional fallout can feel overwhelming and confusing. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the two most common narcissistic reactions to being called out: the emotional implosio…

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Is This Really Healing… or Just Behavior Management? The Dry Drunk Parallel in Covert Narcissistic Abuse 21:17

2M ago21:17

21:17

When the yelling stops, the lies fade, and the manipulative games come to a halt… does it mean they are getting better? In this episode, we explore the confusing and disorienting experience of living with someone who has changed their behaviors, but hasn’t done the real emotional work underneath. Drawing a parallel with the concept of a "dry drunk,…

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But Do You Really Care: How Covert Narcissists Fake Empathy 18:33

2M ago18:33

18:33

Empathy — we all think we know what it means, until we’re in a relationship where it’s missing. Covert narcissists are often skilled at sounding emotionally intelligent. They can say the right words, mirror emotional language, and even cry on cue — but something still feels off. That’s because what they offer isn’t real empathy; it’s a performance.…

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When Addiction, Trauma, and Narcissistic Traits Collide: A Candid Talk with Todd Rennebohm 31:58

2M ago31:58

31:58

Are they a covert narcissist or an alcoholic? What if the alcohol goes away? Does this get better? In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with Todd Rennebohm, host of Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, to explore the complex intersection of addiction, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and misunderstood behaviors. Todd opens up abou…

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The Erica Glessing Show Podcast #757 Feat. Dr. Rebecca Sanders "True Healing is Not About Being Fixed" 9:07

3M ago9:07

9:07

In this episode, Erica Glessing welcomes the radiant and intuitive Dr. Rebecca Sanders, a holistic chiropractor based in the magical town of Ojai, California — a place known for its wildflowers, healing hot springs, and what many call a “feminine vortex” of creative, nurturing energy. Dr. Sanders shares how she blends body-based care with emotional…

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The Birthday That Broke You: Why Covert Narcissists Ruin Special Occasions 18:54

3M ago18:54

18:54

You planned everything perfectly — the dinner, the outfit, the guest list. But somehow, your birthday still ended in silence. Or tears. Or walking on eggshells. If you’ve ever felt like your special moments were stolen — you’re not alone. In this episode, we explore why covert narcissists sabotage holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and even simple…

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What’s in Your Basement? How Childhood Trauma Sabotages Adult Relationships 14:51

3M ago14:51

14:51

We all live on the "main floor" of our emotional house—handling relationships, responsibilities, and day-to-day life. But when things break down, the real answers are often hidden in the basement: our childhood. In this episode, I unpack how unresolved childhood trauma silently shapes the way we love, react, and connect as adults. You'll learn why …

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The Erica Glessing Show Podcast #756 Feat. Tanishka "Creativity, the Moon & Fearless Expression" 21:50

3M ago21:50

21:50

Welcome to today’s soulful episode where we dive deep into the magic of moon cycles, creative flow, and fearless feminine expression. Our radiant guest is Tanishka the Moon Woman, a global spiritual teacher, author, and guide for women attuning to their inner rhythms. Currently in the UK after an adventurous solo van trip from Morocco through Spain…

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How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Kids Amidst Covert Narcissistic Abuse 23:53

3M ago23:53

23:53

How do you raise emotionally grounded, self-aware children when you're navigating the chaos and confusion of covert narcissistic abuse — or healing from it yourself? In this powerful episode, we explore what it means to parent with intention, clarity, and compassion in the aftermath of narcissistic harm. Whether you're co-parenting with a narcissis…

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Nature versus Nurture: Where Did All This Narcissism Come From? 18:49

3M ago18:49

18:49

Are narcissists born or made? In this foundational episode, we unpack the complex roots of narcissism through the lens of both nature and nurture. We explore how temperament, early childhood environment, and relational trauma interact to shape narcissistic behaviors — and why it’s not always a direct path. You’ll learn: How biological traits like s…

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Fix-It Mode and the Trauma Bond: When Love Becomes Survival 23:43

3M ago23:43

23:43

Why is it so hard to leave — even when you know the relationship is toxic? In this powerful episode, we expose the hidden truth behind trauma bonding with a covert narcissist. It’s not just emotional confusion — it’s chemical addiction. You’re not addicted to the person; you’re addicted to the highs, the relief, the dopamine rush that follows emoti…

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The Erica Glessing Show Podcast #755 Feat. Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson "Life is Light" 16:02

3M ago16:02

16:02

In this soul-nourishing episode, host Erica Glessing welcomes galactic healer and shamanic practitioner Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson for a powerful and heart-expanding conversation on healing, vibration, and spiritual awakening. Broadcasting from sunny Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Maria Teresa shares her incredible personal journey—one that spans tra…

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Trying Too Hard to Fix It: When Enough Finally Becomes Enough 13:20

3M ago13:20

13:20

If you’ve been bending over backwards trying to fix a relationship that keeps breaking you… this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing a personal story about the moment I was asked a question that stopped me in my tracks: “Can you honestly say you’ve done everything you know to do?” That one question made me face the truth — not about the relation…

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Dreading the Weekend: The Backwards Reality of Covert Narcissistic Abuse 22:33

3M ago22:33

22:33

If you find yourself dreading the weekend and breathing easier on Monday mornings, you might be living in the upside-down world of covert narcissistic abuse. In this powerful episode, we explore what it’s like to live with a covert narcissist whose presence turns weekends into emotional minefields. While others relax and recharge, you're managing m…

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The Erica Glessing Show #754 Feat. Avery Virginia "Intuition as a Catalyst for Change" 8:41

3M ago8:41

8:41

✨ Welcome to this illuminating episode where host Erica Glessing welcomes the radiant intuitive, Avery Virginia. Together, they explore the real meaning of intuition, how to develop it, and why it matters in everyday life. Avery shares personal stories of trusting her inner guidance, how quieting the analytical mind unlocks deeper wisdom, and why i…

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The Erica Glessing Show Podcast #753 Feat. Angela Legh "Unleashing Supressed Expression with Inspirational Fairy Tales" 23:12

3M ago23:12

23:12

Author Angela Legh (pronounced Lee) shares how a devastating fire that took everything ended up inspiring a series of fairy tales designed to awaken expression and emotional healing! In this heartwarming episode of The Erica Glessing Show, host Erica Glessing welcomes inspirational children's author Angela Legh to discuss her magical Bella Santini …

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Are They a Covert Narcissist or Just a Jerk? How to Tell the Difference 18:10

3M ago18:10

18:10

Are they a covert narcissist—or are they just being a jerk? That’s one of the most common (and most confusing) questions I hear from clients and listeners. In this episode of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, we break down real-life examples of those cutting, guilt-laced, or backhanded comments that leave you wondering: Was that emotional abuse, passi…

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The Erica Glessing Show Podcast #752 Feat. Reneé Rodriguez "Solutions for Women Divorcing Narcissists" 12:36

3M ago12:36

12:36

Here is a heart-felt interview on how to break up with a narcissist! More about Reneé Rodriguez Reneé Rodriguez helps protective parents in custody disputes with high-conflict (often narcissistic) co-parents navigate family court and secure custody arrangements that serve the best interests of their children. With a background in corporate and non-…

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Circular Conversations from Hell: Trapped in the Loop with a Covert Narcissist 21:12

4M ago21:12

21:12

Ever walk away from a conversation feeling more confused than when you started—like somehow, even though you were calm, kind, and clear, you’re the one apologizing again? Welcome to the maddening world of circular conversations with a covert narcissist. In this episode, we dive into the logic-defying, soul-draining dynamics that keep you stuck in e…

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If I Weren’t Talking About Covert Narcissism… I’d Be Starting Fires in the Woods 16:40

4M ago16:40

16:40

In this episode of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, we take a much-needed breath of fresh air—literally and emotionally. If I weren’t talking about covert narcissism every week, I’d be out in the woods learning survival skills: building fires, navigating with moss, and figuring out which berries won’t kill me. Why? Because sometimes, healing from cov…

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The Erica Glessing Show Podcast #751 Feat. Christina Giles Pearson "Awakening with Astrological Guidance" 9:26

4M ago9:26

9:26

In this inspiring episode, the host sits down with Christina Giles Pearson, a celestial mystic based in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, to explore the powerful connection between astrology, intuition, and soul purpose. Christina shares how her journey into astrology and other celestial sciences began with a personal quest to understand herself — her patt…

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

4M 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, …

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Sexual Coercion and Assault Within Marriage 18:33

4M 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

4M 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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10 Things My Therapist Said That Deserve to Be on T-Shirts, Part One 19:27

4M 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

4M 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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Breaking Free from Guilt in Narcissistic Relationships with Jerry Wise, Part Two 22:57

4M 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

4M 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…

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

5M 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

5M 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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The Journey of Healing: What It Really Looks Like After Covert Narcissistic Abuse 18:46

5M 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 Erica Glessing Show #750 "Getting Out of Your Critical Mind to Write Your Bestselling Book" 12:11

5M ago12:11

12:11

An episode in the Manuscript to Bestseller Series, bestselling author and publisher Erica Glessing shares how to get into the zone to write your book. Hello, hello, hello! This is Erica, and I'm so thrilled to have you join me on The Erica Glessing Show. I've created this platform to give creative entrepreneurs a chance to truly shine, to stand out…