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Why It’s So Hard to See Predators Coming: The Story Behind Netflix's Bad Vegan

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Manage episode 511291740 series 3456595
Content provided by Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D. and Kerry McAvoy. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D. and Kerry McAvoy or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Predators are often hiding in plain sight—and even the smartest, most capable people can miss the red flags. In this episode, Dr. Kerry McAvoy talks with Sarma Melngailis, the former restaurateur whose story was told in Netflix’s Bad Vegan.

Sarma opens up about how she was manipulated, criminalized, and misrepresented—and why her memoir The Girl with the Duck Tattoo finally tells the truth. Together, Kerry and Sarma unpack why predators are so difficult to spot, how they exploit our best traits, and the steps survivors can take to heal after betrayal.

Resources Mentioned

• Sarma’s memoir: The Girl with the Duck Tattoo: The Girl with the Duck Tattoo

• Follow Sarma: on Instagram: @sarmamelngailis

• Sarma’s Substack: Sarma Melngailis on Substack

• Dr. Kerry’s book: Love You More: The Harrowing True Story of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross

Podcast Extra Exclusive Interview

Find it here in the exclusive interview and weekly newsletter: 👉 https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

More About the Podcast Extra Interview

What did Bad Vegan get wrong?

In this exclusive interview, Sarma Melngailis reveals the critical details Netflix left out—from spliced audio that twisted her story to entire expert interviews that were cut. She shares how these omissions not only misled viewers but also deepened the shame and misunderstanding she’s carried.

Get immediate access to this extended conversation—and hear the truth behind the most misleading moments of the docuseries.

👉 Join today

Stay in Touch With Dr. Kerry!

More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project.

In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Submit your question to be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

Support the show

Disclaimer: This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

  continue reading

206 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 511291740 series 3456595
Content provided by Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D. and Kerry McAvoy. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D. and Kerry McAvoy or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Predators are often hiding in plain sight—and even the smartest, most capable people can miss the red flags. In this episode, Dr. Kerry McAvoy talks with Sarma Melngailis, the former restaurateur whose story was told in Netflix’s Bad Vegan.

Sarma opens up about how she was manipulated, criminalized, and misrepresented—and why her memoir The Girl with the Duck Tattoo finally tells the truth. Together, Kerry and Sarma unpack why predators are so difficult to spot, how they exploit our best traits, and the steps survivors can take to heal after betrayal.

Resources Mentioned

• Sarma’s memoir: The Girl with the Duck Tattoo: The Girl with the Duck Tattoo

• Follow Sarma: on Instagram: @sarmamelngailis

• Sarma’s Substack: Sarma Melngailis on Substack

• Dr. Kerry’s book: Love You More: The Harrowing True Story of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross

Podcast Extra Exclusive Interview

Find it here in the exclusive interview and weekly newsletter: 👉 https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

More About the Podcast Extra Interview

What did Bad Vegan get wrong?

In this exclusive interview, Sarma Melngailis reveals the critical details Netflix left out—from spliced audio that twisted her story to entire expert interviews that were cut. She shares how these omissions not only misled viewers but also deepened the shame and misunderstanding she’s carried.

Get immediate access to this extended conversation—and hear the truth behind the most misleading moments of the docuseries.

👉 Join today

Stay in Touch With Dr. Kerry!

More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project.

In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Submit your question to be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

Support the show

Disclaimer: This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

  continue reading

206 episodes

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