Break the Cycle with DSD

If you’re co-parenting with someone who has narcissistic or BPD traits and you’re in a 50/50 custody situation, this podcast is for you.

A listener asked: “My son is 3.5 years old—do I say anything about his mom, or just keep her out of my house entirely?”

In this podcast, I dive into:

• How to talk to a young child about a toxic parent (without causing damage)

• The mistakes I made early in my divorce—and what I’d do differently

• When to speak, what not to say, and how to create emotional safety

• Groundhog Day syndrome and how to stop it

• Why your home must become your child’s emotional anchor

• Tips for neutral transitions, boundaries, and avoiding triangulation

💡 Whether you’re just entering family court or are years into the battle, this podcast will give you grounded, field-tested advice to protect your child—without turning them into the battlefield.

👉 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments—let’s help each other through the chaos.

After years of surviving family court, toxic co-parenting, and the emotional warfare of dealing with a narcissistic ex, the day finally comes—your child turns 18. The court orders stop. The forced contact ends. You’re finally free. But what happens next?

In this video, I reflect on my own journey and what it feels like to finally cross the finish line. I talk about:

• The countdown to 18 and how fast it really goes

• What it really means when court oversight ends

• How to emotionally process your new freedom

• Tips on creating a clean break from your ex

• Why letting your children lead matters post-18

• Protecting your peace and rebuilding your life

• How to become a guiding light for others still in the storm

Whether you’re just starting this battle or nearing the end, this video offers support, perspective, and hope.

👉 If you’re in the thick of it, know this: you will make it.

📢 If you’ve made it, consider sharing your story below to encourage others.

🔑 Secret word of the day: radio 📻

Drop it in the comments if you made it to the end!

In this impromptu test livestream, I dust off the setup, tackle some technical hiccups, and get back into the groove of live streaming! Together, we revisit the heart of this channel: creating a safe space for honest conversations about recovery, relationships, and overcoming narcissistic abuse. I field live calls, including one powerful story of perseverance and healing through a challenging family dynamic.

If you’re struggling with toxic relationships, recovering from a divorce, or navigating complex emotions, this is a community for you. We also cover topics like setting boundaries, finding clarity, and learning to advocate for yourself in difficult situations.

📞 Call-In Line: 424-375-5483

📲 Sign Up for SMS Notifications: Text “DSDLive” to 844-598-0002 for updates.

If you’re new, check out the Mindset for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery playlist on the main channel page—your starting point for healing and building resilience.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments or join the live chat next time. Let’s keep the conversation going!

In this podcast, I tackle a powerful viewer question: “Do you know of anyone who, after divorcing a narcissistic spouse, went on to remarry, build a new family, and live a healthy life?” This is such an important topic, and the short answer is: YES, it’s possible—but it takes work.

I’ll share key insights into what’s required to break the cycle of toxic relationships, including:

✔️ Doing the inner work to heal and grow.

✔️ Setting and maintaining firm boundaries.

✔️ Learning to trust your gut and recognize red flags.

✔️ How healthy relationships can feel “off” at first due to past trauma.

I also share inspiring stories, including insights from Eric Carroll (Dad Talk Today) and my own experiences, to show you that healthy love is attainable after narcissistic abuse.

💬 Have you remarried or entered a healthy relationship after a toxic one? Share your story in the comments to inspire others. And if you made it to the end, type “YETI” in the comments to let me know!

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

🎥 Mindset for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Playlist – Start your healing journey here.

If you enjoyed this video or have more questions you’d like me to cover, let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs hope.

#HealingAfterNarcissism #HealthyRelationships #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery

Listener asks the question of do I take her to arbitration again on minor stuff or just save my money?

Duane discusses a question a listener asks about when to go to court and when to fight the battle? He covers the topics of what do you really hope to accomplish? Will this action “move the needle”. You have to take a hard look at the reality of the situation and what is the perception of other people involved.

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DSD Channel Memberships

This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis

Father’s always seem to be rejected by children, we discuss the reasons and how to cope.

Show Notes

A common problem people experience in high conflict narcissistic divorces and custody is being rejected by your children. This is a very painful thing to experience and it is very hurtful when you feel your own children “rejecting” you. In this episode Duane discusses the reason this occurs and ways to help you cope with the frustration and disappointment when your children are used as weapons.

Support the Channel

Donate through PayPal

DSD Channel Memberships

Participate in the show!

During the show you can call in live at

Table of Contents 

🔗Links Mentioned During Show

DSD Discord

DSD Channel Memberships

Show Sponsor

This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis

Links to find out more!

Slower learner | Take your life back after narcissistic abuse

Show Notes

DSD discusses the reality of it taking time to learn how futile it can be struggling to make a different in your life with a narcissistic ex. Duane shares how he continues to see people struggling with this concept. You get stuck in the mode EXPECTING justice and accountability. He shares how he hates to see people only learn this lesson after losing in court and then questioning why they even fought for it. Ultimately you have to take things slow and give yourself time to accept and see the reality of your situation. In the end focusing on your children and the relationship you have, and are building with them, is the key!

Support the Channel

Donate through PayPal

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Participate in the show!

During the show you can call in live at

Table of Contents 

00:00:00 - Start

00:01:49 - New Topic

00:01:58 - New Topic

00:18:46 - New Topic

00:25:18 - New Topic

00:31:19 - New Topic

00:36:13 - New Topic

00:46:15 - New Topic

00:50:19 - NEW CALLER

01:02:07 - CALLER END

01:03:39 - NEW CALLER

01:10:48 - NEW CALLER

01:12:16 - New Topic

01:19:05 - New Topic

🔗Links Mentioned During Show

DSD Discord

DSD Channel Memberships

Show Sponsor

This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis

Links to find out more!

Taking care of yourself | hobbies are important!

Show Notes

In this episode Duane talks about the importance of having a hobby or something that you enjoy doing. He also talks about the struggles when you are down, depressed, and beaten with ways to push yourself to break yourself out of that downward spiral. He then fields questions from others on silver bullets, narcissists seeking control, being forced to spend time with the ex, and finally an update on his current medical situation.

Support the Channel

Donate through PayPal

DSD Channel Memberships

Participate in the show!

During the show you can call in live at

Table of Contents 

00:00 Start

02:55 - Welcome to the livestream

06:04 - Finding some positive to do hobbies

17:19 - Advice on handling message about school

21:20 - Narc fishing for control

29:57 - Supervised visits and lashing out

36:14 - Having to spend time with the ex

37:16 - When drop offs are late

39:54 - Silver bullet - supervised visits 

47:02 - Don't respond immediately

52:49 - Worry about kids and narcissism

59:41 - Paranoia and narcissists

01:01:27 - Graduations with ex

01:08:03 - Realizing you have narc friends

01:12:03 - Getting to the other side!

01:13:03 - Our child as abusers?

01:21:48 - Ex should be normal around kids

01:25:31 - Narc mom blaming you?

01:31:32 - Medical update on me

01:35:21 - End of show wrap-up

🔗Links Mentioned During Show

DSD Discord

DSD Channel Memberships

Show Sponsor

This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis

Links to find out more!

Dealing with the pain is the only way to get through this

In this episode DSD starts with a clip from Brad Pitt talking about his experience of running from the pain and ultimately how he worked through it to take his like back! Duane has a discussion with the audience about their experiences and ways to approach things

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During the show you can call in live at

00:00 Start

03:24 New Topic

11:46 New Topic

28:56 New Topic

38:06 New Topic

43:07 New Topic

01:04:26 New Topic

01:10:17 New Topic

01:14:23 New Topic

01:16:18 New Topic

01:22:34 New Topic

DSD Discord

DSD Channel Memberships

This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis

A deep dive discussion on the struggles of letting go with an update and review of the redacted Order Sustaining Demurrer on my civil case.

Show Notes

In this episode DSD talks about the struggles and importances of learning to “let go”. We discuss how difficult it is to actually do, being forced to learn the “lesson”, recognizing when you’re being pulled back in, and notice when you are stuck in the rumination cycle. Duane then shares how things really start to change ONCE you accept the situation and allowing yourself to “move on”. He also shares that unfortunately this process takes a LONG time and for some even years. DSD shares that it took him about 2 to 3 years for it to really sink in.

Duane then provides an update with a reading on the final Order Sustaining Demurrer that was finally sent and signed by the court. This leads into a discussion on various aspects of court.

Support the Channel

Donate through PayPal

DSD Channel Memberships

Participate in the show!

During the show you can call in live at

Table of Contents 

00:00 Start

03:17 - The Struggles of Letting Go

27:20 - Review of comments

50:05 - Order Supporting Demurrer

2:01:25 - End of show wrap-up

🔗Links Mentioned During Show

DSD Discord

DSD Channel Memberships

Show Sponsor

This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis

Links to find out more!