Understanding Personality Disorders — Clearing Up the Myths Around “Sociopaths,” “Psychopaths,” and “Narcissists”

In this week’s episode, Jim and Ralph take on one of the most misunderstood corners of modern psychology: personality disorders. Popular culture and the internet are full of talk about “sociopaths,” “psychopaths,” and “narcissists,” but how much of that is actually grounded in clinical reality? The hosts unpack where these terms come from, what they really mean, and why only narcissistic personality disorder remains a recognized diagnosis in the DSM-5.

Through a thoughtful and down-to-earth discussion, Jim and Ralph explore what defines a personality disorder—persistent patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that cause significant distress or impairment—and how these differ from temporary traits or pop-psychology labels. Along the way, they correct some of the biggest misconceptions fueled by movies, media, and social media, and they help listeners understand the importance of compassion and nuance when talking about mental health. Whether you’re a student of psychology or just curious about the truth behind the buzzwords, this episode offers a grounded and insightful takeaway.