When you’re caught in the heat of manipulation, it’s easy to get swept away by emotions—and that’s exactly the point. In this episode of Outwitting the Manipulator, Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker reveal how manipulators deliberately choose words to ignite reactions, control momentum, and keep you off balance. They break down how to spot these verbal traps, why even “neutral” words can carry manipulative weight, and how to stay grounded by separating fact from feeling. Whether you’re dealing with a difficult partner, workplace manipulator, or simply navigating today’s emotionally charged media, this conversation gives you the tools to pause, question, and reclaim control.

Topics

00:56 Identifying Manipulative Words

01:57 Emotional Control in Manipulative Interactions

04:55 Manipulation in Media and News

06:52 The Complexity of Neutrality and Bias

12:22 Philosophical Debate on Right and Wrong

15:18 Manipulators' Self-Interest

16:09 Understanding Manipulative Relationships

16:32 The Illusion of Love in Manipulative Dynamics

18:35 Recognizing Patterns of Manipulation

19:45 Levels of Communication: From Gossip to Argument

21:28 The Power of Word Choice in Manipulation

23:43 Strategies to Identify and Counter Manipulation

28:25 Final Thoughts and Recommendations