Ever had a “friend” who seems supportive, checks in on you sweetly… and then somehow everything you say magically makes its way back to the narcissist? Yep—that’s the flying monkey friend. In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most confusing betrayals survivors of narcissistic abuse face: the friend who pretends to care but secretly reports back to the narcissist.

We’ll cover:

What flying monkeys are and why they’re so dangerous

How to spot the sneaky “sweet” ones

Signs your friend is double-dealing

Why some people choose the narcissist’s side (and why it’s not your fault)

How to handle betrayal, set boundaries, and protect your peace


Whether it’s a mutual friend, a family member, or a “neutral” third party stirring the pot behind your back, this episode will help you stop doubting yourself and start reclaiming your power.

💥 If you’ve been manipulated, gaslit, or hurt by someone pretending to be in your corner—this one’s for you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

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Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

They act like your best friend in the meeting... and your worst nightmare behind closed doors.

In this eye-opening episode of Fake Love & Flying Monkeys, I dive deep into the manipulative world of the workplace narcissist—those coworkers or bosses who charm the room and crush your confidence when no one’s watching.

Youtube channel  - https://youtube.com/@novagibson_?si=i2Bhws8AWZdn9mgY

You’ll learn how to spot the signs of narcissistic abuse at work, including gaslighting, sabotage, triangulation, and reputation-smearing—and how to protect yourself with strategies like grey rocking, boundary-setting, and documentation.

Whether you’ve got a narcissistic boss, a two-faced coworker, or you're still trying to recover from a toxic work environment, this episode will validate your experience, help you reclaim your sanity, and remind you: you’re not the problem.

 Narcissists are obsessed with power, praise, and control—and the workplace is their playground. But once you see their game? You stop playing. And that’s when you win.

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
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Want to support the channel? Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

Have you been blamed for the very abuse you endured? Did the narcissist tell everyone you were the toxic one—while playing the victim themselves?

Www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au 
In this episode,  I break down one of the most devastating tactics narcissists use after a breakup: DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) and the smear campaign. Learn how they manipulate others, twist reality, and destroy reputations—while leaving you to pick up the pieces.

(My apologies in advance for my naughty fur babies you can hear in the background.  I tried EVERYTHING to edit them out to no avail! 🤣🐶!!)

We’ll talk about:

Why narcissists accuse you of the very things they’ve done

How smear campaigns are set up and why people fall for them

What to do when no one believes your side of the story

How to reclaim your identity, peace, and power—without needing to prove anything to anyone

Whether you’re co-parenting with a narcissist, navigating a false narrative, or trying to heal in isolation, this episode will give you the validation, strategy, and support you need.

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
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Want to support the channel? Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

They ghost you, block you, abuse you—then pop up like nothing ever happened. Why?
In this eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we unpack one of the most confusing behaviours in narcissistic abuse: when the narcissist reappears with selective amnesia and zero accountability. Whether they send a flirty text, a casual “hey,” or act like everything’s fine after days (or weeks) of cruel silence, there’s always a strategy behind it.

Www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au 

I explain exactly what this behaviour means, why it’s not love or remorse, and what you can do to protect yourself when they try to slither back in.

📖 Grab my book ‘Fake Love’ here  https://mybook.to/F3gm

We’ll cover:
– Why they come back after hurting you
– What hoovering is and how to spot it
– How trauma bonding keeps you hooked
– What their silence, blocking, and ghosting are really about
– The dangerous cycle of abuse and false reconciliation

This one’s for anyone who’s ever been left confused, heartbroken, and manipulated by the narcissist’s fake “return.”
 www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au

📖 Grab my book ‘Fake Love’ here  https://mybook.to/F3gm

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

What happens when the narcissist doesn’t just come after you—but starts poisoning your child’s mind against you? And worse—what happens when the court system believes it’s your fault?Www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au 

In this raw, eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we’re diving into the heartbreaking experience of narcissistic parental alienation—when the narcissist manipulates your child and weaponises them to hurt you, isolate you, and destroy your bond.

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here 

This isn’t just messy co-parenting. It’s psychological warfare.  They don’t co-parent. They counter-parent.

We also unpack how this manipulation often gets misread in family court. Protective, loving parents—who are desperately trying to shield their kids from harm—are often accused of parental alienation, while the narcissist walks away with a smile and a custody agreement.

If you've ever felt like you're being erased from your child’s life by a narcissist who’s playing the long game… this episode is your validation. You’re not alone. You’re not imagining it. And no—this is not your fault.

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

Have you ever noticed how the narcissist in your life seems to get annoyed—or even angry—when you’re finally doing well? When you’re smiling, thriving, feeling peaceful... they suddenly go cold, start a fight, or make a snarky comment that sucks the joy right out of the room?

Www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au 

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we unpack the painful truth behind why narcissists hate when you’re happy.

Narcissists feel deeply threatened by your confidence, independence, and emotional growth—because it reminds them of what they’re lacking and what they can’t control. Your happiness represents your freedom, and freedom means they’re losing power.

We explore:

Why narcissists are triggered by your good mood, laughter, and lightness

How they subtly (or not-so-subtly) sabotage your joy

The emotional manipulation tactics they use to steal your peace

Why they downplay your wins or guilt-trip you for having fun

The connection between your happiness and their loss of control

What it really means when they pick a fight right before you leave for an event

Why your joy makes you a “threat” in the eyes of a narcissist

If you’ve ever felt confused about why someone would punish you for being okay, this episode offers clarity, validation, and insight into one of the most emotionally draining patterns in narcissistic abuse.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

Narcissists don’t just leave you—they discard you with intent. And it’s never kind, never clean. In this powerful episode, I revea 7 of the most horrific ways narcissists discard their victims—each one designed to shock, shame, and cause maximum pain.
(More information on this available on my website www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au)

From cold ghosting and public humiliation, to triangulating with the new supply and recruiting flying monkeys to finish the job—this isn’t love. It’s emotional destruction disguised as a breakup.

If you’ve been discarded and feel like you’re losing your mind, this episode will show you:
⚠️ You’re not crazy.
⚠️ You’re not alone.
⚠️ You were targeted by someone who needed control, not connection.

🎧 Learn the 7 discard tactics narcissists use to make it “memorable”
💔 Understand why they do it—and why it was never your fault
🧠 Get your power back by seeing the discard for what it really was

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

What happens when your mother-in-law acts more like the jealous ex than the proud parent? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into one of the most emotionally exhausting dynamics a woman can face: navigating life with a narcissistic mother-in-law who sees you as competition—not family.

From constant criticism to controlling behaviour, narcissistic mothers-in-law often believe they hold the number one spot in their son’s heart—and anyone who threatens that position is seen as the enemy. You’ll hear real-life examples of women caught in the crossfire of toxic in-law relationships, including the subtle manipulation, emotional blackmail, and triangulation that turns what should be a joyful family connection into a confusing and painful power struggle.

We explore how narcissistic mothers-in-law undermine parenting decisions, interfere with your relationship, and create chaos under the guise of “just being helpful.” We also talk about the damage it causes when your partner is either completely oblivious to the manipulation—or worse, supports it.

You’ll learn what these dynamics look like, why they happen, and how to spot the signs of covert narcissism within the family system. Whether your partner is still emotionally enmeshed with his mother or has become a passive participant in the dysfunction, this episode unpacks the emotional toll it takes on you as the daughter-in-law.

We also examine the long-term impact on your mental health, your relationship, and your children, especially when boundaries are repeatedly ignored and your voice is dismissed. From power struggles over parenting to passive-aggressive guilt trips and smear campaigns, we break down how this toxic dynamic plays out behind closed doors—and how easy it is to internalise the blame.

If you’ve ever been made to feel like the “other woman” in your own marriage, if you’ve walked on eggshells around family gatherings, or if you’ve questioned your sanity after being emotionally sidelined by a manipulative in-law, this episode is for you.

This raw and validating conversation sheds light on a taboo topic that’s more common than people realise—and offers understanding for anyone trying to survive the emotional battlefield of a narcissistic in law.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
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Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

Struggling with narcissistic abuse recovery as an adult child of a narcissist? Do you feel overwhelming guilt when setting boundaries with toxic parents—even when you know it’s the healthiest thing you can do?

You’re not alone.

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I dive deep into the emotional conditioning that narcissistic parents use over a lifetime to keep you trapped in fear, obligation, and guilt. I explore the complex reality of being one of many adult children of narcissists, where saying “no” feels wrong, loving yourself feels selfish, and healing childhood trauma means unlearning everything you were taught about love, loyalty, and guilt.

I break down the psychological tools narcissistic mothers and fathers use—like emotional abuse from parents, trauma bonding, and guilt after going no contact—to keep you stuck in patterns of people-pleasing and self-abandonment.

You’ll hear:

Why narcissistic family dynamics are built on control, not connection

How toxic parent relationships make you feel responsible for their happiness

Real stories from survivors working through narcissistic parenting wounds

Why choosing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s survival

Practical steps for surviving narcissistic parenting and reclaiming your power


If you're navigating the pain of breaking free from family manipulation, or still wondering why you feel so guilty for protecting your peace, this episode offers the clarity and validation you’ve been searching for. 

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic violence, murder-suicide, and police-perpetrated abuse. Please take care while listening.

In this powerful and heartbreaking episode, Bruce Bieber joins us to share the story no parent should ever have to tell — the murder of his daughter, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Abigail Rose Bieber, by her boyfriend and fellow deputy, Daniel Leyden, in an officer-involved domestic violence (OIDV) murder-suicide in January 2022.

Abby had planned to end the relationship during a weekend away in St. Augustine. What neither she nor her family knew was that Leyden had a prior domestic violence history — one that was known to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office but never acted upon meaningfully. When Bruce and his family began asking questions, they were met with silence, deflection, and eventually complete shutdown by HCSO.

Bruce shares the gut-wrenching journey from grief to advocacy — his fight to uncover the truth, the betrayal by law enforcement leadership, and his mission to push for mandatory OIDV policies and accountability nationwide.

This conversation is not just about Abby. It’s about the wider, deeply hidden epidemic of domestic violence committed by those sworn to protect — and the systemic failures that allow it to continue.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the abuser wears a badge — this is the episode you need to hear.

📞 If you or someone you love needs help, please reach out to one of the following services:

🇺🇸 United States
National Domestic Violence Hotline
📱 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
🌐 www.thehotline.org
(24/7 confidential support via phone, chat, or text)

🇦🇺 Australia
1800RESPECT – National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service
📱 1800 737 732
🌐 www.1800respect.org.au
(24/7 support and information)

🇬🇧 United Kingdom
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
📱 0808 2000 247
🌐 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
(Free and confidential, 24/7 support)

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx