Bonus episode 3 explores the story of Rani, whose dream job at a supposedly inclusive workplace quickly turned into a toxic nightmare. What started as feeling “seen” and championed by a senior colleague spiralled into emotional manipulation, weaponised feedback, and guilt-laced control.

Rani's letter uncovers how narcissistic individuals often use the illusion of support to gain influence, only to later gaslight, undermine, and erode confidence through chaos, contradiction, and shame.

What we cover:

• How narcissists perform allyship while creating impossible expectations
• Meetings as control tactics: time-wasting, dominance, and emotional exhaustion
• The link between narcissistic abuse and mum guilt, overworking, and burnout
• How the promise of “the dream” and future-faking is used to keep people hooked and disempowered
• The emotional toll of being constantly emotionally and mentally disorientated, even when the facts don’t add up

Why this episode matters:

Rani’s story highlights that abuse isn’t always obvious. It can masquerade as support or empowering language. However, if it undermines your confidence, well-being, or values, consider it a red flag.

Listener Letters are real stories submitted by the Other Box community, sharing lived experiences of navigating toxic workplaces and narcissistic dynamics.Each letter is anonymised, read aloud, and followed by expert insight from clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani. Together, we unpack the behavioural patterns at play and share tools for clarity, support and recovery.

We hope these real-life accounts allow you to recognise the signs sooner and start focusing on how to reclaim your life. 

Connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources | @otherbox

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Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms. 

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