Robin and Dennis discuss manipulation with a special focus on Sandy Rosenthal's work following Hurricane Katrina. Sandy Rosenthal, founder of levies.org, shares her journey of uncovering the real cause behind the catastrophic flooding in New Orleans. She details the harassment and pushback she faced from the Army Corps of Engineers and the extensive damage caused due to improperly built levees. Sandy explains her strategies to counter manipulation and emphasizes the importance of never letting anyone make you feel defensive. The conversation also highlights Rosenthal's ongoing mission to incorporate lessons from engineering failures into college curricula to prevent future disasters.

Topics

00:36 Today's Topic: Manipulation and Sandy Rosenthal

01:32 Sandy Rosenthal's Background and Mission

02:19 Challenges and Pushback

04:46 Discovering the Truth

07:15 Online Harassment and Orchestrated Attacks

09:38 Exposing the Army Corps of Engineers

15:20 Manipulative Tactics and Defense Strategies

19:42 The Challenge of Addressing Complex Issues

20:09 Handling Manipulative Questions with Grace

20:41 The Importance of Tone in Responses

21:46 Learning from Past Mistakes

23:02 The Cost of Harassment and Legal Battles

25:39 Remaining Neutral Under Pressure

31:32 The Mission of Levies.org

32:58 The Legacy of Sandy Rosenthal

35:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Six months after first opening up about his past manipulative patterns, Gethro LaCroix returns with a striking update. He’s now over 400 days sober, committed to the gym, off social media, and deepening his connection to faith and community.

He shares how he avoids slipping into old habits—womanizing, drinking, smoking—by remembering the chaos they caused and grounding himself in daily discipline. A highlight: a friend took Gethro’s advice to “pick a lane” and abandon the mix-and-match lifestyle of half-good-guy, half-player. That moment showed Gethro how teaching others reinforces his own growth.

Gethro’s relationship is thriving through transparency and mutual transformation. Both partners quit substances, practice prayer and fasting for decision-making, and are intentionally moving toward marriage. He’s learning to lead with love rather than dominance.

Meanwhile, friends and family are surprised—some skeptical—but they respect the boundaries he now holds firmly. He’s no longer the guy to call for drinking or smoking; he’s the one you call for advice, a workout, or a grounding conversation.

Anchored by a new sleep schedule, structured days, and an intentional lifestyle, Gethro’s transformation is steady, disciplined, and—most importantly—real.

Topics

01:09 Reconnecting with Gethro LaCroix

01:47 Gethro's Personal Growth Journey

03:51 Maintaining Sobriety and Facing Temptations

05:12 Inspiring Others and Sharing Wisdom

08:38 The Importance of Transparency in Relationships

11:41 Changing Dynamics with Friends

20:44 Family Reactions to Personal Transformation

21:01 Cold Turkey Transformation

21:58 Family Reactions and Belief

23:31 The Role of Faith and Discipline

28:26 Relationship Dynamics and Growth

33:51 The Power of Routine and Scheduling

38:36 Final Reflections and Future Plans

Attorney Patricia Annino joins Robin to reveal the truth behind most “legal” family disputes: they aren’t legal at all — they’re emotional. Patricia explains that every family has a “ghost” (a buried issue like abuse, addiction, favoritism, or betrayal) that quietly drives manipulation, conflict, and expensive litigation. Until that ghost is named, nothing gets resolved.

She shares a striking case where years of multimillion-dollar litigation ended instantly once the real issue — childhood abuse — was finally acknowledged. Patricia emphasizes that you can’t litigate love, and most people avoid the emotional root because it’s easier to hire lawyers than face their own patterns. Robin and Patricia discuss the courage it takes to break generational cycles, take responsibility for your part of the dance, and say the thing no one else will say — because that’s the only way families truly move forward.

Topics

01:01 Understanding Manipulation in Family Dynamics

02:43 The Role of Inner Scripts and Ghosts

04:18 Case Study: Uncovering Hidden Family Issues

05:52 Challenges in Legal Practice and Emotional Intelligence

07:15 Prenuptial Agreements and Family Dynamics

07:42 The Importance of Emotional Insight in Legal Matters

10:33 Generational Ghosts and Personal Responsibility

19:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker make a bold case: our culture often rewards manipulation because people fear backlash and comply. This episode flips that script. Robin and Dennis show how learning in-the-moment self-protection skills—clear boundaries, firm inflection, steady eye contact, succinct language—creates a personal and societal ripple effect: we stop feeding the very behavior we want to end.

They unpack the hidden “tells” manipulators scan for (up-talk, hesitations, slumped posture, over-explaining) and explain why backlash is actually a sign of success—evidence your boundary landed. With the “3 C’s” (be Curious, have the Courage to speak up, and the Courage to ask questions), they teach how to confront tactics without being baited into long explanations. The hosts stress persistence: applied calmly and repeatedly, noncompliance makes manipulators move on, trading “being liked” for being respected. Beyond relationships, they spotlight manipulation in advertising, institutions, and social feeds—and remind listeners that learning these skills is like mastering a new language: hard at first, empowering for life. They close with the mantra “Less is more”—the less ammo you give, the less control they have—and point listeners to their on-demand course at manipulator.help for step-by-step practice.

Topics

01:42 The Cost of Compliance

03:59 Facing the Fear of Backlash

07:07 Recognizing Manipulative Tactics

08:45 Non-Verbal Cues and Communication

11:09 The Importance of Communication Coaching

13:00 Understanding the Manipulator's Strategy

14:05 Steps to Ensure Your Safety

15:19 The Motivation Behind Non-Compliance

16:03 Spotting Red Flags Early

16:40 The Cost of Ignoring Red Flags

18:08 Manipulation Tactics in Everyday Life

19:22 The Importance of Curiosity and Courage

21:28 The Joy of Learning and Overcoming Challenges

24:51 Persistence Against Manipulators

27:51 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

When “free nights” and glossy model homes turn into endless fees and fine print, you may have stepped into the timeshare trap. In this episode, Robin and Dr. Dennis welcome Tim Downey—former 22-year timeshare owner turned advocate and founder of Truthful Timeshare Termination—who breaks down the industry’s most common manipulation tactics and the legal concepts that actually put you back in control.

You’ll learn:

Tim shares how he helps owners reclaim their power—sometimes in days—by understanding what’s not said in the paperwork. Robin and Dennis connect the dots to everyday defense: stay curious, have the courage to ask hard questions, and refuse to be shamed into silence. If you or someone you love is tangled in a timeshare, this conversation is your playbook for getting free—without losing your peace (or your wallet).

Topics

02:37 Understanding Timeshares

05:10 The Reality of Timeshare Ownership

07:10 Manipulation and Coercion in Timeshares

12:26 Legal Aspects and Getting Out of Timeshares

18:45 Understanding the Manipulative Tactics

19:29 The Financial Trap of Timeshares

20:12 Personal Experiences with Sales Tactics

21:22 Empowering Financial Awareness

23:00 Tim Downey's Expertise and Services

28:49 The Moral Dilemma of Manipulation

33:07 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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

In this episode, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski tackle a tough choice many people face—especially under manipulation—deciding whether you want to be liked or respected. They explain why this binary decision can be a trap, particularly for “pathos” personalities who lead with emotion, and how manipulators exploit that vulnerability. Using insights from ethos–pathos–logos communication styles, they break down the risks of prioritizing likability in professional settings, how emotional dominance can cloud judgment, and strategies to protect yourself in real-time. The conversation emphasizes practical ways to maintain credibility, assert boundaries, and avoid falling into the manipulator’s game.

Topics

01:27 The Binary Choice: Respect vs. Being Liked

02:13 Understanding Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

03:38 Manipulation in Professional Settings

07:45 The Manipulator's Tactics

14:19 Changing Your Mindset

17:29 Understanding the Manipulator's Intentions

17:54 Identifying Traits of Respectable People

18:39 Self-Reflection and Personal Boundaries

20:17 Observing Manipulation in Others

21:04 The Cult Analogy: Pathos and Ethos

22:43 The Subtle Erosion of Self

23:40 Reacting to Manipulation in the Workplace

25:32 Invitation for Real-Life Scenarios

28:16 Building Personal Power and Respect

29:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Dennis and Robin discuss how manipulators use questions as a tactic to control and confuse their targets. The hosts offer valuable insights on how to recognize and respond to such questions effectively. Techniques include maintaining neutrality, avoiding defensive answers, and using non-verbal cues. They also explore various types of manipulators (ethos, pathos, logos) and provide strategies tailored to each type. The episode emphasizes the importance of staying composed and setting boundaries to protect oneself from manipulation.

Topics

01:28 The Power of Manipulative Questions

03:59 False Choices: A Manipulator's Tactic

04:47 Techniques to Counter Manipulative Questions

12:22 The Importance of Neutrality

20:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Robin and Dennis interview Brittanie about her personal experiences with manipulation. Brittanie shares her background, growing up in a family with a manipulative dynamic, and how this has influenced her own relationships. She discusses the challenges of co-parenting with a manipulative ex and stresses the importance of being self-aware and vigilant. The conversation covers techniques for neutralizing manipulation, such as paraphrasing and not reacting immediately. Brittanie also emphasizes the significance of maintaining boundaries and understanding the manipulator's background to avoid being too compassionate. The episode aims to provide listeners with practical tools and insights to identify and handle manipulation effectively.

Topics

02:07 Brittanie's Background and Early Experiences

02:59 Challenges of Co-Parenting with a Manipulator

04:48 Recognizing Manipulation Tactics

08:11 Strategies to Counter Manipulation

11:51 The Importance of Neutral Responses

14:35 Using Paraphrasing as a Tool

16:44 Drawing Parallels with Child Behavior

19:17 Breaking the Manipulator's Momentum

21:08 Navigating Manipulative Relationships

21:47 Personal Experiences with Gaslighting

22:30 Understanding Manipulative Behavior

23:22 The Role of Manipulation in Society

24:34 Parental Influence on Manipulative Tendencies

28:29 Strategies to Handle Manipulation

30:32 The Emotional Impact of Manipulation

37:53 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

40:09 Conclusion and Farewell

When dealing with manipulators, saying less can protect you more. In this episode, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski dive into the power of brevity—and why over-explaining makes you an easy target. Through live role-play, mindset shifts, and simple, real-life tactics, you’ll learn how to respond with calm confidence, defuse manipulation in the moment, and stop feeding the fire. Whether it’s a toxic boss or a needling sibling, this episode teaches you how to stay neutral, keep your cool, and take control.

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Topics

00:53 The Power of Brevity in Communication

01:33 Understanding Manipulation Tactics

04:24 Mindset and Cultural Considerations

08:28 Improv Scenarios: Handling Manipulation at Work

18:53 Starting with Confidence

19:25 The Power of Consistent Tone

20:45 Mastering the Broken Record Technique

22:58 Handling Manipulative Tactics

25:18 Sibling Dynamics and Emotional Triggers

27:48 Consistency and Resilience

29:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement