This episode features Robin and Dennis’s appearance on the Schein On podcast. Host Evan Schein interviews them about their 2021 book, Outwitting the Manipulator: Protecting Yourself in Real Time, which identifies 24 common manipulation tactics and focuses on defending yourself while manipulation is happening. Robin shares that the book was inspired by her own experience being manipulated and emphasizes having enough distance to teach others. Robin and Dennis discuss how difficulty detecting tactics depends on context, how gender dynamics can affect targeting, and why smart, trusting people are prime targets. Key strategies include building awareness, journaling to spot patterns, staying neutral, staying curious, and asking questions to disrupt a manipulator’s momentum. They address workplace manipulation (especially public humiliation), high-conflict divorce and co-parenting, and red flags like charisma and heroic self-framing. They react to quotes about blame, believing behavior, and guilt.

You can find the book, Outwitting the Manipulator, on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Outwitting-Manipulator-Protecting-Yourself-Real-Time/dp/1953806244

Robin/Dennis website:

https://www.outwitinrealtime.com/

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outwitting-the-manipulator/id1644706232

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4peb6yxqyrYQllAo8c6KTE?si=NbBsepYzSc-FWrwOjHAuCA

To get your copy of Robin and Dennis's on-Demand Training Course made up of eight video modules, practice worksheets and more, go to www.manipulator.help and use the password FREEDOM to get 25% off. In their friendly and expert style, Robin and Dennis will help strengthen your ability to defend yourself from manipulation as it is happening.

The Schein On podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/schein-on/id1541360422

Topics

00:49 Why Write This Book

02:18 Real Time Defense

03:20 Hardest Tactics Spot

04:29 Gender and Manipulation

05:55 Awareness Comes First

07:08 Smart People Targeted

07:57 Politeness as Weapon

09:16 Manipulation vs Persuasion

11:46 Do Manipulators Know

14:27 Workplace Power Plays

15:41 Mastering Neutrality

18:08 Curiosity and Patterns

19:23 Divorce Conflict Tactics

20:29 Co Parenting With Manipulator

23:13 Spotting Litigation Manipulation

24:52 Gender Patterns In Control

25:40 When The Manipulator Hires You

26:43 Courtroom Audience Shift

28:44 Red Flags For Professionals

32:28 Curiosity Courage Questions

34:39 They Said It Quotes Game

40:42 Final Takeaways And Thanks