The Covert Narcissism Podcast

By Renee Swanson

What's The Covert Narcissism Podcast about?

Covert narcissistic abuse crushes one’s soul. This podcast is devoted to understanding covert narcissistic abuse, its effect on the victims, and how to heal.

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The Covert Narcissism Podcast episodes:

05.02.2024
The World Enables Covert Narcissists Guest episode with Sarene Leeds
"I felt that I was the only one who was uncomfortable with his behavior." In this episode, Sarene speaks of her experience in the work environment of Rolling Stone magazine from over 10 years ago. This individual no longer works...
04.28.2024
How do I move forward? Q&A with Eleanor Marks
“I’m in my second marriage and married almost 2 years. I’m realizing he’s a covert narcissist. I am mad at myself because I didn’t think I’d find myself here again, and now learning so much on codependency. I’m on a...
04.25.2024
It’s a Yo-Yo Relationship
In this episode, Caryn Dixon tells her story publicly for the first time. Like so many others, she was in that yo-yo relationship. On again and off again. Thinking “this is over” only to give him one more chance. Trapped...
04.21.2024
7 Ways that a Covert Narcissist Reacts
Have you ever called a covert narcissist out for something they have done? How did it go? While every situation is different, so many stories from victims of covert narcissistic abuse are the same. It is as though we are all...
04.19.2024
Tackling Tough Questions with Eleanor Marks
In this chat with Eleanor Marks and Renee Swanson, they address somes questions brought to them in the Facebook group, Covert Narcissism Group. One member said that she is wondering about helpful things to know when dealing with an attorney who...
04.14.2024
Are compassion and empathy the same?
Understanding the difference between compassion and empathy is important for anyone who is dealing with a non-empathetic person, such as a covert narcissist. Compassion and empathy are both in response to the emotions and needs of another person. Both involve...
04.12.2024
Guest episode with Brandon Chadwick from Narcissist Apocalypse
Today, we welcome Brandon Chadwick as a guest on the Covert Narcissism Podcast. Brandon has his own podcast called, The Narcissist Apocalypse Podcast. In his podcast, Brandon shares a variety of stories from survivors of narcissistic abuse. These stories are...
04.07.2024
3 Effects of Covert Narcissistic Parenting
Covert narcissists are bullies as parents, and their impact on the children is traumatic and long-lasting. For those listening who were raised by a covert narcissistic parent, identifying these effects within you is vital. This allows you to start that process...
04.04.2024
Covert Narcissistic Parents are Bullies
When children have a narcissistic parent, they are being parented by a bully. They cannot possibly escape this situation. They cannot make sense out of it. They cannot reach out for help. Dealing with a bully is traumatic and harmful. Here...
03.31.2024
Stopping the Self-Doubt to Become Narcissist Resilient
Let’s say I’m a covert narcissist, and I’m looking for a partner. Who am I looking for? I believe that I am the best thing ever, that I am right all the time, that my opinion is all that matters. So who...
03.29.2024
Victims Often Join the Abuse Themselves ( Special Throwback Episode)
Not only do victims of covert narcissistic abuse not see the abuse, they often join the abuser in abusing themselves. It’s the perfect storm built by this abuser in your life. Their circular conversations, projection, blame shifting, guilt manipulating, and...
03.24.2024
The Terrifying Narcissistic Traits in Our Children
In this Q&A session with Renee Swanson and Eleanor Marks, we answer two questions from the Covert Narcissism Facebook Group. How do you deal with the golden child and help them to unlearn concerning narcissistic traits without disparaging the other parent? How...
03.21.2024
Blame Shifting - A Powerful Tool for the Covert Narcissist (Special throwback Episode)
f you don't tell me to do it, then it is your fault that it didn't get done. If you tell me to do it, then it is your fault if it doesn't go right.Have you ever heard these words...
03.17.2024
Strengthening Your Narcissist Immune System
We all have an immune system inside us. Its purpose is to fight harmful substances that enter the body. It builds a defense against invaders by keeping a record of every germ it has ever defeated so it can recognise...
03.14.2024
The Narcissism Spectrum (Special Throwback Episode)
Narcissism is not a clear cut issue. It isn’t a yes or no answer. It is an extremely complicated issue. One minute you can feel like you have a grasp on it, and the next minute that grasp simply disappears. You...
03.10.2024
Covert Narcissism Q&A with Eleanor Marks
In this brand new series, I am doing a Q&A session with Eleanor Marks. We are answering questions that come directly from my Facebook group, Covert Narcissism Group. Today we begin with two questions. John asks for tips and help on...
03.07.2024
Story of Hope: Taking Pride in the Little Things Once Again
Today’s guest Dave shares his enjoyment is trimming the bushes in front of his house because now it is HIS house. After going through over two years of the divorce process, he finds peace for himself and his kids. He...
03.03.2024
Our Kids Need Us
Welcome back. I am again talking about covert narcissism, and in specific, parenting with a partner who is showing the traits of covert narcissism. These kids go through a lot. Everyone has wounds from childhood. This is true. But the...
02.29.2024
Breaking the Internal Chains of Abuse (Special Throwback Episode)
Memories can absolutely haunt victims of covert narcissistic abuse for years!! They trigger us, causing massive internal reactions. Anxiety, tension, pain in the gut, shaking, twitching, upset stomach, increased blood pressure and heart rate, panic attacks, and so on.All of...
02.25.2024
5 Effects of Covert Narcissistic Parenting on Our Kids
Covert narcissistic parenting has a massive effect on our children! It leaves gaping holes in their development, which can haunt them for the rest of their lives. And they have NO clue in the early years. They don’t see the...
02.23.2024
Stories of Hope: Take a Sabbatical
I'm drowning in a world of narcissism. I think about it the minute I wake up, all day long, and the last thought before I fall asleep. It is all consuming. Never in my life have I ever absorbed as much...
02.18.2024
Covert Narcissism and the Parent Label
"I am the mom! I know everything and am right about everything." "I am the dad! I know how to handle life. Don’t tell me what to do." It is true that parents know more than kids, yes. It is also true...
02.15.2024
I Married a Salesman
Kathleen bought into the sales pitch of the top notch salesman. He sold himself to her with great sales pitches, carrying the "same" interests, beliefs and values. He seemed so caring and altruistic. She thought, "Wow, this is a prince...
02.11.2024
Can I Have a Healthy Relationship After Covert Narcissism?
“I divorced a narcissist 10 years ago and now I am married to another one! How in the world did that happen??” I have talked to so many people who have gone from one narcissistic relationship to another. Finally divorced one...
02.08.2024
Story of Hope: Learning to Protect Yourself Part Two
When dealing with covert narcissism, it is so difficult to give yourself permission to set boundaries, physically, emotionally, mentally, and psychologically. Yet those boundaries are so vitally important! Within those boundaries comes healing and hope!
02.04.2024
Protect Yourself From Narcissistic Mirroring
Learning the signs of narcissistic mirroring gives you the knowledge you need to keep from being hooked by it. Victim switching, inconsistencies in their behaviors, lack of self and fast intense connections are all things to watch out for. Learn...
02.01.2024
Story of Hope: Learning to Protect Yourself Part One
When dealing with covert narcissism, it is so difficult to give yourself permission to set boundaries, physically, emotionally, mentally, and psychologically. Yet those boundaries are so vitally important! Within those boundaries comes healing and hope!
01.28.2024
Narcissistic Mirroring
How did I get stuck in an exploitative and manipulative relationship? Entitlement, power trips, jealousy, guilt trips, manipulation, passive aggressiveness, dishonesty, gaslighting!! How did I get here? How is it that I am living with this on a daily basis, even excusing...
01.25.2024
Stories of Hope: From Overt Narcissism to Covert Narcissism
An overt narcissist uses couples therapy to improve on the outside. However, the inner traits of narcissism remain and in fact become more refined. Putting on the mask to hide the narcissism simply shows up now as passive aggressiveness and...
01.21.2024
Covert Narcissists are Chameleons
Chameleons change colors according to their environment or their intentions. They change colors to attract mates and to tell intruders to stay away. They hide from their prey and they hide from their predators. A chameleon type covert narcissist is one who uses...
01.18.2024
Story of Hope: From the Suffocating Dark Cloud of Narcissism to the Brightness and Peace
In this episode, Jean shares her story of hope. Looking back in her marriage, she sees the beginning of doubting herself. She was squashed and made to feel unworthy over and over. Along with this, she was so convinced that...
01.14.2024
”You did that ON PURPOSE!” The Hurt Feelings of a Covert Narcissist
I’ve worked with children most of my life in different capacities. One of the things they say that bothers me the most is, “They did that ON PURPOSE!” One kid swinging his arms around in the room. Another child walks by...
01.11.2024
Story of Hope: Surviving the Crash of a Fairy Tale Marriage
Being raised to be a “good girl” sets many of us up for a manipulative and abusive marriage. This is Kathy’s story today. She approached this marriage with so much love, compassion and dedication. He used all of this against...
01.07.2024
Story of Hope after Covert Narcissism
With story after story begin full of pain, confusion, anger and depression, it is time to hear some stories of hope. There is life after narcissism! Peace can be found, not from others, but from within yourself. I am doing a mini...
01.05.2024
The Narcissist’s Prayer Pt 2 (Special Throwback Episode)
This 2-part series on the Narcissist’s prayer serves a guide through the circular conversations and manipulative tactics of a covert narcissist. Each step expresses a ploy used by the covert narcissist to take the pressure off of them and put...
12.31.2023
It’s Impossible to Find Normal with a Covert Narcissist
One of the worst things you can say to a victim of covert narcissistic abuse is “every family has their issues. No one is perfect.” Just saying this statement now makes my skin crawl. As a victim of covert narcissistic abuse,...
12.29.2023
The Narcissist’s Prayer Part 1 (Special Throwback Episode)
That didn't happen.And if it did, it wasn't that bad.And if it was, that's not a big deal.And if it is, that's not my fault.And if it was, I didn't mean it.And if I did, you deserved it. This short verse...
12.24.2023
How to Set Boundaries with a Covert Narcissist
People often come to me and say, “I need to get better at setting boundaries.” Ok, what have you tried so far? I tried telling him/her - I don’t like it when you call me sweetie. I don’t like that name. What...
12.22.2023
Episode 5 - How Do We Turn the Survival Skills Off? (Special Throwback Episode)
So how do we build healthy relationships after being with a covert narcissist? How are these trauma responses affecting us still? How do we turn them off?Our trauma responses to an abusive environment are survival skills and natural instincts under...
12.17.2023
Why is it so Hard to Set Boundaries with a Covert Narcissist?
Have you ever been around someone who believes the rules don’t apply to them? Of course you have or you wouldn’t be here listening to me. Do not trespass means they must walk here, even just a step or two. Do not touch...
12.15.2023
Episode 4 - The Survival Skills of a Covert Narcissist and their Victim (Special Throwback Episode)
Have you ever wondered if you are the narcissist in this relationship? Maybe you have even been accused of it by your abusive partner? Have you seen glimpses within yourself of narcissistic reactions?There are very distinct reasons that you see...
12.10.2023
Walking on Eggshells
I heard the phrase walking on eggshells, and I thought, “I’m sure glad that I’m not living that way.” This applied to other people. People who were not at liberty to say what they wanted to say. They had to...
12.07.2023
Episode 3 Tactical Responses to the Trauma of Abuse (Special Throwback Episode)
Have you ever found yourself to be extremely defensive, feeling the need to protect yourself before anyone even attacks? How about having the burning need to be perfect so nothing ever goes wrong?When you are living in an abusive situation,...
12.03.2023
Learning on the Appalachian Trail
Have you ever made a bucket list? Things you want to do in this world. You should! Why not? What would be on your bucket list? Not only are they fun, these adventures, big or small, give us so many opportunities to...
11.30.2023
Episode 2 - Internal Trauma Responses to Covert Abuse (Special Throwback Episode)
Has your partner ever accused you of pulling away from the relationship? Of shutting down? Of being emotionally unavailable? Maybe you even feel that you are. Then you wonder if this is all your fault for not being engaged with...
11.26.2023
The Point of No Return
There is an invisible line, imaginary and yet very real, that once pushed past it, you simply cannot come back. No amount of effort will bring you back from this point of no return. Brinkmanship is the art of pursuing a...
11.23.2023
Episode 1 - Reactive Abuse: The Physical and Outward Reactions of Victims (Special Throwback Episode)
Have you wondered about your own sanity in all of this? Have you reached the end of your limit and simply exploded. Now you are the one yelling and screaming at him? Am I the abusive one? Should they come...
11.19.2023
Narcissistic Relationships are Addictive Relationships
Narcissistic relationships are quite addictive for both individuals. But that addiction looks different for each of them. The victim of narcissistic abuse is addicted to the peaceful moments and love bombing. Love bombing is when they become whatever it is that...
11.17.2023
How to Save Our Kids During a Traumatic Divorce with a Narcissist
Psychologist Dr. Erica Ellis joins us in this episode. She brings wonderful expertise regarding high conflict divorce and how to protect the children. Dr. Ellis is not only a licensed psychologist, but also a best-selling author, and a leading expert...
11.12.2023
The Power of Perception and Gaslighting
What is gaslighting? When someone denies you the right to your own perception. Telling you that your perception is wrong. Working to convince you that their perception is hard fact. Ultimately causing you to doubt your own sense of reality and sense of self. The...

What's The Covert Narcissism Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Covert Narcissism Podcast episodes:

The World Enables Covert Narcissists Guest episode with Sarene Leeds

How do I move forward? Q&A with Eleanor Marks

It’s a Yo-Yo Relationship

7 Ways that a Covert Narcissist Reacts

Tackling Tough Questions with Eleanor Marks

Are compassion and empathy the same?

Guest episode with Brandon Chadwick from Narcissist Apocalypse

3 Effects of Covert Narcissistic Parenting

Covert Narcissistic Parents are Bullies

Stopping the Self-Doubt to Become Narcissist Resilient

Victims Often Join the Abuse Themselves ( Special Throwback Episode)

The Terrifying Narcissistic Traits in Our Children

Blame Shifting - A Powerful Tool for the Covert Narcissist (Special throwback Episode)

Strengthening Your Narcissist Immune System

The Narcissism Spectrum (Special Throwback Episode)

Covert Narcissism Q&A with Eleanor Marks

Story of Hope: Taking Pride in the Little Things Once Again

Our Kids Need Us

Breaking the Internal Chains of Abuse (Special Throwback Episode)

5 Effects of Covert Narcissistic Parenting on Our Kids

Stories of Hope: Take a Sabbatical

Covert Narcissism and the Parent Label

I Married a Salesman

Can I Have a Healthy Relationship After Covert Narcissism?

Story of Hope: Learning to Protect Yourself Part Two

Protect Yourself From Narcissistic Mirroring

Story of Hope: Learning to Protect Yourself Part One

Narcissistic Mirroring

Stories of Hope: From Overt Narcissism to Covert Narcissism

Covert Narcissists are Chameleons

Story of Hope: From the Suffocating Dark Cloud of Narcissism to the Brightness and Peace

”You did that ON PURPOSE!” The Hurt Feelings of a Covert Narcissist

Story of Hope: Surviving the Crash of a Fairy Tale Marriage

Story of Hope after Covert Narcissism

The Narcissist’s Prayer Pt 2 (Special Throwback Episode)

It’s Impossible to Find Normal with a Covert Narcissist

The Narcissist’s Prayer Part 1 (Special Throwback Episode)

How to Set Boundaries with a Covert Narcissist

Episode 5 - How Do We Turn the Survival Skills Off? (Special Throwback Episode)

Why is it so Hard to Set Boundaries with a Covert Narcissist?

Episode 4 - The Survival Skills of a Covert Narcissist and their Victim (Special Throwback Episode)

Walking on Eggshells

Episode 3 Tactical Responses to the Trauma of Abuse (Special Throwback Episode)

Learning on the Appalachian Trail

Episode 2 - Internal Trauma Responses to Covert Abuse (Special Throwback Episode)

The Point of No Return

Episode 1 - Reactive Abuse: The Physical and Outward Reactions of Victims (Special Throwback Episode)

Narcissistic Relationships are Addictive Relationships

How to Save Our Kids During a Traumatic Divorce with a Narcissist

The Power of Perception and Gaslighting

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