Today’s episode offers a compelling exploration of truth, resilience, and the power of storytelling in a divided world. At the height of the pandemic, two immigrant filmmakers, cinematographer Horacio Marquínez and film editor Kirill Myltsev, journeyed across the United States to uncover an unfiltered, unflinching portrait of America.

In an era dominated by mindless scrolling and stylized selfies, their documentary America Unfiltered reveals raw, intimate conversations and searing black-and-white portraits that strip away artifice and distraction to expose the vulnerable truth of the human experience, and exploring the central theme of the documentary - "What does it mean to be an American?" 

Through stark, unvarnished imagery, Horacio’s compositions lay bare the essential character of each person he photographed — inviting us to see beyond divisions and connect with one another on a deeper level. The film asks: What if we could better relate to one another and heal our nation’s divides by recognizing the shared humanity beneath the surface?

Robin is thrilled to be joined by her good friends Horacio Marquínez, the visionary cinematographer behind America Unfiltered, and Dr. Marc Brackett, who served as a producer on the film in addition to his role as founder and director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Permission to Feel. Together, they discuss how media manipulation, emotional gaslighting, and truth distortion shape our collective consciousness — and how emotional intelligence and storytelling can help us build empathy and foster hope for America’s next chapter.

It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern’s guest is someone who has spent decades guiding individuals and organizations toward clarity, integrity, and transformational leadership.

Scott Jeffrey Miller capped a remarkable 25-year career as Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President at FranklinCovey, and he now serves as an advisor on their thought leadership strategy. Scott is also the voice behind two groundbreaking podcasts: On Leadership with Scott Miller, the world’s largest weekly leadership podcast featuring nearly 400 interviews with some of the greatest minds of our time, and C-Suite Conversations with Scott Miller, where he connects with top global executives.

Scott is a prolific author whose works include the Master Mentors series, distilling wisdom from visionaries like Seth Godin, Susan Cain, and General Stanley McChrystal. His latest releases, The Ultimate Guide to Great Mentorship and Career on Course: 10 Strategies to Take Your Career from Accidental to Intentional, continue to empower leaders, mentors, and professionals worldwide.

Scott fundamentally believes we learn more from our messes than our successes. He uses his messes to not just teach himself, but also to inspire leaders from a variety of backgrounds all around the world.

Robin and Scott explore insights on leadership, mentorship, and how these principles can help us navigate toxic dynamics, establish healthy boundaries, and build lives of intention and purpose. Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring a colleague, or reclaiming your personal power, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable strategies.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

On today's episode, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes Marc Polymeropoulos, a distinguished leader whose experiences offer profound insights into thriving under pressure and navigating the complexities of manipulation—including his own battles with the effects of gaslighting in high-stakes environments.

Marc retired from the Senior Intelligence Service ranks in 2019 after an extraordinary 26-year career in the Intelligence Community, where he served in operational field and leadership assignments. As one of the most highly decorated field officers in the Intelligence Community, Marc is an expert in counterterrorism, covert action, and human intelligence collection.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Marc has faced significant personal challenges, including a mysterious health condition that emerged after his service and was compounded by medical gaslighting. Despite being dismissed and misdiagnosed by numerous medical professionals, Marc refused to accept incomplete answers. His determination to advocate for himself and uncover the truth about his condition is a testament to his resilience and unwavering pursuit of clarity. Through persistence, he ultimately found the support and care he needed, turning this personal struggle into a powerful example of overcoming manipulation and advocating for one’s well-being

In his book, Clarity in Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the CIA, published by HarperCollins in 2021, Marc shares lessons from his extraordinary career to help others find strength amidst chaos. His mission is to bring his unique experiences from the world’s hot spots into the sports and business arenas, helping leaders recognize and overcome manipulation, including gaslighting, while fostering resilience and clarity.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

In this episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern is  joined by award-winning journalist, author, and NPR correspondent, Elise Hu, to discuss the intricate and often overwhelming world of beauty standards.

Drawing from her book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital, Elise combines international reporting, cultural commentary, and personal memoir to explore the global rise of K-Beauty culture and the power of appearance standards around the world.

Robin and Elise dive into the pressures of keeping up with beauty norms, using South Korea's intense appearance expectations as a starting point to examine how technological advancements are likely to heighten the pressure to look "better"—for those who can afford it.

Elise shares her insights on the “gaslighting” effect of beauty culture in a hyperconnected world, where digital and social platforms amplify unrealistic ideals and make self-worth seem tied to how well we meet them.

Join Robin and Elise for a compelling conversation on how beauty standards are shaping our identities, the impact of technology on appearance expectations, and what it means to find authenticity in a world that often tells us we’re never enough.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern has a truly special guest: Stephanie Quayle. A Nashville recording artist and a world-touring musician, Stephanie is also an entrepreneur, running her own record label, Big Sky Music Group. Rolling Stone Country has called her “an artist you need to know,” and she’s been highlighted by CMT as part of their “Next Women of Country” franchise.

She’s no stranger to the national spotlight, with appearances on shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. As an indie artist, she’s charted two Billboard singles—“Selfish” and “Whatcha Drinkin ’Bout”—and she’s graced iconic stages, including CMA Fest and the Grand Ole Opry.

But Stephanie’s story is more than just her musical success. The Montana native has also become a voice of resilience and empowerment, using her platform to inspire others to recognize their own worth. Her latest album, On the Edge, is a deeply personal exploration of her journey through a toxic relationship, offering a raw and honest look at the pain and the healing process that followed.

Robin talks to Stephanie not only about her music but also about her upcoming debut book, Why Do We Stay?, which hits shelves on April 30, 2024, and is available for preorder now. The book, a continuation of the story she first shared through her album, dives deeper into the dynamics of toxic relationships, with the help of insights from psychologist W. Keith Campbell, PhD. Together, they explore how to recognize a toxic relationship, how to break free, and how to heal.

In today’s conversation, Robin and Stephanie discuss the reality of gaslighting, Stephanie’s personal experience, and how she’s using her platform to empower others to take back their power and rewrite their story. 

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by Dr. Richard Boyatzis, a world-renowned expert in emotional intelligence, leadership, and the science of lasting change. Dr. Boyatzis is a frequent speaker on the international circuit, with engagements on all seven continents and over 35 countries, where he’s shared his insights with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and organizations across the globe.

In his latest book, The Science of Change, Dr. Boyatzis brings together 50 years of groundbreaking research on behavior change and introduces his Intentional Change Theory—a framework that helps us understand and achieve sustainable transformation at every level, from individuals to entire communities. As a Coursera educator, Dr. Boyatzis has reached over 1.35 million learners through his popular course, Inspiring Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence, and his influence continues to resonate worldwide.

Today, we’ll discuss how the principles of his Intentional Change Theory can be applied to confront and heal from manipulation tactics like gaslighting, restore self-confidence, and rebuild one’s sense of self.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with Vanessa Reiser. Vanessa is a licensed clinical social worker, an expert on narcissistic abuse, the author of Narcissistic Abuse, and the founder of a teletherapy and life coaching practice that’s changing lives by helping people heal from the trauma of narcissistic relationships.

Vanessa’s personal journey is one of resilience and empowerment. After growing up in a household filled with instability and facing trauma from a young age, Vanessa found herself in a relationship filled with gaslighting, manipulation, and isolation—classic tactics of a narcissist designed to distort reality and erode the victim’s sense of self.

She broke free from this toxic cycle, and today, she dedicates her life to helping others do the same.  She brought attention to narcissistic dometic abuse by running across NY State in a wedding dress. 

In her book, Narcissistic Abuse, Vanessa breaks down the full range of tactics narcissists use, from gaslighting to love bombing, hoovering, and triangulating. She shows how these behaviors, which are often difficult to recognize, are part of a broader pattern of emotional abuse. Narcissistic abuse, as Vanessa emphasizes, is a form of domestic violence—one that leaves lasting psychological scars. Her book provides strategies for identifying, escaping, and healing from these toxic relationships, empowering victims to reclaim their lives.

Vanessa also operates a teletherapy and life coaching practice, where she guides survivors of narcissistic abuse toward healing and self-discovery. She helps clients recognize the gaslighting and manipulation they've endured, clarify their goals, and overcome the obstacles holding them back. Vanessa’s unique approach combines her clinical expertise with tailored life coaching techniques, helping people rebuild their confidence and manifest the life they deserve.

Today, we’ll explore Vanessa’s story, her expertise on gaslighting and narcissistic abuse, and how her coaching practice helps survivors reclaim their power.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

On this episode of The Gaslight Effect podcast, Dr. Robin Stern explores the shadows of manipulation and the journey toward reclaiming our truth with a guest who knows this struggle all too well: Jessi Hersey.

Jessi is a queer neurodivergent author and a Pencraft Award winner, featured in Netflix's Escaping Twin Flames docu-series, where she shares her harrowing experience of escaping the Twin Flames Universe cult, a journey marked by intense gaslighting that threatened her identity and sense of self.

Jessi's collection of poetry, Lit Soul: My Journey Back to Faith, takes readers on an honest exploration of love, loss, and the search for belonging. Written in four heartfelt sections, this book reflects on her life from age six to the present, highlighting the journey of rediscovering faith and the strength that comes with it.

Beyond her own story, Jessi is the host of Jessistories, a dynamic interview-style channel that provides a platform for cult survivors to speak out about their experiences with manipulation and emotional abuse. This inclusive space embraces queer authors, influencers, and creators, emphasizing that every story matters in the fight against gaslighting.

Robin and Jessi delve into Jessi’s incredible journey of resilience, the tactics of gaslighting she faced, and the importance of sharing our truths. Whether you’re navigating your own challenges or seeking to understand this complex issue better, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with Marceia Cork, also known as The Change Coach®.

Marceia is SHRM, HRCI, PROSCI®, and Grief Recovery Method® certified, with expertise in restorative communication. She specializes in helping people navigate the difficult journey of change by addressing a core issue that many of us overlook—grief.

Through her multimedia brand The Change Coach Presents™, Marceia has developed non-clinical frameworks like The Good Grieve, empowering individuals to heal from unconscious grief, emotional manipulation, and the toxic effects of relationships.

Marceia is the author of The Good Grieve: A Guide for Exploring What Life Can Look Like After Loss, Trauma, and Hardship for adults, and My Good Grieve: A Youth's Guide to Navigating Loss, Trauma, and Hardship... the Good Way for younger audiences. Both workbooks offer her proprietary, non-clinical approach to grief recovery, giving people tools to rebuild after trauma.

Marceia’s unique approach to change and transformation has been featured in The Boston Globe, ESSENCE, Forbes, and FOX. On her top 100 podcast, Oooh, Those Effin’ C-Words, she dives deep into trauma and healing, bringing clarity to how unresolved grief can be manipulated by gaslighters. On this episode, Marceia shares her insights on identifying gaslighting in relationships, addressing the grief that it causes, and reclaiming your sense of self.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by returning guest Dr. Steven Hassan, one of the world's leading experts on cults and undue influence. Steven is a mental health professional, former member of the Unification Church (familiarly known as "The Moonies") led by Sun Myung Moon, and the author of several bestselling books, including Combatting Cult Mind Control, Freedom of Mind, and The Cult of Trump.

In The Cult of Trump, Steven delves into how gaslighting and mind control techniques are used not only in cults but in political movements to distort reality and create confusion. Drawing on his personal experience as a former member of a high-control group, he developed the BITE Model, which explains how behavior, information, thought, and emotional control are used to manipulate individuals.

On today's episode, Robin and Steven explore the role of gaslighting in authoritarian movements, cults, and abusive relationships. Steven will share his insights on how these tactics manipulate our thoughts and beliefs, and how we can arm ourselves with the tools to resist, recover, and regain our sense of reality.

You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation with Steven Hassan, as we uncover the psychology behind gaslighting and how to protect yourself from its damaging effects. 

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.