On this episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes college‑admissions veteran Dr. Joie Jager‑Hyman—founder of College Prep 360 and author of Fat Envelope Frenzy and B+ Grades, A+ College Applications.

Joie, a Dartmouth alum and former Assistant Director of Admissions, reveals how her own curiosity about the process led her to guide students away from small missteps and toward a more empowered, self‑directed path.

Together, Stern and Jager‑Hyman demystify the intense pressures of Ivy‑League admissions—from “fat‑envelope envy” and the ever‑escalating expectations of top high schools, to the mental‑health toll of feeling you’re “just not enough.” Joie shares why she tells every student, “I hope you get into your dream school—but I also hope it’s the least important thing you do,” and how reframing ambitions around authentic acts of service can restore perspective and build real self‑worth.

They also tackle the modern amplifiers of stress: the public spectacle of social‑media acceptances (that 5 pm Yale notification everyone sees) and the isolating “don’t talk to your friends” advice that can fracture peer support.

You’ll learn concrete strategies for parents, educators, and students alike—how to create dedicated spaces for honest conversation, put mental‑health safeguards in place, and approach applications as a journey of growth, not just a destination.

Listen now to turn admissions anxiety into strategic empowerment, so every student can step into the process clear‑headed, confident, and ready to define success on their own terms.

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 sits down with behavioral economist and bestselling author Daniel Ariely—whose books Misbelief, Predictably Irrational and The Honest Truth About Dishonesty  have upended the way we think about decision-making—to expose how gaslighting operates not only between individuals but on a mass scale.

Drawing on his own experience of being targeted by conspiracy theories during the pandemic, Ariely reveals how fear and simple narratives can be weaponized to warp our perception of reality and undermine our trust in what we “know.”

Together, Robin and Daniel demonstrate how our overconfidence in everyday knowledge—what he calls the “illusion of explanatory depth”—becomes a prime tool for manipulative voices that twist facts into a distorted mirror. They delve into experiments on social exclusion, showing how even a casual frisbee-toss rejection can prime us for the seductive comfort of echo chambers that subtly gaslight us into conformity. And they unpack the hidden loyalty tests that masquerade as harmless identity checks but really serve to isolate and control.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll be armed with research-backed strategies for spotting when the narrative is being rewritten around you.

From asking the right questions (“How do you really know?”) to setting firm personal boundaries, Dr. Stern and Ariely guide you in reclaiming your own perceptions and standing strong against emotional distortion—whether it comes from someone close or the stories unfolding in the news.

Listen now to illuminate the hidden mechanics of gaslighting and reclaim the power of clear, rational thinking.

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 insightful and uplifting episode, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes award-winning journalist Stacey Colino to explore a concept that feels more important than ever: emotional inflammation.

Stacey Colino is an award-winning writer specializing in health, psychology, and wellness. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Parade, and many other publications. She’s also the co-author of Emotional Inflammation, a compassionate guide to finding clarity and balance in an anxious, often overwhelming world.

If you’ve ever felt constantly on edge, like you’re living in a low-grade state of panic, or you can’t tell whether you’re simply stressed—or whether someone is quietly making you question your reality—you’re not alone. Stacey describes emotional inflammation as that chronic hum of anxiety, irritability, and exhaustion that seeps in from the relentless pressures and negativity around us. It’s the perfect breeding ground for gaslighting—whether it’s coming from others or from the inner voice that insists, “You’re overreacting,” or “It’s all in your head.”

In this conversation, Stacey shares:

• The four “reactor types” that shape how we respond to chronic stress and subtle emotional manipulation

• How to recognize when everyday stress tips into something more corrosive

• Why naming and understanding your triggers is the first step to defusing them

• Her powerful RESTORE framework—a step-by-step process to build resilience and regain your sense of agency

Stacey guides us through each part of RESTORE: Recognize what’s setting you off, Evaluate your reactions, Steady your body and mind, Think about healthier responses, Obey your values, Reclaim your power, and Engage in practices that nurture your well-being.

Robin and Stacey also connect the dots between emotional inflammation and the subtle gaslighting that can make us second-guess ourselves, doubt our perceptions, and feel perpetually unbalanced.

This episode is filled with validation, practical tools, and hope—so you can soothe your nervous system, set healthier boundaries, and stand firm in your truth.

Tune in to learn how to quiet the noise, trust your instincts, and restore your equilibrium.

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 welcomes Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, Senior Research Scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, for a powerful conversation about how gaslighting—especially the kind we direct at ourselves—can sabotage creativity.

Together, they examine the subtle but damaging effects of internal gaslighting: the self-doubt, second-guessing, and emotional suppression that keep us from pursuing creative ideas or expressing ourselves fully. Dr. Pringle explains how emotional intelligence can help us recognize these internalized messages, regulate our emotional responses, and build the resilience needed to move forward.

Drawing on her research and her new book  The Creativity Choice, Dr. Pringle reframes creativity as a conscious, ongoing decision—one that can be strengthened through emotional awareness and social support. She and Dr. Stern explore how language, mood, and even cultural expressions influence the way we relate to our emotions and creative work.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights on how to:

• Identify and interrupt patterns of internal gaslighting

• Use emotional intelligence as a creative tool

• Shift from fear and self-censorship toward creative confidence and clarity

Whether you're an artist, educator, leader, or someone rebuilding a sense of self after emotional manipulation, this episode offers empowering guidance on how to reclaim your voice and your creative 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, host Dr. Robin Stern welcomes David McLaughlin, M.Ed, SHRM-SCP, CWMF, founder of Pendulum Coaching, host of The Modern Leader podcast, and author of Modern Leadership: Leaving Vintage Leadership Behind for a timely conversation about how emotional intelligence and mindfulness can transform modern leadership.

Drawing from his extensive experience in organizational development and his podcast, David offers a fresh take on what leadership should look like in today’s workplace. Together, David and Robin examine the subtle ways gaslighting can show up in professional settings—often disguised as “just business”—and how leaders can unknowingly perpetuate harm through outdated, control-based models.

Listeners will gain actionable tools to recognize toxic leadership behaviors, foster psychological safety, and lead with greater self-awareness and empathy. Whether you're navigating workplace dynamics or working to become a more emotionally intelligent leader yourself, this conversation is a compelling reminder that integrity and clarity are foundational to lasting influence.

Key Moments:

• Recognizing gaslighting behaviors in professional environments

• The power of mindfulness in leadership and self-regulation

• How emotionally intelligent leaders build safer, more resilient teams

• Why abandoning "vintage leadership" is essential for the future of work

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 captivating episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by Ramu Damodaran — esteemed diplomat, scholar, former Chief of the United Nations Academic Impact initiative, and a distinguished voice in global communications and public service.

With a career that spans over four decades — including pivotal roles in the United Nations and the Indian Foreign Service — Ramu shares a profound and nuanced perspective on how gaslighting operates not only in personal relationships but also at the highest levels of diplomacy, media, and global policy. He unpacks how narratives are shaped, distorted, and contested on the world stage — and how individuals and institutions alike must navigate these complex dynamics in the pursuit of truth.

Ramu reflects on his time as Executive Assistant to the Prime Minister of India, as Chief Editor of the UN Chronicle, and as founding head of the United Nations Academic Impact, a global initiative launched at the request of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to bridge academia and international policymaking. His career has also included peacekeeping assignments, human rights advocacy, and work as a television and radio journalist — all of which inform his thoughtful insights on the power of language, perception, and responsibility.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How gaslighting manifests on both personal and geopolitical levels

• The critical role of storytelling in shaping collective memory and truth

• Lessons from decades inside the world’s most influential institutions

• Why emotional intelligence and intellectual honesty are essential for leadership

• How reclaiming narrative power can lead to healing and transformation

Ramu Damodaran’s wisdom, humility, and deep humanity shine in this far-reaching conversation — a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity in a world often clouded by distortion.

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 enlightening episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes clinical psychologist and trauma expert Dr. Robyn Koslowitz for a powerful conversation on breaking free from psychological control, reclaiming identity, and the complex process of healing from gaslighting.

Dr. Koslowitz, founder of The Center for Psychological Growth and host of the Post-Traumatic Parenting Podcast, draws from her extensive clinical experience working with individuals from insular and high-control communities. She shares profound insights on how gaslighting can dismantle a person’s internal world—especially when embedded in religious, cultural, or family systems—and what it takes to rebuild a grounded, authentic sense of self.

Together, Dr. Stern and Dr. Koslowitz explore the emotional traps survivors face, the concept of "post-traumatic growth," and how to parent with emotional resilience after surviving coercive control.

What You’ll Learn:

• How psychological control operates in high-demand environments

• The link between trauma, gaslighting, and parental identity

• Why survivors often doubt their perceptions—and how to reclaim clarity

• Tools for breaking the cycle of generational trauma

• How to parent with intention after abuse

If you’ve experienced gaslighting or struggled to trust yourself after emotional abuse, this conversation will offer validation, insight, and real steps toward healing.

For more information about Mental Health Awareness check out these websites:

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - offers advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. 

MHA (Mental Health America) - focuses on prevention, early identification, and intervention for metnal health conditions. 

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - U.S. government site providing resources on mental health, substance use, and treatment locators.

ADAA (Anxiety & Depression Association of America) - offers resources and support for those dealing with anxiety, depression and related disorders. 

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 thought-provoking episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by two distinguished scholars—Dr. Neta Kligler-Vilenchik, Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Dr. Ioana Literat, Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Associate Director of the Media & Social Change Lab (MASCLab).

Together, they explore how young people are responding to and resisting gaslighting in today’s media and political landscapes.

We dive into the subtle and systemic ways gaslighting operates at the societal level—through disinformation, media manipulation, and the invalidation of young people’s voices. Our guests shed light on how youth are using digital platforms not just for self-expression, but as tools of resistance, reclaiming narrative control and challenging the status quo.

From meme activism to participatory media, we examine how youth are confronting narratives that attempt to silence or distort their realities—and how their creative and civic practices can inform a healthier, more truthful discourse moving forward.

Topics include:

• How gaslighting manifests in media and politics

• The role of education and media literacy in resisting misinformation

• The power of youth-led digital activism and civic engagement

• Why supporting young people’s agency is key to combating cultural gaslighting

Dr. Kligler-Vilenchik and Dr. Literat are also co-authors of the  book Not Your Parents' Politics: Young People, Social Media, and Political Engagement, published by Oxford University Press. The book explores how young people are reshaping political life in the digital age, offering crucial insights into the future of civic engagement.

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 compelling episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, host Dr. Robin Stern welcomes Diana Feldman, a trailblazer in the field of drama therapy and the founder of a groundbreaking non-profit organization that served over 200,000 students in New York City schools for 25 years.

Diana shares her journey of developing the ENACT Drama Therapy Method—an evidence-based approach recognized by the American Group Psychotherapy Association as the Best Creative Group Counseling Method. She discusses how drama therapy helps individuals process trauma, reclaim their narratives, and build emotional resilience.

With insights from her upcoming book, Stuck in a Role: Releasing Trauma in Teens (Routledge Press, Spring 2025), Diana delves into the transformative power of role-playing, storytelling, and creative expression in educational and therapeutic settings.

This episode explores how drama therapy helps break the cycle of gaslighting and emotional abuse, the impact of role-playing in healing trauma, especially in teens, and tools for therapists and educators to create lasting change. Diana also emphasizes the importance of reclaiming personal agency through creative expression.

Her contributions to the field have earned her multiple awards, including a five-year research grant from the Ford Foundation and recognition from the NYC Council and State Education organizations. She continues to train therapists and educators, ensuring that drama therapy remains a vital tool for healing.

Join us for this enlightening conversation on how creativity can be a powerful force for emotional recovery.

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 special Women’s History Month episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes Jessica Hoffman, director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence’s high school initiatives, RULER for High Schools and inspirED. As a leading expert in social-emotional learning (SEL), Jessica’s work helps students develop emotional awareness, build healthier relationships, and create positive school climates.

Dr. Stern and Jessica explore the critical role of women mentoring women, discussing how mentorship can foster confidence, resilience, and leadership—especially in environments where gaslighting and self-doubt can take root. They examine the power of emotional intelligence in recognizing manipulation, setting boundaries, and supporting one another in personal and professional spaces.

With research focusing on SEL’s impact on school climate, creative problem-solving, and emotion regulation, Jessica shares valuable insights on how emotional intelligence can shape the next generation of female leaders. This inspiring conversation highlights the importance of uplifting and empowering women through mentorship, emotional awareness, and community.

Tune in for an insightful and timely discussion on the power of mentorship, emotional resilience, and the lasting impact of women supporting women.

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.