In a powerful and revealing episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay sits down with George Simon. He is a renowned psychologist, author, and speaker best known for his bestselling book In Sheep’s Clothing. He has over three decades of experience in the field. Dr. Simon is delving into what he calls “the epidemic of character disturbance.” He particularly focusing on covert narcissism. It is a form of manipulation that’s deeply misunderstood yet increasingly visible in today’s society.

Reflecting on how the book came to be, Simon shares. “I was meeting with people… experiencing what we today call the gaslighting effect… but we didn’t even know it as a real thing back then.” That firsthand exposure to relational manipulation pushed him to uncover the covert behaviours. The ones that are hidden beneath a polished surface.

What makes covert narcissism so insidious? Simon explains that these individuals often appear charming, empathetic, and kind. It is only until the facade breaks. “They’re good impression managers,” he notes. “But underneath it all, they were very controlling, dominant, seeking, and underhanded.” Simon offers more than a diagnostic overview. He explores the intersection of personality, morality, and the culture that allows dysfunction to thrive.