Dysfunctional

Understanding a Toxic Person's Tactics


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If you’ve ever dealt with a toxic person online or in real life, this episode is for you.

Josh breaks down a recent Facebook interaction that perfectly illustrates the exhausting tactics toxic people use to wear you down — from word salads to projection, reactive abuse, triangulation, moral superiority, and weaponised vulnerability.

You’ll learn:

  • Why you’ll never “win” against a toxic person
  • How they twist your words, deny reality, and drag you into chaos
  • The difference between true vulnerability and manipulative victimhood
  • How these same toxic tactics show up in cult-like communities and spiritual spaces
  • Why gray rocking might be the only sane response

It’s raw, honest, a bit messy — and definitely dysfunctional.

Whether you’re healing from family dysfunction, dealing with online trolls, or navigating toxic dynamics in your life, this one will help you feel a little less crazy.


00:00 Introduction to Toxic Relationships

00:57 Personal Anecdote: The Persistent Commenter

04:32 The Facebook Confrontation

07:59 Understanding Reactive Abuse

17:17 The DAVO Tactic Explained

20:01 Confrontation and Gaslighting

22:22 Understanding Word Salad

23:45 Triangulation in Toxic Relationships

25:22 Weaponized Vulnerability

29:26 Moral Superiority and Cult-like Behavior

36:45 Personal Reflections and Community Building

40:55 Final Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-up


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DysfunctionalBy Josh Connolly

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