Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D.

Health & Fitness

Society & Culture

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/5d. Total Eps: 289

Confused by your relationship? Do you catch yourself second-guessing, walking on eggshells, or feeling emotionally drained? Whether you’re still in the chaos or trying to rebuild after leaving, this podcast is your lifeline.Join retired psychologist Dr. Kerry McAvoy as she exposes the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships. You’ll learn how destructive personalities operate, the manipulative tactics they use, and the stages of abuse—plus the practical steps to heal and reclaim your life.If you’re ready to break free, rebuild your self-worth, and find lasting emotional freedom, hit play and start your recovery journey today.

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

No recent rankings available

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

See all

https://studio.com/drkerry/
290 shares
https://kerrymcavoyphd.thrivecart.com/the-complete-recovery-collection/
290 shares
https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/first-steps-to-leaving/
290 shares

https://youtube.com/kerrymcavoyphd
291 shares
https://www.youtube.com/@SurvivingNarcissism
4 shares

https://www.instagram.com/kerrymcavoyphd
291 shares
https://www.instagram.com/therealdrnadine
3 shares

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all

RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 73%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

Why Narcissists Refuse to Say Your Name: The 4 Patterns Survivors Miss

Episode 273

Thursday, June 18, 2026 • Duration 09:07

Why has the person who claimed to love you gone years without once saying your name — not even once?

When a narcissist won't say your name, it isn't a quirk. It's name erasure: a slow, deliberate way of treating you as less than a full person.

In this Viewers' Stories episode, Dr. Kerry reads real survivor stories and unpacks four ways the same tactic shows up. Each one is a covert control tactic, and together they're a form of withholding affection most survivors don't recognize as emotional abuse until much later. You'll learn how to read what someone's use of your name reveals about how they actually see you, and why these small omissions add up to something far bigger than rudeness.

Key Moments

00:00:00 — The Husband Who Never Said Her Name
00:01:19 — When "Gorgeous" Was a Quiet Cruelty
00:03:11 — The Trap Hidden Inside "Babe" and "Honey"
00:04:08 — Hearing Your Name Until the Room Goes Foggy
00:05:09 — Mispronounced on Purpose, Again and Again
00:05:51 — What the Sound of Your Name Reveals

Resources

ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app
The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources
First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course
Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support

Follow Dr. Kerry!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism.

As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Read moreCollapse

Why Narcissists Use Pet Names Instead of Calling You by Your Real Name

Episode 272

Monday, June 15, 2026 • Duration 25:41

What if the sweet pet name your partner calls you isn't affection at all — but rather designed to keep you off balance?

In this episode, Dr. Kerry and co-host Lynn Strathdee unpack one of the strangest and most overlooked patterns in narcissistic relationships: the use of pet names.

Learn why some narcissists even speak about themselves in the third person, and the chilling moment when a "compliment" reveals exactly what they really think of you.

Podcast Extra Exclusive Segment

Want to go deeper?

What does it actually take to heal when the abuse has shaped how you see yourself? In this members-only bonus, Lynn and Dr. Kerry discuss why recovery requires building a stronger sense of self.

Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.

LYNN STRATHDEE is a UK-based psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in echoism, narcissistic abuse recovery, and the unconscious patterns that keep survivors stuck in repeating relationship cycles. A former educator turned therapist, Lynn brings both clinical training and lived experience to her private practice, where she works with clients online and in person. Her approach goes beyond surface-level psychoeducation to the deeper identity work that creates lasting change.

WEBSITE

Submit your question to be answered on air here!

Resources

ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app
The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources

Follow Dr. Kerry! Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism.

The Real Reason You Can't Stop Snooping on Your Narcissistic Partner

Episode 263

Thursday, May 14, 2026 • Duration 15:00

A YouTube viewer asks: What about someone's makeup drives them to snoop instead of simply addressing the red flags?

In this episode, Dr. Kerry digs deeper into a question raised in the February 19, 2026, Fan Mail segment, Feeling the Urge to Snoop on Your Partner? Here's What It's Really Telling You. Learn why victims of narcissistic abuse feel compelled to hunt for proof and why it never brings the relief you're looking for.

Submit Your Question

If you'd like Dr. Kerry to answer your question on air, email it to clients@kerrymcavoyphd.com or use this link.

Submit your question to be answered on air here!

Resources

ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app
The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources
First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course
Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support

Follow Dr. Kerry!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism.

Could Your Partner Be Sadistic? Why We Excuse Cruelty in Relationships

Episode 174

Monday, February 24, 2025 • Duration 25:34

Ever wondered if your partner’s cruelty is intentional? Do they know they’re being hurtful, or is it just thoughtlessness?

This week, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni expose a chilling but often-overlooked dynamic in toxic relationships: sadism.

Learn what sadism really is, how it shows up in narcissistic partnerships, and why some toxic individuals seem to take pleasure in your pain.

Submit your question to be answered on air here!

Resources

ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app
The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources
First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course
Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support

Follow Dr. Kerry!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism.

As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

The Four Most Dangerous Personalities Types to Avoid: An Interview with Joe Navarro, Former FBI Special Agent

Episode 173

Monday, February 17, 2025 • Duration 27:19

What signs warn that we’ve met not just a toxic person, but someone dangerous?

This week Joe Navarro, author and former FBI special agent joins us to discuss the four most dangerous personalities. Navarro is most well-known for his work as a body language expert. He’s authored several books, including What Every Body is Saying, Dangerous Personalities, Louder Than Words, and The Dictionary of Body Language.

Submit your question to be answered on air here!

Resources

ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app
The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources
First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course
Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support

Follow Dr. Kerry!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism.

As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

When the Narcissist Says They Love You: Are They Lying?

Episode 172

Monday, February 10, 2025 • Duration 27:28

Narcissists often claim to love us. That they want the save the relationship; but do they?

In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni discuss the confusing dynamic of narcissistic partners claiming to be changing and addressing the relationship issues, only aren’t. Learn how survivors can tell the difference between genuine effort from sophisticated manipulation.

Submit your question to be answered on air here!

Resources

ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app
The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources
First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course
Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support

Follow Dr. Kerry!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism.

As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Why Toxic Relationships Always Leave Us Traumatized and Confused: An Interview with Dr. Peter Salerno

Episode 171

Monday, February 3, 2025 • Duration 25:46

Narcissists know they are being abusive--that they're being manipulative and exploitative.

This week, Dr. Peter Salerno is back to discuss his latest book, Traumatic Cognitive Dissonance. He discusses with Lisa Sonni why abusive relationships with narcissists leave survivors feeling psychologically battered and confused.

To Learn More About Dr. Peter Salerno: Website

For a Copy of Dr. Salerno’s Books: Traumatic Cognitive Dissonance: Healing From An Abusive Relationship With A Disordered Personality

The Nature and Nurture of Narcissism: Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder from the Perspective of Gene - Environment Interaction

Submit your question to be answered on air here!

Resources

ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app
The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources
First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course
Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support

Follow Dr. Kerry!

Controlled by Guilt: A Popular Tool Narcissists Love to Use Against You

Episode 170

Monday, January 27, 2025 • Duration 26:12

Narcissists will use any means to control you, especially guilt.

In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa discuss the common reasons guilt is such a powerful weapon in the hands of a narcissist or toxic personality.

Submit your question to be answered on air here!

Resources

ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app
The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources
First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course
Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support

Follow Dr. Kerry!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism.

As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why Narcissists Are So Good At Disturbing Our Peace: Interview with Anna Runkle, Crappy Childhood Fairy

Episode 169

Monday, January 20, 2025 • Duration 25:22

Have you noticed how upset narcissists get? How they can't regulate themselves?

Anna Runkle of the wildly popular Crappy Childhood Fairy YouTube channel joins me today to talk about the importance of learning how to regulate yourself, especially after living with a narcissist.

Learn more about the role of psychological regulation plays in setting us free from the lingering effects of trauma and abuse.

To learn more about Anna:
Website: https:crappyChildhoodFairy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crappychildhoodfairy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrappyChildhoodFairy/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crappychildhoodfairy
Get her latest book, Re-Regulated: Set Your Life Free from Childhood PTSD and Change the Trauma-Driven Behaviors That Keep You Stuck Here: https://amzn.to/3PpG8Fx

Submit your question to be answered on air here!

Resources

ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app
The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources
First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course
Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support

Follow Dr. Kerry!

The Little Known Reasons Why Love-Bombing Works Every Time: Interview with Nadine Macaluso, Ex-Wife of the Wolf of Wall Street

Episode 168

Monday, January 13, 2025 • Duration 24:11

There are powerful psychological reasons why love bombing works nearly every time.

In this episode, Dr. Nadine Macaluso, the ex-wife of the Wolf of Wall Street shares what she’s uncovered about why we fall so easily spellbound for a toxic or narcissistic individual.

To learn more about Dr. Nadine Macaluso (often known to as Dr. Nae), please visit: https://drnae.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnaelmft
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrnadine/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealDrNadine
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealdrnadine/

FREE GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Download the First Chapter of Dr. Nae’s new book, Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds: https://drnae.com/giveaway-book/

Dr. Nae’s Book:
Run Like Hell: A Therapist Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds: https://amzn.to/3PodpkA

Submit your question to be answered on air here!

Resources

ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app
The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources
First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

Youtube29

Instagram19

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

Youtube29

Instagram19