Starting over doesn’t always feel bold. Most of the time, it looks like picking up something familiar, like a book, a journal, or a forgotten dream, and doing it simply to feel like yourself again.

In this episode, I’m joined by Zibby Owens, an author, podcast host, and the founder of Zibby Media, who shares what it looked like to rebuild her life after divorce. At 40, with four young kids and weekends suddenly quiet, she didn’t launch into some grand reinvention. She started writing again. And then she kept going.

A car ride with a narcissist can quickly shift from routine to one of the most dangerous and controlling dynamics in the relationship.

In this episode, I’m talking about something I see all the time in my work: how narcissists use driving as a form of coercive control. The car becomes more than just a way to get from one place to another. It becomes a tool for power, manipulation, and fear. If you’ve ever felt anxious, unsafe, or completely stuck during what should be a simple drive, you’re not imagining it.

Many people raised by toxic parents or caregivers don’t always recognize the abuse present in their upbringing. It’s often not until their adult relationships begin to break apart that they become aware of the abusive behavior patterns repeating from their childhood. 

In this episode, I’m joined by mental health advocate and best-selling author Josh Connolly for a powerful and honest conversation about what toxic parenting really looks like and its lasting impact. We talk about parents’ refusal to take accountability, how dysfunction gets passed off as the family “norm,” and why adult children carry guilt and shame about something they were once powerless to change. 

Some betrayals do more than take money. They shatter trust in ways that can never fully be repaired. I sat down with Charlie Webster, the host, producer and writer of the top international podcast, Scamanda, to break down the shocking deception behind the story and the emotional damage it left behind.

Healing from narcissistic abuse isn’t just about moving on. It’s about rebuilding who you are and learning to trust yourself again.

In this episode, I’m answering your questions on what it takes to heal, navigate life after a narcissistic relationship, and co-parent in a way that gives your children stability. If dating again feels impossible or you find yourself second-guessing every new relationship, you’re not alone. Narcissistic abuse erodes your sense of self, and I’ll explain why taking time before jumping into something new is one of the best things you can do for your healing.

I’m sitting down with my friend and colleague Dr. Sue Varma to talk about something that’s been on my mind. Artificial intelligence is making its way into mental health, offering quick answers and structured advice. But can it truly replace the depth of human interaction? Sue shares why the connection between a therapist and client isn’t just helpful. It’s the foundation of real change.

Power and control shaped Diddy’s rise, but did they also reveal a long-standing pattern of abuse? In this episode, I sat down with Emmy-winning journalist Mara S. Campo to unpack the allegations, the fallout, and what it means when survivors finally feel safe enough to speak.

In this episode, I sat down with psychotherapist and author Israa Nasir to talk about why so many of us feel trapped in the endless pursuit of doing more. Israa explains how productivity has seeped into every part of life—relationships, self-worth, even rest—turning what should be fulfilling into something exhausting. We get into how to recognize the signs of toxic productivity, why the inner critic fuels it, and what it takes to step off the hamster wheel without guilt.

A narcissistic parent’s love is often conditional, forcing the child into roles like the golden child or scapegoat child, with often devastating emotional consequences. In this episode, Dr. Z explores how these roles are defined, how they shift over time, and the impact they have on self identity and relationship dynamics.

When everyone’s a “narcissist,” what happens to the voices of those truly living through narcissistic abuse? Dr. Z unpacks the misuse of terms like “narcissist” and “narcissistic personality disorder” and how this trend erodes their meaning, which leaves survivors feeling silenced and misunderstood. She explains how narcissistic abuse often hides behind charm and subtle manipulation, making it harder to recognize, and even harder to explain. 

How do we spot the red flags? How do we support others without dismissing their pain? Dr. Z answers these questions with clarity, compassion, and insights that will help you better understand this misunderstood topic.

Narcissists don’t just take what they want—they dismantle their targets in the process.

In this episode, Dr. Z welcomes filmmaker and author Mark Vicente to discuss the dark realities of narcissistic abuse and its psychological aftermath. Known for his work on HBO’s  “The Vow” and his upcoming documentary “Empathy Not Included: The Narcissist’s Playbook,” Mark sheds light on the manipulative behaviors of narcissists, the vulnerabilities they exploit, and the emotional fallout experienced by the survivors of their abuse. 

“New Year’s resolutions can sometimes send the message that where you’re currently at isn’t good enough. And that’s just not always the case! 

Dr. Z invites listeners to rethink the often pressure-filled tradition of New Year’s resolutions by asking a powerful question: What does growth need to be tied to the arbitrary date of January 1st and why does change need to be so extreme? She introduces a practical and compassionate approach with three simple strategies—maintain, modify, and make another date—designed to fit your life, values, and resources. Why overwhelm yourself with unrealistic goals when smaller, sustainable steps can create lasting progress? 

Leaving a narcissistic abusive relationship might seem like the obvious choice, but for many, it’s far from simple. Sometimes, people can’t ‘just leave.’ In this episode, Dr. Z sits down with author and mental health clinician, Dr. Kerry McAvoy, to explore why leaving isn’t always an option—and what to do when staying is your current reality.

In this episode, Dr. Z delves into the complex dynamics between narcissistic mothers and their adult daughters. She discusses how the behavior patterns of narcissistic mothers challenge societal norms of the mother/daughter relationship and have a profound impact on their daughters’ self-esteem and mental health.

Understanding narcissism isn’t about excusing it. It’s about equipping yourself to break free and protect your mental health, especially during times of heightened emotions like the holidays. 

In this episode, Dr. Z is joined by Wendy Behary, expert in cognitive and schema therapy and author of “Disarming the Narcissist.” Together, they unpack the complexities involved in managing the dynamics with a narcissist. Wendy defines the role of empathy, not as sympathy or agreement, but as a tool for understanding narcissistic behavior, discerning your place within the dynamic, and strengthening your internal boundaries.

“The trauma is always going to be a significant component of who you are,” says Sasha Joseph Neulinger, the founder of Voice For The Kids and co-founder of Step 1 Films. Joining Dr. Z in this episode, Sasha reflects on his journey from surviving years of sexual abuse to reclaiming his life with purpose and self-empowerment.

“Narcissists routinely love to ruin meaningful moments,” says Dr. Jaime Zuckerman as she unpacks the challenges of dealing with narcissists during the holidays while offering strategies to help you stay grounded and in control. How do you handle the unsolicited comments, the manipulative behaviors, or even the intentional chaos they bring to gatherings? Dr. Z encourages listeners to prepare for these moments rather than hoping for change, using boundaries and neutral responses as tools to maintain your own sense of peace.

“It’s going to be hard. It’s going to be the worst feeling you’ve ever had, but you’ve got to work through it.” The hard truth that, according to Nicki Marie, every single mom navigating divorce needs to hear. In this episode, she joins Dr. Jaime Zuckerman to open up about the emotional rollercoaster of separation, co-parenting and motherhood, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of her journey.

Your face reveals the truth before your words do—Annie Särnblad unpacks how microexpressions expose deception and hidden emotions. Joining Dr. Z, she discusses the relationship between our facial expressions and emotional states, and offers insights that could change how you perceive everyday interactions.

What manipulative tactics are used to maintain control and power over former partners once the relationship is over? In this episode, Dr. Z unpacks the emotional fallout of a breakup with a narcissist and tackles the fears that arise when they move on to someone new. Why does it feel like their new partner is getting the idealized version of them you tried so hard to keep? And what does this reveal about their behavior patterns?