How Narcissists Manipulate Others

This podcast examines the wide array of manipulative tactics narcissists use to control and undermine others, from gaslighting and love-bombing to triangulation and smear campaigns. Each tactic serves a distinct purpose—whether to create emotional dependency, deflect blame, or instill self-doubt—and together they weave a complex web that leaves targets feeling confused, isolated, and desperate for approval. By overwhelming their partners or acquaintances with cycles of idealization and devaluation, narcissists maintain power and ensure that any resistance is met with tactics like the silent treatment, projection, or guilt-tripping.

The episode also explores how these behaviors impact victims’ emotional well-being, eroding self-confidence, fostering anxiety, and making it difficult to trust one’s own perceptions. To counter these dynamics, the podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing manipulative patterns, setting clear boundaries, and cultivating outside support systems. By understanding the predictable nature of narcissistic manipulation, individuals can better protect themselves, reclaim their autonomy, and reduce the psychological hold the narcissist exerts over them.