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You’re barely picking up the pieces, and your ex has already moved on—posting picture-perfect snapshots of their new, fabulous life. Meanwhile, you're left wondering: Were they always this happy, or is this just for show?

In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni dive into why narcissists and toxic personalities seem to seamlessly transition into a "perfect" new relationship. Is it real, or is it just another illusion? And if you’re struggling with the gut-punch of watching your ex’s highlight reel, we’ve got practical strategies to help you break free from the comparison trap and reclaim your healing.

➡️ Want to watch the Podcast Extra Interview? https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

🔹Want more? Get exclusive expert interviews and deep-dive discussions with top professionals like Dr. Les Carter, Dr. Peter Salerno, Bill Eddy, and Dr. Nadine Macaluso when you subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter. Gain immediate access to a growing archive of expert insights designed to help you move forward.

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Kerry McAvoy, PhD

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More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence. She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

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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.

➡️ Want to watch the Podcast Extra Interview? https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

🔹 Need support? Get expert insights and practical strategies for recognizing and addressing sadism in relationships in this week’s Podcast Extra Interview—an exclusive deep-dive video interview available only to subscribers.

👉 Join today for immediate access: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

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Kerry McAvoy, PhD

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Lisa Sonni

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More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence. She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

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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.

To Watch the Podcast Extra Interview

▶︎ Get practical help on how to recognize and escape a dangerous situation in this week’s Podcast Extra exclusive Interview with Joe Navarro. Get immediate access to the newsletter and video interview when you join today: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

More About Joe Navarro

Website

TED Talk

YouTube

Joe Navarro’s Books

Dangerous Personalities

What Every Body is Saying

The Dictionary of Body Language

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Kerry McAvoy, PhD

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Lisa Sonni

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More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own experience as a survivor of n

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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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.

Is it tricky to distinguish real from fake love? Be sure to check out this week’s podcast extra on how to spot someone lying about their intentions. Get immediate access to this exclusive content when you subscribe here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

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Kerry McAvoy, PhD

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Lisa Sonni

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More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence. She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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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, Traumatizing Cognitive Dissonance. He discusses with Lisa Sonni why abusive relationships with narcissists leave survivors feeling psychologically battered and confused.

Are you looking for help battling the mental confusion caused by a narcissist? Dr. Salerno gives practical steps to reduce this mental confusion so that mental clarity and peace are possible again in this week's Substack Breaking Free Podcast Extra. Get immediate access to this and other exclusive interviews when you join here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

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

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Kerry McAvoy, PhD

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Lisa Sonni

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More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life and Relationship Coach who specializes in trauma bond recovery and abuse education. She helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal and Surviving to Thriving.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, Lisa has become a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism, and domestic violence.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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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.

For practical examples of common guilt phrases and how to break free from this toxic dynamic, join the Podcast Extra’s newsletter on SubStack for immediate access to this week’s exclusive video.
Join here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

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Kerry McAvoy, PhD

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• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kerrymcavoyphd

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube - https://youtube.com/@strongerthanbefore
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_stronger_than_before_coach
• Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@_stronger_than_before
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StrongerThanBeforeCoaching

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence. She has helpe

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

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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.

Want to know the first steps to gaining peace and control after an upsetting event? Find out Anna's recommendations when you become a subscriber of Breaking Free Podcast Extra Substack newsletter. Get exclusive access to this extra interview along with takeaways and practical how-tos. Get immediate access here:

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

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Kerry McAvoy, PhD

• Youtube - https://youtube.com/kerrymcavoyphd
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• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kerrymcavoyphd

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube - https://youtube.com/@strongerthanbefore
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_stronger_than_before_coach
• Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@_stronger_than_before
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StrongerThanBeforeCoaching

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, Lisa has became a popular content creator on Tik

Support the show

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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.

What questions you have asked Dr. Nae about the movie, The Wolf of Wall Street? Find out ours when you subscribe to the Podcast Extra Substack newsletter. Unlock access here: http://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

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

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Kerry McAvoy, PhD
Youtube - https://youtube.com/kerrymcavoyphd
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TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kerrymcavoyphd
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kerrymcavoyphd

Lisa Sonni
Youtube - https://youtube.com/@strongerthanbefore
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_stronger_than_before_coach
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@_stronger_than_before
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StrongerThanBeforeCoaching

More About Us!
Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.
Dr. Kerry, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni
Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.
With 7 professional certific

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