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When a narcissist targets you for abuse, they reserve a special kind of cruelty that no one else sees. This powerful episode pulls back the curtain on narcissistic abuse through raw, firsthand accounts that validate what countless survivors experience behind closed doors.

Dana and her co-host courageously share their personal journeys through narcissistic relationships, revealing how these master manipulators present a charming face to the world while systematically destroying their victims' sense of reality, self-worth, and safety. They discuss Dana's revealing book "Narc Narc, Who's There?" which documents through text messages, emails, and photographs the calculated manipulation narcissists employ.

The conversation explores how narcissistic abuse escalates gradually, testing boundaries until victims become accustomed to increasingly harmful behavior. "It's interesting how they see what they can get away with," one host explains. "It's like dipping your toes in the water... Every time they do something they just go, they just put their toe just over that edge to where they know it's going to poke at you a little."

Particularly moving is their discussion of the physical toll this trauma takes—from eating disorders that persist decades later to the physical pain of simply writing about past experiences. The hosts don't shy away from addressing how narcissistic parents devastate children's development, with alarming statistics showing that 38% of all US children experience at least one incident of domestic violence or abuse before age 18.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the episode offers genuine hope. Both hosts have not only survived but built fulfilling lives after narcissistic abuse. Their message to listeners still trapped in these relationships is clear: healing is possible, you deserve better, and you're not alone in this fight. As one host powerfully states, "We survived it. We are living beautiful lives now. You don't have to stay in that muck."

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The unexpected viral success of our podcast has revealed a disturbing truth: millions of people recognize the nightmare of narcissistic abuse. While gratified to reach so many, we're heartbroken that our stories resonate with such a vast audience.

This episode takes a dark turn as we explore the shocking reality of narcissistic retaliation. Dana shares a chilling recent incident where someone targeted her daughter Faith's medical insurance shortly after our podcast gained popularity—calling to cancel coverage for a child who nearly lost her life earlier this year. This perfectly demonstrates how narcissists operate: identifying your most vulnerable point and striking there deliberately, even years after you've escaped their direct control.

We dive deep into the ongoing nature of narcissistic abuse, revealing how going "no contact" often isn't the end but merely shifts the battlefield. From smear campaigns that isolate victims from family to intimidation tactics designed to remind you they're still watching, narcissists refuse to relinquish control easily. These aren't just petty annoyances—they're calculated psychological warfare designed to maintain power over your life.

The conversation turns deeply personal as we share our experiences with family estrangement, the pain of watching family gatherings happen without you, and the lifelong journey of healing from being told you're not "enough" by those who should love you unconditionally. We also address a heartfelt message from a listener questioning her strength, reminding everyone that survival itself is evidence of extraordinary resilience.

For anyone currently trapped in the fog of narcissistic abuse or struggling through its aftermath, know this: you're stronger than you realize, you deserve peace, and you're absolutely not alone. Join us next episode for a special Q&A where we'll answer your questions about narcissistic abuse, recovery, and our personal journeys.

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The unfiltered wisdom of teens takes center stage in this refreshingly honest conversation about youth mental health. When our teenage guests Kinsley and Faith join the podcast, they waste no time delivering hard truths about what young people actually need from the adults in their lives.

"Maybe not hound them so much about a couple of things on the floor of their room," Kinsley suggests when asked what adults can do better. This simple yet profound insight sets the tone for a discussion that peels back the layers of teen-adult communication barriers. Throughout the episode, our young guests highlight the disconnect between what adults think helps and what teens genuinely need: space when appropriate, genuine listening (not the "uh-huh" kind while scrolling on phones), and the security of knowing someone will respond immediately - even to texts sent at 12:50 AM.

The conversation introduces the powerful concept of an "emotional toolbox" - resources teens can access during difficult moments. From creative outlets like Kinsley's remarkable artistic talents to having a designated trusted adult, these tools provide crucial support systems. Victoria shares the touching practice of maintaining an "invisible string" with Kinsley, where intuitive understanding sometimes means simply showing up without being asked and sitting together during tough moments. This level of attunement creates the safety net teens need to navigate emotional challenges.

Our guests offer practical strategies any teen can implement: finding calming creative activities, playing games that redirect anxious thoughts, writing letters to yourself during difficult times, and remembering that hard moments don't last forever. Parents and caregivers will find invaluable insights into building trust with the teens in their lives, while young listeners will discover they're not alone in their experiences and that asking for help isn't weakness - it's wisdom. Ready to transform how you connect with the teens in your life? This episode might just change everything. Visit StuccoSquad on Facebook to join our community and access free resources for supporting teen mental health.

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What does it mean to heal after narcissistic abuse? In this raw, unfiltered Q&A episode, Dana and Victoria tackle the questions that keep survivors up at night—from handling others' judgment to finding self-worth when everyone around you has tried to strip it away.

"I don't have to prove anything to anybody," Victoria asserts when addressing how to handle others talking down about you. This powerful statement sets the tone for a conversation that gives listeners permission to stop shrinking themselves for people who can't—or won't—see them clearly. The hosts share deeply personal experiences about recognizing they weren't at fault for their abuse, a realization both admit they're still working through even now.

As the episode unfolds, Dana and Victoria create a safe space for exploring how to celebrate your individuality in families that demand conformity. "You don't have to fit in," they remind listeners, challenging the societal expectation that family relationships must follow a predetermined script. Instead, they propose a radical idea: what if the problem was never you?

The most moving moment comes when the hosts address a question from a young listener about suicidal thoughts. Their compassionate response acknowledges the reality of those feelings while offering hope. "You know you're worth the fight because you've started your journey," Victoria says, speaking directly to a teenager questioning their worth while navigating gender transition without family support.

Whether you're questioning if you could someday become a narcissist (spoiler: if you're worried about it, you're not one), feeling responsible for your family's dysfunction, or simply trying to understand how to let people in after abuse, this episode offers validation, clarity, and the comforting reminder that you've survived 100% of your worst days—you are stronger than you know.

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