Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast offers a thoughtful and authentic exploration of toxic relationships and the often-hidden dynamics of narcissistic abuse. We examine the complexities of narcissistic family systems—going no contact, the scapegoat and golden child roles, and the profound pain of ostracization—while providing pathways toward healing and self-discovery.
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Our work extends beyond personal relationships to explore how narcissism is woven into broader cultural systems, institutions, and structures like the patriarchy. By addressing gender roles, equality, and other often-overlooked topics, we aim to shed light on how these dynamics shape our lives and relationships. Available on all major podcast networks.
This podcast exists to discuss the systems that diminish, control, and silence. We focus on what’s been overlooked, question what’s been normalized, and create space for healing, clarity, and collective strength.
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery PODCAST - Empowering You!
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast
Validate. Rebuild. Revolutionize. (and Patriarchy Deconstruction)
Discover a safe haven and a wellspring of insight with the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast (formerly Moving Forward with Hope – Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast). In this candid, thought-provoking current series, host Lynn—personal survivor, author, and passionate recovery advocate—guides you through the landscape of toxic relationships and the covert dynamics of narcissistic abuse. With honesty, depth, and a healthy dose of tough love, Lynn helps you recognize the subtle tactics of manipulation and offers practical strategies to heal, rebuild, and reclaim your power.
Episodes dives deep into the complexities of narcissistic family systems, exploring roles like the scapegoat and golden child, and shedding light on the profound pain of ostracization. We tackle topics such as going no contact, setting boundaries, and uncovering the covert dynamics that keep you from thriving. Our conversations extend beyond personal trauma to examine how narcissism is woven into broader cultural systems—including the influence of the patriarchy on gender roles and equality.
The Patriarchy - Social Construct, Deconstructing the Roots
Since Episode 69, The Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast has been fearlessly deconstructing the patriarchal systems that silence, shrink, and shame. We go beyond surface conversations—unraveling taboos, challenging outdated norms, and opening doors to the topics so often labeled “off-limits.” Each episode invites you into bold, nuanced dialogue that validates lived experiences and empowers collective truth-telling. If you’re ready to explore the deeper layers and follow the questions others won’t ask, you’re in the right place. Let’s go down the rabbit hole—together.
Patriarchy isn’t about individual men being inherently evil or women being helpless. It is a social system intentionally created and enforced by men over generations to secure and protect their dominance. From childhood, men were conditioned to believe this hierarchy was natural and right, just as women were conditioned to comply, self-silence, and even police themselves and one another. This mutual conditioning made patriarchy feel normal, leaving it unchallenged for centuries.
It was not until women began resisting, speaking out, and demanding equality that many men were even forced to see patriarchy for what it is. And even then, many chose to defend it because questioning it meant risking the comfort of unearned power. Recognizing that men are both products and active carriers of patriarchy does not absolve them of responsibility. Instead, it highlights the urgent need for both men and women to unlearn these harmful scripts together and to build relationships and communities grounded in mutual respect and equality.
Housekeeping + Podcast Updates
We’ve updated (and still updating) our episode titles, descriptions, and links—many now include episode numbers (e.g., “Ep. 56”). If you’ve saved direct links, please double-check that they still work.
Our podcast is hosted on Acast, which distributes to all major platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.). If a directory isn’t refreshing or showing updates, you can always subscribe directly through Acast.
We’re also on Medium! Follow Lynn Nichols and explore our publication Moving Forward with Hope. We’re currently accepting guest writers, so if you’re passionate about healing, advocacy, or storytelling, come write with us.
For those of you who are on our email list, please make sure you add our email (info@movingforwardafterabuse.com) to you inbox so it does not go to your spam folder.
We’re looking for a social media assistant /intern —perfect for someone starting out in digital marketing who wants experience and to build a portfolio. Interested? Reach out to us at info@movingforwardafterabuse.com
We are working on some exciting projects behind the scenes, stay tuned.
Things We Cover:
- In-Depth Conversations: Learn about the covert tactics narcissists use—whether it’s gaslighting, emotional manipulation, or financial control—and discover actionable steps for setting boundaries and reclaiming your independence.
- Practical Guidance: From detailed strategies for going no contact to insights on handling emotional labor and overcoming self-doubt, our episodes offer tools you can apply right away.
- Broader Perspectives: Understand how narcissistic abuse intersects with societal issues like gender inequality, workplace bias, and cultural conditioning.
Serving as a resource of hope, encouragement, and validation to victims of narcissistic abuse so lives can be rebuilt by facilitating a revolutionary change to pursue dreams, visions, and living intentionally.
- Are you enjoying our podcast? If so, leave us a positive review on whichever platform you listen on.
- Support our Podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/waketheelephant
- Listen to our exclusive podcast episodes on Gumroad
- Want to be a guest on our show? https://movingforwardafterabuse.com/podcast/
Lynn is a trauma-informed narcissistic abuse recovery coach, author, host of the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast, and creator of the YouTube Channel, Wake the Elephant. Her books include Overcoming the Devastation of Narcissistic Abuse: How to Heal, Recover and Take Your Life Back and Master Manipulators: Discover Covert Tactics Narcissists Devise to Manipulate, Deceive and Control.
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek help from a qualified professional or contact a local crisis hotline.
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Top Episodes on the Patriarchy
In this powerful follow-up episode of the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast, Lynn dives deeper into the devastating cost of the Pick Me mindset—and how it continues to shape women’s lives in ways we often don’t realize until much later.
We’re not just talking about relationships anymore. We’re talking about ambition. Burnout. Sisterhood. Identity. And money.
Because the Pick Me culture doesn’t just ask women to be agreeable—it asks them to be invisible. It teaches them to shrink in boardrooms, overextend in relationships, compete in silence, and base their worth on being chosen. But what does that actually cost us?
In this episode, you’ll learn how this mindset:
- Undermines women’s confidence and career advancement
- Normalizes unpaid emotional labor in romantic and social relationships
- Breeds quiet competition instead of community between women
- Gradually erodes your sense of self and replaces it with performance
- Reinforces the idea that financial freedom is optional, instead of essential
Lynn exposes how the Pick Me mindset is more than a social dynamic—it’s a system. One that thrives on silence, self-abandonment, and suppression. And breaking it isn’t just personal healing—it’s an act of resistance.
This episode invites you to ask harder questions:
- Who are you if you stop performing for approval?
- What happens when you stop waiting to be picked—and start choosing yourself?
- Why is emotional labor expected from women… but never paid for?
- How have we been conditioned to fear money, while still being expected to manage everything else for free?
Whether you’re rebuilding after narcissistic abuse, reevaluating your own belief systems, or simply tired of holding everything together, this conversation is for you.
It’s time to stop measuring your worth by how well you fit into a patriarchal mold—and start reclaiming the parts of you that were never supposed to be small.
🎧 Listen now to break the silence, unravel the mindset, and take the first step forward.
Catch the Video Here:
What if misogyny isn’t just a belief—but a cultural initiation? In this episode of The Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast, we explore how boys are conditioned into manhood through subtle and overt acts of emotional suppression, peer loyalty, and disdain for the feminine. From “don’t cry” to “don’t throw like a girl,” these messages aren’t harmless—they’re foundational.
We examine:
- How masculinity is shaped by rejecting empathy, softness, and anything coded as feminine
- Why men often bond over shared misogyny—and how that loyalty can override love, partnership, and even fatherhood
- The hidden ways men withhold resources, silence women, and maintain control through emotional manipulation
- How institutions, media, and everyday interactions reinforce this dynamic without question
- Why narcissistic abuse is often a symptom of a much larger patriarchal system—and how recognizing that can be the first step toward healing
This episode is for anyone who’s ever questioned the roots of toxic masculinity, felt the sting of being dismissed or silenced, or wondered why some men seem to protect each other more than the women they claim to love. If you’ve sensed that misogyny isn’t just personal—it’s systemic—you’re not imagining it.
Listen to our Episodes on Gumroad
What if the patriarchy isn’t just upheld by men? What if the voices enforcing it are sometimes women’s—your friends, your coworkers, your mother, or even…your own?
In this powerful episode of the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast, Lynn dives deep into the uncomfortable truth that many women, often unknowingly, support the very systems designed to hold them back. From internalized misogyny to the relentless pursuit of male approval, we break down how women are conditioned to uphold the patriarchy—and how we can begin to break free.
You’ll hear raw reflections on:
- The social programming that trains women to prioritize everyone but themselves
- “Pick Me” behavior and how it derails collective empowerment
- The glorification of male validation and how it steals women’s autonomy
- Subtle ways women judge and police one another to stay “in line”
- How traditional gender roles keep women stuck in emotional labor and self-erasure
- Signs of internalized misogyny you may not realize you’ve adopted
This is not about blaming women. It’s about reclaiming power—and waking up to the unconscious beliefs that keep us small. As always, we keep it real, reflective, and focused on growth.
Whether you’re healing from narcissistic abuse, unpacking cultural conditioning, deconstructing the patriarchy, or exploring feminist recovery work, this episode will resonate deeply. Catch the VIdeo
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We would like to thank all of our listeners and those who are engaged with us on our journey!
The Moving Forward with Hope – Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast has been listed in the top 10 Podcasts on Narcissistic Abuse. We are so honored and grateful! See our listing!
Top Episodes on Narcissistic Abuse
In this powerful episode of Moving Forward with Hope – Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, Lynn dives deep into one of the most draining relationships you can experience—being involved with a narcissist. Are you feeling emotionally exhausted, manipulated, or questioning your self-worth? You’re not alone.
We explore the deceptive tactics narcissists use to drain your energy, why engaging with them is futile, and the harsh reality behind their complete lack of empathy. Lynn breaks down why these individuals are unable to care about anyone but themselves, and how their manipulation can lead to emotional exhaustion.
Discover the importance of cutting ties with narcissistic behavior and protecting your mental health. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or confused by someone in your life who constantly dominates conversations or manipulates your emotions, this episode will offer clarity and empower you to move forward with confidence.
Listen in, and learn why your best option is to step away from the narcissist in your life—before they drain you completely. Are you enjoying our podcast? If so, leave us a positive review! Support our Podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/waketheelephant Visit our website: https://movingforwardafterabuse.com/
In Moving Forward with Hope – Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, Lynn guides you through the complexities of healing from toxic relationships, with a focus on reclaiming your voice and rebuilding your self-worth. In this episode, we explore why standing up for yourself can feel so wrong in toxic environments—delving into the emotional manipulation, guilt, and self-doubt that often arise when advocating for your own needs. We also take a closer look at how broader societal factors, including gender roles and patriarchal conditioning, make self-advocacy especially challenging for women.
Through thoughtful discussion, this episode helps listeners recognize that self-advocacy is not selfish but an essential act of self-love. Whether you’re struggling with the feelings of guilt or fear of conflict, Lynn offers guidance to navigate these emotions while empowering you to stand firm in your boundaries.
It usually begins with confusion. A sudden shift in tone. A look. A silence that cuts deeper than any word ever could.
Then comes the betrayal—sharp, deliberate, and entirely unexpected.
Or was it?
In this episode, Lynn invites you into the disorienting terrain many survivors know too well: the moment when the narcissist turns. When the flattery evaporates. When the charm gives way to cold calculation. When the anger arrives—not as a moment, but as a message.
Why does narcissistic rage hit so hard? Why does the betrayal feel so intimate and so strategic? And what’s really happening behind the scenes when someone who claimed to care suddenly makes you feel like the enemy?
These aren’t questions with easy answers, but they are essential.
This isn’t a conversation about healing tied up in tidy phrases. It’s about sitting in the messy middle—where the anger still lingers, the questions still echo, and the trust you once had now feels like a wound.
You’ll be asked to consider:
- What gets exposed when someone can no longer control you
- Why betrayal by a narcissist feels so personal, even when it isn’t
- How rage becomes a tool, not just a reaction
- And what clarity sounds like once the gaslighting fades
No lists. No ten-step guide. Just the slow, steady unraveling of something you never thought would come undone—and the space to name it.
This episode isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about reclaiming the part of you that still doubts your own memory. The part that still wonders if it was your fault. The part that’s looking for a mirror, not just a map.
There’s nothing gentle about this kind of betrayal. But there is strength in seeing it clearly—and choosing yourself anyway.
If you’ve ever stared at the aftermath and asked, How did it come to this?, you’re not alone.
The answers won’t come quickly. But they start here.
🔗 Explore More:
🌐 Visit the Website:
https://movingforwardafterabuse.com
Explore free resources, articles, survivor tools, and deep-dive content to help you reclaim your power and heal from narcissistic abuse.
📚 Read the Books by Lynn:
https://movingforwardafterabuse.com/books-by-lynn/
Check out Lynn’s powerful books on narcissistic abuse recovery, manipulation tactics, and the emotional journey of healing. Perfect for survivors ready to take their next step.
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Validate. Rebuild. Revolutionize.
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Validate. Rebuild. Revolutionize.
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Launched in 2021, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast is a podcast dedicated to healing and recovery from narcissistic abuse, from moving from victim to survivor, seeing and understanding the tactics within relationships that are not talked about, to emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and love-bombing. We also explore the roles of the scapegoat, the golden child, and being ostracized within a narcissistic family, to the painful steps of grief and loss.
- Our podcast aims to provide validation to those who have suffered at the hands of narcissistic abuse to assist in rebuilding efforts and then to lead to a life that is transformed by your choosing.
- We also dive into how narcissistic abuse is hidden within society at large within the social construct of the patriarchy. We examine the embedded layers of the system from multiple angles as we deconstruct the system from the ground up.
- We support the role of women and society and encourage women with resources, mindsets, and opportunities to move forward into their next journey.
- Our podcast also engages in support of gender equality, deconstructing the patriarchy, how men and women have been impacted by it, empowering women, and fostering meaningful conversations around all of these topics.
With over 80+ episodes and a global audience spanning 75 countries, host Lynn—a dedicated author, coach, and advocate for women’s empowerment—creates a welcoming space for listeners to explore complex, sometimes taboo topics and transformative conversations.
Would you like to be a guest on our show?
We are expanding our platform to include guest perspectives. Whether you have personal insights, professional expertise, or a unique story that aligns with our mission, we’d love to hear from and connect with you.
Join us in sparking the conversations that inspire, educate, and ignite change. Let’s connect!
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This podcast and the information provided on our website are intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek support from a qualified professional or contact your local crisis hotline.