Are narcissists born or made? In this foundational episode, we unpack the complex roots of narcissism through the lens of both nature and nurture. We explore how temperament, early childhood environment, and relational trauma interact to shape narcissistic behaviors — and why it’s not always a direct path.

You’ll learn:

• How biological traits like sensitivity or the need for validation can become liabilities in emotionally unsafe environments

• Why narcissism is often a learned survival strategy — and not always from overtly abusive parenting

• That not everyone raised in a narcissistic home becomes a narcissist — and some narcissists weren’t raised by narcissists at all

• How to understand the difference between narcissistic traits and full-blown personality disorder

• Why the origins of someone’s narcissism don’t excuse the harm they cause — and what that means for your healing

Whether you’re still in the relationship or long out, this episode offers clarity, validation, and direction. Because you don’t have to figure this out alone. And understanding the “why” helps you stop taking on the impossible task of fixing it.

Why is it so hard to leave — even when you know the relationship is toxic?

In this powerful episode, we expose the hidden truth behind trauma bonding with a covert narcissist. It’s not just emotional confusion — it’s chemical addiction. You’re not addicted to the person; you’re addicted to the highs, the relief, the dopamine rush that follows emotional chaos. And while you're chasing connection, they’re chasing something else entirely: your Fix-It Mode.

We’ll break down the neuroscience of trauma bonding, explore why your empathy is being exploited, and uncover why the narcissist needs to keep collapsing — just to keep you engaged. This isn’t love. It’s survival mode.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in the cycle of emotional whiplash — adored one moment, blamed the next — this episode will help you see the pattern for what it is… and finally begin to break free.

If you’ve been bending over backwards trying to fix a relationship that keeps breaking you… this episode is for you.

Today, I’m sharing a personal story about the moment I was asked a question that stopped me in my tracks: “Can you honestly say you’ve done everything you know to do?” That one question made me face the truth — not about the relationship, but about how much of myself I had been pouring into something that couldn’t be repaired by effort alone.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why survivors of covert narcissistic abuse try so hard to fix what isn’t fixable

• How over-functioning keeps us stuck in one-sided emotional labor

• What “giving it your all” really means — and what it doesn’t

• The illusion of the “one right book, podcast, or article” that will finally make them change

• The moment you realize you’ve done enough — even if they never did

• How to stop proving your pain and start honoring your healing

You don’t have to wait until you’re completely broken to say, “That’s enough.”
You’re allowed to stop trying when your trying is costing you your peace, your clarity, and your self-worth.