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We all have to deal with narcissists. Now, it’s time to heal from them. In this groundbreaking series, clinical psychologist and world’s leading expert on narcissism Dr. Ramani Durvasula talks to survivors and experts to help millions left reeling from narcissistic abuse. The powerful, transformative conversations on Navigating Narcissism break down classic narcissistic patterns like manipulation, control, gaslighting, and love bombing and help unpack feelings of betrayal, shame, confusion, pain.


Navigating Narcissism with Dr. Ramani

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing: Navigating Narcissism

Rachel DeLoache Williams was a small town girl, living her dream in New York City as a photo editor at Vanity Fair, when she became the target for notorious con-artist Anna Delvey. Rachel’s empathy was weaponized by the fake German heiress, who betrayed her friendship and left her with a $62,000 credit card debt after a vacation to Morocco. We'll hear how Anna used classic narcissistic tactics to get close to Rachel, and how a friendship can mask the “red flags” we’re used to seeing in a romantic relationship. 
 
Host Information: 
 
Instagram: Dr Ramani's IG - @doctorramani
 
Facebook: Dr Ramani's FB - @doctorramani
 
Twitter: Dr Ramani's TW - @DoctorRamani 
 
YouTube: Dr. Ramani’s YT - DoctorRamani
 
Guest Information: 
 
Instagram: Rachel’s IG - @rdwilliams 
 
Twitter: Rachel’s TW - @rachel_deloache
 
Book: My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress
 
Guest Bio: 
 
Born and raised in Knoxville, TN, Rachel moved to New York City in 2010, after graduating from Kenyon College in Gambier, OH, and landed her dream job in the photo department at Vanity Fair, where she worked for nearly a decade. Her first book, My Friend Anna: the True Story of a Fake Heiress, published by Gallery Books in July 2019, went on to become a New York Times bestseller, and was selected by TIME Magazine as one of the “100 Must-Read Books of the Year.” Today, Rachel continues to write. She also works as a freelance photographer, producer, and creative consultant. 
 
#NavigatingNarcissism
 
I want to hear from you, too. 
 
Have a toxic topic you want me to explore? Email me at askdrramani@redtabletalk.com 
 
I just might answer you questions on air. 
 
This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Individuals are advised to seek independent medical advice, counseling, and/or therapy from a health care professional with respect to any medical condition, mental health issue, or health inquiry, including matters discussed on this podcast.
 
Navigating Narcissism is produced by Red Table Talk Podcasts. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Fallon Jethroe, Ellen Rakieten, and Dr. Ramani Durvasula. PRODUCER: Matthew Jones, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Mara De La Rosa. EDITORS AND AUDIO MIXERS: Devin Donaghy and Calvin Bailiff. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Fake Heiress, but a True Narcissist w/ Rachel DeLoache Williams

Guest Bio:
 
Tina Swithin's relationship with her ex-husband started off in a whirlwind romance that ended with a fantasy wedding in Hawaii. The author of Divorcing a Narcissist: One Mom's Battle, thought she was in an intense, love-filled, and passionate relationship, but it was actually abusive. Find out how Tina was able to overcome this post-separation narcissistic abuse and eventually help other survivors in similar situations.
 
#NavigatingNarcissism
 
Host Information: 
 
Instagram: Dr Ramani's IG - @doctorramani
 
Facebook: Dr Ramani's FB - @doctorramani
 
Twitter: Dr Ramani's TW - @DoctorRamani 
 
YouTube: Dr. Ramani’s YT - DoctorRamani
 
Guest Information: 
 
Instagram: Tina’s IG - @onemomsbattle
 
Twitter: Tina’s Twitter - @tinaswithin 
 
One Mom’s Battle - Divorce Coaching
 
Guest Bio: 
 
Tina Swithin is the author of Divorcing a Narcissist (series), founder of One Mom’s Battle, Family Court Awareness Month and the High Conflict Divorce Coach Certification Program. Tina Swithin continues to champion children’s rights through her family court advocacy. Tina is working to raise awareness of the issues in the family court system and to educate the general public on post separation abuse and narcissistic abuse. Tina is remarried and resides in San Luis Obispo, California with her husband and two daughters.
 
Have a toxic topic you want me to explore or have a question for me? Email me at askdrramani@redtabletalk.com - I just might answer you questions on air. 
 
This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Individuals are advised to seek independent medical advice, counseling, and/or therapy from a health care professional with respect to any medical condition, mental health issue, or health inquiry, including matters discussed on this podcast.
 
Navigating Narcissism is produced by Red Table Talk Podcasts. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Fallon Jethroe, Ellen Rakieten, and Dr. Ramani Durvasula. Also, PRODUCER: Matthew Jones, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Mara De La Rosa. EDITORS AND AUDIO MIXERS: Devin Donaghy and Calvin Bailiff. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Married to a Narcissist with Tina Swithin

Ayleen Charlotte was looking for love in all the usual places: online. Tinder to be exact. When she started her relationship with con man, Simon Leviev, it was just like a fairytale, filled with love, gifts, and a very handsome boyfriend who doted on her. Everything took a turn when she found Simon on her Instagram feed labeled as the Tinder Swindler. The man she thought she knew and loved, has reportedly swindled about $10 million from victims across Europe. In this episode we learn about love bombing, manipulation and empathy; and what Ayleen did to get back at the man that stole so much from her. 
 
Host Information: 
 
Instagram: Dr Ramani's IG - @doctorramani
 
Facebook: Dr Ramani's FB - @doctorramani
 
Twitter: Dr Ramani's TW - @DoctorRamani 
 
YouTube: Dr. Ramani’s YT - DoctorRamani
 
Guest Information: 
 
Instagram: Ayleen’s IG - @ayleencharlott
 
Stronger Together Bracelets 
 
Guest Bio:
 
In The Tinder Swindler, Ayleen reveals how she ended up entangled in the web of lies created by whom she believed to be her boyfriend, Simon. For well over a year, through a strategy he refined by trying out the same lies on other women simultaneously, she was made to believe both their lives were in danger, and built up an eye-watering debt along the way. When she discovered the deception, she chose to turn the tables and took revenge by selling his expensive collection of designer brand clothes. Ayleen felt she had to make a radical choice between victimhood or becoming a beacon of female empowerment for herself and others. Her experiences prompted Ayleen to make her life-long entrepreneurial dreams come true, as she is working to launch her own wine label.
 
#NavigatingNarcissism
 
I want to hear from you, too. 
 
Have a toxic topic you want me to explore? Email me at askdrramani@redtabletalk.com 
 
I just might answer you questions on air. 
 
This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Individuals are advised to seek independent medical advice, counseling, and/or therapy from a health care professional with respect to any medical condition, mental health issue, or health inquiry, including matters discussed on this podcast.
 
Navigating Narcissism is produced by Red Table Talk Podcasts. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Fallon Jethroe, Ellen Rakieten, and Dr. Ramani Durvasula. PRODUCER: Matthew Jones, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Mara De La Rosa. EDITORS AND AUDIO MIXERS: Devin Donaghy and Calvin Bailiff. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Love Bombed by the Tinder Swindler w/ Ayleen Charlotte

Ousted WeWork CEO Adam Neumann built a company culture that drew employees in a relationship with their workplace that they loved - but that many on the inside and outside clearly saw as - narcissistic. As one of the top community managers at WeWork, Ugo Mbawuike had a front row seat to the rise and demise of the co-working tech unicorn that was supposed to transform the corporate office as we know it. From the love bombing of perks and community, to the future faking of Adam’s grand vision, and the gaslighting of the company’s subsequent financial problems, we look at Ugo’s experience through a narcissistic framework to recognize red flags of a employer.
 
#NavigatingNarcissism
 
I want to hear from you, too. 
 
Have a toxic topic you want me to explore? Email me at askdrramani@redtabletalk.com 
 
I just might answer you questions on air. 
 
This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Individuals are advised to seek independent medical advice, counseling, and/or therapy from a health care professional with respect to any medical condition, mental health issue, or health inquiry, including matters discussed on this podcast.
 
Navigating Narcissism is produced by Red Table Talk Podcasts. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Fallon Jethroe, Ellen Rakieten, and Dr. Ramani Durvasula. PRODUCER: Matthew Jones, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Mara De La Rosa. EDITORS AND AUDIO MIXERS: Devin Donaghy and Calvin Bailiff. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating Narcissism in the Work Place at WeWork with Ugo Mbawuike

Pyramid schemes, sex trafficking operations and cults, oh my! Mark Vicente, an award-winning director who was part of the NXIVM cult, became one of its whistleblowers and has vowed to continue to shed light into the atrocities that happened within the confines of Keith Raniere. Mark reveals how he was manipulated and coerced into joining NXIVM, and how Raniere and other senior members gaslit its female members and ran an underground sex trafficking rink. In part 1 of 2 of this episode, Mark explains how anyone can get wrapped up into a situation like this and why it took him so long to see how much of a narcissist Raniere really was.
 
Host Information: 
 
Instagram: Dr Ramani's IG - @doctorramani
 
Facebook: Dr Ramani's FB - @doctorramani
 
Twitter: Dr Ramani's TW - @DoctorRamani 
 
YouTube: Dr. Ramani’s YT - DoctorRamani
 
Guest Information: 
 
Instagram: Mark Vicente’s IG - @markvicente
 
Twitter: Mark Vicente’s TW - @markvicente 
 
Guest Bio:
 
Mark was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1965. Taking his first photograph at age four, he quickly discovered his passion for being behind the camera. After attending film and drama school in South Africa, he began working his way up the ranks of the camera department. His first big break came as Director of Photography on the musical SARAFINA, starring Whoopi Goldberg. In 1992, he relocated to Los Angeles to shoot his first studio picture for Disney; FATHERHOOD, starring Patrick Swayze and Halle Berry.
 
Over the next few decades, he went on to shoot an additional 14 feature films and numerous documentaries, music videos and commercials. Mark soon discovered untold stories he needed to express as a director. He was driven by the conviction that tales of greatness, nobility and introspection could be exciting and financially successful.
 
Growing up during the Apartheid era in South Africa and its widespread iniquities, Mark learned early on to question fundamental assumptions and beliefs about human behavior, cosmology, existentialism, and mysticism. While that bold curiosity served him well, the path found him in direct contact with truly malignant pathologic personalities masquerading as forward-thinking philosophical leaders teaching self-improvement while inflicting unthinkable damage to their followers... and to Mark himself.
 
His recent defection from the NXIVM cult was chronicled in the HBO series THE VOW. Mark and a few courageous whistleblowers exposed the criminal activities of this organization, resulting in multiple arrests and indictments.
 
Mark is currently in production on a number of films including one on Narcissism and Narcissistic abuse.
 
#NavigatingNarcissism
 
I want to hear from you, too. 
 
Have a toxic topic you want me to explore? Email me at askdrramani@redtabletalk.com 
 
I just might answer you questions on air. 
 
This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Individuals are advised to seek independent medical advice, counseling, and/or therapy from a health care professional with respect to any medical condition, mental health issue, or health inquiry, including matters discussed on this podcast.
 
Navigating Narcissism is produced by Red Table Talk Podcasts. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Fallon Jethroe, Ellen Rakieten, and Dr. Ramani Durvasula. PRODUCER: Matthew Jones, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Mara De La Rosa. EDITORS AND AUDIO MIXERS: Devin Donaghy and Calvin Bailiff. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No Such Thing as a Good Cult w/ Mark Vicente Part 1

As we dive into part 2 of Mark Vicente's experience in the NXIVM cult, we go even deeper and discuss the root of the problem, Keith Raniere and executive team, who aided and abetted his actions of abuse. Mark talks about victim blaming, and points out that what happened to him could really happen to anyone. Mark breaks down his emotional journey after finding out and then accepting the truth about Raniere's abuse. With the justice system being flawed, we witness the rare occasion where the abuser receives a deserving sentence.
 
Host Information: 
 
Instagram: Dr Ramani's IG - @doctorramani
 
Facebook: Dr Ramani's FB - @doctorramani
 
Twitter: Dr Ramani's TW - @DoctorRamani 
 
YouTube: Dr. Ramani’s YT - DoctorRamani
 
Guest Information: 
 
Instagram: Mark Vicente’s IG - @markvicente
 
Twitter: Mark Vicente’s TW - @markvicente 
 
Guest Bio:
 
Mark was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1965. Taking his first photograph at age four, he quickly discovered his passion for being behind the camera. After attending film and drama school in South Africa, he began working his way up the ranks of the camera department. His first big break came as Director of Photography on the musical SARAFINA, starring Whoopi Goldberg. In 1992, he relocated to Los Angeles to shoot his first studio picture for Disney; FATHERHOOD, starring Patrick Swayze and Halle Berry.
 
Over the next few decades, he went on to shoot an additional 14 feature films and numerous documentaries, music videos and commercials. Mark soon discovered untold stories he needed to express as a director. He was driven by the conviction that tales of greatness, nobility and introspection could be exciting and financially successful.
 
Growing up during the Apartheid era in South Africa and its widespread iniquities, Mark learned early on to question fundamental assumptions and beliefs about human behavior, cosmology, existentialism, and mysticism. While that bold curiosity served him well, the path found him in direct contact with truly malignant pathologic personalities masquerading as forward-thinking philosophical leaders teaching self-improvement while inflicting unthinkable damage to their followers... and to Mark himself.
 
His recent defection from the NXIVM cult was chronicled in the HBO series THE VOW. Mark and a few courageous whistleblowers exposed the criminal activities of this organization, resulting in multiple arrests and indictments.
 
Mark is currently in production on a number of films including one on Narcissism and Narcissistic abuse.
 
#NavigatingNarcissism
 
I want to hear from you, too. 
 
Have a toxic topic you want me to explore? Email me at askdrramani@redtabletalk.com 
 
I just might answer you questions on air. 
 
This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Individuals are advised to seek independent medical advice, counseling, and/or therapy from a health care professional with respect to any medical condition, mental health issue, or health inquiry, including matters discussed on this podcast.
 
Navigating Narcissism is produced by Red Table Talk Podcasts. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Fallon Jethroe, Ellen Rakieten, and Dr. Ramani Durvasula. PRODUCER: Matthew Jones, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Mara De La Rosa. EDITORS AND AUDIO MIXERS: Devin Donaghy and Calvin Bailiff. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No Such Thing as a Good Cult w/ Mark Vicente pt. 2

We all have that one roommate we still talk about because of how terrible they were. Now imagine the worst roommate you've ever had and multiply that by a hundred because Heidi Russell, shares her story of how she got stuck with a grifter in her apartment. Heidi and her partner Valentina have been living in their beautiful West Village apartment when they opened up their second room to make ends meet. Listen and learn how one person, the grifter, used manipulation, gaslighting, and took advantage of new covid laws to stay living in their apartment without paying. Listen to how Heidi's been able to manage through this nightmare and learn about ways YOU can stay safe from a grifter.
 
Host Information: 
 
Instagram: Dr Ramani's IG - @doctorramani
 
Facebook: Dr Ramani's FB - @doctorramani
 
Twitter: Dr Ramani's TW - @DoctorRamani 
 
YouTube: Dr. Ramani’s YT - DoctorRamani
 
Guest Information: 
 
Instagram: Heidi Russell’s IG - @heidirussellglobal 
 
Twitter: Heidi Russell TW - @HERRussellGlobal 
 
GoFundMe
 
Guest Bio:
 
Heidi is a fine art photographer, publisher, indie curator, global cultural collaborator, and founder of International Women Artists’ Salon. Heidi Russell and Valentina Bajada owned an 860-square-foot second-floor walk-up - a perfect home for the two of them. They opened their space for an AirBnb to earn more money in the space, and are still facing a very tough situation where they no longer have access to their home. In this interview, told by Heidi, we will explore how a Grifter took advantage of their space. This resulted in them still not having access to their home due to tenant laws through someone who seemed nice and trusting in the beginning, but ended up being very self-serving and truly making a nightmare situation.
 
#NavigatingNarcissism
 
I want to hear from you, too. 
 
Have a toxic topic you want me to explore? Email me at askdrramani@redtabletalk.com 
 
I just might answer you questions on air. 
 
This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Individuals are advised to seek independent medical advice, counseling, and/or therapy from a health care professional with respect to any medical condition, mental health issue, or health inquiry, including matters discussed on this podcast.
 
Navigating Narcissism is produced by Red Table Talk Podcasts. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Fallon Jethroe, Ellen Rakieten, and Dr. Ramani Durvasula. PRODUCER: Matthew Jones, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Mara De La Rosa. EDITORS AND AUDIO MIXERS: Devin Donaghy and Calvin Bailiff. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home Taken Over by a Squatter w/ Heidi Russell

Roberta shares her time at LuLaRoe, a multi-level marketing company that sells women's clothes; and how working for them changed her life forever. LuLaRoe started out as a great experience for Roberta, making new friends, climbing her way to the top, and making her a lot of money. However, it ended with her in financial wealth not being met amongst other broken expectations. LuLaRoe retailers were duped and manipulated by its narcissistic leaders by selling cheap material that pigeon-holed their employees in an endless loop of buying and selling, with many making no money. Listen and learn how LuLaRoe rose to the top, gained so much popularity; and how some of its former retailers are picking up the pieces today.
 
Host Information: 
 
Instagram: Dr Ramani's IG - @doctorramani
 
Facebook: Dr Ramani's FB - @doctorramani
 
Twitter: Dr Ramani's TW - @DoctorRamani 
 
YouTube: Dr. Ramani’s YT - DoctorRamani
 
Guest Information: 
 
Instagram: Roberta Blevins’ IG - @therealrobertablevins
 
Facebook: Roberta Blevins’ FB - @therealrobertablevins
 
Twitter: Roberta Blevins’ TW - @mommylikewhoa
 
#NavigatingNarcissism
 
I want to hear from you, too. 
 
Have a toxic topic you want me to explore? Email me at askdrramani@redtabletalk.com 
 
I just might answer you questions on air. 
 
This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Individuals are advised to seek independent medical advice, counseling, and/or therapy from a health care professional with respect to any medical condition, mental health issue, or health inquiry, including matters discussed on this podcast.
 
Navigating Narcissism is produced by Red Table Talk Podcasts. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Fallon Jethroe, Ellen Rakieten, and Dr. Ramani Durvasula. PRODUCER: Matthew Jones, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Mara De La Rosa. EDITOR AND AUDIO MIXERS: Devin Donaghy. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working for LuLaRoe w/ Roberta Blevins

Vanessa Reiser was love bombed by her narcissistic ex in such an extravagant manner--like being showered with expensive gifts, to expensive cars, to a $150,000 engagement ring, and travels across the world. She didn't have time to breathe, much less clock in the red flags happening left and right. Vanessa is a therapist and works hard today to raise awareness to narcissistic spousal abuse, and started a movement by running 285 miles across the state of New York to raise awareness to their cause. Listen and learn how Vanessa was able to come up for air, evaluate and understand her situation and how she separated herself from the man that first swept her off her feet.
 
Host Information: 
 
Instagram: Dr Ramani's IG - @doctorramani
 
Facebook: Dr Ramani's FB - @doctorramani
 
Twitter: Dr Ramani's TW - @DoctorRamani 
 
YouTube: Dr. Ramani’s YT - DoctorRamani
 
Guest Information: 
 
Instagram: Vanessa Reiser’s IG - @vanessareiserlcsw
 
Twitter: Vanessa Reiser’s TW - @vprockland
 
https://tellatherapist.net/ 
 
Guest Bio:
 
Vanessa Reiser is a mother, entrepreneur, life coach, advocate, and a ground breaking psychotherapist specializing in narcissistic abuse using Therapist Self-Disclosure (TSD); a form of therapy where therapist statements are shared that reveal something personal about the therapist, when an opportunity to create validation exists. Vanessa is licensed in NY, NJ, MA & FL and made international headlines when she ran the entire state of New York in a wedding dress to raise awareness for narcissistic abuse in May 2021. Her days are spent supporting those traumatized by this insidious form of domestic violence.
 
#NavigatingNarcissism
 
I want to hear from you, too. 
 
Have a toxic topic you want me to explore? Email me at askdrramani@redtabletalk.com 
 
I just might answer you questions on air. 
 
This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Individuals are advised to seek independent medical advice, counseling, and/or therapy from a health care professional with respect to any medical condition, mental health issue, or health inquiry, including matters discussed on this podcast.
 
Navigating Narcissism is produced by Red Table Talk Podcasts. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Fallon Jethroe, Ellen Rakieten, and Dr. Ramani Durvasula. PRODUCER: Matthew Jones, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Mara De La Rosa. EDITORS AND AUDIO MIXERS: Devin Donaghy. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running for Narcissistic Abuse Awareness w/ Vanessa Reiser

We all have to deal with narcissists. Now, it’s time to heal from them. In this groundbreaking series, clinical psychologist and world’s leading expert on narcissism Dr. Ramani Durvasula talks to survivors and experts to help millions left reeling from narcissistic abuse. The powerful, transformative conversations on Navigating Narcissism break down classic narcissistic patterns like manipulation, control, gaslighting, and love bombing and help unpack feelings of betrayal, shame, confusion, pain.
 
Make sure to subscribe to our new YouTube channel @NavigatingNarcissismPod
 
Follow us on Instagram @NavigatingNarcissismPod
 
Host Information: 
 
Instagram: Dr Ramani's IG - @doctorramani
 
Facebook: Dr Ramani's FB - @doctorramani
 
Twitter: Dr Ramani's TW - @DoctorRamani 
 
YouTube: Dr. Ramani’s YT - DoctorRamani
 
I want to hear from you, too. Have a toxic topic you want me to explore? Email me at askdrramani@redtabletalk.com. I just might answer your questions on air.
 
This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Individuals are advised to seek independent medical advice, counseling, and/or therapy from a healthcare professional with respect to any medical condition, mental health issue, or health inquiry, including matters discussed on this podcast. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 2 of Navigating Narcissism Premieres March 16th!

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