Advertise on podcast: THE VIBRANT SURVIVOR -How to Identify a Narcissist, Narcissistic Abuse, Toxic Relationships, Trauma Healing, Health, Wellness
Rating
4.9from
This podcast has
167 episodes
Language
EnglishExplicit
No
Date created
2023/01/03
Latest episode
2026/02/06
Average duration
19 min.
Release period
7 days
Description
***TOP 1.5% PODCAST*** Heal and thrive after narcissistic abuse. Do you want to disconnect from narcissistic or toxic relationships? Are you feeling stressed and lonely in dysfunctional family and work environments, or social groups? Are you ready to heal and thrive after narcissistic abuse? In this podcast, you’ll find holistically healing solutions to set you free from narcissistically abusive relationships, trauma-related health issues, and the enabling of toxic behavior. My mission is to help you heal and thrive after narcissistic abuse through holistic health, trauma support, and boundaries. If you’re ready to disconnect from dysfunction, prioritize your healing, and reclaim your power after narcissistic abuse, then you’re in the right place! Hi, I’m Lesley. A wife, mom, and narcissistic abuse survivor. For years, I rationalized toxic relationships and dysfunctional environments, in an effort to find connection, purpose, success, and peace. I fell for lies, fake opportunities, and empty promises, wasting my time, talents, and money. It took a toll on my mental health (Hello, CPTSD!); and it almost cost me my life…literally. I finally realized that if I was going to break the cycle and heal my childhood trauma from the inside out, I needed a holistic approach. I reclaimed and redirected my resources towards solutions that helped me to put the narcissistic and toxic people in my life in my rear-view mirror. After applying some stealthy strategies for drama-free exits, protecting my peace, and pursuing my goals, I was determined to help others to identify, navigate, and heal from this insidious form of abuse. I went to school and became a Master Certified Health Coach and Certified Trauma Support Specialist. And I’m here to teach you how to heal and thrive after narcissistic abuse. If you’re ready to experience healing and empowerment after narcissistic abuse that focuses on YOU; holistic health and wellness solutions with real results like more clarity, discernment, confidence, a more positive mindset, healthy boundaries, and better relationships – this podcast is for you! Take a deep breath in…Let it out slowly…And just relax, this time is for you. Contact: [email protected] Instagram: @thevibrantsurvivor ***DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any reliance you place on this information is strictly at your own risk. Lesley Cain is not a doctor, therapist or counselor. If you need healthcare, medical attention, therapy, or counseling, please seek professional help from a licensed practitioner.
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Check latest episodes from THE VIBRANT SURVIVOR -How to Identify a Narcissist, Narcissistic Abuse, Toxic Relationships, Trauma Healing, Health, Wellness podcast
166. Why You Feel Foolish After Narcissistic Abuse (And Why You're Not)
2026/02/06
Hey, Survivor!
Have you ever looked back on your narcissistic relationship and thought, “How did I not see this?” If you’ve been feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or questioning your intelligence after narcissistic abuse, this episode is for you.
In this episode, we unpack why survivors often feel foolish — and why that feeling is actually a trauma response, not a character flaw. You’ll learn how manipulation, trauma bonding, and betrayal trauma impact the brain, why self-blame is common after emotional abuse, and how to rebuild trust in yourself.
If you’re recovering from narcissistic abuse, emotional manipulation, or a toxic relationship — this episode will help you move from self-doubt to self-trust, from shame to clarity, and from confusion to confidence.
🎧 Listen now and remember: You weren’t foolish — you were fooled.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
165. 7 Ways Narcissists Test Your Boundaries (And How to Protect Yourself)
2026/01/30
Hey, Survivor!
Feeling like your “no” doesn’t matter? In this episode, we break down 7 ways narcissists test your boundaries, why it hurts, and how to protect yourself without guilt. Learn evidence-based insights on narcissistic behavior and relational aggression; and practical tools to improve your health and wellbeing and reclaim your power.
If you, or someone you know, need help reinforcing your boundaries, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
#NarcissisticAbuse #Boundaries #SurvivorHealing #TraumaRecovery #LEANWellness #MentalHealth #EmotionalWellbeing
164. Fake Friends, Real Damage: 7 Signs of Narcissism in Female Friendships
2026/01/23
Hey, Survivor!
Narcissistic and toxic female friendships can be hazardous to your health and well-being. In this episode, we’re unpacking the hidden harm and why it hurts so deeply.
You’ll learn:
Why betrayal trauma hits harder in same-gender relationships
7 subtle signs a “friend” may be manipulating, competing, or controlling
How covert narcissism shows up through gossip, triangulation, and victim-playing
Evidence-based insight on relational aggression
How to protect your peace using Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. wellness framework
If you’ve ever felt confused, devalued, or drained by a friendship or friend group — this episode will bring clarity, validation, and empowerment.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
#NarcissisticAbuse #FemaleNarcissist #TraumaRecovery #WomensMentalHealth #ToxicFriendships
163. When Your Boundaries Hurt Them: Healing Guilt After Narcissistic Abuse
2026/01/16
Hey, Survivor!
Setting boundaries can feel painful — not just for others, but for you. In this episode, I share how guilt shows up when we stop people-pleasing, why others resist boundaries, and how you can protect your peace without abandoning yourself. We’ll cover trauma-informed insights, holistic healing through Dr. Sears’ LEAN framework, and practical tools for holding boundaries with confidence and compassion.
If you’re healing from narcissistic abuse and want healthy relationships, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
#boundaries #narcissisticabuse #healingjourney #traumarecovery #selfrespect
162. The Power of Moving in Silence After Narcissistic Abuse
2026/01/09
Hey, Survivor!
After narcissistic abuse, it can feel tempting to announce your independence, explain your choices, or prove you’re moving on. But less is more.
In this episode of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, I explain why moving in silence is one of the most powerful and protective choices you can make. We’ll talk about how narcissists respond when they receive no reaction, why oversharing leads to re-engagement and re-traumatization, and how silence helps you regulate your nervous system and reclaim your peace.
If you’re healing from narcissistic abuse and ready to stop explaining yourself, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
#NarcissisticAbuse #TraumaHealing #EmotionalAbuseRecovery
#BoundariesAreSelfCare #NervousSystemHealing
#SurvivorSupport #ReclaimYourPeace
161. The Polite, Professional Narcissist - How Abuse Hides in Plain Sight
2026/01/02
Hey, Survivor!
Narcissistic abuse doesn’t always look volatile or obvious. Sometimes it’s calm, polite, credentialed, and protected by institutions.
In Episode 161 of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, we explore the polite, professional narcissist—the kind who hides behind charm, titles, faith language, or public service while causing harm behind the scenes. We break down why these individuals are often protected, where they operate, and how organizational systems can enable abuse.
You’ll learn about DARVO, organizational narcissism, and why survivors are often dismissed or silenced when abuse doesn’t match stereotypes. Using Dr. Sears’ LEAN wellness framework, this episode offers grounded tools for clarity, regulation, and self-trust—especially after the holidays, when professional and community contact increases.
If you, or someone you know, have ever felt confused, invalidated, blamed, or punished for speaking up in a “respectable” environment, this episode will help you name what happened—and trust yourself again.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
#NarcissisticAbuseAwareness #WorkplaceNarcissism #NarcissisticSafeHaven #DARVO #Gaslighting #TraumaInformed #TheVibrantSurvivor
160. Surviving the Holidays After Narcissistic Abuse: Gentle Ways to Stay Grounded, Connected, and Well
2025/12/26
Hey, Survivor!
The holidays can be especially difficult for survivors of narcissistic abuse and trauma. Court stress, family dynamics, grief, and loneliness can leave you feeling overwhelmed or isolated.
In this episode of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, I share ways to step back from retraumatizing spaces this season and opt for gentle, practical ways to protect your mental, emotional, and physical health during the holidays.
We talk about the healing power of connection, safe community, creativity, service, and rest—and the importance of prioritizing your peace.
You don’t have to push through pain to prove your strength.
You don’t have to do the holidays alone.
Connection heals what isolation conceals.
If you, or someone you know, need practical holiday support, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
159. When Justice Is Heavy: Trauma, Courtroom Stress, and Choosing Self-Care During the Holidays
2025/12/19
Hey, Survivor!
In this episode of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, I’m sharing what it was like to attend two emotionally intense court hearings in one week…on the same day—a murder sentencing, and a pre-trial evidentiary hearing—and how supporting victims can be retraumatizing for survivors.
During the sentencing hearing, as family members, friends, and community members read victim impact statements, my body responded before my mind could. I experienced hyperventilation, emotional flooding, and nervous system overwhelm—a powerful reminder that trauma lives in the body, not just the mind.
With holidays approaching—and this season already carrying heavy anniversary trauma—I made the intentional decision to step back from court proceedings until after the new year. Not because I don’t care. Not because justice doesn’t matter. But because healing requires regulation, rest, and boundaries.
The holidays can intensify grief, loss, and trauma responses—especially for those navigating court systems, injustice, or unresolved pain.
If you, or someone you know, need permission to pause, breathe, and choose peace this season, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
#TraumaHealing #CourtroomTrauma #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #HolidayTriggers
#TheVibrantSurvivor #TraumaInformed #SelfCareIsStrength #HealingJourney
158. A Recipe for Narcissistically Abusive Relationships
2025/12/12
Hey, Survivor!
In today’s episode, I break down the “recipe” behind narcissistically abusive relationships: the predictable blend of truth, lies, urgency, flattery, and psychological manipulation that keeps survivors stuck, confused, and doubting their own reality.
If you’ve ever wondered “How did I miss this?”, today’s episode will show you the answer:
You didn’t miss anything — you were intentionally misled.
We’ll talk about trauma bonding, intermittent reinforcement, and cognitive dissonance… and why highly empathetic, intelligent, trustworthy people are targeted.
You’ll learn:
The 6 “ingredients” narcissists use to manufacture trust
Why mixing a little truth with a lot of lies is so effective
How your nervous system gets trained to bond to chaos
How to rebuild clarity using Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. pillars
How to reframe shame, take back your power, and ground yourself in truth
Whether the narcissist in your life was a partner, parent, friend, coworker, or authority figure — this episode gives you the clarity and validation you deserve.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
157. The Narcissist Will Use You to Woo: How Manipulators Borrow Your Goodness to Get What They Want
2025/12/05
Hey, Survivor!
In today’s episode, we uncover a tactic every survivor of narcissistic abuse needs to understand:
The narcissist will use you to woo.
Using your name… your reputation… your kindness… your credibility… even your faith language, scripture, or values — narcissists will borrow any part of your goodness to soften their manipulation and influence others. This is called borrowed credibility, and it’s rooted in coercive control.
I share a real story from the murder trial involving fake emails, spiritual guilt language, and reputation abuse — and we explore why survivors often miss this pattern until long after the relationship ends. We’ll dig into the psychology behind this deception and L.E.A.N. into healing.
This is a validating, grounding, empowering episode for anyone who has ever been used, misrepresented, or manipulated by someone they trusted.
You were the good one.
You were the credible one.
And the fact they borrowed your light shows how bright you shine.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
156. Choosing Peace. Giving Thanks.
2025/11/28
Hey, Survivor!
In this short Thanksgiving episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt message of gratitude for you — the one doing the hard healing work every single day. Whether your week is calm, complicated, or emotionally charged, this episode gives you three grounding tips for a peaceful holiday, especially if you’re navigating family dynamics, trauma memories, or feelings that surface this time of year.
Inside the episode, you’ll learn:
How to protect your peace when old triggers or stressful people show up
Why boundaries are a form of self-love (not selfishness)
One simple grounding practice you can use in the car, at the table, or in the bathroom for a quick reset
How gratitude supports trauma recovery without avoiding your real feelings
A short, heartfelt message to remind you that you are worthy, growing, and not alone
Whether you’re spending this holiday week with others or keeping it quiet and cozy this year, this episode is your reminder that you deserve gentleness, rest, and joy — exactly as you are.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
155. How Well Did You Really Know the Narcissist? What Distance, Deception, and Community Reveal
2025/11/21
Hey, Survivor!
Struggling with guilt, self-blaming and shaming for not seeing the narcissist for who and what they are? In this episode, I’m talking about why it’s hard to really know narcissistic and toxic individuals, the power of proximity, healthy relationships and healing. You can uphold truth, release guilt and shame, and gain clarity, after narcissistic abuse. Your community matters!
If you, or someone you know, need clarity after the chaos, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
154. Why Narcissists Always Play the Victim And How Survivors Break Free From the Script
2025/11/14
Hey, Survivor!
Tired of the narcissist playing victim, after causing chaos, confusion and harm? In this episode, I’m talking about DARVO, bad acting, why this gut punch is especially hurtful, and how to overcome it. You can reclaim your power after this narcissistic abuse tactic and heal. Your truth and peace matter!
If you, or someone you know, need validation and empowerment, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
153. When Justice is Finally Served: Healing After a Narcissist's Conviction
2025/11/07
Hey, Survivor!
What happens when justice is served, and the narcissist is finally held accountable? In this episode, I’m sharing the murder trial verdict, and various emotions that survivors can experience when truth is validated and consequences are coming. You can reclaim your health in the midst of the chaos and drama that the narcissistic or toxic individual in your life creates . Your truth and healing matter!
If you, or someone you know, need healing help after justice, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
152. Anything to Avoid Accountability: The Narcissist's Playbook
2025/10/31
Hey, Survivor!
Have you ever been used by the narcissist to avoid consequences? In this episode, I’m sharing about the latest hearing in the murder trial. I’ll talk about the defense’s strategy, the prosecutor’s insights, and how you can recognize narcissistic manipulation tactics disguised as mental illness, physical ailments, victimhood or rationalizations. You can prioritize your health and well-being by staying grounded in reality and speaking your truth - even when it’s hard and it hurts. Your courage matters!
If you, or someone you know, have been used to avoid accountability, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact [email protected]
Podcast reviews
Read THE VIBRANT SURVIVOR -How to Identify a Narcissist, Narcissistic Abuse, Toxic Relationships, Trauma Healing, Health, Wellness podcast reviews
Tx99_nf 2025/01/30
Must listen show!
If you are looking to heal from toxic relationships or not narcissistic abuse, this is the podcast! It is a must listen. Leslie does an excellent job ...
FamilyMovieNightforLDSPodcast 2025/01/24
Highly recommend
Lesley is a God-sent to so many! Thank you for what you're doing with this podcast! Abuse, toxic relationships, etc, are such hard topics but so many ...
healing122 2024/11/15
Love this podcast!
Thank you for what you are doing to help educate survivors.
verticalambassador 2024/07/06
Trauma informed!
Everyone needs to deal with their trauma, even more so with God at the center. I apprecaite the guidance this podcast gives to Christians. Thank you.
Turtle_1973 2024/05/16
Such a timely and relevant podcast!
As a Christian Family Estrangement Coach working with people who sometimes encounter Narcassism, as well as toxic situations, this is such a needed po...
Journey to Becoming Pod 💖 2024/05/07
Wealth of knowledge
Thank you for sharing clear and practical ways to call out the narcissist… I will definitely be sharing this podcast 🙏🙏
JenBoz123 2024/05/03
Great information!
Leslie’s podcast has a wealth of good information to share with her listeners. It has really helped me to understand and relate to some go-workers muc...
HCEdwards 2024/03/18
Fantastic podcast
I'm pretty sure I would have benefited from this ten years ago. As I was listening to ep54 I realized how much I didn't have support when I was experi...
TeresasBookReviews 2024/03/08
So informative
I work for a narcissist she bullies me and gaslights me and always has something to say to make me feel like nothing!
InsideOutFitnessandNutrition 2024/02/21
Empowering Teaching
Empowering! Confimring! Support! Just some of the words that come to mind to propel one to a healthy boundary!
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