060 - Gaslit By Doctors: Former CIA Officer Marc Polymeropoulos On Overcoming Medical Gaslighting and Finding Clarity In Crisis
Release Date: 12/17/2024
076 - Purpose Over Prestige: Reframing the College Quest
The Gaslight Effect Podcast
On this episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes college‑admissions veteran —founder of and author of Fat Envelope Frenzy and B+ Grades, A+ College Applications. Joie, a Dartmouth alum and former Assistant Director of Admissions, reveals how her own curiosity about the process led her to guide students away from small missteps and toward a more empowered, self‑directed path. Together, Stern and Jager‑Hyman demystify the intense pressures of Ivy‑League admissions—from “fat‑envelope envy” and the ever‑escalating expectations of top high schools,...
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075 - Misbelief: Dan Ariely on Conspiracy Theories and Cognitive Bias
The Gaslight Effect Podcast
On this episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern sits down with behavioral economist and bestselling author —whose books have upended the way we think about decision-making—to expose how gaslighting operates not only between individuals but on a mass scale. Drawing on his own experience of being targeted by conspiracy theories during the pandemic, Ariely reveals how fear and simple narratives can be weaponized to warp our perception of reality and undermine our trust in what we “know.” Together, Robin and Daniel demonstrate how our overconfidence in everyday...
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074 - The Hidden Burnout: Breaking Free from Emotional Inflammation
The Gaslight Effect Podcast
In this insightful and uplifting episode, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes award-winning journalist to explore a concept that feels more important than ever: emotional inflammation. Stacey Colino is an award-winning writer specializing in health, psychology, and wellness. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Parade, and many other publications. She’s also the co-author of , a compassionate guide to finding clarity and balance in an anxious, often overwhelming world. If you’ve ever felt constantly on edge, like you’re living in a low-grade state of...
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073 - Turning Down The Inner Critic: How Internal Gaslighting Blocks Creativity, And What To Do About It
The Gaslight Effect Podcast
On this episode of The Gaslight Effect podcast, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes , Senior Research Scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, for a powerful conversation about how gaslighting—especially the kind we direct at ourselves—can sabotage creativity. Together, they examine the subtle but damaging effects of internal gaslighting: the self-doubt, second-guessing, and emotional suppression that keep us from pursuing creative ideas or expressing ourselves fully. Dr. Pringle explains how emotional intelligence can help us recognize these internalized messages, regulate our...
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072 - Redefining Leadership: David McLaughlin on Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence, and the Modern Workplace
The Gaslight Effect Podcast
On this episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, host Dr. Robin Stern welcomes , M.Ed, SHRM-SCP, CWMF, founder of , host of podcast, and author of for a timely conversation about how emotional intelligence and mindfulness can transform modern leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience in organizational development and his podcast, David offers a fresh take on what leadership should look like in today’s workplace. Together, David and Robin examine the subtle ways gaslighting can show up in professional settings—often disguised as “just business”—and how leaders can...
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071 - Gaslighting on the World Stage: Ramu Damodaran on Leadership, Truth, and Dignity
The Gaslight Effect Podcast
In this captivating episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by — esteemed diplomat, scholar, former Chief of the United Nations Academic Impact initiative, and a distinguished voice in global communications and public service. With a career that spans over four decades — including pivotal roles in the and the — Ramu shares a profound and nuanced perspective on how gaslighting operates not only in personal relationships but also at the highest levels of diplomacy, media, and global policy. He unpacks how narratives are shaped, distorted, and contested...
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070 - Reclaiming Your Voice: The Journey to Post-Traumatic Parenting
The Gaslight Effect Podcast
In this enlightening episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, in honor of , Dr. Robin Stern welcomes clinical psychologist and trauma expert for a powerful conversation on breaking free from psychological control, reclaiming identity, and the complex process of healing from gaslighting. Dr. Koslowitz, founder of and host of the , draws from her extensive clinical experience working with individuals from insular and high-control communities. She shares profound insights on how gaslighting can dismantle a person’s internal world—especially when embedded in religious, cultural, or...
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069 - From Gaslighting to Activism: The Role of Youth in Shaping Political Discourse
The Gaslight Effect Podcast
In this thought-provoking episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by two distinguished scholars—, Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and , Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Associate Director of the Media & Social Change Lab (MASCLab). Together, they explore how young people are responding to and resisting gaslighting in today’s media and political landscapes. We dive into the subtle and systemic ways gaslighting operates at the societal level—through disinformation,...
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068 - Stuck In A Role: Diana Feldman on Drama, Trauma, and Reclaiming Personal Agency
The Gaslight Effect Podcast
In this compelling episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, host Dr. Robin Stern welcomes , a trailblazer in the field of drama therapy and the founder of a groundbreaking non-profit organization that served over 200,000 students in New York City schools for 25 years. Diana shares her journey of developing the —an evidence-based approach recognized by the American Group Psychotherapy Association as the Best Creative Group Counseling Method. She discusses how drama therapy helps individuals process trauma, reclaim their narratives, and build emotional resilience. With insights from her...
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067 - Lifting Each Other Up: How Women’s Mentorship Is Empowering The Next Generation
The Gaslight Effect Podcast
On this special Women’s History Month episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence’s high school initiatives, and . As a leading expert in social-emotional learning (SEL), Jessica’s work helps students develop emotional awareness, build healthier relationships, and create positive school climates. Dr. Stern and Jessica explore the critical role of women mentoring women, discussing how mentorship can foster confidence, resilience, and leadership—especially in environments where gaslighting and self-doubt...
info_outlineOn today's episode, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes Marc Polymeropoulos, a distinguished leader whose experiences offer profound insights into thriving under pressure and navigating the complexities of manipulation—including his own battles with the effects of gaslighting in high-stakes environments.
Marc retired from the Senior Intelligence Service ranks in 2019 after an extraordinary 26-year career in the Intelligence Community, where he served in operational field and leadership assignments. As one of the most highly decorated field officers in the Intelligence Community, Marc is an expert in counterterrorism, covert action, and human intelligence collection.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Marc has faced significant personal challenges, including a mysterious health condition that emerged after his service and was compounded by medical gaslighting. Despite being dismissed and misdiagnosed by numerous medical professionals, Marc refused to accept incomplete answers. His determination to advocate for himself and uncover the truth about his condition is a testament to his resilience and unwavering pursuit of clarity. Through persistence, he ultimately found the support and care he needed, turning this personal struggle into a powerful example of overcoming manipulation and advocating for one’s well-being
In his book, Clarity in Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the CIA, published by HarperCollins in 2021, Marc shares lessons from his extraordinary career to help others find strength amidst chaos. His mission is to bring his unique experiences from the world’s hot spots into the sports and business arenas, helping leaders recognize and overcome manipulation, including gaslighting, while fostering resilience and clarity.
To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.
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Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders
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