Beyond Narcissism: Understanding the Full Spectrum of Abuse with Abuser Intervention Specialist, Lundy Bancroft
Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast
Release Date: 03/25/2025
Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast
In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon speaks with somatic healer and coach Lori James about the powerful role of somatic healing in recovering from the trauma of divorce. They explore how emotional pain from divorce and toxic relationships often becomes stored in the body, manifesting as anxiety, depression, and physical tension. Lori shares her own post-divorce healing journey and explains how somatic practices — such as breathwork, movement, and body awareness — can help individuals reconnect with their inner wisdom, process deep emotional wounds, and...
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In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist, certified co-parenting coach, mediator, and award-winning author Aurisha Smolarski. Together, they explore effective co-parenting strategies after divorce, with a focus on creating stability and emotional security for your children. Aurisha shares actionable advice on how to shift from a romantic partnership to a cooperative co-parenting dynamic, while building a foundation rooted in communication, consistency, and connection. You’ll also learn how...
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In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, Karen McMahon sits down with Craig Perra, a global leader in sex and porn addiction recovery. Craig explores the deep-rooted causes of compulsive sexual behavior, especially in high-achieving men and women navigating high-conflict divorce. He shares how lack of self-love, shame, and isolation fuel addiction—and how accountability and community drive healing. For partners of sex addicts, Craig offers empowering insights and guidance on separating their self-worth from their partner’s behavior. Learn how to break toxic cycles,...
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The divorce conversation has happened—and now you’re still living together.** Tensions are high, emotions are raw, and the atmosphere at home feels like a ticking time bomb. In this episode, we unpack what to do *after* the divorce bomb drops—how to survive and even strategically thrive in the uncomfortable in-between of sharing space with someone you’re separating from. First things first: before anything escalates, it’s critical to understand your legal rights and quietly begin gathering financial documentation—especially if there’s a risk your spouse might hide or manipulate...
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Disclaimer: This conversation includes discussions of sensitive topics such as rape and trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. In this empowering episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon sits down with Kyera T. Kacey, Author of Rich B$tch Money Goals and founder of LiberateHER™. Kyera shares her transformative journey of overcoming trauma, including sexual assault and two divorces. She emphasizes the power of personal responsibility, self-love, and authenticity in healing and growth. Kyera discusses how embracing these principles helped her...
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Divorce often uncovers hidden money patterns that impact both your relationship and divorce negotiations. In this episode, we explore how your money personality—whether you're a spender or a saver—shapes your marriage and divorce. We dive into the deeper financial motivations that may be influencing your decisions and offer strategies to break free from limiting beliefs around money. Divorce isn’t just an ending; it’s an opportunity to reshape your financial future. Learn how to use this time of transition to create clarity, confidence, and joy in your financial choices. You can emerge...
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In this episode, expert coach Dawn Smith joins Karen McMahon to dive into marital conflict and how to navigate relationship challenges. With over a decade of experience understanding how men and women process emotions and make decisions differently, Dawn provides strategies for couples facing marriage issues. Dawn combines couples counseling with practical coaching to help partners break free from disconnection patterns, fostering deeper communication and understanding. Her actionable tools are especially helpful for couples at a crossroads or struggling with communication and conflict....
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Divorce can disrupt every aspect of your life—your home, finances, and family dynamic. Clarity is key to navigating this challenge successfully. In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Vacca, a leading New York divorce attorney and expert in collaborative divorce, to explore essential steps for a smoother process. We discuss understanding your legal rights, organizing financials, initiating the conversation with your spouse, and co-parenting, especially while living under the same roof. It's about starting strong, staying child-focused, and minimizing conflict. Andrea also shares strategies...
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In this episode, Lundy Bancroft, a renowned expert on narcissism, abusive relationships, and the family court system, reveals how abusive men manipulate both their partners and the legal system to maintain control. With over 30 years of experience working with abusers and training professionals, Lundy exposes the subtle and overt tactics used by high-conflict individuals to gain power in custody disputes and other legal battles. He shares eye-opening insights from his books, Why Does He Do That? and The Batterer as Parent, highlighting the systemic failures in family courts that often work in...
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Divorce, especially in high-conflict situations, can feel like an endless emotional tug-of-war. In this solo episode, Karen dives into the struggles of trying to control a soon-to-be ex during divorce proceedings, whether it's about co-parenting, finances, or decision-making. Engaging in these battles only fuels the high-conflict personality and keeps you stuck in stress and frustration. Karen explains why divorce conflict intensifies when you “hold the rope” and offers a powerful framework for knowing when to fight and when to let go. Sometimes, the best move in high-conflict divorce is...
info_outlineIn this episode, Lundy Bancroft, a renowned expert on narcissism, abusive relationships, and the family court system, reveals how abusive men manipulate both their partners and the legal system to maintain control. With over 30 years of experience working with abusers and training professionals, Lundy exposes the subtle and overt tactics used by high-conflict individuals to gain power in custody disputes and other legal battles. He shares eye-opening insights from his books, Why Does He Do That? and The Batterer as Parent, highlighting the systemic failures in family courts that often work in favor of abusers, despite clear evidence of harm. Lundy explains why survivors of abuse find themselves in difficult, uphill battles when trying to protect their children and the emotional toll this takes.
Lundy also provides practical advice for mothers navigating high-conflict divorces and custody disputes, outlining critical steps to level the playing field and protect children from further harm. He dives deep into the biases within the legal process that enable dangerous individuals to gain access to their children, even when their behavior is abusive.
Through this conversation, Lundy offers a powerful look into how the family court system operates, how survivors can reclaim their power, and the ways in which we can push back against a broken system. This episode is an essential listen for anyone dealing with narcissism, abuse, and the complexities of high-conflict divorce and custody battles.
Connect with Lundy:
- Book - Not To People Like Us: https://www.amazon.com/People-Hidden-Abuse-Upscale-Marriages/dp/B0009K75UO
- Book - When Dad Hurts Mom: https://www.amazon.com/When-Dad-Hurts-Mom-Witnessing/dp/0425200310
- Book - The Batterer as Parent: https://www.amazon.com/Batterer-Parent-Addressing-Domestic-Violence/dp/1412972051
- Book - Should I Stay or Should I Go?: https://www.amazon.com/Should-Stay-Relationship-Can-Should-be/dp/042523889X
- Book - Daily Wisdom: https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Wisdom-Does-That-Encouragement/dp/0425265102#:~:text=Book%20details&text=Lundy%20Bancroft%20expands%20on%20his,what%20is%20happening%20to%20you.
- Book - The Joyous Recovery: https://www.amazon.com/Joyous-Recovery-Approach-Emotional-Wellness/dp/0578464691
- Book - In Custody: https://www.amazon.com/Custody-Carrie-Green-Novel/dp/B09BGLY3P8
- Website: https://lundybancroft.com/
- Listen to Lundy's BorderlinerNotes YT episode: https://youtu.be/ywsTdzkiPF0?si=TUOmWrBy1pH8u7n1
Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:
- Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
- Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
- Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg
A word from our sponsor:
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We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd