Narcissism Decoder
by Dr. Anthony Mazzella
They Understand Your Feelings… But Do They Care? Understanding…
About this podcast
Trying to understand narcissism, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), narcissistic relationships, or narcissistic abuse? The Narcissism Decoder goes beyond identifying narcissism to explore why it develops, why people feel and behave the way they do, and how meaningful change is possible.
Unlike most podcasts, we approach narcissism with curiosity rather than condemnation. Understanding—not judgment—is the first step toward healing and change. Whether you’re trying to understand someone with narcissistic traits or recognize these patterns in yourself, this podcast offers compassionate, evidence-informed insights through a psychodynamic lens.
Through clinical insight, practical examples, and compelling stories, we explore the many dimensions of narcissism, including relationships, personality development, trauma, and the unconscious emotional forces that shape behavior. The goal is to transform the way you understand narcissism, moving beyond labels and stereotypes toward deeper insight, healthier relationships, and meaningful change.
Join us as we explore the deeper psychology of narcissism—one conversation at a time.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 188 episodes
- They Understand Your Feelings… But Do They Care? Understanding Empathy | Epi 181 · 18 min · Season 4 Episode 181In this episode we explore what empathy really means—and why it is more complex than simply understanding how someone feels. We discuss the difference between recognizing another…
- Growing Up with a Borderline Mother: How Childhood Shapes Adult Love and Connection| Epi 180 · 23 min · Season 4 Episode 180In this episode, I continue my conversation with Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health provider specializing in maternal…
- The Hidden Impact of Growing Up with a Borderline Mother: How It Shapes a Child’s Mind | Epi 179 · 19 min · Season 4 Episode 179In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Emily Guarnotta to explore the hidden psychological impact of growing up with a mother functioning at a borderline level of personality…
- Why It's So Hard to Leave: What Are You Really Holding Onto? | Epi 178 · 20 min · Season 4 Episode 178In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Kristin Davin, we explore why letting go of an unhealthy relationship is often about much more than losing another person. Together, we…
- Why Do We Stay in Unhealthy Relationships? The Psychology of Feeling Stuck | Epi 177 · 24 min · Season 4 Episode 177In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kristin Davin, a licensed psychologist, relationship therapist, and author with more than 20 years of experience helping people break…
- Don't Begin with the Rage: Understanding What Aggression Is Expressing | Epi 176 · 17 min · Season 4 Episode 176In this episode, we continue our exploration of vulnerable narcissism by examining one of its most misunderstood features: aggression. Rather than viewing rage, resentment, and…
- Healing from a Covert Narcissistic Mother: Reclaiming the Self | Epi 175 · 16 min · Season 4 Episode 175This episode is the second excerpt from my interview at the Healing the Mother Wound Summit. We explore why the impact of a covert narcissistic mother extends far beyond…
- The Covert Narcissistic Mother: When a Mother Is There... But Not There | Epi 174 · 13 min · Season 4 Episode 174This episode is an excerpt from my interview at the Healing the Mother Wound Summit. We explore why the covert narcissistic mother can be so difficult to recognize, how seemingly…
- Why Arguing with a Narcissist Never Works - and What Helps {Rebroadcast} · 28 min · Season 3In this conversation, Gordon Brewer and I meet up again on his channel to explore what actually creates movement in narcissistic relationships—especially when traditional…
- Covert Narcissism Explained: Why Validation Feels Like Survival {Rebroadcast} · 17 min · Season 3In this episode — the first in a new “Consolidation Series” — I begin responding directly to your questions and thoughtful observations. If everyone wants to feel understood…
- Why She Couldn't Let Go | Epi 173 · 19 min · Season 3 Episode 173In this second part of my conversation with Jessica Pressler we continue our exploration of narcissistic sibling dynamics by looking at how these patterns are unconsciously…
- How a Narcissistic Sibling Becomes the Emotional Center of the Family | Epi 172 · 23 min · Season 3 Episode 172In this episode, Jessica Pressler and I explore the often-overlooked impact of growing up with a narcissistic sibling. Together, we examine how one child's emotional world can…
- Why It's So Hard to Leave a Covert Narcissist: Attachment & Fantasy | Epi 171 · 17 min · Season 3 Episode 171In this second part of my conversation with Dr. Melissa Kalt, we go beyond understanding covert narcissistic relationships and ask a much deeper question: Why do people remain…
- Why High-Functioning People Get Stuck in Relationships with Covert Narcissists | Epi 170 · 33 min · Season 3 Episode 170In the first part of my conversation with Dr. Melissa Kalt, we explore why covert narcissism is so difficult to recognize and why high-functioning, thoughtful, and…
- Why Saying No Feels So Dangerous: Toxic Guilt and Narcissistic Parents | Epi 169 · 24 min · Season 3 Episode 169In this episode, we dive into Part 2 of my conversation with Hannah Alderete, a Dynamic Emotion Focused Therapist and Certified Relational Trauma Coach, as we explore the deeper…
- Toxic Guilt: Why Adult Children of Narcissistic Parents Feel Guilty for Saying No | Epi 168 · 23 min · Season 3 Episode 168In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah Alderete, a Dynamic Emotion Focused Therapist and Certified Relational Trauma Coach, to explore the difference between healthy and toxic…
- Why Do People Stay in Narcissistic Relationships? The Hidden Motivations | Epi 167 · 25 min · Season 3 Episode 167In the second part of my conversation with Kamini Wood, we take a deeper look at how early emotional wounds and survival strategies begin resurfacing in adult relationships. We…
- Do You Need Better Boundaries ... or to Stop Living in Their Reality? Borderline Parent | Epi 166 · 22 min · Season 3 Episode 166In this episode, we return to our consolidation series to explore a listener's deeply thoughtful questions about maintaining a relationship with a father who displays significant…
- The Impact of Childhood Attachment on Narcissism | Epi 165 · 22 min · Season 3 Episode 165In this first part of my conversation with Kamini Wood, we take a deep dive into the complexities of narcissism, exploring the difference between narcissistic traits and…
- Why Do I Pull Away When Someone Gets Too Close? | Epi 164 · 18 min · Season 3 Episode 164In this episode, we dive into The Fear of Dependency When a Relationship Starts to Matter. Why do some people feel deeply connected, hopeful, and excited about a new…







