Strictly Stalking Presents: Narcissistic Abuse with Vanessa Reiser featuring Dr. Ramani Durvasula
Strictly Stalking
Strictly Stalking
4.1 • 2.6K Ratings
🗓️ 22 May 2026
⏱️ 59 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this powerful and insightful episode, Vanessa Reiser sits down with Dr. Ramani Durvasula, one of the world's leading experts on narcissistic abuse and coercive control. They explore how public understanding of narcissistic abuse has evolved, particularly among younger generations who now have expanded language around gaslighting, love bombing, and coercive control. Dr. Ramani and Vanessa discuss the dangers of over-labeling, the limitations of "just leave" advice in complex situations, and how culture continues to reflect these toxic dynamics. Using the Epstein files as a lens, they examine grooming, enablers, epistemic power, and how unchecked power shapes harmful systems. Dr. Ramani shares practical harm-reduction strategies, the importance of healing in community, and the value of "climbing into the gray" without excusing harm.
KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED
Youth and the New Vocabulary Around Narcissistic Abuse Therapy Shifts and Rebuilding Agency Culture Rewriting Old Narratives (Amy Fisher / Joey Buttafuoco Case) Epstein Files: Grooming, Enablers, and Institutional Betrayal Kids Facing Modern Horror and Pattern Recognition Power Sadism and Lack of Accountability Covert Narcissists Explained Avoiding Narcissists: Practical Tips Spotting Limits and Safe Disengagement Staying Anchored in Yourself Amid Chaos What Continues to Move Dr. Ramani Therapists "Getting It" – Progress and Gaps Wild Gaslighting Examples and Environmental Manipulation Epistemic Power Explained When the Narcissist Leaves and Smear Campaigns Supply Networks and Control Tactics Collective Healing Through Community Leaning Into the Gray Without Excusing Harm
RESOURCES Dr. Ramani Durvasula's Books:
- Should I Stay or Should I Go?
- It's Not You
- Don't You Know Who I Am?
- You Are WHY You Eat
Dr. Ramani's Podcast: Navigating Narcissism Connect with Dr. Ramani: Instagram: @doctorramani Website: doctor-ramani.com AND Dr. Ramani's therapist only program can be found here: https://drramaninetwork.mn.co/therapistsonly
Connect with Vanessa Reiser: Instagram: @vanessareiserlcsw Patreon: For exclusive bonus content and deeper discussions
CONTENT WARNINGS This episode contains discussions of: Narcissistic abuse and coercive control Gaslighting and reality distortion Institutional betrayal and systemic power abuse Epstein-related allegations Emotional manipulation and trauma
QUOTES TO REMEMBER "The truth doesn't need your permission to exist." — Dr. Ramani Durvasula "Even when the system fails you, your body still knows the truth." — Dr. Ramani Durvasula "Climbing into the gray doesn't mean excusing harm — it means refusing to live in black-and-white thinking that keeps us stuck." — Vanessa Reiser
Disclaimer: This podcast is for mature audiences and is not a substitute for therapy, legal, or medical advice. Guest opinions are their own and don't necessarily reflect those of the host or affiliated platforms. Produced by Vanessa Reiser and music by Alex Productions "Once Upon a Time".
#NarcissisticAbuseWithVanessaReiser #VanessaReiser #TellATherapist #CoerciveControl #DrRamani #NarcissisticAbuse
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Have you ever felt trapped in a relationship that drains your soul, leaving you questioning your own sanity? |
| 0:06.7 | Welcome to Narcissistic Abuse with Vanessa Riser, the podcast that shines a light on the dark tactics of abusers and empower survivors to reclaim their lives. |
| 0:17.3 | I'm Vanessa Riser, licensed therapist, author, advocate, and fellow warrior on the path to healing from narcissistic and cult abuse. |
| 0:26.4 | Joining me for many upcoming episodes is my co-host Dave. |
| 0:30.4 | We'll unpack each conversation together, diving deeper into narcissistic abuse, cult dynamics, politics, pop culture, and what it all means for real life healing. |
| 0:42.0 | Today, we'll hear harrowing stories from survivors, explore the psychology behind these toxic relationships, |
| 0:49.0 | and share insights and tools to spot red flags, break free, and begin profound healing. This show is for mature audiences |
| 0:57.4 | and may include upsetting topics like violence. For full content warnings, sources and resources, |
| 1:04.2 | check the episode notes. Guest opinions are their own and don't necessarily reflect mine |
| 1:09.8 | or any affiliated platforms. This podcast is not |
| 1:13.5 | a substitute for therapy, legal, or medical advice. Today is extra special. I'm beyond honored to |
| 1:23.5 | welcome one of the most respected, authentic, and life-changing voices in this space, |
| 1:29.3 | Dr. Romney Dervasala. |
| 1:31.2 | For anyone who's new to her work, Dr. Romney is a clinical psychologist, professor, best-selling |
| 1:38.1 | author, and quite simply one of the clearest, most compassionate experts are narcissistic |
| 1:43.7 | abuse and narcissistic personality disorder |
| 1:46.7 | out there. Through her books like, should I stay or should I go, it's not you, and don't you |
| 1:54.3 | know who I am? Her TEDx talks, her wildly popular YouTube channel, and her tireless advocacy, she has given millions |
| 2:03.7 | of survivors the language to name what happened to them, the validation they were denied, |
| 2:09.3 | and the roadmap to heal. But here's what makes today feel so full circle for me. I'm proud to know |
| 2:16.8 | Dr. Romney, not just as the brilliant expert the world |
| 2:20.4 | sees, but as the real, down-to-earth fiercely kind human she is behind the scenes. Professionally, |
... |
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