Beyond Mommy Dearest Podcast

Beyond Mommy Dearest

Beyond Mommy Dearest is a podcast for adult daughters navigating the complicated, often painful reality of difficult, emotionally immature, or narcissistic mothers. Hosted by a trauma-informed leadership coach, this show explores the long-term impact of mother-daughter wounds, boundary setting, grief, identity, and healing beyond blame. Through honest conversations, education, and lived experience, Beyond Mommy Dearest helps listeners reconnect with themselves, trust their instincts, and move forward with clarity, compassion, and strength.

  1. Healing After Narcissistic Abuse: Rebuild Self-Trust, Heal Your Nervous System & Reclaim Yourself | Coach Denalee

    6d ago

    Healing After Narcissistic Abuse: Rebuild Self-Trust, Heal Your Nervous System & Reclaim Yourself | Coach Denalee

    Reach out! You don't have to explain how crazy she was. We believe you!!! Healing After Narcissistic Abuse: Rebuild Self-Trust, Heal Your Nervous System & Reclaim Yourself | Coach Denalee Healing from narcissistic abuse is about more than surviving—it's about rebuilding trust in yourself, calming your nervous system, and reclaiming the life that was always yours. In this episode of Beyond Mommy Dearest, Coach Denalee shares practical insights on healing holistically, setting healthy boundaries, rediscovering your identity, and finding safety after emotional abuse. What You'll Learn How to rebuild self-trust after gaslightingWhy nervous system healing mattersThe role of boundaries in recoveryWhy healing isn't linearThe difference between healthy conflict and emotional abuseHow to reconnect with your authentic selfWhy safe, healthy relationships support healingIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need this conversation. Healing is possible. You are not alone, and your story doesn't end with survival—it begins with reclaiming yourself. Connect with Noelani | Beyond Mommy Dearest https://www.facebook.com/BeyondMommyDearest/https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.mommy.dearesthttps://www.instagram.com/beyondmommydearest/Connect with Coach Denalee https://www.youtube.com/@EatMoreChocolateProductions https://www.holisticnarcrecovery.com https://www.instagram.com/holistic.trauma.coach/ https://www.skool.com/holistic-recovery-from-abuse-5475/about?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio Support the show

    51 min
  2. High-Conflict Divorce, Narcissism & Family Court: Fighting for Your Children

    Jun 19

    High-Conflict Divorce, Narcissism & Family Court: Fighting for Your Children

    Reach out! You don't have to explain how crazy she was. We believe you!!! High-Conflict Divorce, Narcissism & Family Court: Fighting for Your Children Disclaimer This episode reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives shared during the conversation. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice, psychological diagnosis, medical advice, or professional guidance. Every family court case and family situation is unique. Listeners should consult qualified legal, mental health, medical, or other appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances and needs. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or podcast What happens when a parent finds themselves trapped in a high-conflict custody battle and fighting to maintain a relationship with their children? In this episode of Beyond Mommy Dearest, educator, father, and family court advocate Nick Garcia shares his experience navigating family court, false allegations, high-conflict personalities, parental alienation, self-representation, and the emotional toll prolonged litigation can take on parents and children. Drawing from years of firsthand experience, this conversation explores the realities of navigating a system that many families never expect to enter and the challenges that arise when conflict becomes the focus instead of the well-being of the children involved. Topics discussed include: • High-conflict divorce and custody disputes • Narcissistic traits and other Cluster B personality patterns that can appear in family conflict • The impact of false allegations on parents and children • Why documentation and the permanent record matter • Self-representation (pro per) and what parents should know before navigating court alone • How family court language, procedures, and systems can overwhelm families • The emotional and financial costs of prolonged litigation • The importance of remaining child-focused during conflict • How children experience loyalty conflicts between parents • Why one emotionally safe parent can make a significant difference in a child's life • The role of supportive relationships during times of crisis • Turning pain into purpose and advocacy • Learning to become a lighthouse instead of a lifeboat for your children At its core, this episode explores the impact that high-conflict relationships and prolonged family court disputes can have on both parents and children. It examines the challenges families face when communication breaks down, conflict escalates, and the legal system becomes part of the family dynamic. A central theme throughout the conversation is the importance of being a safe, emotionally available parent. Children do not need perfection. They need consistency, stability, and at least one adult who can provide love, support, and a sense of security during difficult times. The discussion also explores resilience, healing, and the ways adversity can inspire advocacy and growth. Through personal experiences and lessons learned, this episode aims to help families feel less alone while encouraging conversations about protecting children, navigating conflict, and maintaining hope during difficult seasons of life. Whether you're navigating divorce, recovering from family trauma, supporting someone through a custody dispute, or seeking to better understand high-conflict family dynamics, this conversation offers insight, perspective, and encouragement. Key Takeaway "Love your children more than you hate your ex." Connect with Noelani | Beyond Mommy Dearest https://www.facebook.com/BeyondMommyDearest/https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.mommy.dearesthttps://www.instagram.com/beyondmommydearest/Connect with Nick https://www.instagram.com/nativeandprose/Support the show

    1h 7m
  3. How Narcissistic Abuse Rewires Your Nervous System: Self-Trust, Boundaries & Healing

    Jun 12

    How Narcissistic Abuse Rewires Your Nervous System: Self-Trust, Boundaries & Healing

    Reach out! You don't have to explain how crazy she was. We believe you!!! In this powerful episode of Beyond Mommy Dearest, Noelani sits down with narcissistic abuse recovery coach Sami for an honest conversation about healing, self-trust, nervous system regulation, and breaking free from toxic relationship patterns. Sami shares her personal journey through multiple narcissistic relationships and explains how those experiences led her to become an advocate and coach for survivors. Together, Noelani and Sami explore the connection between childhood wounds, people-pleasing, emotional neglect, and the unconscious patterns that can keep survivors stuck in cycles of narcissistic abuse. The conversation dives deep into the physical signs of narcissistic abuse, including anxiety, insomnia, chronic headaches, hypervigilance, digestive issues, and the feeling that "something is off" even when everything appears fine on the surface. Noelani and Sami discuss: • Why survivors often struggle to trust themselves • How childhood experiences shape adult relationships • The difference between healthy boundaries and controlling behavior • Why people-pleasing develops as a survival strategy • How narcissists teach survivors to gaslight themselves • What self-trust actually feels like in the body • Common nervous system responses to emotional abuse • Why healthy relationships can initially feel "boring" • The importance of reconnecting with emotions and body awareness • The role of coaching versus therapy in recovery • How to recognize red flags before getting trapped in another toxic relationship • Why healing is not linear • Learning to choose yourself without guilt • The connection between abandonment wounds and toxic relationships • Why survivors deserve love exactly as they are right now One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Sami reminds listeners that they do not need to earn love through healing, perfection, or performance. They are worthy of love simply because they exist. If you've ever questioned your instincts, struggled with boundaries, or wondered why you keep attracting emotionally unavailable people, this episode offers practical insights and hope for recovery. Connect with Sami  Linktree iconFree resources & morelinktr.ee/samanthabachotacoaching https://www.facebook.com/samibachota?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio https://www.instagram.com/informed_healing/ Connect with Noelani | Beyond Mommy Dearest https://www.facebook.com/BeyondMommyDearest/https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.mommy.dearesthttps://www.instagram.com/beyondmommydearest/Resources Mentioned  • Feelings Wheel - https://canva.link/9volf8vn68ucp1g   Support the show

    1 hr
  4. Safety, Self-Abandonment, and Healing After Narcissistic Parents with Christian Van Linda

    Jun 5

    Safety, Self-Abandonment, and Healing After Narcissistic Parents with Christian Van Linda

    Reach out! You don't have to explain how crazy she was. We believe you!!! In this powerful episode, Noelani sits down with trauma recovery advocate Chris to explore what it means to heal from narcissistic parenting and reclaim a sense of self. Chris shares his personal journey from addiction recovery to becoming one of the most recognized voices discussing narcissistic parents, childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and complex PTSD online. Together they discuss: • Why narcissistic parents teach children that danger is safety and safety is danger • How emotional neglect can be just as damaging as overt abuse • The concept of "mental injuries" versus "mental illness" • Why survivors often struggle with decision-making, people-pleasing, and self-trust • How childhood trauma shows up in adult relationships • The hidden ways narcissistic parents sabotage their children • Why healthy relationships can feel "boring" to trauma survivors • The importance of community, coaching, therapy, and support groups in recovery • Learning to say no and rebuild boundaries • Parenting differently after being raised by narcissistic parents • Breaking generational cycles of trauma • The challenge of aging narcissistic parents and navigating guilt, obligation, and no-contact decisions One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation is that healing is not about fixing the relationship with the narcissist. Healing is about repairing your relationship with yourself. Whether you're just beginning your recovery journey or have been doing the work for years, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope. Connect with Chris: https://www.instagram.com/hype.r.vigilance Chris on Instagramhttps://tinyurl.com/bddemu7bm - Chris on Cameo https://bit.ly/4ahfgCz Chris’ Lint.reeConnect with Noelani | Beyond Mommy Dearest https://www.facebook.com/BeyondMommyDearest/https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.mommy.dearesthttps://www.instagram.com/beyondmommydearest/If this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate, and share the podcast so more survivors can find this space. Support the show

    1h 23m
  5. When Love Hurts: Inside I Love You, My Narcissist

    May 30 ·  Bonus

    When Love Hurts: Inside I Love You, My Narcissist

    Reach out! You don't have to explain how crazy she was. We believe you!!! When Love Hurts: Inside I Love You, My Narcissist In this episode of Beyond Mommy Dearest, host Noelani Pearl Hernandez sits down with Ali and Stefanie Schmahl, the producers behind the powerful upcoming film I Love You, My Narcissist. Together, they explore the emotional complexity of loving someone whose behavior is manipulative, controlling, and deeply harmful. Allie and Stephanie share what inspired them to create the film and how their research into narcissistic dynamics led them to interview survivors and experts, including Dr. Ramani, one of the leading voices on narcissistic abuse. The film blends documentary insight with fictional storytelling to help audiences understand the patterns, confusion, and emotional impact that narcissistic relationships can create. During the conversation, they discuss the subtle warning signs of narcissistic abuse, why survivors often struggle to leave, and how manipulation, gaslighting, and power dynamics slowly erode a person’s sense of self. They also highlight why it’s important to challenge the myths surrounding survivors and recognize that narcissistic abuse can happen to anyone. This episode is a powerful reminder that survivors are not weak, that narcissistic abuse is often misunderstood, and that conversations like these help people finally put language to experiences they may have carried silently for years. Learn more about the film and upcoming release: Discount Streaming  https://tinyurl.com/Iloveyoumynarcissist Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fh6bzqrhYc Teaser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xjCWCuualc Film Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ilymn.film Film Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ilymn.film/ Alefcine Production Company https://alefcinepictures.com/productions/ Alefcine Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alefcinepictures/ Alefcine Facebook https://www.facebook.com/alefcinepictures Beyond Mommy Dearest https://www.facebook.com/BeyondMommyDearest/ https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.mommy.dearest https://www.instagram.com/beyondmommydearest/ If this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate, and share the podcast so more survivors can find this space. And remember:  You’re not crazy. You’re not imagining things. And you’re not alone. Support the show

    1h 1m
  6. Silence Was Survival Healing Became Her Voice - Barbara, Author of Spells for Surviving a Haunted Childhood

    May 29

    Silence Was Survival Healing Became Her Voice - Barbara, Author of Spells for Surviving a Haunted Childhood

    Reach out! You don't have to explain how crazy she was. We believe you!!! Silence Was Survival. Healing Became Her Voice. | Barbara, Author of Spells for Surviving a Haunted Childhood What happens when the secrets you've carried your entire life finally find their way onto the page? In this deeply moving episode of Beyond Mommy Dearest, Noelani sits down with Barbara, author of the powerful trilogy Spells for Surviving a Haunted Childhood. Through a unique blend of memoir, poetry, magical realism, and healing practices, Barbara shares how writing helped her transform childhood trauma into a pathway toward healing. Together, they discuss childhood neglect, abandonment, emotional wounds, trauma recovery, nervous system healing, parenting after trauma, and the journey from surviving to thriving. Barbara opens up about growing up with a mother who literally left her for the circus, navigating abuse, carrying family secrets, and ultimately discovering that healing doesn't mean forgetting. It means learning how to live alongside your past without letting it define your future. In This Episode Why silence becomes a survival strategy for traumatized childrenHow trauma physically impacts the body and nervous systemThe healing power of writing, journaling, art, and storytellingWhat a "haunted childhood" really looks likeGrowing up feeling unseen, unheard, and aloneThe difference between surviving and healingLearning to identify and name emotionsParenting after trauma and breaking generational cyclesWhy healing is not linearThe impact of childhood abandonment and neglectHow awareness becomes the bridge between the haunted and the healerThe importance of finding safe peopleHealing from complex trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)Why survivors need spaces where they are believedTrigger Warning This episode includes discussions of: Childhood abuseSexual abuseEmotional abuseChildhood neglectSuicide attemptsTrauma and PTSD/C-PTSDMental health challengesPlease listen at your own pace and prioritize your well-being. Connect with Barbara Follow Barbara on Instagram  Buy Barabara books Book 1 - https://amzn.to/49uI4Hs Book 2 - https://amzn.to/4fN1I5d Book 3 - https://amzn.to/4uysW4c https://canva.link/9volf8vn68ucp1g - Feeling Wheel  https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean - ACEs beyondmommydearest.com  https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLVPR1DTKQG4P/checkout/IHYS6DJ4XJCQKFSKT5ROOVXH - Drop in Session - $19.99 https://www.facebook.com/BeyondMommyDearest/ https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.mommy.dearest https://www.instagram.com/beyondmommydearest/ Why Teens May (Temporarily) Push Their Parents Away - https://www.fosteringresilience.com/article/why-teens-may-temporarily-push-their-parents-away Support the show

    1h 4m
  7. This Is Not In Your Head: The Neuroscience of Narcissistic Abuse

    May 22

    This Is Not In Your Head: The Neuroscience of Narcissistic Abuse

    Reach out! You don't have to explain how crazy she was. We believe you!!! This Is Not In Your Head: The Neuroscience of Narcissistic Abuse In this deeply validating and eye-opening episode, Noelani Pearl Hernandez sits down with Meghan Woods, Licensed MFT, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II, and Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician, for a powerful conversation about the long-term impact of narcissistic abuse on the brain, nervous system, body, and identity. Together, they unpack why survivors often struggle to trust themselves, how gaslighting rewires the brain, and why narcissistic abuse is so much more than “just emotional abuse.” Meghan explains how trauma bonds mimic addiction through neurochemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, cortisol, and adrenaline, leaving survivors trapped in cycles of confusion, hypervigilance, dissociation, and self-doubt. This episode explores: Why survivors often think they are the narcissistHow narcissistic abuse impacts the nervous systemTrauma bonds and the addiction-like cycle of abuseHypervigilance, dissociation, doomscrolling, and nervous system shutdownThe connection between trauma, autoimmune disease, shingles, stress, and chronic illnessWhy healing is not linearThe difference between talking about trauma and actually processing itEMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) explained in accessible languageWhy boundaries and no-contact can feel terrifyingHow unresolved childhood trauma shows up in adult romantic relationshipsThe importance of rebuilding self-trust and listening to your gutHealthy communication, nervous system regulation, and “take a break” techniques for couplesWhy narcissistic abuse survivors are not weak, broken, or “too sensitive” “This is not in your head. This is physiological. This is neurological. This is psychological.” Whether you’re healing from a narcissistic parent, romantic partner, workplace, or high-control environment, this episode offers validation, education, and hope. Meghan Woods is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II, and Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician specializing in trauma recovery, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and narcissistic abuse treatment. She is the founder of Connecting Pathways Trauma & Marriage Therapy Inc. and works with clients navigating trauma, attachment wounds, narcissistic abuse recovery, and nervous system healing. Learn more about Meghan and her work at: Connecting Pathways Trauma & Marriage Therapy Inc. https://www.instagram.com/mwoodslmft/ Connect With Beyond Mommy Dearest Beyond Mommy Dearest  beyondmommydearest.com  https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLVPR1DTKQG4P/checkout/IHYS6DJ4XJCQKFSKT5ROOVXH - Drop in Session - $19.99 https://www.facebook.com/BeyondMommyDearest/ https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.mommy.dearest https://www.instagram.com/beyondmommydearest/ Used in this episode  Noelani’s Cup - https://amzn.to/3RlHA05 Heating Pad - https://shop.madeinsantacruz.com/page7.html Axolotl Squishy Stress Relief Toy Glitter - https://amzn.to/4doyisK If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need this conversation today. Healing happens in community. 💛 Support the show

    1h 10m
  8. The Hidden Connections Between Cult Leaders and Narcissistic Mothers and the similar playbook they use

    May 16 ·  Bonus

    The Hidden Connections Between Cult Leaders and Narcissistic Mothers and the similar playbook they use

    Reach out! You don't have to explain how crazy she was. We believe you!!! What do cult leaders and narcissistic mothers have in common? More than most people realize. In this gripping episode of Beyond Mommy Dearest, Noelani sits down with Mark Vicente for a powerful conversation about narcissistic abuse, coercive control, cult psychology, trauma bonds, and the shocking similarities between cult leaders and narcissistic family systems. Mark shares how his experience inside a manipulative organization led him to become obsessed with understanding narcissism and emotional control. What began as a search for answers eventually became the foundation for The Narcissist Playbook, where he interviewed self-confessed narcissists in an attempt to finally understand the mindset behind manipulation, gaslighting, shame, and coercive control. Noelani and Mark unpack the eerie parallels between cult leaders and narcissistic mothers, including: Love bombing and emotional conditioningData mining and psychological manipulationTrauma bonding and controlGaslighting and self-doubtShame as a weaponIdealism and exploitationWhy survivors blame themselvesWhy narcissists target empathetic peopleThe connection between cults and family systemsHealing from narcissistic abuseLearning to trust yourself againWhy boundaries are essential for survivalThey also discuss the emotional aftermath of leaving manipulative systems, the grief that comes with realizing you were psychologically controlled, and how healing often requires rebuilding your relationship with yourself from the ground up. This episode is validating, emotional, eye-opening, and deeply important for anyone recovering from narcissistic abuse, toxic family dynamics, coercive control, or cult-like relationships. If you’ve ever asked yourself:  “How did I not see it?”  “Why do narcissists all operate the same way?”  “Why do I still feel trapped emotionally?”  “Why does this feel so similar to a cult?” This episode is for you. The Narcissitic Playbook  Make a donation and get a early screening, May 30  https://tinyurl.com/NarcissistsPlaybookNPH The Vow - Learn more about NXIVM  https://tinyurl.com/TheVowHBO  Connect with Mark  http://instagram.com/markvicente - Instagram https://www.markvicente.com - Website https://tinyurl.com/WhatTheBleepDoWeKnowBMD - What the Bleep Do we Know?  The Movie Beyond Mommy Dearest  beyondmommydearest.com  https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLVPR1DTKQG4P/checkout/IHYS6DJ4XJCQKFSKT5ROOVXH - Drop in Session - $19.99 https://www.facebook.com/BeyondMommyDearest/ https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.mommy.dearest https://www.instagram.com/beyondmommydearest/ Support the show

    1h 5m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Beyond Mommy Dearest is a podcast for adult daughters navigating the complicated, often painful reality of difficult, emotionally immature, or narcissistic mothers. Hosted by a trauma-informed leadership coach, this show explores the long-term impact of mother-daughter wounds, boundary setting, grief, identity, and healing beyond blame. Through honest conversations, education, and lived experience, Beyond Mommy Dearest helps listeners reconnect with themselves, trust their instincts, and move forward with clarity, compassion, and strength.

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