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

    2d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Coercive Control, Narcissism & Trauma Bonds: How Emotional Abuse Rewires Your Reality

    May 15

    Coercive Control, Narcissism & Trauma Bonds: How Emotional Abuse Rewires Your Reality

    Reach out! You don't have to explain how crazy she was. We believe you!!! What happens when love, manipulation, control, and confusion all exist in the same relationship? In this deeply validating episode of Beyond Mommy Dearest, Noelani sits down with counselor and criminologist Shalina Lodhia to unpack the hidden realities of narcissism, coercive control, intergenerational trauma, and emotional abuse. Together, they explore how subtle manipulation slowly erodes self-trust, why survivors often blame themselves, and how the body keeps score long after the abuse begins. Shalina shares how her own lived experience witnessing domestic violence and coercive control in her South Asian community led her into counseling and advocacy work. The conversation dives into trauma bonds, gaslighting, narcissistic family systems, emotional invalidation, and the exhausting cognitive dissonance survivors experience when kindness and cruelty coexist in the same relationship. This episode also explores: The connection between narcissism and coercive controlWhy survivors constantly question themselvesThe subtle signs of emotional abuse most people missHow trauma shows up physically in the bodyWhy self-blame becomes a survival mechanismThe difference between healthy conflict and manipulationThe long-term effects of chronic emotional stressWhy narcissists rarely seek therapyHow to begin rebuilding self-trust after abuseThe importance of journaling and external anchorsWhy healing starts with internal validationWe discuss cultural silence around abuse in Filipino, South Asian, and immigrant communities, and why these conversations are critical for breaking intergenerational cycles. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering:  “Is it me?”  “Am I overreacting?”  “Why do I feel anxious all the time around this person?” This episode is for you.    https://www.instagram.com/counsellorshalina https://www.facebook.com/counsellorshalinalodhia/ https://tr.ee/SxQNVoVxt9 - Free Guide: Narcissism & Coercive Control 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 3m
  8. Male Narcissistic Abuse Survivor Story: Covert Narcissist Wife,  Gaslighting, Financial  Abuse & Smear Campaigns

    May 8

    Male Narcissistic Abuse Survivor Story: Covert Narcissist Wife, Gaslighting, Financial Abuse & Smear Campaigns

    Reach out! You don't have to explain how crazy she was. We believe you!!! Male Narcissistic Abuse Survivor Story: Covert Narcissist Wife,  Gaslighting, Financial  Abuse & Smear Campaigns 🎙️ Abuse has no gender. In this powerful episode of the Beyond Mommy Dearest Podcast, Noelani sits down with Doug Buggle, featured in The Narcissist Playbook, to talk about surviving covert narcissistic abuse, navigating the aftermath of psychological manipulation, and rebuilding self-trust after years of emotional chaos. Doug shares his firsthand experience of being married to a covert narcissist, the confusion and trauma that followed, and the difficult journey through divorce and healing. Together, they unpack the difference between toxic relationships and true narcissistic abuse, how trauma impacts the nervous system, and why survivors often question their own reality long after the relationship ends. The conversation also explores co-parenting, emotional safety, gaslighting, recovery, and what healthy relationships can actually look like after surviving abuse. This episode is a reminder that survivors come in all genders and healing is possible. ✨ Topics Include: • Covert narcissistic abuse • Male survivors of abuse • Gaslighting and psychological manipulation • Trauma and nervous system responses • Co-parenting after toxic relationships • Rebuilding self-trust • Healing from emotional abuse • What healthy conflict looks like 🎧 New episode drops Friday. Doug's Book - https://amzn.to/4dhDnSr Doug's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dougbuggle/ Beyond Mommy Dearest - https://www.instagram.com/beyondmommydearest/ The Narcissist's Playbook purchase film - https://www.narcissistsplaybook.com/short-trailer-landing-page?utm_source=weeks_aff_hernandez Heal with Beyond Mommy Dearest -  https://www.beyondmommydearest.org/monthlysupport This episode's sponsored by https://thehappycannabus.com Promo code BMD20 Support the show

    1h 58m

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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.