The Gaslight Effect Podcast Robin Stern

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern is honored to be joined by two extraordinary individuals whose resilience and courage have transformed their experiences into beacons of hope.
Sarah Edmondson, a Canadian actress known for her roles in CBS's "Salvation" and numerous Hallmark Channel and Lifetime films, embarked on a journey of self-discovery when she encountered NXIVM, a personal development company led by Keith Raniere, promising the keys to unlocking human potential.
Alongside her husband and former college athlete, Anthony "Nippy" Ames, Sarah delved deep into NXIVM's teachings. Rising through the ranks, they both became integral figures within the organization, with Anthony drawn to its goals program and Sarah operating her own center in Vancouver.
However, their seemingly idyllic journey took a dark turn when they uncovered the truth behind NXIVM's facade. With courage and determination, Sarah blew the whistle on the organization's gaslighting and abusive practices, while Anthony wasted no time in helping burn its carefully constructed public image to the ground.
In 2019, Sarah published Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult that Bound My Life, with Kristine Gasbarre. In this tell-all memoir, she shares her story from the moment she takes her first seminar to her harrowing fight to get out. Sarah and Anthony's  full story as whistleblowers is featured in The Vow, the critically acclaimed HBO documentary series on NXIVM.  Also be sure to check out Sarah's powerful TED Talk about How To Spot A Cult. 
Now, as hosts of the enlightening podcast "A Little Bit Culty," Sarah and Anthony continue to shine a light on the healing process, engaging with experts and fellow survivors to navigate the complexities of recovery and resilience.
Join Robin as she delves into the depths of gaslighting and coercion with Sarah Edmondson and Anthony "Nippy" Ames, and explores how they emerged with newfound understanding and empowerment. 
To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.
Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/
Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a
Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

A QUICK WARNING: This episode contains discussions of traumatic events, violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, and graphic language. Listener discretion is advised.
On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern dives into the extraordinary journey of Jessica Willis Fisher—a tale of survival, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
Jessica's story unfolds with the haunting echoes of a tumultuous childhood, where the enigmatic philosophies of her controlling father cast a long shadow over her early years. From dreams of being surrounded by books to fantasies of becoming an author, Jessica's aspirations were stifled by the suffocating grip of manipulation and gaslighting.
In her gripping memoir, "Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice," Jessica offers a searing account of a life shaped by silence, secrecy, and the insidious tactics of gaslighting. Through the chaos of her upbringing, she grappled with doubts about her own reality—wondering if other girls faced the same forbidden truths, if other mothers feared their husbands, if other daddies invaded their daughters' bedrooms at night.
Despite the darkness that threatened to consume her, Jessica found solace in music—a refuge where her voice could break free from the chains of manipulation and reclaim its truth. As she resurfaced with her debut solo album, "Brand New Day," Jessica embraced her voice with a newfound sense of purpose and passion. Each note became a declaration of independence, each melody a testament to the strength found in vulnerability.
Join us as we delve deeper into Jessica's story, exploring the themes of survival, empowerment, the transformative power of art, the impact of gaslighting on her journey and the resilience that led her to reclaim her voice.
To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.
Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/
Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a
Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.
 

A QUICK WARNING: This episode contains discussions of traumatic events, violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, anxiety, depression, and graphic language. Listener discretion is advised.
Welcome to the Gaslight Effect Podcast, where we explore stories of courage, healing, and transformation. On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern has the privilege of speaking with Lucas Mack, a visionary leader who guides men on a pilgrimage of self-discovery and healing.
Lucas Mack's retreats offer a sacred space for men to embark on a journey inward—a journey to slay the pain of their past and reclaim their freedom. Surrounded by fellow seekers, participants confront their inner dragons, speak their truth, and embark on a path of healing that transcends the confines of their past traumas.
And now, Lucas has released his latest eBook, "Healing Our Soul to Find Our Light," a profound guide for those seeking to break free from the shadows of their past and step into the light of their true selves.
Lucas Mack's work is deeply rooted in his own journey of overcoming gaslighting and reclaiming his truth. Once a million-dollar business owner with a painful secret, Lucas is now liberated and changing lives as a coach, speaker, and healing catalyst.
If you met Lucas, you'd never know that he's a survivor of pretty horrific childhood abuse and trauma. On the outside, he appeared to have it all—a supportive wife, adorable children, a successful track record, an outgoing personality, the dream house, the big smile. But beneath the surface of that perfect picture, Lucas was severely depressed, anxious, and, at one point, suicidal.
It wasn’t until 2016 that Lucas understood why. A conversation with his abuser triggered a flood of traumatic memories from his childhood, forcing him to confront his past and seek healing. Through therapy, medication, and ultimately, an emotional intelligence seminar where he bravely shared his deepest truth with others, Lucas found the courage to confront his demons head-on.
Join Robin as she delves into Lucas Mack's remarkable journey of transformation and resilience, shedding light on the insidious nature of gaslighting and the power of reclaiming one's truth. Lucas's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of courage, compassion, and confronting gaslighting.
To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.
Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/
Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a
Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

IS social media toxic for women and girls?  On this episode, Dr. Kara Alaimo, author of "Over the Influence: Why Social Media is Toxic for Women and Girls - And How We Can Take It Back," hashes it out with Dr. Robin Stern.
Kara is a communication professor at Fairleigh Dickinson, where she created the university’s programs in social media, and has been writing for CNN Opinion about the social impact of social media and issues affecting women and girls since 2016.
Kara's latest release, "Over the Influence: Why Social Media is Toxic for Women and Girls - And How We Can Take It Back," is a timely and essential exploration of the impact of social media on women and girls, and highlights the need for meanigful conversations about gaslighting's pervasive influence in the digital age.
In exploring her new book release, Robin and Kara delve deep into the multifaceted ways social media shapes women's lives, from relationships and parenting to mental well-being. Dr. Alaimo illuminates how these platforms often perpetuate sexism and misogyny, targeting women with disparities in followership, fake news, and harmful content.
Despite these challenges, Kara empowers women with practical strategies to navigate the digital landscape. From managing daughters' social media usage to leveraging platforms for career advancement, Kara equips us with tools to reclaim control and protect ourselves from online threats.
"Over the Influence" serves as a rallying cry for women to challenge sexism, advocate for change, and foster inclusivity in the digital sphere.
Join us as we embark on a transformative journey with Kara Alaimo, unraveling the complexities of social media and reclaiming our power in the digital age.
You can read the full transcript of this episode and listen to other episodes, at robinstern.com, and please leave a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! 
Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/
Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a
Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern dives into the transformative journey of Emily Paulson - a beacon of courage, resilience, and authenticity in the realm of wellness and empowerment.
Emily Paulson's remarkable journey, chronicled in her books "Highlight Real: Finding Honesty & Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life" and "Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing," offers profound insights into the complexities of addiction recovery, motherhood, and the insidious nature of gaslighting.
In discussing her book "Highlight Real" with Robin, Emily talks about fearlessly confronting the shadows of addiction and gaslighting, sharing her personal odyssey of overcoming alcohol addiction and embracing sobriety. Through raw honesty and vulnerability, she shines a light on the manipulative tactics that seek to distort our reality and erode our sense of self-worth.
But Emily's exploration extends beyond addiction recovery. She also discusses with Robin her reason for writing her book "Hey, Hun," in which she exposes the hidden truths behind the glossy facade of multilevel marketing schemes, unraveling the gaslighting tactics that prey on vulnerability and perpetuate harmful ideologies. Her incisive analysis challenges conventional narratives, prompting readers and listeners to question the pervasive 'Hey, Hun' messages flooding our inboxes.
Moreover, Emily is the driving force behind the "Sober Mom Squad" - a sanctuary where motherhood intersects with sobriety, and connections flourish. This Squad, comprised of moms navigating the delicate balance of motherhood and sobriety, provides a lifeline of understanding and support. Through shared stories and unwavering solidarity, the Sober Mom Squad creates pockets of community in the midst of solitude.
Join Robin and Emily as they explore the transformative power of vulnerability, resilience, and connection. Through her courageous journey, Emily invites us to reclaim our truth, embrace our imperfections, and walk boldly along the path to self-discovery and empowerment.
You can read the full transcript of this episode and listen to other episodes, at robinstern.com, and please leave a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! 
Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/
Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a
Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern has a conversation with Dr. Craig Dowden, a renowned psychologist, executive coach, and author who specializes in unraveling the complexities of gaslighting and its impact on individuals and organizations.
For over 25 years, Craig has been fascinated by the links between positive psychology and the practice of leadership excellence, so much so that he pursued his PhD in Psychology and Business. His personal mission is to bridge the gap between what science knows and what leaders do.

Craig is passionate about teaching and coaching. Previously, he was a Professor at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada where he was twice nominated for the Capital Educators Award. Today, he serves as an executive coach to leaders in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors while supporting EMBA and AMBA students at the Richard Ivey School of Business.
Dr. Craig Dowden brings a wealth of expertise to our conversation, drawing from his extensive research and clinical experience in psychology and leadership development. As the author of insightful books like "Do Good to Lead Well: The Science and Practice of Positive Leadership" and "A Time To Lead", Craig sheds light on the intersection of leadership, emotional intelligence, and organizational effectiveness.
Join us as we dive deep into the nuances of gaslighting, unpacking its psychological mechanisms and offering empowering insights for reclaiming personal agency and fostering healthier relationships. 
Link to Craig's Podcast - Do Good To Lead Well
Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/
Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a
Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.