The Gaslight Effect Podcast

Robin Stern
The Gaslight Effect Podcast

Gaslight (/ˈɡaslīt/). Verb. Manipulating someone by psychological means into questioning their own reality. The Gaslight Effect podcast is hosted by Dr. Robin Stern, co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of the best-selling book, The Gaslight Effect. On her podcast, Robin helps listeners identify gaslighting, to escape the destructive dynamic and reclaim their reality.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    059 - The Global Beauty Trap: A Conversation with Elise Hu on K-Beauty, Culture and Perfectionism

    In this episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern is  joined by award-winning journalist, author, and NPR correspondent, Elise Hu, to discuss the intricate and often overwhelming world of beauty standards. Drawing from her book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital, Elise combines international reporting, cultural commentary, and personal memoir to explore the global rise of K-Beauty culture and the power of appearance standards around the world. Robin and Elise dive into the pressures of keeping up with beauty norms, using South Korea's intense appearance expectations as a starting point to examine how technological advancements are likely to heighten the pressure to look "better"—for those who can afford it. Elise shares her insights on the “gaslighting” effect of beauty culture in a hyperconnected world, where digital and social platforms amplify unrealistic ideals and make self-worth seem tied to how well we meet them. Join Robin and Elise for a compelling conversation on how beauty standards are shaping our identities, the impact of technology on appearance expectations, and what it means to find authenticity in a world that often tells us we’re never enough. 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 Dr. Robin Stern's Books: The Gaslight Effect The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders 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.

    42 min
  2. NOV 19

    058 - Why Do We Stay? Stephanie Quayle on Gaslighting, Self-Worth, and Finding Freedom Through Music

    On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern has a truly special guest: Stephanie Quayle. A Nashville recording artist and a world-touring musician, Stephanie is also an entrepreneur, running her own record label, Big Sky Music Group. Rolling Stone Country has called her “an artist you need to know,” and she’s been highlighted by CMT as part of their “Next Women of Country” franchise. She’s no stranger to the national spotlight, with appearances on shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. As an indie artist, she’s charted two Billboard singles—“Selfish” and “Whatcha Drinkin ’Bout”—and she’s graced iconic stages, including CMA Fest and the Grand Ole Opry. But Stephanie’s story is more than just her musical success. The Montana native has also become a voice of resilience and empowerment, using her platform to inspire others to recognize their own worth. Her latest album, On the Edge, is a deeply personal exploration of her journey through a toxic relationship, offering a raw and honest look at the pain and the healing process that followed. Robin talks to Stephanie not only about her music but also about her upcoming debut book, Why Do We Stay?, which hits shelves on April 30, 2024, and is available for preorder now. The book, a continuation of the story she first shared through her album, dives deeper into the dynamics of toxic relationships, with the help of insights from psychologist W. Keith Campbell, PhD. Together, they explore how to recognize a toxic relationship, how to break free, and how to heal. In today’s conversation, Robin and Stephanie discuss the reality of gaslighting, Stephanie’s personal experience, and how she’s using her platform to empower others to take back their power and rewrite their story.  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 Dr. Robin Stern's Books: The Gaslight Effect The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders 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.

    52 min
  3. NOV 5

    057 -Emotional Intelligence and the Power to Heal from Gaslighting: Insights from Dr. Richard Boyatzis

    On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by Dr. Richard Boyatzis, a world-renowned expert in emotional intelligence, leadership, and the science of lasting change. Dr. Boyatzis is a frequent speaker on the international circuit, with engagements on all seven continents and over 35 countries, where he’s shared his insights with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and organizations across the globe. In his latest book, The Science of Change, Dr. Boyatzis brings together 50 years of groundbreaking research on behavior change and introduces his Intentional Change Theory—a framework that helps us understand and achieve sustainable transformation at every level, from individuals to entire communities. As a Coursera educator, Dr. Boyatzis has reached over 1.35 million learners through his popular course, Inspiring Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence, and his influence continues to resonate worldwide. Today, we’ll discuss how the principles of his Intentional Change Theory can be applied to confront and heal from manipulation tactics like gaslighting, restore self-confidence, and rebuild one’s sense of self. 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 Dr. Robin Stern's Books: The Gaslight Effect The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders 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.

    54 min
  4. OCT 22

    056 - Narcissistic Abuse: Recognizing the Signs and Running Toward Freedom with Vanessa Reiser

    On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with Vanessa Reiser. Vanessa is a licensed clinical social worker, an expert on narcissistic abuse, the author of Narcissistic Abuse, and the founder of a teletherapy and life coaching practice that’s changing lives by helping people heal from the trauma of narcissistic relationships. Vanessa’s personal journey is one of resilience and empowerment. After growing up in a household filled with instability and facing trauma from a young age, Vanessa found herself in a relationship filled with gaslighting, manipulation, and isolation—classic tactics of a narcissist designed to distort reality and erode the victim’s sense of self. She broke free from this toxic cycle, and today, she dedicates her life to helping others do the same.  She brought attention to narcissistic dometic abuse by running across NY State in a wedding dress.  In her book, Narcissistic Abuse, Vanessa breaks down the full range of tactics narcissists use, from gaslighting to love bombing, hoovering, and triangulating. She shows how these behaviors, which are often difficult to recognize, are part of a broader pattern of emotional abuse. Narcissistic abuse, as Vanessa emphasizes, is a form of domestic violence—one that leaves lasting psychological scars. Her book provides strategies for identifying, escaping, and healing from these toxic relationships, empowering victims to reclaim their lives. Vanessa also operates a teletherapy and life coaching practice, where she guides survivors of narcissistic abuse toward healing and self-discovery. She helps clients recognize the gaslighting and manipulation they've endured, clarify their goals, and overcome the obstacles holding them back. Vanessa’s unique approach combines her clinical expertise with tailored life coaching techniques, helping people rebuild their confidence and manifest the life they deserve. Today, we’ll explore Vanessa’s story, her expertise on gaslighting and narcissistic abuse, and how her coaching practice helps survivors reclaim their power. 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 Dr. Robin Stern's Books: The Gaslight Effect The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders 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.

    44 min
  5. OCT 8

    055 - Gaslighting in the Twin Flames Universe: Jessi Hersey's Story of Escape, Resilience and Truth

    On this episode of The Gaslight Effect podcast, Dr. Robin Stern explores the shadows of manipulation and the journey toward reclaiming our truth with a guest who knows this struggle all too well: Jessi Hersey. Jessi is a queer neurodivergent author and a Pencraft Award winner, featured in Netflix's Escaping Twin Flames docu-series, where she shares her harrowing experience of escaping the Twin Flames Universe cult, a journey marked by intense gaslighting that threatened her identity and sense of self. Jessi's collection of poetry, Lit Soul: My Journey Back to Faith, takes readers on an honest exploration of love, loss, and the search for belonging. Written in four heartfelt sections, this book reflects on her life from age six to the present, highlighting the journey of rediscovering faith and the strength that comes with it. Beyond her own story, Jessi is the host of Jessistories, a dynamic interview-style channel that provides a platform for cult survivors to speak out about their experiences with manipulation and emotional abuse. This inclusive space embraces queer authors, influencers, and creators, emphasizing that every story matters in the fight against gaslighting. Robin and Jessi delve into Jessi’s incredible journey of resilience, the tactics of gaslighting she faced, and the importance of sharing our truths. Whether you’re navigating your own challenges or seeking to understand this complex issue better, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 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 Dr. Robin Stern's Books: The Gaslight Effect The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders 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.

    56 min
  6. SEP 24

    054 - Rethinking Grief: Marceia Cork on Gaslighting and Supporting Each Other Through Change

    On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with Marceia Cork, also known as The Change Coach®. Marceia is SHRM, HRCI, PROSCI®, and Grief Recovery Method® certified, with expertise in restorative communication. She specializes in helping people navigate the difficult journey of change by addressing a core issue that many of us overlook—grief. Through her multimedia brand The Change Coach Presents™, Marceia has developed non-clinical frameworks like The Good Grieve, empowering individuals to heal from unconscious grief, emotional manipulation, and the toxic effects of relationships. Marceia is the author of The Good Grieve: A Guide for Exploring What Life Can Look Like After Loss, Trauma, and Hardship for adults, and My Good Grieve: A Youth's Guide to Navigating Loss, Trauma, and Hardship... the Good Way for younger audiences. Both workbooks offer her proprietary, non-clinical approach to grief recovery, giving people tools to rebuild after trauma. Marceia’s unique approach to change and transformation has been featured in The Boston Globe, ESSENCE, Forbes, and FOX. On her top 100 podcast, Oooh, Those Effin’ C-Words, she dives deep into trauma and healing, bringing clarity to how unresolved grief can be manipulated by gaslighters. On this episode, Marceia shares her insights on identifying gaslighting in relationships, addressing the grief that it causes, and reclaiming your sense of self. 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 Dr. Robin Stern's Books: The Gaslight Effect The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders 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.

    57 min
  7. SEP 10

    053 - Are We All Being Gaslighted? Steven Hassan on Mind Control And The Cult of Trump

    On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by returning guest Dr. Steven Hassan, one of the world's leading experts on cults and undue influence. Steven is a mental health professional, former member of the Unification Church (familiarly known as "The Moonies") led by Sun Myung Moon, and the author of several bestselling books, including Combatting Cult Mind Control, Freedom of Mind, and The Cult of Trump. In The Cult of Trump, Steven delves into how gaslighting and mind control techniques are used not only in cults but in political movements to distort reality and create confusion. Drawing on his personal experience as a former member of a high-control group, he developed the BITE Model, which explains how behavior, information, thought, and emotional control are used to manipulate individuals. On today's episode, Robin and Steven explore the role of gaslighting in authoritarian movements, cults, and abusive relationships. Steven will share his insights on how these tactics manipulate our thoughts and beliefs, and how we can arm ourselves with the tools to resist, recover, and regain our sense of reality. You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation with Steven Hassan, as we uncover the psychology behind gaslighting and how to protect yourself from its damaging effects.  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 Dr. Robin Stern's Books: The Gaslight Effect The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders 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.

    47 min
  8. AUG 27

    052 - Navigating Gaslighting in Educational Leadership: Lessons from SEL Expert Dr. Janet Patti

    On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with her good friend and colleague, Dr. Janet Patti, Ed.D. Dr. Patti is the Co-Founder and CEO of Star Factor Coaching, a leadership development organization specializing in the science of emotional intelligence. She is also a distinguished Professor of Administration and Supervision at Hunter College, CUNY. With over 25 years of experience in education and leadership, Janet has become a renowned figure in social and emotional learning (SEL) and educational leadership development. In addition to her extensive work in the field, Janet is the co-author of the profoundly insightful book Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders, written with Dr. Robin Stern. This essential work advocates for the integration of social-emotional learning as a fundamental skill set for K-12 school leaders. Drawing upon modern research from psychology and education, along with their combined 40 years of experience, Dr. Patti and Dr. Stern provide practical coaching and guidance on how emotional intelligence can enhance leadership practices. They illuminate the myriad benefits of SEL-focused professional development for superintendents, principals, and aspiring school leaders. In today's episode, we'll be exploring the concept of gaslighting, particularly how it can manifest in educational and organizational settings. Dr. Patti will share her expertise on how gaslighting can undermine leadership, erode trust, and impact decision-making processes. She will also offer strategies for recognizing and countering gaslighting, drawing from her experience and the powerful insights from her book. Whether you're a school leader, educator, or simply interested in understanding more about emotional intelligence and the effects of gaslighting, this episode is for you. Stay tuned as we dive deep into these critical topics with Dr. Janet Patti. 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.

    44 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

Gaslight (/ˈɡaslīt/). Verb. Manipulating someone by psychological means into questioning their own reality. The Gaslight Effect podcast is hosted by Dr. Robin Stern, co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of the best-selling book, The Gaslight Effect. On her podcast, Robin helps listeners identify gaslighting, to escape the destructive dynamic and reclaim their reality.

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