Ten years ago, the word “narcissist” exploded into the mainstream. For many, it was a breakthrough, finally putting language to toxic dynamics that had gone unnamed for years. But over time, that same word has been overused, misused, and weaponized — turning real pain into white noise.

In this episode, we sit down with psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Ramani Durvasula for what can only be described as a masterclass on abusive relationships — and the nuance we desperately need to navigate them. With millions of followers, three bestselling books, and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Ramani helps us get clear on what narcissism actually is and what it’s absolutely not.

We talk about how to assess the true pulse of your relationship — whether you’re in something toxic, or just stuck in unhealthy patterns. And we unpack what it takes to build a strong, grounded relationship moving forward — rooted in clarity, self-respect, and emotional safety.

Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:28 - The Story of Carlos & Adam 7:02 - How The Narcissism Conversation Went Off-Track 17:28 - Gaslighting vs. Lying 22:29 - The Danger of (Misapplying) Gray-Rocking 26:58 - Appropriately Setting Boundaries 35:28 - We Set The Bar Way Too Low In Relationships 41:14 - Hyper-vigilance of Wrongdoing in Relationships 54:59 - What is Narcissism, Actually? 59:52 - Does Everyone Have Narcissistic Tendencies? 1:09:45 - Love Bombing in The Early Stages of Relationships 1:17:33 - Identifying Green Flags in Another Person 1:22:39 - Why People Stay In Abusive Relationships 1:32:00 - Can An (Actual) Narcissist Change? 1:38:28 - The Role of Childhood Abuse In Becoming A Narcissist 1:44:41 - Narcissistic Abuse & Relational Trauma Are One 1:50:56 - Trauma Can Heal in Healthy Community 1:57:06 - The Role of Forgiveness 2:08:13 - The Future Of This Conversation

Mighty Pursuit Links: Website: https://www.mightypursuit.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/ X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit

Dr. Ramani Durvasula Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorramani/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC9Qixc77KhCo88E5muxUjmA It's Not You (Dr. Ramani's Latest Book): https://amzn.to/46E51aj

For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

Most of us were never taught how to handle conflict. We were taught to avoid it, suppress it, smile through it — or explode once we’ve had enough. And over time, that avoidance doesn’t just cost us peace. It chips away at our relationships, our health, and even our identity.

In this episode, we sit down with psychotherapist and bestselling author Terri Cole to explore why conflict feels so hard — and how to start handling it with more clarity, courage, and self-respect.

With over 500,000 followers and decades of experience working with clients across the spectrum — from CEOs to couples to everyday people — Terri shares a roadmap for navigating difficult conversations without betraying yourself in the process.

We talk about boundary ruptures, emotional codependency, unspoken expectations, and the quiet resentment that builds when we’re not clear. Whether you’re someone who avoids conflict or someone who leans in too hard, this conversation offers real tools for doing it differently.

Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:39 - Avoiding Conflict Is The Default 10:06 - The Cult of Nice 13:31 - Emotional Warfare 19:52 - Social Learning Theory 29:30 - Female Friendships, Gossip & Conflict 39:59 - Pressure To Do Things You Don’t Want To 46:02 - Conflict in Romantic Relationships 51:14 - The Workplace & Power Dynamics 1:00:50 - The Link Between Stress & Disease 1:11:07 - The Goal of Addressing Conflict 1:13:42 - Effective Communication 101 1:21:04 - Setting Boundaries in Dating 1:35:42 - Toxic Conversation Starters 1:42:46 - Rigid Boundaries 1:48:01 - What Life Looks Like After Addressing Conflict

Mighty Pursuit Links: Website: https://www.mightypursuit.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/ X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit

Terri Cole Links: Boundary Bootcamp: https://www.terricole.com/boundarybootcamp/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricole/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OC1zN27enpTA_eNWB7dKw

For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com

In 1979, a group of elderly men walked into a retreat center. One week later, they walked out stronger, faster — even biologically younger.

There was no medication. No surgery. The only thing that changed was the way they saw themselves.

That study launched one of the most groundbreaking research careers in psychology — and it changed how we understand aging, illness, limitations, and the possibilities that are available to all of us.

Dr. Ellen Langer is a Harvard psychologist, the first tenured woman in Harvard’s psych department, and one of the most cited scientists in her field.

She’s widely recognized as the GOAT of mindfulness research — not the meditation kind, but a radically different approach rooted in active noticing and the restoration of personal agency.

In this episode, we explore: — The now-famous Counterclockwise Study that challenged aging itself — How our mindset shapes everything from stress to disease outcomes — The quiet ways we limit ourselves through language, labels, and expectation — And what happens when we stop blindly trusting “the facts” — and start trusting what we feel

Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:49 - Sponsor (Magic Mind) 3:52 - The Counterclockwise Study 7:42 - We Live In Mental Prisons 14:43 - The Definition of Mindlessness 17:30 - Are We Making Ourselves Sick? 28:42 - Our Perception of Getting Older 36:35 - Stress is the Biggest Killer 45:56 - Dealing With Mental Health Issues 54:20 - Is There a Negativity Bias In The Brain? 58:49 - Labeling Theory 1:06:22 - Dealing with Relational Conflict 1:15:19 - Are Emotions Choices? 1:25:16 - Social Comparison 1:32:52 - Do Mind-shifts Get Easier? 1:42:53 - Feeling Like You’re Behind 1:54:21 - Dr. Langer’s Greatest Challenge

Get 50% off your first month subscription at Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/mighty50 (use code MIGHTY50)

Mighty Pursuit Links: Website: https://www.mightypursuit.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightypursuit/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mightypursuit/ X: https://x.com/MightyPursuit

Dr. Ellen Langer Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenjlanger/ The Mindful Body (Book): https://amzn.to/4ke6nf5

For business inquiries: hello@mightypursuit.com