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On The Mend
Were You Parented By A Narcissist? Kathleen Saxton Helps You Identify The Traits
This week’s guest is Kathleen Saxton, who dives deep into the complexities of narcissism, family dynamics, and the painful journey of healing from childhood wounds.
Kathleen breaks down the three types of narcissists, ‘grandiose’, ‘covert’, and ‘malignant’, offering an eye-opening framework, particularly highlighting covert narcissists who use pity and victimhood for supply. She explores how children of narcissists often stop loving themselves, losing their sense of identity in the process, and how family roles like the golden child, scapegoat, and lost child perpetuate unhealthy patterns. Kathleen also explains why those raised by narcissistic parents tend to attract similar partners, as dysfunction feels like home.
Through practical tools like the "empty chair technique" and her three-step recovery roadmap: accept, have compassion for yourself, and design your future, Kathleen offers actionable steps to begin healing.
This episode covers the following themes: narcissism, family dynamics, identity, healing, boundaries, and self-compassion.
Need Support?
Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
Narcotics Anonymous: na.org
Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk
Shout: https: giveusashout.org
IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/
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49. Intimacy Expert: How Sexual Shame Can Control Your Entire Life | Dr. Tara
54:47||Season 3, Ep. 49Sexologist and TV expert Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn (Celebs Go Dating, 90 Day Fiancé) joins us to break the heavy silence and shame surrounding sex, intimacy, and recovery.In a particularly raw moment, Matt admits he’s never spoken openly about sex with another man, highlighting the exact stigma that causes so many men to suffer in silence.Dr. Tara, who has built an audience of over 2 million followers sharing advice on modern relationships, unpacks the reality of hypersexuality and how using sex to escape emotional pain only deepens our wounds. She shares her own journey of breaking free from oppressive cultural expectations, while offering vital advice on navigating heartbreak, handling mismatched desire, and practicing sexual mindfulness.It’s an essential, judgment-free conversation about learning to listen to your body and trading performance for genuine connection.This episode covers the following themes: Hypersexuality, Shame, Heartbreak, Male Stigma, and Connection.Dr Tara’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luvbites.co/Interested in booking Dr. Tara? Enquire about her availability for appearances worldwide through MN2S. https://mn2s.com/booking-agency/talent-roster/dr-tara/AG1 👉 Head to drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packsBetter Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-auPostcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au
48. The Moment Will Young Stopped Recognising His Own Face
54:27||Season 3, Ep. 48Singer-songwriter and actor Will Young speaks with disarming honesty about surviving decades of trauma, hypervigilance, and the long shadow of shame. Following a breakdown during Cabaret, Will opens up about spending over ten years in a state of severe dissociation, describing it as living behind frosted glass, unable to recognize faces or feel joy.He also shares his profound path to healing through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, learning to befriend the frozen parts of his past rather than fight them. It's a powerful and reassuring look at how the core self can endure even the deepest pain, and how a simple daily act of kindness from a neighbor ultimately helped save his life.This episode covers the following themes: Trauma, Shame, Dissociation, Therapy, and Healing.Need Support?Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs
47. Danny O’Donoghue: Grief, Alcohol and PTSD
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46. Ore Oduba on His Hidden Porn Addiction, Stigma and Shame
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45. The Night John Robins Knew He Had to Quit Drinking
53:19||Season 3, Ep. 45Award-winning comedian and broadcaster John Robins tackles the fundamental question: are alcoholics born or made?In this episode, John opens up about his 20-year struggle with chronic alcohol use, the childhood signs that hid in plain sight, and why every "moderation spreadsheet" failed until he accepted that one drink was the real problem.The conversation moves past the "why" of addiction to focus entirely on the "how" of recovery. John shares the exact moment a podcast changed everything, the reality of rock bottom, and how he uses a toolkit of 12-step meetings, meditation, and running to build new neural pathways. It’s a raw, deeply honest look at the daily practice of sobriety and the liberating truth that you can only ever get one day sober in a day.This episode covers the following themes: Addiction, Acceptance, Denial, Moderation, and Recovery.John's book Thirst: Twelve Drinks that Changed My Life is out now: https://amzn.eu/d/0ahkSNchNeed Support?Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs
44. Matt Haig on Depression, Autism and My Disruptive Past
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43. How To Heal Low Confidence, Self-Doubt And Negative Thoughts: Marisa Peer’s Method
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42. When Was Your Hardest Time? Honest Q&A On Mental Health, Therapy, Grief & Recovery
01:02:12||Season 3, Ep. 42In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, this special compilation episode curates life-changing insights from people who have faced addiction, grief, anxiety, and personal struggle firsthand. Featuring conversations with Tony Adams, Roy Stride, John Robins, Matt Haig, Marisa Peer, Simon Thomas, and other leading voices, this episode explores what it really means to recover, rebuild confidence, and find hope during difficult moments.From radical honesty and vulnerability to practical tools for improving mental resilience, these stories highlight the importance of connection, self-awareness, and asking for support. Together, they offer a powerful reminder that while recovery is never easy, change is possible and healing can begin with a single conversation.This episode covers the following themes: Mental Health, Vulnerability, Sobriety, Resilience, Honesty, and Healing.Need Support?Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20
41. Things Men Don't Say Out Loud
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