Break the Cycle with DSD

When you’re sick, exhausted, or run down, your brain does not function normally.Fatigue amplifies fear.Stress hormones spike.Catastrophic thinking takes over.Suddenly, everything feels urgent, permanent, and hopeless — and that’s when people make decisions they later regret.In this video, I explain: • Why illness distorts your thinking • Why catastrophic thoughts feel so real when you’re sick • Why reacting in that state is dangerous • And why the healthiest response is often to do nothingIf you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotional, or mentally foggy right now, this message is for you:Rest first.Stabilize.Decide later.This video is part of the Dad Surviving Divorce series focused on emotional regulation, recovery from high-conflict relationships, and learning when not to react.☎ For one on one coaching - https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/coaching/❋ Become a channel member! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUXEHz3OECVwLz1X-SNM4lw/join📱Text "DSDLIVE" to 1-844-598-0012 for text notifications🏕Camping Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTJroZvhxsDDjLi_kf9gd6A⚠️DISCLAIMER - Links used in this description are affiliate links and if used a small commission will help support this channel. Use of these links do not change the cost of the items purchased.⚠️DISCLAIMER - I am not a therapist, licensed counselor, or attorney. My thoughts are my own opinions from my personal experience. You should consult a professional when you are changing your treatment or making legal decisions. This channel and companion website are for informational purposes only. 📨 Send Mail To:Duane DSDP.O. Box 225Edwards, CA 93523📨Email To: duane@dadsurvivingdivorce.com🕸Website: https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com🎙Podcast: https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/podcast/☎ Coaching - https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/coaching/🕸DSD Discord - https://discord.gg/hn9jE9x#DSD

If you’ve been out of a narcissistic relationship for months or even years and still feel stuck, confused, or emotionally drained—this video is for you.Healing from narcissistic abuse doesn’t follow a normal timeline. You didn’t just lose a relationship. You lost emotional safety, self-trust, and a sense of reality. That kind of damage doesn’t disappear just because time has passed.In this video, we talk about: • Why healing feels slow after narcissistic abuse • How your nervous system stays in survival mode • The difference between trauma bonding and love • Why grief and identity loss keep people stuck • What actually helps you move forward (without forcing positivity)You are not broken. You are recovering from something most people don’t understand.If this resonates with you, you’re not alone.🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations about healing, boundaries, and rebuilding after narcissistic abuse.💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—your voice matters here.☎ For one on one coaching - https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/coaching/❋ Become a channel member! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUXEHz3OECVwLz1X-SNM4lw/join📱Text "DSDLIVE" to 1-844-598-0012 for text notifications🏕Camping Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTJroZvhxsDDjLi_kf9gd6A⚠️DISCLAIMER - Links used in this description are affiliate links and if used a small commission will help support this channel. Use of these links do not change the cost of the items purchased.⚠️DISCLAIMER - I am not a therapist, licensed counselor, or attorney. My thoughts are my own opinions from my personal experience. You should consult a professional when you are changing your treatment or making legal decisions. This channel and companion website are for informational purposes only. 📨 Send Mail To:Duane DSDP.O. Box 225Edwards, CA 93523📨Email To: duane@dadsurvivingdivorce.com🕸Website: https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com🎙Podcast: https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/podcast/☎ Coaching - https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/coaching/🕸DSD Discord - https://discord.gg/hn9jE9x#DSD

When children begin to realize that something about a parent’s behavior doesn’t feel right, it can be confusing, frightening, and isolating — especially if they don’t know how to talk about it safely.In this video, we talk about how to support kids when they start noticing unhealthy or unpredictable behavior from a parent, without attacking, diagnosing, or putting them in the middle.This video covers: • How to respond when a child says “something feels off” • Why believing your child matters more than explaining things away • How to help kids understand it’s not their fault • Teaching emotional boundaries in age-appropriate ways • Allowing kids to hold mixed emotions without guilt • How consistency and calm create safety during confusionThis isn’t about labeling or blaming a parent.It’s about helping children trust their reality, feel emotionally safe, and grow with resilience.If you’re a parent navigating high-conflict dynamics, this video will give you language and guidance to show up as the stable, grounded presence your child needs.☎ For one on one coaching - https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/coaching/❋ Become a channel member! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUXEHz3OECVwLz1X-SNM4lw/join📱Text "DSDLIVE" to 1-844-598-0012 for text notifications🏕Camping Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTJroZvhxsDDjLi_kf9gd6A⚠️DISCLAIMER - Links used in this description are affiliate links and if used a small commission will help support this channel. Use of these links do not change the cost of the items purchased.⚠️DISCLAIMER - I am not a therapist, licensed counselor, or attorney. My thoughts are my own opinions from my personal experience. You should consult a professional when you are changing your treatment or making legal decisions. This channel and companion website are for informational purposes only. 📨 Send Mail To:Duane DSDP.O. Box 225Edwards, CA 93523📨Email To: duane@dadsurvivingdivorce.com🕸Website: https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com🎙Podcast: https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/podcast/☎ Coaching - https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/coaching/🕸DSD Discord - https://discord.gg/hn9jE9x#DSD

Letting go after narcissistic abuse is one of the hardest — and most necessary — steps in healing.If you’ve been stuck waiting for closure, explanations, or accountability from a narcissist, this video is for you. In this presentation, I break down what letting go really means, why emotional detachment is essential, and how releasing the need to engage can restore your peace and sense of self.This is not about forgiveness or excusing harm. It’s about protecting your energy, strengthening boundaries, and learning how to move forward without staying emotionally tied to someone who continues to cause damage.In this video, you’ll learn: • Why closure doesn’t come from a narcissist • How emotional disengagement supports healing • What letting go looks like in real life • Why choosing peace is not weaknessIf you’re navigating divorce, co-parenting, or recovery from narcissistic abuse, you’re not alone — and healing is possible.👍 If this helped you, please like and subscribe💬 Share your experience in the comments — your story matters☎ For one on one coaching - https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/coaching/❋ Become a channel member! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUXEHz3OECVwLz1X-SNM4lw/join📱Text "DSDLIVE" to 1-844-598-0012 for text notifications🏕Camping Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTJroZvhxsDDjLi_kf9gd6A⚠️DISCLAIMER - Links used in this description are affiliate links and if used a small commission will help support this channel. Use of these links do not change the cost of the items purchased.⚠️DISCLAIMER - I am not a therapist, licensed counselor, or attorney. My thoughts are my own opinions from my personal experience. You should consult a professional when you are changing your treatment or making legal decisions. This channel and companion website are for informational purposes only. 📨 Send Mail To:Duane DSDP.O. Box 225Edwards, CA 93523📨Email To: duane@dadsurvivingdivorce.com🕸Website: https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com🎙Podcast: https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/podcast/☎ Coaching - https://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/coaching/🕸DSD Discord - https://discord.gg/hn9jE9x#DSD

Are you constantly made to look like the “uncooperative” parent while your ex plays the perfect one on paper? You’re not alone. In this video, we dive deep into what it’s like to co-parent with a toxic or narcissistic ex who manipulates perception, weaponizes cooperation, and uses your kids to provoke emotional reactions.🎯 What You’ll Learn: • The harsh reality of trying to co-parent with a toxic ex • What “hybrid no contact” really means and how to apply it • How parallel parenting helps protect your sanity • The danger of over-communicating and how to document defensively • Why trying to “prove” the truth to others often backfires • Tools and scripts to manage school communication, scheduling, and more💡 Whether you’re deep in litigation or just trying to survive the week, these strategies are survival tools for reclaiming your peace while staying legally compliant.👉 If you’ve dealt with a narcissistic co-parent or are navigating high-conflict custody, drop a “REMOTE” in the comments to show you stayed until the end and to support others on this journey.🛠️ Resources Mentioned: • Video on Hybrid No Contact • Groundhog Day Effect: Easing transitions when your kids come back from the other home • Court-approved communication apps (Our Family Wizard, Talking Parents)

If you’re co-parenting with someone who has narcissistic or BPD traits and you’re in a 50/50 custody situation, this podcast is for you.A listener asked: “My son is 3.5 years old—do I say anything about his mom, or just keep her out of my house entirely?”In this podcast, I dive into:How to talk to a young child about a toxic parent (without causing damage)The mistakes I made early in my divorce—and what I’d do differentlyWhen to speak, what not to say, and how to create emotional safetyGroundhog Day syndrome and how to stop itWhy your home must become your child’s emotional anchorTips for neutral transitions, boundaries, and avoiding triangulation💡 Whether you’re just entering family court or are years into the battle, this podcast will give you grounded, field-tested advice to protect your child—without turning them into the battlefield.👉 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments—let’s help each other through the chaos.

After years of surviving family court, toxic co-parenting, and the emotional warfare of dealing with a narcissistic ex, the day finally comes—your child turns 18. The court orders stop. The forced contact ends. You’re finally free. But what happens next?In this video, I reflect on my own journey and what it feels like to finally cross the finish line. I talk about:The countdown to 18 and how fast it really goesWhat it really means when court oversight endsHow to emotionally process your new freedomTips on creating a clean break from your exWhy letting your children lead matters post-18Protecting your peace and rebuilding your lifeHow to become a guiding light for others still in the stormWhether you’re just starting this battle or nearing the end, this video offers support, perspective, and hope.👉 If you’re in the thick of it, know this: you will make it.📢 If you’ve made it, consider sharing your story below to encourage others.🔑 Secret word of the day: radio 📻Drop it in the comments if you made it to the end!

In this impromptu test livestream, I dust off the setup, tackle some technical hiccups, and get back into the groove of live streaming! Together, we revisit the heart of this channel: creating a safe space for honest conversations about recovery, relationships, and overcoming narcissistic abuse. I field live calls, including one powerful story of perseverance and healing through a challenging family dynamic. If you’re struggling with toxic relationships, recovering from a divorce, or navigating complex emotions, this is a community for you. We also cover topics like setting boundaries, finding clarity, and learning to advocate for yourself in difficult situations. 📞 Call-In Line: 424-375-5483 📲 Sign Up for SMS Notifications: Text “DSDLive” to 844-598-0002 for updates. If you’re new, check out the Mindset for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery playlist on the main channel page—your starting point for healing and building resilience. 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments or join the live chat next time. Let’s keep the conversation going!

In this podcast, I tackle a powerful viewer question: “Do you know of anyone who, after divorcing a narcissistic spouse, went on to remarry, build a new family, and live a healthy life?” This is such an important topic, and the short answer is: YES, it’s possible—but it takes work. I’ll share key insights into what’s required to break the cycle of toxic relationships, including: ✔️ Doing the inner work to heal and grow. ✔️ Setting and maintaining firm boundaries. ✔️ Learning to trust your gut and recognize red flags. ✔️ How healthy relationships can feel “off” at first due to past trauma. I also share inspiring stories, including insights from Eric Carroll (Dad Talk Today) and my own experiences, to show you that healthy love is attainable after narcissistic abuse. 💬 Have you remarried or entered a healthy relationship after a toxic one? Share your story in the comments to inspire others. And if you made it to the end, type “YETI” in the comments to let me know! 🔗 Resources Mentioned: 🎥 Mindset for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Playlist – Start your healing journey here. If you enjoyed this video or have more questions you’d like me to cover, let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs hope. #HealingAfterNarcissism #HealthyRelationships #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery

Listener asks the question of do I take her to arbitration again on minor stuff or just save my money? Show Notes Duane discusses a question a listener asks about when to go to court and when to fight the battle? He covers the topics of what do you really hope to accomplish? Will this action “move the needle”. You have to take a hard look at the reality of the situation and what is the perception of other people involved. Support the Channel Donate through PayPal DSD Channel Memberships Participate in the show! During the show you can call in live at 1 (424) 373-5483 1 (424) DSD-LIVE Web Interface - free dialing You can also leave a voicemail through the DSD website Table of Contents  🔗Links Mentioned During Show DSD Discord DSD Channel Memberships Show Sponsor This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis Links to find out more! DSD YouTube Channel DSD Website Hypnosis Downloads The M.E.A.N Workbook Channel Memberships

Father’s always seem to be rejected by children, we discuss the reasons and how to cope. Show Notes A common problem people experience in high conflict narcissistic divorces and custody is being rejected by your children. This is a very painful thing to experience and it is very hurtful when you feel your own children “rejecting” you. In this episode Duane discusses the reason this occurs and ways to help you cope with the frustration and disappointment when your children are used as weapons. Support the Channel Donate through PayPal DSD Channel Memberships Participate in the show! During the show you can call in live at 1 (424) 373-5483 1 (424) DSD-LIVE Web Interface - free dialing  You can also leave a voicemail through the DSD website Table of Contents  🔗Links Mentioned During Show DSD Discord DSD Channel Memberships Show Sponsor This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis Links to find out more! DSD YouTube Channel  DSD Website Hypnosis Downloads  The M.E.A.N Workbook  Channel Memberships

Slower learner | Take your life back after narcissistic abuse Show Notes DSD discusses the reality of it taking time to learn how futile it can be struggling to make a different in your life with a narcissistic ex. Duane shares how he continues to see people struggling with this concept. You get stuck in the mode EXPECTING justice and accountability. He shares how he hates to see people only learn this lesson after losing in court and then questioning why they even fought for it. Ultimately you have to take things slow and give yourself time to accept and see the reality of your situation. In the end focusing on your children and the relationship you have, and are building with them, is the key! Support the Channel Donate through PayPal DSD Channel Memberships Participate in the show! During the show you can call in live at 1 (424) 373-5483 1 (424) DSD-LIVE Web Interface - free dialing  You can also leave a voicemail through the DSD website Table of Contents  00:00:00 - Start 00:01:49 - New Topic 00:01:58 - New Topic 00:18:46 - New Topic 00:25:18 - New Topic 00:31:19 - New Topic 00:36:13 - New Topic 00:46:15 - New Topic 00:50:19 - NEW CALLER 01:02:07 - CALLER END 01:03:39 - NEW CALLER 01:10:48 - NEW CALLER 01:12:16 - New Topic 01:19:05 - New Topic 🔗Links Mentioned During Show DSD Discord DSD Channel Memberships Show Sponsor This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis Links to find out more! DSD YouTube Channel  DSD Website Hypnosis Downloads  The M.E.A.N Workbook  Channel Memberships

Taking care of yourself | hobbies are important! Show Notes In this episode Duane talks about the importance of having a hobby or something that you enjoy doing. He also talks about the struggles when you are down, depressed, and beaten with ways to push yourself to break yourself out of that downward spiral. He then fields questions from others on silver bullets, narcissists seeking control, being forced to spend time with the ex, and finally an update on his current medical situation. Support the Channel Donate through PayPal DSD Channel Memberships Participate in the show! During the show you can call in live at 1 (424) 373-5483 1 (424) DSD-LIVE Web Interface - free dialing  You can also leave a voicemail through the DSD website Table of Contents  00:00 Start 02:55 - Welcome to the livestream 06:04 - Finding some positive to do hobbies 17:19 - Advice on handling message about school 21:20 - Narc fishing for control 29:57 - Supervised visits and lashing out 36:14 - Having to spend time with the ex 37:16 - When drop offs are late 39:54 - Silver bullet - supervised visits  47:02 - Don't respond immediately 52:49 - Worry about kids and narcissism 59:41 - Paranoia and narcissists 01:01:27 - Graduations with ex 01:08:03 - Realizing you have narc friends 01:12:03 - Getting to the other side! 01:13:03 - Our child as abusers? 01:21:48 - Ex should be normal around kids 01:25:31 - Narc mom blaming you? 01:31:32 - Medical update on me 01:35:21 - End of show wrap-up 🔗Links Mentioned During Show DSD Discord DSD Channel Memberships Show Sponsor This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis Links to find out more! DSD YouTube Channel  DSD Website Hypnosis Downloads  The M.E.A.N Workbook  Channel Memberships

Dealing with the pain is the only way to get through this Show Notes In this episode DSD starts with a clip from Brad Pitt talking about his experience of running from the pain and ultimately how he worked through it to take his like back! Duane has a discussion with the audience about their experiences and ways to approach things Support the Channel Donate through PayPal DSD Channel Memberships Participate in the show! During the show you can call in live at 1 (424) 373-5483 1 (424) DSD-LIVE Web Interface - free dialing You can also leave a voicemail through the DSD website Table of Contents  00:00 Start 03:24 New Topic 11:46 New Topic 28:56 New Topic 38:06 New Topic 43:07 New Topic 01:04:26 New Topic 01:10:17 New Topic 01:14:23 New Topic 01:16:18 New Topic 01:22:34 New Topic 🔗Links Mentioned During Show DSD Discord DSD Channel Memberships Show Sponsor This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis Links to find out more! DSD YouTube Channel DSD Website Hypnosis Downloads The M.E.A.N Workbook Channel Memberships

A deep dive discussion on the struggles of letting go with an update and review of the redacted Order Sustaining Demurrer on my civil case. Show Notes In this episode DSD talks about the struggles and importances of learning to “let go”. We discuss how difficult it is to actually do, being forced to learn the “lesson”, recognizing when you’re being pulled back in, and notice when you are stuck in the rumination cycle. Duane then shares how things really start to change ONCE you accept the situation and allowing yourself to “move on”. He also shares that unfortunately this process takes a LONG time and for some even years. DSD shares that it took him about 2 to 3 years for it to really sink in. Duane then provides an update with a reading on the final Order Sustaining Demurrer that was finally sent and signed by the court. This leads into a discussion on various aspects of court. Support the Channel Donate through PayPal DSD Channel Memberships Participate in the show! During the show you can call in live at 1 (424) 373-5483 1 (424) DSD-LIVE Web Interface - free dialing  You can also leave a voicemail through the DSD website Table of Contents  00:00 Start 03:17 - The Struggles of Letting Go 27:20 - Review of comments 50:05 - Order Supporting Demurrer 2:01:25 - End of show wrap-up 🔗Links Mentioned During Show DSD Discord DSD Channel Memberships Show Sponsor This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis Links to find out more! DSD YouTube Channel  DSD Website Hypnosis Downloads  The M.E.A.N Workbook  Channel Memberships

A discussion on how difficult it is to let of the past Show Notes The Healing Path: Navigate the path to healing with practical tips and strategies. Discover effective coping mechanisms and self-care practices to nurture your mental and emotional well-being. Support the Channel Donate through PayPal DSD Channel Memberships Participate in the show! During the show you can call in live at 1 (424) 373-5483 1 (424) DSD-LIVE Web Interface - free dialing  You can also leave a voicemail through the DSD website Table of Contents  🔗Links Mentioned During Show DSD Discord DSD Channel Memberships Show Sponsor This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis Links to find out more! DSD YouTube Channel  DSD Website Hypnosis Downloads  The M.E.A.N Workbook  Channel Memberships

Alex on the news again & dealing with the stress of family court Show Notes Support the Channel Donate through PayPal DSD Channel Memberships Participate in the show! During the show you can call in live at 1 (424) 373-5483 1 (424) DSD-LIVE Web Interface - free dialing  You can also leave a voicemail through the DSD website Table of Contents  🔗Links Mentioned During Show DSD Discord DSD Channel Memberships Show Sponsor This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis Links to find out more! DSD YouTube Channel  DSD Website Hypnosis Downloads  The M.E.A.N Workbook  Channel Memberships

Anxiety is a slow killer in narcissistic abuse Show Notes In this podcast DSD talks about the effectives of the constant anxiety and stress these situation put you under. He covers different techniques he has used to help him and other in dealing with this reality. Later in the podcast he takes a caller working through severe parental alienation and we discuss techniques on dealing with his minor and adult children. Support the Channel Donate through PayPal DSD Channel Memberships Participate in the show! During the show you can call in live at 1 (424) 373-5483 1 (424) DSD-LIVE Web Interface - free dialing  You can also leave a voicemail through the DSD website Table of Contents  🔗Links Mentioned During Show DSD Discord DSD Channel Memberships Show Sponsor This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis Links to find out more! DSD YouTube Channel  DSD Website Hypnosis Downloads  The M.E.A.N Workbook  Channel Memberships

Showing up is more important than you realize! Show Notes Although these situations are very complicated, stressful, and more frustrating then they really should be it is important to show up and be there for your children. In this podcast we discuss some examples of this with callers sharing their stories. Support the Channel Donate through PayPal DSD Channel Memberships Participate in the show! During the show you can call in live at 1 (424) 373-5483 1 (424) DSD-LIVE Web Interface - free dialing  You can also leave a voicemail through the DSD website Table of Contents  🔗Links Mentioned During Show DSD Discord DSD Channel Memberships Show Sponsor This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis Links to find out more! DSD YouTube Channel  DSD Website Hypnosis Downloads  The M.E.A.N Workbook  Channel Memberships

Handling when older kids are alienated Show Notes In this podcast DSD continues yesterday’s topic discussing the ways to deal with older children who are in the throws of parental alienation. He also takes the same caller to deep dive in his situation and talk through scenarios and ways to help his children Support the Channel Donate through PayPal DSD Channel Memberships Participate in the show! During the show you can call in live at 1 (424) 373-5483 1 (424) DSD-LIVE Web Interface - free dialing  You can also leave a voicemail through the DSD website Table of Contents  🔗Links Mentioned During Show DSD Discord DSD Channel Memberships Show Sponsor This episode was sponsored by Hypnosis Downloads - you can find out more and support the Podcast by visiting http://www.dadsurvivingdivorce.com/hypnosis Links to find out more! DSD YouTube Channel  DSD Website Hypnosis Downloads  The M.E.A.N Workbook  Channel Memberships