Have you ever found yourself in a relationship with a narcissist? Or maybe you were raised by one? Whatever the relationship might be, there’s a chance that it’s left a neurological impact on that is going untreated. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Michelle Roberts, investigative journalist turned psychotherapist, who specializes in narcissism. Michelle’s work helps to unravel the mysteries behind why some women are attracted to narcissists, the toll it takes on our emotional well-being, and most importantly, the path to healing.

Join Erin and Michelle as they provide a roadmap for navigating the complexities of relational trauma and actionable ways to treat it so that we can live our best lives. We discuss:

• Defining narcissism and the different ways in which it manifests on a spectrum
• How the “mask of normalcy” often shrouds narcissists until it’s too late
• The strong correlation between childhood trauma and attraction to narcissistic partners
• Understanding Complex PTSD (CPTSD) from relational trauma and its symptoms
• Exploring trauma responses through the lens of the four Fs: Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn
• Treating trauma through attachment-focused EMDR and psilocybin therapy

OUR GUEST: Michelle Roberts, journalist, psychotherapist, and professor, specializes in helping women understand the impact of past trauma on their present relationships. With over 25 years of experience, she is a leading expert in relational trauma and narcissistic abuse. Michelle holds a doctorate in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Missouri in St. Louis where she teaches psychopathology and diagnosis. She has served as executive director of Bravely, a program aiding women with trauma and addiction recovery, and authored books on mental health management. Michelle contributes insights on dark personalities to the Oxygen network's Mastermind of Murder and has presented her research on empathy at the American Psychological Association.

Want more Michelle? Find her therapy practice online at www.michellerobertsphd.com and psychedelic-assisted therapy at www.drmichelleroberts.com. Follow her on:

• Instagram: @drmichelleroberts
• Facebook: @RelationalTraumaRecovery

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“I want you to take action towards what you fantasize about.”

On Hotter Than Ever, we've delved deep into the world of online dating, including strategies for crafting the perfect profile and navigating the digital landscape of romance. But what about the lost art of meeting people the old-fashioned way–in real life?

In this episode, Erin shares her experience stepping outside of her comfort zone and attending two in-person events: a LA matchmaking mixer and a BDSM munch. From navigating awkward encounters to unexpected connections, Erin explores the nuances of stepping out from behind the screen to meet people face-to-face, including:

• The transformative power of discomfort: how pushing boundaries leads to personal growth
• Embracing the moment, seeking genuine connections, and adopting a “no expectations” mindset
• The importance of exploring your passions and actively pursuing desires, especially in midlife
• Cultivating a deeper sense of self-love, joy, and fulfillment, regardless of societal norms or expectations

Want advice about some aspect of your life over 40? DM us on IG @hotterthaneverpod or text/leave a voicemail on the Hotter Than Ever Hottie Hotline at (323) 844-2303 and your question could end up on the show!

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to support our work and find episode transcripts online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com

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“Loneliness is the thing that's keeping women from rising and I don't want to see that anymore.”

As part of her research for The Li.st, Ann Shoket uncovered a staggering statistic: 80% of women in white collar careers are lonely because of their jobs. As heartbreaking as that is, it didn’t surprise Ann, who as the former editor of Seventeen and CosmoGIRL magazines, is no stranger to the loneliness women face as they rise higher up the corporate ladder. Now as CEO of The Li.st, Ann is on a mission to combat the loneliness epidemic for women in the workplace and foster community and connection so that women can show up as their full selves.

Join us for an empowering conversation, as Erin and Ann discuss redefining traditional notions of power, embracing vulnerability, and offer actionable strategies for women to cultivate connections and reclaim agency in their professional lives, including:

• Why women often struggle to reconcile their authentic selves with their careers, leading to loneliness or an inability to fully express themselves at work.
• Redefining power as collaborative, transparent, and inclusive helps create environments where women feel empowered to thrive
• Why employers have a responsibility to combat loneliness and create environments that foster transparency and collaboration
• "Community cultivators" and nurturing “micro-habits” of simple check-ins and offering connections or support.
• The difference in how loneliness is created/triggered by men and women in the workplace
• How to stop seeking permission and instead gather like-minded individuals to drive change in the workplace

OUR GUEST: Ann Shoket is a CEO, Media Brand Builder, Next Gen Expert, and former Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen magazine. Known for redefining ambition and success for women, Shoket has launched and revitalized media brands like CosmoGIRL and Seventeen. Currently CEO and Owner of TheLi.st, she's reshaping content, community, and connection. Author of "The Big Life," she's also consulted for Good Morning America and judged on America's Next Top Model.

Want more Ann? Find her online at https://www.annshoket.com/ and read her book https://www.annshoket.com/book. Follow her on:

• Instagram: @annshoket
• X/Twitter: @annshoket
• Facebook: @ann.shoket
• LinkedIn: @annshoket

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