THE VIBRANT SURVIVOR -How to Identify a Narcissist, Narcissistic Abuse, Toxic Relationships, Trauma Healing, Health, Wellness
***TOP 1.5% PODCAST*** Heal and thrive after narcissistic abuse. Do you want to disconnect from narcissistic or toxic relationships? Are you feeling stressed and lonely in dysfunctional family and work environments, or social groups? Are you ready to heal and thrive after narcissistic abuse? In this podcast, you’ll find holistically healing solutions to set you free from narcissistically abusive relationships, trauma-related health issues, and the enabling of toxic behavior. My mission is to help you heal and thrive after narcissistic abuse through holistic health, trauma support, and boundaries. If you’re ready to disconnect from dysfunction, prioritize your healing, and reclaim your power after narcissistic abuse, then you’re in the right place! Hi, I’m Lesley. A wife, mom, and narcissistic abuse survivor. For years, I rationalized toxic relationships and dysfunctional environments, in an effort to find connection, purpose, success, and peace. I fell for lies, fake opportunities, and empty promises, wasting my time, talents, and money. It took a toll on my mental health (Hello, CPTSD!); and it almost cost me my life…literally. I finally realized that if I was going to break the cycle and heal my childhood trauma from the inside out, I needed a holistic approach. I reclaimed and redirected my resources towards solutions that helped me to put the narcissistic and toxic people in my life in my rear-view mirror. After applying some stealthy strategies for drama-free exits, protecting my peace, and pursuing my goals, I was determined to help others to identify, navigate, and heal from this insidious form of abuse. I went to school and became a Master Certified Health Coach and Certified Trauma Support Specialist. And I’m here to teach you how to heal and thrive after narcissistic abuse. If you’re ready to experience healing and empowerment after narcissistic abuse that focuses on YOU; holistic health and wellness solutions with real results like more clarity, discernment, confidence, a more positive mindset, healthy boundaries, and better relationships – this podcast is for you! Take a deep breath in…Let it out slowly…And just relax, this time is for you. Contact: support@lesleycain.com Instagram: @thevibrantsurvivor ***DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any reliance you place on this information is strictly at your own risk. Lesley Cain is not a doctor, therapist or counselor. If you need healthcare, medical attention, therapy, or counseling, please seek professional help from a licensed practitioner.
Listen on:
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Hey, Survivor!
In this episode of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, I’m sharing what it was like to attend two emotionally intense court hearings in one week…on the same day—a murder sentencing, and a pre-trial evidentiary hearing—and how supporting victims can be retraumatizing for survivors.
During the sentencing hearing, as family members, friends, and community members read victim impact statements, my body responded before my mind could. I experienced hyperventilation, emotional flooding, and nervous system overwhelm—a powerful reminder that trauma lives in the body, not just the mind.
With holidays approaching—and this season already carrying heavy anniversary trauma—I made the intentional decision to step back from court proceedings until after the new year. Not because I don’t care. Not because justice doesn’t matter. But because healing requires regulation, rest, and boundaries.
The holidays can intensify grief, loss, and trauma responses—especially for those navigating court systems, injustice, or unresolved pain.
If you, or someone you know, need permission to pause, breathe, and choose peace this season, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com
#TraumaHealing #CourtroomTrauma #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #HolidayTriggers #TheVibrantSurvivor #TraumaInformed #SelfCareIsStrength #HealingJourney
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Hey, Survivor!
In today’s episode, I break down the “recipe” behind narcissistically abusive relationships: the predictable blend of truth, lies, urgency, flattery, and psychological manipulation that keeps survivors stuck, confused, and doubting their own reality.
If you’ve ever wondered “How did I miss this?”, today’s episode will show you the answer:You didn’t miss anything — you were intentionally misled.
We’ll talk about trauma bonding, intermittent reinforcement, and cognitive dissonance… and why highly empathetic, intelligent, trustworthy people are targeted.
You’ll learn:
The 6 “ingredients” narcissists use to manufacture trust
Why mixing a little truth with a lot of lies is so effective
How your nervous system gets trained to bond to chaos
How to rebuild clarity using Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. pillars
How to reframe shame, take back your power, and ground yourself in truth
Whether the narcissist in your life was a partner, parent, friend, coworker, or authority figure — this episode gives you the clarity and validation you deserve.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Hey, Survivor!
In today’s episode, we uncover a tactic every survivor of narcissistic abuse needs to understand:
The narcissist will use you to woo.
Using your name… your reputation… your kindness… your credibility… even your faith language, scripture, or values — narcissists will borrow any part of your goodness to soften their manipulation and influence others. This is called borrowed credibility, and it’s rooted in coercive control.
I share a real story from the murder trial involving fake emails, spiritual guilt language, and reputation abuse — and we explore why survivors often miss this pattern until long after the relationship ends. We’ll dig into the psychology behind this deception and L.E.A.N. into healing.
This is a validating, grounding, empowering episode for anyone who has ever been used, misrepresented, or manipulated by someone they trusted.
You were the good one.You were the credible one.And the fact they borrowed your light shows how bright you shine.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com
Friday Nov 28, 2025
Friday Nov 28, 2025
Hey, Survivor!
In this short Thanksgiving episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt message of gratitude for you — the one doing the hard healing work every single day. Whether your week is calm, complicated, or emotionally charged, this episode gives you three grounding tips for a peaceful holiday, especially if you’re navigating family dynamics, trauma memories, or feelings that surface this time of year.
Inside the episode, you’ll learn:
How to protect your peace when old triggers or stressful people show up
Why boundaries are a form of self-love (not selfishness)
One simple grounding practice you can use in the car, at the table, or in the bathroom for a quick reset
How gratitude supports trauma recovery without avoiding your real feelings
A short, heartfelt message to remind you that you are worthy, growing, and not alone
Whether you’re spending this holiday week with others or keeping it quiet and cozy this year, this episode is your reminder that you deserve gentleness, rest, and joy — exactly as you are.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Hey, Survivor!Struggling with guilt, self-blaming and shaming for not seeing the narcissist for who and what they are? In this episode, I’m talking about why it’s hard to really know narcissistic and toxic individuals, the power of proximity, healthy relationships and healing. You can uphold truth, release guilt and shame, and gain clarity, after narcissistic abuse. Your community matters!
If you, or someone you know, need clarity after the chaos, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com
Friday Nov 14, 2025
Friday Nov 14, 2025
Hey, Survivor!Tired of the narcissist playing victim, after causing chaos, confusion and harm? In this episode, I’m talking about DARVO, bad acting, why this gut punch is especially hurtful, and how to overcome it. You can reclaim your power after this narcissistic abuse tactic and heal. Your truth and peace matter!
If you, or someone you know, need validation and empowerment, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com
Friday Nov 07, 2025
Friday Nov 07, 2025
Hey, Survivor!What happens when justice is served, and the narcissist is finally held accountable? In this episode, I’m sharing the murder trial verdict, and various emotions that survivors can experience when truth is validated and consequences are coming. You can reclaim your health in the midst of the chaos and drama that the narcissistic or toxic individual in your life creates . Your truth and healing matter!
If you, or someone you know, need healing help after justice, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Hey, Survivor!Have you ever been used by the narcissist to avoid consequences? In this episode, I’m sharing about the latest hearing in the murder trial. I’ll talk about the defense’s strategy, the prosecutor’s insights, and how you can recognize narcissistic manipulation tactics disguised as mental illness, physical ailments, victimhood or rationalizations. You can prioritize your health and well-being by staying grounded in reality and speaking your truth - even when it’s hard and it hurts. Your courage matters!
If you, or someone you know, have been used to avoid accountability, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com
Friday Oct 24, 2025
Friday Oct 24, 2025
Hey, Survivor!How do you reclaim your body and brain, after trauma? In this episode, I’ll talk about a trauma healing and wellness workshop that I led for an awesome group of survivors. I’ll share why a holistic approach to healing is important, especially whole food nutrition and exercise that’s fun for you. Healing doesn’t begin when the narcissistic or toxic person who hurt you reaps what they’ve sown. Your healing starts with YOU!
If you, or someone you know, want to tap into the power of meals and movement for healing, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com
Friday Oct 17, 2025
Friday Oct 17, 2025
Hey, Survivor!How do you self-regulate, when facing gaslighting, manipulation, and other toxic behaviors? In this episode, I’ll talk about body-based regulation when systems, institutions, and people you thought you could trust turn against you. I’ll share about the second round of hearings for 1 of the 4 school administrators who failed to protect students from a former teacher’s misconduct. You can’t control the narcissist or their tactics; but you can control how you care for your nervous system and your truth. Your health and well-being matter!
If you, or someone you know, are experiencing narcissistic abuse by toxic systems and leaders, this episode is for you.
Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com