Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
A Toxic relationship and Fake love looks real—until it destroys you.
Welcome to Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, the podcast that exposes the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, and emotional manipulation. Hosted by Nova Gibson, leading trauma-informed counsellor and Director of Brighter Outlook Narcissistic Abuse Counselling, this podcast is your guide to breaking free from the confusion, fear, and self-doubt that come with being entangled with a narcissist.
In every episode, Nova draws from years of experience working with survivors to explore the complex, often covert tactics used in emotionally abusive relationships—from gaslighting, triangulation, and the silent treatment to smear campaigns and intermittent reinforcement.
Whether you're struggling with a narcissistic partner, parent, boss, or friend, Fake Love and Flying Monkeys gives you the tools and knowledge to understand the abuse, trust your instincts, and reclaim your power—even if the narcissist has never been formally diagnosed.
This is more than a podcast—it’s a lifeline.
You’ll get:
Clear explanations of narcissistic behaviour patterns
Practical strategies for setting boundaries and detaching
Real talk about the emotional rollercoaster of trauma bonding
Validation, clarity, and a path toward healing from narcissistic abuse
If you've ever felt trapped in a relationship that chips away at your self-worth, this podcast will help you name it, face it, and finally break free.
You’re not alone, and you’re not crazy. You’re in the fog of narcissistic abuse—and Nova is here to help guide you out.
Visit https://www.brighteroutlooknarcissisticabusecounselling.com.au/
for more support and resources.
It’s time to expose the fake love, silence the flying monkeys, and rewrite your story.
- Update frequency
- every 3 days
- Average duration
- 31 minutes
- Episodes
- 169
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
When the Narcissist is Nice to You: Is it Real?
Narcissists often use selective kindness as a calculated tactic to keep you invested in the relationship, but these “nice” moments are usually just a way to manipulate and control. In this episode, w…
10 Cruel Tactics Narcissists use to Destroy You.
From manipulation to smear campaigns, we'll break down the sneaky ways narcissists try to tear you apart.In this episode, we dive into 10 cruel tactics narcissists use to destroy you and how these t…
Signs you've met a covert narcissistic female - A male victim tells his story
In this episode I explore the hidden traits of the covert narcissistic female. Our guest bravely shares his journey, detailing the emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and constant invalidation he fa…
The Covert Narcissist Fools everyone else - How do they do this?
Covert narcissists often seem charming and harmless to outsiders, but behind closed doors, they can cause emotional turmoil for their victims. In this episode, learn how they expertly disguise their …
10 signs of emotional abuse in relationships
Emotional abuse can be difficult to spot, especially when it's masked by manipulative tactics or disguised as "normal" relationship dynamics. In this episode I guide you through ten key signs to hel…
Why do Narcissists get married?
Why would a narcissist pursue marriage when they lack empathy and struggle with genuine connection? In this revealing episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I uncover the hidden motivations behind …
Healing from Narcissistic Abuse through Habit Change - with Dr Gina Cleo
Ingrained habits can accelerate recovery from narcissistic abuse. Dr Gina, a world expert in Habit Change explains how toxic patterns often reinforce the psychological damage inflicted by a narcissis…
Responding to Family Flying Monkeys
These enablers often act on behalf of the narcissist, spreading lies, creating tension, and making it even harder to break free from the toxic cycle. In this episode I offer practical strategies on h…
Narcissist's weird texting habits
When a narcissist begins to devalue you their texting habits will change dramatically. From abrupt changes in tone to love-bombing through text messages, we analyse the key patterns that make communi…
6 reasons a Narcissist can't Love their Children
Narcissists use their kids to boost their ego, treating them like extensions of themselves rather than individuals. From lacking empathy to always needing control, narcissistic parents don’t give the…
The narcissist's obsession with food
Narcissists use food as another way to control and manipulate the people in their lives. The complex relationship between narcissists and food. In this episode, we explore how control, indulgence, po…
Framed - Women in Family Court Underworld with Dr Christine Cocchiola and Amy Polacko.
In their book "Framed - Women in the Family Court Underworld ", Dr. Christine and Amy Polacko expose the disturbing realities within the family court system. In this episode, they discuss their new …
5 Things a narcissist will never give you in a relationship
Narcissists keep their partners trapped in a cycle of manipulation and control. We discuss 5 crucial things you will never experience in a relationship with a narcissist in this episode. These are th…
Why do narcissists block then unblock you?
Narcissists uses blocking as a form of punishment while unblocking you re-establishes their control over you. In this episode we dive deep into why narcissists use this strategy, examining the cruel …
Understanding Betrayal Trauma in Narcissistic Abuse
Betrayal trauma can be excruciating for those involved in abusive relationships with narcissists, leaving them struggling to rebuild trust. In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the concept o…
When a narcissist turns your family against you.
Dealing with a narcissist who turns your family against you can feel isolating and devastating. In this eye-opening episode, we explore the heartbreaking reality of when a narcissist turns your famil…
Narcissism and Coercive Control with Dr Christine Cocchiola
Dr Christine is a Coercive Control Educator, Researcher & Survivor. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW. She is a college professor teaching social work for the last…
When the narcissist says "I love you" - what do they really mean?
While "I love you" may seem genuine, narcissists often use these words as a tool for control and manipulation. In this episode, we unpack the hidden meaning behind the phrase "I love you" when spoken…
10 Gaslighting Phrases Narcissists Manipulate you with.
Gaslighting makes you feel crazy! In this episode, we explore 10 Gaslighting Phrases the narcissist manipulates you with, shedding light on the subtle and damaging tactics used to distort your realit…
Going no contact with the narcissist.
Whether you're just considering going no contact or are already in the process, this episode offers valuable insights, validation, and support on your journey to recovery from narcissistic relationsh…