Outwitting the Manipulator

In this episode of Outwitting in Real Time, hosts Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski explore the complex relationship between rights, responsibilities, and manipulation. They dive into the idea that manipulation thrives when individuals are unaware of their own rights—whether in personal relationships, workplaces, or everyday interactions. Robin shares personal insights about growing up in a manipulative environment and how that shaped her mindset, particularly the belief that her worth was tied to being of service to others. Dennis expands on how manipulators exploit such mindsets, making individuals prime targets for control and coercion. The discussion takes an organic turn as they examine mindset shifts, emphasizing that self-awareness is key to breaking free from manipulation. They challenge listeners to question their own experiences and explore these key takeaways: * Curiosity: Recognizing when something feels "off" and investigating why. * Courage: Acknowledging hard truths about personal patterns and manipulation. * Questioning: Challenging assumptions, both internally and externally, to regain control. They leave listeners with a powerful reframing: Manipulators, while harmful, can serve as teachers—forcing us to confront our boundaries, expectations, and responsibilities. The episode encourages self-exploration, personal growth, and the recognition that true empowerment comes from understanding and enforcing one’s own rights. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will challenge how you perceive manipulation and your role in stopping it—not after the fact, not before it happens, but in real time.

In this insightful and inspiring episode, Dennis and Robin are joined by Gethro LaCroix, a self-admitted former manipulator, who bravely shares his journey of transformation. Gethro delves into his past behaviors, primarily manipulative actions in his dating life, and how a series of realizations led him to pursue a path of honesty and integrity. The conversation covers his experiences with low self-esteem, bullying, and the turning points that shifted his mindset towards authentic human connections. Gethro also discusses his ongoing battle with sobriety and physical fitness, emphasizing the importance of taking challenges day by day. The episode highlights the struggles and triumphs of changing deeply ingrained behaviors and offers valuable lessons on personal growth, responsibility, and resilience.   Topics 00:50 Meet the Guest: Gethro LaCroix 02:02 Gethro's Manipulation Journey 03:49 Turning Point and Self-Realization 05:37 Building Confidence and Early Relationships 07:54 The Consequences of Manipulation 10:12 Commitment to Change 14:03 Maintaining Honesty in Relationships 21:03 Understanding Right from Wrong 21:28 Personal Reflections and Regrets 21:53 The Weight of Honesty 23:05 Manipulation and Relationships 24:24 Competition and Self-Improvement 25:59 The Role of Religion and Morality 28:21 Challenges and Resilience 34:36 Future Plans and Commitments 37:08 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Robin & Dennis delve into the complex topic of male aggression within the context of manipulation. They explore its biological roots, societal influences, and how it manifests in both verbal and non-verbal cues. The discussion includes practical advice on identifying early warning signs, responding effectively, and the importance of maintaining a neutral demeanor to de-escalate potential aggressive situations. Additionally, they emphasize the nuances of handling aggression in various settings, including professional environments, to ensure personal safety and assertiveness.   Topics   00:29 Understanding Male Aggression 01:42 Biological Factors of Aggression 03:41 Practical Responses to Aggression 08:35 Early Warning Signs of Aggression 19:05 Handling Verbal Aggression 22:43 Understanding the Reward for Aggressive Behavior 23:27 Life Experience and Patterns 25:56 Handling Aggression: Stay Neutral 28:45 The Male Perspective on Aggression 36:55 Professional Settings: Dealing with Aggression 39:29 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this discussion, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski explore the concept of backlash—how manipulators react when confronted or when their tactics are exposed. They delve into strategies for recognizing and handling backlash effectively, ensuring that you maintain control and prevent being drawn back into manipulation. Through real-world examples and expert insights, they provide practical techniques to navigate pushback with confidence and resilience.   Topics   01:17 Understanding Backlash 01:44 Dealing with Manipulative Backlash 09:00 The Importance of Documentation 11:48 Empowerment Through Awareness 14:49 Backlash vs. Badgering 17:01 Badgering as a Manipulation Tactic 17:35 Understanding Backlash in Manipulation 19:00 Subtle Manipulation Techniques 20:24 Narcissists vs. Manipulators 23:41 Defending Against Manipulation 26:06 Real-Life Example of Overcoming Manipulation 29:35 Final Thoughts and Advice 31:33 Conclusion and Call to Action

Robin is joined by Angela Lanuto, a real estate agent from Hudson Valley, who shares her personal experiences with manipulation. Angela offers invaluable insights and practical advice on recognizing manipulation, setting boundaries, and reclaiming personal power. The discussion delves into childhood experiences, professional relationships, and the impact of manipulative romantic partners. Angela also provides tips for mentally and energetically distancing oneself from manipulators, highlighting the importance of self-love and empowerment. Additionally, the episode touches upon Angela's role in real estate and her efforts in community support and non-profit engagements.   Find Angela at https://angelalanuto.com/   Topics   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:07 Early Experiences with Manipulation 03:53 Manipulation in Relationships 05:53 Recognizing and Setting Boundaries 09:50 Intuition and Patterns of Manipulation 13:30 Emotional Impact and Self-Realization 22:43 Recognizing Manipulative Behavior 23:19 Understanding Projection and Passive Aggressiveness 24:01 Dealing with Fear and Control 25:33 The Role of Animals in Detecting Negative Energy 26:47 Empowerment and Self-Protection 27:24 Thinking Like a Manipulator 32:40 The Importance of Self-Love 35:49 Mental Strategies to Block Manipulation 41:09 Angela's Real Estate and Community Involvement