Are you dealing with a master manipulator? Learn how to identify the hidden red flags of liars, psychopaths and narcissists before they cause lasting damage.
Dr. Leanne ten Brinke, a renowned psychologist and director of the Truth and Trust Lab at the University of British Columbia, breaks down the science of deception and toxic behavior. Drawing from her extensive peer-reviewed research and her eye-opening book, Poisonous People, she shares practical, evidence-based strategies to help you recognize dark personality traits and protect your mental well being.
In this episode, she explains:
■ The Warning Signs: How to spot the early behavioral red flags of the "Dark Tetrad" (psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sadism) before you get hurt.
■ The Manipulation Playbook: The exact psychological tactics toxic individuals use to control and deceive others, including what gaslighting actually means.
■ The Lie-Detector Myth: Why relying on eye contact, fidgeting, and body language is actually a terrible way to catch a liar.
■ The Two Faces of Narcissism: How to identify the different types (including why one completely crumbles at the slightest criticism), and the devastating toll of working for a psychopathic boss.
■ Defense Strategies: Proven techniques to outsmart dangerous personalities, set ironclad boundaries, and dramatically improve your life.
Chapters
- Intro
- Why This Research Into Psychopathy Matters
- Why Psychopathy Is Getting More Attention
- Can You Spot a Psychopath in 5 Seconds?
- How Facial Expressions Reveal What People Really Feel
- Can You Predict If Someone Is Guilty?
- Three Signs Someone Might Be Lying
- Can Anyone Learn to Spot a Liar?
- Why the Eye Contact Myth Gets Body Language Wrong
- Psychopathy, Narcissism, Machiavellianism and Sadism Explained
- The Biggest Myths About Psychopaths Debunked
- How Common Are Dark Personality Traits?
- Are Dark Traits Caused by Genetics or Childhood?
- How to Increase Your Chances of Becoming a Good Parent
- What Happens Inside a Psychopath's Brain?
- Can Dark Personality Traits Be Cured?
- Ads
- Why Being Lied to Makes You Feel Distant
- Can You Be Warm and Competent at the Same Time?
- Why Dark Personality Traits Don't Get You Ahead
- How to Spot Red Flags in Dating Profiles and Relationships
- Ads
- Why Setting Boundaries Matters More Than You Think
- 7 Rules for Dealing With Dark Personalities
- How to Spot Gaslighting and Coercive Control
- 7 Rules for Dealing With Dark Personalities Continued
- How to Communicate With Dark Personalities
- How to Become a Better Detective of People's Cues
- Why You Should Avoid Face to Face Negotiations
- Three Mistakes People Make With Dark Personalities
- How the 10% Do the Damage and the Biggest Lie About Success
- What Is the Greatest Lie We've All Been Told?
Independent Fact Check: https://stevenbartlett.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DOAC-Leanne-ten-Brinke-Independent-Research-Further-Reading_final.pdf
Follow Leanne:
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TikTok - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/EL537g7
You can purchase Leanne’s book, ‘Poisonous People: Psychopathy, Narcissism, Manipulation, Sadism: How to Resist Them and Improve Your Life’, here: https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/3lYxLjb
Learn more from the online resources, here:
Assess your own levels of (light and) dark traits - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/1OsGuG0
Get support - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/4F2i8Oj
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